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Category: Canada

  • MIL-OSI Global: Population explosions and declines are related to the stability of the economy and the environment

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ken G. Drouillard, Professor, Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research and Director of the School of the Environment, University of Windsor

    A country’s population is affected by, and in turn affects, environmental and economic issues. (Shutterstock)

    For 200 years, we’ve been warned of unchecked population growth and how it leads to environmental instability. On the other hand, today some countries face decreasing populations, alongside increasing proportions of elderly people, causing economic instability.

    These two facets of population crises — explosions and declines — are occurring in different parts of the world, and have a global impact on the environment and on economies. Discussions about achieving economic and environmental sustainability must consider population changes, technology and the environment, given these concepts are closely interwoven.

    Population explosions and declines are related to both environmental and economic instability; some countries make reactionary choices that trade off short-term domestic economic progress over the environment.

    The crisis of population explosions

    In 1798, English economist Thomas Malthus warned of a population explosion, inferring that population growth will outstrip agricultural production. Malthus’s ideas became re-popularized by American scientist Paul R. Ehrlich in his book published at the height of population growth in the 1960s. Both predicted that a population explosion would cause shortages in resources and escalating environmental damage.

    Like Malthus, Ehrlich was criticized for a crisis “that never happened” because human ingenuity, a byproduct of population, overcomes the worst fears of environmentalists. This counter-argument relies on technological advances making more efficient use of resources while lowering the environmental impacts.

    This is best exemplified by efficiency gains of agriculture that have continued to feed a growing world. Ehrlich’s predictions of cumulative environmental damage are best illustrated by the growing intensity of climate change and species loss as the global population continues to grow even though the current growth rate is slower than it was in the 1960s.

    A graph reflecting how population growth, species diversity and global temperature correlate over time.
    (K. Drouillard), CC BY

    Unified growth theory describes how economies change over the long term. It starts with a period of slow technological progress, low income growth and high population growth. Over time, these conditions give way to a modern growth phase, where technology improves quickly, income rises steadily and population growth slows as societies go through a demographic transition towards stable population sizes.

    Technological progress positively contributes to national economies over the long term. However, early adoption of green technology often relies on finance and government incentives that may imply short-term economic burdens. Yet when green technology is implemented and coupled to slowing population growth, it leads to decreasing national environmental footprints that pave a way towards joint environmental and economic sustainability.

    The crisis of population declines

    Declining populations cause inverted age pyramids with larger numbers of elderly people. These shifting demographics cause economic instability. They also constrain technological progress and social security.

    Population declines work against the gains described by unified growth theory. Presently, 63 countries have reached their peak population and 48 more are expected to peak within 30 years. Fears of population decline are also being forecast at the global scale.

    The global population is predicted to peak between the mid-2060s to 2100, stabilizing at 10.2 billion from its present 8.2 billion.

    In their book, Empty Planet, political scientist Darrell Bricker and political commentator John Ibbitson warn that zero population growth will happen even faster. They argue once a country decreases its fertility to below replacement (2.1 children per woman), the social reinforcements of increasing urbanization, costs of raising children and increased empowerment over family planning make it almost impossible to increase the birth rate.

    For highly affluent countries, the per capita GDP is decreasing as the proportion of elderly in the population increases. Although this pattern doesn’t hold when less affluent countries are added, the figure demonstrates tangible economic impacts for countries grappling with aging populations.

    A graph showing the percentage of elderly people in a country’s population, correlated with GDP and adjusted for inflation.
    (K. Drouillard), CC BY

    Simultaneous explosions and declines

    Affluent nations facing decline can react to economic instability in ways that counter global economic and environmental sustainability.

    In the past, affluent nations were the drivers of green technology. However, economic instability from population declines can cause reluctance to invest, adopt and share green technology crucial for mitigating environmental damage at the global scale.

    The issue is compounded by the fact that many countries overlook how their own decline in population growth contributes to economic instability. They instead focus on short-term solutions to their economic situation that may include unsustainable resource use.

    Left unaddressed, the real issue of population decline becomes unresolved, allowing social anxieties against immigration and global trade to grow. This can exacerbate the issue halting technology sharing, slowing economic growth and increasing economic inequality and environmental damage.

    The above is exemplified by policies now being implemented by the United States. Where immigration was previously used as a backstop against low fertility, growing cultural backlash to immigration pressures rooted in anxiety about economic uncertainties have generated new policies causing the deportation of millions of immigrants and closing borders. This will most likely accelerate a population decline in the U.S., as highlighted by a Congressional Budget Office report.

    At the same time, the U.S. is shifting its energy policy away from increased shares of renewable, green energy sources back to a focus on fossil fuels that will worsen climate damage.

    Climate damage costs are currently two per cent of global GDP, and may increase to between two to 21 per cent of some countries’ incomes by the end of the century. The growing applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and its high energy use will add to climate damage. AI may also contribute to the economic challenges related to population decline if it replaces, rather than supports, labour.

    Finally, tariff wars add new barriers against green technology sharing.

    Canada’s lowered immigration

    Canada, which already has a low fertility rate and is reacting to the U.S. trade war, has its own challenges. This year, immigration targets were decreased by 19 per cent. The lack of support for and subsequent removal of the carbon tax and possible extension of pipeline infrastructure could generate similar delays in the transition away from fossil fuels.



    Read more:
    Who really killed Canada’s carbon tax? Friends and foes alike

    In the most recent federal election, discussions about environmental policy were largely side-tracked by economic issues.

    Our research indicates that Canada and other affluent nations need to establish longer-term solutions to economic instabilities that mitigate environmental damage while promoting sustainable national and global economies.

    The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals offer pathways for economic, social and environmental sustainability. However, realizing these goals requires society to fully acknowledge the intertwined relationships between population growth, economy, environment and international technology-sharing in ways that transcend short-term national interests and reactionary policies.

    The past decade has seen strong momentum from social and natural sciences as well as international organizations, business and civil society. Unfortunately, the current climate of economic uncertainty is halting this progress — unless the public can force broader discussions about sustainable approaches back into the political sphere.

    Ken G. Drouillard receives funding from Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Canadian Water Agency, Environment and Climate Change Canada, St. Clair River Conservation Authority and North Shore of Lake Superior Remedial Action Plans.

    Claudio N. Verani receives/has received funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), U.S. Department of Energy (DoE), Petroleum Research Fund (ACS-PRF), and the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

    Marcelo Arbex has received funding from University of Windsor UW-SSHRC Explore.

    – ref. Population explosions and declines are related to the stability of the economy and the environment – https://theconversation.com/population-explosions-and-declines-are-related-to-the-stability-of-the-economy-and-the-environment-253302

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Colossal Bioscience’s attempt to de-extinct the dire wolf is a dangerously deceptive publicity stunt

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By David Coltman, Professor, Western University

    Colossal Biosciences, a Texas-based biotech company, made headlines this April after falsely claiming to resurrect the extinct dire wolf. The company presents this as a breakthrough for conservation biology. However, our team of conservation geneticists at the University of Western Ontario — along with many other academics views it as a dangerous deception.



    Read more:
    ‘Return’ of the dire wolf is an impressive feat of genetic engineering, not a reversal of extinction

    Colossal’s so-called dire wolf is not a resurrected species. It’s a genetically modified grey wolf. Its creation is a publicity stunt designed to generate profit, with serious consequences.

    TIME reports on claims that Colossal Biosciences has brought back the dire wolf.

    Jenga approach to conservation

    Conservation aims to safeguard ecosystems by preserving the networks of interaction between animals and their environment. Human activity has caused widespread habitat loss, driving extinction rates to levels estimated to be about 1,000 times higher than the natural background rate. We are living through a biodiversity crisis, and conservation remains our only real defence against further declines.

    Colossal proposes de-extinction to combat this crisis, using a Jenga-block metaphor to explain their approach. The ecosystem is a Jenga tower, with each species representing a block — and losing a species weakens the structure, pushing it closer to collapse. Colossal Biosciences proposes that inserting a de-extinct species where a block was lost could help restore ecosystem stability and prevent collapse.

    The premise isn’t entirely flawed; in some cases, introducing an animal into an unstable ecosystem to fill a lost ecological role can help restore balance. This is similar to reintroducing a species to an area where it once lived, which is a well-established conservation strategy.

    Conservation and cloning

    Likewise, cloning technology has the potential to aid in meaningful conservation projects. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has successfully used the technology to help restore the black-footed ferret, a species once considered extinct.

    Every year scientists release 150 to 200 black-footed ferrets into their native habitat, with cloned individuals and their future offspring expected to strengthen the species’ chances of survival.

    The flaw in Colossal’s plan is that the animals they focus on — Ice Age megafauna like the mammoth and dire wolf — no longer belong to any modern ecosystem. Most of the species they once interacted with disappeared, along with their habitats, roughly 10,000 years ago.

    These synthetic animals are the wrong shape for our unstable Jenga tower. Forcing them into the gap might make the ecosystem more likely to collapse.

    ‘Frankensheep’: A cautionary tale

    A warning tale of misused cloning technology comes from Montana rancher Arthur Schubarth, who illegally cloned hybrid bighorn sheep — “Frankensheep” — for trophy hunting. His operation not only exploited endangered species for profit, but also triggered outbreaks of infectious disease, demonstrating the risks that unchecked cloning technology poses to wildlife and ecosystems.

    One of the most damaging aspects of Colossal’s announcement is the perpetuation of a decades-old myth that technology will save us. It would be comforting to believe we can genetically engineer our way out of the current biodiversity crisis, but that is not our reality.

    Introducing Ice Age animals would have unpredictable and potentially damaging consequences. And even if we focused on more suitable animals — those whose ecosystems still exist and could benefit from de-extinction — we could never keep pace with the current rate of biodiversity loss.

    Colossal’s de-extinction project also doesn’t tackle the forces driving extinction like climate change, habitat loss, exploitation, pollution and invasive species.

    That’s not the story Colossal wants the public to understand. They brand themselves as leaders in conservation to sell content — catchy memes, viral videos, photoshoots with Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin and banter with Elon Musk about his future pet woolly mammoth.

    Concerning implications

    Valued at US$10.2 billion, Colossal is now contacting zoos about putting its pups on display.

    The Toronto Zoo and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums have issued warnings against participating in the development or display of de-extinct animals. Still, some zoos may jump at the opportunity to boost ticket sales by offering the public a glimpse of this sci-fi spectacle.

    As Colossal profits from marketing its greenwashed construct and hints at the creation of “Pleistocene Parks,” it is still unclear what this technology really means for the future of conservation.

    Worse still, the de-extinction myth provides a guise for undermining habitat protection.

    U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has already cited Colossal’s announcement as justification for weakening the Endangered Species Act.

    Proposed changes to the act would give industrial activities greater freedom to destroy the habitats endangered species depend on — at a time when habitat loss remains the leading threat to species. A project marketed to rescue biodiversity could, instead, help speed up its decay.

    We are deeply concerned about the implications of Colossal’s announcement, but we hope this moment drives more public interest and funding toward the difficult and less glamorous work that needs to be done to protect habitat and conserve biodiversity. The fanfare around Colossal’s genetic engineering feat should not distract from the global biodiversity crisis, which remains truly dire.

    David Coltman receives funding from NSERC, Genome Canada and Ontario Genomics.

    Carson Mitchell, Liam Alastair Wayde Carter, and Tommy Galfano do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Colossal Bioscience’s attempt to de-extinct the dire wolf is a dangerously deceptive publicity stunt – https://theconversation.com/colossal-biosciences-attempt-to-de-extinct-the-dire-wolf-is-a-dangerously-deceptive-publicity-stunt-255046

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Pieridae Energy Changes Name to Cavvy Energy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Not For Distribution to United States News Wire Services or Dissemination in United States

    CALGARY, Alberta, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cavvy Energy Ltd. (formerly Pieridae Energy Limited) (“Cavvy” or the “Company”) (TSX:PEA) is pleased to announce that the Company has changed its name from Pieridae Energy Limited to Cavvy Energy Ltd., effective May 9, 2025.

    The Company first announced its intention to change its name on March 27, 2025 and obtained shareholder approval for the name change at the Company’s Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders (the “Meeting”) held on May 8, 2025. The Company received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) in respect of the name change and expects that its common shares will begin trading on the TSX under the new name and the ticker symbol “CVVY” as of the open of markets on May 13, 2025.

    Following the name change, the Company also completed the previously announced continuance out of the federal jurisdiction of Canada under the Canada Business Corporations Act and into the provincial jurisdiction of Alberta under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) (the “ABCA”), effective May 9, 2025. As a result of the continuance, the Company now exists under and is governed by the ABCA. Additionally, in connection with the continuance, the Company has adopted new by-laws under the ABCA. The continuance, including the adoption of the new by-laws in connection therewith, was approved by shareholders at the Meeting.

    No action is required to be taken by the Company’s shareholders in respect of the name change or the continuance. The Certificate and Articles of Amendment effecting the name change, Certificate and Articles of Continuance effecting the continuance and new by-laws of the Company are available on the Company’s website and under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

    About Cavvy Energy

    Cavvy Energy is a Canadian energy company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. The Company is a significant upstream producer and midstream custom processor of natural gas, NGLs, condensate, and sulphur from Western Canada. Cavvy’s vision is to provide responsible, affordable natural gas and derived products to meet society’s energy security needs.

    For further information, visit www.cavvyenergy.com, or please contact:

    Darcy Reding, President & Chief Executive Officer Adam Gray, Chief Financial Officer
    Telephone: (403) 261-5900 Telephone: (403) 261-5900
       

    Investor Relations
    investors@cavvyenergy.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain of the statements contained herein may constitute “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively “forward-looking statements”), including the Company’s expectation that its common shares will begin trading under the new name and stock symbol “CVVY” on the TSX on May 13, 2025. Words such as “will”, “intend”, “expect”, “vision”, “strategy” and similar expressions may be used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management.

    Forward-looking statements are based on a number of factors and assumptions which have been used to develop such forward-looking statements, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although Cavvy believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because Cavvy can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. A number of risk factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. For more information about the assumptions and risks associated with the forward-looking statements contained herein, see “Forward Looking Information” and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024 and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information” in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024, each of which can be accessed through the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Although the forward-looking statements contained herein are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, management cannot assure that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and Cavvy assumes no obligation to update or review them to reflect new events or circumstances except as required by applicable securities laws.

    Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sprott Physical Uranium Trust Raises US$25.55 Million Through Non-Brokered Private Placement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sprott Inc. (NYSE/TSX: SII) (“Sprott”) on behalf of the Sprott Physical Uranium Trust (TSX: U.UN) (TSX: U.U) (“SPUT” or the “Trust”) today announced that SPUT has completed a US$25.55 million non-brokered private placement of trust units. The proceeds are expected to be used to cover general operating expenses of the Trust for the next year.

    “We launched SPUT with the objective of providing investors with the most liquid and efficient way to invest in physical uranium,” said John Ciampaglia, CEO of Sprott Asset Management. “Since the Trust was launched in 2021, it has purchased approximately 48 million pounds of U3O8 and not sold or loaned out a single pound. I would like to take this opportunity to strongly reiterate that SPUT has the tools, including this private placement, to deliver on its intention not to sell any of the physical uranium that SPUT holds on behalf of thousands of investors. Sprott Asset Management participated in this placement alongside the subscribers and we thank all our unitholders for their continued support of SPUT.”

    Key SPUT Statistics Pro Forma for the Offering:

    • World’s largest physical uranium fund1
    • 66.2 million pounds of physical uranium in U3O8 form
    • US$31.4 million of net cash
    • Net asset value of US$4.64 billion
    • Storage locations in Canada, the United States and France

    About Sprott

    Sprott is a global asset manager focused on precious metals and critical materials investments. We are specialists. We believe our in-depth knowledge, experience and relationships separate us from the generalists. Our investment strategies include Exchange Listed Products, Managed Equities and Private Strategies. Sprott has offices in Toronto, New York, Connecticut and California and the company’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “SII”. For more information, please visit www.sprott.com.

    About SPUT

    Important information about SPUT, including its investment objectives and strategies, applicable management fees, and expenses, can be found on its website at www.sprott.com. Commissions, management fees, or other charges and expenses may be associated with investing in the Trust. The performance of the Trust is not guaranteed, its value changes frequently and past performance is not an indication of future results.

    Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (“forward looking statements”). Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, the intended use of proceeds and the Trust’s intentions with respect to the sale of physical uranium. With respect to the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, the Trust has made numerous assumptions regarding, among other things: the uranium and nuclear energy market. While the Trust considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, market and social uncertainties and contingencies. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors that could cause the Trust’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. A discussion of risks and uncertainties facing the Trust appears in the Trust’s continuous disclosure filings, which are available at www.sedarplus.ca. All forward-looking statements herein are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Trust disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statements or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.

    Investor Contact:

    Glen Williams
    Senior Managing Partner
    Investor and Institutional Client Relations
    Direct: 416-943-4394
    gwilliams@sprott.com

    ________________________
    1     Based on Morningstar’s universe of listed commodity funds. Data as of 12/31/2024.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes Northisle Copper and Gold Inc. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced Northisle Copper and Gold Inc. (TSX-V: NCX; OTCQX: NTCPF), a Vancouver-based sustainable mineral resource company, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. Northisle Copper and Gold Inc. upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink® market.

    Northisle Copper and Gold Inc. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “NTCPF.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    Upgrading to the OTCQX Market is an important step for companies seeking to provide transparent trading for their U.S. investors. For companies listed on a qualified international exchange, streamlined market standards enable them to utilize their home market reporting to make their information available in the U.S. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

    Sam Lee, President & CEO of Northisle, commented: “We are excited to begin trading on OTCQX, which will provide greater accessibility and visibility for Northisle among U.S. investors as we continue advancing our compelling North Island copper-gold project. With a recently completed PEA outlining a C$2.0 billion after-tax NPV and a 29% IRR, and a 2025 exploration program already underway targeting higher-margin zones and new porphyry centers, Northisle is at an inflection point. Our focus on responsible development, stakeholder engagement, and district-scale opportunity in a tier-one jurisdiction positions us to deliver long-term value. We look forward to welcoming new shareholders to participate in this exciting phase of growth.”

    About Northisle Copper and Gold Inc.
    Northisle Copper and Gold Inc. is a Vancouver-based company whose mission is to become Canada’s leading sustainable mineral resource company for the future. Northisle, through its 100% owned subsidiary North Island Mining Corp., owns the North Island Project, which is one of the most promising copper and gold porphyry projects in Canada. The North Island Project is located near Port Hardy, British Columbia on a more than 34,000-hectare block of mineral titles 100% owned by Northisle stretching 50 kilometers northwest from the now closed Island Copper Mine operated by BHP Billiton. Since 2021, the Company has discovered two significant deposits, expanded resources, demonstrated the economic potential of the project, and is now focused on accelerating the advancement of this compelling project while exploring within this highly prospective land package.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market and Pink® Open Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN, OTC Link NQB, and MOON ATSTM are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government announces confirmed Chair and Board appointments to the S4C Board

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Government announces confirmed Chair and Board appointments to the S4C Board

    Delyth Evans is confirmed as the new Chair of S4C. Denise Lewis Poulton is reappointed and five new appointments have been made to the Board.

    Delyth Evan

    Delyth Evans’ term as Chair commenced on 1 May 2025 and will last for 4 years. Delyth Evans appeared before the Welsh Affairs Committee on Wednesday 23rd April for pre- appointment scrutiny. The Committee published their report on Friday 25 April, endorsing the appointment. The Government’s response to the Committee’s report was published on 30 April 2025. 

    This process for appointing the Chair of S4C is set out in the Broadcasting Act 1990.    

    Ministers were assisted in their decision-making by an Advisory Assessment Panel which included a departmental official and a senior independent panel member approved by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The Welsh Government and UK Government Wales office were also represented on the Panel. 

    Delyth has declared she worked as a speechwriter for John Smith MP, Leader of the Labour Party between 1992-94. She worked as a special adviser to Alun Michael, First Minister of the Welsh Assembly between 1999-2000. She became a Member of the Welsh Assembly, representing the Mid and West Wales constituency for the Labour Party, between 2000-2003. She stood as a Labour Parliamentary Candidate for the Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Constituency at the 2015 General Election. She has not undertaken any political activity since 2015.

    Denise Lewis Poulton is reappointed to the Board

    Denise is an experienced non-executive director, trustee and senior advisor to private, public and third sector bodies. She specialises in strategic communications, brand and corporate affairs. She spent her corporate career primarily as a senior director at international telecommunications companies such as Bell Canada plc, Cable & Wireless Communications plc and Orange plc. She went on to set up a consultancy business advising a number of cultural, media and public sector organisations including the Welsh Government, The Senedd S4C and the Millennium Centre in Cardiff.

    Denise is a Trustee of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Heritage Memorial Fund and Chair of the Wales Committee. She has also chaired the NLHF’s Grant-in-Aid programme on behalf of Welsh Government. She has served as a Trustee and Non-Executive Director with several charitable and national cultural organisations including The Welsh National Opera, the Hay Literary Festival and The Wallace Collection in London. She is an Honorary Lifetime Fellow of BAFTA.

    Five new Board Members have been appointed to the Board of S4C

    William Dyfrig Davies

    William Dyfrig Davies is an experienced leader in the Welsh media industry with 30 years of experience in radio, television, and digital content creation. Starting as a researcher, he was trained as Director, Producer, Executive Producer, and ultimately Managing Director of Telesgop Independent Media Company before retiring earlier this year. Davies played a key role in TAC (Independent TV Production Association) for many years, serving as Chair for over three years. His extensive expertise in the Welsh production sector equips him to tackle the challenges faced by industry professionals. He is experienced in dealing with broadcasters, politicians and industry leaders. He chaired the Urdd, the youth movement of Wales, where he honed skills in guiding organizations through strategic changes during the covid pandemic. He remains a trustee and believes strongly in promoting opportunities for the youth of Wales. 

    A strong advocate for S4C’s independence, Dyfrig Davies  believes in its vital role in promoting Welsh language, culture, and the economy. His interests lie in Welsh culture and sports. Recently, he returned to his roots to support family businesses in west Wales.

    William Dyfrig Davies declared he has canvassed in the past on behalf of Plaid Cymru for county council/local authority, Senedd and Parliament elections, but not for at least 10 years.

    Dr Gwennllian Lansdown-Davies

    Dr Gwenllian Lansdown Davies is originally from Bangor but now lives with her husband and four children in Llanerfyl, Powys.  After being elected to represent Riverside on Cardiff County Council in 2004, she worked as Office Manager for Leanne Wood MS in the Rhondda before being appointed Plaid Cymru’s Chief Executive in 2007. After working for the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol at Aberystwyth University, she became Chief Executive of Mudiad Meithrin (a voluntary organisation and main provider and enabler of Welsh- medium early years childcare and education in the voluntary sector with over 1000 settings all over the country) in 2014.

    Gwenllian is on the Board of the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research and the National Lottery Fund in Wales and volunteers at her local Cylch Meithrin on the committee as the RI.

    Dr Gwenllian Lansdown Davies declared she obtained office as a Plaid Cymru Councillor (2004-2011), Stood as a candidate for Plaid Cymru where she stood for the last time in 2008 as Councillor and MEP and has spoken on behalf of the Plaid Cymru CEO until 2011.  She has acted as a political agent for the Plaid Cymru CEO until 2011 and was a branch official. She has also canvassed on behalf of the party until 2011.

    Catryn Ramasut

    Catryn Ramasut is a strategic leader and entrepreneurial media practitioner with over 25 years of experience in the creative industries and arts organisations. A Cardiff-born, Welsh-speaking woman of mixed heritage, she brings a unique perspective to Wales’s cultural landscape. Catryn co-founded and served as Managing Director of award-winning ie ie productions, producing acclaimed films like “American Interior” and “Rockfield: The Studio on the Farm,” alongside critically recognised television content. Recently, she co-produced “Brides,” which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

    She represents Wales on the DCMS Creative Industries Council, was the inaugural Chair of Creative Wales, Welsh Government and a board member of Chapter Arts Centre. Catryn has recently been appointed Director of Arts at Arts Council of Wales, where she provides strategic leadership across the sector. Committed to revitalising Wales’s creative industries, Catryn combines cultural sensitivity with strategic innovation to develop a forward-thinking vision that embraces diversity, nurtures talent, and showcases Welsh creativity on the international stage.

    Catryn has declared she has applied independently but has no other political activity.

    Wyn Innes

    Wyn is a Chartered Accountant, who trained with Grant Thornton and Price Waterhouse with over 30 years experience working in both the Public and Private Sectors. He is currently Chief Financial Officer and Board Director of Ogi, Wales’s largest independent full fibre broadband business.

    Previously Wyn worked in both London and Cardiff in executive, financial and commercial roles. He was Managing Director of S4C’s commercial companies for 7 years. This included being CEO of SDN, a Digital Television Multiplex Company which he oversaw the sale of to ITV. Wyn was born in Cardiff and attended Bryntaf Cardiff’s only Welsh language Primary school at the time, and Ysgol Gyfun Llanhari. He is passionate about extending the role of the Welsh language and sees S4C as having a pivotal role in this endeavour. Married with three grown up children, in his spare time he enjoys playing cricket, golf and running whenever he can.

    Wyn Innes declared he has undertaken no political activity.

    Betsan Powys

    Betsan Powys was, for nearly three decades, a BBC journalist, a news and current affairs reporter and for some years, a member of the ITV Wales Current Affairs team. She won BT and BAFTA Wales journalism awards and became part of the prestigious BBC Panorama reporting team, before returning to Cardiff to cover the impact of devolution as BBC Wales Political Editor. She was responsible for leading BBC Wales’ election and referendum broadcasting for many years, appearing regularly on both network television and radio. Betsan became Editor of Welsh language radio and online services and subsequently, a BBC Wales board member. For some years now she’s been working as a freelance and is proud to have been honoured with fellowships of Aberystwyth University and the Radio Academy.

    Betsan Powys has declared she has undertaken no political activity.

    Notes to Editors

    • S4C (Sianel Pedwar Cymru, meaning “Channel 4 Wales”) is a British Welsh-language free-to-air television channel. 
    • The Chair of S4C is remunerated at £40,000 per annum and the time commitment will be equivalent to an average of two days a week.  
    • The Board members of S4C are remunerated at £9,650 per annum and the time commitment is on average of one day a week.The Broadcasting Act sets out how the Chair will be appointed.  
    • These appointments have been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
    • DCMS has around 400 regulated Public Appointment roles across 42 Public Bodies including Arts Council England, Theatres Trust, the National Gallery, UK Sport and the Gambling Commission. We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom.  To find out more about Public Appointments or to apply visit the HM Government Public Appointments Website.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Hut 8 Subsidiary American Bitcoin Announces Go-Public Transaction

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hut 8 Corp. (Nasdaq | TSX: HUT) (“Hut 8” or the “Company”), an energy infrastructure platform integrating power, digital infrastructure, and compute at scale to fuel next-generation, energy-intensive use cases such as Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing, today announced that its majority-owned subsidiary, American Bitcoin, has entered into a definitive merger agreement to go public with Gryphon Digital Mining, Inc. (Nasdaq: GRYP) (“Gryphon”) pursuant to which Gryphon will acquire American Bitcoin in a stock-for-stock merger transaction.

    Upon closing, the combined company will operate under the American Bitcoin brand, led by the American Bitcoin board of directors, including Mike Ho, Asher Genoot, Justin Mateen, and Michael Broukhim, and management team, including Mike Ho, Matt Prusak, and Eric Trump. The combined company is expected to trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “ABTC.” The transaction is expected to close as early as Q3 2025.

    “This transaction marks the next step in scaling American Bitcoin as a purpose-built vehicle for low-cost Bitcoin accumulation at scale,” said Asher Genoot, CEO of Hut 8. “By taking American Bitcoin public, we expect to unlock direct access to dedicated growth capital independent of Hut 8’s balance sheet, while preserving long-term exposure to Bitcoin upside for our shareholders.”

    Existing stockholders of American Bitcoin are expected to own approximately 98% of the combined company. Immediately following the completion of the transaction, the Company will beneficially own a majority of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the combined company.

    Following the transaction, Hut 8 will continue to serve as American Bitcoin’s exclusive infrastructure and operations partner through a series of long-term commercial agreements expected to generate stable, contracted revenue streams in Hut 8’s Power and Digital Infrastructure segments.

    Additional Transaction Information

    American Bitcoin has made available on its website a presentation with additional information concerning the transaction.

    Supplemental Materials and Upcoming Communications

    For important news and information regarding the Company, including investor presentations and timing of future investor conferences, visit the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, https://hut8.com/investors, and its social media accounts, including on X and LinkedIn. The Company uses its website and social media accounts as primary channels for disclosing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information.

    About Hut 8 

    Hut 8 Corp. is an energy infrastructure platform integrating power, digital infrastructure, and compute at scale to fuel next-generation, energy-intensive use cases such as Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing. We take a power-first, innovation-driven approach to developing, commercializing, and operating the critical infrastructure that underpins the breakthrough technologies of today and tomorrow. Our platform spans 1,020 megawatts of energy capacity under management across 15 sites in the United States and Canada: five Bitcoin mining, hosting, and Managed Services sites in Alberta, New York, and Texas, five high performance computing data centers in British Columbia and Ontario, four power generation assets in Ontario, and one non-operational site in Alberta. For more information, visit www.hut8.com and follow us on X at @Hut8Corp.

    About American Bitcoin

    American Bitcoin is a Bitcoin accumulation platform focused on building American’s Bitcoin infrastructure backbone. A majority-owned subsidiary of Hut 8, the company combines Hut 8’s proven mining operations, cost-efficient infrastructure development capabilities, and disciplined approach to capital allocation with Eric Trump’s commercial acumen, capital markets expertise, and commitment to the advancement of decentralized financial systems. For more information, visit www.americanbtc.com and follow the company on X at @AmericanBTC.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward–Looking Information

    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder, which statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Examples of forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the structure, timing, and completion of the proposed transaction between American Bitcoin and Gryphon, the combined company’s listing on Nasdaq after the closing of the proposed transaction, the expected management and board of directors of the combined company, American Bitcoin’s capital markets access, Hut 8’s ability to preserve long-term exposure to Bitcoin upside for its shareholders, Hut 8’s ownership interest in the combined company, Hut 8’s exclusive provision of infrastructure and operations services to American Bitcoin, and the vision, goals, and trajectory of American Bitcoin and the combined company.

    Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact, but instead represent management’s expectations, estimates, and projections regarding future events based on certain material factors and assumptions at the time the statement was made. While considered reasonable by Hut 8 as of the date of this press release, such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of one or both of the parties to terminate the merger agreement; the possibility that the proposed transaction does not close when expected or at all because the conditions to closing are not satisfied on a timely basis or at all, including the failure to timely obtain stockholder approval for the proposed transaction from Gryphon’s stockholders, if at all; risks related to Gryphon’s continued listing on Nasdaq until closing of the proposed transaction; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against American Bitcoin, Gryphon, or the combined company; the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction to the parties or to Hut 8 are not realized when expected or at all; the possibility that the vision, goals, and trajectory of the combined company are not timely achieved or realized or achieved or realized at all; the possibility that the integration of the two companies may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; the possibility that the proposed transaction may be more expensive or take longer to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; the diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; changes in Gryphon’s stock price before closing; and other factors that may affect future results of American Bitcoin, Gryphon, or the combined company. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described above can be found in Gryphon’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and other documents subsequently filed by Gryphon with the Securities Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and in the Company’s recent and upcoming annual and quarterly reports and other continuous disclosure documents, which are available under the Company’s EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov and SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Additional Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find It

    This press release relates to a proposed transaction between American Bitcoin and Gryphon. In connection with the proposed transaction, Gryphon intends to file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement) to register the Class A common stock to be issued by Gryphon in connection with the proposed transaction. The Registration Statement will include a proxy statement of Gryphon and a prospectus of Gryphon (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”), and each of American Bitcoin and Gryphon may file with the SEC other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction. After the Registration Statement is declared effective, the definitive Proxy Statement/Prospectus will be sent to the stockholders of Gryphon to seek their approval of the proposed transaction. This press release is not a substitute for the Registration Statement, the Proxy Statement/Prospectus or any other relevant documents that American Bitcoin or Gryphon has filed or will file with the SEC. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF GRYPHON ARE URGED TO CAREFULLY AND ENTIRELY READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT AMERICAN BITCOIN, GRYPHON, THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION, AND RELATED MATTERS.

    A copy of the Registration Statement, Proxy Statement/Prospectus, as well as other relevant documents filed by American Bitcoin and Gryphon with the SEC, may be obtained free of charge, when they become available, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You will also be able to obtain these documents free of charge, when they are available, by directing a request to Gryphon’s Investor Relations department at 646-755-7412 or emailing James@HaydenIR.com. The information on the Company’s, American Bitcoin’s, or Gryphon’s respective websites is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this communication or incorporated into other filings either company makes with the SEC.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    American Bitcoin, Gryphon and certain of their respective directors, executive officers, and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of Gryphon, their ownership of Gryphon common stock, and Gryphon’s transactions with related persons is set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as filed with the SEC on March 31, 2025, the definitive proxy statement for Gryphon’s 2024 annual meeting of stockholders, as filed with the SEC on August 7, 2024, the definitive proxy statement for Gryphon’s 2025 special meeting of stockholders, as filed with the SEC on April 21, 2025, and other documents that may be filed from time to time with the SEC. Additional information about the directors and executive officers of American Bitcoin and Gryphon and other persons who may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of stockholders of Gryphon in connection with the proposed transaction and a description of their direct and indirect interests will be included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus related to the proposed transaction or other relevant materials, which will be filed with the SEC. These documents may be obtained free of charge, when they become available, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and from Gryphon using the sources indicated above.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities or the solicitation of any proxy, vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act, or in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    Hut 8 Corp. Investor Relations
    Sue Ennis
    ir@hut8.com

    Hut 8 Corp. Public Relations
    Gautier Lemyze-Young
    media@hut8.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Enwave Announces Expansion of Energy from Waste District Heating Facility in Prince Edward Island, Avoiding Landfill for Nearly 90% of the Black Cart Residential Waste in Province

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enwave Energy Corporation (Enwave) has announced today the commitment to build a new waste processing facility in Prince Edward Island, beginning this fall. The facility will be in operation by 2028 and will replace the existing end-of-life system. Enwave, in partnership with the Province of Prince Edward Island, has proudly undertaken this expansion to address the growing need to identify sustainable waste solutions in the province.

    The existing district energy plant converts municipal solid waste and biomass — scrap wood from forest harvesting operations — to energy and provides that energy to its customers through the interconnected district energy network. After nearly thirty years of operation, the plant is approaching end-of-life and will be replaced with the new, expanded facility. Since 2017, the Province of Prince Edward Island and Enwave have collaborated on this project with a united goal to reduce waste and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions at a time when sustainable waste solutions are needed more than ever.

    This new, state-of-the-art facility is capable of processing 90% of the province’s total black cart residential waste, significantly reducing landfill waste. The expansion of this critical facility will significantly replace the use of fuel oil for heating while providing further reliability and redundancy to more than 145 connected buildings in Charlottetown, the province’s capital city, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the University of Prince Edward Island, schools and residences. Enwave’s district energy system has a proven track record as a reliable and critical source of energy in the province, having maintained uninterrupted operations to critical customers during recent natural phenomena such as hurricanes Juan, Dorian and Fiona, as well as during the hurricane-strength blizzard, White Juan, in 2004.

    Rendering of Enwave’s new waste processing facility in Prince Edward Island, anticipated to be in operation by 2028 to replace the existing end-of-life system.

    Enwave brings more than thirty years of experience in advanced Waste-to-Energy systems to the project, a proven path to avoiding landfill waste and reducing GHG emissions. Through this expansion, the annual impact of avoiding landfill by using up to 49,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste for heating will amount to GHG savings of up to 908,000 tonnes of CO2e by 2052, equivalent to taking 278,000 cars off the road.

    Leveraging Waste-to-Energy technology provides a real solution and tangible option for communities around the country to reduce the need for additional landfills and help to meet carbon emission reduction targets. With global waste forecasted to increase 70% by 2050, this project is a testament to scalable and sustainable pathways that directly address concerns of rising waste.

    “We are very grateful for the support and confidence of the government of PEI and the people of this province, enabling us to make this long-term commitment as a critical energy partner,” says Carlyle Coutinho, CEO of Enwave Energy Corporation. “The eight-year journey to get to this point has seen many hurdles, however both Enwave and the province have remained committed to making this expansion a reality. This project is an example of how governments and private companies can work together to achieve long-term, sustainable solutions at scale through a shared purpose, creating a better world for today and generations to come.”

    “Waste to Energy technology is a great example of a sustainable, innovative solution to meeting PEI’s energy needs,” says PEI Environment, Energy and Climate Action Minister Gilles Arsenault. “This expansion helps us continue to minimize energy costs for important provincial buildings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As an added benefit, using this waste for energy helps us extend the life of our existing landfill.”

    Enwave’s expansion of the waste processing facility and operations will nearly double existing waste processing capacity while directly aligning with Charlottetown’s Vision for a Sustainable Energy Future by transitioning to renewable clean energy and incorporating sustainable innovation and technology.

    “The CIB is proud to be a part of this project given the important role it will play in modernizing the city’s district energy system, ensuring affordable and clean energy supply to more than 145 connected buildings in the Charlottetown core,” says Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank.

    The new waste processing facility expansion is supported financially by the Canadian Infrastructure Bank through an aggregate facility of $600M supporting innovative energy projects across Enwave’s portfolio, including Lakeview Village in Mississauga, Ontario (Wastewater Heat Recovery technology), Etobicoke Civic Centre in Toronto (Geo-exchange technology), and this project in PEI (Waste-to-Energy technology).

    Enwave has worked closely alongside key partners that are critical to the success of the PEI expansion project, including Maple Reindeers Constructors Ltd., Marco Group, Ramboll Group A/S, Coles Associates Ltd., Stantec, Martin GmbH, ANDRITZ TEP, LAB SA and Kone Cranes Canada Inc.

    A ceremony announcing the official groundbreaking of the new waste processing facility will take place in the fall of 2025.

    About Enwave

    Enwave is one of the largest commercial owner and operators of community-based district energy systems in North America. They develop reliable, commercial and sustainable energy solutions at scale, tailored to the unique needs of municipalities, commercial developments, universities, hospitals, data centres and residential communities. Enwave provides thermal energy services to over 100 million square feet of mixed-use space across Canada using a variety of technologies including Deep Lake Water Cooling, thermal storage, geoexchange, biomass and energy-from-waste. Enwave was acquired by Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan & IFM Investors in 2021. Since its founding over 20 years ago, Enwave has invested over $1 billion in Canadian infrastructure.

    https://www.enwave.com

    For more information, interview requests or high-res images please contact:

    Katie Good, GoodPR
    katie@goodpr.ca
    (416) 540-2195

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/09037f6e-0b81-4106-acf2-051e5ef0ebc3

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: 21Shares Spotlights Solana’s Breakout Year in New “State of Crypto” Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New report explores Solana’s rise as the infrastructure layer of next-gen finance

    Zurich, 12 May 2025 – 21Shares, one of the world’s largest issuers of cryptocurrency exchange-traded products (ETPs), today announced the release of the 14th edition of its flagship research series, State of Crypto, featuring an in-depth spotlight on Solana.

    With ultra-high speed, near-zero fees, and a rapidly expanding ecosystem, Solana has emerged as a leading blockchain powering everything from cross-border payments to AI and decentralised physical infrastructure. The new report explores Solana’s evolution into a real-world financial layer, and why it is fast becoming the blockchain of choice for both developers and institutions.

    “Solana is redefining what’s possible with blockchain technology,” said Adrian Fritz, Head of Research at 21Shares. “It combines performance, usability, and scale in a way few networks can match. In this report, we unpack the numbers, the tech, and the trends behind Solana’s rise, and what that means for investors.”

    The report includes:

    • A detailed comparison between Solana and leading competitors such as Ethereum, Sui, and TON.
    • In-depth sector analyses of Solana’s growing ecosystem, including DePIN, AI agents, DeFi innovation, and the memecoin phenomenon.
    • A comprehensive valuation framework to evaluate whether Solana is currently undervalued relative to its peers.
    • Insights into Solana’s role within a diversified crypto portfolio and how it can enhance broader asset allocation strategies.

    Solana now processes over 3,000 transactions per second with transaction fees consistently below $0.01. During peak activity in January, it surpassed $364 billion in on-chain volume, matching the throughput of Nasdaq over the same period. With major integrations from Visa, Shopify, and PayPal, along with emerging innovations like Solana Blinks and the Saga smartphone, Solana is rapidly positioning itself as the foundational infrastructure layer for the next generation of the internet.

    21Shares offers the 21Shares Solana Core Staking ETP (ticker: CSOL), an exchange-traded product that allows investors to gain exposure to Solana without directly holding the asset. CSOL has a management fee of 0.35%, is 100% physically backed, and also benefits from staking rewards, which are seamlessly generated by adding the yield to the investor’s coin entitlement. 

    For more details about the 21Shares Solana Core Staking ETP, including the factsheet, please click here. 

    The report is available for download here.

    About 21Shares

    21Shares is one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange traded product providers and offers the largest suite of crypto ETPs in the market. The company was founded to make cryptocurrency more accessible to investors, and to bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance. 21Shares listed the world’s first physically-backed crypto ETP in 2018, building a seven-year track record of creating crypto exchange-traded funds that are listed on some of the biggest, most liquid securities exchanges globally. Backed by a specialised research team, proprietary technology, and deep capital markets expertise, 21Shares delivers innovative, simple and cost-efficient investment solutions.

    21Shares is a member of 21.co, a global leader in decentralised finance. For more information, please visit www.21Shares.com

    Contact: matteo.valli@21shares.com

    DISCLAIMER

    This document is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for securities of 21Shares AG in any jurisdiction. Neither this document nor anything contained herein shall form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any offer or commitment whatsoever or for any other purpose in any jurisdiction. Nothing in this document should be considered investment advice.

    This document and the information contained herein are not for distribution in or into (directly or indirectly) the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which the distribution or release would be unlawful.

    This document does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in or into the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan. The securities of 21Shares AG to which these materials relate have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There will not be a public offering of securities in the United States. Neither the US Securities and Exchange Commission nor any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States has approved or disapproved of an investment in the securities or passed on the accuracy or adequacy of the contents of this presentation. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the United States.

    Within the United Kingdom, this document is only being distributed to and is only directed at: (i) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”); or (ii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”); or (iii) persons who fall within Article 43(2) of the Order, including existing members and creditors of the Company or (iv) any other persons to whom this document can be lawfully distributed in circumstances where section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply. The securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

    Exclusively for potential investors in any EEA Member State that has implemented the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) is made available on the Issuer’s website under www.21Shares.com.

    The approval of the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) should not be understood as an endorsement by the SFSA of the securities offered or admitted to trading on a regulated market. Eligible potential investors should read the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) and the relevant Final Terms before making an investment decision in order to understand the potential risks associated with the decision to invest in the securities. You are about to purchase a product that is not simple and may be difficult to understand.

    This document constitutes advertisement within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 and the Swiss Financial Services Act (the “FinSA”) and not a prospectus. The 2024 Base Prospectus of 21Shares AG has been deposited pursuant to article 54(2) FinSA with BX Swiss AG in its function as Swiss prospectus review body within the meaning of article 52 FinSA. The 2024 Base Prospectus and the key information document for any products may be obtained at 21Shares AG’s website (https://21shares.com/ir/prospectus or https://21shares.com/ir/kids).

    ###

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Astra Fintech Announces Establishment of Korea HQ, Strengthening Commitment to Solana Ecosystem and Regional Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Key Takeaways

    • Astra Fintech’s establishment of its Korea HQ reinforces its commitment to the region, following active participation in local blockchain events like Seoulana
    • The company plans to deepen its involvement in the Solana ecosystem, leveraging its speed and scalability to advance DeFi, payments, and Web3 solutions tailored to the Korean market.
    • Astra Fintech aims to invest in local partnerships, talent, and regulatory engagement, positioning itself as a key innovator in Korea’s fintech and blockchain landscape.

    SEOUL, South Korea, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Astra Fintech, a leading Canadian Finfra firm, has officially announced the launch of its Korea Headquarters — an essential milestone in the company’s strategic expansion throughout Asia. This move reinforces Astra Fintech’s long-term commitment to the Korean market, which has already established a strong presence by actively engaging in local blockchain ecosystems. Notably, the company served as a key partner of Solana Korea earlier this quarter and picked up a handful of prominent projects, including Mulex Protocol, Depe, etc.

    A Strong Foundation in Korea
    Ahead of its Korea HQ launch, Astra Fintech actively demonstrated its dedication to the Korean blockchain community through high-impact engagements. As a prominent sponsor of Seoulana, a premier Solana-focused hackathon, the company reinforced its commitment to supporting the growth of the Solana ecosystem. At the event, Astra Fintech engaged with developers, investors, and blockchain enthusiasts, sharing its vision for PayFi—a next-generation financial solution built on high-performance blockchain infrastructure. The hackathon provided a strategic platform for the company to align its innovative roadmap with Solana’s mission to transform decentralized finance.

    Accelerating Growth on Solana
    With the new Korea HQ, Astra Fintech is poised to deepen its involvement in the Solana ecosystem, leveraging its speed, scalability, and low transaction costs to deliver cutting-edge financial solutions. The company plans to explore DeFi, payments, and Web3 application opportunities, collaborating with local partners to drive adoption and integration.

    “Korea is a critical hub for blockchain innovation, and our HQ launch reflects our commitment to this vibrant market,” said Jamie, Head of Partnership in Astra, “By aligning with Solana’s ecosystem and engaging with Korea’s world-class talent, we aim to pioneer next-generation fintech solutions that bridge traditional and decentralized finance.”

    Strategic Vision for Korea and Beyond
    Establishing the Korea HQ signals Astra Fintech’s ambition to expand its regional influence, with plans to invest in local talent, form strategic partnerships, and participate in Korea’s dynamic blockchain regulatory landscape. The company’s long-term roadmap includes:

    • Enhancing Solana-based infrastructure for Korean and global users.
    • Launching localized fintech products tailored to Korea’s tech-savvy population.
    • Strengthening community engagement through events, hackathons, and educational initiatives.

    As Astra Fintech solidifies its presence in Korea, the company remains focused on driving innovation at the intersection of finance and blockchain, positioning itself as a key player in Asia’s digital economy.

    About Astra Fintech
    Astra Fintech is a Canada-based blockchain finance leader revolutionizing FinFra by bridging traditional and decentralized payments. As a strategic Solana ecosystem partner backed by Multicoin LPs, we deliver secure, borderless PayFi solutions while driving innovation through investments in next-gen financial infrastructure.
    X: https://x.com/AstraFintech

    Contact:
    Connie
    contact@astra.holdings

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Astra Fintech. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3c5e19c1-d2e5-4d43-a54f-8eedb3667906

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Mining Week to Connect Junior Miners with African Prospects, Global Investors

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

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 12, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The upcoming African Mining Week – scheduled for October 1–3, 2025, in Cape Town – will feature a dedicated Junior Mining Forum that will connect emerging mining companies with investors, industry experts and potential partners.

    The forum will showcase the role played by junior miners in driving the growth of the African extractive sector as African countries capitalize on the growing global demand for minerals to drive economic development.

    Junior mining companies are driving innovation, discovering new deposits, bringing new projects online and creating opportunities for the growth of Africa’s mining sector.

    In Tanzania, UK-listed Marula Mining began manganese production in March, 2025 and plans to start operations at its Kinusi copper project later this year. Australia’s Walkabout Resources is also ramping up output at the Lindi Jumbo Graphite Project in Tanzania, which boasts some of Africa’s highest-grade flake graphite ore reserves.

    In Zimbabwe, Kavango Resources secured $5 million in April 2025 from local pension funds to support its Hillside Gold Project. Premier African Minerals continues to advance the Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project, bolstering Zimbabwe’s status as a leading lithium producer.

    Junior miners are also propelling Africa’s gold sector. In Guinea, Canadian firm Robex Resources is accelerating development of the Kiniero Gold Mine, targeting initial production by the end of 2025 with an expected annual output of 100,000 ounces. Allied Gold secured a $500 million investment from UAE-based Ambrosia to expand the Sadiola Gold Mine in Mali and develop the Kurmuk Gold Mine in Ethiopia. In Sierra Leone, FG Gold Limited is advancing the Baomahun Gold Mine – the country’s first large-scale commercial gold project – slated to become operational in 2025.

    To expand on these activities, the forum will host high-level panel discussions addressing the regulatory and market-entry challenges faced by junior miners, offering them a valuable opportunity to engage directly with regulatory authorities and identify effective pathways toward integration into the mining sector.

    Recognizing that limited access to investment remains a key barrier for junior mining companies, the event will also serve as a platform to facilitate strategic partnerships between these emerging players, global investors, and established industry leaders – unlocking new avenues to advance Africa’s vast mining potential.

    As the continent’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders, African Mining Week enables junior miners to connect with technology providers, ensuring they are equipped with the tools needed to explore and develop Africa’s rich geological resources.

    The forum will feature exclusive networking sessions and project showcases, providing a platform for regional and global emerging mining firms to connect with growing and lucrative investments opportunities across the African mining value chain.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: India and Pakistan: G7 foreign ministers’ statement, 10 May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    News story

    India and Pakistan: G7 foreign ministers’ statement, 10 May 2025

    G7 foreign ministers gave a statement on India and Pakistan.

    Joint statement:

    We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, strongly condemn the egregious terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 and urge maximum restraint from both India and Pakistan. Further military escalation poses a serious threat to regional stability. We are deeply concerned for the safety of civilians on both sides.

    We call for immediate de-escalation and encourage both countries to engage in direct dialogue towards a peaceful outcome. We continue to monitor events closely and express our support for a swift and lasting diplomatic resolution.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • CSIR-IIIM Jammu–mentored student makes history with solar mech engine, wins global HonorsGradU scholarship

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Japteg Singh Bamrah, a Class 12 student from Dalhousie Public School in Himachal Pradesh, has been awarded the prestigious HonorsGradU 2025 scholarship for his invention — the Solar Mech Engine.

    Japteg received the coveted “Build a Better Future” award, which includes a $10,000 scholarship for his undergraduate studies in the United States. In addition, he was granted $5,000 to further develop and scale his innovative project.

    According to the Ministry of Science & Technology, Japteg was selected as one of five global winners from thousands of entries submitted worldwide. His project was recognized as the top technology innovation among this year’s finalists. He is also the first and only Indian student to top the list since the scholarship program’s inception in 2012.

    Japteg was mentored by Dr. Nasir Ul Rasheed, Senior Scientist at CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, under the Jigyasa Hackathon initiative — a national program aimed at fostering scientific curiosity and innovation among school students.

    He showcased the Solar Mech Engine at the National Startup Festival held on February 22–23 at CSIR–IIIM, Jammu. The event was attended by Union Minister of Science and Technology and Vice President of CSIR, Dr. Jitendra Singh, who lauded the initiative as a vital part of India’s push for grassroots innovation under the “Start-Up India, Stand-Up India” campaign.

    Winner of the CSIR Jigyasa Hackathon 2024, the Solar Mech Engine is a standalone solar thermal system based on Concentrated Heat and Power (CHP) technology. It utilizes cyclic air expansion and contraction driven by temperature differences to convert thermal energy into mechanical motion. A low-resistance generator harnesses electromagnetic induction to produce electricity directly from this motion. Its reversible heat pump capability further enhances energy efficiency, positioning the device as a novel and sustainable clean-energy solution.

    In recognition of his academic and technological excellence, Japteg has also received admission offers from over ten leading universities in the United States, Australia, and Canada, along with additional scholarships amounting to $16,000 per year for his undergraduate studies.

  • MIL-OSI China: Zheng eases past Frech to return to Rome last 16

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

    China’s Zheng Qinwen secured a place in the round of 16 for the third consecutive year by defeating Poland’s Magdalena Frech 6-3, 6-2 at the WTA Italian Open on Sunday.

    Zheng Qinwen returns a shot during the women’s singles round of 32 match between Magdalena Frech of Poland and Zheng Qinwen of China at the WTA Italian Open in Rome, Italy, May 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing)

    The two players split victories in their previous two meetings. This was their first meeting on clay. Zheng came out firing in the opening set, racing into a commanding 5-0 lead. Frech responded by holding serve and breaking once to close the gap to 3-5, firing two aces in the eighth game. However, Zheng steadied herself to serve out the set 6-3.

    After clinching the first set, Zheng let out a loud roar.

    “I’ve lost to quite a few players on clay who just keep lobbing high balls at me,” Zheng said after the match. “It gets on my nerves when they do that, so when I hit a winner, I just need to let it out to pump myself up.”

    In the second set, Zheng broke early and consolidated for a 2-0 lead. Though Frech leveled the score at 2-2, Zheng regained control with a crucial break in the fifth game and surged ahead, reeling off the final four games to seal a 6-2 victory.

    Zheng was particularly efficient with her drop shots throughout the match. “I noticed my opponent kept moving back, so I wanted to mix up the depth of my shots to disrupt her rhythm,” Zheng explained. “I also saw her footwork wasn’t that quick. On clay, drop shots can be a really effective weapon.”

    In the next round, Zheng will face former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu of Canada. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘We’re just doing our best’ – cultural backlash hits Auckland kava business

    By Coco Lance, RNZ Pacific digital journalist

    A new Auckland-based kava business has found itself at the heart of a cultural debate, with critics raising concerns about appropriation, authenticity, and the future of kava as a deeply rooted Pacific tradition.

    Vibes Kava, co-founded by Charles Byram and Derek Hillen, operates out of New Leaf Kombucha taproom in Grey Lynn.

    The pair launched the business earlier this year, promoting it as a space for connection and community.

    Byram, a Kiwi-American of Samoan descent, returned to Aotearoa after growing up in the United States. Hillen, originally from Canada, moved to New Zealand 10 years ago.

    Both say they discovered kava during the covid-19 pandemic and credit it with helping them shift away from alcohol.

    “We wanted to create something that brings people together in a healthier way,” the pair said.

    However, their vision has been met with growing criticism, with people saying the business lacks cultural depth, misrepresents tradition, and risks commodifying a sacred practice.

    Context and different perspectives
     Tensions escalated after Vibes Kava posted a promotional video on Instagram, describing their offering as “a modern take on a 3000-year-old tradition” and “a lifestyle shift, one shell at a time”.

    On their website, Hillen is referred to as a “kava evangelist,” while videos feature Byram hosting casual kava circles and promoting fortnightly “kava socials.”

    The kava they sell is bottled, with tag names referencing the effects of each different kava bottle — for example, “buzzy kava” and “chill kava”.

    Their promotional content was later reposted on TikTok by a prominent Pacific influencer, prompting an influx of online input about the legitimacy of their business and the diversity of their kava circles.

    The reposted video has since received more than 95,000 views, 1600 shares, and 11,000 interactions.

    In the TikTok caption, the influencer questioned the ethical foundations of the business.

    “I would like to know what type of ethics was put into the creation of this . . . who was consulted, and said it was okay to make a brand out of a tradition?”

    Criticised the brand’s aesthetic
    Speaking to RNZ Pacific anonymously, the influencer criticised the brand’s aesthetic and messaging, describing it as “exploitative”.

    “Their website and Instagram portray trendy, wellness-style branding rather than a proud celebration of authentic Pacific customs or values,” they said.

    “I feel like co-owner Charles appears to use his Samoan heritage as a buffer against the backlash he’s received.

    “Not to discredit his identity in any way; he is Samoan, and seems like a proud Samoan too.

    “However, that should be reflected consistently in their branding. What’s currently shown on their website and Instagram is a mix of Fijian kava practice served in a Samoan tanoa. That to me is confusing and dilutes cultural authenticity.”

    Fiji academic Dr Apo Aporosa said much of the misunderstanding stems from a narrow perception of kava as simply being a beverage.

    “Most people who think they are using kava are not,” Aporosa said.

    ‘Detached from culture’
    “What they’re consuming may contain Piper methysticum, but it’s detached from the cultural framework that defines what kava actually is.”

    Aporosa said it is important to recognise kava as both a substance and a practice — one that involves ceremony, structure, and values.

    “It is used to nurture vā, the relational space between people, and is traditionally accompanied by specific customs: woven mats, the tanoa bowl, coconut shell cups (bilo or ipu), and a shared sense of respect and order.”

    He said that the commodification of kava, through flavoured drink extracts and Western “wellness” branding, is concerning, and that it distorts the plant’s original purpose.

    “When people repackage kava without understanding or respecting the culture it comes from, it becomes cultural appropriation,” he said.

    He added that it is not about restricting access to kava — it is about protecting its cultural integrity and honouring the knowledge Pacific communities have preserved for upwards of 2000 years.

    Fijian students at the Victoria University of Wellington conduct a sevusevu (kava ceremony) to start off Fiji Language Week. Image: RNZ Pacific/Koroi Hawkins

    ‘We can’t just gatekeep — we need to guide’
     Dr Edmond Fehoko, is a renowned Tongan academic and senior lecturer at Otago University, garnered international attention for his research on the experiences and perceptions of New Zealand-born Tongan men who participate in faikava.

    He said these situations are layered.

    “I see the cultural appreciation side of things, and I see the cultural appropriation side of things,” Fehoko said.

    “It is one of the few practices we hold dearly to our heart, and that is somewhat indigenous to our Pacific people — it can’t be found anywhere else.

    “Hence, it holds a sacred place in our society. But, we as a peoples, have actually not done a good enough job to raise awareness of the practice to other societies, and now it’s a race issue, that only Pacific people have the rights to this — and I don’t think that is the case anymore.”

    He explained that it is part of a broader dynamic around kava’s globalisation — and that for many people, both Pacific and non-Pacific, kava is an “interesting and exciting space, where all types of people, and all genders, come in and feel safe”.

    “Yes, that is moving away from the cultural, customary way of things. But, we need to find new ways, and create new opportunities, to further disseminate our knowledge.

    ‘Not the same today’
    “Our kava practice is not the same today as it was 10, 20 years ago. Kava practices have evolved significantly across generations.

    “There are over 200 kava bars in the United States . . . kava is one of the few traditions that is uniquely Pacific. But our understanding of it has to evolve too. We can’t just gatekeep — we need to guide,” he said.

    Dr Edmond Fehoko . . . “Kava practices have evolved significantly across generations.” Image: RNZ Pacific/ Sara Vui-Talitu

    He added that the issue of kava being commercialised by non-Pacific people cannot necessarily be criticised.

    “It’s two-fold, and quite contradictory,” he said, adding that the criticism against these ventures often overlooks the parallel ways in which Pacific communities are also reshaping and profiting from the tradition.

    “We argue that non-Pacific people are profiting off our culture, but the truth is, many of us are too,” he said.

    “A minority have extensive knowledge of kava . . . and if others want to appreciate our culture, let them take it further with us, instead of the backlash.

    “If these lads are enjoying a good time and have the same vibe . . . the only difference is the colour of their skin, and the language they are using, which has become the norm in our kava practices as well.

    “But here, we have an opportunity to educate people on the importance of our practice. Let’s raise awareness. Kava is a practice we can use as a vehicle, or medium, to navigate these spaces.”

    Vibes Kava co-founder Charles Byram . . . It’s tough to be this person and then get hurt online, without having a conversation with me. Nobody took the time to ask those questions.” Image: Brady Dyer/BradyDyer.com/RNZ Pacific

    ‘Getting judged for the colour of my skin’
     “I completely understand the points that have been brought up,” Byram said in response to the criticism.

    Tearing up, he said that was one of the most difficult things to swallow was backlash fixated on his cultural identity.

    “I felt like I was getting judged for the colour of my skin, and for not understanding who I was or what I was trying to accomplish. If my skin was a bit darker, I might have been given some more grace.

    “I was raised in a Samoan household. My grandfather is Samoan . . . my mum is Samoan. It’s tough to be this person and then get hurt online, without having a conversation with me. Nobody took the time to ask those questions,” he said.

    The pair also pushed back on claims they are focused on profit.

    “We went there to learn, to dive into the culture. We went to a lot of kava bars, interviewed farmers, just to understand the origin of kava, how it works within a community, and then how best to engage with, and showcase it,” Byram said.

    “People have criticised that we are profiting — we’re making no money at this point. All the money we make from this kava has gone back to the farmers in Vanuatu.”

    Representing a minority
    Hillen thinks those criticising them represent a minority.

    “We have a lot of Pasifika customers that come here [and] they support us.

    “They are ecstatic their culture is being promoted this way, and love what we are doing. The negative response from a minority part of the population was surprising to us.”

    Critics had argued that the business showcased confusing blends of different cultural approaches.

    Byram and Hillen said that it is up to other people to investigate and learn about the cultures, and that they are simply trying to acknowledge all of them.

    Byram, however, added that the critics brought up some good points — and that this will be a catalyst for change within their business.

    “Yesterday, we joined the Pacific Business Hub. We are [taking] steps to integrate more about the culture, community, and what we are trying to accomplish here.”

    They also addressed their initial silence and comment moderation.

    ‘Cycle so self-perpetuating’
    “I think the cycle was so self-perpetuating, so I was like . . . I need to make sure I respond with candor, concern, and active communication.

    “So I deleted comments and put a pause on things, so we could have some space before the comments get out of hand.

    “At the end of the day . . . this is about my connection with my culture and people more than anything, and I’m excited to grow from it. I’m learning, and I’m utilising this as a growth point. We’re just doing our best,” Byram said.

    Hillen added: “You have to understand, this business is super new, so we’re still figuring out how best to do things, how to market and grow along with not only the community.

    “What we really want to represent as people who care about, and believe in this.”

    Byram said they want to acknowledge as many peoples as possible.

    “We don’t want to create ceremony or steal anything from the culture. We really just want to celebrate it, and so again, we acknowledge the concern,” he added.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schakowsky Introduces Legislation to Ensure Access to Affordable Prescription Drugs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

    Full Text of Bill (PDF)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) introduced the Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act to help put an end to Big Pharma’s greed and ensure that American patients can access prescription drugs at fair prices.

    Right now, some brand-name drug prices are over four times higher in the U.S. than in other countries. As a result, the U.S. makes up for more of Big Pharma’s profits than the rest of the world combined. This legislation will amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow American wholesalers, pharmacies, and individuals to import affordable and safe drugs from Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Switzerland.

    “Thanks to the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, millions of Medicare beneficiaries are seeing prescription drug costs lowered. While this is a historic achievement, more must be done to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable medications,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “That is why I am proud to introduce the Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act, which would allow for the importation of affordable and safe drugs to the U.S. from Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Switzerland, to ensure that every day Americans can get the prescriptions they need at a reasonable cost. There is no reason that Americans should be paying double, sometimes even triple the cost for the same drugs. It is time for Big Pharma’s price gouging to come to an end and for U.S. patients to have access to the same fair drug pricing as the rest of the developed world.”

    “The right to buy lower-cost prescription drugs from licensed pharmacies in other countries, in particular from Canada, is critical for millions of Americans on fixed incomes. It’s a proven money-saving pathway that has been used safely for more than 20 years,” said Ken Hunter, Executive Director of the Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation (CPPI). “In fact, CPPI’s most recent national survey shows Americans have an average annual savings of $4,920 per year by importing prescription medications from Canada, compared to U.S. costs, Rep. Schakowsky’s “Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act” will preserve these rights. Prescription importation from licensed Canadian pharmacies works, is safe, and is a proven pathway for Americans to obtain their necessary, lower-cost, prescription medicines.”

    “Social Security Works thanks Rep. Schakowsky, one of the foremost champions for seniors and people with disabilities in Congress, for introducing this essential legislation. With millions of Americans struggling to fill their prescriptions, we need to make it easier for them to purchase affordable medications from abroad — not harder and more expensive, as President Trump is threatening to do. 

    Congress should swiftly pass the  Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act into law so that Americans can get the medications they need.” said Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works.

    Original cosponsors of the Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act include Reps. Steve Cohen (TN-09), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), and Mark Pocan (WI-02).

    Endorsing organizations include: Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation, Social Security Works, Alliance for Retired Americans, Economic Policy Institute, Prescription Justice, Consumer Action, Just Care USA, Citizen Action/Illinois, Physicians for a National Health Program, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Voices of Health Care Action, Beta Cell Action, ACA Consumer Advocacy, Committee to Protect Health Care, Rise Up WV, NY StateWide Senior Action Council.

    ###

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Maple Leafs’ goalie Anthony Stolarz’s injury highlights concerns about concussions in ice hockey

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kewei Bian, Postdoctoral Associate, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Western University

    During Game 1 of the Maple Leafs’ ongoing playoff series against the Florida Panthers, Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz was struck in the head by Panthers forward Sam Bennett.

    Although Stolarz remained in the game for several minutes following the hit, he eventually skated to the bench, vomited and exited the ice. He was later stretchered out of the arena and taken to a hospital. Stolarz rejoined his teammates the following day, but will not play in Game 2 and isn’t expected to return for the series.

    While it’s unclear whether he was officially diagnosed with a concussion, the incident has once again reignited concern over brain injuries in hockey.

    As researchers specializing in brain injury biomechanics, we use both experimental (laboratory-based) and computational methods to investigate the biomechanical mechanisms of concussion and explore effective prevention strategies.

    Cases like this underscore the importance of concussion detection, management and prevention, particularly in high-impact sports like hockey where head injuries remain a significant risk.

    Concussions and TBI in ice hockey

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI), including concussion, is a growing public health concern worldwide. These injuries result from direct or indirect impacts to the head and can have both immediate and long-term health consequences.

    In the United States alone, 1.6 to 3.8 million sports-related TBIs occur annually. In Canada, around 24 per cent of reported concussions are related to sports. In 2019, roughly 1.6 per cent of people in Canada — more than 400,000 people — aged 12 and older reported at least one concussion.

    Ice hockey, one of Canada’s most popular sports, is associated with a particularly high risk of concussion. Around 22 per cent of Canadian ice hockey players between the ages of 10 and 25 experience at least one concussion. According to official injury reports from the British Columbia Amateur Hockey Association, concussions can occur up to 24.3 times per 1,000 player game hours.

    At the professional level, the risks remain significant. Based on averages from the 2009–10, 2010-11 and 2011–12 National Hockey League seasons, approximately 5.8 concussions occurred per 100 players each season. Concussion-related salary loss also reached US$42.8 million in one year.

    What happens during a concussion?

    From a biomechanical perspective, a concussion occurs when the head experiences an external impact. Since the skull is very stiff and the brain has inertia, the skull moves immediately while the brain initially remains in its original position. The brain eventually catching up with the skull’s motion.

    In straight-line, or translational, impacts, the skull compresses the brain at the point of contact, creating localized positive pressure. At the same time, on the opposite side of the brain, the skull’s movement creates negative pressure.

    In rotational impacts — when the head is spun — the skull’s movement causes shear forces within the brain tissue, causing it to deform. Since the brain consists of different regions responsible for different functions, this tissue deformation can affect specific brain functional regions, leading to the range of symptoms associated with concussion.

    Understanding concussion symptoms

    Concussions can impact a range of functions, including physical, cognitive, emotional and cognitive abilities.

    Typical symptoms include headache, dizziness, trouble with balance, vomiting, blurry vision, confusion, sleep issues, memory problems and even loss of consciousness.

    These symptoms are commonly seen in athletes, including those in ice hockey. Among NHL athletes, the most commonly reported post-concussion symptoms, in order of frequency, are headaches, dizziness, nausea, neck pain, low energy or fatigue, blurred vision, light sensitivity, nervousness or anxiety, irritability and vomiting.

    A CityNews segment about how Stolarz’s head injury sparked a conversation around concussion awareness.

    Concussions may present immediately following a head impact, or they may emerge hours or even days later. While most concussions can recover within seven to 10 days, some could last longer.

    While the short-term effects typically include headache, vomiting and dizziness, the long-term effects may cause symptoms such long-term memory loss, depression and increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

    Concussion assessment and management

    Diagnosing concussions is challenging because they are not visible on traditional imaging techniques like CT scans. Instead, concussion assessments rely on clinical evaluation of symptoms.

    The NHL has a concussion protocol in place that requires players to be immediately removed from the game for evaluation if one is suspected. The decision is based on observed physical, cognitive, emotional and sleep-related symptoms.

    Other evaluation methods, such as the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), are also employed to assess TBIs and concussion. The GCS assesses the severity of TBI by evaluating eye opening, verbal response and motor response on a scale. The GCS score of 13-15 is classified as mild TBI, or concussion.

    Those suspected of having a concussion should stop all activities and seek medical attention to begin concussion treatment and receive guidance on recovery and rehabilitation.

    Concussion prevention and prediction

    Reducing sport-related concussion rates requires a multi-faceted approach, including policy changes, stricter enforcement of rules and increased education and awareness.

    Protective equipment also plays a key role. Helmets, in particular, are effective at protecting the head from injury. One study found wearing a helmet in ice hockey can reduce head linear acceleration, rotational velocity and the brain strain resulting from external impacts. Continuous improvements in ice hockey helmet design can further reduce injury risks.

    To better understand and predict concussions, biomechanical researchers have developed injury metrics based on head kinematics and brain strain. Head kinematics-based injury metrics, such as peak linear acceleration and peak rotational acceleration, are derived from sensor-captured movement.

    Another promising approach involves brain strain–based metrics, which use high-fidelity computational models to estimate brain tissue deformation. Since brain strain is closely associated with the risk of brain injury, these models are valuable for predicting and analyzing concussion mechanisms.

    Ultimately, addressing concussions in ice hockey requires continued interdisciplinary research to better understand and address concussions in ice hockey. Protecting players from concussion is paramount to ensuring the game evolves as safely as it does competitively.

    Haojie Mao receives funding from NSERC to investigate brain biomechanics and helmet safety.

    Carter Goan, Emilie Anne Potts, Kewei Bian, and Sakib Ul Islam do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Maple Leafs’ goalie Anthony Stolarz’s injury highlights concerns about concussions in ice hockey – https://theconversation.com/maple-leafs-goalie-anthony-stolarzs-injury-highlights-concerns-about-concussions-in-ice-hockey-256056

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Falmouth — RCMP West Hants Detachment is investigating a fatal collision that occurred in Falmouth

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On May 10, at approximately 11:12 p.m., RCMP officers, fire services, and EHS responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision on Highway 101 between Hantsport and Falmouth, in the eastbound lanes.

    The investigation indicates that a Honda Civic and a Nissan Sentra were travelling in the eastbound lane on Highway 101, when they collided.

    The driver and passenger from the Honda Civic, a 43-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman, both from Falmouth, were both pronounced deceased at the scene.

    The driver and one passenger from the Nissan Sentra, a 45-year-old woman from Oxford and a 58-year-old man from Nappan, were both pronounced deceased at the scene. A 50-year-old male passenger, from Oxford, was transported to hospital by EHS and was later pronounced deceased. A 29-year-old male passenger, from British Columbia, was transported by LifeFlight and remains in critical condition.

    A collision reconstructionist attended the scene; the investigation remains ongoing.

    Any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police or anyone who may have dashcam or surveillance footage that shows this incident is asked to contact the RCMP West Hants Detachment at 902-798-2207.

    The eastbound lanes on Highway 101 remained closed for several hours but has since reopened.

    Our thoughts are with the victims’ loved ones at this difficult time.

    File #: 2025-5632421

    Strategic Communications and Media Relations
    Nova Scotia RCMP
    rcmpns-grcne@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister’s statement on National Police Week

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has released the following statement in recognition of National Police Week, May 11-17, 2025:

    “Every day, thousands of police officers in British Columbia answer the call to serve with courage, compassion and professionalism. Whether responding to emergencies, supporting victims or building trust in local neighbourhoods, police officers play a critical role in upholding public safety and fostering community connections.

    “National Police Week is a time to honour the dedicated women and men in uniform who work tirelessly to protect our communities. It serves as a reminder of the risks officers face in the line of duty and gives us an opportunity to reflect on the evolving and essential role of law enforcement.

    “Policing in our province continues to be more complex with the impacts of the toxic-drug crisis, homelessness and mental-health struggles experienced by some in our communities. The recent tragic events that happened after the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver is a heartbreaking reminder of these challenges and the difficult role that police and first responders play when they jump to action so quickly.

    “Our government remains committed to ensuring police officers have the resources, training and supports they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. We’re increasing police academy training seats by 50% so more municipal police officers can be trained faster, and we’re continuing to hire more BC RCMP members through our historic investment of $230 million to ensure rural communities and specialized units have the officers they need. Additionally, every year $100 million is invested to bolster provincial firearm forensic capabilities, strengthen gang enforcement and suppression initiatives, and support community-based prevention and intervention programs.

    “Our work doesn’t stop there. We’re making meaningful investments into mental-health and addiction supports to better equip officers responding to these complex situations. The Province has expanded Mobile Integrated Crisis Response Teams to nine more communities. These teams partner police officers with mental-health professionals to help safely and effectively de-escalate mental-health-related calls.

    “As we reflect on this year’s theme, Committed to Serve Together, I am deeply grateful for the strong partnerships we share with law enforcement agencies throughout the Province. Together, we continue to work collaboratively toward our shared goal of building safer, more resilient communities.

    “To all police officers serving in British Columbia, thank you for your service, your sacrifice, your bravery and your commitment to the people of our province. This week, and every week, we stand with you.”

    Learn More:

    To find out how the province is keeping communities safe and strong, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/safer-communities/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Pelosi warns the US needs NATO too

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

    Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi sat down with Politico Bureau Chief and Senior Political Columnist Jonathan Martin at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center to discuss the future of the United States’ relationship with NATO at POLITICO’s Securing Europe: NATO’s Next Steps Event.

    “If we as the United States of America do not honor our commitments, I don’t know how we expect people to honor their commitments to us,” Speaker Emerita Pelosi said.

    Read coverage of the event below:

    Politico: Pelosi warns the US needs NATO too
    [Eric Bazail-Eimil, 5/7/25]

    Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Wednesday warned that the United States cannot afford to neglect its commitment to mutual defense to its NATO allies in the face of Russian provocations.

    Speaking at a POLITICO event on the sidelines of the Munich Leaders Meeting in Washington, the former House speaker acknowledged that President Donald Trump has spoken “frivolously” about the alliance in the past. Yet the San Francisco Democrat insisted that the U.S. has to support the alliance — and the commitment to mutual defense enshrined in its Article 5 — because the U.S. also needs to know it will have help in future crises.

    “If we as the United States of America do not honor our commitments. I don’t know how we expect people to honor their commitments to us,” Pelosi said.

    She noted that NATO countries came to the United States’ defense following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, saying, “They didn’t ask us how much we were giving to NATO or anything else. They just honored Article 5.” Those attacks were the only time that the alliance has invoked Article 5.

    In reference to Canada, Pelosi blasted Trump’s comments about mutual defense for countries that haven’t met the alliance’s 2 percent of GDP defense spending target. “I don’t think that the president of the United States should say to a NATO country, if you haven’t paid 2 percent, I say to Russia, have at them,” she said.

    Pelosi also said that “I don’t think the door has been shut on” repairing ties between the U.S. and NATO member states.

    Yet she also needled the White House in more humorous ways, striking a more sardonic tone for other Trump administration moves toward the alliance. Dismissing the Trump administration’s efforts to potentially annex Greenland, Pelosi quipped that there are “more people [who] think that Elvis Presley is alive in the United States than Greenlanders who think they want to be part of the United States.”

    She also voiced some measured praise for more conciliatory comments from Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday regarding the transatlantic alliance and peace in Ukraine. Vance had shocked allies in a February speech to the Munich Security Conference — which also organized Wednesday’s meeting — where he assailed Europe for encroaching on free speech and being lackluster partners to the United States.

    When he spoke to the group Wednesday, Vance instead insisted both Europe and the United States are on the “same civilizational team.” He added, “It’s completely ridiculous to think that you’re ever going to be able to drive a firm wedge between the United States and Europe.”

    “It was a better approach,” Pelosi said about Vance’s comments. “I would say it was well received.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Maple Leafs’ goalie Anthony Stolarz’s injury highlights concerns about concussion in ice hockey

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kewei Bian, Postdoctoral Associate, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Western University

    During Game 1 of the Maple Leafs’ ongoing playoff series against the Florida Panthers, Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz was struck in the head by Panthers forward Sam Bennett.

    Although Stolarz remained in the game for several minutes following the hit, he eventually skated to the bench, vomited and exited the ice. He was later stretchered out of the arena and taken to a hospital. Stolarz rejoined his teammates the following day, but will not play in Game 2 and isn’t expected to return for the series.

    While it’s unclear whether he was officially diagnosed with a concussion, the incident has once again reignited concern over brain injuries in hockey.

    As researchers specializing in brain injury biomechanics, we use both experimental (laboratory-based) and computational methods to investigate the biomechanical mechanisms of concussion and explore effective prevention strategies.

    Cases like this underscore the importance of concussion detection, management and prevention, particularly in high-impact sports like hockey where head injuries remain a significant risk.

    Concussions and TBI in ice hockey

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI), including concussion, is a growing public health concern worldwide. These injuries result from direct or indirect impacts to the head and can have both immediate and long-term health consequences.

    In the United States alone, 1.6 to 3.8 million sports-related TBIs occur annually. In Canada, around 24 per cent of reported concussions are related to sports. In 2019, roughly 1.6 per cent of people in Canada — more than 400,000 people — aged 12 and older reported at least one concussion.

    Ice hockey, one of Canada’s most popular sports, is associated with a particularly high risk of concussion. Around 22 per cent of Canadian ice hockey players between the ages of 10 and 25 experience at least one concussion. According to official injury reports from the British Columbia Amateur Hockey Association, concussions can occur up to 24.3 times per 1,000 player game hours.

    At the professional level, the risks remain significant. Based on averages from the 2009–10, 2010-11 and 2011–12 National Hockey League seasons, approximately 5.8 concussions occurred per 100 players each season. Concussion-related salary loss also reached US$42.8 million in one year.

    What happens during a concussion?

    From a biomechanical perspective, a concussion occurs when the head experiences an external impact. Since the skull is very stiff and the brain has inertia, the skull moves immediately while the brain initially remains in its original position. The brain eventually catching up with the skull’s motion.

    In straight-line, or translational, impacts, the skull compresses the brain at the point of contact, creating localized positive pressure. At the same time, on the opposite side of the brain, the skull’s movement creates negative pressure.

    In rotational impacts — when the head is spun — the skull’s movement causes shear forces within the brain tissue, causing it to deform. Since the brain consists of different regions responsible for different functions, this tissue deformation can affect specific brain functional regions, leading to the range of symptoms associated with concussion.

    Understanding concussion symptoms

    Concussions can impact a range of functions, including physical, cognitive, emotional and cognitive abilities.

    Typical symptoms include headache, dizziness, trouble with balance, vomiting, blurry vision, confusion, sleep issues, memory problems and even loss of consciousness.

    These symptoms are commonly seen in athletes, including those in ice hockey. Among NHL athletes, the most commonly reported post-concussion symptoms, in order of frequency, are headaches, dizziness, nausea, neck pain, low energy or fatigue, blurred vision, light sensitivity, nervousness or anxiety, irritability and vomiting.

    A CityNews segment about how Stolarz’s head injury sparked a conversation around concussion awareness.

    Concussions may present immediately following a head impact, or they may emerge hours or even days later. While most concussions can recover within seven to 10 days, some could last longer.

    While the short-term effects typically include headache, vomiting and dizziness, the long-term effects may cause symptoms such long-term memory loss, depression and increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

    Concussion assessment and management

    Diagnosing concussions is challenging because they are not visible on traditional imaging techniques like CT scans. Instead, concussion assessments rely on clinical evaluation of symptoms.

    The NHL has a concussion protocol in place that requires players to be immediately removed from the game for evaluation if one is suspected. The decision is based on observed physical, cognitive, emotional and sleep-related symptoms.

    Other evaluation methods, such as the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), are also employed to assess TBIs and concussion. The GCS assesses the severity of TBI by evaluating eye opening, verbal response and motor response on a scale. The GCS score of 13-15 is classified as mild TBI, or concussion.

    Those suspected of having a concussion should stop all activities and seek medical attention to begin concussion treatment and receive guidance on recovery and rehabilitation.

    Concussion prevention and prediction

    Reducing sport-related concussion rates requires a multi-faceted approach, including policy changes, stricter enforcement of rules and increased education and awareness.

    Protective equipment also plays a key role. Helmets, in particular, are effective at protecting the head from injury. One study found wearing a helmet in ice hockey can reduce head linear acceleration, rotational velocity and the brain strain resulting from external impacts. Continuous improvements in ice hockey helmet design can further reduce injury risks.

    To better understand and predict concussions, biomechanical researchers have developed injury metrics based on head kinematics and brain strain. Head kinematics-based injury metrics, such as peak linear acceleration and peak rotational acceleration, are derived from sensor-captured movement.

    Another promising approach involves brain strain–based metrics, which use high-fidelity computational models to estimate brain tissue deformation. Since brain strain is closely associated with the risk of brain injury, these models are valuable for predicting and analyzing concussion mechanisms.

    Ultimately, addressing concussions in ice hockey requires continued interdisciplinary research to better understand and address concussions in ice hockey. Protecting players from concussion is paramount to ensuring the game evolves as safely as it does competitively.

    Haojie Mao receives funding from NSERC to investigate brain biomechanics and helmet safety.

    Carter Goan, Emilie Anne Potts, Kewei Bian, and Sakib Ul Islam do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Maple Leafs’ goalie Anthony Stolarz’s injury highlights concerns about concussion in ice hockey – https://theconversation.com/maple-leafs-goalie-anthony-stolarzs-injury-highlights-concerns-about-concussion-in-ice-hockey-256056

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Population explosions and declines are related to how stable the economy and environment are

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ken G. Drouillard, Professor, Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research and Director of the School of the Environment, University of Windsor

    A country’s population is affected by, and in turn affects, environmental and economic issues. (Shutterstock)

    For 200 years, we’ve been warned of unchecked population growth and how it leads to environmental instability. On the other hand, today some countries face decreasing populations, alongside increasing proportions of elderly people, causing economic instability.

    These two facets of population crises — explosions and declines — are occurring in different parts of the world, and have a global impact on the environment and on economies. Discussions about achieving economic and environmental sustainability must consider population changes, technology and the environment, given these concepts are closely interwoven.

    Population explosions and declines are related to both environmental and economic instability; some countries make reactionary choices that trade off short-term domestic economic progress over the environment.

    The crisis of population explosions

    In 1798, English economist Thomas Malthus warned of a population explosion, inferring that population growth will outstrip agricultural production. Malthus’s ideas became re-popularized by American scientist Paul R. Ehrlich in his book published at the height of population growth in the 1960s. Both predicted that a population explosion would cause shortages in resources and escalating environmental damage.

    Like Malthus, Ehrlich was criticized for a crisis “that never happened” because human ingenuity, a byproduct of population, overcomes the worst fears of environmentalists. This counter-argument relies on technological advances making more efficient use of resources while lowering the environmental impacts.

    This is best exemplified by efficiency gains of agriculture that have continued to feed a growing world. Ehrlich’s predictions of cumulative environmental damage are best illustrated by the growing intensity of climate change and species loss as the global population continues to grow even though the current growth rate is slower than it was in the 1960s.

    A graph reflecting how population growth, species diversity and global temperature correlate over time.
    (K. Drouillard), CC BY

    Unified growth theory describes how economies change over the long term. It starts with a period of slow technological progress, low income growth and high population growth. Over time, these conditions give way to a modern growth phase, where technology improves quickly, income rises steadily and population growth slows as societies go through a demographic transition towards stable population sizes.

    Technological progress positively contributes to national economies over the long term. However, early adoption of green technology often relies on finance and government incentives that may imply short-term economic burdens. Yet when green technology is implemented and coupled to slowing population growth, it leads to decreasing national environmental footprints that pave a way towards joint environmental and economic sustainability.

    The crisis of population declines

    Declining populations cause inverted age pyramids with larger numbers of elderly people. These shifting demographics cause economic instability. They also constrain technological progress and social security.

    Population declines work against the gains described by unified growth theory. Presently, 63 countries have reached their peak population and 48 more are expected to peak within 30 years. Fears of population decline are also being forecast at the global scale.

    The global population is predicted to peak between the mid-2060s to 2100, stabilizing at 10.2 billion from its present 8.2 billion.

    In their book, Empty Planet, political scientist Darrell Bricker and political commentator John Ibbitson warn that zero population growth will happen even faster. They argue once a country decreases its fertility to below replacement (2.1 children per woman), the social reinforcements of increasing urbanization, costs of raising children and increased empowerment over family planning make it almost impossible to increase the birth rate.

    For highly affluent countries, the per capita GDP is decreasing as the proportion of elderly in the population increases. Although this pattern doesn’t hold when less affluent countries are added, the figure demonstrates tangible economic impacts for countries grappling with aging populations.

    A graph showing the percentage of elderly people in a country’s population, correlated with GDP and adjusted for inflation.
    (K. Drouillard), CC BY

    Simultaneous explosions and declines

    Affluent nations facing decline can react to economic instability in ways that counter global economic and environmental sustainability.

    In the past, affluent nations were the drivers of green technology. However, economic instability from population declines can cause reluctance to invest, adopt and share green technology crucial for mitigating environmental damage at the global scale.

    The issue is compounded by the fact that many countries overlook how their own decline in population growth contributes to economic instability. They instead focus on short-term solutions to their economic situation that may include unsustainable resource use.

    Left unaddressed, the real issue of population decline becomes unresolved, allowing social anxieties against immigration and global trade to grow. This can exacerbate the issue halting technology sharing, slowing economic growth and increasing economic inequality and environmental damage.

    The above is exemplified by policies now being implemented by the United States. Where immigration was previously used as a backstop against low fertility, growing cultural backlash to immigration pressures rooted in anxiety about economic uncertainties have generated new policies causing the deportation of millions of immigrants and closing borders. This will most likely accelerate a population decline in the U.S., as highlighted by a Congressional Budget Office report.

    At the same time, the U.S. is shifting its energy policy away from increased shares of renewable, green energy sources back to a focus on fossil fuels that will worsen climate damage.

    Climate damage costs are currently two per cent of global GDP, and may increase to between two to 21 per cent of some countries’ incomes by the end of the century. The growing applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and its high energy use will add to climate damage. AI may also contribute to the economic challenges related to population decline if it replaces, rather than supports, labour.

    Finally, tariff wars add new barriers against green technology sharing.

    Canada’s lowered immigration

    Canada, which already has a low fertility rate and is reacting to the U.S. trade war, has its own challenges. This year, immigration targets were decreased by 19 per cent. The lack of support for and subsequent removal of the carbon tax and possible extension of pipeline infrastructure could generate similar delays in the transition away from fossil fuels.



    Read more:
    Who really killed Canada’s carbon tax? Friends and foes alike

    In the most recent federal election, discussions about environmental policy were largely side-tracked by economic issues.

    Our research indicates that Canada and other affluent nations need to establish longer-term solutions to economic instabilities that mitigate environmental damage while promoting sustainable national and global economies.

    The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals offer pathways for economic, social and environmental sustainability. However, realizing these goals requires society to fully acknowledge the intertwined relationships between population growth, economy, environment and international technology-sharing in ways that transcend short-term national interests and reactionary policies.

    The past decade has seen strong momentum from social and natural sciences as well as international organizations, business and civil society. Unfortunately, the current climate of economic uncertainty is halting this progress — unless the public can force broader discussions about sustainable approaches back into the political sphere.

    Ken G. Drouillard receives funding from Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Canadian Water Agency, Environment and Climate Change Canada, St. Clair River Conservation Authority and North Shore of Lake Superior Remedial Action Plans.

    Claudio N. Verani receives/has received funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), U.S. Department of Energy (DoE), Petroleum Research Fund (ACS-PRF), and the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

    Marcelo Arbex has received funding from University of Windsor UW-SSHRC Explore.

    – ref. Population explosions and declines are related to how stable the economy and environment are – https://theconversation.com/population-explosions-and-declines-are-related-to-how-stable-the-economy-and-environment-are-253302

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: New recommendations for regulating neurotechnology in Canada include protecting Indigenous rights

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Judy Illes, Professor of Neurology and Director of Neuroethics Canada; Vice Chair, Bioethics Council for Canada, University of British Columbia

    Advances in neurotechnology, including AI applications, need to be regulated. (Shutterstock)

    With Canada’s federal election behind us, we can now focus on a renewed commitment to our values and to economic growth. Both entail a commitment to the health and well-being of Canadians.

    Brain health in particular has taken on new meanings over the past years, and has garnered substantial recent attention from major international organizations such as UNESCO and the World Health Organization.

    Once centred on finding treatments for conditions that affect the nervous system such as movement disorders and epilepsy, neurotechnology is evolving.

    Advances involve implantable technologies, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS). Other examples include responsive neurostimulation and stimulation of the vagus nerve.

    The market in non-invasive and wearable devices is also growing. These technologies aim to address mental health disorders and improve quality of life for people suffering from conditions like chronic depression and post-traumatic stress disorders.

    Combined with AI, these brain technologies are also finding their way into the non-medical lives of Canadians for personal use, education, workplace and entertainment.



    Read more:
    Two-thirds of Canadians have experimented with generative AI, but most don’t understand its impacts

    Recommendations for neurotechnology

    The finalized version of the UNESCO ethics recommendation for neurotechnology will be negotiated during the week of May 12. This will prepare the way for its formal adoption this fall by the 194 member states.

    The recommendation carefully considers how neurotechnology can respect human dignity and the human rights of privacy, freedom of thought, data authenticity and protection, and justice. Other concerns pertaining to Indigeneity, marginalization, disability and vulnerability are touched upon.

    If Canada adopts the recommendation, it could have far-reaching implications for Canadian citizens. It will influence — if not directly affect — federal funding and resource priorities and relevant government ministries. These include Health Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

    Canadian principles

    In 2024, drawing upon the work of both Health Canada and the Working Party on Biotechnology, Nanotechnology and Converging Technologies of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a group of Canadian experts from medicine, law and public health delivered guidance for responsible innovation in neurotechnology.

    These experts — including two of the authors of this article — strategically revised the original nine principles offered by the OECD into five tailored for Canada. These were: physical and personal safety and trust; societal deliberation and stewardship; global collaboration; strong oversight; and inclusivity and Indigeneity.

    In April 2025, Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of the original UNESCO expert group published considerations to further safeguard against the risk of neurotechnology becoming an instrument of colonialism. These considerations include access to neurotechnologies for the relief of neurological conditions, as well as for their adoption in research, industry and daily life guided by the values and rights of Indigenous Peoples about brain health and wellness.

    They included strategies for informed consent processes that align with Indigenous perspectives, and transparency about the use, storage and collection of neural data. Recommendations were also made for investments in digital infrastructure and literacy, and paths to intellectual property protections suitable to holistic and collective knowledge.

    Trust in science

    The behind-the-scenes efforts that led to the UNESCO ethics recommendation must come to the forefront.

    In October 2024, a Bioethics Council for Canada/Le Conseil canadien de bioéthique (BCC-CCB) was legally constituted to provide independent advice to the Canadian government and public. Building on the lessons learned from 140 bioethics councils worldwide, Canada’s new BCC-CCB is poised to ensure that the public’s trust in science is central to the federal government’s mission.

    Trust must be a renewed theme in matters pertaining to brain health and brain data, alongside other advances that will affect future generations. This trust will mitigate the noise and confusion surrounding us in a time of rapid technological progress, and foster leadership that an informed Canada can provide.

    Judy Illes served as a Member of the Ad Hoc Expert Advisory Group on the Ethics of Neurotechnology Recommendation at UNESCO.

    Jennifer Chandler is an external advisory board member for InBrain Neuroelectronics.

    Vardit Ravitsky is President and CEO of The Hastings Center for Bioethics, a research center based in NY, USA.

    Bartha Knoppers and Ross Upshur do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. New recommendations for regulating neurotechnology in Canada include protecting Indigenous rights – https://theconversation.com/new-recommendations-for-regulating-neurotechnology-in-canada-include-protecting-indigenous-rights-256197

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Philosopher Hannah Arendt provokes us to rethink what education is for in the era of AI

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Paul Tarc, Professor, Critical Policy, Equity and Leadership Studies, Western University

    Arendt urged people to question how the human-constructed world can be passed on and ‘set right’ across time. (Barbara Niggl Radloff/Wikipedia), CC BY-SA

    In the 1954 essay The Crisis in Education, German-American philosopher Hannah Arendt argued that crisis can act as an opportunity to revisit questions that have produced presumed and outdated answers.

    Arendt was concerned with how the loss of tradition and authority in larger social and political spheres was reflected in the adoption of child-centred learning in public schooling in the United States.

    She argued that, in education, educators must maintain their authority, which ultimately rested on their taking responsibility for the world and for children. Arendt urged people grappling with “why Johnny can’t read” to leave behind their pre-judged answers, and instead return to the very “essence of education.” For Arendt, this centred on how the human-constructed world can be passed on and “set right” with each new generation and across time.

    The rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) presents a new crisis for the world and for education. Following Arendt, the crises that AI portends is a new vantage — or a rupture — to return to the question of what education is for.

    Rupture of AI

    Technologies have always mediated our understandings and practices of education: not only hardware or pencils, but writing itself can be understood as a technology. In our time, however, AI represents a qualitative rupture in contemporary practices and understandings of education.

    As Yuval Noah Harari has argued, AI should be better understood as an agent than a tool. As an agent, it is designed and evolving as a self-learning entity able to make independent decisions; it alters past interdependencies of humans and technology.

    Facing the impacts and intervention of AI, school policy experts, administrators and educators are pressed to react fairly quickly to try and maintain our favoured practices.

    For example, we try to tweak our practices of assessment in the face of new AI technologies like ChatGPT. A major concern is students “cheating” on assessments and unfairly or illegitimately advancing through school. This knee-jerk approach by educators to tackle the use of AI reflects a dominant, taken-for-granted answer about the purpose of education: that schooling is a mechanism to filter and sort young generations for a merit-based society.

    Concern around how AI is affecting student assessment and potential student cheating reflects assumptions about school as a place that filters students into different groups.
    (Shutterstock)

    Could AI itself be used to catch cheating? Canadian computer science professor Mark Daley doesn’t think so. He writes: “Instead of chasing technological silver bullets, educators need to confront the harder questions: Why are students cheating? … How do we foster a culture of learning rather than one of grade-chasing?”

    Beyond fair grade chasing

    Generally, there is a lot of agreement on the need to go in the direction that Daley recommends.

    For example, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has most recently included “global competence” into its global standardized testing of students. The OECD acknowledges the importance of learning processes, as well as outcomes, and of critical thinking and values like individual responsibility.

    The International Baccalaureate (IB), created in the field of international schools in the 1960s, has now penetrated into both public and private systems across the globe. Although it began as the International Schools Examination Syndicate, its longstanding aspirational vision of creating a better world through a humanist education of the whole person has carried through into the 21st century.

    Both of these more learner-centred visions for education, however, remain founded on these “filtering” uses of education. The IB’s very growth and sustainability and distinction lies in the positional advantage it affords its users. The OECD, more directly, reflects neoliberal, “human capital” conceptions of education that imply students are resources to be developed for the growth of a country’s economy.

    I believe we must go further than (better) assessments of higher-order thinking and processes of learning designed to filter students more creatively and/or efficiently for work. We must nurture an educational orientation over an instrumental one.

    High stakes

    The stakes are high beyond education, because AI portends great disruptions to political economy, work and the organization of human societies. AI and automation might mean that human labour becomes an ever-lower percentage of overall labour and economic productivity. Will our political processes be largely determined by wealthy owners and partners of the AI industry, or by more democratic processes?

    These possible transformations demand a reorientation of educational purpose to inform both school policies pertaining to uses of AI and data, and school curricula and teaching in classrooms.

    Many teachers want to foster critical thinking and student participation over grade chasing in schools. This remains an important goal. But, more fundamentally, schools need to become educational spaces where the concept of cheating, or unfairly beating someone else, becomes senseless.

    In this altered scenario, teachers and students would spend their time together in school examining, as Arendt said, “what the world is like,” how they are located within it and how it might be renewed and passed on across generations.

    A shelter for thinking

    Educators might take the opportunity to reconsider the function of schooling as educating children and youth to come to know, and participate in, a common world facing multiple crises. They are to be introduced to this world, in all its complexity, so that they develop understanding and care for the world and thereby choose to take responsibility for renewing and re-setting it, as adults.

    In returning to Arendt’s question on the essence of education, education researcher Mario Di Paolantonio’s introduces an updated answer for schooling in articulating what is educational in schooling in a world under crises.

    In his view, education provides a place, a “unique human dwelling, where we can maintain and give shelter to a thinking and engagement with ‘something more’ that sustains the hope and affirmation of nevertheless living on with significance.” It offers “a place for passing time together, for sheltering a repertoire of worldly artefacts, common visions, interpretations and aspirations.”

    “These,” he writes, “can be brought into meaningful configurations gathered from the meaningful patterns of the past to help us tend, mend and repair the sense and pull of the world that wears down from generation to generation.”

    Paul Tarc receives funding from Social Science and Humanities Research Council Insight Grant Program and Faculty of Education, Western University

    – ref. Philosopher Hannah Arendt provokes us to rethink what education is for in the era of AI – https://theconversation.com/philosopher-hannah-arendt-provokes-us-to-rethink-what-education-is-for-in-the-era-of-ai-247316

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How AI could help safeguard Indigenous languages

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Anna Luisa Daigneault, PhD Student in Linguistic Anthropology, Université de Montréal

    If there are few speakers left of a language, how does a community revive it? In our current era, 3,000 languages are at risk of extinction due to the pressures of colonization, globalization, forced cultural assimilation, environmental devastation and other factors.

    According to Canada’s Commission for Indigenous Languages, “research shows that no Indigenous language in Canada is safe and that all are in varying stages of endangerment.”

    Our society is also being shaped by the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. Can AI be used for the benefit of Indigenous language survival in Canada and elsewhere?

    According to the World Economic Forum, most AI chatbots are trained on 100 of the world’s 7,000 languages. English is the main driver of most large language models.

    This scenario leaves the bulk of the world’s languages in the dust. In the coming years, will AI contribute to language revitalization, or language oppression?

    A language in a box

    In a 2023 TEDx talk, Northern Cheyenne computer engineer Michael Running Wolf shared his design of a cedar box that looks both ancient and contemporary. He described the dragonfly-adorned device as a “cedar-enclosed, offline Edge AI that contains the inner workings of a minimal voice-based language curricula — in other words, a language in a box.”

    He proposed that conversational AI technology, much like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, could help language learners improve their fluency.

    Running Wolf is the technical director of the First Languages AI Reality initiative at the Québec Institute for Artificial Intelligence. The program propels Indigenous scholars and technologists towards creating innovative solutions regarding language loss.

    A TEDx Talk by Michael Running Wolf on how AI can assist Indigenous langauge learning.

    Voice-controlled tools trained via machine learning could serve as AI assistants for speakers who wish to hear unfamiliar sounds pronounced accurately, and practice their own pronunciation. This technology could establish a new means for facilitating oral transmission, which is crucial when there are few fluent speakers left.

    At the heart of Running Wolf’s project is Indigenous data sovereignty, which ensures that Indigenous people retain control over their data.

    A place in the digital world

    Around the world in the Philippines, AI scholar and politician Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo is on a quest to support the Indigenous languages of her home country. She created NightOwlGPT, a new AI-powered translation app.

    In an email to me, Lamentillo wrote:

    “In the Philippines alone, we are working on nine languages, many of which are endangered. Our goal is to ensure that these languages — not just the dominant ones — have a place in the digital world.”

    NightOwlGPT creator Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo.
    (Arwin Doloricon)

    We have seen that in the hands of the powerful, AI software can lead to oppressive forms of control, such as excessive AI-powered surveillance by Amazon and the U.S. government’s unethical data mining tactics.

    When it comes to the survival or extinction of languages, it is important to question the power behind AI tools. Who controls them, and who benefits from them?

    When I asked about the democratization of AI, Lamentillo noted the need for inclusivity:

    “AI’s rapid advancement could parallel historical patterns of colonization. If AI is truly a black swan event — a disruptive moment in history — then what happens when 99 per cent of languages are left behind? This is more than just a linguistic issue; it’s a serious matter of accessibility, representation and digital equity.

    If we don’t change who is leading AI development, we risk creating a new form of colonization — one where only a small fraction of the world has the tools to thrive.”

    Diversity of voices

    Linguistics professor Emmanuel Ngué Um.
    (Emmanuel Ngué Um)

    At a recent workshop series on endangered languages, Emmanuel Ngué Um, a professor of linguistics at the University of Yaoundé I in Cameroon, spoke on behalf of a research team of African linguists.

    They are currently using Mozilla’s Common Voice platform to create open-source datasets containing thousands of words and audio recordings in 31 African languages.

    The platform aims to make speech recognition and voice-based AI more inclusive by crowd-sourcing a massively multilingual speech corpus. But this process is not without significant challenges in Africa.

    Ngué Um noted that building datasets for languages with many dialects is not straightforward. There may not be a standardized spelling or pronunciation that should be used by AI as the accepted norms for the language.

    Because of postcolonial changes, many African languages do not have one unified or agreed-upon writing system. This issue can slow the creation of teaching tools, but many local efforts backed by UNESCO are underway to change this.

    So, how do automatic speech recognition tools deal with dialectical diversity? And how do text-to-speech models handle competing writing systems?

    As Ngué Um wrote in an email to me:

    “AI has been instrumental in delivering services that applied linguists have promised but are slow to deliver. This is not due to a lack of will or means on the part of linguists, but rather, because of the linguistic reality in Africa.

    Despite the impact of colonization and the imposition of a monolithic ideal on language reality, Africa reflects the plurality, fluidity and resourcefulness that drive human communication…If AI is informed by these intricacies at all phases of its implementation, it will adequately address the diversity of voices…in Africa.”

    It is clear that AI engineers and computational linguists need to integrate thoughtful approaches that take into account unique circumstances of languages.

    In the not-too-distant future, using AI tools to learn and communicate in under-resourced languages may become the norm. However, that shift depends on financial backing, accurate training data for machine learning, and community desire to embrace AI. Ultimately, data sovereignty and equitable access must be at the core of AI tools.

    Anna Luisa Daigneault volunteers for Living Tongues Institute for Endangered Languages, a non-profit organization whose work is not connected to contents of this article.

    – ref. How AI could help safeguard Indigenous languages – https://theconversation.com/how-ai-could-help-safeguard-indigenous-languages-255359

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Is Pope Leo XIV liberal or conservative? Why these labels don’t work for popes

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Mark Yenson, King’s University College, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Vice-President and Academic Dean (Interim), Western University

    The 133 cardinal electors sequestered in the Sistine Chapel elected a new pope May 8. The choice was a surprise — Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost, who has carried out most of his ministry in Peru, before being elevated to Vatican roles by Pope Francis.

    As commentators and the media try to piece together backgrounders on Pope Leo XIV, one obvious question will be, “Is he a liberal or a conservative?” The same question was asked about Pope Francis, and about the cardinals entering this conclave.

    When applied to individual Catholics, the terms “liberal” and “conservative” can mean very different things. One could be conservative in regard to liturgy and church practice while being strongly committed to anti-racism and environmentalism.

    Or one might be considered a social conservative on issues such as marriage, sexuality and gender while holding clearly left-wing, social democratic views on the role of government.

    Even if Catholics are comfortable self-identifying as liberal or conservative Catholics, we should not treat these terms as if their meaning were obvious — especially since even as purely political terms the meaning of “liberal” or “conservative” is contested.

    Papacy as institution

    Things become all the more complicated when we are talking about the pope, the supreme head of the Catholic Church. The papacy as an institution is conservative by definition.

    The pope is considered the successor of the Apostle Peter, and his job description is precisely to maintain the unity and catholicity (“wholeness”) of the Church’s life, not only in space but through time — that is, to ensure continuity.

    But because of this role to maintain the fullness of a tradition and the unity of the Church, the pope cannot be conservative (or liberal) in a political sense.

    Pope Francis legacy

    The pontificate of Francis should have served as a lesson against liberal/conservative labels. From the beginning of his pontificate, he advocated strenuously for migrants and refugees. He reached out personally to LGBTQ+ communities. He initiated a worldwide “synodal” process that included broad consultation and fostered discussion of topics previously considered out of bounds, such as ordination of women as deacons (though not priests). He placed women in high-ranking positions in the Roman curia previously reserved only for clerics.

    But Francis was also critical of “gender ideology,” affirmed Church teaching on abortion and maintained the Church’s reservation of ordination to men only. While he angered self-identified conservatives, he often disappointed self-identified liberals.

    Instead of trying to impose political categories, it makes more sense to try to uncover the internal dynamics and motivations of a pope’s teaching and ministry. For example, Pope Francis’s 2015 encyclical letter, Laudato si’, was a landmark in Catholic teaching on ecology. Far from being a political manifesto, the letter presents a vision of the human being within creation, informed by the Bible, theological reflection and modern Catholic social teaching. Francis frequently references the social thought of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, who himself affirmed that the Church “must defend not only earth, water and air as gifts of creation that belong to everyone.”



    Read more:
    Laudato Si’: A look back on Pope Francis’s environmental legacy

    As the British theologian Anna Rowlands astutely notes, Catholic social teaching “functions as a social philosophy that never fully baptizes a liberal philosophy or sentiment. It remains locked in a complex dialogue … with liberal democracy.”

    The role of the pope, highlighted in Francis’s teaching on ecology, is to inspire a different kind of social and moral imagination, one not reducible to particular ideological positions.

    Catholic teaching, conscience

    Another example that subverts the liberal/conservative dichotomy was the well-known response of Pope Francis to a journalist’s question about homosexuality in the priesthood: “Who am I to judge?” Francis did not overturn “conservative” teachings in sexual ethics.

    But he did speak as a member of the Jesuit religious order and as a pastor, who knows that the general law must be applied in specific cases that introduce complexities and require nuanced concrete responses.

    There was also a tacit appeal to the teaching of the Second Vatican Council (1962–65), that an individual is bound to follow their conscience.

    For his part, Benedict XVI (as then-Cardinal Ratzinger), in a 1991 address to American bishops in Dallas, alluded to “the classical principle of moral tradition that conscience is the highest norm which [the human person] is to follow even in opposition to authority.” According to this principle, while church teaching authority would inform conscience, “conscience … would retain the final word.”

    There is no doubt that LGBTQ+ Catholics were able to hear something different in Francis’s language than they had heard in Benedict’s. However, both Benedict and Francis could appeal to shared principles, which were theological rather than political, and not reducible to liberal versus conservative categories.

    Weight of political polarization

    In our current political context, political terms like “liberal” and “conservative” tend to carry the weight of American political polarization.

    In the American context at the moment, “conservative Catholic” in its most radical form blends theological traditionalism — devotion to the traditional Latin mass, emphasis on doctrinal orthodoxy and opposition to Francis’s reformist papacy — with support for the Republican party and MAGA movement.

    As professor of moral philosophy Massimo Borghesi has argued, this radical conservative opposition to Francis has its genesis in the pro-capitalist Catholic neo-conservatism of the 1980s and 90s, and is a predominantly American phenomenon.

    In addition, as writer and editor James T. Keane noted in a 2021 article in the Jesuit magazine America, the political polarizations that have seeped into the American Catholic Church should not set the map for the rest of the world, least of all the papacy. It is important to remember this fact as the first North American pope begins his pontificate.

    Choice of name Leo

    Cardinal Robert Prevost, who has become Pope Leo XIV, has given indications of being critical of the Trump administration on issues of peace and migration, very much in line with Francis.

    His choice of the name Leo harkens back to Pope Leo XIII, the pope credited with initiating modern Catholic social teaching, and signals an emphasis on the Church’s advocacy for peace and justice. The new pope’s first Urbi et Orbi (“To the City and to the World”) address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica signalled continuity with Francis — peace, dialogue, encounter, bridge-building.

    And Pope Leo’s career as a missionary, bishop and Vatican cardinal outside of the U.S. means that his context is not confined to the polarizations of the U.S. Catholic Church and its bishops.

    Will the new Pope, Leo XIV, be liberal or conservative? Pope Francis did not fit neatly into these categories: I hope Pope Leo won’t either.

    Mark Yenson 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. Is Pope Leo XIV liberal or conservative? Why these labels don’t work for popes – https://theconversation.com/is-pope-leo-xiv-liberal-or-conservative-why-these-labels-dont-work-for-popes-256180

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: G20 is too elite. There’s a way to fix that though – economists

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Danny Bradlow, Professor/Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria

    The G20 claims to be “the premier forum for international economic cooperation”.

    But is it?

    As scholars of global economic governance, we are sceptical of this claim. Here are our main reasons.

    • The G20 is insufficiently representative of the 193 member states of the United Nations plus the small number of non-member states.

    • It is a self-selected group of 19 countries and the European and African Unions.

    • It has no mandate to act or speak on behalf of the international community.

    • It has no transparent or formal mechanisms through which it can communicate with actors who do not participate in the G20 but have a stake in its deliberations and their outcomes.

    The growing tensions in the world make it more urgent to improve the efficacy of the G20. Firstly, because there is growing evidence of the loss of interest in global cooperation. Secondly, because rich states are cutting their official development assistance and are failing to meet their commitments to help countries deal with loss and damage from climate impacts and make their economies more resilient to shocks.

    And thirdly, because rich countries are also reluctant to discuss financing sustainable and inclusive development in forums like the upcoming Fourth Financing for Development Conference or the UN, where all states can participate. They prefer exclusive forums like the G20.

    Here, after briefly describing the structure of the G20, we argue that its lack of representation is a major problem. We offer a solution and argue that, as chair of the G20 this year, South Africa is well placed to promote this solution.

    What is the G20 and how does it function?

    The G20 was established in the late 1990s in the wake of the East Asian financial crisis. Its members were invited by the US and Germany based on a proposal from the Canadian government. Initially only finance ministers and central bank governors of major advanced and emerging economies were involved. After the financial crisis of 2008-2009 it was upgraded to summit level with the same membership.

    A summit is held annually, under the leadership of a rotating presidency.

    The group accounts for 67% of the world’s population, 85% of global GDP, and 75% of global trade. The membership comprises 19 of the “weightiest” national economies plus the European Union and the African Union. The 19 national economies are the G7 (US, Japan, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Canada), plus Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. These countries are permanently “in”. The remaining 90% of countries in the world are excluded unless invited as “special guests” on an ad hoc basis.

    Representatives of a select group of international organisations including the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the World Trade Organization also participate, together with those from some UN entities.

    The G20’s work is managed by a troika consisting of the current president with the assistance of the past president and the incoming president. In 2025 this troika consists of South Africa as the current chair, Brazil as the past chair and the US, which will become the G20 president in 2026. The G20 has no permanent secretariat.

    The consistency in G20 membership has proven to be an advantage because it helps foster a sense of familiarity, understanding and trust at the technical level among the permanent members. This is helpful in times of crisis and in dealing with complex problems.

    But its exclusivity and informal status have limited its ability to address major challenges such as the global response to the economic and health consequences of the COVID pandemic. This is because an effective response required agreement and coordinated action by all states and not just those in the G20.

    A solution

    We think that the governance model of the Financial Stability Board offers a solution.

    The Financial Stability Board was established under the umbrella of the G20 in 2009. Its job is to coordinate international financial regulatory standard-setting, monitor the global financial system for signs of stress, and to make recommendations that can help avert potential financial crises.

    It is also an exclusive club. Its membership consists of the financial regulatory authorities in the G20 countries plus those in a few other countries that are considered financially systemically important.

    However, unlike the G20, the Financial Stability Board has made a systematic effort to learn the views of non-members. It has established six Regional Consultative Groups, one each for the Americas, Asia, Commonwealth of Independent States, Europe, Middle East and North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa.

    The objective is to expand and formalise the Financial Stability Board’s outreach activities beyond its membership and to better reflect the global character of the financial system.

    The regional consultative groups operate in a framework which promotes compliance within each region with the Financial Stability Board’s policy initiatives. The framework enables the group members to share among themselves and with the board their views on common problems and solutions and on the issues on the board’s agenda.

    Importantly, each regional group is co-chaired by an official from a Financial Stability Board member and an official from a non-member institution.

    Applying this model to the G20 would allow the current G20 membership to continue, while obliging the members to establish a consultation process with regional neighbours. This would create a limited form of representation for all the world’s states.

    It would also empower the smaller and weaker members of the G20 because it would enable them to speak with more confidence and credibility about the challenges facing their region.

    This arrangement would also establish a limited form of G20 accountability towards the international community.

    Next steps

    As chair of the G20 chair for 2025, South Africa is well placed to promote this solution to the group’s representation problem. It should work with the African Union to establish an African G20 regional consultative group. South Africa and the African Union could invite each African regional organisation to select one representative to serve on the initial consultative group.

    South Africa could also commit to convey the outcomes of G20 regional consultative group meetings to the G20.

    South Africa can then use this example to demonstrate to the G20 the value of having a G20 regional consultative group and advocate that other regions should adopt the same approach.

    Danny Bradlow, in addition to his position at the University of Pretoria, is the Senior G20 Advisor, South African institute of International Affairs.

    Robert Wade 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. G20 is too elite. There’s a way to fix that though – economists – https://theconversation.com/g20-is-too-elite-theres-a-way-to-fix-that-though-economists-255783

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: G20 is too elite. There’s a way to fix that though – economists

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Danny Bradlow, Professor/Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria

    The G20 claims to be “the premier forum for international economic cooperation”.

    But is it?

    As scholars of global economic governance, we are sceptical of this claim. Here are our main reasons.

    • The G20 is insufficiently representative of the 193 member states of the United Nations plus the small number of non-member states.

    • It is a self-selected group of 19 countries and the European and African Unions.

    • It has no mandate to act or speak on behalf of the international community.

    • It has no transparent or formal mechanisms through which it can communicate with actors who do not participate in the G20 but have a stake in its deliberations and their outcomes.

    The growing tensions in the world make it more urgent to improve the efficacy of the G20. Firstly, because there is growing evidence of the loss of interest in global cooperation. Secondly, because rich states are cutting their official development assistance and are failing to meet their commitments to help countries deal with loss and damage from climate impacts and make their economies more resilient to shocks.

    And thirdly, because rich countries are also reluctant to discuss financing sustainable and inclusive development in forums like the upcoming Fourth Financing for Development Conference or the UN, where all states can participate. They prefer exclusive forums like the G20.

    Here, after briefly describing the structure of the G20, we argue that its lack of representation is a major problem. We offer a solution and argue that, as chair of the G20 this year, South Africa is well placed to promote this solution.

    What is the G20 and how does it function?

    The G20 was established in the late 1990s in the wake of the East Asian financial crisis. Its members were invited by the US and Germany based on a proposal from the Canadian government. Initially only finance ministers and central bank governors of major advanced and emerging economies were involved. After the financial crisis of 2008-2009 it was upgraded to summit level with the same membership.

    A summit is held annually, under the leadership of a rotating presidency.

    The group accounts for 67% of the world’s population, 85% of global GDP, and 75% of global trade. The membership comprises 19 of the “weightiest” national economies plus the European Union and the African Union. The 19 national economies are the G7 (US, Japan, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Canada), plus Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. These countries are permanently “in”. The remaining 90% of countries in the world are excluded unless invited as “special guests” on an ad hoc basis.

    Representatives of a select group of international organisations including the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the World Trade Organization also participate, together with those from some UN entities.

    The G20’s work is managed by a troika consisting of the current president with the assistance of the past president and the incoming president. In 2025 this troika consists of South Africa as the current chair, Brazil as the past chair and the US, which will become the G20 president in 2026. The G20 has no permanent secretariat.

    The consistency in G20 membership has proven to be an advantage because it helps foster a sense of familiarity, understanding and trust at the technical level among the permanent members. This is helpful in times of crisis and in dealing with complex problems.

    But its exclusivity and informal status have limited its ability to address major challenges such as the global response to the economic and health consequences of the COVID pandemic. This is because an effective response required agreement and coordinated action by all states and not just those in the G20.

    A solution

    We think that the governance model of the Financial Stability Board offers a solution.

    The Financial Stability Board was established under the umbrella of the G20 in 2009. Its job is to coordinate international financial regulatory standard-setting, monitor the global financial system for signs of stress, and to make recommendations that can help avert potential financial crises.

    It is also an exclusive club. Its membership consists of the financial regulatory authorities in the G20 countries plus those in a few other countries that are considered financially systemically important.

    However, unlike the G20, the Financial Stability Board has made a systematic effort to learn the views of non-members. It has established six Regional Consultative Groups, one each for the Americas, Asia, Commonwealth of Independent States, Europe, Middle East and North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa.

    The objective is to expand and formalise the Financial Stability Board’s outreach activities beyond its membership and to better reflect the global character of the financial system.

    The regional consultative groups operate in a framework which promotes compliance within each region with the Financial Stability Board’s policy initiatives. The framework enables the group members to share among themselves and with the board their views on common problems and solutions and on the issues on the board’s agenda.

    Importantly, each regional group is co-chaired by an official from a Financial Stability Board member and an official from a non-member institution.

    Applying this model to the G20 would allow the current G20 membership to continue, while obliging the members to establish a consultation process with regional neighbours. This would create a limited form of representation for all the world’s states.

    It would also empower the smaller and weaker members of the G20 because it would enable them to speak with more confidence and credibility about the challenges facing their region.

    This arrangement would also establish a limited form of G20 accountability towards the international community.

    Next steps

    As chair of the G20 chair for 2025, South Africa is well placed to promote this solution to the group’s representation problem. It should work with the African Union to establish an African G20 regional consultative group. South Africa and the African Union could invite each African regional organisation to select one representative to serve on the initial consultative group.

    South Africa could also commit to convey the outcomes of G20 regional consultative group meetings to the G20.

    South Africa can then use this example to demonstrate to the G20 the value of having a G20 regional consultative group and advocate that other regions should adopt the same approach.

    – G20 is too elite. There’s a way to fix that though – economists
    – https://theconversation.com/g20-is-too-elite-theres-a-way-to-fix-that-though-economists-255783

    MIL OSI Africa –

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    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese men’s 4x400m team breaks national record at 2025 World Athletics Relays

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

    Team China celebrate after the men’s 4x400m relay heat at the World Athletics Relays Guangzhou 2025 in Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province, May 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

    Team China set a new national record in the men’s 4x400m in 3 minutes and 1.87 seconds at the 2025 World Athletics Relays on Saturday in rain.

    The competition serves as a main qualification for relay events at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, features 6 events including men’s, women’s and mixed 4x100m and 4x400m. The top 14 teams in each event (except for mixed 4x100m) will earn berths for Tokyo 2025.

    According to the rules, the top 14 teams in men’s and women’s 4x100m, 4x400m and mixed 4x400m consist of 8 spots booked Saturday and 6 spots Sunday. In each event, the top 2 teams in each of the 4 heats qualified for the finals and Tokyo 2025, with the remaining teams competing for 6 other spots per event in the second qualification round Sunday.

    The Chinese squad for the men’s 4x400m, composed of rookies Liang Baotang, Li Yiqing, Zhang Qining and Fu Haoran, finished second in Heat 1, breaking the national record, reaching the final and qualifying for Tokyo 2025.

    “My mind was blank when I was running, just to do my best,” said the fourth leg Fu, who caught up to the second place by surpassing a Spainish runner.

    Mixed 4x100m is a newly-introduced event for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, yet was not included in Tokyo 2025. In the event’s global debut, Team Canada finished first in qualification with a time of 40.90 seconds. The Chinese quartet of Huang Shuping, Kong Lingyao, Chen Jinfeng and Chen Guanfeng qualified for the final by clocking 41.30 seconds.

    “It’s interesting to mix and mingle boys and girls in 4X100m. We are really excited and happy for the introduction of the event,” said Chen Guanfeng.

    Veteran Xie Zhenye led Team China in men’s 4x100m, and the squad clocked 38.30 seconds to finish third in Heat 4, only 0.005 seconds shy of Team Italy, who finished second in the heat. South Africa and Japan set a new world-leading mark with 37.84 seconds.

    Drama unfolded in the women’s 4x100m as China’s third-leg runner Liang Xiaojing and fourth-leg runner Ge Manqi made a mistake in passing the baton, finishing sixth in the heat.

    Elsewhere, the United States made a world-leading mark of 3 minutes and 11.37 seconds in the mixed 4x400m. Spain set a new women’s 4x100m national record of 42.18 seconds. 

    MIL OSI China News –