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  • 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 Global: Pope Leo XIV’s recent predecessors at the Vatican defended migrants. Will he do the same?

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Speranta Dumitru, Maitre de Conférences, Université Paris Cité

    Political language is sometimes used to describe the orientations of the Vatican. When the late Pope Francis defended migrants, it was suggested that he was a “left-wing” pope. Today, people are wondering whether Pope Leo XIV will adopt a “progressive” path or, on the contrary, a philosophy on immigration different from that of Francis.

    To answer this question, it is helpful to look at what successive popes have said about welcoming foreigners. We can see that they have defended not only migrants but also a right of immigration. Their approach has been universalist and it rejected all discrimination. Could it change?

    Supporting the right of immigration

    During the period between the second world war and the election of Leo XIV, the Vatican had six popes. The first, Pius XII (1939-1958), seems to have been more in favour of immigration than the United Nations. In 1948, when the UN adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, emigration was enshrined as a fundamental right: “Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own.”

    This wording does not mention the right to enter a country that is not one’s own, and Pius XII called this vagueness into question. In his 1952 Christmas message, he argued that it resulted in a situation in which “the natural right of every person not to be prevented from emigrating or immigrating is practically annulled, under the pretext of a falsely understood common good”.

    Pius XII believed that immigration was a natural right, but linked it to poverty. He therefore asked governments to facilitate the migration of workers and their families to “regions where they could more easily find the food they needed”. He deplored the “mechanisation of minds” and called for a softening “in politics and economics, of the rigidity of the old framework of geographical boundaries”.

    In the Apostolic Constitution on the Exiled Family, also in 1952, he wrote about why migration was essential for the Church.

    Pope John XXIII (1958-1963) extended this argument in two encyclicals: Mater et magistra in 1961 and Pacem in terris in 1963. Whereas Pius XII had thought that the natural right to emigrate only applied to people in need, John XXIII included everyone: “among man’s personal rights we must include his right to enter a country in which he hopes to be able to provide more fittingly for himself and his dependents” (Pacem in terris 106).

    A refusal of discrimination

    For Paul VI (1963-1978), the Christian duty to serve migrant workers must be fulfilled without discrimination. In a 1965 encyclical, he maintained that “a special obligation binds us to make ourselves the neighbour of every person without exception and of actively helping him when he comes across our path, whether he be an old person abandoned by all, a foreign labourer unjustly looked down upon, a refugee… ” He also stated the requirement “to assist migrants and their families” (Gaudium et spes).

    John Paul II (1978-2005) made numerous statements in favour of immigration. For example, his speech for World Migration Day in 1995 was devoted to undocumented migrants. He wrote: “The Church considers the problem of illegal migrants from the standpoint of Christ, who died to gather together the dispersed children of God (cf Jn 11:52), to rehabilitate the marginalized and to bring close those who are distant, in order to integrate all within a communion that is not based on ethnic, cultural or social membership.”

    Benedict XVI (2005-2013) acknowledged the “feminization of migration” and the fact that”female emigration tends to become more and more autonomous. Women cross the border of their homeland alone in search of work in another country.“ (Message, 2006)

    Welcoming the entry into force of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, he recalled: “The Church encourages the ratification of the international legal instruments that aim to defend the rights of migrants, refugees and their families” (Message 2007).

    Pope Francis (2013-2025) embraced this globally inclusive tradition. His encyclical on “Fraternity and Social Friendship” calls for “recognizing that all people are our brothers and sisters, and seeking forms of social friendship that include everyone” (Fratelli tutti, 2020).

    He insisted that “for a healthy relationship between love of one’s native land and a sound sense of belonging to our larger human family, it is helpful to keep in mind that global society is not the sum total of different countries, but rather the communion that exists among them” (Fratelli tutti, 2020).

    On the question of migration, Francis maintained that “our response to the arrival of migrating persons can be summarized by four words: welcome, protect, promote and integrate” (Fratelli tutti, 2020).

    Not a political preference

    It appears that the pontificate of Leo XIV will reflect a similar commitment. However, this cannot be explained by political preference, or by personal and family history (the US-born pope is the grandson of immigrants and became a naturalized citizen of Peru). Popes do not defend immigrants because they are left-wing or progressive, but because they are at the head of an institution whose raison d’être is “to act in continuity with the mission of Christ”.

    For Christians, welcoming foreigners is meant to be a fundamental duty, a condition of salvation. In the gospel, Matthew has Jesus say that this is one of the criteria for the Last Judgement. Those who welcome the stranger will receive the kingdom of God “as an inheritance”. Others will receive eternal punishment: “For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty, and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger, and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me” (Matthew, 25:42-43).

    The stranger is at the heart of the New Testament revolution. Of course, the imperatives of hospitality are found in both the Old and New Testaments. It is a hospitality that is demanding (“You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” [Leviticus 19:34]) and unconditional (“Show hospitality without complaining” [Peter 4:9]).

    But the New Testament revolution endows Christianity with a universal aspiration: human beings, by virtue of their origin, all become brothers. Belonging to Christianity itself is reflected by faith in this universality: “We know that we love the children of God when we love God” [John 5:2]. With this message, Christianity blurs the distinction between strangers and relatives: “You are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household” [Ephesians 2:19].

    According to the Letter to Diognetus, this is what makes Christians unique: “They reside each in his own country, but as dwelling strangers. Every foreign land is a homeland to them, and every homeland is a foreign land to them.”

    In his very first homily, Leo XIV suggested that the Christian faith might seem “absurd, reserved for the weak or the less intelligent”. But the institution of which he declared himself a “faithful administrator” has been preaching “universal mercy” for over 2,000 years.

    Les auteurs ne travaillent pas, ne conseillent pas, ne possèdent pas de parts, ne reçoivent pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’ont déclaré aucune autre affiliation que leur organisme de recherche.

    – ref. Pope Leo XIV’s recent predecessors at the Vatican defended migrants. Will he do the same? – https://theconversation.com/pope-leo-xivs-recent-predecessors-at-the-vatican-defended-migrants-will-he-do-the-same-256377

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Vice Chair McCaul, Chairman Green Announce Bipartisan Task Force on Enhancing National Security for Upcoming FIFA 2026, 2028 Olympics, US 250th Anniversary

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

    WASHINGTON –Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus and current vice chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security — and Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-Tenn.) announced the establishment of the “Task Force on Securing the Homeland Amidst Special Events,” which will conduct oversight of the federal government’s security preparations for major upcoming international events, including the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, the 2025 Ryder Cup, the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026, and the 2027 National Football League (NFL) draft. The task force will be chaired by Vice Chairman McCaul, with other bipartisan task force members to be announced in the coming days. 

    Members of the task force plan to visit select event sites in advance, hold hearings, host roundtables, and release a final report on their findings as part of the committee’s oversight of National Special Security Events (NSSEs) and major Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) events. 

    “As the U.S. prepares to host high-profile events like the Olympics and the World Cup, it’s imperative that we make robust security preparations to ensure Americans — and millions of international guests — can safely enjoy their experience,” said Vice Chairman McCaul. “While these events provide a unique opportunity to showcase the United States’ global leadership and commitment to excellence, they can also attract increased threats as our adversaries and other malign actors seek to exploit and sabotage them. I’m proud our committee is addressing these challenges head-on, in close coordination with the administration, to empower all levels of our government, law enforcement, first responders, and other stakeholders to execute events that are spirited, seamless, and — most importantly — safe.”

    “Over the next four years, major cities across America will host a historic number of international events, with millions of guests from across the globe visiting our communities. While this is an important opportunity to showcase American exceptionalism, we have seen time and time again that mass-spectator events can present unique challenges for law enforcement and prime opportunities for America’s adversaries. From the Boston Marathon bombing and ISIS threats against the recent Paris Olympics, to the New Year’s Day attack in advance of the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, it is of the utmost importance that we learn from the past and ensure the federal government leads robust and coordinated security efforts alongside state and local officials, emergency managers, and all levels of law enforcement to stay ahead of threats in the coming months,” said Chairman Green. 

    “With jurisdiction over DHS, including the Secret Service, FEMA, and TSA, this Committee has an important oversight role when it comes to ensuring the success of President Trump’s newly announced DHS FIFA task force. I look forward to undertaking this essential, bipartisan mission alongside my colleagues to ensure the safety of Americans and international visitors alike during their travel to, and participation in, these events,” Chairman Green continued.

    Background: 

    In March, President Trump created the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Executive Order 14234. The task force, housed within the Department of Homeland Security, “shall coordinate with executive departments and agencies (agencies) to assist in the planning, organization, and execution of the events surrounding the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.” The Congressional task force will work to buttress those efforts through legislative means, including oversight. 

    Prior to Congress, Congressman McCaul served as chief of counter terrorism and national security in the U.S. attorney’s office, Western District of Texas, and led the Joint Terrorism Task Force charged with detecting, deterring, and preventing terrorist activity. And during the 113th-115th Congresses, he served as the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, leading the investigations into the Boston bombing to correct deficiencies at the FBI and CIA, and revamping how these agencies communicate with one another. He also led the Foreign Fighter Task Force, which enabled rapid legislative responses to the Paris Attacks.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE begins Qatar visit

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee met Qatar’s leaders and government officials and learnt about the latest developments of the country’s sovereign wealth fund on the first day of a visit to Qatar.

    Leading a business delegation comprising representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises, Mr Lee in the morning, met respectively the Amir, head of state of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Minister of Communications & Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai to exchange views on strengthening bilateral relations and economic co-operation between Hong Kong and Qatar.

    The Chief Executive said that Qatar and Hong Kong are economic powerhouses in the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region respectively. Noting that Qatar is Hong Kong’s third-largest trading partner in the Middle East with bilateral trade in goods worth US$1.6 billion last year, Mr Lee said that there is plenty of room for further growth in trade and business between the two places.

    He also expressed his anticipation that during this visit, multiple memoranda of understanding and agreements will be made between Hong Kong and Qatar, covering various areas including trade and investment promotion, financial services, innovation and technology (I&T), and cultural tourism, with a view to further enhancing co-operation among the governments and institutions of the two places.

    Mr Lee noted that Hong Kong, as a functional platform of the Belt & Road Initiative, is committed to deepening international exchanges and co-operation and leveraging its strengths as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to facilitate and add value to government and business projects along the Belt & Road through the city’s world-class professional services.

    He also said that the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Belt & Road Initiative align in their values and aspirations for achieving high-quality development through all-round co-operation, embracing economic diversification and innovation, as well as fostering friendship and facilitating exchanges.

    The Chief Executive supplemented that both Hong Kong and Qatar attach great importance to technological development and regard artificial intelligence as an engine of new economic development, and that he hoped Hong Kong and Qatar would enhance collaboration through joint research and exchanges, joint ventures, and cross-border investments to achieve mutual benefits.

    In addition, Mr Lee visited the Qatar Investment Authority to learn about the development of Qatar’s financial sector. Established in 2005, the authority is Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund. It manages and grows Qatar’s financial assets, with an aim to diversify Qatar’s economic development and ensure the country’s long-term financial sustainability. Mr Lee received an in-depth briefing on the operation and investment strategies of the sovereign wealth fund, and explored with the authority the development and co-operation opportunities for both sides in finance and the economy.

    In the afternoon, he attended a luncheon hosted by an international financial group, where he gained insights into the group’s analysis of Qatar’s banking and financial services industry, as well as its capital markets.

    Pointing out that Hong Kong is an international financial centre now moving towards also becoming an international green finance hub, Mr Lee said that last year the total amount of green and sustainable debt issued in Hong Kong exceeded US$84 billion, with green and sustainable bonds accounting for approximately US$43 billion. It captured around 45% of the total Asian market, ranking first in the region for seven consecutive years. He highlighted that under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises complement each other’s strengths, and that Hong Kong would give full play to its bridging role in attracting international investments to China and “going global” with Mainland enterprises. He welcomed Qatari enterprises to leverage Hong Kong’s broad and deep capital markets, professional financial services and seamless connectivity with the Mainland market to raise international funds for their sustainable infrastructure projects.

    Afterwards, Mr Lee led the delegation to visit Lusail City, the second-largest city in Qatar, to understand how the city integrates I&T with urban planning and infrastructure development. Lusail City is one of Qatar’s flagship smart cities, focusing on information and communication technology, with the aim of developing into a model for intelligent living, urban evolution and diverse cultural landscapes. He noted that Hong Kong, as the world’s third-largest financial centre, offers world-class professional services that can support Qatar’s investment needs, adding that Hong Kong and Qatar can explore co-operation and exchanges in areas such as sustainable urban development.

    Next on the itinerary is a visit to the National Museum of Qatar to learn about the country’s history and cultural heritage as well as a dinner hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the State of Qatar Cao Xiaolin.

    The Chief Executive and his delegation will continue their visit to Qatar tomorrow by meeting local political and business leaders before departing for Kuwait.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: G20 Presidency: Africa is ready

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    South Africa’s Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) is a “defining moment” not only for the country but for the entire African continent.

    This is according to Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, who was delivering remarks during the opening of the second G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting held in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday.

    “South Africa’s very proud to host the G20 for the first time on African soil. It’s a defining moment for South Africa and for the rest of the continent because the G20 nations represent 85% of the globally economy, 75% of international trade and 67% of the world’s population.

    “In partnership with the African Union, we will provide a vital voice in global discussions, especially concerning issues affecting developing nations on the continent. Now, we do not take this responsibility lightly because we need to highlight Africa’s developmental agenda and promote equity in global governance,” she said.

    De Lille highlighted that South Africa’s theme for its Presidency – Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability – is aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which is Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming the continent into the global powerhouse of the future.

    “South Africa’s G20 Presidency highlights our commitment to tourism, innovation, investment and also enhancing air connectivity and developing inclusive and sustainable tourism practises. 

    “So far and for the rest of the year, we will be hosting more than 130 G20 related meetings across our country, providing unparalleled opportunities to showcase our country, our venues, our facilities, [and the] business collaboration because all of this in the end contributes to job creation and also driving investment.

    “This G20 Summit, to us, is more than just an event. It is a statement… that Africa is ready to take its rightful place in the global economic leadership. It also demonstrates our proven ability to host safe, world-class events on this scale in our country,” the Minister said.

    Tourism Working Group

    The Minister reminded meeting delegates of the key deliverables for the working group during their deliberations.

    These include:

    • People-centered artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation to enhance travel and tourism start-ups and SMMEs;
    • Tourism financing and investment to enhance equality and promote sustainable development;
    • Air connectivity for seamless travel, and
    • Enhanced resilience for inclusive and sustainable tourism development.

    “The Tourism Working Group also serves as a forum for the grow and development of sustainable tourism by promoting dialogue, and exchange of knowledge and best practice amongst the G20 members. Let us learn from each other. 

    “There’s not always a need to reinvent the wheel. Let us look at the tried and tested methods, solutions and experience that we find amongst the G20 Member States because sometimes we tend to do things, starting anew. Let us learn from those best practices.

    “And so, as the G20 Tourism Working Group, we must deliver on an action plan. I really look forward to your in-depth discussions for the work of the G20 to reach consensus on what needs to be done and what we need to achieve,” she said.

    In September this year, South Africa will host the G20 Ministers’ Meeting.

    De Lille said one of the main objectives of the meeting will be to discuss how to position tourism as a driver of economic, social and environmental change.

    “[The meeting will also] explore the potential for tourism and travel to support the economic recovery of many countries as well as long-term transformation to a green economy. 

    “We must also better articulate and communicate the economic and developmental case for tourism, and [lift] the mainstream travel and tourism sector voice in the global agenda by building a more effective voice for the sector. 

    “We must also mobilise a collective effort amongst us to build a sensible tourism policy framework that will help influence country level and international, economic and development policies,” she said.

    The Minister urged the delegates to come up with solutions that will propel the sector.

    “When we meet again later in September, I really want us to not only say that this is the first time that we are hosting the G20 on African soil. I want us also to say and acknowledge that having had the event here, that we were able to come up with solutions that are moving the tourism sector forward,” De Lille said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: 2025 Child Protection Month: Let’s root out child abuse together

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Department of Social Development (DSD) has launched a nationwide child protection programme to combat child abuse, following alarming statistics revealing that more than 26 000 cases of child abuse and neglect were reported in the 2024/25 financial year.

    DSD Minister Sisisi Tolashe launched the 2025 Child Protection Month and 365 Days child protection programme, aimed at curbing violence against children, in Thaba Nchu in the Free State on Sunday afternoon.

    “This is the continuation of the work done in previous years, however with vigour and a sense of urgency to upscale interventions directed at ending violence against children, as our children are under siege, confronted with high levels of violence, despite progressive laws in place to protect them.

    “As a country, we have made strides, putting various measures in place such as child protection laws, policies, strategies and programmes to ensure the protection of children from abuse; however, our children continue to experience violence,” Tolashe said in written remarks for the occasion.

    The Minister revealed worrying statistics of child abuse, including that some 26 852 cases of child abuse and neglect were reported in the 2024/25 financial year.

    “Cases of sexual abuse remained dominant in all provinces, with 9 859 cases throughout the country. Deliberate neglect is the second most prevalent in all provinces, with 9 485 cases, followed by physical abuse, with 3965 recorded cases and 595 cases of abandonment. 

    “Children falling pregnant as young as 10 to 14 years old is a concern and shows the deep-rooted evil against children, who are sexually abused and sexually exploited,” Tolashe said.

    All hands of deck

    President Cyril Ramaphosa has repeatedly called child abuse and gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) South Africa’s “second pandemic”.

    The President has also reiterated government’s commitment to rooting it out. He has called on Cabinet to develop and implement a 90-day strategy with impactful programmes to address this sustained violence.

    “In response to the President’s directive to Cabinet, the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster Ministers and senior officials convened a special sitting on the 14th of April 2025. This urgent meeting was convened in response to the alarming surge in GBVF incidents across the country.

    “It culminated in the adoption of a 90-day acceleration programme to intensify the national response and fast track the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF. A dedicated GBVF priority committee has been established within the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure,” Tolashe said.

    On a global scale, South Africa has also lent its voice to movements against child abuse.

    Last year at the Global Ministerial Conference in Colombia, South Africa pledged to, in relation to ending violence against children:

    • Parent and caregiver support: Building capacity of parents and caregivers through parenting programmes and ensuring that the home environment is safe for children to help reduce the incidence of child abuse, neglect and exploitation, and stop the use of corporal and physical punishment.
    • Safe environments: Creating safety at home, schools and communities, including safety in digital platforms.
    • Child participation: Advocacy on children’s rights and engaging children in empowerment dialogues.
    • Response care, support and healing:  Promotion of availability and accessibility of psycho-social support, trauma counselling, and raising awareness about available services.
    • Norms and values: Implement social and behaviour change programmes to instil positive norms and values, and working with traditional and religious leaders to address harmful cultural practices and patriarchal norms that normalise the abuse of children.
    • Collaboration and coordination with the African Union: Strengthen collaboration with SADC and the African Union in strengthening child protection systems and creating a better continent that safeguards the well-being of children.
    • Income and economic strengthening: Increase access to the Child Support Grant to reach all vulnerable children in South Africa, and working with Home Affairs to upscale birth registration to enable access to social security and the basket of social protection measures in place to cushion children.

    “Implementing the above-mentioned breakthrough areas will ensure that we address the contributory factors to the high levels of violence against children, preventing its occurrence, whilst also responding to victims of violence,” Tolashe said.

    The Minister emphasised, however, that government cannot root out the scourge on its own and requires citizen participation.

    “[Government] alone cannot succeed in dealing with this monster that we are faced with, hence we appeal to parents, community, religious and traditional leaders to work closer in addressing social ills, harmful social, cultural and religious practices that are detrimental to the well-being of children, and change societal norms and values that perpetuate violence against children.

    “I urge that we continue to scale up interventions at local ward level with all hands on deck to end violence against children, promote care and the protection of children, with a focus on changing societal norms and values that perpetuate violence against children,” Tolashe said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • 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 Russia: Russian and Turkish leaders discussed initiative on direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Moscow, May 11 /Xinhua/ — Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday, the Kremlin press service reported.

    “The Russian President’s initiative to resume direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations, which are proposed to be held in Istanbul starting on May 15, was discussed in detail,” the statement said.

    “Recep Tayyip Erdogan fully supported this Russian proposal, emphasizing his readiness to provide the Istanbul platform. The Turkish side will provide all possible assistance in organizing and holding negotiations aimed at achieving sustainable peace,” the Kremlin noted.

    In addition, according to the Kremlin, V. Putin shared his impressions of the results of the celebratory events held in Moscow in honor of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the international contacts at the highest level that took place during these days.

    According to the Kremlin, the leaders of the two countries also expressed mutual interest in further expanding trade and investment ties, including the implementation of joint strategic projects in the energy sector.

    Earlier, V. Putin proposed resuming direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15.

    Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said on Sunday that Russia’s proposed talks on the situation in Ukraine should take into account the results of the talks that were interrupted in 2022 and the situation “on the ground.” –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China to Establish New IPR Rapid Service Center

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, May 11 (Xinhua) — China’s National Intellectual Property Administration (NIPA) recently approved the establishment of a new national-level rapid service center for intellectual property rights (IPR) protection in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, the NIPA said.

    The new center will be located in Futian District, home to more than 2,000 fashion enterprises and an industrial cluster valued at more than 120 billion yuan (about $16.6 billion).

    According to the GUIS, the new center, which specializes in IPR protection work in the fashion and design industry, will offer local businesses expedited intellectual property services for filing design patent applications, ensuring timely protection of their innovations and preventing imitation or infringement by competitors.

    The GUIS reported that the processing period from filing an application to receiving permission to issue a patent can be reduced to three months thanks to the services provided by this center. As a rule, the process of obtaining a patent for an industrial design from filing an application to receiving permission takes about six months.

    There are currently 48 such centers operating in China, specializing in different industries such as toys, small goods, furniture, etc. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE leads delegation to begin visit programme to Qatar

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (May 11) led a business delegation comprising representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises to commence its visit programme to Qatar. He met with leaders and government officials of Qatar and leant about the latest development of the country’s sovereign wealth fund. He also exchanged views with representatives of a local financial institution. He inspected Qatar’s town planning and visited local cultural and tourism facilities.
     
    In the morning, Mr Lee met respectively with the Amir of Qatar, Mr Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the head of state of Qatar; the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Mr Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani; and the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Mr Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai, to exchange views on strengthening bilateral relations and economic co-operation between Hong Kong and Qatar.
     
    Mr Lee said that Qatar and Hong Kong are economic powerhouses in the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region respectively. Noting that Qatar is Hong Kong’s third-largest trading partner in the Middle East with bilateral trade in goods worth US$1.6 billion last year, Mr Lee said that there is plenty of room for further growth in trade and business between the two places. He also expressed his anticipation that during this visit, multiple memoranda of understanding and agreements will be made between Hong Kong and Qatar, covering various areas including trade and investment promotion, financial services, innovation and technology (I&T), and cultural tourism, with a view to further enhancing co-operation among the governments and institutions of the two places.
     
    Mr Lee said that Hong Kong, as a functional platform of the Belt and Road Initiative, is committed to deepening international exchanges and co-operation and leveraging its strengths as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to facilitate and add value to government and business projects along the Belt and Road through the city’s world-class professional services. He also said that the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Belt and Road Initiative align in their values and aspirations for achieving high-quality development through all-round co-operation, embracing economic diversification and innovation, as well as fostering friendship and facilitating exchanges.
     
    Mr Lee also highlighted that both Hong Kong and Qatar attach great importance to technological development and regard artificial intelligence as an engine of new economic development. He said he hoped that Hong Kong and Qatar would enhance collaboration through joint research and exchanges, joint ventures, and cross-border investments to achieve mutual benefits.
     
    Mr Lee also visited Qatar Investment Authority this morning to learn about the development of Qatar’s financial sector. Established in 2005, the Qatar Investment Authority is Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund. It manages and grows Qatar’s financial assets, with an aim to diversify Qatar’s economic development and ensure the country’s long-term financial sustainability. Mr Lee received an in-depth briefing on the operation and investment strategies of the sovereign wealth fund, and explored with the Qatar Investment Authority the development and co-operation opportunities for both sides in finance and the economy.
     
    In the afternoon, Mr Lee attended a luncheon hosted by an international financial group, where he gained insights into the group’s analysis of Qatar’s banking and financial services industry, as well as its capital markets.
     
    Noting that Hong Kong, an international financial centre now moving towards also becoming an international green finance hub, Mr Lee said that last year the total amount of green and sustainable debt issued in Hong Kong exceeded US$84 billion, with green and sustainable bonds accounting for approximately US$43 billion. It captured around 45 per cent of the total Asian market, ranking first in the region for seven consecutive years. Mr Lee said that under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises complement each other’s strengths, and that Hong Kong would give full play to its bridging role in attracting international investments to China and “going global” with Mainland enterprises. He welcomed Qatari enterprises to leverage Hong Kong’s broad and deep capital markets, professional financial services and seamless connectivity with the Mainland market to raise international funds for their sustainable infrastructure projects.
     
    Afterwards, Mr Lee led the delegation to visit Lusail City, the second-largest city in Qatar, to understand how the city integrates I&T with urban planning and infrastructure development. Lusail City is one of Qatar’s flagship smart cities, focusing on information and communication technology, with the aim of developing into a model for intelligent living, urban evolution and diverse cultural landscapes. Mr Lee said that Hong Kong, as the world’s third-largest financial centre, offers world-class professional services that can support Qatar’s investment needs. He also noted that Hong Kong and Qatar can explore co-operation and exchanges in areas such as sustainable urban development.
     
    Mr Lee will later visit the National Museum of Qatar to learn about the country’s history and rich cultural heritage. The museum, which opened in 2019, is dedicated to vividly presenting the story of Qatar and its people in an innovative and immersive way.
     
    The delegation led by Mr Lee will attend a dinner hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the State of Qatar, Mr Cao Xiaolin. Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to the Embassy for its strong support to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai, and for making meticulous arrangements for the visit.
     
    Mr Lee will lead the delegation to continue its visit to Qatar tomorrow (May 12) to meet with local political and business leaders before departing for Kuwait.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to establish new fast IPR protection service center to foster innovation

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

    BEIJING, May 11 — China’s network of fast intellectual property rights (IPR) protection service centers is set to expand, as a new national-level center has this week been approved for establishment in the innovation hub of Shenzhen, the country’s top IP regulator said.

    The new center will be based in the city’s Futian district, a central business area that is home to over 2,000 fashion industry enterprises and features an industrial cluster valued at 120 billion yuan (about 16.6 billion U.S. dollars).

    According to the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), the center will offer local enterprises expedited IP services for their design patent applications — ensuring timely protection of their innovations and preventing imitation or infringement by competitors.

    The processing period from application submission to patent authorization can be reduced to within three months through the services provided by this center, the CNIPA told Xinhua. Generally, it takes around six months for a design patent to complete the process from application to authorization.

    Design is a major patent type in China. Latest data showed that 638,000 design patents were authorized in China in 2023. The country also ranked first in the world in terms of international design patent applications in 2024.

    The efficient services that will be offered by the Futian center will help attract more fashion design talent to the district, enhance their design competitiveness, and support the innovative growth of local small and medium-sized fashion enterprises — ultimately driving high-quality development, the CNIPA noted.

    China currently has 48 national-level fast IPR protection service centers, focusing on small commodities and packaged consumer goods in county-level industrial clusters that have a fast product update cycle and strong demand for design protection. Such centers have been built in places like Yiwu in east China, a hub for small commodities, and south China’s Shantou, renowned as the “toy capital” of China.

    MIL OSI China 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: 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 USA: Norton Releases Remarks From Press Conference on the Proposed Cut to the District of Columbia’s Federal Medical Assistance Percentage

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released her remarks from today’s press conference with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and city officials about the proposed cut to the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) in the fiscal year (FY 25) 2025 budget resolution, which she said will catastrophically harm District residents. 

    “Cutting D.C.’s FMAP would not only harm our residents, but also federal employees, officials and visitors from across the country.  It would jeopardize care for children and families from all fifty states who come to our region’s renowned hospitals for treatment,” Norton said.

    “A reduction in D.C.’s FMAP would destabilize our healthcare system and adversely impact the hundreds of thousands of constituents who live, work, and receive care in D.C. each day,” Norton said.

    Norton’s full remarks follow.

    Remarks of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)

    Press Event on Proposed Cut to District of Columbia’s Federal Medical Assistance Percentage, 

    May 2, 2025

    Throughout my years in Congress, I have been a staunch supporter of Medicaid, consistently advocating for legislation to enhance its benefits for D.C. residents. 

    I strongly oppose the proposed Medicaid cuts in the FY 25 budget resolution, especially those targeting the federal match rate for D.C., known as the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage or FMAP. 

    Reducing D.C.’s FMAP from seventy percent to the proposed fifty percent would be devastating for the nation’s capital.  It would create a $1.1 billion gap in D.C.’s local budget, an impact that would be catastrophic.  A reduction in D.C.’s FMAP would destabilize our healthcare system and adversely impact the hundreds of thousands of constituents who live, work, and receive care in D.C. each day.

    The proposal to reduce D.C.’s FMAP is the latest in a series of attacks on D.C.  The Trump administration and Republicans in Congress have consistently undermined D.C. from anti-home rule executive orders targeting the District to House Republicans’ efforts to force D.C. to revert to FY 24 spending levels by omitting a longstanding provision in the continuing resolution. 

    In 1997, Congress passed the National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act to help rescue D.C. from insolvency.  The Revitalization Act transferred certain functions and costs from the D.C. government to the federal government, including pensions, courts, prisons and community supervision of offenders.  It also established the current 70 percent D.C. FMAP to reflect these obligations.

    Congress also imposes several revenue limitations on D.C.  For example, D.C. cannot tax income earned in D.C. by non-residents, depriving D.C. of more than three billion dollars in annual revenue.  Nor can D.C. permit buildings to exceed certain height limitations or tax its sizable federal property.  These constraints are why our FMAP is set higher than many states—to ensure D.C. can continue to provide vital services despite its restricted tax base.

    Cutting D.C.’s FMAP would not only harm our residents, but also federal employees, officials and visitors from across the country.  It would jeopardize care for children and families from all fifty states who come to our region’s renowned hospitals for treatment.  To even consider these cuts is misguided and irresponsible.

    I urge my colleagues, particularly those on the Energy and Commerce Committee, to reject all Medicaid cuts during budget reconciliation, especially any reduction to D.C.’s FMAP.  The stakes are too high and our providers, our patients and our region cannot afford this.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Raging wildfires put Scotland on frontline of climate crisis

    Source: Scottish Greens

    11 May 2025 Rural Affairs

    We need climate action to stop wildfires being our new normal.

    More in Rural Affairs

    With extreme wildfires warnings across the country, and with fire crews battling a wildfire the size of five football pitches near Fauldhouse, Scotland’s communities are being put on the frontline of the climate crisis, say the Scottish Greens.

    Scottish Green MSP Ariane Burgess said:

    “We aren’t even in the height of our summer yet and we are already seeing our woodlands burning and warnings in place across much of the country.

    “We should all be grateful to the firefighters who are risking their lives and putting their safety on the line to protect us and our communities. It’s not just the immediate threats they face, but also the lifelong increased health risks from exposure to smoke and toxic substances.

    “We need to do everything we can to ensure that they are well supported and properly equipped for the growing threats that we face from increasing temperatures. Yet, in some parts of rural and island Scotland the fire service is facing a challenge to fill the crews, and some of their stations are in bad need of upgrade.

    “Some of these fires have raged for days at a time and have done a huge amount of damage to local livelihoods and habitats. But, most importantly, they have put people in serious danger.

    “Scotland is blessed with amazing and iconic landscapes that attract visitors from across the world. But they are also homes and places where people live and work, and, with our climate changing around us, they are being put at growing risk and thrust on to the frontline of the climate crisis.

    “It’s not just Scotland. We have seen heat waves and wildfires across the world and, without fundamental change, the threat will only become more severe. The situation is particularly urgent for people living in remote and rural communities who are often surrounded by tinderbox conditions.

    “All of this underlines the need for preventative steps to climate-proof our society and to step-up climate action if we are to ensure that the devastating scenes at Fauldhouse do not become our new normal.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Bayern crowned title with 2-0 win on Muller’s farewell night

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

    Bayern Munich sealed its Bundesliga title celebrations with a 2-0 home win over Borussia Monchengladbach in the 33rd round match on an emotional night that marked Thomas Muller’s final game in red on Saturday.

    All eyes were on Muller as he led the team out for his 750th and final appearance at the Allianz Arena. The veteran, who has won 13 Bundesliga titles and two Champions Leagues with the club, received a roaring ovation and was honored with a fan choreography.

    After a quiet start, Michael Olise brought Bayern to life in the 31st minute. Cutting inside from the right, he curled a shot past Monchengladbach goalkeeper Jonas Omlin for Harry Kane to open the scoring. The goal was Kane’s 25th of the season, making him the first Bayern player to reach that mark in each of his first two Bundesliga campaigns.

    Monchengladbach had its moments, with Tim Kleindienst, Rocco Reitz and Tomas Cvancara all testing Manuel Neuer, who returned from injury to put in an impeccable performance. The Bayern captain made several fine saves from close range to keep his clean sheet intact.

    Muller came close to scoring himself on several occasions but was unable to find the net on his special night. He was taken off in the 84th minute to a standing ovation from all sides of the stadium as his teammates lined up for a guard of honor.

    In the dying moments of the game, Olise capped a remarkable evening by finishing off a slick move involving Leroy Sane to make it 2-0.

    “I’m not sure who felt the emotions more, Thomas or the Bayern fans. In the years to come, we’ll truly realize just how important he was for this club,” said Bayern coach Vincent Kompany.

    Elsewhere, bottom club Holstein Kiel was relegated to the second tier after a 2-1 defeat at fourth-placed Freiburg. Bochum was also relegated as Mainz moved into the top six with a 4-1 win. Leipzig shared the spoils with Werder Bremen and has no chance of qualifying for the Champions League. Heidenheim shocked Union Berlin 3-0 to move into the relegation play-off zone, while Hoffenheim was held to a 2-2 draw by Wolfsburg. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: De Arrascaeta strike keeps Flamengo top in Brazil’s Serie A

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

    Giorgian de Arrascaeta continued his prolific scoring form as leader Flamengo recorded a 1-0 home win over Bahia in Brazil’s Serie A championship on Saturday.

    Flamengo took the lead at the Maracana stadium when Michael Oliveira delivered an inch-perfect cross from the left wing and De Arrascaeta timed his run to perfection to head home.

    The Uruguay international midfielder has now scored seven times and provided three assists in seven league outings for Flamengo this season.

    Flamengo controlled the match thereafter but had to endure a tense final 15 minutes after midfielder Gerson was sent off for an ugly challenge on Erick Pulga.

    The result leaves Flamengo top of the 20-team Brazilian Serie A standings with 17 points from eight games, ahead of second-placed Bragantino on goal difference.

    Bahia, which had won each of its previous three games, is sixth, five points off the pace.

    In other Brazilian Serie A fixtures on Saturday, Mirassol won 2-1 at home to Corinthians, Vitoria prevailed 2-1 at home to Vasco da Gama, Gremio was held to a 1-1 home draw by Bragantino, and hosts Fortaleza romped to a 5-0 victory over Juventude. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: View from The Hill: if Jacinta Nampijinpa Price became Liberal deputy it would be a wild ride

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Jacinta Nampijinpa Price’s confirmation she will run for Liberal deputy has put the members of an already shell-shocked party into a new spin.

    Tuesday’s leadership contest, where the numbers are said to be tight, is a battle for the direction of the party as much as one between the two personalities.

    It’s essentially a contest between the moderates and the conservatives. Sussan Ley, deputy for the past three years, carries the flag for the moderates (although she is aligned to the old Scott Morrison faction, which is led by Alex Hawke, one-time Morrison numbers man).

    Her opponent, Angus Taylor, who’s been shadow treasurer, leads the conservatives.

    Neither Ley nor Taylor has impressed during the last term, but that’s become beside the point.

    Taylor has embraced the ambitious Price, who has defected (amid great bitterness) from the Nationals, to boost his support as part of a joint ticket.

    Whether the combination will work for or against Taylor’s chances remains to be seen. There are fears in the Ley camp it may attract some undecideds, but it possibly could frighten off others.

    Price was elevated spectacularly to national prominence as the most effective “no” campaigner against the Voice. She is forceful and articulate, and the conservative base of the Coalition loves her.

    But, leaving aside the complication that she’s a senator, her performance in the Voice campaign doesn’t automatically translate into qualifications for deputy which, if done properly, is a demanding, multi-faceted job.

    The Liberal deputy needs deep roots in the party, not having just arrived in controversial circumstances. They have to do a lot of work with the party organisation, not just the parliamentary party.

    In the latter, the deputy is there in part to protect the leader’s back and to keep track of the mood of colleagues, which requires having long-standing relationships of familiarity and trust with them.

    Some would argue the ideal deputy is a person who does not have their eyes on the leadership, which Price clearly has.

    The deputy needs a broad grasp of policy areas, because they will be a high profile public spokesperson for the party, and will be hit with questions on every issue that’s running.

    The deputy also has to be comfortable with media across the spectrum, because that’s part of the job. Price’s natural home has been on Sky News. On Sunday, she appeared on Sky’s highly opinionated program Outsiders.

    If the Liberals are to get themselves back into shape, they must seek to regain their appeal in the urban areas that went teal in 2022, and to women. Indeed, they have to tap into professional women in those places. It is unlikely Price, unless she undergoes a major political makeover, would be attractive to that constituency.

    In their bid for the support of women, the Liberals need a root-and-branch debate about how to get more women candidates, but Price is already totally against quotas.

    If Price becomes deputy it will be a wild ride for the party – and for its leader.

    Other names mooted as possible deputies are Dan Tehan, from Victoria, who’s been immigration spokesman, and Queenslander Ted O’Brien, the energy spokesman. Either would be less fraught for the party than Price. O’Brien would have the problem of being welded on to the nuclear policy, which will be at least overhauled and perhaps ditched by the Liberals.

    Ley is set to have a running mate, but the name has not yet been disclosed.

    Another option would be for the loser out of Ley and Taylor to become deputy. Awkward, but perhaps the cleanest way forward. Ley is used to the role; Taylor would be entitled to stay shadow treasurer and would be at the centre of things (what things are left).

    Nationals’ identity battle

    In the Nationals, the leadership contest – to be decided Monday – is also a battle over identity.

    The Nationals under David Litteproud held almost all their seats at the election but one-time resources minister Matt Canavan – a Barnaby Joyce supporter back in the day – says they need a new direction.

    Critical to his pitch are energy and climate issues. The Nationals signed up reluctantly to net zero emissions by 2050 in the Morrison prime ministership, when Joyce was leader (although he indicated he personally didn’t favour doing so). They were dragged to the deal with great reluctance.

    Canavan, who is a senator, said in his leadership pitch, “We should scrap the futile and unachievable goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Net zero makes everything more expensive and it is not helping the environment given that the US, China and India are no longer even paying lip service to it.”

    Littleproud, describing the challenge as “healthy for our democracy”, is favoured to see off the Canavan bid. Regardless, it is a reminder the Nationals remain a divided party, as they have been for years.

    Michelle Grattan 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. View from The Hill: if Jacinta Nampijinpa Price became Liberal deputy it would be a wild ride – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-if-jacinta-nampijinpa-price-became-liberal-deputy-it-would-be-a-wild-ride-255964

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Sen. Markey, Rep. Pressley Welcome Rümeysa Öztürk Back to Massachusetts Upon Öztürk’s Release from ICE Detention

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Senator Markey and Representative Pressley with Rümeysa Öztürk
    Boston (May 10, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Representative Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) today joined Rümeysa Öztürk and members of her legal team at a press conference after Ms. Öztürk arrived home from ICE detention in Louisiana. Yesterday, the United States District Court for the District of Vermont granted bail to Ms. Öztürk and directed the Trump administration to release her from detention.
    On March 25, 2025, Ms. Öztürk, a PhD student at Tufts University, was abducted by six plainclothes ICE agents off the streets of Somerville, Massachusetts. She was quickly moved across state lines and taken more than 1,500 miles away from her community to a detention facility in Louisiana, where she spent more than six weeks in retaliation for on op-ed she co-wrote in the Tufts Daily.
    “Today is a day of joy: We welcome Rümeysa Öztürk back to Massachusetts and back to her community in Somerville,” said Senator Markey. “Rümeysa should have never been abducted off the streets of Somerville. She should have never been taken out of Massachusetts and sent to a detention site in Louisiana more than 1,500 miles away from her community. And she should have never had to suffer intolerable living conditions and multiple and worsening asthma attacks while unlawfully detained for more than six weeks. Rümeysa’s case affects every one of us. We cannot allow this administration to trample individuals’ constitutional rights to free speech and due process. Her homecoming is only the beginning of the fight for justice – not only for Rümeysa, but for every family, for every neighbor, and for everyone who wishes to ensure they can live free.”               
    “Today we’re welcoming with open arms a beloved member of our Massachusetts 7th community, a brilliant scholar, a courageous advocate, and a survivor of a shameful injustice – Rümeysa Öztürk. And we’re sending a message to this hostile White House that their efforts to silence Rümeysa, crush dissent, and undermine our constitutional rights are being rejected,” said Representative Pressley. “While we take stock of this important progress, we know this fight isn’t over. We will not rest until Rümeysa is fully exonerated, her visa is restored, and she is free to continue her studies and her service to our community.”
    On April 22, Senator Markey and Representatives Pressley and Jim McGovern (MA-02), along with Representative Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Ranking Member of House Committee on Homeland Security, and Representative Troy Carter (LA-02), visited the Louisiana ICE facility where Ms. Öztürk was being held. Also on April 22, Senator Markey, Representative Pressley, and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons to demand answers about the Trump administration’s concerning practice of detaining individuals, such as Ms. Öztürk, far from their attorneys and communities and in legal environments where their rights are more difficult to defend. The Trump administration is forum shopping to obtain a legal outcome favorable to its deportation agenda.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 122 Afghans released from Pakistani jails return home

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    KABUL, May 11 (Xinhua) — A total of 122 Afghan nationals released from Pakistani prisons have returned to their homeland, state-run Radio Television Afghanistan reported on Saturday.

    All former prisoners were sent to their home provinces after receiving necessary assistance at checkpoints, the statement said.

    Hundreds of Afghan prisoners released from Pakistani jails have returned home since January this year. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: E-commerce park launched in Lhasa to boost trade with South Asia

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

    A maiden flight from Lhasa to Pokhara is seen at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport in Lhasa, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, March 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    A new cross-border e-commerce industrial park opened on Friday in Lhasa, southwest China, as part of efforts to deepen trade and economic ties with South Asia, local authorities said.

    The industrial park, located in the capital of the Xizang Autonomous Region, was designed to be a comprehensive platform for product display, warehousing, logistics, customs clearance and financial settlement services, according to Ye Haiying, director of the city’s commerce bureau.

    Spanning 16,000 square meters, the park has already attracted 12 cross-border e-commerce firms.

    Goods are first consolidated in two major domestic trade hubs — Guangzhou and Yiwu — before being routed through Lhasa and shipped to a 1,800-square-meter overseas warehouse in Nepal, Ye said.

    The overseas warehouse has reduced delivery times from 60 days when shipped by sea to just 20 days. Logistics efficiency has improved by 50 percent, and overall costs have fallen 20 percent, giving companies a competitive edge as they expand into South Asian markets, Ye noted.

    Lhasa’s location and multimodal transport links make it a well-positioned logistics hub.

    The park is expected to attract more enterprises going forward, supporting local plateau industries and facilitating the flow of goods imported from South Asia, Ye said.

    The project is part of China’s broader efforts to enhance connectivity with South Asian economies. Official data shows that the total volume of trade between China and South Asian countries neared 200 billion U.S. dollars in 2023 — double the amount recorded in 2013. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: E-commerce industrial park opens in Lhasa to boost trade with South Asia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    LHASA, May 11 (Xinhua) — A new cross-border e-commerce industrial park opened in Lhasa, capital of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, on Friday as part of efforts to deepen economic and trade ties with South Asia, local authorities said.

    The industrial park was designed as a comprehensive platform for product display, warehousing, logistics, customs clearance and financial settlement, the city’s Commerce Department said.

    The 16,000 square meter park is already home to 12 cross-border e-commerce companies.

    The goods are reportedly first consolidated in two major domestic trading hubs, Guangzhou and Yiwu, before being routed through Lhasa and shipped to an 1,800-square-meter overseas warehouse in Nepal.

    The overseas warehouse has reduced delivery time from 60 days by sea to just 20 days. Logistics efficiency has increased significantly and overall costs have been reduced, giving companies a competitive advantage when entering South Asian markets.

    The park will attract more businesses in the future and facilitate the flow of goods imported from South Asia, the city’s Commerce Department said.

    The project is part of China’s broader efforts to strengthen ties with South Asia. Official data showed that trade between China and South Asian countries will reach nearly $200 billion in 2023, double the level in 2013. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Crypto Casino Canada: JACKBIT Awarded as the Best BTC Casino for Canadian Players for 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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    1. Visit the JACKBIT Website: Navigate to the official JACKBIT website using a secure internet connection to protect your information.
    2. Create an Account: Click the “Sign Up” or “Register” button, typically located at the top right of the homepage. Enter a username, password, and email address. Thanks to JACKBIT’s no-KYC policy, no additional personal information is required.
    3. Verify Your Email: Check your inbox for a verification email from JACKBIT. Click the provided link to activate your account, enabling you to log in and play.
    4. Log In: Use your username and password to access your account. Keep your credentials safe and never disclose them.
    5. Make a Deposit: Fund your account using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or traditional methods like Visa. Deposits are approved right away, allowing quick gameplay.
    6. Claim Your Welcome Bonus: New players can claim a 100% No Risk Welcome Bonus and 100 Free Spins on their first deposit. Review the terms to understand any wagering requirements.
    7. Explore the Game Library: Browse over 6,000 games, including slots, live casino, and sports betting, to find your favorites.
    8. Start Playing: Select a game and begin your gaming journey. Set limits to ensure responsible gambling.

    This streamlined process makes JACKBIT accessible to all players seeking the best crypto casino in Canada.

    ✅GET IN THE GAME – CREATE YOUR JACKBIT ACCOUNT TODAY!

    Pros And Cons Of JACKBIT

    To help players make an informed decision, here’s a detailed look at the advantages and disadvantages of JACKBIT:

    Pros Cons
    Vast Game Library: Over 6,000 games, including slots, live casino, sports betting, and more, ensuring endless entertainment. Limited Fiat Options: Only Visa and MasterCard are supported for fiat transactions.
    Fastest Payouts: Withdrawals are processed almost instantly, providing quick access to winnings. Regional Restrictions: Some games may be unavailable in certain regions due to licensing agreements.
    No KYC Policy: Ensures player anonymity without identity verification.  
    Generous Bonuses: Includes welcome bonuses, free spins, cashback, and VIP programs.  
    Wide Payment Methods: Supports numerous cryptocurrencies and traditional options.  
    User-Friendly Interface: Both beginner and expert players will find it easy to navigate.  
    24/7 Customer Support: Available around the clock for assistance.  

    Despite minor drawbacks, JACKBIT’s strengths make it a top choice among the best crypto casinos Canada offers.

    Payment Methods At JACKBIT

    JACKBIT offers a comprehensive range of payment methods to accommodate diverse player preferences. Below is a detailed list:

    Cryptocurrencies:

    • Bitcoin (BTC)
    • Ethereum (ETH)
    • Ripple (XRP)
    • Litecoin (LTC)
    • Tether (USDT)
    • Binance Coin (BNB)
    • Dash (DASH)
    • Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
    • Dogecoin (DOGE)
    • Monero (XMR)
    • Tron (TRX)
    • USD Coin (USDC)
    • Solana (SOL)
    • Shiba Inu (SHIBA)
    • Cardano (ADA)
    • Polygon (MATIC)
    • Dai (DAI)
    • Chainlink (LINK)
    • Binance USD (BUSD)

    Traditional Methods:

    • Visa: Credit/debit card for deposits.
    • MasterCard: Widely accepted for deposits.

    This extensive selection ensures players can choose their preferred method, reinforcing JACKBIT’s status as the best Bitcoin casino Canada offers.

    Games Offered By JACKBIT

    JACKBIT’s extensive library of over 6,000 games ensures maximum entertainment and variety for all players. Here’s a breakdown of the game types available:

    Slots
    The slots collection features classic and modern titles with vibrant graphics, engaging themes, and exciting bonus features. Popular games like Starburst and Gates of Olympus offer chances for big wins, with some titles including progressive jackpots.

    Table Games
    Players can enjoy timeless classics like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker, available in multiple variants. These games provide a sophisticated yet accessible experience for all skill levels.

    Live Dealer Games
    For an immersive experience, JACKBIT’s live dealer section offers real-time gameplay with professional dealers. Games like live blackjack, roulette, and Crazy Time allow players to interact and enjoy a casino-like atmosphere from home.

    Specialty Games
    For a unique twist, JACKBIT offers specialty games like keno, scratch cards, and crypto-based titles. These games provide a fun, casual alternative to traditional casino offerings.

    This diverse selection, powered by top providers like NetEnt and Evolution Gaming, ensures high-quality entertainment, making JACKBIT a top destination for the best crypto casino Canada players.

    Responsible Gambling At JACKBIT

    JACKBIT is committed to promoting responsible gambling, offering tools to help players manage their gaming habits responsibly:

    • Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly restrictions on deposits to control expenditure. These limits can be adjusted easily in the account settings to suit individual budgets.
    • Loss Limits: Prevent excessive losses by setting a maximum loss threshold for a chosen period. This feature helps players avoid chasing losses during gaming sessions.
    • Session Reminders: Receive periodic notifications about gaming duration to maintain awareness of time spent playing. These reminders encourage players to take breaks and reassess their activity.
    • Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently close accounts to take a break from gambling if needed. Players can contact support to initiate this process for added control.

    Links to professional support organizations, such as Gamblers Anonymous, are provided for players needing additional assistance, ensuring a safe and enjoyable Canada crypto casino experience.

    Technology Behind JACKBIT Crypto Casino

    JACKBIT leverages advanced technology to ensure a secure and fair gaming environment. Blockchain technology underpins its operations, enabling provably fair games where players can verify randomness and fairness through cryptographic algorithms. Cryptocurrency transactions are secure and tamper-proof due to blockchain’s decentralized nature, protecting player funds.

    The platform is optimized for mobile devices, offering a responsive design that delivers a consistent experience across smartphones, tablets, and desktops. This technological innovation enhances JACKBIT’s appeal as the best crypto casino Canada provides.

    Final Thoughts On The Best Crypto Casino Canada

    JACKBIT represents the pinnacle of crypto gambling in Canada, offering a vast game selection, rapid payouts, and a commitment to player privacy. Its generous bonuses, diverse payment options, and user-friendly interface make it the best crypto casino in Canada. While playing slots or placing bets on sports, JACKBIT offers a remarkable experience. Join today to discover why JACKBIT is the top choice among the Canadian crypto casino Industry.

    ✅JOIN & CLAIM YOUR WELCOME BONUSES & FREE SPINS NOW

    FAQs

    1. What makes JACKBIT the best crypto casino in Canada?
    JACKBIT excels with over 6,000 games, fast payouts, no KYC policy, generous bonuses, and diverse payment options.

    2. Does JACKBIT require KYC verification?
    No, JACKBIT allows anonymous play without identity verification.

    3. What bonuses does JACKBIT offer?
    Bonuses include a 100% No Risk Welcome Bonus, 100 Free Spins, 10% Cashback Insurance, 3+1 Sports Promotion, and VIP Rakeback.

    4. How many games does JACKBIT have?
    JACKBIT offers over 6,000 games, including slots, live casinos, sports betting, and more.

    5. What payment methods are accepted at JACKBIT?
    JACKBIT supports cryptocurrencies like BTC, ETH, and USDT, plus Visa and MasterCard.

    6. Is JACKBIT available in Canada?
    Yes, JACKBIT is optimized for Canadian players with tailored games and services.

    Email: support@JACKBIT.com

    Disclaimer

    This material is for purposes of information only and serves as no financial or legal advice. Online gambling, including at crypto casinos like JACKBIT, carries risks, and players should gamble responsibly. Ensure you are of legal age and that online gambling is permitted in your jurisdiction. If you or someone you know has a gambling addiction, get professional treatment.

    Casino and Gambling Disclaimer

    Online gambling involves risks and may not be suitable for everyone. Gambling laws vary by jurisdiction, and compliance is your responsibility. We do not promote gambling, and participation is at your own risk. JACKBIT is a third-party platform, and we are not liable for any losses or disputes arising from its use. Always gamble responsibly and seek professional advice if needed.

    Affiliate Disclosure
    Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured, our recommendations are made without bias.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bc833847-8335-4cfe-b448-089d1acfd1c9
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6ddd5008-355c-4366-93fc-63ecbf7a538d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Fast Payout Casinos: Which Casino Has Instant Withdrawal With No Verification? Expert Choice! – 7Bit Casino

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JERSEY CITY, N.J, May 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — After exploring numerous online casinos, we found many fell short. Bonuses were lacking, game libraries were limited, and the experience felt underwhelming. Then we discovered 7Bit Casino, and it was a game-changer.

    From the moment we signed up, 7Bit Casino impressed us with its generous welcome bonus, lightning-fast crypto payouts, and an extensive game selection. The platform is user-friendly, and everything runs seamlessly. 7Bit Casino truly shines as one of the top fast payout casinos available today.

    7Bit Casino: A Leader in Fast Payout Casinos for 2025

    7Bit Casino, a trusted name in the online gambling world, has been delivering exceptional services for over a decade. Licensed by the Curacao eGaming Commission, it’s one of the safest online casinos, offering players peace of mind. With a massive library of over 10,000 games, lightning-fast crypto withdrawals, and a mobile-friendly platform, 7Bit Casino stands out among fast payout casinos. Whether you’re a fan of the best online pokies or prefer table games, 7Bit Casino has something for everyone.

    New players can kickstart their journey with 7Bit Casino’s incredible welcome bonus package:

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    This generous offer makes 7Bit Casino one of the most rewarding fast payout casinos, giving players more value for their deposits. The welcome package includes:

    Why 7Bit Casino Stands Out Among Fast Payout Casinos

    7Bit Casino has earned its reputation as a top instant payout casino through its commitment to player satisfaction. Here’s why it’s a standout in the world of fast payout casinos:

    Unmatched Game Selection

    With over 10,000 games, 7Bit Casino offers one of the largest libraries among fast payout casinos. Players can enjoy the best online pokies like Mega Moolah, Johnny Cash, and Raging Lion, alongside table games, instant wins, and live dealer options. The variety ensures there’s something for every type of player, making 7Bit Casino a go-to for those seeking a comprehensive gaming experience.

    Lightning-Fast Withdrawals

    When it comes to fast payout casinos, 7Bit Casino leads the pack. The casino offers instant withdrawal and no verification for cryptocurrency transactions, allowing players to access their winnings in minutes. Options like Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin make 7Bit Casino an anonymous online casino, perfect for those who value privacy and speed. For fiat users, methods like Visa, Mastercard, Neosurf, and Pay ID casino options ensure quick and secure transactions.

    Generous Bonuses and Promotions

    7Bit Casino is renowned for its frequent and rewarding promotions, setting it apart from other fast payout casinos. Beyond the welcome package, players can enjoy:

    • First Deposit: 100% match up to 1.5 BTC + 100 free spins.
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    • Third Deposit: 50% match up to 1.5 BTC.
    • Fourth Deposit: 100% match up to 1 BTC + 50 free spins.

    Other Promotions

    • New Game Offer: 45 free spins
    • Monday Reload: 25% match bonus + 50 free spins.
    • Wednesday Free Spins: Up to 100 free spins based on deposit size.
    • Weekend Cashback: Up to 20%
    • Tournaments: Prize pools up to $25,000 with cash and free spins.
    • Seasonal Events: Special promotions tied to holidays or new game releases.
    • Telegram Exclusive: 50 free spins for Telegram channel members
    • Telegram Friday Offer: 111 Free Spins
    • Telegram Sunday Offer: 66 Free Spins
    • New Game Offer: 45 free spins on selected new releases
    • Titans` Arena: $8000
    • Platipus Rush: €2000
    • 10 Years of Platipus: € 100,000
    • Lucky Spin: $1500 + 1500 Free Spins

    These promotions make 7Bit Casino one of the most player-friendly fast payout casinos, rewarding both new and loyal players.

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    Steps to Join 7Bit Casino in 2025
    Joining 7Bit Casino, a top fast payout casino, is simple and quick. Follow these steps to start playing and enjoy instant payout casino features:

    1.   Go to the 7Bit Casino Website
    Open your browser and visit https://7bitcasino.com. Ensure it’s the official site for a safe online casino experience. The platform is mobile-friendly for Android and iOS.

    2.   Click the Sign-Up Button
    Find the green “Sign Up” button in the top-right corner of the homepage and click it to open the registration form.

    3.   Complete the Registration Form
    Enter:

    • A valid email address.
    • A strong password (mix letters, numbers, symbols).
    • Your preferred currency (fiat like AUD or crypto like Bitcoin).
      Ensure details are correct for a smooth account setup.

    4.   Agree to Terms
    Check the box to accept 7Bit’s terms and conditions. Optionally, opt into promotional offers for bonuses like free spins at this instant payout casino.

    5.   Submit Your Registration
    Click “Sign Up” to create your account. The process is fast, aligning with 7Bit’s user-friendly, fast payout casino design.

    6.   Verify Your Email (If Needed)
    Check your inbox for a verification email. Click the link to confirm your email, ensuring account security. Crypto users may skip this for instant withdrawal and no verification.

    7.   Log In to Your Account
    Click “Log In,” enter your email and password, and access your account to explore the best online pokies and games.

    8.   Deposit Funds
    Go to the “Cashier” section, choose a payment method (Bitcoin, Pay ID casino, Visa, etc.), enter the amount, and deposit. Crypto deposits are instant, perfect for an anonymous online casino.

    9.   Claim Your Welcome Bonus
    After depositing, claim the 325% welcome bonus up to 5.25 BTC + 250 free spins,

    Split over four deposits to kickstart your gaming at this fast payout casino.

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    Seamless Mobile Experience

    7Bit Casino’s mobile platform is a highlight for players on the go. Offering nearly all the features of the desktop version, it’s optimized for Android and iOS devices. Whether you’re spinning the best online pokies or claiming bonuses, the mobile experience is smooth and intuitive, making 7Bit Casino a top choice among safe online casinos.

    Secure and Fair Gaming

    As one of the safest online casinos, 7Bit Casino prioritizes player security. Licensed by Curacao, the casino uses advanced encryption to protect data and transactions. Games are audited for fairness, ensuring a transparent and trustworthy experience. This commitment to safety makes 7Bit Casino a reliable instant payout casino for players worldwide.

    A Comprehensive Review of 7Bit Casino’s Key Features

    To understand why 7Bit Casino excels among fast payout casinos, we evaluated it across several critical areas:

    • License: Licensed by the Curacao eGaming Commission, ensuring legitimacy and oversight.
    • Fairness: Games are independently audited for fair outcomes.
    • Quality of Games: Over 10,000 titles from top providers, including the best online pokies and live dealer games.
    • Bonuses and Promotions: Generous welcome package, weekly offers, and low wagering requirements.
    • Payment Methods: Instant withdrawal and no verification for crypto, plus fiat options like Pay ID casino and bank transfers.
    • Online Security: Military-grade encryption and secure servers protect player data.
    • Mobile Experience: Seamless HTML5-powered mobile platform for all devices.
    • KYC: Simple KYC process, with no verification required for initial crypto withdrawals.
    • Deposit and Withdrawal Limits: Flexible limits, with high rollers accommodated.
    • Customer Support: 24/7 support via live chat, email, and phone, with fast response times.

    7Bit Casino’s outstanding performance across these criteria solidifies its position as a leading fast payout casino for 2025.

    Payment Methods: Why 7Bit Casino is a Top Instant Payout Casino

    7Bit Casino offers a wide range of payment methods, catering to both traditional and modern players. For those seeking instant withdrawal and no verification, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin are ideal. These options make 7Bit Casino an anonymous online casino, ensuring privacy and speed.

    Fiat players can use trusted methods like:

    • Visa and Mastercard
    • Neosurf
    • Skrill
    • Interac
    • Neteller
    • Paysafe Card
    • Pay ID casino
    • Bank Transfer

    While bank transfers may take slightly longer, most methods offer rapid processing, reinforcing 7Bit Casino’s status as a fast payout casino. The inclusion of Pay ID casino options further enhances convenience for casino players, allowing seamless deposits and withdrawals.

    Responsible Gambling at 7Bit Casino

    7Bit Casino is committed to promoting responsible gambling, a key factor in its ranking among safe online casinos. The platform offers tools to help players manage their spending, including deposit limits and self-exclusion options. A dedicated team monitors gambling patterns to identify and assist players who may need support. This focus on player well-being ensures that 7Bit Casino remains a trusted instant payout casino.

    Pros and Cons of 7Bit Casino

    What We Liked:

    • Extensive game library with over 10,000 titles, including the best online pokies.
    • Lightning-fast crypto withdrawals make it a top fast payout casino.
    • Frequent promotions and a generous welcome bonus.
    • Seamless mobile experience for gaming on the go.
    • Secure and fair, with a Curacao license and audited games.

    What We Didn’t Like:

    • High wagering requirements on some bonuses may feel restrictive.

    Why 7Bit Casino is a Top Choice for 2025

    7Bit Casino’s combination of fast payouts, a vast game selection, and generous bonuses makes it a standout among fast payout casinos. Its support for instant withdrawal and no verification through cryptocurrencies appeals to players seeking an anonymous online casino. The inclusion of Pay ID casino options and a mobile-friendly platform further enhances its appeal.

    Whether you’re a casual player or a high roller, 7Bit Casino delivers a seamless and rewarding experience. Its commitment to responsible gambling and player security cements its place as one of the safest online casinos.

    Additional Features That Boost 7Bit Casino’s Ranking

    • Loyalty Program: 7Bit Casino’s VIP program rewards loyal players with exclusive bonuses, cashback, and free spins, enhancing its appeal among fast payout casinos.
    • Tournaments: Regular slot tournaments add excitement and offer additional winning opportunities.
    • Multilingual Support: The platform supports multiple languages, making it accessible to a global audience.
    • High RTP Games: Many of 7Bit Casino’s games, especially the best online pokies, boast high return-to-player percentages, increasing player value.

    These features help 7Bit Casino compete effectively in the crowded fast payout casino market, ensuring it ranks well in search engine results.

    Tips for Maximizing Your Experience at Fast Payout Casinos

    To get the most out of 7Bit Casino and other fast payout casinos, consider these tips:

    1. Use Cryptocurrencies: For the fastest withdrawals, opt for Bitcoin, Litecoin, or Ethereum. These methods offer instant payout casino benefits with no verification required.
    2. Claim Bonuses Wisely: Take advantage of 7Bit Casino’s welcome package and weekly offers, but read the wagering requirements to ensure they suit your playstyle.
    3. Explore the Game Library: With over 10,000 games, try a mix of pokies, table games, and live dealer options to find your favorites.
    4. Set Limits: Use 7Bit Casino’s responsible gambling tools to manage your spending and keep gaming fun.
    5. Contact Support: If you encounter issues, 7Bit Casino’s 24/7 customer support is quick to assist via live chat or email.

    By following these tips, you can enhance your experience at 7Bit Casino and other fast payout casinos.

    The Future of Fast Payout Casinos

    As the online gambling industry evolves, fast payout casinos like 7Bit Casino are setting the standard for 2025 and beyond. Players increasingly demand instant withdrawal and no verification options, and 7Bit Casino’s crypto-friendly approach meets this need. The rise of Pay ID casino payments and mobile gaming further positions 7Bit Casino as a forward-thinking platform.

    Looking ahead, we expect fast payout casinos to integrate more advanced technologies, such as blockchain for enhanced transparency and AI for personalized gaming experiences. 7Bit Casino’s ability to adapt to these trends will determine whether it retains its top spot in 2026.

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    Conclusion: Why 7Bit Casino is the Best Fast Payout Casino for 2025

    After a thorough review, 7Bit Casino emerges as a top contender among fast payout casinos. Its lightning-fast crypto withdrawals, extensive game library, and generous bonuses make it a standout choice. As an anonymous online casino with instant withdrawal and no verification options, it caters to players who value speed and privacy. The addition of Pay ID casino support and a seamless mobile platform further enhances its appeal.

    For players seeking a safe online casino with the best online pokies and a rewarding experience, 7Bit Casino is unmatched. Sign up today to claim your welcome bonus and experience why 7Bit Casino is a leader in fast payout casinos.

    Frequently Asked Questions About The Fast Payout Casino

    1. Can I get ultra-fast crypto withdrawals at 7Bit Casino?
    A: Yes, 7Bit Casino is renowned for its lightning-fast crypto payouts- Bitcoin and other digital coins are usually processed within minutes for verified users.

    2. Are there any game providers known for instant wins in Fast Payout Casinos?
    A: Absolutely. Studios like Pragmatic Play and Nolimit City offer high-volatility games with bonus buy features, allowing instant access to big-win potential in Fast Payout Casinos.

    3. Does 7Bit Casino offer a unique VIP experience with faster cashouts?
    A: Yes, 7Bit Casino’s VIP program includes faster withdrawal times, exclusive bonuses, and personalized support, especially rewarding for frequent and high-stakes players.

    4. Can I withdraw bonus winnings instantly in a Fast Payout Casino without hidden traps?
    A: Many top Fast Payout Casinos offer low-wagering or wager-free bonuses. With clear terms, you can cash out bonus wins quickly without getting stuck in payout delays.

    5. Is mobile gameplay just as fast and smooth at 7Bit Casino?
    A: Definitely. 7Bit Casino is fully optimized for mobile devices, offering seamless play and the same fast payout experience whether you’re using Android or iOS.

    Email: support@7Bitcasino.com

    Disclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure

    The content of this article is for general informational and promotional purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive for accuracy and relevance at the time of publication, we cannot guarantee completeness or timeliness. Readers should conduct their own research and seek professional advice before making decisions based on this content.

    The publisher, contributors, and affiliates disclaim liability for any errors, omissions, or outcomes related to the use of this material. This article may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you complete a qualifying action, at no extra cost to you. These commissions support our work and do not influence our editorial integrity, which is based on independent analysis and professional judgment.

    This article may reference online gambling and is intended for individuals of legal age, typically 18 or older. Gambling carries financial risk and potential harm. Please play responsibly and seek help if needed. Trademarks belong to their respective owners. By continuing, you accept full responsibility and waive liability from the publisher or affiliates.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6e25f0c0-e601-4d33-a3b7-7d3d9c799263
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2c16061f-a3f3-4ee4-9116-9b0e38548fc4
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8709a2f7-2b0d-489e-bdf7-2d0b173e8ca6

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: China powers ahead at Intersolar Europe 2025

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

    An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 12, 2024 shows a partial view of a 50-megawatt molten-salt solar thermal power plant in Naomaohu Township of Hami City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The 2025 Intersolar Europe exhibition, one of the world’s most influential events in the photovoltaic (PV) industry, concluded in Munich on Friday after a three-day run. Chinese companies as major highlights of the event won widespread acclaim for their cutting-edge products and system integration capabilities.

    The exhibition hosted over 2,700 companies from more than 50 countries and regions, including around 850 from China. These Chinese exhibitors showcased a wide array of innovations ranging from high-efficiency PV modules to energy storage systems, EV charging infrastructure, and integrated energy solutions.

    Markus Elsaesser, founder and CEO of Solar Promotion GmbH, the event’s organizer, said that Chinese companies were “not only key product suppliers but also supplying very cost-effective solutions so that we can advance with the decarbonization of Europe.”

    According to a report entitled the Global Market Outlook for Solar Power 2025-2029, released during the event by SolarPower Europe, China accounted for roughly half of both the world’s new solar capacity additions and cumulative installations in 2024. The report hailed China’s contributions to global decarbonization, noting that its sustained investments have accelerated solar technology advancements worldwide.

    “The commitment of China to Europe is actually pretty strong at the moment, really providing the necessary models that we have to actually increase installation,” said Christophe Lits, senior market analyst at SolarPower Europe.

    He noted that China, as the world’s largest solar application market, plays a vital role in Europe’s energy transition not only by supplying quality products but also through local production and technology partnerships, fostering strong Europe-China industrial ties.

    Solar technology giant LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd. showcased a new solar panel that won its top technology award during the event. The panel was recognized for maintaining high energy conversion efficiency even in low-light conditions such as cloudy days, and for improved fire safety through structural innovations.

    This photo taken on Jan. 4, 2024 shows solar panels installed on the roof of a residential house in Berlin, Germany. [Photo/Xinhua]

    “The European market is highly receptive to new PV technologies. We are encouraged to increase our R&D investment continuously,” said Liu Yuxi, president of the global marketing center at LONGi Green Energy. He expected opportunities for China-Europe cooperation to continue to expand as renewables take up a growing share of Europe’s energy mix.

    Amid high energy prices in Europe, some Chinese companies are actively exploring the integration of solar technology into household appliances to better meet consumers’ demand for green living.

    Visitors to the event were attracted to a model home outfitted with a fully integrated green energy system showcased by TCL, a global technology company headquartered in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, neighboring Hong Kong. The setup combines rooftop solar panels with indoor inverters and storage units to smartly distribute power to heat pumps, EV chargers, and other home applications.

    The integrated household energy system has been rolled out in some residential projects in Europe, according to Zhang Shengyang, General Manager of TCL SunPower Global, who is experienced in the home appliances business. He saw home energy solutions as a potential growth engine in the European market.

    Still reeling from the massive blackout that hit Spain and Portugal on April 28, attendees turned their focus to energy storage — one of the exhibition’s standout themes that drew heavy interest and high footfall.

    Major Chinese players such as CATL, Huawei, and Trina Solar showcased their latest solutions. CATL debuted a new container-sized modular storage unit capable of charging about 150 electric vehicles or powering an average German household for six years.

    “As the share of weather-dependent renewables rises, so does the need for flexible energy storage,” said Ji Yu, senior director of project management of ESS CATL. He said that Chinese storage firms are rapidly integrating into local markets and forging diverse partnerships.  

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s property market recovery boosted by new ‘quality homes’ standards

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

    This photo taken on March 15, 2024 shows the construction site of a residential complex under an urban renewal project in Jing’an District of east China’s Shanghai. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s property market is showing renewed signs of recovery, with both new home sales and second-hand transactions increasing, fueled in part by a rising demand for high-quality housing spurred by newly introduced national standards for “quality homes.”

    Released by China’s Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the upgraded national standards for residential projects, which came into effect on May 1, cover seven aspects that include living environment, building space, structure, indoor environment and building equipment.

    Among the most notable provisions are a minimum ceiling height of three meters for new residential buildings, mandatory elevators in structures with four or more floors, and enhanced sound insulation for walls and floors.

    Many industry insiders believe that meeting these new standards for a “quality home” is becoming a key selling point for properties that are up to standard, drawing increased interest from prospective buyers.

    Market revival 

    During the recent five-day May Day holiday, which marked the first public holiday after the new standards were implemented, China’s real estate market in many regions maintained the recovery momentum seen in the first quarter of 2025, with several first- and second-tier cities posting robust transaction figures.

    In Shanghai, one of China’s most important regional real estate markets, total home sales during the holiday, including new and second-hand properties, rose 36 percent year on year. New home transactions were up 12 percent, while second-hand home sales surged by 44 percent.

    Similarly, south China metropolis Shenzhen recorded 826 new commercial housing subscriptions from May 1 to 5, with 317 units completing online contracts, up 23.89 percent year on year.

    According to the data released by the China Index Academy, during the May Day holiday, Beijing saw a total of 302 new residential properties signed online, covering 34,200 square meters, marking year-on-year increases of 114 percent and 107 percent, respectively.

    In Yantai, a coastal city in east China’s Shandong Province, demand for high-quality homes was on full display during the May Day holiday. All 100 units of the first phase of a residential project named Boshiyayuan were sold on May 1, its launch day.

    “This project impressed us with its planning, layout and amenities,” said a homebuyer surnamed Zheng. “Each unit has a private elevator, and the community features a basketball court, gym, swimming pool, yoga studio and communal dining hall. Even the aluminum front door with high-level insulation met our expectations.”

    More and more homebuyers like Zheng are increasingly shifting their focus from simply “having a place to live” to seeking “livable quality,” according to Ding Zuyu, president of the property research institution CRIC.

    Expectations for intelligent home systems, eco-friendly designs, thoughtful architecture and well-rounded facilities are driving a new wave of residential consumption.

    Guan Chong, general manager of the Shanghai branch of Jinmao, a Hong Kong-listed developer, said quality homes and well-designed communities offer homeowners a low-carbon, healthy and eco-friendly lifestyle, and such products have already been launched in major cities including Shanghai, Beijing and Nanjing — and have received positive feedback from homebuyers.

    “Many of our homeowners have experienced technology-driven living and chose to purchase or upgrade to another similar property,” the executive said. “This clearly demonstrates that quality homes will always have a place in the market and can effectively unleash demand for better housing.”

    Quality-driven transformation 

    On the supply side, changes are also underway. So far this year, industry insiders have observed a trend of “downsizing and upgrading” on the land supply side, which signals a significant increase in the availability of high-quality homes in the near future.

    Many cities have proactively adjusted their land supply structures by reducing overall volume and focusing on premium plots. A growing number of “small but refined” parcels are being released to better support high-quality residential development.

    In Hangzhou, capital city of east China’s Zhejiang Province and a major regional property market, for example, about 90 percent of residential land parcels sold this year have a planned construction area of less than 90,000 square meters. These plots typically feature complete supporting infrastructure and moderate floor area ratios, making them well-suited for building quality housing.

    According to industry insiders, the new standards have the potential to drive further transformation in the real estate sector.

    “The new standards raise the ceiling height by 20 centimeters, an adjustment that takes into account the increasing average height of Chinese residents and significantly improves the space,” said Zeng Yu, senior architect at the China Academy of Building Research.

    Zeng explained that the added height not only enhances the vertical dimension of indoor space, but also improves natural lighting and ventilation. This change, Zeng noted, boosts convenience and functional flexibility, while providing greater capacity for diverse interior design, technological upgrades and evolving lifestyle needs.

    Yu Tian, marketing general manager of Poly Developments and Holdings Group’s Shanghai branch, believes the new national standards will have a significant impact on the development of the real estate sector.

    “These new standards encourage property developers to focus on product standards, research and development, and iteration, continuously increasing the use of new products, materials, technologies, next-generation information technologies and smart construction methods. This more segmented and diverse market will unlock the potential of demand for upgraded housing,” Yu added.

    He Xinyu, general manager of Chengdu Ruihetai research institute of industrial and urban development, echoed this view. “In the long term, the new standards will guide the real estate sector to shift from its previous focus on high turnover to a focus on high quality, pointing the way forward for both real estate companies and their upstream and downstream partners,” said He.

    The introduction of these new standards also opens a pathway for the renovation of older properties. By aligning with the new norms, outdated residential buildings can be transformed through improvements such as the installation of elevators, noise reduction measures, senior-friendly renovations and better amenities. This could lead to significant value increases for older communities.

    Chen Jie, a professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, said that, as a result, these initiatives are expected to boost the market value of second-hand homes, benefiting both homeowners and prospective buyers by improving the overall quality of the housing stock.

    For the first time, the phrase “quality homes” featured in the government work report unveiled during this year’s “two sessions,” the annual meetings of China’s top legislature and top political advisory body.

    Guided by this trend, nearly 10 provincial-level regions, including Beijing, Shandong, Shanxi, Jiangsu, Guizhou and Sichuan, have focused on building high-quality housing systems by leveraging their regional characteristics. These efforts span the entire value chain, from standard-setting and land supply to construction techniques.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Flick focused on Clasico win in La Liga

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

    FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said Saturday that his players would not be looking at the La Liga table ahead of Sunday’s fourth match of the season against Real Madrid.

    Barca goes into the game having won the first 3 meetings between the two Spanish giants, with the most recent triumph in the Copa del Rey final a fortnight ago.

    A fourth win would put Flick’s side 7 points clear of Madrid at the top of La Liga, but Flick told the press that assuring the title was not the first thought in his players’ minds.

    “If you ask the players, they always want to win a Clasico. The standings don’t matter (…) We’re focused on this game to give it everything,” he insisted.

    Flick insisted his players were in good shape, despite the efforts they made in Tuesday’s 4-3 Champions League defeat away to Inter Milan, after 120 minutes of football.

    “This has nothing to do with them lacking energy because they have it. They’re doing a fantastic job, and we want to continue like that,” he said, adding that the squad had discussed matters after Tuesday’s European disappointment.

    “We’ve been talking about the players’ feelings. It’s also important to talk about these things openly. In a game like El Clasico, you have to give 100 percent and be at your best. We want to be active, dominant. Madrid is a fantastic team, but we’re playing at home and our fans support us,” commented the German. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Pressley, Markey Welcome Rümeysa Öztürk Back to Massachusetts at Her Request Following Her Release from ICE Detention

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    Lawmakers Joined Öztürk, Her Legal Team, and ACLU of Massachusetts at Logan Airport in Her First Public Appearance Since March Abduction

    Pressley, Markey, McGovern Met with Öztürk at Louisiana ICE Facility in April

    BOSTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) welcomed Tufts PhD student Rümeysa Öztürk at Logan Airport in Boston at her request following her arrival home from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention in Louisiana. Ms. Öztürk, a Somerville resident and constituent of the Congresswoman’s, was released on bail yesterday by a federal judge from Vermont after being unlawfully detained for over six weeks.

    Congresswoman Pressley and Senator Markey joined Ms. Öztürk, her legal team, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts at a press conference. Last month, Rep. Pressley, Sen. Markey, and Rep. James P. McGovern traveled to ICE facilities in Basile and Jena, where Rümeysa Öztürk and Mahmoud Khalil were being unlawfully detained and subjected to inhumane conditions in retaliation for their protected speech.

    “Today we’re welcoming with open arms a beloved member of our Massachusetts 7th community, a brilliant scholar, a courageous advocate, and a survivor of a shameful injustice – Rümeysa Öztürk. And we’re sending a message to this hostile White House that their efforts to silence Rümeysa, crush dissent, and undermine our constitutional rights are being rejected,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “While we take stock of this important progress, we know this fight isn’t over. We will not rest until Rümeysa is fully exonerated, her visa is restored, and she is free to continue her studies and her service to our community.”

    “Today is a day of joy: We welcome Rümeysa Öztürk back to Massachusetts and back to her community in Somerville,” said Senator Markey. “Rümeysa should have never been abducted off the streets of Somerville. She should have never been taken out of Massachusetts and sent to a detention site in Louisiana more than 1,500 miles away from her community. And she should have never had to suffer intolerable living conditions and multiple and worsening asthma attacks while unlawfully detained for more than six weeks. Rümeysa’s case affects every one of us. We cannot allow this administration to trample individuals’ constitutional rights to free speech and due process. Her homecoming is only the beginning of the fight for justice – not only for Rümeysa, but for every family, for every neighbor, and for everyone who wishes to ensure they can live free.” 

    A full transcript of Congresswoman Pressley’s remarks at the press conference today is available below, and full video is available here.

    Transcript: Rep. Pressley Welcomes Rümeysa Öztürk Home Following Her Release from ICE Detention

    Boston Logan Airport

    May 10, 2025

    Thank you, Ed. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for your ongoing partnership on so many issues of consequence. In particular, we’ve been shoulder to shoulder in the work of oversight of our carceral settings, our prisons, our jails, our detention facilities. 

    But before I get started, I do just, again, want to reiterate that if you care about mass incarceration, you should care about mass deportation. If you care about mass deportation, you should care about mass incarceration. 

    This is not only the grave injustice that Rümeysa, Mahmoud, Mohsen and many more have experienced is not only inhumane and cruel, but incredibly profitable. These are facilities owned by corporations, and the same way that those private prisons benefit from mass incarceration, these private detention centers, facilities benefit from mass deportation and incarceration. So I did just want to name that.

    You know, y’all, I don’t know if I can stick to my remarks here, because I’m just overwhelmed. One, Rümeysa is home, and two, the Celtics won. But you know, seriously, just bringing a little levity, because we’re long overdue for some joy. 

    The second I saw Rümeysa, I just exclaimed loudly “My sister.” I felt an immediate kinship with her. 

    And as we approach Mother’s Day, it is important that – and I think the public outcry and the rallying has been a testament to the fact that we see Rümeysa as our sister, we see Rümeysa as our daughter. 

    And that is, in fact, how a community should rally and see one another when a harm is done to anyone, because we are one human family and our destinies are truly tied. 

    I was also excited to be able to gift Rümeysa with a polished stone with the word “Hope” engraved that I had been carrying for weeks. 

    I had two stones with me when we went to rural Louisiana. And again, I thank Senator Markey for steadfast leadership and partnership, my brother colleague, Jim McGovern, for journeying together to rural Louisiana, and I had a polished stone with the word “Courage” engraved for Mahmoud, and a polished stone with the word “Hope” engraved for Rümeysa. 

    But ultimately, having visited Jena and the Basile facilities, I decided not to gift it to them, because I was pretty sure it would be confiscated. So I was so excited to be able to place that in the palm of her hand today, because I just wanted her to not lose hope and to know that we had come to see about her, and we were going to continue to do that until she was free. 

    So today we come together to welcome home a beloved member of the Massachusetts 7th community, a brilliant scholar, a courageous advocate, and a survivor of a shameful injustice: Rümeysa Öztürk. 

    Today marks a significant step forward and a victory, a victory for Rümeysa, a victory for due process, and a victory for our democracy. 

    But it is also a somber day, and I know it is bittersweet for Rümeysa, because Rümeysa should never have been abducted and ripped away from her community in Somerville in the first place. 

    She should never have had her visa revoked. She should never have been transported almost 2,000 miles away to an ICE facility in rural Louisiana and subjected to squalid, inhumane conditions. 

    She should never have suffered multiple asthma attacks and feared for her life so far away from home. 

    Last year, Rümeysa authored an op-ed that centered the dignity and humanity of every person and was critical of her university’s response to the crisis in Gaza. She exercised her fundamental First Amendment right. In citing nothing more than an op-ed, she was met with the full force of Donald Trump’s authoritarian project, silenced, detained and punished. 

    Rümeysa, we work each morning — since then, we’ve worked with you on our mind. 

    Massachusetts did not forget about you for a minute. Your classmates and your neighbors peacefully gathered in the street, lawyers, elected officials and people of good conscience from every walk of life spoke your name daily.

    Carol, Mahsa, Jesse ensured that this was the case. 

    I also have the incredible good fortune to spend time with people who’ve been privileged enough to know Rümeysa, some for five years, some for seven years, some for 10 years. And I was remarking that I’m jealous they’ve known her that long, because true enough, she is courageous and a bright light, and all of it is contagious. 

    But we refused to be silent, sounding the alarm on this injustice and elevating your story time and again, Rümeysa. 

    And yesterday, the federal court ordered Rümeysa released on bail. 

    When we traveled to Louisiana last month to meet with Rümeysa, what we saw was unconscionable. Rümeysa was being denied proper medical care, left to suffer through intense and worsening asthma attacks without prescribed medications, forced to endure inadequate meals and religious accommodations, denied even basic necessities and subjected to inhumane living conditions. 

    Rümeysa, I shared upon our arrival, when Senator Markey and Congressman McGovern and I landed here at Logan, upon leaving here, I went right to Somerville for what had been a long scheduled town hall, and I shared with our Somerville community and the public what you told me of the constant fear, the trauma of being torn away from the community you love, the community that you have given so much to.

    But Rümeysa’s spirit was unwavering, and her light shone through for all of us to see. 

    When you sat down with us Rümeysa, you spoke first of the women detained alongside you. You carried with you in your heart and in neatly copious written notes, like the qualified researcher that you are, their stories, their fears, their urgent medical conditions, their worry that they had been abandoned. 

    I was haunted by those words where Rümeysa said, “the women here have cried aloud. Has God forgotten about us? Has the world forgotten about us?”

    Rümeysa’s experience was not just an act of cruelty. Was a deliberate, coordinated attempt to intimidate, to instill fear, and to send a chilling message to anyone who dares to speak out against injustice. 

    I’ve said it before, Donald Trump is a dictator. A dictator seeks to silence dissenting voices. He wants a citizenry that is ignorant and uninformed, a citizenry that is indifferent to the suffering of a neighbor, a citizenry that is inactive. 

    Today, we’re sending a message of our own to this White House: your efforts to silence Rümeysa, to crush dissent, to undermine our fundamental rights are being rejected.

    Rümeysa, my sister, our sister, we welcome you home with open arms. 

    We never forgot about you. You are loved, you are seen, and we will not rest until you are fully exonerated, your visa is restored, and you are free to continue your studies and your service to our community. 

    But let us also be clear, this fight is not over. Rümeysa is released on bail, but her deportation proceedings continue. 

    So while we take stock of this important victory, made possible because of the dedicated people behind me and thousands more, because of public outcry, we are clear-eyed about the work that remains.

    To everyone who has stood with Rümeysa, who was spoken out, who has joined in this fight — in Congress, in the courts and in community — thank you. 

    We would not be here today if it weren’t for you. Our work is not done, but we are stronger together. 

    Throughout my time in public life, I’ve had the privilege and emotional honor throughout these years to say these two words to many people upon their return from prisons, jails and detention facilities: welcome home.

    This week, Congresswoman Pressley, along with Senator Markey, Ranking Member Bennie Thompson, Congressman Jim McGovern, and Congressman Troy Carter sent a letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) seeking more information on the detention conditions of immigrants held at the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center (CLIPC) and the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center (SLIPC) after an oversight trip to the facilities last month.

    On May 7, 2025, Pressley, Markey, and McGovern applauded the Second Circuit for ordering Rümeysa’s transfer from ICE custody in Louisiana to Vermont and rejecting the Trump administration’s attempt to delay complying with a lower court order to do so.

    In a powerful New York Times op-ed, Pressley, Markey, and McGovern discussed their meeting with Ms. Öztürk in detention and warned the American people of the dangers posed by the Trump administration’s unlawful attacks on our constitutional rights to freedom of speech and due process. Full text of the op-ed is available here.

    Rep. Pressley, along with Sens. Warren and Markey, have pushed for answers and action since Öztürk’s March arrest. In March, they led over 30 lawmakers in writing to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Acting Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons, demanding information about Öztürk’s arrest and detention as well as similar incidents across the country.

    In April, the lawmakers sounded the alarm on Öztürk’s medical neglect in DHS custody and renewed urgent calls for her release. Last week, Pressley, Warren and Markey demanded Secretary of State Rubio released any documents related to her arrest after a recent report indicated that an internal State Department memo concluded that the key premise underlying Tufts graduate student Rümeysa Öztürk’s arrest and detention was false. Last month, Congresswoman Pressley issued a statement condemning reports that ICE arrested and detained Rümeysa Öztürk, an international student with legal status in a graduate program at Tufts University. Earlier in the week, Rep. Pressley issued a statement following reports of ICE activity in Boston and other municipalities in Massachusetts.

    MIL OSI USA News –