NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Roundtable on sustainable supply chains marks EU Anti-Trafficking Day in Croatia

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

    Headline: Roundtable on sustainable supply chains marks EU Anti-Trafficking Day in Croatia

    Boris Topic, National Anti-Trafficking Officer, OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Julia Schellhaas, Senior Advisor, Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, speaking at a roundtable on business & human rights and supply chain issues in Croatia, October 2024 (OSCE) Photo details

    On 18 October, the Office for Human Rights and Rights of National Minorities of Croatia, the OSCE Office of the Special Representative and Co-operation for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, and the UN Global Compact Network Croatia marked EU Anti-Trafficking Day with a pivotal roundtable discussion in Zagreb on supply chains and human rights. The event, titled ‘Sustainable Supply Chains: Promoting Human Rights and Social Responsibility’, was a landmark occasion that brought together the public and private sectors to discuss human rights in global supply chains, with a particular focus on combating human trafficking for labour exploitation in the context of the new EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
    Convening 30 participants from diverse backgrounds, including representatives from businesses, government agencies, international organizations, academia, and civil society, the roundtable was a testament to the widespread interest in the topic. Their collective engagement in discussions on preventing human rights abuses and ensuring environmental sustainability in supply chains underscored the broad commitment to this critical issue.
    “In order to enhance awareness of the phenomenon of labour exploitation and to formulate an appropriate response to the emerging situation, the Government of the Republic of Croatia is committed to strengthening the collaboration between the private and public sectors through joint initiatives and the involvement of the private sector in shaping public policies,” said Alen Tahiri, National Anti-Trafficking Coordinator of Croatia. “Public-private partnerships are crucial for identifying and mitigating the risks of labour exploitation.”
    Additionally, the CSDDD requires the Croatian government to amend several national laws, making this event a timely opportunity to discuss the challenges faced not only by businesses required to comply, but also by governments that must implement these changes.
    According to the UN Global Compact Croatia Network, the roundtable discussion is just the beginning, serving as a platform for ongoing co-operation between the public and private sectors on human rights issues.
    Vali Marszalek, Board Chair of the UN Global Compact Network Croatia and ESG Director for the Adria Region at Forvis Mazars, emphasized that while companies are currently focused on sustainability reporting, a crucial shift towards evaluating business behaviour is needed. “With the new directive in effect, businesses must scrutinize their operations and entire chains of activity, recognizing that they cannot distance themselves from negative impacts,” she said.
    Boris Topić, National Anti-Trafficking Officer at the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, underscored that “the OSCE is walking the talk when it comes to ethical supply chains and has implemented several measures in its own operations and procurement processes. We are excited to see the next steps that Croatia will take as a joint effort from the public and private sectors toward the implementation of the CSDDD, and we stand ready to support Croatia in this endeavor.”
    Discussions underscored Croatia’s ongoing commitment to high human rights standards, including efforts against trafficking and labour exploitation. By sharing insights and best practices, the roundtable fostered collaborative efforts to enhance compliance and enforcement of due diligence legislation, reinforcing the importance of responsible business conduct for the benefit of all employees in the country.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China kicks off fresh round of environmental inspections

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 21 — The Ministry of Ecology and Environment announced on Monday the launch of a new round of environmental inspections by China’s central authorities.

    Eight teams, conducting this third batch of the third round of inspections, have been dispatched to the provinces of Jiangsu, Anhui, Sichuan and Guizhou, as well as to four centrally administered state-owned enterprises (SOEs), namely, China National Petroleum Corporation, China Petrochemical Corporation, Sinochem Holdings Corporation Ltd. and China National Chemical Engineering Group Corporation Ltd., according to the ministry.

    The inspection teams pointed out the need to promote new progress in the high-quality development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt and for the centrally administered SOEs to establish sound ecological environment protection management and responsibility systems.

    It is essential to leverage the demonstration and leading role of these enterprises to promote the green and low-carbon transformation of economic and social development, and improve the quality of the ecological environment, according to the inspection teams.

    The inspections should be carried out in an accurate and scientific manner and in accordance with the law, and rectifications will be made in the meantime, said the ministry.

    The inspections will last for one month, it added.

    The second batch of the third round of inspections was launched in May this year, covering Shanghai, Chongqing, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei, Hunan and Yunnan.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni meets with the Emir of the State of Qatar

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, received His Highness the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, at Villa Doria Pamphilj in Rome today, as part of the Emir’s State Visit to Italy.

    Their discussions focused on the situation in the Middle East. President Meloni shared the outcomes of her recent trips to Jordan and Lebanon with her guest, confirming Italy’s support for the mediation being carried out by Qatar, together with Egypt and the United States, to reach an agreement in Gaza. The two leaders also discussed the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the serious crisis of displaced persons in Lebanon.

    The meeting also provided an opportunity to reiterate common, firm support for UNIFIL and the need to guarantee the safety of its personnel at all times, working towards full implementation of Resolution 1701 also through the necessary international support for the Lebanese armed forces.

    With regard to bilateral relations, President Meloni and the Emir reaffirmed their shared desire to boost cooperation between Rome and Doha, also with reference to the African continent as part of the Mattei Plan for Africa. This desire was expressed in a joint declaration that was adopted at the end of the meeting, in addition to which several agreements in various areas of mutual interest were also signed.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Activity in the U.S. Attorney’s Office

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

    Federal Land Offenses

    Michael A. Tunis, age 66 of West Yellowstone, Montana, was sentenced to 30 days in jail and a 5-year period of probation, with a ban from Yellowstone National Park during that time, for a DUI per se and open container violation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed the sentence on Oct. 11, in Mammoth, Wyoming.

    Darrell C. Osterhout, age 63 of New Brighton, Minnesota, was sentenced to 7 days in jail and 1 year of probation, with a ban from Yellowstone National Park during that time, for DUI per se and interference with law enforcement functions. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed the sentence on Oct. 16, in Mammoth, Wyoming.

    Production of Child Pornography

    Robert Wayne Eaker, 38, of Boulder, Wyoming, was sentenced to 216 months in federal prison for production of child pornography with 15 years of supervised release. The court also ordered the defendant to pay $36,000 in restitution and a $100 special assessment. According to court documents, Eaker is a registered sex offender for prior offenses involving the sexual abuse of minors. In September 2023, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force were conducting an online investigation for people sharing child pornography. Agents discovered a Wyoming IP address sharing numerous files of child pornography and traced it back to Eaker. Agents later received a search warrant for the house where he was living. Agents found Eaker had produced lewd and lascivious files of a child. Eaker admitted to producing the files without the child’s knowledge. In addition, investigators found hundreds of files of child pornography containing prepubescent children on multiple devices belonging to Eaker. DCI-ICAC investigated the crime and Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. Eaker was indicted on May 16, pleaded guilty on July 25, and U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Oct. 16, in Cheyenne. 

    Drug and Firearm Offenses

    Brady Mitchell, 33, a transient, was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment for being a felon and unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on April 13, Cheyenne Police Officers contacted Mitchell who was asleep in his van in a gas station parking lot. During questioning, officers saw a hatchet under his seat and smelled marijuana. They asked him to step out of his van so they could secure the weapon and conduct a search. Officers found a .22 revolver on Mitchell and approximately 12 ounces of marijuana, 3.31 grams of Xanax, 3.75 grams of fentanyl, and 1.13 grams of methamphetamine in his van. Mitchell is a previously convicted felon and not allowed to possess a firearm. The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Cheyenne Police Department investigated this crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney, Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case. Mitchell was indicted on April 13, pleaded guilty on July 11, and U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Oct. 15, in Cheyenne. 

    llegal Re-entry of a Previously Deported Alien

    Luis Barajas-Morales, 46, of Mexico, was sentenced to time served plus 10 days for deportation for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on Feb. 26, Barajas-Morales was arrested by the Teton County Sheriff’s Department for the charge of contempt of court. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was contacted. A Deportation Officer processed the defendant and obtained fingerprints matching pre-existing fingerprints in their database indicating Barajas-Morales was in the U.S. illegally and had not applied for permission to reenter the U.S. after being formally removed in December 2003. ICE investigated the crime and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Oct. 15, in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00106.

    About the United States Attorney’s Office

    The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:

    Environmental Justice
    The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

    Project Safe Childhood
    Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.

    Project Safe Neighborhoods
    Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful.

    Victim Witness Assistance
    The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.

    To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime#trafficking

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pediatric Physician Pleads Guilty to Producing Child Pornography

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

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Overland Park, Kansas, pediatric physician pleaded guilty in federal court today to using concealed video cameras to secretly record 13 child victims for the purpose of producing child pornography over a three-year period from Oct. 4, 2020, to Oct. 28, 2023. Aalbers also admitted that he was in possession of child pornography.

    Brian Michael Aalbers, 50, of Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lajuana M. Counts to 13 counts of attempting to produce child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography.

    Aalbers, a pediatric neurologist at Overland Park Regional Hospital in Overland Park, Kan., remains in federal custody without bond.

    Concerns were received by both the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office regarding the potential victimization of patients of Aalbers’s pediatric practice. During the investigation, it was determined there was no evidence to indicate any current or former patients were victimized by Aalbers. To protect and maintain the privacy of Aalbers’s victims, no additional information regarding the victims will be released.

    According to today’s plea agreement, Kansas City, Mo., police officers investigated a report regarding concealed video cameras that had been found on Oct. 28, 2023. A witness later contacted officers to report that Aalbers was sending suicidal text messages. Lenexa, Kan., police officers located Aalbers and transported him to a local hospital to obtain voluntary mental health treatment. The hospital took possession of two laptop computers, two iPad tablets, and a cell phone that were inside a backpack Aalbers brought with him when he entered the facility.

    Investigators obtained search warrants for those devices, as well as other cameras and electronic devices owned by Aalbers. Investigators found more than 50,000 video files associated with the hidden video cameras used by Aalbers, including more than 1,000 videos that contained pornographic depictions of the 13 child victims.

    Investigators also obtained a search warrant for Aalbers’s iCloud account, which contained 1,000 additional images and 163 additional videos of child pornography, which included videos of the identified child victims that had been produced by Aalbers.

    Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, the government and Aalbers are jointly requesting a sentence of at least 20 years, but no more than 30 years, in federal prison without parole. The sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen A. Brackett. It was investigated by the FBI, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Lenexa, Kan., Police Department, the Merriam, Kan., Police Department, and the Overland Park, Kan., Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Kansas.

    Project Safe Childhood

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pineville Woman Sentenced to Consecutive Life Sentences in Prison for Kidnapping, Murder of Pregnant Arkansas Woman and Unborn Child

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

    SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Pineville, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for the kidnapping and murder of a pregnant Arkansas woman and her victim’s unborn child.

    Amber Waterman, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to consecutive life sentences in federal prison without parole.

    On July 30, 2024, Amber Waterman pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping resulting in death and one count of thereby causing the death of a child in utero. Waterman admitted that she kidnapped Ashley Bush in order to claim her unborn child, Valkyrie Willis, as her own. Waterman transported Ashley Bush from Maysville, Ark., to Pineville. The kidnapping resulted in the deaths of both Ashley Bush and Valkyrie Willis.

    Her husband, Jamie Waterman, 44, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of being an accessory after the fact to the kidnapping resulting in death. Jamie Waterman admitted that he knew Amber Waterman had kidnapped Bush, causing the death of her unborn child, and provided assistance in order to hinder or prevent the apprehension, trial, and punishment of Amber Waterman.

    Amber Waterman, using a false name, contacted Bush, who was approximately 31 weeks pregnant, via Facebook. Amber Waterman pretended to help Bush obtain employment, suggesting she had a job opportunity for her. That prompted an in-person meeting between the two women on Oct. 28, 2022, at the Gravette, Ark., public library. They agreed to meet again on Oct. 31, 2022.

    On Oct. 31, 2022, at roughly 11:45 a.m., Bush met Amber Waterman at the Handi-Stop convenience store in Maysville, Ark. Under the pretext that Amber Waterman was taking her to meet a supervisor to further discuss employment, Bush got into a truck driven by Amber Waterman. Amber Waterman then kidnapped and abducted Bush, driving her from Maysville to the Waterman residence in Pineville.

    According to court documents, Amber Waterman led Jamie Waterman to Bush’s body. Jamie Waterman assisted in hiding and disposing of the body.

    At about 5 p.m. on Oct. 31, 2022, first responders reported to the Longview store in Pineville for an emergency call of a baby who was not breathing. Amber Waterman admitted that she claimed to first responders that she had given birth to the child in the truck while on the way to the hospital. But in reality, she admitted, the child was Bush’s child, who died in utero, as a result of Amber Waterman’s kidnapping that resulted in the death of Bush.

    An autopsy indicated that Bush died as a result of penetrating trauma of the torso and her death was classified as a homicide.

    Under federal statutes, Jamie Waterman is subject to a sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie L. Wan and James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the FBI, the Benton County, Ark., Sheriff’s Department, and the McDonald County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Arkansas and the Benton County, Ark., Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: International justice – France presents François Alabrune’s candidacy for judge at the International Court of Justice in 2026 (2027-2036 term) (21 Oct. 2024)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    After carrying out the consultations required by the Statute of the International Court of Justice, on October 14, the French national group in the Permanent Court of Arbitration designated François Alabrune as the French candidate in the election for judges of the International Court of Justice, which will take place in November 2026.

    France supports François Alabrune’s candidacy. A former legal advisor at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs who is currently serving as France’s ambassador to the Netherlands, he has recognized expertise in international law and meets all the criteria of rigor, independence, impartiality and integrity required to carry out the duties of a judge of the International Court of Justice.

    France’s commitment to the International Court of Justice is longstanding and unwavering. The ICJ’s contribution to international peacekeeping and security is more vital than ever. Established by the UN Charter, the ICJ is the UN’s most important judicial body; its duty is to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized UN bodies and specialized agencies.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Largest Public Sector Labor Unions Unite to Get Out the Vote in Battleground States

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    SEIU, NEA, AFT and AFSCME launch joint volunteer canvassing effort two weeks before Presidential election

    WASHINGTON, DC — The presidents of the nation’s largest public service labor unions — April Verrett of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Becky Pringle of the National Education Association (NEA), Randi Weingarten of the AFT, and Lee Saunders of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) — today announced a coordinated, multi-state voter outreach initiative to turn out voters in support of Harris-Walz in key battleground states. This massive effort, launching October 19 in Detroit, underscores the impact working people will have in determining the outcome of the 2024 election. 

    Following the October 19 launch, union leaders will host a series of rallies and statewide canvasses across targeted states including two rallies featuring all four union presidents in Atlanta on October 27, and Philadelphia on November 2. Following these rallies, thousands of union member volunteers from all four organizations will engage in an intensive door-to-door canvassing campaign, connecting with potential voters on issues critical to working families. 

    This joint action represents a significant escalation of labor’s political engagement, with the unions pooling resources and mobilizing their combined membership of several million workers. 

    and includes people of all backgrounds working across the public service – as nurses, child care providers, sanitation workers, first responders, teachers, education support professionals and higher education workers, among others.

    The joint campaign aims to mobilize an unprecedented number of workers across battleground states.

    “In an election this close, it’s all going to come down to turnout,” said April Verrett, President of SEIU. “That’s why our get-out-the-vote efforts are going to make the difference. We’re going to have our members and leaders on the ground in every battleground state from now until Election Day, ensuring every voice is heard and every vote is counted.”

    “Union members are mobilizing with a new level of energy, because we know what’s at stake,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have a vision for working people that will move us forward, lower rising costs and protect our freedoms. Meanwhile, the other side wants to take away our voice on the job. That’s the choice before working people, and that’s why we’re going to make sure that we mobilize our communities to get out the vote.”

    “The 3-million strong National Education Association is proud to partner with our union siblings to ensure working families know there is only one pro-union, pro-public education ticket: the Harris-Walz ticket,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “Educators and union members across the country are fired up to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, the leaders we need to deliver a new way forward for America. Vice President Harris and Governor Walz are tireless champions for students and educators, who will work to support strong public schools, expand school-based mental health services, ensure no student is hungry, and create good union jobs for middle class families. As some of the most trusted people in every community, NEA members are knocking on doors, making phone calls, and talking to their neighbors and friends about voting for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, along with other pro-public education champions up and down the ballot.”

    “Kamala Harris and Tim Walz believe in the promise of America and will spend their time solving problems, not sowing fear, so every American can partake in that promise,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “As Donald Trump and JD Vance plan to cut taxes for billionaires, raise the retirement age and gut Medicare, Harris and Walz will crack down on price gouging, make it easier to afford a home, extend Medicare to help the Sandwich Generation and fight for public education. But it’s not just what we can gain, it’s also what we will lose with Trump and Vance: our democracy, our freedoms, our public schools, our right to have a union, a vote and a voice. Extending the ladder of opportunity or destroying it. Union members get this. And that’s why we will fight every hour of every day for the next fortnight to get out the vote to elect candidates who proudly stand for freedom, democracy and opportunity. Remember the chaos, lies and division of the Trump era? That was our dark past and we can’t let it be our future. Harris and Walz will turn the page.”

    Each union has invested significantly in GOTV programs and media outreach, across TV and streaming platforms to support the Harris-Walz ticket and worker-friendly candidates in House, Senate,gubernatorial, and other down-ballot races.

    The impact of union households on elections in key battleground states cannot be overstated. In 2020, 21% of votes cast in Michigan were from union households, representing approximately one-fifth of the electorate. The same is true for Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, where union households accounted for 18% and 13% of votes cast, respectively.

    Unions are currently enjoying a level of popularity not seen since the 1960s. This resurgence is rooted in workers’ belief in the power of collective action to transform the economy into one that works for all. As the election approaches, it’s crucial for voters to hear from real people about the issues that matter most to working families.

    By joining forces, these unions are not just amplifying their individual voices but creating a unified front to advocate for the rights and well-being of millions of workers across the nation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: MSF temporarily suspends activities in Djibo, Burkina Faso

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    Geneva – Faced with ongoing security challenges that threaten the ability to carry out activities in Djibo, Burkina Faso, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend our humanitarian response in the city. This decision prioritises the safety of our staff, and allows us to reassess working conditions, given the increasing difficulty of providing humanitarian medical assistance. MSF’s medical teams remain committed to continuing their efforts and maintaining a presence in other regions where we operate, to provide medical care to communities in need across Burkina Faso.

    MSF teams have been in close contact with local authorities, informing them of the reasons behind this suspension of activities. In November 2023 and again in July 2024, MSF offices, Ministry of Health-supported medical facilities, and water distribution sites were repeatedly targeted by gunfire. Tragically, a child was killed after being hit by a bullet near a water distribution point in September 2023.

    Four buildings still bear visible bullet holes, medical facilities have been set on fire, water distribution points vandalised, and our ability to supply the area by road has been severely restricted. These attacks have placed vital medical assistance and access to safe drinking water at serious risk for those impacted by the ongoing security crisis. As a result, we have been forced to significantly scale back our capacity to protect both patients and staff and we have now suspended activities altogether.

    This suspension comes during a particularly painful time for MSF. On 2 September, we were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of one of our team members in Djibo under unknown circumstances. A 37-year-old father of 10, he had joined MSF in 2020. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. MSF offers its deepest condolences and is working to understand the circumstances surrounding his death.

    In Burkina Faso, local communities are the primary victims of insecurity and violence. As a neutral and impartial medical organisation, our priority remains providing humanitarian medical assistance. Caught in the crossfire, people have seen their living conditions deteriorate rapidly, and humanitarian aid is essential for their survival. MSF calls for the protection of healthcare facilities, displaced people, and humanitarian missions.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Residents invited to have their say on homelessness in the city

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Monday, 21st October 2024

    A review has been launched in Stoke-on-Trent to help identify what more needs to be done to support the city’s most vulnerable residents.

    The city council is carrying out the important piece of work to help it understand the current and likely future state of homelessness in the city and identify the prevention measures which need to be in place for residents who may become homeless.

    The review forms part of the council’s ongoing commitment to support the city’s most in-need residents and ensuring everybody has a decent place to call home.

    Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “We have made some really positive progress, so much so that we are actually the best performing local authority in the West Midlands for preventing and relieving homelessness, for the fifth year in a row.

    “Despite all of our hard work, and the support from our partners, homelessness and rough sleeping have increased in the city over the years, in line with the national picture.

    “Through this review we want to develop new and innovative approaches to preventing and relieving homelessness in the city, especially focusing on residents who are at risk of experiencing the most harmful outcomes.

    “So, whether you have personal experience, know someone who has or are just interested in helping us to improve things, we would like to hear from you.”

    The Homelessness Act 2002 requires all local housing authorities to carry out a review of homelessness every five years, and use the findings to publish a strategy setting out how it will prevent and reduce homelessness and provide support to those affected by it.

    During the lifetime of the 2020-2025 Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, the city council has achieved many positive outcomes including;

    • the launch of a new Homelessness Hub in Hanley;
    • the creation of 74-new bed spaces through various rough sleeping programmes;
    • the implementation of the Changing Futures programme for people with complex needs;
    • a range of new measures to improve access to the private-rented sector;
    • the introduction of a Pre-Eviction Protocol within supported housing providers;
    • the commission of the new Homeless Healthcare Service which provides medical provision to the homeless community;
    • the recruitment of several new specialist members of staff;
    • and the award of around £20 million of funding for new rough sleeping initiatives.

    Residents are now being invited to submit their views about homelessness and rough sleeping in the city by Sunday 24 November by visiting http://www.stoke.gov.uk/homelessreview and filling in the online form.

    All of the feedback gathered from the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Review will be considered in the development of the city council’s next Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy which will be launched next year.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government appeals to all sectors of community to support seasonal influenza vaccination programmes

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Government today (October 21) appeals to all members of the public, especially priority groups, to timely receive seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV). The Government has made special arrangements to facilitate priority groups (including school children) to receive SIV through various SIV programmes.

    Latest statistics on schools joining SIV programmes

         The 2024/25 SIV Programmes started on September 26. At present, around 870 kindergartens and child care centres (80 per cent), 620 primary schools (93 per cent) and 400 secondary schools (79 per cent) have joined the SIV School Outreach Programme (SIVSOP). As of October 20, 2024, 380 schools have completed the first dose vaccination and more than 77 800 students have received SIV under School Outreach Programmes.

    Flexible arrangements on SIV school outreach vaccination services in season 2024/25

         The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has been promoting SIV in schoolchildren, particularly young children in child-care centres and kindergartens, and optimising the vaccination programmes in response to the feedback from schools and parents.

         To boost the SIV coverage rate among schoolchildren, special arrangements have been made under the SIVSOP this year to offer a more flexible choice of vaccine options for kindergartens and child-care centres. Kindergartens and child-care centres can choose to provide both injectable inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV) and live attenuated influenza vaccines (i.e. nasal vaccines) (LAIV) at the same or different outreach vaccination activities. Among the kindergartens and child-care centres participating in SIVSOP, 246 schools will offer LAIV, ten schools will offer both IIV and LAIV, and the rest will offer IIV. As a pilot scheme, LAIV is also provided to selected primary and secondary schools which indicated their preference for LAIV earlier this year. So far, two primary schools and four secondary schools have joined the pilot scheme. The Department of Health (DH) will continue to monitor and review the arrangement as appropriate.

         Alternatively, schools can also invite doctors to arrange outreach service for injectable IIV and/or nasal LAIV at their campus under the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme School Outreach.

    Ongoing promotion of SIV uptake amongst school children

         The DH has invited all schools in Hong Kong through the Education Bureau (EDB) to participate in the SIVSOP. Upon commencement of the 2024/25 SIV Programmes, the DH has reached out to non-participating schools one by one to understand their difficulties, offer necessary assistance and facilitate them to participate in the programmes. The DH has also liaised with the EDB to issue appeal letters again to the School Heads Association of Kindergartens/Child-Care Centres to promote SIV uptake amongst young children. The CHP spokesman calls on those schools that have yet to join the outreach vaccination programmes to enrol as soon as possible to seize the optimum timing for vaccination and do their part to provide the best protection for schoolchildren.

         Early childhood educators are also important points of contact with young school children and their parents. The DH has met a number of early childhood education and parent-teacher associations, as well as relevant medical associations to promote SIV among young children. The DH urges early childhood educators to join hands in appealing the parents to arrange for their children to participate in SIV, and at the same time to play their part in educating parents on the importance of vaccination to encourage more young school children to get vaccinated. With increased vaccination coverage, the protection of children could be strengthened and their risk of severe illness and death after contracting influenza could also be reduced.

         “Surveillance data up to October 20 showed a total of 34 severe paediatric influenza-associated complication and death cases as recorded by the CHP this year, which is comparable with 41 cases in the pre-COVID-19 era in 2019. Among these 34 cases, 25 (74 per cent) did not receive influenza vaccine, illustrating the importance of SIV,” a CHP spokesperson said.

         A range of health education materials on influenza prevention (including webpage, press releases, pamphlets, and FAQs) has been produced by the DH and disseminated through various channels, especially those parenting media. The DH will continue to maintain close communication with stakeholders (including doctors, schools and other relevant Government Departments). For the latest information, please refer to the CHP’s influenza page and Vaccination Schemes page.     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Industrial action affecting Perth and Kinross schools

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    We are pleased to say several schools can open tomorrow or on other days this week. Where available we are providing information for the rest of this week to help parents and carers with their plans.

    However, please note the situation at each school may change on a daily basis. We intend to provide updates at 1pm each day for parents and carers on social media and through our website. Our School closures page will also be updated every day.

    Fairview School is closed. Intensive Support Provision (ISP) is also closed unless otherwise stated. Connections is closed but Navigate will be open.

    On Tuesday October 22 all secondaries will be open but St John’s Academy (Secondary) and Community School of Auchterarder are only open to pupils in S4 and S6.
     
    Crieff High School will be able to offer ISP for senior phase pupils only.

    Breadalbane is able to provide ISP to primary and secondary pupils but ELC is only open to three and four-year-olds.
     

    Primary Schools – OPEN

    Abernyte

    Blair Atholl

    Collace

    Dunning

    Forgandenny

    Glendelvine

    Glenlyon

    Kinloch Rannoch

    Portmoak

    Ruthvenfield

    St Dominic’s

    Primary Schools PARTIALLY OPEN

    Abernethy –  primary open, ELC closed

    Aberuthven – closed Monday and Fridays but open Tuesday to Thursday

    Alyth -primary open,  ELC closed

    Arngask – primary open, ELC closed

    Auchtergaven – primary open, ELC closed

    Blackford – open to P6 and P7 only. Open to P4 and P5 on Wednesdays.

    Braco – primary open, ELC closed        

    Comrie – primary open, ELC closed

    Craigie – primary open, ELC closed

    Fossoway – open Tuesday and Wednesday only

    Guildtown – primary open, ELC closed

    Invergowrie – closed Tuesday but open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. ELC will remain closed all week.

    Kenmore – open Wednesday only

    Kinnoull – closed Tuesday, open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    Logiealmond – open Thursday and Friday only

    Luncarty – primary open,, ELC closed

    Methven – P1 and P2 only. ELC open.

    Moncreiffe – school closed ELC open

    Primary Schools CLOSED

    Balbeggie

    Burrelton

    Cleish

    Coupar Angus

    Crieff

    Dunbarney

    Goodlyburn

    Goodlyburn COPECC

    Grandtully

    Inchture

    Inch View

    Kettins

    Kinross

    Kirkmichael

    Letham

    Logierait

    Longforgan

    Milnathort

    Murthly

    Newhill

    Oakbank

    Our Lady’s

    Pitcairn

    Rattray

    Riverside

    RDM

    Royal School of Dunkeld

    St Madoe’s

    St Ninian’s Episcopal

    St Stephen’s

    Stanley

    Tulloch

    Viewlands

    Community School of Auchterarder (primary)

    St John’s Academy (primary)

    Pitlochry (primary)

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Hasta 41.000 millones de dólares de la financiación climática del Banco Mundial no aparecen en los balances

    Source: Oxfam –

    De acuerdo con un nuevo informe de Oxfam publicado hoy con motivo de las Reuniones Anuales del FMI y del Banco Mundial que se celebrarán en Washington D. C., hasta 41 000 millones de dólares de la financiación climática del Banco Mundial —cerca de un 40 % del financiamiento climático total desembolsado por la institución financiera durante los últimos siete años— no figuran en los balances debido a prácticas de registro deficientes.

    Una auditoría de Oxfam de la cartera de financiación climática del Banco Mundial de 2017-2023 ha evidenciado que se ha perdido el rastro de entre 24 000 y 41 000 millones de dólares durante el tiempo transcurrido entre la aprobación y la clausura de los proyectos.

    No hay registros públicos claros que muestren a dónde ha ido a parar este dinero o de qué forma se ha usado, de forma que es imposible evaluar su impacto. Tampoco está claro si estos fondos se han invertido en iniciativas climáticas con el objetivo de ayudar a países de renta media-baja a proteger a la población de los efectos de la crisis climática e invertir en energías limpias.

    «El Banco Mundial no pierde ocasión para alardear de los miles de millones que destina a la lucha contra la crisis climática, pero esas cifras se basan en sus planes de inversión, no en lo que realmente invierte una vez un proyecto se pone en marcha», declara Kate Donald, directora de la oficina de Oxfam Internacional en Washington D. C. «Es como pedir a tu doctora que evalúe tu dieta a partir de tu lista de la compra, sin comprobar nunca lo que realmente termina en tu nevera.»

    El Banco Mundial es el principal financiador climático multilateral, representando el 52 % del flujo total de fondos de los bancos multilaterales de desarrollo en conjunto.

    La financiación climática estará en el centro del debate en la COP29, que este año se celebrará en Azerbaiyán, y en la que los países negociarán un nuevo objetivo mundial de financiación climática: el Nuevo Objetivo Colectivo Cuantificado (NCQG, por sus siglas en inglés). Activistas de la lucha contra el cambio climático exigen que los países del norte global destinen a los países del sur global un mínimo de 5 billones de dólares anuales en financiación pública «como anticipo de su deuda climática» con sus pueblos y comunidades, dado que estos países son los menos responsables de la emergencia climática, pero los más afectados. Oxfam advierte que, en esta coyuntura crítica, la falta de trazabilidad de los gastos podría minar la confianza en los esfuerzos globales en materia de financiación climática.

    «La financiación climática es escasa y, sí, sabemos que es difícil de proveer. Pero, ¿no monitorear cómo o dónde se invierte realmente el dinero? No se trata simplemente de un descuido burocrático; es una quiebra esencial de la confianza que pone en riesgo los avances que debemos lograr en la COP29. El Banco Mundial debe actuar como si nuestro futuro dependiera de abordar la emergencia climática, porque así es», afirma Donald.

    La investigación de Oxfam revela que incluso obtener información básica sobre cómo el Banco Mundial gestiona la financiación climática fue laborioso y difícil.

    «Tuvimos que desgranar grandes cantidades de informes complejos e incompletos e, incluso entonces, los datos contenían lagunas e incoherencias. Es alarmante que esta información sea de tan difícil acceso y comprensión. No debería hacer falta un equipo de investigadores profesionales para saber cómo se están invirtiendo miles de millones de dólares destinados a la acción climática. Esta información debería ser transparente y accesible para todo el mundo, sobre todo para las comunidades a quienes tiene que beneficiar la financiación climática», señaló Donald.
     

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Spotlight on Services: UConn Health’s Respiratory Therapists

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    This week UConn Health celebrates its 33 respiratory therapists for their vital contribution to patient care.

    In the spirit of Respiratory Care Week, Oct. 20-26, here’s a first-hand account of a second-year medical student’s experience shadowing lead respiratory therapist Sherael Stephenson.

    Shadowing an RT today was a really informative experience. One of the first things I noticed was how involved RTs are across the whole hospital. We went to the ED, to med surg, to ICU floors, and there were always a handful of patients who required respiratory therapy.

    I also noticed how skilled a respiratory therapist must be to do different procedures like suctioning, tracheal interventions, ventilation equipment, oxygen machines, etc. Not only do they have to know how to operate all these machines and devices, but they also have to have a really deep understanding of respiratory physiology.

    I was really impressed by the RT today talking about arterial blood gas levels, vital signs and their specific meanings, breathing patterns etc. She was very interactive with different members of the health care team including the CNAs, nurses and physicians/providers. I watched the RTs communicate their interventions and findings with the patient-assigned nurses as well as making recommendations to physicians.

    The RT today also shared her story about how COVID heavily impacted the field, and how emotionally draining it was to work during the pandemic. I felt so much appreciation for her and the amount of lives she saved during such a tragic time.

    I did not get a chance to witness any suctioning on the floor today but I can imagine it can be really helpful for a patient who has increased secretions. While the procedure itself may be uncomfortable, the outcome of increased oxygen saturations and easier breathing is probably much appreciated by the patient.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Response and Recovery Efforts in Western North Carolina

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Response and Recovery Efforts in Western North Carolina

    Response and Recovery Efforts in Western North Carolina
    mseets

    After Hurricane Helene, North Carolina continues leading a robust response and recovery with the support of federal, local, and non-profit partners.

    Helene hit North Carolina 25 days ago as the deadliest tropical storm in the state’s history. Because Governor Cooper declared a State of Emergency Declaration before the storm hit, North Carolina National Guard soldiers, swift water rescue teams, equipment and supplies were positioned in Western North Carolina to respond as soon as the storm passed. Just as this storm was unprecedented, the response that followed has been unprecedented in its size and speed.

    Key Progress and Numbers

    Today there are approximately 5,000 customers without power down from more than one million customers just after the storm. Most of the cell phone coverage that was wiped out by the storm has been restored. The NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has opened 789 roads of the approximately 1,200 roads that were closed as a result of the storm, which is significant considering the difficulty of making repairs in a rugged, mountainous region. NCDOT currently has approximately 2,000 employees and 900 pieces of equipment working to re-open roads that remain closed. 28 of the school districts that were closed following the storm have re-opened, with 7 still closed, two of which are scheduled to re-open this week.

    North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) soldiers and other military personnel rescued 765 people with local first responders and swift water teams rescuing hundreds more. The state has confirmed 95 fatalities and there are currently approximately 26 people still unaccounted for.

    Air Drop of Supplies and Commodities

    Because road access was limited, the state, local and federal government working with nonprofits and volunteers used a system for aerial delivery of supplies and commodities like water, food and medicine. Supplies were brought into the Asheville airport by plane and then delivered to other parts of Western North Carolina by helicopter.

    At the height of this operation, more than 30 planes and helicopters and 1,200 ground vehicles were in use. More than 27 million pounds of food and water were delivered by the state and federal government, with more being brought by non-profits and charities.

    National Guard and Military

    The response to Helene was the largest and fastest integration of U.S. military soldiers with the National Guard in North Carolina history.

    More than 3,150 Soldiers and Airmen have been working in Western North Carolina in the aftermath of the storm. Joint Task Force- North Carolina, led by the North Carolina National Guard is made up of Soldiers and Airmen from 12 different states, two different XVIII Airborne Corps units from Ft. Liberty, a unit from Ft. Campbell’s 101st Airborne Division, and numerous civilian entities working side-by-side to get the much-needed help to people in Western North Carolina.

    The Army Corps of Engineers is working with local, state and federal experts, including the EPA and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), to assess damages, remove debris and repair water systems.

    More than 1,600 responders from 39 state and local agencies have performed 146 missions supporting the response and recovery efforts through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).

    FEMA

    Approximately $129 million in FEMA Individual Assistance funds so far have been paid directly to people in Western North Carolina hurt by the storm and more than 207,000 people have registered for Individual Assistance. More than 6,200 people have been able to get temporary housing through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance. More than 5,100 registrations for Small Business Administration Loans have been filed.

    Approximately 1,500 FEMA staff are in the state to help with the Western North Carolina relief effort. In addition to search and rescue and providing commodities, they have been meeting with disaster survivors in their neighborhoods and homes, in shelters, and in other areas to provide rapid access to relief resources.

    Cooper Signed Bipartisan Bill for Funding and Elections

    Just days after the storm, state legislators returned to Raleigh on October 9 to begin the process of allocating state funding for storm recovery. On October 10, Governor Cooper signed HB 149 into law as a first step in that process. In addition to initial funding, the bill also allows people in affected counties to have more options in where they return absentee ballots and gives flexibility to local election boards in impacted counties to ensure people have opportunities to vote. The 2024 election will be safe and secure, and people impacted by the storm will be able to make their voices heard.

    Governor Cooper also raised the amount of weekly unemployment payments for the thousands of people temporarily out of work. The Executive Order increasing benefits won unanimous bipartisan support from the NC Council of State.

    Misinformation and Disinformation Permeate the Response

    Governor Cooper and a bipartisan array of local, state and federal North Carolina officials have called out the intentional spread of disinformation and misinformation as detrimental to this response and recovery, leading to threats and intimidation, breeding confusion, and demoralizing storm survivors and response workers.

    On October 11, Governor Cooper responded to one of Donald Trump’s social media posts by saying, “This is a flat out lie. We’re working with all partners around the clock to get help to people. Trump’s lies and conspiracy theories have hurt the morale of first responders and people who lost everything, helped scam artists and put government and rescue workers in danger.”

    At a media briefing on October 16, Governor Cooper was asked why he believes the misinformation and disinformation have been worse after this storm compared to others. Governor Cooper explained:

    “Candidates are using people’s misery to sow chaos for their own political objectives, and it’s wrong. This is a time where we all need to pull together to help the people of Western North Carolina and it’s disappointing when candidates, knowing full well what they’re doing, are continuing this kind of disinformation filled with lies,”

    Efforts Will Continue to Ensure Long Term Recovery

    Other resources have surged into the area following the storm. $100 million in emergency funding from US Department of Transportation has been granted. NC Department of Health and Human Services, NCDEQ, Department of Motor Vehicles, NC Department of Public Instruction and many other state entities are supporting response and recovery.

    Western North Carolina has never experienced a storm like this. Recovery in mountainous terrain will require a unique, united and sustained effort that focuses on people who’ve lost everything while leaving politics at the door. With just weeks until the 2024 election, the Governor’s office urges all leaders to stick to the truth and not spread disinformation and misinformation, which only hurts the people who need help and those on the ground giving it their all to provide that help.

    ###

    Oct 21, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Thomas Tuchel: the philosophical dilemma facing the new England coach

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By John William Devine, Senior Lecturer in Ethics, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Swansea University

    As the new senior head coach of the England men’s football team, Thomas Tuchel has assumed one of the most intensely scrutinised managerial roles, not only in football, but in all of sport.

    Commentary following his appointment suggests that he should expect unprecedented scrutiny. Despite superb credentials, including coaching Chelsea to Champions League victory in 2021, Tuchel’s appointment has raised anew the question of whether English players should be managed by an English manager.

    At the press conference announcing his appointment, he apologised (only partly in jest) for holding a German passport. He is the first German to be appointed to the role. Sceptics have voiced concern about whether a “foreign” manager – particularly one from the England team’s fiercest rival – could feel the requisite passion, loyalty and determination for English success. But doubts about his commitment are only the beginning – the role of England manager involves an unenviable footballing dilemma.

    The renowned American football coach Vince Lombardi made popular the sporting mantra: “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.” On the Lombardian view, performance has no value independent of its outcome. Set aside the mastery of skills, the lessons of winning and losing, forging bonds with teammates and opponents and the simple joy of play – for him, the value of sport lies in winning – and winning alone.

    On this view, the clamour for Tuchel’s predecessor, Gareth Southgate, to depart following the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship was misguided. In reaching the final of successive European championships (2020 and 2024) and the semi-final of the World Cup in 2018, Southgate brought English men’s football to its greatest height since the World Cup-winning team of 1966.

    His team comfortably outperformed the so-called “golden generation” of David Beckham, Stephen Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney, which never progressed beyond the quarterfinals of a major tournament, playing for another foreign manager, Sven-Goran Ericksson. Judged by results alone, Southgate was a once in a generation England manager.

    However, the English public subscribed to a more demanding philosophy of football: “Winning is essential, but it is not enough.” Despite the team’s success, the public wanted more. They demanded not only victory, but style too.

    Southgate’s team played a conservative, defensively-minded brand of football. In Euro 2024, their passing wasn’t fluid and they created few chances on goal. Instead, they relied on a strong defence coupled with rare moments of attacking brilliance from individual players. Despite their success, Southgate became a lightning rod for criticism due to the uninspiring manner of his team’s victories.

    A philosophical dilemma

    The pursuit of victory in sport would seem, on the face of it, to be a simple proposition – play as well as you can and hope that this suffices to overcome your opponent. But playing to win is often less about playing well and more about ensuring that your opponent plays badly. It is less about executing your strengths and more about stifling the opposition.

    In happy circumstances, playing well and playing to win coincide. In such cases, an opponent’s strengths and weaknesses can largely be ignored. Athletes who are comfortably superior to their opposition (think Serena Williams, Simone Biles, or the All Blacks in their pomp) may have the luxury of ignoring their opponents’ performance. Such is their dominance that, if they play well, victory inevitably follows. However, for mere mortals – including the Three Lions – even a good day can be a losing day.

    This tension between playing well and playing to win is one that all athletes, of whatever level, must navigate. Tuchel now takes up the challenge of marrying these often opposed ideals – anything but victory is unacceptable and so too is anything but thrilling football.

    In contrast to the Lombardian obsession with winning, sport can also be seen as a vehicle for self-expression. Each sport presents athletes with a unique set of obstacles, constraints embedded in the rules coupled with challenges presented by opponents. How we respond to those obstacles can express something about us, both to ourselves and to others.

    Sporting competition can serve as a means of self-expression – a blank canvas on which athletes paint. We must decide how much we value sport as an avenue for proving athletic superiority and how much we value sport as an avenue to convey who we are and what we value. At its best, a national team’s style reflects a national footballing philosophy. But honouring our sporting identity may conflict with our desire to win.

    Winning at the highest level and playing to express the pure form of our footballing philosophy may be mutually exclusive goals for all but the most dominant teams. Tuchel must grasp both horns of this dilemma while persuading the public of his desire for English success.

    If the team’s results are anything but flawless, his commitment to the cause will be questioned. If the team’s style is unpleasing to the eye, he will be accused of misunderstanding England’s footballing identity. Who would envy him the task ahead?


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

    John William Devine 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. Thomas Tuchel: the philosophical dilemma facing the new England coach – https://theconversation.com/thomas-tuchel-the-philosophical-dilemma-facing-the-new-england-coach-241836

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: ASUS Announces the ExpertBook P5, its First Copilot+ PC for Work, is Now Available in Canada

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KEY POINTS

    • First ASUS Copilot+ PC for work: Powered by up to the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor (Series 2) to deliver up to 47 NPU TOPS
    • AI-powered productivity and collaboration: ASUS AI ExpertMeet automates meeting minutes, translates subtitles, offers watermarks in conference calls
    • ASUS ExpertGuardian: Includes commercial-grade BIOS, Windows 11 Secured-core PC tech, complimentary 1-year McAfee+ Premium membership

    TORONTO, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ASUS today announces that the ExpertBook P5 (P5405), a groundbreaking Copilot+ PC1 designed to empower modern professionals is now available in Canada, starting October 21st. Available through the ASUS Store, Costco, and select retailers, it comes in four configurations starting at CA$1,299.99.

    Powered by up to the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor (Series 2) with 47 NPU TOPS2, the laptop delivers up to 3X the AI performance boost compared to the previous generation. Featuring ASUS AI ExpertMeet, this AI-driven powerhouse streamlines workflows and enhances collaboration. Its sleek, durable aluminum chassis houses a stunning 2.5K 144 Hz display, delivering exceptional visuals. With a 1.29 kg3 feather-light design, robust security features, and a focus on sustainability, ExpertBook P5 is the perfect companion for on-the-go professionals seeking peak performance and efficiency.

    The future of work

    Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ExpertBook P5 boasts a premium aluminum design that seamlessly blends aesthetics and ergonomics. Despite its lightweight construction, at just 1.29 kg, P5 offers exceptional durability — meeting the exacting US MIL-STD 810H military standard. Its thoughtfully designed workspace, featuring conveniently placed function keys and a spacious mouse area, optimizes productivity and comfort during video conferences and multitasking. Engineered with the ASUS ExpertCool thermal structure, a newly-enhanced cooling design, the ExpertBook P5 ensures consistent, optimal cooling whether the lid is open or closed, guaranteeing peak performance even during extended usage. It is a productivity powerhouse designed to elevate professional performance, empowering users to achieve their full potential.

    Forwarding the ASUS commitment to sustainability, ExpertBook P5 also represents a significant advancement in sustainable technology. This intelligent product has significantly enhanced its circularity by 10% to reach 50%, utilizing Circular Transition Indicators (CTI) for performance measurement. By incorporating recycled materials and a modular design, ExpertBook P5 directly addresses the pressing issue of e-waste.

    Experience the power of AI in meetings

    ASUS ExpertBook P5 benefits from the all-new ASUS AI ExpertMeet, an on-device AI assistant that transforms meetings into productive and engaging experiences, leverages advanced AI capabilities to enhance audio, video, and collaboration features, ensuring seamless communication and capturing every important detail.

    AI ExpertMeet offers a comprehensive suite of AI-powered features to elevate every meeting experience. AI Meeting Minutes accurately captures and transcribe meetings, generating detailed summaries and identifying key points from multiple speakers. The AI Translated Subtitles feature provides translations, ensuring seamless communication across languages. Additionally, the Watermark function allows video calls to be personalized with customizable business card information and screen watermarks for added security and professionalism. All powered by on-device intelligence, personal data remains secure, allowing users to focus on ideas without privacy concerns – empower teams with the latest AI technology and unlocking the full potential of virtual collaborations.

    ASUS ExpertGuardian: the ultimate guardian for confidential data

    ASUS ExpertBook P5‘s robust security arsenal safeguards critical data. Engineered with a commercial-grade and NIST SP 800-155-compliant BIOS, it provides a foundational layer of protection against firmware attacks. Coupled with Windows 11 Secured-core PC technologies, the ExpertBook P5 creates a fortified defense against software vulnerabilities. To ensure long-term security, ASUS offers a comprehensive five-year support4 for BIOS and driver updates, safeguarding the system against emerging threats.

    Complementing this robust hardware-based security, ExpertBook P5 includes a complimentary one-year McAfee+ Premium membership. This comprehensive security suite leverages McAfee Smart AI™ for advanced threat detection, including AI-powered deepfake detection to protect against sophisticated social engineering attacks. Additionally, email scam protection provides an extra layer of defense against phishing attempts.

    ASUS Business Support

    Understanding the critical needs of modern professionals, ASUS Business Support is not merely a warranty — it’s a comprehensive service package that includes on-site repairs, dedicated technical assistance and 24/7 customer support. This robust support framework ensures that every ExpertBook user experiences minimal downtime and receives personalized solutions to their technical issues.

    AVAILABILITY & PRICING

    The ASUS ExpertBook P5 is available in 4 different configurations starting from October 21st, 2024.

    The 4 specifications are available on the ASUS Store, ranging from CA$1,299 to CA$1,799 both for B2B and B2C customers.

    The ExpertBook P5 (P5404) with an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor 226V, 512 GB M.2 PCIe® 4.0 2280 SSD, an upgradeable M.2 2230 SSD slot, 16 GB LPDDR5X-8533 RAM and Windows 11 Home is now available starting from CA$1,299 on the ASUS Store and Costco.

    An additional version with Windows 11 Pro is available on the ASUS Store and selected retailers for CA$1,399.

    The ExpertBook P5 (P5404) with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 258V, 1 TB M.2 PCIe® 4.0 2280 SSD, an upgradeable M.2 2230 SSD slot, 32 GB LPDDR5X-8533 RAM and Windows 11 Pro is now available starting from CA$1,799 on the ASUS Store and selected retailers.

    An additional version with Windows 11 Home will be available later starting from October 28th on the ASUS Store and selected retailers, starting from CA$1,699.

    Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.

    NOTES TO EDITORS

    For more product photos: https://press.asus.com/media/photos/

    ExpertBook P5 Product Page: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/for-work/expertbook/expertbook-p5-p5405/

    ExpertBook P5 ASUS Store: https://shop.asus.com/ca-en/expertbook-p5-p5405.html

    ExpertBook P5 Costco: https://www.costco.ca/asus-expertbook-p5-14-in-laptop%2c-intel-core-ultra-5-226v-%E2%80%93-16gb-ram%2c-512gb-ssd%2c-intel-arc.product.4000313261.html

    ASUS Pressroom: http://press.asus.com

    ASUS Canada Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asuscanada/

    ASUS Canada Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asus_ca

    ASUS Canada YouTube: https://ca.asus.click/youtube

    ASUS Global X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/asus

    SPECIFICATIONS5

    ASUS ExpertBook P5 (P5405)

    Model    ExpertBook P5
    P5405CSA-P73-CB    		 ExpertBook P5
    P5405CSA-DH71-CA    		 ExpertBook P5
    P5405CSA-P53-CA    		 ExpertBook P5
    P5405CSA-CH51-CB
    Compute
    platform     		   Intel® Core™ 7 Processor 258 V 32 GB 1.8
    GHz (12 MB Cache, up to 4.8 GHz, 8 cores, 8
    Threads); Intel® AI Boost NPU up to 47    		 Intel® Core™ 5 Processor 226 V 16 GB 1.6
    GHz (8 MB Cache, up to 4.5 GHz, 8 cores, 8
    Threads); Intel® AI Boost NPU up to 40″
    Graphics    Intel® Arc™ 140 V
    GPU (16GB)    		 Intel® Arc™ 140 V
    GPU (16GB)    		 Intel® Arc™ 130 V
    GPU (8GB)”    		 Intel® Arc™ 130 V
    GPU (8GB)”
    Display    14.0″ 2560 x 1600 Anti-Glare, 100% sRGB, 400 nits
    Chassis    Color: Misty Grey
    Operating
    system     		   Windows 11 Pro Windows 11 Home Windows 11 Pro Windows 11 Home
    Main memory    32 GB LPDDR5X-
    8533 MOP    		 32 GB LPDDR5X-
    8533 MOP    		 16 GB LPDDR5X-
    8533 MOP    		 16 GB LPDDR5X-
    8533 MOP
    Storage    1 x 1 TB M.2 PCIe®
     4.0 2280 SSD (Upgradeable to 2 TB)

    1 x M.2 2230 SSD, up
    to 1 TB PCIe® 4.0
    SSD User
    upgradeable

    		 1 x 1 TB M.2 PCIe®
     4.0 2280 SSD (Upgradeable to 2 TB)

    1 x M.2 2230 SSD,
    up to 1 TB PCIe® 4.0
    SSD User
    upgradeable

    		 1 x 512 GB M.2
    PCIe® 4.0 2280 SSD (Upgradeable to 2 TB)

    1 x M.2 2230 SSD,
    up to 1 TB PCIe® 4.0
    SSD User
    upgradeable

    		 1 x 512 GB M.2
    PCIe® 4.0 2280 SSD (Upgradeable to 2 TB)

    1 x M.2 2230 SSD,
    up to 1 TB PCIe® 4.0
    SSD User
    upgradeable
    Connectivity    WiFi 6E (802.11ax) (Dual band) 2*2 + Bluetooth® 5.3 Wireless Card
    Camera    1080p FHD IR camera, Webcam Shield
    I/O ports    2X Thunderbolt™ 4, USB 3.2 Gen2, support wide range 5–20 V

    1 x USB Type-A 3.2 Gen2, support BC1.2

    1 x USB Type-A 3.2 Gen2

    1 x HDMI® 2.1

    1 x Audio combo jack

    1 x Kensington® Nano lock slot
    Keyboard    Full-size keyboard with 1.5 mm key travel; backlit, spill-resistant 78 cc
    Touchpad    ASUS ErgoSense touchpad

    Smart gesture touchpad
    Silent touchpad technology
    Audio    2 x speaker

    2 x multi-array microphone with intelliGO beam forming

    Smart amp technology

    Dolby Atmos certified”
    Battery    63 Wh, 3-cell, Li-polymer
    AC adapter    65 W non-wall mount Type-C® power jack, Input : 100–240 V AC, 50 / 60 Hz universal
    Dimensions    31.2 x 22.3 x 1.645 cm
    Weight    63 Wh battery: starting at 1299 g
    Price    CA$1,799 CA$1,699 CA$1,399 CA$1,299
    Availability    October 10th, 2024 October 28th, 2024 October 10th, 2024 October 10th, 2024
    Where to Buy    ASUS Store ASUS Store ASUS Store ASUS Store
    Costco

    About ASUS

    ASUS is a global technology leader that provides the world’s most innovative and intuitive devices, components, and solutions to deliver incredible experiences that enhance the lives of people everywhere. With its team of 5,000 in-house R&D experts, the company is world-renowned for continuously reimagining today’s technologies. Consistently ranked as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies, ASUS is also committed to sustaining an incredible future. The goal is to create a net zero enterprise that helps drive the shift towards a circular economy, with a responsible supply chain creating shared value for every one of us.

    1 Copilot+ PC experiences are coming. Requires free updates available starting late November 2024. Timing varies by device and region. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs.
    2 The figures are based on theoretical performance. Actual performance may vary in real-world situations.
    3 Weight may vary according to specifications
    4 Five-year support includes but not limited to OS, BIOS, driver and security-related updates. OS and BIOS security update occurs twice a year.
    5 Specifications, content and product availability are all subject to change without notice and may differ from country to country. Actual performance may vary depending on applications, usage, environment and other factors. Full specifications are available at http://www.asus.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c90e1d1e-c22c-484f-8e7c-91a555a6f437

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Major construction completed on SR 109 in Grays Harbor County

    Source: Washington State News 2

    HOQUIAM – State Route 109 travelers saw a lot of construction over summer. After five total closures over four months between Seabrook and Hoquiam, major work to remove several fish barriers is now done. 

    “We worked very hard to complete the work as quickly and safely as possible,” said Project Engineer Ben Ford. “We’re extremely thankful for everyone’s patience and understanding during this work.”

    Removing barriers to fish under state highways is far from easy. During this important work, crews dug up the entire highway. Temporary detour routes were set up to guide travelers around each closure. 

    Workers installed large concrete structures that allow fish to swim under the highway. Once crews installed the structures, workers repaved and reopened the highway. 

    Construction crews still have some work to complete. That includes landscaping and other final details. This work will require occasional one-way alternating traffic. 

    The fish barrier removal project is a big part of the Washington State Department of Transportation’s efforts to comply with a 2013 federal court order. The order directs WSDOT to correct hundreds of outdated culverts and open hundreds of miles of habitat for salmon and steelhead.

    Real-time information on highway projects is available on the WSDOT Travel Center Map and WSDOT app. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Governments of Canada and Quebec kick off joint public consultations for Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park Expansion Project

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Governments of Canada and Quebec kick off joint public consultations for Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park Expansion Project

    October 21, 2024. – The Governments of Canada and Quebec announce that joint public consultations on the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park expansion project will be held this fall. Members of the public are invited to participate in these consultations, which are scheduled to take place from October 21 to December 13, 2024.

    These consultations are open to all interested parties. Participants will be able to learn about the project and share their opinions online beginning October 21, 2024. Members of the public will have until December 13, 2024 to express their views on the project by completing a brief online survey. Individuals or organizations who wish to submit a brief may also do so via the website.

    Five participatory events will be held in municipalities adjacent to the proposed expansion area. In each town where a consultation will take place, kiosks staffed by the marine park team will allow participants to discuss the project at their leisure and according to their areas of interest in late afternoon. An information and Q&A session will follow in the evening.

    Public participatory events:

    City                                        Location                                         Date

    Rimouski                                Théâtre du Bic                                November 4
    Rivière-du-Loup                         Hôtel Lévesque                              November 6
    Kamouraska                              Community hall                              November 7
    Saint-Irénée                                   Domaine Forget                             November 12
    Les Escoumins                              Multipurpose centre                      November 13    

    Since the announcement in March 2023 regarding their shared intention to begin working to expand the boundaries of the marine park, the two levels of government have jointly carried out targeted consultations as well as outreach with Indigenous communities in order to take into consideration scientific and local knowledge as well as the viewpoints and interests of relevant stakeholders.

    The expansion project has been presented to representatives of approximately 230 organizations, including Indigenous communities, RCMs and municipalities, business owners and NGOs on both shores of the St. Lawrence Estuary.

    These discussions have led to a proposal to expand the boundaries of the marine park. Public consultations will provide interested members of the public and organizations an opportunity to express their views on the project, especially regarding the boundaries being proposed for the expansion, the objectives pursued as well as the associated challenges and opportunities. The information gathered will allow the two governments to make a joint and well-informed decision regarding the expansion project in 2025.

    Expanding the marine park would help enhance protection for belugas, rorquals and green costal areas, in particular by including all of the beluga’s critical summer habitat in the park. The project is also an opportunity to promote discovery and educational activities related to the St. Lawrence River as well as to support the maintenance and development of a sustainable tourism offer associated with the St. Lawrence River..

                                                                                                                 -30-

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hamilton-Niagara — 6.3kg of cocaine taken off the streets after joint investigation with Brantford Police Service

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Brantford Police Service, in collaboration with RCMP Hamilton-Niagara Regional Detachment, executed search warrants at five southwestern Ontario locations resulting in three individuals from Brantford being charged.

    The searches uncovered 6.3kg of cocaine, with a street value of $170,000 and approximately $2,000,000 in Canadian currency, which has been seized as suspected proceeds of crime.

    A number of electronic communications devices were also seized. Additional arrests and charges may follow.

    Three individuals are facing charges:

    • Bhavandeep Gill (36 yrs.), Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA)
    • Vikram Kumar (23 yrs.), Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to section 5(2) of the CDSA
    • Sandeep Kaur (24 yrs.), Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to section 5(2) of the CDSA

    The individuals are scheduled to appear in Brantford Court on December 19, 2024.

    The success of this investigation was made possible through funding provided by the Ontario Government, Ministry of the Solicitor General in which the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (CISO) supported this joint force investigation.

    We would also like to thank the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), Canada’s financial intelligence unit, for its vital role in supporting this investigation. Disclosures from FINTRAC helped uncover evidence of alleged money laundering and proceeds of crime by tracing financial transactions and identifying patterns. FINTRAC’s collaboration with the RCMP facilitated the understanding of the complex financial networks involved. The investigation’s outcome underscores the importance of interagency cooperation in combating organized crime.

    “Drug trafficking has widespread and devastating effects on multiple levels. At its core, it contributes to violence and undermines public health with increased addiction rates and overdoses. Thanks to the Brantford Police Service and all of our partner agencies for the excellent collaboration which resulted in more than 6kg of cocaine taken off of our streets.” – Inspector Vance Morgan, Officer in Charge RCMP Hamilton-Niagara Detachment

    “This is another successful joint project helping to minimize the threat to our communities caused by the distribution of controlled substances, and organized criminal activity related to drug trafficking. By disrupting the operation of criminal networks, our goal is to assist our community by reducing the violence surrounding the trade of illicit substances.

    In support of the search warrants and arrests related to this project, the Brantford Police Service would like to recognize the Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario, for their continued funding and dedication in keeping communities safe in Ontario.” – Interim Chief Jason Saunders, Brantford Police Service

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Civil Engineering and Development Department highly concerned about worker at Tuen Mun Area 38 Fill Bank falling into sea

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Civil Engineering and Development Department highly concerned about worker at Tuen Mun Area 38 Fill Bank falling into sea
    Civil Engineering and Development Department highly concerned about worker at Tuen Mun Area 38 Fill Bank falling into sea
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr Michael Fong, is highly concerned about the incident happened at the Tuen Mun Area 38 Fill Bank today (October 21) in which a subcontractor’s worker fell into the sea and went missing. Mr Fong has tasked the project team to make every endeavour to facilitate the search and rescue operation of the Police and the Fire Services Department, seriously follow up on the cause of the incident and carry out a thorough review on safety measures of related work to prevent re-occurrence of similar incidents.      At around 12.30pm today, the worker concerned accidentally fell into the sea after mooring a construction vessel. After the incident, related work has been suspended immediately and the work area concerned has been fenced off. The contractor has reported the incident to the Labour Department and has contacted the family of the worker to provide assistance.

     
    Ends/Monday, October 21, 2024Issued at HKT 23:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Could new farming methods sustain life on Mars?

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Published: 21 October 2024 at 14:00

    ARU gardening expert will discuss if plants could, or should, grow on the Red Planet

    A talk at the Chelmsford Science Festival will explore research into new farming methods that could potentially grow plants on Mars – and the moral question of whether humans should cultivate another planet even if they could.

    In the 2015 film The Martian, stranded astronaut, Mark Watney, managed to grow potatoes. Recently SpaceX owner Elon Musk has spoken of a desire to set foot on Mars, and potentially colonise the Red Planet. However, the colonisation of Mars would depend on the ability to grow plants.

    During the free talk at Anglia Ruskin University’s Chelmsford campus, ARU horticulture expert Mick Lavelle will discuss some modern farming techniques, drawing on research into vertical farming being carried out at ARU Writtle, and how these could make it possible to cultivate life in hostile environments such as Mars.

    The talk, A Practical Guide to Gardening on Mars, explores the difficulties this poses and the ways it may be achieved, as well as the ethics of taking organic matter to another planet. 

    Research published in peer-reviewed journals earlier this year by ARU Writtle showed the success of vertical farming systems, using LED lighting, in stimulating growth in strawberries and in lavender, a valuable plant for essential oil production.

    These new studies show that vertical farming using artificial light is not only feasible, but can actually be more productive than traditional farming techniques. 

    The research into lavender, to be published in the November edition of the journal Industrial Crops and Products, shows that plants grown in these conditions had greater root emergence, root biomass, chlorophyll content, flower bud emergence, and a higher root-to-shoot ratio compared to lavender crops growing in glasshouses under normal lighting conditions.

    Another study, published in June, found that certain LED lighting conditions stimulated flower bud emergence in strawberries more than four times more effectively than a control group. LED lighting also appeared to stimulate more chlorophyll content – a crucial element in plant growth because it enables plants to absorb the energy from light.

    Mick will also examine whether the desire of wealthy individuals to create life on another planet, and the willingness to strive for it, should be a cue to being better at solving sustainability issues and food production on Earth.

    Mick, Senior Lecturer in Landscape Management at ARU Writtle, said:

    “Mars has an allure to the super-rich due to the hostility of the planet and its reputation through films and science, not to mention the challenge of achieving something that was previously thought impossible – bringing life to Mars.

    “Some new farming techniques do mean this is theoretically possible, and I will draw on our research here at ARU Writtle during the talk.

    “Whether we could grow plants on Mars is a seductive question, but the bigger one is, should we? With climate change already ravaging the developing world and millions of people going hungry, perhaps our desire and willingness to use new scientific techniques to cultivate another planet could be better put to use closer to home.”

    The talk will take place at ARU’s Chelmsford campus on Thursday, 24 October from 7.30pm until 9pm. It is free to attend, but places must be booked by visiting https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-practical-guide-to-gardening-on-mars-tickets-1027968420217 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl and Attempting To Support ISIS

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, also known as ISIS.

    On three occasions in 2019, JASON BROWN provided $500 in cash to an individual with the understanding that the money would be wired to an ISIS soldier engaged in terrorist activity in Syria.  Unbeknownst to Brown, the individual to whom he provided the money was confidentially working with law enforcement, and the purported ISIS fighter was actually an undercover law enforcement officer.

    Also in 2019, Brown trafficked fentanyl and other drugs from California to the Chicago suburbs and illegally possessed several loaded handguns in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.

    Brown, 42, of Lombard, Ill., pleaded guilty last year to one count of attempting to provide material support to ISIS, one count of distributing fentanyl, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  U.S. District Judge Mary M. Rowland imposed the sentence on Oct. 16, 2024, during a hearing in federal court in Chicago. Brown has been in law enforcement custody since his arrest in 2019.

    The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Matthew G. Olsen, Assistant Attorney General for National Security at the U.S. Department of Justice, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office, and Larry Snelling, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.  Substantial assistance was provided by the Illinois State Police, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, Lombard, Ill. Police Department, Addison, Ill. Police Department, and FBI Field Offices in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and San Diego.  The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn McCarthy of the Northern District of Illinois and S. Elisa Poteat, Trial Attorney from the Justice Department’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Countdown begins to Christmas in Leicester

    Source: City of Leicester

    SIXTEEN THOUSAND festive lights will start going up in Leicester this week as the countdown to Christmas begins.

    Ahead of this year’s big switch-on event on Wednesday 20 November, the city council’s lighting team will be dressing the city centre with 16,000 low-energy lamps to illuminate the city throughout the festive season.

    Town Hall Square and around 20 city centre streets will be decorated, in a process taking about four weeks, with work being carried out early in the morning and at weekends to minimise disruption.

    The lights going up are just the first sign of the Christmas treats ahead. In the second week of November, a mighty 15m Christmas tree will be delivered from the Kielder Forest in Northumberland, to take pride of place at the Clock Tower.

    A flurry of Christmas trees and the traditional nativity scene will be installed in Town Hall Square. Plus, new for 2024 will be a new Christmas lighting installation to animate the square.

    The huge 35m-high Wheel of Light will also return to illuminate Jubilee Square, from Friday 8 November until the new year – alongside the city’s popular all-weather real ice rink, which will arrive at Jubilee Square from Thursday 5 December.

    Another new addition for 2024, on Gallowtree Gate, is the introduction of a Christmas Market – the perfect place for treats, gifts and warming festive food. The market will run from 14 November until 29 December.

    Leicester’s Christmas lights switch-on kicks off from 5pm on Wednesday 20 November, with activities taking place at key locations across the city.

    On the Haymarket balcony, BBC Radio Leicester presenter Ady Dayman will be hosting proceedings with The Apprentice star and DJ, Virdi Singh Mazaria. And at switch-on moment – around 6.30pm – they will be joined for the countdown by Divina De Campo, runner-up of RuPaul’s Drag Race and Wicked Queen of this year’s panto, Snow White, at De Montfort Hall, plus Jack Ballard, the panto dame!

    Further attractions on the night will include a funfair on Humberstone Gate, plus a 15-piece nutcracker marching band that will lead a trail through the city to switch-on events at the Haymarket Shopping Centre, Highcross and St Martins.

    If you’re watching from Town Hall Square – a quieter space from which to watch the lights go on – you’ll be the first to see the new illuminations in the square, plus you can listen to traditional brass bands and choirs, which will perform from 5pm–8pm.

    Assistant city mayor for culture, Cllr Vi Dempster, said: “Our lighting team is working hard to make sure that Leicester looks magical in time for our big switch-on. It’s always a great event, with thousands of people flocking into the city centre and lots going on to help everyone get into the festive spirit.

    “Leicester has so much to offer, so whether you want to get your shopping done, celebrate with family and friends, or enjoy festive attractions like our ice rink, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Christmas.”

    Tickets for the ice rink are on sale via the Christmas In Leicester website.  Tickets for Snow White are available at demontforthall.co.uk

    Full details of everything going on over the festive season are available at christmasinleicester.co.uk

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Trial Jury Convicts New Orleans Men for Using Stash House for Methamphetamine, Heroin, Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy and Being Felons in Possession of Firearms

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

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – A federal jury convicted TERENCE WILSON (“WILSON”), age 42, and TRAVIS ENCLADE (“ENCLADE”), age 42, both of New Orleans,  on October 9, 2024 for using a stash location in the 3500 block of Encampment Street in New Orleans to conspire to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl and, for being felons in possession of firearms.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, WILSON and ENCLADE conspired together, and with others, to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl from August 2022 through October 12, 2022.  During this time, WILSON and ENCLADE engaged in multiple, near daily, hand-to-hand transactions with drug customers in the Hollygrove area. 

    In September 2022, law enforcement identified a residence being used by WILSON and ENCLADE as a stash house.  Both WILSON and ENCLADE regularly made short trips to the stash house, indicative of drug activities, and possessed access  keys.  When law enforcement executed a search warrant at the stash house, they seized over 534 grams of heroin and fentanyl, over 120 grams of fentanyl, and 363 grams of mostly pure methamphetamine.  Law enforcement also seized a Diamondback Model DB9, multicaliber pistol, a Palmetto State Armory Model PA-X9, multicaliber pistol and drug paraphernalia, including, vacuum seal bags, a plastic mixer bottle containing a brownish residue, digital scales with suspected drug residue, a mechanical press used to compress drugs into kilogram shaped packages for distribution, and bags of brown sugar, used as a cutting agent. 

    During a separate search of ENCLADE’s residence, law enforcement seized a stolen Ruger Model 57, 5.7 x 28-millimeter pistol.

    In Count 1, the jury convicted WILSON and ENCLADE of conspiracy to distribute and, possess with intent to distribute, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, and 100 grams or more of heroin mixture.  With respect to Count 2, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture and, 100 grams or more of a heroin mixture, the jury found WILSON guilty and ENCLADE not guilty.  The jury convicted WILSON and ENCLADE of being felons in possession of firearms in Counts 3 and 4.  The jury found WILSON and ENCLADE not guilty on Count 5, which charged possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    For both Counts 1 and 2, WILSON faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, at least 5 years of supervised release.  For Count 1, ENCLADE faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, at least 5 years of supervised release. For being a felon in possession of firearms, WILSON and ENCLADE each face up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release. Additionally, for each count of conviction, both WILSON and ENCLADE face payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  Sentencing is set for January 21, 2025.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    This prosecution is also 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.

    The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Orleans Division, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Response Team, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Special Response Team, the New Orleans Police Department, the Louisiana State Police, the Slidell Police Department, the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, and the Thibodeaux Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Rachal Cassagne and André Jones of the Narcotics Unit are in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Finding solutions for women and gender diverse people’s top health priorities

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    News release

    $13.7 million investment will support 24 health research projects

    October 21, 2024 | Ottawa, Ontario | Canadian Institutes of Health Research

    For decades, the health of women and gender diverse people has been under-researched, leading to disparities in health outcomes, gaps in access to care and too many instances of mis- and under-diagnosis. The National Women’s Health Research Initiative (NWHRI), led by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and supported by Women and Gender Equality Canada, has been working to change that, with a focus on evidence-based solutions that will directly improve women’s and gender diverse people’s access to and experience within the health care system.

    Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced that the Government of Canada, through the NWHRI, is investing $13.7M to support 24 research projects that will delve into under-researched areas of women’s and gender diverse people’s health, including endometriosis, women’s heart health, intimate partner violence, mental health, access to safe abortion and more.

    This funding will help research teams tackle important issues such as developing and rapidly adopting screening measures for endometriosis in women and gender diverse youth in Canada, implementing highly efficient, evidence-informed treatment for youth with eating disorders and closing the gap in health disparities in rural, remote and northern Indigenous communities.

    Quotes

    “I am proud to see great science finding solutions for the broadest range of health issues facing women and gender diverse people. What makes this research even more important is that the topics were identified by women as their health research priorities.”

    The Honourable Mark Holland
    Minister of Health

    “The National Women’s Health Research Initiative is about more than addressing gaps in women’s and gender diverse people’s health—it’s a commitment to advancing gender equality in Canada. By fostering talent development, supporting diverse researchers, and driving systemic change, this initiative ensures better health outcomes for all and strengthens the future of scientific research.”

    The Honourable Marci Ien
    Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth

    “When it comes to improving health outcomes and access to health care, what women and gender diverse communities need are real-world, evidence-based solutions. That’s exactly what these 24 projects are delivering.”

    Dr. Angela Kaida
    Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Gender and Health

    Quick facts

    • Women and gender diverse people have been historically under-represented in medical research, such as clinical trials.

    • The purpose of this funding is to support innovative applied health research to address implementation gaps and advance real-world solutions that improve access to health care and ultimately improve health outcomes for women, girls and gender diverse people across Canada.

    • Translational research refers to projects focused on expediting the development and adoption of new health care diagnostics, therapeutics and medical devices for the benefit of women, girls, and gender diverse people within the health care system.

    • Health care implementation science refers to projects focused on scaling up promising practices for removing barriers and improving access to health care.

    • The initiative goes beyond the sex and gender binary and welcomes the experiences and needs of all people who identify as a woman, girl, intersex, and/or an under-represented gender identity, including, but not limited to, Two-Spirit, trans, non-binary, gender fluid and agender people.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    Matthew Kronberg
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Honourable Mark Holland
    Minister of Health
    343-552-5654

    Media Relations
    Canadian Institutes of Health Research
    mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

    At the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) we know that research has the power to change lives. As Canada’s health research investment agency, we collaborate with partners and researchers to support the discoveries and innovations that improve our health and strengthen our health care system.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The 2026 Commonwealth Games will create an economic model that allows smaller nations to step up and host

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gayle McPherson, Chair in Events and Cultural Policy, and Director of the Research Centre for Culture, Sport and Events, University of the West of Scotland

    The tension was palpable as we waited to see if Glasgow would rescue the Commonwealth Games for 2026. After the Australian state of Victoria pulled out, the eyes of the Commonwealth turned to Scotland.

    Glasgow delivered a hugely successful event in 2014, raising questions about whether a future games there could match that success. I was part of the bid team as the cultural advisor for Glasgow 2014 and went on to conduct research on the impact of the games on sustainable community participation for people with a disability. So I understand the positive impact the games had for Scotland.

    My work over the past couple of decades has examined the social impact of mega sports events and their role as agents for change, specifically disability rights, social inclusion, and peace and diplomacy. In other words, considering whether major sport events truly serve as a force for good as it’s often argued they do. If this is indeed the case, why shouldn’t smaller Commonwealth nations benefit from hosting the games?

    Experts often criticise the economic and social impact of major sporting events, but others argue for the social value these events can bring to communities long after they have left town.

    My research team conducted a survey on perceptions of the impact of the Glasgow 2014 games that revealed overwhelming support for their lasting impact on the city and Scotland.

    The results showed that 75% of respondents believed the games increased civic and national pride, boosted Glasgow and Scotland’s chances of securing future events, enhanced their international reputation, and, as often attested, strengthened the nation’s soft power. Scotland ranks second (behind Quebec) out of ten similar territories for overall soft power, and third for sport.

    Amid a rise in the Bric countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) using sport in soft power terms, other nations have sought to be part of this too. The Commonwealth Games is increasingly being used as a vehicle for positive change and regional soft power.



    Read more:
    Glasgow’s 2026 Commonwealth Games needs to showcase an affordable and socially beneficial way of hosting sporting events

    There has been a rise in emerging states running mega sports events, often wealthy illiberal nations such as China and Qatar. However, what about the smaller nations in the Commonwealth? Only two – Malaysia and Jamaica – have ever hosted the Commonwealth Games, and the only other nation outside of Australia, Canada, UK and New Zealand to do so is India.

    Glasgow is offering a new model that will create a legacy not only for Scotland, but for many other smaller nations in the Commonwealth. The games are known as the “Friendly Games” – it’s a community that is known for three core values: humanity, equality and destiny.

    The family of nations

    The African nations form a significant part of the Commonwealth sports movement, so shouldn’t we expect the model that Glasgow is developing to be transferable, ensuring that sport can serve a common good? An environmentally sustainable approach would use facilities and networks already in place to help developing nations, which already suffer disproportionately in terms of climate and environmental risks.

    Under this model, venues and infrastructure are already in place. The event is athlete-focused, with competitors staying in hotels as opposed to a purpose-built athlete village, and transport needs minimised through walking or the use of team buses. The 2026 Glasgow event could serve as a blueprint for a sustainable approach to games delivery, inspiring nations such as Ghana, which already has the necessary venues and infrastructure to take on future Commonwealth Games.

    With just ten sports across four venues, Glasgow 2026 has thought differently about delivery and digital broadcast. This is the only fully integrated games, hosting para competition at the same time as able-bodied events. This too will help smaller nations’ para-athletes, who often do not get a chance to compete internationally.

    The Commonwealth is made up of 56 independent countries and the Commonwealth Games Federation consists of 72 member nations and territories. Gabon and Togo joined the Commonwealth in 2022, neither of which had previous ties to the British empire or other Commonwealth states, demonstrating that some countries still want to be part of a wider family.

    Given 19 African countries have Commonwealth Games Associations, we could well see one of these take the baton in future. The Ghanaian sports minister made it clear that after hosting a successful African Games in 2024, he believed the next step would be the Commonwealth Games.

    The recent African Games in Ghana’s capital Accra held athletics in a stadium that seats 11,000 spectators, while the World Athletics Championships in 2022 used the University of Oregon’s temporary stadium that seated 13,000. Commonwealth Games Scotland realised that, for 2026, Glasgow could host athletics at an existing stadium in the city with an upgrade to facilities that would provide seating for 11,000.

    Ghana and Scotland are learning from each other to lay a path for smaller nations to host future games. The Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022 contributed £1.2 billion to the UK economy and £79.5 million in social value. This is possible for small nations too.

    Glasgow 2026 can create a different legacy for the Commonwealth Games; one that is built on inclusion, diversity and sustainability and which incorporates the culture, values and pride of the Commonwealth. The time is right to offer a new approach to event delivery that offers other smaller nations the chance to benefit from sport as a force for good.

    Professor Gayle McPherson receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and Sport Canada and has previously received funding from the Peter Harrison Foundation and Observatory for Sport in Scotland.

    – ref. The 2026 Commonwealth Games will create an economic model that allows smaller nations to step up and host – https://theconversation.com/the-2026-commonwealth-games-will-create-an-economic-model-that-allows-smaller-nations-to-step-up-and-host-241059

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: AI is just one of the thorny issues facing photography – here’s how the industry can prioritise ethics

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Savannah Dodd, Postdoctoral research fellow, Centre for Creative Ethnography, Queen’s University Belfast

    Photography is an immensely powerful medium. Unlike paintings or drawings, photographs have long been connected to ideas of truth and used as evidence, shaping our understanding of the world. When it comes to journalism, photographs have been shown to have a greater impact than the written word alone – in fact, the lead image of a news article can alter how a reader interprets the text.

    But right now the industry is having a crisis of conscience, and the past few years have seen a surge in online debate about ethics, as concerns have been raised about photographic practices across a wide range of industries, from fashion advertising to charity fundraising.

    These concerns have extended to the news media, which has drawn criticism for the one-dimensional representation of certain communities, for example that of black men and Afghan women, which is exacerbated by inconsistent standards applied to publishing images of suffering.

    This article is part of our State of the Arts series. These articles tackle the challenges of the arts and heritage industry – and celebrate the wins, too.

    While questions of image ethics are not new, this crisis is only deepening with the exponential growth in the production and use of AI-generated images.

    It is often difficult to differentiate between photographs and photo-realistic AI-generated images, and the lines between the two are being increasingly blurred as AI images are sold on picture library platforms and used by advocacy campaigns for charities. AI images are now being used in the campaign for the upcoming US election, perhaps most famously with an AI image of Taylor Swift endorsing Donald Trump.

    Despite the ongoing discussion about photography ethics, practice is sometimes slower to change. This can create a tension between those who espouse more traditional approaches to photography, and those who are critiquing those approaches. This is contributing to polarisation within the industry and a growing uncertainty about how we can use photography ethically today.

    As an anthropologist who teaches visual media ethics, I am interested in how professional photographers think about and practise ethics in their work. This year, as part of my research into this topic, I analysed 48 interviews I conducted between 2020 and 2023 with people working in photography.

    These interviews focused particularly on the perspectives of professionals, including those whose voices have often been marginalised within the industry. This includes black photographers, photographers of colour, photographers in the global south, disabled photographers and female photographers. All of these interviews are publicly available online.

    Lessons in self-reflection

    In each interview, I asked: “What does photography ethics mean to you?” Through analysing their responses, I have distilled eight key lessons about photography ethics. From foundational ideas about the power of photography to practical advice about personal biases, collaboration, asking for consent and building trust, these lessons can help to foster a deeper understanding of the ethical considerations in photography.

    One of the threads that runs through many of these lessons is the importance of self-reflection. Photographers speak about engaging in self-reflection to understand their own motivations for telling a certain story through photography, as well as their own personal perspective in relation to the stories they tell. Photographer Kirsty Mackay says:

    I think looking at the objective and your own reasons for documenting a subject is really, really important. What we see, quite often, is middle-class photographers making a story about working-class people, not really to raise awareness of an issue, but really for themselves, and for their own ego, and to elevate their status within photography.

    Self-reflection can help photographers to better understand how their perspective shapes the way they tell visual stories by identifying their underlying assumptions and unconscious biases. As photographer and academic Dr Tara Pixley explains: “In your career as a photographer … you’re going to tell hundreds of stories, but the first story you have to tell to yourself is the one about you.”

    While self-reflection is important for mining our motivations and mitigating our biases, it cannot achieve objectivity. Despite long-held beliefs in the objectivity of photography, there is a growing recognition within the industry that we all see the world through our own lens, subjectively. This is why we need a diversity of photographers.

    Additionally, no amount of self-reflection can substitute knowledge and understanding of the people, places and topics we are photographing. Photographers like Taha Ahmad stress the importance of research in their practice. He explains that doing research can help photographers to “have a better understanding of the kind of work they are going to produce and what impact the work could make when it is out in front of the world”.

    Despite its limitations, self-reflection is critical for the future of the photography industry. Photography ethics are changing as the world changes. This may mean that past practice does not match up with the current ethical standards. This may also mean that we respond to ethical issues differently today than we might have in the past. The key is to learn from our past experiences to inform our practice in the future.

    The lessons identified by this report should not be understood as guidelines or rules, nor are they comprehensive. Instead, they are intended to help inform how we think about photographs, the photographic process and photography ethics – and, perhaps, they can help us to navigate the current crisis of conscience felt across the photography industry.


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

    Savannah Dodd is the founder and director of the Photography Ethics Centre. She receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

    – ref. AI is just one of the thorny issues facing photography – here’s how the industry can prioritise ethics – https://theconversation.com/ai-is-just-one-of-the-thorny-issues-facing-photography-heres-how-the-industry-can-prioritise-ethics-241148

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What is it like to be a prison officer in the UK?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Kaigan Carrie, PhD Candidate in Criminology, University of Westminster

    When prison officers are in the news, it’s rarely for a positive reason. Recent headlines have included officers smuggling contraband into prisons, or having inappropriate relationships with prisoners. It’s little wonder that the many prison officers who only want to do a good job feel undervalued. We don’t often hear about the ones saving lives on the wings.

    Prison officers get a bad reputation. Research suggests that the public think they are power-hungry disciplinarians with questionable morals. It doesn’t help that a record high 165 staff in England and Wales were dismissed for misconduct in the past year.

    But what is it like to be a prison officer in the UK today? I talk to prison officers in Scotland and Finland for my own PhD research and I regularly interview prison officers around the world for my podcast, Evolving Prisons.

    Prison officers wear many hats. They’re mentors, firefighters and first-aiders. Officers themselves have likened their job to that of a parent. Sometimes they’re teaching a prisoner how to read, helping with job applications and sometimes they’re just having a conversation which might help someone change their thinking. Prison officers are the cornerstone of the prison system.

    This is why it is so concerning that prisons in England and Wales are chronically understaffed. More than 13% of prison officers left His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service in the 12 months prior to June 30 2024. And 32% of the remaining officers have less than two years’ service, which puts them at risk due to their inexperience.

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    This understaffing means that prisoners spend longer in their cells, as there are fewer opportunities for them during the day. This, coupled with unprecedented overcrowding, creates a “pressure cooker” environment which results in higher rates of violence and an increase in staff assaults.

    One officer, who has worked in UK prisons for three decades, said it’s like going through a meat grinder and living each day in fear.

    A 2023 study by the House of Commons justice committee surveyed 5,113 prison officers (about 25% of the total officer workforce). The results found a staggering 50% of them do not feel safe in the prison they work in.

    The Ministry of Justice revealed that, in the 12 months to March 2024, the rate of assaults on staff in prisons in England and Wales increased by 24% from the year before, totalling 9,847 assaults. Working in a job where you are exposed to violence regularly has a negative impact on your physical and mental health.

    Physical and mental health toll

    Prison officers are in constant contact with people deemed too dangerous to be in society. As a result of this and the lack of resources available to them to do their job, they’re found to experience elevated rates of stress and burnout. They are also at heightened risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

    In addition to the stress-related risks, working in a prison carries other environmental hazards that have both physical and mental effects.

    For example, the use of the synthetic drug “spice”, a psychoactive substance, is prevalent in prisons around the UK and prison officers are at risk from inhaling the fumes. The symptoms are wide-ranging from one officer telling me it made her believe she had six fingers, to another being hospitalised and left with long-term health problems. Earlier this year, five prison officers were taken to hospital after a curry made for them by prisoners was suspected to have been spiked with spice.

    Hypervigilance is common in prison officers and manifests as a way to keep themselves safe. However, research found it can negatively affect their sleep and their relationships, and it can psychologically fatigue officers. Some research suggests that some officers may help prisoners commit crime as a result of burnout, due to feeling a lack of motivation and dedication to the job.

    Prison officers can also experience “moral injury”, a form of psychological trauma that can occur when someone acts against deeply held beliefs, as they find themselves going against their internal beliefs in their work. One officer told me, when working with female prisoners who had previously been victims of domestic abuse, that she felt she had replaced their perpetrator and was further traumatising them by telling them when they could shower, eat and leave their cell.

    Prison officers witness a lot of trauma such as self-harm, suicide attempts and violence. Little research exists into rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among serving prison officers in the UK. However, a 2018 study in the US found prison officers have PTSD rates six times higher than the general population.

    It’s clear that UK prison officers have been struggling with their mental health. One in eight took sick days for mental health reasons in 2022.

    A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said recently that the department will “get a grip on the situation … and make our prisons safer for hard-working staff.”

    But until that happens, the country’s prisons remain in a state of disarray. And prison officers are the people being asked to hold them together, while putting their own health and wellbeing on the line.

    Kaigan Carrie 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. What is it like to be a prison officer in the UK? – https://theconversation.com/what-is-it-like-to-be-a-prison-officer-in-the-uk-241596

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why does Donald Trump tell such blatant lies?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Geoff Beattie, Professor of Psychology, Edge Hill University

    When it comes to lying in politics, Donald Trump is in a class of his own. According to the Washington Post, he made 30,573 false or misleading claims in his four years as president, increasing year-on-year from six per day in his first year to 39 per day in his fourth.

    Although other presidents have lied to the public, none have lied like this. Some of Trump’s lies are trivial, and many are self-aggrandising (“Nobody builds better walls than me”). Then there are his more egregious lies, like the one about the 2020 presidential election being “stolen” – demonstrably and dangerously contrary to the facts, with serious consequences for the nation and public trust.

    And these lies can cut through. Research by political scientists Kevin Arceneaux and Roy Truex found that this “big lie” about the stolen election was very “sticky”. Around 50% of Republican voters believed it, regardless of any emerging contrary evidence. The researchers also found that belief in this lie boosted Republican supporters’ self-esteem – as they weren’t “losers” after all.

    Politicians who lie can gain a strategic advantage. If you can successfully embellish the truth or construct a new reality, this often tends to be more interesting and engaging than the complicated truth. The truth may be a bit dull and uninspiring; the lie can be whatever you want it to be. You know what your audience wants to hear.

    Politicians know that lying is part of our everyday lives. Research in psychology using lie diaries tells us that people lie on average twice a day. Many are harmless “white” lies told for the benefit of others, but some are not so harmless and told for the benefit of the liar themselves.

    Some people get significant pleasure from telling such self-centred lies. Psychologists call this “duping delight”. It confuses the recipient of the lie, who expects to detect signs of guilt or anxiety. Instead, all they see is a faint smile of satisfaction. The liar gets away with it – that smile could mean anything.

    Who likes lying?

    Certain types of personality are drawn to telling these sorts of lies, including those with little empathy, such as narcissists and psychopaths. They don’t care about the consequences for the recipient; it’s all about them.

    People typically start lying early in life – between two and three years of age. Charles Darwin observed this in his own son.

    And the ability to lie improves as our cognitive abilities develop. Like any skill, we get better at it with practice. While many adults still feel guilt when they don’t tell the truth, some politicians don’t appear to feel any guilt, shame or sadness at telling a lie.

    Donald Trump claimed falsely that immigrants in Ohio were eating cats and dogs.

    Telling a big lie

    Politics was once thought of as an art. It was political philosopher Nicolo Machiavelli who, in 1532, wrote: “Those princes who have done great things … have known how to circumvent the intellect of men by craft.” Part of that craft was lying. Machiavelli argued that rulers should do whatever it takes to retain power, and this could include “being a great dissembler”.

    Politicians can lie by omission and by exaggeration – but sometimes, like Trump, they tell outright “big lies”. This term was introduced by Adolf Hitler in Mein Kampf, and the concept of the big lie was used by the Nazis to justify persecution of the Jews.

    A big lie is often defined as “a deliberate gross distortion of the truth used especially as a propaganda tactic”. These have, it is argued, the power to disrupt society.

    Political historian Timothy Snyder accused Trump of using the big lie technique in his denial of the 2020 election result.

    To work, according to Hitler, big lies must also be able “to awaken the imagination of the public through an appeal to their feelings”. They are not aimed at our rational selves, but our unconscious and emotional selves.

    Trump saying that immigrants are eating the dogs and cats in Springfield, Ohio, is not appealing to our rational system. It’s providing us with a vivid image, and trying to affect our emotional and unconscious system.

    As the sociobiologist Robert Trivers has pointed out, lying can give you a clear evolutionary advantage. Status, wealth and achievements are important in that great evolutionary battle, the survival of the genes – that’s why people (including Trump) lie about them. But Trivers says self-deceit can also be evolutionarily advantageous, because if you can convince yourself then it makes you more convincing to others, and therefore more effective.

    Perhaps Trump managed to convince himself that they really were eating the dogs and cats in Springfield. Or perhaps he thought to himself: “Plant the emotional image, that’s all you need for the faithful.”

    Attractive fictions might well engage us and sweep us along but, as Shakespeare suggested in the Merchant of Venice, many people hope the “truth will out” eventually. The last few months of the US election campaign suggest this may not always be true.

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

    – ref. Why does Donald Trump tell such blatant lies? – https://theconversation.com/why-does-donald-trump-tell-such-blatant-lies-241192

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –