WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Nick Langworthy released the following statement after the House Rules Committee advanced H.Res. 589 and President Donald J. Trump ordered the Attorney General to release all grand jury testimony related to the Epstein files:
“I fully support President Trump’s call for ultimate transparency and applaud his order to release all grand jury testimony connected to the Epstein case. This is a bold and necessary move to deliver long-overdue justice to the victims and expose every criminal involved in this horrific abuse. I salute him for taking decisive action where others have failed.
“I proudly joined my Republican colleagues in advancing H.Res. 589 to demand the full release of all credible Epstein documents—while safeguarding the privacy and dignity of the victims. Every individual who committed crimes—especially against minors—must face the full force of the law.
“Democrats had four years under the Biden Administration to pursue the truth, and they chose to do absolutely nothing. This week, they attempted a cynical political stunt that wouldn’t have released a single file. I voted no because it was a gimmick—not a path to justice. They had another chance to do the right thing last night. Instead, they once again chose obstruction and silence.
“House Republicans are taking real action to uncover the truth, hold the guilty accountable, and ensure the victims finally receive justice. With President Trump’s leadership, the stonewalling ends now. The American people deserve to know the full truth—and we will not stop until they have it.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Tracey Mann (Kansas, 1)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) voted to advanceH.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025. The bill, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 216-213, codifies the Trump Administration’s rescissions request, clawing back $9 billion in federal spending. Rep. Mann released the following statement after the vote:
“President Trump ran on three things—securing the border, lowering taxes, and uprooting wasteful, fraudulent, and abusive spending,” said Rep. Mann. “For years, President Obama and President Biden talked about our bloated national debt and tried to push more taxes on hard-working Americans. President Trump is the first president in two decades to actually do something about our debt and roll back wasteful spending. Sending billions of Americans’ tax dollars overseas for LGBTQ movements, voter ID initiatives, and Green New Deal efforts isn’t just wasteful, it’s highway robbery. I was proud to claw back this wasteful spending to steward Kansans’ hard earned tax dollars well and begin to restore fiscal responsibility in our country.”
President Trump’s rescissions package rescinds $9 billion in federal spending for programs including:
$167,000 for free education and healthcare to Ecuadorian and Venezuelan migrants
$889,000 for electoral reforms and voter education in Kenya
$1 million for voter ID in Haiti
$33,000 for “Being LGBTI in the Caribbean”
$643,000 for LGBTQI+ programs in the Western Balkans
$567,000 for LBGTQI+ programs in Uganda
$8,000 for promoting vegan food in Zambia
$500,000 for electric buses in Rwanda
$1 million for programs to strengthen the resilience of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer global movements
$3 million for Iraqi Sesame Street
$2.5 million for teaching young children how to make environmentally friendly “reproductive health” decisions
$2.1 million for climate resilience in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and East Africa
$3 million for circumcision, vasectomies, and condoms in Zambia
$833,000 for services for “transgender people, sex workers and their clients and sexual networks” in Nepal
H.R. 4 will now go to White House for the President’s signature.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Official visit from Paraguayan President Santiago Peña to the UK
During the visit, a United Kingdom-Paraguay Friendship Charter was signed between both nations.
President Peña delivering the Canning Lecture at Canning House
Paraguayan President Santiago Peña visited the United Kingdom this week, marking a historic milestone in UK–Paraguay relations. The Paraguayan Head of State was received in audience by His Majesty King Charles III at Windsor Castle.
The visit comes as the two countries celebrate over 170 years of diplomatic ties and reflects a shared commitment to deepening cooperation in key areas such as trade, sustainable investment, education, and climate action.
Throughout the visit, President Peña engaged with high-level political, business and academic leaders. His agenda included a keynote address at Canning House, and a business roundtable with leading UK companies in the energy and technology sectors.
The Royal Audience with King Charles III, described by President Peña as a “historic moment,” underscored the mutual respect and shared values that continue to bind both nations. British Ambassador to Paraguay, Danielle Dunne, who accompanied the visit, stated: “It was an honour to witness this historic occasion. The UK and Paraguay are natural partners, and this visit demonstrates our shared commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth for our nations.”
During the visit, a United Kingdom-Paraguay Friendship Charter was signed between Paraguay’s Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano and British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs David Lammy, committing both nations to enhanced cooperation across trade, security, democracy, climate action, and education.
This landmark visit marks a new chapter in UK–Paraguay relations. Trade between the two countries has grown significantly, with total goods and services exchange reaching £70 million in the last recorded period – a 42.9% increase from the previous year. President Peña’s visit reflects Paraguay’s growing strategic relevance as a reliable partner in Latin America, and the UK’s intention to strengthen diplomatic and commercial ties with nations committed to progress and shared prosperity.
Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
Since U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) announced the Modern Worker Empowerment Act as a part of a package focused on giving independent contractors greater flexibility and benefits earlier this month, key national and South Carolina organizations have come out in support of passage of the bill.
“For decades, our laws have treated flexible work like a fallback, not a choice. Millions are building careers on their own terms—and they deserve benefits and protections that follow the worker, not the job. This legislation is a necessary step toward a future of work that actually reflects how people work today and creates more certainty for innovative companies looking to harness technology to democratize access to work.
We commend Senators Scott, Cassidy, and Paul for advancing legislation that acknowledges the dignity of all work and helps create a more inclusive, responsive economy. This is where the future of work is headed—and policy should meet it there.”
– Regan Parker, Chief Legal and Public Affairs Officer, ShiftKey
“Under the previous administration, truck drivers’ freedom came under fire when the Department of Labor published a rule that made it more difficult to operate independently, despite our home state of South Carolina’s clear language in this regard. We applaud Senator Scott for standing up for the rights of trucking entrepreneurs whose livelihoods were put in jeopardy. His legislation will protect the integrity of our interstate supply chain and ensure that South Carolina truckers who choose to work as independent contractors will be able to continue to run their own small businesses and control their own hours and routes.”
– Rick Todd, President & CEO, South Carolina Trucking Association
“The independent truckers who have spent years or even decades building their own small businesses deserve commonsense regulations that ensure their livelihoods will not be uprooted. Senator Scott has been a champion of the more than 350,000 Americans in trucking who chose this entrepreneurial pathway because of the economic opportunity it creates and the flexibility it provides. ATA strongly supports his legislation to protect independent truckers, and we will continue to work alongside him and other Members of Congress to defend Americans’ right to earn a living in the manner that they choose.”
– Henry Hanscom, SVP of Legislative Affairs, American Trucking Associations
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 more than $9 million for critical Nebraska safety priorities through the Senate Appropriations Committee. The funding was included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations Act, which now awaits consideration on the Senate Floor.
“Nebraska’s police officers and first responders work around the clock to keep our communities safe, which is why it’s important they have the tools at their disposal to carry out their duties effectively. I’m proud to champion efforts through the Appropriations Committee to bring federal dollars back to Nebraska to support our law enforcement, upgrade our emergency communication systems, and support child trafficking prevention efforts. I will always support our men and women in blue, and I look forward to seeing these important provisions advance through the legislative process,”Fischer said.
Funding projects advanced by Fischer for Nebraska are listed below:
Child Trafficking Prevention Project Project Description: Implementing and assessing the Missing and Anti-Trafficking Youth Services Program to protect children from exploitation. Project Location: University of Nebraska—Omaha Amount: $2,000,000
Communications Modernization Project Project Description: System-wide upgrades for emergency communications. Project Location: Otoe County Amount: $2,700,000
Emergency Radio System Improvements Project Description: Equipment upgrades for emergency radio communications interoperability. Project Location: Thayer County Amount: $327,000
Nebraska Online Child Exploitation Prevention Technology Project Project Description: Nebraska State Patrol task force technology upgrades to support investigations for the arrest of child predators. Amount: $176,000
Police Public Safety Equipment Project Description: Public safety equipment upgrades for the Omaha Police Department. Project Location: City of Omaha Amount: $1,000,000
Sheriff’s Office Equipment & Body-Worn Cameras Project Description: Acquisition of equipment, including body-worn cameras, for the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office. Project Location: Lancaster County Amount: $1,200,000
Sheriff’s Office Technology Systems Upgrades Project Description: Equipment and technology upgrades for law enforcement information systems. Project Location: Douglas County Amount: $639,000
Southeast Communications 911 Center Equipment Upgrades Project Description: Emergency communications equipment upgrades at the Southeast Communications 911 Center. Project Location: City of Beatrice Amount: $782,000
Region 26 Communications Center Radio Update Project Description: Equipment upgrades to support fire, rescue, and law enforcement emergency communications. Project Location: Region 26 Council: Thomas, Blaine, Loup, Garfield, Wheeler, Greeley, Valley, and Sherman Counties Amount: $415,000
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)
Congressman Allen Votes to Fund U.S. Military Superiority
Washington, July 18, 2025
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2026. This legislation serves as the vehicle to provide funding for the Department of Defense (DoD) and funds critical programs regarding national security, military operations abroad, and the health and quality of life for those in the Armed Forces and their families. After voting in support of the bill, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) issued the following statement:
“As I’ve said before, strong national security begins with a strong defense. Not only does this legislation ensure that the Department of Defense is properly funded, but it also sends a clear message to our adversaries that America’s military is fully focused on superiority and lethality. The days of funding DoD programs that distract from our core mission of deterring and destroying the United States’ enemies are long gone. I was proud to support this bill that strengthens our nation on the world stage, provides a pay raise for the men and women in uniform, cuts waste, and keeps American citizens safe. I will urge my colleagues in the Senate to do the same,”said Congressman Allen.
The Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2026:
Champions America’s military superiority by:
Enhancing investments in 5th and 6th generation aircraft.
Allocating approximately $13 billion for missile defense and space programs to augment and integrate in support of the Golden Dome effort.
Supporting our close ally Israel by providing $500 million for the Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Programs, and $122.5 million for U.S.-Israel cooperative development programs.
Cares for our troops and their families by:
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.
Shapes a more efficient and effective Department of Defense by:
Prioritizing fiscal sanity and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse through codifying both the Department’s cooperation with DOGE and streamlined functions and management improvements at the Pentagon.
Requiring detailed reporting on the Department’s proposed allocations and expenditures of reconciliation.
Supports the Trump Administration and mandate from the American people by:
Codifying President Trump’s executive actions to end discriminatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs by prohibiting funding for DEI efforts and Critical Race Theory.
Amplifying President Trump’s executive action to restore readiness by prohibiting funding for sex-change surgeries.
Advancing prohibitions on funding for abortion-related travel, drag queen shows, and COVID vaccine and mask mandates.
overnor Kathy Hochul today highlighted growing momentum for New York’s implementation of distraction-free schools this fall, as nearly 150 school districts statewide have already submitted their plans for bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions – well in advance of the State’s August 1 deadline. This wave of early submissions came just one week after the New York State Education Department (NYSED) sent a survey prompting school district leaders to send in their district’s distraction-free policy by August 1, in accordance with New York State law. These early submissions also came following Governor Hochul’s launch of a State website for distraction-free schools, which provides a policy FAQ, external informational toolkit and other resources to help districts as they finalize their policy.
“As August 1 approaches, more and more districts across New York are thinking creatively about how to implement a bell-to-bell smartphone restriction policy that works best for their unique school community,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage all schools to learn from these additional examples and resources on our website to develop a plan suited for their students, teachers and families by the deadline.”
This new requirement will take place in the 2025-26 School Year and applies to all schools in public school districts, as well as charter schools and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES).
Governor Hochul’s cellphone policy creates a statewide standard for distraction-free schools in New York including:
Prohibits unsanctioned use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds in K-12 schools for the entire school day (from “bell to bell”), including classroom time and other settings like lunch and study hall periods
Allows schools to develop their own plans for storing smartphones during the day — giving administrators and teachers the flexibility to do what works best for their buildings and students
Secures $13.5 million in funding to be made available for schools that need assistance in purchasing storage solutions to help them go distraction-free
Requires schools to give parents a way to contact their kids during the day when necessary
Requires teachers, parents and students to be consulted in developing the local policy
Prevents inequitable discipline
Governor Hochul’s policy clarifies that students will have authorized access to simple cellphones without internet capability, as well as internet-enabled devices officially provided by their school for classroom instruction, such as laptops or tablets used as part of lesson plans.
Additionally, the Governor’s policy includes several exemptions to smartphone restrictions, including for students who require access to an internet-enabled device to manage a medical condition, where required by a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), for academic purposes or for other legitimate purposes, such as translation, family caregiving and emergencies.
Governor Hochul pursued this initiative after engaging in a statewide listening tour with teachers, parents, and students. Her report “More Learning, Less Scrolling: Creating Distraction-Free Schools” underscores the following:
Smartphones distract students and inhibit learning and creativity
Phone-free environments do not compromise student safety
Phone-free environments support the mental health of students and teachers
Open communication and direct guidance for all stakeholders is key for successful implementation
Schools must address any parent concerns about staying in contact with their children during the day
An effective distraction-free policy must focus on the entire school day, rather than solely on time in the classroom
Schools can strengthen their distraction-free environment by connecting more students with in-person engagement like clubs, sports, arts and other programming
State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “As we near the start of the school year, it is important that school districts find the bell-to-bell implementation plan that works best for their school district, students, and teachers – with the viewpoints of students, parents, teachers, and administrators at the forefront of the discussion. I am pleased to see that so many school districts have already finalized their plans for next year and am optimistic that with the bell-to-bell cell phone policy, students will face fewer distractions and more opportunities.”
State Senator John Liu said, “This wave of early submissions shows just how eager our school districts are to get phones out of the classrooms and back to the basics of a focused, in-person learning environment. Not only is this new statewide standard responsive to the wants and needs of teachers and students for phone-free schools, but it marks a new era for learning and education that puts our kids’ concentration, mental health, and academic achievement first.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Alford (Missouri 4th District)
Alford: Our Defense Appropriations Bill is a Commitment to Strength
Washington, July 18, 2025
Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026.
H.R. 4016 funds the Department of Defense with $831.5 Billion to invest in American military superiority, shape a more efficient and effective Department of Defense, protect from threats at America’s border, and take care of our troops and their families.
Watch Congressman Alford’s remarks on the House floor is support of the defense appropriations bill here or by clicking the images above.
“Our defense appropriations bill, H.R. 4016, isn’t just policy—it’s a commitment to strength,”said Congressman Alford. “House Republicans are ensuring our troops are well-equipped and our military remains dominant. We’re prioritizing readiness, providing military personnel with an across-the-board pay raise, investing in the B-21 Raider, and eliminating DEI overreach. Paired with the One Big, Beautiful Bill, we’re making bold investments to confront modern threats head-on.”
Congressman Alford is a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee and represents two military instillations—Fort Leonard Wood and Whiteman Air Force Base—in Missouri’s Fourth District.
Background:
H.R. 4016 champions America’s military superiority by:
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.
Reversing the “divest to invest” trend by preserving F-15s and U-2s while investing in next-generation fighters and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems.
Continuing to prioritize innovation through over $1.3 billion combined for the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT), and Office of Strategic Capital (OSC).
Supporting our close ally Israel by providing $500 million for the Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Programs, and $122.5 million for U.S.-Israel cooperative development programs.
H.R. 4016 cares for our troops and their families by:
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.
H.R. 4016 shapes a more efficient and effective Department of Defense by:
Reducing $6.5 billion and almost 45,000 civilian full-time equivalents to capture Workforce Acceleration and Recapitalization Initiative efforts.
Prioritizing fiscal sanity and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse through codifying both the Department’s cooperation with DOGE and streamlined functions and management improvements at the Pentagon.
Requiring detailed reporting on the Department’s proposed allocations and expenditures of reconciliation.
H.R. 4016 combats international actors who facilitate drug trafficking and manufacturing by:
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.
H.R. 4016 supports the Trump Administration and mandate of the American people by:
Codifying President Trump’s executive actions to end discriminatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs by prohibiting funding for DEI efforts and Critical Race Theory.
Backing President Trump’s executive action to restore free speech by prohibiting funding for federal government censorship.
Amplifying President Trump’s executive action to restore readiness by prohibiting funding for sex-change surgeries.
Reinforcing President Trump’s executive action on withdrawing funding from United Nations organizations acting contrary to U.S. interests by prohibiting funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.
Continuing the prohibition on funding for any discriminatory action against individuals advocating for traditional marriage.
Advancing prohibitions on funding for abortion-related travel, drag queen shows, and COVID vaccine and mask mandates.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL)
Rep. Becca Balint Slams Republican $9 Billion Federal Funding Clawback
Washington, July 18, 2025
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement on the passage of the rescissions package, which slashes $7.9 billion from international development and humanitarian programs, and $1.1 billion from public media.
“This rescissions package is a betrayal of working families, especially in rural communities like Vermont,” said Rep. Balint. “Millions of Americans rely on our public broadcasting system for free and factual news coverage and programming, including lifesaving emergency alerts. This is clearly not about cost-cutting, as Republicans just voted for huge tax cuts for billionaires. It’s about prioritizing the ultra-rich and leaving rural communities vulnerable.”
These cuts would continue the reckless agenda started by Elon Musk and weaken the United States’ power around the world. This terrible bill comes on the heels of Republicans’ cuts to Medicaid and food assistance—all to fund tax cuts for billionaires.
This Republican package hurts hardworking American families by:
Harming millions of preschool-age kids (and their families) that currently benefit from PBS Kids children’s educational programs, such as Sesame Street or Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, that improve children’s literacy and math skills.
Terminating $1.1 billion in funding for public television and public radio, including funding that is allocated directly to more than 1,500 locally-owned public television or public radio stations.
Vermont stations received more than $2 million from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in Fiscal Year 2024.
Hurting rural communities, as locally-owned public television stations and public radio stations are often the only trusted and reliable news source available, as well as the only coverage of local high school sports.
Threatening public safety and disaster response, as public television and public radio provide emergency alerts even when other communications systems go down.
Cutting global health programs and undermining America’s global leadership and security.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL)
House Votes to Fund Vermont Small Business, MVP Robotics, Contract with Department of Defense
Washington, July 18, 2025
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL)’s amendment to include a $10,000,000 Department of Defense contract with a Vermont small business, MVP Robotics, in the appropriations bill passed today. MVP Robotics is headquartered in Bradford, VT and employs 23 people across Vermont and New Hampshire. The passage of Rep. Balint’s amendment will bring major growth to an emerging technology company. MVP Robotics dual use technology was developed for sports teams and military training.
“It is critical our small businesses have growth opportunities to bring jobs to and grow innovation in Vermont,” said Rep. Balint. “And since its founding MVP Robotics has been on the cutting edge of our state’s technology industry. I’m thrilled to have secured this amendment in the larger Department of Defense spending bill to continue to support our state’s culture of innovation and the strength of our small businesses.”
July 18, 2025 Peterborough, Ontario Employment and Social Development Canada
As families raising children across the country receive the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) today, the Honourable Anna Gainey, Secretary of State (Children and Youth), announced that the benefit amounts have increased for 2025–26. Families can now receive up to $7,997 per child under the age of 6 and $6,748 per child aged 6 through 17. This represents approximately a $200 increase from the previous year and will help parents manage everyday expenses like groceries, clothing or child care, providing added support as they raise their children.
Beyond the CCB, the Government of Canada is advancing other initiatives to make life more affordable and support families’ well-being:
the National School Food Program, backed by a $1 billion investment over five years, is expanding and enhancing access to nutritious food for children across Canada; and
the Canadian Dental Care Plan is transforming access to oral health care by helping make the cost of dental care more affordable for eligible Canadians.
These efforts, combined with investments in affordable child care, housing and health care, reflect the Government of Canada’s commitment to bringing down costs for Canadians and helping them to get ahead.
The UN Human Rights Committee today issued its findings on Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kazakhstan, Latvia, North Macedonia, Spain and Viet Nam, following its review of these States parties during its 144th session.
The Committee noted with concern that despite constitutional guarantees, the judiciary remains vulnerable to political interference and pressure from criminal networks. It urged the State party to strengthen the independence and functioning of the judiciary by, among others, providing increased resources to the judicial system. The Committee also raised concerns about restrictions of peaceful assembly, intimidation of human rights defenders, and interference with trade unions, urging the authorities to respect and protect civic space.
Haiti
The Committee expressed concern about the impact of ongoing large-scale gang violence on the Haitian population and the inability of the police to stop it. It called on the State party to take steps to fully comply with its obligations to protect the right to life, including by implementing a public policy to dismantle the gangs and “self-defence brigades”, and to redouble efforts to prevent and eliminate corruption in state institutions, one of the root causes of insecurity and human rights violations.
Kazakhstan
The Committee expressed concern that counter-terrorism efforts may be unduly restricting civic space and about reports of the use of force and acts of torture by law enforcement officials against members of civil society. It urged the State party to bring its counter-terrorism efforts in line with its international human rights law obligations and ensure that all allegations of excessive use of force are properly investigated and that victims are provided with remedies.
Latvia
The Committee raised concerns about border protection measures restricting asylum access, which it said expose refugees to the risk of non-refoulement and ill-treatment. It called on the authorities to ensure all individuals in need of international protection are assessed fairly and efficiently and to investigate allegations of pushbacks and ill-treatment of refugees at border points.
North Macedonia
The Committee was concerned that despite progress achieved in some areas, including the adoption of a strategy for the inclusion of Roma 2022-2030, discrimination and marginalization against the Roma community remained significant, with its members experiencing high levels of poverty and exclusion, and subjected to ethnic profiling. It called on the authorities to embrace poverty reduction efforts and improve advocacy and awareness to address anti-Roma discrimination.
Spain
The Committee welcomed progress made in areas of memory, truth and reparation for past human rights violations, including the adoption of the 2022 Democratic Memory Law and the establishment of a Prosecutor for Human Rights and Democratic Memory, but expressed regrets that the 1977 Amnesty Law remains active and that proceedings initiated in 2010 for violations committed during the Spanish Civil War and the Franco Dictatorship have not resulted in any effective actions. It also expressed concern about violent incidents of pushbacks of refugees and the alleged excessive use of force by border agents in Ceuta in 2014 and Melilla in 2022, resulting in serious injuries and deaths. It called on the authorities to implement fair asylum procedures that respect the principle of non-refoulement and to investigate the incidents of excessive use of force in Ceuta and Melilla.
Viet Nam
The Committee welcomed the recent removal of the death penalty for eight crimes in Viet Nam. However, it remained concerned that the death penalty remains for ten crimes, including non-violent crimes. The Committee called on the State party to refrain from carrying out executions by maintaining a de facto moratorium. The Committee also raised concerns about reports of torture and ill treatment of detainees. The full Concluding Observations are available on the session page.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced the appointment of Pierre Moreau as Government Representative in the Senate.
Senator Moreau holds four decades of legal and political experience, including as a senator, lawyer, and member of the Québec National Assembly. In the Québec Cabinet, he held critical roles such as Minister responsible for Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs and the Canadian Francophonie, Minister of Transport, Minister of Municipal Affairs, President of the Treasury Board, and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
Senator Moreau’s expertise and experience will advance the government’s legislative agenda to bring down costs, keep communities safe, and build one strong Canadian economy.
The Prime Minister thanks Senator Marc Gold for his many years of service as the Government Representative in the Senate and wishes him well on his retirement.
At the beginning of the month, I had the opportunity to represent the Law Library at the annual American Library Association (ALA) conference that took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this year. It was my first year attending the ALA conference, and it was a sight to behold. From all exhibitors, whether publishing houses, universities offering MLIS degrees, or the Library of Congress pavilion, where I spent the majority of my time, there was something for everyone.
Library of Congress staff with former Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden, at the LOC Pavilion at ALA.
As a representative of the Law Library at the Library of Congress pavilion, I answered questions about the services the Law Library offers and highlighted the work that the Library of Congress continues to provide to the public while communicating with attendees. Additionally, I had the opportunity to be present when former Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden, stopped by to greet attendees as well as engage with our acting Librarian of Congress, Robert Newlen, who previously worked in the Law Library. As an employee in the Office of External Relations within the Law Library, the most fulfilling part of my time at the conference was being able to speak with other librarians about the services of the Library of Congress while also networking with other industry professionals, some even being colleagues from other service units in the Library of Congress that I do not get to interact with on a day to day basis.
There was also time to explore the city of brotherly love, which was exciting. On my walk to the famous Rocky statue, I stumbled upon another famous statue. A cast of the 1902-1904 version of The Thinker by the sculptor Auguste Rodin greets attendees at the entrance of the Rodin Museum, which was installed at the opening of the museum in 1929.
The Thinker at the entrance of the Rodin Museum in Center City, Philadelphia. Picture courtesy of Taylor Gulatsi.One of the two Rocky statues is at the top of the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Picture courtesy of Taylor Gulatsi.
I was not the only staff member from the Law Library in attendance at ALA; my colleague Sarah was in attendance and was happy to share her thoughts regarding her experience at the conference:
ALA was a great opportunity to hear from librarians from across the country who are working in all different types of libraries. I enjoyed attending sessions about tips for better serving library patrons, connecting with librarians around the world, preserving collections, and sharing historical information. Like Taylor, I took the opportunity to do some sightseeing as well, visiting the Liberty Bell, Old City Hall (home to the Supreme Court in the 1790s), and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The Liberty Bell, picture courtesy of Sarah Friedman.
Did you attend ALA? If so, what was one of your favorite parts of the conference?
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Community research can improve health outcomes and advance science, but it takes work to build trust, streamline administrative processes, align priorities, and build partnership equity.
On May 30, UConn faculty researchers and community partners gathered at the UConn Library in downtown Hartford for a panel discussion and afternoon of networking. UConn’s Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy’s (InCHIP) Community Engagement Core and Office of the Provost’s Office of Outreach and Engagement organized the event to provide attendees a space to connect, explore potential research collaborations, and learn more about community needs.
Attendees gather around a table during the networking portion of InCHIP’s Community Engagement Research Core event (Danielle Faipler/UConn Photo)
InCHIP’s Community Engagement Core was originally established in 2017 to facilitate community research partnerships to promote innovative solutions to pressing health challenges affecting Connecticut communities. Kim Gans, professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, and Kristen Cooksey Stowers, assistant professor in the Department of Allied Health Sciences, co-chair the core’s steering committee.
“This gathering was an opportunity for community organizations and UConn researchers to reconnect, explore collaborations for community-engaged research, and discuss ways that InCHIP and academic research partnerships can better serve communities,” says InCHIP Associate Director Caitlin Caspi.
The panel discussion focused on strengthening community research partnerships. The panelists included: Cooksey Stowers; Beth Russell, associate professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, and co-Director of the Collaboratory for School and Child Health; Linda K. Barry, professor in the Department of Surgery and Department of Public Health Sciences at UConn Health, and associate director at the UConn Health Disparities Institute; Brittney Cavaliere, senior director of strategy at Connecticut Foodshare; and Sofia Segura-Perez, chief program officer at the Hispanic Health Council.
Each panelist has extensive experience in community-engaged research.
Community-engaged research refers to a collaborative approach in which researchers and community stakeholders work as equal partners to develop solutions to complex challenges. This paradigm can deepen existing connections and create new partnerships that produce meaningful, culturally appropriate interventions to improve health outcomes.
Building Relationships Through Trust and Respect
Traditional, top-down approaches to research have not always considered a community’s needs in research design or shared findings with the community.
Linda Barry, professor in the Department of Surgery and Department of Public Health Sciences at UConn Health (Danielle Faipler/UConn Photo)
“Some communities may feel that previous research collaborators treated their needs as an afterthought, and they’re distrustful of the ivory tower. In working with communities, it’s important to engage the community as a real partner, and that if you can make them a co-principal investigator on a grant, it shows respect and can translate to a longitudinal partnership,” said Barry.
Barry also emphasized the importance of maintaining connections after a grant ends.
“Sometimes I think researchers should be creating relationships just because. Not for now, but for later. And then, when you have a partnership, don’t let it go after the grant ends. Show that you’re invested in the organization’s long-term success, because they often feel like they’re not recognized as bringing something valuable to the table,” said Barry.
Sofia Segura-Perez, chief program officer at the Hispanic Health Council (Danielle Faipler/UConn Photo)
For Segura-Perez, listening to community partners and being flexible can foster the respect and trust that are vital to sustaining research partnerships.
“Starting a strong partnership with the community in the beginning is very important and shows respect for that community. Community partners can provide insights into more effective ways to engage with a community. Both researchers and community partners should have frank conversations about their expectations, be flexible and listen to one another,” said Segura-Perez.
Clear Communication Sustains Relationships
Russell, who also directs the Center for Applied Research in Human Development, emphasized the value of clear communication.
Beth Russell, associate professor of human development and family sciences (Danielle Faipler/UConn Photo)
“Being honest about timelines and boundaries will help researchers and partners navigate barriers that come up and can help achieve multiple goals. Sustaining community partnerships relies on very honest communication,” said Russell.
Open communication can also help resolve conflicts, allowing research to progress.
“There can be unnecessary red tape that makes day-to-day work tough. Small decisions can have big impacts when it comes to doing community research,” says Cooksey Stowers. “My lab has been advocating for citizen research, and it can be difficult making sure community partners have everything they need to do their work. When roadblocks happen, we approach them with grace and patience.”
Her team partnered with Connecticut Foodshare to better understand residents’ experience of food insecurity and food assistance usage, ensuring data collection methods inform programs and services that expand food access.
“Everyone on my team has a master’s in public health, and we can design a program evaluation and carry it out, but at the end of the day, we are not researchers, and we needed support to conduct a statewide survey,” said Cavaliere. “We wanted to ensure the survey responses were representative of neighbors visiting food pantries across the state, and partnering with Kristen’s team is helping us reach that goal.”
Putting Lessons into Practice
These points resonated with attendees.
Xiang (Peter) Chen, associate professor of geography, sustainability, community, and urban studies (Danielle Faipler/UConn Photo)
“People have research needs, but a community organization’s goals may differ from their research partners’ goals. It’s important to understand what your partners’ goals are so you can use your data to improve services or infrastructure. Without these kinds of conversations, those goals may not be achieved,” says Xiang (Peter) Chen, an associate professor in the Department of Geography, Sustainability, Community, and Urban Studies.
Chen’s research leverages geographic information systems (GIS), spatial modeling, and mobility tracking to create more equitable environments and systems that support the health of underserved populations.
Kathleen Holgerson, interim Associate Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion at UConn, agreed that community collaborators should be involved in project design, and that these efforts can forge stronger relationships.
“It’s important to value this work and community relationships from the beginning. Oftentimes, it may seem like folks from higher education are entering the community to do things for it as opposed to working in partnership with it. I’m appreciative to InCHIP for holding this event,” says Holgerson, who previously directed the UConn Women’s Center.
In addition to faculty members, attendees from community-based organizations found the event valuable and plan to implement what they learned.
“This event was truly valuable to attend. I’m looking forward to bringing back many insights to the office that will help us expand our efforts and strengthen our impact within the community,” said Dionne Quenah, program manager at Connecticut Children’s Office of Community Child Health.
The core plans to hold similar events in the future to support networking opportunities and strengthen collaborations between researchers and community partners.
Saskatoon, SK., July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) (FSE: 3U8A) (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an award-winning developer of drone solutions, software, and robotics, today announced that it has entered into a securities purchase agreement with several institutional investors to purchase 4,672,895 units of the Company (the “Units”), at a price of US$5.35 per Unit, for gross proceeds of approximately US$25.0 million, before deducting placement agent discounts and offering expenses (the “Offering”).
Each Unit will consist of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a “Common Share”) and one common share purchase warrant (each, a “Warrant”). The Warrants will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of CA$7.3579 (the Canadian dollar equivalent of US$5.35) per Common Share, are exercisable immediately and will expire five years following the date of issuance.
Maxim Group LLC is acting as sole placement agent for the Offering.
Draganfly currently intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for general corporate purposes, including to fund its capabilities to meet demand for its new products including growth initiatives and/or for working capital requirements including the continuing development and marketing of the Company’s core products, potential acquisitions and research and development. The Offering is expected to close on or about July 21, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
The Offering is subject to customary closing conditions including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange and notification to the Nasdaq Stock Market.
The Offering is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form F-10, as amended, (File No. 333-271498) previously filed with and subsequently declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on July 5, 2023 and the Company’s Canadian short form base shelf prospectus dated June 30, 2023 (the “Base Shelf Prospectus”). Draganfly will offer and sell the securities in the United States only. No securities will be offered or sold to Canadian purchasers.
A prospectus supplement and accompanying Base Shelf Prospectus relating to the Offering and describing the terms thereof will be filed with the applicable securities commissions in Canada and with the SEC in the United States and will be available for free by visiting the Company’s profiles on the SEDAR+ website maintained by the Canadian Securities Administrators at www.sedarplus.ca or the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, as applicable. Copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying Base Shelf Prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained, when available, by contacting Maxim Group LLC, at 300 Park Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10022, Attention: Syndicate Department, or by telephone at (212) 895-3745 or by email at syndicate@maximgrp.com.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.
About Draganfly
Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO; CSE: DPRO; FSE: 3U8A) is a pioneer in drone solutions, AI-driven software, and robotics. With over 25 years of innovation, Draganfly has been at the forefront of drone technology, providing solutions for public safety, agriculture, industrial inspections, security, mapping, and surveying. The Company is committed to delivering efficient, reliable, and industry-leading technology that helps organizations save time, money, and lives.
Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such statements, based as they are on the current expectations of management, inherently involve numerous important risks, uncertainties and assumptions, known and unknown. In this news release, such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the timing, size and expected gross proceeds of the Offering, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the Offering and sale of securities, the intended use of proceeds, and Draganfly’s ability to complete the Offering. Closing of the Offering is subject to numerous factors, many of which are beyond Draganfly’s control, including but not limited to, the failure of the parties to satisfy certain closing conditions, and other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in Draganfly’s filings with the securities regulatory authorities in the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Ontario and Saskatchewan and with the SEC. Actual future events may differ from the anticipated events expressed in such forward-looking statements. Draganfly believes that expectations represented by forward-looking statements are reasonable, yet there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The reader should not place undue reliance, if any, on any forward-looking statements included in this news release. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and Draganfly is under no obligation and disavows any intention to update publicly or revise such statements as a result of any new information, future event, circumstances or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned not to unduly rely on these forward-looking statements and are encouraged to read the Offering documents, as well as Draganfly’s continuous disclosure documents, including its current annual information form, as well as its audited annual consolidated financial statements which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.
Seeking to expand Florida’s role in federal immigration enforcement, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in May 2025 submitted the state’s Immigration Enforcement Operations Plan to the Trump administration.
The plan, endorsed by President Donald Trump, says all of Florida’s roughly 47,000 law enforcement officers have received, or soon will receive, training to act as immigration officers. It’s part of an effort to, as the plan notes, “maintain state-led border security operations in the absence of federal support.”
The DeSantis plan includes a proposal to deputize Florida’s nine National Guard Judge Advocate General’s Corps officers to serve as immigration judges. JAG officers are attorneys who serve as legal advisers, prosecutors, defense counsel and military judges in a wide range of matters specific to the armed forces. That includes courts-martial and civil matters involving the military.
In general, a U.S. noncitizen may face removal from the country based on violations to the immigration laws. Those range from unauthorized entry to committing or being convicted of certain crimes.
Congress designated the Executive Office for Immigration Review, an agency within the Department of Justice that houses the immigration courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals, as the body exclusively responsible for deciding immigration removal cases. The office also details the authority and standards for how immigration judges conduct deportation hearings.
The McCarran-Walter Act also contains several provisions that subject most immigration court decisions such as removal or asylum to judicial review in federal courts. That can happen on direct appeal or as part of habeas corpus petitions that challenge the legality of detention or removal.
The system is far from perfect. But Congress designed it to ensure legal expertise and due process guarantees.
As an immigration scholar, I believe that allowing Florida JAG officers to serve as immigration judges bypasses this framework that is set in law, and violates the constitutionally mandated separation of powers.
JAG officers, including those in Florida’s National Guard, are not governed by the McCarran-Walter Act. They are military lawyers in an entirely separate system, overseen by the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which defines the role of military judges. The code retains a unique military character that is substantially different from the judicial appellate system that governs immigration administrative rulings.
Simply put, neither Trump nor DeSantis can create an entirely new system of immigration judges outside of the one already established by Congress.
Federal agencies cannot deputize JAGs
A current immigration provision, known as the 287(g) program, authorizes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to collaborate with local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws.
But this provision only authorizes deputizing local law enforcement to assist “in relation to the investigation, apprehension, or detention” of immigrants – not the arbitration of deportation cases.
In the nearly three decades since 287(g) was enacted, no state or local officials – let alone military officers – have been permitted to act as immigration judges.
DeSantis’ plan seeks to convert Florida’s JAG officers from state to federal officials to function as immigration judges. Trump’s approval of this plan would also exceed the scope of his statutory authority.
An aerial view of the migrant detention center in Ochopee, Florida on July 4, 2025. Alon Skuy/Getty Images
JAGs cannot engage in domestic law enforcement
Even if Florida’s National Guard were federalized, JAG officers still could not legally serve as immigration judges.
The Posse Comitatus Act, enacted in 1878, restricts the use of federal military personal in civilian law enforcement. It reflects a longstanding American principle: The military should not police civilians.
Immigration enforcement – including deciding whether someone is deported – is fundamentally a civilian enforcement function.
The only narrow exceptions to the Posse Comitatus Act’s restrictions require a clear statutory basis, such as Trump invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807, a law that would allow the president to rely on the military for domestic enforcement to quell a rebellion or widespread violence.
Due process concerns
The DeSantis plan also compromises constitutionally guaranteed rights to a fair process for immigrants facing removal.
JAG officers, trained primarily in military law, would face immense challenges interpreting and applying immigration statutes. That’s especially true with only weeks of preparation, as DeSantis proposes.
But due process isn’t only about knowledge of legal technicalities. The Fifth Amendment guarantees due process rights to all persons on U.S. soil, regardless of immigration status.
By circumventing established procedures, DeSantis’ plan risks creating a system where expedited deportations come at the expense of accuracy and constitutional rights.
Raquel Aldana does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
WASHINGTON —Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) released the following statement after he supported the passage of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 4, theRescissions Act of 2025, to codify the Trump Administration’s rescissions request:
“America has been on the wrong track for too long, spending money we don’t have on programs that don’t deliver results for hardworking families. Thankfully, the Trump Administration is taking our national debt crisis seriously and has laid the roadmap for robust, necessary, and commonsense reforms to bring accountability back to Washington. This legislation represents a crucial first step toward fiscal sanity, and I’m proud to stand with President Trump and my Republican colleagues in getting America’s financial house back in order.”
This legislation would rescind $9 billion in unnecessary funding appropriated in FY24 and FY25 from programs in the State Department and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).
WASHINGTON —Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) released the following statement after voting in support of H.R. 4016, theDepartment of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026:
“Following four years of weakness and appeasement, our nation’s military is leading once again on the world stage with peace through strength. This year’s defense appropriations bill builds on this restoration by bolstering our national security, advancing our hypersonic capabilities, and hardening our cyber defenses. I was proud to support this bill for our Armed Forces and our national security.”
Over 20 provisions from Luttrell were included in the House version of the bill, which provided the following funding:
$40.5 million for post-traumatic stress disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) research.
$575 million for cybersecurity operations and cybersecurity for weapon systems.
$520 million for childcare centers for our military families.
$300 million for drone and counter-drone technologies.
$100 million for advancements in military equipment technologies.
$55 million for intelligence collection in the Indo-Pacific.
$10.5 million for increased development of hypersonic missiles. This builds on additional funding Luttrell secured in H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and supports research and development activities in Texas.
$9.85 million for PTSD treatment for service members.
$7.5 million for advancing space-based technologies.
Louisville, Colorado, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CEA Industries Inc. (NASDAQ: VAPE) (“CEA Industries” or the “Company”), owner of Central Canada’s largest independent vape retailer and vertically integrated manufacturer, Fat Panda Ltd., today issued a statement applauding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision to authorize JUUL e-cigarette products for sale in the United States.
The announcement follows the FDA’s reversal of its 2022 federal ban, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of the U.S. nicotine market and underscoring the agency’s recognition of e-cigarettes as a less-harmful alternative for adult cigarette smokers.
“We applaud the FDA’s decision to authorize JUUL products for U.S. sale,” said Tony McDonald, Chairman and CEO of CEA Industries. “This milestone represents a critical step toward establishing a regulated and transparent U.S. marketplace for nicotine vape products. We view the FDA’s action as a sign of growing recognition of science-backed alternatives for smokers, and we are optimistic that it will create opportunities for CEA Industries to participate in the U.S. nicotine vape market over the long-term.”
CEA Industries believes the FDA’s authorization of JUUL sets an important precedent for product validation and regulatory clarity across the e-cigarette industry. The Company sees this development as paving the way for broader participation in the U.S. market under a more defined and predictable regulatory framework.
About CEA Industries Inc.
CEA Industries Inc. (NASDAQ: VAPE) is a growth-oriented company focused on building category-leading businesses in regulated consumer markets. With a focus on the high-growth, Canadian nicotine vape industry, one of the fastest-expanding segments of the global nicotine market, CEA Industries targets scalable operators with strong regulatory alignment, defensible market share, and high-margin business models. The Company provides capital, operational expertise, and strategic resources to accelerate retail expansion, strengthen e-commerce infrastructure, and drive long-term value creation in performance-driven sectors. For more information, visit www.ceaindustries.com.
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silver Tiger Metals Inc. (TSXV:SLVR)(OTCQX:SLVTF), based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, focused on Developing Production at the El Tigre Silver Mining District in Sonora Mexico, today announced that Glenn Jessome, President & CEO, will present live at the Metals & Mining Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on July 23, 2025.
DATE: July 23 TIME: 10:30 AM ET LINK:REGISTER HERE Available for 1×1 meetings: July 23 – 25
This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.
It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.
About Silver Tiger and the El Tigre Historic Mine District
Silver Tiger Metals Inc. is a Canadian company whose management has more than 27 years’ experience discovering, financing, and building large hydrothermal gold and silver mines in Mexico. Silver Tiger’s 100% owned 28,414 hectare Historic El Tigre Mining District is located in Sonora, Mexico. Principled environmental, social and governance practices are core priorities at Silver Tiger.
Silver Tiger commenced work on its El Tigre Project in 2017. El Tigre intends to build an open pit and underground mine. Silver Tiger has drilled over 150,000 meters at the El Tigre Project, with 119,000 meters completed since 2020. Silver Tiger has completed several MREs, a maiden MRE in 2017 and MRE updates in 2023 and 2024. The PEA for the El Tigre open pit was released in November 2023.
The October 2024 PFS for the El Tigre open pit delivered robust economics. The PFS projects an After-Tax NPV of US$222 million at a 5% discount rate, an After-Tax IRR of 40.0%, and a payback period of 2.0 years. This open pit operation is expected to have a 10-year mine life. The El Tigre project delivers a life of mine undiscounted After-Tax Cash Flow of US$318 million, with initial capital costs of $86.8 million (including $9.3 million in contingency). Operating cash costs are projected at $973/oz AuEq and $12/oz AgEq, with AISC at $1,214/oz AuEq and $14/oz AgEq. The economics of the Project have been evaluated based on a discounted $26/oz silver price and gold price of $2,150/oz.
Silver Tiger is now drilling from underground drill pads, focusing on the high-grade silver Veins, Sulphide and Shale Zones. A PEA for the permitted underground mineral resource is expected to be released in July 2025.
About Virtual Investor Conferences® Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.
Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.
CONTACTS: Silver Tiger Metals Inc. Devin Devarennes VP Corporate Development & Investor Relations 902-233-3656 Devin@silvertigermetals.com
Virtual Investor Conferences John M. Viglotti SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access OTC Markets Group (212) 220-2221 johnv@otcmarkets.com
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Element79 Gold Corp (OTCQB: ELMGF, CSE: ELEM, FSE: 7YS0), a mining company focused on gold and silver exploration with a portfolio of assets in Nevada and Peru, today announced that CEO and Director, James C. Tworek, will present live at the Metals & Mining Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on July 23, 2025
This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.
It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.
Upcoming 43-101 reports in progress for Elephant and Gold Mountain
Preparing for exploration at Elephant project,
Acquisition of drill-ready Gold Mountain project in Battle Mountain trend
Near-term catalysts include:
Updated technical disclosures and resource modeling;
Drilling and exploration program launches at Gold Mountain and Elephant;
Strategic communications and investor engagement to reinforce market positioning
About Element79 Gold Corp
Element79 Gold Corp is a mining company focused on gold and silver exploration, with a portfolio of assets in Nevada and Peru. The Company is actively advancing its Gold Mountain and Elephant projects in Nevada and holds the high-grade Lucero mine in southern Peru. Element79 Gold is listed on the OTCQB Market (OTCQB: ELMGF), Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE: ELEM), and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE: 7YS0).
About Virtual Investor Conferences®
Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.
Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.
CONTACTS: Mike Smith VP, Corporate Development C: +1.604.319.6853 ms@element79.gold
Virtual Investor Conferences John M. Viglotti SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access OTC Markets Group (212) 220-2221 johnv@otcmarkets.com
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
A Peruvian student, Gerald Samuel Vega Bonilla, studying at the Polytechnic University in the World Economy and International Economic Relations profile, became the best delegate at the Model UN in Smolny in 2025 (in Spanish) and was recognized as a constructive delegate at the Model UN at the Higher School of Economics Research University.
How Gerald ended up in Russia, why he chose the Polytechnic, who inspired him and how he sees his future destiny – you will learn all about this from his interview for the traditional column “Persona”.
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.
Joaquina Portillo is an indigenous elderly resident from the rural community of Rio Verde, Department of Canindeyú, Northeast Paraguay. She recently attended an outpatient care day hosted in her community and was very pleased with the comprehensive care that she and her family received.
“I came with my whole family. We have several ailments, but the main one is the flu. We are very happy, they treated us all very well,” said Joaquina.
The outpatient care day, one of many held locally, promotes dialogue between health care providers and indigenous and rural communities about intercultural care and provides a range of health services through outreach activities.
This activity was part of a broader project called Expanding Access to and Quality of Primary Health Care and Integrated Health Services in the XIV Health Region – Canindeyú, Paraguay, from 2023 – 2025.
Previously, indigenous communities in Northeast Paraguay have struggled to access the health services they need despite increasing rates of communicable and noncommunicable diseases. The Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare has worked closely with PAHO/WHO, through the UHC Partnership, to expand access to and improve the quality of primary health care services at the community level, with family health teams playing a major role.
The combination of applying geospatial analysis to identify health facility gaps, the training of health workers, and strategic approaches to health system policy has led to improved equity and access to services for many remote and indigenous populations.
Access to health services increases
The inter-programmatic and interdisciplinary initiative included developing and implementing a tool for monitoring and managing health services using geospatial data about family health units, training health workers especially in the control of communicable and noncommunicable diseases, and strategic Health Situation Analysis to facilitate the design of effective health policies.
The initiative has enabled progress on multiple fronts to improve health services in Canindeyú including expanding access to health care for vulnerable populations, strengthening trust in public health services among indigenous and rural populations, increasing the technical capacity of health workers, and optimizing responses to health emergencies.
Across the Department from 2022-2024 health insurance coverage increased by 18.1% and access to health services increased by 25.1%. From April-June 2023 to April-June 2024 the number of primary care visits increased by 10.5%, and the number of overall medical consultations increased by 19%. In the same period, there was also a 29% increase in the proportion of pregnant women who received an HIV and Syphilis test during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Created by PAHO/WHO, the ‘Modular Essential Conditions Assessment’ methodology (VCEm in Spanish) evaluates essential factors for the provision of services in health facilities. It was implemented in 14 health regions, including Canindeyú, to drive sustainable improvement within health service networks and to empower health workers. The methodology reveals significant changes that can be made with little or no investment.
“There are many activities that do not require a large investment such as providing training to health workers on protocols which can be done virtually. I believe this benefit will be reflected in fewer patients reaching critical conditions,” said Dr Angie Duarte, Director of the Curuguaty District Hospital.
The implementation of the modular VCEm at the Canindeyú RISS facilities identified opportunities to improve and prioritize actions to promote inclusive, equitable, and culturally appropriate health services that maintain respect for traditional medical knowledge and foster intercultural dialogue.
“The implementation of the project in Canindeyú, with the valuable support of the UHC Partnership, clearly reflects our inter-programmatic and territorial approach. This initiative was aligned with the country’s efforts to advance health equity by strengthening local capacities, promoting the use of innovative technologies, and ensuring appropriate care tailored to cultural and territorial realities,” said Dr Haydee Padilla, WHO Representative to Paraguay.
“We capitalized on lessons learned from previous experiences, which allowed for a more effective and sustainable approach. Joint work with local actors and the incorporation of intercultural dialogue and community-based health care were essential in closing historical access gaps. Furthermore, the implementation of intersectoral work reinforces the positive impact of this cooperation. This experience confirms that international collaboration, aligned with national priorities, can generate real and lasting transformations in health systems,” Dr Haydee Padilla concluded.
The UHC Partnership operates in over 125 countries, representing over 3 billion people. It is supported and funded by Belgium, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and WHO.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Paul D. Tonko released a statement following the House vote on President Trump’s Rescissions package, which claws back $9 billion in funding for public broadcasting and foreign aid that was already approved by Congress.
“Instead of addressing the rising cost of living or making life better for working Americans, Trump is using his power to go after Elmo and Big Bird.
“Public, independent broadcasting is essential to any democracy, providing critical access to information, educational programming, and updates and emergency alerts. This bill doesn’t just target national NPR or PBS. By law, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting sends over 70% of its funding to local stations. These cuts directly threaten those stations, their communities, and the trusted local journalism and programming they deliver. And international aid delivered by the U.S. has saved tens of millions of lives, addressing hunger, defending human rights, and addressing global health crisis.
“I’ve heard from thousands of constituents — hardworking American taxpayers — calling to demand these essential programs keep this funding, which was already agreed upon and approved by both Democrats and Republicans in Congress.
“But President Trump would rather pursue his personal, petty vendettas than do anything to make life better or more affordable for working families. While Republicans once again kowtowed to the President’s demands, I won’t stop working to defend and uphold these programs that serve my constituents, our nation, and our planet.”
Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast applauded the Justice Department’s indictment of aVOA employee for allegedly threatening Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene:
“Voice of America was built to fight propaganda — now it’s spewing hate at our own leaders. This is just another example in a long string of liberal taxpayer-funded hit jobs.”
In my writing and rhetoric courses, students have plenty of opinions on whether AI is intelligent: how well it can assess, analyze, evaluate and communicate information.
When I ask whether artificial intelligence can “think,” however, I often look upon a sea of blank faces. What is “thinking,” and how is it the same or different from “intelligence”?
We might treat the two as more or less synonymous, but philosophers have marked nuances for millennia. Greek philosophers may not have known about 21st-century technology, but their ideas about intellect and thinking can help us understand what’s at stake with AI today.
The divided line
Although the English words “intellect” and “thinking” do not have direct counterparts in the ancient Greek, looking at ancient texts offers useful comparisons.
In “Republic,” for example, Plato uses the analogy of a “divided line” separating higher and lower forms of understanding.
A Roman mosaic from Pompeii depicts Plato’s academy in Greece. Wikimedia Commons
Plato, who taught in the fourth century BCE, argued that each person has an intuitive capacity to recognize the truth. He called this the highest form of understanding: “noesis.” Noesis enables apprehension beyond reason, belief or sensory perception. It’s one form of “knowing” something – but in Plato’s view, it’s also a property of the soul.
Lower down, but still above his “dividing line,” is “dianoia,” or reason, which relies on argumentation. Below the line, his lower forms of understanding are “pistis,” or belief, and “eikasia,” imagination.
Pistis is belief influenced by experience and sensory perception: input that someone can critically examine and reason about. Plato defines eikasia, meanwhile, as baseless opinion rooted in false perception.
In Plato’s hierarchy of mental capacities, direct, intuitive understanding is at the top, and moment-to-moment physical input toward the bottom. The top of the hierarchy leads to true and absolute knowledge, while the bottom lends itself to false impressions and beliefs. But intuition, according to Plato, is part of the soul, and embodied in human form. Perceiving reality transcends the body – but still needs one.
So, while Plato does not differentiate “intelligence” and “thinking,” I would argue that his distinctions can help us think about AI. Without being embodied, AI may not “think” or “understand” the way humans do. Eikasia – the lowest form of comprehension, based on false perceptions – may be similar to AI’s frequent “hallucinations,” when it makes up information that seems plausible but is actually inaccurate.
Embodied thinking
Aristotle, Plato’s student, sheds more light on intelligence and thinking.
A 15th-century relief of Aristotle and Plato by Luca della Robbia in the Florence Cathedral in Italy. sailko/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA
In “On the Soul,” Aristotle distinguishes “active” from “passive” intellect. Active intellect, which he called “nous,” is immaterial. It makes meaning from experience, but transcends bodily perception. Passive intellect is bodily, receiving sensory impressions without reasoning.
We could say that these active and passive processes, put together, constitute “thinking.” Today, the word “intelligence” holds a logical quality that AI’s calculations may conceivably replicate. Aristotle, however, like Plato, suggests that to “think” requires an embodied form and goes beyond reason alone.
Aristotle’s views on rhetoric also show that deliberation and judgment require a body, feeling and experience. We might think of rhetoric as persuasion, but it is actually more about observation: observing and evaluating how evidence, emotion and character shape people’s thinking and decisions. Facts matter, but emotions and people move us – and it seems questionable whether AI utilizes rhetoric in this way.
Finally, Aristotle’s concept of “phronesis” sheds further light on AI’s capacity to think. In “Nicomachean Ethics,” he defines phronesis as “practical wisdom” or “prudence.” “Phronesis” involves lived experience that determines not only right thought, but also how to apply those thoughts to “good ends,” or virtuous actions. AI may analyze large datasets to reach its conclusions, but “phronesis” goes beyond information to consult wisdom and moral insight.
‘Thinking’ robots?
Today, AI takes on many physical forms, from autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots to health care robotsand drones. If intelligence requires embodiment, as Plato and Aristotle believed, it might seem as if AI is coming closer than ever to human thinking.
AI does take on many forms, but they’re still not bodies; they run on code, algorithms and datasets. Intuitive understanding, emotion, integrity and practical wisdom seem to require an embodied, perishable form that is moved by experience.
Perhaps we should ask AI itself – so I did. When I prompted ChatGPT with the simple question, “Can you think?” it responded: “I can process information, analyze patterns, and generate responses based on data. So in some ways, it might ‘seem’ like I’m thinking. But it’s not thinking like a human does. I don’t have consciousness, emotions, intentions, or awareness. Everything I ‘do’ is based on patterns learned from huge amounts of text and a set of rules and probabilities. I can ‘simulate’ certain aspects of thinking, but I don’t truly think or understand in the human sense.”
That response aligns with Plato and Aristotle’s views. For now.
Ryan Leack does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Mike returned home to Philadelphia after a 15-year prison sentence and suffered an emotional breakdown.
“I just couldn’t stop crying … I don’t know. It was the anxiety. It was just a lot,” he said. “I was under a lot of pressure and it just came crashing down.”
Mike, who was in his late 40s when we spoke, told me about his childhood filled with abuse, his first arrest at age 14, and the over 20 years of his life that he spent behind bars.
As a registered nurse and nurse scientist who studies how incarceration affects mental health, I know Mike’s experience after release from prison is not uncommon. Studies show that Black men who have experienced incarceration have higher rates of PTSD, depression and psychological distress compared with Black men who have never been incarcerated.
Working in psychiatric hospitals in Philadelphia, I met many patients in crisis who had been incarcerated at some point in their lives. As a part of my doctoral research, funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research, I interviewed 29 formerly incarcerated Black men to understand how incarceration has affected their mental health.
My peer-reviewed findings were published in the journal Social Science & Medicine. All quotes shared here use pseudonyms to protect the men’s privacy.
Many formerly incarcerated men described experiencing or witnessing violence, including being beaten by correctional officers and witnessing close friends get assaulted or killed.
“You know you are not regular because you come from a traumatic situation, right?” said Thomas, 44, who spent 18 years incarcerated.
The participants expressed that racism was common, especially while incarcerated in facilities located in the rural central and northern regions of Pennsylvania.
“I ain’t gonna sugar coat it – Black people going up into them white people mountains, they call you [n-word] all day long and you basically there to accept it,” Antonio told me.
Incarceration was especially difficult for those who were held for months pretrial without ever being convicted and those incarcerated during COVID restrictions who spent more than 23 hours a day in their cells.
‘Even though I’m free, I ain’t free’
Participants described life on parole or probation, or in transitional housing, as another form of confinement.
Ken, 56, has been out of prison for over a decade but said, “I’m still locked up, even though I’m free, I ain’t free. You just get a whole new set of rules and regulations.”
Men described significant anxiety related to community supervision requirements, including difficulty sleeping the night before a probation appointment.
Participants also described distress caused by “no association” restrictions. These are common parole and probation requirements that prohibit people under supervision from interacting with others who have criminal records, are also under supervision or are currently incarcerated. Violating this requirement can lead to a technical violation and reincarceration.
While these requirements are meant to reduce the risk of reoffending, they often isolate people from supportive relationships and resources, including housing and employment.
“[There are] a lot of smart brothers in there. And it hurts my heart. And that’s where the depression coming in too,” said Reese, who spent six years incarcerated. “I can’t contact them in jail. … That’s just how it is in the system.”
Philadelphia has the highest rate of community supervision – including probation and parole – among the largest U.S. cities, according to a 2019 analysis by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The men I interviewed said they felt like parts of them never left jail or prison, while others felt that they brought prison or jail home with them.
Tyrese, 34, said he stays home as often as he can.
“I’ve been out of the joint for seven years now and feel like I’m still institutionalized, I guess,” he said. “I know people that don’t even come outside,” referring to other formerly incarcerated men.
Others had dreams that they were back in a cell, or at home still wearing jail clothing. Long after release, many described constant hypervigilance and anxiety.
“I can be walking to the bus station and there be people walking around me, I’m constantly watching them,” said Anthony, who was first incarcerated at age 18 and served 16 years. “I’m watching every movement they’re doing. That’s a habit I had from jail.”
Philly rapper Meek Mill, shown here at a 2018 rally outside a Center City courthouse, was sentenced to probation for 10 years after a conviction on drug and gun charges. He became an advocate of criminal justice reform. Michael Candelori/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images
Finding work
People who have been incarcerated often struggle to find employment after release, as many employers are unwilling to hire a person with a criminal record.
At the time of our interview, Tay, 31, was working part-time in carpentry. “Because I had felonies on my record a lot of places won’t hire me,” he said. “And a couple of places that I was working with, they ended up firing me once they did the background check.”
These frustrations can easily spill over into family life.
Mark, 30, also works part-time and said he found himself frequently becoming agitated and snapping at his kids, other family members and his girlfriend. “I can’t get the job I want or the job that I need to do what I need to do for my family and I’ll be frustrated,” he shared.
Participants struggled with having to depend on others for basic needs upon release. Kenny, who is now self-employed as a caterer, recalled his experience a few years earlier. “I was crying. I was a grown man, almost 40 years old, and my mother had to buy me underwear, socks,” he said.
The importance of fatherhood
Despite their many hardships, some of the men spoke with joy about reconnecting with their children.
“I think the most positive thing that happened since I’ve been out of prison is I got custody of my sons,” said Ken, a father of two. “Them kids saved me.”
Like many of the other participants with children, however, he was frustrated about being unable to provide for them and worried about repeating harmful cycles.
“You want to do good, but it makes you think bad stuff when you don’t have the right resources,” he continued. “You don’t want [your kids] to do the same things you did.”
Others struggled to bond with their children after years of separation.
John, 29, explained, “The bonding is kind of awkward, because you wasn’t there, especially during the pandemic when there was no visits allowed.”
Shawn, who lives in pubic housing, showed me abandoned buildings and boarded storefronts in his neighborhood and described how the environment made rebuilding his life harder.
For many participants, returning to divested communities brought stress. They experienced frequent exposure to substance use, violence and negative police encounters, and they had limited access to basic resources and job opportunities needed to support recovery and stability.
“This is my real life. It’s not fake. It’s not no, ‘Well, why did he go back and do this or that?’” he said. “I live in an underserved, impoverished, danger zone – period.”
Moving forward
The experiences these men shared with me demonstrate how traumatic incarceration is, even many years after release.
Supporting the mental health of formerly incarcerated Black men requires trauma-informed services, such as culturally responsive counseling, peer support and care that acknowledges the lasting effects of incarceration.
It also means helping them build or rebuild their financial resources, reconnect with their children and loved ones, and supporting the broader communities they return to through investment in housing, employment and accessible health and social services.
Helena Addison received funding from National Institute of Nursing Research of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number F31NR020434, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration and American Nurses Association Minority Fellowship Program, the University of Pennsylvania’s Presidential PhD Fellowship, and Jonas Philanthropies to support this study and/or her PhD training. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health, or any other funding organizations or institutions. The views expressed in written training materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
Higher vitamin D levels in a mother’s blood during pregnancy have been linked to higher IQ scores in early childhood and reduced behavioral problems. gpointstudio/iStock via Getty Images
Children whose mothers had higher vitamin D levels during pregnancy scored better on tests of memory, attention and problem-solving skills at ages 7 to 12 compared with those whose mothers had lower levels. That is a key finding of a new peer-reviewed study that my colleagues and I published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
This suggests that vitamin D supplementation may be a promising, low-cost strategy to support brain development while reducing racial disparities. Our study also suggested that vitamin D levels early in pregnancy may be most important for childhood cognitive development, highlighting the importance of early action by health care providers.
We analyzed more than 900 mother-child pairs across the U.S. who participated in a large national study called ECHO, short for Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes. We measured vitamin D in the mothers’ blood during pregnancy and assessed children’s cognitive abilities using a standardized test battery. We also accounted for other important factors that shape childhood development such as the mother’s education, neighborhood conditions and the child’s age and sex.
This new study builds on our earlier findings that higher vitamin D levels during pregnancy are linked to higher IQ in early childhood and with reduced behavioral problems in middle childhood.
Collectively, these studies suggest that vitamin D plays a crucial role in brain development during pregnancy, with lasting benefits for children’s cognitive and behavioral outcomes.
The children of mothers who had higher vitamin D levels during pregnancy scored better on tests of memory, attention and problem-solving skills at ages 7 to 12. Prostock-Studio/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Although we can get vitamin D both from sun exposure and our diets, deficiency is common because these sources don’t meet everyone’s needs. Sunlight isn’t always a reliable source, especially for people with darker skin, those living in northern climates or those who often wear sunscreen or sun-protective clothing. Natural food sources such as fatty fish, egg yolks and certain mushrooms contain some vitamin D, and fortified products such as milk and breakfast cereals help, but not everyone eats enough of these foods to maintain healthy vitamin D levels.
Although current guidelines recommend that pregnant women consume 600 international units, or IUs, of vitamin D daily, higher doses of at least 1,000 to 2,000 IU are often needed to correct deficiency. On average, U.S. women consume only 168 IU from food and beverages, and many prenatal vitamins providejust 400 IU. This highlights an important opportunity for clinicians to improve screening and support around vitamin D supplementation both before and during pregnancy.
If a simple, low-cost strategy such as prenatal vitamin D supplementation can help support brain development, it may yield lasting benefits for children. Long-term studies have shown that higher cognitive scores in childhood are linked to better memory and reasoning in older age, as well as longer lifespan.
What still isn’t known
While our studies have linked higher vitamin D levels in pregnancy to improved cognitive and behavioral development in children, we cannot yet prove that vitamin D is the direct cause.
Therefore, studies called randomized controlled trials – the gold standard of research – are needed to confirm these findings and determine how best to translate them into clinical practice. These studies will be essential for determining the optimal target levels for vitamin D to support brain development in pregnancy.
The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.
Melissa Melough receives funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
These attacks are part of a broader strategy known as affective nationalism. It occurs when leaders use emotions, not just ideas, to build national identity. Feelings such as fear, pride, nostalgia and resentment are deployed to create a story about who belongs, who doesn’t and who’s to blame.
Trump followed Orbán’s playbook. On May 22, 2025, his administration declared that Harvard could no longer enroll foreign students. A U.S. Department of Homeland Security statement claimed that university leaders “created an unsafe campus environment by permitting anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators.” The statement suggested that many of the so-called agitators were foreign students.
These labels – “elite,” “foreign” or “anti-national” – are not neutral. They fuel fear, resentment and powerful narratives that frame universities as threats. Harvard, Central European University and Jawaharlal Nehru University have become symbols of broader national anxieties around identity and belonging.
British-Australian feminist scholar Sara Ahmed’s work on the sticky nature of emotions helps reveal the two emotions that often appear in attacks on universities: nostalgia and resentment.
Consider Trump’s “Make American Great Again” slogan. It implies the nation was once great, has declined and must reclaim its former glory. That’s a powerful emotional story. Nationalism often works this way – by telling a tale of a lost golden age and a future that must be saved.
For that reason, nostalgia is central to populist attacks on universities and institutional reform. U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, for example, evoked Harvard’s symbolic past as part of the American Dream, arguing it has lost its way and “put its reputation in serious jeopardy.”
In India, Modi’s government rejects Western influence, while using nostalgia to revive a Hindu past in higher education. The Modi government promotes national pride on campuses by glorifying military heroes and installing symbolic figures – such as the statue of Swami Vivekananda, a Hindu monk and philosopher, at Jawaharlal Nehru University – to shape student identity and loyalty.
In Hungary, Orbán mobilizes a glorified Christian past to challenge discourses on diversity, inclusion, critical inquiry and academic freedom in higher education. A 2021 bill tasks universities with defending the nation and preserving its intellectual and cultural heritage.
In India, the Modi government has increasingly framed public universities as institutions corrupted by Western ideas. Tomas Cuesta/Getty Images News
Enemies of the nation
Resentment is a powerful emotion often used by states that see themselves as defenders of national unity and values. When Harvard resisted Trump’s reforms, the president framed the university’s stance in a Truth Social post as a betrayal to the nation, denouncing it as “terrorist inspired/supporting ‘sickness.’” Meanwhile, the Department of Education issued a statement that accused the university of a “troubling entitlement mindset.”
Similarly, in India, the Modi government has increasingly framed public universities – especially those with critical voices – as “anti-national” spaces. By casting critical voices as enemies within, the state turns resentment into a political weapon to justify the erosion of academic freedom.
In Hungary, the Orbán government mobilized resentment to portray universities and academics as disloyal elites working against the nation. One example of Hungary’s war on universities is the 2018 ban on gender studies, justified by the Orbán government as rejecting “socially constructed genders” in favor of “biological sexes.” This move reflects how the government uses resentment to assert ideological control over academic institutions.
Universities are under attack for what they represent. Hindustan Times
Emotional battlegrounds?
Universities, especially elite ones such as Harvard and Jawaharlal Nehru University, carry deep symbolic weight. People care because of what the institutions represent.
Harvard, with its elite status, has long been a symbol of academic authority. But more recently, it has been cast as a defender of liberal higher education – making it a Trump administration target.
Jawaharlal Nehru University in India holds similar symbolic weight. It’s historically associated with producing the country’s social elites and is seen, especially in mainstream media, as left-leaning, making it a lightning rod in India’s polarized political landscape.
Universities are under attack not just for what they teach and research, but for what – and who – they represent. These are not just ideological disputes; they are emotional struggles over identity, belonging and public trust.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
