NREL and CubicPV researchers collaborated on a record-setting perovskite minimodule. Photo by Shuai You, NREL
A collaborative effort between NREL and CubicPV has yielded a perovskite minimodule that belongs in the record books.
The 24.0% certified efficiency marks the first time a U.S. effort has set a record in the perovskite minimodule category.
The researchers at NREL and at CubicPV, a company based in the Boston area, made the minimodule consisting of multiple interconnected cells, with several steps in the fabrication sequence done at each location.
Kai Zhu, a senior scientist in NREL’s Chemistry and Nanoscience Center has previously collaborated with CubicPV. Zhu said the complementary expertise of the two organizations is a testament not only to technical excellence, but to the accelerated impact of combining complementary strengths.
“It’s really the strength from both parties that creates the environment for record setting,” he said. “Both teams can achieve great results —but collaboration amplifies our impact and sets new device benchmarks.” CubicPV’s focus is on tandem solar devices, using perovskites on top of silicon to make a solar panel that captures more photons and continues to lower the cost of energy, while NREL’s focus is on advancing manufacturing, durability, and efficiency of perovskite-enabled tandems. The collaboration amplifies each partner’s strengths.
Unlike silicon, perovskites are created by using a low-temperature (less than 200°C) ink-based printing or vacuum coating process with primarily earth-abundant materials. The technology has proven to be efficient at small scale, and work to improve durability and efficiency on larger-area devices, which are prerequisite for commercial adoption, continues. Perovskites hold the promise of diversifying the supply chain and increasing domestic production of solar photovoltaic modules.
Adam Lorenz, chief technology officer of CubicPV, said future efforts will focus on demonstrating durable performance outdoors and producing larger area perovskite modules. “We are committed to leveraging U.S. technical leadership and collaborating with the top researchers in the world to drive cutting-edge perovskite science toward scalable, commercially viable, and durable products,” he said.
The previous record for a perovskite minimodule, published in May 2025, was 23.9%. The solar cell efficiency tables are published twice a year in the journal Progress in Photovoltaics. The next iteration will appear near year’s end, which gives NREL and CubicPV time to surpass their current record.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office funded the research.
Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) penned this op-ed in the New York Post urging the Senate to approve President Trump’s rescission request to permanently cut funding to wasteful foreign aid programs and public broadcasting.
Key excerpts of the op-ed are below:
“Under former President Joe Biden, our federal government agreed to spend $3 million on an Iraqi version of ‘Sesame Street,’ $3 million on circumcisions and vasectomies in Zambia, $500,000 on electric buses in Rwanda and $67,000 to feed insect powder to children in Madagascar. You read that right. Insect powder.
“It wasn’t all bugs, though. A group of male prostitutes in Haiti got $3.6 million to run free pastry-cooking classes, cyber cafés and ‘dance focus groups.’
“These spending decisions make Americans want to jump out of a moving car.”
. . .
“The House of Representatives already approved these spending cuts. It’s the Senate’s turn now — and we must move quickly: The Impoundment Control Act only gives Congress 45 days to approve a rescission request. We need to get this to the president’s desk by July 18.
“If my colleagues still think this spending is necessary, they should vote no on his request. But here on planet Earth, the American people know they could be spending this money far better than the deeply weird, woke bureaucrats they’ve already voted out of office.”
Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
07.07.25
Senator Outlines OBBB Policies to Help Stabilize the Grid, Secure the Future of American Energy
BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today held a press conference with Representative Julie Fedorchak and Senator Kevin Cramer, where Hoeven outlined how the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) will help make the U.S. energy dominant. The senator discussed how the legislation incentivizes the coal and oil and gas industries to work together to help stabilize the electrical grid and produce more energy from America’s abundant resources. The bill:
Unlocks access to taxpayer-owned oil, gas and coal reserves. To this end, the legislation requires the Interior Department to:
Hold quarterly lease sales for oil and gas.
Take prompt action on new coal lease applications.
Open for leasing an additional 4 million acres of known recoverable federal coal reserves.
Rolls back Green New Deal policies imposed under the Biden administration, including:
Stopping the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) fee on oil and gas production, also known as the Natural Gas Tax, for 10 years. Hoeven led the effort in the Senate to block implementation of President Biden’s Natural Gas Tax.
Reducing federal royalty rates for oil, gas and coal production to their pre-IRA levels.
Aligning incentives to encourage partnerships between coal and oil producers, helping coal-fired power plants to stay online longer, while maximizing the potential of oil and gas wells, including in the Bakken.
“Between the regulatory and tax relief we’ve provided in President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, we’re securing the future of energy production in North Dakota, supporting the stability of our electrical grid by keeping our coal plants online and helping make the U.S. truly energy dominant,” said Hoeven. “Importantly, we’re stopping the Green New Deal policies from the last administration and taking the handcuffs off of energy production on federal lands. At the same time, we’re supporting partnerships between coal, oil and gas producers that will secure the future of energy production in North Dakota and across the nation. That’s how you ensure we can meet the demands of emerging industries, like AI, while ensuring affordable and reliable energy for American consumers and businesses.”
Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
07.09.25
Senator Secured Funding to Help Producers Recover from Wildfire, Disaster Losses in 2023 and 2024
WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications on July 10 for the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), which will provide $16 billion to help producers recover from weather-related losses occurring in 2023 and 2024. The program comes as part of the $33.5 billion in disaster relief funding that Hoeven secured in the year-end legislation passed in December.
SDRP stage one is open to producers with eligible crop losses who received assistance either under crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) during 2023 and 2024.
Prefilled applications are being mailed to producers today, which then may be submitted in person at county Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices starting tomorrow.
This follows Hoeven’s work encouraging Agriculture Secretary Rollins to utilize a streamlined application process to help ensure an efficient and timely process.
Stage one payments are based on the coverage level the producer purchased for the crop.
A payment factor of 35% will be applied to all stage one payments. If additional SDRP funds remain, FSA may issue a second payment.
Eligible disasters include wildfires, floods, winter storms, excessive moisture and qualifying drought, among other events.
SDRP stage two covers eligible shallow or uncovered losses, with signup beginning in early fall. Additional information on the weather-related assistance can be found on FSA’s website here.
“Our farmers faced severe hardship from disasters over the past two years, which are compounded by the difficulties resulting from challenging markets and trade negotiations. As such, this weather-related disaster assistance that we worked to fund and advance will be a welcome relief,” said Hoeven. “At the same time, the improvements we secured to the farm safety net will build upon this assistance, while reducing the need for future ag disaster funding. That’s a win for both producers and taxpayers over the long-term.”
Today’s announcement builds upon the market-based assistance and livestock assistance that Hoeven worked to fund and advance, for which applications and payments continue to be processed. North Dakota producers have since received more than $570 million under the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) and more than $11 million under the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP).
Headline: The power of game-based learning with Minecraft Education
Engage students through game-based learning with Minecraft Education—explore this collection of subject-spanning, skill-building learning experiences.
Engaging students across subjects can be challenging. Game-based learning with Minecraft Education offers a powerful way to bridge that gap and create real-world impact. Minecraft Education helps educators connect students’ passion with purpose—making learning feel like play. With ready-to-use, standards-aligned resources in coding and AI, science, history, math, and more, this immersive platform brings lessons to life through creativity, collaboration, and exploration.
Minecraft Education promotes critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving while helping students develop digital skills for their future. It can also help motivate learning, improve attendance, and build student agency. Educators use it for everything from building AI literacy through immersive lessons to sustainable design challenges and esports programs.
Explore this collection of Minecraft Education experiences designed to support your instruction, boost engagement, and inspire creativity in the classroom. Parents and caregivers can also support their child’s learning outside of school with Minecraft Education. With materials like a digital safety family toolkit, you’ll find ways to use Minecraft to explore important topics at home, too. Discover Minecraft Education resources for parents and families today.
Digital citizenship, coding, and AI
Today’s students are growing up in a world shaped by digital tools, AI, and rapid technological change. Minecraft Education helps prepare them to navigate that world responsibly and confidently. With Minecraft Education, students can engage in hands-on experiences that help them strengthen digital citizenship, explore responsible AI use, and build coding fluency all within a familiar and playful learning space that connects to their everyday lives.
Check out these Minecraft Education worlds designed to help students explore, create, and grow as digital citizens.
Discover CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper
CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper – Build digital citizenship and AI literacy skills with CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper. This engaging adventure challenges students to go beyond the surface and explore responsible AI, critical thinking, and data literacy. Don’t just accept AI at face value—dig deeper and discover the power of mindful technology use!
Hour of Code: The Show Must Go On – Step into a vibrant theater world to help save the day in Minecraft’s Hour of Code 2024: The Show Must Go On. In this adventure, students will explore the theater to find the missing star, the Agent, while solving fun coding puzzles and interacting with lively characters. They’ll unlock hidden gags, customize the show, and plan an unforgettable performance.
GameCode – Empower creative coding with this dynamic curriculum where students create their own arcade-style mini-games and learn computer science along the way. This immersive and innovative approach to coding will ignite the passion for programming in students as they become inventive game designers, empowered to shape their digital landscapes.
These experiences introduce students to essential digital concepts while allowing them to iterate and build in a safe, creative environment. Demystify complex subjects like AI and coding with your students through game-based learning with Minecraft.
Core subjects and STEM
It can be challenging to make abstract academic concepts feel exciting, relevant, and accessible. That’s where Minecraft Education comes in. These standards-aligned experiences are designed to help students connect with core instruction in ways that are hands-on and meaningful. From environmental science and astronomy to math and history, these worlds help students engage deeply with content through inquiry, experimentation, and creativity.
Explore these worlds to help your students apply academic concepts across subject areas.
Explore Ocean Heroes
Ocean Heroes – Embark on a marine conservation adventure in Ocean Heroes, presented by the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and Voice of the Ocean. Students will investigate ocean ecosystems alongside scientists and help them tackle environmental challenges in mangrove forests, coral reefs, and kelp forests. Along the way, they’ll encounter amazing creatures, enhance their ocean literacy, and develop critical problem-solving skills.
Data Explorers – Build data science and sustainability skills in this world, created by ReWrite Edu in collaboration with NetApp and World’s Largest Lesson. This choose-your-next-path style game takes students across five different ecosystems in search of scientists who help them use data to solve specific environmental problems. Along the way, students can hone their data collection and analysis skills, as well as see how scientists apply data to real-world problems.
Ratio Riddles – Introduce the concepts of ratio, proportion, fractions, and scale through a series of three engaging games designed for students ages 8-14. This is an easy-to-teach lesson designed to engage learners in foundational mathematics principles while fostering curiosity and confidence.
Peter is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage – Step into the heart of history! Peter is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage is a captivating experience where students journey through 2,000 years of architectural innovation. Inspired by real-world preservation efforts, this immersive project lets young explorers use simulated AI tools to restore ancient wonders, from Roman engineering to Baroque masterpieces, and explore the history of St. Peters Basilica in Vatican City.
James Webb Space Telescope Challenge – Explore the universe with NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia (NSW) science curricula, this immersive lesson lets students learn about the telescope’s mission, star formation, and galaxies, culminating in a solar system build challenge. Inspire future astronomers with this cosmic adventure!
These experiences support cross-curricular connections and help students build a deeper understanding of academic content and inspire curiosity through game-based learning. Get started and explore immersive content in core subjects for students of all ages.
Creative classroom fun
Sometimes the best learning happens when students are free to explore, experiment, and play. Minecraft Education’s open-ended experiences empower students to express themselves, collaborate with peers, and build creative confidence. These activities are perfect for community-building, project-based learning, or moments when your classroom needs a spark of joy.
Try these student-centered worlds to foster classroom culture and creativity.
Spin the Wheel of Steve
Wheel of Steve – Spin the Wheel of Steve in this educational adventure inspired by A Minecraft Movie. Created for students aged 8-14, Wheel of Steve supports play for up to eight learners at a time. Two teams will compete against each other in five cooperative minigames designed to strengthen key skills including creativity, collaboration, communication, community, and critical thinking.
Renewtopia – Explore a unique island and learn about four different types of renewable energy: solar, tidal, wind, and geothermal. This interactive build challenge teaches learners about sustainable energy sources by building an exhibit for a sustainable energy fair. Their goal is to teach others about one or more of the renewable power sources found on the island.
These experiences are great for building relationships, strengthening classroom community, and letting students lead their own learning in joyful, meaningful ways. Engage your students’ creativity and strengthen future-ready skills in your classroom.
Get support and inspiration for game-based learning with Minecraft
No matter where you are in your Minecraft Education journey, there’s a community and a collection of free resources ready to help you succeed. Connect with fellow educators, participate in special events, and explore learning modules, challenges, and ideas to bring Minecraft into your classroom:
Whether you’re helping students understand responsible technology use, reinforce academic content, or build a thriving classroom culture, Minecraft Education offers immersive worlds that make learning engaging and meaningful. These experiences aren’t just lessons—they’re launchpads for curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
Get started with Minecraft Education
Check out Minecraft Education to explore the full collection of lessons, access educator resources, and start teaching with the power of play today.
Blockchain technology has unlocked novel models for distributing and trading securities in a “tokenized” format. Tokenization may facilitate capital formation and enhance investors’ ability to use their assets as collateral. Enchanted by these possibilities, new entrants and many traditional firms are embracing onchain products. As powerful as blockchain technology is, it does not have magical abilities to transform the nature of the underlying asset. Tokenized securities are still securities. Accordingly, market participants must consider—and adhere to—the federal securities laws when transacting in these instruments.
Sometimes an issuer tokenizes its own security. For example, an operating company or an investment company could tokenize its shares. Alternatively, an unaffiliated third party with custody of securities issued by another entity might, for instance, issue a new tokenized security tied to the securities it holds or may tokenize the “security entitlements” that investors hold against the custodian. Purchasers of these third-party tokens may face unique risks, such as counterparty risks.
Distributors of tokenized securities must consider their disclosure obligations under the federal securities laws and may wish to refer to the Division of Corporation Finance’s recent staff statement on this topic.[1]
Market participants who distribute, purchase, and trade tokenized securities also should consider the nature of these securities and the resulting securities laws implications. For example, depending on the particular facts and circumstances, a token could be a “receipt for a security,” which is itself a security but is distinct from the underlying security held by the distributor of the token. Alternatively, a token that does not provide the holder with legal and beneficial ownership of the underlying security could be a “security-based swap” that cannot be traded off exchange by retail persons. While blockchain-based tokenization is new, the process of issuing an instrument representing a security is not. The same legal requirements apply to on- and off-chain versions of these instruments.
Market participants, as they structure their tokenization product offerings, should consider meeting with the Commission and its staff.[2] When unique aspects of a technology warrant changes to existing rules or where regulatory requirements are outdated or unnecessary, we stand ready to work with market participants to craft appropriate exemptions and modernize rules.
Last week, a ruling from the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho cleared the way for the Forest Service’s Buckskin Saddle Project on the Panhandle National Forest to proceed. The forest is in northwest Idaho’s panhandle region, and the project area includes approximately 13,000 acres of timber harvest and approximately 6,500 acres of noncommercial fuel reduction treatment.
The district court rejected a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) challenge to the project, which is designed to reduce fire hazards and improve forest landscape resilience. Specifically, the court found that the Forest Service complied with NEPA in all respects, including its summary of how the proposed treatments would meet the tree-size and composition goals set by the forest plan for the project area and its assessment of the effects of the project on wildlife species that rely on large tree habitat. The decision is subject to appeal in the Ninth Circuit.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) made the announcement.
Trial Attorney Hayley Carpenter of ENRD’s Natural Resources Section handled the case.
The Conversation Canada is looking for a Culture & Society editor for a 10-month contract position.(Sandra Seitamaa/Unsplash)
The Conversation Canada is seeking a dynamic and thoughtful Culture & Society Editor with a background in critical race scholarship to join our editorial team. This remote, full-time, 10-month contract position is ideal for an experienced editor who is passionate about shaping public discourse through rigorous, accessible journalism.
As the Culture & Society Editor, you will work closely with academics from across Canada, and sometimes globally, to commission, edit and publish articles that explore the intersections of culture, identity, race, media, politics and society. You will play a key role in ensuring our coverage reflects a diversity of voices and perspectives, particularly those grounded in critical race theory, decolonial thought, Indigenous studies and other transformative frameworks that challenge dominant narratives.
Your responsibilities will include identifying timely and relevant story ideas, working collaboratively with academics to develop their ideas into clear, compelling content and upholding The Conversation Canada’s editorial standards of evidence-based, non-partisan journalism. You will also help expand our network of contributors from equity-deserving communities and ensure inclusive representation in our content, and will work closely and collaboratively with team members to publish stories in a timely fashion.
This role offers the opportunity to influence national conversations by bringing scholarly expertise into the public sphere, especially on matters of racial justice, cultural expression and societal transformation.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: August 5, 2025
The ideal candidate will have:
A degree in the humanities, social sciences or journalism
Demonstrated experience in editing
A strong grasp of current debates in race, identity, culture and power
Excellent editorial judgment
A network of academic and news contacts
An understanding of audience development, including SEO practices, web analytics, social media and newsletter engagement
Strong organizational skills, with an ability to edit to daily deadlines, manage multiple tasks and work as part of a collaborative team
Care and attention to detail
Bilingualism is an asset
Must be based in Canada
About The Conversation Canada
The Conversation Canada is a successful news startup in its eighth year of operation, which has a French-language sister site, La Conversation, in Quebec. It is a unique collaboration between academics and professional journalists, and we belong to a global network with eight other editions covering Africa, Australia, Brazil, France, Indonesia, New Zealand, the U.K. and the U.S. The Conversation Canada has editors in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Victoria, and we offer a friendly working environment with a passionate and mission-driven team.
How to apply
Please send applications, including a cover letter, CV, three writing and/or editing samples and three story ideas to Kim Honey at kim.honey@theconversation.com and Lee-Anne Goodman at lee-anne.goodman@theconversation.com.
Please note only candidates under consideration will be contacted.
We are committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and ages. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities.
Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
Senator Cortez Masto helped pass legislation to award former Reno resident Greg LeMond a Congressional Gold Medal
Washington, D.C. – Following the 2020 passage of the Greg LeMond Congressional Gold Medal Act, supported by U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto’s (D-Nev.), Greg LeMond was today awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award bestowed by the United States Congress. The ceremony was hosted by Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson.
“I’m thrilled that Nevada’s own Greg LeMond – an icon to cycling fans worldwide – has been recognized for not only his contributions to the sport, but to his community,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Exemplifying both Nevadans’ independence and a devotion to community, he has contributed his time and effort to so many important causes, from childhood sports to victims of sexual assault to those suffering from childhood illnesses. Greg is the model for what the Congressional Gold Medal should stand for.”
BACKGROUND:
Gregory James LeMond was born in California but raised near Reno, Nevada, where he spent much of his time outdoors. He attended Earl Wooster High School in Reno. At age 18, he became the youngest cyclist in the history of the sport to be selected for the United States men’s Olympic team. Greg first competed in the Tour de France in 1984, finishing third, deputizing himself to boost his teammates toward victory. In the 1986 Tour de France, he defeated the field by more than three full minutes, becoming the first American and the first non-European to win cycling’s most prestigious race. In 1987, while recovering from a broken wrist and collarbone, Greg was tragically shot during a turkey hunting accident, leaving him in intensive care and requiring the removal of over 40 shotgun pellets from his abdomen. Following multiple surgeries, Greg mounted a comeback, winning the 1989 Tour de France by eight seconds in the closest finish in the history of the Tour. Greg went on to win a third Tour de France victory in 1990.
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT) introduced the Medicare Transaction Fraud Prevention Act which will use predictive modeling to cut down on the waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicare system while also protecting people’s privacy and access to care.
“New technologies allow for innovative ways to root out waste, fraud, and abuse and safeguard taxpayer dollars,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan bill takes a common-sense approach to protecting seniors and Medicare as a whole by identifying possible fraudulent activity while also providing appropriate privacy protections, human review, and protection of the benefits that seniors have paid into and deserve.”
“Artificial intelligence has set our nation at the precipice of the next great American revolution, and harnessing AI’s power to identify potential waste, fraud, and abuse will help strengthen the Medicare system for those who depend on it and ensure our taxpayer dollars are being well spent. I’m glad to lead this bipartisan bill to utilize cutting edge technology to help America’s seniors and protect Medicare benefits,” said Senator Schmitt.
The Medicare Transaction Fraud Prevention Act would create a pilot program for testing a risk-scoring algorithm to provide oversight of payments for durable medical equipment and clinical diagnostic laboratory tests under the Medicare program. The predictive algorithm would assign a risk score to transactions, which would then be sent for review to the Inspector General’s office. High risk scores would be assigned to claims billed at a rate or style deemed irregular. This would allow human inspectors to prioritize reviews of transactions most likely to be fraudulent. Medicare beneficiaries can opt-in to the program, so Medicare payment data is only obtained by the pilot with consent.
Senator Hassan is working to cut waste, fraud, and abuse and save taxpayer dollars. In April, in her role as Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee, Senator Hassan helped lead a hearing focused on ways to use artificial intelligence and data to improve government efficiency.
Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Bill Cassidy M.D. (R-La.), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) unveiled a legislative package modernizing federal labor law to empower 27 million independent workers to access portable workplace benefits, like health care and retirement. The package will also provide consistency and clarity in how an independent contractor is defined, making it easier for workers to find jobs that allow for flexibility and independence.
“Empowering our workers with modern tools and flexible opportunities is essential for strengthening our economy and ensuring they can succeed in today’s dynamic job market. The Modern Worker Empowerment Act reflects our commitment to innovation, flexibility, and growth for all Americans,” said Senator Scott.
“Outdated labor laws should not prevent workers from receiving health care or saving for a secure retirement,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Modernizing our federal labor laws ensures all independent workers can access workplace benefits without losing their flexibility to work how and when they want.”
“The Association Health Plans Act gives small businesses and individuals the leverage to negotiate collectively for lower health insurance and lower drug prices. Additionally, the CBO previously estimated that 400,000 uninsured would gain coverage under AHPs and over 3 million people would switch coverage to AHPs,” said Dr. Paul.
The vast majority of independent workers prefer alternative work arrangements to traditional [“9 to 5”] employment, and 80 percent of these workers would like access to workplace benefits. Yet decades-old federal labor and employment laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 and the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, prevent independent workers from accessing common workplace benefits.
The legislative package includes:
Cassidy’s Unlocking Benefits for Independent Workers Act: Establishes a safe harbor under federal law for companies that would like to voluntarily provide benefits.
Applies to any benefit or protection commonly provided to full-time employees, such as retirement and health care benefits. It also applies to emerging models where firms may pay into portable accounts, or any combination of those arrangements.
Scott’s Modern Worker Empowerment Act: Gives workers clarity and consistency by instituting a single employment test under federal law.
Paul’s Association Health Plans Act: Increases affordable health coverage options to millions of self-employed Americans and employees of small businesses by amending the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to give small business employees, sole proprietors, and gig workers the ability to aggregate together and access health insurance through Association Health Plans (AHPs).
Cassidy’s Independent Retirement Fairness Act: Empowers independent workers to participate in retirement plans, like pooled employer plans and single employee pension IRAs, that are already available under federal law. (Note: legislative text will be available shortly on the HELP Committee website)
Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
Americans lost more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024
This week, Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, and Elizabeth Warren, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, demanded answers from the Trump administration on the impact of federal cuts to agencies that protect seniors from financial frauds and scams. The senators’ letter follows the release of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report detailing the need to enhance protections against frauds and scams through coordination among federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Treasury Department, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Federal Reserve, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Even after the release of GAO’s report, the Trump administration has continued efforts to gut these agencies. For example, in April, the administration fired about 1,500 CFPB employees—or almost 90% of the agency’s staff. The so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) has also attempted to harass public servants throughout the federal government into leaving their jobs, decreasing personnel at the very agencies that GAO agrees are needed to protect older adults.
“GAO’s report detailed the need to enhance our nation’s response to scams, including through better coordination among federal agencies. Despite that need, President Trump allowed an out-of-touch billionaire to slash the very agencies that protect Americans from scams, including millions of older adults,” the senators wrote. “We ask GAO to examine the impact of these severe cuts on the ability of the federal government to address frauds and scams, and to carry out the recommendations in GAO’s report.”
American consumers reported losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024. Older Americans alone lost a record $4.8 billion to scammers last year, according to the FBI.
The full text of the letter can be found here or below.
Dear Mr. Dodaro,
We write today to request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) follow up on its report, Consumer Protection: Actions Needed to Improve Complaint Reporting, Consumer Education, and Federal Coordination to Counter Scams (GAO-25-107088). GAO’s report detailed the need to enhance our nation’s response to scams, including through better coordination among federal agencies. Despite that need, President Trump allowed an out of touch billionaire to slash the very agencies that protect Americans from scams, including millions of older adults. We ask GAO to examine the impact of these severe cuts on the ability of the federal government to address frauds and scams, and to carry out the recommendations in GAO’s report.
American consumers reported losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, and scams can have a particularly devastating impact on the mental and financial health of older adults. Older adults are more likely to have accumulated savings and housing wealth, making them targets for scammers who “steal everything,” and leave the older adults “emotionally and financially ruined.” One older adult testified about a scam that cost her late husband his job, his self-confidence, and forced him to ration his medications – setbacks that contributed to his declining health. Another older adult testified that she could not repair her home, afford air conditioning, and had to turn off her refrigerator and stove after losing $39,000 in a scam. Even as elder scams are devastating, they are also difficult to investigate because of their global nature. Frequently, such scams combine the efforts of overseas criminal organizations with operatives in the United States.
In April 2025, GAO released a report, Consumer Protection: Actions Needed to Improve Complaint Reporting, Consumer Education, and Federal Coordination to Counter Scams, that highlighted the scope of scams and the weaknesses in the federal government’s efforts to combat them. The report included several recommendations for the federal government, such as the need for the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to lead an effort to develop a national strategy to counter scams. Many of the recommendations made it clear that agencies such as FBI, the Department of Treasury, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Federal Reserve, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will need to work together to find solutions. The interagency cooperation envisioned by GAO’s report will require federal agencies that are well resourced and staffed with the proper expertise.
Although there is a need to enhance our nation’s response to scams, President Trump has empowered efforts to decimate the very agencies leading the response. On January 20, 2025, President Trump established the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). The initial head of the DOGE, Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, does not need to worry about his basic needs and lives a life of unfettered influence and power. Yet, Mr. Musk and his cronies at the DOGE set a goal of cutting $1 trillion from agencies that serve working class Americans, older adults, and people with disabilities. Efforts by the DOGE include attempts to harass public servants throughout the federal government into leaving their jobs. DOGE efforts also include drastic cuts at agencies with a role in addressing scams, such as the CFPB, which has been subjected to mass firings. Consequently, we seek GAO’s assistance in understanding how DOGE’s actions affect key agencies’ efforts to address frauds and scams in general and implement GAO’s report recommendations in particular.
We understand that the DOGE’s efforts are ongoing and its efforts at the FBI, FTC, CFPB, the Department of Treasury, and the Federal Reserve may not be completed for many months. We also understand that GAO may receive some insight into the impact of DOGE’s actions at the five agencies when the agencies submit an action plan to Congress and GAO as part of the formal “180-day Letter” process that is in place for GAO recommendations to federal agencies. Therefore, we ask that GAO defer any work until it receives and initially analyzes the action plans from agencies that were targeted by the recommendations.
Once the agency action plans have been received and analyzed by GAO, and the DOGE’s efforts are sufficiently completed, we request that GAO examine and report on the following issues:
1. In its April 2025 report, GAO identified five key agencies that play a role in addressing frauds and scams. Since January 20, 2025, how has the ability of the five agencies to address frauds and scams been impacted by firings, resignations, buyouts, agency restructurings, and other actions undertaken by the Trump Administration and the DOGE?
a. What changes have occurred at the five agencies a year or less following the actions taken by the Trump Administration and the DOGE, and what, if any, observable impact have those changes had on efforts to address frauds and scams?
b. What impacts may the changes have over multiple years on the five agencies and their efforts to address frauds and scams?
2. GAO’s April 2025 report included 16 recommendations for the federal government to improve its response to frauds and scams. How have the changes implemented by the Trump Administration and DOGE impacted the ability of the five agencies identified in the April 2025 report to implement GAO’s recommendations? Further, if efforts are made to reverse the changes at any of the five agencies, please describe the success of those efforts. Please include any barriers the agencies have faced to restaffing and restoring efforts to combat frauds and scams.
We appreciate your attention to this request. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ranking Member Gillibrand’s staff with the Senate Special Committee on Aging or Ranking Member Warren’s staff with the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Sincerely,
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CNN’s The Situation Room where he emphasized that House Democrats will continue pushing back against the extremism that has been unleashed on the American people by the Trump administration and Rubber Stamp Republicans in Congress.
WOLF BLITZER: Leader Jeffries, thanks so much for joining us. What do you think? What does this say about the relationship between President Trump and the Defense Secretary?
LEADER JEFFRIES:Pete Hegseth is the most unqualified Defense Secretary in American history, undermines the ability of the Department of Defense to keep the American people safe and Donald Trump should fire him, or Pete Hegseth should tender his resignation. That’s been clear and apparent for months. And it’s shocking to me that this charade continues to go on. Ukraine is an ally. Russia is a sworn enemy of the United States of America. And when you limit Ukraine’s ability to be successful in the war of aggression that Russia has launched against a sovereign country, you undermine America’s national security interests. And that’s highly problematic.
WOLF BLITZER: Very strong words. Very strong words, I should just say. Trump says he’s now considering supporting a bill in the Senate that would impose punishing sanctions on Russia. Leader Jeffries, what do you make of the President’s change in tone against Russia and Vladimir Putin for that matter? And do you expect that these sanctions, this sanctions bill will ultimately come up for a vote?
LEADER JEFFRIES: There’s strong and bipartisan support for sanctions against Vladimir Putin and Russia, and it’s unfortunate that the Trump administration has spent months playing footsie with Vladimir Putin and some would suggest bending the knee to an enemy of this country. This war of aggression that Russia has launched against Ukraine is clear. It’s not just about territorial integrity. It’s a battle between democracy and autocracy, between freedom and tyranny, between truth and propaganda. And the United States of America should always stand on the side of democracy and freedom and truth. That means standing on the side of Ukraine until victory is won.
WOLF BLITZER: So you would support these sanctions if, in fact, they’re passed?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Certainly need to take a look at the specifics of the sanctions, but I am a strong supporter of continuing to escalate and intensify the sanctions that have been previously put into place relative to Russia until they back down and, you know, withdraw from Ukraine and create a situation where Ukraine’s sovereignty can be restored and the killing of innocent civilians stops, including the killing of Ukrainian children that have been targeted by Russia and Vladimir Putin.
WOLF BLITZER: And the Russians are now launching a record number of drones and other missiles against various civilian targets in Ukraine as we speak right now. I want to turn while I have you, Leader Jeffries, to the President’s major policy bill that he signed into law on July 4. All Congressional Democrats, of course, voted against it. What’s your biggest concern right now about the impact this legislation, which is now the law—he signed it into law—will have?
LEADER JEFFRIES:Donald Trump’s One Big Ugly Law hurts everyday Americans all across the country and rewards billionaires. It’s an unprecedented assault on the healthcare of the American people. Hospitals will close, including in rural America. Nursing homes will shut down. Community-based health clinics will no longer be able to operate. And as a result of so many people losing coverage in different ways, people are going to die all across this country. This bill also rips food away from the mouths of children. And all of this is being done to reward their billionaire donors. And by the way, it’s also going to set us on a course toward possibly bankrupting the nation by adding trillions of dollars to America’s debt, which is already far too high. We’re going to tattoo this law on the foreheads of every single House Republican who voted against the best interests of the people that they represent in doing the bidding of supporting this bill and continuing to rubber stamp Donald Trump’s extreme agenda.
WOLF BLITZER: Your fellow Democrats have signaled they intend to make the Medicaid cuts—and there are enormous Medicaid cuts in this new law—a key issue in next year’s midterm elections. But the bill was designed so that those cuts won’t actually happen until after the midterm elections. Given that, Leader Jeffries, will this bill really have as big of an impact on the midterms as some Democrats are saying?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, this is not about politics. It’s about policy. And Republicans have supported a policy which involves the largest cut to Medicaid in American history. And by setting this massive cut into motion, it lays the conditions for the collapse of the Medicaid system in many ways. So this is a big challenge. And also, Wolf, it’s important to recognize that this bill also will rip coverage away from millions of Americans because of changes that were made to the Affordable Care Act. It also goes after Medicare, possibly a cut that could be set into motion by more than $500 billion and it also represents an attack on the Children’s Health Insurance Program and on Planned Parenthood. So it’s an all-out assault on healthcare and it is going to have real consequences for the American people, and that will be felt, in many ways, immediately.
WOLF BLITZER: Many of your Democratic colleagues are facing angry voters back in their districts. According to Axios, some are even being told they need to be more willing to go out there and get shot when fighting—that was a direct quote, get shot—when fighting back against some of Trump’s policies. One House Democrat saying, quote, and I’ll read it to you, ‘Our own base is telling us that what we’re doing is not good enough. There needs to be blood to grab the attention of the press and the public.’ How do you respond to that, Leader Jeffries? Are Democrats not meeting the moment, not doing enough to fight these developments?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we are in a more is more environment in terms of the unprecedented assault on the American way of life and our country that has been launched by Donald Trump and compliant House Republicans—more speeches, more rallies, more protests, more sit-ins, more press conferences, more town hall meetings in Democratic districts and Republican districts. We’re in a more is more environment and we’ll continue to lean in aggressively. At the same period of time, we also are going to span out across the country and talk to the American people about our affirmative vision of making their life better. Imagine a country where everyone can afford to live the good life—a good-paying job, good healthcare, good housing, good education for your children and a good retirement. That’s what Democrats are working hard to bring about. When you work hard in America and when you play by the rules, you should be able to afford to live the good life. And far too many people are struggling to live paycheck to paycheck. That’s unacceptable in the wealthiest country in the history of the world.
WOLF BLITZER: Leader Jeffries, I also want to talk to you about Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for Mayor in New York City. CNN has new reporting that some progressives who empowered Mamdani to victory now want to primary you and other Democrats in New York City. The co-chair of New York City’s Democratic Socialists of America says he thinks you’re picking fights, quote, ‘with the left,’ instead of focusing ‘on fighting the right.’ His words. Asked whether Mamdani thinks those incumbent challenges should happen, his Press Secretary told CNN he was declining to comment, at least for now. How do you respond?
LEADER JEFFRIES: I have no idea what these people are talking about. We are going to continue to focus our efforts, as we did on the House Floor, in connection with Donald Trump’s One Big Ugly Bill, on pushing back against the extremism that has been unleashed on the American people. It’s clear to us, as House Democrats, it’s clear to us as Members of the New York City delegation, that the problem is Donald Trump and House Republicans who have launched this unprecedented assault on the American way of life, an assault on healthcare. They’re ripping food out of the mouths of children, veterans and seniors. They’re exploding the national debt. They’re unleashing masked agents on law-abiding immigrant communities. It shouldn’t be too difficult for some people to figure out who the problem is in the United States of America.
WOLF BLITZER: The Democratic Leader, the Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries. Thanks, as usual, for joining us.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)
This week, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), Co-Chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), concluded his tenth Climate Change Tour of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and announced the re-introduction of his National Parks protection legislation, the Reducing Waste in National Parks Act.
“For a decade, my National Park Climate Change Tours have allowed us a firsthand look at how climate change damages our parks’ plants, wildlife, and waterways. During our visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I visited places like Chilhowee Lake and learned about habitat restoration efforts to protect endangered fish populations and ensure ecological diversity,” said Quigley. “This year, we also spent time visiting with nearby towns that were hit by Hurricane Helene, where we discussed the importance of federal services to rebuilding and fighting severe weather. The Great Smoky Mountains are ultimately just one of the many national treasures threatened by extreme weather, rising carbon emissions, and plastic pollution. We all have to work together to fight that threat.”
Last month, Trump’s Secretary of the Interior, Doug Bergum, reversed the Interior Department’s policy to phase out single-use plastics across national parks and other public lands. The Biden policy, modeled after Obama-era guidelines, banned the sale and distribution of unnecessary single-use plastic products, like bottles and plastic foam foodware, in protected areas.
The Reducing Waste in National Parks Actwould restore Biden’s policy, codifying a call for the National Park Service to decrease the availability of single-use plastics in parks. U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
“Oregonians and Americans love our national parks, but instead of protecting them from dangerous plastic pollution, Secretary Burgum is dead set on reopening the floodgates to plastic in our parks,” said Senator Merkley, Ranking Member of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee. “Single-use plastics threaten our natural treasures and the ability of folks to enjoy their beauty. As the Trump Administration continues to recklessly endanger natural wonders and wildlife nationwide—just like during the first administration—I’ll keep fighting to protect and preserve our parks and public lands so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
“Our national parks should be full of scenic views and free of plastic pollution,” said Christy Leavitt, Campaign Director at Oceana. “Reducing single-use plastics in our national parks is a win for wildlife and the millions of visitors who come to enjoy these remarkable places. Plastics can persist in our oceans and environment for years and years, fouling the landscape and harming fragile ecosystems. We applaud Sen. Merkley and Rep. Quigley for closing the floodgates of plastic pollution and standing up for plastic-free parks.”
“We greatly appreciate Rep. Quigley’s enduring leadership in helping to ensure that the National Park Service takes action to reduce plastic disposable waste in our parks, ” said Madeleine Foote, Healthy Communities Program Director at the League of Conservation Voters. “The Park Service had made considerable progress towards their goal of eliminating single-use plastics by 2032, and it’s incredibly disappointing to see this new administration reversing course. We commend Rep. Quigley, and other members like him, who are working to protect our public lands, waters, and special places for generations to come.”
During his Climate Change Tour of the Great Smoky Mountains, Quigley and U.S. Representatives Sean Casten (IL-06), Jared Huffman (CA-02), and Maxine Dexter (OR-03) saw the impacts of climate change on our National Parks firsthand. They also learned from subject matter experts about the tactics deployed to combat the effects of climate change and the measures that could be implemented going forward to help adapt to coming climate impacts. The Reducing Waste in National Parks Actis just one federal initiative that will help these experts in their mission to preserve our nation’s precious natural treasures.
“Our national parks are among our most important American treasures,” said Representative Casten. “I was honored to join my colleagues this past week in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to see local efforts to preserve crucial ecosystems and ensure that our parks will be around for our children and grandchildren to enjoy. I also appreciated hearing directly from folks managing the recovery and rehabilitation efforts following Hurricane Helene and look forward to taking what we learned back to Washington to help mitigate the next climate-driven extreme weather disaster.”
“Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park made one thing clear: our national parks represent the best of America — clean air, clear water, thriving wildlife, and shared spaces for all of us to enjoy. But Trump’s Interior Department would rather flood them with single-use plastics than protect these national treasures. We should be investing in resilience, restoration, and partnerships that strengthen these lands—not selling them out to polluters,” said Representative Huffman, Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee. “I’m proud to back Rep. Quigley’s Reducing Waste in National Parks Act to keep plastics out of our parks and ensure future generations inherit public lands that are healthy and thriving.”
The Reducing Waste in National Parks Act would:
Restore the previous Interior Department policy of phasing out single-use plastic products across national parks and other public lands.
Decrease the availability of single-use plastic products, like bottles and plastic foam foodware, in protected areas by banning their sale and distribution.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)
Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement after voting no on the Trump-Republican Big Ugly Bill:
“There is nothing beautiful about this bill. No American will be untouched by the damage it will do to our communities. Seventeen million Americans will lose access to healthcare. Nine rural hospitals in Illinois are at risk of closing. Over 200,000 Illinois residents will lose access to SNAP food benefits. Illinois families will pay $400 more a year for energy. All of this, while ballooning our national debt by at least $3 trillion.
“Disturbingly, Republicans seem to know exactly how harmful this bill is because dozens of them pledged to oppose it. Just yesterday, the House came to a standstill for over eight hours because the House Freedom Caucus attempted to negotiate changes to the bill. They failed. Today, those members voted for the unchanged bill anyway.
“The bottom line is that Republicans are willing to sacrifice their constituents to keep Donald Trump happy. But I am laser-focused on protecting the residents of Illinois’ Fifth District and doing everything I can to safeguard Medicaid, SNAP, and every benefit that keeps Americans safe and healthy.
“I firmly believe that years from now, we will look back in disbelief and shame at the United States Congress for passing such a harmful bill.”
As the Trump administration barrels forward with its pro-fossil fuel agenda, and European and Asian governments and financial institutions debate whether to increase investments in U.S. liquified natural gas (LNG) projects, a report published today by Greenpeace USA, Earthworks, and Oil Change International highlights the climate threats and financial risks posed by five major new liquefied gas export projects proposed for the United States Gulf Coast, all but one of them still awaiting a final investment decision.
“What we found was crystal clear – any further investment in LNG is not compatible with a livable climate,” says Andres Chang, Senior Research Specialist at Greenpeace USA and lead author of the report. “The massive growth in infrastructure along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast has already created significant public health and ecosystem impacts, threatening entire coastal communities. But it doesn’t stop there. We believe this report shows that if built, these projects would put global climate goals even further out of reach.”
The report analyzes five major U.S. LNG projects – Venture Global CP2, Cameron LNG Phase II, Sabine Pass Stage V, Cheniere Corpus Christi LNG Midscale 8-9 [1], and Freeport LNG Expansion – and finds that each and every one fails a “climate test” derived from models in the Department of Energy’s (DOE) 2024 LNG Export public interest studies. Contrary to industry claims, the report shows that decreasing methane venting and leaking during gas drilling, transportation, and liquefaction is not enough to make these projects “climate neutral.”
“Focusing the Department of Energy’s model on individual US LNG terminals that are yet to be built, we found that they all result in increased greenhouse gas emissions because they pollute the climate, displace renewable energy, and drive up gas demand,” says Lorne Stockman, Oil Change International Research Director and report co-author. “It is very clear that governments, investors, and insurers must stop supporting the reckless LNG buildout now and instead invest in a rapid and just transition to renewable energy that will protect our communities from toxic pollution and climate-fueled superstorms.”
Future administrations could revoke export authorizations that were rubber-stamped under Trump based on their failure to pass the DOE “climate test,” which introduces a new layer of uncertainty to these already-risky projects. This report adds to a rapidly growing body of evidence that financing U.S. LNG is not a sound decision for insurers, investors, or purchasers – something the EU and America’s Asian allies must keep in mind as President Trump pressures them to increase their imports of U.S. LNG under threat of sweeping tariffs. “Countries with climate commitments, such as those in the EU, should be very wary of the climate cost of importing US LNG,” says Dr. Dakota Raynes, Senior Manager of Research, Policy, and Data at Earthworks and report co-author.
“Fossil fuel dependency has long externalized its true costs, forcing communities to bear the burden of pollution, sickness, and economic instability,” says James Hiatt, founder and director of For a Better Bayou. “For decades the oil and gas industry has known about the devastating health and climate impacts of its operations, yet it continues to expand, backed by billions in private and public financing. These harms are not isolated – they’re systemic, and they threaten all of us. This report is a call to conscience. It’s time we stop propping up deadly false solutions and start investing in a transition to energy systems that sustain life, not sacrifice it.”
A recording of yesterday’s press briefing with authors, community members, and other subject experts can be found here.
[1] As of the drafting of the report, all five were awaiting a final investment decision. On June 24, 2025, Cheniere Corpus Christi LNG announced a positive final investment decision.
Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.
Oil Change International campaigns to expose the true costs of fossil fuels and facilitate the ongoing transition towards clean energy. Oil Change International is dedicated to identifying and overcoming barriers to that transition. Earthworks protects communities and the environment from the adverse impacts of mineral and energy development while promoting sustainable solutions.
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced a bill to ensure servicemembers and veterans who served at classified locations within the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) since 1951 are able to prove that they served there, and can finally get the PACT Act benefits they deserve following exposure to radiation and toxins.
From the 1950s through the 1990s, the NTTR – and the Nevada Test Site contained within it – conducted over 900 explosive nuclear weapons tests and other dangerous, toxic activities. Currently, due to issues with the classified nature of their location while serving, veterans who served at the NTTR are unable to prove their service there to the VA and, therefore, are unable to receive care and benefits connected with exposure to radiation and toxins from burn pits. The Fighting for the Overlooked Recognition of Groups Operating in Toxic Test Environments in Nevada (FORGOTTEN) Veterans Act would help to correct a historic wrong and inequity by officially recognizing the risk that veterans assumed during their service at the NTTR, and other Department of Energy (DOE) Covered Facilities, where DOE employees are already automatically presumed to have been exposed, while the servicemembers who served alongside them are not. Senator Rosen also worked to secure commitments from multiple high-ranking military officials to address this care gap.
“Veterans have been exposed to radiation and toxic chemicals as a result of their selfless service to our nation, and the least we can do is ensure they get the treatment they need,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m introducing this bill to recognize the radiation and toxic exposure experienced at the Nevada Test and Training Range so our veterans can access the care and benefits they deserve. It is unconscionable that one U.S. government agency deems portions of the range as contaminated and their personnel exposed, while another U.S. government agency does not. I’ll continue working to make sure we take care of our veterans and their loved ones.”
“As a nation, it is our obligation to take care of all veterans once their service has ended,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This is especially true for veterans of the Nevada Test and Training Range, who faced toxic exposure daily as part of their duties and should have parity with their civilian counterparts. I will continue to push for these brave men and women to receive the care and benefits they’re due.”
“Today, after decades of denial by our own government, the veterans who were exposed to toxic radiation and materials on the Nevada Test and Training Range are closer than ever to getting the recognition and benefits they’ve earned,” said Dave Crete, Chairman of The Invisible Enemy, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans who have experienced toxic exposure at the Nevada Test and Training Range. “We thank Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto for making the FORGOTTEN Veterans Act a legislative priority in the U.S. Senate, and all of our allies in Congress who are dedicated to righting this wrong, and securing justice for the brave men and women who risked their lives and lost their lives fighting this invisible enemy.”
The FORGOTTEN Veterans Act would:
Classify the Nevada Test and Training Range as contaminated.
Require the Department of Defense (DOD) to document all exposures, including those that occur domestically, into the servicemember’s Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record, so it can be seen by the VA when servicemembers transition to civilian life, while still protecting the classified nature of the location of their service.
Require the Secretary of the Air Force to identify all those who served within the NTTR since January 27, 1951, establish a process for servicemembers and veterans to provide proof of their assignment within the NTTR, and make all efforts to identify individuals, without requiring them to submit evidence of their stationing.
Establish a presumption of toxic exposure for DOD personnel who served at any Department of Energy (DOE) Covered Facilities – such as those within the NTTR – where DOE employees have a presumption of exposure and are covered under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act. One such DOE-covered facility within the NTTR is the Tonopah Test Range, which is both a DOE and DOD installation.
Add service at military installations within the NTTR to the list of recognized “radiation-risk activities” under VA law, dating back to January 27, 1951, including veterans who participated in the development, construction, operation, or maintenance of military installations at NTTR—beyond just nuclear test observers.
Establish a presumption of toxic exposure for veterans who served on or above NTTR, easing the burden of proof in VA claims.
Expand presumptive conditions for service connection by adding lipomas and tumor-related conditions to the list of automatically presumed service-connected illnesses.
Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced a bill to ensure servicemembers and veterans who served at classified locations within the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) since 1951 are able to prove that they served there, and can finally get the PACT Act benefits they deserve following exposure to radiation and toxins.
From the 1950s through the 1990s, the NTTR – and the Nevada Test Site contained within it – conducted over 900 explosive nuclear weapons tests and other dangerous, toxic activities. Currently, due to issues with the classified nature of their location while serving, veterans who served at the NTTR are unable to prove their service there to the VA and, therefore, are unable to receive care and benefits connected with exposure to radiation and toxins from burn pits. The Fighting for the Overlooked Recognition of Groups Operating in Toxic Test Environments in Nevada (FORGOTTEN) Veterans Act would help to correct a historic wrong and inequity by officially recognizing the risk that veterans assumed during their service at the NTTR, and other Department of Energy (DOE) Covered Facilities, where DOE employees are already automatically presumed to have been exposed, while the servicemembers who served alongside them are not. Senator Rosen also worked to secure commitments from multiple high-ranking military officials to address this care gap.
“Veterans have been exposed to radiation and toxic chemicals as a result of their selfless service to our nation, and the least we can do is ensure they get the treatment they need,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m introducing this bill to recognize the radiation and toxic exposure experienced at the Nevada Test and Training Range so our veterans can access the care and benefits they deserve. It is unconscionable that one U.S. government agency deems portions of the range as contaminated and their personnel exposed, while another U.S. government agency does not. I’ll continue working to make sure we take care of our veterans and their loved ones.”
“As a nation, it is our obligation to take care of all veterans once their service has ended,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This is especially true for veterans of the Nevada Test and Training Range, who faced toxic exposure daily as part of their duties and should have parity with their civilian counterparts. I will continue to push for these brave men and women to receive the care and benefits they’re due.”
“Today, after decades of denial by our own government, the veterans who were exposed to toxic radiation and materials on the Nevada Test and Training Range are closer than ever to getting the recognition and benefits they’ve earned,” said Dave Crete, Chairman of The Invisible Enemy, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans who have experienced toxic exposure at the Nevada Test and Training Range. “We thank Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto for making the FORGOTTEN Veterans Act a legislative priority in the U.S. Senate, and all of our allies in Congress who are dedicated to righting this wrong, and securing justice for the brave men and women who risked their lives and lost their lives fighting this invisible enemy.”
The FORGOTTEN Veterans Act would:
Classify the Nevada Test and Training Range as contaminated.
Require the Department of Defense (DOD) to document all exposures, including those that occur domestically, into the servicemember’s Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record, so it can be seen by the VA when servicemembers transition to civilian life, while still protecting the classified nature of the location of their service.
Require the Secretary of the Air Force to identify all those who served within the NTTR since January 27, 1951, establish a process for servicemembers and veterans to provide proof of their assignment within the NTTR, and make all efforts to identify individuals, without requiring them to submit evidence of their stationing.
Establish a presumption of toxic exposure for DOD personnel who served at any Department of Energy (DOE) Covered Facilities – such as those within the NTTR – where DOE employees have a presumption of exposure and are covered under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act. One such DOE-covered facility within the NTTR is the Tonopah Test Range, which is both a DOE and DOD installation.
Add service at military installations within the NTTR to the list of recognized “radiation-risk activities” under VA law, dating back to January 27, 1951, including veterans who participated in the development, construction, operation, or maintenance of military installations at NTTR—beyond just nuclear test observers.
Establish a presumption of toxic exposure for veterans who served on or above NTTR, easing the burden of proof in VA claims.
Expand presumptive conditions for service connection by adding lipomas and tumor-related conditions to the list of automatically presumed service-connected illnesses.
From Parks Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/parks-canada/news/2025/07/parks-canada-and-british-columbia-invest-more-than-8-m-to-improve-ecological-connectivity.html
Today, the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defense procurement, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, and Minister responsible for Official Languages, announced $5.3 million in federal funding to support an agreement to advance ecological corridor projects, nature conservation and Indigenous stewardship in British Columbia.
The Honourable Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, announced that the Province of British Columbia is contributing an additional $3 million, further strengthening this collaborative effort to improve ecological connectivity.
Many animals need to reach habitat well beyond the boundaries of protected areas to survive, and ecological connectivity is the movement of these wild species and the flow of natural processes through a landscape. With support from both governments, the Stewardship of Ecological Corridors in British Columbia agreement focuses on identifying, planning, and acting to improve movement through ecological corridors — linkages that connect natural habitats, including protected and conserved areas. Ecological corridors provide biodiversity and human well-being benefits and are vital for the long-term health of ecosystems.
The project will build on existing natural resource programs and partnerships to promote and accelerate stewardship and conservation. It will advance ecological connectivity in areas of shared national, provincial, and Indigenous priority, and strengthen collaboration between all partners. Indigenous leadership and involvement are central to the approach, guiding planning and achieving on-the-ground action.
This collaborative approach reflects the shared commitment to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and honour Indigenous stewardship. It helps create connections that matter for wildlife, communities and generations to come.
Through this investment, the Parks Canada National Program for Ecological Corridors and the British Columbia Ministry of Water, Lands and Resource Stewardship are building a strong foundation for the long-term conservation of the diverse and changing landscapes in British Columbia.
Quotes:
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages –
“Protecting the rich biodiversity in Canada takes teamwork. The partnership between Parks Canada and the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship of British Columbia supports a core part of our identity as Canadians: nature. By elevating Indigenous stewardship and by working together, this important work on ecological corridors in British Columbia helps wildlife thrive, safeguards the health of ecosystems, and strengthens resilience to climate change for future generations – ensuring a sustainable, resilient future for nature and people across Canada.”
The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence procurement and member of Parliament for Kelowna, British Columbia –
“This investment marks a powerful step forward in safeguarding the natural legacy in Canada and British Columbia. By fostering strong partnerships and uplifting Indigenous-led stewardship, we are not only protecting the land — we are honouring it. Here in Kelowna and across the province, reconnecting natural spaces strengthens ecosystems, supports wildlife, and nurtures a healthier, more resilient future for all who call this land home.”
The Honourable Randene Neill, B.C. Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship –
“Prioritizing biodiversity and ecosystem health is about more than protecting our natural spaces – it’s also about helping connect these spaces and removing barriers so that animals can move freely and safely. We’re working with Parks Canada to recognize important corridors, informed by science, Indigenous and local knowledge. Together, with many partners, we’re helping wildlife adapt to a changing climate and taking care of our natural spaces for future generations.”
Quick Facts:
Ecological corridors deliver many benefits beyond biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation. They contribute to sustainable livelihoods for local communities, they increase opportunities for people to connect with nature, and they promote human-wildlife coexistence.
Launched in 2022, Parks Canada’s National Program for Ecological Corridors promotes the creation of ecological corridors in key areas across Canada.
Parks Canada’s National Program for Ecological Corridors supports Indigenous leadership by recognizing Indigenous stewardship values as a priority goal for corridors. The program also supports Indigenous-led corridor initiatives and other initiatives that are engaging with and collaborating with local Indigenous communities.
Related links:
Parks Canada National Program for Ecological Corridors: https://parks.canada.ca/nature/science/conservation/corridors-ecologiques-ecological-corridors
Ecological connectivity at Parks Canada: https://parks.canada.ca/nature/science/conservation/connectivite-connectivity
Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/tripartite-framework-agreement-on-nature-conservation
Jefferson City — This morning, Governor Mike Kehoe signed House Bills (HB) 121 and 737, and Senate Bill (SB) 43 into law, highlighting Missouri’s commitment to protecting the state’s most vulnerable citizens.
“Today’s action on this legislation is about standing up for the most vulnerable Missourians; those who often times cannot advocate for themselves,” said Governor Kehoe. “Protecting these individuals is not just a priority, it’s a responsibility we all share, and we appreciate the General Assembly for sending this legislation to my desk. We must provide safety, support, and dignity to those who need it most.”
HB 121, sponsored by Representative Jim Murphy and Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman, establishes the “Safe Place for Newborns Fund” for installing newborn safety incubators.
Extends Missouri’s Safe Haven law and creates the “Safe Place for Newborns Fund,” giving parents in crisis a secure and anonymous option to safely surrender their child.
Establishes the Zero-Cost Adoption Fund to support families during the adoption process with non-recurring expenses and post-adoption assistance.
Expands tax credit programs that support maternity homes and diaper banks.
HB 737, sponsored by Representative Melissa Schmidt and Senator Jamie Burger, modifies provisions relating to the protection of children.
Guarantees federal benefits are securely allocated to individual beneficiaries currently in the foster care system to help establish their future financial stability.
Strengthens legal options for families by establishing the “Child and Family Legal Representation Coordinating Commission,” to ensure families have uniform, high-quality legal representation.
Improves child and youth placement processes.
SB 43, sponsored by Senator Travis Fitzwater and Representative Wendy Hausman, modifies provisions relating to protecting vulnerable persons.
Increases the protections and rights of children and vulnerable persons in legal proceedings.
Strengthens criminal provisions and penalties to help combat sexual abuse and trafficking in Missouri.
Expands tax credits to encourage more donations to organizations that help support children and youth.
Governor Kehoe also signed Senator Ben Brown’s and Representative Jim Murphy’sSB 152, which bans foreign nationals from contributing donations to campaign committees for ballot measures, and Senator Rusty Black’s and Representative Cameron Parker’s SB218, which modernizes court operations and enhances judicial efficiency, during an in-office signing ceremony.
For more information on the legislation and additional provisions signed into law, visit house.mo.gov and senate.mo.gov. Photos from the bill signing will be uploaded to Governor Kehoe’s Flickr page. Additional bill signings will continue to take place over the next several days. For more information bill signings, view Governor Kehoe’s schedule.
NEW YORK, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Class Action AttorneyJuan MonteverdewithMonteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. The firm is headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and is investigating CARGO Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRGX) related to its sale to Concentra Biosciences, LLC for $4.379 in cash per CARGO share, plus one non-transferable contingent value right, representing the right to receive: (i) 100% of the closing net cash of CARGO in excess of $217.5 million; and (ii) 80% of the net proceeds from the sale, license, or other disposition of either (a) CRG-022, a CDRR CAR T-cell therapy, or (b) CRG-023, a CD19/CD20/CD22 tri-specific CAR T therapy, or (c) the Allogeneic Platform, that occurs within 2 years following the closing. Is it a fair deal?
NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE EQUAL. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:
Do you file class actions and go to Court?
When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
What cases did you recover money in and how much?
About Monteverde & Associates PC
Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.
No one is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.
Contact: Juan Monteverde, Esq. MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC The Empire State Building 350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740 New York, NY 10118 United States of America jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com Tel: (212) 971-1341
Attorney Advertising. (C) 2025 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.
The Government of Saskatchewan is expanding the Targeted Mineral Exploration Incentive (TMEI) to include more early-stage exploration activities to support mining sector growth and investment.
Launched in 2018, the TMEI program provides financial assistance in the form of a grant to exploration companies that undertake eligible drilling activities. The TMEI program is being expanded to cover a wider range of exploration activities, such as ground-based and borehole geophysical surveys and important pre-sampling tasks like core logging. These changes aim to increase program uptake and enable more exploration for critical and emerging minerals. Specifically, the changes are expected to improve the ability of smaller companies to raise private sector capital to undertake exploration activities.
“TMEI has been key to diversifying Saskatchewan’s mining sector by promoting drilling on hard rock mineral exploration projects,” Energy and Resources Minister Colleen Young said. “These changes will help us achieve our goals set out in Saskatchewan’s Critical Minerals Strategy, specifically, increasing Saskatchewan’s share of Canadian mineral exploration spending to 15 per cent and doubling the number of critical minerals produced in Saskatchewan, all by 2030.”
By recognizing a broader scope of the exploration process, this expansion is supporting new mineral discoveries and the diversification of our mining sector. With continuing advancements in helium, lithium, copper and zinc, and record production in uranium and potash, Saskatchewan is responding to growing global demand for critical minerals.
“Expanding TMEI funding to include additional generative, early-stage exploration activities will help identify more drill targets, attracting greater investor interest and capital to Saskatchewan,” Saskatchewan Mining Association President Pam Schwann said. “The collaborative partnership between government and industry exemplifies why Saskatchewan is a premier exploration and mining destination.”
In 2024-25, 27 exploration projects were approved for $1.9 million in TMEI funding with companies spending a total of $76.5 million on these projects. Since 2018, 96 projects have received $5.9 million in TMEI funding, resulting in 926 exploration drill holes and $172.5 million in total project expenditures.
Saskatchewan has 27 of the 34 critical minerals on Canada’s list and is the largest primary producer of critical minerals in Canada. With a suite of competitive incentive programs including TMEI, a predictable and stable regulatory framework, and an abundance of resources, Saskatchewan is one of the best places in the world to invest in resource development. Clear and stable supports like the TMEI program help build Saskatchewan’s resource sector and strengthen the provincial economy which benefits all Saskatchewan people.
For more information about the TMEI, visit: Targeted Mineral Exploration Incentive.
To review Saskatchewan’s Critical Minerals Strategy, visit: Securing the Future: Saskatchewan’s Critical Minerals Strategy.
Ottawa, Ontario (July 9, 2025) — The Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for CanNor, the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, issued the following statement today:
“On Nunavut Day, we celebrate the culture, strength, and achievements of Nunavummiut. This day marks a key moment in our shared history when the Nunavut Agreement was signed, which led to the creation of Nunavut and the protection of Inuit rights to land, culture, and self-determination.
Nunavummiut have kept Inuktitut and Inuit traditions strong, and continue to protect the environment while building healthy communities. Their leadership continues to shape a better future for all.
Together with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, we are working to fully implement the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement, the largest land transfer in Canadian history. This means Nunavummiut will have more control over their land, water, and natural resources and benefit from development that is responsible and sustainable.
Today, we honour the leadership of Nunavummiut and commit to building a future based on respect, environmental care, economic growth, and northern-led jobs—a future where Nunavummiut lead the way for generations to come.
NEW YORK, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Class Action AttorneyJuan MonteverdewithMonteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. The firm is headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and is investigating PB Bankshares Inc. (NASDAQ:PBBK) related to its sale to Norwood Financial Corp. Under the terms of the proposed transaction, PB Bankshares’ shareholders will have the option to elect to receive either 0.7850 shares of Norwood common stock or $19.75 in cash for each common share of PB Bankshares they own. The election is subject to proration to ensure that, in the aggregate, 80% of the transaction consideration will be paid in the form of Norwood common stock. Is it a fair deal?
NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE EQUAL. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:
Do you file class actions and go to Court?
When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
What cases did you recover money in and how much?
About Monteverde & Associates PC
Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.
No one is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.
Contact: Juan Monteverde, Esq. MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC The Empire State Building 350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740 New York, NY 10118 United States of America jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com Tel: (212) 971-1341
Attorney Advertising. (C) 2025 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.
NEW YORK, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Class Action AttorneyJuan MonteverdewithMonteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. The firm is headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and is investigating Core Scientific, Inc. (NASDAQ:CORZ) related to its sale to CoreWeave, Inc. Upon completion of the proposed transaction, each outstanding share of Core Scientific common stock will be converted into the right to receive 0.1235 shares of CoreWeave Class A common stock. Core Scientific shareholders will own less than 10% of the combined company. Is it a fair deal?
NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE EQUAL. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:
Do you file class actions and go to Court?
When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
What cases did you recover money in and how much?
About Monteverde & Associates PC
Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.
No one is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.
Contact: Juan Monteverde, Esq. MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC The Empire State Building 350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740 New York, NY 10118 United States of America jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com Tel: (212) 971-1341
Attorney Advertising. (C) 2025 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.
Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC
Headline: Built to endure: The longevity and strength of the drilling industry
IADC President Jason McFarland addresses the current climate of uncertainty facing the drilling industry with a message of resilience and unity in his latest editorial From the July/August issue of Drilling Contractor. While acknowledging the uncomfortable reality of uncertain times, McFarland reminds Members that this industry has an extraordinary track record of not just surviving challenges, but emerging stronger from them.
Drawing from the industry’s rich history of weathering major downturns, tragedies, and even a global pandemic, McFarland argues that drilling professionals are uniquely positioned to face today’s uncertainties. The cyclical nature of both the industry and life itself means that current challenges are simply the newest chapter in a long survival story spanning over a century.
McFarland emphasizes that drilling remains essential for the foreseeable future, with the industry’s people and assets well-suited to play an active role in the energy expansion. He points to collaboration and adaptability as the twin pillars of the industry’s longevity, citing 2025 IADC Chairman Kevin Neveu‘s insight that “when teamwork, mutual respect and cooperation are the main objectives, everything else becomes easier, and success becomes more attainable.”
These principles were showcased at the 2025 IADC World Drilling Conference and Exhibition, where over 500 industry members gathered for discussions ranging from automation and AI to sustainability and cultural innovation. A standout panel, “Oil & Gas 2045: Next-Gen Energy & Fueling the Future,” featured diverse perspectives from drilling contractors, training providers, and IADC Student Chapter Members.
The Association’s advocacy efforts continue to strengthen the industry’s unified voice, with recent meetings involving leaders from the EU, Namibia, Mexico, Suriname, and Oman. IADC VP of Policy Joe Lillis has been actively addressing concerns about metal tariffs and their potential industry impacts, while the organization’s Washington, D.C., fly-in events facilitate direct Member engagement with key legislators.
In a particularly poignant reflection, McFarland discovered that many challenges facing the industry today mirror those from IADC’s founding in 1941, including concerns about government priority ratings. Rather than discouraging, he finds this continuity comforting—proof that despite decades of obstacles and external misunderstanding, the industry remains as necessary as ever.
As uncertainty continues to challenge the sector, McFarland’s message is clear: it’s natural to wish for more stability, but the drilling industry’s greatest strength lies in its resilience.
In closing, McFarland states:
“The people in this industry know how to get things done, and if there’s something we can all count on right now, it’s each other.”
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Martin L. Olsson, Medical Director of the Nordic Reference Laboratory for Blood Group Genomics, Region Skåne & Professor of Transfusion Medicine, Head of the Division, Lund University
In a routine blood test that turned extraordinary, French scientists have identified the world’s newest and rarest blood group. The sole known carrier is a woman from Guadeloupe whose blood is so unique that doctors couldn’t find a single compatible donor.
The discovery of the 48th recognised blood group, called “Gwada-negative”, began when the woman’s blood plasma reacted against every potential donor sample tested, including those from her own siblings. Consequently, it was impossible to find a suitable blood donor for her.
Most people know their blood type – A, B, AB or O – along with whether they are Rh-positive or negative. But these familiar categories (those letters plus “positive” or “negative”) represent just two of several dozens of blood group systems that determine compatibility for transfusions. Each system reflects subtle but crucial differences in the proteins and sugars coating our red blood cells.
To solve the mystery of the Guadeloupian woman’s incompatible blood, scientists turned to cutting-edge genetic analysis. Using whole exome sequencing – a technique that examines all 20,000-plus human genes – they discovered a mutation in a gene called PIGZ.
This gene produces an enzyme responsible for adding a specific sugar to an important molecule on cell membranes. The missing sugar changes the structure of a molecule on the surface of red blood cells. This change creates a new antigen – a key feature that defines a blood group – resulting in an entirely new classification: Gwada-positive (having the antigen) or -negative (lacking it).
Using gene editing technology, the team confirmed their discovery by recreating the mutation in a lab. So red blood cells from all blood donors tested are Gwada-positive and the Guadeloupean patient is the only known Gwada-negative person on the planet.
The implications of the discovery extend beyond blood transfusions. The patient suffers from mild intellectual disability, and tragically, she lost two babies at birth – outcomes that may be connected to her rare genetic mutation.
The enzyme produced by the PIGZ gene operates at the final stage of building a complex molecule called GPI (glycosylphosphatidylinositol). Previous research has shown that people with defects in other enzymes needed for GPI assembly can experience neurological problems ranging from developmental delays to seizures. Stillbirths are also common among women with these inherited disorders.
Although the Caribbean patient is the only person in the world so far with this rare blood type, neurological conditions including developmental delay, intellectual disability and seizures have been noted in other people with defects in enzymes needed earlier in the GPI assembly line.
The Gwada discovery highlights both the marvels and challenges of human genetic diversity. Blood groups evolved partly as protection against infectious diseases (many bacteria, viruses and parasites use blood group molecules as entry points into cells). This means your blood type can influence your susceptibility to certain diseases.
But extreme rarity creates medical dilemmas. The French researchers acknowledge they cannot predict what would happen if Gwada-incompatible blood were transfused into the Guadeloupian woman. Even if other Gwada-negative people exist, they would be extremely difficult to locate. It is also unclear if they can become blood donors.
This reality points towards a futuristic solution: lab-grown blood cells. Scientists are already working on growing red blood cells from stem cells that could be genetically modified to match ultra-rare blood types. In the case of Gwada, researchers could artificially create Gwada-negative red blood cells by mutating the PIGZ gene.
Gwada is a colloquial term for Guadeloupe, a Caribbean island. Shutterstock.com
A growing field
Gwada joins 47 other blood group systems recognised by the International Society of Blood Transfusion. Like most of these blood-group systems, it was discovered in a hospital lab where technicians were trying to find compatible blood for a patient.
The name reflects the case’s Caribbean roots: Gwada is slang for someone from Guadeloupe, giving this blood group both scientific relevance and cultural resonance.
As genetic sequencing becomes more advanced and widely used, researchers expect to uncover more rare blood types. Each discovery expands our understanding of human variation and raises fresh challenges for transfusion and other types of personalised medicine.
Martin L Olsson is a Wallenberg Clinical Scholar who receives research funding from Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (grant no. 2020.0234). He holds other major grants from the Swedish Research Council (grant no. 2024-03772), the Novo Nordisk Foundation (grant no. NNF22OC0077684) and the Swedish government funds to university healthcare for clinical research (ALF grant no. 2022.0287). He is also a member of the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT)’s Working Party on Red Cell Immunogenetics and Blood Group Terminology.
Jill Storry receives funding from the Swedish Research Council (grant no. 2024-03772). She is affiliated with, and the current senior Vice-President, of the International Society of Blood Transfusion, as well as a member of the society’s Working Party on Red Cell Immunogenetics and Blood Group Terminology.
Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
Washington, DC — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development issued the following joint statement in response to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issuing areport that finds the Department of Energy (DOE) is not in compliance with required reporting to help ensure transparency in spending.
“This GAO report exposes a troubling failure by the Department of Energy to meet even the most basic budgeting responsibilities. Nearly a decade after Congress required forward-looking energy planning, DOE still hasn’t delivered — and now the Trump administration wants to do away with this basic good government requirement altogether. With nearly $50 billion in taxpayer funds at stake, this lack of accountability is unacceptable. At a time of fierce global competition, we can’t afford a Department flying blind. DOE must stop stonewalling and immediately implement GAO’s recommendations — as mandated by law — to deliver the transparency, accountability, and planning the American people deserve and that this administration has promised but routinely failed to deliver.”
The fiscal year 2012 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act required the Secretary of Energy to submit a future-years energy program (FYEP) alongside DOE’s annual budget justifications, starting with the fiscal year 2014 request and continuing each year thereafter.
However, GAO found that DOE has failed to fully comply with this statutory requirement, offering no justification for its ongoing noncompliance. The Department’s FYEP submissions have been incomplete and inconsistent, and it lacks both a finalized strategic plan and the necessary budgeting processes to generate accurate estimates.
Congress mandated this investigation in the fiscal year 2024 Energy and Water Development bill. In a striking acknowledgment of this failure, the Trump administration’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal attempts to eliminate the reporting requirement altogether—undermining its own claims of promoting efficiency and exposing a broader disregard for transparency and fiscal accountability.
Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
ICYMI: At HELP Hearing, Senator Murray Presses CDC Nominee on Commitment to Scientific Integrity, Vaccine Access, as RFK Jr. Fires ACIP Members, Pushes Vaccine Conspiracies
Senator Murray, along with Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), authored the PREVENT Pandemics Act that made the CDC Director a Senate confirmed position for the first time starting this year
***WATCH HERE: Murray remarks at HELP markup on measles outbreak***
Washington, D.C. – Today—at a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee markup to advance the nomination of Susan Monarez, PhD to be Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Committee, spoke forcefully about how measles cases in the U.S. have reached a 33-year high, and yet our conspiracy-minded Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has only doubled down on his dangerous anti-vaccine activism, and the Republican leadership of the HELP Committee is refusing to exercise any serious oversight of the measles crisis or other public health disasters the Trump administration is fanning the flames of.
At the markup, the HELP committee voted 12-11 to send Dr. Monarez’s nomination to the Senate floor—Senator Murray voted against advancing her nomination.
The CDC Director is a Senate-confirmed position for the first time this year thanks to a provision in Senator Murray’s bipartisan PREVENT Pandemics Act, which she negotiated and passed with former Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) in 2022.
Senator Murray’s full remarks at the HELP markup, as delivered, are below and video is HERE:
“I think it’s really important as we consider a CDC nominee today, we talk about the real elephant in the room.
“Because we could actually have the best CDC director in the world, and it wouldn’t change the fact that we have a person leading HHS who is an anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist—and a Committee that I fear is failing to do its bipartisan, public oversight of public health disasters.
“Measles cases are at a record 33-year high. They have not been this high since before we eliminated the disease in 2000.
“And now we are over 1,200 cases—that is really, we believe, also an undercount.
“But instead of pounding the pavement to encourage people to get vaccinated—the single most effective protection against measles, as you know—RFK Jr. has been firing every single member of the CDC vaccine advisory panel, and he loaded it up with his favorite vaccine skeptics, so they can pursue debunked conspiracies.
“And I am concerned because this Committee, it feels like, has all but abandoned serious oversight of this crisis. We haven’t had a hearing on the record-breaking number of measles outbreaks.
“Or a hearing on how the CDC vaccine panel is now stacked with people who are actually not unvetted, and all the previous board members—every single one of them—was removed with no credible explanation.
“So, I really believe we need public oversight.
“I really do hope that Dr. Monarez will defy my expectations, I hope she will stand up for science, and put public health first.
“But again, I have hoped that for others, and here we are today. So, I just want to express my disappointment, and real feeling that this committee should have oversight and do hearings before it’s too late to do anything all.
“And I would just say, my door is open to everyone. I think that we do need to work together and try and repair some of the harm that this anti-vaccine conspiracy theorists are doing to our country right now, and I hope that you take that into consideration.”
_______________
At her nomination hearing last month, under Senator Murray’s questioning, Dr. Monarez admitted she agreed with Senator Murray that the eight new members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP)—which Secretary Kennedy handpicked after firing every member of the Committee for no reason—should go through a thorough ethics review process before participating in ACIP meetings. At the hearing, Senator Murray also raised alarm over Secretary Kennedy bringing Lyn Redwood in to the ACIP meeting to give a presentation on thimerosal in vaccines, and pressed Dr. Monarez on how changes to the ACIP recommendation could force families to pay out of pocket for vaccines, or forgo vaccination altogether. Senator Murray has been speaking out for weeks against Secretary Kennedy’s reckless decision to fire the entire slate of ACIP members without cause—holding a press call with Dr. Helen Chu of Washington state, one of the 17 ACIP members who was fired, and calling on Secretary Kennedy to reinstate the ACIP members he fired and ensure any new members undergo appropriate vetting.
Senator Murray forcefully opposed the nomination of notorious anti-vaccine activist RFK Jr. to be Secretary of HHS, and she has long worked to combat vaccine skepticism and highlight the importance of scientific research and vaccines. Murray was also a leading voice against the nomination of Dr. Dave Weldon to lead CDC, repeatedly speaking up about her serious concerns with the nominee immediately after their meeting. In 2019, Senator Murray co-led a bipartisan hearing in the HELP Committee on vaccine hesitancy and spoke about the importance of addressing vaccine skepticism and getting people the facts they need to keep their families and communities safe and healthy. Ahead of the 2019 hearing, as multiple states were facing measles outbreaks in under-vaccinated areas, Murray sent a bipartisan letter with former HELP Committee Chair Lamar Alexander pressing Trump’s CDC Director and HHS Assistant Secretary for Health on their efforts to promote vaccination and vaccine confidence.
Senator Murray has been a leading voice in Congress against RFK Jr.’s dismantling of HHS and attacks on America’s public health infrastructure, raising the alarm over HHS’ unilateral reorganization plan and slamming the closure of the HHS Region 10 office in Seattle and the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Spokane Research Laboratory. Senator Murray has sent oversight letters and hosted numerous press conferences and events to lay out how the administration’s reckless gutting of HHS is risking Americans’ health and safety and will set our country back decades, and lifting up the voices of HHS employees who were fired for no reason and through no fault of their own.