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: City of Leicester
FAMILIES looking for a low-cost day out this summer should check out what’s on in Leicester’s children’s centres, libraries and museums.
As schools prepare to close for the long break, the city council is getting ready to open its venues for a summer of affordable fun, with the chance to explore a heritage building, ride on a steam train or meet some mini beasts amongst the ideas on offer.
Events coming up at Leicester’s museums include a Roman activity day at Newarke Houses Museum (Weds 16 July), Toy Time Fun at the Guildhall (Thurs 17 July) and an opportunity to Meet the Police at a community fun day, also at the Guildhall, on Tuesday 22 July.
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery is offering a series of free activities inspired by Elmer & Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee, its free summer exhibition, including an opportunity to make a story book on Friday 18 July.
Abbey Pumping Station will be running its popular Railway Days every Tuesday throughout the summer holidays, with rides on the narrow gauge railway costing just 50p from Tuesday 15 July.
Some events at the city’s museums must be booked in advance and charges may apply, so please check the website for details. Tickets bought online are always offered at a discounted rate.
Leicester’s libraries also have a full programme of events this summer, with the opportunity to be an eco-explorer, make beads from coloured paper or design a plant pot amongst the many free activities on offer.
There will also be story-telling, with author Catherine Ward reading from her book, By The Beaver Pool, at St Barnabas Library on Monday 28 July, and a free four-week course at the Central Library for youngsters who’d like to learn the art of storytelling (booking required for both activities).
Details of all the free and low-cost activities taking place at city council venues and other city centre locations are available at families.leicester.gov.uk/summer-fun
Listings are provided for each week of the school holidays, making it easy for families to find a free or low-cost activity in Leicester this summer.
Source: Scotland – Highland Council
Users and customers of Dornoch Service Point are being advised by The Highland Council that the way in which services are being delivered at the Service Point is changing.
From Monday 4 August, customers will be able to:
Since 2019, there has been a fall in customers using the service point in Dornoch by over 50% and the service therefore needs to be delivered in a different way.
On average, there are now only 17 pay, report or request transactions per week. 90% of all births and deaths are now done by choice over the telephone rather than in the office.
The changes will take place from Monday 4 August when new ways of working will begin. This means that services will be available during library opening times.
The freephone facility to access Pay, Report and Request transactions will be available during office opening hours (Monday to Friday 9-5).
Services will be delivered in partnership with High Life Highland.
Service Point users will still be able to purchase CityLink bus Tickets from High Life Highland.
In person appointments can be requested via the Council’s Golspie office where a member of staff will attend in Dornoch for a pre-agreed appointment.
To register a birth or death, appointments will be made as they currently are via the Council’s registration offices. People will continue to have a choice whether they wish to do this in person or over the telephone.
Phone: 01862 810594 or 01408 635218
Email: sutherland.registrars@highland.gov.uk
For any other queries please contact: sutherland.servicepoint@highland.gov.uk
9 Jul 2025
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Mesoscale Discussion 1615
Mesoscale Discussion 1615
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1226 PM CDT Wed Jul 09 2025
Areas affected…South Carolina into far eastern Georgia
Concerning…Severe potential…Watch unlikely
Valid 091726Z – 091930Z
Probability of Watch Issuance…20 percent
SUMMARY…Scattered thunderstorms are developing in an environment
supportive of strong to severe downburst winds. This threat should
remain relatively brief/isolated; watch issuance is not expected.
DISCUSSION…Deep convection is rapidly developing from
south-central GA into portions of SC within a weak low-level
confluence zone and along a strengthening sea-breeze boundary. This
comes as temperatures quickly warm into the low 90s within a very
moist environment. Morning guidance has largely displayed a 3-5 F
cool and dry bias across the region so far today, which has resulted
in initiation slightly earlier than anticipated as well as SBCAPE
values upwards of 4000-5000 J/kg. Observed dewpoint depressions on
the order of 15 F suggest that LCLs are likely at around 1 km AGL
with near-surface lapse rates on the order of 7-8 C/km. This
combination of extreme buoyancy atop a shallow low-level
dry-adiabatic layer should promote strong, water-loaded downdrafts
capable of damaging/severe downburst winds (most likely between
40-60 mph) through late afternoon. Very weak flow over the region
(generally less than 15 knots per regional VWPs) will favor
disorganized multicells with limited duration. Consequently, the
short-range predictability and coverage of damaging winds will
remain limited and precludes watch issuance.
..Moore/Mosier.. 07/09/2025
…Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product…
ATTN…WFO…ILM…CHS…CAE…GSP…JAX…FFC…TAE…
LAT…LON 32198060 31918100 31548123 31228136 30958153 30868198
31008235 31238274 31468310 31768330 32318335 33318296
34278211 34468175 34508139 34348035 34218002 34077982
33907972 33757972 32198060
MOST PROBABLE PEAK WIND GUST…UP TO 60 MPH
Top/All Mesoscale Discussions/Forecast Products/Home
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: Government of Qatar
Doha, July 09, 2025
HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received a phone call on Wednesday from HE Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria Christian Stocker.
During the call, they discussed cooperation relations and ways to support and strengthen them, in addition to the latest developments in the region, particularly in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as a number of issues of common interest.
HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s continued efforts, in cooperation with regional and international partners, to de-escalate tensions and promote stability and peace in the region.
His Excellency emphasized the importance of international solidarity to pressure all parties for the success of the State of Qatar’s joint mediation efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, securing the release of hostages and detainees, and ensuring the entry of humanitarian aid to address the dire situation in the Strip.
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.”
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
CAIRO, July 9 (Xinhua) — China supports Arab countries in strengthening their strategic independence, enhancing unity and self-sufficiency, and choosing development paths that suit their national conditions, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in the Egyptian capital on Wednesday.
At a meeting with Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Abu Al-Gheit, Li Qiang stressed that China always views and develops relations with Arab states from a strategic height and firmly supports their just cause. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
CAIRO, July 9 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in the Egyptian capital on Wednesday that China is willing to strengthen coordination and communication with Arab countries in such forums as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the World Trade Organization and the Group of 20 (G20), demonstrating a common will, speaking with one voice and promoting a fairer and more reasonable global governance system.
Li Qiang made the statement at a meeting with Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) — Chinese authorities have allocated 150 million yuan (about 20.97 million U.S. dollars) from the central disaster relief fund to support flood, typhoon and geological disaster relief efforts in affected regions, the Ministry of Finance said Wednesday.
The emergency aid funds, jointly provided by the Ministry of Emergency Management, have been distributed among six regions, including Zhejiang, Fujian, Sichuan, Gansu provinces, Xizang Autonomous Region and Chongqing Municipality, the department said.
China has entered its main flood season, with floods and geological disasters increasing in some regions. In addition, Typhoon Danas, the fourth typhoon of the year, has hit several southeastern coastal regions, causing secondary disasters. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
CAIRO, July 9 (Xinhua) — China and Egypt should continuously simplify bilateral trade and investment procedures, strengthen industrial connectivity and market connectivity, and strive for higher-level mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in Cairo on Wednesday.
Li Qiang made the remarks during a meeting with Hanafi Ali El-Gebali, the speaker of Egypt’s lower house of parliament. The Chinese premier is on an official visit to Egypt at the invitation of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
NEW YORK, July 9 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump sent letters to leaders of six more countries on Wednesday morning, notifying them that new tariffs will be imposed on goods imported into the United States from those countries starting Aug. 1.
D. Trump published the corresponding notices on his own social network Truth Social. The letters were addressed to the Philippines, Brunei, Moldova, Algeria, Iraq and Libya. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Almaty, July 9 (Xinhua) — The Almosi Valley in Tajikistan’s Gissar district has been officially recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as a “globally important agricultural heritage system,” the Khovar news agency reported on Wednesday, citing the press center of the FAO office in Tajikistan.
The corresponding decision was made at the meeting of the FAO scientific advisory group held in Rome on July 7-8. The Almosi Valley has become the first and only site in Central Asia with the status of “globally important agricultural heritage system”.
“Until now, only 12 sites in the Europe and Central Asia region have been included in FAO’s Agricultural Heritage List… Now, the Almosi Valley in Tajikistan has joined them, becoming a bridge between Central Asia’s rich natural and cultural heritage and the international community,” said Kaveh Zahedi, Director of FAO’s Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment Division. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)
Toledo, Ohio — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus released the following statement after President Trump announced the resumption of Military Aid to Ukraine.
“I support the President’s recent announcement of renewed critical defensive weapons shipments to Ukraine—including lifesaving air defensive systems. The harmful pause in shipments should have never happened in the first place. Last week’s revelation of the unexpected Department of Defense halt came just days after the single largest Russian barrage against Ukraine in which Putin launched over 500 drones and missiles against its cities and civilian populations. Russia has only continued to escalate its devastating strikes.
“US-made air defense systems, including Patriot batteries, are the centerpiece of Ukraine’s defenses against Russian strikes. They save lives every day. There are no parallel defense alternatives for Ukraine if the US stops supplying these vital munitions. By halting these shipments, leaders in the Department of Defense have risked the imminent deaths of many Ukrainian military servicemembers as well as civilians.
“Supplying Ukraine with these weapons ensures increased demand that enables our own defense industrial base to grow so that we can produce the quantities of munitions needed to defend both ourselves and our Allies. Ukraine’s use of these weapons in its defensive war also allows our military to better test and improve these systems to keep American forces safer.
“As Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus, I want to applaud the work of our nearly 100 Caucus Members for their tireless support for Ukraine in Congress. The unified message our Caucus has sent since before the start of this unprovoked war continues to ensure that any pro-Putin actors, even potentially within the Administration, remain isolated and are made known to the public which continues to back Ukraine’s decade long fight to restore its Liberty.
“As a Caucus, we call upon the Department of Defense to expeditiously and fully renew the shipments of these munitions and demand full accountability from the Administration as to how this important decision was delayed but now restored.”
# # #
Source: Samsung
Samsung has announced one of its most compelling customer promises to date. From today, customers who purchase a new Galaxy Z Fold7, Z Flip7 or Z Flip7 FE can take advantage of a 100-day return window[1] – the longest return promotion ever offered on a Galaxy device.
The new ‘buy and try’ promotion means that customers can experience everything that the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 has to offer, including Galaxy AI capabilities, before making a long-term decision about the device.
To be eligible, customers must pre-order or purchase a Galaxy Z Fold7, Z Flip7 or Z Flip7 FE mobile device in store or online between Wednesday 9 July – Tuesday 19 August and register for the promotion within 30 days of purchase at samsungoffers.claims/ukbuyandtry. Customers who purchase and register within this window will also receive a complementary case.
If a customer decides the device is not for them, so long as it remains in good condition the customer can complete a claim to return it between 45 – 100 days after purchase to receive 100% of the purchase price paid.
Annika Bizon, Mobile Experience VP of Product and Marketing, Samsung UK & Ireland, says: “Choosing a new smartphone is a big decision and people need peace of mind that they’re making the right call. Our “buy and try” offer gives people an extra layer of reassurance when making such a significant purchase. The Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 mark a new era of innovation in the smartphone industry, and are the perfect devices to experience all the best features that Galaxy has to offer.”
For more details please visit: https://samsungoffers.claims/ukbuyandtry.
.
[1]Purchase a SIM-free Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, Z Flip7 or Z Flip FE from a participating retailer before 19/08/2025 and register for the promotion using link below within 30 days. If dissatisfied, the product may be returned in good condition to Samsung 45-100 days after purchase (or delivery in the case of pre-orders) and Samsung will pay the purchase price (capped at RRP) by bank transfer. Maximum one claim per individual and two per household / business. For full terms and more information see https://samsungoffers.claims/ukbuyandtry.
Source: APO
The President of the Human Rights Council, Ambassador Jürg Lauber (Switzerland), has announced the appointment of Mr. Max du Plessis of South Africa to serve as an independent member of the Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran. Mr. du Plessis replaces Ms. Shaheen Sardar Ali of Pakistan on the three-member investigative panel and joins Ms. Sara Hossain of Bangladesh and Ms. Viviana Krsticevic of Argentina. Ms. Hossain serves as chair of the Fact-Finding Mission.
The Human Rights Council established the Fact-Finding Mission with resolution S-35/1 of 24 November 2022, adopted at a special session, to “investigate alleged human rights violations in the Islamic Republic of Iran related to the protests that began on 16 September 2022, especially with respect to women and children”. The three-person Mission was further requested to “establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the alleged violations and collect, consolidate and analyse evidence of such violations and preserve evidence, including in view of cooperation in any legal proceedings”.
The mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission was subsequently extended for one year with resolution 55/19 of 4 April 2024 entitled “Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
In April 2025, with its resolution 58/21, the Council extended the Fact-Finding Mission’s mandate for an additional year and expanded its scope to, among other things, thoroughly and independently monitor and investigate allegations of recent and ongoing serious human rights violations in Iran. This resolution requests the Fact-Finding Mission to present a report to the Human Rights Council at its 61st session in February/March 2026, and to present an oral update, to be followed by an interactive dialogue, to the United Nations General Assembly at its 80th session (2025-2026).
Mr. du Plessis is a South African barrister and academic whose career has been characterised by his involvement on justice and human rights issues. He has a Bachelor of Laws from the University of South Africa and the University of Natal (South Africa), completed his Master of Laws at the University of Cambridge (United Kingdom) and completed his PhD studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa).
His legal career began in 2000 when he became an advocate at the High Court of South Africa. His expertise in international, administrative, and constitutional law lead to a role as a senior research fellow in the International Crime in Africa Programme at the Institute for Security Studies. Mr. du Plessis has practiced law in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and has been a visiting expert at the International Criminal Court.
Throughout his career Mr. du Plessis has been an adjunct professor at the University of Cape Town and Nelson Mandela University. He also served as a visiting professor at Law Futures Centre, Griffith University (Australia), Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford (United Kingdom), St. John’s College, University of Cambridge (United Kingdom), the London School of Economics (United Kingdom), Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University (United States), and others.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
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.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced Kimberly Guilfoyle, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to Greece, at a nomination hearing.
*Click the photo above or here to watch*
Remarks as prepared for delivery:
It is my honor to introduce my good friend, Kimberly Guilfoyle, who is President Trump’s nominee to be the U.S. Ambassador to Greece.
Kimberly is a deeply experienced attorney, a nationally-respected commentator on politics and public policy, and strategist.
Throughout her career, she has excelled in both the private sector and in public service roles.
Indeed, her distinguished background and long-standing commitment to public engagement make her an excellent candidate to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Greece.
Ms. Guilfoyle worked as a broadcaster at Fox News where she co-hosted The Five and Outnumbered and previously appeared as a legal analyst on CNN, ABC News, and Court TV.
Earlier in her career, Kimberly served as a prosecutor in the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office and as Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles, where she garnered national recognition for her legal acumen.
Her academic and civic credentials further support her nomination—having graduated magna cum laude from the University of California, Davis, and earned a J.D. from the University Of San Francisco School Of Law.
She is also the recipient of multiple awards recognizing her legal work, public service, and advocacy—including the Heritage of Hope Award from the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and the Special Civil Rights Award from the City of New York.
Most recently, in January she was awarded what’s known as an Emblematic Icon by the Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church of America commemorating the spiritual and cultural bonds between Greece and the United States.
Ms. Guilfoyle’s strong expertise and experience—as well as her deep ties to the Greek-American community—make her extremely well-qualified to represent the United States in Greece.
On a very personal note, as I moved from my prior post as U.S. Ambassador to Japan and into the U.S. Senate, Kimberly was there for me.
She joined me for the kick off of my senate campaign in my small hometown in Tennessee, so I feel like she has been with me since the very beginning of this current chapter in my life.
I am honored to support her as she opens the next chapter in hers!
I urge my colleagues on this Committee to support her nomination as well.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced Kimberly Guilfoyle, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to Greece, at a nomination hearing.
Remarks as prepared for delivery:
It is my honor to introduce my good friend, Kimberly Guilfoyle, who is President Trump’s nominee to be the U.S. Ambassador to Greece.
Kimberly is a deeply experienced attorney, a nationally-respected commentator on politics and public policy, and strategist.
Throughout her career, she has excelled in both the private sector and in public service roles.
Indeed, her distinguished background and long-standing commitment to public engagement make her an excellent candidate to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Greece.
Ms. Guilfoyle worked as a broadcaster at Fox News where she co-hosted The Five and Outnumbered and previously appeared as a legal analyst on CNN, ABC News, and Court TV.
Earlier in her career, Kimberly served as a prosecutor in the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office and as Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles, where she garnered national recognition for her legal acumen.
Her academic and civic credentials further support her nomination—having graduated magna cum laude from the University of California, Davis, and earned a J.D. from the University Of San Francisco School Of Law.
She is also the recipient of multiple awards recognizing her legal work, public service, and advocacy—including the Heritage of Hope Award from the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and the Special Civil Rights Award from the City of New York.
Most recently, in January she was awarded what’s known as an Emblematic Icon by the Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church of America commemorating the spiritual and cultural bonds between Greece and the United States.
Ms. Guilfoyle’s strong expertise and experience—as well as her deep ties to the Greek-American community—make her extremely well-qualified to represent the United States in Greece.
On a very personal note, as I moved from my prior post as U.S. Ambassador to Japan and into the U.S. Senate, Kimberly was there for me.
She joined me for the kick off of my senate campaign in my small hometown in Tennessee, so I feel like she has been with me since the very beginning of this current chapter in my life.
I am honored to support her as she opens the next chapter in hers!
I urge my colleagues on this Committee to support her nomination as well.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced Kimberly Guilfoyle, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to Greece, at a nomination hearing.
Remarks as prepared for delivery:
It is my honor to introduce my good friend, Kimberly Guilfoyle, who is President Trump’s nominee to be the U.S. Ambassador to Greece.
Kimberly is a deeply experienced attorney, a nationally-respected commentator on politics and public policy, and strategist.
Throughout her career, she has excelled in both the private sector and in public service roles.
Indeed, her distinguished background and long-standing commitment to public engagement make her an excellent candidate to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Greece.
Ms. Guilfoyle worked as a broadcaster at Fox News where she co-hosted The Five and Outnumbered and previously appeared as a legal analyst on CNN, ABC News, and Court TV.
Earlier in her career, Kimberly served as a prosecutor in the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office and as Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles, where she garnered national recognition for her legal acumen.
Her academic and civic credentials further support her nomination—having graduated magna cum laude from the University of California, Davis, and earned a J.D. from the University Of San Francisco School Of Law.
She is also the recipient of multiple awards recognizing her legal work, public service, and advocacy—including the Heritage of Hope Award from the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and the Special Civil Rights Award from the City of New York.
Most recently, in January she was awarded what’s known as an Emblematic Icon by the Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church of America commemorating the spiritual and cultural bonds between Greece and the United States.
Ms. Guilfoyle’s strong expertise and experience—as well as her deep ties to the Greek-American community—make her extremely well-qualified to represent the United States in Greece.
On a very personal note, as I moved from my prior post as U.S. Ambassador to Japan and into the U.S. Senate, Kimberly was there for me.
She joined me for the kick off of my senate campaign in my small hometown in Tennessee, so I feel like she has been with me since the very beginning of this current chapter in my life.
I am honored to support her as she opens the next chapter in hers!
I urge my colleagues on this Committee to support her nomination as well.
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.
Source: Microsoft
Headline: The power of game-based learning with Minecraft Education
Engage students through game-based learning with Minecraft Education—explore this collection of subject-spanning, skill-building learning experiences.
Engaging students across subjects can be challenging. Game-based learning with Minecraft Education offers a powerful way to bridge that gap and create real-world impact. Minecraft Education helps educators connect students’ passion with purpose—making learning feel like play. With ready-to-use, standards-aligned resources in coding and AI, science, history, math, and more, this immersive platform brings lessons to life through creativity, collaboration, and exploration.
Minecraft Education promotes critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving while helping students develop digital skills for their future. It can also help motivate learning, improve attendance, and build student agency. Educators use it for everything from building AI literacy through immersive lessons to sustainable design challenges and esports programs.
Explore this collection of Minecraft Education experiences designed to support your instruction, boost engagement, and inspire creativity in the classroom. Parents and caregivers can also support their child’s learning outside of school with Minecraft Education. With materials like a digital safety family toolkit, you’ll find ways to use Minecraft to explore important topics at home, too. Discover Minecraft Education resources for parents and families today.
Today’s students are growing up in a world shaped by digital tools, AI, and rapid technological change. Minecraft Education helps prepare them to navigate that world responsibly and confidently. With Minecraft Education, students can engage in hands-on experiences that help them strengthen digital citizenship, explore responsible AI use, and build coding fluency all within a familiar and playful learning space that connects to their everyday lives.
Check out these Minecraft Education worlds designed to help students explore, create, and grow as digital citizens.
These experiences introduce students to essential digital concepts while allowing them to iterate and build in a safe, creative environment. Demystify complex subjects like AI and coding with your students through game-based learning with Minecraft.
It can be challenging to make abstract academic concepts feel exciting, relevant, and accessible. That’s where Minecraft Education comes in. These standards-aligned experiences are designed to help students connect with core instruction in ways that are hands-on and meaningful. From environmental science and astronomy to math and history, these worlds help students engage deeply with content through inquiry, experimentation, and creativity.
Explore these worlds to help your students apply academic concepts across subject areas.
These experiences support cross-curricular connections and help students build a deeper understanding of academic content and inspire curiosity through game-based learning. Get started and explore immersive content in core subjects for students of all ages.
Sometimes the best learning happens when students are free to explore, experiment, and play. Minecraft Education’s open-ended experiences empower students to express themselves, collaborate with peers, and build creative confidence. These activities are perfect for community-building, project-based learning, or moments when your classroom needs a spark of joy.
Try these student-centered worlds to foster classroom culture and creativity.
These experiences are great for building relationships, strengthening classroom community, and letting students lead their own learning in joyful, meaningful ways. Engage your students’ creativity and strengthen future-ready skills in your classroom.
No matter where you are in your Minecraft Education journey, there’s a community and a collection of free resources ready to help you succeed. Connect with fellow educators, participate in special events, and explore learning modules, challenges, and ideas to bring Minecraft into your classroom:
Whether you’re helping students understand responsible technology use, reinforce academic content, or build a thriving classroom culture, Minecraft Education offers immersive worlds that make learning engaging and meaningful. These experiences aren’t just lessons—they’re launchpads for curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
Check out Minecraft Education to explore the full collection of lessons, access educator resources, and start teaching with the power of play today.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
ULAN BATOR, July 9 (Xinhua) — Since the start of the swimming season in Mongolia, 27 people, including eight minors, have died in the water, the General Administration of Emergency Situations of Mongolia said on Wednesday.
Tragic incidents on the water were recorded in Ulaanbaatar and some Mongolian aimags.
According to experts, the main causes of accidents were the inability to swim, as well as violation of rules of conduct when swimming and boating. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kim Honey, CEO|Editor-in-Chief, The Conversation Canada
The Conversation Canada is seeking a dynamic and thoughtful Culture & Society Editor with a background in critical race scholarship to join our editorial team. This remote, full-time, 10-month contract position is ideal for an experienced editor who is passionate about shaping public discourse through rigorous, accessible journalism.
As the Culture & Society Editor, you will work closely with academics from across Canada, and sometimes globally, to commission, edit and publish articles that explore the intersections of culture, identity, race, media, politics and society. You will play a key role in ensuring our coverage reflects a diversity of voices and perspectives, particularly those grounded in critical race theory, decolonial thought, Indigenous studies and other transformative frameworks that challenge dominant narratives.
Your responsibilities will include identifying timely and relevant story ideas, working collaboratively with academics to develop their ideas into clear, compelling content and upholding The Conversation Canada’s editorial standards of evidence-based, non-partisan journalism. You will also help expand our network of contributors from equity-deserving communities and ensure inclusive representation in our content, and will work closely and collaboratively with team members to publish stories in a timely fashion.
This role offers the opportunity to influence national conversations by bringing scholarly expertise into the public sphere, especially on matters of racial justice, cultural expression and societal transformation.
The ideal candidate will have:
The Conversation Canada is a successful news startup in its eighth year of operation, which has a French-language sister site, La Conversation, in Quebec. It is a unique collaboration between academics and professional journalists, and we belong to a global network with eight other editions covering Africa, Australia, Brazil, France, Indonesia, New Zealand, the U.K. and the U.S. The Conversation Canada has editors in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Victoria, and we offer a friendly working environment with a passionate and mission-driven team.
Please send applications, including a cover letter, CV, three writing and/or editing samples and three story ideas to Kim Honey at kim.honey@theconversation.com and Lee-Anne Goodman at lee-anne.goodman@theconversation.com.
Please note only candidates under consideration will be contacted.
We are committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and ages. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities.
– ref. We’re hiring: Culture & Society Editor – https://theconversation.com/were-hiring-culture-and-society-editor-260789
MIL OSI –
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
Senator Cortez Masto helped pass legislation to award former Reno resident Greg LeMond a Congressional Gold Medal
Washington, D.C. – Following the 2020 passage of the Greg LeMond Congressional Gold Medal Act, supported by U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto’s (D-Nev.), Greg LeMond was today awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award bestowed by the United States Congress. The ceremony was hosted by Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson.
“I’m thrilled that Nevada’s own Greg LeMond – an icon to cycling fans worldwide – has been recognized for not only his contributions to the sport, but to his community,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Exemplifying both Nevadans’ independence and a devotion to community, he has contributed his time and effort to so many important causes, from childhood sports to victims of sexual assault to those suffering from childhood illnesses. Greg is the model for what the Congressional Gold Medal should stand for.”
BACKGROUND:
Gregory James LeMond was born in California but raised near Reno, Nevada, where he spent much of his time outdoors. He attended Earl Wooster High School in Reno. At age 18, he became the youngest cyclist in the history of the sport to be selected for the United States men’s Olympic team. Greg first competed in the Tour de France in 1984, finishing third, deputizing himself to boost his teammates toward victory. In the 1986 Tour de France, he defeated the field by more than three full minutes, becoming the first American and the first non-European to win cycling’s most prestigious race. In 1987, while recovering from a broken wrist and collarbone, Greg was tragically shot during a turkey hunting accident, leaving him in intensive care and requiring the removal of over 40 shotgun pellets from his abdomen. Following multiple surgeries, Greg mounted a comeback, winning the 1989 Tour de France by eight seconds in the closest finish in the history of the Tour. Greg went on to win a third Tour de France victory in 1990.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CNN’s The Situation Room where he emphasized that House Democrats will continue pushing back against the extremism that has been unleashed on the American people by the Trump administration and Rubber Stamp Republicans in Congress.
WOLF BLITZER: Leader Jeffries, thanks so much for joining us. What do you think? What does this say about the relationship between President Trump and the Defense Secretary?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Pete Hegseth is the most unqualified Defense Secretary in American history, undermines the ability of the Department of Defense to keep the American people safe and Donald Trump should fire him, or Pete Hegseth should tender his resignation. That’s been clear and apparent for months. And it’s shocking to me that this charade continues to go on. Ukraine is an ally. Russia is a sworn enemy of the United States of America. And when you limit Ukraine’s ability to be successful in the war of aggression that Russia has launched against a sovereign country, you undermine America’s national security interests. And that’s highly problematic.
WOLF BLITZER: Very strong words. Very strong words, I should just say. Trump says he’s now considering supporting a bill in the Senate that would impose punishing sanctions on Russia. Leader Jeffries, what do you make of the President’s change in tone against Russia and Vladimir Putin for that matter? And do you expect that these sanctions, this sanctions bill will ultimately come up for a vote?
LEADER JEFFRIES: There’s strong and bipartisan support for sanctions against Vladimir Putin and Russia, and it’s unfortunate that the Trump administration has spent months playing footsie with Vladimir Putin and some would suggest bending the knee to an enemy of this country. This war of aggression that Russia has launched against Ukraine is clear. It’s not just about territorial integrity. It’s a battle between democracy and autocracy, between freedom and tyranny, between truth and propaganda. And the United States of America should always stand on the side of democracy and freedom and truth. That means standing on the side of Ukraine until victory is won.
WOLF BLITZER: So you would support these sanctions if, in fact, they’re passed?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Certainly need to take a look at the specifics of the sanctions, but I am a strong supporter of continuing to escalate and intensify the sanctions that have been previously put into place relative to Russia until they back down and, you know, withdraw from Ukraine and create a situation where Ukraine’s sovereignty can be restored and the killing of innocent civilians stops, including the killing of Ukrainian children that have been targeted by Russia and Vladimir Putin.
WOLF BLITZER: And the Russians are now launching a record number of drones and other missiles against various civilian targets in Ukraine as we speak right now. I want to turn while I have you, Leader Jeffries, to the President’s major policy bill that he signed into law on July 4. All Congressional Democrats, of course, voted against it. What’s your biggest concern right now about the impact this legislation, which is now the law—he signed it into law—will have?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Donald Trump’s One Big Ugly Law hurts everyday Americans all across the country and rewards billionaires. It’s an unprecedented assault on the healthcare of the American people. Hospitals will close, including in rural America. Nursing homes will shut down. Community-based health clinics will no longer be able to operate. And as a result of so many people losing coverage in different ways, people are going to die all across this country. This bill also rips food away from the mouths of children. And all of this is being done to reward their billionaire donors. And by the way, it’s also going to set us on a course toward possibly bankrupting the nation by adding trillions of dollars to America’s debt, which is already far too high. We’re going to tattoo this law on the foreheads of every single House Republican who voted against the best interests of the people that they represent in doing the bidding of supporting this bill and continuing to rubber stamp Donald Trump’s extreme agenda.
WOLF BLITZER: Your fellow Democrats have signaled they intend to make the Medicaid cuts—and there are enormous Medicaid cuts in this new law—a key issue in next year’s midterm elections. But the bill was designed so that those cuts won’t actually happen until after the midterm elections. Given that, Leader Jeffries, will this bill really have as big of an impact on the midterms as some Democrats are saying?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, this is not about politics. It’s about policy. And Republicans have supported a policy which involves the largest cut to Medicaid in American history. And by setting this massive cut into motion, it lays the conditions for the collapse of the Medicaid system in many ways. So this is a big challenge. And also, Wolf, it’s important to recognize that this bill also will rip coverage away from millions of Americans because of changes that were made to the Affordable Care Act. It also goes after Medicare, possibly a cut that could be set into motion by more than $500 billion and it also represents an attack on the Children’s Health Insurance Program and on Planned Parenthood. So it’s an all-out assault on healthcare and it is going to have real consequences for the American people, and that will be felt, in many ways, immediately.
WOLF BLITZER: Many of your Democratic colleagues are facing angry voters back in their districts. According to Axios, some are even being told they need to be more willing to go out there and get shot when fighting—that was a direct quote, get shot—when fighting back against some of Trump’s policies. One House Democrat saying, quote, and I’ll read it to you, ‘Our own base is telling us that what we’re doing is not good enough. There needs to be blood to grab the attention of the press and the public.’ How do you respond to that, Leader Jeffries? Are Democrats not meeting the moment, not doing enough to fight these developments?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we are in a more is more environment in terms of the unprecedented assault on the American way of life and our country that has been launched by Donald Trump and compliant House Republicans—more speeches, more rallies, more protests, more sit-ins, more press conferences, more town hall meetings in Democratic districts and Republican districts. We’re in a more is more environment and we’ll continue to lean in aggressively. At the same period of time, we also are going to span out across the country and talk to the American people about our affirmative vision of making their life better. Imagine a country where everyone can afford to live the good life—a good-paying job, good healthcare, good housing, good education for your children and a good retirement. That’s what Democrats are working hard to bring about. When you work hard in America and when you play by the rules, you should be able to afford to live the good life. And far too many people are struggling to live paycheck to paycheck. That’s unacceptable in the wealthiest country in the history of the world.
WOLF BLITZER: Leader Jeffries, I also want to talk to you about Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for Mayor in New York City. CNN has new reporting that some progressives who empowered Mamdani to victory now want to primary you and other Democrats in New York City. The co-chair of New York City’s Democratic Socialists of America says he thinks you’re picking fights, quote, ‘with the left,’ instead of focusing ‘on fighting the right.’ His words. Asked whether Mamdani thinks those incumbent challenges should happen, his Press Secretary told CNN he was declining to comment, at least for now. How do you respond?
LEADER JEFFRIES: I have no idea what these people are talking about. We are going to continue to focus our efforts, as we did on the House Floor, in connection with Donald Trump’s One Big Ugly Bill, on pushing back against the extremism that has been unleashed on the American people. It’s clear to us, as House Democrats, it’s clear to us as Members of the New York City delegation, that the problem is Donald Trump and House Republicans who have launched this unprecedented assault on the American way of life, an assault on healthcare. They’re ripping food out of the mouths of children, veterans and seniors. They’re exploding the national debt. They’re unleashing masked agents on law-abiding immigrant communities. It shouldn’t be too difficult for some people to figure out who the problem is in the United States of America.
WOLF BLITZER: The Democratic Leader, the Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries. Thanks, as usual, for joining us.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you.
Full interview can be watched here.
###