Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)
House Appropriations Approves Bill Including Cline Funding For I-81 Improvements
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) announced today that the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) bill passed by the House Appropriations Committee includes $17 million for improvements to Interstate 81. This funding, which Cline requested and supported as a member of the Appropriations Committee, will support key upgrades and potential widening along the corridor, which runs directly through Virginia’s Sixth District and is one of the most heavily traveled highways in the region.
The I-81 Corridor handles an enormous volume of freight and passenger traffic. Each year, more than 12 million commercial trucks travel along the interstate, moving over $300 billion in goods. As traffic increases, so does the need to modernize the highway to support on-time delivery and reduce disruptions that hurt both local businesses and national commerce.
“I hear from constituents daily about the dangerous conditions on I-81,”said Congressman Cline. “This funding will help reduce congestion, improve safety, and make the highway more efficient for the millions who rely on it. I’m proud to deliver these federal dollars for our communities, along the 1-81 corridor.”
Originally built over 50 years ago, I-81 has not kept up with growing traffic and freight demands. A 2018 state report identified urgent needs along the corridor, and while Virginia has taken important steps to address them, additional federal investment is necessary.
Travel delays are becoming more frequent and unpredictable, impacting both freight movement and personal travel. To help fix this, Virginia’s Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP) includes plans to widen the road from two to three lanes in critical sections. These upgrades will reduce congestion, create more room for emergency response vehicles, and lower the risk of crashes by allowing more space for vehicles to maneuver.
“I-81 is essential to our region’s economy,” Cline continued. “Whether it’s commuters, families, or truck drivers moving goods through the Valley, Virginians deserve a safer and more reliable interstate. I’ll keep working toward real solutions to make that happen.”
Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and a Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.
On July 19, 2013, NASA’s Cassini spacecraft had a rare opportunity to image Saturn and, far in the background, Earth. This image spans about 404,880 miles (651,591 kilometers) across. With the Sun’s powerful and potentially damaging rays eclipsed by Saturn itself, Cassini’s onboard cameras were able to take advantage of this unique viewing geometry. They acquired a panoramic mosaic of the Saturn system that allows scientists to see details in the rings and throughout the system as they are backlit by the sun. This mosaic is special as it marks the third time our home planet was imaged from the outer solar system; the second time it was imaged by Cassini from Saturn’s orbit; and the first time ever that inhabitants of Earth were made aware in advance that their photo would be taken from such a great distance. Before the mission ended in 2017, Cassini was already a powerful influence on future exploration. Lessons learned during Cassini’s mission are being applied in NASA’s Europa Clipper mission. The mission uses an orbital tour design derived from the way Cassini explored Saturn. Launched in 2024, Europa Clipper will reach Jupiter in April 2030 and make dozens of flybys of the planet’s icy moon to determine whether there are places below the surface that could support life. Learn more about this unique image. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SSI
Data from NISAR will map changes to Earth’s surface, helping improve crop management, natural hazard monitoring, and tracking of sea ice and glaciers. A new U.S.-India satellite called NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) will provide high-resolution data enabling scientists to comprehensively monitor the planet’s land and ice surfaces like never before, building a detailed record of how they shift over time. Hailed as a critical part of a pioneering year for U.S.-India civil space cooperation by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi during their visit in Washington in February, the NISAR launch will advance U.S.-India cooperation and benefit the U.S. in the areas of disaster response and agriculture. As the first joint satellite mission between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), NISAR marks a new chapter in the growing collaboration between the two space agencies. Years in the making, the launch of NISAR builds on a strong heritage of successful programs, including Chandrayaan-1 and the recent Axiom Mission 4, which saw ISRO and NASA astronauts living and working together aboard the International Space Station for the first time. The information NISAR provides will help decision-makers, communities, and scientists monitor agricultural fields, refine understanding of natural hazards such as landslides and earthquakes, and help teams prepare for and respond to disasters like hurricanes, floods, and volcanic eruptions. The satellite will also provide key global observations of changes to ice sheets, glaciers, and permafrost, as well as forests and wetlands. The NISAR mission is slated to launch no earlier than July 30 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre on India’s southeastern coast aboard an ISRO Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle. Here are five things to know about NISAR: 1. The NISAR satellite will provide a 3D view of Earth’s land and ice. Two synthetic aperture radars (SARs) aboard NISAR will detect changes in the planet’s surface down to fractions of an inch. The spacecraft will bounce microwave signals off Earth’s surface and receive the return signals on a radar antenna reflector measuring 39 feet (12 meters) across. The satellite’s ability to “see” through clouds and light rain, day and night, will enable data users to continuously monitor earthquake- and landslide-prone areas and determine how quickly glaciers and ice sheets are changing. It also will offer unprecedented coverage of Antarctica, information that will help with studying how the continent’s ice sheet changes over time. 2. Data from NISAR will provide critical insights to help governments and decision-makers plan for natural and human-caused hazards. Earthquakes, volcanoes, and aging infrastructure can pose risks to lives and property. Able to see subtle changes in Earth’s surface, NISAR can help with hazard-monitoring efforts and potentially give decision-makers more time to prepare for a possible disaster. For earthquakes, NISAR will provide insights into which parts of a fault slowly move without producing quakes and which are locked together and could potentially slip. The satellite will be able to monitor the area around thousands of volcanoes, detecting land movement that could be a precursor to an eruption. When it comes to infrastructure such as levees, aqueducts, and dams, NISAR data collected over time can help managers detect if nearby land motion could jeopardize key structures, and then assess the integrity of those facilities. 3. The most advanced radar system ever launched as part of a NASA or ISRO mission, NISAR will generate more data on a daily basis than any previous Earth satellite from either agency. About the length of a pickup truck, NISAR’s main body contains a dual-radar payload — an L-band system with a 10-inch (25-centimeter) wavelength and an S-band system with a 4-inch (10-centimeter) wavelength. Each system is sensitive to land and ice features of different sizes and specializes in detecting certain attributes, such as moisture content, surface roughness, and motion. By including both radars on one spacecraft — a first — NISAR will be more capable than previous SAR missions. These two radars, one from NASA and one from ISRO, and the data they will produce, exemplify how collaboration between spacefaring allies can achieve more than either would alone.
The radars will generate about 80 terabytes of data products per day over the course of NISAR’s prime mission. That’s roughly enough data to fill about 150 512-gigabyte hard drives each day. The information will be processed, stored, and distributed via the cloud — and accessible to all.
4. The NISAR mission will help monitor ecosystems around the world. The mission’s two radars will monitor Earth’s land and ice-covered surfaces twice every 12 days. Their near-comprehensive coverage will include areas not previously covered by other Earth-observing radar satellites with such frequency. The NISAR satellite’s L-band radar penetrates deep into forest canopies, providing insights into forest structure, while the S-band radar is ideal for monitoring crops. The NISAR data will help researchers assess how forests, wetlands, agricultural areas, and permafrost change over time. 5. The NISAR mission marks the first collaboration between NASA and ISRO on a project of this scale and marks the next step in a long line of Earth-observing SAR missions. The NISAR satellite features components developed on opposite sides of the planet by engineers from ISRO and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory working together. The S-band radar was built at ISRO’s Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad, while JPL built the L-band radar in Southern California. After engineers from JPL and ISRO integrated NISAR’s instruments with a modified ISRO I3K spacecraft bus and tested the satellite, ISRO transported NISAR to Satish Dhawan Space Centre in May 2025 to prepare it for launch. The SAR technique was invented in the U.S. in 1952 and now countries around the globe have SAR satellites for a variety of missions. NASA first used the technique with a space-based satellite in 1978 on the ocean-observing Seasat, which included the first spaceborne SAR instrument for scientific observations. In 2012, ISRO began launching SAR missions starting with Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT-1), followed by RISAT-1A in 2022, to support a wide range of applications in India. More About NISAR Managed by Caltech in Pasadena, JPL leads the U.S. component of the project and provided the L-band SAR. JPL also provided the radar reflector antenna, the deployable boom, a high-rate communication subsystem for science data, GPS receivers, a solid-state recorder, and payload data subsystem. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center manages the Near Space Network, which will receive NISAR’s L-band data. The ISRO Space Applications Centre is providing the mission’s S-band SAR. The U R Rao Satellite Centre is providing the spacecraft bus. The rocket is from Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, launch services are through Satish Dhawan Space Centre, and satellite mission operations are by the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network. The National Remote Sensing Centre is responsible for S-band data reception, operational products generation, and dissemination. To learn more about NISAR, visit: https://nisar.jpl.nasa.gov/
News Media Contacts Andrew Wang / Jane J. LeeJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.626-379-6874 / 626-491-1943andrew.wang@jpl.nasa.gov / jane.j.lee@jpl.nasa.gov 2025-090
Headline: Less Than One Week Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance Following April Flooding
Less Than One Week Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance Following April Flooding
FRANKFORT, Ky
– Kentucky homeowners and renters who experienced damage or loss caused by the April severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides have less than one week left to apply for federal disaster assistance
The deadline to apply is July 25
How To Apply for FEMA AssistanceThere are several ways to apply for FEMA assistance:Online at DisasterAssistance
gov
Visit any Disaster Recovery Center
To find a center close to you, visit fema
gov/DRC, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Example: “DRC 29169”)
Use the FEMA mobile app
Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362
Help is available in many languages
If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service
FEMA works with every household on a case-by-case basis
FEMA representatives can explain available assistance programs, how to apply to FEMA, and help connect survivors with resources for their recovery needs
When you apply, you will need to provide:A current phone number where you can be contacted
Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
Your Social Security Number
A general list of damage and losses
Banking information if you choose direct deposit
If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name
Survivors should keep their contact information updated with FEMA as the agency may need to call to schedule a home inspection or get additional information
Disaster assistance is not a substitute for insurance and is not intended to compensate for all losses caused by a disaster
The assistance is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts
For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www
Headline: Hours to Change at Disaster Recovery Centers in Tennessee
Hours to Change at Disaster Recovery Centers in Tennessee
Middle and Western Tennesseans who experienced damage from the April 2-24 severe storms can get in-person assistance at FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers
The deadline to apply for assistance is Aug
19
Money is available for survivors who need help covering uninsured costs for things like rental expenses, home repairs, vehicle damage, medical expenses, moving and storage, and reimbursement for temporary housing
Homeowners, renters, students, self-employed, ranchers and farmers in Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Dyer, Hardeman, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion and Wilson counties can apply for FEMA assistance
Disaster Recovery CenterHours: Beginning Monday, July 21 centers are open:9 a
m
to 6 p
m
Monday – Friday9 a
m
to 2 p
m
SaturdayClosed SundayLOCATIONS:Dyer County: Bogota Community Center, 78 Sandy Lane, Bogota, TN 38007Hardeman County: Safehaven Storm Shelter, 530 Madison Ave W
, Grand Junction, TN 38039McNairy County: Latta Theatre, 205 W
Court Ave
, Selmer, TN 38375Montgomery County: Montgomery County Library, 350 Pageant Lane, Clarksville, TN 37040Obion County: Obion County Library, 1221 E
Reelfoot Ave
, Union City, TN 38261How to Apply for FEMA AssistanceApply online at DisasterAssistance
gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362
In-person help is available at any Disaster Recovery Center for submitting applications, getting updates and asking questions
Find a center here: DRC Locator (fema
gov)
Video: What to Expect Before Applying for FEMA Assistance | ASL | SpanishVideo: Next Steps After Applying for FEMA Assistance | ASL | Spanish kwei
Headline: Arbitrators issue award in EU-China intellectual property dispute
This is the second appeal arbitration conducted under the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) to which both China and the European Union are participants.
Summary of key findings
Download:
In pdf format:
What is the MPIA?
The MPIA was agreed upon among its original 18 participating members in April 2020 to provide the possibility of resorting to arbitration under Article 25 of the DSU in case of an appeal in disputes between any two or more participating members. Currently the following WTO members are parties to the MPIA: Australia; Benin; Brazil; Canada; Chile; China; Colombia; Costa Rica; Ecuador; the European Union; Guatemala; Hong Kong, China; Iceland; Japan; Macao, China; Malaysia; Mexico; Montenegro; New Zealand; Nicaragua; Norway; Pakistan; Paraguay; Peru; the Philippines; Singapore; Switzerland; Ukraine; the United Kingdom; and Uruguay.
Headline: Arbitrators issue award in EU-China intellectual property dispute
This is the second appeal arbitration conducted under the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) to which both China and the European Union are participants.
Summary of key findings
Download:
In pdf format:
What is the MPIA?
The MPIA was agreed upon among its original 18 participating members in April 2020 to provide the possibility of resorting to arbitration under Article 25 of the DSU in case of an appeal in disputes between any two or more participating members. Currently the following WTO members are parties to the MPIA: Australia; Benin; Brazil; Canada; Chile; China; Colombia; Costa Rica; Ecuador; the European Union; Guatemala; Hong Kong, China; Iceland; Japan; Macao, China; Malaysia; Mexico; Montenegro; New Zealand; Nicaragua; Norway; Pakistan; Paraguay; Peru; the Philippines; Singapore; Switzerland; Ukraine; the United Kingdom; and Uruguay.
Headline: Members highlight progress in sustainability discussions, discuss MC14 objectives
Ambassador Nadia Theodore of Canada, a co-convener of TESSD, welcomed the “important strides” made by the four working groups — each focused on a different key theme outlined above . As work intensifies in the lead-up to MC14, she noted: “It is useful to recall that, as an incubator of ideas, our aim is to identify where trade policy can best support members’ efforts to achieve their environmental and climate goals and promote more sustainable production and consumption.”
Progress in working groups
The facilitators of the four TESSD working groups updated members on progress made in recent technical discussions, with several highlighting advances in drafting outcome documents in preparation for MC14. Feedback from members is currently being incorporated into the outcome documents and revised versions will be circulated ahead of the next working group meetings in October.
Jean-Marie Meraldi of Switzerland, the facilitator of the Working Group on Trade-Related Climate Measures (TrCMs) highlighted the discussions held in May, which focused on the interoperability of carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAMs). Key topics included carbon standards, emissions measurement methodologies, and data exchange frameworks. Members also reviewed the first draft outcome document mapping trade-related climate policies. Work is now underway to refine the document’s structure and incorporate members’ feedback.
Ben Rake of the United Kingdom, co-facilitator of the Working Group on Environmental Goods and Services (EGS) reported that discussions have proceeded on two fronts: sector-specific topics such as sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation, and horizontal issues, including trade facilitation and regulatory practices. The group continued to develop its analytical summary. A revised version will be reviewed at the October meeting.
Taka Sashida of Japan and Nur Karabağ of Türkiye, the co-facilitators of the Working Group on Economy-Circularity reported that members had recently shared a range of experiences on promoting circularity in the textiles and battery sectors. Members also discussed a draft outcome document for MC14. They broadly supported compiling members’ practices and trade policy tools to capture trade-related aspects of circularity across four key sectors — textiles, batteries, electronics and renewable energy.
Tiffany Smith, co-facilitator of the Working Group on Subsidies said members have focused on policy incentives and international cooperation to support the decarbonization of energy-intensive industries — such as steel, aluminium and cement — as well as maritime transport. The first draft outcome document on key elements for subsidy design was introduced, including considerations for subsidy design and member experiences.
Members and stakeholders welcomed the progress achieved across the four TESSD working groups, with many emphasizing their value in fostering inclusive, practical and technical discussions at the intersection of trade and environmental sustainability. Members supported the continued development of the outcome documents, underscoring the importance of transparency, stakeholder engagement, and the sharing of national experiences.
They highlighted the need to address both horizontal and sector-specific issues and to include examples from developing members. Some suggested that members begin reflecting on the structure of the four working groups and the content of TESSD work beyond MC14. Some members asserted that TESSD has been successful in catalysing the uptake of multilateral discussions on trade-related climate measures and suggested shifting this work to the Committee on Trade and Environment.
TESSD publication for MC14
Ambassador Ronald Saborío of Costa Rica, also a co-convener of TESSD, introduced a draft annotated outline for planned TESSD publication for MC14 (INF/TE/SSD/W/40). The draft aims to consolidate key messages and substantive insights into how trade and trade policy can support climate and environmental goals, including the clean energy transition, decarbonization of industry and transport, climate adaptation, and biodiversity. The document also has a section on lessons learned and key messages for policymakers at both national and multilateral levels, along with a forward-looking vision for TESSD’s future work.
Delegates welcomed the co-convenors’ draft outline for this overarching MC14 output as a good basis for further discussion, recognizing its value in consolidating five years of substantive work and enhancing transparency and understanding for a wide range of policymakers and stakeholders.
Some members emphasized the importance of maintaining balance across different objectives, while others called for better integration of cross-cutting themes. Several delegates highlighted the importance of including case studies from members at different levels of development to reflect diverse experiences. Others stressed that the document should remain non-prescriptive.
In conclusion, Ambassador Saborío thanked participants for their constructive feedback. He reaffirmed TESSD’s commitment to helping members leverage trade to achieve environmental objectives. He said: “Over the past five years, TESSD has made remarkable progress toward its goals. We have created a platform for meaningful dialogue — one that is innovative, creative, active and transparent.” He encouraged continued collaboration in the lead-up to MC14 and assured members that their inputs would be reflected in the revised outcome document.
More information
Guided by its 2021 Ministerial Statement, TESSD seeks to complement the work of the WTO Committee on Trade and Environment and advance discussions at the intersection of trade and environmental sustainability towards identifying concrete actions that members could take individually or collectively. The initiative, which is open to all WTO members, is currently co-sponsored by 78 members representing all regions and all levels of development.
Headline: Members highlight progress in sustainability discussions, discuss MC14 objectives
Ambassador Nadia Theodore of Canada, a co-convener of TESSD, welcomed the “important strides” made by the four working groups — each focused on a different key theme outlined above . As work intensifies in the lead-up to MC14, she noted: “It is useful to recall that, as an incubator of ideas, our aim is to identify where trade policy can best support members’ efforts to achieve their environmental and climate goals and promote more sustainable production and consumption.”
Progress in working groups
The facilitators of the four TESSD working groups updated members on progress made in recent technical discussions, with several highlighting advances in drafting outcome documents in preparation for MC14. Feedback from members is currently being incorporated into the outcome documents and revised versions will be circulated ahead of the next working group meetings in October.
Jean-Marie Meraldi of Switzerland, the facilitator of the Working Group on Trade-Related Climate Measures (TrCMs) highlighted the discussions held in May, which focused on the interoperability of carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAMs). Key topics included carbon standards, emissions measurement methodologies, and data exchange frameworks. Members also reviewed the first draft outcome document mapping trade-related climate policies. Work is now underway to refine the document’s structure and incorporate members’ feedback.
Ben Rake of the United Kingdom, co-facilitator of the Working Group on Environmental Goods and Services (EGS) reported that discussions have proceeded on two fronts: sector-specific topics such as sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation, and horizontal issues, including trade facilitation and regulatory practices. The group continued to develop its analytical summary. A revised version will be reviewed at the October meeting.
Taka Sashida of Japan and Nur Karabağ of Türkiye, the co-facilitators of the Working Group on Economy-Circularity reported that members had recently shared a range of experiences on promoting circularity in the textiles and battery sectors. Members also discussed a draft outcome document for MC14. They broadly supported compiling members’ practices and trade policy tools to capture trade-related aspects of circularity across four key sectors — textiles, batteries, electronics and renewable energy.
Tiffany Smith, co-facilitator of the Working Group on Subsidies said members have focused on policy incentives and international cooperation to support the decarbonization of energy-intensive industries — such as steel, aluminium and cement — as well as maritime transport. The first draft outcome document on key elements for subsidy design was introduced, including considerations for subsidy design and member experiences.
Members and stakeholders welcomed the progress achieved across the four TESSD working groups, with many emphasizing their value in fostering inclusive, practical and technical discussions at the intersection of trade and environmental sustainability. Members supported the continued development of the outcome documents, underscoring the importance of transparency, stakeholder engagement, and the sharing of national experiences.
They highlighted the need to address both horizontal and sector-specific issues and to include examples from developing members. Some suggested that members begin reflecting on the structure of the four working groups and the content of TESSD work beyond MC14. Some members asserted that TESSD has been successful in catalysing the uptake of multilateral discussions on trade-related climate measures and suggested shifting this work to the Committee on Trade and Environment.
TESSD publication for MC14
Ambassador Ronald Saborío of Costa Rica, also a co-convener of TESSD, introduced a draft annotated outline for planned TESSD publication for MC14 (INF/TE/SSD/W/40). The draft aims to consolidate key messages and substantive insights into how trade and trade policy can support climate and environmental goals, including the clean energy transition, decarbonization of industry and transport, climate adaptation, and biodiversity. The document also has a section on lessons learned and key messages for policymakers at both national and multilateral levels, along with a forward-looking vision for TESSD’s future work.
Delegates welcomed the co-convenors’ draft outline for this overarching MC14 output as a good basis for further discussion, recognizing its value in consolidating five years of substantive work and enhancing transparency and understanding for a wide range of policymakers and stakeholders.
Some members emphasized the importance of maintaining balance across different objectives, while others called for better integration of cross-cutting themes. Several delegates highlighted the importance of including case studies from members at different levels of development to reflect diverse experiences. Others stressed that the document should remain non-prescriptive.
In conclusion, Ambassador Saborío thanked participants for their constructive feedback. He reaffirmed TESSD’s commitment to helping members leverage trade to achieve environmental objectives. He said: “Over the past five years, TESSD has made remarkable progress toward its goals. We have created a platform for meaningful dialogue — one that is innovative, creative, active and transparent.” He encouraged continued collaboration in the lead-up to MC14 and assured members that their inputs would be reflected in the revised outcome document.
More information
Guided by its 2021 Ministerial Statement, TESSD seeks to complement the work of the WTO Committee on Trade and Environment and advance discussions at the intersection of trade and environmental sustainability towards identifying concrete actions that members could take individually or collectively. The initiative, which is open to all WTO members, is currently co-sponsored by 78 members representing all regions and all levels of development.
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with a bipartisan delegation of United States senators in Ottawa. The Senator for Oregon, Ron Wyden, the Senator for Alaska, Lisa Murkowski, the Senator for New Hampshire, Maggie Hassan, and the Senator for Nevada, Catherine Cortez Masto, were present.
The Prime Minister and the senators underscored the significance of the trading relationship between Canada and the U.S., including the important economic impact of Canadian businesses in the senators’ home states. They also discussed the sectors most impacted by the shifting trade landscape and Canada’s recent measures to transform our steel industry. They discussed work to strengthen continental defence and security, as well as Canada’s successes in dismantling illegal drug smuggling and securing the border. The Prime Minister and the senators expressed a shared commitment to tackling the scourge of the fentanyl crisis on both sides of the border.
As Canada negotiates a new trade and security relationship with the U.S., the Prime Minister affirmed his focus on securing the best deal for Canadians. Last week, senior officials, including the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, Marc-André Blanchard, were in Washington, D.C., to advance negotiations. The President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy, Dominic LeBlanc, will be there this week to continue that work.
Headline: Secretary Noem Hosts Press Conference to Provide Updates on the Shooting of Customs and Border Protection Officer
Secretary Noem Hosts Press Conference to Provide Updates on the Shooting of Customs and Border Protection Officer aunica.brockel
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem will deliver an update in New York following the July 19 shooting of an off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer during what appears to have been an attempted robbery. The New York Police Department (NYPD) is actively investigating the incident. Secretary Noem will be joined by federal and local law enforcement partners, including officials from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, CBP leadership and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) division.
The “UConn Health Pulse” podcast brings a variety of expertise on health topics to the general public.
Energy drinks are commonplace in convenience stores, gas stations, and many grocery stores. They can be loaded with caffeine and other stimulants, as well as sugar or other sweeteners. Some labels tell of probiotics and prebiotics. But what are we really drinking? And are these drinks worth it, both in terms of their expense and the potential health implications?
UConn Health registered dietitian Linda York joins the UConn Health Pulse podcast to analyze these and other trendy drinks and offers some alternative ideas for boosting or maintaining energy levels that may be a better use of calories.
You’re getting all those junky calories from sugar, fat, caffeine, and you’re not going to feel that great in a few hours. You’re going to be hungry. — Linda York
overnor Kathy Hochul, in conjunction with Amtrak and the New York State Department of Transportation, today announced that tickets are now on sale for direct train service to and from the Great New York State Fair. Daily train service allows State Fair visitors a safe, convenient and environmentally friendly travel option to experience one of New York’s premier summer events. Featuring musical performances from top artists, agricultural exhibits, fun for the whole family and delicious food, the Great New York State Fair is upstate New York’s largest annual event. Throughout the Fair’s 13-day duration, five trains will make daily stops starting Wednesday, August 20 and continuing through Monday, September 1. Tickets are available now at Amtrak.com, via the Amtrak mobile app, at the station ticket counters, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.
“Taking the train to the Great New York State Fair is a convenient, affordable way to enjoy the best that New York State has to offer,” Governor Hochul said. “From delicious food and live music to rides, games and the best agricultural exhibits anywhere in the state, this year’s Fair truly has something for everybody. The Great New York State Fair is one of my favorite annual events, and I can’t wait to join the hundreds of thousands of visitors at this annual summertime spectacular.”
By taking the train, visitors will save on traffic, parking fees, and gas by arriving steps from the fairgrounds via select Empire Service and Maple Leaf trains, which will make daily stops at the State Fair (in between stops at Rochester and Syracuse stations). Train service to the Fair includes:
Maple Leaf Train 63 – Departs Moynihan Train Hall at 7:16 a.m. and arrives at the Fair at 1:11 p.m.
Maple Leaf Train 64 – Departs Toronto at 8:20 a.m. and arrives at the Fair at 2:51 p.m.
Empire Service Train 281 – Departs Moynihan Train Hall at 10:21 a.m. and arrives at the Fair at 4:21 p.m.
Empire Service Train 283 – Departs Moynihan Train Hall at 1:20 p.m. and arrives at the Fair at 7:13 p.m.
Empire Service Train 284 – Departs Niagara Falls at 6:27 a.m. and arrives at the Fair at 9:31 a.m.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The Great New York State Fair is not to be missed! It is a joyful annual tradition and traveling to the Fair by train is a game-changer for folks who want a fun and convenient travel option. Our great partnership with Amtrak allows fairgoers the chance to experience New York’s incredible traditions, innovations, and agriculture with ease and convenience – literally dropping fairgoers off at the fairgrounds. See you at The Great New York State Fair!”
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Our Great New York State Fair is a celebration of our state’s rich agricultural heritage, providing fairgoers an opportunity to directly connect with New York agriculture. Thanks to our partnership with Amtrak and NYSDOT, more fairgoers from across New York and beyond will be able to experience this incredible event. We’re proud to make it easier for everyone to explore New York agriculture, enjoy the fun, and create lasting memories during this 13-day showcase.”
New York State Fair Director Julie LaFave said, “Making the Great New York State Fair as welcoming and accessible to everyone is a top priority, and partnering with Amtrak and NYSDOT allows us to provide a comfortable, convenient travel option for fairgoers. We’re excited to invite families, friends, and visitors from across New York and beyond to experience all the fun, food, and festivities that make The Fair a beloved summer tradition. We encourage everyone to consider taking the train for an easy and enjoyable journey to and from this year’s event.”
Amtrak Vice President, Network Development Nicole Bucich said, “Whether you’re coming from New York City, Niagara Falls, or anywhere in between, traveling on Amtrak will make the experience and journey to the Great State Fair just as enjoyable as the games, food, and fun at the Fair. We appreciate Governor Hochul and NYSDOT’s ongoing partnership in ensuring that New Yorkers can get to the Fair comfortably and conveniently on Amtrak.”
Direct train service to the Great New York State Fair has been offered by Amtrak since 2002. Customers can save when booking online at least five days in advance of travel with Amtrak’s See NY and Save discount, in addition to everyday discounts for kids, seniors, military members and more. Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi with excellent service, spacious Business Class seats, a café car and ample leg room.
The Great New York State Fair opens Wednesday, August 20 and continues through Labor Day, September 1. Admission is $8 plus fees for adults. Tickets are free for adults ages 65 and over and children ages 12 and under. Tickets include access to all grounds entertainment, agricultural competitions and exhibits, and admission to concerts in Chevy Court and Suburban Park.
Founded in 1841, the Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment, and is a key piece of the State’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. It is the oldest fair in the United States and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation.
The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about the Great New York State Fair online, browse photos on Flickr, and follow the fun on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
A Utah man pleaded guilty to transmitting in interstate commerce a communication containing a threat to injure the person of another. Specifically, the defendant, Kevin Brent Buchanan, threatened violence against the employees of a D.C.-based Palestinian rights organization. U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly scheduled a sentencing hearing for Nov. 18.
According to publicly filed court documents, between Oct. 31, 2023, and Nov. 2, 2023, Buchanan used his cellular phone to call and leave five messages for members of the organization. In his Nov. 2 voice message, Buchanan stated in part: “Your families are going to be followed and watched.”; “You don’t even belong in America.”; “I hope every Muslim in the United States [expletive] croaks.”; “You are all going to [expletive] die, you pieces of [expletive] traitors.” Buchanan admitted that he intentionally targeted the organization because its staff and members are Palestinian, and because the organization advocates on behalf of Palestinians.
Buchanan faces a maximum of five years in prison and a fine not to exceed $250,000.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for the District of Columbia, and Assistant Director in Charge Steven Jensen of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Sanjay Patel of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Visser and Joshua Gold for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case.
A New Jersey man pleaded guilty today in federal court in the Northern District of Oklahoma to leading a multi-state operation that stole thousands of catalytic converters from private vehicles and sold them on a secondary market for millions of dollars, based on the value of the precious metals that the converters contain.
Navin Khanna, 41, of Holmdel, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to receive, possess, and dispose of stolen goods in interstate commerce and five counts of money laundering regarding his participation in the stolen goods scheme.
“The defendant made $600 million and financed his ostentatious lifestyle by buying and selling stolen goods,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates our commitment to taking the profit out of crime. Sophisticated criminal schemes may afford you luxury cars and homes in the short term but will cost you a federal felony conviction in the long term.”
“Khanna’s theft ring took advantage of hard-working citizens in the Northern District of Oklahoma by stealing catalytic converters, rendering the vehicle unusable,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson for the Northern District of Oklahoma. “I would like to thank the Tulsa Police Department and our law enforcement partners for their tireless efforts in bringing this senseless crime to justice.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, Khanna admitted to being the owner and operator of New Jersey-based D.G. Auto Parts, a criminal enterprise that bought and sold auto parts across the country. From May 2020 through October 2022, Khanna conspired with others to purchase and transport large quantities of stolen catalytic converters from Oklahoma, Texas, and other states to New Jersey. Khanna admitted to receiving more than $600 million by reselling the stolen catalytic converters to a metal refinery that extracted the precious metals.
In response to a drastic increase in catalytic converter thefts throughout Tulsa in 2020, the Tulsa Police Department initiated an investigation that soon uncovered a national criminal enterprise. During the investigation, search warrants were executed in Oklahoma, Texas, California, New Jersey and New York. Khanna was indicted by federal grand juries in the Northern District of Oklahoma and the Eastern District of California. Over twenty individuals throughout the country have been charged for their role in the conspiracy. Khanna’s 13 co-defendants in the Northern District of Oklahoma have pleaded guilty for their participation in the criminal scheme and are awaiting sentencing.
As part of his plea agreement, Khanna agreed to forfeit almost $4 million in cash, 11 luxury vehicles — including a Lamborghini, two Mercedes AMGs, two Ferraris, a McLaren, a Porsche, a Ford F650 Truck, and a BMW M3 — real estate properties, high-end jewelry, gold bars, and over 200 pallets of catalytic converters, all seized by law enforcement during the execution of search warrants at Khanna’s properties. Khanna’s co-defendants have agreed to forfeit more than $3.2 million, including more than $250,000 from multiple bank accounts; two lots of land located in Oklahoma, cars, and stolen catalytic converters seized during the investigation.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma has agreed that Khanna’s sentencing will be transferred to the Eastern District of California, where he awaits further prosecution for related crimes.
Khanna faces a maximum penalty of 168 to 210 months in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led the investigation. IRS-Criminal Investigations, the Tulsa Police Department, the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wyandotte Nation Police Department contributed to the investigation.
Trial Attorney César S. Rivera-Giraud of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reagan Reininger and David Nasar for the Northern District of Oklahoma are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica M.A. Alegría for the Eastern District of California assisted in the prosecution of the case and is prosecuting Khanna and others there.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
A man who possessed multiple machinegun conversion devices on more than one occasion was sentenced on July 18, 2025, to 108 months in federal prison.
Gentile Kahungu, age 19, who was living in Marion, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 31, 2025 guilty plea to possession of a machinegun. The evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that Kahungu possessed a total of 18 machinegun conversion devices, two of which were connected to firearms. On June 25, 2024, Kahungu possessed some of the devices in his bedroom in his home in Marion along with a tan Glock magazine and ammunition. When he was later arrested in Cedar Rapids, he possessed additional machinegun conversion devices, along with a tan Glock firearm that had a machinegun conversion device connected to it. The evidence at the hearing also established that Kahungu’s Glock firearm was used during two other shootings, one in Marshalltown, Iowa, and one in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Kahungu was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Kahungu was sentenced to 108 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Kahungu is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Marshalltown Police Department, and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
In Malawi, UNICEF, in partnership with the Malawi Government and the Malawi University of Science and Technology, launched the African Drone and Data Academy (ADDA) in 2020 to address severe cyclones, floods and droughts caused by climate change. ADDA equips youth with skills in drone technology, geospatial systems and disaster risk management. It trained over 1,280 graduates from 25 countries – 60 per cent young women – and achieved an 80 per cent employment rate.
WFP and UNDP supported the strengthening of local capacities and Early Warning Systems (EWS) for comprehensive drought management in Eastern Cuba and Camagüey with a focus on resilience, food security and gender inclusivity, leveraging a systems thinking approach to enhance resilience in food production, water management, and community preparedness. Enhanced hydro-meteorological monitoring and communication channels, combined with gender-inclusive training, ensured that local producers and vulnerable communities received timely and actionable climate information. The project supported the development of standardized national methodologies for drought diagnosis and forecasting, aligning with Cuba’s State Plan for Climate Change Adaptation.
In Serbia, UNDP and WHO supported the establishment and upgrading of a Disaster Risk Registry, which offers real-time data to inform decision making in times of crisis, to assess the effectiveness of emergency response, and for planning and implementing DRR measures at local and national level. The Registry incorporates a digital climate atlas, climate projections, compiled with mass evaluation of property prices, and is linked with the Strategic Tool for the Analysis of Risks (STAR) of WHO providing information on critical health facilities. The Register enables risk informed urban planning, and localizes risk knowledge and management, based on open data and transparency. It enables investment planning and attracted the interest of the insurance industry.
Enhanced communications targeting at-risk populations is improving the effectiveness of early warnings, reducing potential damages and losses. In the Maldives, technological solutions are being leveraged for last-mile early warning dissemination through the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP). The CAP is a data format for exchanging public warnings and emergencies between alerting technologies, including the use of ITU’s Disaster Connectivity Maps initiative (in partnership with the Emergency Telecommunication Cluster (ETC) led by WFP). This initiative helps first responders quickly assess which areas are affected and which communication networks are operational, allowing for more efficient coordination and faster response times. The DCM initiative also integrates AI and satellite technologies for disaster preparedness.
In the Pacific, EW4All has been instrumental in supporting the development of Multi-Hazard Early Warning System national costed roadmaps in Fiji, Tonga, and the Solomon Islands, collaborating with governments, UN agencies, civil society, and local communities. Through the EW4All initiative and the Weather Ready Pacific program, issues such as fragmented systems, siloed efforts, and communication barriers are being addressed. The EW4All initiative integrates AI into risk knowledge, hazard detection, monitoring, forecasting, warning dissemination, and preparedness. AI improves accuracy, ensures timely dissemination, and tailors warnings to vulnerable populations. This approach strengthens preparedness and reduces disaster impacts.
Spotlight: The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Sub-Group under the EW4All Initiative focuses on integrating AI into the four pillars of early warning systems: risk knowledge, detection/monitoring, dissemination of warnings, and preparedness, led by ITU, WMO, UNDRR and IFRC. AI improves hazard forecasting, enhances dissemination, and strengthens response planning by analyzing complex datasets. The initiative aims to bridge technological gaps globally, ensuring timely and equitable warnings for all.
The WHO-led initiative Epidemic Intelligence from Open Source (EIOS) is a vital tool that enables early detection and assessment of public health threats, including those related to natural hazards, in near real time. It connects experts around the world and provides them with tools to detect, analyse, assess and share information for quick, evidence-based action. Cambodia, Fiji, Kiribati, Philippines, Tonga, and Vanuatu have developed their emergency risk profiles at the national, subnational and local levels to inform preparedness, contingency planning, simulation, training and mass gathering under the Asia Pacific Health Security Action Framework.
For the second consecutive year, the Saskatchewan Veterans Service Club Support Program has been fully subscribed in one intake.
Introduced in 2019-20, the program provides grants up to $30,000 to organizations such as Legion branches, Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans (ANAVETS) units and more.
“Saskatchewan’s veterans’ service organizations play a vital role – enriching our communities, preserving local history and working tirelessly on behalf of veterans who have faithfully served our province and our country,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. “We cannot thank these organizations enough for their continued efforts and look forward to continuing to support this amazing work.”
For 2025-26, grants up to $30,000 were provided to 67 Legion branches, ANAVETS units, and other registered, non-profit veterans organizations across the province.
Minister Ross was joined in Prince Albert by representatives from Royal Canadian Legion/Saskatchewan Command to see first-hand the improvements at ANAVETS Unit 222 that were funded through the program.
The grant is used to support facility upgrades, operations, events and other activities to advance the work and help strengthen the long-term sustainability of veteran service organizations throughout the province.
Last year, ANAVETS Unit 222, in Prince Albert, received more than $28,400 to help update the plumbing in the lounge. In previous years, Unit 222 received funding to repair electrical and air conditioning, new flooring, replace the furnace, replace the bar counter and upgrade their parking lot lighting.
“For 2025-26, Unit 222 received $23,280 to perform renovations to the downstairs auditorium which includes relocation and repair of the stage, building a storage room, as well as other modifications to create a more functional room layout to host larger events,” ANAVETS Unit 222 President Floyd Lavalee said. “Projects like this, as well as previous years, would not have been possible if not for support from the Government of Saskatchewan through the Veterans Service Club Support Program. On behalf of the ANAVETS Unit 222 board, members and staff, we would like to extend a huge thank you for their commitment to provincial Veterans and their families.”
The program is delivered collaboratively by the Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command, the Saskatchewan ANAVETS and the Government of Saskatchewan.
More information about the program, guidelines, applications and eligibility are available through the Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command.
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Stephanie A. (Sam) Martin, Frank and Bethine Church Endowed Chair of Public Affairs, Boise State University
Congress’ cuts to public broadcasting will diminish the range and volume of the free press and the independent reporting it provides.MicroStockHub-iStock/Getty Images Plus
Champions of the almost entirely party-line vote in the U.S. Senate to erase US$1.1 billion in already approved funds for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting called their action a refusal to subsidize liberal media.
“Public broadcasting has long been overtaken by partisan activists,” said U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, insisting there is no need for government to fund what he regards as biased media. “If you want to watch the left-wing propaganda, turn on MSNBC,” Cruz said.
Accusing the media of liberal bias has been a consistent conservative complaint since the civil rights era, when white Southerners insisted news outlets were slanting their stories against segregation. During his presidential campaign in 1964, U.S. Sen. Barry Goldwater of Arizona complained that the media was against him, an accusation that has been repeated by every Republican presidential candidate since.
But those charges of bias rarely survive empirical scrutiny.
That independence in the United States – enshrined in the press freedom clause of the First Amendment – gives journalists the ability to hold government accountable, expose abuses of power and thereby support democracy.
GOP Sen. Ted Cruz speaks to reporters as Senate Republicans vote on President Donald Trump’s request to cancel about $9 billion in foreign aid and public broadcasting spending on July 16, 2025. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
Trusting independence
Ad Fontes Media, a self-described “public benefit company” whose mission is to rate media for credibility and bias, have placed the reporting of “PBS NewsHour” under 10 points left of the ideological center. They label it as both “reliable” and based in “analysis/fact.” “Fox and Friends,” by contrast, the popular morning show on Fox News, is nearly 20 points to the right. The scale starts at zero and runs 42 points to the left to measure progressive bias and 42 points to the right to measure conservative bias. Ratings are provided by three-person panels comprising left-, right- and center-leaning reviewers.
A similar 2016 study published in Public Opinion Quarterly said that media are more similar than dissimilar and, excepting political scandals, “major
news organizations present topics in a largely nonpartisan manner,
casting neither Democrats nor Republicans in a particularly favorable
or unfavorable light.”
Surveys show public media’s audiences do not see it as biased. A national poll of likely voters released July 14, 2025, found that 53% of respondents trust public media to report news “fully, accurately and fairly,” while only 35% extend that trust to “the media in general.” A majority also opposed eliminating federal support.
Contrast these numbers with attitudes about public broadcasters such as MTVA in Hungary or the TVP in Poland, where the state controls most content. Protests in Budapest October 2024 drew thousands demanding an end to “propaganda.” Oxford’s Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism reports that TVP is the least trusted news outlet in the country.
While critics sometimes conflate American public broadcasting with state-run outlets, the structures are very different.
Safeguards for editorial freedom
In state-run media systems, a government agency hires editors, dictates coverage and provides full funding from the treasury. Public officials determine – or make up – what is newsworthy. Individual media operations survive only so long as the party in power is happy.
Public broadcasting in the U.S. works in almost exactly the opposite way: The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is a private nonprofit with a statutory “firewall” that forbids political interference.
Stations survive by combining this modest federal grant money with listener donations, underwriting and foundation support. That creates a diversified revenue mix that further safeguards their editorial freedom.
As a public-private partnership, individual communities mostly own the public broadcasting system and its affiliate stations. Congress allocates funds, while community nonprofits, university boards, state authorities or other local license holders actually own and run the stations. Individual monthly donors are often called “members” and sometimes have voting rights in station-governance matters. Membership contributions make up the largest share of revenue for most stations, providing another safeguard for editorial independence.
A host and guest in July 2024 sit inside a recording studio at KMXT, the public radio station on Kodiak Island in Alaska. Nathaniel Herz/Northern Journal
A 2021 report from the European Broadcasting Union links public broadcasting with higher voter turnout, better factual knowledge and lower susceptibility to extremist rhetoric.
Experts warn that even small cuts will exacerbate an already pernicious problem with political disinformation in the U.S., as citizens lose access to free information that fosters media literacy and encourages trust across demographics.
In many ways, public media remains the last broadly shared civic commons. It is both commercial-free and independently edited.
Another study, by the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg School in 2022, affirmed that “countries with independent and well-funded public broadcasting systems also consistently have stronger democracies.”
Such attention to nuance provides a critical counterweight to the fragmented, often hyperpartisan news bubbles that pervade cable news and social media. And this skillful, more balanced treatment helps to ameliorate political polarization and misinformation.
In all, public media’s unique structure and mission make democracy healthier in the U.S. and across the world. Public media prioritizes education and civic enlightenment. It gives citizens important tools for navigating complex issues to make informed decisions – whether those decisions are about whom to vote for or about public policy itself. Maintaining and strengthening public broadcasting preserves media diversity and advances important principles of self-government.
Congress’ cuts to public broadcasting will diminish the range and volume of the free press and the independent reporting it provides. Ronald Reagan once described a free press as vital for the United States to succeed in its “noble experiment in self-government.” From that perspective, more independent reporting – not less – will prove the best remedy for any worry about partisan spin.
Stephanie A. (Sam) Martin does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) announced 44 local governments in Idaho will receive a total of $42.9 million in Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funding for 2025. Since local governments cannot tax federal lands, annual PILT payments help cover the costs associated with maintaining community services.
“Where the federal government owns large plots of land and does not pay local property taxes in rural communities, it has a responsibility to provide resources for vital services such as firefighting, police protection, construction of public schools and roads, and search-and-rescue operations,” said Crapo. “PILT payments give Idaho’s 44 counties much-needed stability for essential services.”
“Each of Idaho’s 44 counties rely on PILT payments to maintain and provide essential community services,” said Risch. “I remain fully committed to funding PILT to ensure local governments can offset the nontaxable, federal land within their borders.”
Crapo and Risch have been long-term proponents of ensuring the long-term viability of the PILT program.
The U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) collects more than $20.7 billion in revenue annually from commercial activities on public lands. A portion of those revenues is shared with states and counties. The balance is deposited into the U.S. Treasury, which, in turn, pays for a broad array of federal activities, including PILT funding.
Payments are calculated based on the number of acres of federal land within each county or jurisdiction and the population of that county or jurisdiction.
A full list of funding by state and county is available HERE.
Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
Washington, D.C. – In Case You Missed It: U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Tina Cordova, co-founder of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium, published an opinion piece in the Albuquerque Journal reflecting on the 80th anniversary of the Trinity Test and highlighting decades-long work that led to the recent expansion and extension of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) program by Congress.
Since being elected to Congress, Senator Luján has played a leading role in advancing legislation to strengthen the RECA program, introducing RECA legislation in every Congress and twice passing it through the Senate.
Read the full op-edhereor below:
Albuquerque Journal: 80 years later, we’re still fighting for justice
Ben Ray Luján and Tina Cordova | July 20, 2025
On July 16, 1945 — 80 years ago — the federal government detonated the first atomic bomb in the Tularosa Basin of New Mexico. That test, known as the Trinity Test, changed the world — and it changed our home forever.
We write this together, as two New Mexicans who have fought side-by-side for justice over a decade, because the 80th anniversary of the Trinity Test calls for both recognition and reckoning.
We both know families who lived near the Trinity site. Families who were never warned, never evacuated and never told what happened. They kept drinking the water, eating the produce and breathing the air, not knowing it had been poisoned, until it was too late.
They raised children and grandchildren in these communities. And in the years that followed, they watched loved ones suffer and die of rare and aggressive cancers. They buried neighbors and loved ones. They kept asking questions. And for decades, they were denied answers. They were ignored by the government that created this crisis.
We’ve spent years listening to these stories around kitchen tables, at church, in congressional offices and in communities all across New Mexico. For far too long, Washington turned a blind eye to them, and it’s why we’ve worked together to deliver justice to the people of New Mexico.
Together with other advocates, survivors and bipartisan allies in Congress, we finally succeeded. Earlier this month, legislation to extend and expand Radiation Exposure Compensation Act was signed into law. For the first time, New Mexico’s Downwinders and the post 1971 uranium workers are eligible for federal compensation and support.
This was a historic first step, following years of advocacy and bipartisan momentum that we started in the U.S. Senate, but it is only the beginning.
Now our attention is focused on ensuring RECA is implemented urgently. Impacted families must be given clear, accurate guidance on how to apply for compensation. The federal government must move quickly to implement a program that meets the needs of the people it was designed to serve.
For those who have been waiting — some for a lifetime — time is of the essence. We cannot let delays, lack of outreach, or misinformation deny families the compensation they deserve.
RECA isn’t just about financial compensation. No dollar amount can ever repay the sacrifice. It’s about acknowledging that what happened to New Mexicans after the Trinity Test was wrong, and that the federal government has a responsibility to make it right.
We know this work is not easy. But we also know what’s possible when New Mexicans organize and speak with one loud voice. The passage of RECA was made possible because survivors told their stories, and because lawmakers on both sides of the aisle finally listened and acted. We’re grateful to every person who made their voice heard.
On this solemn anniversary, we recommit ourselves to the work ahead. To honor the lives lost. To amplify the stories of those still living. And to ensure this country never forgets the cost to the people of New Mexico.
The road to justice has been 80 years too long. But we are finally moving forward together.
More information for New Mexico Downwinders can be foundhere.
More information for New Mexico uranium workers & on-site participants can be foundhere.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast issued the following statement upon House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green’s retirement from Congress.
“Chairman Green dedicated his life to serving our great nation on the battlefields and in the halls of Congress.
As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, he played instrumental roles in shaping our foreign policy to protect our interests at home and abroad.
We thank him for his many years of service and wish him continued success for many years to come.”
CBO estimates that Public Law 119-21 will result in a net increase in the unified budget deficit totaling $3.4 trillion over the 2025-2034 period, relative to CBO’s January 2025 baseline updated to reflect enacted legislation. That increase in the deficit is estimated to result from a decrease in direct spending of $1.1 trillion and an decrease in revenues of $4.5 trillion.
Some of those budgetary effects are associated with programs that are classified as off-budget. The increase in the on-budget deficit over that period is estimated at $3.4 trillion.
Statute and longstanding federal policy have allowed access, regardless of immigration status, to specific community programs, including those deemed necessary for protection of life or safety
OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today sued the Trump Administration over its abrupt decision to restrict access to more than a dozen public benefit programs based on immigration status. This decision is contrary to law and a reversal of nearly three decades of federal practice allowing access, regardless of immigration status, to certain public benefits programs that have historically been determined to protect life or safety and contribute to the overall welfare of communities. In doing so, the Trump Administration has thrown programs across California into chaos and cruelly jeopardized the health and wellbeing of some of our most vulnerable families. At risk is access to Head Start, childcare services for low-income people, adult education, mental health and substance use disorder programs, and shelters for at-risk youth and domestic violence survivors, among many other safety-net programs. Attorney General Bonta, alongside a coalition of 20 other attorneys general, asks the court to enjoin the Trump Administration from implementing this devastating change, arguing that these new polices threaten the outright collapse of the states’ social safety nets.
“Let’s be clear: This latest salvo in the President’s inhumane anti-immigration campaign primarily goes after working moms and their young children. We’re not talking about waste, fraud, and abuse, we’re talking about programs that deliver essential childcare, healthcare, nutrition, and education assistance, programs that have for decades been open to all because we understand that we are better off when everyone has the chance to succeed.” said Attorney General Bonta. “The Trump Administration’s abrupt reversal of nearly three decades of precedent – and decision to put at risk not just support for undocumented families, but ultimately families who rely on these programs nationwide – is cruel, but unfortunately unsurprising. So is its lack of regard for the law. Six months into the second Trump Administration, I’ll repeat a familiar refrain: We’ll see President Trump in court.”
Since 1997, the federal government has interpreted The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) to permit states’ use of federal funds for certain programs that serve communities based on need regardless of immigration status. These programs work precisely because there are few barriers to access and include:
Short-term shelter or housing assistance for people who are unhoused, for survivors of domestic violence, or for at-risk youth.
Programs, services, or assistance to help individuals during periods of heat, cold, or other adverse weather conditions (e.g., cooling centers).
Soup kitchens, community food banks, senior nutrition programs such as meals on wheels, and other such community nutritional services for persons requiring special assistance.
Medical and public health services (including treatment and prevention of diseases and injuries) and mental health, disability, or substance use treatment.
Early childhood education, childcare services for low-income people, and adult education programs.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Labor, and Department of Education issued notices related to the interpretation of “federal public benefit” under PRWORA restricting numerous “noncitizens” from receiving benefits under federally funded programs. Around the same time, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued its own notice revoking every one of the “life or safety” exemptions that DOJ had put in place 29 years earlier.
In California, the effects of these actions will be devastating – and immediate. The Head Start Program, founded in 1965, was designed to help break the cycle of poverty by providing young children from families with low incomes a comprehensive program to meet their emotional, social, health, nutritional, and educational needs. In 2023-24, California’s 100 direct Head Start regional recipients served over 80,345 children and families at 1,842 individual site locations. The Trump Administration’s new polices, which will require programs to verify immigration status, are expected to have a chilling effect, leading to decreased enrollment from participants, and an administrative and financial burden for recipients. Moreover, if regional recipients do not hit mandatory 97% enrollment targets, they will lose federal funding and these programs will shut down, harming all the children they serve, as well as the more than 25,000 staff members these programs employ, including in rural communities where Head Start is often a large employer.
Examples like this are countless across the public benefits programs at risk through the Trump Administration’s actions. Survivors of domestic violence and at-risk youth may be fearful of seeking services at shelters. Mixed status families may forgo access to public benefit services all together. Requiring citizenship or immigration status verification of any kind fundamentally creates a barrier to access. People will be reluctant to reach out to access needed services or to call for help for others who might benefit from such services. And requiring programs to expend resources to implement systems and train staff to verify citizenship or immigration status will impose a time and resource burden on programs already struggling to operate on narrow financial margins.
In today’s filings, Attorney General Bonta and the coalition argue that the Trump Administration’s abrupt announcement further limiting access to public benefit programs for undocumented individuals fails to provide notice and an opportunity to comment, is arbitrary and capricious, and contrary to law in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act, and fails to give the states “fair notice” as required under the Spending Clause. They highlight that instead of saving money, the new verification requirements will lead to an overall cost to their states’ economies in the amount of hundreds of millions of dollars each year and will endanger the ability of these programs to continue providing services to all of the residents of their states, not just noncitizens. They urge the court to preliminary enjoin the Trump Administration from implementing the order to prevent programs from shuttering, uncertainty, and tremendous impacts on the public health, education, and welfare of their states.
Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of New York, Washington, Rhode Island, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, and Wisconsin in filing the lawsuit.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Northisle Copper & Gold Inc (OTCQX:NTCPF), based in Vancouver, BC, focused on copper, gold, molybdenum and rhenium, today announced that Sam Lee, President & CEO, will present live at the Metals & Mining Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on July 23, 2025.
DATE: July 23 TIME: 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm ET LINK:REGISTER HERE Available for 1×1 meetings: July 23 – 29
This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.
It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.
Northisle Announces Upsize of Financing to C$35 Million; Wheaton Precious Metals to Invest C$5 Million
Northisle Announces Near Surface Intercepts and Higher-Grade Intercepts at Depth at West Goodspeed on its North Island Project
Northisle Commences Trading on the OTCQX Market Under the Symbol NTCPF
Northisle Commences 2025 Drilling and Field Program
About Northisle Copper & Gold Inc.
Northisle Copper and Gold Inc. is a Vancouver-based company whose mission is to become Canada’s leading sustainable mineral resource company for the future. Northisle, through its 100% owned subsidiary North Island Mining Corp., owns the North Island Project, which is one of the most promising copper and gold porphyry projects in Canada. The North Island Project is located near Port Hardy, British Columbia on a more than 34,000-hectare block of mineral titles 100% owned by Northisle on a belt stretching 50 kilometres northwest from the now closed Island Copper Mine operated by BHP Billiton. Since 2021, the Company has discovered two significant deposits, expanded resources, demonstrated the economic potential of the project, and is now focused on accelerating the advancement of this compelling project while exploring within this highly prospective land package.
For more information on Northisle please visit the Company’s website at www.northisle.ca.
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CONTACTS: Northisle Copper & Gold Inc Nicholas Van Dyk Title: Chief Financial Officer Phone: (604) 335-3590 Email: info@northisle.ca
Virtual Investor Conferences John M. Viglotti SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access OTC Markets Group (212) 220-2221 johnv@otcmarkets.com
Source: US Whitehouse
In a decisive move to protect American agriculture and restore fairness, the Trump Administration’s tariffs on fresh Mexican tomato imports are already boosting American farmers, growers, and business owners.
Here’s what they’re saying:
Chad Smith, Smith Tomato Farm (Steele, AL): “It’s only been two days now, and we actually have a lot more calls of people having interest in doing business — and the price hasn’t even changed.”
Matt Rudd, Rudd Family Farm (Browns Summit, NC): “What you see in the grocery store now, instead of all those tomatoes from Mexico and everywhere else, it should be more local and United States-grown — where we can compete with those prices.”
Rich Troccio, Bloomfield Groceria (Pittsburgh, PA): “It will not bother me if he put a 50% tariff on Mexico. It wouldn’t bother me because I don’t buy from there. It’s just the way I am. As long as it’s something grown here, this is where I want to buy my product.”
Sam Newell, Fruit Fair (Chicopee, MA): “It’s a win-win for the community and us. Having tariffs on imported goods gives us a more level playing field.”
Mark Reuben, Gilcrease Orchard (Las Vegas, NV): “We won’t raise our price, so it will stay $1.50/pound, which is what we charge.”
Logan Duvall, Me and McGee Market (Little Rock, AR): “I can’t see how the tariffs are going to be negative on us at all. Being as tomatoes are a massive part of what we do, and we see the impact when that money goes directly to our farmers in our community versus a multinational conglomerate — it’s a big difference.”
Steve Longmire, Tennessee Homegrown Tomatoes (Rutledge, TN): “In the fall and wintertime, we have to count on — and, you know, the nation does — tomatoes in the warmer climates, so that’s where it’s going to be a good thing for the farmer. Hopefully more of their tomatoes are going to sell at a little bit better price because of the tariff on the imports.”
Patty Morgan, Grainger County (TN) Tomato Festival: “It’s a huge industry in our county.”
A new multi-year agreement with Elizabeth Fry Society.
The Government of Saskatchewan is investing $280,000 annually from 2025 to 2028 into the Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan to support the delivery of the Wikowin Supportive Housing Program. This program will help ensure that women leaving custody or under community supervision have access to safe, affordable housing and the supports they need to successfully reintegrate into the community.
“Reintegration is not easy, but it is possible with the right supports. Without a safe place to go, many individuals risk falling back into the justice system,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod K.C said. “Through this investment, the Elizabeth Fry Society will help give women the footing they need to move forward and avoid returning to custody, which ultimately contributes to safer communities across the province.”
As part of this program, Elizabeth Fry Society will provide consistent supervision of women residing at the property and provide a range of wraparound services, including addictions services, income assistance and where appropriate, family reunification. By targeting key risk factors and preparing participants for independent living, the program aims to reduce recidivism and promote successful reintegration.
“This funding will allow us to provide safe, supportive housing for women leaving custody, women who deserve an opportunity to make meaningful change for themselves and their future,” Elizabeth Fry Society Executive Director Nicole Obrigavitch said. “We are grateful for this partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan, which reflects a shared commitment to doing things differently and supporting pathways to stability and healing.”
This agreement builds on the province’s continued work with the Elizabeth Fry Society, including a separate $330,000 two-year investment announced last year to expand their presence in women’s correctional facilities to deliver culturally appropriate programs and supports to help clients succeed in their communities. The Government of Saskatchewan remains committed to strengthening the justice system’s efficiency through initiatives and collaborations like these.
Today, the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and Danny Yakeleya, Chair of the Our Land for the Future Trust, signed a historic grant agreement to launch NWT: Our Land for the Future, one of the largest Indigenous-led land conservation initiatives in the world. Backed by $375 million in new investments, including $300 million from Canada and $75 million from philanthropic partners, NWT: Our Land for the Future will support Indigenous-led stewardship and conservation across some of the world’s most intact boreal and tundra ecosystems while creating hundreds of good, culturally meaningful jobs across the territory.
Indigenous partners to NWT: Our Land for the Future aim to conserve and steward up to 380,000 square kilometres of land and inland water, which is nearly 30% of the territory, including the protection and conservation of over 2% of Canada in new terrestrial and freshwater areas. This represents a space almost seven times the size of Nova Scotia.
Key activities and initiatives that could receive funding include:
Indigenous Guardians, with support for operations, training, recruitment, and career development of Guardians who monitor ecological health, protect cultural sites, and safeguard sensitive areas and species.
Establishing and stewarding Protected Areas, Conserved Areas, and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), both new and existing.
Climate action, including research, impact assessments, adaptation strategies, and mitigation activities related to climate change.
Local and regional conservation-based economic developments, such as Indigenous harvesting economies, ecotourism, cultural tourism, traditional arts, and artisanal enterprises will not only contribute to environmental preservation but also provide sustainable economic opportunities for Indigenous communities and the region at large.
This groundbreaking partnership involves 21 Indigenous governments and organizations, the Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and private donors working together to advance Indigenous-led stewardship in the North for the benefit of all Canadians.
Today marks a pivotal moment in our efforts toward climate action and conservation. NWT: Our Land for the Future stands out as one of the largest Indigenous-led land conservation efforts globally, aiming to foster sustainable practices and economic growth throughout the Northwest Territories. This initiative, led and governed by Indigenous peoples, will advance large-scale, long-term conservation, stewardship, and economic development throughout the Northwest Territories. It will generate hundreds of good, culturally meaningful jobs, sustaining Indigenous ways of life for generations to come and drive climate action and resilience. This initiative shows the progress possible through a tailored regional approach, engaging communities to identify important ecological and cultural areas. This not only provides clarity for industries but also streamlines conservation planning and project approvals. Initiatives like this will make it possible to protect these natural spaces for future generations.
A transformative Indigenous-led conservation initiative in the Northwest Territories
NWT: Our Land for the Future is one of the world’s largest Indigenous-led land conservation initiatives. With a focus on environmental protection, cultural revitalization, and sustainable economic development, the initiative will support long-term stewardship of the Northwest Territories’ land and water. It brings together 21 Indigenous governments and organizations in the Northwest Territories, the Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and private donors in a collaborative approach.
Our Land for the Future is a Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) initiative, with federal support first announced at COP15 in December 2022. Project Finance for Permanence initiatives unite governments and private donors to create large-scale, lasting investments that protect ecosystems, sustain local economies, and advance Indigenous leadership. By taking a big-picture approach, Project Finance for Permanence initiatives deliver broad, lasting benefits for both people and the land.
The Government of Canada is investing $300 million, with private donors contributing an additional $75 million. Donors have committed to match $1 for every $4 of federal investment. This represents the largest single investment in a Project Finance for Permanence initiative in Canada to date.
The $375 million is being managed through the Our Land for the Future Trust. Indigenous government-appointed directors will make the key decisions about how funds are disbursed each year, guided by an annual operating plan approved by all partners. These funds will support the protection of vast, ecologically significant areas in the Northwest Territories; strengthen Indigenous leadership; and help build a resilient, Northern economy.
This initiative will help diversify the Northern economy. It will bring millions of dollars into the territory and create hundreds of culturally meaningful jobs. This will mean many jobs in more communities, not just concentrated in Yellowknife.
Indigenous governments and partners to the Our Land for the Future agreement are the sole beneficiaries of the Trust and will aim to conserve and steward up to 380,000 square kilometres of land and inland water. This includes protecting over 2% of Canada in new terrestrial and freshwater areas, representing a space almost seven times the size of Nova Scotia and contributing significantly to the national goal of conserving 30% of land and water by 2030.
Key activities and initiatives that could receive funding include:
Indigenous Guardians
Support for Indigenous Guardians initiatives to monitor land, water, and wildlife health; safeguard cultural sites; and contribute to environmental stewardship.
Climate action and resilience
Climate-related research—such as impact assessments, adaptation planning, and mitigation strategies—to address challenges like wildfires and water scarcity.
Sustainable economic development
Advance conservation-based economies, including ecotourism, traditional harvesting, artisanal enterprises, and land-based cultural programs.
Create hundreds of culturally meaningful jobs annually across Northwest Territories’ communities.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Know Your Immigration Rights
If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.
Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.
Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.
Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.
The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.
Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries
