Source: United Nations MIL OSI b
The 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia has had an indelible effect on the civilian population, displacing millions, straining the economy and inflicting physical and mental trauma. During these dark years, the UN has stayed alongside the Ukrainian people, providing aid, necessities and healthcare, and restoring energy supplies.
Source: United Nations MIL OSI b
The 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia has had an indelible effect on the civilian population, displacing millions, straining the economy and inflicting physical and mental trauma. During these dark years, the UN has stayed alongside the Ukrainian people, providing aid, necessities and healthcare, and restoring energy supplies.
Source: United Nations MIL OSI b
The 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia has had an indelible effect on the civilian population, displacing millions, straining the economy and inflicting physical and mental trauma. During these dark years, the UN has stayed alongside the Ukrainian people, providing aid, necessities and healthcare, and restoring energy supplies.
Source: United Nations MIL OSI b
The 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia has had an indelible effect on the civilian population, displacing millions, straining the economy and inflicting physical and mental trauma. During these dark years, the UN has stayed alongside the Ukrainian people, providing aid, necessities and healthcare, and restoring energy supplies.
Source: United Nations MIL OSI b
The 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia has had an indelible effect on the civilian population, displacing millions, straining the economy and inflicting physical and mental trauma. During these dark years, the UN has stayed alongside the Ukrainian people, providing aid, necessities and healthcare, and restoring energy supplies.
Source: United Nations MIL OSI b
The 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia has had an indelible effect on the civilian population, displacing millions, straining the economy and inflicting physical and mental trauma. During these dark years, the UN has stayed alongside the Ukrainian people, providing aid, necessities and healthcare, and restoring energy supplies.
Source: United Nations MIL OSI b
The 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia has had an indelible effect on the civilian population, displacing millions, straining the economy and inflicting physical and mental trauma. During these dark years, the UN has stayed alongside the Ukrainian people, providing aid, necessities and healthcare, and restoring energy supplies.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Truxton is pleased to announce that Buck Patton, CFP®, CPWA® has been promoted to the role of Senior Vice President, Wealth Advisor and Brandt Warner, JD, CFP® has been elevated to the role of Vice President, Wealth Advisor.
Since joining Truxton in 2018, Mr. Patton has served in a range of key roles including Portfolio Analyst, Financial Advisor, and Associate Wealth Advisor. His well-rounded experience, working with individual clients, families, non-profit boards, and partnerships, has made a significant impact on both Truxton’s clients and business. He has played a critical role in refining processes, leading complex client initiatives, and coordinating seamlessly with other advisors to deliver comprehensive wealth strategies. Buck continues to elevate his work for the benefit of Truxton’s clients and team, earning certifications as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Certified Private Wealth Advisor® practitioner.
“Buck has made a lasting impact since joining Truxton in 2018,” said Drew Mallory, Senior Managing Director and Chief Fiduciary Officer. “He’s a true team player, a lifelong learner, and a trusted advisor whose clients genuinely enjoy working with him.”
Mr. Warner joined Truxton Wealth in 2024 as an Assistant Vice President, Wealth Advisor, and has quickly become a key contributor. Known for his strategic thinking, technical expertise, and client-first mindset, Brandt has enhanced internal operations, tackled complexity with ease, and quickly built trust among clients and colleagues. A licensed attorney and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Brandt earned his J.D. cum laude from the University of Tennessee College of Law with a concentration in Business Transactions.
“Brandt quickly became a major contributor to the Truxton Wealth team,” said Drew Mallory. “He has improved core processes and brings a strategic mindset to helping high-net-worth families move forward on important initiatives. We’re excited to see his continued growth at Truxton.”
About Truxton
Truxton is a premier provider of wealth, banking, and family office services for wealthy individuals, their families, and their business interests. Serving clients across the world, Truxton’s vastly experienced team of professionals provides customized solutions to its clients’ complex financial needs. Founded in 2004 in Nashville, Tennessee, Truxton upholds its original guiding principle: do the right thing. Truxton Trust Company is a subsidiary of financial holding company, Truxton Corporation (OTCID: TRUX). For more information, visit truxtontrust.com.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Truxton is pleased to announce that Buck Patton, CFP®, CPWA® has been promoted to the role of Senior Vice President, Wealth Advisor and Brandt Warner, JD, CFP® has been elevated to the role of Vice President, Wealth Advisor.
Since joining Truxton in 2018, Mr. Patton has served in a range of key roles including Portfolio Analyst, Financial Advisor, and Associate Wealth Advisor. His well-rounded experience, working with individual clients, families, non-profit boards, and partnerships, has made a significant impact on both Truxton’s clients and business. He has played a critical role in refining processes, leading complex client initiatives, and coordinating seamlessly with other advisors to deliver comprehensive wealth strategies. Buck continues to elevate his work for the benefit of Truxton’s clients and team, earning certifications as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Certified Private Wealth Advisor® practitioner.
“Buck has made a lasting impact since joining Truxton in 2018,” said Drew Mallory, Senior Managing Director and Chief Fiduciary Officer. “He’s a true team player, a lifelong learner, and a trusted advisor whose clients genuinely enjoy working with him.”
Mr. Warner joined Truxton Wealth in 2024 as an Assistant Vice President, Wealth Advisor, and has quickly become a key contributor. Known for his strategic thinking, technical expertise, and client-first mindset, Brandt has enhanced internal operations, tackled complexity with ease, and quickly built trust among clients and colleagues. A licensed attorney and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Brandt earned his J.D. cum laude from the University of Tennessee College of Law with a concentration in Business Transactions.
“Brandt quickly became a major contributor to the Truxton Wealth team,” said Drew Mallory. “He has improved core processes and brings a strategic mindset to helping high-net-worth families move forward on important initiatives. We’re excited to see his continued growth at Truxton.”
About Truxton
Truxton is a premier provider of wealth, banking, and family office services for wealthy individuals, their families, and their business interests. Serving clients across the world, Truxton’s vastly experienced team of professionals provides customized solutions to its clients’ complex financial needs. Founded in 2004 in Nashville, Tennessee, Truxton upholds its original guiding principle: do the right thing. Truxton Trust Company is a subsidiary of financial holding company, Truxton Corporation (OTCID: TRUX). For more information, visit truxtontrust.com.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
London, UK, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Recently, the cryptocurrency industry has received another big news: Ripple is about to obtain a banking license. The successful application for a banking license will mark the further recognition and acceptance of Ripple in the traditional financial system.
For XRP holders, this milestone event not only enhances the credibility of XRP, but also provides greater space for token liquidity and expansion of usage scenarios. In the long run, it is expected to drive the steady growth of XRP prices. FIND MINING has also launched a new XRP mining and income solution to help XRP holders easily realize asset appreciation under this favorable background and earn millions of dollars in potential income.
How does FIND MINING help XRP holders maximize their returns?
As Ripple is about to enter the compliant banking system, the market demand and enthusiasm for holding XRP is growing rapidly. FIND MINING seizes this trend and launches diversified mining for XRP holders to help users gain additional income while holding coins.
Core advantages include:
AI computing power scheduling system: intelligently optimizes mining strategies in real time based on market difficulty and currency price fluctuations
Multi-node global deployment: Distributed servers cover the world to ensure efficient and stable operation of mining
Green energy drive: Use clean energy to reduce operating costs and make users more profitable
Referral reward mechanism: Invite friends to enjoy up to 4.5% extra rebate, multiple benefits
Transparent and traceable income – all mining income and dividends can be viewed in real time, withdrawn at any time, and viewed on the dashboard at any time
How XRP Holders Can Generate Income Through FIND MINING
1.Log in to https://findmining.com/ to register an account. You will receive a $15 reward after successful registration.
2. Choose a cloud computing power contract that suits your investment strategy. Users have the following options (minimum 50XRP to participate)
(One click to view more contract details of efficient and profitable contracts)
3. Automatically obtain income every day and withdraw funds at any time
By using XRP to participate in mining, you can continuously “empower” your assets.
Although XRP itself does not support mining, the FIND MINING platform innovatively supports users to use XRP to activate contracts, purchase computing power, and participate in cloud mining of other mainstream currencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), etc. This model not only broadens the asset appreciation channels for XRP holders, but also provides users with a new option of legal, compliant and stable appreciation.
Millions of dollars in passive income are within reach
According to official data from FIND MINING, taking an investor holding 20,000 XRP as an example, if he chooses a long-term mining plan and reinvests, the potential income in the next few months can easily reach millions of dollars.
After Ripple successfully obtained a banking license, this low-risk, high-liquidity income opportunity will undoubtedly attract more investors to join the XRP ecosystem, further promoting the stability and growth of its network.
Final Thoughts
Ripple’s banking license is not only an affirmation of blockchain financial innovation, but also brings new value dividends to XRP holders. FIND MINING follows the trend and, with its strong and transparent security guarantee and innovative mining mechanism, is helping global XRP holders to easily tap into the new blue ocean of passive income.
If you also hold XRP, you might as well seize this historic opportunity and let the crypto assets in your hands truly “work for you” instead of just lying quietly in your wallet.
Official website: https://findmining.com/
Official Email: info@findmining.com
Official APP Google Store one-click download
Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is for reference only and does not constitute an investment invitation, financial advice, or trade recommendation. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and may result in financial losses. We strongly recommend conducting thorough due diligence and consulting professional financial advisors before engaging in cryptocurrency or securities investments and trades.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
New York, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PaladinMining, a global provider of sustainable cloud mining infrastructure, has released a public statement commenting on the broader implications of recent international digital policy initiatives—particularly those centered around renewable energy integration and high-performance computing infrastructure.
The company’s leadership highlights how such initiatives, including discussions surrounding the proposed “Global Digital Infrastructure Act” (formerly referenced in internal communications as the “Great and Beautiful Act”), may unintentionally influence decentralized industries such as cryptocurrency mining.
The statement outlines how certain provisions—such as public funding for green data centers and updated guidance on cross-border digital energy usage—could have second-order effects on how infrastructure-based blockchain technologies evolve globally.
“The Great and Beautiful Act wasn’t written for crypto mining, but its support for green computation and data decentralization has definitely impacted our sector,” said a spokesperson from PaladinMining. “We see this as a rare moment where infrastructure policy is inadvertently accelerating decentralized finance participation.”
Green Infrastructure Meets Decentralized Participation
PaladinMining has begun expanding its network of renewable-energy-powered data centers in response to the policy environment. Its platform offers users the ability to lease computing power and remotely manage mining activity across multiple assets including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and XRP.
The company has emphasized that its system is designed to reduce the technical and financial barriers commonly associated with cryptocurrency mining. Users can access the platform via web or mobile interfaces, with tools that help streamline configuration and monitor activity in real-time.
PaladinMining’s efficient services not only upgrade the mining process, but also redefine industry rules with innovative technology and unique models, providing users with the following core functions:
· Register to enjoy cloud mining.
· Users can get income 24 hours a day without purchasing expensive cryptocurrency mining equipment or signing contracts.
· Provide deposits and withdrawals of multiple cryptocurrencies: Dogecoin (DOGE), Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), SOL, Ripple (XRP), USDC, Litecoin (LTC), USDT-TRC20, USDT-ERC20, etc.
· Intuitive interface design, suitable for both novice and experienced miners.
· The affiliate program allows users to receive up to 3% + 2% referral rewards and up to $100,000 in bonuses.
· No additional fees: transparent prices, no hidden service fees or management fees.
· Green mining technology, environmentally friendly and efficient
Stable income contract:
⦁【New User Experience Contract】: Investment amount: $100, total net profit: $100 + $7
⦁【ETC Miner E9 Pro】: Investment amount: $1,500, total net profit: $1,500 + $180.
⦁【Bitcoin Miner S21 Pro】: Investment amount: $4,300, total net profit: $4,300 + $1,100.8.
⦁【Bitcoin Miner S21 XP】: Investment amount: $7,900, total net profit: $7,900 + $3,128.4.
⦁【Bitcoin Miner S21 XP】: Investment amount: $12,000, total net profit: $12,000 + $7,560.
⦁【Avalon Air Box – 40 feet】: Investment amount: $28,000, total net profit: $28,000 + $22,400.
The full statement, titled “Sustainable Infrastructure Policy: Ripple Effects on Cloud Mining Innovation”, is now available on PaladinMining’s official website for public access.
How to Access:
Readers can review the full commentary by visiting:
www.paladinmining.com/statement-policy-impact
About PaladinMining
PaladinMining is a global cloud mining infrastructure provider focused on enabling environmentally conscious participation in blockchain networks. The company operates distributed, renewable-powered mining centers across multiple continents, supporting decentralized computing and innovation in the digital asset sector.
Website: www.PaladinMining.com
Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.
Source: Government of Qatar
Saint Helier, July 08, 2025
HE Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey, a British Crown Dependency, and the King’s representative on the island Vice Admiral Sir Jerry Kyd, along with HE Chief Minister of Jersey Deputy Lyndon Farnham, and HE Deputy Bailiff of Jersey Robert MacRae met with HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Kingdom Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani.
During the meeting, they discussed bilateral cooperation relations and ways to support and enhance them, particularly in the fields of financial services, taxation, and the economy.
The officials of Jersey emphasized the importance of developing relations with the State of Qatar and strengthening long-term bilateral cooperation.
Source: Scottish Greens
Scotland must make it clear – Trump is not welcome here.
The President of the United States and convicted criminal Donald Trump is set to visit Scotland later this month, according to latest reports.
The US President was found guilty of 34 felonies in 2023 relating to falsified business records, after he paid $130,000 in hush money to cover up an affair with an American porn star. Trump also has dozens of sexual assault allegations against him dating back to the 1970’s.
The Scottish Greens have long called for an investigation into Donald Trump’s finances in Scotland through an Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO).
A UWO is a power held by the Scottish Government to investigate the finances of politically active individuals who have gained wealth through suspicious means. Given Donald Trump’s Menie Estate golf course, which he is set to visit this month, was cited in one of his felony charges, it’s now clearer than ever that a UWO must be used.
Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP said:
“There is no way that Donald Trump should be welcomed to Scotland. He is a convicted felon and political extremist who has shown a complete lack of respect for human rights and democracy in America and around the world.
“His Vice President has attacked the democratic system of Scotland when he lied about a bill my colleague Gillian Mackay passed and his former billionaire bestie Elon Musk has spread misinformation about our country online, as well as other far right conspiracy theories.
“At home, Donald Trump has sent troops onto the streets to threaten his own citizens, he is constructing a concentration camp in Florida and he has underfunded crucial services which have already cost the lives of working-class people.
“Not to mention his contempt for international law by welcoming Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netenyahu to Washington D.C. – a man who has an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for war crimes – and celebrating the collective punishment of innocent civilians in Gaza and the West Bank.
“I am urging the SNP Government to make it clear that Trump is not welcome in Scotland. Because I am sure that on the streets of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and anywhere else he may go, the people of Scotland will make it clear that Donald Trump is not welcome here.”
Source: United Nations 2
For over a decade, Yemen has endured conflict between Houthi rebels and government forces. Millions of lives and livelihoods remain at risk, and the conflict shows no sign of ending.
“The appetite for a military escalation remains,” Hans Grundberg, UN Special Envoy for Yemen, told ambassadors.
While violence remains an immediate threat, he noted that the economy has now become the “most active frontline” of the conflict: the national currency in free fall and purchasing power rapidly declining, poverty is a daily threat.
“The little money people do have in their pockets is either falling in value or literally falling apart,” he said.
Currently, 17 million people face food insecurity – a number that could rise to 18 million by September without swift and expanded humanitarian aid. More than one million children under the age of five are suffering from life-threatening malnutrition, putting them at risk of permanent physical and cognitive harm.
“We haven’t seen this level of deprivation since before the UN-brokered truce in early 2022,” said Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs.
Broader instability in the Middle East has further worsened Yemen’s situation, Mr. Grundberg said, pointing to recent attacks by Ansar Allah (as the Houthi rebels are formally called) on commercial ships in the Red Sea and retaliatory strikes by Israel on key Yemeni infrastructure, including ports and a power station.
“Yemen must not be drawn deeper into the regional crisis that threatens to unravel the already extremely fragile situation in the country. The stakes for Yemen are simply too high,” he said.
Nevertheless, he noted that the ceasefire between Iran and Israel did spark hope that momentum for negotiations in Yemen might resume.
Still, he stressed that Yemen’s peace process must solely depend on regional dynamics.
“Yemen must advance regardless, moving from simply managing shocks and volatility to developing practical steps that lay the groundwork for lasting solutions,” he said.
Without meaningful peace negotiations, Yemen’s humanitarian crisis will only deepen, Mr. Grundberg warned.
“A military solution remains a dangerous solution that risks deepening Yemen’s suffering,” he said.
He highlighted recent progress in Taiz governorate, where both parties agreed to jointly manage water supplies – a move that will provide safe drinking water to over 600,000 people.
This agreement also promotes sustainable water access, reducing reliance on humanitarian aid.
“While negotiations may not be easy, they offer the best hope for addressing, in a sustainable and long-term manner, the complexity of the conflict,” Mr. Grundberg said.
Mr. Grundberg called on the Security Council to continue prioritizing Yemen.
He also reiterated UN calls for all detained humanitarians, including UN staff, and called on donors to ensure sufficient funding to sustain aid organizations on the ground.
“Yemen’s future depends on our collective resolve to shield it from further suffering and to give its people the hope and dignity they so deeply deserve,” Mr. Grundberg said.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SINGAPORE, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Matrixport, the world’s leading all-in-one hub for crypto financial services, announced that Matrixport Ventures, the investment arm of Matrixport, has completed a strategic reserve of XAUm equivalent to US$3 million, and plans to continue to increase its holdings of XAUm in stages. Matrixport will strengthen the stability of its financial reserves through the strategic reserve of XAUm, expand the depth of gold’s application in the on-chain financial ecosystem, and comprehensively improve its product and service capabilities.
XAUm is a tokenized gold issued by Matrixdock, a RWA tokenization platform under Matrixport, at the end of 2024. It is 1:1 anchored to 99.99% pure physical gold certified by LBMA, hosted by the world’s top gold vaults, Brink’s and Malca-Amit. XAUm supports offline redemption of physical gold in Singapore and Hong Kong. With high-standard casting, strict auditing, and leading multi-chain deployment (compatibility support for Ethereum, BNB Chain, Plume, HashKey, etc.), XAUm has reached cooperation with well-known protocols such as UniSwap, PancakeSwap, Kinza Finance, and is ranked among the Top 3 gold tokens on-chain adoption rates.
“Against the backdrop of intensifying global macro uncertainties and rising demand for risk aversion, XAUm, as the cornerstone asset of on-chain gold, possesses the long-term strategic value of hedging against cyclical fluctuations and inflation risks, and becomes an indispensable high-quality asset anchor for on-chain finance. Strategic holding of XAUm has become an important allocation for institutions to optimize their financial reserves and enhance their risk resistance.” John Ge, CEO of Matrixport, stated, “Matrixport will focus on expanding on-chain applications for XAUm to build a tokenized gold financial system covering the whole ecosystem of trading, lending, and investing, enhance the liquidity and availability of on-chain assets, and help global investors efficiently allocate high-quality assets. ”
Tokenized Gold, as a cross-cycle and cross-market stateless asset, has become the preferred choice for global risk avoidance. Following the international spot gold prices rise, institutions continue to increase their gold holdings, and global central banks have purchased more than 1,000 tons of gold for the third consecutive year. XAUm, as a deep fusion of blockchain and physical gold, breaks through the geographic and liquidity limitations of traditional gold, reshapes its financial attributes and trading paradigm, and is an important choice for on-chain financial asset allocation. With the continuous increase of XAUm’s financial use scenarios, XAUm will further broaden the boundaries of tokenized gold’s stable income, unleash the capital efficiency of RWA, and help global investors rebuild their asset security and sovereignty in the new era of digital finance. Matrixport’s strategic reserve of XAUm may pave the way for institutional allocations in XAUm, allowing for effective hedging against cyclical risks and optimizing debt management.
About Matrixport
Founded in 2019, Matrixport is the world’s leading all-in-one hub for crypto financial services. The platform is committed to providing every user with a personalized Super Account that integrates crypto trading, investment, loan, custody, RWA, research, and more. With $6 billion in AUM (assets under management), Matrixport offers global users diverse crypto-financial solutions designed for optimal capital efficiency and sustainable returns.
Matrixport official website:：https://www.matrixport.com
About Matrixdock
Matrixdock is a premier platform under Matrixport Group that offers access to high-quality Real World Assets (RWA) through advanced tokenization technology. As the first in Asia to introduce a tokenized short-term treasury bill product, STBT, Matrixdock earned the Ecosystem Excellence TADS Award in 2023 for Trading & Liquidity Solutions.In 2024, Matrixdock launched XAUm, a tokenized gold asset fully backed by 99.99% purity gold, providing investors with a trusted and transparent digital asset linked to LBMA-accredited gold.
With a steadfast focus on building a trusted and secure RWA ecosystem for on-chain finance, Matrixdock aims to provide diversified investment opportunities while setting new standards for trust and governance in the digital asset space.
Matrixdock official website: https://www.matrixdock.com/
Media Contact: pr@matrixport.com
Disclaimer: This content is provided by Matrixport. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.
Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d45144f9-c42e-45d2-ab99-b7865f7c9196
Source: City of Plymouth
Plymouth City Council has approved a £2 million capital programme to carry out urgent and essential repairs across its estate — a major step forward in improving the safety, condition, and long-term sustainability of the city’s public buildings.
The Council’s estate includes more than 240 buildings across 135 sites — from civic offices and libraries to depots, public toilets, and heritage buildings. Many of these are ageing and complex to maintain, with some dating back hundreds of years.
The new Facilities Management (FM) Capital Programme means the Council can get on with urgent repairs more quickly, with a single pot of funding that allows the team to prioritise the most important work and speed up the procurement process. It also helps the Council plan better, buy smarter, and make the most of every pound spent.
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities, said: “This investment is about making sure our buildings are safe, functional, and fit for the future. We know there have been challenges in how we’ve managed our estate, and this is a clear sign of our commitment to doing better — for our staff, our residents, and our city.”
The investment comes at a time when local authorities across the country are facing significant financial pressures. Reduced government funding and rising costs in the construction and maintenance sectors have made it increasingly difficult to keep up with the demands of a large and ageing estate.
Despite these challenges, the Council has already begun delivering a wide-ranging improvement programme in FM. This includes:
• Investment in better systems and data collection and management to support planned maintenance.
• Recruitment plan for a new leadership team, including a permanent Head of FM, Hard FM Operational Manager, Fire Safety Advisor, Building Asset Manager, Contracts Manager
• FM Service Structure that supports the delivery of the service.
• Compliance audit across the estate
The £2 million programme will be overseen by a new FM Governance Board, with clear criteria for prioritising works and ensuring transparency.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in New Jersey of the Aug. 11 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought and excessive heat occurring June 25, 2024.
The disaster declaration covers the New Jersey counties of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, Union, and Warren as well as county of Bucks in Pennsylvania.
Under this declaration SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The deadline to return economic injury applications is Aug. 11, 2025.
###
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: Microsoft
Headline: Microsoft unveils Elevate, putting people first in AI transformation
For a student wondering what to study, a teacher rethinking how to teach, or a business owner managing a workforce—artificial intelligence is no longer theoretical. It’s personal. And it’s why we believe some of the most important work ahead isn’t just building smarter machines—it’s ensuring those machines help people thrive.
That’s why today we’re announcing Microsoft Elevate and the AI Economy Institute—to ensure that as AI transforms our world, we’re putting people first by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and tools to thrive with AI.
Microsoft Elevate brings into one organization our technology support, donations, and sales for schools, community colleges, and nonprofit organizations. It is the successor to and expands upon the longstanding work of Microsoft Philanthropies and the Tech for Social Impact team that supports nonprofits.
More broadly, this represents our next chapter for corporate philanthropy and our non-commercial business model. As we have with Tech for Social Impact, we will run this new business with commitments to reinvest a share of our profits into nonprofit programs. We are announcing today that over the next five years, we will donate on a global scale more than $4 billion in cash and AI and cloud technology to K-12 schools, community and technical colleges, and nonprofits to help advance their missions.
Microsoft Elevate will also pursue the next phase of our global skilling programs and initiatives. Through the Microsoft Elevate Academy, it will help bring AI education and skills to people around the world. In the next two years, the Microsoft Elevate Academy will help 20 million people earn an in-demand AI skilling credential ranging from foundational fluency to advanced technical training. Working in close coordination with other groups across Microsoft, including LinkedIn and GitHub, Microsoft Elevate will deliver AI education and skilling at scale. And it will work as an advocate for public policies around the world to advance AI education and training for others.
Microsoft will partner with governments on a national, state, and local basis, as we have with the largest state in Germany, North Rhine-Westphalia. It will focus on advancing AI education and training with schools, community colleges, and nonprofits. It will launch new and innovative initiatives, including the support we’re announcing today for a new “Hour of AI” with Code.org. It will build on our existing partnerships with leading labor organizations, as we announced yesterday with the American Federation of Teachers. And we will pursue many more partnerships to come. Put together, these efforts represent a bold step to create the skilling infrastructure the world will need to put AI to work.
Today’s tech sector is in an AI race—with some aiming to be the first to reach artificial general intelligence or even superintelligence. But what do we really hope to create at the supposed finish line?
The best time to ask hard questions about AI’s future is now—before it becomes even more powerful and pervasive. History shows that technology can empower creativity, expand knowledge, and connect people. But it can also deepen divides. Nearly 150 years after Thomas Edison lit his first light bulb, hundreds of millions still lack electricity. And in just 15 years, social media has gone from what people saw as a promising tool to spread democracy to a weapon of disinformation.
As we look ahead, we must ask ourselves: Are we building machines to replace people, or to help people thrive? Are we trying to create AI that will outsmart humanity—or elevate it?
At Microsoft, we’re putting a clear stake in the ground: we believe in advancing AI by putting people first.
This initiative is part of a broader commitment to help people shape the future of work, not just react to it.
Work has always been more than a paycheck. It’s how people contribute, grow, and find meaning in their lives. It’s a source of identity, purpose, and dignity. This isn’t a new idea. Two thousand years ago, Aristotle called it eudaimonia—the ability to flourish through purposeful activity. That idea still resonates today, especially as AI begins to reshape the nature of work itself.
AI is a powerful tool that can help us learn and be more productive. But as with any tool, it needs to be used in the right ways and with a broad perspective. This is one of the lessons from the use of social media. We’ve probably all experienced someone connecting on their phone with a friend far away while ignoring a family member sitting in the same room. We need to use AI to think more, not less. And this is a function not only of technology but culture and habits. It will require thoughtful conversations in homes, schools, and in the workplace about how we make the best use of AI.
Ultimately, the conversation about AI and jobs must begin with people—not just productivity. Machines can process data, but only humans can exercise judgment. Machines can mimic language, but only humans can offer empathy. Machines can optimize, but only humans can care. The goal isn’t to build machines that replace us—it’s to build machines that help us do more and do it better.
One key to success will be partnerships, so a broad array of stakeholders can have input into where AI is going. That means working with governments, educators, labor unions, employers, and community leaders to ensure AI reflects human values and serves human needs.
This is why we have been deepening our partnerships with labor organizations like the AFL-CIO and, as announced yesterday, with the American Federation of Teachers, or AFT, to deliver AI training to union members, apprenticeship instructors, and educators—including a new National Academy for AI Instruction and a summer skilling series across the building trades. We’re also working with policymakers to encourage public policies that support lifelong learning, workforce readiness, and equitable access to AI education.
It’s important to acknowledge that we don’t have all the answers to the new questions that AI will pose for societies around the world. No one does.
To support our work with deeper research and policy insight, Microsoft Elevate will work in close coordination with the Microsoft AI Economy Institute. We started work this past January on what is a new kind of corporate think tank—one designed to bridge the gap between technological innovation and societal impact.
Housed within the AI for Good Lab and building on the best traditions of Microsoft Research, the Institute sponsors and convenes researchers to explore how AI is reshaping work, education, and productivity. It’s focused on turning those insights into real-world solutions that inform Microsoft’s strategy and public policy engagement.
The Institute supports academic research that explores the transformative potential of AI around the world. Current projects, representing academics from universities across the globe, began earlier this year and span from investigating how generative AI can drive transdisciplinary academic innovation to addressing policy gaps in African higher education to evaluating the real-world labor market value of AI skills and micro-credentials. This work underscores the Institute’s commitment to inclusive, evidence-based insights that shape responsible and globally relevant AI futures. With fast publication cycles and a commitment to open collaboration, the Institute ensures that its research reaches not only internal teams but also the public and policymakers around the world.
The Institute’s work will directly inform Microsoft Elevate’s skilling programs and initiatives, helping to create the training programs, partnerships, and policy frameworks needed to prepare people for the AI economy.
Through workshops, convenings, and applied research, the AI Economy Institute is poised to become a leading voice in the global conversation on AI and economic transformation—ensuring that the benefits of AI are broadly shared and that the infrastructure for inclusive growth is built alongside the technology itself.
This is part of an even broader ongoing effort to advance AI as a tool for good around the world. This will include the evolution of our AI for Good Lab, which advances applied research projects to use AI to meet societal needs. It also includes our support for responsible AI with a wide variety of partners, including universities, nonprofits, and the AFL-CIO and its members. It also includes faith-based organizations, including the Vatican and its Rome Call for AI Ethics. And important intergovernmental organizations, including key United Nations agencies.
More than any other tech company, Microsoft’s 50-year history gives us a unique appreciation for what it takes for people and technology to flourish together. Because the PC and our operating systems have always functioned as open platforms, we understand how to support a broad global ecosystem of software developers and innovators. And because Microsoft strived early on to put “a computer on every desk and in every home” when that seemed like an implausible dream, we appreciate what technology success truly requires. It’s based not only on great innovations but also critical work to make these innovations accessible and to equip people with the skills needed to use them in their daily lives.
This is the work ahead—not just building the next generation of AI but building the next generation of opportunity. With Microsoft Elevate, we’re investing in people, institutions, and ideas that will ensure AI serves everyone. Because AI shouldn’t strip away the humanity of work—it should elevate it.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Bill Cassidy M.D. (R-La.), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) unveiled a legislative package modernizing federal labor law to empower 27 million independent workers to access portable workplace benefits, like health care and retirement. The package will also provide consistency and clarity in how an independent contractor is defined, making it easier for workers to find jobs that allow for flexibility and independence.
“Empowering our workers with modern tools and flexible opportunities is essential for strengthening our economy and ensuring they can succeed in today’s dynamic job market. The Modern Worker Empowerment Act reflects our commitment to innovation, flexibility, and growth for all Americans,” said Senator Scott.
“Outdated labor laws should not prevent workers from receiving health care or saving for a secure retirement,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Modernizing our federal labor laws ensures all independent workers can access workplace benefits without losing their flexibility to work how and when they want.”
“The Association Health Plans Act gives small businesses and individuals the leverage to negotiate collectively for lower health insurance and lower drug prices. Additionally, the CBO previously estimated that 400,000 uninsured would gain coverage under AHPs and over 3 million people would switch coverage to AHPs,” said Dr. Paul.
The vast majority of independent workers prefer alternative work arrangements to traditional [“9 to 5”] employment, and 80 percent of these workers would like access to workplace benefits. Yet decades-old federal labor and employment laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 and the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, prevent independent workers from accessing common workplace benefits.
The legislative package includes:
Cassidy’s Unlocking Benefits for Independent Workers Act: Establishes a safe harbor under federal law for companies that would like to voluntarily provide benefits.
Applies to any benefit or protection commonly provided to full-time employees, such as retirement and health care benefits. It also applies to emerging models where firms may pay into portable accounts, or any combination of those arrangements.
Scott’s Modern Worker Empowerment Act: Gives workers clarity and consistency by instituting a single employment test under federal law.
Paul’s Association Health Plans Act: Increases affordable health coverage options to millions of self-employed Americans and employees of small businesses by amending the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to give small business employees, sole proprietors, and gig workers the ability to aggregate together and access health insurance through Association Health Plans (AHPs).
Cassidy’s Independent Retirement Fairness Act: Empowers independent workers to participate in retirement plans, like pooled employer plans and single employee pension IRAs, that are already available under federal law. (Note: legislative text will be available shortly on the HELP Committee website)
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
Americans lost more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024
This week, Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, and Elizabeth Warren, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, demanded answers from the Trump administration on the impact of federal cuts to agencies that protect seniors from financial frauds and scams. The senators’ letter follows the release of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report detailing the need to enhance protections against frauds and scams through coordination among federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Treasury Department, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Federal Reserve, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Even after the release of GAO’s report, the Trump administration has continued efforts to gut these agencies. For example, in April, the administration fired about 1,500 CFPB employees—or almost 90% of the agency’s staff. The so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) has also attempted to harass public servants throughout the federal government into leaving their jobs, decreasing personnel at the very agencies that GAO agrees are needed to protect older adults.
“GAO’s report detailed the need to enhance our nation’s response to scams, including through better coordination among federal agencies. Despite that need, President Trump allowed an out-of-touch billionaire to slash the very agencies that protect Americans from scams, including millions of older adults,” the senators wrote. “We ask GAO to examine the impact of these severe cuts on the ability of the federal government to address frauds and scams, and to carry out the recommendations in GAO’s report.”
American consumers reported losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024. Older Americans alone lost a record $4.8 billion to scammers last year, according to the FBI.
The full text of the letter can be found here or below.
Dear Mr. Dodaro,
We write today to request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) follow up on its report, Consumer Protection: Actions Needed to Improve Complaint Reporting, Consumer Education, and Federal Coordination to Counter Scams (GAO-25-107088). GAO’s report detailed the need to enhance our nation’s response to scams, including through better coordination among federal agencies. Despite that need, President Trump allowed an out of touch billionaire to slash the very agencies that protect Americans from scams, including millions of older adults. We ask GAO to examine the impact of these severe cuts on the ability of the federal government to address frauds and scams, and to carry out the recommendations in GAO’s report.
American consumers reported losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, and scams can have a particularly devastating impact on the mental and financial health of older adults. Older adults are more likely to have accumulated savings and housing wealth, making them targets for scammers who “steal everything,” and leave the older adults “emotionally and financially ruined.” One older adult testified about a scam that cost her late husband his job, his self-confidence, and forced him to ration his medications – setbacks that contributed to his declining health. Another older adult testified that she could not repair her home, afford air conditioning, and had to turn off her refrigerator and stove after losing $39,000 in a scam. Even as elder scams are devastating, they are also difficult to investigate because of their global nature. Frequently, such scams combine the efforts of overseas criminal organizations with operatives in the United States.
In April 2025, GAO released a report, Consumer Protection: Actions Needed to Improve Complaint Reporting, Consumer Education, and Federal Coordination to Counter Scams, that highlighted the scope of scams and the weaknesses in the federal government’s efforts to combat them. The report included several recommendations for the federal government, such as the need for the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to lead an effort to develop a national strategy to counter scams. Many of the recommendations made it clear that agencies such as FBI, the Department of Treasury, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Federal Reserve, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will need to work together to find solutions. The interagency cooperation envisioned by GAO’s report will require federal agencies that are well resourced and staffed with the proper expertise.
Although there is a need to enhance our nation’s response to scams, President Trump has empowered efforts to decimate the very agencies leading the response. On January 20, 2025, President Trump established the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). The initial head of the DOGE, Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, does not need to worry about his basic needs and lives a life of unfettered influence and power. Yet, Mr. Musk and his cronies at the DOGE set a goal of cutting $1 trillion from agencies that serve working class Americans, older adults, and people with disabilities. Efforts by the DOGE include attempts to harass public servants throughout the federal government into leaving their jobs. DOGE efforts also include drastic cuts at agencies with a role in addressing scams, such as the CFPB, which has been subjected to mass firings. Consequently, we seek GAO’s assistance in understanding how DOGE’s actions affect key agencies’ efforts to address frauds and scams in general and implement GAO’s report recommendations in particular.
We understand that the DOGE’s efforts are ongoing and its efforts at the FBI, FTC, CFPB, the Department of Treasury, and the Federal Reserve may not be completed for many months. We also understand that GAO may receive some insight into the impact of DOGE’s actions at the five agencies when the agencies submit an action plan to Congress and GAO as part of the formal “180-day Letter” process that is in place for GAO recommendations to federal agencies. Therefore, we ask that GAO defer any work until it receives and initially analyzes the action plans from agencies that were targeted by the recommendations.
Once the agency action plans have been received and analyzed by GAO, and the DOGE’s efforts are sufficiently completed, we request that GAO examine and report on the following issues:
1. In its April 2025 report, GAO identified five key agencies that play a role in addressing frauds and scams. Since January 20, 2025, how has the ability of the five agencies to address frauds and scams been impacted by firings, resignations, buyouts, agency restructurings, and other actions undertaken by the Trump Administration and the DOGE?
a. What changes have occurred at the five agencies a year or less following the actions taken by the Trump Administration and the DOGE, and what, if any, observable impact have those changes had on efforts to address frauds and scams?
b. What impacts may the changes have over multiple years on the five agencies and their efforts to address frauds and scams?
2. GAO’s April 2025 report included 16 recommendations for the federal government to improve its response to frauds and scams. How have the changes implemented by the Trump Administration and DOGE impacted the ability of the five agencies identified in the April 2025 report to implement GAO’s recommendations? Further, if efforts are made to reverse the changes at any of the five agencies, please describe the success of those efforts. Please include any barriers the agencies have faced to restaffing and restoring efforts to combat frauds and scams.
We appreciate your attention to this request. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ranking Member Gillibrand’s staff with the Senate Special Committee on Aging or Ranking Member Warren’s staff with the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Sincerely,
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SAN FRANCISCO, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) today announced $49.7 million in Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grants from its General Fund and Nevada Targeted Fund to support 31 developments across Arizona, California, and Nevada, creating more than 2,050 units of affordable housing throughout the bank’s three-state region.
“We continue to make meaningful investments to address the affordable housing crisis across Arizona, California, and Nevada,” said Joseph E. Amato, interim president and CEO of FHLBank San Francisco. “This funding, delivered in partnership with our local member financial institutions, supports housing affordability solutions in urban centers, rural areas, tribal lands, and communities in need. We are helping to expand the housing supply and deliver critical support services to individuals and families who need it most.”
This year’s AHP General Fund awards will deliver $44.6 million in funding for 26 projects, with 22 in California and four in Arizona, collectively producing over 1,780 affordable housing units across the two states. In addition to the AHP General Fund Awards, the AHP Nevada Targeted Fund will deliver $5.1 million for five projects to create 273 affordable units in Nevada. In total, 16 FHLBank San Francisco member financial institutions will partner with 27 nonprofits and affordable housing developers to create the much-needed affordable housing units. These grants underscore FHLBank San Francisco’s ongoing commitment to addressing the housing crisis in Arizona, California and Nevada – three states facing some of the most severe affordable housing shortages in the nation.
“Everyone deserves a safe, secure and affordable place to live. But right now, we have a housing crisis that’s impacting families across the nation,” said U.S. Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-52). “As we continue to fight for policies that increase our housing supply and lower costs, I’m glad to see investments like this to expand access to affordable housing.”
According to a report compiled by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the U.S. is experiencing a significant affordable housing shortfall with only 35 affordable and available homes for every 100 extremely low-income households nationwide. In FHLBank San Francisco’s region of Arizona, California, and Nevada, this shortfall is exacerbated. Currently, Arizona and California have only 25 and 24 affordable and available homes, respectively, for every 100 extremely low-income households. Nevada faces the nation’s most severe affordable housing shortage, with only 17 affordable and available homes for every 100 extremely low-income households in need. To address the dire need in Nevada, FHLBank San Francisco launched the Nevada Targeted Fund in 2023, the first targeted fund in the FHLBank System, to specifically fund affordable housing projects in Nevada. Since its inception, the Nevada Targeted Fund has awarded over $19 million in grants to create more than 1000 units of affordable housing throughout the state.
Grants from the AHP General Fund and Nevada Targeted Fund help finance the development, preservation, and purchase of multifamily and single-family housing for people in need, including the chronically unhoused, low-income families, seniors, veterans, at-risk youth, and individuals living with disabilities and mental health challenges or recovering from substance abuse. These grants are awarded through an annual competitive application process, in which FHLBank San Francisco members institutions partner with nonprofit organizations and affordable housing developers to submit project proposals. AHP-funded projects represent a wide range of strategies and solutions, from historic preservation and adaptive reuse to new construction and rehabilitation.
Since 1990, FHLBank San Francisco has awarded over $1.4 billion in grants for the construction, preservation, or purchase of nearly 155,000 affordable housing units. Collectively, through the AHP, the FHLBanks are one of the largest sources of private sector grants for affordable housing in the country, providing approximately $8.3 billion in grant funding for affordable housing and helping more than one million households purchase or preserve a home since 1990.
Highlights of the 2025 AHP funding competition include:
Where AHP projects are developed, local economies also get a boost, as these projects create jobs, increase construction and consumer spending, and generate new tax revenues. Learn more about the communities, families, and individuals that have benefited from access to AHP-funded housing and access the complete list of AHP grant winners at the bank’s website, fhlbsf.com.
About the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco
The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is a member-driven cooperative helping local lenders in Arizona, California, and Nevada build strong communities, create opportunity, and change lives for the better. The tools and resources we provide to our member financial institutions — commercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, savings institutions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions — propel homeownership, finance quality affordable housing, drive economic vitality, and revitalize whole neighborhoods. Together with our members and other partners, we are making the communities we serve more vibrant and resilient.
Contact:
Tom Flannigan
Tom.Flannigan@fhlbsf.com
415.616.2695
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SAN FRANCISCO, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) today announced $49.7 million in Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grants from its General Fund and Nevada Targeted Fund to support 31 developments across Arizona, California, and Nevada, creating more than 2,050 units of affordable housing throughout the bank’s three-state region.
“We continue to make meaningful investments to address the affordable housing crisis across Arizona, California, and Nevada,” said Joseph E. Amato, interim president and CEO of FHLBank San Francisco. “This funding, delivered in partnership with our local member financial institutions, supports housing affordability solutions in urban centers, rural areas, tribal lands, and communities in need. We are helping to expand the housing supply and deliver critical support services to individuals and families who need it most.”
This year’s AHP General Fund awards will deliver $44.6 million in funding for 26 projects, with 22 in California and four in Arizona, collectively producing over 1,780 affordable housing units across the two states. In addition to the AHP General Fund Awards, the AHP Nevada Targeted Fund will deliver $5.1 million for five projects to create 273 affordable units in Nevada. In total, 16 FHLBank San Francisco member financial institutions will partner with 27 nonprofits and affordable housing developers to create the much-needed affordable housing units. These grants underscore FHLBank San Francisco’s ongoing commitment to addressing the housing crisis in Arizona, California and Nevada – three states facing some of the most severe affordable housing shortages in the nation.
“Everyone deserves a safe, secure and affordable place to live. But right now, we have a housing crisis that’s impacting families across the nation,” said U.S. Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-52). “As we continue to fight for policies that increase our housing supply and lower costs, I’m glad to see investments like this to expand access to affordable housing.”
According to a report compiled by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the U.S. is experiencing a significant affordable housing shortfall with only 35 affordable and available homes for every 100 extremely low-income households nationwide. In FHLBank San Francisco’s region of Arizona, California, and Nevada, this shortfall is exacerbated. Currently, Arizona and California have only 25 and 24 affordable and available homes, respectively, for every 100 extremely low-income households. Nevada faces the nation’s most severe affordable housing shortage, with only 17 affordable and available homes for every 100 extremely low-income households in need. To address the dire need in Nevada, FHLBank San Francisco launched the Nevada Targeted Fund in 2023, the first targeted fund in the FHLBank System, to specifically fund affordable housing projects in Nevada. Since its inception, the Nevada Targeted Fund has awarded over $19 million in grants to create more than 1000 units of affordable housing throughout the state.
Grants from the AHP General Fund and Nevada Targeted Fund help finance the development, preservation, and purchase of multifamily and single-family housing for people in need, including the chronically unhoused, low-income families, seniors, veterans, at-risk youth, and individuals living with disabilities and mental health challenges or recovering from substance abuse. These grants are awarded through an annual competitive application process, in which FHLBank San Francisco members institutions partner with nonprofit organizations and affordable housing developers to submit project proposals. AHP-funded projects represent a wide range of strategies and solutions, from historic preservation and adaptive reuse to new construction and rehabilitation.
Since 1990, FHLBank San Francisco has awarded over $1.4 billion in grants for the construction, preservation, or purchase of nearly 155,000 affordable housing units. Collectively, through the AHP, the FHLBanks are one of the largest sources of private sector grants for affordable housing in the country, providing approximately $8.3 billion in grant funding for affordable housing and helping more than one million households purchase or preserve a home since 1990.
Highlights of the 2025 AHP funding competition include:
Where AHP projects are developed, local economies also get a boost, as these projects create jobs, increase construction and consumer spending, and generate new tax revenues. Learn more about the communities, families, and individuals that have benefited from access to AHP-funded housing and access the complete list of AHP grant winners at the bank’s website, fhlbsf.com.
About the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco
The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is a member-driven cooperative helping local lenders in Arizona, California, and Nevada build strong communities, create opportunity, and change lives for the better. The tools and resources we provide to our member financial institutions — commercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, savings institutions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions — propel homeownership, finance quality affordable housing, drive economic vitality, and revitalize whole neighborhoods. Together with our members and other partners, we are making the communities we serve more vibrant and resilient.
Contact:
Tom Flannigan
Tom.Flannigan@fhlbsf.com
415.616.2695
Source: Greenpeace Statement –
For Immediate Release
July 9, 2025
Contacts: Katie Nelson, Greenpeace USA, [email protected], +1 (678) 644-1681, (GMT -8)
Rebecca Stoner, Oil Change International, [email protected], +1 (917) 561-2607, (GMT -4)
As the Trump administration barrels forward with its pro-fossil fuel agenda, and European and Asian governments and financial institutions debate whether to increase investments in U.S. liquified natural gas (LNG) projects, a report published today by Greenpeace USA, Earthworks, and Oil Change International highlights the climate threats and financial risks posed by five major new liquefied gas export projects proposed for the United States Gulf Coast, all but one of them still awaiting a final investment decision.
“What we found was crystal clear – any further investment in LNG is not compatible with a livable climate,” says Andres Chang, Senior Research Specialist at Greenpeace USA and lead author of the report. “The massive growth in infrastructure along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast has already created significant public health and ecosystem impacts, threatening entire coastal communities. But it doesn’t stop there. We believe this report shows that if built, these projects would put global climate goals even further out of reach.”
The report analyzes five major U.S. LNG projects – Venture Global CP2, Cameron LNG Phase II, Sabine Pass Stage V, Cheniere Corpus Christi LNG Midscale 8-9 [1], and Freeport LNG Expansion – and finds that each and every one fails a “climate test” derived from models in the Department of Energy’s (DOE) 2024 LNG Export public interest studies. Contrary to industry claims, the report shows that decreasing methane venting and leaking during gas drilling, transportation, and liquefaction is not enough to make these projects “climate neutral.”
“Focusing the Department of Energy’s model on individual US LNG terminals that are yet to be built, we found that they all result in increased greenhouse gas emissions because they pollute the climate, displace renewable energy, and drive up gas demand,” says Lorne Stockman, Oil Change International Research Director and report co-author. “It is very clear that governments, investors, and insurers must stop supporting the reckless LNG buildout now and instead invest in a rapid and just transition to renewable energy that will protect our communities from toxic pollution and climate-fueled superstorms.”
Future administrations could revoke export authorizations that were rubber-stamped under Trump based on their failure to pass the DOE “climate test,” which introduces a new layer of uncertainty to these already-risky projects. This report adds to a rapidly growing body of evidence that financing U.S. LNG is not a sound decision for insurers, investors, or purchasers – something the EU and America’s Asian allies must keep in mind as President Trump pressures them to increase their imports of U.S. LNG under threat of sweeping tariffs. “Countries with climate commitments, such as those in the EU, should be very wary of the climate cost of importing US LNG,” says Dr. Dakota Raynes, Senior Manager of Research, Policy, and Data at Earthworks and report co-author.
“Fossil fuel dependency has long externalized its true costs, forcing communities to bear the burden of pollution, sickness, and economic instability,” says James Hiatt, founder and director of For a Better Bayou. “For decades the oil and gas industry has known about the devastating health and climate impacts of its operations, yet it continues to expand, backed by billions in private and public financing. These harms are not isolated – they’re systemic, and they threaten all of us. This report is a call to conscience. It’s time we stop propping up deadly false solutions and start investing in a transition to energy systems that sustain life, not sacrifice it.”
Notes:
Read the full report here.
A recording of yesterday’s press briefing with authors, community members, and other subject experts can be found here.
[1] As of the drafting of the report, all five were awaiting a final investment decision. On June 24, 2025, Cheniere Corpus Christi LNG announced a positive final investment decision.
Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.
Oil Change International campaigns to expose the true costs of fossil fuels and facilitate the ongoing transition towards clean energy. Oil Change International is dedicated to identifying and overcoming barriers to that transition.
Earthworks protects communities and the environment from the adverse impacts of mineral and energy development while promoting sustainable solutions.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
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The Department for Transport is aware of text messages claiming to be from the department asking people to pay fines for outstanding traffic tickets.
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If you have received this text or a similar one, please report it to the National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk or by forwarding it for free to 7726.
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Source: US State of Missouri
JULY 9, 2025
Jefferson City — This morning, Governor Mike Kehoe signed House Bills (HB) 121 and 737, and Senate Bill (SB) 43 into law, highlighting Missouri’s commitment to protecting the state’s most vulnerable citizens.
“Today’s action on this legislation is about standing up for the most vulnerable Missourians; those who often times cannot advocate for themselves,” said Governor Kehoe. “Protecting these individuals is not just a priority, it’s a responsibility we all share, and we appreciate the General Assembly for sending this legislation to my desk. We must provide safety, support, and dignity to those who need it most.”
HB 121, sponsored by Representative Jim Murphy and Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman, establishes the “Safe Place for Newborns Fund” for installing newborn safety incubators.
HB 737, sponsored by Representative Melissa Schmidt and Senator Jamie Burger, modifies provisions relating to the protection of children.
SB 43, sponsored by Senator Travis Fitzwater and Representative Wendy Hausman, modifies provisions relating to protecting vulnerable persons.
Governor Kehoe also signed Senator Ben Brown’s and Representative Jim Murphy’s SB 152, which bans foreign nationals from contributing donations to campaign committees for ballot measures, and Senator Rusty Black’s and Representative Cameron Parker’s SB 218, which modernizes court operations and enhances judicial efficiency, during an in-office signing ceremony.
For more information on the legislation and additional provisions signed into law, visit house.mo.gov and senate.mo.gov. Photos from the bill signing will be uploaded to Governor Kehoe’s Flickr page. Additional bill signings will continue to take place over the next several days. For more information bill signings, view Governor Kehoe’s schedule.
###
Source: Government of Canada regional news
Released on July 9, 2025
The Government of Saskatchewan is expanding the Targeted Mineral Exploration Incentive (TMEI) to include more early-stage exploration activities to support mining sector growth and investment.
Launched in 2018, the TMEI program provides financial assistance in the form of a grant to exploration companies that undertake eligible drilling activities. The TMEI program is being expanded to cover a wider range of exploration activities, such as ground-based and borehole geophysical surveys and important pre-sampling tasks like core logging. These changes aim to increase program uptake and enable more exploration for critical and emerging minerals. Specifically, the changes are expected to improve the ability of smaller companies to raise private sector capital to undertake exploration activities.
“TMEI has been key to diversifying Saskatchewan’s mining sector by promoting drilling on hard rock mineral exploration projects,” Energy and Resources Minister Colleen Young said. “These changes will help us achieve our goals set out in Saskatchewan’s Critical Minerals Strategy, specifically, increasing Saskatchewan’s share of Canadian mineral exploration spending to 15 per cent and doubling the number of critical minerals produced in Saskatchewan, all by 2030.”
By recognizing a broader scope of the exploration process, this expansion is supporting new mineral discoveries and the diversification of our mining sector. With continuing advancements in helium, lithium, copper and zinc, and record production in uranium and potash, Saskatchewan is responding to growing global demand for critical minerals.
“Expanding TMEI funding to include additional generative, early-stage exploration activities will help identify more drill targets, attracting greater investor interest and capital to Saskatchewan,” Saskatchewan Mining Association President Pam Schwann said. “The collaborative partnership between government and industry exemplifies why Saskatchewan is a premier exploration and mining destination.”
In 2024-25, 27 exploration projects were approved for $1.9 million in TMEI funding with companies spending a total of $76.5 million on these projects. Since 2018, 96 projects have received $5.9 million in TMEI funding, resulting in 926 exploration drill holes and $172.5 million in total project expenditures.
Saskatchewan has 27 of the 34 critical minerals on Canada’s list and is the largest primary producer of critical minerals in Canada. With a suite of competitive incentive programs including TMEI, a predictable and stable regulatory framework, and an abundance of resources, Saskatchewan is one of the best places in the world to invest in resource development. Clear and stable supports like the TMEI program help build Saskatchewan’s resource sector and strengthen the provincial economy which benefits all Saskatchewan people.
For more information about the TMEI, visit: Targeted Mineral Exploration Incentive.
To review Saskatchewan’s Critical Minerals Strategy, visit: Securing the Future: Saskatchewan’s Critical Minerals Strategy.
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For more information, contact:
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Austin, TX , July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Easterseals New Jersey (ENJ), a nonprofit leader in empowering individuals with disabilities and special needs, has partnered with Opening Bell Ventures (OBV) to launch a cutting-edge data and analytics platform that is redefining how the organization delivers services, measures impact, and engages its community.
ESNJ Logo
With an annual revenue exceeding $105 million, ENJ is committed to helping individuals live, learn, work, and thrive with dignity. As part of its strategic vision to enhance operational excellence and deepen donor engagement, ENJ identified a powerful opportunity: to harness the full potential of its data.
By modernizing its data infrastructure, ENJ aimed to unify insights across departments, streamline reporting, and unlock new levels of transparency and efficiency. This forward-thinking initiative led to the creation of “Carehouse”—a cloud-based data Lakehouse developed in partnership with OBV.
“Our newly built Data Lakehouse has been a game-changer for us. This efficiency allows us to focus more on our mission of enriching lives,” said Aleisha Hart, Chief Operating Officer at ENJ.
Key achievements of the collaboration include:
“This initiative reflects our belief that data is not just a tool—it’s a catalyst for mission-driven impact,” said a spokesperson from Opening Bell Ventures.
The success of this transformation highlights the power of strategic partnerships and digital innovation in the nonprofit sector. ENJ’s journey demonstrates how organizations can turn operational complexity into opportunity, using technology to amplify their mission and better serve their communities.
About Easterseals New Jersey
Easterseals New Jersey is a nonprofit organization committed to enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities and special needs through community-based services and support.
About Opening Bell Ventures
Opening Bell Ventures is a professional services firm specializing in data, analytics, and AI solutions that accelerate digital transformation for Fortune 500 and mission-driven organizations.
Media Contact:
Corinne Lowenstein
Chief Operating Officer
Corinne.Lowenstein@openingbellventures.com
(646) 942-4522
www.openingbellventures.com
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Austin, TX , July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Easterseals New Jersey (ENJ), a nonprofit leader in empowering individuals with disabilities and special needs, has partnered with Opening Bell Ventures (OBV) to launch a cutting-edge data and analytics platform that is redefining how the organization delivers services, measures impact, and engages its community.
ESNJ Logo
With an annual revenue exceeding $105 million, ENJ is committed to helping individuals live, learn, work, and thrive with dignity. As part of its strategic vision to enhance operational excellence and deepen donor engagement, ENJ identified a powerful opportunity: to harness the full potential of its data.
By modernizing its data infrastructure, ENJ aimed to unify insights across departments, streamline reporting, and unlock new levels of transparency and efficiency. This forward-thinking initiative led to the creation of “Carehouse”—a cloud-based data Lakehouse developed in partnership with OBV.
“Our newly built Data Lakehouse has been a game-changer for us. This efficiency allows us to focus more on our mission of enriching lives,” said Aleisha Hart, Chief Operating Officer at ENJ.
Key achievements of the collaboration include:
“This initiative reflects our belief that data is not just a tool—it’s a catalyst for mission-driven impact,” said a spokesperson from Opening Bell Ventures.
The success of this transformation highlights the power of strategic partnerships and digital innovation in the nonprofit sector. ENJ’s journey demonstrates how organizations can turn operational complexity into opportunity, using technology to amplify their mission and better serve their communities.
About Easterseals New Jersey
Easterseals New Jersey is a nonprofit organization committed to enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities and special needs through community-based services and support.
About Opening Bell Ventures
Opening Bell Ventures is a professional services firm specializing in data, analytics, and AI solutions that accelerate digital transformation for Fortune 500 and mission-driven organizations.
Media Contact:
Corinne Lowenstein
Chief Operating Officer
Corinne.Lowenstein@openingbellventures.com
(646) 942-4522
www.openingbellventures.com
Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC
Headline: Scott Tinker to Speak at IADC’s 2025 Annual General Meeting
IADC’s 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held from 23-24 September at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida. AGM is recognized as the keynote conference for the drilling industry and provides ideal networking opportunities for participants. It features prominent speakers from industry and government.
Joining us on this year’s program as a Featured Speaker is Scott Tinker, CEO of Tinker Energy Associates. Dr. Scott W. Tinker is a global energy explorer and educator bringing industry, government, academia, and nongovernmental organizations together to address major societal challenges in energy, the environment, and the economy.
For more information on registration, accommodations, or the full program, visit our website here.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Magnus Marsden, Professor of Social Anthropology, University of Sussex
The winter season of 2024-25 marked a resurgence of fur clothing – both faux and real – in fashion across Europe and North America. Shearling jackets and embroidered “Penny Lane coats” featured widely in reports on the latest fashion trends. Vintage fur coats are also back in vogue.
To many, the resurgence came as a surprise. The anti-fur movement, especially influential in the 1980s, continues to shape perceptions of fur. In the 2010s, cities including New York and Los Angeles banned the use of fur to make clothes. The UK meanwhile banned the farming of fur-bearing animals, and, alongside the EU, has committed itself to legislating against all fur imports.
Just last year the town of Worthing, in England, debated whether their mayor should wear ceremonial robes trimmed with fur or not. Despite these trends, many young people have embraced the renewed trend of wearing real fur.
Some clothes made from animal skins became popular during the counter-cultural movement of the 1960s, but historically, fur has mostly marked status, wealth and luxury. Today, many critics interpret fur’s return to fashion as a cultural expression of rightwing politics.
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Fur is prominent in the “boom boom” fashion trend, which emphasises excess and “male-coded values”. It has been described by fashion journalists as “over-the-top and unashamed about its own greed and lack of wokeness”.
Fur clothing is a reminder of the moral tensions between need and desire, and luxury and excess. In addition to being inter-generational, these debates are also about gender. For much of the 20th century, fur coats symbolised femininity, erotic power and class position in the west. But by the 1980s, advertising campaigns depicted women who wore fur as either stupid and unthinking or thinking and unspeakably cruel, leading many to jettison it.
Fur’s return to fashion has injected old debates with new significance. Some young people are willing to wear faux fur because it does not involve killing animals. But others argue that, because it is made from synthetic material, faux fur is actually more environmentally damaging and prefer to wear the real thing. They claim that wearing vintage fur is a form of “sustainable consumption” but are challenged by those who argue that this fashion trend ultimately justifies killing animals to make clothes.
The boom boom trend is said to embody a contemporary expression of 1980s “conspicuous consumerism”, but in an era of economic austerity the adoption of fur by young people suggests the clothes they wear identify their desires rather than their financial reality.
Today, as in the 1980s, the perspectives, interests and experiences of non-Europeans are often unheard in debates around fur. A decline of fur-bearing animal populations in North America and Siberia from the early 19th century, led to a global expansion in fur farming.
Read more:
How central Asian Jews and Muslims worked together in London’s 20th-century fur and carpet trade
From the 1850s, for example, Central Asia supplied furs to Europe and North America. Local artisans cured the pelts of karakul lambs – a native breed – to yield a rich and glossy fur. In central and south Asia, men of high status wore karakul hats; in Europe and America, they were mostly used to make women’s coats.
After the Russian revolution of 1917, many nomadic and semi-nomadic pastoralists, who raised sheep and other animals, left central Asia and moved with their flocks to neighbouring Afghanistan. The trade in karakul fur grew in the country, and foreign currency reserves came to depend on lambskins sold at auctions in London and New York.
In the 1960s, sheepskin coats made in Afghanistan – known as “Afghans” – became popular in the west, being worn by stars including Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones. The 1969 British edition of Vogue featured an interview with an icon of “oriental chic”, the “beautiful, dashing, intelligent, adventurous” Afghan socialite, Safia Tarzi, who lived in Paris, and ran a boutique clothing shop in Kabul.
The Afghan coat enjoyed a resurgence in 2000 having been worn by the character Penny Lane (Kate Hudson) in the film Almost Famous.
Read more:
Friday essay: how ‘Afghan’ coats left Kabul for the fashion world and became a hippie must-have
In the 1980s, the anti-fur campaign contributed to a declining market for karakul. For decades, rumours of Central Asian shepherds extracting lambs from the wombs of sheep to ensure a steady yield of delicate pelts had circulated. Moral opposition to the practice was not confined to the west.
During my research on globally dispersed activists, intellectuals and merchants from Afghanistan, a man from Afghanistan, now based in London, told me that his father banned his family from wearing karakul hats because sheep and their lambs were treated cruelly.
In the 1990s, civil war destroyed much of the infrastructure of the karakul industry in Afghanistan, but a trickle of pelts reached auction houses located in Frankfurt, Copenhagen and Helsinki.
In the 2000s, international development organisations attempted to revive the trade, though sales never returned to anyway near the levels of the 1970s. By the 2010s, families in northern Afghanistan struggling economically opted to send sons to travel illegally to Turkey to find work as shepherds for commercially oriented Turkish farmers.
Promotional videos of fashion houses occasionally touch on the Penny Lane coat’s ties to Afghanistan, but media coverage of fur fashions rarely address its historical connections to central Asia.
Magnus Marsden received funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council including for the research upon which this article is based.
– ref. From Kabul to the catwalk – the surprising global history behind fashion’s fur revival – https://theconversation.com/from-kabul-to-the-catwalk-the-surprising-global-history-behind-fashions-fur-revival-256382