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TORONTO, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Urbana Corporation (the “Corporation”) (TSX & CSE: URB, URB.A) reports the results of the votes conducted at its Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 11, 2025.
Election of Directors Each of the five director nominees listed in the Corporation’s management proxy circular dated May 8, 2025, was elected as a director. The voting results of the election of the five directors are set forth in the table below:
Name of Nominee
For
Withheld
Thomas S. Caldwell
5,982,736 (92.63%)
475,974 (7.37%)
Beth Colle
6,414,874 (99.32%)
43,836 (0.68%)
George D. Elliott
5,961,180 (92.30%)
497,530 (7.70%)
Michael B. C. Gundy
5,959,251 (92.27%)
499,459 (7.73%)
Charles A.V. Pennock
5,957,060 (92.23%)
501,650 (7.77%)
Appointment of Auditor Deloitte LLP was reappointed as the auditor of the Corporation to hold office until the close of the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The voting result of this appointment is set forth in the table below:
For
Withheld
6,447,665 (99.83%)
11,045 (0.17%)
On behalf of Urbana’s Board of Directors, Thomas S. Caldwell, C.M.
For further information:
Elizabeth Naumovski Investor Relations (416) 595-9106 enaumovski@urbanacorp.com
150 KING ST. W., SUITE 1702, TORONTO, ONTARIO M5H 1J9 TEL: 416-595-9106 FAX: 416-862-2498 www.urbanacorp.com
GUADALAJARA, Mexico, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Swell, a leading Mexican credit provider, has received a BBB- with a Stable Outlook credit rating from firm HR Ratings.
It closed with a 35.3% capitalization ratio at year-end 2024, a clear indicator of the firm’s sustained financial resilience.
“This new rating conveys a validation that the Strategic Plan we announced in 2024, coupled with prudent risk management and our financial discipline, is leading to successful results,” explained Ethel Mora, who took over as the company’s CEO in 2023.
“The fact that HR Ratings have reaffirmed our favorable rating shows how ready we are to grow in the near future,” she added.
With over 20 headstrong and around two hundred active clients, Swell currently manages a total loan portfolio valued at approximately 245 million Mexican pesos (13,14 million USD) as of June 2025.
In 2024, the company’s pre-tax earnings remained stable, closing at 10.8 million pesos compared to 10.6 million pesos in the previous year.
The credit rating, bylined by analysts Oscar Herrera, Ana Landgrave, Angel García, and Roberto Soto, explains Swell’s strong credit position and its ability to consistently generate shareholder profit and add value to the market.
In its report, the rating agency also noted some deterioration in Swell’s loan portfolio quality, with overdue loans of 45.9 million pesos, resulting in a delinquency rate of 19.1 percent at the end of 2024.
Long-term delinquencies (over ninety days) remained essentially unchanged year-over-year at 33.9 million pesos.
Net profit declined to 5.6 million pesos due to higher tax expenses related to non-deductible provisions, which became irrecoverable, resulting in an average ROA of 1.7 percent.
Swell was founded in 2010 and specializes in lending to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). While most of its loans are focused on machinery and transportation equipment, auto leasing for cars and commercial vehicles, the company also provides financing for working capital, capital expenditures, asset acquisitions, and investment projects.
Swell operates under the supervision of Mexico’s National Banking and Securities Commission and the National Commission for the Protection of Users of Financial Services.
Forward-Looking Statement: This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Swell (SWELL FINANZAS EN MOVIMIENTO SAPI DE CV SOFOM ENR) and its credit ratings assigned by HR Ratings. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” the future tense, and similar terms. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including changes in market conditions, credit performance, regulatory impacts, and other financial uncertainties. This information does not constitute an offer or solicitation to investors in the United States or any jurisdiction where such an offer would be unlawful. The statements reflect current beliefs and forecasts as of the date of this release. Swell assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements due to new information, future events, or other circumstances.
NEW YORK, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) today reported monthly volumes for June 2025, as well as quarterly volumes, estimated revenue capture, number of listings, and index statistics for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, on its Investor Relations website.
Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a leading global technology company serving corporate clients, investment managers, banks, brokers, and exchange operators as they navigate and interact with the global capital markets and the broader financial system. We aspire to deliver world-leading platforms that improve the liquidity, transparency, and integrity of the global economy. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software, exchange capabilities, and client-centric services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence. To learn more about the company, technology solutions, and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on X @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this communication contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Nasdaq cautions readers that any forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to (i) projections relating to our future financial results, total shareholder returns, growth, trading volumes, products and services, ability to transition to new business models, taxes and achievement of synergy targets, (ii) statements about the closing or implementation dates and benefits of certain acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic, restructuring, technology, de-leveraging and capital allocation initiatives, (iii) statements about our integrations of our recent acquisitions, (iv) statements relating to any litigation or regulatory or government investigation or action to which we are or could become a party, and (v) other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other factors beyond Nasdaq’s control. These factors include, but are not limited to, Nasdaq’s ability to implement its strategic initiatives, economic, political and market conditions and fluctuations, government and industry regulation, interest rate risk, U.S. and global competition, and other factors detailed in Nasdaq’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q which are available on Nasdaq’s investor relations website at http://ir.nasdaq.com and the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Nasdaq undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
CHICAGO, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BenchPrep, an award-winning learning management system, today announced the expansion of its platform to power Continuing Education (CE) programs. With enhanced capabilities, credentialing bodies and professional associations can now deliver, manage, and track CE alongside certification training, exam prep, and microcredentialing offerings—all through a unified, modern learning experience.
BenchPrep’s expanded capabilities offer deeper learner personalization, greater administrative control, and enhanced flexibility to support a broader range of CE use cases.
As demand for lifelong learning accelerates, organizations are seeking efficient ways to engage learners, streamline program delivery, and gain deeper insights. BenchPrep’s CE offering enables customers to meet this demand while reducing technology sprawl and improving learner satisfaction.
Building on a year of strong momentum—during which BenchPrep welcomed 1.5 million new learners and facilitated over 668 million assessment items answered—this expansion reflects the company’s commitment to empowering professionals throughout their careers.
“Many of the world’s leading learning organizations trust BenchPrep to deliver impactful exam prep experiences,” said Ashish Rangnekar, CEO and Co-Founder of BenchPrep. “Strengthening our continuing education capabilities is a natural evolution—one that enables our partners to consolidate systems, reduce costs, and deliver even greater value to their learners. Our comprehensive platform reflects our long-term commitment to supporting lifelong learning worldwide.”
One of the organizations embracing this evolution is the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), which is expanding beyond licensure exam prep for the first time to offer CE courses.
“We’ve always been focused on helping engineers and surveyors prepare for their exams, but now we’re starting to think about how we can support them throughout their careers,” said Jason Gamble, Chief Officer of Examination at NCEES. “BenchPrep is helping us take that next step with our first continuing education courses. Having both prep and CE in one place just makes sense. It keeps things simpler for us and creates a more consistent experience for our learners.”
Another leading professional association transformed 180 hours of in-person CE into a digital experience and tripled anticipated enrollments in the first year. By modernizing with BenchPrep’s configurable platform, the organization unlocked new revenue streams and increased learner engagement.
Key features supporting CE programs include:
Learning Paths to guide and personalize learner progress
Digital badges, certificates, and CE credits
A robust catalog and storefront for free and paid offerings
Flexible event management for instructor-led learning experiences
Analytics and reporting to track participation, engagement, and outcomes
BenchPrep’s expanded CE solution is now available to new and existing customers. Learn more at www.benchprep.com.
About BenchPrep BenchPrep is an award-winning learning platform that helps associations and credentialing bodies grow revenue, expand impact, and support learners across the entire lifelong learning journey. With a focus on certification training, exam preparation, and continuing education, BenchPrep delivers an interactive, personalized experience that drives engagement and results. Trusted by many of the world’s leading credentialing organizations, BenchPrep has helped over 12 million learners achieve academic and professional success. Learn more at www.benchprep.com.
Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
WASHINGTON – Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) today introduced a resolution celebrating the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers’ National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I championship—the Tigers’ eighth national title and second in three years.
“The LSU Tigers proved once again that they are NCAA baseball’s gold standard, delivering an undefeated run in Omaha and bringing yet another national title home to Louisiana. I’m proud to help introduce this resolution recognizing their hard work and congratulating Coach Jay Johnson and this impressive team on a job well done,” said Kennedy.
“It’s hard to have a better year for baseball in Louisiana than this. A huge congratulations to the LSU Tigers on fighting their way to another national championship up in Omaha,” said Cassidy, an LSU alumnus.
The full text of the resolution is available here.
Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
WASHINGTON – Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) today introduced a resolution celebrating the Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSU Shreveport) Pilots’ perfect season, 59-0 win streak and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) championship win.
“The LSU Shreveport Pilots are what ‘cool’ looks like. This baseball team capped off an undefeated season and the longest win streak in college baseball history with an NAIA championship. That’s an achievement that deserves Senate recognition. Geaux Pilots!” said Kennedy.
“The 2025 LSU Shreveport Pilots made history by doing something no other collegiate baseball team has ever done: going a perfect 59-0. These young men and their coaches earned every win and made all of Louisiana proud. Geaux Pilots!” said Cassidy.
“We are incredibly proud of our Pilots Baseball Team members. The word, ‘lose’ is simply not in their vocabulary. No college baseball team has ever before gone an entire season without a single loss and I suspect none ever will again. These student athletes have thus secured for themselves a place in college sports history,” said Robert T. Smith, Chancellor of LSU Shreveport.
“We are extremely honored and excited to receive this recognition! We had an incredible year, which was the result of all the incredible people involved. This has been a very rewarding time for our University, the city of Shreveport and our program. The players are extremely deserving of the praise they have been given and they are more than deserving of it! We want to thank everyone involved and we look forward to continuing the success!” said Brad Neffendorf, head coach of the LSU Shreveport Pilots baseball program.
The full text of the resolution is available here.
Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Joe Kernen on Squawk Box to discuss a recently introduced legislation package concerning gig workers in America.
[embedded content]
Click here or on the image above to watch the full interview.
On Creating a Positive Environment for Gig Workers…
“What we need as a country is exactly the opposite of what the Democrats want in California. We want an environment that is conducive to increase our labor participation by giving workers the kind of environment that allows them to choose who they work for, when they work, and how they’re going to be compensated. If we can get there by relaxing the test on the common law with the NLRA, we find ourselves in a position where we can attract more people back to the workforce. And as you know, Joe, with the benefits for businesses and the big beautiful bill, plus deregulation and an environment that attracts more workers back to the workforce, we can have this economy humming.”
On the Needs of Independent Contractors…
“What we want to do as a nation is give people options and choice. Optionality is incredibly important for the 21st century worker. They don’t always want to be an employee. Sometimes they’re better off being a contractor, so they’re working for three or four different companies at the same time. That kind of flexibility allows for folks to meet their needs at home and at work– And frankly, from an educational perspective as well.”
On Bipartisanship in the Senate…
“We continue to work for, look for partners where there’s common ground that makes common sense. If we find that here, and I think we can, we can move it forward. It will not be from California, it won’t be from New York, and it won’t be from Illinois. But there are folks from other states that may work with us.”
Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) is now accepting applications for internships in his Washington, D.C., North Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville offices for the fall of 2025. Applications will be accepted through the end of the summer. The internship program offers undergraduate and graduate students the chance to work with public service professionals and gain practical experience in constituent services, federal policy, and more. Students of all majors, particularly those studying governmental affairs, public policy, or communications, are welcome to apply.
Washington, D.C. Office: In Washington, interns will research legislation, attend congressional hearings and briefings, assist with press tasks, and help manage correspondence on various issues. Responsibilities also include answering phones and other administrative tasks. Interns in this office will gain a stronger understanding of the lawmaking process, while also improving their communication and customer service skills.
South Carolina Offices (North Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville): In the state offices, interns will take an active role in the community, working on state-based projects while also answering phones, completing research, and being an integral part of day-to-day office operations. Interns in these offices are able to assist with issues that affect South Carolinians each day.
Internship hours are flexible to accommodate students’ course schedules but generally run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students may also gain course credit for completing the internship program. Interested students can apply through Senator Scott’s website at https://www.scott.senate.gov/constituent-services/internships. For additional questions, contact the internship coordinator at internships@scott.senate.gov or (202) 224-6121.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Tashkent, July 8 (Xinhua) — Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation, the press service of the Uzbek leader reported on Tuesday.
“On July 8, a telephone conversation took place between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin,” the statement said.
During the conversation, topical issues of further development and strengthening of Uzbek-Russian relations of comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance were discussed. Particular attention was paid to the practical implementation of agreements at the highest level, primarily in the trade and economic sphere.
“The importance of continuing coordinated work and practical interdepartmental cooperation in order to increase trade turnover indicators, promote industrial cooperation projects in priority sectors of the economy, expand productive contacts at the regional level, and intensive cultural, humanitarian and educational exchange was noted,” the press service said.
The parties emphasized the need for careful preparation and ensuring the effectiveness of the 2nd meeting of the Council of Regions of Uzbekistan and Russia scheduled for autumn.
The leaders of the two states also exchanged views on the international agenda and discussed the schedule of upcoming events. –0–
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: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HANGZHOU, July 8 (Xinhua) — Typhoon Danas, the fourth typhoon this year, made landfall for the second time in Dongtou District of Wenzhou City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on Tuesday evening, local authorities confirmed.
According to the Zhejiang Provincial Meteorological Station, the center of the typhoon made landfall at 21:25 local time, with wind gusts of up to 23 m/s and a minimum pressure of 990 hectopascals at the center.
On the night of July 6-7, Danas made its first landfall in Taiwan’s Chiayi County. –0–
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: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
Watch: Senator Markey on “The People’s Cabinet”
Washington (July 1, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Top Democrat on the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee and the Primary Health and Retirement Security Subcommittee of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, recently spoke with Dan Koh for his podcast “The People’s Cabinet,” discussing his fight to exempt small businesses from Trump’s tariffs, how what Tufts student Rümeysa Öztürk’s case shown a spotlight on the threats to due process in the Trump era, and Donald Trump’s attacks on the Green New Deal, clean energy, and the environment. Below are excerpts from their conversation.
Threats to Small Businesses
“I’m listening to small businesses in Massachusetts and across the country, and uniformly they are terrified by Trump’s tariff regime. A larger business might be able to ride out the uncertainty of the tariffs for a year, but for a small business – they live week to week, or month to month, and they can’t have that kind of cloud over them indefinitely. The most vulnerable businesses in America are small businesses, which is why I have a bill that would exempt small businesses from the tariffs. These tariffs could be an extinction event for small businesses, and they are the ones who are paying the price.”
Threats to Due Process
“Rumeysa [Ozturk] was picked up off the streets right just a couple of miles from my house in Malden, in Somerville, and I knew it was part of a much larger story in our country. Rumeysa Ozturk had not been charged with a crime. People realized that what happened to her could happen to them in the Trump era – that there could be a curtailment of their fifth amendment due process rights and first amendment right to free speech. Trump was weaponizing his government to go after people who he considered to be threats to the country without any evidence.”
Green New Deal
“To a very large extent, the Green New Deal changed the whole discussion in the Democratic party about the issues we should be focusing upon, and to a certain extent, it’s all going to be on the table in 2026. I’m very confident that our vision of talking about a cleaner environment but also housing, education, breaking up monopolies, and making sure there are opportunities for everyone regardless of income and regardless of race is going to be a very powerful and winning message in 2026.”
Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)
ICYMI: Mullin Highlights Historic Border Security and Air Traffic Control Modernization in ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’
“This will put us in in the driver’s seat again and put us where we need to be.”
Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) joined SiriusXM’s Patriot’s David Webb on The David Webb Show to unpack the enormous border security wins in President Trump’s historic ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ (OBBB) in the wake of recent violence against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Senator Mullin also spoke about the importance of modernizing the air traffic control industry.
Sen. Mullin’s full interview can be found here.
On how the Democratic Party is fueling the attacks on our ICE agents:
“What’s really damning here is that the people who call on violence on the ICE agents have been absolutely silent about that. That’s the Democrat leaders. I mean, they have been the ones that stirred this fire. They’re the ones that have [stoked] the flames, and I would say, led to this…
“The Democrat Party has still said nothing about it. But are we surprised? Because this lawless activity is what they received in their own hometowns, which most these people are not from that, they’re from a blue state, from a blue city. When you start looking at their backgrounds, these are the leaders that have actually [stoked] these flames, that brought these people into this rage, that thinking that this is okay.”
On how the OBBB restores America’s sovereignty at the southern border:
“Keep in mind that the Biden administration, over the last four years, gutted the ICE agents, gutted the retention centers, they gutted the Border Patrol, and they handcuffed, I would say not literally, but dang near, anybody from being able to enforce border law and border security, meaning that the people that were crossing, 89% of the individuals crossing illegally was detained and released into the United States on parole, which means they was never actually in the hearing, which they should have been, in less than 24 hours. And so the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ restored that. We put $46 billion to finish the wall…
“God forbid something happens in three and a half years, and God forbid we get a Democrat back in the White House, they can’t stop this. This wall is going to be completed, and honestly probably be completed before President Trump leaves office, and then we put just over $4 billion for new agents, up to 10,000 ICE agents and those agencies related to ICE, because ICE isn’t the only one going in and arresting illegals. We also use local law enforcement, and we want to reimburse local law enforcement that’s willing to work with us.”
On the importance of $12.5 billion in OBBB to modernize our air traffic control industry:
“Air and Space has become our second largest industry in our state. But also, what a lot of people don’t realize is, in Oklahoma City, we train all the air traffic controllers across the United States. We have a huge facility there. And one thing you’d be surprised when you go into these towers, they’re using technology from the 80s, literally from the 80s, instead of using a true GPS system that we all have in our vehicles…
“With the $12 billion, we’ll be able to start going into these towers systematically and upgrading the systems to technology that every other aviation system in the world is using…
“This will put us in in the driver’s seat again, and put us where we need to be. And luckily, we have an actual Transportation Secretary that knows what they’re doing, not, you know, Pete Buttigieg.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, will announce support for researchers and projects nationwide. A media availability will follow the announcement.
Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Time: 8:30 am (PT)
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Members of the media are asked to contact ISED Media Relations at media@ised-isde.gc.ca to receive event location details and confirm their attendance.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)
TAMPA, Fla. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) called on U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to immediately reinstate Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Gordon following his abrupt removal from the Department of Justice. Gordon had been leading the prosecution of Leo Govoni, a St. Petersburg man accused of stealing over $100 million from medical trust funds meant to help individuals with disabilities, injured workers and retirees across Florida.
“These funds—managed by nonprofits Govoni helped found—were systematically siphoned into shell companies and fraudulent investment vehicles, allegedly to support his lavish personal lifestyle. Victims were blindsided when their accounts were drained, leaving them without the resources they relied on for housing, therapy, medication, and basic dignity,” wrote Castor. “The victims of Govoni’s alleged fraud number in the thousands—each with painful and personal stories. Mr. Gordon’s removal places this case, and their hope for accountability, in jeopardy.”
Castor closed, “I respectfully request that you stand up for the victims of the Govoni crimes, reinstate Mr. Gordon immediately and allow the prosecution of Leo Govoni to proceed unimpeded. The victims deserve closure, and the public deserves a justice system free from intimidation and partisan retribution.”
Castor’s letter also raises concerns about Gordon’s dismissal as potential political retaliation for previously prosecuting January 6 insurrection cases. Castor calls the firings of Gordon and other career prosecutors “a deep stain of callous disregard for the U.S. Constitution and rule of law… These actions appear petty and vindictive, aimed at punishing those who upheld the rule of law.”
The Trump Administration’s action to remove a prosecutor in charge of holding a serial fraudster accountable for preying on vulnerable Floridians runs contrary to his claims of rooting out waste, fraud and abuse in health care and across the federal government.
Read the full letter here and below:
Dear Attorney General Bondi:
I urge you to reconsider the recent dismissal of Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Gordon from the Department of Justice. His removal—documented in your June 27 memo—comes at a pivotal moment in the federal prosecution of St. Petersburg fraudster Leo Govoni, who stands accused of orchestrating one of the largest fraud schemes in Florida’s recent history. The timing and circumstances of Mr. Gordon’s termination raise serious concerns about political retribution and threaten to derail justice for victims who have already suffered for far too long.
Mr. Govoni is charged with embezzling over $100 million from medical trust funds intended to safeguard the long-term care of vulnerable individuals, including individuals with disabilities, injured workers, and retirees across Florida. These funds—managed by nonprofits Govoni helped found—were systematically siphoned into shell companies and fraudulent investment vehicles, allegedly to support his lavish personal lifestyle. Victims were blindsided when their accounts were drained, leaving them without the resources they relied on for housing, therapy, medication, and basic dignity
The harm inflicted is especially profound in the Tampa Bay area:
In St. Petersburg, Rebekah Bowman trusted Govoni with $800,000 from a settlement meant to care for her disabled son, Kienan Freeman, who requires lifelong support due to a severe seizure disorder. Govoni personally assured her the funds would be protected and grown. Instead, federal investigators found the account partially emptied, and the nonprofit declared bankruptcy. Rebekah shared: “He promised that he would take care of the money and help it grow… and then I shouldn’t have to worry about the money.” After watching Govoni remain free while her son’s care became uncertain, she said: “He gets to walk free and the rest of us still have to struggle.”
In Tampa, Melissa Beck witnessed her father, Thomas Hancock, denied chemotherapy despite having over $347,000 in a Medicare Set-Aside account Govoni’s nonprofit claimed to manage. Hancock, permanently disabled after a fall in 2007, died on May 16, 2025, from complications of cancer and COPD. Melissa discovered the alleged theft only after his death and now seeks justice. She said: “My feeling is this man killed my father… My father could’ve gotten treatment. Maybe he could have survived?” And added: “There’s no amount of money that is going to bring my dad back… but my dad deserves justice, and I will fight until my last breath to get it.”
The victims of Govoni’s alleged fraud number in the thousands—each with painful and personal stories. Mr. Gordon’s removal places this case, and their hope for accountability, in jeopardy.
Equally alarming is the dismissal of a highly regarded Department of Justice prosecutor for purely politically vindictive reasons. Mr. Gordon previously served as senior trial counsel for the Capitol Siege Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. His team prosecuted individuals involved in the January 6 violent insurrection, during which nearly 140 police officers were injured, suffering broken bones, burns, and blunt trauma. Officer Brian Sicknick died from strokes after being assaulted; four others died by suicide in the aftermath. Rioters committed serious crimes, including:
Assaulting law enforcement officers with flagpoles, bear spray, and blunt weapons
Seditious conspiracy, as in the case of Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio
Obstruction of congressional proceedings
Destruction and theft of government property
Unlawful entry into restricted federal buildings, often while armed
As of January 20, 2025, 1,575 individuals were charged in connection with the attack. Yet on his first day back in office, in what is a deep stain of callous disregard for the U.S. Constitution and rule of law, President Trump pardoned over 1,500 convicted rioters, including violent offenders. He has since fired prosecutors and FBI agents who worked on these cases. Your dismissal of Mr. Gordon—alongside two other career prosecutors—marks the first time that non-probationary federal attorneys were removed for their role in these prosecutions. These actions appear petty and vindictive, aimed at punishing those who upheld the rule of law.
I respectfully request that you stand up for the victims of the Govoni crimes, reinstate Mr. Gordon immediately and allow the prosecution of Leo Govoni to proceed unimpeded. The victims deserve closure, and the public deserves a justice system free from intimidation and partisan retribution.
Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union
Court Uses Shadow Docket to Lift Lower Court’s Pause of Unconstitutional Overhaul of Vital Departments and Agencies
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Supreme Court has granted another emergency stay request from the Trump-Vance administration to stay the injunction two lower courts had approved in AFGE v. Trump that halted the unlawful reorganization of the federal government. The court’s decision permits the administration to continue with plans to restructure federal agencies using Agency Reductions in Force and Reorganization Plans, despite the absence of the required congressional authorization. The court specifically did not weigh in on the legality of the agency plans themselves. The case will continue and counsel are considering next steps.
The coalition bringing the case, which includes labor unions, non-profit organizations, and cities and counties in California, Illinois, Maryland, Texas, and Washington, is represented by lead co-counsel Democracy Forward and Altshuler Berzon LLP, Protect Democracy, Public Rights Project, and Democracy Defenders Fund.
The coalition released the following statement in response to the court’s decision:
“Today’s decision has dealt a serious blow to our democracy and puts services that the American people rely on in grave jeopardy. This decision does not change the simple and clear fact that reorganizing government functions and laying off federal workers en masse haphazardly without any congressional approval is not allowed by our Constitution. While we are disappointed in this decision, we will continue to fight on behalf of the communities we represent and argue this case to protect critical public services that we rely on to stay safe and healthy.”
The coalition includes the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and four AFGE locals; American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and three SEIU Locals (521, 1000, 1021); Alliance for Retired Americans; American Geophysical Union; American Public Health Association; Center for Taxpayer Rights; Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks; Common Defense; Main Street Alliance; NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council); Northeast Organic Farming Association Inc.; VoteVets; Western Watersheds Project; City and County of San Francisco, California; County of Santa Clara, California; City of Chicago, Illinois; City of Baltimore, Maryland; Harris County, Texas; and King County, Washington.
Statements from plaintiffs and counsel in the case are here.
AFGE v. Trump argues that the Trump administration’s unlawful reorganization of the federal government, which is already underway without legislative authority, violates the Constitution’s fundamental separation of powers principles.
Read the complaint here and the Supreme Court ruling here.
North Dakota Tourism is proud to announce a new partnership with country music duo Tigirlily Gold, uniting the power of storytelling, music, and North Dakota spirit. As part of this collaboration, the Hazen-born sisters have written and recorded a brand-new anthem inspired by their appreciation of the beauty, people and tranquility of North Dakota. The song will debut Thursday, with a live performance at ND Country Fest on July 10, and an official release later this year.
Krista and Kendra Slaubaugh, the voices behind Tigirlily Gold, have never been shy about their love for the place that raised them. Now, through this special partnership, they’ll add new sound and energy to North Dakota’s “Hello” campaign, sharing their connection to the state on a national stage.
“It’s so fun to work with people who are true ambassadors for North Dakota,” said North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism & Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman. “I’ve watched these women grow up and seeing them use their platform to celebrate and support our state has been really inspiring.”
The partnership includes appearances at North Dakota promotional events, including the Waste Management Phoenix Open in Phoenix, which took place in February, social media and branded content, a North Dakota photo shoot, and music and assets to be used in North Dakota promotional efforts. Additionally, they will be sharing stories about their experiences growing up in North Dakota and highlighting fun things to see and do in the state during interviews.
“We’ve always dreamed of working with North Dakota Tourism,” the duo added. “This collaboration is truly full circle, and we’re honored to share what makes our home state so special.”
The duo wrote the song this spring and North Dakota Tourism officials are hopeful it becomes the soundtrack to celebrate North Dakota and make others more aware of our state.
. Pillen Speaks at National Rollout of USDAFarm Security Action Plan
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Governor Jim Pillen joined national and state leaders in Washington, D.C. for the national rollout of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Security Action Plan – a new initiative focused on protecting America’s rural farms, food suppliers and ag interests.
Addressing the crowd outside the USDA Whitten Building, Gov. Pillen highlighted his unique perspective as the first governor from Nebraska in 100 years to make his living from agriculture. Since entering office, Gov. Pillen has issued two executive orders and introduced several bills aimed at protecting the state’s property, infrastructure and other assets from the threat of foreign adversaries. He signed LB644 into law just last month – a comprehensive piece of legislation that among other things, bars companies associated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from receiving Nebraska tax credits.
At today’s event, speakers touched on the variety of emerging threats from China and other nations including land ownership near military installations, intellectual property theft, and bioterrorism. The seven-point plan unveiled today by the USDA was developed in response to the purchase of significant amounts of American farmland by people and companies connected to the CCP.
“Farm security equals food security, which equals national security,” said Gov. Pillen. “Thanks to these actions taken by President Trump and his team, we can further protect the backbone of Nebraska’s economy from foreign adversaries like China.”
Additional speakers at today’s event, hosted by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, included Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, White House Counselor Peter Navarro, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama), U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (Kansas) and House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson.
Gov. Pillen joined governors Lee, Huckabee Sanders and other speakers in complimenting the collective and coordinated effort by those in President Trump’s cabinet to provide solutions for better protecting rural farms – now and for future generations.
“It’s important that we continue to have the courage and the wisdom to never back down and to stand up and protect our land and protect our families. In agriculture, we risk everything we have every single day to put food on grocery store shelves,” said Gov. Pillen.
The multi-agency plan contains seven action items, some of which are touched on in a letter to Sec. Rollins, signed by Gov. Pillen and other members of the America First Governors’ Council. In it, the group affirms its support of the Farm Security Action Plan saying:
“Across the country, Chinese investors now control hundreds of thousands of acres of U.S. agricultural land, posing risks not just to local economies but to our food supply, water access, and national security. This is a coordinated, strategic effort by the CCP to weaken America from within and use our land as a Trojan horse. Washington’s past failures allowed this threat to metastasize. The previous administration was too compromised and entangled with CCP interests to act decisively. As a result, the American people paid the price. That era is over.”
Signatories on the letter, in addition to Gov. Pillen, include Gov. Mike Braun, Indiana; Gov. Bill Lee, Tennessee; Gov. Brad Little, Idaho; Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa; Gov. Larry Rhoden, South Dakota; Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Arkansas; Gov. Kevin Stitt, Oklahoma; and former governors Phil Bryant, Mississippi; Bobby Jindal, Louisiana; and Rick Perry, Texas.
. Pillen Appoints Kortnei N. Smith as County Court Judge
for 11th Judicial District
LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Kortnei N. Smith of North Platte as county court judge in the 11th Judicial District. That district includes Arthur, Chase, Dawson, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Gosper, Hayes, Hitchcock, Hooker, Keith, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Perkins, Red Willow, and Thomas counties.
Since 2016, Smith has been a deputy county attorney in the Lincoln County Attorney’s office where she has handled both felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, juvenile cases and mental health board hearings. Before that, she was an associate attorney in the firm of Waite, McWha and Heng in North Platte.
Smith fills the vacancy resulting from the retirement of Judge Edward D. Steenburg.
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he had approved sending U.S. defensive weapons to Ukraine and was considering additional sanctions on Moscow, underscoring his frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the growing death toll in Russia’s war with Ukraine.
Trump, who pledged as a presidential candidate to end the war within a day, has not been able to follow through on that promise and efforts by his administration to broker peace have come up short.
Trump directed his ire at Putin on Tuesday during a meeting with cabinet officials at the White House.
“I’m not happy with Putin. I can tell you that much right now,” Trump said, noting that Russian and Ukrainian soldiers were dying in the thousands.
“We get a lot of bullshit thrown at us by Putin. … He’s very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless,” Trump said.
Trump said he was considering whether to support a bill in the Senate that would impose steep sanctions on Russia over the war.
“I’m looking at it very strongly,” he said.
The bill, whose lead sponsors are Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, would also punish other countries that trade with Moscow, imposing 500% tariffs on nations that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium and other exports.
Trump said on Monday that the United Stateswould send more weapons to Ukraine, primarily defensive ones, to help it defend itself against Russian advances. On Tuesday he said he had approved such a move.
“We’re sending some defensive weapons to Ukraine, and I’ve approved that,” he said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday he ordered an expansion of contacts with the United States to ensure critical deliveries of military supplies, primarily air defence.
A decision by the Pentagon to halt some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine prompted warnings by Kyiv last week that the move would weaken its ability to defend against Russia’s intensifying airstrikes and battlefield advances.
Trump, who was seated next to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, was asked on Tuesday who had ordered that pause.
“I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?” Trump responded.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia, during which both leaders discussed ways to deepen trade ties and diversify bilateral trade.
“Held fruitful talks with President Lula, who has always been passionate about the India-Brazil friendship. Our talks included ways to deepen trade ties and diversify bilateral trade. We both agree that there is immense scope for such linkages to thrive in the coming times,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
“Clean energy, sustainable development and overcoming climate change were also prominent topics of discussion. Other areas where we will work even more closely include defence, security, AI and agriculture. India-Brazil cooperation in space, semiconductors and DPI will benefit our people,” PM Modi added.
The Program Incentivizes Individuals to Report Postal-Related Antitrust Crimes that Undermine the Competitive Process or Market Competition Across Industries
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division today announces its partnership with the United States Postal Service to create the Whistleblower Rewards Program. For the first time, the Antitrust Division will offer rewards for individuals who report antitrust crimes and related offenses that harm consumers, taxpayers, and free market competition across industries from healthcare to agriculture — under existing law and at no additional cost to the taxpayer.
“Antitrust crimes and related offenses that harm free market competition often occur in secret, making detection a formidable challenge. The new Whistleblower Rewards Program will create a new pipeline of leads from individuals with firsthand knowledge of criminal antitrust and related offenses that will help us break down those walls of secrecy and hold violators accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Antitrust Division. “This program raises the stakes: If you’re fixing prices or rigging bids, don’t assume your scheme is safe — we will find and prosecute you, and someone you know may get a reward for helping us do it.”
“This reporting mechanism gives those with a vested interest in maintaining the integrity of the Postal Service the opportunity to join us in the fight,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “The Postal Inspection Service, along with our partners in the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General will not tolerate anyone who violates Antitrust Laws; we remain committed to seeking justice against anyone who chooses to do so. And for those who are also motivated to using this tool to report Antitrust crimes, we affirm our commitment to fully investigate and bring violators to justice.”
“As a key partner and original member in the Department of Justice’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG), actively collaborates with other federal agencies to detect, investigate, and prosecute antitrust crimes, ensuring fair competition and safeguarding taxpayer’s dollars in federal procurements,” said Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Robert Kwalwasser, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. “We are pleased to be partnering with DOJ and the Postal Inspection Service to implement the Whistleblower Rewards Program to incentivize individuals and companies to provide information about collusive behavior without fear of reprisal. This newly established program is an example of DOJ’s commitment to root out illicit behavior in all industries, which includes industries where the USPS procures goods and services either directly or indirectly. The USPS OIG will fully participate in this collaborate effort to ensure the USPS and the U.S. taxpayers are not being defrauded of honest services.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and USPS OIG have long played a vital role in uncovering and investigating postal-related antitrust crimes that harm Americans. The Whistleblower Rewards Program will provide individuals with the opportunity to report evidence of antitrust crimes directly to the Antitrust Division and, in appropriate cases, qualify for substantial monetary rewards of up to 30% of any criminal fines recovered, for violations of law affecting the Postal Service, its revenues, or its property. The program expands upon the Division’s long-standing efforts to detect and prosecute cartels and criminal collusion by incentivizing individuals to report specific, credible, and timely information about illegal agreements to fix prices, rig bids, and allocate markets, as well as other federal criminal violations that impact, distort, or undermine the competitive process or market competition.
To facilitate reporting, the Division has established a dedicated Whistleblower Regards Program webpage accessible at www.justice.gov/atr/whistleblower-rewards. Whistleblowers and their counsel are encouraged to contact the Division promptly.
The Program Incentivizes Individuals to Report Postal-Related Antitrust Crimes that Undermine the Competitive Process or Market Competition Across Industries
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division today announces its partnership with the United States Postal Service to create the Whistleblower Rewards Program. For the first time, the Antitrust Division will offer rewards for individuals who report antitrust crimes and related offenses that harm consumers, taxpayers, and free market competition across industries from healthcare to agriculture — under existing law and at no additional cost to the taxpayer.
“Antitrust crimes and related offenses that harm free market competition often occur in secret, making detection a formidable challenge. The new Whistleblower Rewards Program will create a new pipeline of leads from individuals with firsthand knowledge of criminal antitrust and related offenses that will help us break down those walls of secrecy and hold violators accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Antitrust Division. “This program raises the stakes: If you’re fixing prices or rigging bids, don’t assume your scheme is safe — we will find and prosecute you, and someone you know may get a reward for helping us do it.”
“This reporting mechanism gives those with a vested interest in maintaining the integrity of the Postal Service the opportunity to join us in the fight,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “The Postal Inspection Service, along with our partners in the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General will not tolerate anyone who violates Antitrust Laws; we remain committed to seeking justice against anyone who chooses to do so. And for those who are also motivated to using this tool to report Antitrust crimes, we affirm our commitment to fully investigate and bring violators to justice.”
“As a key partner and original member in the Department of Justice’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG), actively collaborates with other federal agencies to detect, investigate, and prosecute antitrust crimes, ensuring fair competition and safeguarding taxpayer’s dollars in federal procurements,” said Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Robert Kwalwasser, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. “We are pleased to be partnering with DOJ and the Postal Inspection Service to implement the Whistleblower Rewards Program to incentivize individuals and companies to provide information about collusive behavior without fear of reprisal. This newly established program is an example of DOJ’s commitment to root out illicit behavior in all industries, which includes industries where the USPS procures goods and services either directly or indirectly. The USPS OIG will fully participate in this collaborate effort to ensure the USPS and the U.S. taxpayers are not being defrauded of honest services.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and USPS OIG have long played a vital role in uncovering and investigating postal-related antitrust crimes that harm Americans. The Whistleblower Rewards Program will provide individuals with the opportunity to report evidence of antitrust crimes directly to the Antitrust Division and, in appropriate cases, qualify for substantial monetary rewards of up to 30% of any criminal fines recovered, for violations of law affecting the Postal Service, its revenues, or its property. The program expands upon the Division’s long-standing efforts to detect and prosecute cartels and criminal collusion by incentivizing individuals to report specific, credible, and timely information about illegal agreements to fix prices, rig bids, and allocate markets, as well as other federal criminal violations that impact, distort, or undermine the competitive process or market competition.
To facilitate reporting, the Division has established a dedicated Whistleblower Regards Program webpage accessible at www.justice.gov/atr/whistleblower-rewards. Whistleblowers and their counsel are encouraged to contact the Division promptly.
Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Ranking Senate Defense Appropriator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement following reports that the Pentagon had cancelled already-promised weapons shipments to Ukraine:
“The Pentagon’s reported cancellation of already-promised weapons shipments to Ukraine risks the lives of the brave Ukrainian men and women on the front lines of freedom and rewards President Putin and his Russian forces. This assistance – including vital air defense interceptors and artillery munitions – was provided by Congress and designated to be delivered months ago. Ukraine continues to enjoy strong, bipartisan support across Congress, and we call on Secretary Hegseth to immediately restart the steady supply of these munitions.
“This is the latest and most dramatic blow to our support for Ukraine. It comes at a perilous time, just after Russia conducted the biggest missile strike of the three-year war on civilian targets in densely populated Ukrainian cities, and on the heels of North Korea’s announcement that it would send tens of thousands more troops to aid in Russia’s brutal invasion.
“Putin continues to be the foremost obstacle to peace. Unable to meet his goals on the battlefield, he has long hoped he could simply outlast the West. If Secretary Hegseth does not reverse this damaging step, we risk proving Putin right. President Zelenskyy has agreed to an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. In contrast, Putin has rejected this deal time and again.
“Despite that stark reality, the administration has decided not to enforce our existing sanctions against Russia, declined to join our European allies in levying additional sanctions, and now we are walking away from supplying Ukraine with American weapons they need to defend their sovereignty, and protect their hospitals, churches, schools, and apartments from relentless Russian attacks. This is not theoretical for the Ukrainians. They are not preparing stocks for some potential future fight. Their fight is now, their people are in the crosshairs.
“We agree with the president’s stated objective of bringing about a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. President Trump has a critical opportunity to actually achieve peace through strength: to improve Ukraine’s leverage and force Putin to negotiate. The United States must stand with the people of Ukraine. The world is watching. Our adversaries are watching.”
Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
WASHINGTON, DC – After the Trump Administration abandoned plans to cull a total of 83,000 employees from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by the end of this year and will instead reduce its workforce by 30,000 VA workers, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilCon-VA), which oversees VA funding, issued the following statement:
“The Trump Administration’s forced retreat on more mass layoffs at the VA is a reprieve for veterans and their families. The Trump Administration’s initial arbitrary workforce cuts have already harmed veterans and their families. Trump and DOGE were downsizing simply for downsizing’s sake – not because they carefully studied appropriate staffing levels. Their careless cuts diminished essential services and increased wait times. Further cuts would have been an abject disaster and halting them is significant. This about face is a direct result of strong advocacy from veterans, their families, and everyone who cares about keeping our promise to those who serve. Now we need to reverse the loss of 30,000 VA employees, restore staffing levels, and get the VA running at full capacity again so it can deliver for those who faithfully served.”
As of June 1, 2025 the VA’s workforce was made up of 467,000 employees, a reduction of nearly 17,000 positions from the 484,000 VA employees on January 1, 2025. There are approximately 15.8 million veterans in the U.S.
Today, the Trump Administration announced it is on pace to reduce VA staff by nearly 30,000 employees by the end of this fiscal year.
“We’ve got to ensure our veterans get the care and benefits they need. The arbitrary mass-layoffs have already had a negative impact on customer service for veterans and we’ve got to ensure the VA does a better job going forward and is accountable to those they serve,” said Reed.
The VA provides medical care and education, disability, funerary, financial, and other health benefits earned by veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
In March, Senator Reed spoke out against the Trump Administration’s proposal to cut over 80,000 workers from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) penned an op-ed in the Washington Post outlining his “Big Idea” to save Social Security by creating a sovereign wealth fund—separate from the Social Security Trust Fund—dedicated to protecting the program for all current and future Social Security beneficiaries. Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) in penning the op-ed.
“There is a nationwide appetite to implement a bipartisan, commonsense plan like ours. Waiting until the Social Security Trust Fund is on the eve of crisis would have difficult and preventable consequences. Congress should seize the moment,” wrote the senators.
Read the full op-ed here or below.
Our Bipartisan Plan Could Rescue Social Security
If Congress doesn’t act, the Social Security Trust Fund will be insolvent as soon as 2033, and millions of Americans who have been paying into the program will see a significant portion of their promised benefits cut. That’s why we’re working on a bipartisan proposal for a new investment fund that would infuse much-needed money into Social Security, while ensuring no one on Social Security or nearing retirement sees any change to the benefits whatsoever.
Social Security is currently funded through payroll taxes, which are not keeping pace with the amount needed to sustain the program. For now, the Social Security Trust Fund — which is invested exclusively in U.S. government bonds yielding low returns — is helping to fill the gap, but it can’t for long. The most recent Social Security Trustees Reportshowed that payroll tax revenue will fall more than $25 trillion short of owed benefits over the next 75 years, in today’s dollars, if the trust fund becomes insolvent. We propose creating an additional investment fund — in parallel to the trust fund, not replacing it — that would be invested in stocks, bonds and other investments that generate a higher rate of return, helping keep the program from running dry.
We estimate that it would take a $1.5 trillion up-front investment into the fund to get it going, and we propose giving the fund 75 years to grow. The Treasury would temporarily shoulder the burden of providing benefits to Social Security beneficiaries — but when the new fund’s 75 years are up, it would pay the Treasury back and supplement payroll taxes to help fill the future gap.
The result? The consistent delivery of Social Security benefits for generations of Americans, and a reduction to the United States’ long-term indebtedness by up to 20 percent.A substantial majority of Americans are concerned about the challenges facing Social Security. We understand if they also question whether politicians could use the proceeds of the new fund we propose for other objectives.That risk can be effectively managed by putting in place guardrails modeled after those used by the Thrift Savings Plan, including a fiduciary duty to seek a maximal return on investments and deterrence measures to address concerns that a future Congress might want to raid the fund. As for transparency, the new fund should be subject to annual audits published online.
We know a program like this could work because it already has. In 2001, Congress created the National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust — a diversified investment fund designed to ensure retirement benefit payouts for railroad workers. The trust has remained firmly in the black, with returns even exceeding expectations at some points and with payments consistently remaining reliable and on schedule. Our proposal is also consistent with virtually every other pension plan — state and private — currently operating in our country, and it matches the strategy most nations use to fund their retirement programs.
There is a nationwide appetite to implement a bipartisan, commonsense plan like ours. Waiting until the Social Security Trust Fund is on the eve of crisis would have difficult and preventable consequences. Congress should seize the moment.
Have you ever gone to toss something into the recycling bin – a jam jar, a pizza box, a takeaway container encrusted with yesterday’s lunch – and wondered if you’re doing it right? Perhaps you asked yourself: should I scrub the jar with hot water? Scrape the mozzarella off the box? Wash off that palak paneer?
Research shows most Australians believe they are good recyclers. But only 25% of people separate waste correctly and up to 35% of recycling goes to landfill unnecessarily. And one in four Australians tends not to rinse or empty food containers before sending them to the bin.
So just how well does recycling need to be rinsed? What should you do with your plastic lids and pizza boxes? And will robots one day work it all out for us?
One in four Australians tends not to rinse or empty food containers before recycling them. ThamKC/Shutterstock
The problem of contamination
Mechanical recycling methods – such as shredding and melting – struggle to operate when food and other residues are present.
In fact, one spoiled item might ruin the entire cycling batch. Queensland’s Goondiwindi Regional Council, for example, said nearly a quarter of its kerbside recyclables collected in 2022–23 was contaminated and sent to landfill.
Some councils use “advanced materials recovery” that can tolerate lightly soiled recyclables. These facilities use mechanical and automated sorting processes, including optical sorters and artificial intelligence.
But other councils still rely on human sorting, or basic mechanical systems, which require items to be relatively clean.
While local recycling capabilities come into play, as a general rule, rinse containers when you can. As well as avoiding contamination, it helps reduce smells and keep bins clean.
The best pre-cleaning method for recycling depends on the type of packaging.
Paper and cardboard: these items must be clean and dry – no exceptions. Paper and cardboard absorbs contamination more than other materials. So if it gets wet or greasy, it can’t be recycled – though it may be compostable.
So for pizza boxes, for example, recycle the clean parts and bin the parts that are greasy or have food stuck to them.
Unfortunately, traditional cardboard coffee cups are not usually recyclable in Australia. That’s because the plastic lining inside is bonded tightly to the paper, making it difficult to separate during standard paper recycling.
However in some areas, programs such as Simply Cups collect coffee cups and recycle them into sustainable products such as asphalt, concrete and building products.
And in some states, such as South Australia and Western Australia, single-use cups lined with polymer are banned and only compostable cups can be used.
The plastic lining in disposable coffee cups is tightly bonded to the paper, making recycling difficult. maxbelchenko/Shutterstock
Glass and metals: these items are washed and processed at extremely high temperatures, so can tolerate a bit of residue. But too much residue can contaminate paper and cardboard in the bin. So rinse glass and plastic to remove visible food and empty liquids. Just a quick rinse is enough – there’s no need to scrub or use hot water.
But not all glass and metals can be recycled. Mirrors and light bulbs, for instance, are treated in such a way that they melt at different temperatures to other glass. So check before you chuck.
Plastics: rinse plastics before putting them in the recycling bin. It’s important to know that the numbers 1 to 7 on plastics, inside a recycling symbol, do not necessarily mean the item can be recycled in your area. The number is a code that identifies what plastic the item is made from. Check if your council can recycle that type of plastic.
Complicating matters further is the question of plastic lids. On this, guidelines differ across Australia, so check your local rules.
Likewise, the rules on plastic bottle lids differ. Some councils allow bottle-lid recycling, but even then, the processes vary. In the Australian Capital territory, for example, a lid larger than a credit card can be put in the recycling bin, but consumers are asked to remove the lid from the bottle. But Brisbane City Council asks consumers to leave the lids on.
Meanwhile, organisations such as Lids4Kids collect plastic lids and make them into new products.
Advanced chemical recycling breaks plastic down into its chemical building blocks. It can process plastic types that traditional methods can’t, such as soft plastics, and turn it into valuable new products.
AI and automation are also reshaping recycling, by improving sorting and reducing contamination. And closed-loop washing systems, which filter and reuse water, can clean lightly soiled recyclables.
Other innovations are emerging, too, such as dissolvable packaging and AI-enabled “smart bins” that might one day identify and sort materials – and maybe even tell consumers if items need rinsing!
But upcycling still requires clean, well-sorted streams to be viable. And until all these technologies are widespread, each of us must help keep our recycling systems working well.
Pooria Pasbakhsh is also affiliated with Monash University Malaysia as an Adjunct Associate Professor. He received funding from CRC-P project entitled “Upcycling of Convoluted Subsea Flexible Flow Lines”, Grant number: 108439.
Have you ever gone to toss something into the recycling bin – a jam jar, a pizza box, a takeaway container encrusted with yesterday’s lunch – and wondered if you’re doing it right? Perhaps you asked yourself: should I scrub the jar with hot water? Scrape the mozzarella off the box? Wash off that palak paneer?
Research shows most Australians believe they are good recyclers. But only 25% of people separate waste correctly and up to 35% of recycling goes to landfill unnecessarily. And one in four Australians tends not to rinse or empty food containers before sending them to the bin.
So just how well does recycling need to be rinsed? What should you do with your plastic lids and pizza boxes? And will robots one day work it all out for us?
One in four Australians tends not to rinse or empty food containers before recycling them. ThamKC/Shutterstock
The problem of contamination
Mechanical recycling methods – such as shredding and melting – struggle to operate when food and other residues are present.
In fact, one spoiled item might ruin the entire cycling batch. Queensland’s Goondiwindi Regional Council, for example, said nearly a quarter of its kerbside recyclables collected in 2022–23 was contaminated and sent to landfill.
Some councils use “advanced materials recovery” that can tolerate lightly soiled recyclables. These facilities use mechanical and automated sorting processes, including optical sorters and artificial intelligence.
But other councils still rely on human sorting, or basic mechanical systems, which require items to be relatively clean.
While local recycling capabilities come into play, as a general rule, rinse containers when you can. As well as avoiding contamination, it helps reduce smells and keep bins clean.
The best pre-cleaning method for recycling depends on the type of packaging.
Paper and cardboard: these items must be clean and dry – no exceptions. Paper and cardboard absorbs contamination more than other materials. So if it gets wet or greasy, it can’t be recycled – though it may be compostable.
So for pizza boxes, for example, recycle the clean parts and bin the parts that are greasy or have food stuck to them.
Unfortunately, traditional cardboard coffee cups are not usually recyclable in Australia. That’s because the plastic lining inside is bonded tightly to the paper, making it difficult to separate during standard paper recycling.
However in some areas, programs such as Simply Cups collect coffee cups and recycle them into sustainable products such as asphalt, concrete and building products.
And in some states, such as South Australia and Western Australia, single-use cups lined with polymer are banned and only compostable cups can be used.
The plastic lining in disposable coffee cups is tightly bonded to the paper, making recycling difficult. maxbelchenko/Shutterstock
Glass and metals: these items are washed and processed at extremely high temperatures, so can tolerate a bit of residue. But too much residue can contaminate paper and cardboard in the bin. So rinse glass and plastic to remove visible food and empty liquids. Just a quick rinse is enough – there’s no need to scrub or use hot water.
But not all glass and metals can be recycled. Mirrors and light bulbs, for instance, are treated in such a way that they melt at different temperatures to other glass. So check before you chuck.
Plastics: rinse plastics before putting them in the recycling bin. It’s important to know that the numbers 1 to 7 on plastics, inside a recycling symbol, do not necessarily mean the item can be recycled in your area. The number is a code that identifies what plastic the item is made from. Check if your council can recycle that type of plastic.
Complicating matters further is the question of plastic lids. On this, guidelines differ across Australia, so check your local rules.
Likewise, the rules on plastic bottle lids differ. Some councils allow bottle-lid recycling, but even then, the processes vary. In the Australian Capital territory, for example, a lid larger than a credit card can be put in the recycling bin, but consumers are asked to remove the lid from the bottle. But Brisbane City Council asks consumers to leave the lids on.
Meanwhile, organisations such as Lids4Kids collect plastic lids and make them into new products.
Advanced chemical recycling breaks plastic down into its chemical building blocks. It can process plastic types that traditional methods can’t, such as soft plastics, and turn it into valuable new products.
AI and automation are also reshaping recycling, by improving sorting and reducing contamination. And closed-loop washing systems, which filter and reuse water, can clean lightly soiled recyclables.
Other innovations are emerging, too, such as dissolvable packaging and AI-enabled “smart bins” that might one day identify and sort materials – and maybe even tell consumers if items need rinsing!
But upcycling still requires clean, well-sorted streams to be viable. And until all these technologies are widespread, each of us must help keep our recycling systems working well.
Pooria Pasbakhsh is also affiliated with Monash University Malaysia as an Adjunct Associate Professor. He received funding from CRC-P project entitled “Upcycling of Convoluted Subsea Flexible Flow Lines”, Grant number: 108439.
Given the number of times this has happened already, it should come as little surprise that we’re now faced with yet another new subvariant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID.
This new subvariant is known as XFG (nicknamed “Stratus”) and the World Health Organization (WHO) designated it a “variant under monitoring” in late June. XFG is a subvariant of Omicron, of which there are now more than 1,000.
A “variant under monitoring” signifies a variant or subvariant which needs prioritised attention and monitoring due to characteristics that may pose an additional threat compared to other circulating variants.
While recombination and other spontaneous changes happen often with SARS-CoV-2, it becomes a problem when it creates a subvariant that is changed in such a way that its properties cause more problems for us.
Most commonly this means the virus looks different enough that protection from past infection (and vaccination) doesn’t work so well, called immune evasion. This basically means the population becomes more susceptible and can lead to an increase in cases, and even a whole new wave of COVID infections across the world.
XFG has four key mutations in the spike protein, a protein on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 which allows it to attach to our cells. Some are believed to enhance evasion by certain antibodies.
The earliest XFG sample was collected on January 27.
As of June 22, there were 1,648 XFG sequences submitted to GISAID from 38 countries (GISAID is the global database used to track the prevalence of different variants around the world). This represents 22.7% of the globally available sequences at the time.
This was a significant rise from 7.4% four weeks prior and only just below the proportion of NB.1.8.1 at 24.9%. Given the now declining proportion of viral sequences of NB.1.8.1 overall, and the rapid rise of XFG, it would seem reasonable to expect XFG to become dominant very soon.
According to Australian data expert Mike Honey, the countries showing the highest rates of detection of XFG as of mid-June include India at more than 50%, followed by Spain at 42%, and the United Kingdom and United States, where the subvariant makes up more than 30% of cases.
In Australia as of June 29, NB.1.8.1 was the dominant subvariant, accounting for 48.6% of sequences. In the most recent report from Australia’s national genomic surveillance platform, there were 24 XFG sequences with 12 collected in the last 28 days meaning it currently comprises approximately 5% of sequences.
The big questions
When we talk about a new subvariant, people often ask questions including if it’s more severe or causes new or different symptoms compared to previous variants. But we’re still learning about XFG and we can’t answer these questions with certainty yet.
Some sources have reported XFG may be more likely to course “hoarseness” or a scratchy or raspy voice. But we need more information to know if this association is truly significant.
Notably, there’s no evidence to suggest XFG causes more severe illness compared to other variants in circulation or that it is necessarily any more transmissible.
Will vaccines still work against XFG?
Relatively frequent changes to the virus means we have continued to update the COVID vaccines. The most recent update, which targets the JN.1 subvariant, became available in Australia from late 2024. XFG is a descendant of the JN.1 subvariant.
Fortunately, based on the evidence available so far, currently approved COVID vaccines are expected to remain effective against XFG, particularly against symptomatic and severe disease.
Because of SARS-CoV-2’s continued evolution, the effect of this on our immune response, as well as the fact protection from COVID vaccines declines over time, COVID vaccines are offered regularly, and recommended for those at the highest risk.
One of the major challenges we face at present in Australia is low COVID vaccine uptake. While rates have increased somewhat recently, they remain relatively low, with only 32.3% of people aged 75 years and over having received a vaccine in the past six months. Vaccination rates in younger age groups are significantly lower.
Although the situation with XFG must continue to be monitored, at present the WHO has assessed the global risk posed by this subvariant as low. The advice for combating COVID remains unchanged, including vaccination as recommended and the early administration of antivirals for those who are eligible.
Measures to reduce the risk of transmission, particularly wearing masks in crowded indoor settings and focusing on air quality and ventilation, are worth remembering to protect against COVID and other viral infections.
Paul Griffin has been the principal investigator for clinical trials of 8 COVID-19 vaccines. He has previously participated in medical advisory boards for COVID-19 vaccines. Paul Griffin is a director and medical advisory board member of the immunisation coalition.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jesse Cale, Associate Professor of Criminology, Deputy Director Research (Griffith Youth Forensic Service), Griffith University
When we think about who’s responsible for sexual abuse in Australia, we usually picture adults.
But young people are responsible for a substantial proportion of sexual offences nationwide. Up to a third of all child sexual abuse is perpetrated by people under 18. So too are a quarter of sexual assaults against both teens and adults.
New research shows there are effective treatment options for perpetrators under the age of 18 to help prevent them offending again in future.
Our study found young people who received specialist forensic treatment were up to 90% less likely to sexually reoffend, compared with similar peers who did not receive the service.
The findings suggest more children can be protected from the harms of sexual abuse by preventing repeat offending. It also shows many young people who commit these crimes can be safely treated in the community.
Our study
In our paper, published in the Journal of Criminal Justice, we evaluated administrative data from more than 1,400 young people who were processed for sexual offences, such as indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault, in Queensland between 2010 and 2024.
We securely accessed more than a decade of anonymised youth justice records and applied advanced statistical techniques across treatment and control groups.
Across five separate statistical approaches, the findings were consistent. Griffith Youth Forensic Service treatment significantly reduced reoffending across different categories of offending, and most importantly, sexual offences.
Key findings showed a 78–90% reduction in sexual reoffending, a 34–44% reduction in overall offending, and additional reductions in violent and non-violent offending.
The treatment group also showed longer follow-up periods without offending. This indicates not just fewer offences, but sustained behavioural change.
The study is among the most scientifically rigorous to look into this issue, which is often hard to research due to the sensitivity of the subject and lack of high-quality data.
What did the treatment involve?
The Griffith Youth Forensic Service has operated in Queensland since 2001. It delivers specialised assessment and treatment for young people aged 10–17 who have been sentenced for sexual offences.
Supported by a partnership between the Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support and Griffith University, the service runs statewide, often in remote or under-resourced communities, and prioritises high-risk cases.
Clinicians at the service use trauma-informed, evidence-based methods. But what makes the service unique is its individualised approach. Each young person is treated in the context of their family, school, peer group and community.
The treatment is highly tailored to the circumstances of the young person involved. Shutterstock
Two young people referred to treatment for sexually abusive behaviour may present with very different life histories and contributing factors. They therefore require tailored intervention approaches.
The goal is to address the underlying drivers of offending, not just to manage behaviour.
The service also helps produce research aimed at improving policy and frontline responses to youth sexual offending.
Why it matters
Sexually harmful and abusive behaviours often occur in the context of trauma, family dysfunction or developmental disruption, and do not always continue into adulthood.
But without intervention, some young people go on to reoffend. The consequences for victims and communities can be devastating.
This study offers evidence that specialist, community-based treatment can help break that cycle.
And because the treatment model also appears to reduce general reoffending, its benefits likely extend beyond preventing sexual harm to preventing other types of harm too.
It’s a flow-on effect: this treatment is promoting safer outcomes across the board.
Treatment over jail time
The study comes at a time of growing public concern about youth crime, and growing interest in solutions that go beyond punishment.
In Queensland, where this research was done, “adult time for adult crime” laws trying to drive down the rate of youth offending featured prominently in the 2024 election campaign.
The measures have been roundly criticised, including by the United Nations.
This research shows properly resourced rehabilitative strategies can be highly effective in reducing youth offending, often more so than punishment.
Other studies also show community-based ways to deal with the problem, albeit not looking at sexual offending specifically.
We know mental health support is hugely helpful for reducing recidivism through keeping children out of a cycle of incarceration.
There have also been studies of preschool programs that suggest specific types of early childhood education can prevent children going on to commit crimes.
Where to from here?
The particular focus of our study, the Griffith Youth Forensic Service, is only in Queensland, but the findings are relevant for other jurisdictions.
In New South Wales, New Street Services provide therapeutic interventions across the state for adolescents aged 10–17 who have engaged in harmful sexual behaviour.
Importantly, specialised services aren’t available in all states, and very few include the same built-in research and evaluation components as the Griffith Youth Forensic Service.
The results of our study support continued national investment in:
specialist, evidence-based programs tailored to young people
community-based and trauma-informed approaches
improving service accessibility, especially in remote or underserved areas.
The study also highlights the importance of rigorous evaluation in guiding youth justice and broader government policy and funding decisions.
This service works, and now we have data to prove it.
Jesse Cale is the Deputy Director of the Griffith Youth Forensic Service.
Benoit Leclerc is Director of the Griffith Youth Forensic Service
Francisco Perales works for the Queensland Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support. The contributions made to this piece and the underlying research are however in his capacity as Adjunct Professor at Griffith University and are independent of his role at the department. The views expressed in this piece are therefore those of the author and may not reflect those of the department.
Tyson Whitten is a Senior Research Fellow at Childlight, UNSW.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kylie Walker, Visiting Fellow, National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, Australian National University
Stellalevi / Getty Images
Science in the United States in in trouble. The National Science Foundation, a key research funding agency, has suffered devastating funding cuts under the current administration. Critics say the cuts risk losing an entire generation of young scientists.
The US has long been the global destination for science. But perhaps no longer. The rest of the world, including Australia, is looking to lure scientists from the US.
And many of those scientists are looking to move. In March, a Nature survey suggested more than 75% of US researchers were considering leaving the country.
What moves are under way to capitalise on this American brain drain? Where does Australia sit – and, importantly, are we doing enough?
What are other countries doing?
In May, the European Commission announced a two-year, €500 million package to woo scientists and researchers called Choose Europe. The announcement of the package highlighted how “academic and scientific freedom is increasingly under threat”, and offers researchers higher allowances, longer contracts and reduced regulatory barriers to innovation.
Canada also has active efforts. The Toronto-based University Hospital Network, for example, aims to raise C$30 million to attract and recruit clinician scientists and medical talent.
Programs such as the EU’s and Canada’s ostensibly aim to attract and recruit top talent from “around the world”. Given the timing, however, it’s no secret which country’s scientists they have their eyes on.
What about Australia?
In Australia, the scientific community is understandably concerned about events in the US and their impact on Australian research. The US is Australia’s largest research partner, with a conservatively estimated A$386 million in funding for Australian research organisations coming from the US government.
At the same time, the US cuts represent an opportunity for Australia as for other countries. The Australian Academy of Science recently launched its Global Talent Attraction Program to take advantage of “a rare opportunity to strengthen our nation by attracting world-leading researchers to our shores”. The program will offer relocation packages for selected researchers, together with research funding, access to Australian infrastructure and family relocation support.
As well as attracting US talent, it may also be an opportunity to reverse the brain drain and bring back talented Australians who may have moved to the US for what were once better career prospects.
The global picture
Attracting, recruiting and retaining US researchers and innovators at all levels is the right thing for Australia to pursue right now. But broader international relationships are also worth some effort, including with countries in our region such as Japan, South Korea and Singapore, as well as in Europe.
These can be facilitated through existing initiatives such as the strategic arm of the Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund. Backed by the Australian government and delivered by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (where I am the CEO) and the Australian Academy of Science, the fund brings together innovators and research initiatives in priority partner countries and Australia. Areas of interest include advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and hydrogen production.
With the US pulling out of international collaborations, there is a chance for Australia to establish itself as a science and technology hub within our region.
We have huge clout in renewable energy and battery technologies. Australian-invented solar panels represent the majority of household solar around the world and Australian batteries technology is among the best.
Australian researchers, policymakers and citizens are right to be concerned by what’s happening in the US. But we don’t need to wait anxiously. We have an extremely rare opportunity to foster talent in Australia on our terms.
Kylie Walker is CEO of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and previously worked for the Australian Academy of Science (2011–2016).
