WASHINGTON – Damon Middleton, 32, and Michael Alston, 27, both of the District of Columbia, were ordered to be held without bond today following their arrests for armed kidnapping and carjacking, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
According to court documents, on May 9, 2025, a male victim was parking his Dodge Caravan at his home in the District when he was approached by two men who hit him on the head and demanded money. One of the subjects allegedly took the victim’s keys, entered his apartment, and ransacked it.
The two men then drove the victim in the victim’s Dodge Caravan to various Maryland ATMs to withdraw funds from the victim’s CashApp and bank accounts. The men eventually left the victim zip-tied in Hyattsville, Maryland, and drove off in his vehicle. Law enforcement later located the torched remains of the victim’s Dodge Caravan within the District.
Middleton and Alston were charged in an indictment, which was unsealed on July 11, 2025, on charges of federal kidnapping and transportation of a stolen vehicle, as well as District of Columbia charges of armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sabena Auyeung and Mark Levy.
WASHINGTON – Philip Dupree, 40, a former police officer with the Fairmount Heights, Maryland Police Department, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 74 months in prison following his conviction at trial on June 17, 2024, in connection with violating a man’s civil rights by using unreasonable force, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
A federal jury found Dupree guilty on June 17, 2024, of one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. In addition to the 74-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ordered Dupree to serve threeyears of supervised release.
“When the defendant used unnecessary and excessive force on a man in handcuffs, he violated his duty and betrayed his oath to serve and protect,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “The Court’s sentence serves as a stark reminder that members of law enforcement must not break the faith with the communities we all serve.”
According to court documents, Dupree was on duty as a Fairmont Heights Police officer during the early morning hours of Aug. 4, 2019, when he conducted a traffic stop on Eastern Avenue NE, in the District of Columbia. After detaining the driver and the driver’s sister, Officer Dupree pepper-sprayed the driver in the face while the driver was handcuffed and seated in Dupree’s police car. The jury found that Dupree’s use of force constituted excessive force by a law enforcement officer.
“Our government requires police officers to abide by the laws they enforce and to protect the constitutional rights of all persons in their custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division. “Dupree abused his authority as a police officer, and today Dupree was held accountable for his actions.”
“Law enforcement officers have a duty to enforce the laws while protecting the rights of those they serve,” said Steven J. Jensen, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. “Today’s sentence underscores this responsibility and demonstrates the FBI’s resolve to pursue public servants who abuse their positions of power and trust.”
The case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office. It was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Sanjay Patel of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Howland of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
WASHINGTON – Philip Dupree, 40, a former police officer with the Fairmount Heights, Maryland Police Department, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 74 months in prison following his conviction at trial on June 17, 2024, in connection with violating a man’s civil rights by using unreasonable force, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
A federal jury found Dupree guilty on June 17, 2024, of one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. In addition to the 74-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ordered Dupree to serve threeyears of supervised release.
“When the defendant used unnecessary and excessive force on a man in handcuffs, he violated his duty and betrayed his oath to serve and protect,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “The Court’s sentence serves as a stark reminder that members of law enforcement must not break the faith with the communities we all serve.”
According to court documents, Dupree was on duty as a Fairmont Heights Police officer during the early morning hours of Aug. 4, 2019, when he conducted a traffic stop on Eastern Avenue NE, in the District of Columbia. After detaining the driver and the driver’s sister, Officer Dupree pepper-sprayed the driver in the face while the driver was handcuffed and seated in Dupree’s police car. The jury found that Dupree’s use of force constituted excessive force by a law enforcement officer.
“Our government requires police officers to abide by the laws they enforce and to protect the constitutional rights of all persons in their custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division. “Dupree abused his authority as a police officer, and today Dupree was held accountable for his actions.”
“Law enforcement officers have a duty to enforce the laws while protecting the rights of those they serve,” said Steven J. Jensen, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. “Today’s sentence underscores this responsibility and demonstrates the FBI’s resolve to pursue public servants who abuse their positions of power and trust.”
The case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office. It was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Sanjay Patel of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Howland of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
WASHINGTON – Amstrong Chapajong, 38, of Cheverly, Maryland, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to one count of health care fraud after billing the District of Columbia’s Medicaid program for services never provided.
The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the Washington Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and Inspector General Daniel W. Lucas of the D.C. Office of the Inspector General (DC-OIG).
According to court documents, from March 2020 to January 2022, Chapajong worked as a personal care aide (PCA) and a community support worker (CSW) within the District of Columbia. PCA services are intended to assist Medicaid beneficiaries in performing activities of daily living, and CSW services include support for mental-health consumers’ recovery and wellness in community settings. Chapajong admitted to repeatedly submitting false timesheets to his employers, claiming to have provided in-person care as a PCA and telephonic behavioral health services as a CSW to multiple District beneficiaries simultaneously while at different locations. Through this scheme, he caused the District’s Medicaid Program to pay $113,243 for duplicative services he did not render.
The Honorable Randolph D. Moss accepted the plea, and scheduled sentencing for Jan. 7, 2026. Under federal sentencing guidelines, Chapajong faces a possible sentence of up to one year in prison and a maximum fine of $40,000. As part of his plea agreement, Chapajong agreed to pay $113,243 in restitution and is subject to forfeiture of his assets.
This case was jointly investigated by the FBI, the HHS-OIG, and the DC-OIG’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The District Department of Health Care Finance’s Division of Program Integrity initially referred this matter and provided assistance during the investigation. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Facci, who is on detail from the D.C. Office of the Inspector General.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
HAMMOND- Deyon Washington, 45 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor.
Washington was sentenced to 51 months in prison followed by 24 months of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on September 11, 2021, Deyon Washington was a passenger in vehicle that was pulled over in Valparaiso, Indiana. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement recovered a loaded pistol with an extended magazine attached to it. Washington’s criminal history revealed he was previously felony convicted for armed robbery in 2001 and 2002, which were felonies that disqualified him from possessing any firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Toth.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
HAMMOND- Isaiah Castro, 23 years old, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor.
Castro was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 24 months of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on April 16, 2024, Isaiah Castro distributed pills containing fentanyl while possessing a firearm. A search warrant resulted in the recovery of the firearm. Law enforcement also recovered another firearm with an extended magazine, firearm magazines, ammunition, and cash. Castro was previously convicted of resisting law enforcement and was on probation at the time.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Lancaster, UK, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As institutional and retail interest in cryptocurrency mining continues to accelerate, SIM Mining has implemented a suite of enhanced security protocols designed to safeguard user data and platform operations. The announcement follows a broader industry trend prioritising secure, automated, and energy-efficient blockchain infrastructure amid rising cloud mining adoption.
According to a recent article on Yahoo Finance, leading cloud mining providers are scaling renewable-powered facilities while increasing transparency and mitigating risk. In response, SIM Mining has reviewed and reinforced its encrypted platform to align with these evolving standards, ensuring a secure environment for digital asset mining.
The latest audit of SIM Mining’s infrastructure, conducted by an external cybersecurity firm, focused on key risk areas including data encryption, access authentication, and network resilience. Following the review, the platform integrated multi-layer firewalls, real-time threat detection systems, and regionally distributed data backups. These improvements aim to address increasing cyber threats associated with cloud-based blockchain services.
“In today’s digital economy, trust begins with infrastructure,” said Elena Kim, Chief Security Officer at SIM Mining. “Our priority is to provide users with a secure cloud mining environment that adapts to evolving risk landscapes, regulatory expectations, and sustainability demands.”
Cloud Mining Trends and Security Expectations
The global cloud mining sector is undergoing significant evolution in 2025. Industry data shows that
Over 60% of cloud mining services now use renewable energy sources.
Approximately 50% of all new users prioritise platforms with verified third-party security audits.
The adoption rate of AI-powered automation in mining operations has risen by over 35% year-over-year.
This momentum signals a shift from speculative trading to infrastructure-focused participation, where ease of access and data protection are critical components. SIM Mining’s recent platform hardening efforts directly address these user expectations while supporting broader ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) initiatives.
A Global Rollout of Security-First Infrastructure
As part of the announcement, SIM Mining confirmed its phased rollout of new security architecture across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. The upgrade includes region-specific compliance enhancements, encrypted traffic protocols, and isolated recovery nodes designed to withstand physical and digital threats.
In addition to platform-level changes, SIM Mining has expanded its global support infrastructure, introducing multilingual assistance teams and localized safety briefings for users in more than 100 countries. These efforts aim to democratize access to mining while educating users on safe participation in the blockchain economy.
“We recognise that many of our users are entering this space for the first time,” added Kim. “Providing secure infrastructure is one thing; helping users understand and benefit from it is equally important.”
Focus on Sustainable and Compliant Operations
Aligned with the industry’s clean energy shift, SIM Mining’s data centers operate on renewable sources, including solar and wind power. This commitment not only helps reduce the environmental impact of mining but also supports platform scalability under growing demand.
Security enhancements were developed in parallel with sustainability improvements, creating a model of resilient, responsible infrastructure—one that meets increasing scrutiny from regulatory agencies and institutional stakeholders.
About SIM Mining
SIM Mining is a technology-driven cloud mining platform offering secure, encrypted, and sustainable blockchain participation to users worldwide. The platform integrates automated mining tools, renewable-powered data centers, and enterprise-grade security to deliver a streamlined and accessible digital asset experience.
Media contact: Full name: Olive Wild Email: info@simmining.com Website: https://simmining.com City: Lancaster; Country: United Kingdom Address: Dalton House, 9 Dalton Square
Disclaimer: This release is strictly informational and not intended as investment or legal guidance. Cryptocurrency markets remain volatile. Please consult a financial professional before investing.
Groveland, FL, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Chatline Network, home to some of the best chat lines in North America, is thrilled to announce a brand-new offer: a 5-minute free trial now available across all of its phone chat brands. This exciting promotion gives callers the perfect opportunity to connect instantly with local singles — no strings attached.
Known for its suite of high-quality, locally focused chat lines, Chatline Network offers users a chance to meet, flirt, and talk with real people in real time. With this new 5-minute free trial, first-time callers can experience the unique energy and spontaneity of voice-based connections without any upfront commitment.
The service is simple to use: callers dial in, create a greeting, and are instantly connected to other singles nearby. Whether users are looking for romance, friendship, or a lighthearted chat, the Chatline Network provides a safe, discreet, and lively platform for connection.
The 5-minute free trial is available now on all Chatline Network brands. To access Chatline Network, dial into one of the following free chat lines:
Azule Line: 800-876-4383
24-7 Chat Line: 800-736-7881
About Chatline Network Chatline Network is a trusted provider of live phone chat services, featuring a range of popular chat lines designed to help adults connect through real conversation. With a focus on community, authenticity, and privacy, the network remains a top destination for voice-based dating and social interaction.
On Friday, 18 July 2025 at 9 am (EET), Coop Pank held an investor webinar, where the Interim Chairman of the Management Board, Heikko Mäe, and the Chief Financial Officer, Paavo Truu, introduced the bank’s unaudited financial results of Second Quarter of 2025. Webinar was held in Estonian language.
Coop Pank would like to thank all participants. Webinar recording is available here: https://youtu.be/VZ40sRcWj-0
Coop Pank, based on Estonian capital, is one of the five universal banks operating in Estonia. The number of clients using Coop Pank for their daily banking has reached 218,000. Coop Pank aims to put the synergy generated by the interaction of retail business and banking to good use and to bring everyday banking services closer to people’s homes. The strategic shareholder of the bank is the domestic retail chain Coop Eesti comprising 320 stores.
This pan-African tribute charts the journey of Madiba, freedom fighter, reconciler, and visionary, whose belief in the power of sport helped shape the very foundations of the modern Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) movement.
From the resistance and unity forged on Robben Island, to the global spectacle of the 1995 Rugby World Cup and 2010 FIFA World Cup, Mandela showed how sport could be used not only to heal a divided nation, but to uplift a continent.
“Sport has the power to change the world… to inspire… to unite people in a way that little else does.” – Nelson Mandela
In the year that marks over 30 years since the Youth Charter’s founding in 1993, the same year Mandela laid the political groundwork for a new democratic South Africa, the organisation is issuing a renewed call to Africa’s youth, sports leaders, and governments: turn the values of Mandela into a continental system of action.
From Symbol to System: Africa’s Call to Action
The Youth Charter’s Community Campus model, rooted in Mandela’s spirit of Ubuntu and youth empowerment, provides a blueprint for sustainable development across the continent. Already piloted in South Africa, the UK, and internationally, this model uses sport, art, and digital innovation to deliver on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), empowering young people to be agents of peace, climate action, and inclusive economic growth.
“Africa’s youth are not problems to be managed, but leaders to be empowered,” said Geoff Thompson, Youth Charter Founder and Chair.
The tribute warns, however, that the Sport for Development movement must return to its ethical and political roots or risk becoming a siloed sector of self-interest. The Africa ’30’ Report, part of the Youth Charter’s Global Call to Action, urges African nations to lead by example in making sport a driver of policy, investment, and social change.
Mandela’s Legacy is Africa’s Responsibility
As trees planted in Mandela’s honour grow at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, their roots symbolise the seeds of peace, resilience, and leadership sown in Africa.
Now, the Youth Charter calls on African governments, ministries of youth and sport, national sports federations, and regional institutions, from the African Union to ECOWAS, SADC, and CAF, to scale up investment in youth and community-led development through sport.
Download the Full Tribute Essay
The full tribute essay, “Nelson Mandela: Legacy of a Sporting Struggle, Spirit of a Global Call to Action,” is available upon request and will be shared through national and continental media outlets, schools, universities, and youth organisations across Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Youth Charter.
Youth Charter @ Social Media: LinkedIn: @ YouthCharter Facebook: @ YouthCharter Instagram: @ youthchartersdp YouTube: @ YouthCharter X: @ YOUTHCHARTER
About Youth Charter: The Youth Charter is a UK registered charity and UN accredited non-governmental organisation. Launched in 1993 as part of the Manchester 2000 Olympic Bid and the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the Youth Charter has Campaigned and Promoted the role and value of sport, art, culture and digital technology in the lives of disaffected young people from disadvantaged communities nationally and internationally. The Youth Charter has a proven track record in the creation and delivery of social and human development programmes with the overall aim of providing young people with an opportunity to develop in life.
Specifically, The Youth Charter Tackles educational non-attainment, health inequality, anti-social behaviour and the negative effects of crime, drugs, gang related activity and racism by applying the ethics of sporting and artistic excellence. These can then be translated to provide social and economic benefits of citizenship, rights responsibilities, with improved education, health, social order, environment and college, university, employment and enterprise.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has provided equipment for carpentry and plumbing workshops at the National Skills Development and Vocational Training Institute in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
Originally established in 1984, the institute was forced to suspend its activities in 2009 due to terrorist incidents in the country. It resumed operations in 2022 under the Somali Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. However, over the years, the institution had suffered a significant decline in capacity and was only able to offer limited vocational training due to insufficient infrastructure and a lack of technical equipment.
Thanks to the carpentry and plumbing workshop equipment supplied by TİKA, the institute’s practical training capacity has been substantially improved. The project aims not only to strengthen vocational training infrastructure but also to help develop a skilled workforce, thereby creating new employment opportunities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).
Senior automotive students at the Booker Washington Institute (BWI) have restored and donated a fully functional vehicle to their department, strengthening hands-on training for future students. As part of their final project, the class raised $800, purchased a non-running car, and successfully repaired it over four months, showcasing practical skills, teamwork, and leadership.
The project complements an existing training vehicle previously donated by the European Union (EU) through the Youth Rising project, addressing a major gap in practical resources. With 42 students in the senior automotive class, one vehicle was insufficient to provide adequate hands-on training. The student-led initiative to acquire and restore an additional car significantly boosts the department’s capacity to deliver real-world technical skills.
“As senior students, we are expected to leave behind a meaningful project as our legacy,” said Julie M. Soe, a member of the class. “We came together, discussed our options, and decided to buy and repair a vehicle. It wasn’t easy. The car had major issues with the engine, lights, oil system, and brakes. But we stayed focused, worked as a team, and today we’re proud to hand it over to the department.”
“During our first year, we had no proper workshop and worked outside in the sun,” added Samuel P. Borbor, senior student and chair of the class project committee. “Now, with EU support, we have a workshop, tools, and a brand-new vehicle. This motivated us to take on our own project. Having two vehicles instead of one makes a huge difference. It allows us to actually practice what we learn, and I even got to use the electronic fault scanning machine for the first time.”
Instructors praised the students for their initiative and commitment. “The confidence I had in these students has been fully justified,” said John Charlie, an automotive instructor at BWI. “Seeing them select, plan, and execute this project on a live engine is a dream come true. It shows they are ready for the industry.”
“This project clearly demonstrated teamwork, problem-solving, and responsibility, qualities every good technician needs,” added Worlubah Mulbah, another instructor. “Their cooperation and willingness to share ideas were impressive.”
Since 2018, the European Union (EU), through its Youth Rising project implemented by UNIDO, has supported Liberia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. The project focuses on renovating facilities, training instructors, providing tools and equipment, and updating curricula to deliver high-quality, market-relevant technical education. At BWI, this support included renovated workshops, new training vehicle, modern hand tools/equipment, and electronic diagnostic equipment, creating a strong foundation for practical learning.
With this additional student-restored vehicle, BWI’s automotive department is now better equipped to prepare graduates for the job market. Instructors plan to replicate similar student-led projects with future classes, ensuring continuous improvement of hands-on learning and fostering a culture of initiative and innovation among Liberia’s future technicians.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
The UN Human Rights Committee today issued its findings on Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kazakhstan, Latvia, North Macedonia, Spain and Viet Nam, following its review of these States parties during its 144th session.
The Committee noted with concern that despite constitutional guarantees, the judiciary remains vulnerable to political interference and pressure from criminal networks. It urged the State party to strengthen the independence and functioning of the judiciary by, among others, providing increased resources to the judicial system. The Committee also raised concerns about restrictions of peaceful assembly, intimidation of human rights defenders, and interference with trade unions, urging the authorities to respect and protect civic space.
Haiti
The Committee expressed concern about the impact of ongoing large-scale gang violence on the Haitian population and the inability of the police to stop it. It called on the State party to take steps to fully comply with its obligations to protect the right to life, including by implementing a public policy to dismantle the gangs and “self-defence brigades”, and to redouble efforts to prevent and eliminate corruption in state institutions, one of the root causes of insecurity and human rights violations.
Kazakhstan
The Committee expressed concern that counter-terrorism efforts may be unduly restricting civic space and about reports of the use of force and acts of torture by law enforcement officials against members of civil society. It urged the State party to bring its counter-terrorism efforts in line with its international human rights law obligations and ensure that all allegations of excessive use of force are properly investigated and that victims are provided with remedies.
Latvia
The Committee raised concerns about border protection measures restricting asylum access, which it said expose refugees to the risk of non-refoulement and ill-treatment. It called on the authorities to ensure all individuals in need of international protection are assessed fairly and efficiently and to investigate allegations of pushbacks and ill-treatment of refugees at border points.
North Macedonia
The Committee was concerned that despite progress achieved in some areas, including the adoption of a strategy for the inclusion of Roma 2022-2030, discrimination and marginalization against the Roma community remained significant, with its members experiencing high levels of poverty and exclusion, and subjected to ethnic profiling. It called on the authorities to embrace poverty reduction efforts and improve advocacy and awareness to address anti-Roma discrimination.
Spain
The Committee welcomed progress made in areas of memory, truth and reparation for past human rights violations, including the adoption of the 2022 Democratic Memory Law and the establishment of a Prosecutor for Human Rights and Democratic Memory, but expressed regrets that the 1977 Amnesty Law remains active and that proceedings initiated in 2010 for violations committed during the Spanish Civil War and the Franco Dictatorship have not resulted in any effective actions. It also expressed concern about violent incidents of pushbacks of refugees and the alleged excessive use of force by border agents in Ceuta in 2014 and Melilla in 2022, resulting in serious injuries and deaths. It called on the authorities to implement fair asylum procedures that respect the principle of non-refoulement and to investigate the incidents of excessive use of force in Ceuta and Melilla.
Viet Nam
The Committee welcomed the recent removal of the death penalty for eight crimes in Viet Nam. However, it remained concerned that the death penalty remains for ten crimes, including non-violent crimes. The Committee called on the State party to refrain from carrying out executions by maintaining a de facto moratorium. The Committee also raised concerns about reports of torture and ill treatment of detainees. The full Concluding Observations are available on the session page.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
Fifty-seven young men and women from universities across Libya joined the United Nations Support Mission in Libya for in a dedicated youth consultation on Wednesday to share their ideas around the Advisory Committee’s recommendations and stressed the need for urgent inclusive election to establish stability and legitimacy.
Students from Bent Bayya, Western Mountain, Gharyan, Ain Zara, Azzawya, Abu Salim, Tripoli Center, Sabratha, Zintan, Qasr Ben Ghashir, Sirt, Al-Bayda, Hay Andlus, Sebha, Benghazi, Murzuq, Al-Khums, Al-Araban, and Kabo joined the discussion, with many favouring the first option, which suggests holding near simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections. over others to avoid perpetuating division.
Participants said it was essential that the military be unified and divisive instituons be institutions to avoiding reproducing the status quo. They highlighted a lack of trust and said that corruption was a significant obstacle to securing fair elections. Others added that cultural components are often marginalized politically in Libya, making the reality of inclusive elections unlikely.
“The second option, holding legislative elections first, is a continuation of a vicious cycle that we have tried twice and which has not succeeded since 2011,” said one participant. “We need presidential elections.”
Others agreed saying they feared a repeat of the 2014 scenario when a parliament was elected that rejected a peaceful transfer of power and added that the first option avoided the prolongation of transitional periods.
“The people’s current priority is to expedite the dismantling of existing institutions,” another participant said, arguing in favour of the Advisory Committee’s fourth option, under which a political dialogue forum would be convened to establish a constituent assembly that would establish an interim government. “National reconciliation is being used to make money by those in power. The fourth option is the best option for the roadmap.”
Other participants highlighted that there must be agreement on a clear constitutional basis before moving forward with elections – the Advisory Committee’s third option – saying democracy could not be built in the current distorted situation.
“The lack of legitimacy is the greatest challenge,” said another participant. “Therefore, a clear and binding date must be set, under the supervision of UNSMIL, allowing everyone to participate in the elections without excluding any party for any reason, and ensuring the voice of the people is heard.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
In Niger, farmers and herders lose nearly 100,000 hectares of land every year due to degradation. This situation reduces available space for productive activities and undermines their hopes of achieving food and nutrition sovereignty. Ongoing land degradation is a major contributor to the country’s recurring cereal and fodder shortages, exposing farming and pastoral households to repeated food crises.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is supporting Niger in its efforts to build more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems to improve production, nutrition, the environment, and livelihoods, leaving no one behind. Through the Action Against Desertification programme, FAO is working to restore degraded land for agricultural and pastoral use in support of the Great Green Wall (GGW) initiative. This support focuses on land restoration activities, reseeding, plant care, establishing community management committees, training members in association life, management and marketing, benefit-sharing from restored sites, and networking.
In total, FAO has helped restore and utilize over 20,000 hectares of land across 55 sites in the regions of Tillabéri, Dosso, and Tahoua. The mechanical land preparation is carried out using a Delfino plough, which can cover more than 15 hectares per day. The machine carves half-moon shapes that enhance rainwater infiltration and retention, up to 1,000 litres per basin, giving trees, shrubs, and forage the best chance of growing and surviving in the early months after planting.
The Delfino tractor-plough unit has become a central tool in the collaboration between FAO and the National Agency of the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), enabling large areas to be treated and significantly reducing the need for manual labour.
Half-moons are better than those we dig by hand
At the Awanchalla site in Bagaroua, Tahoua region, communities expressed their amazement at the Delfino plough, which restored 100 hectares in a very short time in an area where labour has become increasingly scarce. “Our dream has come true, to see this land recovered by the machine. We had abandoned it for decades because it was unfit for farming or livestock. The work of the Delfino is impressive, fast, and saves us time. The half-moons it creates are better than those we dig by hand,” said Bizo Abarchi, a community member and representative of the village chief.
For fellow community member Issa Matto, the restored site offers new opportunities: “Now that the land is recovered, I no longer need to migrate. I can stay in the village. With FAO’s support, we’ll grow forage for sale, a highly profitable activity in our pastoral zone. We’ll also receive plant seedlings based on our selections, tend to them, and eventually sell the fruits. These activities expand our farming space and give me hope that my life will improve,” he said.
To ensure the site is well-managed and sustainable, “we’re determined to give our best,” said Abdoul Moumouni Djimraou, another local. “We’ve already set up a management committee. We’ve thought through the mechanisms for successful land use, marketing, benefit-sharing, working with local authorities, and managing potential conflicts between users and surrounding communities.”
Partners with the European Union
By promoting the mechanical use of the Delfino plough to restore degraded land at scale, thanks to the European Union funded project “Knowledge for Action in Implementing the Great Green Wall” (K4GGWA), FAO, together with the EU, national authorities and local communities, is helping to create the conditions for advancing the Great Green Wall in Niger and strengthening the resilience of farming and pastoral communities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.
Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile has today, Friday, 18 July 2025, concluded a successful Working Visit to the People’s Republic of China, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and economic cooperation between South Africa and China.
At the invitation of the Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Mr Ren Hongbin, the Deputy President participated in the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), taking place from 16 – 20 July 2025 in Beijing, China.
CISCE is the world’s first national-level expo dedicated to global supply chains, hosted under the auspices of the Chinese central government and organised by the CCPIT.
The Deputy President used South Africa’s participation at CISCE as a strategic opportunity to advance the South-Africa China All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era. This also reinforced South Africa’s role as a key gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa for trade, investment and industrial cooperation.
During the Expo, the Deputy President officially launched the South African National Pavilion. The Pavilion showcased over 30 South African entities from a variety of sectors including Agro-Processing, Electronics, Chemicals, Leather, Footwear and Textiles, Cosmetics, Mining Services, and the creative industries.
The opening of the 2025 South African National Pavilion is a focused response to resolutions made at the FOCAC in Beijing in 2024. This is significant in that it demonstrates how South Africa is an important trade partner to China.
During the Working Visit, the Deputy President held a bilateral meeting with Vice President Han Zheng of the People’s Republic of China.
Vice President Zheng expressed confidence in the South African Government and emphasised the importance of strengthening existing cooperation. He further reiterated China’s support for South Africa’s Presidency of the G20.
The Deputy President expressed appreciation for China’s longstanding partnership and extended an invitation to Vice President Zheng to visit South Africa to co-chair the 9th South Africa-China Bi-National Commission at a mutually agreeable date early in 2026.
Deputy President Mashatile also met with Mr Ren Hongbin, Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), where he emphasised the significance of the Expo in South Africa’s efforts to advance the promotion of trade, investment cooperation, the growth of innovation, and the encouragement of learning and interchange.
In an effort to strengthen bilateral economic relations and explore strategic investment opportunities across key sectors, the Deputy President had the opportunity to experience some of the fascinating work being done by companies such as SINOMA international engineering company, the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) and the Beijing Automotive International Corporation (BAIC).
Furthermore, the Deputy President’s engagement with the ICBC & Standard Bank and the South-Africa China Business Forum demonstrated the commitment to strengthening Africa-China Relations.
Deputy President Mashatile was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Thandi Moraka; the Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams; Minister of Tourism, Ms Patricia de Lille; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau; Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Pemmy Majodina; and Minister of Agriculture, Mr John Steenhuisen.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Seeking to expand Florida’s role in federal immigration enforcement, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in May 2025 submitted the state’s Immigration Enforcement Operations Plan to the Trump administration.
The plan, endorsed by President Donald Trump, says all of Florida’s roughly 47,000 law enforcement officers have received, or soon will receive, training to act as immigration officers. It’s part of an effort to, as the plan notes, “maintain state-led border security operations in the absence of federal support.”
The DeSantis plan includes a proposal to deputize Florida’s nine National Guard Judge Advocate General’s Corps officers to serve as immigration judges. JAG officers are attorneys who serve as legal advisers, prosecutors, defense counsel and military judges in a wide range of matters specific to the armed forces. That includes courts-martial and civil matters involving the military.
In general, a U.S. noncitizen may face removal from the country based on violations to the immigration laws. Those range from unauthorized entry to committing or being convicted of certain crimes.
Congress designated the Executive Office for Immigration Review, an agency within the Department of Justice that houses the immigration courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals, as the body exclusively responsible for deciding immigration removal cases. The office also details the authority and standards for how immigration judges conduct deportation hearings.
The McCarran-Walter Act also contains several provisions that subject most immigration court decisions such as removal or asylum to judicial review in federal courts. That can happen on direct appeal or as part of habeas corpus petitions that challenge the legality of detention or removal.
The system is far from perfect. But Congress designed it to ensure legal expertise and due process guarantees.
As an immigration scholar, I believe that allowing Florida JAG officers to serve as immigration judges bypasses this framework that is set in law, and violates the constitutionally mandated separation of powers.
JAG officers, including those in Florida’s National Guard, are not governed by the McCarran-Walter Act. They are military lawyers in an entirely separate system, overseen by the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which defines the role of military judges. The code retains a unique military character that is substantially different from the judicial appellate system that governs immigration administrative rulings.
Simply put, neither Trump nor DeSantis can create an entirely new system of immigration judges outside of the one already established by Congress.
Federal agencies cannot deputize JAGs
A current immigration provision, known as the 287(g) program, authorizes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to collaborate with local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws.
But this provision only authorizes deputizing local law enforcement to assist “in relation to the investigation, apprehension, or detention” of immigrants – not the arbitration of deportation cases.
In the nearly three decades since 287(g) was enacted, no state or local officials – let alone military officers – have been permitted to act as immigration judges.
DeSantis’ plan seeks to convert Florida’s JAG officers from state to federal officials to function as immigration judges. Trump’s approval of this plan would also exceed the scope of his statutory authority.
An aerial view of the migrant detention center in Ochopee, Florida on July 4, 2025. Alon Skuy/Getty Images
JAGs cannot engage in domestic law enforcement
Even if Florida’s National Guard were federalized, JAG officers still could not legally serve as immigration judges.
The Posse Comitatus Act, enacted in 1878, restricts the use of federal military personal in civilian law enforcement. It reflects a longstanding American principle: The military should not police civilians.
Immigration enforcement – including deciding whether someone is deported – is fundamentally a civilian enforcement function.
The only narrow exceptions to the Posse Comitatus Act’s restrictions require a clear statutory basis, such as Trump invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807, a law that would allow the president to rely on the military for domestic enforcement to quell a rebellion or widespread violence.
Due process concerns
The DeSantis plan also compromises constitutionally guaranteed rights to a fair process for immigrants facing removal.
JAG officers, trained primarily in military law, would face immense challenges interpreting and applying immigration statutes. That’s especially true with only weeks of preparation, as DeSantis proposes.
But due process isn’t only about knowledge of legal technicalities. The Fifth Amendment guarantees due process rights to all persons on U.S. soil, regardless of immigration status.
By circumventing established procedures, DeSantis’ plan risks creating a system where expedited deportations come at the expense of accuracy and constitutional rights.
Raquel Aldana 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.
India has ramped up its fight against drug trafficking and abuse, adopting a zero-tolerance policy backed by structural, institutional, and community-driven reforms. In 2024 alone, Indian law enforcement agencies seized narcotics worth ₹25,330 crore—a 55% jump from the previous year—indicating an aggressive nationwide crackdown on drug networks.
At the forefront of this effort is the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), which has expanded its reach with 30 zonal offices, seven regional offices, and a growing force of 1,496 personnel. Equipped with Nar-K9 detection units and high-level coordination through the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD), the NCB is targeting synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine, mephedrone, and hashish—substances that severely impact mental and physical health.
Key breakthroughs in 2024 included a major joint operation involving the Indian Navy, NCB, and Gujarat Police that resulted in the seizure of over 3,100 kilograms of drugs from an offshore location. Separate raids led to the confiscation of more than 700 kilograms of methamphetamine and 82.5 kilograms of high-grade cocaine. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) also oversaw the destruction of over 1.17 lakh kilograms of narcotics as part of its intensified operations.
The government’s “whole-of-government approach” involves agencies such as the BSF, Indian Coast Guard, Assam Rifles, and RPF, alongside dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Forces in every state. Inter-agency collaborations now extend to cybercrime units tackling drug trafficking via the darknet and cryptocurrencies.
On the rehabilitation front, the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA)—launched in 2020—has sensitised over 16.5 crore citizens and supported more than 27.7 lakh individuals through free treatment across 730 centres. The NMBA’s mobile app, helpline (14446), and volunteer programs ensure citizen involvement at the grassroots level.
Complementing this is the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), which funds 342 Integrated Rehabilitation Centres, 74 drop-in centres, 83 hospital treatment facilities, and outreach efforts targeting children under 18.
India’s anti-drug strategy is no longer limited to enforcement—it’s a people-led movement blending legal action, community participation, and public health to build a drug-free, empowered nation.
The Commission has recommended to set exposure limits for workers to several hazardous chemicals. This should prevent about 1,700 lung cancer cases and 19,000 other illnesses over the next 40 years. The new measures also cover welding fumes that can contain carcinogens.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Enterprises operating in single-industry towns and special economic zones will receive financial support for the implementation of investment projects. The order to allocate about 4 billion rubles for these purposes was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
The issue concerns the launch of a program of preferential lending to businesses in single-industry towns and special economic zones, as well as a program of providing enterprises with bank guarantees under contracts, which will allow entrepreneurs to obtain a guaranteed sales market. The operators of such programs will be JSC “SME Corporation” and JSC “SME Bank”.
Financial support will be provided to small and medium-sized companies that are not affiliated with city-forming enterprises. In addition, such companies should not be participants in the program of preferential lending to small and medium-sized businesses in priority sectors, which is already being implemented by the Ministry of Economic Development.
The priority recipients of such support will be enterprises from 19 single-industry towns. These include, in particular, the towns of Berezovsky and Polysaevo in the Kemerovo Region, as well as the town of Chernogorsk in the Republic of Khakassia.
For the comprehensive development of such single-industry towns, “road maps” are being developed together with regional authorities, providing for the consolidation of government support measures.
The work is being carried out within the framework of the federal project “Development of the subjects of the Russian Federation and individual territories”.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
More than 1.7 billion rubles will be sent to the Orenburg region as compensation for expenses on assistance to citizens affected by the flood in April 2024. The order to this effect was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
Document
Order dated July 17, 2025 No. 1931-r
The funds were allocated from the Government’s reserve fund. They will be provided to the region in the form of an interbudget transfer.
Federal funding will cover the regional budget’s costs for financial measures of social support for citizens whose housing was lost or damaged as a result of the spring flood of 2024. Thus, of the total amount, almost 1.2 billion rubles will be compensation for payments to citizens who have completely lost their housing. The remaining funds will be used to reimburse expenses for payments for damaged housing.
“It is important that our citizens are not left alone with their misfortune in emergency situations. And the relevant departments and local authorities have done everything necessary to prevent such situations,” Mikhail Mishustin noted, commenting on the document signed onGovernment meeting on July 17.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
According to preliminary data, the population’s mortgage debt increased by 0.6% over the month after 0.5% in May. The bulk of loans issued are still accounted for by state programs.
The consumer loan portfolio decreased by 0.4% after near-zero dynamics in May, including due to a halt in the growth of debt on credit cards.
Taking into account investments in bonds, banks’ claims on companies grew by 0.9% in June (0.4% a month earlier). Ruble loans increased mainly (0.7%), with a significant portion of the increase coming from housing developers.
Household funds in banks increased by a noticeable 1.5% after the seasonally weak dynamics of May (0.2%). Corporate funds, on the contrary, decreased slightly (-0.2% after 0.4% in May).
The sector’s profit (excluding dividends from Russian subsidiary banks) for the month amounted to 392 billion rubles, which is one third higher than the May result. However, the growth is mainly due to a one-time release of reserves and is not indicative. Since the beginning of the year, banks have earned 1.7 trillion rubles, as in the same period last year.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Thanks to the national project “Infrastructure for Life”, sections of regional and local roads are being brought into compliance with the regulations – approaches to villages, settlements, hamlets, etc. In 2025, it is planned to renew 520 approaches to small settlements with a total length of over 3 thousand km. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.
“Convenient road access to small settlements directly affects the quality of life. Such roads improve the availability of medical care, education, jobs and shops, stimulate the development of local business and agriculture, and improve social ties. High-quality routes contribute to the influx of tourists, investment and new opportunities, which ultimately helps maintain the population and stop the outflow of young people to large cities. In 2025, under the national project “Infrastructure for Life”, we plan to put in order 520 access roads to villages, settlements, hamlets and small towns – this is over 3 thousand km of the regional and local road network,” said Marat Khusnullin.
Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin noted that the development of roads in rural areas is one of the key areas of work for road workers. According to data as of the end of 2024, the length of public roads of local importance passing through rural areas is 776.1 thousand km, of which 406.7 thousand km are paved. “To ensure sustainable growth of the country’s agricultural sector and improve the quality of life of people in rural areas, the state program “Integrated Development of Rural Areas” is being implemented in Russia. Thanks to it, in 2025 about 338 km of roads providing access to settlements and agricultural enterprises will be brought up to standard,” said Andrey Nikitin.
Thus, in the Tula region, a section of the Tula-Belev highway – access to the settlement of Dubna has been repaired. The road provides access to the Mosolov estate with a park, the Church of Peter and Paul, as well as to the site of the annual festival “Orthodox Dubna”, which attracts many guests.
On a 3 km long section, the asphalt concrete surface has already been completely replaced, the shoulders have been reinforced with crushed stone, and the exits, stops and landing areas have been restored. In parallel, road works are being carried out in the village itself under the national project. The length of the sections being repaired is over 2 km.
In the Republic of Mari El, an access road to the village of Markelovo was put into operation after repairs. The length of the facility is 2.5 km. The road leads to socially significant facilities located in the administrative center of the Novotoryalsky District. In total, 14 such facilities with a total length of 97.5 km will be renovated in the region under the national project.
In the Samara Region this year, about 160 km of roads will be put into operation, connecting small settlements with regional centers and key highways. In total, 15 sections leading to 25 villages and hamlets will be updated.
For example, in Krasnoarmeysky District, 5.4 km of the Samara-Volgograd-Pestravka-Leninsky-Kochetkovsky-Butkovsky highway are undergoing major repairs. This is the only route connecting the settlements of Butkovsky and Sofinsky with the regional road network. In addition, this is the route to the main social facilities of the rural settlement of Leninsky, to which these settlements belong. It is also part of the school route.
In the Susaninsky District of the Kostroma Region, a 3.2 km long access road to the village of Medvedki is being brought up to standard. The road connects the settlement with the regional highway Kostroma – Susanino – Buy and allows residents to get to the district and regional centers. The school bus route also passes through here. In addition, the access road provides transport accessibility to the tourist site located in Medvedki – the oldest stud farm, which was founded in 1891 by the merchant Skalozubov.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The Republic of Buryatia is mastering federal standards for the provision of public services. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister – Head of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko during a working visit to Ulan-Ude.
In particular, Buryatia launched the “life situation” service for caring for a family member on the public services portal. This service is implemented within the framework of the federal project “State for People”. It is intended for citizens who want to arrange care for loved ones who need constant care: disabled people or elderly people. The service helps to issue a conclusion on the need for care, eliminating the unnecessary need for a personal visit to social services and collecting paper documents. Through the public services portal, residents of Buryatia can also call a doctor to their home or make an appointment with a local therapist.
In addition, the “life situation” service offers users to undergo training in general care skills for elderly citizens and disabled people. Today, the “Care School” operates in Ulan-Ude. Social workers, junior medical personnel or relatives of people in need of care can undergo free training. In the future, the functionality of the service may be expanded.
“Life situations are a new standard for providing government services, when a person can quickly and comprehensively resolve their issue without unnecessary bureaucratic barriers. Since last year, we have been implementing this approach in the regions. Now it is in effect in Buryatia. Our goal is to make such high standards the norm throughout the country, so that citizens receive government services at the same high level regardless of their place of residence,” said Dmitry Grigorenko.
“Our developments, with the support of the Russian Government, are being implemented directly on the public services portal at the federal level and are becoming available to a wider range of people. Now the Deputy Prime Minister has given us guidelines on what else to work on, what to pay attention to. As a result of the meeting, we have a whole list of instructions that we will continue to work on. Thank you Dmitry Yuryevich for the visit and joint work,” said the head of Buryatia, Alexey Tsydenov.
The unification of government services based on the principle of “life situations” has significantly simplified their receipt. In particular, within the framework of one regional service “life situation” it was possible to reduce the time for receiving government services by an average of 43% (from 44 to 25 days), the number of necessary documents was reduced by 50% (from 8 to 4 units), the number of visits that a person needs to make to departments was reduced by 75% (from 4 to 1).
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced the appointment of Pierre Moreau as Government Representative in the Senate.
Senator Moreau holds four decades of legal and political experience, including as a senator, lawyer, and member of the Québec National Assembly. In the Québec Cabinet, he held critical roles such as Minister responsible for Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs and the Canadian Francophonie, Minister of Transport, Minister of Municipal Affairs, President of the Treasury Board, and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
Senator Moreau’s expertise and experience will advance the government’s legislative agenda to bring down costs, keep communities safe, and build one strong Canadian economy.
The Prime Minister thanks Senator Marc Gold for his many years of service as the Government Representative in the Senate and wishes him well on his retirement.
At the beginning of the month, I had the opportunity to represent the Law Library at the annual American Library Association (ALA) conference that took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this year. It was my first year attending the ALA conference, and it was a sight to behold. From all exhibitors, whether publishing houses, universities offering MLIS degrees, or the Library of Congress pavilion, where I spent the majority of my time, there was something for everyone.
Library of Congress staff with former Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden, at the LOC Pavilion at ALA.
As a representative of the Law Library at the Library of Congress pavilion, I answered questions about the services the Law Library offers and highlighted the work that the Library of Congress continues to provide to the public while communicating with attendees. Additionally, I had the opportunity to be present when former Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden, stopped by to greet attendees as well as engage with our acting Librarian of Congress, Robert Newlen, who previously worked in the Law Library. As an employee in the Office of External Relations within the Law Library, the most fulfilling part of my time at the conference was being able to speak with other librarians about the services of the Library of Congress while also networking with other industry professionals, some even being colleagues from other service units in the Library of Congress that I do not get to interact with on a day to day basis.
There was also time to explore the city of brotherly love, which was exciting. On my walk to the famous Rocky statue, I stumbled upon another famous statue. A cast of the 1902-1904 version of The Thinker by the sculptor Auguste Rodin greets attendees at the entrance of the Rodin Museum, which was installed at the opening of the museum in 1929.
The Thinker at the entrance of the Rodin Museum in Center City, Philadelphia. Picture courtesy of Taylor Gulatsi.One of the two Rocky statues is at the top of the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Picture courtesy of Taylor Gulatsi.
I was not the only staff member from the Law Library in attendance at ALA; my colleague Sarah was in attendance and was happy to share her thoughts regarding her experience at the conference:
ALA was a great opportunity to hear from librarians from across the country who are working in all different types of libraries. I enjoyed attending sessions about tips for better serving library patrons, connecting with librarians around the world, preserving collections, and sharing historical information. Like Taylor, I took the opportunity to do some sightseeing as well, visiting the Liberty Bell, Old City Hall (home to the Supreme Court in the 1790s), and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The Liberty Bell, picture courtesy of Sarah Friedman.
Did you attend ALA? If so, what was one of your favorite parts of the conference?
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Community research can improve health outcomes and advance science, but it takes work to build trust, streamline administrative processes, align priorities, and build partnership equity.
On May 30, UConn faculty researchers and community partners gathered at the UConn Library in downtown Hartford for a panel discussion and afternoon of networking. UConn’s Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy’s (InCHIP) Community Engagement Core and Office of the Provost’s Office of Outreach and Engagement organized the event to provide attendees a space to connect, explore potential research collaborations, and learn more about community needs.
Attendees gather around a table during the networking portion of InCHIP’s Community Engagement Research Core event (Danielle Faipler/UConn Photo)
InCHIP’s Community Engagement Core was originally established in 2017 to facilitate community research partnerships to promote innovative solutions to pressing health challenges affecting Connecticut communities. Kim Gans, professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, and Kristen Cooksey Stowers, assistant professor in the Department of Allied Health Sciences, co-chair the core’s steering committee.
“This gathering was an opportunity for community organizations and UConn researchers to reconnect, explore collaborations for community-engaged research, and discuss ways that InCHIP and academic research partnerships can better serve communities,” says InCHIP Associate Director Caitlin Caspi.
The panel discussion focused on strengthening community research partnerships. The panelists included: Cooksey Stowers; Beth Russell, associate professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, and co-Director of the Collaboratory for School and Child Health; Linda K. Barry, professor in the Department of Surgery and Department of Public Health Sciences at UConn Health, and associate director at the UConn Health Disparities Institute; Brittney Cavaliere, senior director of strategy at Connecticut Foodshare; and Sofia Segura-Perez, chief program officer at the Hispanic Health Council.
Each panelist has extensive experience in community-engaged research.
Community-engaged research refers to a collaborative approach in which researchers and community stakeholders work as equal partners to develop solutions to complex challenges. This paradigm can deepen existing connections and create new partnerships that produce meaningful, culturally appropriate interventions to improve health outcomes.
Building Relationships Through Trust and Respect
Traditional, top-down approaches to research have not always considered a community’s needs in research design or shared findings with the community.
Linda Barry, professor in the Department of Surgery and Department of Public Health Sciences at UConn Health (Danielle Faipler/UConn Photo)
“Some communities may feel that previous research collaborators treated their needs as an afterthought, and they’re distrustful of the ivory tower. In working with communities, it’s important to engage the community as a real partner, and that if you can make them a co-principal investigator on a grant, it shows respect and can translate to a longitudinal partnership,” said Barry.
Barry also emphasized the importance of maintaining connections after a grant ends.
“Sometimes I think researchers should be creating relationships just because. Not for now, but for later. And then, when you have a partnership, don’t let it go after the grant ends. Show that you’re invested in the organization’s long-term success, because they often feel like they’re not recognized as bringing something valuable to the table,” said Barry.
Sofia Segura-Perez, chief program officer at the Hispanic Health Council (Danielle Faipler/UConn Photo)
For Segura-Perez, listening to community partners and being flexible can foster the respect and trust that are vital to sustaining research partnerships.
“Starting a strong partnership with the community in the beginning is very important and shows respect for that community. Community partners can provide insights into more effective ways to engage with a community. Both researchers and community partners should have frank conversations about their expectations, be flexible and listen to one another,” said Segura-Perez.
Clear Communication Sustains Relationships
Russell, who also directs the Center for Applied Research in Human Development, emphasized the value of clear communication.
Beth Russell, associate professor of human development and family sciences (Danielle Faipler/UConn Photo)
“Being honest about timelines and boundaries will help researchers and partners navigate barriers that come up and can help achieve multiple goals. Sustaining community partnerships relies on very honest communication,” said Russell.
Open communication can also help resolve conflicts, allowing research to progress.
“There can be unnecessary red tape that makes day-to-day work tough. Small decisions can have big impacts when it comes to doing community research,” says Cooksey Stowers. “My lab has been advocating for citizen research, and it can be difficult making sure community partners have everything they need to do their work. When roadblocks happen, we approach them with grace and patience.”
Her team partnered with Connecticut Foodshare to better understand residents’ experience of food insecurity and food assistance usage, ensuring data collection methods inform programs and services that expand food access.
“Everyone on my team has a master’s in public health, and we can design a program evaluation and carry it out, but at the end of the day, we are not researchers, and we needed support to conduct a statewide survey,” said Cavaliere. “We wanted to ensure the survey responses were representative of neighbors visiting food pantries across the state, and partnering with Kristen’s team is helping us reach that goal.”
Putting Lessons into Practice
These points resonated with attendees.
Xiang (Peter) Chen, associate professor of geography, sustainability, community, and urban studies (Danielle Faipler/UConn Photo)
“People have research needs, but a community organization’s goals may differ from their research partners’ goals. It’s important to understand what your partners’ goals are so you can use your data to improve services or infrastructure. Without these kinds of conversations, those goals may not be achieved,” says Xiang (Peter) Chen, an associate professor in the Department of Geography, Sustainability, Community, and Urban Studies.
Chen’s research leverages geographic information systems (GIS), spatial modeling, and mobility tracking to create more equitable environments and systems that support the health of underserved populations.
Kathleen Holgerson, interim Associate Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion at UConn, agreed that community collaborators should be involved in project design, and that these efforts can forge stronger relationships.
“It’s important to value this work and community relationships from the beginning. Oftentimes, it may seem like folks from higher education are entering the community to do things for it as opposed to working in partnership with it. I’m appreciative to InCHIP for holding this event,” says Holgerson, who previously directed the UConn Women’s Center.
In addition to faculty members, attendees from community-based organizations found the event valuable and plan to implement what they learned.
“This event was truly valuable to attend. I’m looking forward to bringing back many insights to the office that will help us expand our efforts and strengthen our impact within the community,” said Dionne Quenah, program manager at Connecticut Children’s Office of Community Child Health.
The core plans to hold similar events in the future to support networking opportunities and strengthen collaborations between researchers and community partners.
The EU has adopted a new law that will see the progressive launch of the Entry/Exit digital border management system over six months. The system will digitally record entries and exits, including fingerprints and facial images, of non-EU nationals travelling for short stays in an EU country.
Seattle – An Army veteran who illegally possessed high powered firearms was sentenced Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Seattle to two years in prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Kyle Christopher Benton, 29, was arrested in September 2024, following an investigation of his activities both online and in person involving high-powered weapons. Benton possessed both unregistered, short barrel rifles and machineguns, weapons capable of firing multiple rounds with a single trigger pull. Moreover, he used these weapons to further his standing with various racially or ethnically motivated violent extremist groups and groups espousing white supremacy.
At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Tana Lin said, “You not only illegally possessed extremely dangerous firearms, but you bragged about it and put on firearms trainings for others while doing so.”
According to records filed in the case, Benton was investigated by the FBI after he was discharged from the United States Army and after he threatened to kill his wife. The investigation revealed Benton operated multiple social media accounts where he posted violent extremist content, neo-Nazi propaganda, and anti-Semitic materials. But it was not just online activity. Benton participated in “hate rallies” and other gatherings located in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho in furtherance of his white supremacist views. Drawing upon his military training and veteran status, he led workshops about firearms for various white supremacy groups.
On September 6, 2024, law enforcement executed a court authorized search warrant at Benton’s Snohomish home and seized a firearm resembling an M16 rifle that fired in a fully automatic fashion. They also seized an uninstalled drop-in auto sear (which makes a gun fire like a machinegun) and two rifles with overall barrel lengths of less than 16 inches. Such guns must be registered under the National Firearms Act.
On March 28, 2025, Benton pleaded guilty to Unlawful Possession of a Machinegun, and Possession of an Unregistered Firearm.
In asking for a 30-month sentence Assistant United States Attorney Brian Wynne wrote to the court, “while Benton was in possession of these weapons, he was actively engaged with groups encouraging racially or ethnically motivated violence and white supremacy. Benton
used the firearms along with his military experience to establish himself within the groups. While engaged with these groups he put on workshops about firearms and held tactical trainings for group members.”
In his letter to the court, Benton now disavows his white supremacist views.
The case was investigated by the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian J. Wynne.
Saskatoon, SK., July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) (FSE: 3U8A) (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an award-winning developer of drone solutions, software, and robotics, today announced that it has entered into a securities purchase agreement with several institutional investors to purchase 4,672,895 units of the Company (the “Units”), at a price of US$5.35 per Unit, for gross proceeds of approximately US$25.0 million, before deducting placement agent discounts and offering expenses (the “Offering”).
Each Unit will consist of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a “Common Share”) and one common share purchase warrant (each, a “Warrant”). The Warrants will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of CA$7.3579 (the Canadian dollar equivalent of US$5.35) per Common Share, are exercisable immediately and will expire five years following the date of issuance.
Maxim Group LLC is acting as sole placement agent for the Offering.
Draganfly currently intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for general corporate purposes, including to fund its capabilities to meet demand for its new products including growth initiatives and/or for working capital requirements including the continuing development and marketing of the Company’s core products, potential acquisitions and research and development. The Offering is expected to close on or about July 21, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
The Offering is subject to customary closing conditions including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange and notification to the Nasdaq Stock Market.
The Offering is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form F-10, as amended, (File No. 333-271498) previously filed with and subsequently declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on July 5, 2023 and the Company’s Canadian short form base shelf prospectus dated June 30, 2023 (the “Base Shelf Prospectus”). Draganfly will offer and sell the securities in the United States only. No securities will be offered or sold to Canadian purchasers.
A prospectus supplement and accompanying Base Shelf Prospectus relating to the Offering and describing the terms thereof will be filed with the applicable securities commissions in Canada and with the SEC in the United States and will be available for free by visiting the Company’s profiles on the SEDAR+ website maintained by the Canadian Securities Administrators at www.sedarplus.ca or the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, as applicable. Copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying Base Shelf Prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained, when available, by contacting Maxim Group LLC, at 300 Park Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10022, Attention: Syndicate Department, or by telephone at (212) 895-3745 or by email at syndicate@maximgrp.com.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.
About Draganfly
Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO; CSE: DPRO; FSE: 3U8A) is a pioneer in drone solutions, AI-driven software, and robotics. With over 25 years of innovation, Draganfly has been at the forefront of drone technology, providing solutions for public safety, agriculture, industrial inspections, security, mapping, and surveying. The Company is committed to delivering efficient, reliable, and industry-leading technology that helps organizations save time, money, and lives.
Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such statements, based as they are on the current expectations of management, inherently involve numerous important risks, uncertainties and assumptions, known and unknown. In this news release, such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the timing, size and expected gross proceeds of the Offering, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the Offering and sale of securities, the intended use of proceeds, and Draganfly’s ability to complete the Offering. Closing of the Offering is subject to numerous factors, many of which are beyond Draganfly’s control, including but not limited to, the failure of the parties to satisfy certain closing conditions, and other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in Draganfly’s filings with the securities regulatory authorities in the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Ontario and Saskatchewan and with the SEC. Actual future events may differ from the anticipated events expressed in such forward-looking statements. Draganfly believes that expectations represented by forward-looking statements are reasonable, yet there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The reader should not place undue reliance, if any, on any forward-looking statements included in this news release. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and Draganfly is under no obligation and disavows any intention to update publicly or revise such statements as a result of any new information, future event, circumstances or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned not to unduly rely on these forward-looking statements and are encouraged to read the Offering documents, as well as Draganfly’s continuous disclosure documents, including its current annual information form, as well as its audited annual consolidated financial statements which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.
