Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (21st District of New York)
Stefanik Champions Reintroduction of BOP Direct-Hire Authority Act | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik
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US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and U.S. Representative Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA-11) led their colleagues in a letter to Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Acting Director Charles Ezell opposing President Trump’s move to revive ‘Schedule F.’ Schedule F, now called Schedule Policy/Career, is a policy Trump pursued during his first term to reclassify federal workers, stripping them of their protections and making it easier for the Administration to carry out politically motivated firings.
“The proposed rule will allow agencies to reclassify thousands of dedicated federal workers from the competitive service into the excepted service and therefore strip them of their civil service rights and protections,” wrote the members. “The impacts of this proposed rule will upend decades of reforms which have strengthened the federal workforce.”
The members continued, “More than 2.2 million federal employees work every day to conduct life-saving research, defend our national security, uphold food and drug standards, monitor air and water quality, ensure flight safety and so much more. Nonpartisan, career civil servants, who make up the vast majority of our federal workforce, take an oath to defend the Constitution regardless of which political party occupies the White House.”
“The Trump Administration has made clear its ambitions to undercut the nonpartisan civil service through the Schedule Policy/Career directive. Reclassifying civil service positions into the excepted service removes virtually all protections and rights currently afforded to civil servants,” the members wrote. “Coupled with the Trump Administration’s efforts to relocate and terminate wide swaths of the federal workforce, Schedule Policy/Career reclassifications will negatively affect recruitment and retention efforts for federal workers.”
“As Members of Congress, we understand the vital role of our nonpartisan, highly-skilled civil servants and strongly oppose efforts to dismantle and politicize our country’s competitive federal workforce. Civil servants remain steadfast in their commitment to serving the public interest, not political agendas and deserve the full support of their government in that effort,” the members concluded.
In addition to Kaine, Warner, Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, and Connolly, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and U.S. Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-At-Large), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Suhas Sabramanyam (D-VA-10), Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-01), Greg Casar (D-TX-35), Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10), and Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07).
Kaine, Warner, Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, and Connolly have been leading voices in Congress against efforts to dramatically reduce and politicize the federal workforce. Among other steps, Kaine and Connolly led the introduction of the Saving the Civil Service Act to protect the merit-based federal workforce system and prevent any position in the competitive service from being reclassified to Schedule F.
Full text of the letter is available here and below.
Dear Acting Director Ezell:
We write in strong opposition to the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM)’s Proposed Rule – Improving Performance, Accountability, and Responsiveness in the Civil Service [OPM-2025-00041]. The proposed rule will allow agencies to reclassify thousands of dedicated federal workers from the competitive service into the excepted service and therefore strip them of their civil service rights and protections. The impacts of this proposed rule will upend decades of reforms which have strengthened the federal workforce. Rescheduling nonpartisan positions undermines the ability of federal agencies to fulfill their vital missions and ignores over 140 years of civil service precedent beginning with the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883.
More than 2.2 million federal employees work every day to conduct life-saving research, defend our national security, uphold food and drug standards, monitor air and water quality, ensure flight safety and so much more. Nonpartisan, career civil servants, who make up the vast majority of our federal workforce, take an oath to defend the Constitution regardless of which political party occupies the White House. Furthermore, these individuals have the unique credentials and institutional experience required to ensure continuity and impartiality within the federal government. The American public benefits from a strong federal workforce supported by a nonpartisan civil service to conduct their critical work.
On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14171 which claimed to immediately rescind regulations protecting civil servants and the merit system, reinstated Schedule F, and simultaneously directed OPM to engage in the rulemaking process to create a regulation supporting the reclassification order. Now known as Schedule Policy/Career, any positions that influence policy are directed to be reclassified into the excepted service. In accordance with EO 14171, OPM issued a proposed rule on Schedule Policy/Career which directs agencies to reclassify any position categorized as “confidential, policy-determining, policymaking or policy-advocating character” into the excepted service.
The Trump Administration has made clear its ambitions to undercut the nonpartisan civil service through the Schedule Policy/Career directive. Reclassifying civil service positions into the excepted service removes virtually all protections and rights currently afforded to civil servants. This includes due process and appeals rights that help ensure civil servants can conduct their duties without fear of politically-motivated removal or retaliatory measures. Removing these protections will make civil servants at-will employees and more susceptible to political pressures. Coupled with the Trump Administration’s efforts to relocate and terminate wide swaths of the federal workforce, Schedule Policy/Career reclassifications will negatively affect recruitment and retention efforts for federal workers.
OPM’s directive to reschedule agency positions that have any involvement in policy will have devastating impacts not only on career civil servants and their families, but the communities that they serve. OPM estimates that 50,000 positions, which accounts for approximately 2% of the civil service, will ultimately be moved into Schedule Policy/Career. However, OPM’s failure to adequately define what factors constitute “confidential, policy-determining, policymaking or policy-advocating character” leaves interpretation largely up to each agency and risks the policy being much more broadly implemented than initially disclosed.
Already, agencies have begun taking the broadest approach to evaluating which positions to reclassify into Schedule Policy/Career. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reportedly has directed staff to prepare for large swaths of the agency to be reclassified. Internal documentation obtained by Government Executive indicates that Acting Administrator Lee Dudek recently instructed across-the-board reclassifications for senior leaders and over a half dozen offices within SSA. These positions encompass researchers and other supporting positions that do not set or impact policy decisions. The maximalist approach outlined by SSA foreshadows the wide-reaching implications of Schedule Political/Career which will negatively alter the federal workforce for decades to come.
As Members of Congress, we understand the vital role of our nonpartisan, highly-skilled civil servants and strongly oppose efforts to dismantle and politicize our country’s competitive federal workforce. Civil servants remain steadfast in their commitment to serving the public interest, not political agendas and deserve the full support of their government in that effort. In that vein, we urge OPM to immediately rescind this proposed rule and collaborate with Congress to effectively manage government operations.
Sincerely,
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
Senate passes Fischer cosponsored resolution honoring fallen Ceresco Police Officer Ross Bartlett
Today, after the U.S. Senate passed a resolution recognizing National Police Week, which included honoring fallen Ceresco Police Officer Ross Bartlett, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement:
“Nebraska’s police officers risk their lives every day to make the ‘Good Life’ we all cherish a safer place to live, work, and raise a family. During National Police Week, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the men and women in blue who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe,” said Fischer.
Fischer continued, “Last year, Nebraskans mourned the loss of one of our own, Police Officer Ross Bartlett. I am proud to cosponsor this Senate passed resolution honoring his courage and selflessness. We are forever grateful for his service and sacrifice.”
Fischer’s Work with Law Enforcement:
Last year, Fischer’s Recruit and Retain Act, which provides law enforcement across the country with resources to combat staffing shortages, was signed into law.
This Congress, Fischer joined her colleagues in introducing the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Reauthorization Act, to reauthorize the nationwide law enforcement program that uses evidence-based and data-driven approaches to reduce violent crime.
Additionally, Fischer cosponsored the Protect and Serve Act, which would give federal prosecutors more tools to go after those who deliberately target law enforcement officers by creating a federal crime to knowingly cause, or attempt to cause, bodily injury to a law enforcement officer.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and John Cornyn (R-TX) led a bipartisan group of their colleagues in introducing the Safeguarding Transit Operations to Prohibit (STOP) China Act to support American manufacturing and workers and stop the U.S. government from buying Chinese buses and rail cars. The bill will protect domestic transit supply chains from malign Chinese influence by preventing any U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) funds from being awarded for the purchase of Chinese government transit buses or rail cars.
“When we invest American taxpayer dollars, we should be supporting our Made in America economy and American workers, not opening our checkbook to adversaries like China,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to work with Republicans and Democrats to support our workers and companies, keep the United States safe, and close a loophole that Chinese companies are exploiting to win government contracts and undercut American workers.”
“It is China’s mission to infiltrate and dominate every aspect of American society, including our transit systems, and we cannot let them succeed,” said Senator Cornyn. “By preventing American tax dollars from being used to purchase Chinese government transit buses or rail cars, our legislation would help protect U.S. transportation infrastructure from the CCP.”
“Companies controlled by the Chinese Communist Party have no business receiving a penny of American federal taxpayer dollars,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “The STOP China Act strengthens federal law meant to ensure that our transportation programs don’t fund these corporations and will help protect the jobs of hardworking Teamsters who manufacture buses against unfair state-sponsored competition.”
Congress passed the Transportation Infrastructure Vehicle Security Act (TIVSA), which prohibits companies with ties to China’s government from receiving taxpayer-funded contracts from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to build U.S. rail cars and buses, as part of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act.
However, China has taken advantage of other government funds in the law to continue competing for transit business in the U.S. The STOP China Act would prevent any appropriated funds to the DOT from being awarded to grantees for the purchase of Chinese government transit buses. It would also require the United States Trade Representative (USTR), in consultation with the U.S. Attorney General, to produce a list of prohibited entities headquartered or affiliated with China.
In addition to Senator Baldwin, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Tina Smith (D-MN), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Gary Peters (D-MI) and Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).
The legislation is endorsed by Alliance for American Manufacturing, Steel Manufacturers Association, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, United Steelworkers, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and Transport Workers Union of America.
Full text of the bill is available here.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing yesterday, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) questioned witnesses on how staff reductions at USDA, led by Elon Musk’s DOGE, are hurting farms and farming communities in Vermont and across the United States.
“We are so—in Vermont—appreciative of the work that the USDA has done, and we’re really concerned, as I think a lot of people are, about the staffing cuts because we had a staff aspirational level, and our actual numbers were a good deal below that. And now, since the buyouts and the DOGE cuts, it’s really been significantly compromised. My experience with the USDA and Vermont is it’s really efficient,” said Senator Welch. “What’s so wonderful about it is farmers trust [NRCS] and that trust is in short supply. I join my colleagues who are concerned about it and express my appreciation and admiration for the work that has been done.”
“At a certain point you’ve got to get concrete. If we’ve lost 10%, or 15%, or 20% of the staff and still have the same job or more, how are we going to proceed?” Senator Welch concluded.
Watch the Senator’s full remarks below:
Source: City of Plymouth
Summer’s finally here and Mount Wise Swimming Pools and Tinside Lido are looking forward to welcoming their first visitors of the season on Saturday 24 May.
Both pools will be open every day from midday to 6pm during term time and 10am to 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays and during school holidays.
Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member with responsibility for sport and leisure, said: “With the lovely weather we’re now seeing we know everyone will be really excited to take a dip and enjoy the sunshine with their friends and family.
“We’re so lucky to have these amazing outdoor pools on our doorsteps, especially in such beautiful waterfront settings and there are loads of fun events and activities planned for both sites.
“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to keep Mount Wise free of charge again to help families make the most of the summer months. We’re also incredibly excited to see improvements at Tinside nearing completion and look forward to unveiling its transformation very soon.”
Mount Wise, which features a 25-metre main pool, fun pool and children’s paddling pool and offers fantastic views across the River Tamar, will remain free of charge.
Entry to the Grade II listed Tinside lido on Plymouth Hoe, overlooking Plymouth’s spectacular seafront, costs £6.30 for Plymouth residents and £10 for non-residents, with concessionary rates for children, people aged 67 and over, anyone in receipt of benefits, NHS blue light staff and armed forces and ex-armed forces personnel. Under-fives go free.
Season tickets can also be bought for Tinside on the Plymouth Active website, at the Plymouth Life Centre or at Plympton Pool. (Concessionary season tickets must be bought in person.)
Mount Wise will be hosting free youth night swims from 6pm to 7.30pm every Thursday and Tinside will also be hosting youth nights and Swim Safe sessions over the summer.
Special ‘early bird’ swims are also making a welcome return at Mount Wise on Wednesday mornings from 6.30am to 8.30am (£4 entry) and at Tinside on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 6.30am to 9am (£6.30 for adults and £5 for children).
And if that’s not early enough for you, why not celebrate the longest day of the year with a refreshing sunrise dip at Tinside’s Summer Solstice Swim at 4.45am on Saturday 21 June?
Whether you take to the water or just want to soak up the magical atmosphere you can also start your day with a tasty BBQ breakfast, served up from 7pm. Doors open at 4.30am and entry costs £6.30. Find out more and book your tickets here.
Visitors to Tinside are reminded that refurbishment works to create the exciting new multi-purpose youth, community and events space, with panoramic views of the National Marine Park, are still ongoing.
The £4.5 million refurbishment is designed to open up new spaces and is being funded through the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park by grants from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Youth Investment Fund, UK Government and Plymouth City Council.
The new ‘coffee pod’ is programmed to open in mid-June, serving ice cream, cakes, paninis, snacks and hot and cold drinks and it is hoped the new sun terrace and seating area will be ready in time for the Summer Solstice Swim.
Remaining works are expected to be complete by the end of June but full details will be confirmed nearer the time.
For more information about Mount Wise and Tinside pools visit the Plymouth Active website. All sessions can be booked up to seven days in advance.
Source: University of Aberdeen
Frankenstein artworkA new exhibition at the University of Aberdeen invites visitors to meet ghosts, vampires and the supernatural as they step into a world of Gothic terror and explore how Gothic literature used fear to both terrify and excite readers.
Opening in the Sir Duncan Rice Library on May 19, 2025, the exhibition explores why we are so intrigued and excited by things that scare us. Using the rich collection of eighteenth and nineteenth century Gothic literature cared for by University Collections, the exhibition highlights how the genre explores transgressive themes through their tales of monsters and villains.
Visitors will see early editions of key Gothic novels including Castle of Otranto (first published 1764), The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890), and M. R. James’s Ghost Stories of an Antiquary (1904). These texts, and many more on display, are used to explore how fields such as queer theory and Postcolonial readings have brought new meanings to these stories that have fascinated audiences since their publication.
An immersive space highlights the tropes used by authors to evoke a sense of fear in readers and will allow those who visit to get creative and explore the darker side of their imaginations, creating Gothic plots and stories. A cosy Victorian reading provides space to settle down and enjoy a good book, while Old Aberdeen Library will also have a selection of Gothic writing available to check out and read at home.
Curator Christina Mackenzie said: “Gothic literature has an enduring appeal as shown by the popularity of many of these texts centuries after they were written.
“This has been such a fun and revealing exhibition to work on and we’ve really tried to explore that throughout – the way these texts tell scary stories on the surface, but have been reinterpreted over time to question the monstrosity of the ‘monsters’.”
‘Fear & Fascination’ will be accompanied by a rich events programme, kicking off with Sophie Coulombeau’s talk Brothers & Lovers: Frances Burney and the Gothicon 29 May.
‘Fear and Fascination: A Gothic Exhibition’ will be open in the Sir Duncan Rice Library Gallery, Bedford Road, Aberdeen AB24 3AA, 11am-7pm Mon-Fri, 1pm-4pm Sat & Sun, from 19 May to 7 December 2025.
Enquiries: uoacollections@abdn.ac.uk
See https://www.abdn.ac.uk/collections/whats-on/ for further details of the exhibition and events programme.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Source: United Nations secretary general
Chancellor Merz, thank you for your warm welcome.
And I look forward to working closely with you and your new Government to build a Germany-UN partnership even stronger in the future, than in the present, knowing that in the present it is already extremely strong.
Germany is a pillar of multilateralism …
A strong and generous supporter of the United Nations…
A voice of peace and a champion of human rights…
A committed leader in the fight against climate change…
And an essential partner for peacekeeping, peacebuilding and humanitarian aid — demonstrated not least by your hosting of the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting that was an exceptional success.
Germany is a leader in the humanitarian response in Lebanon and Syria, and strongly engaged on Sudan, including most recently as co-host of the recent conference in London.
German diplomacy is particularly active in addressing the two biggest challenges that affect peace in Europe and the Middle East: the situations in Ukraine and Gaza.
I reiterate my appeal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine to pave the way for a just peace. A peace based on the UN Charter and international law, namely respecting the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
In relation to Gaza, I reiterate my call for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, unimpeded humanitarian access, and an immediate cessation of hostilities allowing for an irreversible path towards a Two-State solution.
Beyond peace efforts, I see a number of other key areas where German leadership can make — and is making — a positive difference in the world.
In the global battle against climate change as we work towards maximum ambition and climate justice at COP30 in Brazil…
And at the upcoming Financing for Development Conference in Sevilla, where we will push namely for debt relief and reforming the global financial architecture to support developing countries in the follow up of the Pact for the Future.
And most of all, Germany’s leadership and voice are essential in a world of growing geopolitical divides and mistrust.
This is an important year for multilateralism — the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.
And we count on Germany to continue standing up for the solidarity and solutions our world needs now.
Danke schön
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)
WASHINGTON, DC – During today’s House Energy and Commerce Committee markup on the Republican reconciliation legislation, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) railed against a massive giveaway to Big Tech companies that would harm consumers and kids online. The provision buried in the bill would prohibit state-level protections on AI, allowing tech companies to deploy this emerging technology without restriction.
“A ban on state regulations of AI for ten years shows where Republicans’ loyalty is: to Big Tech and the wealthy. Dismantling states’ regulations on technology amounts to a financial windfall of epic proportions, consistent with tax cuts for the rich that the Ways & Means Republicans marked up today,” Congresswoman Trahan said. “This provision absolves companies of any responsibility to protect consumers from the harms of AI. It is also drafted so broadly as to implicate states’ privacy and online safety laws, directly harming our kids.”
CLICK HERE or the image below to view Trahan’s remarks during the Committee’s consideration of reconciliation legislation. A transcript is embedded below.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee is currently marking up House Republicans’ reconciliation package that, according to the Congressional Budget Office, would cut $715 billion from Medicaid and eliminate health coverage for at least 13.7 million Americans. Included in that bill is a provision that would ban states from creating or implementing laws to limit potential harms of AI, effectively allowing Big Tech companies to deploy a rapidly changing technology without any accountability for its negative impacts.
During debate over the legislation, Trahan spoke in support of an amendment filed by House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) to strike the 10-year moratorium on state AI regulation.
“This handout for big tech and ultra-wealthy tech barons in the same reconciliation bill that guts healthcare for millions is what people hate about Washington. It’s lop-sided and it’s insulting,” Congresswoman Trahan continued. “If Republicans had chosen to start this hearing with the faces and stories of who they are advocating for, you wouldn’t see everyday Americans like us Democrats held up. We’d be looking at posters of Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos.”
Following debate on the amendment, every House Republican on the committee voted No, preserving the provision in the legislation.
———————————————
Congresswoman Lori Trahan
Remarks As Delivered
House Energy and Commerce Committee Markup – AI Moratorium Amendment
May 14, 2025
I move to strike the last word.
Very soon, this Committee will be debating the biggest cuts to Medicaid in our nation’s history. Cuts that will strip health insurance from over 13 million Americans all to pay for tax cuts that disproportionately benefit the wealthiest in our country.
Republicans will say that they aren’t cutting Medicaid – that they are simply implementing quote “sensible” work requirements. But please stay skeptical.
Republicans are implementing cumbersome requirements because added paperwork will lead to less compliance and ultimately, less people enrolled, conveniently giving them enough space to fill the pot for their super-rich friends. A group of friends that, we should note, is headlined by the same big tech CEOs who stood behind President Trump at his inauguration. A group of friends who will say they want a federal privacy policy, a national AI framework while spending millions of dollars to make sure those bills never see the House Floor.
A ban on state regulations of AI for ten years shows where Republicans’ loyalty is: to Big Tech and the wealthy. Dismantling states’ regulations on technology amounts to a financial windfall of epic proportions, consistent with tax cuts for the rich that the Ways & Means Republicans marked up today.
This provision absolves companies of any responsibility to protect consumers from the harms of AI. It is also drafted so broadly as to implicate states’ privacy and online safety laws, directly harming our kids. Simply put, this provision, this single paragraph snuck into a massive budget bill, would undermine digital rights duly provided to millions of Americans by their state legislatures.
States have taken the lead in regulating technology while Congress has stalled out amidst a barrage of endless lobbying. If privacy and kids’ online safety are any indication, this Congress will not pass meaningful, comprehensive regulation of AI.
And I ask my colleagues: what gives you so much optimism that Congress can pass meaningful protections for AI, privacy, or online safety? You claim that states have created a patchwork of regulations – why do you think state lawmakers have done that? You think they want to be legislating on difficult questions of technology policy?
No. No, state lawmakers have stepped up because their federal counterparts – we – have consistently failed to act. Americans are fed up, and instead they’re asking state legislatures to protect them and their kids online.
Make no mistake: this provision is a product of big tech lobbying. Companies including Meta and Google have long asked for it, and trade associations for big tech rejoiced when Republicans included it in this bill. Because what this provision represents is the biggest gift to the tech industry in its history.
Put in context, however, this ban on tech regulation is not just bad policy, it’s morally bankrupt. We can work together on modernizing our systems, leveraging our data and our analytics. But Mr. Chairman, think about it: Republicans are effectively eliminating requirements on technology companies to make their products safe and trustworthy while, at the same time, adding requirements for Americans to receive lifesaving healthcare.
Under their bill, Americans will have to jump through hoops and complete mounds of paperwork to prove that they are working. Technology companies, on the other hand, won’t have to show their work at all. This handout for big tech and ultra-wealthy tech barons in the same reconciliation bill that guts healthcare for millions is what people hate about Washington. It’s lop-sided and it’s insulting.
If Republicans had chosen to start this hearing with the faces and stories of who they are advocating for, you wouldn’t see everyday Americans like us Democrats held up. We’d be looking at posters of Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos.
Requirements, compliance, and paperwork for busy, working class Americans, but not for billionaire big tech donors. That’s the Republican way, according to this legislation.
But I’d love to be proven wrong. So vote yes on the amendment. I yield back.
###
Source: Samsung
With $100,000 on the line, professional Call of Duty Mobile gamers trained some of the best Call of Duty PC and console players to battle it out on Galaxy S25 Ultra, competing for first place at the Samsung Galaxy Gear Up Cup at the LVL UP Expo in Las Vegas. The competition kicked off on April 11, with the semifinals and finals showcase taking place on April 25. Each night was packed with exciting moments, clutch 1v1s, as well as the latest and greatest Samsung mobile gaming technology.
In the action-packed finale, the Nebula Knights were crowned champions and walked away with bragging rights and $100,000. They were led by their team captain, Space, and an all-star cast of gamers: Lucky Chaumu, IceManIsaac, Rated, and Primroze. In second place was The Momentum, with team captain, Jezz, and a stacked roster of their own: Aydan, Huskerrs, Santana, and Noemi.
In addition to team competitions, the highly anticipated Captain v. Captain showcase ended with Jezz defeating Space.
Source: Samsung
Your Galaxy wearables are about to get even smarter, starting this winter. The Gemini app is set to debut on the Galaxy Watch6 series and later models, making its first integration into the Galaxy wearable lineup. Moreover, activating Gemini will be smoother than ever when paired with the Galaxy Buds3 series. This update will extend AI functionalities—previously exclusive to smartphones—across the entire Galaxy ecosystem, creating a more cohesive and intelligent user experience.
Galaxy Watch: Your Routine, Made Effortless
With Gemini on your Galaxy Watch, your daily routine is a breeze. If you’re working out and remember you need to send yesterday’s meeting notes, simply ask Gemini to find the relevant email using natural voice commands such as “Where’s the latest email about yesterday’s board meeting?” Then tell Gemini to send a summary of the email in a text message to your team. When you’re carrying heavy shopping bags and need to take a break, simply activate Gemini on your Galaxy Watch and ask to find a nearby café—all without breaking stride to use your phone.
With Gemini, Galaxy Watch users can stay productive on the move
Galaxy Buds: Seamless Device Interaction
When used with Galaxy Buds, the Gemini experience becomes even more seamless. By using voice or pinch and hold controls, you can activate Gemini on your Galaxy Buds and smoothly interact with your Galaxy smartphone. With Gemini, a more intelligent Galaxy experience is at your fingertips.
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Tobacco companies have been adding such flavours such as menthol, fruit and confectionaries into conventional smoking products to disguise the harshness of tobacco smoke, making it easier for non-smokers to initiate and maintain a bsmoking habit, the Health Bureau pointed out today.
The statement was made in response to media enquiries regarding the rationale behind the bureau’s proposal to ban flavoured conventional smoking products under a new phase of tobacco control measures.
Research also showed that banning flavoured conventional cigarettes can reduce the chances of young people using tobacco, the bureau added.
The bureau had already stated in the Consultation Document on Tobacco Control Strategies in 2023 as well as subsequent Legislative Council documents that around 50 countries and regions worldwide, including 27 European Union member states, Canada and the UK have banned the sale of flavoured cigarettes. Additionally, China’s Taiwan region announced last year the prohibition of the use of specified flavour additives in tobacco products.
Stressing that banning flavoured conventional smoking products is neither unique to Hong Kong nor “over the top”, the bureau said Hong Kong needs to align itself with international tobacco control policies through legislative work.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) honored Utah’s law enforcement officers this week supporting two resolutions recognizing their service and the observance of National Police Week.
“The courageous men and women of law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to protect our families and our communities,” said Senator Mike Lee. “In the face of outrageous attacks against these American heroes, we salute them, we thank them, and we pray for them.”
Badges from each of Utah’s police departments are displayed in honor of National Police Week.
Senator Lee cosponsored two pieces of legislation honoring the work of law enforcement officers. A resolution introduced Tuesday recognizes the sacrifices and impact made by police officers across the country – particularly those whose lives were lost in the line of duty – and calls for increased support for officers’ work and wellbeing. Another resolution passed unanimously on Tuesday with a large bipartisan coalition calling for the observance of National Police Week on May 11-17, 2025.
Approximately 800,000 law enforcement officers in the United States – and over 5,000 in Utah – risk their lives every day to protect and serve their communities. Utah’s dedicated police departments have decreased the rates of violent crime, homicide, property crime, and vehicle theft at a faster pace than the national average since 2020. Yet while police forces have successfully brought crime rates down, increasing partisan hostility puts them in more danger than ever. Over the past 10 years, over 2,500 American law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty, with assaults peaking in 2023 as 79,000 officers suffered attacks by criminals. These resolutions reaffirm Congress’s commitment to support law enforcement officers in their service to Americans.
Read the resolution in support of law enforcement here.
Read the resolution on National Police Week here.
Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)
“The gleaming marbles of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi were not created by the so-called nation builders, neocons, or liberal nonprofits. The birth of a modern Middle East has been brought by the people of the region themselves. Peace, prosperity, and progress ultimately came not from a radical rejection of your heritage, but rather from embracing your national traditions and embracing that same heritage that you love so dearly.” –President Donald J. Trump
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
RYE, N.Y., May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Trustees of The Gabelli Global Small and Mid Cap Value Trust (NYSE:GGZ) (the “Fund”) declared a $0.16 per share cash distribution payable on June 23, 2025 to common shareholders of record on June 13, 2025.
The Fund intends to pay a quarterly distribution of an amount determined each quarter by the Board of Trustees. In addition to the quarterly distributions, and in accordance with the minimum distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code for regulated investment companies, the Fund may pay an adjusting distribution in December which includes any additional income and net realized capital gains in excess of the quarterly distributions for that year.
Each quarter, the Board of Directors reviews the amount of any potential distribution from the income, realized capital gain, or capital available. The Board of Directors will continue to monitor the Fund’s distribution level, taking into consideration the Fund’s net asset value and the current financial market environment. The Fund’s distribution policy is subject to modification by the Board of Directors at any time, and there can be no guarantee that the policy will continue. The distribution rate should not be considered the dividend yield or total return on an investment in the Fund.
All or part of the distribution may be treated as long-term capital gain or qualified dividend income (or a combination of both) for individuals, each subject to the maximum federal income tax rate for long term capital gains, which is currently 20% in taxable accounts for individuals (or less depending on an individual’s tax bracket). In addition, certain U.S. shareholders who are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare surcharge on their “net investment income”, which includes dividends received from the Fund and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund.
If the Fund does not generate sufficient earnings (dividends and interest income, less expenses, and realized net capital gain) equal to or in excess of the aggregate distributions paid by the Fund in a given year, then the amount distributed in excess of the Fund’s earnings would be deemed a return of capital. Since this would be considered a return of a portion of a shareholder’s original investment, it is generally not taxable and would be treated as a reduction in the shareholder’s cost basis.
Long-term capital gains, qualified dividend income, investment company taxable income, and return of capital, if any, will be allocated on a pro-rata basis to all distributions to common shareholders for the year. Based on the accounting records of the Fund currently available, each of the distributions paid to common shareholders in 2025 would include approximately 17% from net capital gains and 83% would be deemed a return of capital on a book basis. This does not represent information for tax reporting purposes. The estimated components of each distribution are updated and provided to shareholders of record in a notice accompanying the distribution and are available on our website (www.gabelli.com). The final determination of the sources of all distributions in 2025 will be made after year end and can vary from the quarterly estimates. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the current distribution. All individual shareholders with taxable accounts will receive written notification regarding the components and tax treatment for all 2025 distributions in early 2026 via Form 1099-DIV.
Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. For more information regarding the Fund’s distribution policy and other information about the Fund, call:
Bethany Uhlein
(914) 921-5546
About The Gabelli Global Small and Mid Cap Value Trust
The Gabelli Global Small and Mid Cap Value Trust is a diversified, closed-end management investment company with $136 million in total net assets whose primary investment objective is to achieve long-term capital growth of capital. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in equity securities (such as common stock and preferred stock) of companies with small or medium sized market capitalizations. The Fund is managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, a subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (OTCQX: GAMI).
NYSE – GGZ
CUSIP – 36249W104
THE GABELLI GLOBAL SMALL AND MID CAP VALUE TRUST
Investor Relations Contact:
Bethany Uhlein
(914) 921-5546
buhlein@gabelli.com
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40), chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee, delivered an opening statement at today’s hearing titled, “National Economic Security: Advancing U.S. Interests Abroad.”
Watch her remarks HERE or read her opening statement below.
Good morning and welcome to the East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee’s hearing on “National Economic Security: Advancing U.S. Interests Abroad.”
In 2019, Ambassador William Burns, one of our most decorated diplomats and the former CIA Director, described the Department of State as “adrift.”
Over the years, the Department has had trouble finding its purpose as functions and authorities have been stripped away or absorbed by the National Security Council, Department of Defense, and even agencies traditionally focused on domestic issues.
For more than 170 years, economic statecraft was led by the Department of State. This changed in 1961 when President Kennedy sought to expand the administrative state, pulling functions and authorities out of the Department to create new agencies and organizations, including the United States Trade Representative which would be responsible for conducting all U.S. trade and investment diplomacy.
The justification for pulling these trade and investment functions out of the Department was to improve the Government’s capacity to prioritize and support U.S. businesses, strengthen the export performance of U.S. industry, and assure fair international trade practices.
However, it has effectively split our economic interests from our diplomatic priorities, which has resulted in several challenges:
First, it has not helped increase the ability of U.S. businesses to access foreign markets.
In practice, the Foreign Commercial Service (F-C-S) and Foreign Agricultural Service (F-A-S) officers are few in number and often positioned at U.S. embassies without alignment to our foreign policy priorities.
When I travel abroad, I routinely meet with FCS personnel who explain that they spend most of their time engaged in trade shows and organizing events with minimal direct work on increasing and securing market access for American businesses.
Because they are siloed off from our diplomatic efforts of the Department of State, they’re restricted in leveraging the other tools in our diplomatic toolkit to assist American companies.
Second, the American market has been left susceptible to predatory foreign competition.
Our ability to protect American businesses and workers has been severely hampered, leading to calls from across the country for the Executive to act and repatriate entire industries and sectors.
President Trump, like his predecessors, has repeatedly said that “economic policy IS foreign policy.” Unfortunately, we have not implemented the structural reforms needed to mobilize that sentiment.
Even President Obama asked Congress for the authority to consolidate six agencies with trade and investment functions in 2012; this request was not supported by Congress.
Bipartisan administrations have independently come to the same conclusion: the current alignment of functions and agencies charged with leading our economic statecraft effort is in need of structural reform.
I agree that “economic security is national security”, and the key question we will be asking today is: what structural reforms are necessary to reflect this prioritization?
We intend to answer that question in the Committee’s first comprehensive State Authorization legislation in more than 20 years.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
PARIS, France, May 14, 2025/APO Group/ —
Mauritania is accelerating its shift toward a fully privatized power generation model, with bids due in the next two to three weeks for a new independent power plant tied to the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas project. The country’s Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Mohamed Ould Khaled, made the announcement at the Invest in African Energy 2025 Forum in Paris on Tuesday.
“All new power generation projects in Mauritania will be private. State-owned companies will no longer be involved in power generation,” said the Minister. He added that two projects currently being developed as IPPs will be fueled by domestic gas and will contribute a combined 550 MW to the national grid over the next couple of years.
The power sector reform is part of a wider transformation aimed at enabling Mauritania to harness its significant gas and renewable energy resources to power industrialization, expand electricity access and drive inclusive growth.
“We want to develop large-scale natural gas and renewable energy resources. We want to expand affordable, clean power access to our people and industries and power inclusive economic growth, especially to unleash our mining potential.”
Mauritania currently has 57% energy access and aims to achieve full national coverage by 2030, according to the Minister. Gas from the GTA project – shared with Senegal – will play a central role in this transition, supplying enough fuel for a 250 MW combined-cycle power plant in each country during the project’s first phase, he said.
The Minister described Mauritania as uniquely positioned for energy leadership on the continent and beyond, citing its combination of gas, solar, wind and strategic proximity to Europe. He also highlighted Mauritania’s position as the African leader in green hydrogen project development, backed by newly modernized regulatory frameworks.
“Mauritania holds the largest pipeline of green hydrogen projects in Africa, which are designed not only to export molecules, but to catalyze industrialization in Mauritania and decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors. We have the potential to produce 12 million tons of green hydrogen production per year, with wind speeds of 10 meters per second and amazing solar.”
“To support this transformation, we have completely modernized our framework,” the Minister continued. “We have opened up the electricity sector to private investments, introduced a new local content policy, and implemented new PPP and investment codes. Additionally, we have launched Africa’s first green hydrogen code, which provides clarity and long-term stability for investors.”
Looking ahead, Mauritania’s integrated energy vision includes the expanded development of the BirAllah gas field – another major deepwater discovery – along with subsequent phases of the GTA project to reach 10 million tons of LNG per year, cross-border electricity trade with neighboring countries and further development of its mining sector.
Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation
14th May 2025
Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth, today announced a major step forward in Ireland’s journey toward a more inclusive digital society with a call to action on the forthcoming Charter for Digital Inclusion.
The Charter is a key deliverable under “Digital for Good: Ireland’s Digital Inclusion Roadmap”, published in August 2023, which forms part of the Government’s National Digital Strategy. It aims to ensure that no one is left behind as digital technologies become increasingly central to how we live, work, and connect.
“Digital technology is transforming every aspect of our lives—but not everyone has equal access to its benefits,” said Minister
“This Charter is a call to action for businesses and organisations across Ireland to embed digital inclusion into their everyday operations. By signing the Charter, organisations commit to impactful actions to ensure that digital opportunities are accessible to all.”
The Charter will outline a set of core commitments focused on accessibility, equity, affordability, and the development of digital skills. It will serve as a framework for collaboration between the public sector, large enterprises, SMEs, community organisations and citizens.
Minister Smyth emphasised the importance of partnership, particularly the role of larger businesses in supporting SMEs to adopt and benefit from digital technologies:
“By working together—big and small businesses, public bodies and communities—we can create a supportive ecosystem that benefits everyone. When large companies help SMEs go digital, the entire economy gains.”
The Minister highlighted successful examples already underway, including:
Minister Smyth added:
“These are the kinds of impactful actions we want to encourage through the Charter.”
To support the initiative, the Department will launch a dedicated webpage outlining the Charter’s principles and showcasing real-world examples of digital inclusion in action. This platform will serve as a hub for inspiration, collaboration, and progress tracking.
“This isn’t just a government initiative—today is a call to action. I invite businesses, public bodies, and community leaders to sign the Charter and join us in building a more digitally inclusive Ireland.”
Notes for Editors
What is a Charter for Digital Inclusion:
Digital for Good: Ireland’s Digital Inclusion Roadmap was published in August 2023 and reflects the commitment in Harnessing Digital to ensure the Government better serves people who are not able to engage online and promotes the United Nations principle of “Leave No One Behind”.
A Charter for Digital Inclusion aims to support public and private organisations to join efforts in ensuring equitable access to the use of digital technologies, services, and associated opportunities for everyone. The Charter is a set of commitments to which business and other organisations can sign up to maximise their efforts in contributing to bridging the digital gap by promoting basic digital skills, building awareness and helping people get online.
In line with Ireland’s Digital Inclusion Roadmap which identifies access, affordability and ability as key determinants for digital inclusion, digital exclusion encompasses not only the lack of access to technologies and services but also the absence of necessary digital skills and literacy to fully benefit from them. This digital gap can hinder individuals and organisations from fully participating in the digital economy and society.
Addressing it involves strong commitments in the following areas:
We will promote joint action in tackling these areas to work towards a more inclusive digital future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment will invite public bodies, businesses, and community organisations to endorse this Charter, adopt its principles, and join in building a more inclusive digital future for all.
Charter for Digital Inclusion Principles:
Our commitments to digital inclusion are guided by the following core principles:
Commitments for Digital Inclusion:
Businesses and organisations can choose the commitments that best align with their goals.
The Charter asks businesses and organisations to take action by selecting from the list of commitments below.
ENDS
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Chief Executive John Lee hailed his visit to Kuwait and Qatar as a success having made achievements in six areas.
At a media session in Kuwait City, Kuwait, today, Mr Lee concluded his four-day visit to the two Middle East countries with a business delegation comprising representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises.
“We strengthened relations between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the governments of Qatar and Kuwait, establishing a collaborative consensus.
“The visit resulted in a total of 59 Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, 35 in Qatar and 24 in Kuwait, spanning across diverse areas and laying a robust groundwork for multifaceted co-operation.”
The Chief Executive also noted that the visit helped leverage Hong Kong’s strengths under the “one country, two systems” principle in connecting the Mainland and the world, deepening international exchanges and co-operation, and demonstrating the synergistic power of the complementary advantages between Hong Kong and the Mainland.
He added that the trip also further built relations with the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) countries to explore greater business opportunities, deepened mutual understanding and strengthening commercial and trading networks, and further enhanced cultural exchanges with the GCC countries.
In addition to Qatar’s new 30-day visa-free arrangement for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders, Mr Lee today announced that the United Arab Emirates will grant Hong Kong 30-day visa-free access starting May 15, while Oman will, on the same date, extend its visa-free period from 10 to 14 days.
Mr Lee also highlighted that in meetings with leaders and officials in Kuwait and Qatar, he appreciated their forward-looking vision and their understanding of Hong Kong’s unparalleled advantages under “one country, two systems” as a bridge between the Mainland and the world.
“Middle East countries are seeking diversification of risks and looking for opportunities in China and the Hong Kong SAR in order to join the tide of the global economic shift towards the East. In this, Hong Kong has boundless opportunities.”
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, is pushing to remove bureaucratic barriers and better support farmers in implementing conservation practices that improve soil health and water quality.
At an Agriculture Committee hearing, she announced her new bipartisan Streamlining Conservation Practice Standards Act, which would update the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) process to:
Require a regular review of existing conservation practice standards,
Create a public process for submitting and adopting new practices, and
Prioritize the integration of innovative tools like nutrient efficiency technologies — biological fertilizer being one example that’s proven to improve plant growth.
Watch Senator Ernst’s remarks here.
“Traveling across Iowa, I regularly hear from farmers who are eager to implement conservation practices that improve soil health, water quality, and long-term productivity — but they face real barriers when rigid USDA standards slow things down,” said Senator Ernst. “I’m leading the Streamlining Conservation Practice Standards Act to modernize how USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service updates its technical standards. Ultimately, the goal is simple: let’s cut the red tape, let’s keep standards science-based and flexible, and help farmers get conservation tools in use faster.”
“Iowa continues to lead and set records in conservation, but there’s still significant work to be done in the years and decades to come. The USDA is an important federal partner in these efforts, and it is essential that we streamline the review and approval of new technologies and practices that are proven to help farmers and landowners improve soil health and water quality,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig.“Improving efficiency, transparency, and predictability within federal programs will help us strengthen our partnerships, accelerate the adoption of conservation practices and make progress on Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy goals.”
“By leveraging innovations in regenerative agriculture and soil health practices, we can help farmers and producers make their working lands more resilient,” said Senator Heinrich. “Our bipartisan legislation accomplishes this by updating and streamlining the process for developing new conservation practice standards at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service. This will allow producers to build more resilience into their operations.”
“Streamlining updates to conservation practice standards helps cut the bureaucratic red tape that our farmers have been wrongly forced to navigate. Our producers work hard to find new, innovative ways to work the land while conserving its resources, and the federal government should be a partner in doing so — not a roadblock,” said Senator Marshall. “I’m proud to work on this bipartisan solution with Senator Ernst to ensure farmers have the tools necessary to support conservation efforts and help producers leave their land better than they found it.”
“Illinois ranks fourth in the nation in planted cropland, but for years, has ranked as low as 37th in farm conservation funds that USDA distributes to help farmers adopt cover crops, conservation tillage, and other critical environmental practices. USDA’s statewide one-size-fits-all conservation practice rules do not always match the unique needs of each farm,” said Senator Durbin. “This bill creates a process to add more flexibility to these standards, provide routine updates to keep up with the latest innovations, and ensure more academic and farmer input into developing the conservation practices.”
Background:Ernst has long held that farmers are the original conservationists and pushed to remove red tape from USDA conservation programs to make these tools more accessible.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
05.14.25
Cantwell Statement on the Passing of Rep. Phyllis Gutiérrez Kenney
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement on the passing of former Washington State Representative Phyllis Gutiérrez Kenney:
“Phyllis Gutiérrez Kenney was a dear friend and mentor to generations of legislators and Latino leaders who would come after her. We lost a true leader. Even before being elected to the State House, Phyllis’ mark was being felt across Central Washington as she worked to bring childcare and educational services to migrant children. In the legislature, she was a champion for education equity, leading the fight for a groundbreaking law to provide undocumented individuals educated in Washington State access to state tuition rates at our public colleges. Phyllis’ legacy will live on in the children she helped provide resources for and in the many legislators she mentored.”
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
05.14.25
Cantwell Statement on Boeing / Qatar Airways Deal
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released this statement regarding today’s announcement of a large sale of Boeing aircraft to Qatar Airways:
“It’s a big win for Boeing’s energy-efficient 787 and 777 planes and a big win for Puget Sound and U.S. supply chain jobs. It’s also good to see U.S. manufacturers winning in the lucrative widebody airplane market. It’s also a reminder why it’s time to sell to meet big demand instead of pursuing trade disruptions.”
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
05.14.25
Cantwell, Colleagues Condemn Trump’s Willingness to Accept Lavish $400M Jet From Qatar
Amid administration’s claims of rooting out fraud and mismanagement, Trump indicates intent to accept 747 jet as a gift
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined 26 of her colleagues in formally condemning President Donald Trump’s willingness to accept a $400 million 747 jet from Qatar – to be used as a new Air Force One plane in the meantime, and then gifted to the Trump Presidential Library after he leaves office.
“The Senate condemns violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the United States Constitution, including the acceptance of substantial gifts from foreign governments that would replace symbols of the United States without the consent of Congress,” the resolution states.
The resolution was led by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and was cosponsored by Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mark Warner (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Gary Peters (D-MI), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Andy Kim (D-NJ).
The full text of the resolution is HERE and below.
Condemning violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the United States Constitution, including the acceptance of substantial gifts from foreign governments that would replace symbols of the United States without the consent of Congress
Whereas the aircraft commonly referred to as Air Force One is a symbol of the United States;
Whereas Air Force One is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Office of the President of the United States;
Whereas Air Force One is equipped with some of the most sensitive technologies designed to transmit some of the most highly classified national security information of the nation;
Whereas the acceptance of presidential aircraft from a foreign government constitutes a substantial gift;
Whereas the acceptance of presidential aircraft from a foreign government poses counter-intelligence and other national security concerns;
Whereas the acceptance of a substantial gift from a foreign government could unduly influence the foreign policies of the United States;
Whereas the acceptance of presidential aircraft from a foreign government would establish a concerning precedent for the acceptance of substantial gifts from foreign governments without the consent of Congress;
Whereas the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the United States Constitution states that no present, emolument, office, or title, of any kind, may be accepted by the President of the United States from a King, Prince, or foreign State without the consent of Congress;
Whereas the President of the United States has a constitutional and statutory obligation to uphold the public trust;
Whereas the violation of the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the United States Constitution undermines public trust and the integrity of public office in the United States.
Now, therefore be it resolved, that the Senate condemns violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the United States Constitution, including the acceptance of substantial gifts from foreign governments that would replace symbols of the United States without the consent of Congress.
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2
Media Advisory
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
What
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have identified a series of changes in the architecture and cell composition of connective tissues of the breast, known as stromal tissue, that is associated with an increased risk of developing aggressive breast cancer among women with benign breast disease, and poorer rates of survival among women with invasive breast cancer. This process, which they call stromal disruption, could potentially be used as a biomarker to identify women with benign breast disease who are at high risk of developing aggressive breast cancers, as well as those with breast cancer who may be at increased risk of recurrence or death.
Such insights could help inform the development of cancer prevention and treatment strategies that target the stromal microenvironment. In addition, stromal disruption is inexpensive to assess and could be widely adopted, particularly in low-resource settings where molecular analysis is impractical or very expensive.
In the study, the researchers used machine learning to detect subtle changes in the stroma of 4,023 donated samples of healthy breast tissue, 974 biopsies of tissue with benign breast disease, and 4,223 biopsies of tissue with invasive breast cancer.
In women who donated healthy breast tissue, the same risk factors associated with aggressive breast cancer— including younger age, having two or more children, being self-reported as Black, obesity, and family history—were also associated with increased stromal disruption, suggesting that those risk factors may act via a common stromal tissue pathway.
In women with benign breast disease, having substantial stromal disruption on biopsy was associated with a higher risk of developing aggressive breast cancer and more rapid onset of breast cancer than having minimal or no stromal disruption.
In women with invasive breast cancer, increased stromal disruption was associated with more aggressive disease phenotypes and poorer survival outcomes, particularly for women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, the most common subtype.
The researchers noted that factors such as chronic inflammation and wound healing play a role in stromal disruption. They emphasized the need for additional studies to determine whether strategies to prevent these tissue changes from occurring, such as lifestyle changes and anti-inflammatory medications, might be beneficial to reduce aggressive breast cancer risk, particularly among high-risk women.
Who
Mustapha Abubakar, M.D., Ph.D., Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute
Reference
“Unraveling the role of stromal disruption in aggressive breast cancer etiology and outcomes” appears May 14, 2025, in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
About the National Cancer Institute (NCI): NCI leads the National Cancer Program and NIH’s efforts to dramatically reduce the prevalence of cancer and improve the lives of people with cancer. NCI supports a wide range of cancer research and training extramurally through grants and contracts. NCI’s intramural research program conducts innovative, transdisciplinary basic, translational, clinical, and epidemiological research on the causes of cancer, avenues for prevention, risk prediction, early detection, and treatment, including research at the NIH Clinical Center—the world’s largest research hospital. Learn more about the intramural research done in NCI’s Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics. For more information about cancer, please visit the NCI website at cancer.gov or call NCI’s contact center at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).
About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®
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Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
LOS ANGELES – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 239 illegal aliens during a weeklong operation from May 4 to May 10 focused on bolstering public safety in the greater Los Angeles area.
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations and interagency partners, identified, detained and removed dangerous criminals throughout Los Angeles and surrounding cities. Criminal aliens in the U.S. illegally should utilize the CBP Home app to self-deport and avoid arrest by ICE.
Among the criminal aliens arrested during the operation included:
Lan Pham, 49, of Vietnam, convicted involuntary manslaughter, assault with a deadly weapon, parole violations, drug violations and more.
Manuel Angel Rodriguez Martinez, 40, of El Salvador, accused of aggravated rape of a minor or incapacitated individual in the category of continuing crime in his home country.
Jorge Artero Meza-Rodriquez, 52, of Mexico, convicted of vehicle theft, assault with a deadly weapon and illegal reentry to the United States.
Sung Park, 52, of Korea, convicted of voluntary manslaughter.
Several federal law enforcement agencies assisted ICE during the operation including the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, the ATF, and the U.S. Marshals Service, along with state and local law enforcement partners.
Members of the public can report crime and suspicious activity by calling 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form. Follow us on X at @ICEgov to learn more about ERO’s missions and operations.
Learn more about ICE Los Angeles’ mission to increase public safety in your community on X at @EROLosAngeles.
Download b-roll of an arrest made during the operation.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Moscow, May 14 (Xinhua) — Two people were killed and 17 others were injured in a collision between a bus and two cars on Wednesday near the village of Mikhailovka in the Zheleznogorsk district of Russia’s Kursk region, acting governor of the region Alexander Khinshtein said on his Telegram channel.
“To our great sorrow, the drivers of both cars died. According to preliminary data, 17 people received injuries of varying severity, two people are in serious condition,” the statement said.
“All victims are being sent to Zheleznogorsk and Kursk regional hospitals. All necessary assistance will definitely be provided,” said A. Khinshtein, adding that the circumstances of the accident are being established. –0–
Source: World Health Organisation
This WHO Medical Product Alert refers to three batches of falsified IMFINZI (durvalumab) injection 500mg/10ml. The falsified products have been detected in the Islamic Republic of Iran and Türkiye. These falsified products were reported to WHO in March 2025.
WHO previously issued Medical Product Alert N°5/2024 regarding another falsified batch of IMFINZI that was detected in Armenia, Lebanon, and Türkiye.
IMFINZI is a sterile concentrate for infusion. It contains the active pharmaceutical ingredient durvalumab, which is a monoclonal antibody. As monotherapy, it is indicated for the treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) in adults.
These products are falsified as they deliberately misrepresent their identity, composition, and source. The genuine manufacturer, AstraZeneca, has identified multiple visual discrepancies in the falsified products. AstraZeneca has confirmed that the products mentioned in this alert are indeed falsified. Check for the following and see the Annex below for more details:
These falsified products should be considered unsafe, and their use may be life-threatening in some circumstances. The use of these falsified IMFINZI injections may lead to ineffective or delayed treatment. It is important to detect and remove any falsified IMFINZI (durvalumab) injections from circulation to prevent harm to patients.
Health-care professionals should report any incident of adverse effects, lack of expected effects or suspected falsification to the National Regulatory Authorities or National Pharmacovigilance Centre.
WHO advises increased surveillance and diligence within the supply chains of countries and regions likely to be affected by these falsified products. Increased surveillance of the informal/unregulated market is also advised. National regulatory authorities/health authorities/law enforcement are advised to immediately notify WHO if the falsified product is detected in their country. If you are in possession of any of these products, WHO recommends that you do not use them. If you, or someone you know, has, or may have used these products, or suffered an adverse event or unexpected side-effect after use, seek immediate medical advice from a health-care professional or contact a poisons control centre.
All medical products must be obtained from authorized/licensed suppliers. If you have any information about the manufacture or supply of these falsified products, please contact WHO via rapidalert@who.int.
Annex: Products subject to WHO Medical Product Alert N°3 /2025
Source: US State of Idaho
Home Newsroom AG Labrador Announces 12 Arrests in Statewide Crackdown on Child Exploitation
BOISE — Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced the completion of Operation Unhinged, a statewide initiative led by the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force in April 2025. The operation resulted in 12 arrests for internet crimes against children, doubling the 6 arrests made last April. Additional arrests may follow pending forensic reviews of seized devices.
Operation Unhinged involved the execution of 17 residential search warrants. Three cases were accepted for federal prosecution and the rest will be prosecuted in state court.
“Because of the structural changes we’ve made within the Attorney General’s Office—along with the dedication of our investigators and strong partnerships with law enforcement across the state—the ICAC Task Force is achieving results like never before,” stated Attorney General Labrador. “We are identifying more offenders, rescuing more victims, and sending a clear message: anyone who targets children in Idaho online will be found, and our office will use every tool available to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”
The following individuals were arrested during Operation Unhinged:
Joseph Bingham, 25, Ada County
Alexander Buttle, 30, Ada County
William Strength, 43, Bannock County
Zachary Gilbert, 39, Bannock County
Connor Robinson, 28, Bonneville County
Luke Hughes, 38, Bonneville County
Alfred Brown, 61, Canyon County
Hector Martinez- Cabrerra, 34, Jerome County
Adam Tyler,34, Kootenai County
Shandon Singer, 33, Kootenai County
Dustin Angele, 21, Kootenai County
Jake Baptista, 25, Madison County
“We’re seeing incredible results with the number of arrests we are making across the state,” stated Nicholas Edwards, Chief Investigator in the Attorney General’s Office. “We are going to keep arresting those who commit these crimes, but we also need to focus on outreach, training, and education to protect Idaho’s children.”
Operation Unhinged resulted in a spike in public presentations and education. The Task Force conducted 53 community outreach events with approximately 1,390 attendees. The Task Force also had an opportunity to showcase its newest weapon in the fight against online sexual exploitation: Badger the ESD K9.
“It’s a privilege to serve as the first K9 officer in the Attorney General’s Office, and Badger has already proven himself an incredible asset to the Task Force,” stated Investigator Lauren Lane. “Badger is a triple threat: he helps us find electronic devices on search warrants, the public—especially kids—love seeing him at our presentations, and he supports the mental wellness of our officers and other staff who have to view terrible images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.”
Badger attended 7 public presentations and helped investigators find electronic storage devices on 8 search warrants during April’s Operation Unhinged.
The Task Force also trained 106 law enforcement professionals in April and will continue to direct substantial resources to training law enforcement throughout the state.
Operation Unhinged was Idaho’s contribution to the national Operation Safe Online Summer, a joint effort of all 61 ICAC Task Forces throughout the country to arrest those engaged in the online sexual exploitation of children.
The operation was supported by a coalition of agencies, including the Idaho State Police, Boise Police Department, Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Idaho Falls Police Department, Meridian Police Department, Post Falls Police Department, Pocatello Police Department, Nampa Police Department, Chubbuck Police Department, Rexburg Police Department, Bonners Ferry Police Department, Moscow Police Department, Fruitland Police Department, Spirit Lake Police Department, Homedale Police Department, Twin Falls Police Department, Sun Valley Police Department, Jerome Police Department, Wilder Police Department, Middleton Police Department, Rupert Police Department, Heyburn Police Department, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office, Benewah County Sheriff’s Office, Cassia County Sheriff’s Office, Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office, Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office, Kootenai County Prosecutor’s Office, Idaho Probation and Parole, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The Idaho ICAC Task Force urges the public to report suspected online exploitation to local law enforcement, the ICAC Unit at 208-947-8700, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 or www.cybertipline.com. For more information or to access resources, visit ICACIdaho.org.
To learn more about ESD K9 Badger or to request a demonstration, visit the Idaho ICAC Task Force’s website: https://www.icacidaho.org/esd-k9-badger/.
About the Idaho ICAC Task Force: The Idaho ICAC Task Force, led by the Idaho Attorney General’s Office, is a coalition of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies dedicated to investigating and prosecuting internet crimes against children while promoting community education to prevent exploitation.
The charges listed above are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.