Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-01)
Washington, D.C. — Today, under the leadership of Secretary Brooke Rollins, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) rolled out its national security plan alongside Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Attorney General Pam Bondi. Congresswoman Hinson released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s “Make Agriculture Great Again” Initiative, which includes several efforts that the congresswoman has led for years.
“Farms, food, and supply chains are national security assets—and they should be treated as such. Right now, farmers rely on feed and other inputs from China—compromising the integrity of our food supply and giving China leverage to shut off our access. I introduced bipartisan legislation to secure our agriculture supply chain domestically, and I’m glad President Trump is incorporating my legislation in this key initiative to end our dangerous reliance on China. President Trump’s leadership will change the course of history and ensure America is positioned to win our strategic competition with China on every front.” – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson
Background:
USDA’s National Security Plan includes several priorities championed by Rep. Hinson, including securing American agriculture supply chains from the influence of foreign adversaries like China.
Under the Plan, USDA will create a list of critical ag inputs and materials and conduct regular assessments to identify risks and security vulnerabilities to the ag sector. Rep. Hinson’s bicameral, bipartisan Securing American Agriculture Act requires USDA to conduct annual assessments of vulnerabilities in American food and agriculture supply chains and report to Congress with recommendations to better secure our supply chains.
As a Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration, Rep. Hinson secured language in the committee-passed FY26 bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to report on dependency on China for critical agriculture inputs and provide a plan to mitigate potential supply disruptions caused by Communist China.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-01)
Hinson fought alongside President Trump to deliver historic tax cuts for working families and border security
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) released the following statement after voting in support of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill—a generational investment to secure our borders permanently, provide permanent tax relief for working Americans, and return America to prosperity. Key Hinson priorities included in this bill are historic investments in border security and immigration enforcement and tax relief for working Americans, including no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, an enhanced Child Tax Credit, and additional relief for seniors. Additionally, this bill makes the 199A small business deduction permanent at 20%, empowering Main Street job creators.
“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the historic One Big Beautiful Bill will soon be the law of the land. This transformative legislation enacts tax cuts for working Iowans, permanently secures the border, and strengthens Medicaid for vulnerable populations while rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse. When the Left had power under Biden, they worked to track your Venmo transactions and hired an army of IRS agents; Republicans under President Trump are ending taxes on tips and hiring border patrol agents. Nearly 80 million Americans voted for this commonsense, conservative agenda, and I’m proud to work with President Trump to deliver a stronger, safer, and more prosperous America and Iowa.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Cargo throughput at Huanghua Port exceeds 179 mln tonnes in H1
Updated: July 17, 2025 07:48Xinhua
An aerial drone photo taken on July 16, 2025 shows a cargo ship at the container dock of Huanghua Port in north China’s Hebei Province. Huanghua Port saw its cargo throughput exceed 179 million tonnes in the first half of this year. [Photo/Xinhua]A container is lifted at the container dock of Huanghua Port in north China’s Hebei Province, July 16, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]This photo taken on July 16, 2025 shows a cargo ship at the container dock of Huanghua Port in north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese villagers busy with farm work
Updated: July 17, 2025 08:13Xinhua
An aerial drone photo taken on July 14, 2025 shows a villager operating machinery to plow the field in Huangjiabu Town of Yuyao City, east China’s Zhejiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on July 15, 2025 shows villagers operating farming machinery to transplant late rice in Hengshan County of Hengyang City, central China’s Hunan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on July 15, 2025 shows a villager airing rice in Hengshan County of Hengyang City, central China’s Hunan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on July 16, 2025 shows villagers operating farming machinery to transplant late rice in Huangjiabu Town of Yuyao City, east China’s Zhejiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on July 15, 2025 shows villagers loading harvested rice in a field in Xiage Town of Xianju County, Taizhou City of east China’s Zhejiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
The FCC is pursuing an investigation into CBS’ edits of an October 2024 interview with then-Vice President and Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris
Letter Text (PDF)
Washington (July 16, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) today wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr about a “Fox & Friends” June 2024 interview in which Donald Trump was asked whether he would release the Epstein files if he were elected president. The network aired only a portion of Trump’s answers, potentially misleading viewers about Trump’s intentions regarding those files. This past weekend, Donald Trump discounted the importance of the Epstein Files on Truth Social.
In the June interview, Trump appeared to have answered the question about whether he would release the Epstein files by saying “Yeah, yeah I would.” But right after those words — in a portion of the interview unaired on “Fox & Friends” — Trump appeared to hedge his answer by saying, “I guess I would. I think that less so because, you don’t know, you don’t want to affect people’s lives if it’s phony stuff in there, because it’s a lot of phony stuff with that whole world. But I think I would.” Asked if it would restore trust, he said, “Yeah. I don’t know about Epstein so much as I do the others. Certainly about the way he died. It’d be interesting to find out what happened there, because that was a weird situation and the cameras didn’t happen to be working, etc., etc. But yeah, I’d go a long way toward that one.”
In the letter, the lawmakers write, “When the full interview was released on a Fox News radio program, reporters picked up on this selective editing, suggesting that Fox News ‘massaged’ the interview. No wonder, then, many Trump’s supporters were surprised this weekend when Trump said his supporters should ‘not waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein.’ This selective editing appears to be far more misleading than the run-of-the-mill editorial decision-making in CBS’s interview with Harris last fall. In October 2024, CBS aired excerpts from an interview with Harris on its programs 60 Minutes and Face the Nation. As the transcript of the interview — which you effectively forced CBS to release after months of public pressure — demonstrates, the excerpts aired on CBS were a quintessential example of editorial decision-making. In stark contrast to Fox News’s handling of Trump’s interview, CBS’s edits did not alter the meaning of any of Harris’s answers. Yet, the FCC has opened a docket to accept comments on the Harris interview as a potential violation of the FCC’s little-used news distortion policy, an outrageous abuse of the Commission’s enforcement powers.”
The lawmakers conclude, “The FCC should stop its partisan investigations into the news media and cease interfering with independent journalism altogether. To be clear, the FCC should not investigate or pressure either CBS or Fox. Editorial discretion lies at the heart of press freedom and should not be subject to government interference. Rather than opening an investigation into Fox, the FCC should close the docket in its investigation over the Harris interview on 60 Minutes and stop wielding its regulatory power as a weapon against the news media.”
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
Resolution Text (PDF)
Washington (July 16, 2025) – On the 80th anniversary of the Trinity test, Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) today introduced a Senate companion to H.Res.317, urging the United States to lead the world to halt and reverse the nuclear arms race. Introduced in the House by Representative Jim McGovern (MA-02), the resolution calls on the President to work with Russia and China to reduce nuclear arsenals; to renounce the first use of nuclear weapons; to limit the President’s sole authority to start nuclear war; to end the production of new nuclear weapons; and to maintain the global moratorium on nuclear testing.
Sens. Markey and Merkley, along with Reps. John Garamendi (CA-08) and Don Beyer (VA-08), who have cosponsored the House bill, are the co-chairs of the bicameral Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Working Group.
“Eighty years after the Trinity test, much progress has been made to reduce nuclear dangers, but much work remains to be done,” said Senator Markey. “The United States, Russia, and China must work together to reduce their arsenals. In particular, Washington and Moscow must work to replace the New START Treaty before it expires next year. If they do not, we may be on the cusp of a new and more dangerous nuclear arms race. When it comes to reducing the risk of nuclear war, we cannot afford to go backward.”
“The Trinity Test marked the beginning of the Atomic Age, dramatically changing the world as we knew it. Although eighty years have passed since the first nuclear test, the threat of a new nuclear arms race is looming with the imminent expiration of the New START Treaty. We can’t afford to cede any ground in limiting nuclear proliferation in the decades since Trinity. Negotiating a successor to New START must be an immediate priority,” said Senator Welch. “This resolution reaffirms our firm commitment to pursue a world free of nuclear weapons.”
“The Trinity test began the nuclear age, and from that moment onward we have been forced to confront the prospect that we created a weapon that could lead to the end of humanity. Today, 80 years since the day of that test, we should take stock of the slow progress we have made on nuclear nonproliferation and recommit ourselves to reversing the arms race and preventing a nuclear war. We must continue to pursue effective arms control treaties, including the renewal of existing agreements, such as NEW START, that both maintain our national security and the responsible development of nuclear capabilities,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“While the world has changed significantly since I was a nuclear weapons policy analyst at the Pentagon and Congressional Budget Office, the dangers of nuclear weapons have not,” said Senator Merkley. “The ‘Doomsday Clock’ is now 89 seconds to midnight—the closest to global disaster we have ever been. American leadership is critical to reversing course and fostering a more secure future, free of nuclear weapons.”
The United States conducted the first nuclear test 80 years ago today at the Trinity Site in New Mexico. This first test was soon followed by the first and only use of nuclear weapons when the United States dropped two bombs on Japan at the end of World War II. The United States went on to conduct more than 1,000 nuclear tests and produce more than 30,000 nuclear weapons.
Today, thanks to arms control agreements and related actions, the United States and all other nuclear armed states (except North Korea) have ended nuclear testing, helping to stop the spread of the bomb and the harmful environmental and health effects of testing. The United States and Russia have reduced their nuclear arsenals to about 5,000 warheads each, but there is more work to do to reduce the danger of nuclear war.
The House resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Greg Casar (TX-35), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Mark Pocan (WI-02), John Garamendi (CA-08), Judy Chu (CA-28), John Larson (CT-01), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Don Beyer (VA-08) and Chuy Garcia (IL-04).
Thousands more high school students are passing the foundational literacy and numeracy assessments required for NCEA, clear evidence the Government’s relentless focus on the basics is delivering results, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
“The latest NCEA co-requisite assessment results show a marked improvement in student achievement in numeracy and reading, especially in Year 10 for those sitting the assessments for the first time. The Government’s $2.2 million investment in 2024 to provide targeted support to students in 141 lower decile schools has resulted in more students achieving assessments,” Ms Stanford says.
Numeracy:
57 per cent of students achieved the standard across all year levels – up from 45 per cent in May 2024.
68 per cent of Year 10 students passed the numeracy assessment, 95 per cent of whom were sitting it for the first time.
34 per cent of students in lower decile schools passed the numeracy assessment in May 2025 compared to 19.8 per cent in May 2024.
Reading:
61 per cent of students achieved the standard across all year levels – up from 58 per cent in May 2024.
72 per cent of Year 10 students passed the reading assessment, over 95 per cent of were first time participants.
41 per cent of students in lower decile schools passed the reading assessment in May 2025 compared to 34 per cent in May 2024.
Writing:
55 per cent of students achieved the standard across all year levels – holding steady from May last year.
66 per cent of Year 10 students passed the writing assessment, 95 per cent of whom were sitting it for the first time.
35 per cent of students in lower decile schools passed the reading assessment in compared to 34 per cent in May 2024.
More than half of this year’s Year 12 students who did not meet the co-requisite while in Year 11 last year have now achieved it — and around a third of these students will now be awarded NCEA Level 1. This takes the pass rate for NCEA level 1 in 2024 from 71.5 per cent to 79.6 per cent.
“These early improvements are the result of a comprehensive reform package focused on lifting academic achievement. We have introduced a new year-by-year, knowledge-rich and internationally benchmarked English and maths curriculum, restored a focus on structured literacy and structured maths, and provided schools with hundreds of thousands of high-quality resources — including over 830,000 maths textbooks, workbooks and teacher guides.
“We’re investing significantly in teacher professional development, mandated an hour a day of reading, writing and maths and banned the use of cell phones in schools to ensure every student gets the focused instruction they deserve.
“While these results are positive, there are still too many students who don’t have the fundamental literacy and numeracy skills they need to thrive. That’s why this Government is unapologetically reforming the education system to prioritise improving student outcomes. As our back-to-basics approach beds in, more children will be better equipped when taking these assessments in the future,” Ms Stanford says.
The Government has put an end to building open-plan classrooms, ensuring all new classrooms are designed in a flexible way to ensure better student outcomes.
“Overwhelming feedback I’ve received from schools across New Zealand is open-plan classrooms aren’t meeting the needs of students. While open-plan designs were originally intended to foster collaboration, they have often created challenges for schools, particularly around noise and managing student behaviour,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
“This Government is focused on raising achievement and closing the equity gap and an important part of our reform package is ensuring learning spaces are designed to improve student outcomes.
“In many cases, open-plan classrooms reduce flexibility, rather than enhance it. We have listened to the sector and new classrooms will no longer be open plan.”
The Government has not designed and built open plan classes since being in office other than classrooms that have been specifically requested.
All new classrooms will be built using standard designs that prioritise flexibility over open-plan layouts. For example, the use of glass sliding doors mean spaces can be open when classes collaborate but can also close for focused learning. This approach ensures schools have fit-for-purpose environments that support a range of teaching and learning styles.
“We are ensuring school property delivery is efficient and sustainable. We’ve lowered the average cost of a classroom by 28 per cent so we could deliver 30 per cent more classrooms last year compared to 2023. We’re continuing to drive down costs so more Kiwi kids can access them, faster. In 2025, new classrooms cost on average $620,000 compared to $1.2 million at the end of 2023.”
Wellington is the latest region to benefit from this, with a $25 million targeted investment into areas experiencing population growth.
The schools receiving new classrooms are:
Newlands Intermediate – 10 classrooms Aotea College – 16 classrooms
“Aotea College is a prime example where existing open-plan classrooms did not support learning outcomes. The lack of functionality of the open design meant spaces could not be shared or multipurpose due to disruption and noise. This investment will deliver new, standard teaching spaces that better meet the needs of both students and staff.
“Delivering these classrooms through repeatable designs and offsite-manufactured buildings also ensures we are achieving maximum value for money. Planning is already underway for these projects, with construction expected to begin within the next 12 months,” Ms Stanford says.
Parents will know more about how their children are doing at school with the confirmation of a new assessment tool in Years 3-10 classrooms from 2026, the latest part of the Government’s plan to teach the basics brilliantly.
Janison Solution Pty Ltd will deliver the Student, Monitoring, Assessment and Report Tool (SMART) which will enable twice-yearly assessment of reading, writing and maths in schools nationwide.
“Last year the Auditor General found there was no consistent and comprehensive summary of student achievement and progress in New Zealand, and what information the Ministry of Education had was more detailed for some students than for others. This new tool changes that,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
“The check-ins will be low stakes measures of student progress and provide teachers with information on next steps in learning. They’ll give parents confidence as to how their children are progressing so they can support learning at home. It will also provide crucial information to the Government to know where to invest more resource to help accelerate learning.”
SMART will be modern, flexible and curriculum aligned. It will also be bilingual to cover pānui, tuhituhi and pāngarau in kura. Years 9 and 10 have been included so parents and teachers know how ready students are for NCEA.
“This builds on our new suite of classroom tools that help parents and teachers understand more about student progress. The Phonics Checks undertaken at 20 weeks of schooling and repeated at 40 weeks identifies a child’s reading ability early and wrap around support if needed. A similar approach is being taken with maths, from 2026 every child will have their maths ability checked in Year 2.
“I am committed to helping parents clearly understand their child’s progress at school, because when parents are informed and involved, students are more likely to reach their full potential,” Ms Stanford says.
A new Regional University Study Hub officially opened today on King Island, bringing university closer for local residents.
Nearly half of young people in Australia have a degree but not in regional and remote Australia. On King Island, only around 22 per cent of young people have a degree.
The evidence shows that where Regional University Study Hubs are, university participation goes up.
This new Study Hub, co-located in the new King Island Community Hub, will provide support and facilities for students who are studying a university or VET course without having to leave their community.
Study King Island is part of the Albanese Government’s $66.9 million investment to more than double the number of University Study Hubs across the country.
The hub is operated by West Coast Heritage who operate the existing Study Hub West Coast with sites in Smithton and Zeehan, which has supported over 330 students since opening.
This is one of the ways the Albanese Labor Government is helping more people get a crack at going to TAFE or university, including:
cutting 20 per cent off of all student loans, wiping around $16 billion in student debt for three million Australians
fixing the indexation formula and wiping a further $3 billion in student debt, combined this will cut close to $20 billion in student debt
introducing a Commonwealth prac payment for teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work students
making free TAFE permanent.
For more information: Regional University Study Hubs – Department of Education, Australian Government
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:
“Today, almost one in two young people have a university degree. But not everywhere. Not in the outer suburbs and not in regional Australia, or communities like King Island.
“In the years ahead more jobs will require more skills.
“The Government has set a target that by 2050, 80 per cent of workers will have a TAFE or university qualification.
“To hit that target we have to break down that invisible barrier that stops a lot of people from the bush getting a crack at going to university.
“The evidence is that where Study Hubs are, university participation goes up. That’s why we are doubling the number of Hubs across the country.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Braddon, Anne Urquhart:
“Study King Island will offer both young and mature local students the opportunity to have a dedicated study hub with support on the Island and help raise education aspirations.
“The Hub will provide support to local students studying at any Australian University or VET provider, allowing students to stay on Island and remain near their support networks while completing their studies.”
Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
The ACCC has outlined its preliminary competition concerns with Acciona’s proposed acquisition of the East Rockingham Waste to Energy Project, which is currently in administration and receivership, in a Statement of Issues today.
Acciona owns 10 per cent of East Rockingham Project, is a creditor and is the engineering, procurement and construction contractor of the Project.
The East Rockingham Project is located in East Rockingham, Western Australia and will process residual putrescible waste for energy recovery once operational.
Acciona also owns and operates a waste-to-energy facility in Kwinana, Western Australia which will process residual waste for energy recovery.
Both the Kwinana and East Rockingham facilities offer putrescible waste disposal services to municipal and commercial and industrial customers. Once operational, the East Rockingham and Kwinana waste-to-energy facilities will be the only waste-to-energy facilities in Western Australia.
“The proposed acquisition removes competition between the only two waste-to-energy facilities in the Perth and Peel region of Western Australia,” ACCC Commissioner Dr Philip Williams said.
“Our preliminary view is that the proposed acquisition is likely to substantially lessen competition in the supply of putrescible waste disposal services in the region.”
Market feedback received by the ACCC has identified that the two facilities compete closely with each other, given their near-identical services and geographic proximity.
“We consider that East Rockingham and Kwinana waste-to-energy facilities are each other’s closest competitor. We are concerned that Acciona would be able to increase prices or reduce service quality at the East Rockingham and Kwinana waste-to-energy facilities following the proposed acquisition,” Dr Williams said.
The ACCC is considering whether the facilities’ capacity constraints and significant committed capacity may limit Acciona’s ability to increase prices or reduce service quality.
The ACCC is also continuing to examine the extent to which other putrescible waste disposal facilities, such as landfills, may constrain waste-to-energy facilities.
“We understand that establishing waste-to-energy facilities requires substantial time, money and regulatory approvals. This means that no other waste-to-energy facility is likely to become operational in Western Australia within the next decade,” Dr Williams said.
The ACCC invites submissions from interested parties in response to the Statement of Issues by 31 July 2025.
Waste-to-energy facilities receive and thermally treat residual putrescible waste (which cannot be reused or recycled and so would otherwise be disposed of at landfill) to generate electricity for wholesale energy markets.
‘Putrescible waste’ is solid waste that contains organic material capable of being decomposed by microorganisms.
Background
Acciona is a global infrastructure developer publicly listed in Spain. In Australia, Acciona has various subsidiaries and is currently developing several infrastructure projects across the transport, water and energy sectors.
Acciona holds a 10 per cent non-controlling equity interest in the East Rockingham Project, is a creditor of the Project under a loan agreement and is the current engineering, procurement and construction contractor. The East Rockingham Waste to Energy Project is located in East Rockingham, south of Perth, and is approved to process 300 kt/year of residual waste and generate 29 MW of electricity to the grid.
Acciona also owns and operates the Kwinana Waste-to-Energy facility located in the south of Perth. It is the first utility scale facility in Australia that will process residual waste for energy recovery, and is approved to process up to 460 kt/year of residual waste and generate approximately 38 MW of electricity to the grid. It is still in the commissioning process and is expected to be fully operational this year.
The East Rockingham Project and Kwinana waste-to-energy facilities overlap in the supply of putrescible waste disposal services to municipal and C&I customers in the Perth and Peel region. Once operational, they will be the first waste-to-energy facilities in Western Australia, with no other waste-to-energy facility likely to be established within the next decade.
The East Rockingham Project is currently in voluntary administration and receivers are undertaking a sale process.
GAITHERSBURG, Md., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GL Communications Inc., a global leader in telecom testing solutions, addressed the press regarding their Drive Testing for Voice Quality and Network Performance solution, designed to empower service providers, regulators, and device manufacturers to accurately assess wireless network quality across 5G, 4G, and 3G technologies.
As mobile networks grow, real-world testing is essential to identify issues such as weak coverage, dropped calls, and slow data speeds. Drive testing captures performance data while moving through various environments, enabling operators to pinpoint problem areas, accelerate resolution, and enhance user experience.
Robert Bichefsky, Director of Engineering at GL Communications Inc., highlighted the tool’s capabilities, stating, “GL’s Drive Testing for Voice Quality and Network Performance solution is powered by the ultra-portable vMobile™ device—a lightweight, handheld unit designed for both drive and walk testing. The system supports scalable, multi-device testing, connecting to two mobile phones via Bluetooth or a mobile radio via an analog Push-to-Talk interface. Through automated scripting, the vMobile™ can place, receive, and end calls while recording audio for detailed voice quality analysis.”
One of the key features of the vMobile™ is its embedded Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, which facilitates remote control and real-time streaming of test results to a centralized system. This eliminates the need for manual data collection and enables field engineers to monitor test progress and results live. The device also integrates GPS for precise location stamping of all test events, ensuring that network performance data can be accurately mapped.
For indoor environments where GPS signals may be weak or unavailable, GL’s Indoor Tracking System (ITS) provides an effective alternative, maintaining location accuracy during walk tests inside buildings or underground facilities.
The vMobile™ solution offers flexible deployment—whether vehicle-mounted for drive testing, used in labs, or carried for walk testing. It captures collected data, including Voice Quality Metrics based on ITU-standard algorithms such as POLQA, PESQ, and DAQ, all transmitted to a centralized database. Along with the Mean Opinion Score, it records one-way and round-trip delays, signal and noise levels, audio dropout, frequency and power analysis, data throughput, success/failure/drop rates, network delays, and signal strength. The solution also includes API support for automated control of vMobile™ scripts.
In addition to voice testing, the solution enables simultaneous data testing using GL’s NetTest app, which runs TCP and UDP speed tests in parallel with voice calls. This multi-dimensional approach delivers a comprehensive view of network performance under real-world conditions.
GL’s WebViewer™ software visualizes test results using interactive Google Maps and graphical dashboards, helping operators and regulators identify coverage gaps, performance issues, and areas needing improvement. It offers centralized data management, including real-time monitoring, custom report generation, and automated email distribution. With cloud access and remote-control support, users can easily manage and analyze multiple test campaigns across locations. Results can be exported in PDF, Excel, or CSV formats and viewed through line/bar graphs and map-based pass/fail indicators.
GL Communications is a global provider of telecom test and measurement solutions. GL’s solutions verify the quality and reliability of Wireless, Fiber Optic, TDM and Analog networks.
GAITHERSBURG, Md., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GL Communications Inc., a global leader in telecom testing solutions, addressed the press regarding their Drive Testing for Voice Quality and Network Performance solution, designed to empower service providers, regulators, and device manufacturers to accurately assess wireless network quality across 5G, 4G, and 3G technologies.
As mobile networks grow, real-world testing is essential to identify issues such as weak coverage, dropped calls, and slow data speeds. Drive testing captures performance data while moving through various environments, enabling operators to pinpoint problem areas, accelerate resolution, and enhance user experience.
Robert Bichefsky, Director of Engineering at GL Communications Inc., highlighted the tool’s capabilities, stating, “GL’s Drive Testing for Voice Quality and Network Performance solution is powered by the ultra-portable vMobile™ device—a lightweight, handheld unit designed for both drive and walk testing. The system supports scalable, multi-device testing, connecting to two mobile phones via Bluetooth or a mobile radio via an analog Push-to-Talk interface. Through automated scripting, the vMobile™ can place, receive, and end calls while recording audio for detailed voice quality analysis.”
One of the key features of the vMobile™ is its embedded Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, which facilitates remote control and real-time streaming of test results to a centralized system. This eliminates the need for manual data collection and enables field engineers to monitor test progress and results live. The device also integrates GPS for precise location stamping of all test events, ensuring that network performance data can be accurately mapped.
For indoor environments where GPS signals may be weak or unavailable, GL’s Indoor Tracking System (ITS) provides an effective alternative, maintaining location accuracy during walk tests inside buildings or underground facilities.
The vMobile™ solution offers flexible deployment—whether vehicle-mounted for drive testing, used in labs, or carried for walk testing. It captures collected data, including Voice Quality Metrics based on ITU-standard algorithms such as POLQA, PESQ, and DAQ, all transmitted to a centralized database. Along with the Mean Opinion Score, it records one-way and round-trip delays, signal and noise levels, audio dropout, frequency and power analysis, data throughput, success/failure/drop rates, network delays, and signal strength. The solution also includes API support for automated control of vMobile™ scripts.
In addition to voice testing, the solution enables simultaneous data testing using GL’s NetTest app, which runs TCP and UDP speed tests in parallel with voice calls. This multi-dimensional approach delivers a comprehensive view of network performance under real-world conditions.
GL’s WebViewer™ software visualizes test results using interactive Google Maps and graphical dashboards, helping operators and regulators identify coverage gaps, performance issues, and areas needing improvement. It offers centralized data management, including real-time monitoring, custom report generation, and automated email distribution. With cloud access and remote-control support, users can easily manage and analyze multiple test campaigns across locations. Results can be exported in PDF, Excel, or CSV formats and viewed through line/bar graphs and map-based pass/fail indicators.
GL Communications is a global provider of telecom test and measurement solutions. GL’s solutions verify the quality and reliability of Wireless, Fiber Optic, TDM and Analog networks.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested and charged a man with sexual offending against a child in Ludmilla last month.
On 14 June 2025, police received a report of a suspected sexual assault against a young child at a residence in Ludmilla.
Police and forensics attended and declared a crime scene.
Further investigation was able to confirm a sexual assault had occurred and on 15 July 2025, detectives from the Sex Crimes Unit, Fugitive Taskforce and general duties, arrested a 34-year-old man at a location in Yarrawonga.
The offender was not known to the victim.
He has now been charged with Sexual Intercourse with a Child under 10 and remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court today.
Detective Senior Sergeant Toby Wilson said “This has been a complex, confronting investigation that has involved a very young victim. The behaviour exhibited against this child is nothing short of horrendous.”
Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://crimestoppers.com.au/.
You can also make a report online by alerting the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation via the ‘Report Abuse’ button at www.accce.gov.au/report.
DUBLIN, Ohio, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — reAlpha Tech Corp. (Nasdaq: AIRE) (the “Company” or “reAlpha”), an AI-powered real estate technology company, today announced the pricing of a public offering of an aggregate of 13,333,334 shares of its common stock, together with Series A-1 warrants to purchase up to 13,333,334 shares of common stock and Series A-2 warrants to purchase up to 13,333,334 shares of common stock, at a combined public offering price of $0.15 per share and accompanying warrants. The Series A-1 warrants and the Series A-2 warrants will have an exercise price of $0.15 per share and will be exercisable beginning on the effective date of stockholder approval of the issuance of the shares upon exercise of the warrants. The Series A-1 warrants will expire five years from the date of stockholder approval and the Series A-2 warrants will expire twenty-four months from the date of stockholder approval. The closing of the offering is expected to occur on or about July 18, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
H.C. Wainwright & Co. is acting as the exclusive placement agent for the offering.
The gross proceeds from the offering, before deducting the placement agent’s fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company, are expected to be approximately $2 million. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and general corporate purposes, which could include repayment of debt, future acquisitions, capital expenditures and the purchase of cryptocurrencies in accordance with the Company’s cryptocurrency investment policy.
The securities described above are being offered pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-288571), which was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 16, 2025. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus forming part of the effective registration statement relating to the offering. A preliminary prospectus relating to the offering has been filed with the SEC. Electronic copies of the final prospectus, when available, may be obtained on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may also be obtained by contacting H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC at 430 Park Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10022, by phone at (212) 856-5711 or e-mail at placements@hcwco.com.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.
About reAlpha Tech Corp.
reAlpha Tech Corp. (Nasdaq: AIRE) is an AI-powered real estate technology company transforming the multi-trillion-dollar U.S. real estate services market. reAlpha is developing an end-to-end platform that streamlines real estate transactions through integrated brokerage, mortgage, and title services. With a strategic, acquisition-driven growth model and proprietary AI infrastructure, reAlpha is building a vertically integrated ecosystem designed to deliver a simpler, smarter, and more affordable path to homeownership. For more information, visit www.realpha.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
The information in this press release includes “forward-looking statements.” Any statements other than statements of historical fact contained herein, including statements as to the completion of the offering, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the offering, the receipt of stockholder approval and the intended use of net proceeds from the offering, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may”, “should”, “could”, “might”, “plan”, “possible”, “project”, “strive”, “budget”, “forecast”, “expect”, “intend”, “will”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “predict”, “potential” or “continue”, or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: reAlpha’s ability to regain and sustain compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market’s continued listing standards and remain listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market; reAlpha’s ability to pay contractual obligations; reAlpha’s liquidity, operating performance, cash flow and ability to secure adequate financing; reAlpha’s limited operating history and that reAlpha has not yet fully developed its AI-based technologies; whether reAlpha’s technology and products will be accepted and adopted by its customers and intended users; reAlpha’s ability to commercialize its developing AI-based technologies; reAlpha’s ability to successfully enter new geographic markets; reAlpha’s ability to integrate the business of its acquired companies into its existing business and the anticipated demand for such acquired companies’ services; reAlpha’s ability to scale its operational capabilities to expand into additional geographic markets and nationally; the potential loss of key employees of reAlpha and of its subsidiaries; the outcome of certain outstanding legal proceedings against reAlpha; reAlpha’s ability to obtain, and maintain, the required licenses to operate in the U.S. states in which it, or its subsidiaries, operate in, or intend to operate in; reAlpha’s ability to successfully identify and acquire companies that are complementary to its business model; the inability to maintain and strengthen reAlpha’s brand and reputation; any accidents or incidents involving cybersecurity breaches and incidents; the inability to accurately forecast demand for AI-based real estate-focused products; the inability to execute business objectives and growth strategies successfully or sustain reAlpha’s growth; the inability of reAlpha’s customers to pay for reAlpha’s services; the inability of reAlpha to obtain additional financing or access the capital markets to fund its ongoing operations on acceptable terms and conditions; the outcome of any legal proceedings that might be instituted against reAlpha; changes in applicable laws or regulations, and the impact of the regulatory environment and complexities with compliance related to such environment; and other risks and uncertainties indicated in reAlpha’s SEC filings. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Although reAlpha believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. reAlpha’s future results, level of activity, performance or achievements may differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, and there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking statements. For more information about the factors that could cause such differences, please refer to reAlpha’s filings with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and reAlpha does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Media Contact: Cristol Rippe, Chief Marketing Officer cristol@realpha.com
Investor Relations Contact: Adele Carey, VP of Investor Relations investorrelations@realpha.com
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04)led 32 of her colleagues to introduce a resolution calling on Congress to acknowledge and address the threat extreme weather poses to children’s health and well-being.
H.Res. 585 urges Congress to develop solutions that account for children’s unique developmental vulnerabilities as they relate to extreme weather conditions and highlights enforceable and adaptive measures, such as timely and accessible public extreme weather alerts; education and training for health care professionals, educators and caregivers; and expanded access to safe places for children and families during extreme weather events.
“Just in the past month, extreme weather events have utterly devastated communities across the country — and we know that climate change only accelerates the frequency and intensity of these events,” said Congresswoman McClellan.“As a mother, I am fighting to advance climate and environmental policies that ensure a safe, habitable planet for our children and future generations to thrive. My resolution calls on Congress to implement solutions to comprehensively protect the health and well-being of our nation’s children, who have the most at stake in the decisions we make today.”
The resolution lays out specific impacts of extreme weather on child and adolescent health, including:
Children’s disproportionate exposure to pollutants in the air, increasing levels of wildfire smoke, and changing dust patterns that negatively impact children’s developing bodies and behavioral patterns;
Extreme heat’s link to impairment in children’s cognition, making it harder for them to learn at school, and an increase in schools across the country closing for heat days, disrupting academic performance; and
The disproportionate impact of life-altering trauma due to extreme weather disasters, including separation from or harm to caregivers, interruption in education, and other adverse mental health impacts that exacerbate the mental health crisis children and adolescents already face.
McClellan’s resolution is endorsed byMoms Clean Air Force, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, American Association of Children and Adolescent Psychiatry, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, American Medical Informatics Association, American Public Health Association, Association of Community Health Nursing Educators, Association of Public Health Nurses, Children & Nature Network, Children’s Environmental Health Network, Climate Mental Health Network, Climate Psychiatry Alliance, Climate Psychology Alliance, Council of Public Health Nursing Organizations, ecoAmerica, Environmental Defense Fund, First Focus on Children, Green Schoolyards America, Mothers Out Front, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National League for Nursing, OneGreenThing, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Sierra Club, Society of Behavioral Medicine, Trust for America’s Health, Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action, and ZERO TO THREE.
“Extreme weather events, supercharged by climate pollution, are going to become more frequent, more intense —and more dangerous,” said Dominique Browning, Founderof Moms Clean Air Force. “We are indebted to Representative McClellan for her leadership in protecting our children. With the weather on steroids, we must consider children’s unique vulnerabilities as we create and fund adaptations. Moms Clean Air Force will continue our fight against climate and air pollution. But we must also adapt to the damaging effects now baked into our weather systems, so we can keep our children safe.”
Youths arrested over alleged assault in Hobart CBD
Thursday, 17 July 2025 – 9:55 am.
Police have arrested two 14-year-old boys in connection with the alleged assault of a teenage boy in Hobart’s central business district on Wednesday. The incident happened about 2:05pm, on the grassed area of Mather’s Lane. It is alleged a 14-year-old boy was assaulted and had his iPhone stolen during the altercation. He was subsequently transported to the Royal Hobart Hospital for treatment of facial injuries. One of the alleged offenders was arrested on Wednesday evening and will be dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act. The second youth remains in custody and is assisting police with ongoing inquiries. Police are appealing to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident, or the events leading up to it, to come forward. A group of up to eight youths was seen leaving the area via Criterion Lane immediately following the alleged assault. Anyone with information is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au (quote Offence Report 780149).
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 16 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday presided over a State Council executive meeting that studied the implementation of key policy measures aimed at strengthening domestic economic circulation and reviewed measures to enhance the regulation of market order in the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector.
The meeting emphasized the need to advance the special initiatives to boost consumption, improve trade-in policies for consumer goods, and provide diversified services that meet various consumption needs of residents.
It called for efforts to expand investment in new quality productive forces and emerging services to fully unleash the potential of domestic demand.
During the meeting, a briefing was heard on the preliminary rectification of problems identified in the audit of the implementation of the 2024 central budget and other fiscal revenues and expenditures.
To spur the high-quality development of the NEV sector and curb irrational competition, the meeting called for stronger regulation of market order, strengthening cost survey and price monitoring, and improving long-term mechanism on regulated competition.
It also reviewed and approved a draft regulation on the entry and exit of foreigners.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 16 — As the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) opened in Beijing on Wednesday, global business executives and officials voiced a collective need to reinforce supply chains through open markets, innovation, and multilateral engagement.
“This event is much more than an expo. It is a forest of connections between economies, industries, and people,” John Denton, the secretary-general of the International Chamber of Commerce, said in his speech. “We are here together to advance our shared prosperity.”
Denton’s remarks echoed a widespread consensus among attendees that building trust and deeper integration — spanning AI innovation to global manufacturing collaboration — is essential for effectively navigating the increasing global uncertainties.
Held from July 16 to 20, the 2025 CISCE gathered more than 650 companies and institutions from 75 countries, regions and international organizations, along with over 500 of their upstream and downstream partners.
Foreign exhibitors made up 35 percent of the total participation — an indicator of enduring business interest in the face of rising geopolitical and economic headwinds.
Hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), the expo is the world’s first national-level expo dedicated exclusively to supply chains.
In the lead-up to the event, Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at Renmin University of China, said that active engagement from multinational firms reflects the “continued momentum and irreversibility of globalization.”
Wang noted that China, with the world’s most complete and largest industrial system, is playing a growing role in driving global development through digital and green transformation — and is increasingly seen as an innovation lab.
China’s expanding role in global innovation ecosystems, especially in AI, was underscored by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who delivered a speech during his first CISCE appearance.
Calling China’s supply chain “a miracle,” Huang highlighted the country’s fast-growing AI technologies and its global reach. “China’s open-source AI is a catalyst for global progress,” he said, as it enables broader access to innovation and supports international cooperation on standards and safeguards.
In an interview on the sidelines of the expo, Huang reaffirmed Nvidia’s long-term commitment to the Chinese market. “If you want to maintain, you have to invest,” he said. “The market is moving so fast and it’s so competitive — we have to continue to advance ourselves.”
He added that China’s technology market is growing rapidly and remains a key focus for the company, calling it “a very important market with dynamic, innovative customers.”
The expo comes on the heels of China’s announcement of a 5.3 percent economic growth for the first half of the year despite rising challenges and external uncertainties.
“China is entering a new cycle of market opportunity,” said Lin Chunmei, president and general manager of Corning Greater China, in an interview with Xinhua. “With the rise of AI and cloud technologies, the AI infrastructure market is growing faster than ever.”
She noted that China’s steady and resilient economy, along with its stable and open business environment, continues to support the growth of enterprises. “Over the past few decades, we’ve seen consistent improvements in China’s business climate,” she added.
At the opening ceremony, the CCPIT and global business representatives issued a joint initiative calling for supply chain stability and security, digital and green transformation, and stronger international cooperation.
Ren Hongbin, chairman of the CCPIT, said the expo has become a platform for China’s high-standard opening up, urging collective efforts to safeguard multilateralism and build a more interconnected future.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Eyeing China opportunities, multinational giants seek closer supply chain collaboration with Chinese partners
BEIJING, July 16 — As the third China International Supply Chain Expo opened Wednesday in Beijing, multinational companies are looking to strengthen supply chain collaborations in a move that will inject more certainty into the world economy.
The five-day event has attracted 651 companies and institutions from 75 countries and regions. Overseas exhibitors account for 35 percent, a three-percentage-point increase from last year. Among the first-time multinational participants are major players such as Nvidia, Schneider Electric, L’Oreal, Louis Dreyfus and Medtronic.
The growth in global participation highlights mounting confidence in the Chinese market and supply chain. The participating companies see China as both a stabilizing force and an innovation driver in the global supply chain.
“The expo is an important gathering for innovation and collaboration, helping to strengthen the sustainable development of global manufacturing and international supply chains,” said Mohamed Kande, global chairman of PwC.
CLOSER COLLABORATION
The expo comes on the heels of China’s announcement of a 5.3 percent economic growth for the first half of the year despite rising challenges and external uncertainties.
China’s steady economic growth, coupled with its robust supply chain and commitment to further opening up, positions it as a key partner for multinational companies.
Jensen Huang, CEO of U.S. tech giant Nvidia, on Tuesday praised China’s rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) during his visit to Beijing, describing the Chinese market as both “large” and “dynamic.”
While speaking at the opening ceremony of the expo on Wednesday, Huang lauded China’s supply chain as a “miracle.” China’s open-source AI is a catalyst for global progress, giving every country and industry a chance to join the AI revolution, he said.
“China is a very important country where the development of AI will continue to be very fast and we hope to be part of that,” Huang told reporters on Wednesday, adding that there’s so much opportunity and confidence in the Chinese market.
Huang confirmed on Tuesday that Nvidia’s H20 chips will soon be available in the Chinese market again, following the U.S. government’s approval of the company’s filing licenses for shipping H20s to China.
The expo has become a key venue for global firms to forge and expand supply chain collaborations.
The expo serves as a platform for expanding McDonald’s supply chain partnerships, Xu Jansen, head of Impact Strategy at M (China) Co., Ltd. The fast food chain attended the expo for a second straight year, teaming up with 11 suppliers this year.
Xu emphasized the importance of the Chinese market, noting that half of the 2,000 new McDonald’s stores opening each year globally are located here.
The company has built a network of local suppliers and also helped many of them ship products overseas. China serves as a stabilizer to the global supply chain and global economic growth, Xu said in an interview.
For French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi, the expo is also an opportunity to showcase its ecosystem and build collaborations.
“Here, we explore innovative collaborations with our global partners, from R&D to production and patient accessibility enhancement, and share the latest results of localized practices,” said Wayne Shi, president of Sanofi Greater China. Sanofi will continue to support the Healthy China initiative with innovative drugs and vaccines, Shi said.
RESILIENCE
Business executives and experts assert that, given the current global economic climate, no single country can fulfill every role in industrial and supply chains. It is essential for countries to work together to achieve win-win results.
Global firms view China as a pivotal destination for enhancing and diversifying their supply chains, owing to the country’s vast manufacturing capacity, robust industrial ecosystem, and improving business environment.
Xiao Song, chairman, president and CEO of Siemens China, said that at a time when the global industrial landscape is undergoing rapid restructuring, the expo is becoming an important platform to promote the deep integration of all sections of the industrial chain.
Siemens aims to help Chinese firms upgrade with digital and low-carbon technologies, helping build a green competitive edge globally as well as a more resilient and sustainable global industrial and supply chains, Xiao said.
As the world’s first national-level exhibition focusing on supply chains, the expo is an internationally shared public product. First held in 2023, the expo has contributed to building more secure, stable, open and inclusive global industrial and supply chains.
With over 70 special events and new alliances for exhibitors in each of the six supply chains showcased at the expo, the expo helps enterprises find partners, application scenarios and solutions, according to Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, the event’s organizer.
Ren called on global business leaders to work together to uphold the multilateral trade system with the World Trade Organization at its core.
Xu Jiabin, a professor at the Business School of Renmin University of China, said that as a manufacturing and trading powerhouse, China has made significant contributions to the stability and resilience of the global supply chain.
“The expo will help mitigate the negative effects of trade barriers and safeguard the global international economic and trade order,” Xu said.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Israeli warplanes intensified their air campaign across southern Syria on Wednesday, striking the Syrian Army General Command headquarters and the presidential palace area in central Damascus.
The Syrian health authorities said one civilian was killed, and 18 others injured in the strikes on the capital, which included at least five separate air raids targeting central Damascus. Footage aired on local TV showed smoke billowing from Umayyad Square, where the army’s main command building is located.
Smoke is seen near the Syrian Army General Command headquarters in Damascus, Syria, on July 16, 2025. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said parts of the headquarters and the defense authorities were destroyed, and additional strikes hit buildings in the upscale al-Malki neighborhood and near the Tishreen Palace. The fate of senior officials inside the facilities remained unknown.
An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed the operation, saying that “the military headquarters in Damascus is the location from which Syrian regime commanders direct combat operations and deploy regime forces to the Sweida area.”
In a statement, the spokesperson added that also “a military target in the area of the Syrian regime’s presidential palace in Damascus was struck.”
A fire truck is seen near a structure damaged in an Israeli airstrike at the Syrian Army General Command headquarters in Damascus, Syria, on July 16, 2025. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)
In southern Syria, Israeli strikes also targeted government forces’ convoys and positions in Sweida province, killing at least three senior officers in the village of al-Majimer, according to the observatory. Earlier raids in the region had killed at least seven others, bringing the total toll among government forces to 10.
Additional air raids late Wednesday struck multiple locations in and around Daraa city, including the governor’s palace, the military intelligence branch, and the civil registry office, the observatory said. Further strikes hit the 189th regiment in Jabab and the 132nd brigade west of Daraa, prompting ambulances to rush to the scene.
In the Damascus countryside, Israeli jets also bombed the town of al-Kiswah, though no casualties were immediately reported.
Photo taken on July 16, 2025 shows a building of the Syrian Army General Command headquarters damaged in an Israeli airstrike in Damascus, Syria. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)
The strikes came after the collapse of a ceasefire between Syrian government forces and armed Druze groups in Sweida, the heartland of the Druze community in Syria. The war monitor said at least 248 people have been killed in the area since Sunday.
The Druze are a religious and ethnic minority originating from Islam, living primarily in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, with smaller communities in Jordan and elsewhere.
Israel carried out several waves of strikes in Damascus and Sweida, with the stated aim of preventing the Druze minority from being harmed.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China used a balanced offense to ease past New Zealand 85-51, advancing to the semifinals as the top finisher in Group A at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup on Wednesday.
The reigning champion completed the group stage with a perfect 3-0 record and will await its semifinal opponent emerging from Japan and New Zealand, who will meet on Friday.
“As our team was just formed three months ago, we aimed to try different lineups through these group games,” China head coach Gong Luming said at a postgame news conference. “We feel that it has taken an initial shape now, but still needs fine-tuning on some details.”
“We hope that in future training, players can build better chemistry and be more familiar with our style of play, to be more creative in our play,” he added.
China took the early initiative with seven unanswered points. Amid the rousing ovation at Shenzhen Sports Center, 18-year-old Zhang Ziyu was subbed in at the 3:46 mark and wasted no time opening her account, scoring a layup eight seconds into her appearance. A 14-2 run propelled China to a 25-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The host began to pull away, leading by 22 points early in the second period. The Tall Ferns tried to respond but never seriously threatened China’s advantage the rest of the way.
After an 11-0 run, the game was all but decided when China raced ahead 53-28 midway through the third quarter.
All 12 Chinese players got on the scoreboard, with Zhang and Yang Shuyu each finishing with 12 points.
“We didn’t start well in these three matches. Hopefully we can improve that in our next game,” Yang said.
“Zhang is our advantage. The opponents will deploy specific defenses against her, and we need to address that,” she added.
Earlier in the day, South Korea cruised past Indonesia 95-62 to finish second in the group with a 2-1 record.
Competing in Division A for the first time, Indonesia showed its grit against the 12-time champion, trailing just 25-22 after the first quarter.
South Korea upped its game with signature 3-pointers in the second, as Lee Myung-kwan and Shin Ji-hyun combined for three consecutive shots from long range to build a 12-point cushion.
With a 48-34 halftime lead, South Korea continued to strengthen its hold on the game. A 24-14 third quarter extended the lead to 24 points, while Indonesia could not mount a comeback.
South Korean guard Park Ji-hyun contributed a game-high 18 points along with seven assists, and Shin added 15. Kim Pierre-Louis led Indonesia with 16 points.
“We didn’t start the game very well. We had a tough first half,” South Korea coach Park Soo-ho said. “But after halftime, our players came back. The next game will be the most important, and we will prepare well for it.”
In Group B, the Philippines notched its first win with a nail-biting 73-70 victory over Lebanon. Naomi Natalie Panganiban scored 15 points, leading five Philippine players in double figures, including Jack Animam’s double-double of 14 points and 16 rebounds. Jillian Archer’s game-high 23 points were not enough for Lebanon.
“This win represents everything that we’ve been working hard on for the last 10 years or so,” Philippines coach Patrick Henry Aquino said. “We are glad to be competing, not just staying in Division A, but we still have to improve and we hope that we level up again soon.”
Gilas Pilipinas will vie for a semifinal spot against South Korea on Friday. The winner will face Australia, which advanced with three straight wins in group play.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China finished second in the women’s 2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship on Wednesday after a goalless draw with Japan in the final round, while South Korea beat Chinese Taipei 2-0 to win the event’s title for first time in 20 years.
The clash between China and Japan kicked off in rain. China applied high pressing and quick attacking from the start, but neither side could break the deadlock in the first half.
Yoshida Riko (2nd R) of Japan vies with Jin Kun (1st L) of China during the women’s football match between Japan and China at the EAFF (East Asian Football Federation) E-1 Football Championship 2025 Final in Suwon, South Korea, July 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)
The second half saw both teams continue to push forward, but heavy rain affected performances of both sides. In stoppage time, Japan’s Takahashi Hana had two chances to score but narrowly missed both. The match ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
With one win and two draws each, China, Japan and South Korea all finished with five points. Chinese Taipei was at bottom after three defeats. The three top teams were tied in points, head-to-head results and goal difference. According to the EAFF competition rules, rankings were then determined by the number of goals scored among the tied teams.
South Korea secured the championship with three goals, followed by China with two and Japan one. It marked South Korea’s second East Asian Cup title, the first since 2005.
China head coach Ante Milicic said after the tournament that he was proud of his team for their effort under difficult weather conditions. “Both teams worked hard despite the climate. I’m proud of the way my team played and fought,” he said.
Reflecting on the last-minute goal conceded against South Korea on July 9, Milicic admitted, “Conceding in the final minute cost us the title. It’s a lesson we must learn — we can’t afford to lose focus in the closing moments of a match.”
Chinese player Wang Shuang told Xinhua that the team improved with each game during the tournament. “Our teamwork and understanding got better throughout the tournament. Today, some of the younger players really impressed with their bravery and confidence,” she said.
“I think the experience we gained from this tournament is more valuable than the results themselves. I believe these younger teammates will grow stronger and more confident as they gain more playing opportunities in the future,” she added.
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3
Summary
Company Announcement Date: July 16, 2025 FDA Publish Date: July 16, 2025 Product Type: Food & BeveragesFoodborne Illness Reason for Announcement:
Recall Reason Description Sprouted Moong (sprouted mung beans)
Company Name: CHETAK LLC GROUP Brand Name:
Brand Name(s) Deep
Product Description:
Product Description Sprouted Moong (sprouted mung beans)
Company Announcement Chetak New York LLC, Edison, NJ Chetak San Francisco LLC, Union City, CA Chetak Chicago LLC, Streamwood, IL Chetak Orlando LLC, Kissimmee, FL Chetak Los Angeles LLC, Pico Rivera, CA Zeenat Inc., Sugarland, TX Are recalling Frozen ‘Deep Sprouted Mat(Moth) 16 oz. and Deep Sprouted Moong 16oz. because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infection in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune system. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illness such as arterial infections (i.e. infected aneurysms) endocarditis and arthritis The Recalled Sprouted Beans were distributed nationwide in retail stores under following Lot numbers
Deep Sprouted Mat (Moth) 16 oz.LOT CODE- printed on back side of bag- IN24330, 25072,25108,24353,25171,24297,25058,25078,24291,25107,24354 AND 24292 Deep Sprouted Moong 16 oz. packetLOT CODE- printed on back side of bag- IN24330, 25072,25108,24353,25171,24297,25058,25078,24291,25107,24354 AND 24292
No illness have been reported to date in connection with this problem to company The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by FDA Production of the product has been suspended while FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem. Consumers who have purchased 16 oz. packet of “Sprouted Mat (Moth) and Sprouted Moong” are urged to return them to place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the Company at 908-209-8878
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jo McDonald, Professor, Director of Centre for Rock Art Research + Management, The University of Western Australia
Senior Ranger, Mardudunhera man Peter Cooper, oversees the Murujuga landscapeJo McDonald, CC BY-SA
On Friday, the Murujuga Cultural Landscape in northwest Western Australia was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We were in Paris to see Murujuga become Australia’s 21st world heritage property, but only our second property listed exclusively for its Indigenous cultural values.
Murujuga, meaning “hip bone sticking out”, is an ancient rocky landscape rising out of the Indian Ocean in northwest Australia.
Murujuga is shaped by the Lore and the presence of Ngarda-Ngarli – the collective term for the Traditional Owner groups of the coastal Pilbara – since Ngurra Nyujunggamu, when the earth was soft, the beginning of time.
Murujuga includes the Burrup Peninsula, the Dampier Archipelago’s 42 islands and the listed property covers almost 100,000 hectares of land and sea country. Across this cultural landscape are between one to two million petroglyphs – rock art – created by carving designs into rock surfaces. The petroglyphs record Ngarda Ngarli’s attachment and adaptation to a changing environment through deep time.
The UNESCO listing recognises the “outstanding universal value” of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape. This value lies in the traditional system governing it, in tangible and intangible attributes that attest to 50,000 years of Ngarda-Ngarli using and caring for the land and seascape.
The Ngarda-Ngarli have campaigned for World Heritage Listing of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape for more than 20 years.
Murujuga Board and Circle of Elders members in Sydney at the ICOMOS General Assembly, where they hosted a Symposium on the Cultural Landscape nomination. Jo McDonald, CC BY-SA
A controversial nomination
While the outstanding universal values of this place were not in question, the nomination became mired with broader climate concerns.
Industrial development began at Murujuga in the 1950s and was established before Traditional Owners had decision-making authority. The Dampier Archipelago, as well as housing petroglyphs across 42 islands, is also home to one of the largest industrial hubs in the southern hemisphere.
The recent approval for the North-West Gas Hub has elevated climate change concerns and raised questions about whether the government is serious about protecting Murujuga.
While acidic pollution has been suggested by some, our work on the monitoring program found rain and dust at the site was pH neutral, and there is no acid rain impacting on the petroglyphs.
Other criticism included that the air quality at the site is compromised by local gas production. The research found the air quality at Murujuga is “good” to “very good” by international standards. We also found average annual nitrogen dioxide levels − the emission under most scrutiny − is five times lower than World Health Organisation guidelines.
According to MRAMP research, Murujuga’s air quality is well within national standards. Nitrogen dioxide is 16 times lower than the national standard, and sulphur dioxide never exceeding 10% of the national standard.
Importantly, the research program is ongoing and will transition to monitoring led by the Ngarda-Ngarli with support and training from the scientists. And this ongoing monitoring will be part of the management regime in place to protect Murujuga as a world heritage listed site.
The MRAMP monitoring team in action at Murujuga. Ben Mullins, CC BY-SA
Ngard-Ngarli leadership
Traditional Owners and Custodians led the world heritage nomination, supported by State and Commonwealth governments.
Traditional Owners consider the listing will better protect Ngarda-Ngarli knowledge, lore and culture as expressed through the landscape and in the petroglyphs.
World heritage recognition will support Ngarda-Ngarli decision-making and ongoing management across the Murujuga Cultural Landscape.
This global recognition is a mechanism to help Ngarda-Ngarli do what they have always done: protect their culture and decide what is right for Country for future generations.
The inscription is a testament to the old people who started this quest decades ago, many of whom have not lived to celebrate this victory.
The Australian delegation on the floor of UNESCO during the inscription session. Jo McDonald, CC BY
Australia’s deep time heritage
Australia now has two places on the World Heritage List which are exclusively listed as Indigenous sites of outstanding universal value to all humanity.
The Murujuga Cultural Landscape joins on the list the southwestern Victorian site Budj Bim, one of the world’s most extensive and oldest aquaculture systems.
Murujuga Aboriginal Custodians celebrate the Word Heritage listing decision in Paris this week. Jo McDonald, CC BY
By this listing, the world has recognised the deep time creative genius and ongoing connection of Ngarda-Ngarli to the Murujuga Cultural Landscape.
This international acclaim recognises the extraordinary resilience of Australia’s First Nations peoples and should be a source of pride and celebration for all Australians.
Jo McDonald is an employee of the University of Western Australia and receives funding from the Australian Research Council.The Centre for Rock Art Research and Management receives funding for its research and training operations from Rio Tinto. Jo was a member of the World Heritage committee and contributed to the writing of the dossier.
Amy Stevens is an employee of Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, which receives funding from the Australian Government, the WA Government and industry and was a lead author on the Murujuga Cultural Landscape World Heritage nomination.
Belinda Churnside serves as Deputy Chair. Board Directors are remunerated for their duties in accordance with community-approved sitting fees. These payments are made from MAC’s operational income.
MAC receives funding support for a range of projects from both State and Federal government departments, as well as from industry partners operating within the Burrup and Maitland Industrial Estate Agreement (BMIEA) area.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation provides operational and strategic support for the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions funds MAC’s National Park Ranger Team, while other funding bodies contribute to the Murujuga Land and Sea Unit Rangers.
All funding sources and expenditures are transparently reported in MAC’s annual financial report, which is audited each year by an independent external auditor.
Ben Mullins is the lead scientist on the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Project, which is funded by the Government of Western Australia.
Peter Hicks is the Chair of the Board of Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC). Board Directors are remunerated for their duties in accordance with community-approved sitting fees. These payments are made from MAC’s operational income.
MAC receives funding support for a range of projects from both State and Federal government departments, as well as from industry partners operating within the Burrup and Maitland Industrial Estate Agreement (BMIEA) area.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation provides operational and strategic support for the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions funds MAC’s National Park Ranger Team, while other funding bodies contribute to the Murujuga Land and Sea Unit Rangers.
All funding sources and expenditures are transparently reported in MAC’s annual financial report, which is audited each year by an independent external auditor.
Terry Bailey is a World Heritage advisor to Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation and WA Government and was lead editor and co-author of Murujuga Cultural Landscape World Heritage nomination. His appointment is funded by the WA Government.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jo McDonald, Professor, Director of Centre for Rock Art Research + Management, The University of Western Australia
Senior Ranger, Mardudunhera man Peter Cooper, oversees the Murujuga landscapeJo McDonald, CC BY-SA
On Friday, the Murujuga Cultural Landscape in northwest Western Australia was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We were in Paris to see Murujuga become Australia’s 21st world heritage property, but only our second property listed exclusively for its Indigenous cultural values.
Murujuga, meaning “hip bone sticking out”, is an ancient rocky landscape rising out of the Indian Ocean in northwest Australia.
Murujuga is shaped by the Lore and the presence of Ngarda-Ngarli – the collective term for the Traditional Owner groups of the coastal Pilbara – since Ngurra Nyujunggamu, when the earth was soft, the beginning of time.
Murujuga includes the Burrup Peninsula, the Dampier Archipelago’s 42 islands and the listed property covers almost 100,000 hectares of land and sea country. Across this cultural landscape are between one to two million petroglyphs – rock art – created by carving designs into rock surfaces. The petroglyphs record Ngarda Ngarli’s attachment and adaptation to a changing environment through deep time.
The UNESCO listing recognises the “outstanding universal value” of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape. This value lies in the traditional system governing it, in tangible and intangible attributes that attest to 50,000 years of Ngarda-Ngarli using and caring for the land and seascape.
The Ngarda-Ngarli have campaigned for World Heritage Listing of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape for more than 20 years.
Murujuga Board and Circle of Elders members in Sydney at the ICOMOS General Assembly, where they hosted a Symposium on the Cultural Landscape nomination. Jo McDonald, CC BY-SA
A controversial nomination
While the outstanding universal values of this place were not in question, the nomination became mired with broader climate concerns.
Industrial development began at Murujuga in the 1950s and was established before Traditional Owners had decision-making authority. The Dampier Archipelago, as well as housing petroglyphs across 42 islands, is also home to one of the largest industrial hubs in the southern hemisphere.
The recent approval for the North-West Gas Hub has elevated climate change concerns and raised questions about whether the government is serious about protecting Murujuga.
While acidic pollution has been suggested by some, our work on the monitoring program found rain and dust at the site was pH neutral, and there is no acid rain impacting on the petroglyphs.
Other criticism included that the air quality at the site is compromised by local gas production. The research found the air quality at Murujuga is “good” to “very good” by international standards. We also found average annual nitrogen dioxide levels − the emission under most scrutiny − is five times lower than World Health Organisation guidelines.
According to MRAMP research, Murujuga’s air quality is well within national standards. Nitrogen dioxide is 16 times lower than the national standard, and sulphur dioxide never exceeding 10% of the national standard.
Importantly, the research program is ongoing and will transition to monitoring led by the Ngarda-Ngarli with support and training from the scientists. And this ongoing monitoring will be part of the management regime in place to protect Murujuga as a world heritage listed site.
The MRAMP monitoring team in action at Murujuga. Ben Mullins, CC BY-SA
Ngard-Ngarli leadership
Traditional Owners and Custodians led the world heritage nomination, supported by State and Commonwealth governments.
Traditional Owners consider the listing will better protect Ngarda-Ngarli knowledge, lore and culture as expressed through the landscape and in the petroglyphs.
World heritage recognition will support Ngarda-Ngarli decision-making and ongoing management across the Murujuga Cultural Landscape.
This global recognition is a mechanism to help Ngarda-Ngarli do what they have always done: protect their culture and decide what is right for Country for future generations.
The inscription is a testament to the old people who started this quest decades ago, many of whom have not lived to celebrate this victory.
The Australian delegation on the floor of UNESCO during the inscription session. Jo McDonald, CC BY
Australia’s deep time heritage
Australia now has two places on the World Heritage List which are exclusively listed as Indigenous sites of outstanding universal value to all humanity.
The Murujuga Cultural Landscape joins on the list the southwestern Victorian site Budj Bim, one of the world’s most extensive and oldest aquaculture systems.
Murujuga Aboriginal Custodians celebrate the Word Heritage listing decision in Paris this week. Jo McDonald, CC BY
By this listing, the world has recognised the deep time creative genius and ongoing connection of Ngarda-Ngarli to the Murujuga Cultural Landscape.
This international acclaim recognises the extraordinary resilience of Australia’s First Nations peoples and should be a source of pride and celebration for all Australians.
Jo McDonald is an employee of the University of Western Australia and receives funding from the Australian Research Council.The Centre for Rock Art Research and Management receives funding for its research and training operations from Rio Tinto. Jo was a member of the World Heritage committee and contributed to the writing of the dossier.
Amy Stevens is an employee of Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, which receives funding from the Australian Government, the WA Government and industry and was a lead author on the Murujuga Cultural Landscape World Heritage nomination.
Belinda Churnside serves as Deputy Chair. Board Directors are remunerated for their duties in accordance with community-approved sitting fees. These payments are made from MAC’s operational income.
MAC receives funding support for a range of projects from both State and Federal government departments, as well as from industry partners operating within the Burrup and Maitland Industrial Estate Agreement (BMIEA) area.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation provides operational and strategic support for the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions funds MAC’s National Park Ranger Team, while other funding bodies contribute to the Murujuga Land and Sea Unit Rangers.
All funding sources and expenditures are transparently reported in MAC’s annual financial report, which is audited each year by an independent external auditor.
Ben Mullins is the lead scientist on the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Project, which is funded by the Government of Western Australia.
Peter Hicks is the Chair of the Board of Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC). Board Directors are remunerated for their duties in accordance with community-approved sitting fees. These payments are made from MAC’s operational income.
MAC receives funding support for a range of projects from both State and Federal government departments, as well as from industry partners operating within the Burrup and Maitland Industrial Estate Agreement (BMIEA) area.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation provides operational and strategic support for the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions funds MAC’s National Park Ranger Team, while other funding bodies contribute to the Murujuga Land and Sea Unit Rangers.
All funding sources and expenditures are transparently reported in MAC’s annual financial report, which is audited each year by an independent external auditor.
Terry Bailey is a World Heritage advisor to Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation and WA Government and was lead editor and co-author of Murujuga Cultural Landscape World Heritage nomination. His appointment is funded by the WA Government.
TORONTO, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red White & Bloom Brands Inc. (CSE: RWB) (“RWB” or the “Company”) announces that its 2025 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the “AGM”), which was originally convened and subsequently adjourned on July 11, 2025, will reconvene on August 8, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. (Pacific Time), at Suite 1890 – 1075 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, and by teleconference at 1-877-407-8816, Participation Code: 77783, followed by the # key. The reconvened meeting is being held in accordance with the Articles of the Company.
As previously disclosed, the AGM was adjourned to allow additional time for the Company to complete and present its audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 (the “Annual Financial Statements”).
Shareholders of record as of the record date previously set for the AGM will remain eligible to attend and vote at the reconvened meeting. Shareholders are encouraged to attend in person or participate via teleconference and to review the Company’s materials in advance of the meeting.
The Annual Financial Statements and related management discussion and analysis are expected to be filed and made available to shareholders prior to the reconvened AGM, in accordance with applicable securities laws and stock exchange requirements.
About Red White & Bloom Brands Inc.
Red White & Bloom Brands is a multi-jurisdictional cannabis operator and house of premium brands operating in the United States, Canada and select international jurisdictions. The Company is predominantly focusing its investments on major U.S. markets, including California, Florida, Missouri, Michigan, and Ohio in addition to Canadian and international markets.
Red White & Bloom Brands Inc. Investor and Media Relations Edoardo Mattei, CFO IR@RedWhiteBloom.com 947-225-0503
Visit us on the web: https://www.redwhitebloom.com/.
Follow us on social media:
Twitter: @rwbbrands
Facebook: @redwhitebloombrands
Instagram: @redwhitebloombrands
Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain information contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often identified by the use of words such as “plans,” “expects,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “will,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” or variations of such words and phrases, including the negative forms thereof, as well as terms such as “pro forma” and “scheduled,” and similar expressions that refer to future events or outcomes.
Forward-looking statements in this release include, without limitation, statements relating to the anticipated timing, review, completion, and filing of the Annual Financial Statements; the reconvening of the AGM of Shareholders on August 8, 2025, and the Company’s ongoing business operations and regulatory compliance efforts.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks associated with audit completion processes; regulatory reviews and approvals; and the risk that the Company may not be able to complete its Annual Financial Statements within the timeframe currently anticipated.
There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.
THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE COMPANY’S EXPECTATIONS AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.
TORONTO, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red White & Bloom Brands Inc. (CSE: RWB) (“RWB” or the “Company”) announces that its 2025 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the “AGM”), which was originally convened and subsequently adjourned on July 11, 2025, will reconvene on August 8, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. (Pacific Time), at Suite 1890 – 1075 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, and by teleconference at 1-877-407-8816, Participation Code: 77783, followed by the # key. The reconvened meeting is being held in accordance with the Articles of the Company.
As previously disclosed, the AGM was adjourned to allow additional time for the Company to complete and present its audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 (the “Annual Financial Statements”).
Shareholders of record as of the record date previously set for the AGM will remain eligible to attend and vote at the reconvened meeting. Shareholders are encouraged to attend in person or participate via teleconference and to review the Company’s materials in advance of the meeting.
The Annual Financial Statements and related management discussion and analysis are expected to be filed and made available to shareholders prior to the reconvened AGM, in accordance with applicable securities laws and stock exchange requirements.
About Red White & Bloom Brands Inc.
Red White & Bloom Brands is a multi-jurisdictional cannabis operator and house of premium brands operating in the United States, Canada and select international jurisdictions. The Company is predominantly focusing its investments on major U.S. markets, including California, Florida, Missouri, Michigan, and Ohio in addition to Canadian and international markets.
Red White & Bloom Brands Inc. Investor and Media Relations Edoardo Mattei, CFO IR@RedWhiteBloom.com 947-225-0503
Visit us on the web: https://www.redwhitebloom.com/.
Follow us on social media:
Twitter: @rwbbrands
Facebook: @redwhitebloombrands
Instagram: @redwhitebloombrands
Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain information contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often identified by the use of words such as “plans,” “expects,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “will,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” or variations of such words and phrases, including the negative forms thereof, as well as terms such as “pro forma” and “scheduled,” and similar expressions that refer to future events or outcomes.
Forward-looking statements in this release include, without limitation, statements relating to the anticipated timing, review, completion, and filing of the Annual Financial Statements; the reconvening of the AGM of Shareholders on August 8, 2025, and the Company’s ongoing business operations and regulatory compliance efforts.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks associated with audit completion processes; regulatory reviews and approvals; and the risk that the Company may not be able to complete its Annual Financial Statements within the timeframe currently anticipated.
There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.
THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE COMPANY’S EXPECTATIONS AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.
RED BANK, N.J., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OceanFirst Financial Corp. (NASDAQ:“OCFC”), (the “Company”), the holding company for OceanFirst Bank N.A. (the “Bank”), today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a 2025 Stock Repurchase Program, under which the Company may repurchase up to 3 million shares, or approximately 5% of its outstanding common stock. This authorization is incremental to the Company’s existing 2021 Stock Repurchase Program.
“The repurchase program underscores our belief that OceanFirst shares represent a compelling investment opportunity,” said Christopher D. Maher, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The program enhances our capital deployment flexibility, allowing us to respond opportunistically to market conditions while maintaining the capacity to invest in organic growth, strategic initiatives, and shareholder returns.”
OceanFirst Financial Corp.’s press releases are available by visiting us at www.oceanfirst.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
In addition to historical information, this news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies and expectations of the Company. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by use of the words “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “project”, “will”, “should”, “may”, “view”, “opportunity”, “potential”, or similar expressions or expressions of confidence. The Company’s ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Factors which could have a material adverse effect on the operations of the Company and its subsidiaries include, but are not limited to: changes in interest rates, inflation, general economic conditions, including potential recessionary conditions, levels of unemployment in the Company’s lending area, real estate market values in the Company’s lending area, potential goodwill impairment, natural disasters, potential increases to flood insurance premiums, the current or anticipated impact of military conflict, terrorism or other geopolitical events, the imposition of tariffs or other domestic or international governmental policies, and retaliatory responses, the level of prepayments on loans and mortgage-backed securities, legislative/regulatory changes, monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the quality or composition of the loan or investment portfolios, demand for loan products, deposit flows, the availability of low-cost funding, changes in liquidity, including the size and composition of the Company’s deposit portfolio, and the percentage of uninsured deposits in the portfolio, changes in capital management and balance sheet strategies and the ability to successfully implement such strategies, competition, demand for financial services in the Company’s market area, changes in investor sentiment and consumer spending, borrowing and saving habits, changes in accounting principles, a failure in or breach of the Company’s operational or security systems or infrastructure, including cyberattacks, the failure to maintain current technologies, failure to retain or attract employees, the impact of pandemics on our operations and financial results and those of our customers and the Bank’s ability to successfully integrate acquired operations. These risks and uncertainties are further discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, under Item 1A – Risk Factors and elsewhere, and subsequent securities filings and should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to publicly release the result of any revisions which may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.
Company Contact:
Patrick S. Barrett Chief Financial Officer OceanFirst Financial Corp. Tel: (732) 240-4500, ext. 27507 Email: pbarrett@oceanfirst.com
LAS VEGAS, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GBank Financial Holdings Inc. (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: GBFH), the parent company for GBank (the “Bank”), today announced it plans to release its second quarter 2025 financial results after the market closes on Monday, July 28, 2025, and will host its quarterly earnings call on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., PST. Interested parties can participate remotely via Internet connectivity. There will be no physical location for attendance.
Interested parties may join online, via the ZOOM app on their smartphones, or by telephone:
Dial (408) 638-0968. The conference ID is 826 3030 7240. Passcode: 549549.
About GBank Financial Holdings Inc.
GBank Financial Holdings Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada and is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “GBFH.” Our national payment and Gaming FinTech business lines serve gaming clients across the U.S. and feature the GBank Visa Signature® Card—a tailored product for the gaming and sports entertainment markets. The Bank is also a top national SBA lender, now operating across 40 states. Through our wholly owned bank subsidiary, GBank, we operate two full-service commercial branches in Las Vegas, Nevada to provide a broad range of business, commercial and retail banking products and services to small businesses, middle-market enterprises, public entities and affluent individuals in Nevada, California, Utah, and Arizona. Please visit www.gbankfinancialholdings.com for more information.
Available Information
The Company routinely posts important information for investors on its web site (under www.gbankfinancialholdings.com and, more specifically, under the News & Media tab at www.gbankfinancialholdings.com/press-releases). The Company intends to use its web site as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD (Fair Disclosure) promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, investors should monitor the Company’s web site, in addition to following the Company’s press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, presentations and webcasts.
The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the Company’s web site is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this document.
For Further Information, Contact:
GBank Financial Holdings Inc. T. Ryan Sullivan President and CEO 702-851-4200 rsullivan@g.bank
