Source: United Nations (video statements)
Joint Security Council Stakeout on the Democratic Republic of Congo by Women, Peace and Security Shared Commitments Group, led by Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, and accompanied by Security Council Members.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $5,058,755 in federal funding to support infrastructure improvements at seven airports across Virginia. This funding comes through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration Airport Infrastructure Grant program, made possible by the bipartisan infrastructure law.
“Investing in our airports means investing in safety, connectivity, and economic opportunity for communities across the Commonwealth,” said the senators. “We’re proud to support these improvements that will help ensure Virginia’s airports continue to serve travelers and local economies for years to come.”
The funding is broken down as follows:
Sens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to improve Virginia’s airports. Sens. Warner and Kaine have secured millions in federal funding for airports across Virginia through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In January of this year the senators announced over $12 million for improvements to Virginia’s airports. In October 2024, they announced nearly $57 million in federal funding for revitalizations efforts, and in September 2024, they announced more than $46 million in federal funding for improvements to Virginia airports through the Airport Improvement Program. The senators have previously announced $104.6 million in combined federal funding for the new terminal building at Dulles.
Source: US Department of Labor
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division today issued a field assistance bulletin clarifying that it may not seek or collect the payment of liquidated damages in any administrative matter under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
The FAB reiterates that Congress made clear that such damages are reserved for judicial proceedings and responsibility falls to the courts of law – not the Department of Labor.
Historically, the department did not seek liquidated damages in the administrative investigation stage until 2010, when the Obama administration began seeking liquidated damages prior to referral for litigation. In 2020, the Trump administration issued FAB 2020-2 to place guardrails on this controversial and legally questionable practice.
The following year, the Biden administration issued FAB 2021-2, which outright rescinded the 2020 FAB and authorized the division to once again seek liquidated damages in administrative matters. This Biden-era FAB provided the regulated community with vague guidance on whether such damages would be sought, giving the agency virtually unfettered discretion.
Today, the issuance of FAB 2025-3 ends the division’s ability to seek such damages in administrative proceedings. Ending this practice will foster more effective dispute resolution and ensure more fair, timely outcomes for American workers and businesses.
For additional guidance beyond the field assistance bulletin, workers and employers can contact the Wage and Hour Division at its toll-free helpline, 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243).
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
SEL8
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Tornado Watch Number 468
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
520 PM CDT Fri Jun 27 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of
North Dakota
* Effective this Friday afternoon and Saturday morning from 520
PM until 100 AM CDT.
* Primary threats include…
A couple tornadoes possible
Widespread large hail likely with isolated very large hail
events to 4 inches in diameter possible
Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 80
mph likely
SUMMARY…Severe storms including supercells are expected to develop
through early/mid-evening within a very unstable environment, amidst
moderately strong atmospheric winds. These supercells may be intense
and capable of very large hail along with some tornado risk. Severe
wind gust potential will likely increase later this evening as
storms progress east-southeastward.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 105 statute miles
north and south of a line from 50 miles west southwest of Garrison
ND to 40 miles north northeast of Jamestown ND. For a complete
depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
(WOUS64 KWNS WOU8).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 466…WW 467…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
surface and aloft to 4 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
gusts to 70 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 600. Mean
storm motion vector 29025.
…Guyer
SEL8
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Tornado Watch Number 468
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
520 PM CDT Fri Jun 27 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of
North Dakota
* Effective this Friday afternoon and Saturday morning from 520
PM until 100 AM CDT.
* Primary threats include…
A couple tornadoes possible
Widespread large hail likely with isolated very large hail
events to 4 inches in diameter possible
Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 80
mph likely
SUMMARY…Severe storms including supercells are expected to develop
through early/mid-evening within a very unstable environment, amidst
moderately strong atmospheric winds. These supercells may be intense
and capable of very large hail along with some tornado risk. Severe
wind gust potential will likely increase later this evening as
storms progress east-southeastward.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 105 statute miles
north and south of a line from 50 miles west southwest of Garrison
ND to 40 miles north northeast of Jamestown ND. For a complete
depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
(WOUS64 KWNS WOU8).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 466…WW 467…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
surface and aloft to 4 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
gusts to 70 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 600. Mean
storm motion vector 29025.
…Guyer
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
SAW8
WW 468 TORNADO ND 272220Z – 280600Z
AXIS..105 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE..
50WSW N60/GARRISON ND/ – 40NNE JMS/JAMESTOWN ND/
..AVIATION COORDS.. 90NM N/S /34NNE DIK – 55WSW GFK/
HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..4 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..70 KNOTS.
MAX TOPS TO 600. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 29025.
LAT…LON 48890242 48989835 45949835 45850242
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
FOR WOU8.
Watch 468 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes
Probability of 2 or more tornadoes
Mod (40%)
Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes
Low (20%)
Wind
Probability of 10 or more severe wind events
Mod (60%)
Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots
Mod (60%)
Hail
Probability of 10 or more severe hail events
High (80%)
Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches
Mod (50%)
Combined Severe Hail/Wind
Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events
High (>95%)
For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.
Source: IMF – News in Russian
June 27, 2025
Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) today completed the fifth review under the PCI arrangement and the third review under the RSF arrangement. The completion of the reviews provides the authorities with access to approximately US$ 285 million (SDR 211.46 million) under the RSF, of which the authorities have requested disbursement of US$ 195 million (SDR 146 million).
The Paraguayan economy remains resilient, with real GDP growing 4.2 percent in 2024. Buoyant private consumption and gross fixed capital formation outweighed a negative contribution from net exports owing mainly to lower electricity production and exports. Economic activity continued its strong momentum in early 2025 with real GDP expected to expand 3.8 percent this year. Headline inflation remains contained within the central bank’s tolerance range.
Fiscal consolidation is progressing, with the fiscal deficit falling to 2.6 percent of GDP in 2024, down from 4.1 percent in 2023, supported by a substantial increase in tax revenue. The fiscal deficit is projected to decline further to 1.9 percent of GDP in 2025. The current account deficit widened to 3.7 percent of GDP in 2024, from 0.4 percent in 2023, primarily due to lower export revenues, driven in large part by lower soybean prices and a drop in hydroelectricity exports because of low river water levels. Foreign reserves remain comfortably above standard adequacy metrics.
At the conclusion of the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Nigel Clarke, Deputy Managing Director, and Acting Chair, made the following statement:
“The Paraguayan economy remains resilient, owing to its strong macroeconomic fundamentals and the authorities’ continued prudent macroeconomic management. The outlook is favorable, with growth expected to remain robust, but is subject to elevated global risks and to adverse weather shocks. Against this backdrop, staying the course with prudent macroeconomic management continues to serve as a cornerstone of macroeconomic stability.
“With inflation contained within the central bank’s tolerance range, monetary policy should remain data driven. The exchange rate should continue to serve as a shock absorber. The banking sector is well capitalized, liquid, and profitable, and the authorities plan to deepen and modernize capital markets. Further strengthening AML/CFT frameworks, including by promptly finalizing the National Risk Assessment, is essential.
“The authorities remain resolute in advancing the fiscal consolidation plan, aiming to reduce the deficit to 1.5 percent of GDP by 2026—the ceiling established by the Fiscal Responsibility Law. Efforts to bolster tax revenues and improve the efficiency of public expenditure should continue to support fiscal consolidation goals.
“Addressing the sustainability of the public employees’ pension fund is essential to mitigate medium-term fiscal risks. The overall risk of sovereign stress is low, and ongoing efforts to gradually decrease the proportion of debt denominated in foreign currency would help further strengthen the risk profile of public debt.
“Policy reforms under the Policy Coordination Instrument and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility are further strengthening macroeconomic stability and resilience. Sustained progress on the reform agenda—including continuing efforts to reduce informality, strengthen governance and anti-corruption frameworks, and enhance resilience to natural disasters—will further improve the business environment, boost Paraguay’s appeal as an investment destination, and reinforce macroeconomic stability.”
PRESS OFFICER: Julie Ziegler
Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org
https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/27/pr-25224-paraguay-imf-concludes-5th-rev-under-pci-and-3rd-rev-under-rsf
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)
Washington, D.C., June 27, 2025
Today, Rep. Rick Larsen released the following statement:
“I am pleased to announce that I have hired Collin Davenport to be my office’s new Chief of Staff,” said Rep. Larsen. “Collin has many years of experience working with the late Rep. Gerry Connolly, who was a good friend of my office. Collin served as the regional District Director and then Legislative Director for Rep. Connolly’s personal office, and he was most recently the Deputy Staff Director of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. I got to know Collin through the U.S. Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. I was consistently impressed with his organizational skills, leadership, and focus on getting things done.”
“It’s an honor to join Congressman Larsen’s incredible team and help advance the work he’s doing for the people of Northwest Washington,” said Mr. Davenport. “I’m looking forward to supporting the Congressman and his staff as we continue delivering results for our constituents.”
“Collin replaces my current Chief of Staff, Robin Chand, who is returning to his hometown to be a prosecutor at the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office,” said Rep. Larsen. “Robin has been a great leader and partner and I wish him all the best. Collin will start in the office on July 21st as Deputy Chief of Staff and work with Robin to get up to speed, and then he will take over as Chief of Staff on August 18th.”
###
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)
Today, Rep. Rick Larsen released the following update on the Cascade Job Corps Center:
“When the Administration announced the terrible decision to close all Job Corps centers earlier this month, I met with local leaders, former Job Corps students, and folks around the region about the negative impact this would have. The people I spoke to wanted me and the community to rally behind Cascade Job Corps Center and fight to keep it open, and that’s exactly what we did.
“I worked with my Republican and Democratic colleagues in Congress to push back against this decision and help the Secretary of Labor understand how important Job Corps centers are. Local leaders from the Port of Skagit, Skagit Valley College, county government, and the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County all banded together to make the case for the Cascade Job Corps Center.
“This week, a federal judge blocked the Administration’s decision to close the Job Corps centers. Cascade Job Corps Center is returning to the important work of helping young people in Northwest Washington state complete college credits and professional certifications.
“I want to thank everyone who contacted my office about this issue and spoke out about how important Job Corps centers are. I’m very glad Cascade Job Corps Center students are back to learning, and staff are continuing the great work they’ve been doing for the past four decades.”
Watch Rep. Larsen’s video statement here.
###
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Meg Leta Jones, Associate Professor of Technology Law & Policy, Georgetown University
The U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision on June 27, 2025, that will reshape how states protect children online. In a case assessing a Texas law requiring age verification to access porn sites, the court created a new legal path that makes it easier for states to craft laws regulating what kids see and do on the internet.
In a 6-3 decision, the court ruled in Free Speech Coalition Inc. v. Paxton that Texas’ law obligating porn sites to block access to underage users is constitutional. The law requires pornographic websites to verify users’ ages – for example by making users scan and upload their driver’s license – before granting access to content that is deemed obscene for minors but not adults.
The majority on the court rejected both the porn industry’s argument for strict scrutiny – the toughest legal test that requires the government to prove a law is absolutely necessary – and Texas’ argument for mere rational basis review, which requires only a rational connection between the law’s legitimate aims and its actions. Instead, Justice Clarence Thomas’ opinion established intermediate scrutiny, a middle ground that requires laws to serve important government interests without being overly burdensome, as the appropriate standard.
The court’s reasoning hinged on characterizing the law as only “incidentally” burdening adults’ First Amendment rights. Since minors have no constitutional right to access pornography, the state can require age verification to prevent that unprotected activity. Any burden on adults is, according to the ruling, merely a side effect of this legitimate regulation.
The court also pointed to dramatic technological changes since earlier similar laws were struck down in the 1990s and early 2000s. Back then, only 2 in 5 households had internet access, mostly through slow dial-up connections on desktop computers. Today, 95% of teens carry smartphones with constant internet access to massive libraries of content. Porn site Pornhub alone published over 150 years of new material in 2019. The court argued that earlier decisions “could not have conceived of these developments,” making age verification more necessary than judges could have imagined decades ago.
More importantly for future legislation, the court embraced an “ordinary and appropriate means” doctrine: When states have authority to govern an area, they may use traditional methods to exercise that power. Since age verification is common for alcohol and tobacco, tattoos and piercings, firearms, driver’s licenses and voting, the court held that it’s similarly appropriate for regulating minors’ access to sexual content.
The key takeaway: When states are trying to keep kids away from certain types of content that kids have no legal right to see anyway, requiring age verification is an ordinary and appropriate way to enforce that boundary.
This decision could resolve a fundamental enforcement problem in child privacy laws. Current laws like the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act protect children only when companies have actual knowledge a user is under 13. But platforms routinely avoid this requirement by not asking users’ ages or letting them enter whatever age they want. Without age verification, there’s no actual knowledge and thus no privacy protections.
The Supreme Court’s reasoning changes this dynamic. Since the court emphasized that children lack the same constitutional rights as adults regarding certain protections, states may now be able to require age verification before data collection. California’s Age-Appropriate Design Code and similar state privacy laws would gain substantially more regulatory power under this framework.
Meanwhile, social media platforms could face more restrictions. Several states have tried to limit how social media platforms interact with minors. Florida recently banned kids under 14 from having social media accounts entirely, while other states have targeted specific features such as endless scrolling or push notifications designed to keep kids hooked.
The Supreme Court’s reasoning could protect laws that require age verification before kids can use certain platform features, such as direct messaging with strangers or livestreaming. However, laws that try to block kids from seeing general social media content would still face tough legal challenges, since that content is typically protected speech for everyone.
The decision also supports state laws regulating how minors interact with app stores and gaming platforms. Minors generally can’t enter binding contracts without parental consent in the physical world, so states could require the same online. Proposed legislation such as the App Store Accountability Act would require parental approval before kids can download apps or agree to terms of service. States have also considered restrictions on “loot boxes” – digital gambling-like features – and surprise in-app purchases that can result in massive charges to parents.
Since states already require an ID to buy lottery tickets or enter casinos, requiring age verification before kids can spend money on digital gambling mechanics follows the court’s logic.
But this decision doesn’t give states free rein to regulate the internet. The court’s reasoning applies to content that children have no legal right to access in the first place, specifically sexually explicit material. For most online content such as news, educational materials, general entertainment and political discussions, both adults and kids have constitutional rights to access.
Laws trying to age-gate this protected content would still likely face the strict scrutiny’s standard and be struck down, but what online content and experiences underage users are constitutionally entitled to is not settled. Many advocates worry that while the “obscene for minors” standard in this case appears legally narrow, states will try to expand it or use similar reasoning to classify LGBTQ+-related educational content, health resources or community support materials as inherently sexual and inappropriate for minors.
The court also emphasized that even under this more permissive standard, laws still have to be reasonable. Age verification requirements that are overly burdensome, sweep too broadly or create serious privacy problems could still be ruled unconstitutional. The court’s decision in this case gives state lawmakers much more room to effectively regulate how online platforms interact with children, but I believe successful laws will need to be carefully written.
For parents worried about their kids’ online safety, this could mean more tools and protections. For tech companies, it likely means more compliance requirements and age verification systems. And for the broader internet, it represents a significant shift toward treating online spaces more like physical ones, where people have long accepted that some doors require showing ID to enter.
Meg Leta Jones does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Supreme Court upholds childproofing porn sites – https://theconversation.com/supreme-court-upholds-childproofing-porn-sites-260052
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Meg Leta Jones, Associate Professor of Technology Law & Policy, Georgetown University
The U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision on June 27, 2025, that will reshape how states protect children online. In a case assessing a Texas law requiring age verification to access porn sites, the court created a new legal path that makes it easier for states to craft laws regulating what kids see and do on the internet.
In a 6-3 decision, the court ruled in Free Speech Coalition Inc. v. Paxton that Texas’ law obligating porn sites to block access to underage users is constitutional. The law requires pornographic websites to verify users’ ages – for example by making users scan and upload their driver’s license – before granting access to content that is deemed obscene for minors but not adults.
The majority on the court rejected both the porn industry’s argument for strict scrutiny – the toughest legal test that requires the government to prove a law is absolutely necessary – and Texas’ argument for mere rational basis review, which requires only a rational connection between the law’s legitimate aims and its actions. Instead, Justice Clarence Thomas’ opinion established intermediate scrutiny, a middle ground that requires laws to serve important government interests without being overly burdensome, as the appropriate standard.
The court’s reasoning hinged on characterizing the law as only “incidentally” burdening adults’ First Amendment rights. Since minors have no constitutional right to access pornography, the state can require age verification to prevent that unprotected activity. Any burden on adults is, according to the ruling, merely a side effect of this legitimate regulation.
The court also pointed to dramatic technological changes since earlier similar laws were struck down in the 1990s and early 2000s. Back then, only 2 in 5 households had internet access, mostly through slow dial-up connections on desktop computers. Today, 95% of teens carry smartphones with constant internet access to massive libraries of content. Porn site Pornhub alone published over 150 years of new material in 2019. The court argued that earlier decisions “could not have conceived of these developments,” making age verification more necessary than judges could have imagined decades ago.
More importantly for future legislation, the court embraced an “ordinary and appropriate means” doctrine: When states have authority to govern an area, they may use traditional methods to exercise that power. Since age verification is common for alcohol and tobacco, tattoos and piercings, firearms, driver’s licenses and voting, the court held that it’s similarly appropriate for regulating minors’ access to sexual content.
The key takeaway: When states are trying to keep kids away from certain types of content that kids have no legal right to see anyway, requiring age verification is an ordinary and appropriate way to enforce that boundary.
This decision could resolve a fundamental enforcement problem in child privacy laws. Current laws like the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act protect children only when companies have actual knowledge a user is under 13. But platforms routinely avoid this requirement by not asking users’ ages or letting them enter whatever age they want. Without age verification, there’s no actual knowledge and thus no privacy protections.
The Supreme Court’s reasoning changes this dynamic. Since the court emphasized that children lack the same constitutional rights as adults regarding certain protections, states may now be able to require age verification before data collection. California’s Age-Appropriate Design Code and similar state privacy laws would gain substantially more regulatory power under this framework.
Meanwhile, social media platforms could face more restrictions. Several states have tried to limit how social media platforms interact with minors. Florida recently banned kids under 14 from having social media accounts entirely, while other states have targeted specific features such as endless scrolling or push notifications designed to keep kids hooked.
The Supreme Court’s reasoning could protect laws that require age verification before kids can use certain platform features, such as direct messaging with strangers or livestreaming. However, laws that try to block kids from seeing general social media content would still face tough legal challenges, since that content is typically protected speech for everyone.
The decision also supports state laws regulating how minors interact with app stores and gaming platforms. Minors generally can’t enter binding contracts without parental consent in the physical world, so states could require the same online. Proposed legislation such as the App Store Accountability Act would require parental approval before kids can download apps or agree to terms of service. States have also considered restrictions on “loot boxes” – digital gambling-like features – and surprise in-app purchases that can result in massive charges to parents.
Since states already require an ID to buy lottery tickets or enter casinos, requiring age verification before kids can spend money on digital gambling mechanics follows the court’s logic.
But this decision doesn’t give states free rein to regulate the internet. The court’s reasoning applies to content that children have no legal right to access in the first place, specifically sexually explicit material. For most online content such as news, educational materials, general entertainment and political discussions, both adults and kids have constitutional rights to access.
Laws trying to age-gate this protected content would still likely face the strict scrutiny’s standard and be struck down, but what online content and experiences underage users are constitutionally entitled to is not settled. Many advocates worry that while the “obscene for minors” standard in this case appears legally narrow, states will try to expand it or use similar reasoning to classify LGBTQ+-related educational content, health resources or community support materials as inherently sexual and inappropriate for minors.
The court also emphasized that even under this more permissive standard, laws still have to be reasonable. Age verification requirements that are overly burdensome, sweep too broadly or create serious privacy problems could still be ruled unconstitutional. The court’s decision in this case gives state lawmakers much more room to effectively regulate how online platforms interact with children, but I believe successful laws will need to be carefully written.
For parents worried about their kids’ online safety, this could mean more tools and protections. For tech companies, it likely means more compliance requirements and age verification systems. And for the broader internet, it represents a significant shift toward treating online spaces more like physical ones, where people have long accepted that some doors require showing ID to enter.
Meg Leta Jones does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Supreme Court upholds childproofing porn sites – https://theconversation.com/supreme-court-upholds-childproofing-porn-sites-260052
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Meg Leta Jones, Associate Professor of Technology Law & Policy, Georgetown University
The U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision on June 27, 2025, that will reshape how states protect children online. In a case assessing a Texas law requiring age verification to access porn sites, the court created a new legal path that makes it easier for states to craft laws regulating what kids see and do on the internet.
In a 6-3 decision, the court ruled in Free Speech Coalition Inc. v. Paxton that Texas’ law obligating porn sites to block access to underage users is constitutional. The law requires pornographic websites to verify users’ ages – for example by making users scan and upload their driver’s license – before granting access to content that is deemed obscene for minors but not adults.
The majority on the court rejected both the porn industry’s argument for strict scrutiny – the toughest legal test that requires the government to prove a law is absolutely necessary – and Texas’ argument for mere rational basis review, which requires only a rational connection between the law’s legitimate aims and its actions. Instead, Justice Clarence Thomas’ opinion established intermediate scrutiny, a middle ground that requires laws to serve important government interests without being overly burdensome, as the appropriate standard.
The court’s reasoning hinged on characterizing the law as only “incidentally” burdening adults’ First Amendment rights. Since minors have no constitutional right to access pornography, the state can require age verification to prevent that unprotected activity. Any burden on adults is, according to the ruling, merely a side effect of this legitimate regulation.
The court also pointed to dramatic technological changes since earlier similar laws were struck down in the 1990s and early 2000s. Back then, only 2 in 5 households had internet access, mostly through slow dial-up connections on desktop computers. Today, 95% of teens carry smartphones with constant internet access to massive libraries of content. Porn site Pornhub alone published over 150 years of new material in 2019. The court argued that earlier decisions “could not have conceived of these developments,” making age verification more necessary than judges could have imagined decades ago.
More importantly for future legislation, the court embraced an “ordinary and appropriate means” doctrine: When states have authority to govern an area, they may use traditional methods to exercise that power. Since age verification is common for alcohol and tobacco, tattoos and piercings, firearms, driver’s licenses and voting, the court held that it’s similarly appropriate for regulating minors’ access to sexual content.
The key takeaway: When states are trying to keep kids away from certain types of content that kids have no legal right to see anyway, requiring age verification is an ordinary and appropriate way to enforce that boundary.
This decision could resolve a fundamental enforcement problem in child privacy laws. Current laws like the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act protect children only when companies have actual knowledge a user is under 13. But platforms routinely avoid this requirement by not asking users’ ages or letting them enter whatever age they want. Without age verification, there’s no actual knowledge and thus no privacy protections.
The Supreme Court’s reasoning changes this dynamic. Since the court emphasized that children lack the same constitutional rights as adults regarding certain protections, states may now be able to require age verification before data collection. California’s Age-Appropriate Design Code and similar state privacy laws would gain substantially more regulatory power under this framework.
Meanwhile, social media platforms could face more restrictions. Several states have tried to limit how social media platforms interact with minors. Florida recently banned kids under 14 from having social media accounts entirely, while other states have targeted specific features such as endless scrolling or push notifications designed to keep kids hooked.
The Supreme Court’s reasoning could protect laws that require age verification before kids can use certain platform features, such as direct messaging with strangers or livestreaming. However, laws that try to block kids from seeing general social media content would still face tough legal challenges, since that content is typically protected speech for everyone.
The decision also supports state laws regulating how minors interact with app stores and gaming platforms. Minors generally can’t enter binding contracts without parental consent in the physical world, so states could require the same online. Proposed legislation such as the App Store Accountability Act would require parental approval before kids can download apps or agree to terms of service. States have also considered restrictions on “loot boxes” – digital gambling-like features – and surprise in-app purchases that can result in massive charges to parents.
Since states already require an ID to buy lottery tickets or enter casinos, requiring age verification before kids can spend money on digital gambling mechanics follows the court’s logic.
But this decision doesn’t give states free rein to regulate the internet. The court’s reasoning applies to content that children have no legal right to access in the first place, specifically sexually explicit material. For most online content such as news, educational materials, general entertainment and political discussions, both adults and kids have constitutional rights to access.
Laws trying to age-gate this protected content would still likely face the strict scrutiny’s standard and be struck down, but what online content and experiences underage users are constitutionally entitled to is not settled. Many advocates worry that while the “obscene for minors” standard in this case appears legally narrow, states will try to expand it or use similar reasoning to classify LGBTQ+-related educational content, health resources or community support materials as inherently sexual and inappropriate for minors.
The court also emphasized that even under this more permissive standard, laws still have to be reasonable. Age verification requirements that are overly burdensome, sweep too broadly or create serious privacy problems could still be ruled unconstitutional. The court’s decision in this case gives state lawmakers much more room to effectively regulate how online platforms interact with children, but I believe successful laws will need to be carefully written.
For parents worried about their kids’ online safety, this could mean more tools and protections. For tech companies, it likely means more compliance requirements and age verification systems. And for the broader internet, it represents a significant shift toward treating online spaces more like physical ones, where people have long accepted that some doors require showing ID to enter.
Meg Leta Jones does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Supreme Court upholds childproofing porn sites – https://theconversation.com/supreme-court-upholds-childproofing-porn-sites-260052
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Meg Leta Jones, Associate Professor of Technology Law & Policy, Georgetown University
The U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision on June 27, 2025, that will reshape how states protect children online. In a case assessing a Texas law requiring age verification to access porn sites, the court created a new legal path that makes it easier for states to craft laws regulating what kids see and do on the internet.
In a 6-3 decision, the court ruled in Free Speech Coalition Inc. v. Paxton that Texas’ law obligating porn sites to block access to underage users is constitutional. The law requires pornographic websites to verify users’ ages – for example by making users scan and upload their driver’s license – before granting access to content that is deemed obscene for minors but not adults.
The majority on the court rejected both the porn industry’s argument for strict scrutiny – the toughest legal test that requires the government to prove a law is absolutely necessary – and Texas’ argument for mere rational basis review, which requires only a rational connection between the law’s legitimate aims and its actions. Instead, Justice Clarence Thomas’ opinion established intermediate scrutiny, a middle ground that requires laws to serve important government interests without being overly burdensome, as the appropriate standard.
The court’s reasoning hinged on characterizing the law as only “incidentally” burdening adults’ First Amendment rights. Since minors have no constitutional right to access pornography, the state can require age verification to prevent that unprotected activity. Any burden on adults is, according to the ruling, merely a side effect of this legitimate regulation.
The court also pointed to dramatic technological changes since earlier similar laws were struck down in the 1990s and early 2000s. Back then, only 2 in 5 households had internet access, mostly through slow dial-up connections on desktop computers. Today, 95% of teens carry smartphones with constant internet access to massive libraries of content. Porn site Pornhub alone published over 150 years of new material in 2019. The court argued that earlier decisions “could not have conceived of these developments,” making age verification more necessary than judges could have imagined decades ago.
More importantly for future legislation, the court embraced an “ordinary and appropriate means” doctrine: When states have authority to govern an area, they may use traditional methods to exercise that power. Since age verification is common for alcohol and tobacco, tattoos and piercings, firearms, driver’s licenses and voting, the court held that it’s similarly appropriate for regulating minors’ access to sexual content.
The key takeaway: When states are trying to keep kids away from certain types of content that kids have no legal right to see anyway, requiring age verification is an ordinary and appropriate way to enforce that boundary.
This decision could resolve a fundamental enforcement problem in child privacy laws. Current laws like the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act protect children only when companies have actual knowledge a user is under 13. But platforms routinely avoid this requirement by not asking users’ ages or letting them enter whatever age they want. Without age verification, there’s no actual knowledge and thus no privacy protections.
The Supreme Court’s reasoning changes this dynamic. Since the court emphasized that children lack the same constitutional rights as adults regarding certain protections, states may now be able to require age verification before data collection. California’s Age-Appropriate Design Code and similar state privacy laws would gain substantially more regulatory power under this framework.
Meanwhile, social media platforms could face more restrictions. Several states have tried to limit how social media platforms interact with minors. Florida recently banned kids under 14 from having social media accounts entirely, while other states have targeted specific features such as endless scrolling or push notifications designed to keep kids hooked.
The Supreme Court’s reasoning could protect laws that require age verification before kids can use certain platform features, such as direct messaging with strangers or livestreaming. However, laws that try to block kids from seeing general social media content would still face tough legal challenges, since that content is typically protected speech for everyone.
The decision also supports state laws regulating how minors interact with app stores and gaming platforms. Minors generally can’t enter binding contracts without parental consent in the physical world, so states could require the same online. Proposed legislation such as the App Store Accountability Act would require parental approval before kids can download apps or agree to terms of service. States have also considered restrictions on “loot boxes” – digital gambling-like features – and surprise in-app purchases that can result in massive charges to parents.
Since states already require an ID to buy lottery tickets or enter casinos, requiring age verification before kids can spend money on digital gambling mechanics follows the court’s logic.
But this decision doesn’t give states free rein to regulate the internet. The court’s reasoning applies to content that children have no legal right to access in the first place, specifically sexually explicit material. For most online content such as news, educational materials, general entertainment and political discussions, both adults and kids have constitutional rights to access.
Laws trying to age-gate this protected content would still likely face the strict scrutiny’s standard and be struck down, but what online content and experiences underage users are constitutionally entitled to is not settled. Many advocates worry that while the “obscene for minors” standard in this case appears legally narrow, states will try to expand it or use similar reasoning to classify LGBTQ+-related educational content, health resources or community support materials as inherently sexual and inappropriate for minors.
The court also emphasized that even under this more permissive standard, laws still have to be reasonable. Age verification requirements that are overly burdensome, sweep too broadly or create serious privacy problems could still be ruled unconstitutional. The court’s decision in this case gives state lawmakers much more room to effectively regulate how online platforms interact with children, but I believe successful laws will need to be carefully written.
For parents worried about their kids’ online safety, this could mean more tools and protections. For tech companies, it likely means more compliance requirements and age verification systems. And for the broader internet, it represents a significant shift toward treating online spaces more like physical ones, where people have long accepted that some doors require showing ID to enter.
Meg Leta Jones does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Supreme Court upholds childproofing porn sites – https://theconversation.com/supreme-court-upholds-childproofing-porn-sites-260052
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Meg Leta Jones, Associate Professor of Technology Law & Policy, Georgetown University
The U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision on June 27, 2025, that will reshape how states protect children online. In a case assessing a Texas law requiring age verification to access porn sites, the court created a new legal path that makes it easier for states to craft laws regulating what kids see and do on the internet.
In a 6-3 decision, the court ruled in Free Speech Coalition Inc. v. Paxton that Texas’ law obligating porn sites to block access to underage users is constitutional. The law requires pornographic websites to verify users’ ages – for example by making users scan and upload their driver’s license – before granting access to content that is deemed obscene for minors but not adults.
The majority on the court rejected both the porn industry’s argument for strict scrutiny – the toughest legal test that requires the government to prove a law is absolutely necessary – and Texas’ argument for mere rational basis review, which requires only a rational connection between the law’s legitimate aims and its actions. Instead, Justice Clarence Thomas’ opinion established intermediate scrutiny, a middle ground that requires laws to serve important government interests without being overly burdensome, as the appropriate standard.
The court’s reasoning hinged on characterizing the law as only “incidentally” burdening adults’ First Amendment rights. Since minors have no constitutional right to access pornography, the state can require age verification to prevent that unprotected activity. Any burden on adults is, according to the ruling, merely a side effect of this legitimate regulation.
The court also pointed to dramatic technological changes since earlier similar laws were struck down in the 1990s and early 2000s. Back then, only 2 in 5 households had internet access, mostly through slow dial-up connections on desktop computers. Today, 95% of teens carry smartphones with constant internet access to massive libraries of content. Porn site Pornhub alone published over 150 years of new material in 2019. The court argued that earlier decisions “could not have conceived of these developments,” making age verification more necessary than judges could have imagined decades ago.
More importantly for future legislation, the court embraced an “ordinary and appropriate means” doctrine: When states have authority to govern an area, they may use traditional methods to exercise that power. Since age verification is common for alcohol and tobacco, tattoos and piercings, firearms, driver’s licenses and voting, the court held that it’s similarly appropriate for regulating minors’ access to sexual content.
The key takeaway: When states are trying to keep kids away from certain types of content that kids have no legal right to see anyway, requiring age verification is an ordinary and appropriate way to enforce that boundary.
This decision could resolve a fundamental enforcement problem in child privacy laws. Current laws like the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act protect children only when companies have actual knowledge a user is under 13. But platforms routinely avoid this requirement by not asking users’ ages or letting them enter whatever age they want. Without age verification, there’s no actual knowledge and thus no privacy protections.
The Supreme Court’s reasoning changes this dynamic. Since the court emphasized that children lack the same constitutional rights as adults regarding certain protections, states may now be able to require age verification before data collection. California’s Age-Appropriate Design Code and similar state privacy laws would gain substantially more regulatory power under this framework.
Meanwhile, social media platforms could face more restrictions. Several states have tried to limit how social media platforms interact with minors. Florida recently banned kids under 14 from having social media accounts entirely, while other states have targeted specific features such as endless scrolling or push notifications designed to keep kids hooked.
The Supreme Court’s reasoning could protect laws that require age verification before kids can use certain platform features, such as direct messaging with strangers or livestreaming. However, laws that try to block kids from seeing general social media content would still face tough legal challenges, since that content is typically protected speech for everyone.
The decision also supports state laws regulating how minors interact with app stores and gaming platforms. Minors generally can’t enter binding contracts without parental consent in the physical world, so states could require the same online. Proposed legislation such as the App Store Accountability Act would require parental approval before kids can download apps or agree to terms of service. States have also considered restrictions on “loot boxes” – digital gambling-like features – and surprise in-app purchases that can result in massive charges to parents.
Since states already require an ID to buy lottery tickets or enter casinos, requiring age verification before kids can spend money on digital gambling mechanics follows the court’s logic.
But this decision doesn’t give states free rein to regulate the internet. The court’s reasoning applies to content that children have no legal right to access in the first place, specifically sexually explicit material. For most online content such as news, educational materials, general entertainment and political discussions, both adults and kids have constitutional rights to access.
Laws trying to age-gate this protected content would still likely face the strict scrutiny’s standard and be struck down, but what online content and experiences underage users are constitutionally entitled to is not settled. Many advocates worry that while the “obscene for minors” standard in this case appears legally narrow, states will try to expand it or use similar reasoning to classify LGBTQ+-related educational content, health resources or community support materials as inherently sexual and inappropriate for minors.
The court also emphasized that even under this more permissive standard, laws still have to be reasonable. Age verification requirements that are overly burdensome, sweep too broadly or create serious privacy problems could still be ruled unconstitutional. The court’s decision in this case gives state lawmakers much more room to effectively regulate how online platforms interact with children, but I believe successful laws will need to be carefully written.
For parents worried about their kids’ online safety, this could mean more tools and protections. For tech companies, it likely means more compliance requirements and age verification systems. And for the broader internet, it represents a significant shift toward treating online spaces more like physical ones, where people have long accepted that some doors require showing ID to enter.
Meg Leta Jones does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Supreme Court upholds childproofing porn sites – https://theconversation.com/supreme-court-upholds-childproofing-porn-sites-260052
Source: Press Release Service
Headline: Medspartner Support Program for Patients Facing High Drug Costs
Medspartner helps New Zealanders legally access affordable cancer and rare disease drugs from global FDA/EMA-approved manufacturers through guided personal importation and patient support.
The post Medspartner Support Program for Patients Facing High Drug Costs first appeared on PR.co.nz.
Source: Press Release Service
Headline: Winter Slowdown Drives Tax-Deductible Website Upgrades
With tax returns due 7 July, NZ businesses are urged to invest in website upgrades now. It’s a smart, tax-deductible move during the winter slowdown.
The post Winter Slowdown Drives Tax-Deductible Website Upgrades first appeared on PR.co.nz.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Aaron Bean Florida (4th District)
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) issued the following statement regarding the House passage of H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026.
Upon House passage, Congressman Bean said: “As the son of a WWII veteran, I understand that veterans’ benefits are not entitlements—they’re earned. Our veterans should never be stuck in the bureaucratic process or ever think twice about getting the care they need. I was proud to help pass this bill, which fully funds our veterans’ benefits and healthcare, makes significant investments in mental health services, and strengthens the quality of life for our troops and their loved ones through additional housing and childcare resources. The bill also fortifies our southern border with robust investments in critical security infrastructure because safeguarding our nation begins by securing our borders.”
KEY BACKGROUND
Champions our veterans by:
Supports the Trump Administration and the mandate of the American people by:
Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by:
The measure passed by a vote of 218 to 206.
###
Source: US Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04)
For Immediate Release: June 27, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) along with U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), today announced $1.08 million combined in federal infrastructure investments at airports in Tillamook, Astoria, Brookings and Aurora.
“I’m happy to see these investments being made in Brookings and across Oregon to help improve safety, modernize equipment, and make these airports more viable for residents and tourists, alike,” said Rep. Hoyle. “These upgrades will grow local economies by making towns on the South Coast more accessible. I am grateful.”
“Federal investments in smaller airports throughout Oregon are a must to enhance quality of life in rural communities,” Wyden said. “I’m gratified these federal resources are heading to our state, and I’ll keep battling for similar investments that support local economies, ensure emergency services during wildfires and more.”
“Oregon’s regional airports serve as vital hubs for our communities and economies – supporting local businesses, connecting travelers to world-class recreational opportunities, and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters,” Merkley said. “This federal funding will allow several Oregon regional airports to make critical infrastructure improvements that will benefit our communities and economy. I’ll fight to protect the efficiency and safety of Oregon’s airports and the folks who rely on them for business, travel, and so much more.”
“Investments in NW Oregon’s ports bolster our local economy,” said Rep. Bonamici. “This federal funding will help upgrade aviation infrastructure on the coast and across rural Oregon. I will continue to advocate for resources that help Oregonians thrive.”
The $1.08 million in grants from the Federal Aviation Administration will be distributed as follows:
$474,390 to the Port of Tillamook Bay for a new fuel farm with two fuel tanks, two self-service pumps and associated apron pavement for a new fuel type to help the airport be as self-sustaining as possible.
$320,890 to the Port of Astoria for rebuilding a 12,800-square-foot, 10-unit hangar used for aircraft storage.
$159,000 to the city of Brookings to acquire and install new wind cone navigational aids, to install a new airport rotating beacon to enhance safety, to rebuild a precision approach path indicator system, rebuild runway end identifier lights, rebuild medium intensity lighting.
$129,501 to the Oregon Department of Aviation for the Aurora State Airport to rehabilitate 5,003 feet of existing paved runway.
Hoyle, Wyden, Merkley, and Bonamici have long supported airports across Oregon. In May, the Oregon delegation announced $22 million for airport infrastructure investments statewide. In September 2024, Wyden and Merkley announced $10 millionin federal grants for airports in Medford and Prineville. In July 2024, Hoyle, Merkley, and Wyden announced $17 million from the federal Airport Improvement Program for airports across Oregon.
A web version of the release is here.
###
Source: US Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04)
For Immediate Release: June 27, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) along with U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), today announced $1.08 million combined in federal infrastructure investments at airports in Tillamook, Astoria, Brookings and Aurora.
“I’m happy to see these investments being made in Brookings and across Oregon to help improve safety, modernize equipment, and make these airports more viable for residents and tourists, alike,” said Rep. Hoyle. “These upgrades will grow local economies by making towns on the South Coast more accessible. I am grateful.”
“Federal investments in smaller airports throughout Oregon are a must to enhance quality of life in rural communities,” Wyden said. “I’m gratified these federal resources are heading to our state, and I’ll keep battling for similar investments that support local economies, ensure emergency services during wildfires and more.”
“Oregon’s regional airports serve as vital hubs for our communities and economies – supporting local businesses, connecting travelers to world-class recreational opportunities, and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters,” Merkley said. “This federal funding will allow several Oregon regional airports to make critical infrastructure improvements that will benefit our communities and economy. I’ll fight to protect the efficiency and safety of Oregon’s airports and the folks who rely on them for business, travel, and so much more.”
“Investments in NW Oregon’s ports bolster our local economy,” said Rep. Bonamici. “This federal funding will help upgrade aviation infrastructure on the coast and across rural Oregon. I will continue to advocate for resources that help Oregonians thrive.”
The $1.08 million in grants from the Federal Aviation Administration will be distributed as follows:
$474,390 to the Port of Tillamook Bay for a new fuel farm with two fuel tanks, two self-service pumps and associated apron pavement for a new fuel type to help the airport be as self-sustaining as possible.
$320,890 to the Port of Astoria for rebuilding a 12,800-square-foot, 10-unit hangar used for aircraft storage.
$159,000 to the city of Brookings to acquire and install new wind cone navigational aids, to install a new airport rotating beacon to enhance safety, to rebuild a precision approach path indicator system, rebuild runway end identifier lights, rebuild medium intensity lighting.
$129,501 to the Oregon Department of Aviation for the Aurora State Airport to rehabilitate 5,003 feet of existing paved runway.
Hoyle, Wyden, Merkley, and Bonamici have long supported airports across Oregon. In May, the Oregon delegation announced $22 million for airport infrastructure investments statewide. In September 2024, Wyden and Merkley announced $10 millionin federal grants for airports in Medford and Prineville. In July 2024, Hoyle, Merkley, and Wyden announced $17 million from the federal Airport Improvement Program for airports across Oregon.
A web version of the release is here.
###
[embedded content]
Albertans are frustrated after 10 years of punitive policies, enacted by the federal government, attacking Alberta’s economy and targeting its core industries.
Chaired by Premier Danielle Smith, the Alberta Next panel will bring together a broad mix of leaders, experts, and community voices to gather input, discuss solutions, and provide feedback to government on how Alberta can better protect its interests, defend its economy, and assert its place in Confederation.
The panel will consult across the province over the summer and early fall to ensure that those living, working, doing business and raising families are the ones to drive Alberta’s future forward. The work will include identifying solutions advanced by Albertans on how to make Alberta stronger and more sovereign within a united Canada that respects and empowers the province to achieve its full potential. It will also include making recommendations to the government on potential referendum questions for Albertans to vote on in 2026.
It will consider and hear from Albertans on the risks and benefits of ideas like a establishing an Alberta Pension Plan, using an Alberta Provincial Police Service rather than the RCMP for community policing, whether Albertans should consider pursuing constitutional changes, which (if any) changes to federal transfer payments and equalization Albertans should demand of the federal government, potential immigration reform that would give the provincial government more oversight into who comes to the province, and changes to how Alberta collects personal income tax. Albertans will also have the opportunity to put forward their own ideas for discussion.
“This isn’t just about talk. It’s about action. The Alberta Next Panel is giving everyday Albertans a direct say in the direction of our province. It’s time to stand up to Ottawa’s overreach and make sure decisions about Alberta’s future are made here, by the people who live and work here.”
“Right now, there is a need to restore fairness and functionality in the country. Years of problematic policy and decisions from Ottawa have hurt Albertan and Canadian prosperity. I am honoured to be asked by Premier Smith to participate in the Alberta Next Panel. This panel is about listening to Albertans on how we build a stronger Alberta within a united Canada, to which I, and the Business Council of Alberta, are firmly committed.”
Chaired by Premier Danielle Smith, the panel includes 13 additional members, including elected officials, academics, business leaders and community advocates:
Albertans have a choice: let Ottawa continue calling the shots—or come together to chart our own course. What’s next? You decide.
Les Albertains sont frustrés après 10 ans de politiques punitives adoptées par le gouvernement fédéral qui s’en prennent à l’économie de la province et qui ciblent ses principales industries.
Le groupe d’experts Alberta Next, présidé par la première ministre Danielle Smith, réunira un large éventail de chefs de file, d’experts et de membres de la collectivité pour recueillir des commentaires, discuter de solutions et fournir une rétroaction au gouvernement sur la façon dont l’Alberta peut mieux protéger ses intérêts. défendre son économie et affirmer sa place dans la Confédération.
Le groupe d’experts tiendra des consultations dans toute la province au cours de l’été et au début de l’automne pour veiller à ce que les personnes qui vivent, travaillent, font des affaires et élèvent une famille soient celles qui conduiront l’avenir de l’Alberta. Le travail consistera notamment à trouver des solutions proposées par les Albertains pour rendre l’Alberta plus forte et plus souveraine au sein d’un Canada uni qui respecte la province et qui lui donne les moyens de réaliser son plein potentiel. Il s’agira également de formuler des recommandations au gouvernement sur les questions référendaires potentielles sur lesquelles les Albertains pourront se prononcer en 2026.
Il tiendra compte des risques et des avantages d’idées comme l’établissement d’un régime de retraite de l’Alberta, le recours à un service de police provincial de l’Alberta plutôt qu’à la Gendarmerie royale du Canada pour les services de police communautaires et entendra ce que les Albertains ont à dire à ce sujet. Il déterminera si les Albertains devraient envisager de modifier la Constitution, (s’il y a lieu) des changements aux paiements de transfert fédéraux et à la péréquation que les Albertains devraient exiger du gouvernement fédéral, une réforme potentielle de l’immigration qui donnerait au gouvernement provincial plus de contrôle sur ceux qui viennent dans la province, et des changements à la façon dont l’Alberta perçoit l’impôt sur le revenu des particuliers. Les Albertains auront également l’occasion de présenter leurs propres idées aux fins de discussion.
« Il ne s’agit pas seulement de paroles. Il s’agit d’agir. Le groupe d’experts Alberta Next donne aux Albertains ordinaires la chance d’experimer leur point de vue sur l’orientation de notre province. Il est temps de résister à l’excès d’Ottawa et de veiller à ce que les décisions concernant l’avenir de l’Alberta soient prises ici, par les gens qui vivent et travaillent ici. »
« Il est désormais nécessaire de rétablir l’équité et la fonctionnalité du pays. Des années de politiques et de décisions problématiques d’Ottawa ont nui à la prospérité de l’Alberta et du Canada. Je suis honoré d’avoir été invité par la première ministre Smith à participer au groupe d’experts Alberta Next. Ce groupe d’expers a pour objectif d’écouter les points de vue des Albertains sur la façonde bâtir une Alberta plus forte au sein d’un Canada uni, ce à quoi le Business Council of Alberta et moi-même tenons fermement. »
Le groupe d’experts, présidé par la première ministre Danielle Smith, comprend 13 autres membres, y compris des représentants élus, des universitaires, des chefs d’entreprise et des défenseurs de la collectivité :
Les Albertains ont le choix : laisser Ottawa continuer à prendre les décisions ou s’unir pour tracer notre propre voie. Prochaines étapes? C’est vous qui décidez.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis
Staff for U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming will hold remote office hours in Campbell County on Thursday, July 10th. Field Representative Ally Garner will be available to meet with residents and hear ideas, comments, and concerns about what is happening in the U.S. Senate, and to help anyone having trouble working with a federal agency.
Of the remote office hours, Sen. Lummis said:
“My team and I are working every day to make sure the federal government works for the people of Wyoming. Whether you need help interacting with a federal agency, facilitating a passport or visa request, tracking down social security checks or VA benefits, or you just want to ensure your voice is being heard in Washington, my team of field representatives is available to meet with you. These remote office hours will bring my office closer to the people we are here to serve, and I hope they will foster good conversations and also provide necessary help to ensure that the people of Wyoming can better navigate the complexities of the federal government.”
Please contact Ally Garner at 307-261-6572 or ally_garner@lummis.senate.gov to schedule a convenient time while she is in Campbell County.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis
Staff for U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming will hold remote office hours in Moorcroft, Hulett and Sundance on Wednesday, July 9th. Field Representative Ally Garner will be available to meet with residents and hear ideas, comments and concerns about what is happening in the U.S. Senate, and to help anyone having trouble working with a federal agency.
Of the remote office hours, Sen. Lummis said:
“My team and I are working every day to make sure the federal government works for the people of Wyoming. Whether you need help interacting with a federal agency, facilitating a passport or visa request, tracking down social security checks or VA benefits, or you just want to ensure your voice is being heard in Washington, my team of field representatives is available to meet with you. These remote office hours will bring my office closer to the people we are here to serve, and I hope they will foster good conversations and also provide necessary help to ensure that the people of Wyoming can better navigate the complexities of the federal government.”
Please contact Ally Garner at 307-261-6572 or ally_garner@lummis.senate.gov to schedule a convenient time while she is in Crook County.
Source: US State of California
Friday, June 27, 2025
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov
ORANGE COUNTY – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the sentencing of a Southern California healthcare clinic operator, Oscar B. Abrons III, for his involvement in a prescription medication diversion scheme that defrauded Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program, of more than $20 million. Abrons was sentenced by the Orange County Superior Court to four years in jail and stipulated that the loss to the Medi-Cal program exceeded $20 million. A restitution hearing will be held to determine the loss amount owed by Abrons. Abron’s co-conspirators, Steven Derrick Fleming and Mohamed Waddah El-Nachef, were previously sentenced. Fleming was sentenced to five years in state prison, and El-Nachef was sentenced to a five-year local custody sentence and surrendered his medical license. The prosecution of these individuals was carried out by the California Department of Justice’s Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse (DMFEA).
“When healthcare operators take advantage of Medi-Cal for personal gain, not only are they stealing from taxpayers, but they are also undermining the health and trust of our communities,” said Attorney General Bonta. “We will not tolerate this unlawful behavior and will continue to ensure that Medi-Cal services are delivered to those who need them most and hold any individual or entity accountable that exploits this program.”
Fleming and Abrons jointly operated God’s Property, an unlicensed clinic where Medi-Cal beneficiaries were paid cash in exchange for obtaining medically unnecessary prescriptions for HIV medications, antipsychotics and controlled substances, which were then sold to buyers on the illicit market. Fleming and Abrons, alongside Mohamed Waddah El-Nachef, an Orange County medical doctor, carried out the diversion scheme from June 23, 2014, to October 1, 2016. During this time, El-Nachef became the top prescriber of HIV medications in the state. As a result of the scheme, Medi-Cal suffered an estimated loss of over $20 million.
DMFEA works to protect Californians by investigating and prosecuting those responsible for abuse, neglect, and fraud committed against elderly and dependent adults in the state, and those who perpetrate fraud on the Medi-Cal program.
The Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $69,244,976 for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2025. The remaining 25 percent is funded by the State of California. FY 2025 is from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025.
A copy of the sentencing minutes are available here.
# # #
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
A previously issued version of this release referenced availability in the Asia-Pacific region. At this time, the offering is only available to Gemini customers in Europe.
SAN FRANCISCO, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gemini today listed its first tokenized U.S. stock, MicroStrategy (Nasdaq: MSTR), powered by Dinari, the leading provider of tokenized U.S. public securities. The launch opens trading to customers in Europe and kicks off a series of public-equity offerings that pair Dinari’s tokenization-on-demand infrastructure with Gemini’s regulated platform.
Gemini has a history of debuting regulated, first-to-market products, from insured custody to the industry’s earliest SOC-certified exchange. Adding tokenized U.S. equities is the next step in that roadmap, layering real-world stocks onto a venue that already supports more than 80 digital assets and safeguards roughly $8 billion in customer holdings.
Through Dinari’s platform, Gemini users can now trade fully backed MicroStrategy (MSTR) dSharesTM alongside crypto. Dinari’s rollout of 24/5 primary market trading to coincide with the launch offers customers traditional-market liquidity and transparent pricing, while Gemini’s infrastructure offers seamless DeFi interoperability while maintaining a focus on compliance.
The rollout of the tokenized equity offering began for European customers today and looks to extend to additional regions, including the United States, over the coming months.
“Gemini has been a pioneer in the crypto space, building compliant and secure infrastructure for assets to be bought, held, and sold for over a decade. We’re proud to partner with a team that shares our compliance-first, innovation-driven values, and we’re thrilled to support Gemini’s rollout of real-world assets to Gemini customers,” said Gabe Otte, Co-Founder and CEO of Dinari.
“At Gemini, we’ve always believed in a ‘security-first’ approach, an ethos of asking for permission, not forgiveness. Partnering with Dinari aligns perfectly with that vision. We’re proud to offer our users a high-integrity option for accessing real-world financial markets on-chain,” said Tyler Winkelvoss, co-founder and CEO of Gemini.
To stay up to date on the latest offerings of dShares™ on Gemini, follow @DinariGlobal and @Gemini on X.
About Dinari Inc.
Dinari Inc. is the largest tokenized U.S. public securities provider, with a mission to enable investing in anything from anywhere through its compliance-first, blockchain-based tokenization technology. With Dinari Inc., neobanks, fintechs, and other financial services providers can offer their customers seamless access to U.S. public markets through Dinari’s fully-backed dShares™.
By tokenizing real-world equities at scale, Dinari Inc. provides global investors with seamless access to over 100 tokenized U.S. public stocks and financial assets. Turnkey integration and a focus on working with partners to navigate regulatory challenges make it easy for Neobanks, fintechs, and other institutions to remain at the forefront of financial technology.
Dinari Inc. has raised $22.65 million to date from leading investors including VanEck Ventures, Hack VC, F-Prime Capital, Blockchange Ventures, and Balaji Srinivasan.
Dinari Inc. is a Registered Transfer Agent with the United States Securities & Exchange Commission (Section 17A(c)). Dinari dShares™ are not currently available in the United States and certain jurisdictions as limited by law.
About Gemini
Gemini is a global crypto and Web3 platform founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss in 2014. Gemini offers a wide range of crypto products and services for individuals and institutions in over 70 countries. Gemini’s simple, reliable, and secure products are built to unlock the next era of financial, creative, and personal freedom.
Media Contact
Kayla Gill | kayla@serotonin.co
Leslie Termuhlen | leslie@serotonin.co
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
HOUSTON, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PrimeEnergy Resources Corporation (NASDAQ: PNRG, today announced that it has appointed Withum Smith+Brown, PC (“Withum”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, effective June 27, 2025.
The decision to change auditors was recommended and approved by the Company’s Audit Committee and the Board of Directors.
PrimeEnergy Resources is an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the acquisition, development, and production of hydrocarbons, primarily in Texas. The Company’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ under the symbol PNRG.
For investor inquiries, contact: Connie Ng – (713) 735-0000 ext. 6416
Forward-Looking Statements
This Report contains forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current expectations, estimates and projections. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes”, “projects” and “estimates,” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and are subject to the safe harbors created thereby. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties and are based on a number of assumptions that could ultimately prove inaccurate and, therefore, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. Actual results and outcomes may vary materially from what is expressed or forecast in such statements due to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the possibility of drilling cost overruns and technical difficulties, volatility of oil and gas prices, competition, risks inherent in the Company’s oil and gas operations, the inexact nature of interpretation of seismic and other geological and geophysical data, imprecision of reserve estimates, and the Company’s ability to replace and expand oil and gas reserves. Accordingly, stockholders and potential investors are cautioned that certain events or circumstances could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
HOUSTON, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PrimeEnergy Resources Corporation (NASDAQ: PNRG, today announced that it has appointed Withum Smith+Brown, PC (“Withum”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, effective June 27, 2025.
The decision to change auditors was recommended and approved by the Company’s Audit Committee and the Board of Directors.
PrimeEnergy Resources is an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the acquisition, development, and production of hydrocarbons, primarily in Texas. The Company’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ under the symbol PNRG.
For investor inquiries, contact: Connie Ng – (713) 735-0000 ext. 6416
Forward-Looking Statements
This Report contains forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current expectations, estimates and projections. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes”, “projects” and “estimates,” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and are subject to the safe harbors created thereby. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties and are based on a number of assumptions that could ultimately prove inaccurate and, therefore, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. Actual results and outcomes may vary materially from what is expressed or forecast in such statements due to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the possibility of drilling cost overruns and technical difficulties, volatility of oil and gas prices, competition, risks inherent in the Company’s oil and gas operations, the inexact nature of interpretation of seismic and other geological and geophysical data, imprecision of reserve estimates, and the Company’s ability to replace and expand oil and gas reserves. Accordingly, stockholders and potential investors are cautioned that certain events or circumstances could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
MIDLAND, TX, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mexco Energy Corporation (NYSE American: MXC) reported results on its Annual Report, Form 10-K to the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025. The Company reported net income of $1,712,368, or $0.81 per diluted share, a 27% increase compared to fiscal 2024.
Operating revenues for fiscal 2025 were $7,358,066, an 11% increase when compared to fiscal 2024. This increase was primarily due to an increase in oil and natural gas production volumes and partially offset by a decrease in the average sale prices of oil and natural gas. Natural gas prices have been low due to limited pipeline capacities in the Permian Basin. For the year ended March 31, 2025, the average realized price for oil was $73.54 per barrel and the average realized price for natural gas was $1.70 per thousand cubic feet.
The Company participated in the drilling of 35 horizontal wells at a cost of approximately $1,100,000 for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, of which 17 are to be completed this fiscal year. Twenty-nine of these wells are in the Delaware Basin located in the western portion of the Permian Basin in Lea and Eddy Counties, New Mexico. The Company also expended approximately $300,000, the balance required to complete 19 horizontal wells which were drilled during fiscal 2024.
In addition to the above working interests, there were 120 gross wells (.09 net wells) drilled by other operators on the Company’s royalty interests. Approximately 31% of the fiscal 2025 operating revenues were produced from royalties free of operational costs to Mexco.
The Company currently expects to participate in the drilling of 27 and completion of 17 horizontal wells at an estimated aggregate cost of approximately $1.2 million for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, of which approximately $300,000 has been expended to date. The Company is evaluating other prospects for participation during this fiscal year.
The Company’s estimated present value of proved reserves at March 31, 2025 was approximately $23 million based on estimated future net revenues discounted at 10% per annum, pricing and other assumptions set forth in “Item 2 – Properties” of Form 10-K. The Company’s estimated proved oil reserves at March 31, 2025 decreased 15% to 675 thousand barrels of oil and natural gas reserves decreased 4% to 4.360 billion cubic feet compared to the prior fiscal year primarily as a result of decreased prices of oil and natural gas in the past fiscal year. For fiscal 2025, oil constituted approximately 51% of the Company’s total proved reserves and approximately 86% of the Company’s oil and gas sales.
The President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company said, “We have approximately $2.2 million cash on hand, no outstanding indebtedness on our bank line of credit and are actively seeking opportunities.”
Throughout the year, the Company acquired various royalty and mineral interests in 840 gross wells (2.31 net wells) primarily in Adams, Broomfield and Weld Counties, Colorado; DeSoto Parish, Louisiana; Eddy County, New Mexico; Karnes, Live Oak, Reagan, Reeves and Upton Counties, Texas; Laramie County, Wyoming; and, multiple counties in Nebraska, North and South Dakota, and Montana, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.0 million. These and other related expenditures were funded from cash on hand.
Mexco Energy Corporation, a Colorado corporation, is an independent oil and gas company located in Midland, Texas engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas properties primarily in the Permian Basin. For more information on Mexco Energy Corporation, go to www.mexcoenergy.com.
In accordance with the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Mexco Energy Corporation cautions that statements in this press release which are forward-looking and which provide other than historical information involve risks and uncertainties that may impact the Company’s actual results of operations. These risks include, but are not limited to, production variance from expectations, volatility of oil and gas prices, the need to develop and replace reserves, exploration risks, uncertainties about estimates of reserves, competition, government regulation, and mechanical and other inherent risks associated with oil and gas production. A discussion of these and other factors, including risks and uncertainties, is set forth in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025. Mexco Energy Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to revise any forward-looking statements.
For additional information, please contact: Tammy L. McComic, President and Chief Financial Officer of Mexco Energy Corporation, (432) 682-1119.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
TORONTO, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trisura Group Ltd. (“Trisura Group” or the “Company”) (TSX: TSU) today announced the results of the Company’s virtual annual and special meeting of shareholders held on June 27, 2025 (the “Meeting”).
At the Meeting, all nine nominees proposed for election to the board of director by shareholders were elected. Management received the following proxies from shareholders in regard to the election of directors:
| Director Nominee | Votes For | % | Votes Withheld | % |
| David Clare | 34,235,415 | 97.59% | 843,841 | 2.41% |
| Paul Gallagher | 34,123,007 | 97.27% | 956,249 | 2.73% |
| Sacha Haque | 34,243,472 | 97.62% | 835,784 | 2.38% |
| Barton Hedges | 34,265,242 | 97.68% | 814,014 | 2.32% |
| Anik Lanthier | 34,163,571 | 97.39% | 915,685 | 2.61% |
| Janice Madon | 34,262,812 | 97.67% | 816,444 | 2.33% |
| George E. Myhal | 32,940,147 | 93.90% | 2,139,109 | 6.10% |
| Lilia Sham | 34,261,547 | 97.67% | 817,709 | 2.33% |
| Robert Taylor | 34,119,101 | 97.26% | 960,155 | 2.74% |
About Trisura Group
Trisura Group Ltd. is a specialty insurance provider operating in the Surety, Warranty, Corporate Insurance, Program and Fronting business lines of the market. Trisura has investments in wholly owned subsidiaries through which it conducts insurance operations. Those operations are primarily in Canada and the United States. Trisura Group Ltd. is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “TSU”.
Further information is available at https://www.trisura.com. Important information may be disseminated exclusively via the website; investors should consult the site to access this information. Details regarding the operations of Trisura Group Ltd. are also set forth in regulatory filings. A copy of the filings may be obtained on Trisura Group’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Name: Bryan Sinclair
Tel: 416 607 2135
Email: bryan.sinclair@trisura.com
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SALT LAKE CITY, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Security National Financial Corporation (SNFCA) joined the broad-market Russell 3000 Index at the conclusion of the 2025 Russell indexes annual reconstitutions, effective after the US market opens on June 30, 2025.
The annual Russell reconstitutions capture the 4,000 largest US stocks as of April 30th, ranking them by total market capitalization. Membership in the US all-cap Russell 3000® Index, which remains in place for one year, means automatic inclusion in either the large-cap Russell 1000 Index or the small-cap Russell 2000 Index, as well as the appropriate growth and value style indexes. FTSE Russell determines membership for its Russell indexes primarily by objective, market-capitalization rankings and style attributes.
Scott Quist, President and Chairman of the Board for Security National Financial Corporation stated “Security National has always strived to provide strong returns for our investors and provide an investment vehicle that is stable. The inclusion of Security National in the Russell 3000 this year is evidence of our continued efforts.”
Russell indexes are widely used by investment managers and institutional investors for index funds and as benchmarks for active investment strategies. According to data as of the end of June 2024, about $10.6 trillion in assets are benchmarked against the Russell US indexes, which belong to FTSE Russell, the global index provider.
Fiona Bassett, CEO of FTSE Russell, an LSEG business, comments:
“The Russell indexes have continuously adapted to the evolving dynamic US economy, and it’s crucial to fully recalibrate the suite of Russell US Indexes, ensuring the indexes maintain an accurate representation of the market. The transition to a semi-annual reconstitution frequency from 2026 will ensure our indexes continue to represent the market and maintain the purpose of the index as a portfolio benchmark.”
For more information on the Russell 3000® Index and the Russell indexes reconstitution, go to the “Russell Reconstitution” section on the FTSE Russell website.
About Security National Financial Corporation:
Founded in 1965, Security National Financial Corporation operates in three business segments. The Company sells and services selected lines of life insurance, annuity products, and accident and health insurance, operates cemeteries in Utah, New Mexico and California and mortuaries in Utah and New Mexico, and originates and underwrites residential and commercial loans for new construction and existing homes.
About FTSE Russell:
FTSE Russell is a global index leader that provides innovative benchmarking, analytics and data solutions for investors worldwide. FTSE Russell calculates thousands of indexes that measure and benchmark markets and asset classes in more than 70 countries, covering 98% of the investable market globally. FTSE Russell index expertise and products are used extensively by institutional and retail investors globally. Approximately $18.1 trillion is benchmarked to FTSE Russell indexes. Leading asset owners, asset managers, ETF providers and investment banks choose FTSE Russell indexes to benchmark their investment performance and create ETFs, structured products and index-based derivatives. A core set of universal principles guides FTSE Russell index design and management: a transparent rules-based methodology is informed by independent committees of leading market participants. FTSE Russell is focused on applying the highest industry standards in index design and governance and embraces the IOSCO Principles. FTSE Russell is also focused on index innovation and customer partnerships as it seeks to enhance the breadth, depth and reach of its offering.
FTSE Russell is wholly owned by London Stock Exchange Group.
For more information, visit FTSE Russell.
Contact: Scott M. Quist or Garrett S. Sill
Security National Financial Corporation
P.O. Box 57250
Salt Lake City, Utah 84157
(Telephone) (801) 264-1060
(Fax) (801) 264-8430
Website: www.securitynational.com
This press release contains statements that, if not verifiable historical fact, may be viewed as forward-looking statements that could predict future events or outcomes with respect to the Company and its business. The predictions in these statements will involve risk and uncertainties and, accordingly, actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed or implied in such forward-looking statements.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julie Leask, Professor, School of Public Health, University of Sydney
The United States used to be a leader in vaccine research, development and policymaking. Now US Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr is undermining the country’s vaccine program at the highest level and supercharging vaccine skepticism.
Two weeks ago, RFK Jr sacked the entire Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices responsible for reviewing the latest scientific evidence on vaccines. RFK Jr alleged conflicts of interest and hand-picked a replacement panel.
On Wednesday, RFK Jr announced the US would stop funding the global vaccine alliance, Gavi, because he claimed that “when the science was inconvenient today, Gavi ignored the science”. RFK Jr questioned the safety of COVID vaccines for pregnant women, as well as the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine.
On Thursday, when the new Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices met, the person who first drew RFK Jr into vaccine scepticism, Lyn Redwood, shared disproved claims about a chemical called thimerosal in flu vaccines being harmful.
The undermining of regulation, advisory processes and funding changes will have global impacts, as debunked claims are given new levels of apparent legitimacy. Some of these impacts will be slow and insidious.
So what should we make of these latest claims and funding cuts?
Thiomersal (thimerosal in the the US) is a safe and effective preservative that prevents bacterial and fungal contamination of the vaccine contained in a multi-dose vial. It’s a salt that contains a tiny amount of mercury in a safe form.
Thiomersal is no longer used as a preservative in any vaccines routinely given in Australia. But it’s still used in the Q fever vaccine.
Other countries use multi-dose vials with thiomersal when single-dose vials are too expensive.
In the US, just 4% of adult influenza vaccines contain thiomersal. So focusing on removing vaccines containing thimerosal is a distraction for the committee.
On Wednesday, RFK criticised Gavi’s encouragement of pregnant women to receive COVID-19 vaccines.
A COVID-19 infection before and during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage two- to four-fold, even if it’s only a mild infection.
Conversely, there is good evidence vaccination during pregnancy is safe and can reduce the chance of hospitalisation of pregnant people and of infants by passing antibodies through the placenta.
In Australia, pregnant people who have never received a primary COVID-19 vaccine are recommended to have one. However, they are not generally recommended to have booster unless they have underlying risk conditions or prefer to have one. This is due to population immunity.
COVID-19 vaccine advice should adapt to changes in disease risk and vaccine benefit. It doesn’t mean previous decisions were wrong, nor that vaccine boosters are unsafe.
RFK’s criticism of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy may influence choices individuals make in other countries, even when unvaccinated pregnant women are encouraged to consider vaccination.
RFK Jr also questioned the safety of the combined diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) vaccine as he announced the withdrawal of US funding support for Gavi.
In the early 2000s, three community-based observational studies reported a possible association between increased chance of death in infants and use of the DTP vaccine.
A few subsequent studies also reported associations, with higher risk in girls, prompting a World Health Organization (WHO) review of safety.
Real world studies are complicated and the data can be difficult to interpret correctly. Often, the very factors that influence whether someone gets vaccinated can also be associated with other health risks.
When the WHO committee reviewed all the studies on DTP safety in 2014, it did not indicate serious adverse events. It concluded there was substantial evidence against these claims.
Gavi, the vaccine alliance, supports vaccine purchasing in low-income countries.
The US has historically accounted for 13% of all donor funds.
However, RFK Jr said Gavi needed to re-earn the public trust and “consider the best science available” before the US would contribute funding again.
Gavi predicted in March that the impact of US funding cuts could result in one million deaths through missed vaccines.
Australia is fortunate to be buffered from these impacts.
Our vaccine advisory body, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, has people with deep expertise in vaccination. We have robust decision processes that weigh evidence critically and make careful recommendations to government.
Our governments remain committed to vaccination. The federal government released the National Immunisation Strategy in mid-June with a comprehensive plan to continue to strengthen our program.
The federal government also announced A$386 million to support the work of Gavi from 2026 to 2030.
All of this keeps our vaccine policies strong, preventing disease and increasing life expectancy here and overseas.
But to mitigate the possible influence of the US in Australia, our governments, health professionals and the public need to be ready to rapidly tackle the misinformation, distortions and half-truths RFK Jr cleverly packages – with quality information.
Julie Leask receives research funding from NHMRC, WHO, US CDC, NSW Ministry of Health. She received funding from Sanofi for travel to an overseas meeting in 2024. She has consulting fees from RTI International and the Task Force for Global Health.
Catherine Bennett has received honoraria for contributing to independent advisory panels for Moderna and AstraZeneca, and has received NHMRC, VicHealth and MRFF funding for unrelated projects. She was the health lead on the Independent Inquiry into the Australian Government COVID-19 Response .
– ref. RFK Junior is stoking fears about vaccine safety. Here’s why he’s wrong – and the impact it could have – https://theconversation.com/rfk-junior-is-stoking-fears-about-vaccine-safety-heres-why-hes-wrong-and-the-impact-it-could-have-259986
Source: United States Navy
Fifteen fleet replenishment oilers are operated by Military Sealift Command (MSC) and provide underway replenishment of fuel to U.S. Navy ships at sea and jet fuel for aircraft assigned to aircraft carriers. Three of the newest MSC underway replenishment oilers have double hulls.
Source: United States Navy
In alignment with the mandate from the President and the Secretary of Defense to restore the warrior ethos to the military, the Secretary of the Navy has renamed the John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206) to the USNS Oscar V. Peterson (T-AO 206). USNS Oscar V. Peterson (T-AO 206) honors U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Oscar Verner Peterson, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty during World War II.