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The Bank of Russia plans to improve the quality of issuers’ reporting, increase its value and ensure greater demand. Your suggestions the regulator puts it up for public discussion.
First of all, it is proposed to eliminate duplication of information. Currently, issuers are required to publish reports on their activities twice a year – at the end of 6 and 12 months. Moreover, these documents have static sections where there is no promptly updated information, for example, a section on corporate governance. It is advisable to disclose such information in the annual report – a key tool for communicating with investors. Moreover, the regulator considers it necessary to standardize this document: it will have mandatory chapters that the issuer will be able to structure at its own discretion. Currently, there are no strict requirements for its composition – it is important that it simply exists.
The Bank of Russia also proposes to eliminate the time lag between the publication of consolidated financial statements and the issuer’s report, which explains the reasons for achieving such results. According to the regulator, these documents should be disclosed simultaneously so that the market has up-to-date information on the company’s activities.
One of the important initiatives is the transition from manual preparation of reports to electronic formats. The use of machine-readable forms will reduce the time for processing and analyzing data, which will help investors make investment decisions based on high-quality information.
The discussion of the Bank of Russia’s initiatives will last until August 1, 2025 inclusive.
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 –
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Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Alexander Novak met with the leaders of the parties: Igor Dodon – Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova, Irina Vlah – “Heart of Moldova” and Vasile Tarlev – “Future of Moldova”. The parties discussed economic and energy cooperation between the two countries.
Alexander Novak noted Russia’s desire to build good-neighborly relations, friendship and cooperation with Moldova, where more than 220 thousand Russian citizens live. At the same time, the Moldovan diaspora in the Russian Federation, according to various estimates, is from 300 thousand to 500 thousand people.
“Russia is committed to maintaining and developing centuries-old ties with the Republic of Moldova, continuing the dialogue with all constructively minded political forces of the republic that advocate strengthening Moldovan statehood, sovereignty, maintaining its neutral status and strengthening friendly relations with our country,” said Alexander Novak at a meeting with representatives of the Socialist, Heart of Moldova and Future of Moldova parties.
In recent years, due to the policies of the current Moldovan authorities, economic relations between Russia and Moldova have significantly deteriorated. After Moldova signed the Association Agreement with the European Union in 2014, trade turnover between the two countries fell sharply. In 2015, trade turnover between Russia and Moldova had already fallen by 32%, and Russia’s share in Moldova’s exports had fallen from 70% to just over 3% in 15 years.
The Deputy Prime Minister added that Russia is always glad to see representatives of Moldova at various venues, be it congresses or exhibition events.
“We value and encourage the development of interregional ties between our countries, contacts between political parties, public associations and interdepartmental cooperation,” he concluded.
Alexander Novak also noted that the energy sector has always been an important component of cooperation between Moscow and Chisinau.
“Russia has always supplied gas to Moldova at a much more favorable price compared to the supplies that went to Europe. It is unclear why the Moldovan authorities are not satisfied with them,” the Deputy Prime Minister added.
“The Moldovan authorities have refused direct contracts with Russian partners. Moreover, they have created practically unacceptable conditions for Moldovagaz to operate. We are sure that we need to return to direct dialogue, to direct supplies,” said Igor Dodon, leader of the Socialist Party.
He noted that in 2020, Moldova bought gas from Russia for $148 per thousand cubic meters. According to the politician, this was the lowest price in the last 10-15 years.
“Of course, these were very favorable tariffs for the end consumer, for our economy and the competitiveness of our goods. With the arrival of the current government, we purchased Russian gas at $842. Tariffs also increased sevenfold,” added Igor Dodon.
Alexander Novak emphasized that Russia is ready to return to friendly cooperation in the energy sector if the Moldovan side has such a desire.
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.
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The Bank of Russia has analyzed and summarized the accumulated law enforcement practice in the retail mutual investment fund (MIF) market, international experience, as well as initiatives of market participants, and proposes to discuss possible directions for the development of this segment.
One of the development vectors may be the expansion of investment opportunities for retail funds. It is proposed to increase the list of non-traded securities in which they can invest, but to set a limit. Digital financial assets may also appear in the list of objects available for mutual funds for investment. This will require creating a legal framework, as well as developing a procedure for separating and storing such assets. But retail funds will not be able to start investing in them immediately, but over time.
Market participants also proposed creating opportunities for the emergence of funds with increased financial leverage in Russia. These are borrowed funds or derivative financial instruments that the fund additionally uses to generate profit. Currently, the amount of financial leverage that a mutual fund for non-qualified investors can take on is limited to 20% of the fund’s net asset value (with the possibility of deviation up to 40% as a result of market factors). The Bank of Russia believes that increasing the leverage entails increased risks and requires additional investor protection measures.
The idea of creating a fund of funds also requires a comprehensive assessment. Currently, in Russia, a management company cannot acquire investment units of one mutual fund under its management as part of the assets of another mutual fund under its management. However, in international practice, there are master-feeder fund structures – this is the name for a central fund consisting of assets collected from other funds under its management. The regulator proposes to discuss the prospects for using such structures in Russia, as well as the problems that they will help solve in the collective investment market.
In addition, the report considers proposals to speed up operations with units. Currently, the procedures for issuing, redeeming and exchanging investment units of open-end mutual funds, as a rule, take place within 1 to 4 business days from the moment the client provides all the necessary documents and makes the payment. It is proposed to consider the possibility of reducing this period so that operations are carried out in T 0 mode.
More about possible scenarios for the development of retail mutual fundsread in the report. Answers to questions presented in the material, comments and suggestions to it can be sent up to and including September 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.
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Results presented in two tables: insurers with a client base of more than 2 million OSAGO contracts and small companies that do not exceed this threshold. This breakdown will help car owners compare companies of the same size.
The ranking is based on statistics of complaints to the Bank of Russia on MTPL issues for 2024, for which consumer rights violations were confirmed and supervisory measures were taken. Companies are distributed by the level of the consumer risk indicator — from highest to lowest. It is calculated as the ratio of the number of complaints about a specific insurer to every 10 thousand contracts concluded by it. Insurance companies that received only one complaint are not included in the ranking.
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 –
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Bridge across the Voya River, Kirov Region.
Thanks to the national project “Infrastructure for Life”, in 2025, more than 500 bridges and overpasses with a length of 42.2 thousand linear meters will be built, reconstructed, repaired, including major repairs, on the regional and local road network. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.
“Bridges, overpasses, and flyovers allow you to overcome difficult sections, reduce travel time, and reduce the load on alternative routes. They ensure uninterrupted traffic flow, connect territories, and improve road safety. The construction and timely repair of artificial structures are important for the sustainability and efficiency of the country’s road framework. Thanks to the national project “Infrastructure for Life”, in 2025, more than 500 bridges and overpasses with a length of 42.2 thousand linear meters will be built, reconstructed, repaired, including major repairs,” said Marat Khusnullin.
In particular, this year it is planned to commission 7 artificial structures, another 65 bridges and overpasses will be reconstructed. 228 structures will undergo major repairs. Work on a number of objects began under the national project “Safe High-Quality Roads”.
Thus, in the Luninsky District of the Penza Region, the reconstruction of the bridge across the Shuksha River, located on the Penza-Lunino highway, was completed significantly ahead of schedule. The highway is part of the regional backbone network of highways, and also connects the administrative center of the Penza Region with the district center of the Luninsky District and further with the Republic of Mordovia.
The old bridge built in the 60s of the last century was in a pre-emergency condition. The new four-span structure has a length of 101.25 running meters. The width is 16 running meters. The project provides for sidewalks 2.25 m wide. The total length of approaches to the bridge is 235 m. Also, for the comfort of Luninets living near the artificial structure, noise protection screens more than 300 m long have been installed.
The major repairs of the bridge across the Voya River in the Nemsky District of the Kirov Region were completed ahead of schedule and put into operation. It is located on the regional highway Kyrchany – Nema – Kilmez. The length of the facility is 300 running meters. The crossing provides a connection between the Kirov Region and the Udmurt Republic. The traffic of three regional highways passes here: Kyrchany – Nema – Kilmez, Kazan – Perm and Kirov – Malmyzh – Vyatskiye Polyany.
Two artificial structures were opened in the Ulyanovsk region after major repairs: a bridge over a ravine in the Novomalyklinsky district and a bridge over the Vodoleyka River in the Sursky district. The length of the first object is 30.1 running meters. The crossing over the ravine is located on the highway “”R-241 Kazan – Buinsk – Ulyanovsk, approach to the city of Samara” – Dimitrovgrad” – Novaya Malykla.
The second object is a bridge across the Vodoleyka River built in 1967. It is located on the Surskoye-Shumerlya-Moscow-Kazan highway. The road is part of the regional backbone network and connects the Ulyanovsk Region and the Chuvash Republic. In addition, a school route passes through here. The length of the object is 66.9 running meters.
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: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –
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According to the annual update of the Unified Register of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses, which is administered by the Federal Tax Service of Russia, the country has recorded an increase in companies and individual entrepreneurs. Currently, there are almost 6.4 million SMEs.
“Based on the results of the annual update of the Unified Register of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses in Russia, 6.4 million operating companies and individual entrepreneurs have been registered. This is the highest figure since 2017, when the register was launched. We are recording a stable positive trend: compared to the previous period, the number of SMEs has increased by 3.2%, or about 200 thousand. Such results confirm the high role of small and medium businesses in the country’s economy and the effectiveness of the measures taken to support and develop them,” said Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak.
The annual update of the Unified Register takes place on July 10 and reflects the most current number of SME entities. It is carried out on the basis of the reports submitted by entrepreneurs at the beginning of the year for the previous period. Companies and individual entrepreneurs that no longer meet the SME criteria or have not submitted the required reports within the established deadline are excluded from the register.
“More and more enterprises are demonstrating dynamic development, going beyond the criteria established for small and medium-sized businesses. If previously about three thousand companies made the annual transition beyond the SME sector, this year their number approached five thousand. This indicates qualitative growth of business, its transition to a new level of maturity and scale. For such companies, we are already developing special measures to support SMEs in order to ensure their stable development and further integration into a higher-level economy,” explained Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development of Russia.
“The Ministry of Economic Development of Russia also notes positive dynamics in the growth of the number of medium-sized enterprises. Currently, more than 22 thousand medium-sized companies are registered, their number has grown by 6% over the year, and by 19% compared to 2023,” commented Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia Tatyana Ilyushnikova.
As a result of monthly updates of the Unified Register of SMEs, as a rule, an increase in the number of small and medium-sized enterprises is recorded. However, during the annual update, which is carried out on July 10, a reduction in the total number of entities is usually observed. This is primarily due to the administrative features of maintaining the register and does not reflect the real state of the SME sector.
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 –
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Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting dedicated to the development of Russian agricultural exports. It was attended by Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut, the leadership of industry unions, and business representatives.
The Deputy Prime Minister stressed the importance of implementing the decree of the President of Russia on increasing the volume of export deliveries. The participants of the meeting discussed the dynamics of exports of agricultural products this year and the necessary measures to improve the efficiency of existing export support mechanisms.
Following the meeting, the heads of industry associations and unions will carry out the necessary work with each exporting company and will take special control over the achievement of planned export indicators for the current year. The Russian Ministry of Agriculture, in turn, has been instructed to take the necessary measures in a timely manner to ensure positive export dynamics.
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 –
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Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova spoke at a joint meeting of the State Duma committees in preparation for holding a government hour on the topic “On priorities in implementing the demographic policy of the Russian Federation.” The meeting was also attended by Minister of Labor and Social Protection Anton Kotyakov, Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova, representatives of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Utilities.
“Our absolute priority is to preserve the population. This is the main national goal, designated by the President of the country. And this is a national goal for many years. Because within this goal, the birth rate is, of course, the most difficult issue. And the birth rate is not a momentary decision. It is a person’s motivation to start a family. And this is our hard and painstaking work. And I will start with the basics of state policy to support traditional spiritual and moral values. This is, in fact, the key issue. Fostering in society an attitude towards family, towards a child, towards parents, towards grandparents. Towards a multi-generational, dynastic family. And pride in the fact that this family exists,” said Tatyana Golikova.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that today, on average, a woman gives birth to her first child at the age of 26, and the average age of a woman at the birth of a child is 29.
“As our President says, the entire infrastructure should be built around the family. And this means that all our priorities, our national projects should work towards this idea,” noted Tatyana Golikova. “What we are seeing today is a great commitment to urbanization. And this commitment to urbanization leads to the fact that individual settlements are left without people. We must create the appropriate infrastructure around. This settlement must live, so that it is interesting to live in it.”
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, 80.4% of births today occur in cities. At the same time, by the end of 2024, the total fertility rate in Russia as a whole was 1.4, and in the village – 1.6.
In addition, on the eve of the government hour, Tatyana Golikova met with all factions of the State Duma – United Russia, the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, A Just Russia and New People. The meetings were also attended by the Minister of Labor and Social Protection Anton Kotyakov, the Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko, the Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, representatives of the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Public Utilities and the Ministry of Culture.
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.
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In June, the volume of incoming payments processed through the Bank of Russia increased after a decline in May and was 0.1% higher than the average level in Q1 2025.
Excluding extractive industries, oil product manufacturing and public administration, receipts decreased by 0.6%. A decrease in incoming payments in June was recorded in the consumer, investment and external demand sectors.
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 –
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The International Arts Festival “Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk” is a large-scale cultural project that promotes humanitarian cooperation.
The opening ceremony of the XXXIV International Festival of Arts “Slavianski Bazaar” took place in Vitebsk. It is a large-scale cultural project that promotes humanitarian cooperation, as well as the revival and development of artistic culture and art.
At the opening ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk read out the welcoming words of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the festival participants and guests: “Dear friends! I cordially welcome you on the occasion of the opening of the next, XXXIV International Arts Festival “Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk”.
The festival, held in the ancient and beautiful Belarusian city, makes a significant contribution to strengthening spiritual ties between the fraternal Slavic peoples, to the development of mutually beneficial humanitarian cooperation. Its motto – “Through art to peace and mutual understanding” – sounds especially relevant in the current difficult international conditions.
This year the program of the “Slavianski Bazaar” is very rich and diverse. Several festival venues will host performances by famous singers and artists, musical, folklore and pop groups, numerous theatrical productions, exhibitions and presentations. Much attention is paid to the children’s audience: various creative competitions for young performers are planned.
A special place in the program is occupied by events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War – the most important event in our common history. I am sure that the great power of art will help preserve the grateful memory of the glorious deeds of our fathers and grandfathers who fought shoulder to shoulder against the fascist invaders, and pass on to the younger generations the good traditions of fraternal friendship and mutual assistance bequeathed by them.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who took part in organizing the festival, wish its participants inspiration and success, and the guests – bright, unforgettable impressions.”
The International Festival of Arts “Slavianski Bazaar” has been held since 1992. This year, artists from more than 40 countries are taking part in it; the festival events are taking place in Vitebsk from July 8 to 14.
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.
The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives announces bills that will be considered under suspension of the rules in that chamber. Under suspension, floor debate is limited, all floor amendments are prohibited, points of order against the bill are waived, and final passage requires a two-thirds majority vote.
At the request of the Majority Leader and the House Committee on the Budget, CBO estimates the effects of those bills on direct spending and revenues. CBO has limited time to review the legislation before consideration. Although it is possible in most cases to determine whether the legislation would affect direct spending or revenues, time may be insufficient to estimate the magnitude of those effects. If CBO has prepared estimates for similar or identical legislation, a more detailed assessment of budgetary effects, including effects on spending subject to appropriation, may be included.
CBO’s estimates of the bills that have been posted for possible consideration under suspension of the rules during the week of July 14, 2025, include:
H.R. 131, Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act, as amended
H.R. 410, Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Extension Act of 2025
H.R. 504, Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act
H.R. 900, Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025, as amended
H.R. 1043, La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act
H.R. 1044, To amend Public Law 99-338 with respect to Kaweah Project permits
H.R. 1455, ITS Codification Act
H.R. 1618, Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act, as amended
H.R. 1709, Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act
H.R. 1717, Communications Security Act
H.R. 1729, Bolts Ditch Act
H.R. 1765, Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2025, as amended
H.R. 1766, NTIA Policy and Cybersecurity Coordination Act
H.R. 1770, Consumer Safety Technology Act
H.R. 2037, Open RAN Outreach Act, as amended
H.R. 2316, Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025
H.R. 3657, Hydropower Relicensing Transparency Act, as amended
S. 1596, Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Act
he Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs has signed a formal agreement with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians that will provide a framework for collaboration and increased resources dedicated to supporting the Tribe’s veterans in accessing their earned federal and state veterans’ benefits.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed Friday, June 27, by ODVA Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels and Tribal Council Chairman Delores Pigsley, with Tribal government leaders and representatives, Tribal veterans and ODVA staff gathered to commemorate the historic partnership. The formal signing was hosted at ODVA’s headquarters in Salem.
The agreement will pave the way for the establishment of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians’ first Tribal Veterans Service Officer (TVSO), which will be jointly funded by ODVA and the Tribe to serve Siletz veterans and their families.
“Oregon’s Tribal veterans have long served with honor and distinction, and it is our responsibility to ensure they receive the care and recognition they have earned,” said Dr. Daniels. “By partnering with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, we are committing to a future where Siletz veterans are served in a way that honors their stories, their service, and their sovereign identity. We’re proud to walk alongside the Tribe in building something that will truly make a difference in the lives of their veterans and families.”
“I am excited for the future of our honored Tribal veterans and the opportunity this brings to them,” said Chairman Pigsley. “Not only to support them but to help advocate for them. This memorandum with the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is more than a collaboration or a partnership. It’s a commitment to honoring and empowering those who have served our nation. Their deep-rooted connection to the veteran community and unwavering dedication to their well-being make them a trusted and invaluable partner.”
This Memorandum of Understanding is ODVA’s sixth with Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes, including the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and, most recently, the Coquille Indian Tribe in May.
Oregon’s statewide network of County and Tribal Veteran Service Offices are collaborative partnerships between the state and counties, or Tribal governments and deliver free local access to veteran benefits for veterans and their families.
Tribal Veteran Service Officers (TVSOs) are trained by ODVA and then accredited by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs through a series of regular trainings facilitated by both agencies. TVSOs provide a wide variety of benefits and services to veterans and their family members, including the development and submission of claims to the federal VA for earned veteran benefits. To learn more about veteran benefits, resources and services near you, or to schedule a session with your local Veteran Service Officer, visit the website of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs at www.oregon.gov/odva/Services/Pages/Tribal-Veteran-Services.aspx.
he Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs has signed a formal agreement with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians that will provide a framework for collaboration and increased resources dedicated to supporting the Tribe’s veterans in accessing their earned federal and state veterans’ benefits.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed Friday, June 27, by ODVA Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels and Tribal Council Chairman Delores Pigsley, with Tribal government leaders and representatives, Tribal veterans and ODVA staff gathered to commemorate the historic partnership. The formal signing was hosted at ODVA’s headquarters in Salem.
The agreement will pave the way for the establishment of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians’ first Tribal Veterans Service Officer (TVSO), which will be jointly funded by ODVA and the Tribe to serve Siletz veterans and their families.
“Oregon’s Tribal veterans have long served with honor and distinction, and it is our responsibility to ensure they receive the care and recognition they have earned,” said Dr. Daniels. “By partnering with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, we are committing to a future where Siletz veterans are served in a way that honors their stories, their service, and their sovereign identity. We’re proud to walk alongside the Tribe in building something that will truly make a difference in the lives of their veterans and families.”
“I am excited for the future of our honored Tribal veterans and the opportunity this brings to them,” said Chairman Pigsley. “Not only to support them but to help advocate for them. This memorandum with the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is more than a collaboration or a partnership. It’s a commitment to honoring and empowering those who have served our nation. Their deep-rooted connection to the veteran community and unwavering dedication to their well-being make them a trusted and invaluable partner.”
This Memorandum of Understanding is ODVA’s sixth with Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes, including the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and, most recently, the Coquille Indian Tribe in May.
Oregon’s statewide network of County and Tribal Veteran Service Offices are collaborative partnerships between the state and counties, or Tribal governments and deliver free local access to veteran benefits for veterans and their families.
Tribal Veteran Service Officers (TVSOs) are trained by ODVA and then accredited by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs through a series of regular trainings facilitated by both agencies. TVSOs provide a wide variety of benefits and services to veterans and their family members, including the development and submission of claims to the federal VA for earned veteran benefits. To learn more about veteran benefits, resources and services near you, or to schedule a session with your local Veteran Service Officer, visit the website of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs at www.oregon.gov/odva/Services/Pages/Tribal-Veteran-Services.aspx.
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing the swimming area at City Park and Conimicut Point Beach in Warwick due to high bacteria counts.
RIDOH will continue to monitor and review beach water quality through Labor Day. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751). A list of closed beaches can also be accessed at https://health.ri.gov/beaches/
Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division issued the following statement today in connection with the closing of the Department’s investigation into the proposed acquisition of UScellular by T-Mobile:
“After a thorough investigation, the Antitrust Division determined prudentially not to seek an injunction to prevent T-Mobile from closing on its proposed acquisition of UScellular. The investigation nevertheless raised concerns about competition in the relevant markets for mobile wireless services and the availability of wireless spectrum needed to fuel competition and entry. Specifically, as part of the investigation, the Department considered the potential impact on consumers resulting from the elimination of UScellular from the market, the potential for consumer benefits, and the potential impact of the further consolidation of wireless spectrum.
“With respect to the potential impact on consumers, for years, Americans have witnessed the too-familiar pattern of local or regional companies that discern and cater to their customers’ needs vanishing in favor of the ‘one size fits all’ approach of national brands. UScellular, whose tagline was ‘America’s locally grown wireless,’ noted the ‘sea of sameness’ among the ‘Big 3’ national carriers — Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile — and resolved to be ‘fundamentally different’ in how it went to market. The company understood the unmet needs of customers whom they identified as ‘Heartland Families’ or ‘Farmtown Frugals’. UScellular met those needs by building networks, pricing plans, and service offerings that its customers valued, and which for many years the Big 3 often did not offer. To the chagrin of its Big 3 competitors, UScellular maintained a sizable customer base within its network footprint by virtue of its strong emphasis on transparency, integrity, and localized customer service. Accordingly, as part of its investigation, the Department considered the impact of the potential disappearance of the services offered to those customers of UScellular — soon to become T-Mobile customers following the merger — that chose UScellular over T-Mobile or its national competitors.
“In addition to the potential impact on consumers resulting from the elimination of UScellular from the market, the Department also investigated the potential for consumer benefits. Specifically, the Department considered how UScellular subscribers would fare if UScellular continued as a business without completing this transaction. That aspect of the investigation made clear that, due in part to its limited regional footprint and unique structural limitations, UScellular simply could not keep up with the escalating cost of capital investments in technology required to compete vigorously in the relevant market. This would, in turn, lead to the slow degradation of its network quality. In contrast, T-Mobile has publicly committed that it will integrate the two networks in a way that provides UScellular customers with faster data speeds, while T-Mobile customers will obtain broader coverage in rural areas. Accordingly, the Department concluded the loss of the local offerings that UScellular customers value was outweighed by the immediate improvements in network quality promised by this proposed transaction. That conclusion is bolstered by the competitive realities of future investment in wireless networks and spectrum.
“In sum, the Department evaluated the likelihood of harm to competition and the potential effects of the transaction on consumers and determined that, on balance, the potential harm and offsetting benefits of the transaction do not warrant an enforcement action. UScellular’s inability to maintain its competitive position would result in declining value to its subscriber base, whereas the transaction offers them hope that they will be able to experience the benefits of a more robust cellular network.
“More broadly, the Department’s investigation made clear that we stand at a pivotal moment for the wireless industry. The transaction comes near the tail end of a decades-long trend toward consolidation-by-acquisition that has now left most consumers with meaningful choices among just the ‘Big 3’ national carriers. Economists and historians, appropriately, will debate whether this trend ultimately redounded to the benefit of competition and consumers, but the stark facts of today merit our immediate attention: together, the Big 3 account for more than 90 percent of the roughly 335 million mobile subscriptions in the United States.
“As the Department observed in 2019, when T-Mobile acquired Sprint, ‘The merger would also leave the market vulnerable to increased coordination among the remaining three carriers. Increased coordination harms consumers through a combination of higher prices, reduced innovation, reduced quality, and fewer choices.’ The Department also noted at the time that ‘competition between Sprint and T-Mobile to sell wireless service wholesale to [mobile virtual network operators] has benefited consumers by facilitating innovation by some MVNOs.’ These concerns remain highly relevant.
“Spectrum, a national resource that belongs to the American people, is critical to competition in the relevant markets for mobile wireless services. This transaction, and two other deals contingent on its closing, will consolidate yet more spectrum in the Big 3’s oligopoly, which controls more than 80 percent of the mobile wireless spectrum in the country. The Department investigated these spectrum transfers and concluded that they would not result in sufficient harm to competition to warrant an enforcement action, yet the risks to future competition due to further spectrum aggregation by the Big 3 are acute. As revealed in the merging parties’ advocacy in defense of the proposed transaction, the increased revenues and profitability that the Big 3 obtain through transactions like these enable them to even more dramatically outbid independent rivals for spectrum at future auctions.
“It is of concern to the United States that continued spectrum aggregation by the Big 3 threatens to impede the path for a fourth national player to emerge and challenge the entrenched incumbents with new and innovative offerings. Where future spectrum consolidation transactions threaten this path, the Antitrust Division stands ready to investigate and, if warranted by the facts and evidence, use its enforcement power to protect competition and American consumers.”
* * *
This statement is limited by the Department’s obligation to protect the confidentiality of certain information obtained in its investigations. As in most of its investigations, the Department’s evaluation has been highly fact-specific, and many of the relevant underlying facts are not public. Consequently, readers should not draw overly broad conclusions regarding how the Department is likely in the future to analyze other collaborations or activities, or transactions involving particular firms. Enforcement decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, and the analysis and conclusions discussed in this statement do not bind the Department in any future enforcement actions.
Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division issued the following statement today in connection with the closing of the Department’s investigation into the proposed acquisition of UScellular by T-Mobile:
“After a thorough investigation, the Antitrust Division determined prudentially not to seek an injunction to prevent T-Mobile from closing on its proposed acquisition of UScellular. The investigation nevertheless raised concerns about competition in the relevant markets for mobile wireless services and the availability of wireless spectrum needed to fuel competition and entry. Specifically, as part of the investigation, the Department considered the potential impact on consumers resulting from the elimination of UScellular from the market, the potential for consumer benefits, and the potential impact of the further consolidation of wireless spectrum.
“With respect to the potential impact on consumers, for years, Americans have witnessed the too-familiar pattern of local or regional companies that discern and cater to their customers’ needs vanishing in favor of the ‘one size fits all’ approach of national brands. UScellular, whose tagline was ‘America’s locally grown wireless,’ noted the ‘sea of sameness’ among the ‘Big 3’ national carriers — Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile — and resolved to be ‘fundamentally different’ in how it went to market. The company understood the unmet needs of customers whom they identified as ‘Heartland Families’ or ‘Farmtown Frugals’. UScellular met those needs by building networks, pricing plans, and service offerings that its customers valued, and which for many years the Big 3 often did not offer. To the chagrin of its Big 3 competitors, UScellular maintained a sizable customer base within its network footprint by virtue of its strong emphasis on transparency, integrity, and localized customer service. Accordingly, as part of its investigation, the Department considered the impact of the potential disappearance of the services offered to those customers of UScellular — soon to become T-Mobile customers following the merger — that chose UScellular over T-Mobile or its national competitors.
“In addition to the potential impact on consumers resulting from the elimination of UScellular from the market, the Department also investigated the potential for consumer benefits. Specifically, the Department considered how UScellular subscribers would fare if UScellular continued as a business without completing this transaction. That aspect of the investigation made clear that, due in part to its limited regional footprint and unique structural limitations, UScellular simply could not keep up with the escalating cost of capital investments in technology required to compete vigorously in the relevant market. This would, in turn, lead to the slow degradation of its network quality. In contrast, T-Mobile has publicly committed that it will integrate the two networks in a way that provides UScellular customers with faster data speeds, while T-Mobile customers will obtain broader coverage in rural areas. Accordingly, the Department concluded the loss of the local offerings that UScellular customers value was outweighed by the immediate improvements in network quality promised by this proposed transaction. That conclusion is bolstered by the competitive realities of future investment in wireless networks and spectrum.
“In sum, the Department evaluated the likelihood of harm to competition and the potential effects of the transaction on consumers and determined that, on balance, the potential harm and offsetting benefits of the transaction do not warrant an enforcement action. UScellular’s inability to maintain its competitive position would result in declining value to its subscriber base, whereas the transaction offers them hope that they will be able to experience the benefits of a more robust cellular network.
“More broadly, the Department’s investigation made clear that we stand at a pivotal moment for the wireless industry. The transaction comes near the tail end of a decades-long trend toward consolidation-by-acquisition that has now left most consumers with meaningful choices among just the ‘Big 3’ national carriers. Economists and historians, appropriately, will debate whether this trend ultimately redounded to the benefit of competition and consumers, but the stark facts of today merit our immediate attention: together, the Big 3 account for more than 90 percent of the roughly 335 million mobile subscriptions in the United States.
“As the Department observed in 2019, when T-Mobile acquired Sprint, ‘The merger would also leave the market vulnerable to increased coordination among the remaining three carriers. Increased coordination harms consumers through a combination of higher prices, reduced innovation, reduced quality, and fewer choices.’ The Department also noted at the time that ‘competition between Sprint and T-Mobile to sell wireless service wholesale to [mobile virtual network operators] has benefited consumers by facilitating innovation by some MVNOs.’ These concerns remain highly relevant.
“Spectrum, a national resource that belongs to the American people, is critical to competition in the relevant markets for mobile wireless services. This transaction, and two other deals contingent on its closing, will consolidate yet more spectrum in the Big 3’s oligopoly, which controls more than 80 percent of the mobile wireless spectrum in the country. The Department investigated these spectrum transfers and concluded that they would not result in sufficient harm to competition to warrant an enforcement action, yet the risks to future competition due to further spectrum aggregation by the Big 3 are acute. As revealed in the merging parties’ advocacy in defense of the proposed transaction, the increased revenues and profitability that the Big 3 obtain through transactions like these enable them to even more dramatically outbid independent rivals for spectrum at future auctions.
“It is of concern to the United States that continued spectrum aggregation by the Big 3 threatens to impede the path for a fourth national player to emerge and challenge the entrenched incumbents with new and innovative offerings. Where future spectrum consolidation transactions threaten this path, the Antitrust Division stands ready to investigate and, if warranted by the facts and evidence, use its enforcement power to protect competition and American consumers.”
* * *
This statement is limited by the Department’s obligation to protect the confidentiality of certain information obtained in its investigations. As in most of its investigations, the Department’s evaluation has been highly fact-specific, and many of the relevant underlying facts are not public. Consequently, readers should not draw overly broad conclusions regarding how the Department is likely in the future to analyze other collaborations or activities, or transactions involving particular firms. Enforcement decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, and the analysis and conclusions discussed in this statement do not bind the Department in any future enforcement actions.
Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division issued the following statement today in connection with the closing of the Department’s investigation into the proposed acquisition of UScellular by T-Mobile:
“After a thorough investigation, the Antitrust Division determined prudentially not to seek an injunction to prevent T-Mobile from closing on its proposed acquisition of UScellular. The investigation nevertheless raised concerns about competition in the relevant markets for mobile wireless services and the availability of wireless spectrum needed to fuel competition and entry. Specifically, as part of the investigation, the Department considered the potential impact on consumers resulting from the elimination of UScellular from the market, the potential for consumer benefits, and the potential impact of the further consolidation of wireless spectrum.
“With respect to the potential impact on consumers, for years, Americans have witnessed the too-familiar pattern of local or regional companies that discern and cater to their customers’ needs vanishing in favor of the ‘one size fits all’ approach of national brands. UScellular, whose tagline was ‘America’s locally grown wireless,’ noted the ‘sea of sameness’ among the ‘Big 3’ national carriers — Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile — and resolved to be ‘fundamentally different’ in how it went to market. The company understood the unmet needs of customers whom they identified as ‘Heartland Families’ or ‘Farmtown Frugals’. UScellular met those needs by building networks, pricing plans, and service offerings that its customers valued, and which for many years the Big 3 often did not offer. To the chagrin of its Big 3 competitors, UScellular maintained a sizable customer base within its network footprint by virtue of its strong emphasis on transparency, integrity, and localized customer service. Accordingly, as part of its investigation, the Department considered the impact of the potential disappearance of the services offered to those customers of UScellular — soon to become T-Mobile customers following the merger — that chose UScellular over T-Mobile or its national competitors.
“In addition to the potential impact on consumers resulting from the elimination of UScellular from the market, the Department also investigated the potential for consumer benefits. Specifically, the Department considered how UScellular subscribers would fare if UScellular continued as a business without completing this transaction. That aspect of the investigation made clear that, due in part to its limited regional footprint and unique structural limitations, UScellular simply could not keep up with the escalating cost of capital investments in technology required to compete vigorously in the relevant market. This would, in turn, lead to the slow degradation of its network quality. In contrast, T-Mobile has publicly committed that it will integrate the two networks in a way that provides UScellular customers with faster data speeds, while T-Mobile customers will obtain broader coverage in rural areas. Accordingly, the Department concluded the loss of the local offerings that UScellular customers value was outweighed by the immediate improvements in network quality promised by this proposed transaction. That conclusion is bolstered by the competitive realities of future investment in wireless networks and spectrum.
“In sum, the Department evaluated the likelihood of harm to competition and the potential effects of the transaction on consumers and determined that, on balance, the potential harm and offsetting benefits of the transaction do not warrant an enforcement action. UScellular’s inability to maintain its competitive position would result in declining value to its subscriber base, whereas the transaction offers them hope that they will be able to experience the benefits of a more robust cellular network.
“More broadly, the Department’s investigation made clear that we stand at a pivotal moment for the wireless industry. The transaction comes near the tail end of a decades-long trend toward consolidation-by-acquisition that has now left most consumers with meaningful choices among just the ‘Big 3’ national carriers. Economists and historians, appropriately, will debate whether this trend ultimately redounded to the benefit of competition and consumers, but the stark facts of today merit our immediate attention: together, the Big 3 account for more than 90 percent of the roughly 335 million mobile subscriptions in the United States.
“As the Department observed in 2019, when T-Mobile acquired Sprint, ‘The merger would also leave the market vulnerable to increased coordination among the remaining three carriers. Increased coordination harms consumers through a combination of higher prices, reduced innovation, reduced quality, and fewer choices.’ The Department also noted at the time that ‘competition between Sprint and T-Mobile to sell wireless service wholesale to [mobile virtual network operators] has benefited consumers by facilitating innovation by some MVNOs.’ These concerns remain highly relevant.
“Spectrum, a national resource that belongs to the American people, is critical to competition in the relevant markets for mobile wireless services. This transaction, and two other deals contingent on its closing, will consolidate yet more spectrum in the Big 3’s oligopoly, which controls more than 80 percent of the mobile wireless spectrum in the country. The Department investigated these spectrum transfers and concluded that they would not result in sufficient harm to competition to warrant an enforcement action, yet the risks to future competition due to further spectrum aggregation by the Big 3 are acute. As revealed in the merging parties’ advocacy in defense of the proposed transaction, the increased revenues and profitability that the Big 3 obtain through transactions like these enable them to even more dramatically outbid independent rivals for spectrum at future auctions.
“It is of concern to the United States that continued spectrum aggregation by the Big 3 threatens to impede the path for a fourth national player to emerge and challenge the entrenched incumbents with new and innovative offerings. Where future spectrum consolidation transactions threaten this path, the Antitrust Division stands ready to investigate and, if warranted by the facts and evidence, use its enforcement power to protect competition and American consumers.”
* * *
This statement is limited by the Department’s obligation to protect the confidentiality of certain information obtained in its investigations. As in most of its investigations, the Department’s evaluation has been highly fact-specific, and many of the relevant underlying facts are not public. Consequently, readers should not draw overly broad conclusions regarding how the Department is likely in the future to analyze other collaborations or activities, or transactions involving particular firms. Enforcement decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, and the analysis and conclusions discussed in this statement do not bind the Department in any future enforcement actions.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has opened an investigation into the State of Minnesota, including the Minnesota Department of Human Services, to determine whether it has engaged in race- and sex-based discrimination in its state employment hiring practices.
In a policy issued earlier this month, the Minnesota Department of Human Services requires its hiring supervisors to provide a “hiring justification when seeking to hire a non-underrepresented candidate.” Hiring supervisors who do not comply with the policy “may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.” The policy seems to be part of a broader effort by the state to engage in race- and sex-based employment practices in its “affirmative action” objectives.
The Civil Rights Division’s Employment Litigation Section will investigate whether Minnesota is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination based on race, sex, and other protected characteristics, pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
“Minnesotans deserve to have their state government employees hired based on merit, not based on illegal DEI,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.
“Federal law has long prohibited employment policies that discriminate based on race or sex,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department refuses to tolerate such conduct, and states invite investigation when they engage in biased hiring practices tied to protected characteristics.”
Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis
July 10, 2025
Washington, D.C. – Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) released the following statement today about the outrageous decision by the National Education Association (NEA) to cut ties with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) over their support for Israel.
“I find it deeply troubling that the National Education Association (NEA) has chosen to sever ties with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), an organization dedicated to fighting antisemitism, discrimination, and hate crimes across America. At a time when we’re witnessing alarming rises in antisemitic incidents nationwide, our educational institutions should be strengthening – not weakening – their partnerships with organizations committed to protecting Jewish Americans and combating hatred. The NEA should be reminding educators and students alike that Israel was the victim of an unprovoked terrorist attack by Hamas, and that antisemitism has no place in our educational system.”
Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Digital Coast Act, to help coastal communities better prepare for storms, cope with varying water levels, and plan for future development. The bill reauthorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Digital Coast Program, which Baldwin and Murkowski previously spearheaded to reestablish the program in 2020.
“The Great Lakes are essential to the Wisconsin way of life and our economy, but make no mistake – they face some serious and unique challenges, and our local communities need tools and information to address them, keep families safe, and support our local businesses,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to once again work with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to support our local coastal communities and ensure they have the resources and data they need to prepare for disasters, keep our water clean and safe, and make smart planning decisions for the future.”
“As we confront the escalating impacts of climate change, it is crucial our coastal communities remain equipped with the tools and data they need to adapt and thrive,” said Senator Murkowski. “The Digital Coast Program has proven to be a vital resource in this effort, providing essential information and support for our local leaders to make informed decisions.”
NOAA currently assembles and hosts the Digital Coast Project, a collaborative online database of the most up-to-date coastal information and makes it available to both the public and private sectors. Digital Coast also provides tools for coastal communities to decipher and use the high-tech mapping data to make accurate decisions and smart investments in coastal communities.
The Digital Coast Act reauthorizes the program and ensures that communities will continue to have the data to make smart choices for economic development, shoreline management, and coastal restoration. The bill supports further development of the current project, including increasing access to uniform, up-to-date data, to help communities get the coastal data they need to respond to emergencies, plan for long-term coastal resilience, and manage their water resources.
Companion legislation was introduced yesterday in the U.S. House by Representatives Dave Min (D-CA-47) and Rob Wittman (R-VA-01).
“From extreme weather to competing demands for coastal property, our coastal communities need the best available resources to respond to the mounting threat of climate change,” said Congressman Min. “NOAA’s Digital Coast Program provides essential research and data to address the adverse effects of the climate crisis, all while creating thousands of high tech jobs around America. I’m proud to be leading the charge to protect Orange County’s beautiful coastline.”
“Virginia’s First District is home to vibrant coastal communities that rely on cutting-edge data and resources to thrive, especially in the face of challenges such as extreme weather and aging infrastructure,” said Congressman Wittman. “I’m proud to help introduce the Digital Coastal Reauthorization Act alongside Rep. Dave Min, legislation that will reauthorize NOAA’s Digital Coast program. This vital program collects and distributes data that will help mitigate future weather-related issues and provide communities with the tools they need to expand and plan for the future.”
“Digital Coast represents the best of government at work,” said Sue Schwartz, FAICP, President of the American Planning Association. “It’s innovative, collaborative, efficient, bipartisan, and cost-effective; all while helping local communities make better decisions about how to tackle tough coastal challenges. Planners benefit from access to critical data that shapes the insights they bring to residents and local leaders. The American Planning Association strongly supports the reauthorization of this vital resource for protecting and planning our communities.”
“NOAA’s Digital Coast provides a one-stop shop for the data, tools and training that coastal managers and researchers use to learn and do their jobs. As a collaboration between the federal government and partner organizations and used extensively by the public and private sectors, Digital Coast is government at its most effective,” said Derek Brockbank, Executive Director of Coastal States Organization.?“The Digital Coast Act will ensure this important resource for all communities is authorized and funded for the next 5 years.”?
“The Digital Coast Program empowers coastal states with the tools and data they need to address real-world challenges—from flooding and hurricanes to smart growth and resource management,” said Ken Nelson, National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC) President. “Continued federal support is vital to strengthening the geospatial foundation that drives both our economy and our national preparedness. Reauthorizing the Digital Coast Act ensures coastal communities have the high-quality data they need to plan, protect, and prosper.”
“To make sure that people can enjoy everything our coasts have to offer, coastal managers need to have the right tools, data and training. The Digital Coast partnership provides those products and services,” said Stephanie Bailenson, US Federal Water Policy Team Lead at The Nature Conservancy. “We’ve seen in our work across the country how Digital Coast helps coastal communities address storms and flooding while strengthening local economies. We’re happy to see the sponsors of the partnership’s reauthorization bill demonstrate the continued bi-partisan support for the partnership.”
“The provisions of the Digital Coast Reauthorization will modernize the Digital Coast program and provide for the continuation of a sustainable program to utilize geospatial technologies to map and monitor the coastal waterways of the United States, providing an invaluable benefit to the public, and to the professionals whose charge is to protect their health, safety, and welfare,” said Timothy W. Burch, PLS, Executive Director of National Society of Professional Surveyors.
“The Digital Coast Program is a balanced approach to environmental protection and economic development in our valuable coastal areas.? This bill reauthorizes and modernizes a successful program that utilizes the talent of the private sector and intergovernmental agencies by providing data and services that are essential to the economic engine that is coastal America, while conserving it’s precious natural resources through geospatial data and related activities,” said John Palatiello, Founder of US Geospatial Executives Organization (U.S. GEO).
“The Digital Coast Partnership Advocacy Coalition commends Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) for introducing the Digital Coast Reauthorization Act. The Coalition also wishes to thank Representatives Dave Min (D-CA) and Rob Wittman (R-VA) for their leadership in introducing the companion bill in the House. The strong bipartisan support for this measure is a demonstration of its broad appeal and value to the nation’s communities. By consolidating coastal data from a variety of sources in one place and making it publicly accessible, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Digital Coast program is helping the coastal management community better plan for storms, flooding, natural disasters, and other challenges that impact vulnerable coastal and Great Lakes communities. Data included in the Digital Coast ranges from surveying, mapping, geospatial, economic, demographic and ecosystem data to satellite imagery. In addition to making this data publicly available online, the Digital Coast provides a wide array of visualization and prediction tools that dramatically improve the effectiveness and efficiency of coastal management projects around the country. Over the next 15 years, NOAA predicts a 411 percent return on investment from the Digital Coast program. In addition to the return on investment, the Digital Coast has played a significant role in protecting communities and natural resources from damaging natural disasters. Furthermore, 75 percent of Digital Coast users surveyed by NOAA indicated that their projects would not have been possible without the Digital Coast. By having bipartisan and bicameral introduction of the Digital Coast Reauthorization Act, we deeply appreciate your recognition of the numerous benefits the Digital Coast can provide to coastal communities and those working to make them more resilient,” said John “JB” Byrd, Coordinator, Digital Coast Partnership Advocacy Coalition.
“As our coastlines and beaches bear the brunt of extreme weather events, flooding, chronic erosion, sea level rise, and other hazards, coastal communities need every tool at their disposal to make informed decisions and plan for a safer, more resilient future,” said Emma Haydocy, Senior Manager of Coasts and Climate Initiative at the Surfrider Foundation. “NOAA’s Digital Coast program makes invaluable data accessible to the American public in light of these challenges, and reauthorizing and expanding this program will help safeguard vital coastal resources throughout the U.S. for years to come.”
The legislation is endorsed by Coastal States Organization, American Planning Association, Association of State Floodplain Managers, National Association of Counties, National Society of Professional Surveyors, U.S Geospatial Executives Organization (U.S. GEO), Surfrider Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, National States Geographic Information Council, National Estuarine Research Reserve Association, Quantum Spatial Inc., Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors, and Digital Coast Partnership Advocacy Coalition.
Full text of the bill is available here.
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has fined Bupa A$35 million for unlawfully rejecting thousands of health insurance claims over more than five years.
Between May 2018 and August 2023 Bupa incorrectly rejected claims from patients who had multiple medical procedures, with at least one of those procedures covered under their health insurance policy.
Instead of paying the portion of the treatment that was covered, Bupa’s automated systems wrongly rejected the entire claim.
Each tier has a minimum set of “clinical categories”. These are groups of hospital treatments that must be covered.
For example, basic hospital cover only has three mandatory inclusions: rehabilitation, hospital psychiatric services and palliative care. But this is “restricted” cover, meaning patients will often still have to pay substantial out-of-pocket costs for these services.
Basic cover is entry-level cover, mainly for people who want to avoid the Lifetime Health Cover loading and the Medicare Levy Surcharge. These are both ways of encouraging people to take up private health insurance while young and keeping it, especially people on higher incomes.
At the other end of the scale is gold cover, which includes unrestricted cover for all defined clinical categories, including pregnancy and birth.
You can generally change your level of cover at any time. When you upgrade to include new services or increase benefits for existing services, you will need to serve new waiting periods for those new or increased benefits.
A common waiting period is 12 months for pre-existing conditions (any ailment, illness or condition that you had signs or symptoms of during the six months before upgrading, even if undiagnosed), and for pregnancy and birth-related services. But there is generally only a two-month waiting period for psychiatric care, rehabilitation or palliative care, even if it’s for a pre-existing condition.
It’s a good idea to review your policy every two years because your health needs and financial circumstances can change.
How much do companies pay out?
The proportion of premiums that are paid out to cover medical claims is known as the “average payout ratio”. And this has been about 84–86% over most of the past 20 years.
This does not mean your health insurer will pay out 84–86% of your individual claim. This national average accounts for the percentage of all premiums in any one year, across all insurers, that’s paid out in claims.
That’s because for-profit health insurers have pressure to deliver profits to shareholders and have incentives to minimise payouts and control costs.
If not properly managed, these incentives may result in higher out-of-pocket expenses and denied claims.
Why has my claim been rejected?
Common reasons for claims to be rejected include:
the policy excluded or restricted the clinical category
the waiting period was not served
incorrect information (for example, a doctor billed an incorrect item number)
what’s known as “mixed coverage” (as in the Bupa scandal), where not everything in a claim is covered, but the entire claim is declined.
What if I think there’s an error?
If your health insurance company refuses your claim, you can request a detailed explanation in writing.
If you believe your claim has been incorrectly denied, you can make a formal complaint directly with the insurer. For this you need to check your policy documents, and gather supporting evidence. This may include detailed invoices, medical reports, referral letters and correct item numbers.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the health fund’s internal review, or the fund doesn’t respond with the specific time-frame (for instance, 30–45 days), you can escalate your complaint.
You can get in touch with the Commonwealth Ombudsman (phone: 1300 362 072). This provides a free, independent complaint handling service for a range of consumer issues, including health insurance.
The Bupa scandal, along with ongoing concerns about transparency and rising out-of-pocket costs, highlights the need for policy reforms to better protect consumers.
The government should require health insurers and health-care providers to give clear estimates of all potential out-of-pocket costs for a procedure before it happens. This would avoid unexpected bills and help consumers make informed decisions about their health care.
Yuting Zhang has received funding from the Australian Research Council (future fellowship project ID FT200100630), Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Victorian Department of Health, National Health and Medical Research Council and Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network. In the past, Professor Zhang has received funding from several US institutes including the US National Institutes of Health, Commonwealth fund, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She has not received funding from for-profit industry including the private health insurance industry.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Lensen, Senior Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
The government’s newly unveiled National AI Strategy is all about what its title says: “Investing with Confidence”. It tells businesses that Aotearoa New Zealand is open for AI use, and that our “light touch” approach won’t get in their way.
The question now is whether the claims made for AI by Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Shane Reti – that it will help boost productivity and enable the economy to grow by billions of dollars – can be justified.
Generative AI – the kind powering ChatGPT, CoPilot and Google’s video generator Veo 3 – is certainly earning money. In its latest funding round in April, OpenAI was valued at US$300 billion.
Nvidia, which makes the hardware that powers AI technology, just became the first publicly traded company to surpass a $4 trillion market valuation. It’d be great if New Zealand could get a slice of that pie.
New Zealand doesn’t have the capacity to build new generative AI systems, however. That takes tens of thousands of NVIDIA’s chips, costing many millions of dollars that only big tech companies or large nation states can afford.
What New Zealand can do is build new systems and services around these models, either by fine-tuning them, or using them as part of a bigger software system or service.
The government isn’t offering any new money to help companies do this. Its AI strategy is about reducing barriers, providing regulatory guidance, building capacity and ensuring adaption happens responsibly.
But there aren’t many barriers to begin with. The regulatory guidance contained in the strategy essentially says “we won’t regulate”. Existing laws are said to be “technology-neutral” and therefore sufficient.
As for building capacity, the country’s tertiary sector is more under-funded than ever, with universities cutting courses and staff. Humanities research into AI ethics is also ineligible for government funding as it doesn’t contribute to economic growth.
A relaxed regulatory regime
The issue of responsible adoption is perhaps of most concern. The 42-page “Responsible AI Guidance for Businesses” document, released alongside the strategy, contains useful material on issues such as detecting bias, measuring model accuracy, and human oversight. But it is just that – guidance – and entirely voluntary.
This puts New Zealand among the most relaxed nations when it comes to AI regulation, along with Japan and Singapore. At the other end is the European Union, which enacted its comprehensive AI Act in 2024, and has stood fast against lobbying to delay legislative rollout.
The relaxed approach is interesting in light of New Zealand being ranked third-to-last out of 47 countries in a recent survey of trust in AI. In another survey from last year, 66% of New Zealanders reported being nervous about the impacts of AI.
Some of the nervousness can be explained by AI being a new technology with well documented examples of inappropriate use, intentional or not. Deepfakes as a form of cyber bulling have become a major concern. Even the ACT Party, not generally in favour of more regulation, wants to criminalise the creation and sharing of non-consensual, sexually explicit deepfakes.
Generative image, video and music creation is reducing the demand for creative workers – even though it is their very work that was used to train the AI models.
But there are other, more subtle issues, too. AI systems learn from data. If that data is biased, then those systems will learn to be biased, too.
New Zealanders are right to be anxious about the prospect of private sector companies denying them jobs, entry to supermarkets or a bank loan because of something in their pasts. Because modern deep learning models are so complex and impenetrable, it can be impossible to determine how an AI system made a decision.
And what of the potential for AI to be used online to mislead voters and discredit the democratic process, as the New York Times has reported may have occurred already in at least 50 cases?
Managing risk the European way
The strategy is essentially silent on all of these issues. It also doesn’t mention Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi. Even Google’s AI summary tells me this is the nation’s founding document, laying the groundwork for Māori and the Crown to coexist.
Allowing these systems to be imported and deployed in Aotearoa New Zealand in sensitive applications – healthcare or justice, for example – without any regulation or oversight risks worsening inequalities even further.
“Unacceptable risk” – the likes of social scoring (where individuals’ daily activities are monitored and scored for their societal benefit) and AI hacking – is outright banned.
High-risk systems, such as uses for employment or transportation infrastructure, require strict obligations, including risk assessments and human oversight.
Limited and minimal risk applications – the biggest category by far – imposes very little red tape on companies.
This feels like a mature approach New Zealand might emulate. It wouldn’t stymie productivity much – unless companies were doing something risky. In which case, the 66% of New Zealanders who are nervous about AI might well agree it’s worth slowing down and getting it right.
Andrew Lensen receives government funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment through contestable academic research funds. He is the co-director of LensenMcGavin AI, a consultancy specialising in the responsible uptake of AI in Aotearoa.
The 2025 Global AIDS Update released on Thursday by UNAIDS – the global body’s agency fighting AIDS and HIV infection – warns that a historic funding crisis now threatens to unravel decades of hard-won gains unless countries radically rethink how they fund and deliver HIV services.
Yet even amid these challenges, many of the most-affected countries are stepping up. Of the 60 low and middle-income nations surveyed in the report, 25 have signaled plans to increase domestic HIV budgets in 2026 – a clear sign of growing national leadership and commitment to the response.
Although promising, such efforts are not sufficient to replace the scale of international funding in countries that are heavily reliant on global donors.
Global emergency
Despite marked progress in the HIV response in 2024, this year has seen many disruptions to HIV prevention programmes and treatment services, due to abrupt funding shortfalls in Washington and other major donor capitals.
Even before the large-scale service disruptions, reported data for 2024 showed that 9.2 million people living with HIV still did not have access to life-saving treatments, contributing to 75,000 AIDS-related deaths among children in 2024.
“This is not just a funding gap – it’s a ticking time bomb,” said Winnie Byanyima, UNAIDS Executive Director, as many AIDS-relief programmes are being defunded, pushing people out of critically needed care.
If US-supported HIV treatment and prevention services collapse entirely, UNAIDS estimated that an additional six million new HIV infections, and four million additional AIDS-related deaths could occur between 2025 and 2029.
Call for solidarity
Despite the grim landscape, “there is still time to transform this crisis into an opportunity,” said Ms. Byanyima, as countries and communities are stepping up to protect treatment gains.
As of December 2024, seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa had achieved the 95-95-95 targets: 95 per cent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 per cent of those are on treatment, and 95 per cent of those on treatment are virally suppressed.
While such successes must be maintained and further scaled up, the global HIV response cannot rely on domestic resources alone.
“In a time of crisis, the world must choose transformation over retreat,” said Ms. Byanyima.
“Together, we can still end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 – if we act with urgency, unity and unwavering commitment,” she added.
Ottawa, Ontario, July 10, 2025—The Canadian International Trade Tribunal today determined that there is a reasonable indication that the dumping of steel strapping from China, South Korea, Türkiye and Vietnam, and subsidizing of steel strapping from China have caused injury or are threatening to cause injury to the domestic industry.
The Tribunal’s inquiry was conducted pursuant to the Special Import Measures Act as a result of the initiation of dumping and subsidizing investigations by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The CBSA will continue its investigations and, by August 8, 2025, will issue preliminary determinations.
The Tribunal is an independent quasi-judicial body that reports to Parliament through the Minister of Finance. It hears cases on dumped and subsidized imports, safeguard complaints, complaints about federal government procurement and appeals of customs and excise tax rulings. When requested by the federal government, the Tribunal also provides advice on other economic, trade and tariff matters.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)
Larsen Announces Release of Funding for Local Transportation Projects
Washington, D.C., July 10, 2025
Today, Representative Rick Larsen released the following statement:
“I’m pleased that funding for several Northwest Washington transportation projects has been released by the Department of Transportation so local governments can move forward with their work as expected.
$1,238,680 for the Nooksack Indian Tribe to remove a culvert in Jones Creek under a BNSF Railway line in Acme (awarded Fiscal Year 2022)
$1,876,265 for Lummi Indian Business Council to build a new bus maintenance facility (awarded FY22)
$8,862,951 for Whatcom Transportation Authority to replace eight 2011 diesel buses with eight low or no emission buses (awarded FY22)
$9,644,865 for Whatcom Transportation Authority to purchase 11 low or no emission buses to replace three diesel buses and eight hybrid buses (awarded FY23)
$2,000,000 for the City of Burlington to identify which of the city’s 16 at-grade rail crossings is most suitable for grade separation to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion (awarded FY23)
$80,000 for the City of Ferndale’s Road Safety Improvement Plan (awarded FY24)
$95,000 for Samish Indian Nation’s Transportation Safety Action Plan (awarded FY24)
$100,000 for the City of Sedro-Woolley’s SS4A Action Plan (awarded FY24)
$18,090,000 for the City of Everett to eliminate two at-grade railroad crossings that pose significant risks to public safety through the construction of an overpass and new integrated roundabout near the Smith Island railroad terminal in Everett (awarded FY24)
$400,000 for the City of Everett to develop a supplemental Speed Management Plan (awarded FY24)
“I will continue to push Secretary Duffy to release and obligate the funding for other Northwest Washington projects that received awards, such as the $19,500,000 grant for Skagit Transit to renovate its Maintenance, Operations, and Administration Facility and the $2,000,000 grant for to the City of Lynden to complete planning for its project to relocate Pepin Creek (both awarded FY25).”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)
U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, visited Connect Health + Wellness in Martinsville, Virginia. The visit featured discussions focused on rural health care issues with hospital leadership and staff.
“The Martinsville-Henry County area is served by dedicated health care professionals, like those at Connect Health + Wellness,” said Representative Griffith. “I am thankful for the opportunity to tour their dental facility in Martinsville. As the new chairman of the Health Subcommittee, I support finding ways that help our rural hospitals provide critical health care access to rural communities.”
“At Connect Health + Wellness, we are deeply committed to expanding access to high-quality and affordable medical and dental care, particularly in the rural communities we serve,” said Connect Health + Wellness CEO Marcus Stone. “We are honored to welcome Representative Griffith and to have the opportunity to showcase our work as part of the ongoing conversation about strengthening rural healthcare in our region.”
Pictured: Rep. Griffith tours the Connect Health + Wellness dental facility.
BACKGROUND
This July, Representative Griffith was named Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health.
In a recent Rules Committee hearing, Congressman Griffith committed to working with Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie to explore improvements to health care access for rural communities.
Connect Health + Wellness is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Mesoscale Discussion 1630 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0200 PM CDT Thu Jul 10 2025
Areas affected…Northeast New York into Vermont
Concerning…Severe potential…Watch unlikely
Valid 101900Z – 102100Z
Probability of Watch Issuance…20 percent
SUMMARY…Thunderstorms are beginning to show signs of intensification. Damaging winds and large hail will be possible through the afternoon, but confidence in thunderstorm coverage remains low. Watch issuance is not anticipated at this time.
DISCUSSION…Weak convection has been percolating across northeast NY and VT since late morning, but has recently shown some signs of intensification per GOES IR imagery and vertically integrated liquid/echo top trends. Some degree of intensification is probable as daytime heating continues for the next several hours and MLCAPE increases to around 1000 J/kg. Elongated anvils are noted with deeper convection, which confirms recent forecast soundings that suggest upper-level winds are around 35-45 knots. However, winds through much of the CAPE-bearing layer remain near/below 20 knots, which is confirmed by recent VWP observations. Given the modest lapse rates/buoyancy, it remains unclear whether updrafts will be deep enough to sufficiently realize the stronger winds aloft and take on more organized supercell structures, especially given nebulous forcing for ascent/weak dynamic mid-level cooling. Consequently, a few strong/severe storms appear possible, but confidence in the overall coverage and longevity of severe convection remains limited. Trends will continue to be monitored, but watch issuance is currently not anticipated.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Mesoscale Discussion 1631 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0220 PM CDT Thu Jul 10 2025
Areas affected…north-central into eastern Nebraska…far southeast South Dakota…western Iowa
Concerning…Severe potential…Watch likely
Valid 101920Z – 102145Z
Probability of Watch Issuance…95 percent
SUMMARY…Severe storms are expected to develop close to 21Z over north-central Nebraska, with activity spreading east/southeast across the Missouri River this evening. A tornado and hail risk may exist initially, following by a corridor of significant damaging wind potential.
DISCUSSION…Satellite and radar indicate an arcing line of elevated thunderstorms over northeast NE, spreading into southeast SD and western IA. This activity is supported by theta-e advection with southwest flow off the surface, with steep lapse rates aloft.
Behind this activity, temporary subsidence and clearing exist over eastern NE. While initially cool, this air mass should destabilize again this evening.
Meanwhile, a large CU field is currently developing over central and north-central NE, near a stationary front. Deep moisture convergence will persist in this area, with the cap being breached later this afternoon. Aiding cap removal are hot temperatures just downstream into northern KS/southern NE, where temperatures are over 100 F.
Veering winds with height, combined with strong instability, will favor slow-moving supercells at first, with tornado and large hail risk. With time, a severe MCS is forecast, with increasing damaging wind potential. Significant wind gusts over 75 mph appear likely.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Mesoscale Discussion 1632
Mesoscale Discussion 1632 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0241 PM CDT Thu Jul 10 2025
Areas affected…much of western Kansas into south-central Nebraska
Concerning…Severe potential…Watch likely
Valid 101941Z – 102145Z
Probability of Watch Issuance…80 percent
SUMMARY…Storms will develop across much of western Kansas and into south-central Nebraska, with damaging wind gusts likely. Isolated large hail may also occur.
DISCUSSION…Satellite imagery shows towering CU developing with a surface trough/wind shift from the western OK across KS and into south-central NE. Temperatures within this zone are near 100 F, while dewpoints have only only mixed down into the mid to upper 50s F.
Given the hot and deeply mixed boundary layer, strong wind gusts appear probable. Veering winds with height also suggest some cellular mode is possible as well, and isolated hail may occur with the strongest storms. However, northeastward propagating mixed-mode severe appears most likely.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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