Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
June 26, 2025
Former VCL responder called the firings of VCL employees a “failure of leadership”
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator and combat Veteran Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) this week questioned a recently-retired Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) responder about her experiences working at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) following the Trump Administration’s wrongful termination of VCL workers as part of their purge of the federal workforce. During the hearing, the former VCL responder shared that the Administration’s mass firings caused delayed services to Veterans, directly contradicting VA Secretary Doug Collins’ repeated claims that the VCL’s services to our nation’s heroes were not affected by the mass layoffs. Video of the Q&A exchange can be found on Duckworth’s YouTube.
“It was extremely troubling to hear testimony that not only verifies Veterans Crisis Line services were, in fact, delayed by the Administration’s indiscriminate mass firings—but also that VCL employees did not receive proper guidance to ensure services weren’t diminished for our Veterans after the reduction in force,” said Senator Duckworth. “Secretary Collins has been evasive and misleading about the quality of the VCL’s services in the wake of the VA’s layoffs. Let’s be clear: all VCL employees are mission critical. We need to be hiring and training more people to work on the VCL—not firing them and then lying about it.”
During her questioning, Duckworth explained to the VCL responder how she heard directly from VCL employees who were fired that their supervisors were not aware of their terminations until after they were final. Upon hearing this, the VCL responder replied, “That is a failure of leadership.”
“To strengthen suicide prevention services for Veterans—especially this critical hotline—Congress needs honest and transparent feedback from VA leadership, including a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative data analysis of VCL performance and operations in the wake of the indiscriminate mass terminations,” continued Senator Duckworth. “We have yet to see this Administration, which claims that addressing Veteran suicide is a top priority, take accountability. The only way to end Veteran suicide is to work together, and I implore Secretary Collins to provide the long-awaited information that Congress needs to do its job and remedy this failure of leadership.”
Duckworth has repeatedly called out Secretary Collins for denying the Trump Administration inflicted any damage on the VCL. In March, Duckworth led her fellow Democratic colleagues in demanding answers from President Donald Trump and VA Secretary Collins on their indiscriminate purge of VA workers, including VCL staff. The group of lawmakers called on Trump and Secretary Collins to immediately outline how many Veterans and VA employees have been fired since the start of this Administration and to tell the truth about how the VCL has been impacted by these terminations.
In April, Duckworth slammed a senior official from the VA after he failed to publicly commit to rehiring VCL workers who were wrongfully fired in Trump-Musk layoffs. After the first VA purge laid off workers with the VCL—including several Veterans—Duckworth successfully pushed the Trump Administration to reinstate these devoted public servants that work to support our Veterans in their darkest moments.
Last month, Duckworth introduced the Protecting Veterans in Crisis Act to help safeguard the VCL for the brave Veterans who depend on it by increasing transparency and strengthening Congress’s oversight of this lifeline.
Additionally, Duckworth and U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) are leading the push for the Protect Veteran Jobs Act, legislation that would reinstate the thousands of Veterans who were fired in the Trump-Musk layoffs. Duckworth and Kim subsequently introduced their legislation as an amendment to Republicans’ slush fund continuing resolution. Republicans shamefully blocked it from passing.
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WASHINGTON, D.C.– On June 26, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02)issued the following statement on his vote against H.R. 875, the Protect Our Communities From DUI Act.
“I have and will continue to support effective, bipartisan ways to secure our border,” said Vasquez. “But I will not support stunts that undermine our democracy. Today, American citizens are being wrongly deported, and this bill will lead to the haphazard deportation of more legal residents and citizens, workers, and parents across this country.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, the Jeremy and Angel Seay and Sergeant Brandon Mendoza Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act to bar illegal immigrants from entering the United States if they have committed or been convicted of a drunk driving offense and makes a DUI a deportable offense.
“According to the Iowa Department of Public Safety, 35% of Iowa’s fatal car accidents involved an impaired driver in 2022,” said Rep. Feenstra. “It’s why I voted to deport illegal immigrants convicted of driving while drunk so that we keep our kids, law enforcement officers, and communities safe. Back in 2016, the illegal immigrant who killed 21-year-old Iowan, Sarah Root, was driving drunk, and should have never been in our country. Drunk driving is already a serious issue that claims too many lives; there is no need to exacerbate the situation.”
In January, President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, which includes Feenstra’s bill – Sarah’s Law – to detain without bail and punish illegal immigrants who harm or kill American citizens.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Tracey Mann (Kansas, 1)
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CLICK HERE to download Rep. Mann’s remarks.
CLICK HERE to watch Rep. Mann’s remarks on YouTube.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to commend President Trump’s efforts in maintaining peace through strength in the Middle East. Over the weekend, President Trump and the U.S. military successfully conducted targeted strikes against Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities while keeping the safety of Americans and U.S. troops at the forefront of the mission. President Trump successfully brokered a ceasefire between Iran and Israel in the days following the strikes.
Rep. Mann’s Remarks as Prepared:
Mr. Speaker, thanks to the leadership of President Trump, America and the world are safer today than we were a week ago. Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, is no longer on the verge of obtaining a nuclear weapon and now they have agreed to a ceasefire with Israel. President Trump is fulfilling his campaign promise to make America safe again. Promises made, promises kept.
Americans want peace through strength, and that is what President Trump is committed to. For far too long, administrations in Washington, D.C. have created red lines that were crossed without consequence, agreed to deals with Iran that the regime disregarded, and concerned themselves more with appeasement than protecting American interests. President Trump took a different approach.
For months, President Trump has urged Iran to make a deal. He has been clear—there is no world where Iran, whose leadership chants, “Death to America, Death to Israel,” will be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. Ever. That is not up for debate. President Trump is restoring America’s leadership
on the world stage and fighting tirelessly to keep Americans safe both at home and abroad.
This past week, President Trump showed that he is not willing to let America be strung along or taken advantage of. After Iran refused to accept a deal and continued to wreak havoc in the region through its proxy organizations, President Trump carried out targeted, strategic strikes to prevent the pending threat of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program. He was also clear: attacks on U.S. forces will not be tolerated, and there will be grave consequences for such action. That is what leadership looks like, and I applaud President Trump for putting America first.
Audrey and I are grateful that our brave servicemen and women were not harmed in the strikes and continue to pray for the safety of our troops and Americans in the region. The world is safer today because of President Trump, and we pray that the Lord would continue to give him wisdom and discernment as he leads our nation and continues to work on bringing down tensions in the Middle East. God bless President Trump, God bless our troops, and God bless America.
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For more information about Representative Mann, visit: www.mann.house.gov.
The UK remains concerned at the volatile security situation across the Central African Republic: UK statement at the UN Security Council
Statement by Caroline Quinn, UK Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on MINUSCA.
The United Kingdom joins USG Lacroix and other Council members in expressing our condolences to all of those affected by the tragic incident at Barthelemy Boganda High School in Bangui yesterday.
We would also like to express our condolences to the family of the Zambian peacekeeper killed on 20 June.
As the USG has said, this marks the third deadly attack against MINUSCA patrols since the beginning of 2025, and it serves as a stark reminder of the volatile security situation the mission operates in.
The UK strongly condemns all attacks on UN peacekeepers.
President, I will make three points.
Firstly, the United Kingdom welcomes progress on electoral preparations by the Government of CAR, in coordination with MINUSCA, including the completion of the first and second phases of voter registration.
We call for the final voter list to be published in a timely and transparent manner.
The upcoming elections represent a significant milestone in the country’s consolidation of a sustainable peace.
We call on the Government of the CAR, with the support of MINUSCA, to ensure a safe environment during all stages of the electoral cycle.
Secondly, President, the United Kingdom welcomes the 19 April announcement that the leaders of armed groups 3R and UPC agreed to cease hostilities and rejoin the 2019 Peace Agreement.
We also take note of the progress made on the extension of state authority in some areas of the country.
However, the UK remains concerned at the volatile security situation across the CAR.
This includes attacks by armed groups against civilians, humanitarian workers, national defence and security forces and MINUSCA.
We encourage the Government of CAR to further consider its security partners, to ensure that the people of CAR achieve the peace they deserve.
The UK also remains concerned by the impact of the Sudan conflict on the CAR.
And we encourage the Government of CAR to enhance border management with Sudan to support refugees and to prevent their exploitation by armed elements.
Thirdly, the United Kingdom is concerned by the 15 percent increase in human rights abuses and violations across CAR, as detailed in the Secretary-General’s report.
We urge the Government of CAR to continue to take action against the perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses, including those committed by Wagner Ti Azande as well as other armed groups.
President, to conclude, the United Kingdom remains committed to supporting the Government and people of CAR to consolidate genuine long-term peace, security and prosperity.
Today, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) published its first annual report on addressing misconduct and wrongdoing, following a commitment made by CSIS leadership last year. This report represents one further step in our progress toward building a culture of integrity, respect and accountability at CSIS, and provides a safe and supportive workplace for all employees. Transparency helps support safety and respect as it calls out and makes clear the consequences of inappropriate behaviour.
The report covers the 2023 and 2024 calendar years, and explains the steps the organization is taking to address misconduct and wrongdoing, as well as provides an overview of the misconduct and wrongdoing cases for this period.
This report will be published annually moving forward, covering one calendar year at a time.
Quote
“CSIS employees deserve a work environment in which they are valued, respected, and free from harassment, discrimination and reprisal. By being open and transparent about the issues we face, it is my hope that more employees will come forward when they suspect misconduct and wrongdoing, confident that we, as an organization, will act appropriately to remedy the situation.”
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and the Province have signed an agreement to guide forest stewardship in Squamish Nation territory at a ceremony held at the top of the Sea-to-Sky gondola overlooking Átl’ḵa7tsem (Howe Sound).
“This agreement is a major step forward in asserting our Nation’s role as stewards of our lands,” said Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams, Councillor and elected spokesperson, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). “This will ensure our cultural sites and key environmental areas are protected for future generations. These have been our lands for thousands of years, and the fact they are now back under our direct control provides a greater sense of security for our people, and a strong optimism for our future.”
The Land Use Planning Agreement establishes 33 Siiyamin ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh cultural sites that will recognize areas of historical and cultural importance to prevent harvesting, new roads and tenures. On top of this, there are six Special Cultural Management Areas (SCMAs), which will be guided by enhanced forest stewardship and cultural management, bringing economic opportunities and increased predictability on the land base for the forestry sector, while protecting important cultural values.
“Forestry is about people and the lands they call home, and by prioritizing these in our vision for forestry, we can build a future rooted in respect and reconciliation,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “This agreement reflects years of meaningful work between the Province and Squamish Nation. By honouring Squamish Nation’s connection to the land and applying their values to forest management, we are charting a path forward that supports economic opportunity and environmental stewardship for our province.”
The agreement will increase protection for riparian and wetland ecosystems, areas of old cedar forests and culturally modified trees. A riparian area is land adjacent to rivers, streams and lakes that support plant and animal life important to ecological balance. By incorporating enhanced riparian management practices, the agreement aims to address the growing impacts of climate change, while protecting fish streams, culturally important plants and food supply.
“Successful land-use planning includes building positive, lasting relationships and trust between First Nations and the B.C. government, communities, stakeholders and the public,” said Randene Niell, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “This agreement, which provides increased protections for riparian and wetland ecosystems, demonstrates what can be done when people work together in good faith to achieve mutually beneficial goals.”
The next step will be to complete a ministerial order, which will include consultation with First Nations, and engagement with the public. It aims to establish objectives for the forestry sector to follow in alignment with the agreement and provide the Squamish Nation certainty in sites of high value.
B.C. is continuing commitments to work alongside rights and title holders to conserve the province’s oldest and rarest trees, while supporting sustainable forestry that adds more local jobs for every tree harvested. The agreement outlines 5,081 hectares of old growth that will not be harvested, 925 hectares within the Siiyamin ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh cultural sites and 4,155 hectares within the SCMAs, while enabling harvest opportunity to approximately 9,800 hectares of the Timber Harvesting Land Base that was temporarily deferred during negotiations.
Approaching forestry and land-use management in this way secures a more sustainable future for First Nations that benefit from local forests for their economic strength, while ensuring a sustainable land base for harvesting.
Quick Facts:
This agreement builds on a previous Land Use Planning Agreement signed in 2007 between the Government of B.C. and the Squamish Nation.
In 2019, B.C. committed to Squamish Nation to negotiate an agreement regarding areas of interest throughout Squamish Nation territory.
Negotiations began in 2020 and, with this agreement, have completed.
The Timber Harvesting Land Base is used to determine the Annual Allowable Cut.
Learn More:
To view a copy of the agreement (a signed version will be added Friday, June 27, 2025), visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Squamish_Nation_AOI_Agreement.pdf
To learn more about Squamish Nation, visit: https://www.squamish.net/
To read about Forest Landscape Planning, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-resources/forest-landscape-plans
Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) issued the following statement on the vote to table the impeachment motion against President Donald Trump.
“I have voted to impeach President Donald Trump two times, and each time, the reasoning behind those decisions was grounded in facts, flagrant breaches of public trust, and this President’s repeated refusal to uphold the Constitution and the will of the American people. I am steadfast in my belief that Donald Trump remains a clear and present danger to our democracy and must be held fully accountable for his actions.
“This week’s resolution was introduced abruptly and only allowed for less than an hour between its introduction and the vote, leaving no room for sufficient discourse and failing to meet the scrupulous standards that have been set for impeachment proceedings. My vote — along with that of House Democratic leadership, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee Jamie Raskin, and the majority of my Democratic colleagues — was not a vote on whether to impeach Donald Trump, but rather, a procedural vote to table a hastily filed resolution that lacked the careful consideration such a serious matter demands.
“I remain more committed than ever to defending the integrity of our democratic institutions and to delivering real accountability, not through performative gestures, but through meaningful and effective actions.”
The University of Connecticut has reappointed Dr. Bruce T. Liang to a third five-year term as dean of its UConn School of Medicine, effective July 1, 2025.
Liang has served in this UConn leadership role since 2015, in addition to serving UConn Health and his heart patients as a cardiovascular physician-scientist at the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center of UConn Health.
Dean Liang speaking with UConn Provost Anne D’Alleva on April 23 at the launch event for the ‘Because of UConn’ Campaign, the largest in University history. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
“His continued leadership reflects the strong foundation he has built and the significant progress achieved over the past decade,” shared UConn Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Anne D’Alleva in her announcement.
Liang is applauded for leading the School of Medicine through a period of meaningful growth and advancement. During his last five-year term alone, he oversaw the full implementation of the MDelta curriculum, which has enriched the educational experience for students and improved outcomes. The School has also expanded its class size, exceeding the initial targets set by Bioscience Connecticut, a state investment launched in 2011 to position Connecticut as a leader in biomedical research and innovation. In addition, Liang led the development of a Science Strategy Plan aligned with the University’s priorities, recruited exceptional faculty, and helped drive an increase in NIH funding. In fact, under Liang’s leadership the medical school has received record-breaking research grant funding of over $100 million year after year. Plus, collaborative partnerships with Jackson Laboratories and Connecticut Children’s have deepened, further elevating the School’s research profile.
UConn’s medical school proudly remains the top contributor to Connecticut’s health care workforce, with many graduates staying in the state to practice. Its Graduate Medical Education programs have robustly grown and now rank in the top 10% nationally. The School is also a significant producer of many new scientists and public health experts.
Dr. Bruce T. Liang delivering his 2025 Commencement address to the graduating medical students in the Class of 2025. (Thomas Hurlbut Photography)
Liang has also strengthened community service programs, securing major grants, supporting the Urban Service Track, Area Health Education Center, Health Career Opportunity Programs, and Office of Multicultural and Community Affairs, as well as expanding care access through clinics serving immigrants in the state.
During his past term as dean, Liang also served as Interim CEO of UConn Health, for more than two years, guiding the institution through a key leadership transition with professionalism, growth, integrity, and a clear commitment to the university’s mission.
“Please join me in congratulating Dr. Liang on his reappointment and thanking him for his continued service to UConn Health and the University of Connecticut,” said D’Alleva.
“Thank you to the Provost, the University of Connecticut, and UConn Health for once again entrusting me to take our amazing medical school and its people, along with their innovative medicine, medical education, and research to even greater pinnacles,” said Liang. “It makes me so proud to be reappointed to serve as your dean for a third time— and to be a UConn Husky.”
Liang is an internationally recognized cardiologist and researcher and national leader in academic medicine. He has been consistently named one of America’s Top Doctors and Best Doctors in America for cardiovascular disease care. His cutting-edge translational research contributions have advanced scientific knowledge about heart disease. His latest research investigations have developed a new potential medication for advanced heart failure patients. His research has been continuously funded since 1986 by the NIH, the American Heart Association, and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Dr. Liang applauding the research poster of a public health student trainee at UConn School of Medicine. (Photo by Tharun Palla/Public Health Sciences)
In addition to serving as the longtime dean of UConn School of Medicine, he is the Ray Neag Distinguished Professor of Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine. Before joining the UConn Health faculty in 2002, for 13 years he served the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine as associate professor of medicine and pharmacology. Liang received his bachelor’s degree from Harvard in biochemistry and molecular biology and his medical degree from Harvard Medical College. He completed his internal medicine internship and residency training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and cardiology fellowship training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), American College of Cardiology, and the American Heart Association, and is an elected member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation, the Association of University Cardiologists, the Council on Clinical Cardiology and Basic Cardiovascular Sciences, and the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering.
SAN FRANCISCO, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) today announced a $52.6 million investment in a Fannie Mae bond issuance that will support the continuing affordability of 230 housing units for very low-income residents living near Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco.
“With the authority FHLBanks have to make prudent investments in mission-consistent securities, we are proud to be able to support the affordability of these local and much-needed housing units,” said Joe Amato, interim president and CEO of FHLBank San Francisco. “This investment aligns with our mission to be a reliable supplier of low-cost liquidity to our member financial institutions and deliver resources that supports affordable housing and community investment in our region. Consistent with our obligation to our mission, we will continue to seek opportunities to invest in the creation, development, and purchase of affordable housing in the communities our members serve.”
According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, there is a deficit of nearly 170,000 affordable rental homes available for households earning 50% or below the area median income in the San Francisco metro area. Housing experts emphasize that investments like this are essential to meeting the regions urgent housing needs.
“Preserving existing affordable housing has to be a critical component of any strategy to address the Bay Area’s current housing crisis,” said Ben Metcalf, managing director at UC Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation. “However, the scale of the problem is such that we simply can’t get there unless institutional capital providers step up to the plate in a big way. That’s why FHLBank San Francisco’s bond purchase in San Francisco is so significant.”
FHLBank San Francisco’s $52.6 million investment to maintain affordability of the homes in the Wharf Plaza I and II buildings near Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco follows a $10 million investment in Nevada Housing Division Mortgage Revenue Bonds earlier this year to support low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyer downpayment assistance programs.
FHLBank San Francisco partners with its member financial institutions to support affordable housing initiatives throughout its three-state region of Arizona, California, Nevada, and other areas where its members do business. Since 1990, FHLBank San Francisco has provided affordable housing and downpayment assistance grants to support the construction, rehabilitation, or purchase of over 155,000 homes affordable to lower-income households. Together, the 11 regional FHLBanks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System are one of the largest privately capitalized sources of grant funding for affordable housing in the United States.
About 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.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Burlison (R-Missouri 7th District)
Provision included in broader PERMIT Act to curb delays on infrastructure projects
Washington, D.C. — The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure advanced the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act, which includes the Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act, introduced by Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07). The bill now heads to the House floor for consideration.
The Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act establishes a firm 60-day deadline for filing lawsuits that challenge permits issued under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act for the discharge of dredged or fill material.
“Frivolous lawsuits from environmental activists have derailed critical infrastructure projects,” said Rep. Burlison. “Our communities deserve better. The Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act puts an end to this nonsense with a hard 60-day deadline to challenge permits. America’s ready to build.”
Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Rep. Sam Graves (MO-06), praised the bill’s advancement:
“Thanks to the reform proposed by Congressman Burlison, this bill will help eliminate frivolous lawsuits by activists who are simply trying to delay or block important infrastructure projects from moving forward. Setting reasonable timelines for permitting reviews is not only common sense, it’s critical to allowing America to build. I commend Congressman Burlison for his continued leadership on this issue and for his work on this legislation.”
Section 404 permits are essential for infrastructure, energy, agriculture, mining, and construction projects that require placing fill material into waters of the United States. These permits, issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, are frequently targeted by lawsuits—even after construction begins—causing delays, added costs, and uncertainty.
The Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act brings clarity and restores common sense to the process.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
“These two weeks were truly exciting. The entire music community watched wonderful, talented people: which of them would become the laureates of the competition. The competition, which is being held for the second time, was born in the year of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s 150th anniversary and has now definitely entered not only our musical life, but also the musical life of the entire world,” Tatyana Golikova told journalists.
She emphasized that the competition has become a unique launching pad for gifted, talented musicians.
“I would like to once again congratulate the laureates and express gratitude to our international jury and the heads of the three areas: Denis Leonidovich Matsuev, who stood at the origins of the competition, Valery Abisalovich Gergiev and Alexander Vladimirovich Tchaikovsky. I am very pleased that our country has become the birthplace of new talents,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted. “We see that art knows no borders, and music is becoming an international language of friendship.”
The II International Competition of Pianists, Composers and Conductors named after S.V. Rachmaninov was held in Moscow from June 14 to 26. Over 500 applications from 25 countries were submitted for participation. The winners were 24 artists from 8 countries – South Korea, Italy, China, Belarus, Russia, Spain, Kazakhstan and Great Britain.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Massachusetts of the July 28, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the Lynnfield strip mall fire occurring on Sept. 10, 2024.
The disaster declaration covers the Massachusetts counties of Essex, Middlesex and Suffolk as well as the New Hampshire counties of Hillsborough and Rockingham.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“SBA loans help eligible small businesses and PNPs cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners and PNPs get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”
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 July 28, 2025.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow 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: United States Small Business Administration
ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Massachusetts of the July 28, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the Lynnfield strip mall fire occurring on Sept. 10, 2024.
The disaster declaration covers the Massachusetts counties of Essex, Middlesex and Suffolk as well as the New Hampshire counties of Hillsborough and Rockingham.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“SBA loans help eligible small businesses and PNPs cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners and PNPs get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”
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 July 28, 2025.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow 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.
ATLANTA (June 26, 2025) — Today, Sen. Emanuel Jones (D–Decatur) released a statement regarding the U.S.’ recent military involvement in the conflict between Israel and Iran:
“By authorizing the United States military to destroy Iranian nuclear facilities without seeking congressional approval, President Trump has continued his pattern of acting as though he were a king, unanswerable to the people. All sitting presidents must adhere to our Constitution. Suppose this conflict escalates further due to this decision. In that case, I expect our current leader to follow the law and inform Congress before sending our sons and daughters into danger of this magnitude. Members of Congress cannot continue to allow President Trump to avoid accountability for his belligerent behavior.
Although Trump’s decision to order the attack was irresponsible, our brave service members completed their operation with the courage and heroism characteristic of the U.S. military. We can only pray that they were successful in eliminating Iran’s illicit nuclear program. We must continue to work with our allies, including Israel, to prevent Iran from ever acquiring a nuclear arsenal. The safety of all Georgians depends on it.”
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Sen. Emanuel Jones represents the 10th Senate District, which includes a portion of DeKalb County. He may be reached at 404.656.0502 or via email atemanuel.jones@senate.ga.gov.
For all media inquiries, please reach out toSenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.
overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that nearly 3,000 affordable, modern, energy-efficient homes will be created or preserved in communities throughout New York State as a result of $1 billion in housing bonds and subsidies. The latest funding awards help advance the Governor’s commitment to increasing the housing supply and making the State more affordable. The 15 projects receiving funding are part of the Governor’s five-year, $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan that will create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York State.
“Solving New York’s housing crunch and cutting costs for families hinges on increasing home availability statewide,” Governor Hochul said. “Through these investments, we’re helping produce more affordable, modern, supportive, sustainable housing. This is going to help push costs down, keep our state strong and provide housing opportunities to thousands of New Yorkers.”
Financing is allocated through New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s recent bond issuances which provided $560 million in tax-exempt housing bonds and $466 million in subsidy. All awarded projects will achieve high levels of sustainability and carbon reduction. When coupled with additional private funding and resources, the projects receiving funding are expected to generate $1.5 billion in overall investment.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “With more than $1 billion allocated to these 15 projects through housing bonds and subsidies, we’re helping deliver nearly 3,000 affordable, sustainable, and supportive homes that will serve New Yorkers for years to come. These developments are part of the Governor’s $25 billion Housing Plan, which has already created or preserved more than 60,000 affordable homes in communities across New York. From New York City to the North Country, we are tackling the housing crisis head-on and supporting Governor Hochul’s mission to expand housing options, improve affordability, and foster economic growth across the State.”
New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “I applaud this significant investment in affordable housing, including this critical project right here in Yonkers, as part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring safe, modern, and affordable homes across every region of New York State. The Senate Majority has been at the forefront of driving this historic effort, recognizing that access to quality housing is fundamental to thriving communities. We look forward to continuing our collaborative work with Governor Hochul and the Assembly to build on this progress and create even greater housing opportunities for all New Yorkers.”
The awarded projects are:
New York City
$23 million for Kittay House in the Bronx – Rehabilitation of a Mitchell-Lama development built in 1969 in the Fordham neighborhood. The 295-unit development for seniors includes a common kitchen, dining hall, recreation rooms, a doctor’s office, and is conveniently located near health care and services. Developed by Kittay Senior Housing.
$326 million for Vital Brooklyn Alafia Phase 2 in Brooklyn – Construction of two 14-story, mixed-use buildings with 634 units and over 12,000 square feet of commercial space as part of the redevelopment of the Brooklyn Development Center. Includes 47 units with supportive services for individuals struggling with homelessness. The development is a component of the State’s Vital Brooklyn initiative to address chronic social, economic, and health disparities in central Brooklyn. Developed by Apex Real Estate Development.
$40 million for Emerson Davis Apartments in Brooklyn – Demolition of an obsolete building and the new construction of a 12-story building with 103 affordable and supportive apartments in the Clinton Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn. The development will include supportive social service space for residents in the Emerson-Davis Family Residence program. Developed by Institute for Community Living.
$142 million for Edgemere Commons in Queens – Construction of an 18-story, mixed-use building with 244 units and nearly 4,000 square feet of commercial space at the former Peninsula Hospital site in Far Rockaway. Includes 73 units with supportive services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, as well as 9,000 square feet of community facility space set aside for a daycare facility. Developed by Tishman Speyer.
$63 million for Westbeth Artist Housing in Manhattan – Rehabilitation of the historic Westbeth Artist Housing in the West Village with 385 residential units and 73 commercial units across eight buildings. The affordable live-work housing for artists, includes studios, a gallery, a theater, commercial spaces, and landscaped park and courtyard. Developed by Westbeth Corp. Housing Development Fund Company.
$9 million for Jericho House in Manhattan – Rehabilitation and expansion of a 48-unit affordable housing and supportive development, with eight units added for a total of 56. All apartments are set aside for formerly homeless individuals. The development is receiving funding from the Clean Energy Initiative. Developed by the Jericho Project.
Capital Region
$72 million for Northgate Landing in Albany – Construction of two, four-story buildings in the Bishop’s Gate neighborhood with 185 apartments for families. The development will include community space and fitness center, and is close to health care, retail, and services. Developed by Conifer.
Finger Lakes
$46 million for Gardner’s Lofts in Rochester – Adaptive reuse of a former historic mill consisting of six interconnected five-story buildings with 88 affordable and supportive apartments for formerly homeless veterans and families. The development will include office space for services provided by Soldier On. Developed by Winn Development.
Mid-Hudson
$36 million for Rip Van Winkle Apartments in Poughkeepsie – Acquisition and rehabilitation of an 18-story building containing 179 affordable apartments. The development is receiving funding from the Clean Energy Initiative and will be fully electrified. Developed by Related Affordable.
$43 million for 345 McLean Avenue in Yonkers – New construction of a 12-story building containing 105 units for seniors aged 62 or older, including 31 units with supportive services for households experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Developed by Verus Development.
$107 million for 345 Q-West Towers in Mount Vernon – New construction of a 15-story building containing 115 units and a 12-story building containing 114 units. Both buildings will also include commercial space. Developed by Simone Development Companies.
Mohawk Valley
$14 million for Historical Park Apartments in Utica – Acquisition and rehabilitation of an 11-story building originally built in 1973 that contains 121 affordable apartments set aside for seniors and people with disabilities, as well as one market-rate unit. Developed by SpringTide Housing.
North Country
$15 million for Beekman Towers in Plattsburgh – Acquisition and rehabilitation of an 11-story building originally built in 1974 that contains 124 affordable apartments set aside for seniors and people with disabilities. Developed by SpringTide Housing.
$44 million for Pine Camp Apartments in Watertown – New construction of a four-story building containing 120 affordable apartments, including 80 with supportive services for veterans, seniors, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Developed by DePaul.
Southern Tier
$46 million for Saratoga Heights in Binghamton – Acquisition and rehabilitation of 100 units in 11 existing townhouse-style residential buildings and one community building owned by the Binghamton Housing Authority. The development is receiving funding from the Clean Energy Initiative. Developed by 3D Development Group.
Governor Hochul’s Housing Agenda Governor Hochul is dedicated to addressing New York’s housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the FY25 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York’s housing supply through new tax incentives, capital funding, and new protections for renters and homeowners. Building on this commitment, the FY26 Enacted Budget includes more than $1.5 billion in new State funding for housing, a Housing Access Voucher pilot program, and new policies to improve affordability for tenants and homebuyers. These measures complement the Governor’s five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan, included in the FY23 Enacted Budget, to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. More than 60,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.
The FY25 and FY26 Enacted Budgets also strengthened the Governor’s Pro-Housing Community Program — which allows certified localities exclusive access to up to $750 million in discretionary State funding. Currently, more than 300 communities have received Pro Housing certification.
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends reopening the swimming area at Oakland Beach for swimming because bacteria counts have returned to safe levels.
RIDOH will continue to monitor and review beach water quality through Labor Day. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751). A list of closed beaches can also be accessed at https://health.ri.gov/beaches/
What you need to know: La Passeggiata on Lindsey Street in Stockton is the latest site to be transformed from excess, underutilized state land into affordable housing under Governor Newsom’s executive order.
STOCKTON — Today, state leaders broke ground on a new affordable housing community in downtown Stockton. Through an executive order signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, the former state-owned site will be turned into 94 homes for low-income households.
“Once again, the Excess Sites program is helping transform state-owned land into something more: hope and stability for our state’s residents. California continues to lead by example in addressing the nation’s affordable housing crisis.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
The Excess Sites program is administered in partnership by the California Department of General Services (DGS) and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The program identifies state-owned land available and suitable for housing and creates a digital inventory of those properties through the State Excess Sites – Affordable Housing Opportunities Map Viewer. The sites are awarded to developers via a long-term ground lease allowing for low-cost development of affordable housing. This community is being developed by Visionary Home Builders of California.
“The State’s Excess Sites program continues to transform neighborhoods across California by turning underutilized state property into affordable housing and revitalizing communities,” Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Tomiquia Moss said. “This energy-efficient project will reduce the community’s carbon footprint and breathe new life into Downtown Stockton with housing and services for families and seniors.”
“Having grown up in Stockton, I am honored to be a part of this transformation to provide safe and stable housing for members of the community who need it most,” said Government Operations Secretary Nick Maduros. “This marks another step on California’s journey toward addressing housing needs while staying committed to our sustainability goals.”
Project details
The plans for La Passeggiata at 622 East Lindsey Street in Stockton include two buildings, five and six stories high, connected by a breezeway. The five-story building will have 39 one- and two-bedroom apartments, and the six-story building will have 55 two- and three-bedroom apartments. The units will have energy-efficient appliances, rooftop gardens, and will utilize solar energy for seniors and families.
“The modern, energy-efficient units at La Passeggiata will provide homes for dozens of local families who need an affordable place to live,” DGS Director Ana M. Lasso said. “This project harnesses the best of state, local and nonprofit collaboration to deliver much needed sustainable, affordable housing across the state.”
“Thanks to the Governor’s executive order, nearly an acre of land sitting unused in the heart of Stockton—blocks from the Civic Center and waterfront—will be transformed into critically needed affordable housing,” HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez said. “Through this ongoing partnership, we are connecting residents in need of housing stability to jobs, transit, amenities, and opportunity.”
From state land to affordable housing
In 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an Executive Order N-06-19, tasking HCD and DGS with tackling the state’s affordable housing crisis by identifying underutilized state-owned land that could be converted into affordable housing, considering factors such as proximity to job centers, amenities, and public transit. The order has since been utilized to create hundreds of affordable homes on nearly 50 state-owned sites, including:
248 new homes at Sugar Pine Village for families and workers in the Tahoe region
58 new homes for seniors under construction with an additional 150 new homes starting construction within the year at Mulberry Gardens Senior Apartments in Riverside
75 new homes at 750 Golden Gate Avenue with an additional 92 new homes at 850 Turk Street in San Francisco
58 new homes at Sonrisa in Sacramento
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KAGOSHIMA, Japan – U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) departed Kagoshima June 20, following in-port and at-sea engagements with Japan Coast Guard (JCG), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Japan government officials. This event marks a significant milestone as the first time the trilateral search and rescue exercise with the Philippine Coast Guard, occurred in a region outside the Philippine territorial seas, emphasizing the growing cooperation among the three nations.
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A satellite image from Aug. 13, 2024, shows an algal bloom covering approximately 320 square miles (830 square km) of Lake Erie. By Aug. 22, it had nearly doubled in size.NASA Earth Observatory
Federal scientists released their annual forecast for Lake Erie’s harmful algal blooms on June 26, 2025, and they expect a mild to moderate season. However, anyone who comes in contact with toxic algae can face health risks. And 2014, when toxins from algae blooms contaminated the water supply in Toledo, Ohio, was a moderate year, too.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s prediction for harmful algal bloom severity in Lake Erie compared with past years. NOAA
1. What causes harmful algal blooms?
Harmful algal blooms are dense patches of excessive algae growth that can occur in any type of water body, including ponds, reservoirs, rivers, lakes and oceans. When you see them in freshwater, you’re typically seeing cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae.
These photosynthetic bacteria have inhabited our planet for billions of years. In fact, they were responsible for oxygenating Earth’s atmosphere, which enabled plant and animal life as we know it.
The leading source of harmful algal blooms today is nutrient runoff from fertilized farm fields. Michigan Sea Grant
Algae are natural components of ecosystems, but they cause trouble when they proliferate to high densities, creating what we call blooms.
The main sources of harmful algal blooms are excess nutrients in the water, typically phosphorus and nitrogen.
Historically, these excess nutrients mainly came from sewage and phosphorus-based detergents used in laundry machines and dishwashers that ended up in waterways. U.S. environmental laws in the early 1970s addressed this by requiring sewage treatment and banning phosphorus detergents, with spectacular success.
How pollution affected Lake Erie in the 1960s, before clean water regulations.
Today, agriculture is the main source of excess nutrients from chemical fertilizer or manure applied to farm fields to grow crops. Rainstorms wash these nutrients into streams and rivers that deliver them to lakes and coastal areas, where they fertilize algal blooms. In the U.S., most of these nutrients come from industrial-scale corn production, which is largely used as animal feed or to produce ethanol for gasoline.
2. What does your team’s DNA testing tell us about Lake Erie’s harmful algal blooms?
Harmful algal blooms contain a mixture of cyanobacterial species that can produce an array of different toxins, many of which are still being discovered.
These novel molecules cannot be detected with traditional methods and show some signs of causing toxicity, though further studies are needed to confirm their human health effects.
Blue-green algae blooms in freshwater, like this one near Toledo in 2014, can be harmful to humans, causing gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, fever and skin irritation. They can be lethal for pets. Ty Wright for The Washington Post via Getty Images
We also found organisms responsible for producing saxitoxin, a potent neurotoxin that is well known for causing paralytic shellfish poisoning on the Pacific Coast of North America and elsewhere.
Our research suggests warmer water temperatures could boost its production, which raises concerns that saxitoxin will become more prevalent with climate change. However, the controls on toxin production are complex, and more research is needed to test this hypothesis. Federal monitoring programs are essential for tracking and understanding emerging threats.
The toxins can cause acute health problems such as gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, fever and skin irritation. Dogs can die from ingesting lake water with harmful algal blooms. Emerging science suggests that long-term exposure to harmful algal blooms, for example over months or years, can cause or exacerbate chronic respiratory, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal problems and may be linked to liver cancers, kidney disease and neurological issues.
The water intake system for the city of Toledo, Ohio, is surrounded by an algae bloom in 2014. Toxic algae got into the water system, resulting in residents being warned not to touch or drink their tap water for three days. AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari
In addition to exposure through direct ingestion or skin contact, recent research also indicates that inhaling toxins that get into the air may harm health, raising concerns for coastal residents and boaters, but more research is needed to understand the risks.
The Toledo drinking water crisis of 2014 illustrated the vast potential for algal blooms to cause harm in the Great Lakes. Toxins infiltrated the drinking water system and were detected in processed municipal water, resulting in a three-day “do not drink” advisory. The episode affected residents, hospitals and businesses, and it ultimately cost the city an estimated US$65 million.
4. Blooms seem to be starting earlier in the year and lasting longer – why is that happening?
Warmer waters are extending the duration of the blooms.
Scientific studies of western Lake Erie show that the potential cyanobacterial growth rate has increased by up to 30% and the length of the bloom season has expanded by up to a month from 1995 to 2022, especially in warmer, shallow waters. These results are consistent with our understanding of cyanobacterial physiology: Blooms like it hot – cyanobacteria grow faster at higher temperatures.
5. What can be done to reduce the likelihood of algal blooms in the future?
The best and perhaps only hope of reducing the size and occurrence of harmful algal blooms is to reduce the amount of nutrients reaching the Great Lakes.
In Lake Erie, where nutrients come primarily from agriculture, that means improving agricultural practices and restoring wetlands to reduce the amount of nutrients flowing off of farm fields and into the lake. Early indications suggest that Ohio’s H2Ohio program, which works with farmers to reduce runoff, is making some gains in this regard, but future funding for H2Ohio is uncertain.
In places like Lake Superior, where harmful algal blooms appear to be driven by climate change, the solution likely requires halting and reversing the rapid human-driven increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Gregory J. Dick receives funding for harmful algal bloom research from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Science Foundation, the United States Geological Survey, and the National Institutes for Health. He serves on the Science Advisory Council for the Environmental Law and Policy Center.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Tashkent, June 26 (Xinhua) — The key driving force behind the continuous deepening of cooperation between Central Asian countries and China is the shared focus on high-quality development as the main goal, Davron Toshpulatov, senior risk manager at Uzbekistan Mortgage Refinancing Company and Doctor of Economics, said in an interview with Xinhua.
According to him, from the point of view of the states of the region, including Uzbekistan, such a format of interaction not only corresponds to the tasks of modernization and structural reforms, but also opens the way to sustainable development. The expert emphasized that high-quality development has become a common value uniting the countries of Central Asia and China.
“Currently, Uzbekistan is going through an important stage of deep economic transformation, improving the business climate and modernizing the manufacturing sector,” noted D. Toshpulatov. In his opinion, the Chinese experience, especially in such areas as infrastructure development, poverty alleviation, green transition and innovation, serves as a practical guide for Uzbekistan. “It is especially valuable that the Chinese side shares its knowledge and technologies with us on the basis of openness and equal partnership,” he added.
D. Toshpulatov pointed out that cooperation covers a wide range of areas – from the construction of transport hubs and industrial parks to green energy and the digital economy. He cited such illustrative examples as Uzbek-Chinese industrial cooperation projects, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, as well as initiatives in the field of electric vehicles and renewable energy. “We receive not just technologies, but also an impetus for the modernization of local industries, the transition to a sustainable, innovative and inclusive economy,” the Xinhua interlocutor emphasized.
As the expert noted, it is equally important that China consistently promotes the concept of human-centered development. “This fully coincides with Uzbekistan’s goals in such areas as human capital development, professional education, healthcare and social stability,” he said. D. Toshpulatov cited the opening of the Lu Ban Workshops and cooperation in youth training as examples. According to him, these are practical steps that actually improve people’s living standards and strengthen the social base of modernization.
“Looking to the future with optimism, I am convinced that under the banner of high-quality development, Uzbekistan and China will continue to deepen their pragmatic partnership, jointly forming a green, intelligent, efficient and inclusive regional community,” the expert concluded. Such joint modernization, he added, is based on mutual understanding and mutual benefit, and this is the path that meets the strategic interests of Uzbekistan. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Moscow, June 26 (Xinhua) — As in previous years, on June 22, the Day of Remembrance and Sorrow, when Nazi Germany attacked the Soviet Union without declaring war in 1941, hundreds of residents and visitors of the capital came to the Belorussky Station in Moscow to honor the memory of the defenders of the Fatherland. It was from here that trains with Red Army soldiers departed during the war, and for many relatives this station became the final place to say goodbye.
Here, “The Sacred War” was performed again – a song that became a symbol of the courage and unbending will of the Soviet people during the Great Patriotic War. The composition, written in the first days of the war, is invariably heard at memorial events in Russia and abroad and has remained part of living historical memory for more than 80 years.
On June 22, hundreds of Muscovites came to the station to honor the memory of the fallen together with veterans. During the Great Patriotic War, trains with Red Army soldiers departed from here to the front. For many relatives, the farewell on the platform was their last meeting. Since 2005, on the initiative of the Moscow City Council of Veterans with the support of the Russian Ministry of Defense and the Moscow government, an annual patriotic event has been held at the Belorussky Station. Its key event is the performance of a song that appeared in the first days of the war.
THE BIRTH AND POWER OF THE “HOLY WAR”
The song “Sacred War” was written in the summer of 1941. As contemporaries recall, composer Alexander Alexandrov saw the poems of poet Vasily Lebedev-Kumach in a newspaper and immediately began composing the music. Rehearsals began the very next day.
“This song was probably needed like air, precisely in those days… Therefore, this power, this strength, this entire meaning that the authors of this song put into their work, lives on today, and is performed today,” explained the artistic director of the Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army named after A. V. Alexandrov, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation Colonel Gennady Sachenyuk.
On June 26, 1941, “The Sacred War” was performed for the first time at the Belorussky Station. It was a one-song concert and its premiere at the same time. According to G. Sachenyuk, after the first chords there was silence, and the composer thought that the song had not been received. However, a few seconds later the station was filled with applause, the soldiers asked to perform it again and again.
KEEPER OF THE PEOPLE’S GENETIC CODE
The Alexandrov Ensemble has preserved the original sound of “The Sacred War” for decades. The song remains recognizable and symbolically important for each generation. According to the musicians, the strength of the work lies in the inseparable unity of poetry and music born of time.
“This song contains the genetic code of our people… something awakens inside, and you feel as one with your country, with everyone standing next to you,” the ensemble’s chief conductor, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation Nikolai Kirillov, shared with a Xinhua correspondent.
“This is exactly the example of musical art, when both poetry and music are united and complement each other,” noted G. Sachenyuk. He added that the performers each time experience the same emotions as the people during the war.
According to official data, the Soviet Union lost about 27 million people during the Great Patriotic War. And so the song has a deeply personal meaning for millions of Russian families.
“This is the kind of music that many people sometimes even talk about with a lump in their throat, because it is connected with the history of each family,” emphasized the rector of the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music, Alexander Ryzhinsky.
“SONG AS A WEAPON”
A. Aleksandrov left personal memories of the creation and performance of the song. “I was never a military specialist, but I still had a powerful weapon in my hands. This is a song. A song that can also defeat the enemy, like any weapon. When I performed with the Red Banner Ensemble at train stations and other places in front of soldiers going to the front, this song was always listened to standing, with some special impulse, a holy mood. And not only the soldiers, but also we, the performers, often cried,” N. Kirillov read out the composer’s memories with a feeling of deep respect.
The ensemble’s performers admit that even today they can hardly contain their emotions when they go on stage with this song. It contains the tragedy of war, the feat of the people, the pain of loss and the triumph of life.
“Sometimes tears come, but since we are artists, we hold them back,” says choir member Dmitry Trunov, admitting that each performance is accompanied by a feeling of pride for the country and the realization that “The Sacred War” went to the front along with the soldiers. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 26 (Xinhua) — The China Agricultural Development Bank said Thursday it has issued loans totaling about 2.7 trillion yuan (about 377 billion U.S. dollars) since 2021 to preserve the ecosystems of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers.
In particular, the bank allocated 2.09 trillion yuan to protect the Yangtze River and 605.2 billion yuan to protect the ecosystem of the Yellow River basin. According to the bank, these loans have significantly supported efforts to preserve the ecosystems of China’s two main rivers.
The financial institution assured that it would expand its lending support for the protection of the two rivers, focusing on key areas such as water security, transport infrastructure, rural upliftment and food security.
The Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, known as the “mother rivers” of China, are the first and second longest rivers in the country, respectively. The two river basins are considered the cradle of Chinese civilization. –0–
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
In 2025, it is planned to allocate about 4 billion rubles to subsidize preferential loans provided to support ongoing projects for the development of urban electric ground public transport in the regions. The planned funding for the budget three-year period will be 12 billion rubles, and in general from 2025 to 2042 – more than 41.7 billion rubles. An order has been signed containing the distribution of these funds.
Document
Order of June 23, 2025 No. 1617-r
The decision will guarantee co-financing of already started projects for construction, modernization and reconstruction of tram lines and infrastructure for them, as well as the acquisition of electric transport. Such projects are implemented on the basis of long-term concession agreements.
Participants in the program for subsidizing projects for the development of urban electric transport include Krasnodar and Perm Krais, Volgograd, Kursk, Lipetsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov, Saratov and Yaroslavl Oblasts. Participants have been receiving preferential loans for the implementation of such projects since 2023 as part of the state program “Development of the Transport System”. Subsidies from the federal budget to compensate for lost income due to the application of a preferential rate are allocated by VEB.RF in the form of a property contribution from the state.
Previously, the main administrator of budget funds in this area was the Ministry of Finance. The signed order transferred these functions to the Ministry of Transport.
According to him, further implementation of the decisions taken will help reduce noise on city streets, reduce emissions due to more environmentally friendly rolling stock, and most importantly, make travel by transport more comfortable and safer.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev held a meeting of the Presidium of the Government Commission on the Socio-Economic Development of the Far East.
“We continue to work on the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin on the development of the Far East. Today we are holding another meeting of the Presidium of the Government Commission for the Development of the Far East. We will be the first to review the changes made to the plans for the social development of economic growth centers. In total, during the work of the commission under the presidential Far Eastern single subsidy program, more than 2,000 social facilities have been built and reconstructed in the Far East – schools, hospitals, kindergartens, FAPs, cultural and sports facilities, about 2,000 courtyards have been repaired. The implementation of the plans continues,” Yuri Trutnev opened the meeting.
The agenda included issues of changes to the plans for social development of economic growth centers in the Far Eastern regions and support for investment projects. The Minister for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic, Alexey Chekunkov, reported on the regions’ proposals.
At the meeting, the revised volumes of work on the creation of tourist trails and routes in Buryatia, Transbaikalia, Kamchatka and Chukotka were supported.
Primorsky Krai has been approved for additional funding for a new event to improve the territory adjacent to the building of the branch of the National Center “Russia” in order to create a permanent exhibition of the National Center “Russia”.
Thanks to savings on previously allocated funds, regions will be able to carry out additional activities. In Kamchatka Krai, 11 new events will be held to develop Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Khabarovsk Krai will be able to purchase four additional Class C ambulances for district hospitals. In Amur Oblast, the planned gas boiler house in Tynda will be provided with emergency heat supply. In Zabaikalsky Krai, documentation will be developed for the creation of the Temujin architectural complex based on the design project of Zhigzhit Bayaskhalov.
The implementation of an investment project for the construction of residential microdistricts in the city of Bolshoy Kamen for employees of the Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex was discussed.
“The Zvezda Shipyard is an important project, the largest shipyard in Russia, and the object of attention of the President of the Russian Federation. Let’s see what needs to be done to ensure that the company’s employees are provided with housing as soon as possible,” Yuri Trutnev emphasized.
The housing construction project is being implemented at the Bolshoy Kamen priority development area simultaneously with the construction of the shipyard. The total housing demand is 5,795 apartments, which are being built in seven microdistricts within the framework of three projects: 444 apartments (PJSC NK Rosneft), 756 apartments (Primorsky Krai Government), 4,595 apartments (JSC VEB.DV and JSC DOM.RF). At present, a total of 38 residential buildings with 2,666 apartments have been commissioned. More than 3,000 apartments still need to be built.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
The microfinance organization (MFO) market has shown signs of a cooling in lending. Increased interest rates and the effect of macroprudential limits contribute to a balanced growth of the companies’ portfolio.
In the first quarter of 2025, the volume of loans issued by microfinance organizations decreased slightly and amounted to 497 billion rubles. The total debt for the quarter increased by 10% – to 688 billion rubles. The share of overdue debt for more than 90 days continues to decrease, while there is an increase in overdue debt of less than 3 months.
MFI profits have decreased to 13 billion rubles. To maintain profitability, companies are increasing income from non-core activities, while clients are increasingly less likely to complain about the imposition of additional services by MFIs.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting of the Government Commission for the implementation of the comprehensive state program of the Russian Federation “Development of physical culture and sports”.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Sports Mikhail Degtyarev, the head of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency Veronika Skvortsova, the Governor of the Tula Region, Chairman of the State Council Commission on Physical Culture and Sports Dmitry Milyaev, as well as representatives of sports federations and leagues, state corporations, joint-stock companies and regions.
Dmitry Chernyshenko recalled that the key task of the commission is to develop a unified position on the comprehensive development of sports in the country and to pool resources to achieve national goals. To do this, it is important to collect feedback from residents of each region.
“Our task is to identify the drivers that influence the involvement and development of sports in the country. The opinion of Russian citizens is the main indicator in the development of sports in the country. It is important to hear everyone: coaches, mentors, medical workers. This will allow us to make a deeper, more meaningful analysis and understand how to more accurately and effectively move towards fulfilling the instructions of President Vladimir Putin,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.
Dmitry Chernyshenko noted that in order to achieve the state program indicators, it is necessary to assess the contribution of each region to the development of sports, identify best practices and disseminate them throughout the country.
He instructed the Ministry of Sports to develop a rating system based on the fulfillment of the state program’s target indicators, including compliance with the construction deadlines for sports facilities, the involvement of SVO veterans, disabled people, people with disabilities, and all citizens in general in sports.
In addition, on the instructions of the head of state, the Government is developing directives for joint-stock companies with a Russian Federation shareholding of more than 50% on the regular submission of information on extra-budgetary expenditures in the field of sports and the coordination of regions in the construction of sports infrastructure.
Dmitry Chernyshenko also noted the regions where good results are achieved with lower financial costs; there, the share of citizens involved in systematic sports activities is higher than the all-Russian indicator.
These included: the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, the Republic of Bashkortostan, the Republic of Dagestan, the Republic of Crimea, the Chuvash Republic, Altai Krai, Stavropol Krai, Kirov, Kostroma, Kurgan, Saratov, Tambov, Tula, and Ulyanovsk regions.
In turn, Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev emphasized that the implementation of the comprehensive state program “Sports of Russia” is proceeding in full compliance with the approved parameters.
“The implementation of the state program is going according to plan, without critical deviations. Based on the results of last year, all but one of the key indicators were exceeded, which allows us to predict their successful implementation this year,” he noted.
The Minister reported up-to-date data on key indicators of the development of the sports industry.
“As of May 2025, the share of citizens systematically engaged in physical education and sports amounted to 60.8%, the level of provision of citizens with sports facilities was 63.3%,” the minister cited the figures.
Mikhail Degtyarev paid special attention to issues of regional financing and planned budget indicators.
“In 60 regions, budget expenditures on sports reached or exceeded 2%. The planned funding of regional state programs for 2025 is 449 billion rubles. The main expenses are related to the construction and maintenance of sports facilities, as well as sports training within the framework of state assignments,” he emphasized.
At the same time, the minister noted that the high volume of investment in the industry does not always directly correlate with the achievement of planned indicators for the availability of sports infrastructure and citizens’ satisfaction with opportunities for sports.
“However, it is important to understand that there is no direct correlation between the volume of expenditure on sports and the achievement of indicators for citizen engagement and satisfaction. In 15 regions, which do not yet reach the level of 2% of the budget, everything is still going well with the development of sports, but in 19, where, on the contrary, there is a good level of funding, the KPIs have not been achieved. This is a subject for study,” he said.
An important topic of discussion was the use of extra-budgetary sources. The Minister spoke about the volumes of additional funds planned for attraction.
“We have analyzed the main sources of extra-budgetary financing of sports. Events worth a total of 60 billion are potentially ready for inclusion in the comprehensive state program “Sports of Russia”. In particular, 89 all-Russian sports federations plan to spend almost 24 billion rubles of their own and attracted funds this year, sports leagues – 1 billion rubles, expenses have been allocated for two of the seven state corporations, as well as for several of the largest private companies, but this information is still being supplemented,” said Mikhail Degtyarev.
In turn, the Governor of the Tula Region, Chairman of the State Council Commission on Physical Culture and Sports Dmitry Milyaev emphasized that the level of satisfaction of citizens with the conditions for physical culture and sports is one of the key indicators for assessing the effectiveness of the activities of senior officials of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation and executive bodies of state power in the regions, as well as the comprehensive state program. The State Council Commission on Sports believes that it is necessary to conduct surveys with an expanded set of questions within the framework of the comprehensive program.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
The population’s mortgage debt increased by 0.3% over the month. This is close to the April figures, despite the fact that the largest banks have cancelled the commissions they took from developers. Most mortgage loans are still issued within the framework of state programs (85%).
The consumer loan portfolio stabilised in May after falling 0.7% in April, with people actively using credit cards with an interest-free grace period. Claims on companies (including bonds) rose by a moderate 0.4% after 1.1% the previous month.
Corporate funds in bank accounts increased by 0.4% after a 0.7% decline in April, due to large tax payments. The growth of household funds slowed to 0.2% (from 2.8% a month earlier). This may be due to high spending during the holidays and the advance payment of May social payments in April.
The banking sector’s profit, excluding dividends from Russian subsidiary banks, amounted to 296 billion rubles (261 billion rubles in April). Since the beginning of the year, banks have earned 1.3 trillion rubles, which is 10% lower than the profit for the same period last year.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
International design competition will result in a conceptual design for the 200-Block of Banff Avenue Redevelopment Project.
June 26, 2025 Banff, Alberta Parks Canada
Parks Canada is pleased to announce the launch of an international design competition, overseen by the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada (RAIC), to develop a new conceptual design for the iconic 200-Block of Banff Avenue in Banff National Park.
Today, Parks Canada announced the beginning of the pre-qualification phase for the architectural design competition after which up to six respondents will be invited to submit conceptual design proposals. The competition will be undertaken in accordance with the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) guidance for competitions in Canada.
To be considered, the conceptual designs must incorporate extensive feedback received by Parks Canada through years-long Indigenous, public, and stakeholder engagement. This project presents a unique opportunity to modernize facilities and open spaces in downtown Banff to welcome national park visitors, encourage connection with the national park, foster a welcoming and vibrant community.
Each successful design proposal will be evaluated by an independent jury composed of recognized design and architecture professionals. The jury will evaluate the proposals and feedback received in further public engagement sessions and then provide a recommendation to Parks Canada.
There will be continued opportunity for the public to provide input on the redevelopment project. Public engagement sessions on the conceptual design proposals will help to inform jury deliberations. Information and updates will be posted on the Let’s Talk Mountain Parks website as they become available.
Concluding in Spring 2026, the design competition for the 200-Block Banff Avenue Redevelopment Project will follow established industry standards and protocols and bring professional expertise to the evaluation process to generate world-class conceptual designs for this unique and iconic Canadian landmark.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)
WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson hosted a bipartisan Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony today to honor the courage and contributions of the Army Rangers of World War II. First activated in 1942, the Rangers formed the tip of the spear of the Army’s special operations in World War II. They fought heroically from North Africa to Europe to the Pacific, playing a pivotal role in some of the most consequential battles of the war, such as the Battle of El Guettar, the Battle of Cisterna, the assault on Pointe du Hoc, and the Philippines raid that liberated more than 500 prisoners of war from Japanese camps.
The ceremony was held in Emancipation Hall in the U.S. Capitol and featured remarks from Speaker Johnson, Secretary of Defense Hegseth, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Collins, Leader Thune, Leader Schumer, Leader Jeffries, Senator Duckworth, Senator Ernst, Rep. Miller-Meeks, Rep. Jason Crow, and President of the Descendants of World War II Rangers, Inc., Dr. David Williams. Two Army Rangers who served in World War II, Sergeant Joseph Drake and Private First-Class John Wardell, accepted the medal on behalf of the living and deceased Army Rangers of that war.
Watch the Speaker’s remarkshere
Read Speaker Johnson’s remarks below:
Ladies and gentlemen, Secretary Hegseth, Secretary Collins, members of Congress, Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff, Dan Kaine, and honored guests, welcome to the United States Capitol. We’re so grateful to have you here today.
We gather on this momentous occasion to honor some of World War II’s greatest heroes, the United States Army Rangers. This band of brothers is so deserving, and this day, to be frank, is long overdue.
They formed the spearhead of America’s special operations in the Second World War, and today we express our most profound gratitude for their courage and contributions with the highest honor that this body can bestow. And that is the Congressional Gold Medal.
We are deeply honored to have here with us today, two of these ranger heroes. With us today is Sergeant Joe Drake, right here in front of me on the front row. Sergeant Drake faced down the frozen tundra of Ardennes, where the 6th Ranger Battalion helped to turn the tide at the Battle of the Bulge.
And from the legendary 2nd battalion, we have Private First-Class John Wardell also with us today. John deployed to Normandy just days after his battalion breached Hitler’s Atlantic wall at the cliffs of Pointe Du Hoc. And I should also point out that in just two weeks, Mr. Wardell will celebrate his 100th birthday.
Also watching from home are three more of these American heroes and we honor today, Major General John Raaen Jr., Private Cecil Lisk. and Private First-Class Edward Stimer. We salute you all.
I would invite you all to take your seats if you’d like to do that, because we have really an incredible program for you today. It’s fitting for this great honor.
In 1942, under the command of Major William Darby, 473 men formed the first battalion of the US Army Rangers. The day these men arrived on the rocky shores of Northern Ireland, the fate of the free world was sealed.
The rangers came from every corner of American life. They were welders and waiters and factory hands and musicians. They were ordinary men called to extraordinary valor, who stared death in the face. And by the grace of God, achieved the incredible and defended freedom.
These were men of steel who with fighting knives tightly in hand, fought back with everything they had. They were America’s best.
From the first shots of Dieppe to the shores of Sicily, to the bloody waters of Omaha Beach. The Rangers led the way as America and the Allied powers clawed back the continent of Europe.
And in their courage, all Americans found something to be proud of and the free world found reason to hope. Today we take to heart the words of Calvin Coolidge when he said so well “The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” We will not be guilty of that.
Today, we remember some of America’s fiercest defenders and we remember their service and sacrifice, and we remember that every day that we rise in a free nation, free to speak and to pray, and to live unafraid.
We enjoy the fruits of liberty paid for by men like these. God bless you all for that service. Thank you for being here and hope you all enjoy the ceremony. Thank you.
