Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)
Speaker Johnson Welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Back to the U.S. Capitol
Washington, July 8, 2025
WASHINGTON — This morning, Speaker Johnson hosted His Excellency Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of the State of Israel, at the U.S. Capitol for a meeting during his U.S. visit. Speaker Johnson and Prime Minister Netanyahu took photos before heading into their meeting.
Speaker Johnson released the following statement after their meeting:
“Today, I had the honor of welcoming my good friend, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, back to the U.S. Capitol. The Prime Minister and I discussed America’s commitment to Israel’s security and our shared goal of achieving a ceasefire agreement in Gaza that is righteous, enduring, and rooted in the principle of peace through strength. America and Israel’s strong stand in the 12-Day War dealt a devastating blow to the greatest enemy of peace in the region, leaving the Iranian regime weaker than at any point in decades. We are hopeful that this marks the dawn of a new chapter of peace in the Middle East.”
As Aviation Continues To See Greater Demand, NASA and NREL Show How Regional Airports Can Become Energy Nodes
Photo from Getty Images
Between fleets of rental vehicles and ground support equipment, electricity demand at U.S. airports might quintuple in the next 20 years.
Smaller regional and general aviation airports, which often have simple rural electric connections, are part of that overwhelming growth. Major airport electric investments are incoming, to say nothing of battery-powered electric aircraft that require substantial charging supplies on the ground.
With 30-year decision-making in the air, researchers at NREL, a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory, are using the Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems (ARIES) platform and other capabilities to analyze energy options for airports, utilities, and public regulators. In many cases, they find a win-win for on-site energy generation and storage.
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On-Site Power To Offset Costs
For any utility, a fivefold expansion in electric infrastructure is serious work. Adding new generation, lines, and substations quickly becomes an expensive project, especially with a regional airport budget. But NREL researchers say there might be a better way.
“Airports—which are often public entities—are figuring out whether there will be enough demand to pay for the infrastructure,” said Scott Cary, project manager of ports and airports at NREL. “To offset some of that cost and increase resilience, part of that conversation should be, ‘What should we generate locally?’”
On-site power from distributed energy resources can lower operating costs by letting airports sell electricity back into the grid. But perhaps more important to regional airports, the on-site resources can serve a local source of stability and energy backup: They can form energy nodes.
“Many of our small, rural airports have available land. Cost-effective distributed energy resources can potentially supply all loads and a majority of the charging loads at the airport. This could generate revenue while also helping the region with power reliability,” Cary said.
That value proposition could resonate with aviation stakeholders, but some may see it as a leap of faith. For that reason, NREL and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are evaluating the costs, policies, and operations in a research activity named Airports as Energy Nodes (ÆNodes). Starting with two partner airports, the research team will build a repeatable research model for the 5,000 other U.S. regional and general aviation airports to explore their energy horizons.
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Exact Answers to Airport Energy Buildout
To get an idea for how regional and general aviation airports will become energy nodes, researchers at NASA and NREL simulated thousands of hypothetical flight itineraries in which electric aircraft offer short-distance service for high-demand routes relative to existing traffic. These results provided a baseline concept of electricity requirements and options, enabling the next stage of research: replicating the power systems of partner airports, including Winchester Regional Airport in Virginia and Tweed New Haven Airport in Connecticut.
Airports across the United States are planning expansions, including Tweed New Haven Airport (blueprint illustrated above), and ÆNodes will help them assess electrical options to become energy nodes. Image from Tweed New Haven Airport
“First, we’ve forecasted electric loads and mapped those to typical regional airport buildout. Next, we’ll look at the system in coordination with the utility and ask how we can make it better,” Cary said. “Where do we site energy assets? What adjustments to airport policies or configuration are needed? We can test those questions virtually with power hardware in the loop. We forecast electrical behavior, so utilities can see there’s a way to safely bring those assets online.”
The two airports, which are seeing continued growth, are expanding services including electrified aircraft, and NREL’s expertise and research capabilities will deliver confidence around those intrepid investments. A significant challenge is showing the utilities that the electric plan will work, and for that, NREL will use the ARIES platform.
The Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems (ARIES) platform is capable of replicating power systems and will be used for that purpose in the ÆNodes activity for utilities and airports to understand expansion plans. Photo by Josh Bauer, NREL
With data from both airports and their respective utilities, researchers have modeled the partners’ electric systems and loads in detail. Soon, they will translate that information to real utility hardware with ARIES, which they can use to emulate charging fleets of electric aircraft and ground equipment. This will show how utility components handle large loads and surprise disruptions. It will also show how airport electrical systems can be configured for local use: as a source of energy backup and potential economic revenue.
“ÆNodes is about easing the transition for the aviation, utility, and greater airport ecosystems. By looking at this now, we are identifying potential solutions proactively to improve resilience from economic, energy, and transportation perspectives,” Cary said.
Gates Are Closing, Prepare for Takeoff
Given the harmony between electric aircraft and short-distance flights, and constant developments in aviation technology, the next steps at airports could be consequential. NREL and NASA want to make sure aviation decision makers can see clearly down the runway.
“Electric aircraft are in certification—now is the time to prepare,” Cary said. “There is a whole adoption cycle for getting a network in place and scaling it to the demand that airports expect to see. NREL can help airports make those decisions effectively.”
By NREL’s analysis, airports can optimize the value of their energy investments by building local generation—like battery storage—and by supplying electricity back to the local grid to bolster its reliability. To realize this vision of airports as energy nodes, NREL will show that transformative electrical buildouts are safe and valuable and will utilize insights from its partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration around electric aircrafts.
“ÆNodes is focused on all loads at an airport. We’re taking the results from electrical emulations to the utility and saying, ‘Here’s the load, and based on your system, you can do it in this way,’” Cary said. “Then we can apply the same model from airport to airport.”
Learn more about NREL’s aviation, energy security and resilience, and broader transportation and mobility research.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Brazil’s highest civilian honour by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday.
Lula awarded ‘The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross’ to PM Modi in Brasilia. The award is the 26th global honour for the PM and the third on his current five-nation visit, which commenced on July 2.
Earlier, the Prime Minister became the first foreign leader to be conferred with ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago’, the highest civilian award of the Caribbean nation, during his two-day visit to Port of Spain.
Last Wednesday, the PM was conferred ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’, the country’s national honour, in recognition of his “distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership” by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama in Accra
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)
July 08, 2025
Washington D.C. – Today, Committee on House Administration Subcommittee on Modernization & Innovation Chairwoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05) and Ranking Member Norma Torres (CA-35) announced the official launch of LegiDex, the House of Representative’s new online staff directory. LegiDex is a first-of-its-kind platform, built on data from a range of official House sources, that transforms the way staff can connect across House offices and agencies.
“LegiDex is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we work together to bring Congress into the 21st century. For too long, staff collaboration was hindered by outdated tools and fragmented information,” said Ranking Member Norma Torres. “With LegiDex, we’re empowering the people who keep Congress running with a modern, reliable platform that strengthens communication and promotes transparency across the House.”
“We’re so excited to see this project finally come to light,” said Chairwoman Bice. “This new platform will help staff on all levels and allow for more collaboration between offices. The Subcommittee will continue our work to push the institution to be the best it can be for our Members, staff and constituents.”
Background:
LegiDex was developed by the House Digital Service (HDS) at the direction of and in coordination with the Committee on House Administration’s Subcommittee on Modernization & Innovation. LegiDex evolved out of a recommendation made by the bipartisan Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress to create an online staff directory. HDS expanded on the Select Committee’s recommendation to create a truly unique platform with a number of features that will help staff work more effectively and efficiently.
IAM Local 695 (District 160) members in Olympia, Wash., proudly joined their community to celebrate diversity and equality during this year’s Olympia Pride Parade.
Marching alongside InterCity Transit’s signature bubble bus and minibus, the members made a strong statement of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and their commitment to human rights.
“We value all people. Working people deserve to feel safe and respected – on the job and in their communities,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “This isn’t just about walking in a parade. It’s about living the IAM Union values: standing for justice, standing for equity, and lifting everyone’s voice.”
IAM Local 695 represents workers at InterCity Transit, who were thrilled to participate in an event that highlights the importance of inclusion in both the workplace and the community.
“The IAM Union will always stand on the side of equality, dignity, and inclusion,” said IAM Human Rights Director Nicole Fears. “When our members show up at events like Pride, they’re sending a message that everyone deserves a seat at the table regardless of who they are or who they love – That visibility matters.”
Watch a video highlight here.
The post IAM Local 695 Members Celebrate Solidarity and Inclusion at Olympia Pride Parade appeared first on IAM Union.
China’s Ministry of State Security Directed the Theft of COVID-19 Research and the Exploitation of Microsoft Exchange Server Vulnerabilities, Known Publicly as the Indiscriminate ‘HAFNIUM’ Intrusion Campaign
The Justice Department announced today that Xu Zewei (徐泽伟), 33, of the People’s Republic of China was arrested on July 3 in Italy at the request of the United States. Xu and his co-defendant, PRC national Zhang Yu (张宇), 44, are charged in a nine-count indictment, unsealed today in the Southern District of Texas, for their involvement in computer intrusions between February 2020 and June 2021, including the indiscriminate HAFNIUM computer intrusion campaign that compromised thousands of computers worldwide, including in the United States. Xu was arrested in Milan, Italy, and will face extradition proceedings.
According to court documents, officers of the PRC’s Ministry of State Security’s (MSS) Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) directed Xu to conduct this hacking. The MSS and SSSB are PRC intelligence services responsible for PRC’s domestic counterintelligence, non-military foreign intelligence, and aspects of the PRC’s political and domestic security. When conducting the computer intrusions, Xu worked for a company named Shanghai Powerock Network Co. Ltd. (Powerock). Powerock was one of many “enabling” companies in the PRC that conducted hacking for the PRC government.
“This arrest underscores the United States’ patient and tireless commitment to pursuing hackers who seek to steal information belonging to U.S. companies and universities,” said John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division. “The Justice Department will find you and hold you accountable for threatening our cybersecurity and harming our people and institutions.”
“The indictment alleges that Xu was hacking and stealing crucial COVID-19 research at the behest of the Chinese government while that same government was simultaneously withholding information about the virus and its origins,” said Nicholas Ganjei, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas. “The Southern District of Texas has been waiting years to bring Xu to justice and that day is nearly at hand. As this case shows, even if it takes years, we will track hackers down and make them answer for their crimes. The United States does not forget.”
“In February 2020, as the world entered a pandemic, Xu Zewei and other cyber actors working on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) targeted American universities to steal groundbreaking COVID-19 research. The following year, these same actors, operating as a group publicly known as HAFNIUM, exploited zero-day vulnerabilities in U.S. systems to steal additional research,” said Assistant Director Brett Leatherman of FBI’s Cyber Division. “Through HAFNIUM, the CCP targeted over 60,000 U.S. entities, successfully victimizing more than 12,700 in order to steal sensitive information. This arrest, carried out with our Italian law enforcement partners, demonstrates the FBI’s relentless commitment to holding CCP-sponsored hackers accountable for their crimes.”
According to court documents, in early 2020, Xu and his co-conspirators hacked and otherwise targeted U.S.-based universities, immunologists, and virologists conducting research into COVID‑19 vaccines, treatment, and testing. Xu and others reported their activities to officers in the SSSB who were supervising and directing the hacking activities. For example, on or about Feb. 19, 2020, Xu provided an SSSB officer with confirmation that he had compromised the network of a research university located in the Southern District of Texas. On or about Feb. 22, 2020, the SSSB officer directed Xu to target and access specific email accounts (mailboxes) belonging to virologists and immunologists engaged in COVID-19 research for the university. Xu later confirmed for the SSSB officer that he acquired the contents of the researchers’ mailboxes.
Beginning in late 2020, Xu and his co-conspirators exploited certain vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange Server, a widely-used Microsoft product for sending, receiving, and storing email messages. Their exploitation of Microsoft Exchange Server was at the forefront of a massive campaign targeting thousands of computers worldwide and known publicly as “HAFNIUM.” In March 2021, Microsoft publicly disclosed the intrusion campaign by state-sponsored hackers operating out of China. Throughout March 2021, Microsoft and other industry partners released detection tools, patches, and other information to assist victim entities in identifying and mitigating this cyber incident. Additionally, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency released a Joint Advisory on Compromise of Microsoft Exchange Server on March 10, 2021. However, by the end of March 2021, hundreds of web shells remained on certain U.S.-based computers running Microsoft Exchange Server software. In April 2021, the Justice Department announced a court-authorized operation to remediate hundreds of computers in the United States made vulnerable by HAFNIUM actors. In July 2021, the United States and foreign partners attributed the HAFNIUM campaign to the PRC’s MSS.
Among the victims of Xu’s exploitation of Microsoft Exchange Server were another university located in the Southern District of Texas and a law firm with offices worldwide, including in Washington, D.C. After exploiting computers running Microsoft Exchange Server, Xu and his co-conspirators installed web shells on them to enable their remote administration. These web shells were specific to HAFNIUM actors at the time. As with the earlier COVID-19 research intrusions, Xu and Zhang worked together on the HAFNIUM intrusions, under the supervision and direction of SSSB officers. For example, on or about Jan. 30, 2021, Xu confirmed to Zhang that he had compromised the other university’s network. Later, on or about Feb. 28, 2021, Xu updated a SSSB officer on his successful intrusions. This SSSB officer then directed Xu to obtain a list of other, successful intrusions from a second SSSB officer. Unauthorized access to the law firm’s network allowed Xu and his co-conspirators to steal information from mailboxes and search them for information regarding specific U.S. policy makers and government agencies. Their search terms included “Chinese sources,” “MSS,” and “HongKong.”
The announcement of charges against Xu is the latest describing the PRC’s use of an extensive network of private companies and contractors in China to hack and steal information in a manner that obscured the PRC government’s involvement. Operating from their safe haven and motivated by profit, this network of private companies and contractors in China cast a wide net to identify vulnerable computers, exploit those computers, and then identify information that it could sell directly or indirectly to the PRC government. This largely indiscriminate approach results in more victims in the United States and elsewhere, more systems worldwide left vulnerable to future exploitation by third parties, and more stolen information, often of no interest to the PRC government and, therefore, sold to other third parties.
Xu is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count; conspiracy to cause damage to and obtain information by unauthorized access to protected computers, to commit wire fraud, and to commit identity theft, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison; two counts of obtaining information by unauthorized access to protected computers, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison; two counts of intentional damage to a protected computer, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison; and aggravated identity theft, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison. Zhang Yu, remains at large. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
The FBI’s Houston Field Office is investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark McIntyre and John Marck for the Southern District of Texas and Deputy Chief Matthew Anzaldi of the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs is handling the extradition.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
AG hosts second roundtable to discuss the impacts of Trump’s disruptive tariffs on front-line industries
LOS ANGELES — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today hosted business leaders for a roundtable conversation to discuss the impacts of President Trump’s illegal and chaotic tariffs across industries in California. The roundtable in Los Angeles follows California’s lawsuit against the Trump Administration over its use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) to illegally impose tariffs, and included leaders from the trucking and shipping industries, ports, and small businesses and business chambers. President Trump’s erratic tariffs are wreaking havoc on the U.S. financial system and causing uniquely immense harm to California’s economy, which as the fourth largest economy in the world, remains a major driver of our national economy. The tariffs challenged under California’s current lawsuit are projected to shrink the U.S. economy by $178 billion, cost California consumers $25 billion, and result in the loss of over 64,000 jobs throughout California.
“President Trump’s destructive and unpredictable tariff regime has sent shockwaves through financial markets, businesses, and consumers in every corner of the globe — and especially here in California, home to the fourth largest economy in the world,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Today, I heard from leaders on the front lines concerned about the disastrous impact of tariffs on their industries and businesses. These folks are sounding the alarm — and I sincerely thank Los Angeles business and industry leaders for being open about the challenges Angelinos are facing on the ground. As the People’s Attorney, I will continue to fight for California’s vibrant economy, businesses, workers, and families.”
“The erratic tariff policies have created unprecedented uncertainty for harbor businesses, making it impossible to plan shipments or investments,” said Henry Rogers, Executive Director, Harbor Association of Industry & Commerce. “As representatives of companies on the front lines of global trade through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, we need the predictability our industry requires to continue supporting California’s economy and the jobs that depend on efficient international commerce.”
“Tariff increases are straining essential drivers of the LA economy, including the construction, manufacturing, and retail sectors,” said Nella McOsker, President & CEO, Central City Association. “Combined with immigration raids that terrorize small businesses, their employees, and potential patrons—especially in Downtown LA—these federal actions are unnecessarily destabilizing our workforce, hindering economic growth, and jeopardizing the well-being of our communities.”
BACKGROUND
Attorney General Bonta is committed to challenging the illegal tariffs that threaten California jobs, businesses, and consumers. On April 16, Attorney General Bonta and Governor Newsom filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s unlawful use of power to impose tariffs and direct agencies within the administration to implement and enforce those tariffs without the consent of Congress. In May, California filed a motion for a preliminary injunction with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to stop the Trump Administration’s illegal tariffs while litigation in their case proceeds and filed an amicus brief in the Court of International Trade in Oregon v. Trump, another case also challenging President Trump’s illegal imposition of tariffs. In June, a judge granted California’s request for dismissal to allow the state to appeal its case challenging the Trump Administration’s illegal tariffs after the Administration asked that the case be transferred to the Court of International Trade — a motion that California opposed. The dismissal kept the case in California and allowed California to appeal to the Ninth Circuit. This case remains ongoing.
More information about the lawsuit can be found here.
ST. LOUIS, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rapsodo, a leading sports data and performance technology company, today released two major new features to elevate golfers’ experience on the Mobile Launch Monitor (MLM1), a tool that offers unparalleled data and insight to enhance their practice sessions. The exclusive new Virtual Range and MyBag tools make it easier to track performance, analyze shot data and fine-tune skills. Rapsodo MLM1 users can add these new features by downloading the latest version of the MLM1 software from the App Store.
Virtual Range: Exclusive to MLM1 Premium Members, the Virtual Range feature will bring a new level of immersion and visual feedback to golfers practicing into a net at home. Key benefits include:
Enhanced Visualization: Users can see every shot traced in real-time within a 3D range environment, offering a more engaging and visually rich experience.
Better Practice Feedback: Visual reinforcement of shot direction, distance and flight path helps identify areas for improvement and track gameplay patterns.
Simulated Range Experience Anywhere: Transforms any location into a virtual driving range, making practice more flexible and accessible no matter where users are.
Data-Driven Improvement: The visual shot tracing allows for more comprehensive analysis and shot recall, helping golfers link ball flight with swing mechanics.
MyBag: A feature now available for all MLM1 members, MyBag is designed to help golfers organize and track their equipment in one place. Previously available on MLM2PRO, this feature enables users to add and monitor performance data for multiple clubs and directly compare performance metrics. Updates include:
Club Input: Users can now manually add clubs to track, specifying details like club type, brand, make, model and specs (lie, loft, length).
Data Tracking: As users hit shots, the app records key data points like ball speed, club speed, launch angle and distance.
Data Comparison: The Club Comparison tool in R-Cloud allows golfers to directly compare and track the performance of different clubs, ensuring they use the best club for each shot.
Shot Averaging: The app calculates average data for each club, helping golfers understand their strengths and weaknesses.
Improved Gapping: With insights into how far they can hit with each club, golfers make more informed club choices on the course.
Better Practice: Data-driven insights help improve swing mechanics and identify potential issues with specific clubs so golfers always choose the best club for each shot.
“The expanded MyBag feature can make a huge difference in a golfer’s game, because knowing your average distances and trends for each club helps them make smarter decisions during their rounds and play with more strategic precision,” said Pete Gibbons, director of golf at Rapsodo. “We’re continuously enhancing the user experience to give golfers of all levels better customization and a deeper understanding of their performance on and off the course. We follow the principle ‘Never Stop Improving’ so we can help athletes perform at their best.”
The MLM1 ($299.99), along with the annual MLM1 Premium membership ($99.99), turns any iOS device into a game-changing mobile launch monitor, allowing golfers to make data-driven decisions and track their progress in real time. The MLM1 tracks up to 11 golf metrics, provides swing replay with shot trace and allows for multiple training experiences to help golfers get more out of their game. Purchase of the device includes a free 7-day trial of the MLM1 premium membership.
About Rapsodo Rapsodo defies limits with affordable, professional-grade technology to enhance the way athletes play across the world. Used by MLB teams, NCAA Division I Champions, and elite PGA coaches, Rapsodo technology has earned multiple MyGolfSpy’s Best of Golf Awards and the Official Player Development Partner of USA Baseball, affirming Rapsodo’s leadership in golf, baseball, and softball tech. Do what you didn’t think was possible. Play Without Limits. Play with Rapsodo. Discover more at Rapsodo.com.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)
Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) announced that he helped 535 constituents of Kentucky’s Second District recover $9,604,166 through federal casework in the first six months of 2025.
“One of the most important responsibilities I have as the Representative of Kentucky’s Second District is to ensure that the federal government is working for hardworking Kentucky families,” said Congressman Guthrie. “Too often, Washington’s bloated bureaucracy gets in the way of efficiency. This doesn’t impact bureaucrats, but instead the people they’re intended to serve. I am honored to have been able to assist so many Kentuckians in navigating the federal government and return significant amounts of money rightfully owed to them.”
Congressman Guthrie’s office can assist constituents of Kentucky’s Second District with casework issues concerning processing tax returns via the IRS, expediting a passport with the Department of State, obtaining benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs, and more. To get assistance with the above issues or another issue with the federal government, residents of KY-02 can call (270) 842-9896 or visit https://guthrie.house.gov/services/casework/.
Under the guidelines of House Committee on Ethics and Committee on House Administration, Congressman Guthrie’s office is allowed to request information or a status report from a federal agency’s liaison office, urge prompt consideration, and request reconsideration of an administrative response which is believed to not be supported by applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Please note, the office cannot guarantee a successful outcome of a case. In line with recommendations from the House Committee on Ethics, the office has a policy of not interfering with individuals’ ongoing legal proceedings.
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
As part of its ongoing commitment to scientific transparency and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) today announced plans to implement a new policy that will cap how much publishers can charge NIH-supported scientists to make their research findings publicly accessible. This initiative reflects a broader effort to restore public trust in public health by promoting open, honest, and transparent scientific communication. “Creating an open, honest, and transparent research atmosphere is a key part of restoring public trust in public health,” said NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya. “This reform will make science accessible not only to the public but also to the broader scientific community, while ending perverse incentives that don’t benefit taxpayers.” The current landscape of scholarly publishing presents growing challenges. Some major publishers charge as much as $13,000 per article for immediate open access, while also collecting substantial subscription fees from government agencies. For example, one publishing group reportedly receives more than $2 million annually in subscription fees from NIH, in addition to tens of millions more through exclusive article processing charges (APCs). These costs ultimately burden taxpayers who have already funded the underlying research. To address this imbalance, NIH will introduce a cap on allowable publication costs starting in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, ensuring that publication fees remain reasonable across the research ecosystem. The policy aims to curb excessive APCs and ensure the broad dissemination of research findings without unnecessary financial barriers. This reform builds on NIH’s long-standing commitment to open science and public access, as demonstrated by initiatives such as:
The NIH Public Access Policy, which ensures that peer-reviewed publications resulting from NIH funding are made freely available to the public without embargo. The NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy, which promotes the timely sharing of scientific data regardless of publication status. The NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools (RePORT), which provide public insight into NIH-funded research activities, expenditures, and results. The NIH Intramural Access Policy, which encourages broader use of NIH-developed technologies through licensing strategies that enhance patient and public access.
“This policy marks a critical step in protecting the integrity of the scientific publishing system while ensuring that public investments in research deliver maximum public benefit,” Dr. Bhattacharya said. About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov. NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®
Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to ensure our troops are wearing high quality, safe and reliable footwear as part of their uniforms. The Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTS) Act would expand current uniform regulations to ensure the combat boots worn by our servicemembers are entirely manufactured in America and made with U.S.-sourced materials thus strengthening our national security and creating good-paying jobs.
U.S. Representative Jared Golden (D-ME-02), a Marine Corps. combat veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), is an original sponsor of companion legislation in the House.
“Our military depends on the availability, accessibility, safety and quality of the uniforms worn by our servicemembers,” said Senator King. “The bipartisan BOOTS Act will ensure that all combat boots and parts worn by the American military are made in the USA—both boosting our domestic economy and ensuring the safety of the boots supply chain. Thank you to my colleagues for putting our servicemembers first.”
“Requiring our servicemembers’ combat boots to be produced in the United States with American materials improves military readiness and strengthens our defense industrial base,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan bill would help avoid supply disruptions in times of crisis, create more jobs and investment domestically, and better outfit our nation’s troops.”
“American warfighters should be supplied American gear, including footwear,” said Representative Golden. “Ensuring domestic suppliers are first in line to provide equipment to our service members is good for troops, good for the jobs, and good for domestic manufacturing. I’m proud to cosponsor the BOOTs Act to provide American-made footwear to the men and women who volunteer to defend America.”
The BOOTS Act would mandate that all optional combat boots worn by U.S. military servicemembers are Berry Amendment-compliant, or 100 percent made in the United States with U.S.-sourced materials. The current loophole has allowed for a major increase in low quality, foreign-made boots and has led to a significant decline in demand from American companies, which in turn reduces domestic manufacturing capabilities and undermines the domestic defense supply chain. In the event of a major conflict, the current clothing and textile supply chain would be too fragile to meet demand.
This legislation is endorsed by A&E, American Sole, Belleville Boot Co., Draper Knitting, Emtex Global, G-Form, Glacial Lakes Rubber and Plastics, Grassland Stamping, Hope Global Manufacturing, Mississippi TanTec, McRae Footwear, Meramec, Meridian, Milliken, New Balance Athletics, PolyLabs, Rubberlite, Signet Mills, SX Industries, Thorogood, Unifi, Vibram Corporation, W.L. Gore and Associates, Worthen Industries, YKK USA, American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), U.S. Footwear Manufacturers Association (USFMA) and Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition (WPRC).
“The BOOTs Act closes a gap in the Berry Amendment by requiring all military footwear sold through Department of Defense exchanges to be domestically sourced. Currently, foreign-made boots undermine military readiness and disadvantage American manufacturers, weakening the U.S. supply chain. This commonsense change ensures uniform consistency, reduces confusion for servicemembers, and supports the domestic industrial base as manufacturers rebuild capacity,” said Bill McCann, Executive Director of the United States Footwear Manufactures Association.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
RIO DE JANEIRO, July 8 (Xinhua) — China’s economy is fully capable of withstanding any external shocks and achieving long-term stable growth, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Tuesday.
Speaking at a symposium for Chinese-invested enterprises operating in Brazil, Li Qiang said that since the beginning of this year, the Chinese economy has withstood the pressure and maintained a stable and positive dynamic. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced today that Joshua Dunlap, of Scarborough, Maine, has been nominated by President Donald Trump to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
In February, Senator Collins established a Federal Appointments Advisory Committee to evaluate candidates for Senate-confirmed positions in Maine. As the senior Republican member of Maine’s congressional delegation, Senator Collins is advising the Trump Administration as it selects candidates for federal positions in the state, and the Committee’s recommendations are an integral part of that process.
“Mr. Joshua Dunlap was a top candidate recommended by my Federal Appointments Advisory Committee for this important position. Mr. Dunlap currently serves as a Partner at Pierce Atwood LLP where he co-chairs the firm’s Appellate & Amici team. His wealth of appellate experience, along with his intelligence and temperament, make him an excellent choice to serve on the federal bench,”said Senator Collins.“A native of Vassalboro, now living in Scarborough, he will serve Maine well in this critical role. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to swiftly confirm Mr. Dunlap.”
A native of Vassalboro, Maine, Mr. Dunlap is currently a partner in the litigation group of Pierce Atwood LLP, where he co-chairs the firm’s Appellate & Amici team. He has practiced at Pierce Atwood for over fifteen years, handling substantial civil litigation matters in both appellate and trial courts.
His practice in federal and state courts has involved a wide range of common law, statutory, and constitutional claims. Mr. Dunlap currently serves as the chair for the Maine Appellate Rules Committee, to which he was appointed by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court.
As an associate, Mr. Dunlap assisted multiple special masters, including the Honorable William J. Kayatta, Jr., and Ralph I. Lancaster, Jr., in overseeing original jurisdiction proceedings before the Supreme Court of the United States.
Prior to returning to Pierce Atwood, Mr. Dunlap clerked for the Honorable Paul J. Kelly, Jr., of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
Mr. Dunlap graduated from the Notre Dame Law School, where he was the first in his class.
Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
Department of Education’s action follows Senator Collins’ urging of the Secretary at an Appropriations Hearing.
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional TRIO Caucus, announced that the Department of Education has awarded a total of $4,437,139 in TRIO Student Support Services grants to 11 Maine colleges and universities. These grants are given to colleges and universities to improve the retention and graduation rates of first-generation and low-income college students. The announcement comes after Senator Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, questioned Secretary of Education Linda McMahon on the proposed elimination of TRIO programs at an Appropriations hearing to review the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the U.S. Department of Education.
“I have seen the lives of countless first-generation and low-income students, not only in Maine, but across the country, changed by the TRIO program. I am glad the Secretary of Education followed through on the commitment she made to me at our Appropriations hearing to disburse these grants, and I will continue to urge the Administration to support this critical investment into our students and schools,”said Senator Collins.
The following Maine colleges and universities received Student Support Services grants:
University of Maine – $694,807
Central Maine Community College – $620,879
University of Maine at Augusta – $566,531
University of Southern Maine – $544,728
Southern Maine Community College – $544,728
University of Maine at Presque Isle – $373,084
University of Maine at Fort Kent – $356,773
Kennebec Valley Community College – $352,531
University of Maine at Farmington – $352,530
Washington County Community College – $302,912
Eastern Maine Community College – $272,364
In June, Senator Collins announced the Department of Education’s release of TRIO Upward Bound Grants for Maine following her urging.
Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
Department of Education’s action follows Senator Collins’ urging of the Secretary at an Appropriations Hearing.
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional TRIO Caucus, announced that the Department of Education has awarded a total of $4,437,139 in TRIO Student Support Services grants to 11 Maine colleges and universities. These grants are given to colleges and universities to improve the retention and graduation rates of first-generation and low-income college students. The announcement comes after Senator Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, questioned Secretary of Education Linda McMahon on the proposed elimination of TRIO programs at an Appropriations hearing to review the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the U.S. Department of Education.
“I have seen the lives of countless first-generation and low-income students, not only in Maine, but across the country, changed by the TRIO program. I am glad the Secretary of Education followed through on the commitment she made to me at our Appropriations hearing to disburse these grants, and I will continue to urge the Administration to support this critical investment into our students and schools,”said Senator Collins.
The following Maine colleges and universities received Student Support Services grants:
University of Maine – $694,807
Central Maine Community College – $620,879
University of Maine at Augusta – $566,531
University of Southern Maine – $544,728
Southern Maine Community College – $544,728
University of Maine at Presque Isle – $373,084
University of Maine at Fort Kent – $356,773
Kennebec Valley Community College – $352,531
University of Maine at Farmington – $352,530
Washington County Community College – $302,912
Eastern Maine Community College – $272,364
In June, Senator Collins announced the Department of Education’s release of TRIO Upward Bound Grants for Maine following her urging.
Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
Department of Education’s action follows Senator Collins’ urging of the Secretary at an Appropriations Hearing.
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional TRIO Caucus, announced that the Department of Education has awarded a total of $4,437,139 in TRIO Student Support Services grants to 11 Maine colleges and universities. These grants are given to colleges and universities to improve the retention and graduation rates of first-generation and low-income college students. The announcement comes after Senator Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, questioned Secretary of Education Linda McMahon on the proposed elimination of TRIO programs at an Appropriations hearing to review the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the U.S. Department of Education.
“I have seen the lives of countless first-generation and low-income students, not only in Maine, but across the country, changed by the TRIO program. I am glad the Secretary of Education followed through on the commitment she made to me at our Appropriations hearing to disburse these grants, and I will continue to urge the Administration to support this critical investment into our students and schools,”said Senator Collins.
The following Maine colleges and universities received Student Support Services grants:
University of Maine – $694,807
Central Maine Community College – $620,879
University of Maine at Augusta – $566,531
University of Southern Maine – $544,728
Southern Maine Community College – $544,728
University of Maine at Presque Isle – $373,084
University of Maine at Fort Kent – $356,773
Kennebec Valley Community College – $352,531
University of Maine at Farmington – $352,530
Washington County Community College – $302,912
Eastern Maine Community College – $272,364
In June, Senator Collins announced the Department of Education’s release of TRIO Upward Bound Grants for Maine following her urging.
Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
Click HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos
Burlington, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins marched in the Burlington/Lowell 4th of July parade in Burlington. Joined by Representative Mathew McIntyre and other Maine legislators, Senator Collins celebrated the holiday with hundreds of Mainers from the Burlington and Lowell area who came to partake in the day’s festivities, which, in addition to the parade, included the annual pancake breakfast, a BBQ lunch, a vendor fair, a disc golf tournament, and concludes with a firework display tonight in Burlington.
“Each Independence Day, we gather to celebrate our great nation and to express our sincere gratitude to the founding generation of Americans who risked everything so that we could live in freedom,”said Senator Collins. “As we come together with family and friends to enjoy parades, fireworks, and festivities, let us also take pause to honor the legacy of those who came before us by continuing to work toward a more perfect union for future generations.”
In addition to her participation in the Burlington/Lowell parade, Senator Collins, along with Senator King, announced last month that the U.S. Navy agreed to send the guided missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG-98) to Eastport for their 4th of July celebration today.
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
Padilla, Booker Unveil New Bill to Require Immigration Officers to Display Clear Identification
Padilla also leads 13 Democrats in letter to DHS requesting information about ICE’s use of unidentified plainclothes agents
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) introduced new legislation to require immigration enforcement officers to display clearly visible identification during public-facing enforcement actions. The Visible Identification Standards for Immigration-Based Law Enforcement (VISIBLE) Act of 2025 would strengthen oversight, transparency, and accountability for the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate and alarming immigration enforcement tactics that have terrorized communities across California and the nation.
Under the Trump Administration’s mass deportation agenda, civil immigration enforcement operations have increasingly involved Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers engaging with the public while wearing unmarked tactical gear, concealing clothing, and face coverings that obscure both agency affiliation and personal identity. Without visible badges, names, or insignia, members of the public often have no way to confirm whether they are interacting with legitimate government officials.
This lack of transparency endangers public safety by causing widespread confusion and fear, especially in communities already subject to heightened immigration scrutiny. It also increases operational and safety risks for law enforcement personnel by creating an opportunity for immigration enforcement impersonators and compounding uncertainty in high-stress situations. Clear, consistent, visible identification helps reduce miscommunication during enforcement encounters, strengthens officer credibility, and improves public cooperation, all of which are vital to mission success. The VISIBLE Act would place a critical check on the government’s power, ensuring basic transparency safeguards that protect public trust and legitimacy in immigration enforcement operations.
“When federal immigration agents show up and pull someone off the street in plainclothes with their face obscured and no visible identification, it only escalates tensions and spreads fear while shielding federal agents from basic accountability,” said Senator Padilla. “Immigration agents should be required to display their agency and name or badge number — just like police and other local law enforcement agencies. The VISIBLE Act’s commonsense requirements will restore transparency and ensure impersonators can’t exploit the panic and confusion caused by unidentifiable federal immigration enforcement agents.”
“For weeks, Americans have watched federal agents with no visible identification detain people off the streets and instill fear in communities across the country. Reports of individuals impersonating ICE officers have only increased the risk to public and officer safety. The lack of visible identification and uniform standards for immigration enforcement officers has created confusion, stoked fear, and undermined public trust in law enforcement,” said Senator Booker. “The VISIBLE Act is a necessary response grounded in law enforcement best practices that will prohibit immigration enforcement officers from wearing face coverings and require them to display their name or badge number and the agency they represent. We must act to maintain trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, and this legislation is a necessary step toward a more transparent, accountable, and safe immigration enforcement system.”
“This bill is an important step toward keeping immigration enforcement officers and all the people in America safe. Masked, plainclothes officers create an unreasonable risk of escalating violence and unnerve everyone who sees them,” said Scott Shuchart, Former ICE and DHS (Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties) Official. “As much as the cop in blues is a staple of American life, the masked bandit is a symbol of fear, and having government agents dressed like paramilitaries is un-American. Based on my experience in government, the VISIBLE Act makes good sense and would be straightforward for DHS officials to implement.”
The ongoing immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles County by unidentified federal agents have stoked fear and uncertainty throughout the region amid President Trump’s unprecedented escalation of militarized tactics. Recently at Dodger Stadium, plainclothes immigration agents parked outside of the stadium lot without identifying themselves. In Bell, masked agents wearing fatigues detained at least three people at a car wash, and in Pasadena, an agent exited an unmarked vehicle in the middle of the road and aimed his pistol at a group of pedestrians without identifying himself. From June 6 to June 22, immigration enforcement agents — many lacking identifying information — arrested 1,618 immigrants for deportation in Los Angeles County and surrounding areas.
Specifically, the VISIBLE Act:
Requires immigration enforcement officers — including DHS personnel such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), federal agents detailed to immigration operations, and deputized state or local officers — to display clearly legible identification, including their agency name or initials and either their name or badge number, in a manner that remains visible and unobscured by tactical gear or clothing;
Prohibits non-medical face coverings (such as masks or balaclavas) that obscure identity or facial visibility, with exceptions for environmental hazards or covert operations; and
Requires DHS to establish disciplinary procedures for violations, report annually to Congress on compliance, and investigate complaints through its Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.
The bill does not apply to covert or non-public facing operations, nor does it prohibit face coverings when necessary for officer safety. It also does not apply to enforcement actions conducted solely under criminal authority.
The VISIBLE Act is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
The bill is endorsed by the ACLU and Public Counsel.
A one-pager on the bill is available here.
Full text of the bill is available here.
Senator Padilla also led 13 Democratic Senators in a letter criticizing ICE for engaging in counterproductive, theatrical enforcement activities — including raids on courthouses and restaurants — and requesting information from the agency on its mask and uniform policies. The Senators argued that these tactics are designed to sow fear and chaos and that allowing masked, plainclothes officers to engage in public raids creates situations where bad actors can commit crimes while claiming to be ICE agents.
In addition to Padilla, the letter was also signed by Senators Blumenthal, Booker, Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Hirono, Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Murray, Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Schiff, Smith, Van Hollen, Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Welch, and Wyden.
Full text of the letter is available here.
Senator Padilla has been outspoken in criticizing Trump’s mass deportations and unprecedented militarization and escalation of tensions by deploying National Guard troops and active-duty U.S. Marines to respond to overwhelmingly peaceful protests in Los Angeles. Padilla recently led the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in demanding that President Trump immediately withdraw all military forces from Los Angeles and cease all threats to deploy the National Guard or active-duty servicemembers to American cities. Padilla spoke on the Senate floor following his forcible removal from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s press conference, where he was thrown to the ground and handcuffed after attempting to ask a question. He has spoken at a spotlight hearing and on the Senate floor multiple other times to blast President Trump for manufacturing a crisis by launching indiscriminate ICE raids across Los Angeles and using that crisis to dramatically expand executive power. Padilla is also leading legislation to restrict the President’s authority under the 217-year-old Insurrection Act and limit the domestic deployment of military troops for law enforcement purposes.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Jul 8, 2025 1730 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook
Updated: Tue Jul 8 17:17:11 UTC 2025 (Print Version | | )
Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table
Forecast Discussion
SPC AC 081717
Day 2 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1217 PM CDT Tue Jul 08 2025
Valid 091200Z – 101200Z
…THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS IN PARTS OF THE EAST AND THE NORTHERN PLAINS…
…SUMMARY… Scattered damaging winds are possible on Wednesday afternoon to early evening from the Carolina Piedmont towards the Delaware Valley. Isolated significant severe hail and sporadic severe gusts are also possible across parts of the Dakotas from late afternoon to mid-evening.
…Southeast to Mid-Atlantic States… A lower-amplitude mid-level trough should drift east across the central to Lower Great Lakes and OH Valley, north of a mid-level anticyclone over the northeast Gulf. A belt of moderate mid-level southwesterlies will be centered on the Mid-Atlantic, diminishing with southward extent in the Southeast. Scattered to widespread thunderstorms are expected to develop during the afternoon over the southern Appalachians and Blue Ridge Mountains, spreading across the adjacent Piedmont. Rather rich boundary-layer moisture downstream will compensate for weak mid-level lapse rates to support an extensive plume of MLCAPE from 2000-3000 J/kg. A few semi-organized clusters may develop from VA towards DE Bay owing to the more favorable shear. However, water-loaded downbursts producing damaging winds appear to be the overarching scenario, which is signaled by the 12Z HREF max wind speed field.
…Northern Great Plains… Just downstream of a low-amplitude mid-level ridge emanating north from an anticyclone over the Southwest, guidance suggests that isolated to scattered late-afternoon thunderstorms should form along a weak surface trough. Low-level moisture ahead of this trough will gradually build beneath a stout EML. A corridor of large to extreme buoyancy is probable from a portion of western/central ND into NE by peak heating. Despite modest mid-level west-northwesterlies owing to the ridge proximity, stronger upper-level westerlies will support adequate deep-layer shear for a few supercells. Significant severe hail will be possible in any sustained supercells. Outflow-dominated downdrafts should foster clustering east-southeastward with a risk for sporadic severe gusts before waning Wednesday night.
…Interior Northwest… Downstream of a shortwave trough moving east across northern CA into the northwest Great Basin, an elongated belt of moderate mid-level southwesterlies will exist into MT. Within this favorable flow regime, scattered afternoon to early evening thunderstorms will aid in strong to isolated severe gusts from eastern OR to southern/central/eastern MT.
…Lower MI… Isolated, marginally severe hail and locally damaging winds are possible as scattered thunderstorms develop during the afternoon, supported by a modest combination of deep-layer shear/buoyancy.
..Grams.. 07/08/2025
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Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Jul 8, 2025 1630 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook
Updated: Tue Jul 8 16:25:59 UTC 2025 (Print Version | | )
Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table
Forecast Discussion
SPC AC 081625
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1125 AM CDT Tue Jul 08 2025
Valid 081630Z – 091200Z
…THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON/EVENING FOR PARTS OF THE MID-ATLANTIC…
…SUMMARY… Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected across the Mid-Atlantic states. More isolated severe storms are expected across portions of the Plains into the Mid Mississippi Valley.
…Mid-Atlantic this afternoon/evening… Strong surface heating is underway within a very moist boundary layer consisting of generally mid 70s dewpoints. Regional 12z soundings, modified for afternoon temperatures and associated vertical mixing, suggest the potential for MLCAPE near or above 2000 J/kg with minimal convective inhibition. Larger-scale forcing for ascent will be modest with a slightly enhanced (~25 kt) belt of west-southwesterly midlevel flow from the OH Valley to southern New England, though the primary focus for scattered thunderstorm development is expected to be a surface trough from the immediate lee of the Blue Ridge into MA by mid afternoon. Though midlevel lapse rates will not be particularly steep, steepening low-level lapse rates with hot afternoon temperatures in the low-mid 90s will drive strong downdraft potential (per DCAPE near 1000 J/kg) and the resultant threat for wind damage with multicell clusters and/or short line segments.
…Central High Plains to the Ozarks this afternoon/evening… A weakening outflow boundary from overnight convection is moving southeastward into southeast MO, and southward into OK, while a remnant MCV moves eastward over northern MO. South of the outflow, clouds and ongoing convection from eastern OK to the MO Bootheel cast uncertainty on the degree of destabilization this afternoon in advance of this portion of the outflow. Farther west, stronger surface heating/destabilization is expected along and south of the outflow into OK, but forcing for ascent is in question with gradual height rises expected aloft. A weak lee trough could help focus at least isolated thunderstorm development this afternoon/evening across the central High Plains, where northwesterly flow aloft/hodograph length could be sufficient for a high-based supercell or two. However, a specific focus for initiation and the potential for upscale growth are both uncertain given the background height rises and little forcing for ascent. Thus, will maintain the broad MRGL area for a low probability/conditional threat for severe outflow winds and some hail.
…Northeast WI/Upper MI this afternoon/evening… A midlevel shortwave trough and weak surface reflection will cross northern WI and western Upper MI this afternoon, and a few storms will be possible by mid afternoon from central Upper MI into extreme northeast WI (in the wake of weak morning convection). Thermodynamic recovery from weak morning convection and some enhancement to westerly deep-layer shear suggests the potential for semi-organized storms/clusters and a low-end threat for wind damage and hail for a few hours later this afternoon/evening.
..Thompson/Lyons.. 07/08/2025
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Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Mesoscale Discussion 1603
Mesoscale Discussion 1603 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1134 AM CDT Tue Jul 08 2025
Areas affected…portions of the Mid-Atlantic
Concerning…Severe potential…Watch likely
Valid 081634Z – 081830Z
Probability of Watch Issuance…80 percent
SUMMARY…Thunderstorm development along the Blue Ridge Mountains is expected in the next 1-2 hours. The threat for strong to severe winds will increase through the afternoon hours as storms spread east across the Mid-Atlantic region. Watch issuance is likely to address this concern.
DISCUSSION…Latest GOES visible imagery shows building cumulus within the central to southern Appalachians as temperatures continue to warm into the upper 80s and low 90s within a very moist air mass (dewpoints and PWAT values across the region are near or above the 90th percentile for mid-July). As temperatures continue to warm into the low to mid 90s over the next few hours, lingering inhibition will erode and support increasing probability for thunderstorm development within the higher terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains and/or along a weak surface pressure trough in the lee of the terrain. Additional heating will also support SBCAPE values increasing to around 2000-3000 J/kg as well as steepening near-surface lapse rates. This thermodynamic environment will promote strong water-loaded downdrafts capable of damaging/severe downburst winds. Modest flow aloft will generally limit deep-layer shear magnitudes and the potential for well-organized convection, but a few long-lived clusters or convective bands seem plausible, especially considering the weak capping that should promote scattered thunderstorm development. The wind threat should peak by late afternoon when thermodynamic profiles will be optimized and as convection reaches maturity along the I-95 corridor.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Mesoscale Discussion 1603
Mesoscale Discussion 1603 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1134 AM CDT Tue Jul 08 2025
Areas affected…portions of the Mid-Atlantic
Concerning…Severe potential…Watch likely
Valid 081634Z – 081830Z
Probability of Watch Issuance…80 percent
SUMMARY…Thunderstorm development along the Blue Ridge Mountains is expected in the next 1-2 hours. The threat for strong to severe winds will increase through the afternoon hours as storms spread east across the Mid-Atlantic region. Watch issuance is likely to address this concern.
DISCUSSION…Latest GOES visible imagery shows building cumulus within the central to southern Appalachians as temperatures continue to warm into the upper 80s and low 90s within a very moist air mass (dewpoints and PWAT values across the region are near or above the 90th percentile for mid-July). As temperatures continue to warm into the low to mid 90s over the next few hours, lingering inhibition will erode and support increasing probability for thunderstorm development within the higher terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains and/or along a weak surface pressure trough in the lee of the terrain. Additional heating will also support SBCAPE values increasing to around 2000-3000 J/kg as well as steepening near-surface lapse rates. This thermodynamic environment will promote strong water-loaded downdrafts capable of damaging/severe downburst winds. Modest flow aloft will generally limit deep-layer shear magnitudes and the potential for well-organized convection, but a few long-lived clusters or convective bands seem plausible, especially considering the weak capping that should promote scattered thunderstorm development. The wind threat should peak by late afternoon when thermodynamic profiles will be optimized and as convection reaches maturity along the I-95 corridor.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports. SEL6
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 496 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 140 PM EDT Tue Jul 8 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of Western Connecticut District Of Columbia Delaware Maryland New Jersey Far southeast New York Eastern Pennsylvania Central and eastern Virginia Coastal Waters
* Effective this Tuesday afternoon and evening from 140 PM until 900 PM EDT.
SUMMARY…Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop and spread eastward through the afternoon and evening. The storm environment will favor a mix of small clusters and line segments capable of producing damaging winds of 60-70 mph.
The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 75 statute miles east and west of a line from 55 miles east southeast of Lynchburg VA to 30 miles north of Newark NJ. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU6).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce tornadoes.
&&
AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 0.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 26020.
…Thompson
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas. SAW6 WW 496 SEVERE TSTM CT DC DE MD NJ NY PA VA CW 081740Z – 090100Z AXIS..75 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE.. 55ESE LYH/LYNCHBURG VA/ – 30N EWR/NEWARK NJ/ ..AVIATION COORDS.. 65NM E/W /48ESE LYH – 17ENE SAX/ HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..0.5 INCH. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 26020.
LAT…LON 37007964 41137561 41137273 37007692
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS FOR WOU6.
Watch 496 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that new network adequacy regulations give New Yorkers with qualifying health insurance plans access to an initial outpatient appointment for behavioral health care within 10 business days of the request. These new consumer protections also require these plans to post up-to-date and accurate lists of in-network providers on their websites, which will help to eliminate inaccurate or misleading directories.
“New Yorkers in need of mental health or substance use disorder treatment should not be forced to wait months for essential care or to cover these costs themselves when their plan doesn’t include any available providers,” Governor Hochul said. “These new regulations will help remove barriers that often force individuals and families to pay out-of-pocket for care or forgo treatment altogether.”
As of July 1, New Yorkers covered by Medicaid Managed Care, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan are entitled to these important consumer protections for appointment wait times. For New Yorkers covered by commercial health insurance plans, these wait time standards will take effect on a rolling basis as their policies are renewed, modified, or purchased on and after July 1.
The regulations also require plans to have dedicated employees who can help their members find an in-network provider. Additionally, the plans must provide a list of available in-network providers within three business days, following a member’s request.
New Yorkers unsure of their coverage should contact their insurer or employer. Those needing mental health or substance use disorder services should also check their health insurance policies for a list of what is covered.
Plans must post an accurate and up-to-date directory of their provider network, including health care professionals or facilities, the provider’s location, telehealth options, languages spoken, any restrictions concerning the conditions treated or ages served, and facility affiliations, among other information. Accurate directories will help to eliminate so-called ‘ghost networks’ –ones that give the appearance of offering in-network options, but instead list inaccurate information or providers that aren’t taking appointments.
New York State Department of Financial Services Superintendent Adrienne Harris said, “This regulation is a significant step toward getting New Yorkers the critical care they need, when they need it. From banking, to insurance, to cryptocurrency, the Department will continue working to build a more equitable, transparent, and resilient financial system for all New Yorkers.”
New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “These regulations remove barriers that either slowed or prevented New Yorkers from accessing critical behavioral health care services. Ensuring timely access and adequate networks of providers by plans and commercial insurers, we enable individuals and families to have access to high-quality mental health and substance use services whenever needed. These new regulations reflect Governor Hochul’s commitment to expanding access to behavioral health care statewide.”
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Timely access to behavioral health care can be life-changing, and in many cases, lifesaving. These new regulations help ensure that all New Yorkers, regardless of their type of coverage, can access the mental health and substance use care they need, when they need it. I thank Governor Hochul for her unwavering commitment to protect the health of New Yorkers and advance health equity across the state.”
New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “These new regulations will make it easier for people to quickly access the addiction and mental health care and resources they need. By continuing to remove barriers to these services, and strengthening consumer protections for those accessing help, we are continuing to support Governor Hochul’s vision to improve services across the state and help all New Yorkers live healthier lives.”
State Senator Nathalia Fernandez said, “While the federal government pulls back from their responsibility to protect health care, New York is moving forward. These new regulations are about making sure coverage means real, timely care. I thank Governor Hochul for taking action to strengthen access to mental health and substance use care. That’s the kind of leadership this moment demands.”
The new regulations also provide avenues for consumers to file a complaint against plans or insurers not in compliance. New Yorkers covered by Medicaid, Essential Plan, or Child Health Plus can contact DOH; those with state-regulated commercial insurance coverage may contact DFS. For more information about mental health and substance use disorder treatment coverage requirements and protections, visit here.
The Community Health Access to Addiction & Mental Healthcare Project or ‘CHAMP’ is a resource available to help people with insurance issues related to substance use disorder and mental health care. CHAMP can answer questions, help file complaints against insurance companies, and assist with insurance denial appeals.
Governor Hochul also secured $1 million in the FY 2026 Enacted State Budget to help enforce state regulations so that insurers provide the mental health care and substance use disorder coverage their members deserve. This includes new resources to strengthen compliance and oversight, educate consumers and providers, and investigate and mediate complaints.
Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York is leading the nation in requiring health insurers to cover behavioral health services and continues to develop tools to ensure these companies are following all applicable laws. The state now requires commercial insurers to reimburse covered outpatient mental health and substance use disorder services provided by in-network OMH- and OASAS-licensed facilities at no less than the Medicaid rate; and requires commercial and Medicaid health plans to use transparent, nonprofit clinical guidelines and cover all medically necessary treatments.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connects New Yorkers to trained crisis counselors 24/7, who can help anyone thinking about suicide, struggling with substance use, experiencing a mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. New Yorkers can call, text or chat 988 if they are worried about someone who may need crisis support.
New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)
Congress Codifies 28 of President Trump’s Executive Actions in One Big Beautiful Bill
Washington, July 8, 2025
WASHINGTON — Last week, when House Republicans passed President Trump’s signature legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill, they codified into law 28 executive actions taken by President Trump.
“President Trump has done more to improve the lives of working Americans in the last six months than almost anyone could have imagined,” said Speaker Johnson. “He has repaired Joe Biden’s damage and kickstarted America’s new Golden Age. To help accomplish the mission, Congress has cemented President Trump’s agenda by passing the Administration’s signature legislation—the One Big Beautiful Bill. In this historic act, Republicans included 28 of President Trump’s top executive actions – now codifying some of the most significant America First priorities.”
Executive Actions Codified into Law by the One Big Beautiful Bill:
Securing our Borders
Declaring A National Emergency At The Southern Border Of The United States
Protecting the American People Against Invasion
Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders
Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and other National Security and Public Safety Threats
Implementing the President’s “DOGE” Cost Efficiency Initiative
Protecting America’s Bank Account Against Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy
Stopping Waste, Fraud, and Abuse by Eliminating Information Silos
Iron Dome for America
Unleashing American Drone Dominance
Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance
Unleashing American Energy
Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)
Palm Desert, CA – Today, U.S. Representatives Dr. Raul Ruiz (D-CA), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (R-IA), and Gwen Moore (D-WI) introduced the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA), bipartisan legislation to combat the obesity crisis in the United States by providing regular screenings.
The bill would also prevent diseases associated with obesity through expanded coverage of new health care specialists and chronic weight management medications for Medicare recipients.
“Obesity is a complex, chronic disease and a growing public health crisis that costs our nation billions each year,” said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz. “As an emergency physician, I’ve treated countless patients suffering from diabetes, heart disease, and other serious complications linked to obesity. The bipartisan Treat and Reduce Obesity Act would give seniors struggling with obesity access to Medicare coverage for proven medications and behavioral therapies, empowering them to live healthier, longer lives.”
“The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act takes a critical step toward improving patient costs and patient outcomes,” said Rep. Kelly.“This bipartisan legislation would allow seniors struggling with obesity to take a responsible, proactive approach to improve their health and live longer, more active lives. I look forward to working with the Trump administration and the team at CMS, including my friend Dr. Mehmet Oz, to make America healthy again!”
“As a physician and former director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, I have seen firsthand how obesity contributes to serious and preventable health conditions. The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act allows Medicare beneficiaries to access life-changing treatments, including behavioral therapy and FDA-approved medications. This bipartisan legislation improves health outcomes, lowers long-term costs, and helps Americans live longer and healthier lives,” said Dr. Miller-Meeks.
“Obesity poses a growing health risk to millions of Americans, especially older adults. TROA would support critical medical interventions that can help those struggling with obesity, improving the overall health and wellbeing of Medicare beneficiaries,” said Rep. Moore.
You can find the full bill text here.
Senator Bill Cassidy leads companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.
BACKGROUND
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diseases associated with obesity such as heart disease, stroke, type II diabetes, and certain types of cancer are the leading causes of preventable death in the U.S. TROA would work to directly prevent these comorbidities.
The scientific understanding of obesity has evolved, recognizing it as a complex, chronic, and relapsing disease. Obesity is a public health crisis in the United States. The total economic and societal impact of obesity rose to $1.4 trillion in the United States in 2018, up from $976 billion in 2014.
A recent study found that Medicare beneficiaries with obesity and at least one other chronic illness could significantly reduce healthcare costs through weight management. Annual savings were estimated at up to 38% or nearly $10,000 in medical cost savings. Additionally, the USC Schaeffer Center found coverage of new obesity treatments could generate approximately $175 billion in cost offsets to Medicare in the first 10 years alone, increasing to $700 billion in 30 years. Coverage of medications to treat obesity will enhance human health and reduce federal healthcare costs by lowering the risks and prevalence of costly obesity-related chronic diseases.
The following organizations have endorsed TROA this Congress: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Academy of Pas, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, American Diabetes Association, American Gastroenterological Association, American Medical Group Association, American Psychological Association, American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, American Society for Nutrition, Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations, Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists, Black Woman’s Health Imperative, Boehringer-Ingelheim, ConscienHealth, Currax, Diabetes Leadership Council, Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition, Eli Lilly and Company, Endocrine Society, Gerontological Society of America, Global Liver Institute, Healthcare Leadership Council, HealthyWomen, Intuitive Surgical, MedTech Coalition for Metabolic Health, National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, National Consumers League, National Council on Aging, National Hispanic Medical Association, National Kidney Foundation, Novo Nordisk, Obesity Action Coalition, Obesity Medicine Association, Ro, Strategies to Overcome and Prevent (STOP) Obesity Alliance, The Obesity Society, Trust for America’s Health, WW Weight Watchers International, and YMCA of the USA.
Lt.-Gov. Mike Savage will host the New Year’s Day Levée at Government House in Halifax on Wednesday, January 1.
The event provides opportunities for Nova Scotians to exchange New Year’s greetings with the Lieutenant-Governor and Ms. Savage while visiting the oldest vice-regal residence in North America.
“The levée is a time-honoured tradition that brings Nova Scotians together to celebrate community, friendship and new beginnings,” said Lt.-Gov Savage. “Darlene and I are delighted to invite residents and visitors to the province to join us for this special occasion.”
Government House is located at 1451 Barrington St. Doors will be open from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public; invitations are not required.
Quick Facts:
New Year’s Day levées are social events hosted by lieutenant-governors, military establishments, municipalities and other institutions
levées have become a time-honoured tradition in Nova Scotia and provide opportunities for local officials and community members to exchange goodwill greetings
about 700 guests attend the lieutenant-governor’s levée each year
Government House, constructed between 1799 and 1805, is a national historic site
Additional Resources:
News release – Mike Savage Installed as Lieutenant-Governor: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/12/13/mike-savage-installed-lieutenant-governor
Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia: https://lt.gov.ns.ca/
Other than cropping, CNS photos are not to be altered in any way
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)
Bacon Reintroduces Landmark Legislation to Strengthen America’s Agricultural Security and Support Beginning Farmers
Washington – Recently, Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE-02) reintroduced two groundbreaking bills aimed at modernizing and securing America’s agricultural sector. H.R. 4155, the American Agricultural Security Act will bolster cyber defenses for our nation’s food supply chain, while H.R. 4156 the Support for Ownership and Investment in Land (SOIL) Act will remove barriers for the next generation of farmers seeking to establish their operations.
With the U.S. agri-food sector reporting forty cyberattack incidents in the first quarter of 2024 alone, the American Agricultural Security Act addresses an urgent national security concern. The legislation will establish Centers of Excellence at higher education institutions and create a competitive USDA grant program to strengthen our agricultural cybersecurity infrastructure.
“Our national security and our agricultural industry are inextricably linked,” said Rep. Bacon. “There are only nine meals between civilization and total anarchy. For this reason, I introduced the American Agricultural Security Act of 2024 to ensure we stay ahead of emerging threats to our food supply chain.”
While new technologies have enabled food production to become one of the most automated industries in the world, adversaries have increasingly looked to undermine our nation’s most vital industry through increased cyberattacks. The American Agricultural Security Act addresses these challenges by:
Enabling the Secretary of Agriculture to establish Centers of Excellence at institutions of higher education to research and engage in extension on topics related to cybersecurity, biosecurity, and agricultural production.
Establishing a competitive grant program within USDA to support research, extension, and education activities that improve the capability of the United States to protect the food and agricultural system from attack or other global catastrophic threats.
The full text of H.R. 4155 the American Agricultural Security Act can be found here.
The SOIL Act modernizes the farm loan process for America’s next generation of agricultural leaders. The legislation allows the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to create a farm loan pre-approval process to allow farmers to make better decisions and not miss opportunities to expand their business operations, which will be especially useful for beginning farmers who often miss opportunities to expand their operations.
“The SOIL Act will finally open the door for beginning farmers and ranchers to obtain financing by allowing producers to be preapproved for FSA Loans,” said Rep. Bacon. “Far too often, beginning farmers and ranchers are unable to be competitive when purchasing land. Purchasing farmland is seasonal and there is no reason young producers should be forced to wait months on end before receiving permission to purchase land.”
The full text of H.R. 4156 the SOIL Act can be found here.
Last Congress, both bills were successfully included in the Farm Bill passed by the House Agriculture Committee. Rep. Bacon looks forward to working with the Committee this Congress to advance these critical initiatives.