Source: United States Small Business Administration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Texas of the deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by adverse weather conditions occurring as noted below.
The disaster declarations cover the counties listed below:
Declaration Number
Primary Counties
Neighboring Counties
Incident Type
Incident Date
Deadline
20929
Bee, Kleberg and Live Oak
Atascosa, Brooks, Duval, Goliad, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kenedy, McMullen, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio
Armstrong, Briscoe, Carson, Cochran, Coke, Coleman, Collingsworth, Concho, Cottle, Crosby, Floyd, Garza, Hall, Hardeman, Hockley, Hutchinson, Lamb, Lynn, Moore, Nolan, Ochiltree, Oldham, Parmer, Potter, Roberts, Sherman, Taylor, Terry and Tom Green; Curry, Quay and Roosevelt in New Mexico; Harmon and Texas in Oklahoma.
Excessive Heat and High Winds
Occurring June 1–Oct. 31, 2024
8/19/25
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than Aug. 19.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Home Newsroom Labrador Letter: Supreme Court tees up perfect chance to fully protect women’s sports
Op-Ed: Supreme Court tees up perfect chance to fully protect women’s sports by Attorney General Raúl Labrador In 2019, the University of Montana allowed a runner named June Eastwood, a biological male who had adopted a female identity, to compete against women. Among Eastwood’s competitors were two young women attending Idaho State University, Madison Kenyon and Mary Kate Marshall, who were unjustly defeated by Eastwood on multiple occasions. The following year, the Idaho Legislature passed HB 500, making Idaho the first state in the nation to protect women and girls from losing to men in their own sports. The years since have brought both setbacks and breakthroughs. Gender identity activists at the ACLU immediately sued Idaho to block the law, and so far, the courts have agreed. Meanwhile, cases like UPenn swimmer Lia Thomas — who became the first man to win an NCAA women’s swimming title — kept the national debate intensifying. By the 2024 election, President Trump made this issue a centerpiece of his campaign, exposing the Democratic Party’s radical stance on gender identity issues. His victory paved the way for this February’s executive order with a clear message echoing Idaho’s law: Men don’t belong in women’s sports. The mounting cases of men taking medals from women shifted public opinion decisively. A New York Times/Ipsos poll revealed that 79 percent of Americans agree that women’s sports should be for women only. This groundswell of support gave Trump’s executive order real momentum, prompting even the NCAA to abandon its policy allowing males to compete against women. Yet despite this national shift, Idaho remains unable to enforce its own pioneering law, for now. It’s time to end this historic violation of equal opportunity for women and let Idaho guarantee fairness to all of our female athletes. Idaho wasn’t alone in this fight. West Virginia passed similar protections, and predictably, the ACLU sued to block its law, too. Recognizing the need for national clarity, both states joined with attorneys at Alliance Defending Freedom to petition the Supreme Court. On July 3 — the 135th anniversary of Idaho’s statehood — the court granted review in both cases, giving us the chance to secure nationwide fairness for women and girls who simply want to compete on a level playing field. This is an important moment for all of us who are fighting to preserve safety, dignity, and fair competition in women’s sports. While Trump’s executive order pushed the ball forward for branches of the federal government, the Supreme Court’s pending review in Little v. Hecox (Idaho’s case) and West Virginia v. BPJ leaves open the question of whether states can pass laws that preserve the integrity of women’s sports. The Supreme Court’s recent decision in U.S. v. Skrmetti offers an encouraging precedent. That ruling upheld Tennessee’s law preventing medical professionals from subjecting children to dangerous, experimental transition drugs and surgeries. That decision also allowed Idaho to enforce our own child-protection law. However, Skrmetti left the women’s sports question unresolved. Both Idaho and West Virginia urged the court to address this gap by reviewing our cases alongside that precedent. The justices’ decision to grant review suggests they recognized the need for comprehensive clarity. If the Supreme Court agrees with our arguments, that means states will be free to ensure female athletes enjoy a level playing field for competition. Girls will once again be free to become champions in their own sports and pursue collegiate and professional opportunities without fear of losing to the opposite sex. We couldn’t have gotten here without the brave women who took a stance for their sports, such as the four high school athletes in Connecticut who said enough is enough, or the young women in West Virginia who intervened to preserve their state’s law, or the aforementioned Madison and Mary Kate, who intervened to protect Idaho’s law. There’s still much more work to be done before we can fully guarantee that women’s sports are fully protected, but there are many signs of hope for a brighter future. As we’ve recently seen, UPenn, which had allowed a male to compete and steal medals from women, changed its tune (thanks to pressure by the Trump administration) by apologizing and preventing any more men from competing and restoring the records of female athletes affected by his participation. By granting our cases, the Supreme Court is giving West Virginia, Idaho, and many other states the opportunity to cross the finish line. But more importantly, it’s giving every girl in America a fair chance to win. This op-ed originally ran in The Hill on July 10, 2025
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rachael Eastham, Lecturer in Young People’s Health Inequalities, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University
Homabay, Kenya, in February 2025.Rachael Eastham, CC BY
My phone wouldn’t stop ringing – nurses, social workers, young mothers – all begging for help. ‘I’ve lost my job,’ ‘I have no food,’ ‘What do we do now?’ I felt helpless.
These are the words of Rogers Omollo, founder and CEO of Activate Action – a youth-led non-profit organisation that supports young people with HIV and disabilities in Homa Bay, a town in west Kenya on the shores of Lake Victoria.
As specialists in youth and sexual and reproductive health, we were on a field trip to learn from Omollo and others like him. We wanted to find out about the work they were doing to tackle HIV, stigma and health inequalities.
But our time there was dominated by one thing: President Donald Trump’s executive order which put almost all international spending by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on pause for a 90-day review and subsequently took a wrecking ball to all international aid programmes funded by the US.
In July, research published in The Lancet medical journal found that the US funding cuts towards foreign humanitarian aid could cause more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030, with a third of those at risk of premature deaths being children. Davide Rasella, who co-authored the report, said low- and middle-income countries were facing a shock “comparable in scale to a global pandemic or a major armed conflict”.
In the immediate aftermath, we saw firsthand the profound impact the “pause” had in this community. Activate Action is not directly funded by USAID, but as we followed in the footsteps of our host, Omollo, meeting the organisation’s collaborators and beneficiaries, the true extent of the funding freeze became shockingly apparent.
Places like Homa Bay relied heavily on USAID funding to keep hospitals and clinics running, to ensure access to essential medicines, and to support reproductive health and HIV programmes. The executive order, in principle, resulted in the immediate halting of over US$68 billion (£51 billion) in foreign aid, a substantial portion of which supports lifesaving reproductive health and HIV programmes worldwide.
The Insights section is committed to high-quality longform journalism. Our editors work with academics from many different backgrounds who are tackling a wide range of societal and scientific challenges.
As we walked through abandoned offices and healthcare facilities speaking to bewildered people out of work and in need of critical services in February 2025, the chilling reality set in. Omollo reflected:
People who have spent years saving lives are now struggling to survive. The clinics are empty, the hope in their voices fading. It broke my heart. I wanted to scream, to fix it, but the truth hit hard – we can’t depend on one lifeline. If funding stops, lives should not. We must build something stronger, something that lasts.
So, before we even set off on our research trip to unite sexual and reproductive health advocates and collaborate with African partners, we knew we were swimming against this tide.
Final figures remain unclear but in early 2025, the abrupt suspension of an estimated US$500 million of funding to Kenya was suggested by Amnesty International to have led to the layoff of 54,000 community health workers – many of whom had been part of robust, locally led responses to HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.
The decision to do this was driven by US audit and efficiency “reevaluations” over 8,000 miles away in Washington. Decisions were made and implemented by small numbers of people within the Trump administration including Elon Musk, whose estimated individual wealth far exceeds the gross domestic product of many entire east African nations, including Kenya.
Despite years of progress in community-based healthcare systems managed by Kenyans just like Activate Action, these cuts by one external donor disrupted critical services overnight. This also demonstrated that African health systems, no matter how effective, remain subject to profound external control.
Our project was funded in October 2024, before Trump’s re-election. One week of activities in the UK, one week in Kenya. By the time Activate Action visited Lancaster, in the north of England, in January 2025, we had already started to raise eyebrows as our colleagues began receiving communications from USAID-funded initiatives about pausing projects. Two weeks later, by the time we gathered in Kenya, the immediate human cost was clear to see.
‘The field has been eviscerated’
We sat at the back of a meeting observing training for an Activate Action initiative that would see community health champions offer peer support for their neighbours on safer sex and HIV prevention. In a building that was usually busy and populated by USAID-funded staff, the lights remained on in only one room.
Before visiting Homa Bay, we knew of its reputation when it came to the so-called triple threat of gender-based violence, HIV infection and teenage pregnancy rates – all of which disproportionately affects this semi-rural county in west Kenya.
As we watched the training, a colleague based in Europe (who was instrumental in connecting some of the members of our group) texted after learning we were in Kenya, saying:
It’s terrifying. Document it. No one gets it. The field has been eviscerated.
So, what did this evisceration look like?
Staff directly affected by the order were either not permitted to talk about what was happening on the record or didn’t feel safe doing so. We spoke to at least five people who told us directly they couldn’t “speak out” and were nervous about us taking any photographs.
An Activate Action event on International Condoms Day in February 2023. Rogers Omollo, CC BY
We saw how scores of people were served their notice to cease projects, backdated and effective immediately – a stop work order, followed by (for reasons with cloudy legal foundations) official terminations to contracts. Their economic and professional futures left hanging in the balance.
As we navigated workshops and meetings, Omollo (now unexpectedly advantaged through Activate Action not being USAID-funded) continued to receive multiple texts, calls and emails from people seeking work.
A researcher we know working on a USAID supported HIV and maternity care project described doing frantic overtime in the face of uncertainty. She needed to put in hours of extra (unpaid) work to communicate with research participants as it would not be ethical to abruptly disappear on people currently engaged in an active research programme.
She had no way to manage expectations with those she spoke to and no way of knowing if they were saying a final “thank you and goodbye” to the people she had been working with for months. Despite the descriptions of USAID project funds being “paused”, she was quickly served a full termination of employment notice.
In east Africa, where this sudden and mass unemployment of vital technical and administrative staff is happening, more than half of young people aged 15-35 are unemployed. The rate is even higher among young women in rural areas (up to 66%.)
A greater horror unfolds when you consider who these unemployed workers are usually paid to help because they serve communities with some of the highest needs related to HIV, teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence.
The youth health facility we visited, for example, was locked up when we arrived. We sat in stunned silence in an empty three-roomed building with a youth HIV counsellor. We were shown photographs that showed how it was once a vibrant and busy place.
Locked up youth health facility. Rachael Eastham, CC BY
Here, the free services and information on HIV, contraception and mental health was being delivered by skilled and non-judgmental youth specialists. But it was closed down from January 20, 2025 and its future remains uncertain. A free condom dispenser outside lay empty, all supplies given out on closure day in a last ditch attempt to help young people remain safe over the coming weeks.
In Homa Bay, huge achievements have been made in addressing teenage pregnancy and adolescent HIV infection in recent years. There has been a remarkable decline in prevalence rates, new infections, and HIV-related deaths, aided by robust treatment programmes that contribute to better health. People have been living with HIV at undetectable levels, therefore unable to transmit infection. But this “safe” status requires ongoing treatment with antiretroviral medication.
What now in the absence of USAID?
But at the time of our visit, the delivery of antiretroviral therapy was becoming more restricted and would require collection by the user every three weeks, rather than the usual three months, therefore lasting the user a shorter time. To service providers we spoke to, this increase in the frequency of collection of medication was known to be a significant barrier for people having to travel long distances more frequently without transport to get their supply replenished.
Omollo explained to us that Homa Bay is also a medication hub, of sorts. People come here from other communities where, due to stigma, the risks of being identified as someone who is HIV positive in their own communities are much higher.
Every conversation we had yielded new information about the reality. Gender-based violence projects were also suspended, in part because of the Trump administration’s intentions to end “gender ideology”. A service provider joked despondently during a presentation how: “I got sacked for saying gender.”
In Kenya, femicide (the murder of women or girls because of their gender) has been described as a “crisis” requiring urgent action. In Homa Bay specifically, the sexual and gender-based violence statistics are higher than national averages and have been on the rise, especially among young people.
This follows alarming countrywide coverage about femicide across Kenya including high profile and horrifying cases such as that of the Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei.. Official figures are unclear but there are currently widespread protests and calls to action related to this injustice.
Activate Action had recently won one USAID award focusing on men living with HIV and substance use problems (factors that are both implicated in gender-based violence). Since the USAID funding freeze this offer has instantly been dissolved with no expectation of reinstatement.
Meanwhile, the fight against cervical cancer – the leading cause of cancer death in Kenya – has also been hit. Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination campaigns across the county have stalled, despite the fact the vaccines help prevent cervical cancer.
At one point, a 23-year-old mother of three small children asked us directly if we found it troubling (as she did) that she will not be able to receive maternal healthcare and her contraception. The list of effects is grim and feels endless.
Collateral damage
When our group convened for a workshop at a community venue with sexual and reproductive health and rights staff from across the area, the chatter was similarly focused on the effects of the USAID funding freeze, but this time in the direct shadow of operations.
Next door, four-wheel drive Jeeps had been recalled and locked behind USAID premises gates, gathering dust instead of being out in the field delivering HIV outreach services. They represented the stasis of operations more widely.
Dr Peter Ibembe, from a party of service providers visiting from Uganda, was formerly a Programme Director for the non-governmental organisation Reproductive Health Uganda where he was in charge of service delivery. He spoke to us about the atmosphere:
An eerie tone of quiet has descended on the place. Many have been suddenly rendered jobless; creating mental stress, depression, anxiety. But there has also been an indirect effect on the wider community through the entire value chain: landlords, banks and other credit institutions; food vendors; gas stations; transportation facilities and companies; hotels, restaurants and lodges; schools hospitals and the like.
Everyone has been left in limbo. Kenya, despite gradual improvements, is a lower middle income country. Poverty identified by the World Bank as a key development challenge for the nation with, in 2022, over 20 million Kenyans identified as living below the poverty line. So these knock-on effects can be drastic.
At an organisational level we also saw clearly how the boundaries of any one project running within any organisation cannot be neatly drawn, nor can projects be plucked from this matrix discretely in the way we might imagine when we hear how “USAID projects” have been suspended. This way of thinking profoundly undermines the reality of what these cuts mean because many projects are interdependent and interrelated. Omollo added:
Whilst Activate Action was not directly funded by USAID, the overall reduction in health services affects the community they serve. The lack of support for HIV prevention, mental health and economic empowerment programmes placed additional strain on grassroots organisations like us … which have had to fill gaps with limited resources.
Omollo taking a selfie with Activate Action on International Condoms Day in February 2023. Rogers Omollo, CC BY
Services the world over, especially community based services, usually operate with multiple funding streams each providing different projects. Naturally the people, resources and activities overlap. To stress, this is not evidence of the “corruption” the Trump administration claims it wants to weed out, but it is the reality of how services reliant on external funding work.
It is usual that a patchwork of project grants function together to keep the doors open and the lights on. In fact, the sharing of operational resource is what bolsters an organisation’s capacity to serve its communities most effectively.
Considering “USAID projects” as single discretely bounded entities belie the messy complexity of how community and healthcare services work.
For another example of this kind of inter-connection, look no further than “table banking”. Table banking has been described as a “microcredit movement by women and for women” – effectively a DIY bank. We saw table banking used at Activate Action’s Street Business School, an initiative that tackles HIV through training women and building economic sustainability so they do not become trapped in poverty which may force them into have transactional sex. From a seated circle under trees, we watched as the collective pay in and take out loans to support their businesses from a central informal “bank account”.
Beneficiaries from this project continue to come together every Thursday, pooling finances and taking loans to sustain their business needs for the coming week (for example, buying stock for their market stalls). They told us how they are planning to collaborate on a catering business which will mean the older, sicker members of the group remain able to work and earn.
Similarly, Omollo told us how “a bit like table banking”, among his friends and colleagues, they also pool finance on a weekly basis to tick off items on a collective shopping list. He said: “One week we buy for one person, the next week, the next person and so on, until we all have a microwave.”
These demonstrations of microfinance arguably present, however idealistic, inspiration for a more financially sustainable future whereby its principles offer a “light of hope” at grassroots level, possibilities for nations in meeting sustainable development goals and, crucially in this context, freedom from dependency on external donors.
Social dictators of health
When we planned this exchange project, we wanted to work with Activate Action because of our shared interests.
Its explicit focus on the “social determinants of health” (the non-medical factors that affect health) is a refreshing departure from so many health programmes that seek to intervene on a person’s behaviour without attending to how it may be shaped by the wider social system.
For example, in the case of Homa Bay, Activate Action works to address root causes, such as poverty. Poverty means that transactional sex (which could be sex for food or period products) is common. Unsafe sex can be a hallmark of these sexual encounters, increasing HIV risk and transmission. Helping women build businesses, earn their own money to buy food and make their own period pads, reduces the need to trade sex for necessities.
As we sat discussing the various ways the cancelling of USAID would have devastating effects on different programmes and so the lives of different people, we realised how myriad social determinants – such as income, unemployment and healthcare services – are overwhelmingly contingent on distant regimes. Regimes run by people who seem to demonstrate little regard for the lives of disadvantaged and minoritised people.
No period of consultation, no management of expectations – a profound example of how bigger systems that govern our social lives can, in fact, dictate the outcomes of our health.
Antiretroviral drugs for HIV literally keep people alive and prevent transmission to others. Efforts to critique the USAID freeze by the inspector general of USAID, Paul Martin, saw him sacked. Again, no reason was given, and the White House did not have any comment.
When we were trying to explore whether termination notices for staff in Kenya were even legal, one media report about a judicial effort to halt the USAID stop work order noted that Trump has a “high threshold for legal risk”. An insight into what type of threats we may need to consider when trying to understand risks to and protections for health in the future.
Dr Ibembe, who provided closing remarks to our workshop, highlighted how “the effect of USAID cuts on the east African development landscape has been nothing short of seismic. It has created an environment of uncertainty, fear and stress. In some instances, up to 80% of health-related initiatives are donor supported. The funding and operational gap created is almost insurmountable.”
This reliance on external financial support and limited domestic financing in Kenya and other sub-Saharan African countries is common. This makes a nation vulnerable. Kenya also experiences substantial “donor dependency” especially across the health system which makes it harder to absorb the shock of a donor pulling funds.
In other words, this is a highly precarious system that is going through a shock which it will find incredibly difficult to withstand.
The situation is a stark reminder of just how unfair the power dynamics are that dictate African health governance and sovereignty.
Conversations about reducing the dependence of countries like Kenya on external donors have been going on for a long time. Throughout it has been acknowledged that any transition away from donor dependence needs to be carefully managed to avoid upsetting all the gains that have been made through initiatives like those funded by USAID. This has been completely impossible given the pace of change since January 2025 when the USAID stop work order came into play.
African solutions to African problems
The question now is not merely how African institutions will survive these disruptions but how they will leverage them as an impetus for change. Discussions about donor dependency arguably contribute to the framing of African states and institutions that are economically vulnerable and a “risk”. This in turn creates a negative bias that has recently been identified as costing African nations billions in lost or missed investment opportunities.
While financial constraints are a reality, the dominance of stereotypes also means we may overlook the effective strategic responses and resilience demonstrated by African organisations over the years. The challenge is not simply to reduce donor reliance but to reposition African institutions as key architects of health solutions through approaches that emphasise ownership, sustainability and regional integration.
Omollo talking to The Street Business School in January 2023. Rogers Omollo, CC BY
The Afya na Haki (Ahaki) institute provides a clear example of this shift towards what they refer to as “Africentric” models of health governance. The aim is to build African solutions to African problems.
This approach is anchored on four key pillars: amplifying positive African narratives; strengthening engagement with African regional institutions; supporting and fostering collaboration among African non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other organisations; and bringing together African experts and communities to create knowledge that reflects local realities and needs.
Yet, restrictive policies that pre-date the USAID cuts such as the global gag rule which means NGOs are prohibited from receiving any US government funding if they provide, advocate for, or even refer to abortion services, have significantly disrupted this work, forcing institutions to rethink their operational strategies. An Ahaki staff member told us how their core focus on empowering Africans has been “thrown into disarray”.
Research that puts African stories and priorities front and centre is crucial – not just for shaping policies but for shifting the focus from dependence on external aid to African-led solutions and self-determination.
‘Hope hasn’t disappeared’
Within days of the USAID executive order on January 20, the USAID website was unreachable and our colleagues in Homa Bay sat reeling. By February 14, just after our visit, it was confirmed that a federal judge had successfully blocked the funding suspensions, although the relevance of this for people and projects like those we met in Homa Bay, whose contracts had already been terminated, was limited.
This executive order is one of many that has triggered global shockwaves. But for every action there is a reaction and we have also witnessed international resistance, from protests of USAID and nonprofit workers in Washington, to 500 Kenyan community workers demanding their unpaid salaries.
Musk’s company Tesla has been subject to widespread boycott and coordinated protest by “Tesla Takedown” in over 250 cities around the world. Canada has also made strides to reject American imports and strengthen its domestic markets, building greater independence from the USA, echoing desires of many African nations in relation to US donor dependence.
Musk suggested that USAID needs “to die” due to widespread corruption – an assertion that remains unsubstantiated. However, the violence and damage of this sentiment is being realised. As the sites we visited remain eerie and empty, gathering dust, our immediate concern is for the people and communities that agencies once funded by USAID represent and serve.
Omollo, and others like him, are now finding new ways to navigate these problems. The ripple effects of the USAID funding freeze have hit hard, programs have stalled, uncertainty has grown and communities are feeling the strain.
“But in the cracks, we’ve found ways to adapt,” he said. “At Activate Action, we’ve leaned on local partnerships, stretched every resource, and kept showing up for young people. Hope hasn’t disappeared; it’s just become something we fight for daily.”
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We would like to acknowledge the specific contribution of Rogers Omollo from Activate Action in developing this article.
Christopher Baguma works with Afya na Haki as a Director of Programmes.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Chee Meng Tan, Assistant Professor of Business Economics, University of Nottingham
Political and economic pressures might force Chinese president and overall leader Xi Jinping to delegate some of his powers to his deputies in a highly significant move. This has prompted some observers and media outlets to speculate that Xi’s grip on power may be waning.
A major part of why this is happening is likely to stem from Xi’s difficulties in dealing with China’s economic woes, which began from a real estate crisis in 2021. For years, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has relied on providing economic prosperity to legitimise its rule over the country.
But the continuously lacklustre performance of the Chinese economy over the past four years coupled with Trump’s trade war with Beijing is making recovery a difficult task. And this is likely to be a factor that undermines Xi’s rule.
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These rumours about Xi started just after the latest meeting, on June 30, of the politburo (the principal policy making body of the party), which brings China’s top leaders together to make major decisions.
For people who don’t follow Chinese politics, the idea of Xi delegating some authority might seem nothing special. However, in understanding China, it’s important to understand that Xi has massive power, and it seems the politburo is signalling there are some changes on the horizon.
What are the clues?
Symbolism and indirect language play an important role in how the communist party communicates with Chinese people. The way it is done comes through slogans or key phrases, which are collectively known as “tifa (提法)”’.
This method of information is important since it shapes political language and debate, and influences how a Chinese, and international, audience understands what’s going on. At first glance, the politburo’s call for enhancing “policy coordination” and the “review process” of major tasks may appear to indicate that the central government is seeking to ensure local officials follow through with Beijing’s agenda.
For experienced China watchers there are hints here that this powerful decision-making body is making a veiled threat against Xi for holding on to too much power. But the opaque nature of China’s elite decision-making process, where a great deal of backroom politics occurs behind closed doors, means that decoding its messages isn’t always easy.
China’s president Xi Jinping on a public outing, after several weeks when he was not seen in public.
Because of all of this, there is increasing speculation that a power struggle is in progress. This isn’t entirely surprising given Xi’s purge of many senior party officials through anti-corruption campaigns and dominance over the highest levels of government is likely to have earned him many enemies over the years.
Another sign that all isn’t going well with Xi’s regime is the removal of some his allies from key positions within the government. Xi began his anti-corruption campaign in 2012 when he became China’s leader. On paper, while officially framed as a drive to clean up corruption, evidence suggests that the campaign may have been used to remove Xi’s political rivals.
The problem for Xi is that the campaign is being used against his loyalists as well. In October 2023, defence minister Li Shangfu, who was considered a Xi ally, was sacked due to what was later confirmed in 2024 to be from due to corruption charges. But the dismissals of Xi loyalists continued.
But even if it weren’t and the purges are part of a concerted effort to stamp out corruption, Xi’s campaign will not only cast aspersions on his ability to appoint the right people into government, but also create a climate of fear among allies and potentially create further enemies. Either scenario puts Xi on the spot. But since Xi became China’s head of state in 2013, he and his loyalists have taken over leadership of many key national commissions, making him the most powerful Chinese leader since the time of Chairman Mao.
But it looks like Xi is about to delegate some of his power, and there are some other decisions that may indicate a shift. For the first time since coming into power in 2012, Xi skipped the annual summit organised by the Brics group (named after Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). Instead, from July 5 to 7 this year, Chinese premier Li Qiang, led a delegation to Rio de Janeiro.
This isn’t the first time that Li has represented Xi in high-profile conferences abroad. In September 2023, Li attended the G20 summit in New Delhi, India, and has taken part in Asean summits.
But the Brics appearance alongside with Li’s increasingly prominent role in economic policy making may suggest that his influence is on the rise, while Xi’s is declining. Watch this space.
Chee Meng Tan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)
WASHINGTON, DC —Today, Rep. Mikie Sherrill issued the following statement condemning the Trump Administration for the decision to use Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for DHS detention operations:
“It is unacceptable that Secretary Hegseth has approved the use of property at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for DHS detention operations.
“This is a blatant misuse of one of New Jersey’s most critical military assets and reduces a vital national security installation to a stage for political theater, which flies in the face of an apolitical military. Using the base for detention operations risks degrading operational capacity, places an inappropriate burden on our servicemembers, and harms civil-military relations.
“The administration has diverted funding away from supporting our troops for this effort in other states, which is another reason I am strongly opposed to this plan. If DHS needs additional capacity for immigration enforcement, it should seek appropriate funding and resources from Congress, not rely on the military to fill the gap.
“The administration should immediately reverse this decision and respect the essential role our servicemembers and military bases play in defending the nation.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)
Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22) released the following after co-leading the introduction of the No Cages in the Everglades Act:
“The Everglades is the crown jewel of Florida—a breathtaking natural treasure and a vital economic engine. It fuels tourism, sustains agriculture, provides drinking water for over 8 million people, supports thriving fisheries, protects property values, and powers job-creating restoration projects that pump billions into our economy each year.
Turning this iconic ecosystem into a state-sponsored cages for migrants—many of whom have no criminal record, are seeking safety, and are already contributing to our communities—is as cruel as it is reckless. “Alligator Alcatraz” threatens decades of environmental restoration, violates Tribal sovereignty, and puts our public health and prosperity at risk.
That’s why I joined Florida House Democrats to introduce the No Cages in the Everglades Act, which would:
Ban DHS and ICE from contracting with, funding, or operating any immigration detention facility in or near the Everglades;
Protect sacred tribal lands, endangered wildlife, and the fragile ecological balance of the Everglades;
Guarantee Members of Congress the right to inspect all immigration detention facilities—whether federally, state, or privately operated—to ensure accountability and compliance with the law;
Mandate a DHS Inspector General investigation into the facility’s conditions, costs, and impacts on detainees, the environment, and neighboring tribal lands.
What we need is real, bipartisan immigration reform that reflects our values and strengthens our economy—not cruel political theater at the expense of people and the environment.”
The bill has earned the support of leading advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Detention Watch Network, Church World Service (CWS), and the National Immigration Law Center (NILC).
CARNEGIE, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that $194,000 in NeighborWorks America Flexible Impact Grants have been awarded to NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania network sites headquartered in Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District. The grant will support efforts to help new homeowners, with the goal of lowering the cost of housing, building stronger and safer communities, and creating jobs.
“Housing is a ripoff for way too many people. So many who bust their butts at work still cannot afford a decent home,” said Congressman Deluzio. “This grant is about getting more housing options that don’t break the bank for families in Western PA. I’m proud to support efforts to invest in solid housing that folks can afford.”
The funding was awarded byNeighborWorks America, a congressionally chartered nonprofit, that works to help millions of Americans secure and sustain affordable homes through counseling and education for first-time homebuyers, and downpayment assistance loans for these buyers. The funding came in three installments of $57,000, $50,000, and $87,000 through theirFlexible Impacts Grants program.
The Trump Administration’s efforts to freeze funding and pause federal grants has created significant uncertainty for grantees, varying by agency and program. As of now, the courts have paused many of these freezes. However, Congressman Deluzio will continue to monitor these developments and fight to make sure this congressionally-authorized funding continues going to projects that make life better for Western Pennsylvanians. If you are the recipient of a federal grant and have been notified that this funding is no longer available to you or are experiencing other issues accessing your lawfully appropriated funds, please share your concerns with Congressman Deluzio’s office atPA17Grants@mail.house.gov.
Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $5 million for Nebraska’s research institutions through the Senate Appropriations Committee to fund bioeconomy, biomedical, and water quality research efforts. The funding was included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations Act, which now awaits consideration on the Senate Floor.
“Nebraska’s research institutions are the backbone of the future bioeconomy, conservation, and biomedical research workforce. This funding not only fuels groundbreaking research – it strengthens local economies by supporting the contractors and businesses that make this work possible. I’m proud to advance this investment in Nebraska’s innovative research ecosystem and ensure that our institutions have the resources they need to succeed,”Fischer said.
Funding projects advanced by Fischer for Nebraska are listed below: Growing Nebraska’s Bioeconomy Project Description: Purchase equipment and develop space to design, build, test, model, and validate products that grow Nebraska’s bioeconomy.
The project will provide resources for a new bio-engineering facility to support applications and solutions in biomedical research, agriculture, and biosecurity. Nebraska’s agriculture leadership uniquely positions the state to lead on these solutions across academia, industry, and government. Project Location: University of Nebraska – Lincoln Amount: $1,000,0000 Instrumentation for Advanced Water Research Project Description: Equipment upgrades at the Water Sciences Laboratory and Conservation and Survey Division of the University of Nebraska—Lincoln to support water quality research.
Groundwater as a drinking water source is increasingly impacted by environmental variables and agricultural production. The Water Sciences Laboratory, Conservation and Survey Division, and College of Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln provide quantitative methods for a wide variety of persistent and emerging challenges in water quality. Project Location: University of Nebraska—Lincoln Amount: $1,000,000 Scientific Instrumentation for Biomedical Research Project Description: Modernize and expand comparative biomedical research training at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK).
At UNK, experiential learning is a cornerstone of the undergraduate learning experience with each student required to complete a hands-on learning project. A growing number of UNK students are pursuing health care careers. This funding expands and modernizes the current comparative biomedical research infrastructure to meet the demands of training these students. Project Location: University of Nebraska—Kearney Amount: $3,000,000
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Ezell (Mississippi 4th District)
Representatives Mike Ezell (R-MS) and Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) led a letter with four other Members of Congress to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development asking them to provide at least $7.5 million for the Lower Mississippi River Comprehensive Management Study (LMRCMS) in the next fiscal year. The study aims to provide recommendations for a range of issues related to navigation, flood risk management, water quality, recreation, and ecosystem restoration needs within the Mississippi River and Tributaries system.
“For nearly a century, the management of the Mississippi River has remained mostly unchanged despite evolving commerce and environmental issues. This study is a pivotal opportunity to align navigation efficiency and safety, flood control systems, and restoration efforts to foster a healthier, safer river system that benefits all stakeholders and river communities,” the Members wrote.
The USACE sought to complete the $25 million study in five years to provide updated recommendations to Congress and the government by December 2027. Recent extreme high and low water events are creating stressors on the system. This study will propose solutions for the future dynamic operation of structures within the system for successful flood risk management, navigational security, and ecosystem protection. Delays in completing this study can lead to obsolete analysis and cost overruns. Resources are now urgently needed to restart and advance this work.
The study addresses specific Gulf Coast issues of concern, including saltwater intrusion, which threatens the drinking water supplies of the New Orleans metro region in 2023, and shipping concerns along America’s most important maritime transportation lanes. Other regional issues of concern include addressing agricultural run-off that has led to a 5,500 square mile “dead zone” in the Gulf of America.
“Funding for the remainder of this study is critical to improving water quality and the long-term health of fisheries and wildlife in the lower Mississippi River Basin,”said Chris Macaluso, director of fisheries and the Mississippi River Program at the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “The Corps has been working closely with anglers and hunters throughout this process and our concerns about water and habitat management are being taken seriously. We cannot afford to lose the progress that’s already been made.”
“This study can provide us with the opportunity to revitalize and reimagine how we manage the Lower Mississippi River to better serve both people and nature. After 85 years of largely unchanged management, the study will provide recommendations that can modernize flood control, navigation, recreation and restoration,”said Elizabeth Crow, director of government relations for the Mississippi River Basin at the Nature Conservancy. “These solutions will strengthen local economies while also making the lower river safer, healthier and more resilient. Congress needs to fulfill its obligation under the 2020 Water Resources Development Act and restart funding for the Army Corps of Engineers to complete the study. It’s time for the lower river’s management to evolve and meet the needs of today.”
“This study will provide critically important information to bring the management of the Mississippi River into the 21st Century and find win-win solutions that can protect life and property from flooding and preserve American seafood production in the estuaries of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama affected by distribution of the “fresh” River water. It makes no sense to waste the money already spent by ending this study before it is complete. Many thanks to these Congressmen for their leadership,”said Gerald Blessey, Counsel for the Mississippi Sound Coalition.
Background:
The letter was signed by 6 Members of Congress, including Reps. Mike Ezell (R-MS), Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA), Cleo Fields (D-LA), Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Steve Cohen (D-TN), and André Carson (D-IN).
On July 14, Wascana Centre removed two trees that tested positive for Dutch Elm Disease (DED). Wascana Centre staff test for DED throughout the summer to proactively detect diseased trees, allowing for safe removal and disposal.
There have been five confirmed cases of DED in Wascana Centre in the last 10 years: one in 2014, one in 2019, one in 2024 and two in 2025. This year’s cases were located near Goose Hill and the Saskatchewan Science Centre.
The Provincial Capital Commission (PCC) is responsible for the maintenance and future of the urban forest located within the Wascana Centre and Government House boundaries. The urban forest is monitored continually for overall health of the tree canopy cover.
The PCC’s DED Control Program includes monitoring and surveillance, control and prevention.
“Elm trees are an important part of Regina’s tree canopy cover,” PCC Executive Director Jenna Schroeder said. “Wascana Centre is proud to be a place where friends and families can gather and enjoy the outdoors at one of our many picnic spots. To ensure the continued health of our trees, we remind visitors that it is illegal to transport, store or buy elm firewood.”
For more information on Dutch Elm Disease, visit saskatchewan.ca.
“It is disheartening to see a report and the media response to that report that so clearly overlooks the substantial, coordinated efforts undertaken by the Alberta government during the Jasper wildfire. Alberta’s swift deployment of crews, emergency funding and operational support played a critical role in protecting lives and infrastructure, and these contributions are either minimized or ignored entirely.
“Importantly, this wildfire began within Jasper National Park, a federally managed area under the jurisdiction of Parks Canada. As such, the initial response and fire management fell solely under federal control. Alberta provided support promptly when called upon, operating within the constraints of that jurisdictional reality. Alberta Wildfire had no part in the management of the wildfire until after the fire breeched the town. Previous to that, Alberta Wildfire was providing personnel and equipment as requested.
“The report also fails to seriously address the broader and ongoing issue of forest management practices within national parks, an area of exclusive federal responsibility. The long-standing lack of adequate fuel reduction and forest health maintenance in these areas has contributed significantly to the wildfire risk facing communities such as Jasper and others.
“The report and the media response not only appear politically motivated, they are also misguided, given their selective framing and failure to acknowledge the tireless work of provincial emergency personnel and leadership. Notably, local officials raised no concerns when provincial wildfire firefighting teams arrived rapidly with personnel and equipment, nor when Alberta stepped up to fill gaps in funding, logistics and accommodations. These facts deserve recognition.
“Specifically, the Government of Alberta:
Provided Alberta Wildfire crews, equipment and expertise from Day 1, and immediately relocated additional crews and equipment to locations close to Jasper to be on standby for when Parks Canada requested them.
Deployed Alberta municipal fire fighting teams from all over the province, that worked to save structures all night.
Mobilized Alberta search and rescue teams from across the province to do door-to-door checks and evacuate residents.
Mobilized Alberta’s health and housing system to move vulnerable hospital, long-term care and lodge residents.
Established evacuation centres, evacuation payments and evacuation hotels.
Placed provincial social services, mental health and health workers on site immediately.
Coordinated multiple town halls to communicate with residents.
Supplied provincially funded and coordinated support teams that flew over hot spots for weeks after the event.
“The Emergency Management Cabinet Committee demonstrated strong leadership throughout the crisis, meeting daily to ensure Alberta’s emergency response mechanisms were fully engaged, and approving $181 million in disaster financial assistance along with property tax relief.
“This support reinforced the importance of unified command and interagency coordination, something the report itself seems to misunderstand or downplay.
“Incident reports help us learn to improve and we hope all jurisdictions take a closer look at their own deficiencies rather than blame others. When you have crews and equipment involved in a dangerous incident of this magnitude, getting information to those responsible for management and decision-making is critical to understand how to best utilize resources and analyze the dangers. Alberta remains committed to working with all levels of government to ensure communities are protected and responses are effective, now and in the future.”
The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Scarborough–Guildwood–Rouge Park, will participate in a special event marking the 10th anniversary of Rouge National Urban Park.
Minister Anandasangaree will attend on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages. The event will honour the many partners, community members and organizations who have contributed to the protection and evolution of Rouge National Urban Park—Canada’s first national urban park. After the program concludes, invited guests may participate in a free guided walk to showcase new trails and facilities, restoration efforts, and the park’s natural, cultural, Indigenous and agricultural heritage.
Please note that this advisory is subject to change without notice.
The Honourable Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature) and Member of Parliament for Châteauguay—Les Jardins-de-Napierville, will be present at the Saint-Gabriel Lock (Lock No. 3) of the Lachine Canal National Historic Site to participate in the annual Lock and Paddle event. This unique activity offers the public a chance to navigate the historic lock in non-motorized watercraft at no cost.
This year, Parks Canada celebrates the 200th anniversary of the Lachine Canal — a major milestone for this iconic waterway. A photo opportunity will be available.
Please note that this advisory is subject to change without notice.
The details are as follows:
Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025
Time: 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (EDT) (photo taken at 3 p.m. (EDT))
WASHIGNTON, D.C. – Commodity Futures Trading Commission Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham today praised the passage of digital asset legislation by the House of Representatives. “This week marks a significant milestone in the Trump Administration’s commitment to embrace the promise of digital assets and make America the crypto capital of the world. The GENIUS Act, which is now headed to the President’s desk, will open a new chapter in financial services. The House also took an important step forward in advancing the CLARITY Act, a long-awaited framework for the regulation of digital asset markets. “Under President Trump’s strong leadership and clear vision, Crypto Week is the beginning of America’s golden age of digital asset innovation. The CFTC stands ready to fulfill our mission and oversee our markets that enable U.S. economic growth and competitiveness. The future is bright. “Congratulations to House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman, as well as Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott, House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill, Senators Bill Hagerty and Cynthia Lummis, Representatives Bryan Steil and Dusty Johnson, and Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Majority Leader John Thune, their staffs and all who played a role in making this week possible.”
Headline: F-15EX visit offers first look at Indo-Pacific airpower evolution
Two F-15EX Eagle II aircraft deploy to Kadena Air Base, setting the stage for the permanent arrival of 36 more aircraft in spring 2026 – part of a long-term transformation to maintain U.S. air dominance in a dynamic theater.
EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today filed a lawsuit against Bowman’s Gun Shop, a gun store in St. Lawrence County, and its owner, Timothy Bowman, for violating New York’s gun safety laws, storing guns and ammunition in an unsafe manner, and failing to properly secure the gun shop, all of which endangered New Yorkers. The lax security at Bowman’s Gun Shop led to two burglaries, where on one occasion, burglars were able to enter through an unlocked door, and in a separate incident, through an open window. In total, 58 guns and dozens of boxes of ammunition were stolen and some of the stolen guns were trafficked to New York City, Philadelphia, and even internationally to Barbados. Despite these burglaries, Mr. Bowman has persistently violated New York’s gun safety laws and still has not taken adequate steps to improve security at the store to prevent additional theft and trafficking. New York law requires gun dealers to have a security plan for their store, properly store firearms, and install and maintain a security alarm system from a licensed alarm system operator, all of which Mr. Bowman failed to do. For these violations of New York’s gun safety laws, Attorney General James is seeking to stop Bowman from owning or operating a gun shop in New York and collect disgorgement and penalties.
“Irresponsible and inadequate security at gun shops is dangerous for all New Yorkers,” said Attorney General James. “New Yorkers deserve to feel safe in their communities, and gun shop owners like Timothy Bowman, who repeatedly violate our gun safety laws and make it easy for thieves to steal and traffic guns, put New Yorkers at risk. Gun shop owners have a responsibility to maintain the utmost security in and around their stores to prevent theft and gun trafficking. Mr. Bowman violated that responsibility and today we are taking action to hold him accountable and protect New Yorkers.”
Bowman’s Gun Shop is located in Gouverneur, New York and has been operating since 2014. In April 2019, Mr. Bowman’s license to sell pistols and his permit to possess pistols were suspended by the St. Lawrence County Court for six months and one year, respectively. His license and permit were suspended after an investigation by the New York State Police (NYSP), during which Mr. Bowman admitted that he had knowingly received two handguns from someone who he knew possessed them illegally and that he made false entries about these two handguns into his legally required logbooks.
While his license and permit were suspended, Mr. Bowman continued to operate his store irresponsibly. In September 2019, burglars broke into Bowman’s Gun Shop and stole two shotguns, three rifles, two pistols, a BB gun, over 50 boxes of ammunition, and cash. The burglars entered through an exterior door that was unlocked and then forced open an interior door. Following this first burglary, Mr. Bowman did not take adequate steps to improve security at the store.
A year later, in September 2020, another group of burglars broke into Bowman’s Gun Shop. This time, the burglars stole 28 pistols, 12 revolvers, nine rifles—including four AR-style rifles—and two shotguns. The burglars were able to enter the store because Mr. Bowman had left a window partially open when the store was otherwise closed. Although Bowman’s Gun Shop had an alarm system in place at the time of the second burglary, Mr. Bowman admitted that he neglected to arm the system “three quarters of the time,” including on the night of the second burglary. In investigating the second burglary, NYSP were repeatedly contacted by other police departments that had recovered guns in the course of their criminal investigations that had been stolen from Bowman’s Gun Shop. Guns stolen in the 2020 burglary were recovered by authorities in New York City, Philadelphia, and Barbados. Moreover, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) recovered an additional gun that was stolen but was not reported as stolen by Bowman’s, as required by federally licensed gun dealers.
In October 2023, NYSP inspected Bowman’s Gun Shop and concluded that it did not comply with legal safety requirements for gun stores. In New York, all gun stores are required to:
Implement a security plan;
Secure all guns after business hours;
Store ammunition separately from guns and out of reach of customers;
Maintain recordings of security video footage from the store for a minimum of two years; and
Maintain backups of paper records.
With this lawsuit, Attorney General James seeks to ban Bowman from owning or operating a gun store in New York and to obtain a court order requiring Mr. Bowman to comply with all of New York’s gun safety laws. Attorney General James also seeks to collect disgorgement, penalties, and fees.
Attorney General James has been a national leader in gun safety. Earlier this month, Attorney General James successfully defended New York’s firearms accountability law, which allows the state and localities to hold firearm manufacturers and sellers accountable for injuries from gun violence that result from misconduct in the sale and marketing of firearms. In May, Attorney General James fined Walmart for shipping illegal realistic toy guns to New York. In July 2024, Attorney General James urged the Supreme Court to uphold a federal rule that regulates ghost guns like other firearms. In March 2024, Attorney General James secured $7.8 million against gun retailer Indie Guns for illegally selling ghost gun components in New York. Since taking office, Attorney General James has removed more than 9,000 guns out of New York communities through gun buybacks.
This matter is being handled by Assistant Attorney General in Charge of the Watertown Regional Office Deanna Nelson, Special Counsel Molly Thomas-Jensen, Special Counsel Monica Hanna, and Assistant Attorney General Martha Grieco. The Watertown Regional Office is part of the Division of Regional Offices led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Jill Faber and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.
Headline: NCDHHS Releases Black Youth Suicide Action Plan to Tackle Rising Number of Suicides Among Black Youth, Young Adults
NCDHHS Releases Black Youth Suicide Action Plan to Tackle Rising Number of Suicides Among Black Youth, Young Adults jawerner
In response to a sharp increase in suicide rates among young Black youth, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announces the NC Black Youth Suicide Prevention Action Plan. Coinciding with the Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, this effort sheds light on communities which have been marginalized, where mental health challenges persist, and outlines initiatives to be implemented over the next five years to reduce injury and save the lives of Black youth and young adults.
“A community-led, ground-up approach is essential to address the increase in suicide rates among Black youth and young adults,” said Kelly Crosbie MSW, LCSW NCDHHS Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services. “NCDHHS wants to ensure everyone has the support they need before, during, and after a personal crisis, especially groups that are disproportionately affected.”
A review of 2023 data showed an urgent need for action and indicated Black populations were over-represented in emergency department visits for suicidal thoughts or self-injury, particularly among the 10-24 age group. Additionally, research shows Black youth are over-represented in suicides and attempts but are under-represented in calls to 988, particularly in urban counties. Data showed from 2013-22 more than half of Black youth and young adults who died by suicide used firearms.
Black families also experience significant barriers to accessing medical and mental health services, due to a variety of socio-economic factors, including effective cultural communication from providers and a lack of access to a provider with a shared identity.
The action plan was developed by NCDHHS in collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the UNC Suicide Prevention Institute and several community-based organizations and includes feedback from members of the public.
The plan identifies six objectives to improve the health and well-being of Black youth and young adults:
Establish the Community of Practice and Education (COPE) initiative to lead, develop and champion suicide prevention efforts at the community level, targeting Black youth and young adults in North Carolina.
Strengthen supportive mental health services for Black youth, incorporating both peer support specialists and peer-to-peer support systems.
Enhance awareness and training for suicide prevention, specifically for Black youth.
Reduce access to lethal means among Black youth.
Strengthen protective factors for Black youth to support mental well-being.
Establish a comprehensive understanding of the suicide prevention needs of Black youth through data analysis and reporting to inform targeted interventions and increase awareness.
Each objective includes a series of goals to guide policy-making decisions.
The plan includes many culturally relevant strategies to address the issue. These include expanded training efforts among trusted community partners, such as barbers, with specific attention to key programs: Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM), Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), and information about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
DHHS will also support a statewide event on Sept. 20 in Rocky Mount: the Stronger Together Conference. This unique conference is a free one-day, interactive experience centered on cultural connection, creative expression and community care. The event will bring together youth, young adults and advocates for a day of learning, healing and community building. Registration is open and available on the website. NCDHHS will provide more details about the event in the coming weeks.
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If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or need someone to talk to, you are not alone. Resources are available on the NCDHHS Suicide Prevention website for social or family situations, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, thoughts of suicide, alcohol or drug use, or if you just need someone to talk to. Our Crisis Services Communications Toolkit includes free flyers, posters and other resources to promote and explain crisis services in your community in English and Spanish.
For those in a mental health crisis, NCDHHS provides somewhere to go, someone to talk to and someone to respond. The 988 Lifeline Chat and Text – 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available to everyone 24/7 by call, text, or chat. Educational resources include 988 materials specifically designed for people who attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
North Carolinians can call the Peer Warmline (1-855-PEERS NC [855-733-7762]) 24/7 to speak with a Peer Support Specialist. Peer Support Specialists (or “peers”) are people living in recovery with mental illness and/or substance use disorder who provide support to others who may have similar life experiences and can benefit from their lived experiences.
NCDHHS crisis services include mobile crisis teams that can come to you and community crisis centers, which are safe places where you can get help from a licensed clinician, without needing to go to the emergency room.
En respuesta a un fuerte aumento en las tasas de suicidio entre los jóvenes negros, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte anuncia elPlan de Acción para la Prevención del Suicidio entre los Jóvenes Negros de Carolina del Norte. Coincidiendo con el Mes Nacional de Concientización sobre la Salud Mental de las Minorías Bebe Moore Campbell, este esfuerzo hace énfasis en las comunidades que han sido marginadas, donde persisten los desafíos de salud mental, y describe las iniciativas que se implementarán en los próximos cinco años para reducir las lesiones y salvar las vidas de los jóvenes y adultos jóvenes negros.
“Un enfoque basado en la comunidad es esencial para abordar el aumento de las tasas de suicidio entre los jóvenes y adultos jóvenes negros”, dijo Kelly Crosbie MSW, LCSW NCDHHS directora de la División de Servicios de Salud Mental, Discapacidades de Desarrollo y Uso de Sustancias. “El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte quiere asegurarse de que todos tengan el apoyo que necesitan antes, durante y después de una crisis personal, especialmente los grupos que se ven afectados de manera desproporcionada”.
Una revisión de los datos de 2023 mostró una necesidad urgente de acción e indicó que las poblaciones negras estaban sobrerrepresentadas en las visitas al departamento de emergencias por pensamientos suicidas o autolesiones, particularmente entre el grupo de edad de 10 a 24 años. Además, la investigación muestra que los jóvenes negros están sobrerrepresentados en suicidios e intentos de suicidio, pero están subrepresentados en las llamadas a la línea 988, particularmente en los condados urbanos. Los datos mostraron que entre el 2013 y 2022 más de la mitad de los jóvenes y adultos jóvenes negros que murieron por suicidio usaron armas de fuego.
Las familias negras también experimentan barreras significativas para acceder a los servicios médicos y de salud mental, debido a una variedad de factores socioeconómicos, incluida la comunicación cultural efectiva de los proveedores y la falta de acceso a un proveedor con una identidad compartida.
El plan de acción fue desarrollado por el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés) en colaboración con el Departamento de Instrucción Pública de Carolina del Norte, el Instituto de Prevención del Suicidio de la Universidad de Carolina del Norte (UNC, por sus siglas en inglés) y varias organizaciones comunitarias, e incluye comentarios de miembros del público.
El plan identifica seis objetivos para mejorar la salud y el bienestar de los jóvenes y adultos jóvenes negros:
Establecer la iniciativa Comunidad de Práctica y Educación (COPE) para liderar, desarrollar y defender los esfuerzos de prevención del suicidio a nivel comunitario, dirigidos a jóvenes y adultos jóvenes negros en Carolina del Norte.
Fortalecer los servicios de salud mental de apoyo para los jóvenes negros, incorporando tanto especialistas en apoyo entre pares como sistemas de apoyo entre pares.
Mejorar la conciencia y la capacitación para la prevención del suicidio, específicamente para los jóvenes negros.
Reducir el acceso a medios letales entre los jóvenes negros.
Fortalecer los factores de protección para los jóvenes negros para apoyar el bienestar mental.
Establecer una comprensión integral de las necesidades de prevención del suicidio entre los jóvenes negros a través del análisis de datos y la presentación de informes para guiar las intervenciones específicas y aumentar la conciencia.
Cada objetivo incluye una serie de metas para guiar las decisiones de desarrollo de políticas.
El plan incluye muchas estrategias culturalmente relevantes para abordar el problema. Estos incluyen una expansión de esfuerzos de capacitación entre socios comunitarios de confianza, como barberos, con atención específica a programas clave: Asesoramiento sobre el acceso a medios letales (CALM, por sus siglas en inglés), Primeros Auxilios de Salud Mental (MHFA, por sus siglas en inglés) e información sobre la Línea 988 de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis.
El DHHS también apoyará un evento en todo el estado el 20 de septiembre en Rocky Mount: la conferenciaStronger Together(Más fuertes juntos). Esta conferencia única es una experiencia interactiva gratuita de un día, centrada en la conexión cultural, la expresión creativa y la atención comunitaria. El evento reunirá a jóvenes, adultos jóvenes y defensores para un día de aprendizaje, sanación y creación de comunidad. La inscripción está abierta y disponible en el sitio web. El NCDHHS proporcionará más detalles sobre el evento en las próximas semanas.
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Si usted o alguien que conoce está luchando con su salud mental o necesita a alguien con quien hablar, no está solo. Los recursos están disponibles en elsitio web de Prevención del Suicidio del NCDHHSpara situaciones sociales o familiares, depresión, ansiedad, ataques de pánico, pensamientos de suicidio, consumo de alcohol o drogas, o si solo necesita a alguien con quien hablar. NuestroKit de herramientas de comunicaciones de servicios de crisisincluye volantes gratuitos, carteles y otros recursos para promover y explicarservicios de crisisen su comunidad en inglés y español.
Para aquellos en una crisis de salud mental, el NCDHHS proporciona un lugar a donde ir, alguien con quien hablar y alguien que responda. LaLínea 988 de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisises gratuita, confidencial y está disponible para todos, las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana, por llamada, mensaje de texto o chat. Los recursos educativos incluyen materiales del 988 diseñados específicamente para las personas que asisten aColegios y universidades históricamente negros.
Los habitantes de Carolina del Norte pueden llamar a la línea de ayuda entre pares Peer Warmline (1-855-PEERS NC [855-733-7762]) las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana, para hablar con un especialista en apoyo entre pares. Los especialistas en apoyo entre pares (o “pares”) son personas que viven en recuperación con enfermedades mentales y/o trastornos por uso de sustancias que brindan apoyo a otras personas que pueden tener experiencias de vida similares y pueden beneficiarse de sus experiencias vividas.
Losservicios de crisisdel NCDHHS incluyen equipos móviles de respuesta a crisis que pueden acudir a usted y centros comunitarios de respuesta crisis, que son lugares seguros donde puede obtener ayuda de un médico con licencia, sin necesidad de ir a la sala de emergencias.
Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland unsealed an indictment, charging four members of the Centrales Locos Salvatruchas (CLS) clique of MS-13 in Baltimore, with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act Conspiracy.
This marks the second indictment the Office unsealed this week in connection with MS-13 RICO Act conspiracy activity. On July 15, three other MS-13 members were indicted on RICO Act conspiracy charges in connection with murdering a homeless man and drug trafficking in Prince George’s County.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the CLS indictment with Ivan J. Bates, State’s Attorney for Baltimore City; Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office; Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS).
According to the indictment, beginning in at least 2023, the defendants engaged in a racketeering conspiracy as members of MS-13 CLS. They committed multiple murders, engaged in drug distribution, and extorted victims.
In late November 2023, Eliseo Alexander Lopez Alvarez, 23, of El Salvador, aka “10,” “Zorro,” and “Terrible;” Olvin Josue Posas Alvarenga, 23, of Honduras, aka “Elevado;” and other CLS members used a fake Instagram account, purporting to be a female, to lure a victim to a wooded area in southeast Baltimore where they murdered the victim. Additionally, in March 2024, Kevin Cuestas, 20, of Honduras, aka “Mickey” and “Gemelo,” and another CLS member, shot and killed a victim on a southeast Baltimore street before fleeing in a getaway car. Then in April 2024, Josue Anibal Guerra Ramos, 20, of Honduras, aka “Flaco,” and another CLS member, shot two victims on a southeast Baltimore street, killing one of them. All four defendants also conspired to distribute marijuana to raise funds for CLS, and CLS members extorted individuals by threatening to use force, violence, and fear.
The charges in the superseding indictment are allegations, not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, BPD, and DPSCS for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys James G. O’Donohue III and Kenneth S. Clark who are prosecuting the case, and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City for their assistance throughout the investigation.
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 (TCOs), 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 Neighborhood (PSN).
Additionally, this operation is part of Summer Heat, the FBI’s nationwide initiative targeting violent crime during the summer months. As part of this effort, the FBI has launched a multi-pronged offensive to crush violent crime. By surging resources alongside state and local partners, executing federal warrants on violent criminals and fugitives, and dismantling violent gangs nationwide, we are aggressively restoring safety in our communities across the country.
Anyone with information about MS-13 is encouraged to provide their tips to law enforcement. The FBI and HSI both have nationwide tiplines that you can call to report what you know. You can reach the FBI at 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), or you can call HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
Greenbelt, Maryland – Three men, who are alleged members and associates of the notorious gang La Mara Salvatrucha — commonly known as MS-13 — have made their initial appearance in the District of Maryland. The men are charged for their roles in a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) conspiracy, including murder and drug trafficking.
According to court documents, on July 4, 2024, Maxwell Ariel Quijano-Casco, 24, of El Salvador; Daniel Isaias Villanueva-Bautista, 19, of El Salvador; and Josue Mauricio Lainez, 21, of Hyattsville, Maryland, allegedly killed a homeless man in connection with their involvement with MS-13. Then on July 5, a passerby called 911 after discovering the deceased victim sitting in a blue 2008 Dodge Caravan parked in a used-car lot in Hyattsville, Maryland.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Assistant Director Jose A. Perez, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Criminal Investigative Division; and Chief George Nader, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).
As outlined in court documents, upon arrival, law enforcement located the deceased victim, who appeared to have been stabbed in the neck. Investigators arrived on scene and obtained video surveillance from a neighboring business that captured the incident. The surveillance video shows that on July 4, at approximately 11:35 p.m., Quijano-Cascoand another person approached the victim on foot. The homeless victim then wielded what appears to be a metal pole at Quijano-Casco. Then Quijano-Casco and the other person fled on foot and the homeless victim returned to the blue Dodge Caravan.
Approximately 15 minutes later, Quijano-Casco returned with co-defendants Villanueva-Bautista and Lainez, along with another person. At approximately 11:48 p.m., video surveillance shows that all four perpetrators approached the blue Dodge Caravan. Then Quijano-Casco, Villanueva-Bautista, Lainez, and an unnamed person opened the van’s rear sliding driver’s side door, reached inside, and exhibited movements as if they were striking someone. The victim did not exit the blue Dodge Caravan after the attack.
“The brutal retaliatory murder of this victim is a chilling reminder of the MS-13 gang’s callous disregard for human life,” Hayes said. “Those who assault and kill others must be brought to justice and ultimately held accountable for their actions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland will continue to work relentlessly with our law enforcement partners to dismantle violent criminal organizations that terrorize our communities.”
“MS-13 is an especially brutal gang,” Galeotti said. “Instead of simply walking away from an altercation with a homeless man, defendants returned to the scene and allegedly murdered the victim while he was sitting calmly inside a vehicle. Bringing those who commit violent crime to justice is one of the highest priories for the Criminal Division, and we will continue to work to make our communities secure.”
“The FBI and our partners are committed to using every tool available to prevent violent criminals from terrorizing the communities they live in,” Perez said. “We will not let up. We will relentlessly pursue those who engage in violent activity like murder and drug trafficking until they are held accountable.”
On August 23, PGPD arrested Quijano-Casco and Villanueva-Bautista. At the time of his arrest, Quijano-Casco possessed a black Ruger P95DC semi-automatic handgun and approximately eight grams of cocaine. Quijano-Caso and Villanueva admitted that they were present for the altercation that resulted in the homeless man’s death. Additionally, Quijano-Casco admitted to stabbing the individual but claimed he did so in self-defense.
Quijano-Casco, Villanueva-Bautista, and Lainez are all charged with RICO conspiracy, including the July 4, murder. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and PGPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel Crespo and William Moomau, along with the Department of Justice Trial Attorney Christina Taylor, who are prosecuting the federal case.
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 (TCOs), 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 Neighborhood (PSN).
Anyone with information about MS-13 is encouraged to provide their tips to law enforcement. The FBI and HSI both have nationwide tiplines that you can call to report what you know. You can reach the FBI at 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), or you can call HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
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
BEIJING, July 18 (Xinhua) — China expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the Canadian government’s recent decision to tighten restrictions on steel imports, a spokesman for China’s Ministry of Commerce said Friday.
The official representative made a corresponding statement in response to a media inquiry on this issue.
Finance Canada recently announced that, effective August 1, in response to U.S. steel tariffs and given the global steel glut, it will expand steel import quotas, tighten existing quota restrictions, and impose additional duties on above-quota imports. In addition, Canada will impose an additional 25 percent duty on imports of steel products smelted and cast in China from all countries except the United States.
Commenting on the measures, a spokesman for China’s Ministry of Commerce said they violate World Trade Organization rules, destabilize the international trade order and harm China’s interests, representing a typical manifestation of unilateralism and protectionism.
The official noted that the real reason for the difficulties in Canada’s steel industry is the unilateral tariff measures of the United States. However, Canadian authorities ignore the main contradiction and try to shift the damage to the industry to other trading partners, including China, he added.
According to the official representative, the Canadian side’s actions are logically unfounded, legally illegal and practically useless. They will seriously damage normal trade and economic cooperation between China and Canada, he warned.
The Chinese side calls on Canada, in the spirit of safeguarding the multilateral trading system and maintaining the overall context of China-Canada economic and trade relations, to promptly correct its wrong actions and lift the restrictive measures. China will take all necessary measures to resolutely protect the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises, the spokesperson added. –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 House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)
Bacon Sends Letter to Officials Expressing Concern Over Delay of Federal Education Funding for 2025-2026
Washington – Rep. Don Bacon recently sent a letter to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Russell Vought, urging the release of federal funds already appropriated by Congress and issued by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for federal formula grants. On June 30, OMB notified the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) that these funds remain under review. Yet, they are typically made available on or around July 1.
Local school districts and educational service units (ESU’s) have already incorporated these essential resources into staffing plans and contractual obligations for the upcoming school year budget.
Rep. Bacon states in the letter, “Schools across Nebraska made hiring decisions this spring based on projected allocations and are finalizing budgets for the 2025-2026 academic year, which begins in a matter of weeks. Delays in these awards place them in the impossible position of revisiting hiring and programming decisions with little time to adjust—decisions that are foundational to academic success and student support.”
Every public school district and the majority of nonpublic schools in Nebraska are touched by the nearly $40 million in frozen federal funding.
“For example, if the grant funding is not released, Millard Public Schools in Omaha would face an unexpected burden of nearly $900,000—costs that would fall to local taxpayers due to the timing and contractual obligations already in place. This instability jeopardizes the continuity of services and, ultimately, student outcomes,” Rep. Bacon also noted in the letter.
The funding affects the following programs: Title II-A (Supporting Effective Instruction), Title III-A (English Language Acquisition State Grants), Title IVA and IV-B (Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program; 21st Century Community Learning Centers), and the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA).
Alberta’s government is providing one final opportunity to explore proposals that would either maintain or repurpose the site and keep it as a significant feature in the City of Edmonton.
Originally built in 1965 to house Alberta’s Provincial Museum and Archive, the former Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) building has stood as a cultural landmark for almost six decades. It first opened its doors in 1967 as part of Canada’s Centennial celebrations, and in 2005, it was renamed the Royal Alberta Museum following a visit from Queen Elizabeth II to mark Alberta’s 100th anniversary of joining Confederation. Recognizing the building’s historical importance and long-standing presence in the community, Alberta’s government initiated a public engagement process to explore potential future uses of the site before proceeding with deconstruction.
Alberta Infrastructure analyzed numerous options for the site by gathering input from Albertans through an online survey and engaging with First Nations, community members and other organizations.
“Albertans have a very strong connection to the former Royal Alberta Museum in Glenora. We have heard your suggestions, your feedback and your ideas. We’re creating this opportunity to ensure that we explore all avenues for repurposing the site.”
This request for proposal aims to preserve the site as a significant landmark within the capital city, reflecting the rich heritage of the province. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their proposals through the Alberta Purchasing Connection. Submissions are open until September 26.
Quick facts
The proposal opportunity is available on the Alberta Purchasing Connection.
The former Royal Alberta Museum was purpose-built as a museum in 1965 and ceased operations in December 2015.
All assets were removed, and the building has been vacant ever since.
The annual operating costs to maintain this facility are about $700,000 including utilities.
Related news
New future for old Royal Alberta Museum site (Aug. 1, 2024)
New Royal Alberta Museum officially open | Ouverture officielle du nouveau Musée royal de l’Alberta (RAM) | alberta.ca (Oct. 3, 2018)
Nearly 36,000 bid farewell to Royal Alberta Museum | alberta.ca (Dec. 7, 2015)
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)
Headline: Newhouse Votes for Strong National Defense, Troop Pay Raise
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Defense Appropriations Act by the House of Representatives with a vote of 221-209.
“It is no secret that America’s adversaries are hard at work around the world, and House Republicans have delivered critical funding to ensure we maintain the upper hand,” said Rep. Newhouse.
Newhouse continued,“This legislation invests in next generation aircraft, modernizes our nuclear triad, and supports the Golden Dome initiative to protect us here at home. I am also glad to see a pay raise for our troops alongside pay increases to retain junior servicemembers across our armed forces. I thank Subcommittee Chairman Calvert and full Committee Chairman Cole on their leadership and commitment to keeping national security the priority in this legislation.”
The Defense Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $831.5 billion, which is flat to the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. The legislation invests in America’s military superiority, takes care of our troops and their families, and protects against threats at America’s border.
Military Strength
Enhancing investments in 5th and 6th generation aircraft including the F-35, F-47, and F/A-XX.
Supporting the modernization of the nuclear triad: the B-21 Raider, the Columbia Class Submarine, and Sentinel.
Targeting resources for unmanned aerial systems, uncrewed maritime platforms, and land-based counter-unmanned aerial systems to advance capabilities and strengthen our national defense.
Investing in national security space, including proliferated missile warning, missile tracking satellite, and next generation intelligence collection systems to ensure national leaders have real-time global situational awareness.
Allocating approximately $13 billion for missile defense and space programs to augment and integrate in support of the Golden Dome effort.
Providing over $2.6 billion for hypersonics programs.
Support for Servicemembers and Families
Including an increase of 3.8% in basic pay for all military personnel effective January 1, 2026.
Continuing historic pay increases enacted in Fiscal Year 2025 for junior enlisted servicemembers.
Improving quality of life, readiness, and continuity for servicemembers by slowing permanent change of station moves, saving over $662 million.
Combatting Threats at the Southern Border
Providing $1.15 billion for counter drug programs, which is $245 million above the budget request.
Increasing funding for the National Guard Counterdrug Program.
Transferring Mexico from U.S. Northern Command’s jurisdiction to U.S. Southern Command for better coordination and prioritization.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)
Headline: Newhouse Votes to Boost Nuclear Energy, Achieve Energy Dominance
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
“The United States is at a critical point regarding the future of domestic energy production, and this legislation makes clear the prominent role nuclear energy and small modular reactors will play as we work to become truly energy dominant,” said Rep. Newhouse.
Newhouse continues, “It also makes new investments into the Office of Science, which supports the mission at PNNL, and delivers the necessary resources to the Army Corps of Engineers to manage and maintain our critical hydroelectric dams. While there are further changes and funding increases that I would like to see in this legislation, specifically for Hanford and for PNNL, it serves as a strong starting point as we prepare to work with the Senate to support our nation’s energy needs.”
The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $57.300 billion, which is $766.4 million below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. The defense portion of the allocation is $33.223 billion, and the non-defense portion of the allocation is $24.077 billion.
The bill prioritizes funding for agencies and programs that safeguard U.S. national security, unleash American energy dominance, and advance economic competitiveness.
American Energy
Supports one of the largest investments focused on mining production technologies for critical minerals extraction in decades, reducing reliance on foreign sources.
Robustly funds small modular reactor and advanced reactor demonstration projects, as well as increases funding for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to expand capacity for the review, licensing, and oversight of new nuclear reactors.
Facilitates the efficient transport of goods and commodities through improvements and maintenance of America’s ports and waterways.
Increases investments to develop new baseload geothermal energy sources to capitalize on our vast domestic resources.
Maintains funding for cybersecurity efforts that enable a resilient, reliable, and secure electric grid.
Nuclear Deterrent and National Security
Provides $20.662 billion for the continued modernization of the nuclear weapons stockpile and infrastructure.
Provides $2.171 billion to support the U.S. Navy’s nuclear fleet by investing in infrastructure and new technologies to maintain America’s advantage over our adversaries.
Provides $1.984 billion to reduce the danger of hostile nations or terrorist groups acquiring nuclear weapons.
Prohibits the sale of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to the Chinese Communist Party.
Prohibits access to U.S. nuclear weapons production facilities by citizens of China and Russia.
Prohibits the Department of Energy from providing financial assistance to any foreign entity of concern.
Prohibits the purchase of technology and telecommunications equipment from China and other adversaries.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)
Headline: Newhouse Secures $23 Million for Central Washington Infrastructure Projects
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
“Across Central Washington, there is a need to modernize, upgrade, and expand various infrastructure projects. I am proud to have secured over $23 million that will go directly to the Wenatchi Landing project, the Port of Quincy rail expansion, and recovery housing in Benton County. These projects will boost economic development, improve public safety, and allow local entities to provide quality services to those who rely on them. I look forward to working with Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, House leadership, and our Senators to get this funding signed into law,” said Rep. Newhouse.
The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $89.910 billion, which is $4.458 billion (4.7%) below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. This legislation prioritizes air traffic control infrastructure, controller hiring, and transportation safety while maintaining essential housing assistance for our nation’s most vulnerable.
Rep. Newhouse secured funding for the following projects in Washington’s Fourth District in this legislation.
The Wenatchi Landing Interchange Improvement Project
Amount Secured: $10,000,000
The project aims to address transportation and safety issues in Douglas County, an area experiencing rapid growth, technological advancements, and commerce, while maintaining its agricultural roots. The goal of the project is to improve safety and connectivity between local communities and the broader regional transportation network. The funding will provide key safety upgrades will include a separated pedestrian and bicycle path, improved sidewalks, and better connectivity to U.S. Highway 2, State Route 28, and the county’s broader transportation network. These improvements will reduce accidents, enhance safety for all road users, and support sustainable transportation needs.
Port of Quincy Rail Infrastructure Expansion Project
Amount Secured: $2,500,00
Funding will expand the rail infrastructure on the northeast side of Quincy, WA, both within the Port’s current rail terminal and to nearby industrial zoned properties in the Port District. Once complete, the project will provide more freight mobility options to Pacific Northwest and Washington State agricultural and food shippers and exporters, attract industrial and manufacturing projects that will create family wage jobs, lessen wear and tear on freeways, highways and mountain passes by converting over-the-road freight to rail intermodal freight, and decrease fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
The Port of Warden Truck Access/Bypass Road Project
Amount Secured: $2,500,000
This project is a multi-phase infrastructure initiative aimed at improving freight mobility, enhancing public safety, and supporting economic development in Warden, WA. The project involves constructing a dedicated truck access and bypass road that connects State Route 170 to the Port of Warden’s industrial properties in southwest Warden. This new roadway is designed to provide a more efficient route for trucks transporting goods to and from industrial facilities, allowing them to bypass residential neighborhoods.
Three Rivers Recovery Housing Project
Amount Secured: $3,000,000
Funding would be used to convert a portion of the old Kennewick General Hospital into residential apartments for transitional housing to ensure safe and stable housing exists for people coming out of treatment facilities to ensure smooth re-entry into the community. The building is currently owned by Benton County, Seasons Housing will enter a long-term lease for the space. The completed project will contain up to 17 residential units which can house up to 35 residents. The project will also include spaces for individual and group counseling, entertainment for the residents, and training spaces for social skills and job placement assistance. Benton County is in the process of developing a comprehensive behavioral health recovery program that will serve its residents and those in the surrounding region and this project will help residents achieve lifelong recovery and avoid homelessness that often plagues people recovering from substance use disorders.
Village of Hope
Amount Secured: $4,265,000
Funding will be used to renovate 25 warehouse units, which currently serve up to 100 homeless individuals, and construct nine new units, which will serve up to 40 additional homeless individuals within the Village of Hope. The current application waiting list is up to 46 chronically homeless families within the community, and the number is rising. The project completion would address the unmet needs of the chronically homeless and provide vulnerable individuals and families on the Yakima reservation with resources, support, and guidance to minimize their barrier to finding permanent housing and improving their quality of life.
Port of Moses Lake Infrastructure Development Project
Amount Secured: $600,000
Funding will be used to construct access to common areas surrounding Port of Moses Lake ramp access. Project elements include the construction of aircraft taxi lanes, vehicle access roads, and other site preparation. This work will facilitate public and private development in partnerships to meet the current and accelerating demand, which will in turn create new jobs and generate additional revenue, as well as supporting life and safety operations.
Reconstruction of US 97, Phase 2
Amount Secured: $948,000
Funding will be used to support the reconstructing of US 97 through the City of Tonasket. Specifically, funding will be used to add features to increase pedestrian safety and decrease vehicular travel speeds, improve street and pedestrian lighting, replace existing sidewalks with full ADA compliance, correct adverse elevations slopes for ADA crossing compliance, replace existing stormwater structures and conveyance systems to pass design storm events and limit flooding to the adjacent businesses and inflow to the wastewater treatment plant, replace existing 80-year-old cast iron with lead joint watermains, and installation of stormwater treatment to protect the quality of water of the Okanogan River.
S. 419 would reauthorize the appropriation of $7.5 million annually over the 2025-2029 period for the Department of Justice to make grants to state and local law enforcement agencies and other organizations to provide family support and mental health services to law enforcement personnel. Under current law, the authorization for those grants expired at the end of 2024.
Based on historical spending patterns for similar programs, CBO estimates that implementing S. 419 would cost $35 million over the 2025-2030 period, and an additional $3 million after 2030, assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts.
The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Jeremy Crimm. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.
S. 1316 would amend the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program to permit the Department of Justice (DOJ) to award competitive grants to local law enforcement agencies for training programs for their recruits and officers. To be eligible, recruits and officers would need to serve in a local law enforcement agency within seven miles of their residence, or within 20 miles if they live in a county with fewer than 150,000 people, for at least four of the eight years after they complete the training program. The bill would require officers or recruits to repay the training costs if they do not meet the service requirements. Lastly, the bill would require DOJ to report to the Congress annually on the grants it awards under the bill.
Most underlying authorizations for the COPS program expired in 2009. The Congress has continued to provide funding for the program and provided $417 million for the program in 2025. In this estimate, CBO is estimating the cost of the amounts necessary to implement the new activities specified in the bill and not the cost of reauthorizing the COPS program.
Using information from DOJ about awards in recent years under the COPS program, CBO expects that about 40 law local law enforcement agencies would receive grants each year under the bill, with an average of five recruits or officers per agency. On average, CBO estimates that it costs about $25,000 to train a recruit or officer. On that basis and based on the historical spending pattern for the program, CBO estimates that implementing the grant program would cost $10 million over the 2025-2030 period. CBO expects that the reporting requirement would cost less than $500,000 over the same period. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Jeremy Crimm. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3
This recall involves removing certain devices from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it. Affected Product
Product Names: Adult Manual Resuscitator with Medium Adult Mask, Bag Reservoir, Filter, Manometer and 7 ft Oxygen Tubing Unique Device Identifier (UDI)/Model: Each: 10884389164822, Case: 40884389164823 Lot/Serial Numbers: 526782, 526790, 526796, 526797, 526798, 526800, 526802, 526804, 526805, 526806, 26807, 526808, 526809, 526810, 526814, 526815, 526816, 526811, 526817, 526818
What to Do
Stop using and quarantine all affected product immediately. Document quantity on hand and arrange to return or destroy affected units.
On May 1, 2025, SunMed Holdings, LLC sent all affected customers an Urgent Medical Device Recall notice recommending the following actions:
Check your inventory for the affected product. Stop using the product immediately and quarantine it. Document the amount of product on hand and return or destroy affected units. Distribute the recall notice to any customers who received the product from you. Complete and return response form via e-mail to productquality@myairlife.com as soon as possible. If you need urgent assistance or replacement, contact SunMed directly. Notify all affected personnel in your organization of recall.
Reason for Recall SunMed Holdings, LLC is recalling Adult Manual Resuscitator devices due to incorrect assembly of the B/V filter. The use of affected product may cause serious adverse health consequences, including lack of oxygen to the body (hypoxia), build-up of carbon dioxide in the blood (hypercapnia), organ failure, and death. There have been no reported injuries. There have been no reports of death. Device Use The manual resuscitator is used to provide emergency respiratory support to adult patients. It includes a face mask, bag reservoir, filter, manometer, and oxygen tubing, and is used during situations such as cardiac arrest or respiratory failure to manually deliver breaths. Contact Information Customers in the U.S. with questions about this recall should contact SunMed Holdings, LLC at 1-800-433-2797. Additional FDA Resources (listed in order of most to least recent):
Unique Device Identifier (UDI) The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from manufacturing through distribution to patient use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified, and problems potentially corrected more quickly.
How do I report a problem? Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.
ADVISORY – LANCASTER – Department of Conservation Natural Resources to Unveil New Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan at 2nd Annual Outdoors for All Day at Culliton Park
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Deputy Secretary Claire Jantz, Pennsylvania Director of Outdoor Recreation Nathan Reigner, and DCNR Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Arlene Marshall-Hockensmith will join Lancaster officials, Let’s Go 1-2-3, SoWe, environmental groups, and outdoor industry leaders to celebrate the Commonwealth’s second annual Outdoors for All Day and release a new statewide plan for outdoor recreation.
The plan, Outdoor Places, Shared Spaces, outlines 14 goals and 55 action steps to meet the outdoor recreation needs of all Pennsylvanians. Outdoors for All Day is part of the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s work to make sure all Pennsylvanians – of all abilities and backgrounds – have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
WHO: DCNR Deputy Secretary Claire Jantz Pennsylvania Director of Outdoor Recreation Nathan Reigner DCNR Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Arlene Marshall-Hockensmith Lancaster Public Works Director Stephen Campell Let’s Go 1-2-3 Executive Director Keisha Scovens SoWe Communications and Engagement Manager Jacquie Morges
WHEN: Saturday, July 20, 2025, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Speakers will deliver remarks at 1:00 PM
WHERE: Culliton Park 200 South Water Street Lancaster, PA 17603
MEDIA CONTACT: Wesley Robinson, werobinson@pa.gov, 717.877.6315
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Chetak LLC Group recalled frozen Deep Sprouted Mat (Moth) and Deep Sprouted Moong (Mung), and RIDOH is advising businesses to not sell or serve the recalled products. These products are associated with a multi-state salmonella outbreak. Currently, there are no Rhode Island cases associated with this recall.
Product The recalled products were distributed nationwide in retail stores and through mail orders and include: — Deep Sprouted Mat (Moth) in 1-pound (16 oz.) packages with the following lot codes printed on the back of the bag: IN 24330, IN 25072, IN 25108, IN 24353, IN25171, IN 24297, IN 25058,IN 25078, IN 24291, IN 25107, IN 24354, and IN 24292. — Deep Sprouted Moong (Mung) in 1-pound (16 oz.) packages with the following lot codes printed on the back of the bag: IN 24330, IN 25072, IN 25108, IN 24353, IN 25171, IN 24297, IN 25058, IN 25078, IN 24291, IN 25107, IN 24354, and IN 24292.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection Illness usually occurs within 12 to 72 hours after eating food that is contaminated with Salmonella, and the symptoms usually last four to seven days. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe infections.
Recommendations — Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve recalled products. — Consumers, restaurants, and retailers who bought or received the recalled products should wash hands, utensils, and surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after handling the recalled products. Follow FDA’s safe handling and cleaning advice and use extra care in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with these products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. — Check your refrigerators and freezers for recalled products. If you have any recalled products, throw they away or return them to the store where you bought them. — Contact your healthcare professional if you think you may have symptoms of a Salmonella infection after eating the recalled products.
More information and pictures of the recalled products are available on FDA’s website.