NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Security: Seven Romanian nationals charged with immigration offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    GREAT FALLS – Seven Romanian nationals accused of crossing illegally from Canada into Montana appeared yesterday for arraignment, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Two defendants, Ionut Gheorghe, 27, and Adi Marinescu Gheorghe, 32, pleaded not guilty to transporting illegal aliens, which, if convicted, carries a maximum punishment of five years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.  Adi Marinescu Gheorghe was also charged with illegal reentry of a removed alien, which is punishable by two years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.

    The other five defendants, Mihai Mahaela, 40, Sorin Sandu, 45, Conte Nicolae, 19, Alin Amadeus Musuroi, 23, and Lacrimoara Nicolae, 51, each pleaded not guilty to illegal entry of an alien. If convicted, they could be sentenced to up to six months in prison, fined $100,000, and placed on supervised release for one year.

    Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided. All seven defendants were detailed pending further proceedings.

    The government alleged in court documents that Ionut Gheorghe and Adi Marinescu Gheorghe were each driving a van on April 25, 2025. The other defendants were passengers in the vans, which the U.S. Border Patrol detected illegally crossing into the United States at approximately 2:30 a.m. Law enforcement located the vans traveling south on I-15, stopped the vehicles, took the occupants into custody, and transported them to the Sweetgrass Border Patrol Station for further investigation and processing. In total, the two vans contained 21 men, women, and children.

    The United States Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case, and the United States Border Patrol conducted the investigation.

    These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

    The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    PACER case references: 25-50, 25-51, 25-52, 25-53, 25-54, 25-55, 25-56.

    The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Elizabeth Man Sentenced to 15 Years’ Imprisonment for Spree of Armed Robberies

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TRENTON, N.J. – An Elizabeth, New Jersey man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for committing a series of three armed robberies, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    Dayshawn Brimfield, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi to a five-count Information, charging him with one count of bank robbery, two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle. Judge Quraishi imposed sentence in Trenton federal court.

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

    On April 2, 2021, Brimfield robbed a bank in Hazlet, New Jersey. Brimfield entered the bank and handed a teller a note, which stated, among other things “This is a Robbery I have a Gun I will Kill Someone if you do not follow these instructions.” On April 17, 2021, Brimfield stole a motor vehicle in Elizabeth, New Jersey, which he used as the getaway car in his later robberies. On April 20, 2021, Brimfield robbed a convenience store in Aberdeen, New Jersey. Brimfield entered the store and displayed the handgun that he was carrying to the cashier before taking money from the store’s register and fleeing the scene. On April 20, 2021, Brimfield robbed another convenience store in South Plainfield, New Jersey. Brimfield entered the store and pointed a handgun at the cashier. Brimfield took the cashier’s wallet and cellular phone before emptying the store’s registers and fleeing the scene. Brimfield fled New Jersey in the stolen vehicle, but was ultimately apprehended by law enforcement in Lancaster County, Nebraska. Brimfield led officers on a brief, high-speed chase before crashing into a fence on the side of the highway.

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Quraishi sentenced Brimfield to 5 years of supervised release and ordered restitution to the victims of Brimfield’s offenses.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Red Bank Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly; detectives of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago; as well as officers of the Hazlet Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Mulligan; the South Plainfield Police Department, under the direction of Chief Peter J. Papa; and the Nebraska State Patrol with the investigations leading to this sentencing.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander E. Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

                                                               ###

    Defense Counsel:        Teri S. Lodge, Esq. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Manadon Interchange set for major investment

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Plymouth’s busy Manadon Interchange is set for a major overhaul thanks to new government funding.

    The Department for Transport has given a green light to an outline plan for a variety of improvements and awarded just over £133 million in development funding to take this scheme onto detailed design.

    The Manadon Interchange, which connects the A38 Devon Expressway with the A386 Tavistock Road, is one of Plymouth’s busiest and most critical junctions.

    It plays a vital role in linking different parts of the city and providing access to key employment and healthcare sites, including Derriford Hospital, Plymouth Science Park, and the Dockyard.

    Originally designed for far lower traffic volumes, the interchange now struggles to cope with demand.

    With the planned growth of Plymouth, including over 29,000 new homes and the creation of more than 13,000 skilled jobs, the city’s road infrastructure must be improved to support this expansion.

    Without these upgrades, congestion will continue to worsen, impacting local businesses, emergency services, and people’s daily lives. This investment is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve Plymouth’s road network for the future.

    The outline plans for the scheme will be launched next month when a six week period of public engagement will begin, allowing residents to attend information sessions and feedback on a number of areas in an initial design, which focuses on:

    Safer roads – New junctions, crossings, and layouts to reduce accident risks and improve conditions for all road users.

    Better walking and cycling routes – Safer, segregated cycle lanes and improved pedestrian paths to encourage more people to walk and cycle where possible.

    A new community space at Treveneague Gardens – Transforming an underused area into a new park with footpaths, biodiversity enhancements and recreational space for local residents.

    Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Improvements to Manadon are well overdue so I’m delighted that we have got to this crucial stage of the process.

    “Our city needs to grow to respond to the rising population and be economically viable. We need more jobs and homes.

    “That means that junctions like Manadon have to be able to cope, which is why it is so important to that we invest in the infrastructure of the future.”

    The total cost of the scheme, from design right through to construction is £156 million, with £133 from government funding and the remaining £23 million from other transport grant funding, developer contributions and the Council’s own investment.

    It is estimated that construction on the scheme would not begin before 2028.

    More information can be found on the scheme website www.plymouth.gov.uk/a38manadoninterchange

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Vimkunya vaccine approved to prevent disease caused by the chikungunya virus in people 12 years of age and older 

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Vimkunya vaccine approved to prevent disease caused by the chikungunya virus in people 12 years of age and older 

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today (1 May 2025) approved a vaccine (Vimkunya) used to prevent disease caused by the chikungunya virus in people 12 years of age and older. 

    Chikungunya disease is caused by the chikungunya virus, which is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The disease is found in countries across Asia, Africa and the subtropical regions of the Americas. Most people infected with the virus develop fever, rash, and severe pain in multiple joints that typically resolve between one to two weeks, but symptoms may last for months or years. 

    This vaccine has been approved through the International Recognition Procedure (IRP). The IRP allows the MHRA to take into account the expertise and decision-making of trusted regulatory partners for the benefit of UK patients.  

    The MHRA conducts a targeted assessment of IRP applications and retains the authority to reject applications if the evidence provided is not considered sufficiently robust. 

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

    Notes to editors   

    1. The variation to the marketing authorisation was granted on 01 May 2025 to Bavarian Nordic A/S.  

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

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

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

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK insurance broker charged with failure to prevent bribery

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    UK insurance broker charged with failure to prevent bribery

    The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) today accused a UK insurance broker of failing to prevent international bribery.

    Representatives of United Insurance Brokers Limited (UIBL) were ordered to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court next month.

    The broker is charged with failing to prevent associates from bribing state officials in Ecuador between October 2013 and March 2016.

    The SFO alleges UIBL’s US-based intermediaries for Ecuador paid bribes in return for the awarding of re-insurance contracts worth US$38 million.

    If this case proceeds to a contested trial, it will be the first time that an SFO “failure to prevent bribery” case is heard by a jury.

    UIBL offered re-insurance services which insure against any losses caused by making significant and unexpected payouts for insurance policies.

    This was sold to state insurers covering parts of the Ecuadorian public sector, including the state water and electricity companies.  

    UIBL received a US$6.2 million commission to provide these services, of which US$3 million was allegedly paid to intermediaries.

    The intermediaries are accused of subsequently paying bribes to an Ecuadorian official in exchange for the contracts.

    Nick Ephgrave QPM, Director of the Serious Fraud Office, said:

    The SFO remains committed to stamping out international bribery wherever it may occur.

    British companies have a duty to prevent the harm caused by bribery when doing business at home and abroad, to ensure that the UK remains a safe and fair place to do business.

    Representatives of the company will appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 7 May to face the charges.

    Press Office

    Email news@sfo.gov.uk

    Out of hours press office contact number +44 (0)7557 009842

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Raytheon Companies and Nightwing Group to Pay $8.4M to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Non-Compliance with Cybersecurity Requirements in Federal Contracts

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Raytheon Company (Raytheon), RTX Corporation, and Nightwing Group LLC, and Nightwing Intelligence Solutions LLC (collectively, Nightwing), have agreed to pay $8.4 million to resolve allegations that Raytheon violated the False Claims Act by failing to comply with cybersecurity requirements in contracts or subcontracts involving the Department of Defense (DoD). Raytheon is a subsidiary of Arlington, Virginia-based defense contractor RTX Corporation (formerly known as Raytheon Technologies Corporation). In March 2024, RTX Corporation sold its Cybersecurity, Intelligence, and Services business, which since became part of Dulles, Virginia-based Nightwing. The settlement resolves conduct that allegedly occurred between 2015 and 2021, prior to Nightwing’s acquisition of the business.

    The settlement was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov Roth, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Special Agent in Charge Kenneth DeChellis of the Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service Cyber Field Office, Special Agent in Charge William W. Richards of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Special Agent in Charge Keith K. Kelly of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Fraud Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross, NCIS Economic Crimes Field Office.

    “Cyber threats have grown in size and reach in recent years, leaving no room for complacency among those in the public sector, private sector, or even among private citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. for the District of Columbia. “Government contractors must comply with the cybersecurity rules that govern their performance and be candid about their compliance. This settlement reflects the Government’s commitment to pursue contractors that fail to live up to those expectations.”

    “As cyber threats continue to evolve, it is critical that defense contractors take the required steps to protect sensitive government information from bad actors,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov Roth of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue our efforts to hold contractors accountable when they fail to honor their DoD cybersecurity commitments.”

    The settlement resolves allegations that Raytheon and its then-subsidiary Raytheon Cyber Solutions, Inc. (RCSI), failed to implement required cybersecurity controls on an internal development system that was used to perform unclassified work on certain DoD contracts. The United States alleged that Raytheon and RCSI failed to develop and implement a system security plan for the system, as required by DoD cybersecurity regulations, and failed to ensure that the system complied with other cybersecurity requirements contained in the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.204-7012 and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.204-21. FAR 52.204-21 requires federal contractors to apply basic safeguarding requirements to information systems that process or store federal contract information. DFARS 252.204-7012 requires contractors to provide adequate security for information systems that process or store covered defense information. The settlement resolved allegations that Raytheon used its noncompliant internal system to develop, use, or store covered defense information and federal contract information during its performance on 29 DoD contracts and subcontracts.

    “The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the law enforcement arm of the DoD Office of Inspector General, is steadfastly committed to upholding the integrity of all business systems used to process and store defense information,” said Special Agent in Charge DeChellis of the DCIS Cyber Field Office. “DCIS, along with our investigative partners, will continue to protect our service members and military technological edge by ensuring defense contractors strictly adhere to their cyber security contractual obligations.”

    “Failure to implement cybersecurity requirements can have devastating consequences, leaving sensitive DoD data vulnerable to cyber threats and malicious actors,” said Special Agent in Charge William Richards of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Procurement Fraud Office, Andrew AFB, Md. “AFOSI, alongside our investigative partners and the Department of Justice, will continue to combat fraud affecting the Department of the Air Force and hold those accountable that fail to properly safeguard sensitive defense information.”

    “This settlement further demonstrates the resolve of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division and our law enforcement partners to protect and defend the assets of the United States Army,” said Special Agent in Charge Keith K. Kelly of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Fraud Field Office.”

    “Strict compliance with contractual cybersecurity requirements is of dire importance to adequately safeguard sensitive information from sophisticated adversaries, assure the safety of our warfighters, and maintain our military’s competitive edge,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross, NCIS Economic Crimes Field Office. “NCIS and our federal partners remain committed to investigating entities that do not responsibly protect critical information entrusted to them.”

    The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government when they believe that a defendant has submitted false claims for government funds and receive a share of any recovery.  The settlement in this case provides for the whistleblower, Branson Kenneth Fowler, Sr., a former Director of Engineering with Raytheon, to receive a $1,512,000 share of the settlement amount.  The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Doe v. Raytheon Co. et al., No. 21-cv-2343 (D.D.C.).

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, with assistance from the Air Force Materiel Command, AFOSI, DCIS, NCIS, and Army Criminal Investigation Division.

    The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Darrell Valdez of the District of Columbia and Senior Trial Counsel Kimberly Friday of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Raytheon Companies and Nightwing Group to Pay $8.4 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Non-Compliance with Cybersecurity Requirements in Federal Contracts

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WASHINGTON – Raytheon Company (Raytheon), RTX Corporation, and Nightwing Group, LLC, and Nightwing Intelligence Solutions, LLC (collectively, Nightwing), have agreed to pay $8.4 million to resolve allegations that Raytheon violated the False Claims Act by failing to comply with cybersecurity requirements in contracts or subcontracts involving the Department of Defense (DoD). Raytheon is a subsidiary of Arlington, Virginia-based defense contractor RTX Corporation (formerly known as Raytheon Technologies Corporation). In March 2024, RTX Corporation sold its Cybersecurity, Intelligence, and Services business, which since became part of Dulles, Virginia-based Nightwing. The settlement resolves conduct that allegedly occurred between 2015 and 2021, prior to Nightwing’s acquisition of the business.

    The settlement was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov Roth, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Special Agent in Charge Kenneth DeChellis of the Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service Cyber Field Office, Special Agent in Charge William W. Richards of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Special Agent in Charge Keith K. Kelly of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Fraud Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross, NCIS Economic Crimes Field Office.

    “Cyber threats have grown in size and reach in recent years, leaving no room for complacency among those in the public sector, private sector, or even among private citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Martin.  “Government contractors must comply with the cybersecurity rules that govern their performance and be candid about their compliance.  This settlement reflects the Government’s commitment to pursue contractors that fail to live up to those expectations.”

    “As cyber threats continue to evolve, it is critical that defense contractors take the required steps to protect sensitive government information from bad actors,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Roth. “We will continue our efforts to hold contractors accountable when they fail to honor their DoD cybersecurity commitments.”

    The settlement resolves allegations that Raytheon and its then-subsidiary Raytheon Cyber Solutions, Inc. (RCSI), failed to implement required cybersecurity controls on an internal development system that was used to perform unclassified work on certain DoD contracts. The United States alleged that Raytheon and RCSI failed to develop and implement a system security plan for the system, as required by DoD cybersecurity regulations, and failed to ensure that the system complied with other cybersecurity requirements contained in the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.204-7012 and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.204-21. FAR 52.204-21 requires federal contractors to apply basic safeguarding requirements to information systems that process or store federal contract information. DFARS 252.204-7012 requires contractors to provide adequate security for information systems that process or store covered defense information. The settlement resolved allegations that Raytheon used its noncompliant internal system to develop, use, or store covered defense information and federal contract information during its performance on 29 DoD contracts and subcontracts.

    “The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the law enforcement arm of the DoD Office of Inspector General, is steadfastly committed to upholding the integrity of all business systems used to process and store defense information,” said DCIS Cyber Field Office Special Agent in Charge DeChellis. “DCIS, along with our investigative partners, will continue to protect our service members and military technological edge by ensuring defense contractors strictly adhere to their cyber security contractual obligations.”

    “Failure to implement cybersecurity requirements can have devastating consequences, leaving sensitive DoD data vulnerable to cyber threats and malicious actors,” said Special Agent in Charge William Richards of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Procurement Fraud Office, Andrew AFB, Md.  “AFOSI, alongside our investigative partners and the Department of Justice, will continue to combat fraud affecting the Department of the Air Force and hold those accountable that fail to properly safeguard sensitive defense information.”

    “This settlement further demonstrates the resolve of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division and our law enforcement partners to protect and defend the assets of the United States Army,” said Special Agent in Charge Keith K. Kelly of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Fraud Field Office.”

    “Strict compliance with contractual cybersecurity requirements is of dire importance to adequately safeguard sensitive information from sophisticated adversaries, assure the safety of our warfighters, and maintain our military’s competitive edge,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross, NCIS Economic Crimes Field Office. “NCIS and our federal partners remain committed to investigating entities that do not responsibly protect critical information entrusted to them.”

    The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government when they believe that a defendant has submitted false claims for government funds and receive a share of any recovery.  The settlement in this case provides for the whistleblower, Branson Kenneth Fowler, Sr., a former Director of Engineering with Raytheon, to receive a $1,512,000 share of the settlement amount.  The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Doe v. Raytheon Co., et al., No. 21-cv-2343 (D.D.C.). 

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, with assistance from the Air Force Materiel Command, AFOSI, DCIS, NCIS, and Army Criminal Investigation Division.

    The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Darrell Valdez of the District of Columbia and Senior Trial Counsel Kimberly Friday of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Young Kim Marks Black April, 50 Years Since Fall of Saigon

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

    Washington, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) joined fellow Orange County Reps. Derek Tran (CA-45) and Lou Correa (CA-46) to introduce a bipartisan resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of Black April and the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975.  

    Rep. Kim spoke on the House floor yesterday marking Black April. Watch HERE.  

    “Orange County is proudly home to the largest Vietnamese population outside of Vietnam, and many Vietnamese Americans I represent fled Vietnam during the Fall of Saigon. As we mark the 50th anniversary of Black April, my heart is with our Vietnamese American community, the 2.7 million Americans who fought to protect Vietnam from communism, and Vietnamese people oppressed by the Vietnamese government,” said Rep. Young Kim. “I am proud to join this bipartisan resolution and will do my part as House Foreign Affairs East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee Chairwoman to work toward a better Vietnam that upholds human rights and freedom.” 

    “Black April – Tháng Tư Đen – is not just a solemn day in history, it is a reminder of the day hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese people lost everything — our homes, our livelihoods, and our beloved country. Fifty years ago, hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese refugees were forced to leave the only home they knew – most of them boarding boats on uncharted waters, not knowing what awaited them on the other side of their journey,” said Rep. Derek Tran. “I share my own story with hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese Americans born to parents who fled our homeland with nothing. We have built communities in America that are unparalleled in their strength, prosperity, and commitment to preserving our history. As the first Vietnamese American to represent Orange County’s Little Saigon community in Congress, I am humbled by the responsibility to carry this history forward.  As we commemorate this solemn milestone, I invite my colleagues to join me in commemorating this solemn milestone and recommit to the values that matter most — democracy, human rights, and freedom.” 

    “I grew up and live in Orange County. And Orange County is home to the largest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam. As a member of Congress, I ask that we remember those one million Vietnamese individuals who were forced to flee from their homes, many of whom found safe haven right here in Orange County, and the nearly sixty thousand American service members who lost their lives fighting for freedom in Vietnam,” Rep. Lou Correa said. “We must never relent in our commitment to keeping alive the memory of those lost, protecting human rights, and defending democracy—at home, and abroad.” 

    “Today, April 30, 2025 is a day to honor and thank all who were part of our nation’s efforts in the Vietnam War. They include the 2.7 million soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coast guardsmen who courageously put boots on the ground when deployed to Vietnam and other southeast Asian nations supporting the war effort. We will always remember the 58,281 members of the US Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in the war and whose names are now engraved on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. 1573 of those service members remain ‘Missing In Action.’ Today, America’s Gold Star Families – the parents, wives, siblings and children of those who gave their lives on those foreign shores – are the living legacies of 58,281 American heroes. On this 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, extend a resounding ‘Welcome Home’ and thank our nation’s Vietnam veterans. At the same time, stand in solidarity and support with the Gold Star Families whose family portraits and holiday meals were forever changed – by the empty space and unfilled seat – reserved for their loved ones who gave their lives in the ultimate sacrifice in the Vietnam War,” said Tony Cordero, Gold Star Son of Maj. William E. Cordero, USAF – KIA June 22, 1965 in Vietnam/Laos, Chairman & Founder of Sons and Daughters In Touch – America’s Gold Star Children from the Vietnam War. 

    Read full text of the resolution HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Sexual Violence Awareness Month: Ministers Turton and Fir

    “Every Albertan deserves to live a life free from sexual violence and abuse. Sexual Violence Awareness Month reminds us that we all have a role to play in supporting survivors and taking a stand against sexual violence.  

    “Data from the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services shows that almost 1.8 million Albertans have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. That’s why we are working to provide supports that help survivors heal and prevent sexual violence before it can begin.

    “If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual violence, you are not alone. You can call or text the Alberta One Line for Sexual Violence at 1-866-403-8000 daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. or visit your local sexual assault centre for support. You can also visit alberta.ca/sexual-violence-prevention for downloadable resources and tips to help recognize, report and prevent sexual violence.     

    “Alberta’s government continues to support survivors by providing more than $88 million through Budget 2025 to prevent family and sexual violence – including an additional $1.5 million to sexual assault centres across the province and the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services.

    “To make sure that children and youth across Alberta are supported on their healing journey, the government also invests almost $3.4 million every year in child and youth advocacy centres. This helps more survivors access key services across the province including crisis intervention supports, counselling, police and court support, outreach and advocacy. 

    “Together, we can keep our communities safe from sexual violence and let survivors know they are believed and supported.”

    Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services

    “Forty-five percent of Albertans have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime and it needs to stop.

    “Sexual Violence Awareness Month is a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to support survivors, challenge harmful norms and prevent violence before it starts.

    “Alberta’s government is committed to ending gender-based violence in all its forms by advancing a culture of respect, understanding and support.

    “Through my ministry, we will finalize a comprehensive 10-year strategy to end gender-based violence that will guide long-term, provincewide action to address these underreported crimes. Our strategy will provide a clear roadmap to close service gaps, improve collaboration among partners and strengthen prevention and response efforts.

    “We are building on the incredible work already underway – across our government, in front-line agencies and through community organizations and advocates who demonstrate unwavering courage and compassion every day.

    “I look forward to releasing this strategy soon and continuing to make meaningful strides toward ending gender-based violence in Alberta.

    “This month and every month, we stand firmly – in solidarity, in action and in hope – determined to stop sexual violence in all its forms.

    “Ending gender-based violence is possible – and it begins with all of us.”

    Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Critical Epilepsy Drug Now Covered in Saskatchewan

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 1, 2025

    Saskatchewan residents living with epilepsy will now have another medication available for their treatment. Beginning May 1, the Government of Saskatchewan is adding the anti-seizure medication Xcopri to the Saskatchewan Formulary to treat patients with epilepsy. 

    “Individuals living with epilepsy and the specialists who care for them have been calling for access to this medication. We’re proud to respond to that call,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “This drug offers real hope to people struggling with uncontrolled seizures. It could mean fewer hospital visits, fewer surgeries, and a better quality of life.”

    Epilepsy is a chronic disease characterized by seizures. The cause of epilepsy can include infections, genetics, trauma, stroke and tumors.  

    Xcopri is an epilepsy medication that is used along with other medications to manage seizures that are not controlled with other therapies. Approximately 10,500 people in Saskatchewan live with epilepsy. It’s estimated about 100 people could benefit from this medication in the first year of coverage. 

    “XCopri has shown it has the potential to reduce/control seizures, even for a demographic that has historically struggled with seizure control,” Epilepsy Saskatoon President Lori Newman said. “By having the government add XCopri to the Saskatchewan Formulary, tangible hope exists for people living with epilepsy that their doctor now has unimpeded access to prescribe a new medication – one that has the power to be life-changing.”

    Drug funding decisions in Saskatchewan are informed through a rigorous review process that includes medication assessment through Canada’s Drug Agency, the provincial Drug Advisory Committee of Saskatchewan, and manufacturer pricing negotiations with the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA). Saskatchewan is a member of the pCPA and works collaboratively with other provinces and territories to achieve better value for the publicly funded drug plans as well as patients.

    The Saskatchewan Formulary offers a variety of medications that may be appropriate for epilepsy patients. Patients are encouraged to discuss their medication needs with their health care provider. 

    Criteria for coverage of Xcopri is listed on the Saskatchewan Formulary.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: APRA funds consultation and support

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    Superannuation system consultation

    Industry consultation

    We’re committed to conducting consultation with the community to effectively manage and shape the tax, superannuation and registry systems.

    You can find details of matters under consultation for superannuation including who to contact.

    The superannuation system consultation framework includes arrangements and processes specifically for raising superannuation issues. Our consultation arrangements are organised into:

    Within these links you will find listed the current groups related to superannuation.

    You can also access the monthly ATO consultation report which describes the ATO consultation activities including advice and guidance products and legislative instruments released for comment.

    Cross-agency forum for innovative retirement income stream products

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Largest joint immigration operation in Florida history leads to 1,120 criminal alien arrests during weeklong operation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    MIAMI — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with law enforcement partners from the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the state of Florida, led a first-of-its-kind statewide operation April 21 to April 26 that netted 1,120 criminal illegal alien arrests — the largest number in a single state in one week in ICE’s history. Sixty-three percent of those arrested had existing criminal arrests or convictions.

    Arrests included 378 criminal illegal aliens with final orders of removal issued by an immigration judge. Officers arrested various violent offenders, gang members, sex offenders, fugitives from justice and those who pose significant public safety threats. Arrests include members of several different notoriously violent foreign terrorist organizations such as MS-13, Tren de Aragua, Brown Pride Aztecas, Barrio Azteca, Surenos (sur-13) and 18th Street Gang.

    The countries of origin of those arrested include the following: 

    • 437 from Guatemala
    • 280 from Mexico
    • 153 from Honduras
    • 48 from Venezuela
    • 24 from El Salvador
    • 178 from elsewhere

    Those arrested who have final orders of removal or returned to the United States illegally after being deported are subject to immediate removal from the country. The remaining aliens are in ICE custody awaiting due process before an immigration judge or pending travel arrangements for removal.

    “Last week’s operational success of arresting more than 1,100 criminal illegal aliens was truly a collaborative whole-of-government effort by our federal, state and local law enforcement partners in Florida,” said ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan. “Every day, our officers take to the streets and put their lives on the line to apprehend and remove dangerous criminal aliens, transnational gang members and foreign fugitives who have illegally entered the U.S. We are united in our determination to restore integrity to our nation’s immigration system and enhance public safety for all Americans.”

    The state of Florida leads the nation with 287(g) partnerships. This force-multiplying program is named for Section 287(g)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which authorizes ICE to delegate specified immigration officer functions to state and local law enforcement officials under the agency’s direction and supervision.

    “I’ve insisted that Florida be the tip of the spear when it comes to state support of federal immigration enforcement. The success of Operation Tidal Wave is proof of our commitment,” said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. “Florida is proud to work closely with the Trump administration and help deliver on the 2024 mandate from America that our borders be secured and our immigration laws be followed. We will continue to engage in broad interior enforcement efforts. Thank you to DHS, ICE, CBP, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Highway Patrol, and Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Commission, Florida National Guard, Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, and everyone involved for your contributions to this effort.”

    “Dangerous criminals have no place in our country. We will apply CBP’s collective intelligence and operational capabilities to target those here illegally who endanger our citizens and the American way of life,” said Miami Sector Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey Dinise. “Collaborative enforcement efforts such as Operation Tidal Wave, with our DHS and state of Florida law enforcement partners, leverages each of our unique authorities to protect against threats. We look forward to continuing the vital partnership with the State of Florida as we all work toward our shared goal of keeping our communities safe and our nation secure.”

    During the operation, federal, state and local partners helped arrest criminal illegal aliens around Florida. ICE used field office resources, alongside federal partners, to identify priority targets for enforcement action. Law enforcement partners included ICE Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the FBI, the DEA, the ATF and the U.S. Marshals Service.

    The state of Florida, under DeSantis’ direction, provided significant assistance during the statewide operation from multiple agencies.

    In addition, the following sheriff’s offices also provided significant assistance to ICE during the operation: 

    • Alachua County.
    • Baker County.
    • Brandford County.
    • Brevard County.
    • Clay County.
    • Hernando County.
    • Hillsborough County.
    • Indian River County.
    • Orange County.
    • Pinellas County.
    • St. John’s County.
    • Sumter County.
    • Volusia County.

    Many of the criminal aliens arrested during the operation have illegally entered and been removed from the U.S. numerous times and been convicted of multiple criminal offenses. A few of the most egregious examples include:

    • Ciro Ramon Castaneda Perez, a criminal illegal alien from Venezuela, and known member of the violent gang Tren de Aragua, was arrested at his residence in Holly Hill. On April 12, the Port Orange Police Department pulled over Castaneda-Perez for a traffic violation and found cocaine residue and paraphernalia in his vehicle. Castaneda-Perez has a final order of removal issued by an immigration judge.
    • Carlos Eduardo Perez Perez, a criminal illegal alien and suspected associate of the gang Tren de Aragua, was arrested April 25 at the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Tampa field office. On July 19, 2024, Perez was first encountered and arrested by U.S. Border Patrol at a checkpoint near Sierra Blanca, Texas, after he illegally entered the U.S. without parole or inspection. An immigration judge ordered Perez removed to Venezuela Aug. 26, 2024.
    • Rafael Juarez Cabrera, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala and documented MS-13 gang member, was arrested after being convicted of illegal reentry by a previously removed alien. He has been removed three times prior. He will remain in custody pending prosecution for illegal reentry after deportation
    • Luis Melito Gonzalez Arrellanno, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico and active member of the Brown Pride Aztecas gang, was arrested with a criminal history that includes armed carjacking, firing a weapon, fraud and a conviction for illegal reentry after deportation. He has a final order of removal.
    • Aron Isaak Morazan Izaguirre, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras, is an active known or suspected terrorist as a member of the 18th Street Gang. Izaguirre is a two-time illegal reentry and will remain in custody pending removal.
    • Miguel Rodriguez Gonzalez, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras, is an active member of the Barrio Azteca gang. His criminal history includes assault, burglary, possession of marijuana, fraud and a conviction of illegal reentry after deportation. He will be held in custody pending his removal from the country.

    For more news and information on ICE’s efforts to enforce our nation’s immigration laws and bolster public safety, national security and border security in Florida, follow us on X at @EROMiami.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Video b-roll of immigration enforcement action can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces $55 Million in Grants Have Been Distributed to Nearly 3,000 Western North Carolina Businesses

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Announces $55 Million in Grants Have Been Distributed to Nearly 3,000 Western North Carolina Businesses

    Governor Stein Announces $55 Million in Grants Have Been Distributed to Nearly 3,000 Western North Carolina Businesses
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Josh Stein announced that the Dogwood Health Trust, the Duke Endowment, and the State of North Carolina have distributed $55 million to 2,812 small businesses through the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative. These grants are supporting western North Carolina businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene and bolstering regional economic recovery. More than 7,300 businesses applied.

    “These grants will go a long way in helping western North Carolina’s beloved small business owners keep their doors open after Helene,” said Governor Josh Stein. “But the volume of unfunded applications makes it crystal clear – more help is desperately needed. I’m ready to work with the legislature to deliver support for small businesses that power our mountain economy.”

    “The Dogwood Health Trust is proud of this partnership’s work to support small business owners in western North Carolina,” said Dogwood President and CEO Dr. Susan Mims. “The Dogwood Health Trust created the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative last fall as part of our larger Helene relief efforts. These businesses are vital to the health of our communities, and we must continue to support them.”

    The Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative, initiated by the Dogwood Health Trust and then expanded by the State of North Carolina and the Duke Endowment, awarded grants of up to $50,000 to small business with an annual revenue of up to $2.5 million. Earlier this week, Governor Stein announced the new $55 million Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program, which directs up to $1 million in grants to local governments to rebuild public infrastructure like sewers and sidewalks, which small businesses rely upon to attract business. Governor Stein’s second Hurricane Helene relief budget proposal will include increased support for small businesses in western North Carolina. 

    May 1, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Deals this May Bank Holiday Weekend

    Source: Samsung

     
    LONDON, U.K. – April 30, 2025 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd is excited to announce an exceptional range of promotions available on Samsung.com across the May bank holiday weekend and beyond, offering UK customers the perfect opportunity to upgrade their tech and experience Samsung’s latest innovations.
     
    From smartphones and home appliances to wearables and entertainment solutions, Samsung’s curated selection of offers ensures there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking to enhance your daily life or explore cutting-edge technology, this is the ideal time to discover the best of Samsung, whether it’s for your spring cleaning or your upcoming holidays.
     
    Key Offers Include:
     
    Mobile and wearables
    Save £150 when you buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra, or save £100 when you buy the Galaxy S25 or S24[1]
    Save £75 when you buy the Galaxy A56 or A36[2]
    Save £150 on the Galaxy Watch Ultra, or Save £75 on the Galaxy Watch7[3]
    Save £200 when you buy a Galaxy Book5 plus get a guaranteed £100 off when you trade in any laptop, tablet or Android smartphone in any condition[4]

    Home Appliances:
    Save 20% when you buy 3 selected home appliances together, or 15% when you buy 2[5]
    Save 15% when you buy a selected oven & hob together[6]
    Save 15% when you buy a selected washing machine & tumble dryer together[7]
    Save up to £200 on selected Vacuum Cleaners1, plus get up to £200 off selected when you recycle your old one for free[8]

    TVs & Entertainment:
    Save up to £100 when you buy selected 4K Neo QLED TVs[9],  prices from £699
    Get a Free Freestyle when you buy a selected OLED TV[10]
    Save up to 20% on selected Monitors with discount code MAYMON[11]
    Claim up to £200 cashback on selected 2024 8K or 4K Neo QLED TVs[12]

     
    Customers can visit Samsung KX or shop online at Samsung.com/uk to enjoy these limited-time promotions.
     
     
    [1] Purchase from samsung.com by 13.05.25
    [2] Purchase from Samsung.com by 27.05.25
    [3] Purchase from Samsung.com by 03.06.25
    [4] Purchase from Samsung.com by 20.05.25. £100 value based on any laptop, tablet or Android smartphone, in any condition. Charges apply if you don’t send us your Trade In device. T&Cs apply.
    [5] Purchase from Samsung.com/uk by 03.06.25. Discount applied automatically at checkout when two or more qualifying products in basket. Excludes all Vacuum Cleaners, Microwaves & accessories. Not in conjunction with any other offer. While stocks last.
    [6] Purchase from Samsung.com/uk by 03.06.25. Discount applied automatically at checkout when two or more qualifying products in basket. Excludes all Vacuum Cleaners, Microwaves & accessories. Not in conjunction with any other offer. While stocks last.
    [7] Purchase from Samsung.com/uk by 03.06.25. Discount applied automatically at checkout when two or more qualifying products in basket. Excludes all Vacuum Cleaners, Microwaves & accessories. Not in conjunction with any other offer. While stocks last.
    [8] Only available at Samsung.com/uk. Customers must apply Trade Up discount on product page, before checking out. Recycled products are non-returnable and have zero value. You must make sure it is ready for collection at the same time we deliver your new product. We reserve the right to refuse the delivery if you fail to do so. You will be required to pay a surcharge equal to the amount of the discount you received, if you do not recycle or have your product ready for recycling. Offer cannot be combined with multi-buy promotions for Home Appliances. Each household may only recycle one of each type of product and will receive only one Trade Up discount for each product type recycled. The Trade Up discount is an incentive to recycle it is not a Trade In value for the recycled product.
    [9] Purchase from samsung.com/uk by 06.05.25.
    [10] Purchase from samsung.com by 06/05/2025. Free item automatically added at checkout. While stocks last.
    [11] Purchase from Samsung.com/uk by 06.05.25. Enter code at checkout. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.
    [12] Purchase from samsung.com/uk by 27/05/25. Claim between 30 & 60 days of purchase. To claim and for full T&Cs see https://samsungoffers.claims/preorder2025VisionAI.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: IBCA Community Update, 1 May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    IBCA Community Update, 1 May 2025

    Infected Blood Compensation Authority’s update that was circulated on 1 May 2025

    Documents

    IBCA Community Update, 1 May 2025 (HTML)

    HTML

    Details

    Infected Blood Compensation Authority’s update that was circulated on 1 May 2025

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 May 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £3.4 million for Scotland’s hydrogen future

    Source: Scottish Government

    Projects across the country to receive a share of funding.

    Eleven projects designed to accelerate Scotland’s hydrogen economy are set to benefit from a share of £3.4 million funding.

    The Scottish Government funding will help develop green hydrogen production, improve the hydrogen supply chain, and enhance hydrogen transport and storage infrastructure.

    Opening a parliamentary debate on Scotland’s hydrogen future, Acting Net Zero Cabinet Secretary Gillian Martin said:

    “Hydrogen stands as a critical pillar of Scotland’s route to net zero by 2045, but also, alongside the development of our offshore wind capacity, as one of Scotland’s greatest industrial opportunities since the discovery of oil and gas in the North Sea.

    “A just transition remains at the heart of our approach, and we are determined that no community, particularly those which have powered our economy for generations, will be left behind as we move away from burning fossil fuels towards a low carbon energy system.

    “We are working to build a hydrogen economy in which the benefits of our energy transition are shared, and which harnesses the full potential of our skilled people, our worldclass industries, and our natural resources.”

    In September 2024 the Scottish Government invited projects to apply for a match-funding grant award of up to 50%, to the maximum value of £2 million.

    Shortlisting saw 18 projects invited to submit a full application to delivery partner Scottish Enterprise, with funding ultimately provided to 11 successful projects.

    Background

    Hydrogen action plan – gov.scot

    Lead Organisation

    Project Title

    Council Area

    Grant Award

    European Marine Energy Centre

    Sustainable Fuels Orkney

    Orkney Islands

    £375,000

    Green Cat Hydrogen Ltd.

    Creca Hydrogen Facility

    Dumfries and Galloway

    £490,088

    Green Cat Hydrogen Ltd.

    Strathallan Hydrogen

    Perth and Kinross

    £320,549

    Green Cat Hydrogen Ltd.

    Binn Ecopark Hydrogen

    Perth and Kinross

    £258,478

    Protium Green Solutions

    Protium Lanark – Hydrogen Island

    South Lanarkshire

    £450,619

    SSE Hydrogen Developments

    Peterhead 1&2 Hydrogen

    Aberdeenshire

    £162,600

    Statkraft Hydrogen UK Holding Ltd

    Shetland Hydrogen Project 2 Pre-FEED

    Shetland Islands

    £270,500

    Storegga Hydrogen (Cromarty)

    Cromarty Hydrogen Phase 2 Longman

    Highland

    £238,400

    Storegga Hydrogen (Cromarty)

    Cromarty Hydrogen Phase 2 Muir of Ord

    Highland

    £290,155

    Glacier Energy

    Feasibility and Industrial Research

    Aberdeen City

    £382,000

    Hydrasun

    Standardised Tube Trailer Industrial Hydrogen Offtaker Panels

    Multiple: Aberdeen City; Glasgow City; Highland

    £147,122

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pillen Applauds Trump’s First 100 Days

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Trump’s second administration.

    “President Trump’s vision for a renewed era of American strength, prosperity, and greatness is why Nebraska has his back. He is leading and inspiring people across the country to stand up for what we believe in: faith, family, hard work, and the American Dream. I’m proud to partner with the President and his administration to achieve results that will deliver meaningful, lasting, and transformative positive change for our country.”

     Under President Trump’s leadership, we are:

    • Making America safer. Our borders have been secured, illegal crossings have plummeted, and criminals are being stopped before they enter the country.
    • Holding China – and other takers – accountable for cheating on trade and fixing imbalances, which is vital for Nebraska’s agriculture industry.
    • Attacking the bureaucracy by cutting government waste and improving outcomes through DOGE and other efficiency efforts.
    • Letting commonsense values flourish and taking a stand against the radical left’s anti-America agenda.

    “During a recent White House event, I told President Trump how grateful Nebraskans are for his leadership. Today, on day 100, we want to simply say thank you to President Trump and his administration for their leadership and service to our great country.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lame Deer Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    BILLINGS – A Lame Deer man who distributed methamphetamine on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 24 months in prison to be followed by 6 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Shannon Tyrone Seminole, 50, pleaded guilty in October 2024 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    U.S. District Judge Susan Watters presided.

    The government alleged in court documents that in the spring of 2022, law enforcement received reports that Shannon Seminole was selling methamphetamine on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. Agents arranged two controlled purchases from Seminole, one in December 2022 and the other in September 2023. Following the second buy, agents executed a search of Seminole’s residence. During the search, agents seized an airsoft pistol and an AR-15 upper receiver and bolt.

    In an interview, Seminole admitted to providing methamphetamine to the many drug users that helped him with his work. He admitted selling methamphetamine starting when he was released from jail three years prior. His source provided him with a regular supply of meth that he would sell. Seminole also admitted he carried firearms when selling drugs.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Patten prosecuted the case, and the investigation was conducted by the FBI.

    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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Results of the local elections of Thursday 1 May in St Albans District

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Publication date:

    Votes in the Thursday 1 May local elections in St Albans District will be counted on Friday 2 May and the results will appear here.

    There are elections for 10 seats on Hertfordshire County Council with by-elections being held in the Redbourn ward of St Albans City and District Council and the North, South and West wards of Harpenden Town Council.

    All of the County Council’s 78 seats are up for election this year with all the results from around Herts appearing here.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Premier’s, minister’s statements on International Workers’ Day

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier David Eby has issued the following statement in recognition of International Workers’ Day:

    “On International Workers’ Day, we honour all those whose labour built the world we live in, and who struggled so that we can enjoy family-supporting paycheques, weekends off and safe workplaces. It is also a day to honour and celebrate the workers’ movements here in British Columbia and around the world that continue to organize for a better future.

    “Without those struggles, many of the rights we cherish – from overtime pay to parental leave, from a minimum wage to health benefits – would not be available to workers today.

    “Working people continue to fight to improve wages and conditions at a time when affordable housing and a rising cost of living persist as challenges. Unfair and unjustified tariffs imposed by the United States hurt working people on both sides of the border.  

    “Our government will continue to take action to address these challenges by building more housing, by offering more education and training to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow, and by ensuring all British Columbians can access public health care when they need it.

    “We stand in solidarity with the workers of British Columbia. You have helped make British Columbia the place it is today, a dynamic, diverse province where we know we are stronger together.”

    Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour, said:

    “On International Workers’ Day, we honour the people whose hard work has built our province. As we reflect on the contributions made by workers in British Columbia, we remain committed to ensuring safe workplaces for all and to the fight for dignity, equity and opportunity for everyone.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Attorney general’s statement on Asian Heritage Month

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Niki Sharma, Attorney General, has released the following statement in celebration of Asian Heritage Month:

    “Each May, people in British Columbia come together to celebrate Asian Heritage Month, a time to recognize and honour the many diverse communities of Asian descent who call our province home. I am heartbroken that this year’s festivities began in tragedy, with the brutal act of violence at last weekend’s Lapu Lapu Day event in Vancouver.

    “Our sense of grief over this senseless, horrific incident is only made more profound by the fact that Filipinos have given so much to B.C. From law and politics to health care, education and entrepreneurship, Filipinos have been integral in shaping the culture of our province. We are proud to be home to the second-largest Filipino diaspora in the country.

    “The response we have already seen from people in British Columbia to this tragedy reminds us of the core message of Asian Heritage Month, resiliency. From East to South Asia, from Southeast Asia to the Middle East, people of Asian heritage have contributed immeasurably to the social, cultural, economic and political landscape of B.C.

    “Chinese workers helped build our railways, Filipinos have been the backbone of our health-care system, Japanese Canadian families on the coast were pivotal to our fishing industries, South Asian farmers have kept us nourished – the list goes on. Most importantly, our ancestors did all of this in the face of tragedy, systemic discrimination, colonial policies, internment and racial violence.

    “Let us honour their memories and efforts by recommitting ourselves to building a province where everyone, regardless of race, background or heritage, can live with dignity, in safety and have equal opportunity. Let us take our cue from those before us who never wavered in their commitment to building community, advocating for justice and believing in a better future, no matter what obstacle they faced.

    “Let us not only honour the past but look forward, with hope and resolve. Happy Asian Heritage Month, B.C.” 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Attorney general’s statement on Jewish Heritage Month

    Niki Sharma, Attorney General, has released the following statement marking Jewish Heritage Month: 

    “As Jewish communities around the world conclude Passover celebrations, we in British Columbia enter May proudly recognizing and celebrating Jewish Heritage Month, a time to honour the rich history, culture and contributions of Jewish people to our province.

    “Since the late 1800s, Jewish Canadians have played an integral role in B.C.’s vibrancy and growth, from David Oppenheimer, the mayor of Vancouver when Stanley Park opened, to Lumley Franklin, who successfully oversaw the effort to link B.C. to England via telegraph. Today, we are proud that our province is home to one of the fastest-growing Jewish populations in all of Canada.

    “As we celebrate Jewish Heritage Month, we must confront the alarming rise of antisemitism in B.C. and around the world. For several years now, too many Jewish people in B.C. have reported an upsurge in both hate crimes and hateful sentiment targeting them. This has only worsened and is unacceptable. Every incident of hate is a stark reminder of the work that still lies ahead of us as we try to build a more understanding and accepting province.

    “This May, let us not only celebrate the achievements and resilience of Jewish people in British Columbia, but also reaffirm our commitment to standing against antisemitism.

    “By learning from the past and embracing diversity, we strengthen the bonds that unite us as one community made up of many communities. Together, let us mark Jewish Heritage Month with reflection and resolve.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: HHS, NIH launch next-generation universal vaccine platform for pandemic-prone viruses

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2

    News Release
    Thursday, May 1, 2025

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the National Institutes for Health (NIH) today announced the development of the next-generation, universal vaccine platform, Generation Gold Standard, using a beta-propiolactone (BPL)-inactivated, whole-virus platform.
    This initiative represents a decisive shift toward transparency, effectiveness, and comprehensive preparedness, funding the NIH’s in-house development of universal influenza and coronavirus vaccines, including candidates BPL-1357 and BPL-24910. These vaccines aim to provide broad-spectrum protection against multiple strains of pandemic-prone viruses such as H5N1 avian influenza and coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, and MERS-CoV.
    “Our commitment is clear: every innovation in vaccine development must be grounded in gold standard science and transparency, and subjected to the highest standards of safety and efficacy testing,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
    The program realigns BARDA’s operations with its statutory mission under the Public Health Service Act—to prepare for all influenza viral threats, not just those currently circulating.
    “Generation Gold Standard is a paradigm shift,” said NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya. “It extends vaccine protection beyond strain-specific limits and prepares for flu viral threats – not just today’s, but tomorrow’s as well – using traditional vaccine technology brought into the 21st century.”
    Generation Gold Standard, developed exclusively by NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID):

    Recalibrates America’s pandemic preparedness. Unlike traditional vaccines that target specific strains, BPL-inactivated whole-virus vaccines preserve the virus’s structural integrity while eliminating infectivity. This approach induces robust B and T cell immune responses and offers long-lasting protection across diverse viral families. Moreover, the intranasal formulation of BPL-1357 is currently in Phase Ib and II/III trials and is designed to block virus transmission—an innovation absent from current flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
    Embodies efficient, transparent, and government-led research. The BPL platform is fully government-owned and NIH-developed. This approach ensures radical transparency, public accountability, and freedom from commercial conflicts of interest.
    Marks the future of vaccine development. In addition to influenza and coronavirus, the BPL platform is adaptable for future use against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), metapneumovirus, and parainfluenza. It also offers the unprecedented capability to protect against avian influenza without inducing antigenic drift—a major step forward in proactive pandemic prevention.

    Clinical trials for universal influenza vaccines are scheduled to begin in 2026, with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval targeted for 2029. The intranasal BPL-1357 flu vaccine, currently in advanced trials, is also on track for FDA review by 2029.
    About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
    NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Workers Celebrated at Huge IAM Union Rally Featuring Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representatives Hoyer, Raskin, Kamlager-Dove and Ivey

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    WASHINGTON, April 30, 2025 – Hundreds gathered outside Union Station on Tuesday, April 29, to honor and thank federal employees at an energizing celebration hosted by the IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) and the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM). 

    FEDERAL RALLY PHOTOS  

    The event, held during the IAM Union Legislative Conference week, brought together union members, labor allies, and elected officials in a show of unity and appreciation for the vital work of federal employees.

    Massive rally takes place in Washington DC for fired federal workers marking Trump’s 100th day MSNBC

    U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), and Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) delivered powerful remarks, praising the commitment and service of federal workers across the country. Their attendance underscored the strong support in Congress for the civil servants who uphold essential government functions every day.

    “Our federal workforce represents the very best of our nation,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Our members keep our country safe, serve our veterans, protect our public lands, and so much more. I want to thank our elected officials who stand with us in this fight to protect our federal heroes.”  

    Throughout the event, IAM Union members and allies held signs to celebrate federal workers turning Union Station into a rallying place for hundreds of supporters.  

    “We must continue to stand up for our members rights and recognize their contributions,” said NFFE-IAM Union President Randy Erwin. “We are proud to host this event to celebrate the contributions of federal workers and to let them know that their union has their back. Events like these remind the nation who keeps our nation running and who’s ready to defend their rights.”

    The event also highlighted the recently launched “Rise Up: Federal Workers Legal Defense Network,” a powerful legal initiative supporting current and former federal workers who have faced retaliation or unjust treatment. The program, created in partnership with AFL-CIO, We The Action, Democracy Forward, and others, continues to offer vital legal resources. More information is available at workerslegaldefense.org.

    As federal workers continue to face challenges, the IAM, NFFE-IAM, and their allies remain committed to advocating for their rights and celebrating their vital role in our democracy.

    Social Media Roundup from the event:

    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

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bipartisan Lawmakers Demand Wikimedia Reign in Antisemitism, Uphold Neutrality

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

    Evidence points to a startling lack of enforcement of Wikipedia’s most basic rules and editorial safeguards. Given the immense influence that Wikipedia articles have over our online and real life global conversations, far more editorial responsibility and transparency is needed, immediately.

    Washington DC – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Don Bacon (NE-02) led a group of 23 Members in sending Wikimedia CEO Maryana Iskander a letter seeking answers on how the online encyclopedia will enforce its own rules, curb editor bias and prevent antisemitism and pro-terrorist content from infiltrating Wikipedia pages.

    Despite its free, community-sourced platform, Wikipedia’s influence is immeasurable. Millions of internet readers read its reference material, and search engines and Artificial Intelligence language models draw on its articles. However, recent ADL research found widespread antisemitic and anti-Israel bias on its pages, across multiple languages, especially on content related to Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as an apparent coordinated promotion of pro-Hamas propaganda.

    “Evidence points to a startling lack of enforcement of Wikipedia’s most basic rules and editorial safeguards. Given the immense influence that Wikipedia articles have over our online and real life global conversations, far more editorial responsibility and transparency is needed, immediately,” said Wasserman Schultz. “My hope is that our bipartisan questions and concerns can curb a suspected coordinated campaign to manipulate Wikipedia content that drives antisemitic content and biases.” 

    “Antisemitism and anti-Israel views have increased on Wikipedia due to their lack of enforcing their own rules and standards and they need to take steps immediately to fix the problem,” said Bacon. “Wikipedia has such a broad reach and people take what is posted there as 100 percent truth, when it always isn’t. I’m glad to join Rep. Wasserman Schulz on this bipartisan letter, in the hopes we can get Wikimedia to fix this.”

    “Earlier this year, research from the ADL Center for Technology and Society raised immense concerns regarding antisemitism, anti-Israel bias, and abuse of Wikipedia by coordinated actors,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO & National Director. “The majority of Wikipedia users assume the material on the platform is reliable. The reality is millions are being exposed to dangerous misinformation on contentious topics. I deeply appreciate Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz and Congressman Bacon for leading this crucial bipartisan effort, demanding answers from Wikimedia on how they are enforcing their own rules and pushing for greater transparency and accountability.”

    Read the full letter below of the signed version here.

    Maryana Iskander

    Chief Executive Officer

    Wikimedia Foundation

    1 Montgomery Street Suite 1600

    San Francisco, CA 94104

    Dear Ms. Iskander:

    We write to express our deep concern regarding antisemitism, anti-Israel bias, and the potential abuse of Wikipedia by coordinated actors. Wikipedia plays an important role not only for the hundreds of millions of regular users who access it directly, but also as a key source for search engines and Large Language Models (LLMs) which incorporate Wikipedia’s content into their answers.

    A recent report by the ADL (Anti-Defamation League) identified a group of approximately 30 Wikipedia editors who have significantly undermined the platform’s credibility, making more than 1.5 million edits over the past decade to gradually and systematically distort neutral narratives on articles related to Israel, pushing an antisemitic, pro-Hamas, anti-Zionist, and anti-Israel agenda. While Wikipedia mandates that all content be written from a “neutral point of view (NPOV),” these edits go far beyond presenting differing perspectives. Instead, they suggest a deliberate effort to inject antisemitic bias and propaganda, raising concerns that some of these editors may be pro-Hamas or even acting on behalf of foreign state actors.

    One particularly egregious example of this manipulation involves distorting history with an aim to hide certain groups’ and figures’ support for terrorism and violence. Editors have deliberately removed evidence of public figures’ support of political violence and overt antisemitism, as well as erasing references across multiple articles that document terrorist violence. This is especially evident on Wikipedia’s entry for Hamas, where significant edits have downplayed and de-emphasized the organization’s terror activities.

    The ADL report concludes that these edits are not the result of the organic changes that occur on Wikipedia as editors update pages to reflect evolving understandings of complex issues. Instead, they appear to be part of a long-running, coordinated scheme that involved serious infractions to Wikipedia’s anti-bias policies, including violations such as canvassing and likely off-platform coordination and communication.

    ADL is not alone in recognizing bias on the platform. Last month, Wikipedia’s English-language Arbitration Committee—a volunteer body of 15 senior editors elected by fellow Wikipedians—acknowledged the issue by banning eight editors from changing articles related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Five of the eight editors were also identified in ADL’s list of 30 bad faith editors. While it is a welcome first step, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure Wikipedia remains free of bias, antisemitism, and pro-terrorist content. With that in mind, please answer the following questions by April 30, 2025:

    1. Preventing Foreign Interference: Has the Wikimedia Foundation investigated if prolific Wikipedia editors and administrators are covertly acting on behalf of adversaries of the United States, including Iran, Hamas, and other antagonistic foreign entities?
      1. What safeguards are in place to prevent coordinated editing campaigns by foreign actors, and how does Wikipedia detect and mitigate disinformation sponsored by state and nonstate actors?
      2. In what cases does Wikipedia verify the identities and affiliations of editors, including those making frequent or high-impact edits on politically sensitive topics, to ensure that foreign adversaries are not abusing the platform to spread misinformation or propaganda?
    2. Editor Oversight: What steps are being taken to ensure sufficient oversight of editors and administrators to prevent biased or coordinated manipulation of content?
    3. Addressing Antisemitic and Anti-Israel Bias: What specific measures does Wikipedia have in place to prevent and address antisemitic, anti-Zionist, and anti-Israel bias among its editors? How does it ensure that factual, well-sourced information is not overridden by ideologically–motivated edits?
    4. Ensuring Transparency and Accountability: Understanding that all edits are public but not easily retrievable or understood, can Wikipedia provide us data on content disputes, edit reversions, and administrator actions related to antisemitic, anti-Zionist, or anti-Israel bias?

    1.      What steps are being taken to increase transparency and accountability in addressing these issues?

    2.      Is Wikipedia or the Wikimedia Foundation considering using additional AI or data-related tools to better enforce its policies?

    We greatly appreciate your swift attention to this matter and look forward to reviewing your thorough response.

     

    ####

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi Story: From grit to greatness, hard work builds a nation

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

    BEIJING, May 1 — Prior to International Workers’ Day 2025, the Great Hall of the People in Beijing — the heart of China’s political life — welcomed a proud assembly: over 2,000 exemplary representatives drawn from the country’s vast workforce of hundreds of millions.

    In a ceremony on Monday, President Xi Jinping joined technicians, judges, nurses, and farmers to recognize not only their vital contributions, but also the spirit of dedication and hard work that fuels a nation.

    Hailing the honorees as exemplars of the people and pillars of the country, Xi called on citizens to draw inspiration from them — staying grounded and working hard — so that, step by step, they can turn the grand vision of national rejuvenation into reality.

    Xi sent the message at the gathering marking the 100th anniversary of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions. It drives home a point he has long emphasized — great dreams are not achieved by waiting or chanting slogans; they are earned through hard work and determination.

    A LEADER FORGED THROUGH HARD WORK

    Xi’s respect for hard work is built on his own past.

    In 1969, just shy of 16, Xi arrived at Liangjiahe, a rugged village on the arid Loess Plateau in northwest China, to work the fields alongside the farmers who called the rural community home.

    He took on nearly every kind of task, but spent an especially large number of hours on one in particular: building the dams by compacting the earth layer by layer with heavy stone pounders.

    Xi threw himself into the labor. Day one left his hands blistered; day two saw them bleeding. Still, he kept working without complaint.

    “What a fine lad,” remarked the locals.

    The hard work did not end when Xi was elected Party chief of Liangjiahe in 1974. He rolled up his sleeves and led villagers in digging wells, building terraced fields, and installing biogas pits — gradually transforming the community.

    Living and working alongside the farmers for seven years, Xi grew from a slightly bewildered teenager into a man determined to serve the people.

    “Most importantly,” he later said, “I learned from my fellow farmers the values of respecting facts and working hard with perseverance.”

    Those formative years left an indelible mark on Xi, shaping the strong work ethic that has been his character either as village Party chief or general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

    He works tirelessly, juggling domestic meetings, inspections and overseas visits — his schedule always packed to the brim.

    In a rare reflective moment during a foreign media interview, Xi was asked about life as China’s leader. His candid reply laid bare his sacrifice. “My personal time? It’s all consumed by work,” he said. “Entrusted by the people … I must put them first, serving with unwavering diligence.”

    MODEL WORKERS AS STARS

    “What a galaxy of stars,” Xi said at a conference room ahead of International Workers’ Day in 2013.

    By a “galaxy of stars,” he was referring to the 65 role models before him, those honored for their hard work in their industries over the past decades.

    Liang Jun, one of the earliest model workers, recounted how she helped turn northeast China’s barren land into a national granary.

    After listening to Liang’s story, Xi told the then 84-year-old lady, “Your deeds are well known to our generation. As the first female tractor driver in China, you are truly remarkable.”

    As a leader who emerged from the ranks of the working people, Xi not only respects them but is also committed to ensuring that their needs are met.

    Since Xi took the helm of China in 2012, the country has introduced more measures, laws and regulations to safeguard workers’ rights and interests.

    Moreover, Xi often visits workers during domestic inspection tours to personally assess their working and living conditions.

    In 2023, he inspected a residential community in Shanghai built to house workers such as construction laborers, delivery drivers and sanitation staff.

    He stepped into their homes and shared facilities — public kitchens, laundries — and spoke with them to understand their living conditions firsthand.

    “Migrant workers, who come to contribute to Shanghai, are equally the city’s masters,” he stressed. “It is our responsibility to ensure they can arrive, settle down, live comfortably, and thrive here.”

    INVESTMENT IN SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

    At Monday’s celebration ceremony, Xi underscored the importance of adapting to the new wave of technological and industrial transformation and enhancing the workforce’s capabilities.

    “High-quality development cannot be achieved without high-quality work and innovation,” he said.

    This resonates with his consistent emphasis on the crucial role of skilled talent in advancing the manufacturing sector.

    Over the years, Xi’s passion for craftsmanship has taken him to factory floors across the country, where he encouraged engineers, technicians and workers to hone their skills and push boundaries.

    “Times may change and missions may shift, but the spirit of hard work, unity, and unyielding effort should never change,” he said at Monday’s ceremony.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp Signs Bills Strengthening Georgia Workforce Development

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp, joined by First Lady Marty Kemp, Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) leadership, and members of the Georgia General Assembly signed legislation strengthening the state’s workforce pipeline at the TCSG Leadership Summit. Building on recent measures that connect Georgians with career opportunities, each of the bills signed by the Governor further opened pathways for learners of all ages to receive the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

    “As the No. 1 state for business, Georgia has seen record-breaking jobs and investment come to communities in every part of the state,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “With the bills I signed today, we’re taking further steps to prepare Georgians to walk through those open doors. I’m proud to sign these bills with so many of the men and women whose work every day is building the workforce of tomorrow.”

    Governor Kemp signed three pieces of legislation included below:

    HB 217, sponsored by Representatives Soo Hong and Chuck Martin and carried in the Senate by Senator Bo Hatchett, is TCSG agency legislation that reforms the Dual Achievement Program and extends the pilot an additional five years. It also includes Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) agency legislation on granting the agency the ability to use DOR’s data to verify income for Promise Scholarship applicants and a fix on the enrollment count reference date for the school board elections nepotism clause. The Governor is also grateful for the leadership of Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones, TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier, and GSFC Presidents Lynne Riley and Chris Green on this legislation.

    SB 180, sponsored by Senator Clint Dixon and carried in the House by Representative Matt Dubnik, enables apprenticeship sponsors in addition to employer sponsors to participate in the High Demand Apprenticeship Program and receive funding for the successful completion of apprenticeships.

    SB 193, sponsored by Senator Matt Brass and carried in the House by Representative Houston Gaines, establishes an adult workforce high school diploma program within TCSG to award diplomas to individuals between the ages of 21 and 40.

    Governor Kemp extends his appreciation to all of those whose diligent work and efforts led to him being able to sign these bills today.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Virginia Giuffre’s treatment in the media highlights the great consequences of accusing high profile men of abuse

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Lindsey Blumell, Lecturer in Journalism, City St George’s, University of London

    Virginia Giuffre, one of the most prominent accusers of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has died at age 41. Her family said she died by suicide at her farm in Australia.

    Giuffre had long accused Prince Andrew of sexually assaulting her when she was a teenager. She brought a civil sexual assault case against him, which Andrew ultimately settled out of court for an undisclosed sum. He has denied all claims against him. But the accusations and his friendship with Epstein ultimately led to Andrew’s partial withdrawal from public life.

    Giuffre’s story is a poignant reminder of the great consequences to anyone who speaks out about their abuse, especially someone who speaks out against the powerful.

    Giuffre was not just a victim of Epstein’s crimes, she was also the focus of brutal tabloid media coverage in the UK and around the world. That’s not to say there weren’t moments of great reporting. But those were often overshadowed by sensationalising and stereotyping that regularly accompany reporting on those who come forward with allegations of sexual abuse.

    A search for Virginia Giuffre on news database Factiva yields over 25,000 results. It’s hard to imagine carrying the weight of so much attention, positive or negative.

    News coverage was a mix of support and scrutiny, starting almost 15 years ago and then intensifying in the last six years, when Epstein was arrested. He died while in jail, awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges.

    The first wave of news coverage on Giuffre dates back to early 2011. The tabloids and broadsheets often referred to Giuffre (known as Virginia Roberts then) as a “masseuse” or more explicit terms, while also reporting that she was a minor when she was first allegedly sexually exploited and abused by Epstein and only 17 when she first met Prince Andrew. Coverage largely included one-word quotes from Giuffre, but nothing that humanised her to readers.

    The Times and other publications reported on Andrew’s friendly connection to Epstein – though there was no direct accusation against him at that time.

    There was a breezy tone to coverage that focused on catchy wordplay headlines between the prince and the “pervert” Epstein. Epstein was already a registered sex offender in 2008, but there was little reflection on his horrendous actions that led him to that title.

    More glaringly, there was little to no concern for Giuffre or other survivors. They were salacious fodder. There was little empathy for what they experienced and the risks they took speaking publicly. The main focus was on the apparent embarrassment of Andrew’s friendship with Epstein, which eventually led to the prince stepping down from his trade envoy role.

    The important men and their roles were the news angles. Giuffre was only a supporting character.

    The second wave of news coverage on Giuffre happened in 2019, when Epstein was arrested for accusations of child sex trafficking. She was named in court documents and noted as a victim of Epstein in media, but was again overshadowed by Epstein’s connections to other powerful men such as Donald Trump or Bill Clinton (both deny knowing of Epstein’s crimes).

    None of this is to imply that those linked to Epstein shouldn’t be named and investigated. But, as my research shows, when powerful men are accused, the coverage largely revolves around those powerful men and the monetary or career consequences to them. The survivors and the abuse and trauma they experience are a footnote.

    Research shows that how journalists evaluate the newsworthiness of a story often values power structures, men’s perspectives and celebrity status. Therefore, when someone like Giuffre does come forward, her story and voice come secondary to the more powerful accused.

    Changing headlines

    A shift in the tone of coverage came in 2020, when Giuffre and others were the focus of a Netflix docuseries on Epstein’s crimes. Watching the detailed accounts from so many humanised Giuffre and others, while showing the tremendous weight put on survivors when they come forward. Their stories elicited empathetic responses from viewers.

    News coverage has made some progress in the last decade due to the ##MeToo movement and survivors speaking out. However, this has since been tempered by a backlash to #MeToo – and problematic attitudes persist within news and entertainment industries. Threats of legal action from those accused can leave journalists hesitant to report on sexual abuse.

    In February 2022, Andrew settled a civil sexual assault case with Giuffre for an undisclosed amount. The coverage was more sensitive to Giuffre than a decade prior – the mislabelling and scandalising were mostly left out – but still lacked survivors’ perspectives. Andrew was stripped of his royal and military titles at the time but appears to remain in standing with the royal family unofficially.

    There has also been compassion in the coverage of Giuffre’s death, particularly in interviews with her family and friends. There are calls for accountability from Andrew, as well as the usual, terrible tabloid coverage exploiting the situation.

    One limitation of reporting on sexual abuse cases is that often survivors don’t want to speak publicly to news media because of the tremendous risks and consequences they face. Survivors face backlash when telling friends and family in their private circles because they are blamed, or are not believed. These consequences are intensified when survivors go public.

    Several organisations have provided guidelines to news organisations on how to report more fairly and accurately on sexual abuse.

    Many people who experience sexual abuse never come forward. Giuffre did, and repeatedly spoke to media for over a decade. While some news organisations learned how to be more sensitive, the focus has never been enough on her story, her life and her determination.

    If any of the content in this piece affects you or someone you know, resources are available.

    In the UK: Samaritans are available by phone, for free, at 116 123, or by email at jo@samaritans.org. Further resources can also be found here.

    Contact Rape Crisis England & Wales online or by phone at 0808 500 2222.

    If you are in crisis in the US, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

    Lindsey Blumell receives funding from City St George’s, University of London

    – ref. Virginia Giuffre’s treatment in the media highlights the great consequences of accusing high profile men of abuse – https://theconversation.com/virginia-giuffres-treatment-in-the-media-highlights-the-great-consequences-of-accusing-high-profile-men-of-abuse-255443

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ukraine minerals deal: the idea that natural resource extraction can build peace has been around for decades

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Bridget Storrie, Teaching Fellow, Institute for Global Prosperity, UCL

    Ukraine has finally signed its minerals agreement with the US. The deal states that Washington will eventually receive a share of the profits from the sale of Ukrainian natural resources, providing an economic incentive to continue investing in Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction.

    The US treasury secretary, Scott Bessant, says the deal demonstrates the Donald Trump administration’s commitment to peace in Ukraine.

    On the surface, there is nothing surprising about the deal. The idea that natural resource extraction can play a role in building peace has been around for a decade or two, and has been promoted by the World Bank, the UN and the mining industry itself.

    But what is surprising is how the conversation about mining and peace has changed. It used to be about increasing prosperity in war-torn countries, rather than the “who gets what” that has been associated with this deal.



    Read more:
    US-Ukraine minerals deal looks better for Kyiv than expected – but Trump is an unpredictable partner

    The idea that mining can contribute to peace emerged somewhat paradoxically from the demonstrated capacity of natural resources to drive conflict in places like Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sierra Leone. The theory is that mining can also lead to development – and therefore peace – if it is managed properly.

    If local communities are consulted, revenues are shared fairly, harms are minimised, and if there is transparency and accountability, a mine can play a role in lifting countries out of the economic, environmental and social mess war brings.

    In reality, things are more complicated. The idea that mining can bring about positive change suffers from the same top-down and externally led approach to building peace as the wider peacebuilding model in which it sits. It doesn’t necessarily take local realities and aspirations into account.

    But over the past two decades, natural resources in conflict-affected areas have attracted an enormous amount of attention from UN agencies. The United Nations Environmental Programme (Unep), for example, established an initiative in 2008 aimed at understanding the risks and opportunities presented by high-value natural resources.

    It developed policies and practices related to mining intended to be part of the UN’s peace and security architecture. These included guidance for UN staff working in post-conflict countries that are rich in resources.

    In Sierra Leone, Unep identified the inability of the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor environmental performance and force compliance as a significant risk to the sustainable development of the mining industry. The agency had become overwhelmed by the number of environmental impact assessments submitted for review as the sector expanded after the end of the civil war in 2002.

    A dedicated project to build capacity in Sierra Leone was set up by the UN to remedy this. The project team report that the environmental impact assessment process itself provided an opportunity for dialogue and trust-building between those involved.

    Around the same time, a raft of initiatives were was developed for the extractive sector itself to encourage responsible mining. These included the Kimberley Process, a UN-mandated certification scheme designed to eliminate the trade in conflict diamonds. Sierra Leone has been a member since it was launched in 2003.

    The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), an Oslo-based organisation of government, industry and civil society representatives was also established in 2003. Its aim is to promote the good governance of oil, gas and mineral extraction through the reporting of revenues and payments.

    The concept of good governance has been expanded to include promoting the participation of women, as well as the disclosure of information relating to the environmental impact of a mine. Over 50 countries now implement the EITI Standard.

    All these initiatives and processes can be criticised. But the point is that natural resources in conflict zones have, to a degree at least, been understood as sites for negotiation and dialogue for some time.

    Lowering the bar

    The natural resources beneath Ukraine have become sites for something else – a conflict-riven back-and-forth over their control. And it’s not just in Ukraine. The US is reportedly considering a minerals-for-security deal in the DRC, where Rwandan-backed rebels are currently seizing resource-rich territory in the east.

    The bar appears to have dropped substantially where mining and peacebuilding is concerned. In the heyday of the liberal peacebuilding project, metal and mineral deposits in war-torn countries, like the copper beneath Afghanistan, promised a more positive future, albeit with caution. That optimism now seems misplaced.

    In Afghanistan, this is because the country has fallen back under the control of the Taliban. Mines are quickly being developed to take advantage of the country’s mineral wealth. But the technical, financial and environmental checks associated with mining are reportedly being bypassed. There are concerns that any revenues won’t benefit the population in the way they should.

    In Ukraine, it’s something different. The mineral deposits there are being used to prop up geopolitical ambitions that reflect the dangerous, transactional and increasingly extractive world we now seem to live in. Specifically, the Ukrainian mineral deposits are bringing an authoritarian, Trumpian version of peace to life.

    It is a peace that comes through the geopolitical expression of power by the operation of mines, the acquisition of territory, the expulsion of citizens from certain places, and the top-down transformation of other people’s space.

    This has already expressed itself in Trump’s vision for the US to take over the Gaza Strip, which prompted the UN’s secretary-general, António Guterres, to warn against ethnic cleansing.

    An opencast manganese ore mine in Ukraine.
    Romeo Rum / Shutterstock

    I have written about the problem of natural resource-related peacebuilding before. Whether liberal or illiberal, this problem is the same: geological resources are non-renewable.

    There is a profound paradox here. Whatever we want these resources to do for us, they can’t do it indefinitely. And we are heading for even more trouble if we think they can.

    Expecting a voracious Trump administration or a beleagured Ukrainian one to think about this is expecting too much. But therein lies the tragedy of current peacebuilding endeavours.

    They are fixated on the here-and-now, in the hope that the social, environmental, ecological and geological future will take care of itself. Unfortunately, it won’t.

    Bridget Storrie 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. Ukraine minerals deal: the idea that natural resource extraction can build peace has been around for decades – https://theconversation.com/ukraine-minerals-deal-the-idea-that-natural-resource-extraction-can-build-peace-has-been-around-for-decades-252090

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Laudato Si’: A look back on Pope Francis’s environmental legacy

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Donald Wright, Professor of Political Science, University of New Brunswick

    The Vatican’s College of Cardinals will soon gather in Rome to elect a new head of the Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis.

    As the church prepares for the papal conclave, the world is assessing Francis’s legacy and his stance on the role of women in the church, LGBTQ+ rights and the needs of migrants and refugees.

    However, every assessment should include a discussion of Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home, his 2015 encyclical on climate change.

    In many ways, it’s a remarkable document. At once rational and urgent, it calls on all of us — “every person living on this planet” — to think about what we are doing to the only planet we have.



    Read more:
    Three ways Pope Francis influenced the global climate movement

    Our common home, Francis wrote, “is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us.” And yet, we “have come to see ourselves as her lords and masters, entitled to plunder her at will.”

    The end result? Runaway climate change in the form of higher temperatures, extreme weather events and biodiversity loss. In this sense, reading Laudato Si’ — “Praise be to you” in Italian — is like reading an assessment report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

    Unlike the IPCC report, however, Francis didn’t pull his punches. “The Earth, our home,” he wrote, “is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth.”

    Francis didn’t hold back

    A few months after the publication of Laudato Si’, the world gathered in Paris to draft a new climate treaty. It too is a remarkable document. However, if the authors of the Paris Agreement couldn’t mention the economic roots of the climate crisis – they couldn’t even use the term fossil fuels — the pope could and did.

    Francis relentlessly called out our “models of growth which have proved incapable of ensuring respect for the environment,” our “irrational confidence in progress and human abilities” and our “blind confidence in technical solutions.”

    He was critical of “current models of production and consumption” and our faith in “the invisible forces of the market,” as well as our “misguided anthropocentrism” and our “throwaway culture.”

    Francis pointed a finger at obstructionism and denial. He worried about the rise of social media, which has led to disconnection from each other and from nature. And he was critical of “the idea of infinite or unlimited growth.”

    Although terribly “attractive to economists, financiers, and experts in technology,” it’s a fantasy based on the lie “that there is an infinite supply of the Earth’s goods.” There isn’t, and the planet is “being squeezed dry beyond every limit.”

    Using ironic quotation marks, he even criticized “green” rhetoric, so fashionable in eco-capitalist circles.

    It wasn’t the first time Francis talked about a global economy that doesn’t work. A few years earlier, in 2012, he caused a minor fit in some circles with the publication of Evangelli Gaudium. Wealth moves up, not down, he argued, while the poor are excluded and grow in number.

    The late American pundit Rush Limbaugh called it “pure Marxism.” Undeterred, Francis went further in Laudato Si’ when he linked the climate crisis to an economy premised on constant consumption.

    Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, a Catholic convert and at the time a presidential aspirant, told him to stick to his knitting: “I don’t get economic policy from my bishops or my cardinal or my pope.”

    Laudato Si’ and abortion

    Of course, Francis had stuck to his knitting in one important way: on at least four separate occasions in Laudato Si’, he singled out abortion — or, in his words, “eliminating children” — as part of the climate problem. He wrote:

    “Thinking that we enjoy absolute power over our own bodies turns, often subtly, into thinking that we enjoy absolute power over creation.”

    No, it doesn’t. Moreover, empowering women through access to birth control and abortion care is part of the solution to poverty in both the Global South and the Global North, something Francis cared deeply about, like his namesake St. Francis of Assisi.



    Read more:
    Francis − a pope who cared deeply for the poor and opened up the Catholic Church

    In 2023, Francis published Laudate Deum, a short followup to Laudato Si’. At the same time as he urged the world to act, he condemned those who blame climate change on the poor for having so many children and who “attempt to resolve the problem by mutilating women in less developed countries.”

    According to one Catholic news and information site, this was an apparent reference “to campaigns in favour of contraception and abortion regularly conducted by the West.”

    Centuries of pro-life absolutism in the Catholic Church meant that Francis couldn’t make the connection between women’s lack of bodily autonomy and poverty, and between reproductive justice and climate justice, and, in part, the idea that climate change disproportionately impacts women.

    Still, Laudato Si’ invites all of us to connect the dots between growth, consumption, poverty and climate breakdown. One doesn’t need to be Catholic, or even religious, to read Pope Francis’s encyclical on climate change for what it is: a powerful and deeply moral reminder that the climate is not something separate from us.

    To quote Francis, it’s a “common good” that belongs to all of us.

    Donald Wright 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. Laudato Si’: A look back on Pope Francis’s environmental legacy – https://theconversation.com/laudato-si-a-look-back-on-pope-franciss-environmental-legacy-255604

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –