Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jonathan Jackson – Illinois (1st District)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHICAGO, IL – Congressmen Jonathan L. Jackson and Raja Krishnamoorthi are demanding immediate transparency and accountability from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following their denied attempt to conduct an oversight visit at the South Loop ICE facility in Chicago.
In a joint letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the two lawmakers insist on gaining access to the facility and obtaining clear information about recent detentions.
“We were denied the ability to perform congressional oversight – as is our duty as members of the United States House of Representatives,” the letter states. “During the visit to this facility, the ICE officer who refused to identify himself called the Chicago Police Department to evict us for ‘trespassing.’”
Their visit follows alarming reports from June 4 indicating that at least ten individuals were detained under the pretense of routine appointments at the facility.
“It is unclear exactly how many people were taken, where they were taken to, and if they were given access to counsel,” the lawmakers wrote. “We were denied those answers.”
These concerns arise amidst credible reports that President Donald Trump has directed ICE to initiate the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history, targeting cities such as Chicago.
“The President’s politically motivated actions are deeply troubling, particularly for communities like ours in Illinois that have already seen intensified enforcement activity in recent weeks,” Reps. Jackson and Krishnamoorthi wrote.
In their letter to Secretary Noem, the representatives have requested a formal response by Friday, June 27, and reiterated their demand for access to the South Loop facility to fulfill their oversight responsibilities.
Residents are encouraged to complete the online Active Living Census (ALC) before it closes as responses to the census will help influence decision making about future infrastructure, health and wellbeing projects in the Loddon Campaspe region.
Healthy Loddon Campaspe Coordinator Alicia O’Brien said the closing date to complete the ALC has been extended by a further two weeks until Sunday July 6, 2025 to ensure as many people as possible complete the online census.
“For the two-week extension, we’re excited to be giving away some amazing prizes for anyone who completes the ALC online,” Ms O’Brien said.
“Prizes include one $500 gift card, ten $100 gift cards and 100 home gardening packs. All valid responses to the ALC will have the chance to win these great prizes.
“The data gathered through the ALC is important as it will help inform future infrastructure, health and wellbeing projects in the Loddon Campaspe region.
“The future projects and programs will contribute to healthier lifestyles across the region, and support opportunities for residents to be more physically active and eat well.
“It doesn’t matter your health or activity level, every response we receive will contribute to improving the health and wellbeing of residents living in the Loddon Campaspe region.
“We are really grateful to everyone who has already completed the ALC so far. However, we’d love to see even more responses from right across the community as this will provide richer, more detailed information about residents’ health and wellbeing needs.
“The more data we receive, the better it will guide investments, and influence funding for future projects and programs in our region,
“Completing the census is easy, anonymous, and takes around 15-20 minutes.”
The ALC is open until Sunday July 6.
To participate in the Active Living Census, visit:
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Donald Heflin, Executive Director of the Edward R. Murrow Center and Senior Fellow of Diplomatic Practice, The Fletcher School, Tufts University
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters outside the White House on June 24, 2025, in Washington, less than 12 hours after announcing a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
“We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the f–k they’re doing,” an angry and frustrated Trump told reporters outside the White House on June 24.
Amy Lieberman, a politics and society editor at The Conversation U.S., spoke with former Ambassador Donald Heflin, an American career diplomat who serves as the executive director of the Edward R. Murrow Center at the Fletcher School, Tufts University, to understand how ceasefires typically work – and how the Israel-Iran deal stacks up against other agreements to end wars.
An excavator removes debris from a residential building that was destroyed in Israel’s June 13, 2025, airstrike on Tehran, Iran. Majid Saeedi/Getty Images
How do ceasefire deals typically happen?
There are classes taught on how to negotiate ceasefires, but it is ad hoc with each situation.
For example, in one scenario, one of the warring parties wants a ceasefire and has decided that the conflict isn’t going well. The second party might not want a ceasefire, but could agree that it is getting tired or the risks are too high, and agrees to work something out.
The next scenario, which leads to more success, is when both parties want a ceasefire. They decide that the loss of life and money has gone too far for both sides. One of the parties approaches the other through intermediaries to say it wants a ceasefire, and the other warring party agrees.
In a third situation – which is what we are seeing with the Iran-Israel deal – the outside world imposes a ceasefire. Trump likely told both Israel and Iran: Look, it’s enough. This is too dangerous for the rest of the world. We don’t care what you think. Time for a ceasefire.“
The U.S. has done this in the Middle East before, like after the Yom Kippur War in 1973 between Israel and a coalition of Arab countries led by Egypt and Syria. Israel was achieving big military victories, but the risk was pretty great for the world. The U.S. came in and said, “That’s enough, stop it now.” And it worked.
Does the US bring the warring parties to a table in this kind of situation, or simply pressure the countries to stop fighting?
It is more of the U.S. saying, “We are done.” When the U.S. does something like this, it is often going to have backup from the European Union and other countries like Qatar, saying, “The Americans are right. It is time for a ceasefire.”
It appears that this Israel-Iran deal does not have specific conditions attached to it. Is that typical of a ceasefire deal?
This deal doesn’t seem to have any specific details attached to it. Ceasefires work better when they have that. Lasting ceasefires need to address the concerns of the warring parties and give each side some of what it wants.
For instance, in the Ukraine and Russia war, we have not seen either one of those countries push for a ceasefire. Part of the problem is Crimea and eastern Ukraine, sections of land in Ukraine that Russia has annexed and claims as its own. Russia would be happy with a deal that puts it in charge of Crimea and Ukraine, but Ukraine won’t agree to that. The question of who controls specific areas of land has to be addressed in this conflict; otherwise, the ceasefire isn’t going to last.
Search and rescue efforts continue in a building in Beersheba, Israel, hit by a ballistic missile fired from Iran shortly before the ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump came into effect on June 24, 2025. Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Who is responsible for ensuring that both sides uphold a ceasefire?
Security guarantees are an important part of negotiating and maintaining long-term ceasefires. Big countries like the U.S. could say that if a warring party violates a ceasefire agreement, they are going to punish them.
That has created a problem for ceasefires in the future, because the U.S. didn’t deliver on its past security guarantees.
The further away you get from Europe, the less interested the West is in wars. But in those kinds of disputes, United Nations and other international peacekeeping troops can be sent in. Sometimes, that can work brilliantly in one place, like with the example of international peacekeeping troops called the multilateral Observer Mission stationed between Israel and Egypt helping maintain peace between those countries. But you can copy it to another place and it just doesn’t work as well.
How does this ceasefire fit within the history of other ceasefires?
It’s too early to tell. What matters is how the details get fleshed out.
Ideally, you can get representatives of the Israeli and Iranian governments to sit around a conference table to reach a detailed agreement. The Israelis might say, “We have got to have some kind of assurances that Iran is not going to use a nuclear weapon.” And the Iranians could say, “Assassinations of our military generals and scientists has got to stop.” That kind of conversation and agreement is what is missing, thus far, in this process.
Why is it so common for ceasefire deals to fail?
Some ceasefire deals don’t get to the underlying conditions of what really caused the problem and what made people start shooting this time around. If you don’t get to the core issues of a conflict, you are putting a Band-Aid on the situation. Putting a Band-Aid on someone when they are bleeding is a good move, but you ultimately might need more than that to stop the bleeding.
The outside world might be pretty happy with a ceasefire deal that seems to stop the fighting, but if the details are not ironed out, the experts would say, “This isn’t going to last.”
Donald Heflin does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Donald Heflin, Executive Director of the Edward R. Murrow Center and Senior Fellow of Diplomatic Practice, The Fletcher School, Tufts University
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters outside the White House on June 24, 2025, in Washington, less than 12 hours after announcing a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
“We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the f–k they’re doing,” an angry and frustrated Trump told reporters outside the White House on June 24.
Amy Lieberman, a politics and society editor at The Conversation U.S., spoke with former Ambassador Donald Heflin, an American career diplomat who serves as the executive director of the Edward R. Murrow Center at the Fletcher School, Tufts University, to understand how ceasefires typically work – and how the Israel-Iran deal stacks up against other agreements to end wars.
An excavator removes debris from a residential building that was destroyed in Israel’s June 13, 2025, airstrike on Tehran, Iran. Majid Saeedi/Getty Images
How do ceasefire deals typically happen?
There are classes taught on how to negotiate ceasefires, but it is ad hoc with each situation.
For example, in one scenario, one of the warring parties wants a ceasefire and has decided that the conflict isn’t going well. The second party might not want a ceasefire, but could agree that it is getting tired or the risks are too high, and agrees to work something out.
The next scenario, which leads to more success, is when both parties want a ceasefire. They decide that the loss of life and money has gone too far for both sides. One of the parties approaches the other through intermediaries to say it wants a ceasefire, and the other warring party agrees.
In a third situation – which is what we are seeing with the Iran-Israel deal – the outside world imposes a ceasefire. Trump likely told both Israel and Iran: Look, it’s enough. This is too dangerous for the rest of the world. We don’t care what you think. Time for a ceasefire.“
The U.S. has done this in the Middle East before, like after the Yom Kippur War in 1973 between Israel and a coalition of Arab countries led by Egypt and Syria. Israel was achieving big military victories, but the risk was pretty great for the world. The U.S. came in and said, “That’s enough, stop it now.” And it worked.
Does the US bring the warring parties to a table in this kind of situation, or simply pressure the countries to stop fighting?
It is more of the U.S. saying, “We are done.” When the U.S. does something like this, it is often going to have backup from the European Union and other countries like Qatar, saying, “The Americans are right. It is time for a ceasefire.”
It appears that this Israel-Iran deal does not have specific conditions attached to it. Is that typical of a ceasefire deal?
This deal doesn’t seem to have any specific details attached to it. Ceasefires work better when they have that. Lasting ceasefires need to address the concerns of the warring parties and give each side some of what it wants.
For instance, in the Ukraine and Russia war, we have not seen either one of those countries push for a ceasefire. Part of the problem is Crimea and eastern Ukraine, sections of land in Ukraine that Russia has annexed and claims as its own. Russia would be happy with a deal that puts it in charge of Crimea and Ukraine, but Ukraine won’t agree to that. The question of who controls specific areas of land has to be addressed in this conflict; otherwise, the ceasefire isn’t going to last.
Search and rescue efforts continue in a building in Beersheba, Israel, hit by a ballistic missile fired from Iran shortly before the ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump came into effect on June 24, 2025. Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Who is responsible for ensuring that both sides uphold a ceasefire?
Security guarantees are an important part of negotiating and maintaining long-term ceasefires. Big countries like the U.S. could say that if a warring party violates a ceasefire agreement, they are going to punish them.
That has created a problem for ceasefires in the future, because the U.S. didn’t deliver on its past security guarantees.
The further away you get from Europe, the less interested the West is in wars. But in those kinds of disputes, United Nations and other international peacekeeping troops can be sent in. Sometimes, that can work brilliantly in one place, like with the example of international peacekeeping troops called the multilateral Observer Mission stationed between Israel and Egypt helping maintain peace between those countries. But you can copy it to another place and it just doesn’t work as well.
How does this ceasefire fit within the history of other ceasefires?
It’s too early to tell. What matters is how the details get fleshed out.
Ideally, you can get representatives of the Israeli and Iranian governments to sit around a conference table to reach a detailed agreement. The Israelis might say, “We have got to have some kind of assurances that Iran is not going to use a nuclear weapon.” And the Iranians could say, “Assassinations of our military generals and scientists has got to stop.” That kind of conversation and agreement is what is missing, thus far, in this process.
Why is it so common for ceasefire deals to fail?
Some ceasefire deals don’t get to the underlying conditions of what really caused the problem and what made people start shooting this time around. If you don’t get to the core issues of a conflict, you are putting a Band-Aid on the situation. Putting a Band-Aid on someone when they are bleeding is a good move, but you ultimately might need more than that to stop the bleeding.
The outside world might be pretty happy with a ceasefire deal that seems to stop the fighting, but if the details are not ironed out, the experts would say, “This isn’t going to last.”
Donald Heflin does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) joined Rep. David Valadao (CA-22) and members of the CA GOP delegation in writing to Gov. Gavin Newsom in opposition to the State’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard and the gasoline excise tax, which would increase to 61.2 cents per gallon, taking effect on July 1, 2025.
“California is already home to the highest gas prices of any state in the nation – the Low Carbon Fuel Standard and gas tax only add more pain at the pump for hardworking families,” said Congresswoman Kim. “I will continue to urge Governor Newsom to suspend the burdensome gas tax and provide relief for Californians.”
Read the letter HERE or see highlights below.
We strongly oppose two impending increases in gasoline costs proposed by your administration that are set to take effect on July 1, 2025—measures that could impose an additional $0.68 per gallon on California drivers.
In November 2024, the unelected bureaucrats at the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved updates to the State’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), despite widespread concerns
about affordability. Beginning July 1, 2025, this regulatory change is expected to increase gas prices by 65 cents per gallon. In addition, your administration has announced an increase to the state’s gasoline excise tax, raising it to 61.2 cents per gallon—further compounding the financial strain on working families.
These developments come amid the closure of several in-state refineries, placing further pressure on California’s already limited transportation fuel supply. Rather than addressing these supply challenges, the state’s actions threaten to deepen the hardship faced by millions of Californians who are already struggling to meet their families’ basic needs.
We have repeatedly urged your administration to suspend the gas tax and halt new regulatory measures that raise fuel prices. Yet, our calls have gone unanswered. As of this letter’s date, AAA reports that the average price of gasoline in California stands at $4.66 per gallon, $1.44 above the national average and the highest in the country. If your administration proceeds with these increases, projections show gas prices could soar to $8.43 per gallon by 2026. This is simply unsustainable for the constituents we represent.
We urge you to immediately suspend any further increases to California’s gasoline excise tax and pause the implementation of CARB’s LCFS updates. Californians need relief—not additional burdens.
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
**Funding is New Hampshire’s FY 2025 allocation from the $5 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law program**
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a lead negotiator of the water provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), alongside Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), applauded the release of more than $9.4 million from a Bipartisan Infrastructure Law program to help Granite State communities and private well owners address contamination from per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The funding is New Hampshire’s Fiscal Year 2025 allocation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Shaheen secured this funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and has worked to ensure it can be used to help homes on private wells in addition to community water systems.
“When safe drinking water is on the line, it’s critical for New Hampshire to receive the federal funding it has been promised to address PFAS contamination,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m glad the Environmental Protection Agency has released funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that I fought for to help ensure Granite Staters everywhere have clean drinking water. I’ll continue to push this administration to uphold its responsibility to protect public health.”
“I’m glad to see that this $9 million in federal funding is being released to New Hampshire’s small communities to help them address dangerous PFAS contamination in their drinking water and private wells. However, this contamination problem is likely to continue because the Trump Administration is rolling back standards that would limit forever chemicals in drinking water,” said Senator Hassan. “I will continue to support efforts to ensure that all Granite Staters have access to clean, safe drinking water.”
“I fought to pass the bipartisan infrastructure law to deliver needed resources to our communities to modernize water infrastructure, combat harmful PFAS contamination, and strengthen access to clean, safe water,” said Congressman Pappas. “While I continue to fight for better national water standards and federal resources for New Hampshire, I am glad that this funding is rightfully being delivered to help tackle toxic forever chemicals and protect public health.”
“New Hampshire cannot thrive without access to safe, reliable drinking water – free from forever chemicals like PFAS,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “This federal funding will make life better for hardworking people across our state, and I’ll never stop fighting to deliver every penny of federal funding that the people of New Hampshire were promised.”
Senator Shaheen leads efforts in Congress to uncover the potential health effects related to PFAS contamination, respond to the chemical exposure and remediate polluted sites. As a lead negotiator of water provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Senator Shaheen worked to secure $10 billion to specifically address PFAS and other emerging contaminants, $5 billion of which is targeted to small and disadvantaged communities. To date, New Hampshire has received more than $325 million in water infrastructure funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including $66 million to address PFAS. In the Fiscal Year 2024 government funding legislation, Senator Shaheen successfully secured language ensuring funding for small and disadvantaged communities from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law could be used to address private well contamination. Shaheen has introduced legislation that would be a permanent fix.
Pappas has been a leader in addressing PFAS and advocating for improved standards, increased investment, and a stronger national focus on PFAS contamination. On the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Pappas led the fight for dedicated funding for PFAS and helped pass the bipartisan infrastructure law to deliver resources to New Hampshire communities. Pappas leads the Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act, legislation to establish water quality criteria and set limits on industrial PFAS discharges into water and water treatment plants. He also leads the PFAS Research and Development Reauthorization Act, the PFAS Registry Act, the PFAS-Free Procurement Act, and the No Taxation on PFAS Remediation Act.
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) today joined a group of Senators to reintroduce the Women’s Health Protection Act. The legislation would guarantee a woman’s right to access an abortion—and the right of an abortion provider to deliver these services—free from medically unnecessary restrictions that interfere with a patient’s individual choice or the provider-patient relationship. The reintroduction of the Shaheen and Hassan-backed Women’s Health Protection Act falls on the three-year anniversary of the Dobbs v. Jackson ruling that eliminated fifty years of precedent protecting abortion access.
“In the three years since Roe v. Wade was reversed by the Supreme Court, we’ve seen Republican politicians jump at virtually every opportunity to undermine women’s reproductive freedoms. Let’s be very clear: No one—not a lawmaker or unelected jurist—should be able to control a woman’s decision on when or if to start a family,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m helping reintroduce the Women’s Health Protection Act to enshrine the protections of Roe v. Wade into federal law—ensuring a woman’s ability to access reproductive care isn’t defined by the zip code she lives in.”
“For the first time in our country’s history, our daughters are now less free than their mothers were at their age. The Dobbs decision represents the largest attack on women’s freedom in modern American political history, stripping away women’s fundamental freedom to make their own health decisions and chart their own futures,” said Senator Hassan. “The Women’s Health Protection Act would restore these essential freedoms and ensure that a woman’s right to lifesaving care doesn’t vanish when she crosses a state line.”
Senator Shaheen is an unrelenting advocate for women’s reproductive rights. Earlier this year, Shaheen took to the Senate floor alongside her Democratic colleagues to oppose Senate Republicans’ latest effort to restrict access to reproductive health care, the Born-Alive Survivors Protection Act, that would have significantly interfered with the doctor-patient relationship and posed unnecessary and harmful obstacles to a woman’s right to make her own decisions about her reproductive health. For years, Shaheen has fought to expand coverage of women’s preventative care, including through her legislation to reduce the cost of contraception for servicewomen and dependents in military families.
Senator Hassan has a record of standing up for reproductive freedom. Earlier this year, she spoke on the Senate floor to criticize the decision by the Senate’s Republican leadership to hold a vote on legislation to restrict a woman’s fundamental freedom to access reproductive health care instead of working in a bipartisan manner to lower the cost of living. In April, Senator Hassan met with Planned Parenthood of Northern New England leadership, health care providers, and community health leaders to hear directly about the impact of the Trump Administration’s decision to take away Title X federal funding for life-saving health care services – which include cancer screening, reproductive health care, and family planning services that Granite Staters count on.
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), alongside Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), are urging U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to reverse the DOL’s decision to close Job Corps Centers nationwide, including the New Hampshire Job Corps Center in Manchester. The Manchester Job Corps Center, which Shaheen helped establish in 2013, serves up to 268 residential and 32 nonresidential students, providing vocational training, pathways to a high school diploma and college certifications and degrees through partnerships with Manchester Community College, Nashua Community College and the New Hampshire Technical Institute.
In part the delegation wrote, “The New Hampshire Job Corps Center is essential to the state’s economy with an estimated economic impact of more than $21 million per year. The center’s closure would have a grave and lasting impact on the state’s economic growth and workforce pipeline.”
The delegation continued, “Given the vital role that Job Corps plays in New Hampshire and throughout the country, we respectfully urge you to reconsider your pause of Job Corps operations and cease efforts to eliminate the program. We have a shared interest in improving outcomes for Job Corps students, prioritizing their safety, and preventing any waste that may exist in the Job Corps program, and we urge you to work with Congress to advance these goals.”
The full text of the letter can be found here.
Last week, Shaheen joined a bipartisan group of Appropriations Committee members in sending a letter to Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, urging the DOL to reverse its decision to begin the closure of Job Corps Centers nationwide.
Senator Shaheen has long championed funding to support the Manchester Job Corps Center. In 2013, Shaheen built on fifteen years of bipartisan work to break ground on the Manchester Job Corps Center in collaboration with federal and local officials. Job Corps students and graduates have gone on to work in high-need industries across New Hampshire, including advanced manufacturing and other businesses critical to the defense industrial base.
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), alongside Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), are urging U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to reverse the DOL’s decision to close Job Corps Centers nationwide, including the New Hampshire Job Corps Center in Manchester. The Manchester Job Corps Center, which Shaheen helped establish in 2013, serves up to 268 residential and 32 nonresidential students, providing vocational training, pathways to a high school diploma and college certifications and degrees through partnerships with Manchester Community College, Nashua Community College and the New Hampshire Technical Institute.
In part the delegation wrote, “The New Hampshire Job Corps Center is essential to the state’s economy with an estimated economic impact of more than $21 million per year. The center’s closure would have a grave and lasting impact on the state’s economic growth and workforce pipeline.”
The delegation continued, “Given the vital role that Job Corps plays in New Hampshire and throughout the country, we respectfully urge you to reconsider your pause of Job Corps operations and cease efforts to eliminate the program. We have a shared interest in improving outcomes for Job Corps students, prioritizing their safety, and preventing any waste that may exist in the Job Corps program, and we urge you to work with Congress to advance these goals.”
The full text of the letter can be found here.
Last week, Shaheen joined a bipartisan group of Appropriations Committee members in sending a letter to Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, urging the DOL to reverse its decision to begin the closure of Job Corps Centers nationwide.
Senator Shaheen has long championed funding to support the Manchester Job Corps Center. In 2013, Shaheen built on fifteen years of bipartisan work to break ground on the Manchester Job Corps Center in collaboration with federal and local officials. Job Corps students and graduates have gone on to work in high-need industries across New Hampshire, including advanced manufacturing and other businesses critical to the defense industrial base.
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop encourages New Zealanders to have their say on the draft National Infrastructure Plan released today by the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission.
“Improving the way we plan, fund, maintain and build our infrastructure is critical to boosting economic growth and increasing productivity and living standards, and so the Government welcomes today’s draft report by the independent Infrastructure Commission.
“Contrary to many perceptions, New Zealand spends a lot on infrastructure. We are in the top 10% of the OECD for infrastructure investment spending over the last decade – but in the bottom 10% of the OECD when it comes to getting ‘bang for buck’ from our spending. As the Commission says, we need to “lift our game” and there are many draft recommendations in the draft plan that will help drive better value for money from public investment.
“I am pleased to see the draft Plan makes recommendations that align with existing Government priorities, such as making better use of user pricing to fund investment, adopting spatial planning, prioritising infrastructure through the resource management system, and drastically improving asset management and maintenance. The Government will continue to advance these policy priorities and will be informed by the Commission’s final report due later in the year.
“It is clear that the central government infrastructure system needs to drastically improve. As the Commission notes, central government is New Zealand’s largest owner and funder of infrastructure. Government owns around 40% of our total stock of infrastructure and funds almost half of all infrastructure investment each year.
“However, the system is underperforming. Half of all proposals for investment in Budgets 2023 and 2024 did not have a business case. There are regularly large gaps between Budget funding being allocated and projects actually starting.
“Asset maintenance is a major problem, with New Zealand ranked fourth to last in the OECD for asset management, and dead last for the metric on Accountability and Professionalism. Over half of all capital-intensive government agencies do not have robust, comprehensive asset registers in place or adequate plans for looking after existing infrastructure. Maintenance spending is regularly diverted to building new infrastructure, resulting in costly catch-up spending later. In practice, years of poor asset management means leaky hospitals and schools, mould in police stations and courthouses, service outages on commuter rail, and poor accommodation for Defence Force personnel and their families.
“Cabinet has already agreed to an all-of-Government work programme that will improve central government asset management and performance, including investigating legislative requirements for the development of ten-year investment plans by capital intensive agencies and performance reporting requirements.
“The Government is determined to improve New Zealand’s infrastructure system and to work alongside the industry and other political parties to establish a broad consensus about what needs to change. I’ve encouraged the Commission to brief all political parties as they develop the draft plan and I’ll be writing again to relevant spokespeople encouraging them to give their feedback to the Commission over the next few weeks.
“The Government will respond to the finalised National Infrastructure Plan in 2026, once it is presented by the Commission in late 2025. As part of that response we will be engaging with other political parties in Parliament, and I intend to ask the Business Committee to hold a special Parliamentary debate on the plan.
“I thank the Infrastructure Commission for its hard work in delivering this draft National Infrastructure Plan. I encourage everyone to provide their feedback on it through the consultation process, and I look forward to receiving the final version toward the end of this year.”
The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga, has revealed its first look at how New Zealand needs to invest to get the roads, hospitals, schools and other infrastructure we will rely on to live and thrive over the next 30 years.
The Commission’s draft National Infrastructure Plan looks at the infrastructure New Zealand already has and how factors like an ageing population and climate change will drive future demands. It shows what we should be spending and makes recommendations for how we can get better results from this investment.
Te Waihanga CE Geoff Cooper says that compared to other high-income countries, New Zealand already sp
TORONTO, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (“BlackRock Canada”), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE: BLK), today announced the final June 2025 cash distributions for iShares Premium Money Market ETF. Unitholders of record on June 25, 2025 will receive cash distributions payable on June 30, 2025.
Details regarding the final “per unit” distribution amounts are as follows:
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iShares® ETFs are managed by BlackRock Canada.
Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in iShares ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. The funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.
DENVER, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ArrowMark Financial Corp., (NASDAQ: BANX) (“ArrowMark Financial”), today announced that BANX’s estimated and unaudited Net Asset Value (“NAV”) as of May 31, 2025, was $22.16.
This estimated NAV is not a comprehensive statement of our financial condition or results for the month ended May 31, 2025.
About ArrowMark Financial Corp. ArrowMark Financial Corp. is an SEC registered non-diversified, closed-end fund listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “BANX.” Its investment objective is to provide shareholders with current income. BANX pursues its objective by investing primarily in regulatory capital securities of financial institutions. BANX is managed by ArrowMark Asset Management, LLC. To learn more, visit ir.arrowmarkfinancialcorp.com, or contact Destra at 877.855.3434 or by email at BANX@destracapital.com.
Disclaimer and Risk Factors: There is no assurance that ArrowMark Financial will achieve its investment objective. ArrowMark Financial is subject to numerous risks, including investment and market risks, management risk, income and interest rate risks, banking industry risks, preferred stock risk, convertible securities risk, debt securities risk, liquidity risk, valuation risk, leverage risk, non-diversification risk, credit and counterparty risks, market at a discount from net asset value risk and market disruption risk. Shares of closed-end investment companies may trade above (a premium) or below (a discount) their net asset value. Shares of ArrowMark Financial may not be appropriate for all investors. Investors should review and consider carefully ArrowMark Financial’s investment objective, risks, charges and expenses. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
The Annual Report, Semi-Annual Report and other regulatory filings of the Company with the SEC are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and on the BANX’s website at ir.arrowmarkfinancialcorp.com.
DENVER, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ArrowMark Financial Corp., (NASDAQ: BANX) (“ArrowMark Financial”), today announced that BANX’s estimated and unaudited Net Asset Value (“NAV”) as of May 31, 2025, was $22.16.
This estimated NAV is not a comprehensive statement of our financial condition or results for the month ended May 31, 2025.
About ArrowMark Financial Corp. ArrowMark Financial Corp. is an SEC registered non-diversified, closed-end fund listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “BANX.” Its investment objective is to provide shareholders with current income. BANX pursues its objective by investing primarily in regulatory capital securities of financial institutions. BANX is managed by ArrowMark Asset Management, LLC. To learn more, visit ir.arrowmarkfinancialcorp.com, or contact Destra at 877.855.3434 or by email at BANX@destracapital.com.
Disclaimer and Risk Factors: There is no assurance that ArrowMark Financial will achieve its investment objective. ArrowMark Financial is subject to numerous risks, including investment and market risks, management risk, income and interest rate risks, banking industry risks, preferred stock risk, convertible securities risk, debt securities risk, liquidity risk, valuation risk, leverage risk, non-diversification risk, credit and counterparty risks, market at a discount from net asset value risk and market disruption risk. Shares of closed-end investment companies may trade above (a premium) or below (a discount) their net asset value. Shares of ArrowMark Financial may not be appropriate for all investors. Investors should review and consider carefully ArrowMark Financial’s investment objective, risks, charges and expenses. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
The Annual Report, Semi-Annual Report and other regulatory filings of the Company with the SEC are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and on the BANX’s website at ir.arrowmarkfinancialcorp.com.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
UK to purchase F-35As and join NATO nuclear mission as Government steps up national security and delivers defence dividend
The UK will purchase 12 new F35A fighter jets and join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission in a major boost for national security.
The UK will purchase 12 F-35As and join NATO’s nuclear mission as the government delivers greater security for working people through its Plan for Change
Biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation, complementing the UK’s existing sea-borne deterrent
Order will support 20,000 jobs across the UK, with over 100 UK-based suppliers contributing to the F35 programme
The UK will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission in a major boost for national security.
The Prime Minister will announce at the NATO summit tomorrow [Wednesday] that the UK intends to buy at least a dozen of the dual capable aircraft, which can carry both nuclear and conventional weapons.
The decision will support 20,000 jobs in the F35 programme in the UK, with 15% of the global supply chain for the jets based in Britain, supporting highly skilled jobs and opportunities for working people and delivering a defence dividend across the country.
The new fast jets will be based at RAF Marham, with the Government expected to procure 138 F35s over the lifetime of the programme. The procurement of 12 F-35A rather than 12 F-35B as part of the next procurement package will deliver a saving of up to 25% per aircraft for the taxpayer.
The purchase represents the biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation. It also reintroduces a nuclear role for the Royal Air Force for the first time since the UK retired its sovereign air-launched nuclear weapons following the end of the Cold War.
The UK will deploy the jets as part of NATO’s nuclear Dual Capable Aircraft mission, strengthening NATO’s nuclear deterrence posture.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
“In an era of radical uncertainty we can no longer take peace for granted, which is why my government is investing in our national security, ensuring our Armed Forces have the equipment they need and communities up and down the country reap the benefits from our defence dividend.
“Supporting 100 businesses across the country and more than 20,000 jobs, these F35 dual capable aircraft will herald a new era for our world-leading Royal Air Force and deter hostile threats that threaten the UK and our Allies.
“The UK’s commitment to NATO is unquestionable, as is the Alliance’s contribution to keeping the UK safe and secure, but we must all step up to protect the Euro-Atlantic area for generations to come.”
From Samlesbury to Stevenage, UK based firms such as BAE Systems, Cobham, GE Aviation, Honeywell, Martin Baker, MBDA, QinetiQ, Rolls Royce, Leonardo UK , Ultra Electronics and EDM Limited all play a vital role in the supply of stealth fighter jets.
The Strategic Defence Review recognised that the UK is confronting a new era of threat, including rising nuclear risks. It recommended that the UK further strengthen our commitment to effective deterrence and our partnership with our NATO Allies, building on our unique role as the only European power to pledge our nuclear deterrent to defend our NATO allies.
The DCA mission is a critical part of NATO’s nuclear deterrence, helping to keep people across the alliance safe.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said:
“The UK has declared its nuclear deterrent to NATO for many decades, and I strongly welcome today’s announcement that the UK will now also join NATO’s nuclear mission and procure the F-35A.
“This is yet another robust British contribution to NATO”.
The UK has always supported NATO’s nuclear mission, by providing conventional capabilities and resources such as aircraft and airspace to its annual exercises.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:
“The Strategic Defence Review confirmed we face new nuclear risks, with other states increasing, modernising and diversifying their nuclear arsenals. And it recommended a new UK role in our collective defence and deterrence through a NATO-first approach.
“This commitment is an embodiment of NATO first, strengthening the alliance while at the same time using defence as an engine for growth to create jobs across in the UK.”
Our commitment to Britain’s nuclear deterrent is absolute, underpinned by our ‘triple-lock’: building four new nuclear submarines in Barrow-in-Furness, in Cumbria; maintaining our continuous at sea nuclear deterrent; and delivering all future upgrades needed.
This announcement further underlines the UK’s unshakeable commitment to NATO, and the principle of collective defence under Article V.
The UK remains committed to the goal of a world without nuclear weapons and upholds all our obligations under the NPT.
This announcement follows the SDR’s commitments to deliver up to 12 new conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines and £15bn this parliament to deliver the sovereign nuclear warhead programme.
Additional information
Alongside the strategic nuclear forces of the Alliance, NATO’s nuclear deterrence posture also relies on the United States’ nuclear weapons forward-deployed in Europe, as well as on the capabilities and infrastructure provided by Allies.
A number of NATO countries contribute a dual-capable aircraft (DCA) capability to the Alliance. These aircraft are central to NATO’s nuclear deterrence mission and are available for nuclear roles at various levels of readiness. In their nuclear role, the aircraft are equipped to carry nuclear weapons in a conflict, and personnel are trained accordingly.
There are 51 wildfires currently burning across Alberta in the Forest Protection Area, and four mutual aid fires.
18 are classified as out of control, four are being held and 29 are under control.
There has been one new wildfire since yesterday.
Since Jan. 1, there have been 594 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area, burning more than 670,000 hectares.
More than 1,500 Alberta firefighters, contract firefighters and imported firefighters are currently battling wildfires across the province.
Resources currently being used include heavy equipment, air tankers, helicopters and night vision helicopters.
Alberta has imported firefighters and aircraft from Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Canadian Forest Service, Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, Australia, Costa Rica, Washington and the United States Forest Service.
Information about wildfires can be found by visiting the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
Orders and alerts
Updates on evacuation orders are available on www.alberta.ca/emergency.
On June 25, the Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17 will lift its evacuation order for Red Earth Creek, allowing all residents to return home. Residents of Red Earth Creek must remain prepared to evacuate again if conditions change.
On June 25, the Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council will lift its evacuation order for Loon River First Nation (Loon Lake), allowing all residents to return home. Residents of Loon Lake must remain prepared to evacuate again if conditions change.
On June 23, Saddle Hills County lifted its evacuation order. Those in the Blueberry Mountain area should remain prepared to evacuate if needed.
The Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council’s evacuation orders for Peerless Lake and Trout Lake remain in effect.
Registration centre at 10451 170 Street, Edmonton.
The Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17’s evacuation order for Chipewyan Lake also remains in effect.
Reception centre at Lakeview Sports Centre, 102 Opportunity Drive, Wabasca-Desmarais.
The Dene Tha’ First Nation’s evacuation alert for the community of Chateh remains in effect.
Alberta Emergency Alerts are issued by local authorities and are updated at their discretion. For the best source of information on the status of evacuation orders and alerts, residents are encouraged to follow their local authorities’ preferred communication channels for updates.
People living in Alberta are encouraged to download the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app, which immediately pushes all alerts out to subscribers.
Fire bans
A fire ban is in effect for the High Level Forest Area as well as parts of the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
Under this ban, all outdoor wood fires, barbecue charcoal briquettes, fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited, and existing fire permits are suspended.
Please confirm advisories, restrictions or bans for your area at alberta.ca/fire-bans.
Fire bans outside the Forest Protection Area are the responsibility of municipalities and counties.
Everyone has a role to play in wildfire prevention. Follow all fire bans and restrictions to avoid new fire starts. If you see smoke or flames in the forest, call 310-FIRE to report it.
Applying FireSmart principles to homes and property can mitigate the risk of wildfire damage. Removing flammable materials and vegetation around the property and preventing embers from accumulating can help protect your home from wildfires. To learn more, visit FireSmart Alberta.
Air quality
Visit Wildfire Smoke Information for air quality monitoring information to make informed decisions about outdoor activities to protect your health. While wildfire smoke is affecting air quality in parts of Alberta, the presence of smoke does not necessarily mean there is fire near your community. Find information about the status of active wildfires and wildfire updates at Alberta Wildfire.
Roads and highways
Highway 686 between Red Earth Creek and Trout Lake is closed due to a wildfire.
511 Alberta is the best source of real time information as conditions change on our highways. Follow on X (formerly known as Twitter) @511alberta.
Alberta highways that are affected by the wildfires will open and close frequently depending on safety and weather conditions. Be patient and respect the staff at the closure/detour sites – they are there with your safety in mind.
Health
Due to the ongoing evacuation in Red Earth Creek, public health services in that area remain suspended.
For information about wildfire resources, including mental health, visit Wildfire Resources | Alberta Health Services.
Education
Six schools are currently closed in response to community evacuations:
Dene Tha’ Community School, in Chateh
Kateri School, in Trout Lake
Elizabeth Quintal School, in Peerless Lake
Clarence Jaycox School, in Loon Lake
Red Earth Creek School, in Red Earth Creek
Chipewyan Lake School, in Chipewyan Lake
Swan Hills School, in Swan Hills, reopened on Monday, June 9.
Parents and guardians should reach out to local school authorities for the most current information on impacts to schooling.
All affected school authorities had plans in place to ensure displaced students have access to educational programming.
Child care
One child-care centre is currently closed in response to community evacuations:
Opportunity Childcare, in Red Earth Creek
Licensed child-care programs are required to notify Child Care Connect if they close unexpectedly.
Parents and guardians should reach out to their child-care provider for information on closures.
Justice and court services
Court sittings will resume in person at the Chateh courthouse on July 2.
The Red Earth Creek courthouse remains closed until further notice. Visit the Alberta Courts website for the most current information regarding court scheduling.
Related information
Active emergency updates
Alberta Emergency Alerts
Download the Alberta Emergency Alerts app
Download the Alberta Wildfire app
How to prepare for an emergency
Wildfire smoke information
Emergency evacuation payments
Free admission to provincial museums and historic sites
Responding to the arrest of 75 people in a raid on a gathering described by police as a “gay party” in the Indonesian city of Bogor, near the capital city of Jakarta, Amnesty International Indonesia’s Deputy Director Wirya Adiwena said:
“This discriminatory raid on a privately rented villa is a blatant violation of human rights and privacy that exemplifies the hostile environment for LGBTI people in Indonesia. This gathering violated no law and posed no threat.
“The Indonesian authorities must end these hate-based and humiliating raids. No one should be subjected to arrest, intimidation or public shaming because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
“The police must immediately release all those arrested. Indonesia’s government must also take urgent steps to ensure accountability for human rights violations committed by the police, and work toward creating an environment where LGBTI individuals and their allies can live free from fear and harassment.”
Background
Police in the city of Bogor confirmed on Monday night that they had conducted a raid on a gathering, described as a “gay party,” at a villa in the Puncak area on Sunday 22 June, arresting 75 individuals (74 men, 1 woman).
The local police chief said the raid was carried out following reports from the public regarding “gay activities” at the location. The police claimed to have secured a number of pieces of evidence, among them sex toys, four condoms and a sword used for a dance performance.
All participants were taken to the Bogor Police Headquarters where they were subjected to further examination, including health checks and HIV tests. As of Tuesday afternoon (24 June) the police have not named any of the people arrested.
This is the latest such raid on so-called “gay sex parties” in Indonesia. Police detained nine people following a raid on a “gay sex party” at a hotel in South Jakarta on 24 May, while 56 individuals were detained for participating in “a gay party” in a raid on a different hotel in South Jakarta on 1 February.
Those arrested in raids could face prison terms of up to 15 years for breaching Indonesia’s Pornography Law.
The Pornography Law defines pornography broadly, encompassing material that contravenes norms of community morality. Ambiguously worded laws on pornography are often exploited to deliberately target LGBTI people, denying them the basic right to privacy and the right to enter into consensual relationships.
New data published yesterday by StatsNZshows about half of groundwater monitoring sites had contamination that exceeded maximum health limits for New Zealand at least once between April 2019 and March 2024.
Over that period, 45.1% of sites exceeded the maximum acceptable level for E. coli, and 12.4% for nitrate – a contaminant linked to cancer and preterm births.
The alarming figures have been revealed less than a month after the Luxon Government released proposals to further weaken freshwater protections.
Greenpeace freshwater campaigner Will Appelbe says the proposals show the Government is knowingly sacrificing the health of rural communities to appease corporate dairy and Federated Farmers.
“While he should be ensuring that everyone has access to clean drinking water and swimmable rivers, Luxon has instead proposed scrapping the cap on synthetic nitrogen fertiliser. This rule exists to prevent further nitrate contamination and protect people’s health.”
“His Government also wants to prioritise corporate uses of water over safe drinking water and healthy rivers.”
“The Government’s job is to safeguard public health – not bankroll big dairy.”
A cap on the use of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser was introduced in 2021, which was set at 190 kg/hectare. As part of the National Direction proposals for freshwater, the Luxon Government has proposed repealing this cap, along with other changes that weaken environmental protections and benefit irrigation companies and intensive dairy. Consultation on the proposals are open until 27 July 2025.
The current maximum allowable value (MAV) for nitrate is 11.3 mg/L, which was set in the 1950s to avoid blue baby syndrome. But this standard has been criticised by health scientists for being woefully out of date, because it doesn’t take into account newer health science that finds health risks like preterm birth and cancer at much lower levels.
Northland Regional Council rates will rise 3.54 percent for the 2025/26 financial year – considerably less than a 5.79% increase previously forecast – under an Annual Plan adopted by councillors recently.
Council Chair Geoff Crawford says the increase – which accounts to an increase of $19.19c per rates bill on average over the next year – was originally forecast to be more than two percent higher under the council’s Long Term Plan 2024-2034 (LTP).
However, due to a combination of factors including efficiencies, savings and surpluses available to offset spending and funding shortfalls, councillors were pleased to be able to approve a lower rates rise.
“We know that many people are finding things difficult financially in the current climate and have worked hard to keep our rates increase as low as possible.”
Chair Crawford says the following changes are included in the Annual Plan:
Covering reduced cruise ship income ($491,961)
Funding for Gold Clam response ($500,000)
Covering reduced rent gains ($143,250)
Covering increased inflation ($420,000) of operational expenditure
Funding for Sea Cleaners and Native Bird Recovery Centre ($30,000)
“The combined changes, made up of both spending and funding shortfalls, comprised a total of $1,585,211 of operational spend to overall rates take for the 2025/25 financial year.”
“However, this is offset, and rates reduced further, by around $2.3M of funding made up of previous LTP initiatives that are now redundant, budgetary reserves including surplus savings from the previous year, and unallocated funding.”
Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus
The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI – June 24, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar re-launched the Democratic Caucus National Security Task Force co-chaired by Reps. Jason Crow (CO-06), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and Derek Tran (CA-45). The National Security Task Force will continue to engage experts and convene Members to reassert America’s role as the leader of the free world and develop policy solutions to complex challenges threatening both our national security and Democracy abroad.
“House Democrats are committed to keeping the American people safe, protecting American interests and ensuring America remains the leader of the free world,” said House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar. “The American people want a steady hand at the wheel and the Members leading the National Security Task Force will draw on their patriotism, expertise and commitment to service to provide the leadership that Donald Trump and Rubberstamp Republicans lack the courage and moral clarity to deliver. Donald Trump failed to deliver on his promise for peace and Congress must conduct rigorous oversight of the Trump Administration’s foreign policy, including the President’s decision to unilaterally strike Iran without Congressional authorization.”
“My time in the Army taught me the essence of servant leadership. Servant leaders lead by example, jumping out of the plane first and eating last. Sadly, this is not the leadership we are seeing from President Trump. Instead, this administration’s reckless actions are making us less safe. As the co-chair of the House Democrats’ National Security Task Force, I will work to protect America’s national security and hold the Trump administration accountable,” said Rep. Jason Crow.
“America needs fighters in the United States Congress who will cut through the chaos, lead with a can-do spirit, and deliver on strengthening our national security and keeping the American people safe,” said Rep. Maggie Goodlander. “That’s what this Task Force is all about, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
“Under Donald Trump and Secretary Hegseth, we’ve seen national security turned into a political prop — with chaos at the Pentagon, the sidelining of experienced military leaders, and decisions that put partisan loyalty ahead of America’s safety,” said Rep. Mikie Sherrill. “This reckless approach threatens the strength of our military and the security of our nation. My experience in the Navy as a helicopter pilot taught me what real leadership looks like and what we’re seeing from this Administration falls far short of that standard. That’s why I’m honored to serve as co-chair of the Democratic National Security Task Force so we can hold Trump accountable and ensure our military serves the American people, not a political agenda.”
“I joined the Army Reserves when I was 18 to give back to the country that had given me so much,” said Rep. Derek Tran. “I bring that devotion to service with me to Congress, especially to protect our national security. I am proud to help lead the House Democratic Caucus National Security Task Force and ensure we protect our country’s standing as a leading global democracy. Growing Russian aggression toward Ukraine and China’s rapid expansion into the Indo-Pacific are defining issues of our time. I’ll continue to hold this Administration accountable and ensure that our national security priorities reflect the best interest of the American people.”
About the Task Force on National Security Members Former Army Ranger and Bronze Star recipient, Rep. Crow grew up working class and enlisted in the National Guard to help pay his way through college. After graduating, Rep. Crow joined the active-duty Army and served in the Army’s storied 82nd Airborne Division and in the elite 75th Ranger Regiment, deploying to both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Before taking the oath to represent New Hampshire in the People’s House, Rep. Goodlander served as an intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve for over a decade.
Rep. Sherrill is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and served in the United States Navy for nearly a decade. She graduated from the first class of women eligible for combat roles, flew as a Sea King helicopter pilot leading missions across Europe and the Middle East, and was later a Russian policy officer.
Rep. Tran enlisted in the Army Reserve at age 18 to give back to the country that welcomed his refugee parents and allowed them to build a foundation that helped him thrive. He served for eight years and was activated for Operation Noble Eagle/Enduring Freedom before earning an honorable discharge.
ADVISORY – DAUPHIN COUNTY – Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission to Announce Largest Investment in State Museum History
Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Andrea Lowery, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC), will hold a press conference to announce a historic investment that will fundamentally transform the State Museum of Pennsylvania and redefine how Pennsylvanians connect with their past.
This significant multi-year project, representing the single largest investment in the museum since its opening in 1964, will usher in a new era of enhanced visitor experiences and crucial infrastructure upgrades. This is an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the future of one of Pennsylvania’s premier cultural institutions.
WHO: Andrea Lowery, Executive Director, PHMC Greg Kirk, Deputy Secretary for Capital Programs, DGS Senator Patty Kim Representative Nathan Davidson
WHEN: WEDNESDAY, June 25, 2025, at 9:00 AM
WHERE: State Museum of Pennsylvania 3rd Street Entrance [Allegheny Room] 300 North Street Harrisburg, PA 17120
RSVP: Press who are interested in attending please RSVP to jlosiewicz@pa.gov.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Gloucester County man was found guilty by a jury on June 11, 2025, for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.
Ian Dudley, 39, of Williamstown, New Jersey, was convicted by a jury of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, contrary to 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a) and (b)(1)(C), in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846; and with six counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and/or fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A), and (b)(1)(C); before U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn in Camden federal court. Sentencing is scheduled for October 22, 2025.
According to the evidence presented at trial:
From June 2023 through October 2023, Dudley conspired with Joseph Watson and others to distribute crystal methamphetamine and fentanyl in Camden County and Gloucester County. During the course of the conspiracy, Dudley sold approximately 17.5 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and approximately one ounce of fentanyl to an undercover federal agent.
The counts of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and two of the counts of distribution of methamphetamine carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Four of the counts for distribution of methamphetamine and/or fentanyl carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison.
U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of L.C. Cheeks, Jr., with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph McFarlane and Josephine Park in Camden.
Apprehensions and gotaways are almost 50% lower since operations in LA started
WASHINGTON – Since the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began removing worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from sanctuary city Los Angeles, apprehensions and gotaways at the U.S. Southern border plummeted nearly 50% from May to June. Sanctuary cities are no longer a safe haven, and we have made the message clear: We will hunt down criminal illegal aliens and remove them from our communities.
On June 6, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) started an operation removing the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens. Despite the rhetoric from politicians, riots, and wide-scale assaults on enforcement officers, DHS is continuing to make Los Angeles and the Southern border more secure.
The data speaks for itself: From June 1 -22 of this year, apprehensions totaled 5,414 while just one month ago in May, U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions were 9,577. Since the beginning of June, gotaways totaled only 986, compared to 2,123 in May. This is nearly a 50% decrease since operations started.
The difference in these stats from the Biden Administration to the Trump Administration is staggering. From February 1 to June 22 of this year, apprehensions totaled only 37,518, while just one year ago nearly 600,000 apprehensions were made during the same time. Gotaways showed a similar decrease with 11,867 between February and June in 2025, compared to over 94,007 during the same time in 2024.
“Secretary Noem is delivering on President Trump’s promise to secure the border by removing murders, pedophiles, and drug traffickers from Los Angeles,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “In less than a month since we started LA enforcement operations, apprehensions and gotaways at the Southern border halved.The world is hearing our message: If you come here illegally, we will find you, arrest you, and deport you. We will not be deterred by the rioters and politicians in our mission to secure America and its border. Migrants are turning back because they know the reality is they will ultimately leave in handcuffs.”
SHENZHEN, China, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jayud Global Logistics Limited (NASDAQ: JYD) (“Jayud” or the “Company”), a leading end-to-end supply chain solution provider based in Shenzhen, specializing in cross-border logistics, today announced that it has received a government subsidy of RMB 30,258,086 (approximately USD 4.2 million) from the Shenzhen Transportation Bureau.
The subsidy relates to two charter flight routes operated by the Company during 2022-2023 as part of its expanded air freight services:
Shenzhen-Clark Route: RMB 17.28 million
Shenzhen-Davao Route: RMB 12.98 million
Jayud originally applied for the cargo aircraft new route subsidies in March 2023, with the Shenzhen Transportation Bureau finalizing the subsidy amounts in March 2025 after adjusting all applications due to total requests exceeding available funding.
Xiaogang Geng, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Jayud, stated, “This significant government recognition and financial support validates our strategic expansion into charter flight operations and demonstrates the value we bring to Shenzhen’s logistics infrastructure. These subsidies will positively impact our financial performance and support our continued growth in cross-border air freight services.”
The Company expects this to positively impact its revenue and financial results for the current fiscal year.
About Jayud Global Logistics Limited
Jayud Global Logistics Limited is one of the leading Shenzhen-based end-to-end supply chain solution providers in China, focusing on cross-border logistics services. The Company benefits from the unique geographical advantages of providing a high degree of support for ocean, air, and overland logistics. The Company has established a global operation nexus featuring logistic facilities throughout major transportation hubs in China and globally, with footprints in 12 provinces in Mainland China and 16 countries across six continents. Jayud offers a comprehensive range of cross-border supply chain solutions, including freight forwarding, supply chain management, and other value-added services. With its strong service capabilities and research and development capabilities in proprietary IT systems, the Company provides customized and efficient logistics solutions and develops long-standing customer relationships. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: https://ir.jayud.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs, including the expectation that the Offering will be successfully completed. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “aim”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “believe”, “is/are likely to”, “potential”, “continue” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.
For more information, please contact:
Jayud Global Logistics Limited Investor Relations Department Email: ir@jayud.com
Investor Relations Contact: Matthew Abenante, IRC President Strategic Investor Relations, LLC Tel: 347-947-2093 Email: matthew@strategic-ir.com
LONDON, UK, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DRML Miner, a global leader in eco-conscious cryptocurrency mining, has officially launched its highly anticipated zero-cost XRP cloud mining platform, ushering in a new era of accessible, automated, and AI-enhanced digital asset earnings. Tailored for both seasoned investors and crypto newcomers, the platform provides users with daily XRP rewards, a $10 signup bonus, and the opportunity to grow passive income without any upfront hardware costs or technical know-how.
This launch comes at a pivotal moment, with XRP currently in a price consolidation phase, offering a unique chance for investors to generate consistent returns while traditional markets remain uncertain.
What Sets DRML Miner’s XRP Cloud Mining Apart
With traditional mining often plagued by high costs and complex setups, DRML Miner breaks down these barriers through a user-friendly, cloud-based solution. Users simply register, select a mining contract, and start earning—no rigs, no maintenance, no hassle.
Key features of the new XRP mining contracts include:
AI-Powered Yield Optimization: Smart allocation of hashrate ensures optimal returns, even during stagnant market conditions.
Daily XRP Payouts: Predictable earnings improve liquidity and minimize exposure to price volatility.
100% Remote Participation: Start mining instantly from anywhere in the world.
Principal Security: All contracts guarantee a full return of principal at expiration.
A Strategic Entry Point for XRP Investors
According to the DRML Miner team, the launch of XRP-only mining contracts was strategically timed to coincide with the asset’s ongoing consolidation, allowing users to profit regardless of short-term price swings.
“We see XRP’s current price range not as a plateau, but as potential,” said the CEO of DRML Miner. “Our new mining contracts unlock the value of XRP in a stable, low-risk, and fully automated way.”
Real Returns Backed by Real Results
The platform offers a range of contract tiers designed to suit various investment preferences. Verified performance metrics include:
2-Day Plan: +7.0% return
5-Day Plan: +1.3% return
15-Day Plan: +1.45% return
30-Day Plan: +1.55% return
These figures reflect historical averages and highlight the consistency and transparency of DRML Miner’s operations.
About DRML Miner
Founded in 2018 and legally registered in the UK, DRML Miner operates more than 120 sustainable mining farms powered by renewable energy. With over 7 million users globally, the platform is committed to making crypto mining accessible, eco-friendly, and profitable for all.
Whether you’re a long-term XRP holder or exploring crypto for the first time, DRML Miner offers a secure, smart, and sustainable way to earn.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.
Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
Women’s Health Protection Act comes as the Trump admin and Congressional Republicans move to restrict a woman’s right to choose, push backdoor national abortion ban
WASHINGTON – Today, on the third anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet joined the entire Senate Democratic caucus to introduce the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025, which would guarantee access to abortion nationwide.
In June of 2022, the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision revoked the national right to an abortion, overturning 50 years of legal precedent established by Roe v. Wade. The ruling stripped abortion access and essential reproductive health care from millions of Americans.
“Three years ago, the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision shredded 50 years of precedent, erasing women’s freedom to make their own health decisions,” said Hickenlooper. “Americans overwhelmingly support Roe’s protections. Let’s return those rights back where they belong.”
“Three years ago today, the conservative majority on the Supreme Court overturned fifty years of legal precedent,” said Bennet. “Since then, maternal mortality rates have grown consistently in states where access to abortions are restricted or banned. Passing the Women’s Health Protection Act will save lives. We must ensure that women can make their own decisions about their bodies and their futures. I will continue to fight for access to reproductive health care in Colorado and across the United States.”
Since the Dobbs decision, 19 states have implemented near-total abortion bans, leaving one in three American women without access to safe, legal abortion care. The Trump administration and congressional Republicans have continued targeting Americans’ reproductive rights and undermining millions of women’s access to abortion care. The House-passed Republican budget bill kicks 16 million people off their health insurance and defunds Planned Parenthood – threatening the closure of 200 health centers nationwide and putting access to vital reproductive care for millions of families at risk.
The Women’s Health Protection Act would establish federal rights for patients and providers to protect abortion access and create federal protections against medically unnecessary restrictions that undermine Americans’ access to health care. If passed, this legislation would restore the right to trusted, safe abortion care for all Americans.
Full text of the bill available HERE.
Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
WASHINGTON – As NATO convenes today, U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced legislation addressing inadequate burden sharing among the United States’ allies and NATO member nations.
The Allied Burden Sharing Report Act and the NATO Burden Sharing Report Act would incentivize delinquent nations to contribute their fair share for defense measures by requiring the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to compile annual reports on allied nations’ defense contributions and their ability to fulfill commitments. U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) cosponsored both pieces of legislation.
“America has shouldered the burden of NATO freeloaders for decades,” said Senator Mike Lee. “Year after year, our so-called allies shirk their commitments while we pay for the conflicts raging in their backyards. By imposing annual reporting requirements, my legislation will identify delinquent allies – promoting accountability and putting them on notice to pay their fair share.”
“Our NATO allies expect the U.S. to be the sugar daddy and the world’s policeman while they sit back and let us do the heavy lifting. President Trump was right, it’s time for them to pull their own weight. Congress must stop giving blank checks to our allies and start demanding accountability. That’s why I’m pushing for the NATO Burden Sharing Report Act and the Allied Burden Sharing Report Act, to show the American people exactly who’s paying the bills and who’s shirking their share,” said Sen. Paul.
Background:
NATO allies committed to spending 2% of their annual GDP on defense measures over a decade ago, but many have failed to deliver – instead allowing the U.S. to carry the burden of European security. Even as conflict in Ukraine continues in their own backyards, a significant portion of NATO members remain delinquent on their defense commitments. It is unreasonable for the U.S. to continue subsidizing the security of a peripheral theater, while allies neglect to carry their fair share.
As the alliance convenes today, President Donald Trump has rightfully demanded greater burden sharing and higher defense spending. As the Summit opens, Senator Lee is introducing two pieces of legislation to support this burden sharing agenda. The Allied Burden Sharing Report Act and NATO Burden Sharing Report Act require regular reporting on allies’ contributions to the common defense.
These bills promote burden sharing accountability, removing any doubt as to who the delinquent allies are and equipping Congress with the information it needs to perform necessary oversight.
The Allied Burden Sharing Report Act:
Requires DOD to prepare an annual report on the defense spending of all 59 U.S. allies – including:
Annual defense spending of each allied nation, both as a nominal figure and percentage of GDP
Activities of each allied nation that contribute to military or stability operations in which the Armed Forces of the U.S. are a participant or could be called upon per the obligations of a cooperative defense agreement of which the United States is a signatory
Any limitation placed by an allied nation on the use of such contributions
Any actions undertaken by the U.S. or by other countries to minimize such limitations
The NATO Burden Sharing Report Act:
Applies only to NATO member countries and includes all of the above reporting requirements plus:
A description of each member’s hard vs. soft power contributions for Ukraine
Defense industrial base health and comparative advantages
Size and structure of armed forces
Any areas where the country would be fully reliant on allied assets
FMS deliveries or contracts in the previous year
Any change in defense spending over the previous year and anticipated future spending
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today welcomed news that Belarus has freed 14 imprisoned opposition activists following a meeting between Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenka. Among those freed are top opposition leader Siarhei Tsikhanouski, husband of Belarusian political activist Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.
“Since the 2020 presidential elections, Belarusian authorities have arrested thousands of protestors, opposition figures, journalists, and civil society members. Hundreds remain behind bars subject to harsh conditions, including accusations of torture from credible human rights organizations. In particular, I remain concerned about the arbitrary detention of activist and opposition leader, Maryia Kolesnikova. Serious concerns have been raised about her health and treatment in a penal colony.
“These releases are a welcome first step. I am grateful that the Trump Administration facilitated this action and urge U.S. officials to continue to prioritize human rights in future discussions with Belarusian officials. The release of political prisoners must remain at the forefront in bilateral negotiations. I will continue to engage with the Trump Administration on the parameters of these and future discussions and urge Belarus to release all remaining political prisoners, including Maryia.”
Senator Welch has advocated for bipartisan cooperation to secure the release of political prisoners in Belarus and around the world. Last Congress, Senator Welch spoke on the Senate floor to highlight the story of Maryia Kalesnikava, a leading member of the Belarusian political opposition calling for free and fair elections in Belarus, who was apprehended in 2020 by officials driving an unmarked vehicle and taken to the Belarus border where they attempted to forcibly deport her to Ukraine. In November, Senator Welch met with political and human rights advocates, including Maryia’s sister, Tatsiana Khomic to discuss ways to help secure the release of Maryia and other political prisoners in Belarus.
Senator Welch also joined Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) to meet with Belarusian opposition leader, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, to discuss efforts to push back against Belarus’s authoritarian leadership. Senator Welch also led his colleagues in urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to preserve the staff and programs administered by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) amid the Department’s proposed reorganization.
Preliminary reporting released by the BC Coroners Service (BCCS) finds that 165 people died from unregulated toxic drugs in April 2025.
In 2025, deaths among those between the ages of 30 and 59 accounted for 68% of drug-toxicity deaths in the province, and 77% were male.
April marks a return to more than 160 deaths attributed to unregulated drug toxicity reported to the BC Coroners Service after six consecutive months of reporting fewer than 160 deaths a month.
By health authority in 2025, the highest number of unregulated drug deaths were in Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health authorities (185 and 155 deaths, respectively) making up 57% of all such deaths during 2025.
Consistent with reporting throughout the public-health emergency, fentanyl and its analogues continue to be the most common substance detected in expedited toxicological testing. More than three-quarters of decedents who underwent expedited testing in 2025 were found to have fentanyl in their systems (68%), followed by methamphetamine (51%) and cocaine (48%).
It is important to note that data from the report is preliminary and subject to change as additional toxicological results are received and investigations conclude.
Additional key findings in 2025 include:
the number of unregulated drug deaths in April 2025 equates to approximately 5.5 deaths per day;
the cities experiencing the highest number of unregulated drug deaths so far in 2025 are Vancouver, Surrey and Greater Victoria;
the highest rates of deaths reported were in Northern Health (46 deaths per 100,000 individuals) and Interior Health (35 per 100,000 individuals);
47% of deaths reported occurred in a private residence, compared with 21% outdoors; and
smoking continues to be the primary mode of consumption of unregulated toxic drugs, with 64% of investigations indicating the decedent smoked their substances.
Learn More:
April 2025 Drug Toxicity Deaths: https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiM2JlNDY1MTItYjBiNS00NWNiLWJlZjAtNzAzNzQ3ZTYwMzg3IiwidCI6IjZmZGI1MjAwLTNkMGQtNGE4YS1iMDM2LWQzNjg1ZTM1OWFkYyJ9
Youth Unregulated Drug Toxicity Deaths, 2019-23: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/birth-adoption-death-marriage-and-divorce/deaths/coroners-service/statistical/youth_unregulated_drug_toxicity_deaths_in_bc_2019-2023.pdf
BC Coroners Service Death Review Panel: An Urgent Response to a Continuing Crisis: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/birth-adoption-death-marriage-and-divorce/deaths/coroners-service/death-review-panel/an_urgent_response_to_a_continuing_crisis_report.pdf
BC Ministry of Health mental-health and substance-use supports: https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)
Bacon Leads Bipartisan Bill to Help Postpartum Women
Washington – Today, Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE-02) alongside Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), reintroduced H.R. 4074, the Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act. This legislation seeks to improve maternal postpartum health by directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on the coverage of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (PHPT) for postpartum mothers under the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act.
Quality postpartum care for mothers is vital for their long-term health and well-being, but many women suffer from pelvic floor disfunction and diastasis recti abdominis, conditions that can be severely painful. This is treatable with Pelvic Health Physical Therapy; however, many women are unaware of the therapy available to them. When working with a Pelvic Health Physical Therapist, women receive a treatment plan to improve muscle control and mobility, aid in tissue repair and recovery from cesarean sections.
“As a husband, father, and grandfather, I recognize the importance of supporting postpartum women,” said Rep. Bacon.“Our care for women should extend to postpartum recovery, to ensure that they are living without pain or discomfort, especially when the therapy available is highly effective.”
“Far too often, women’s postpartum health concerns are overlooked or dismissed, despite the serious and lasting impact they can have on quality of life,” said Rep. Trahan. “The Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act is a commonsense step toward making Pelvic Health Physical Therapy more accessible for new mothers, especially those who rely on Medicaid. By ensuring that women receive the care and support they need after giving birth, we’re investing in stronger families and healthier communities.”
H.R. 4074 would be a step towards making quality postpartum care available to all women. With approximately three million births in the United States every year, there are three million women who could benefit from Pelvic Health Physical Therapy in their recovery.
The bill is supported by health care professionals and physical therapists, including the American Physical Therapy Association.
“APTA Pelvic Health is proud to continue our collaboration with Congress in advancing the recognition of pelvic health physical therapy for women during both prenatal and postnatal care,” said Kim Parker-Guerrero, PT, DPT, president-elect of the academy. “This important legislation will ensure new mothers have access to the vital education and support needed to engage with pelvic health physical therapy, helping to prevent issues that might arise without early intervention and care.”
“I’m excited for the reintroduction of the perinatal bill, H.R. 4074,” said Gail Zitterkopf, PT, DPT, government relations chair for APTA Pelvic Health. “This grassroots-inspired bill will positively impact and enhance lives through ensuring pelvic health physical therapy for those who are pregnant.”
