NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: RIDOH Recommends Closing the Swimming Area at City Park and Conimicut Point Beach

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    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/

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement of the Department of Justice Antitrust Division on the Closing of Its Investigation of the Merger of T-Mobile and UScellular

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    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. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement of the Department of Justice Antitrust Division on the Closing of Its Investigation of the Merger of T-Mobile and UScellular

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    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. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Releases Statement on NEA Shamefully Cutting Ties with the ADL 

    US Senate News:

    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.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin, Murkowski Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Our Shoreline Communities

    US Senate News:

    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.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Tribunal Issues Determination of Reasonable Indication of Injury—Steel Strapping from China, South Korea, Türkiye and Vietnam

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    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.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Larsen Announces Release of Funding for Local Transportation Projects

    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).”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Griffith Visits Connect Health + Wellness in Martinsville

    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).

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC MD 1630

    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.

    ..Moore/Mosier.. 07/10/2025

    …Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product…

    ATTN…WFO…GYX…BTV…ALY…

    LAT…LON 45067401 45047151 44547155 44217176 43837204 43517228
    43117281 42897327 42787353 42767391 42877430 43127455
    43497457 43897442 44217428 44567422 44907417 45067401

    MOST PROBABLE PEAK WIND GUST…55-70 MPH
    MOST PROBABLE PEAK HAIL SIZE…UP TO 1.25 IN

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC MD 1631

    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.

    ..Jewell/Mosier.. 07/10/2025

    …Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product…

    ATTN…WFO…DMX…FSD…OAX…GID…LBF…

    LAT…LON 41029794 41229927 41499983 41949999 42110000 42480001
    42779985 43059917 43089837 43129680 42879615 42379563
    41999555 41449565 41079604 40929644 40979723 41059787
    41029794

    MOST PROBABLE PEAK TORNADO INTENSITY…100-130 MPH
    MOST PROBABLE PEAK WIND GUST…65-80 MPH
    MOST PROBABLE PEAK HAIL SIZE…1.50-2.50 IN

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC MD 1632

    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.

    ..Jewell/Mosier.. 07/10/2025

    …Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product…

    ATTN…WFO…GID…LBF…DDC…GLD…

    LAT…LON 38060147 39230067 40340004 40979977 41329961 41489934
    41559895 41379862 41079852 40349859 39689880 38899918
    38159992 37420083 37200155 37240188 37460195 38060147

    MOST PROBABLE PEAK TORNADO INTENSITY…UP TO 95 MPH
    MOST PROBABLE PEAK WIND GUST…65-80 MPH
    MOST PROBABLE PEAK HAIL SIZE…1.00-1.75 IN

    Top/All Mesoscale Discussions/Forecast Products/Home

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 501 Status Reports

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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    Watch 501 Status Reports

    Watch 501 Status Message has not been issued yet.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 501

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL1

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 501
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    310 PM CDT Thu Jul 10 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Far Western Iowa
    Northeast Nebraska
    Extreme Southeast South Dakota

    * Effective this Thursday afternoon and evening from 310 PM until
    1000 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A couple tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 80
    mph likely
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2
    inches in diameter likely

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorm development is anticipated within the very
    unstable airmass across central/northeast NE this afternoon.
    Environmental conditions support initial supercells capable of all
    severe hazards, including large to very large hail and tornadoes.
    Upscale growth is anticipated after the initial cellular mode, with
    the resultant convective line progressing quickly eastward. Strong
    wind gusts are possible within this line, including gusts over 75
    mph.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 75 statute miles
    north and south of a line from 5 miles north northwest of Broken Bow
    NE to 10 miles east of Denison IA. For a complete depiction of the
    watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU1).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 70 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 27035.

    …Mosier

    SEL1

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 501
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    310 PM CDT Thu Jul 10 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Far Western Iowa
    Northeast Nebraska
    Extreme Southeast South Dakota

    * Effective this Thursday afternoon and evening from 310 PM until
    1000 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A couple tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 80
    mph likely
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2
    inches in diameter likely

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorm development is anticipated within the very
    unstable airmass across central/northeast NE this afternoon.
    Environmental conditions support initial supercells capable of all
    severe hazards, including large to very large hail and tornadoes.
    Upscale growth is anticipated after the initial cellular mode, with
    the resultant convective line progressing quickly eastward. Strong
    wind gusts are possible within this line, including gusts over 75
    mph.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 75 statute miles
    north and south of a line from 5 miles north northwest of Broken Bow
    NE to 10 miles east of Denison IA. For a complete depiction of the
    watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU1).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 70 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 27035.

    …Mosier

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW1
    WW 501 TORNADO IA NE SD 102010Z – 110300Z
    AXIS..75 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE..
    5NNW BBW/BROKEN BOW NE/ – 10E DNS/DENISON IA/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 65NM N/S /52ENE LBF – 55NNE OVR/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..70 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 27035.

    LAT…LON 42589967 43079519 40899519 40419967

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU1.

    Watch 501 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low (20%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (60%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Mod (60%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (60%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (60%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (>95%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Questions President Trump’s NOAA Administrator Nominee on Putting Facts and Science First

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    Dr. Neil Jacobs was involved in the 2019 “Sharpiegate,” when President Trump altered a hurricane map to falsely show Hurricane Dorian hitting Alabama, contradicting official forecasts

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, questioned Dr. Neil Jacobs, President Trump’s nominee to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), about his commitment to telling the truth during emergencies.

    Dr. Jacobs, who previously served as acting NOAA Administrator during President Trump’s first term, had defended the president’s dissemination of inaccurate weather information during a severe weather emergency. The Committee hearing came in the wake of deadly flooding in New Mexico and Texas, which claimed three lives in Ruidoso.

    MSNBC – All in With Chris Hayes: Trump’s Pick to Lead NOAA Faces Senate

    WATCH: Chris Hayes Highlights Senator Lujan’s Questioning of Dr. Neil Jacobs

    Washington Post – Trump’s NOAA pick stands by budget cuts, calls staffing ‘a top priority’

    “When Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico) asked whether Jacobs believed Americans should have to pay for access to the best forecasting data, he answered no.”

    ABC News – Senate considers Neil Jacobs, ‘Sharpiegate’ scientist, as NOAA administrator

    “When asked by Sen. Ben Ray Luján, D-NM, on Wednesday whether he would “make the same decision again,” Jacobs replied, “There’s probably some things I would do differently.”

    The Hill – Amid bipartisan concern, NOAA nominee pledges to make Weather Service staffing a ‘top priority’

    “Asked by Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) whether he would “sign off on an inaccurate statement due to political pressure in the same event,” Jacobs said no.”

    An excerpt of the exchange is available HERE and below: 

    Sen. Luján: September 1, 2019, when you were NOAA’s acting administrator, President Trump erroneously tweeted Alabama had been hit hard by Hurricane Dorian. 

    Shortly after, the National Weather Service Birmingham office issued the accurate statement, “Alabama will not see any impacts from Dorian.”

    Three days later, President Trump went on TV and displayed a weather map altered with a black Sharpie line to show that Dorian would hit Alabama.

    Two days after that, you helped draft a release rebuking the Birmingham NWS, and repeating President Trump’s baseless claims that Hurricane Dorian could impact Alabama.

    You told the Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General in their investigation that you “definitely felt like our jobs were on the line,” and while you did not like it, you would make the same decision again to edit a less inflammatory statement as the least bad option. Dr. Jacobs, do I have it right? Is that correct?

    Dr. Jacobs: That is what the report found.

    Sen. Luján: You would do nothing differently?

    Dr. Jacobs: There are probably some things I would do differently, and a lot of this that I did after that, I guess, to change any potential future outcome.

    Sen. Luján: I just had constituents die in New Mexico and constituents in Texas. Would you sign off on an inaccurate statement due to political pressure in the same event, yes or no?

    Dr. Jacobs: No.

    Sen. Luján: I appreciate that very much.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gabe Vasquez and New Mexico Delegation Help Unlock Federal Funds to Support Ongoing Ruidoso Flood Response

    Source: US Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 10, 2025, President Trump granted a Direct Federal Assistance emergency declaration for Ruidoso, providing critical federal resources to help the community recover and rebuild after major flooding on Tuesday. This federal emergency declaration comes after U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) and all members of New Mexico’s Congressional delegation joined Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in urging the President to declare the Ruidoso flooding a federal emergency. 

    “The impacts of this historic flood require federal resources for adequate recovery and ongoing mitigation efforts, there’s no other way around it,” said Vasquez. “Working with local, state and federal officials, we successfully unlocked crucial disaster funding to address the immediate needs of recovery operations. I will continue to work closely with my colleagues and the Governor to ensure the best and most efficient use of these funds and ensure New Mexicans who were impacted are taken care of.”

    At a press conference this morning, emergency management personnel on the ground said there was a possibility of additional rains and flooding in the Ruidoso area on Saturday, July 12, and that they would continue to monitor the situation and provide timely updates to the public.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Letlow Announces Key Economic Development Designation for Ouachita River

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Julia Letlow announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has designated the Ouachita River as a U.S. Marine Highway, further unlocking the 605-mile river’s potential to spur economic development in North Louisiana.

    Letlow called for the designation in a March letter to DOT Secretary Sean Duffy, touting the river’s capability to facilitate commerce, reduce highway congestion, and move freight. The designation enables local agencies, industries, and shippers to become eligible for federal infrastructure grants.

    “The Ouachita River is a wonderful natural resource with vast economic potential, especially in a region built by commodities which rely on reliable modes of transportation. This designation will spur rural economic development and increase opportunities for infrastructure improvements and job creation,” said Congresswoman Julia Letlow. “I want to thank the Trump Administration and Secretary Duffy for looking out for North Louisiana and working with me to unlock our region’s potential.”

    The designation comes as part of the United States Marine Highway Program, which was created by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 and aims to create more public benefits from the use of America’s navigable waterways. The program is administered by the U.S. Maritime Administration and allocates grants on a competitive basis to projects on designated U.S. Marine Highway Routes. 

    Officials with the Ouachita River Valley Association praised the designation, highlighting the opportunities the river can provide for Louisiana.

    “The designation of the Ouachita River as U.S. Marine Highway M-167 provides opportunities for public and private entities along the Ouachita River eligible to apply for federal grants. This is a great opportunity for our area,” said Randy Denmon, President, Ouachita River Valley Association.

    “This is actually pretty huge! The Ouachita River brings so much to the people within the Ouachita River Basin and we are excited to announce this major development. It is a major step in the revitalization of the river,” said Brandon Waggoner, Vice President, Ouachita River Valley Association.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Strong Votes to Fully Fund Veterans, Bolster Military Readiness

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dale Strong (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Dale Strong, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, voted today in support of H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026. The vital legislation championing veterans, supporting military families, and prioritizing infrastructure upgrades, passed the House of Representatives on a 218-206 vote.

    Once enacted, this bill will provide essential funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD) to support critical investments in military infrastructure, readiness, and the well-being of service members, veterans, and their families.  

    “I’m proud to support this bill, which delivers on our promises to America’s veterans by fully funding their health care and benefits,” said Rep. Strong. “It will help improve the lives of our troops and their families with better access to childcare, safer housing, and stronger base infrastructure. This funding bill also makes an effort to fund key construction projects to support readiness and our national security, expands mental health services, combats veteran homelessness, and makes smart investments in the Indo-Pacific to push back against China’s growing threat.”

    NORTH ALABAMA WINS

    Representative Strong successfully secured pivotal provisions directly benefiting North Alabama:  

    Advancing U.S. Space Command Headquarters Plans  

    One provision advances the U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) Headquarters process and requires a detailed funding plan and report for the necessary facilities investments.  

    “During the entire USSPACECOM basing process, Redstone Arsenal ranked as the #1 location for the headquarters. Four subsequent DoD Inspector General and GAO reports confirmed that the Air Force made the right choice — Redstone is what is best for national security, the taxpayer, the personnel, and their families,” said Strong.

    Ensuring Fair Veteran Cemetery Placement  

    Strong was also successful advancing a provision directing the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) to conduct a report evaluating its veteran population data collection methodology. A 2019 U.S. Government Accountability Office report indicated that if U.S. Census Bureau data were used rather than NCA’s current methodology, North Alabama would rank 2nd in need for a VA cemetery.

    “Nearly 60,000 veterans call Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District home. Those veterans and their families deserve the opportunity to choose a final resting place closer to home. Currently, the closest VA cemeteries are in Corinth, MS, Montevallo, AL, and Chattanooga, TN. I firmly believe that a more accurate data evaluation would make North Alabama a top candidate for a National or VA-grant funded state cemetery,” said Strong.  

    Other wins that will benefit North Alabama include a provision that expresses Congressional support for DoD range operations and supporting facilities, such as Redstone Test Center at Redstone Arsenal, and language directing the Veterans Health Administration to submit a report and recommended legislative changes to improve reimbursement rates, locality adjustments, prescription drug prices for veterans living in VA State Veteran Homes, like the Floyd E “Tut” Fann Home in Huntsville, AL.  
     

    KEY TAKEAWAYS  

    Champions our veterans by:  

    • Fully funding veterans’ health care programs.  
    • Fully funding veterans’ benefits and VA programs.  
    • Supporting President Trump’s efforts to combat veteran homelessness by investing in the new Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment program.  
    • Maintaining funding levels for research, mental health programs, and other programs relied upon by veterans.  

    Supports the Trump Administration and the mandate of the American people by:  

    • Protecting the 2nd Amendment rights of veterans by preventing the VA from sending information to the FBI about veterans without a judge’s consent.  
    • Syncing up with President Trump’s Executive Orders on no funds for DEI, gender affirming care, and protecting Hyde-like language at the VA.  
    • Prohibiting the VA from processing medical care claims for illegal aliens.  

    Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by:  

    • Providing robust funding for military construction, enabling continued investment in the Indo-Pacific region, and infrastructure necessary to support advanced weapons systems.  
    • Maintaining the prohibitions on the closure of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and the use of military construction funds to build facilities for detainees on U.S. soil.  
    • Prohibiting the VA from purchasing resources directly or indirectly from the People’s Republic of China.  

    DETAILED FUNDING SUMMARY  

    Department of Defense (Military Construction and Family Housing)  

    Provides $18 billion for the Department of Defense (DoD) military construction and family housing for the following:

    • Planning and design of future barracks to address barrack deficiencies identified by the Government Accountability Office.  
    • Demolition of excess and obsolete infrastructure, saving taxpayers money and lowering long-term facility maintenance costs at DoD.  
    • Guard and Reserve facility construction.  
    • Military Family Housing.  
    • Child development centers to improve the quality of life of military families.  

    Department of Veterans Affairs  

    Provides $452.64 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs for the following:  

    • Fully funds veterans’ medical care  
    • Fully funds veterans’ benefits and toxic exposures-related needs for the Toxic Exposures Fund (TEF).  
    • Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment program, an innovative effort to end veteran homelessness.  

    The Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026 is the first of 12 annual Appropriations bills to pass the House of Representatives.  

    “I want to thank Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, as well as the MilCon-VA subcommittee Chairman Judge John Carter and Ranking Member Debbie Wasserman-Schultz for their hard work on this critical funding bill,” said Strong.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Speaker Appoints Strong to Serve on Commission Dedicated to Holding China Accountable

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dale Strong (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON—Today, Speaker Mike Johnson appointed Representative Dale Strong to serve as a Commissioner on the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC).  

    “I am proud to be appointed to the CECC as a Commissioner this Congress. The Chinese Communist Party is relentless in its efforts to undermine America, not just through open confrontation but by exploiting our laws, infiltrating our institutions, and using covert tactics to weaken our economy and security from within,” said Representative Dale Strong. “This commission plays a critical role in shining a light on abuses and holding the Chinese government accountable.”

    “For 25 years, the Congressional-Executive Commission on China has done vital work to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable and educate the western world about their abuse of human rights and the rule of law,” said Speaker Johnson. “I am honored to appoint my friend Dale Strong to serve on the Commission to continue carrying out this longstanding, bipartisan priority and to ensure that the CCP’s abuses do not go unchecked.”

    BACKGROUND:  

    Congress created the CECC in 2000 with the mandate to monitor the rule of law in China and to provide transparency and accountability on the actions of the Chinese government.

    The Commission submits an annual report to Congressional leadership and the President to inform U.S. policy decisions. The CECC holds formal hearings and roundtables with academics, government officials, business representatives, and other experts to gather information for the report. Most recently, the CECC has reported on China’s use of forced labor, proliferation of mass biometric surveillance systems, cultural and religious suppression, and imprisonment of political dissidents.  

    The bipartisan group is composed of 23 members: nine Senators, nine members of the House of Representatives, and five senior Administration officials appointed by the President.

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Carney participates in a virtual meeting in support of Ukraine

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, participated in a virtual meeting of the Coalition of the Willing.

    The meeting was co-chaired by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer, and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron. It was also attended by many of Canada’s closest allies and partners, including the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and representatives of the United States – senators Lindsay Graham and Richard Blumenthal as well as U.S. Special Envoy General Keith Kellogg.

    The Coalition unequivocally condemned Russia’s latest strikes against Ukraine. They affirmed collective efforts to exert pressure on Russia, including through further sanctions as well as military and financial assistance to Ukraine. Prime Minister Carney raised Canada’s robust support to Ukraine, most recently through a major sanctions package targeting Russia’s shadow fleet and energy revenues; an additional $2 billion in new military support, with funding for drones, ammunition, and armoured vehicles, among other capabilities; and the disbursement of a $2.3 billion loan, to help rebuild Ukraine’s infrastructure and public systems.

    The Coalition underscored their steadfast support for Ukraine’s long-term security and sovereignty, and actions to establish a post-ceasefire force. To advance a just and lasting peace, the Coalition of the Willing will have new permanent headquarters in Paris, with plans in place for a future co-ordination cell in Kyiv.

    Associated link

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder on Employment Insurance measures introduced to support Canadian workers and employers

    Source: Government of Canada News

    On March 21, 2025, the Government of Canada introduced three temporary Employment Insurance (EI) measures designed to improve access and entitlement to income supports for workers whose jobs are affected by the continued threat of tariffs.  The three measures, in place until October 11, 2025, are:

    • Waiving the one-week EI waiting period;
    • Suspending the treatment of monies paid on separation; and
    • Artificially adjusting the EI unemployment rate by one percentage point in all EI regions, up to a maximum of 13.1%, with no region seeing less than 7.1%. This temporary measure will reduce the hours required to qualify for regular benefits to no higher than 630 hours and increase the weeks of entitlement by up to four additional weeks.

    Waiving the waiting period:

    Temporarily waiving the standard one-week waiting period means that some EI claimants could receive an extra week of benefits. This also helps workers adjust more easily to a drop in income after a layoff. This temporary measure applies to all EI claims, including regular, special and fishing benefits. This measure applies to claims with a benefit period that begins on or after March 30, 2025, but no later than October 11, 2025
    .
    Allowing claimants to receive EI benefits sooner by suspending the rules around treatment of severance:

    Suspending the rules around treatment of severance, vacation, and other monies paid upon separation means that monies paid or payable by reason of a lay-off or separation from employment (severance, vacation) are not considered earnings for EI benefit purposes. Because of this, EI claimants do not need to exhaust those payments before they are able to start receiving EI benefits, allowing them to receive benefits sooner.  This measure applies to claims with a benefit period that begins on or after March 30, 2025, but no later than October 11, 2025.

    Artificially adjusting the regional EI unemployment rates

    Across Canada, regional unemployment rates determine the number of hours or earnings required to access EI regular or fishing benefits, the number of weeks of regular benefit entitlement that a worker can receive, and the weekly benefit rate that they can receive. Each EI region’s unemployment rate is updated monthly, using the average of the last three or twelve months, based on data from Statistics Canada.

    When there is an increase in the regional rate of unemployment, the number of hours a worker in that region needs to qualify for regular benefits decreases and the number of weeks of regular benefit entitlement increases.

    The new temporary measure increases the EI unemployment rate by one percentage point in all EI regions, to a maximum of 13.1%, with no region seeing less than 7.1%. The new temporary regional unemployment rates better reflect the regional labour market conditions after tariffs have been imposed, including job losses. The new temporary rates are designed to increase access to EI regular and fishing benefits, increase the duration of EI regular benefits, and increase the benefit rate for all benefit types for those eligible.

    Additional details:
     

    • Claimants require no more than 630 hours of insurable employment in their qualifying period to qualify for regular benefits (in comparison with up to 700 hours normally.)
    • EI fishing benefit claimants require no more than $3,800 in earnings to qualify for EI fishing benefits (in comparison to up to $4,200 normally).
    • The minimum number of weeks of regular benefit entitlement on a claim is at least 17 weeks (in comparison to a minimum of 14 weeks in some regions normally). For some claimants, it will result in up to four additional weeks of EI regular benefit entitlement.
    • Establishing a minimum unemployment rate also means that the benefit rate of an EI regular or special benefit claimant is calculated using no more than their 20 best weeks of earnings in their qualifying period (in comparison to up to 22 weeks normally).
    • Similarly, for EI fishing benefit claimants, the benefit rate is calculated using a divisor no higher than 20 (in comparison to up to 22 normally).

    This measure applies to claims that begin on or after April 6, 2025, but no later than October 11, 2025.

    Work-Sharing Program

    The Work-Sharing Program is a component of the Employment Insurance (EI) program. When employers face difficulties beyond their control and are temporarily reducing their company’s activities, they may be eligible to participate in a Work-Sharing agreement to help avoid laying off employees.

    Under a Work-Sharing agreement, employers can reduce the employees’ working hours by between 10% and 60%. To help compensate for the days or time not worked, eligible employees may receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. 

    By participating in Work-Sharing, employers benefit from: retaining skilled employees and avoiding the expense of hiring and training new employees when work activity returns to normal. 

    Employees benefit from: avoiding the hardship of being laid off; maintaining their work skills and connection to the labour market; and receiving EI benefits for the days not worked. 

    On March 7, 2025, the Government of Canada announced temporary special measures to the Work-Sharing Program to help make the program more accessible to employers and workers. With these special measures, employer eligibility under the Program is expanded to include:  
     

    • businesses that have been in operation in Canada for 1 year;  
    • non-profit and charitable organizations experiencing a reduction in revenue levels as a direct or indirect result of the tariffs;  
    • cyclical or seasonal employers; and,  
    • employers experiencing a decrease in work activity over the past six months of less than 10% and allowing utilization of Work-Sharing to exceed 60%.  

    In addition, employee eligibility has also been expanded to include workers who are:  
     

    • not year-round, permanent, full-time or part-time employees, specifically seasonal or cyclical employees; and   
    • assisting the employer recovery efforts.  

    Under the new temporary Work-Sharing special measures, the maximum duration of a Work-Sharing agreement is also extended from 38 weeks to up to 76 weeks. Additionally, while temporary special measures are in place, the requirement to serve a cooling-off period between successive Work Sharing agreements is being waived. As well, recovery measures can focus on maintaining business viability in the face of tariffs (rather than a return to normal business).  

    These measures are in place from March 7, 2025, until March 6, 2026.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Federal government extends Employment Insurance temporary measure to help workers impacted by U.S. tariffs

    Source: Government of Canada News

    July 10, 2025                 Gatineau, Quebec                Employment and Social Development Canada 

    Tariffs imposed on Canadian goods by the United States and other trading partners continue to hurt Canadian workers and employers. In response, the federal government introduced measures to support workers with timely and reliable access to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, particularly those in sectors and regions heavily impacted by US tariffs.

    Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, and the Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour), announced the extension of the temporary adjustment to EI regional unemployment rates until October 11, 2025.

    This decision continues to reduce the hours required to qualify for regular benefits to no higher than 630 hours and increases the weeks of entitlement by up to four additional weeks.

    The Government continues to be engaged in negotiations on a broader trading arrangement with the United States with a primary focus on getting the best deal for Canadian workers and businesses. At the same time, it is equally important to help affected Canadian workers access the income support they need during this difficult and uncertain time.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Leader of Mexican Sex Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 188 Months in Prison

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    Defendant is the Last Member of a Family-Run Sex Trafficking Ring to be Sentenced

    Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Hugo Hernandez-Velazquez was sentenced by United States District Judge William F. Kuntz to 188 months’ imprisonment for sex trafficking multiple victims by force, fraud, and coercion.  The defendant was extradited from Mexico to the United States in February 2021.  He pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking in April 2023.  Hernandez-Velazquez will be deported to Mexico after completing his sentence.

    Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI New York), announced the sentence.

    “For years, the defendant and his siblings operated an illegal, abusive, and exploitative sex trafficking operation that stripped victims of their dignity and subjected them to inhumane violence,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “It is my hope that the prosecution of their tormentors and the punishment meted out will provide a measure of closure for the brave survivors who assisted the investigation and will help them on their path to healing.”

    “For nearly a decade, the defendant and his family oversaw a vicious sex trafficking campaign wrought with violence, manipulation, coercion, and outright force against women whom they lured into romantic relationships through false promises of love and support,” stated HSI Special Agent in Charge Patel.  “Every day, victims are targeted for human trafficking and other vile forms of exploitation and abuse, often at the hands of their own spouses or purported caretakers.  Today’s sentencing is no doubt a direct result of the bravery of each survivor who courageously spoke up.  Together with our partners, HSI is unflinchingly committed to investigating and vigorously pursuing anyone, anywhere, who sexually exploits the very individuals they claim to care for.”

    Mr. Nocella commended HSI New York’s Trafficking in Persons Unit for leading the investigation of the Hernandez-Velazquez Sex Trafficking Organization; thanked the HSI Mexico City Attaché Office, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Department of State, Interpol, International Affairs Department of the Attorney General’s Office in Mexico, the Law Enforcement Unit of the State of Tlaxcala Attorney General’s Office, Interpol Mexico, and the New York City Police Department for their assistance; and praised the government of Mexico for its role in advancing bilateral anti-trafficking enforcement efforts.  Mr. Nocella also acknowledged the non-governmental victim service providers and advocates for their dedicated efforts to restore and improve the lives of survivors of trafficking and their families.

    Between approximately 2001 and 2009, the defendant and his siblings, Ernesto, Giovanni and Arcelia Hernandez-Velazquez, ran the Hernandez-Velazquez Sex Trafficking organization (the family organization) based in Mexico.  The family organization used force, fraud, and coercion to cause young women in Mexico to engage in prostitution in the United States.  Members of the family organization lured victims into romantic relationships through false promises of love and support.  The victims were pressured to travel to the United States with promises of a better life with their trafficker.  Once smuggled into the United States, the victims were forced to engage in prostitution.  The family organization maintained a base in Queens, New York, where victims would reside while they were forced to work in New York and other states, including Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.  The defendant subjected his victims to physical beatings, forced abortions, and threats. The defendant also threatened violence to the victims’ families to force the victims to continue prostituting on his behalf.

    Judge Kuntz previously sentenced Hernandez-Velazquez’s siblings who also pleaded guilty to sex trafficking: Ernesto Hernandez-Velazquez and Giovanni Hernandez-Velazquez were each sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment; and Arcelia Hernandez-Velazquez, who pleaded guilty to a Mann Act Violation, was sentenced to time served after approximately 60 months in U.S. custody.

    The investigation, prosecution, bilateral enforcement action, and extradition of the defendant from Mexico was coordinated through the U.S.-Mexico Bilateral Human Trafficking Enforcement Initiative.  Since 2009, the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security have collaborated with Mexican law enforcement counterparts in a Bilateral Human Trafficking Enforcement Initiative to dismantle human trafficking networks operating across the U.S.-Mexico border, bring human traffickers to justice, restore the rights and dignity of human trafficking victims, and reunite victims with their children.  These efforts have resulted in successful prosecutions in both Mexico and the United States, including U.S. federal prosecutions of over 175 defendants in multiple cases in Georgia, New York, Florida, and Texas, in addition to numerous Mexican federal and state prosecutions of associated sex traffickers. 

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Section.  Assistant United States  Attorney Erin Reid is in charge of the prosecution.

    The Defendant:

    HUGO HERNANDEZ-VELAZQUEZ (also known as “Norberto Hernandez Velasquez” and “La Gallina”)
    Age:  48
    Mexico

    Defendants Previously Sentenced:

    ERNESTO HERNANDEZ-VELAZQUEZ (also known as “Chapas”)
    Age:  45
    Queens, New York

    GIOVANNI HERNANDEZ-VELAZQUEZ
    Age:  37
    Mexico

    ARCELIA HERNANDEZ-VELAZQUEZ (also known as “La Gordis”)
    Age:  46
    Queens, New York

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-306 (S-1) (WFK)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former City of Raleigh Firefighter Pleads Guilty to Dark Web Drug Trafficking Scheme

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    RALEIGH, N.C. – A former City of Raleigh firefighter and his wife have pleaded guilty today to running a large-scale drug trafficking operation involving cocaine, methamphetamine, and other narcotics. Nicholas Banister, 36, and Amanda Banister, 36, admitted to using the dark web and cryptocurrency to distribute drugs across Eastern North Carolina.

    “The defendant, a Raleigh firefighter, served in a position of public trust, but was hiding in plain sight as he and his wife sold numerous types of illegal narcotics around businesses the community frequently visits,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar.  “I’m proud of our federal and state partners at the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (NC ALE) for their hard work, which is holding these individuals accountable and making our community safer.”

    “It is unfortunate to see someone we trust to help keep us protected involved in criminal activities that jeopardize public safety,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “ATF realizes the danger and violence associated with drug trafficking, and we’re proud to work with our local and state law enforcement partners to break up those networks and better protect our communities.”

    “A primary focus for ALE is reducing crime associated with alcohol establishments and protecting the safety of our communities. In this case, undercover ALE special agents conducted a comprehensive investigation that led to the arrest and conviction of two individuals — one of whom had taken an oath to protect others but instead chose to put lives at risk,” said Bryan House, Director of North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement. “We’re hopeful this case, along with our continued efforts, will have a positive impact on our state.”

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, Banister conspired with his wife to sell cocaine and methamphetamine on four occasions to an undercover law enforcement officer at the Morgan Street Food Hall in Raleigh. The NC ALE executed a search warrant at Banister’s residence in Raleigh, where they found 1,324.43 grams of methamphetamine, 844 grams of cocaine, over 7 kilograms of marijuana, 382 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, Xanax and Ecstasy pills, 216 units of LSD, 15 grams of dimethyltryptamine (DMT), two firearms, a digital wallet used to store cryptocurrency and $213,810 in U.S. currency. Banister had been selling cocaine, methamphetamine, and LSD every other week for at least a year prior to his arrest. Banister purchased the narcotics from the dark web using cryptocurrency, had them shipped to North Carolina, and then sold them to various buyers, primarily in the Glenwood South area. Banister utilized the Snapchat application to advertise narcotics by providing a “menu” for buyers. The following appeared on Banister’s Snapchat account and was presented in court:

    Banister was employed with the City of Raleigh Fire Department at the time of the charged offenses.

    Both Banister and his wife face a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment when sentenced at a later date.

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after arraignment by U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers II. The NC ALE and the ATF investigated the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Aria Q. Merle prosecuted the case. SAUSA Merle is a prosecutor with the Wake County District Attorney’s Office assigned to the United States Attorney’s Office to prosecute federal violent crimes and other criminal matters. 

    A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-cr-00106-D.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: TrustCo to Release Second Quarter 2025 Results on July 21, 2025; Conference Call on July 22, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GLENVILLE, N.Y., July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TrustCo Bank Corp NY (TrustCo, Nasdaq: TRST) today announced that it will release second quarter 2025 results after the market close on July 21, 2025. Results are released on the 21st of the reporting months (January, April, July and October), or on the next day that equity markets are open if the 21st falls on a Friday, weekend or holiday. A conference call to discuss the results will be held at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on July 22, 2025. Those wishing to participate in the call may dial toll-free for the United States at 1-833-470-1428, and for Canada at 1-833-950-0062, Access code 258501.   A replay of the call will be available for thirty days by dialing toll-free for the United States at 1-866-813-9403, Access code 410483.

    The call will also be audio webcast at https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/979003710, and will be available for one year. The earnings press release will be posted on the Company’s Investor Relations website at: https://trustcobank.q4ir.com/corporate-overview/corporate-profile/default.aspx. Other information, including the Company’s most recent annual report, proxy statement and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission can also be found at this website.

    TrustCo Bank Corp NY is a $6.3 billion savings and loan holding company and through its subsidiary, Trustco Bank, operates 136 offices in New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Florida. For more information, visit www.trustcobank.com.

    In addition, the Bank’s Wealth Management Department offers a full range of investment services, retirement planning and trust and estate administration services.

    The common shares of TrustCo are traded on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol TRST.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    All statements in this news release that are not historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “seek,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “will” and similar references to future developments, results or periods. TrustCo wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and such forward-looking statements are subject to factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially for TrustCo from the views, beliefs and projections expressed in such statements. Examples of these include, but are not limited to: volatility in financial markets and the soundness of other financial institutions; U.S. government shutdowns, credit rating downgrades, or failure to increase the debt ceiling; changes in interest rates; the effects of inflation and inflationary pressures and changes in monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including changes in the Federal funds target rate by, and interest rate policies of, the Federal Reserve Board; ongoing armed conflicts (including the Russia/Ukraine conflict and the conflict in Israel and surrounding areas); the risks and uncertainties under the heading “Risk Factors” in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and, if any, in our subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q; the other financial, operational and legal risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in TrustCo’s cautionary statements contained in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and the effect of all of such items on our operations, liquidity and capital position, and on the financial condition of our borrowers and other customers. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent TrustCo management’s judgment as of the date of this news release. TrustCo disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements, either as a result of future developments, new information or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Subsidiary: Trustco Bank

    Contact:     Robert Leonard
    Executive Vice President
    (518) 381-3693
         

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Nasdaq Announces End-of-Month Open Short Interest Positions in Nasdaq Stocks as of Settlement Date June 30, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At the end of the settlement date of June 30, 2025, short interest in 3,257 Nasdaq Global MarketSM securities totaled 14,138,758,851 shares compared with 13,689,191,607 shares in 3,207 Global Market issues reported for the prior settlement date of June 13, 2025. The mid-June short interest represents 2.59 days compared with 2.32 days for the prior reporting period.

    Short interest in 1,636 securities on The Nasdaq Capital MarketSM totaled 2,790,159,938 shares at the end of the settlement date of June 30, 2025, compared with 2,687,331,325 shares in 1,642 securities for the previous reporting period. This represents a 1.00 day average daily volume; the previous reporting period’s figure was 1.00.

    In summary, short interest in all 4,893 Nasdaq® securities totaled 16,928,918,789 shares at the June 30, 2025 settlement date, compared with 4,849 issues and 16,376,522,932 shares at the end of the previous reporting period. This is 1.72 days average daily volume, compared with an average of 1.72 days for the prior reporting period.

    The open short interest positions reported for each Nasdaq security reflect the total number of shares sold short by all broker/dealers regardless of their exchange affiliations. A short sale is generally understood to mean the sale of a security that the seller does not own or any sale that is consummated by the delivery of a security borrowed by or for the account of the seller.

    For more information on Nasdaq Short interest positions, including publication dates, visit
    http://www.nasdaq.com/quotes/short-interest.aspx
    or http://www.nasdaqtrader.com/asp/short_interest.asp.

    About Nasdaq:
    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.     

    Media Contact:
    Maximilian Leitenberger
    Maximilian.leitenberger@nasdaq.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1388d4e0-9656-4125-8d3e-8cfc1bbc9049

    NDAQO

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Nasdaq Announces End-of-Month Open Short Interest Positions in Nasdaq Stocks as of Settlement Date June 30, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At the end of the settlement date of June 30, 2025, short interest in 3,257 Nasdaq Global MarketSM securities totaled 14,138,758,851 shares compared with 13,689,191,607 shares in 3,207 Global Market issues reported for the prior settlement date of June 13, 2025. The mid-June short interest represents 2.59 days compared with 2.32 days for the prior reporting period.

    Short interest in 1,636 securities on The Nasdaq Capital MarketSM totaled 2,790,159,938 shares at the end of the settlement date of June 30, 2025, compared with 2,687,331,325 shares in 1,642 securities for the previous reporting period. This represents a 1.00 day average daily volume; the previous reporting period’s figure was 1.00.

    In summary, short interest in all 4,893 Nasdaq® securities totaled 16,928,918,789 shares at the June 30, 2025 settlement date, compared with 4,849 issues and 16,376,522,932 shares at the end of the previous reporting period. This is 1.72 days average daily volume, compared with an average of 1.72 days for the prior reporting period.

    The open short interest positions reported for each Nasdaq security reflect the total number of shares sold short by all broker/dealers regardless of their exchange affiliations. A short sale is generally understood to mean the sale of a security that the seller does not own or any sale that is consummated by the delivery of a security borrowed by or for the account of the seller.

    For more information on Nasdaq Short interest positions, including publication dates, visit
    http://www.nasdaq.com/quotes/short-interest.aspx
    or http://www.nasdaqtrader.com/asp/short_interest.asp.

    About Nasdaq:
    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.     

    Media Contact:
    Maximilian Leitenberger
    Maximilian.leitenberger@nasdaq.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1388d4e0-9656-4125-8d3e-8cfc1bbc9049

    NDAQO

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: James River Announces Executive Appointments; Second Quarter Earnings Conference Call on Tuesday, August 5, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PEMBROKE, Bermuda, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — James River Group Holdings, Ltd. (“James River” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: JRVR) today announced two leadership appointments to its executive team.

    • Valdean Langenburg has been appointed Group Chief Information Officer (“CIO”) succeeding Thomas Peach, who retired on July 4 after a more than four decade career in information technology, including six years as James River’s CIO.
    • Justin Zaharris has been promoted to Group Chief Claims Officer, expanding upon his current responsibilities as Vice President, overseeing claims for the Company’s Excess & Surplus Lines segment where he has served since 2021.

    “Both Val and Justin are proven leaders whose expertise complements the already strong bench at James River,” said Frank D’Orazio, Chief Executive Officer. “Their commensurate experience built both at notable industry peers and developed in-house respectively, position us to continue to advance our strategic initiatives across technology, data, and claims. I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to Tom Peach for his exemplary service and wish him every success in retirement.

    Executive Backgrounds:

    Mr. Langenburg joins the Company from WR Berkley, where he led information technology strategy for the firm’s Excess and Surplus Lines segment. He will be based in Richmond, Virginia and report directly to Frank D’Orazio.

    Mr. Langenburg commented, “I am thrilled to join James River and look forward to working closely with my new colleagues to help drive the Group’s technology, data and innovation initiatives for the future.”

    Mr. Zaharris brings more than 20 years of legal, technical and operational claims expertise in the property and casualty industry. He will continue to work from the Company’s Richmond office and report to Mr. D’Orazio.

    Mr. Zaharris commented, “I’m honored to take on this broader leadership role and build on the Company’s defining excellence and reputation for claims handling while delivering outstanding service to policyholders.”

    Earnings Date Announcement:

    James River will release second quarter 2025 earnings after the market closes on Monday August 4, 2025 and will host an earnings conference call on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time).

    The conference call may be accessed by dialing (800) 715-9871, conference ID 2949592, or via the investor website at https://investors.jrvrgroup.com. A replay will also be available in the same location.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, such forward-looking statements may be identified by terms such as believe, expect, seek, may, will, should, intend, project, anticipate, plan, estimate, guidance or similar words. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Information about these risks and uncertainties is contained in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or otherwise.

    About James River Group Holdings, Ltd.

    James River Group Holdings, Ltd. is a Bermuda-based insurance holding company that owns and operates a group of specialty insurance companies. The Company operates in two specialty property-casualty insurance segments: Excess and Surplus Lines and Specialty Admitted Insurance. Each of the Company’s regulated insurance subsidiaries are rated “A-” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. Visit James River Group Holdings, Ltd. on the web at www.jrvrgroup.com.

    Bob Zimardo
    SVP, Investments & Investor Relations
    InvestorRelations@james-river-group.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee Defends Religious Freedom in Football Game Prayer Case

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) led an amicus brief today to protect Americans from religious discrimination by state governments. Senator Lee filed the brief to defend free speech and religious observance from infringement by government entities as part of the case Cambridge Christian School v. Florida High School Athletic Association.

    “When the government blocks Christian schools from praying before their own football games, something is very wrong,” said Senator Mike Lee. “Even after the Supreme Court has repeatedly warned about the dangers of expansive definitions of government speech, some lower courts are creating new loopholes and ignoring protections for freedom of speech and religion. This overstep represents a serious danger to even private expressions of faith, and must be overturned. I pray the Supreme Court grants this case, corrects the lower court’s error, and upholds the First Amendment.”

    Joining Senator Lee in filing the amicus brief are U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), John Cornyn (R-TX), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Josh Hawley (R-MO), James Lankford (R-OK), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Tim Scott (R-SC), as well as U.S. Representatives Lauren Boebert (R-CO), John McGuire (R-VA), Andy Ogles (R-TN), Keith Self (R-TX), and Daniel Webster (R-FL).

    Background

    Cambridge Christian School was set to play another Christian high school in the Florida state football championship game. Both schools wished to begin their game with prayer over the loudspeaker, but the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) refused their request – despite allowing it three years prior.

    The FHSAA originally argued that the prayer might have been viewed as a government endorsement of religion. After realizing that defense failed under controlling precedent, they changed their tune. The FHSAA now argues that the prayer would have qualified as “government speech,” giving them the right to deny the request. The Eleventh Circuit accepted this argument despite countless instances of private, non-government speech occurring over the loudspeaker at these football games.

    The court essentially backdoored in a new way to silence Americans by allowing the government to reclassify speech whenever it sees fit.

    The Establishment Clause, Free Speech Clause, and Free Exercise Clauses are meant to work together to prevent the government from impinging on freedom of religion. But actors who are hostile to religion exploit the government-speech doctrine to undermine the constitutional rights of religious persons and groups. As Justice Samuel Alito has noted, that doctrine is “susceptible to dangerous misuse” and courts “must exercise great caution before extending government-speech precedents.” This decision by the Eleventh Circuit is one of those dangerous extensions.

    Senator Lee’s amicus brief argues:

    • The Eleventh Circuit erred in its application of the government-speech doctrine, thus creating a loophole for government to stifle private speech.
    • The Eleventh Circuit’s misclassification of the speech of private actors as government speech would (a) chill otherwise protected speech, and (b) cause confusion as to what is and is not government speech.  
    • The Supreme Court should adopt an analytical framework to resolve these types of disputes.

    Read the full text of the amicus brief here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Robert Garcia and Senator Alex Padilla Reintroduce the ‘Clean Shipping Act’ to Reduce Port Pollution and Protect the Health of Port Communities

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Garcia California (42nd District)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) and Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) reintroduced the Clean Shipping Act. This bill establishes a path to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from large ships that come to U.S. ports, protecting the health of port communities and addressing the environmental and climate impacts of shipping pollution. Specifically, the bill would mandate that by 2050, ships must cut all greenhouse gas pollution, and by 2035, they must emit zero emissions while parked at ports. The bill is co-led by Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44). The bill text can be found here. 

    “Our nation’s ports, particularly the Port of Long Beach, are crucial parts of the economy that drive our supply chain at home. However, they’re also among the largest sources of pollution in our coastal communities,” said Congressman Robert Garcia. “Ship pollution is harmful for the health of people living near ports, and disproportionately affects low-income, working-class neighborhoods and communities of color. That’s why I’m proud to introduce a bill that addresses greenhouse gas pollution and creates a path to fully eliminate emissions. We must protect people’s health and stop our climate crisis, while ensuring good-paying jobs for the future.”

    “California’s ports are the powerhouse of our country’s economy, moving critical freight and providing good-paying jobs, all while leading the nation’s decarbonizing efforts. But neighboring communities have been forced to shoulder the brunt of global shipping pollution for too long,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “Our legislation would strengthen the sustainability of our shipping industry by reducing emissions in maritime transportation while simultaneously protecting coastal communities. The health of our communities and our planet requires us to be forward-looking and ambitious — we owe future generations nothing less than bold, transformative action.”

    “I’m proud to reintroduce the Clean Shipping Act because people deserve to breathe clean air, and this bill will help make that a reality. Communities near the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach—many of them communities of color—continue to suffer from toxic air pollution caused by ships. This bill sets a clear path to zero-emission shipping. It’s a critical step to clean up our air, protect public health, and take on the climate crisis. Port communities have waited long enough, we must act now,” said Congresswoman Nanette Barragán.

    “In order to protect our ocean and stay competitive with the rest of the world, we need federal leadership to help modernize and clean up U.S. shipping. By driving the shipping sector to develop, scale and deploy zero-emission technologies, we can spur job creation, help tackle the climate crisis and help create cleaner air for the millions of Americans living near ports. We commend Representative Garcia and Senator Padilla for their leadership on this issue and look forward to working with members of Congress to make this bill a reality,” said Caroline Bonfield, Ocean Conservancy’s Shipping Emissions U.S. Policy Manager

    “The Clean Shipping Act of 2025 will send a clear signal to the shipping industry that they must reduce their emissions by phasing out the use of fossil fuels and transition to a cleaner future. Technology-forcing policies like this legislation will enable large-scale investment in sustainable maritime fuels and technologies and establish a level playing field, minimizing the risk for manufacturers and suppliers. For far too long, dirty ships have brought significant levels of air pollution into U.S. port communities. We commend Representative Garcia and Senator Padilla for reintroducing this important bill and leading the effort to help protect communities disproportionately impacted by these harmful emissions,” said Antonio Santos, Federal Climate Policy Director, Pacific Environment.

    “The shipping industry has been polluting communities for decades, but we have the power to make shipping cleaner. Port expansions across the country have been especially devastating for communities living closest to the harbors where large ships spew toxic diesel exhaust that worsens air quality and contributes to the climate crisis. People living near ports deserve to breathe clean air, and the Clean Shipping Act will help make that a reality,” said Katherine García, Director of the Clean Transportation for All Campaign, Sierra Club. 

    “GreenLatinos endorses the urgently needed Clean Shipping Act, which protects Latino/e and other vulnerable communities from further exposure to port pollution and takes important steps to reduce harm from toxic ship fuels. 1 in 3 Latines live in the top 20% of most pollution-impacted communities. Pollution burdened communities are facing even more exposure as idling ships wait days to enter port and offload their cargo. We urge Congress to act swiftly in passing this vital legislation and protect our coastal communities from the harms of port emissions,” said Andrea Marpillero-Colomina, Policy Advisor, GreenLatinos.

    “The Clean Shipping Act of 2025 will help us work toward a future where healthy port communities thrive and everyone benefits from leveraging the tremendous potential of the ocean and ocean industries as powerful sources of climate solutions. We are grateful for the leadership of Congressman Garcia and Senator Padilla for advancing this legislation for our ocean, climate, and communities,” said Sarah Guy, Executive Director, Ocean Defense Initiative. 

    The global shipping industry accounts for nearly 3% of all global greenhouse gas emissions, and that number is expected to rise if no action is taken. Additionally, almost 40% of Americans live near ports, where people’s health is harmed by air pollution. This especially impacts working-class neighborhoods and communities of color. 

    The Clean Shipping Act is endorsed by Breathe Southern California, CleanEarth4Kids.org, Don’t Waste Arizona, Environmental Investigation Agency, Friends of the Earth, GreenLatinos, Intheshadowofthewolf, Long Beach Alliance for Clean Energy, Milwaukee Riverkeeper, Ocean Conservancy, Ocean Defense Initiative, Pacific Environment, Restoring Earth Connection, San Pedro & Peninsula Homeowners Coalition, Seattle Cruise Control, Sierra Club, Sunflower Alliance, 350 Bay Area Action, 350 Sacramento, Turtle Island Restoration Network, Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility, ABB, Evolve Hydrogen Inc., Maritime Battery Forum, and Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association

    Congressman Garcia, a co-chair of the Congressional PORTS Caucus, is committed to advocating for bold climate action and environmental justice, which includes improving port infrastructure. Congressman Garcia first introduced the Clean Shipping Act alongside Senator Padilla in 2023. During his time in Congress, Congressman Garcia has helped secure over $283 million in federal grant money for the completion of the Port of Long Beach Pier B Port Project, which will significantly reduce truck traffic and harmful emissions while improving safety, local congestion, and yielding nationwide economic benefits. Congressman Garcia also helped secure two federal grants through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law totaling nearly $44 million to reduce truck emissions at port facilities located in the Port of Long Beach. As Mayor of Long Beach, Congressman Garcia worked with the Port of Long Beach to navigate the historic surge in volume in freight in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Taxpayer-Funded Benefits Are for American Citizens — Not Illegals

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    Today, at the direction of President Donald J. Trump, the Administration is taking the biggest step in more than 30 years to protect taxpayer-funded benefits for American citizens — NOT illegal aliens. The move, which preserves roughly $40 billion in benefits for American citizens, overturns decades of bureaucratic defiance and builds on President Trump’s executive order directing an END to the subsidization of open borders.
    Under President Trump, hardworking Americans will no longer be forced to front the cost of benefits for illegals:
    The Department of Health and Human Services is restricting illegal aliens from 13 additional public programs, including Head Start, health workforce scholarships and loans, mental health and substance abuse support, family planning, and more.
    The Department of Education is ending free tuition for illegal aliens at post-secondary career and technical education programs.
    The Department of Agriculture is restricting illegal aliens from federally funded food assistance programs.
    The Department of Labor is barring illegal aliens from accessing federal workforce development resources and grants.
    The Department of Justice is closing longstanding loopholes that have allowed illegal aliens to access taxpayer-funded benefits.

    MIL OSI USA News –