Source: US Department of Health and Human Services
CMS Expands Access to Lifesaving Gene Therapies Through Innovative State Agreements Participating states to test outcomes-based payments for sickle cell disease treatments, improving care while lowering long-term costs
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced today that 33 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, will participate in the Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Access Model, a bold new approach to delivering cutting-edge treatments for people on Medicaid living with sickle cell disease. Participating states represent approximately 84% of Medicaid beneficiaries with the condition, significantly expanding access to transformative care.
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
July 15, 2025
Senate Democrats Call on SSA Commissioner Bisignano to Retract False Claims About Social Security Taxes That Could Confuse, Hurt Seniors
“Rather than focusing on improving customer service, you are using your position as Commissioner to stroke Donald Trump’s ego and peddle lies on his behalf.”
Text of Letter (PDF)
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) led eight Senate Democrats in demanding that the Social Security Administration (SSA) stop peddling lies about the Republican budget bill using the agency’s email platform, which reaches tens of millions of Americans.
“We are appalled that the agency distributed misleading and blatantly inaccurate information regarding tax changes affecting older Americans, transforming the agency into a partisan megaphone for Donald Trump while sowing confusion and distrust in Social Security among Americans,” wrote the senators.
On July 3, SSA issued a press release and sent a mass email to all “mySocial Security” account users falsely announcing that the Republican budget bill would cut taxes on Social Security benefits for 90% of beneficiaries — in addition to providing older Americans with a tax deduction. But the Republican bill does not amend, reduce, or eliminate federal taxes on Social Security benefits. While the bill provides a temporary deduction for some older Americans, fewer than half of Americans will benefit from this deduction — very much shy of the 90% of Americans that SSA claims. The bill also does not include any provisions to change the tax filing requirements for Social Security recipients.
Days later, the SSA quietly updated its press release to correct the false claim, but it did not send a follow-up email to the millions of users who received the initial email.
Commissioner Bisignano’s lies on behalf of Trump could mislead millions of American seniors who depend on Social Security benefits. The initial email may leave recipients expecting both a deduction and a tax break and could result in millions of Americans’ falsely believing they don’t have to file taxes on Social Security. Inaccurate information could lead to Americans making benefit claims against their best interests or even missing payments on taxes they owe.
Commissioner Bisignano has abandoned his promise to the Finance Committee and to the American people that, under his leadership, SSA would not become a partisan agency subject to the whims of Trump.
“We urge you to retract SSA’s July 3 statement and issue a correction — on SSA’s website and via email for ‘my Social Security’ account users — clarifying the federal tax treatment of Social Security benefits,” concluded the senators.
Other senators signing on to the letter include Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.).
Senate Democrats’ Social Security War Room is a coordinated effort to fight back against the Trump administration’s attack on Americans’ Social Security. The War Room coordinates messaging across the Senate Democratic Caucus and external stakeholders; encourages grassroots engagement by providing opportunities for Americans to share what Social Security means to them; and educates Senate staff, the American public, and stakeholders about Republicans’ agenda and their continued cuts to Americans’ Social Security services and benefits.
UConn School of Nursing faculty Mallory Perry-Eaddy, Ph.D., RN, CCRN, Tiffany Kelley, Ph.D., MBA, RN, NI-BC, FNAP, and Gee Su Yang, Ph.D., RN, will be inducted as 2025 Fellows into the American Academy of Nursing this fall.
“The induction of Mallory, Tiffany, Gee Su, and our distinguished UConn Nursing alumni into the American Academy of Nursing represents a profound acknowledgment of their scholarly excellence and transformative impact on the nursing profession,” says Victoria Vaughan Dickson, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, Dean of the School of Nursing. “Their exemplary contributions to advancing health equity, shaping clinical practice, and informing health policy resonate on both national and global levels, embodying the highest ideals of academic and professional nursing leadership.”
The newest Fellows represent 42 states, the District of Columbia, and 12 countries. Their extensive expertise will enrich the thought leadership of the over 3,200 Academy Fellows who together advance the Academy’s mission of improving health and achieving health equity by impacting policy through nursing leadership, innovation, and science.
The inductees will be recognized at the Academy’s annual Health Policy Conference, taking place on October 16-18, 2025, in Washington, DC. This year’s conference theme is “Impact Through Integrity and Trust: Our Role as Navigators and Translators” which will focus on shaping the future of healthcare and fulfilling the Academy’s vision of “Healthy Lives for All People.”
“I cannot emphasize enough at this pivotal time in history the vital importance of recognizing this extraordinary and sizeable group of nurse leaders. With rich and varied backgrounds from practice, policy, research, entrepreneurship, and academia, they have been instrumental in using nursing’s holistic approach to improve the health of patients and communities throughout the world,” said Academy President Linda D. Scott, Ph.D., RN, NEA-BC, FADLN, FNAP, FAAN. “Induction into the Academy represents the highest honor in nursing. Earning the FAAN (Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing) credential is a prestigious recognition of one’s accomplishments and signifies the power of nursing to transform health and enact positive outcomes.”
Perry-Eaddy is an assistant professor whose research focuses on pediatric critical care outcomes as they relate to inflammation and social determinants of health.
Perry-Eaddy has been with the school for many years, receiving her BSN, Certificate in Pain Management, MS, and Ph.D. from the UConn School of Nursing. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania.
In 2022, she was named a National Institute of Health (NIH) PRIDE Functional and Translational Genomics Scholar, and in 2021, she was named a NIH K99/R00 MOSAIC Scholar where she is currently completing her R00.
She is an active member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Investigators, American Thoracic Society and the Society of Critical Care Medicine where she is an editorial board member for Pediatric Critical Care Medicine. She is also an invited advisory board member to the Sepsis Alliance.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to be inducted as a Fellow into the American Academy of Nursing. This recognition affirms my commitment to advancing the science of pediatric critical care, with a focus on improving long-term outcomes for children after sepsis and critical illness,” said Perry-Eaddy. “Through my research, and as a Fellow, I aim to elevate survivor-centered care, address health disparities, and inform policy that supports recovery beyond the intensive care unit (ICU). I am excited to join this esteemed community of nurse leaders and to contribute to shaping the future of nursing and child health.”
Kelley is an in-residence professor and co-director of the Nursing and Engineering Innovation Center at UConn School of Nursing. She earned her Ph.D. from Duke University, MS and MBA from Northeastern University, and BSN from Georgetown University.
Kelley joined UConn in 2018 where she was appointed to serve as the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Visiting Associate Professor for Innovations and New Knowledge, a first-of-its-kind role. Her goal was to develop and execute a strategic plan to integrate innovation into the core education across all degree programs. Outcomes of her pioneering initiatives have enabled her to co-direct the creation of a Nursing and Engineering Innovation Center and assist in the design of a unique Makerspace for the new School of Nursing building, further solidifying nursing’s innovation leadership at UConn.
Kelley’s impact in nursing spans across the nation and globe through her collective academic, intrapreneurial, inventive, and entrepreneurial roles in innovation, informatics, and associated leadership in nursing. Over the last 20 years, she has relentlessly worked to advance the nursing profession by expanding the boundaries of what is possible in nursing through her own journey in creating a novel pathway that straddles academia and industry while also educating and mentoring nurses and nursing students on how to create and develop their own intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial innovative solutions.
Her national and international recognition of impact is shown through her receipt of American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) Excellence and Innovation in Teaching Award, induction into the National Academies of Practice in Nursing as a Distinguished Fellow, and an invitation from Singapore’s Ministry of Health in 2024 to serve as a Health Manpower Development Visiting Expert on Innovation, Informatics, and Digital Health.
“Our future needs nurses who reimagine nursing and healthcare to create positive changes that address human health problems in this rapidly evolving digital age. We have not yet fully realized the benefits of digital health innovative tools on advancing nursing practice, workforce operations, and global health,” said Kelley. “As a Fellow, I aim to further my reach and serve as an exemplar for amplifying nurse-led innovation and digital health while leading others to do the same.”
Gee Su Yang, Ph.D., RN (Contributed Photo)
Gee Su Yang, Ph.D., RN
Yang is an assistant professor at UConn and is recognized for her work in cancer survivorship, particularly in addressing cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, pain, fatigue, and depressive symptoms, as well as symptom management strategies using multi-omics approaches. She has garnered numerous grants from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, Oncology Nursing Foundation, Rockefeller University, American Nurses Foundation, American Society for Pain Management Nursing, Connecticut Breast Health Initiative, and the UConn Clinical Research and Innovation Seed Program.
She has played a central role in planning and conducting clinical cancer research focused on the adverse toxicities and symptoms of cancer treatment to optimize benefits from treatment. She actively engages with cancer survivors, oncologists, and community partners to enhance research participation, raise awareness, and promote education on cancer survivorship.
Her work pioneered investigations into the adverse effects and symptoms of emerging treatments, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy, as well as their behavioral and gut mechanisms in the precision health symptom science field.
In acknowledgment of the impact of her work, she was recognized as a prestigious Heilbrunn Nurse Scholar by the Rockefeller University Heilbrunn Family Center for Research Nursing for her immunotherapy-associated symptom research and its potential to advance the field. In addition, she was selected as a Butler-Williams Scholar by the National Institute on Aging to support her immunotherapy study in older adults.
Yang has also been tapped to serve as a review panelist for NIH study sections, the Oncology Nursing Foundation, UConn Research Excellence Program, and many more. Her work contributes to the growth of nurses and advocacy for scientific and professional development by influencing policy changes in research, supporting recognition of nurses’ achievements, and reviewing numerous conference abstracts, manuscripts, and scholarship applications in several professional societies.
“Being inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing is a great honor and recognition that motivates me to strengthen my program of research in precision health symptom science to advance scientific discoveries and benefit cancer survivors,” said Yang.
Congratulating our Fellows
Alumni Judith Hahn Ph.D. ‘14, Barbara Jacobs Ph.D. ‘02, Wendy Lord BS ’94, Lisa Sundean Ph.D. ’17, and Amy D’Agata MS ’04, Ph.D. ’15, were also selected as 2025 fellows, following a competitive, rigorous application process.
The School of Nursing would like to congratulate these newest Fellows as influential nursing leaders who are advancing health equity for all.
Headline: Aquarium Leads Monthlong Campaign Inspiring the Community to Refuse Single-Use Plastic
Aquarium Leads Monthlong Campaign Inspiring the Community to Refuse Single-Use Plastic jejohnson6
FORT FISHER
Gentle nudges, reminders and inspiration are all part of how the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF) is enlisting the community to choose to refuse single-use plastic during Plastic Free July. Dedicating a month to sustainability can be just the jumpstart folks need to begin their green journey. From skipping the straw to refusing single-use plastic bags, the Aquarium is along for the ride. The Aquarium is a division of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources which oversees the state’s resources for the arts, history, libraries and nature.
“By sharing ideas and inspiration, we hope that our community will discover there are some green ideas they can easily incorporate into their lives,” said Deyanira Romo Rossell, communications manager and green team member, NCAFF. “Whether you have already made strides toward refusing single-use plastic or are just beginning, there is something for you in our monthlong Plastic Free July campaign.” Greenspiration for Plastic Free July
It’s all about choosing to refuse single-use plastic by being prepared with a greener alternative. Here are a few of the tips:
Refuse plastic cutlery. Opt for reusable utensils at parties, for lunch at work and even when picking up takeout.
Ditch disposable to-go cups and lids. Carry your own tumbler to load up on tea or coffee at your favorite cafe.
Avoid plastic produce bags. Bring your own produce bags to the grocery store, farmers market or produce stand and keep reusing them.
Get away from single-use plastic grocery bags. Keep reusable bags at the ready in your car, bike basket or any mode of transportation you use to get to the grocery store or farmers’ market.
Skip the Straw! Or find alternatives to plastic straws, including reusable stainless steel, glass, silicone or biodegradable/compostable made of bamboo, agave or wheat.
The Aquarium also walks the walk with composting bins for visitors on the food deck and in office areas for staff and volunteers. Everyone, from visitors to volunteers has access to the Aquarium water refill stations. The food vendor, SharkBites uses compostable cups, dinnerware and utensils for meals and drinks. The drink vending machines only dispense aluminum cans. The community is encouraged to follow along on NCAFFFacebook,Instagram, andThreadsto find more clever tricks and clean ideas on how to live a greener life. Followers will find new greenspiration every day in July!
About the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is just south of Kure Beach, a short drive from Wilmington on U.S. 421 and less than a mile from the Fort Fisher ferry terminal. The Aquarium is one of three Aquariums and a pier that make up the North Carolina Aquariums, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The mission of the Aquarium is to inspire appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments. The Aquarium features a 235-000-gallon sand tiger shark habitat, an albino alligator, a bald eagle, a loggerhead sea turtle habitat and two families of mischievous Asian small-clawed otters.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission: $15 ages 13-61; $13 children ages 3-12; $14 seniors (62 and older) and military with valid identification; NC EBT card holders*: $3. Free admission for children 2 and younger and N.C. Aquarium Society members and N.C. Zoo members. *EBT rate is applicable to a maximum of four tickets.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
Headline: Aquarium Leads Monthlong Campaign Inspiring the Community to Refuse Single-Use Plastic
Aquarium Leads Monthlong Campaign Inspiring the Community to Refuse Single-Use Plastic jejohnson6
FORT FISHER
Gentle nudges, reminders and inspiration are all part of how the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF) is enlisting the community to choose to refuse single-use plastic during Plastic Free July. Dedicating a month to sustainability can be just the jumpstart folks need to begin their green journey. From skipping the straw to refusing single-use plastic bags, the Aquarium is along for the ride. The Aquarium is a division of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources which oversees the state’s resources for the arts, history, libraries and nature.
“By sharing ideas and inspiration, we hope that our community will discover there are some green ideas they can easily incorporate into their lives,” said Deyanira Romo Rossell, communications manager and green team member, NCAFF. “Whether you have already made strides toward refusing single-use plastic or are just beginning, there is something for you in our monthlong Plastic Free July campaign.” Greenspiration for Plastic Free July
It’s all about choosing to refuse single-use plastic by being prepared with a greener alternative. Here are a few of the tips:
Refuse plastic cutlery. Opt for reusable utensils at parties, for lunch at work and even when picking up takeout.
Ditch disposable to-go cups and lids. Carry your own tumbler to load up on tea or coffee at your favorite cafe.
Avoid plastic produce bags. Bring your own produce bags to the grocery store, farmers market or produce stand and keep reusing them.
Get away from single-use plastic grocery bags. Keep reusable bags at the ready in your car, bike basket or any mode of transportation you use to get to the grocery store or farmers’ market.
Skip the Straw! Or find alternatives to plastic straws, including reusable stainless steel, glass, silicone or biodegradable/compostable made of bamboo, agave or wheat.
The Aquarium also walks the walk with composting bins for visitors on the food deck and in office areas for staff and volunteers. Everyone, from visitors to volunteers has access to the Aquarium water refill stations. The food vendor, SharkBites uses compostable cups, dinnerware and utensils for meals and drinks. The drink vending machines only dispense aluminum cans. The community is encouraged to follow along on NCAFFFacebook,Instagram, andThreadsto find more clever tricks and clean ideas on how to live a greener life. Followers will find new greenspiration every day in July!
About the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is just south of Kure Beach, a short drive from Wilmington on U.S. 421 and less than a mile from the Fort Fisher ferry terminal. The Aquarium is one of three Aquariums and a pier that make up the North Carolina Aquariums, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The mission of the Aquarium is to inspire appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments. The Aquarium features a 235-000-gallon sand tiger shark habitat, an albino alligator, a bald eagle, a loggerhead sea turtle habitat and two families of mischievous Asian small-clawed otters.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission: $15 ages 13-61; $13 children ages 3-12; $14 seniors (62 and older) and military with valid identification; NC EBT card holders*: $3. Free admission for children 2 and younger and N.C. Aquarium Society members and N.C. Zoo members. *EBT rate is applicable to a maximum of four tickets.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
Headline: N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island to Celebrate Shark and Ray Awareness Day July 14
N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island to Celebrate Shark and Ray Awareness Day July 14 jejohnson6
As film lovers enjoy the 50th anniversary ofJaws, Steven Spielberg’s 1975 film about a frightful shark, the N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island is celebrating Shark and Ray Awareness Day to inspire appreciation and conservation of these important ocean species. The Aquarium is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
On Monday, July 14 the public is invited to join the Aquarium for special event activities to learn about sharks and rays and how to protect them. On this special day, visitors can become “Ocean Wanderers” and “Fin-fluencers” by participating in fun knowledge quest scavenger hunts throughout the Aquarium. Together with Aquarium educators, visitors can learn about shark migration and conservation, sharks that travel across the world, and sharks that call North Carolina home. Visitors who follow riddles to complete fact-finding scavenger hunts will receive a prize. Guests can play a Spot-A-Shark game and are encouraged to photograph a shark and share positive messages about sharks on social media. Shark and Ray Awareness Day activities are included with regular Aquarium admission.
Hannah Catherman, education curator at the Aquarium said, “Educating the public about the importance of sharks and rays within the marine ecosystem is an integral part of our conservation messaging. We are excited to bring the world of sharks and rays to the community and inspire future generations of ocean stewards!”
In addition to special knowledge quests and crafts, the Aquarium will be offering regularly scheduled shark and ray-themed programming, including behind-the-scenes experiences at the Aquarium’s 285,000-gallon Graveyard of the Atlantic shark habitat, Shipwreck Stories, shark and stingray feedings, and sensory-friendly experiences with stingrays at the popular touch pools in the Sea Senses gallery. A daily calendar of events is available on the Aquarium website. Founded in 1976, the Aquarium is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026.
Shark and Ray Awareness Day Monday, July 14, 2025 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island
About the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
Located on the Outer Banks in Manteo, N.C., the N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island is part of N.C. Aquariums, which includes four attractions along North Carolina’s coast and is a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The 63,000 square-foot facility on 16 acres overlooks the Croatan Sound and houses over 2,200 animals. Over 319,000 guests visit the Aquarium each year to see the 285,000-gallon “Graveyard of the Atlantic” shark and ocean habitat, visit the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (S.T.A.R.) Center, and learn why North Carolina’s waterways are so special. As an educational attraction, the mission of N.C. Aquariums is to inspire appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments. The Aquarium is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, visitwww.ncaquariums.com/roanoke-island
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
Headline: North Carolina Zoo Mourns the Passing of Director Pat Simmons
North Carolina Zoo Mourns the Passing of Director Pat Simmons jejohnson6
It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of Pat Simmons, Director and CEO of the North Carolina Zoo onJuly 14,2025. Simmons had courageously battled cancer for nearly five years.
Pat Simmons was a highly respected zoo director within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Simmons had more than 41 years of experience leading AZA-accredited zoos: the Akron Zoo in Ohio from 1985 to 2014 and the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro from 2015 to 2025. She was Chairwoman of the Board of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2012, and was appointed to the Board of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) from 2015 to 2021.
Simmons was nationally and internationally recognized in the zoo and aquarium industry, receiving numerous awards and appointments in support of wildlife conservation, sustainability, and women in leadership roles.
Simmons was renowned as a visionary leader. She spearheaded Vision (2016) and Master Planning (2018 and 2024-2025) for the North Carolina Zoo. Out of these plans, Simmons established an upcoming decade of growth for the Zoo, starting with Asia. The 12.5-acre Asia region will open in June 2026, the first major expansion at the North Carolina Zoo since 1994. Australia, the next continent, is fully funded and slated to open in 2029. The replacement Aviary/Amazon (which is partially funded) completes this period of continent expansion at the North Carolina Zoo. These vibrant new habitats, which will feature some of the world’s most extraordinary animals and plants, will be cherished for generations to come.
Cheryl Armstrong, the Executive Director of the North Carolina Zoo Society, remarked, “Pat laughed easily and often and extended her warmth toward everyone. The Zoo Society family will always remain grateful for the wisdom, caring, and friendship Pat Simmons shared with us. As much as we will miss her, we know the good she achieved during her lifetime will not stop now. The kindness, integrity, and moxie that Pat instilled in the people who knew her will survive long into the future to help make the world a better place for all its inhabitants.”
Pat Simmons’ mission was to inspire people to be stewards of the natural world and protect the diversity of animals and plants. Towards this, Simmons prioritized the interconnections between humans, plants, and animals through modern habitat design, award-winning educational programming, and memorable guest experiences. Under Simmons’ leadership, the North Carolina Zoo’s lauded wildlife conservation program has flourished on a global scale. The North Carolina Zoo also took the top award for Sustainability from the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) in 2021. In 2024, the North Carolina Zoo became a certified Botanical Garden through Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BCGI), a longtime dream for the Zoo.
“The North Carolina Zoo is internationally recognized as one of the very best—and that didn’t happen by accident. It is due in large part to the thoughtful and innovative leadership of Pat Simmons,” said N.C. Secretary of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. “To say she’s beloved at the Zoo and beyond is an understatement. On behalf of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, we extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends and thank her on behalf of our state.”
To know Simmons was to love her. She was a force to be reckoned with, and she made a significant impact during her tenure at the North Carolina Zoo. Those who worked with Simmons described her as immensely funny, smart, and loved by many. She was a sought-after mentor and counselor, helping many find their true passion. Her legacy in the zoo community will carry on through those she touched throughout her lifetime.
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and the North Carolina Zoo extend our sincere and deepest condolences to the Simmons Family. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all she knew throughout her life.
About the North Carolina Zoo At the North Carolina Zoo, we celebrate nature. As the world’s largest natural habitat Zoo, we inspire a lifelong curiosity about animals in the hundreds of thousands of people who visit our Zoo each year. Our dedicated team of experts provides exceptional, compassionate care for the more than 1,700 animals and 52,000 plants that call our Park home. We also lead efforts locally and globally to protect wildlife and wild places because we believe nature’s diversity is critical for our collective future. The North Carolina Zoo invites all of our guests to witness the majesty of the wild in the heart of North Carolina and welcomes everyone to join in our mission to protect nature’s diversity. Visit NCZoo.org to begin your life-changing journey.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
Headline: North Carolina Zoo Mourns the Passing of Director Pat Simmons
North Carolina Zoo Mourns the Passing of Director Pat Simmons jejohnson6
It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of Pat Simmons, Director and CEO of the North Carolina Zoo onJuly 14,2025. Simmons had courageously battled cancer for nearly five years.
Pat Simmons was a highly respected zoo director within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Simmons had more than 41 years of experience leading AZA-accredited zoos: the Akron Zoo in Ohio from 1985 to 2014 and the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro from 2015 to 2025. She was Chairwoman of the Board of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2012, and was appointed to the Board of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) from 2015 to 2021.
Simmons was nationally and internationally recognized in the zoo and aquarium industry, receiving numerous awards and appointments in support of wildlife conservation, sustainability, and women in leadership roles.
Simmons was renowned as a visionary leader. She spearheaded Vision (2016) and Master Planning (2018 and 2024-2025) for the North Carolina Zoo. Out of these plans, Simmons established an upcoming decade of growth for the Zoo, starting with Asia. The 12.5-acre Asia region will open in June 2026, the first major expansion at the North Carolina Zoo since 1994. Australia, the next continent, is fully funded and slated to open in 2029. The replacement Aviary/Amazon (which is partially funded) completes this period of continent expansion at the North Carolina Zoo. These vibrant new habitats, which will feature some of the world’s most extraordinary animals and plants, will be cherished for generations to come.
Cheryl Armstrong, the Executive Director of the North Carolina Zoo Society, remarked, “Pat laughed easily and often and extended her warmth toward everyone. The Zoo Society family will always remain grateful for the wisdom, caring, and friendship Pat Simmons shared with us. As much as we will miss her, we know the good she achieved during her lifetime will not stop now. The kindness, integrity, and moxie that Pat instilled in the people who knew her will survive long into the future to help make the world a better place for all its inhabitants.”
Pat Simmons’ mission was to inspire people to be stewards of the natural world and protect the diversity of animals and plants. Towards this, Simmons prioritized the interconnections between humans, plants, and animals through modern habitat design, award-winning educational programming, and memorable guest experiences. Under Simmons’ leadership, the North Carolina Zoo’s lauded wildlife conservation program has flourished on a global scale. The North Carolina Zoo also took the top award for Sustainability from the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) in 2021. In 2024, the North Carolina Zoo became a certified Botanical Garden through Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BCGI), a longtime dream for the Zoo.
“The North Carolina Zoo is internationally recognized as one of the very best—and that didn’t happen by accident. It is due in large part to the thoughtful and innovative leadership of Pat Simmons,” said N.C. Secretary of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. “To say she’s beloved at the Zoo and beyond is an understatement. On behalf of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, we extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends and thank her on behalf of our state.”
To know Simmons was to love her. She was a force to be reckoned with, and she made a significant impact during her tenure at the North Carolina Zoo. Those who worked with Simmons described her as immensely funny, smart, and loved by many. She was a sought-after mentor and counselor, helping many find their true passion. Her legacy in the zoo community will carry on through those she touched throughout her lifetime.
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and the North Carolina Zoo extend our sincere and deepest condolences to the Simmons Family. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all she knew throughout her life.
About the North Carolina Zoo At the North Carolina Zoo, we celebrate nature. As the world’s largest natural habitat Zoo, we inspire a lifelong curiosity about animals in the hundreds of thousands of people who visit our Zoo each year. Our dedicated team of experts provides exceptional, compassionate care for the more than 1,700 animals and 52,000 plants that call our Park home. We also lead efforts locally and globally to protect wildlife and wild places because we believe nature’s diversity is critical for our collective future. The North Carolina Zoo invites all of our guests to witness the majesty of the wild in the heart of North Carolina and welcomes everyone to join in our mission to protect nature’s diversity. Visit NCZoo.org to begin your life-changing journey.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
PITTSBURGH, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pennsylvania Data Center Partners, a leader in data center development within the Commonwealth, together with PowerHouse Data Centers, the fifth largest data center developer in the United States, announced plans for their first joint venture: a $15 billion project with three hyperscale data center campuses in Central Pennsylvania. The new AI data hub, Pennsylvania Digital I (PAX) will deliver 1.35 GW of capacity with expandability up to 1.8 GW, comprising scale and speed for AI data center development.
The project was announced today before President Donald Trump and distinguished global leaders in energy and artificial intelligence, international investors, representatives from labor and trades, as well as Pennsylvania officials at the inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit hosted by Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) at Carnegie Mellon University.
The master plan for PAX includes the construction of three data center campuses with each campus featuring six buildings and a dedicated 450 MW substation. PAX will have access to 17 metropolitan fiber networks, including direct peering with Ashburn, Virginia.
“This venture between Pennsylvania Data Center Partners and PowerHouse Data Centers is groundbreaking for AI infrastructure,” said Senator Dave McCormick. “It’s a bold and meaningful investment that puts Pennsylvania at the heart of America’s emerging AI tech economy.”
The project is anticipated to deliver significant economic benefits for the local community, including generating more than $65 million in direct tax revenue with allocations of $45 + million to the Cumberland Valley School District, $10 + million to Middlesex Township, and $10 + million to Cumberland County. Furthermore, the development is expected to create high-skilled employment positions spanning areas such as construction, project management, engineering, and electrical work.
“This landmark deal with PowerHouse represents a pivotal step for our expansion across Pennsylvania—a state uniquely positioned for data center development thanks to our state and local leaders willing to tap its abundant natural power resources. We’re proud to help lead the charge in building the infrastructure that will define the next era of AI and technological innovation,” said Pennsylvania Data Center Partners CEO Igal J. Feibush.
“Pennsylvania is important as a growing AI data center market for the Nation and our Pennsylvania Digital I (PAX) project is in the very heart of the state with its access to not only Ashburn, but all of the most important markets in the Eastern United States,” said Doug Fleit, CEO and Co-founder of PowerHouse Data Centers. “This campus is built for speed, engineered for growth, and located where the next wave of infrastructure will take shape for our customers.”
As part of this transformative project, PPL Electric Utilities will connect the campuses to their transmission system, ensuring the reliable delivery of power to the data center campuses and the surrounding community.
“PPL Electric Utilities’ investments in its transmission system position us to support economic growth and reliably serve all customers. We’re ready to serve new customers when they’re ready to interconnect,” said Christine Martin, president of PPL Electric Utilities. “Our commitment to innovation and grid reliability aligns seamlessly with the vision for this project and the emergence of Central Pennsylvania as a technology hub. We’re excited to be part of Pennsylvania Data Center Partners and PowerHouse Data Centers’ investment in the state and look forward to the positive effects it can have for our customers and the local economy.”
The new data center campus is generating significant interest among hyperscalers.
Pennsylvania Data Center Partners and PowerHouse Data Centers are committed to building lasting relationships with the local community. Both organizations are actively engaging with area nonprofits, investing in STEM education, and providing resources to support charitable initiatives across the region. “Our shared vision goes beyond infrastructure—it’s about strengthening the fabric of the communities where we operate,” added Feibush.
Project Highlights:
Footprint: Approximately 700-acre site with three campuses with 450 MW each.
Utility Capacity: 1.35 GW with scalable growth up to 1.8 GW.
Near-Term Power Delivery: 300 MW by 2Q 2027.
Tax Incentives: Pennsylvania’s data center tax exemption provides 100% abatement of sales and use taxes on equipment and electricity for up to 15 years.
Robust Fiber Infrastructure: Direct peering to Ashburn, VA and connectivity to 17 metro fiber providers.
Strategic Location: Carlisle is in the heart of the Northeast’s emerging AI corridor, with the scale, power and location hyperscale clients are demanding.
Aesthetic Design: PowerHouse Data Centers is a leader in thoughtful and aesthetic architectural for data center development.
Further project updates will be shared as development progresses.
About Pennsylvania Data Center Partners Pennsylvania Data Center Partners is a developer and owner of hyperscale data centers throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Through our land acquisition, power, procurement and speed-to-market development process, we build next generation hyperscale data center campuses that meet the demand for massive computing resources which train and deploy complex generative AI models. Our ready-to-scale, strategically located sites ensure hyperscalers, investors and communities all benefit from the ensuing world-class digital infrastructure. For more information, visit PADataCenters.com.
About PowerHouse Data Centers PowerHouse Data Centers, wholly owned and operated by American Real Estate Partners (AREP), is a pioneering developer and owner of next-generation data centers, providing sophisticated real estate solutions for hyperscalers that meet their market, data, utility, and space demands. PowerHouse is an established leader in world-class data center development, with 86 data centers underway or in planning, representing over 24 million square feet and 6 GW in seven major Tier I and Tier II markets. PowerHouse’s full suite of development services integrates asset strategy, fast-track approvals, infrastructure, on-site power procurement, and sustainable building practices into every project. Visit our newsroom for more information, and follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, and X.
Media Contacts:
Pennsylvania Data Center Partners Tisha Kresler Pennsylvania Data Center Partners tisha@padatacenters.com 917-270-0079
Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)
ICYMI: Mullin for the Daily Wire: “How The One Big, Beautiful Bill Sustains And Saves Medicaid”
“Today, roughly 35 million Americans are living below the poverty line. Over 70 million people are on Medicaid.”
Washington, D.C. – On Monday, The Daily Wire published U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin’s (R-OK) op-ed detailing how President Trump’s ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ will protect and strengthen Medicaid for those who need it most. The senator notes, “Medicaid’s long-term stability is at risk” and that “Republicans are getting the waste, fraud, and abuse out of Medicaid to protect the well-being of America’s most vulnerable.”
Read the full story from The Daily Wire HERE and below:
How The One Big, Beautiful Bill Sustains And Saves Medicaid
By Senator Markwayne Mullin | July 14, 2025
In a huge victory for Oklahoma, Congress recently passed President Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which, among many wins, will deliver the largest-ever tax cut for working and middle-class families, secure the border, and lower energy costs.
Unfortunately, Washington Democrats who are desperate to change the media narrative after a brutal 2024 election loss have made it their mission to lie about this bill and mislead American families — especially on Medicaid program improvements.
Democrats claim the bill guts the program. But in reality, Republicans voted to protect and strengthen Medicaid for those who need it most.
Medicaid’s long-term stability is at risk. During the Obama administration, Democrats expanded Medicaid eligibility to include able-bodied adults — adding 20 million able-bodied people to the program rolls between 2013 and 2021. Today, roughly 35 million Americans are living below the poverty line, while over 70 million people are on Medicaid. What’s worse, a stunning 36% of Medicaid spending is on able-bodied working-age adults — most of whom are not working.
What was first designed as a critical social safety net for America’s most vulnerable — including pregnant women, children, people with disabilities, and low-income seniors and families — has quickly ballooned into an unsustainable mess at risk of bankruptcy.
The Big, Beautiful Bill will protect Medicaid benefits for those who need them most and help move millions of able-bodied adults with no children from welfare to work — all while saving taxpayers billions of dollars. By the way, only in Washington is increasing current Medicaid spending levels by 20% over the next 10 years seen as a “cut.”
This bill includes popular Clinton-era work requirements for able-bodied adults ages 19-64 with no dependents, and includes exceptions for pregnant women, new mothers, and those facing short-term hardships. Under this commonsense law, eligible recipients must complete 20 hours of work, education, or volunteering per week to receive taxpayer-funded Medicaid benefits.
To protect and sustain the Medicaid program, the only people who will see a change in coverage are illegal immigrants, those who are already ineligible for the program, and able-bodied adults ages 19-64 with dependents over 14 years old who choose not to work, volunteer, or go to school for just 20 hours per week.
Most Americans recognize that without commonsense reform, Medicaid would be at a higher risk of collapse. As promised, Republicans are getting the waste, fraud, and abuse out of Medicaid to protect the well-being of America’s most vulnerable. Despite the Democrats’ gross lies, the “Big, Beautiful Bill” will strengthen and protect the social safety net for every eligible American who needs it. In passing President Trump’s historic bill, Republicans are ensuring Medicaid can better serve the neediest Americans for generations to come.
HARRISBURG, Pa., July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: ORRF), the holding company of Orrstown Bank, announced today that it will report second quarter 2025 earnings at the close of business on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Management will host a conference call and webcast to review the Company’s quarterly results on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 9:00 am ET. The conference call and webcast details are below:
Earnings Release: Tuesday, July 22, 2025, After Market Close
Conference Call and Webcast: Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 9:00 am ET
Webcast:
Interested parties may listen to the call and view a copy of the Company’s earnings presentation by joining via webcast at:
To listen to the call without access to the slides, interested parties may participate by telephone by dialing:
USA / International Toll: +1 (646) 307-1963 USA – Toll-Free: (800) 715-9871 Canada – Toronto: (647) 932-3411 Canada – Toll-Free: (800) 715-9871 Conference ID: 5555102
Recorded Playback:
An audio recording of the conference call will be available by telephone until July 30, 2025 by dialing one of the numbers listed below:
US & Canada Toll-Free: (800) 770-2030 US Toll: (609) 800-9909 Canada Toll: (647) 362-9199 Playback ID: 5555102#
The audio recording of the conference call will also be available in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at investors.orrstown.com.
About Orrstown
With $5.4 billion in assets, Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. (the “Company”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Orrstown Bank, provide a wide range of consumer and business financial services in Adams, Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Perry, and York Counties, Pennsylvania and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, and Washington Counties, Maryland, as well as Baltimore City, Maryland. The Company’s lending area also includes counties in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and West Virginia within a 75-mile radius of the Company’s executive and administrative offices as well as the District of Columbia. Orrstown Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and its deposits are insured up to the legal maximum by the FDIC. Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ORRF.” For more information about Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. and Orrstown Bank, visit www.orrstown.com.
For additional information, please contact:
Neil Kalani EVP, Chief Financial Officer 717-510-7097 nkalani@orrstown.com
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)
Pacific Palisades, CA — Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) released the following statement regarding California Governor Gavin Newsom’s updated request to Congress for a disaster supplemental after the January LA Fires:
“I strongly support Governor Newsom’s $34.1 billion federal assistance request to respond to the destruction caused by the January wildfires. After six months, this federal disaster aid package would be a critical step toward getting our communities the resources they urgently need.
Moreover, I’m pleased to see two priorities included in the Governor’s request that I will continue advocating for as we move forward: first, a sharp increase in SBA’s maximum disaster loan limit so families and small businesses have sufficient funds to rebuild their homes; and second, major Community Development Block Grant funding for the state to provide grants to those who lost everything without adequate insurance. These tools will make the difference between temporary relief and long-term recovery.”
Governor Newsom first submitted a request to Congress in February to provide additional funding to California fire victims, since the basic package of federal benefits is insufficient in the wake of one of the worst fire disasters in U.S. history. The request included tax relief and funding for business grants and loans, public infrastructure, disaster-related social services, and grants to rebuild uninsured and underinsured homes lost in the fires. On July 14th, the Governor submitted an updated request letter to Congress with less aid than was requested in the initial letter to Congress, to account for $5.5 billion in federal funds already disbursed by FEMA and SBA this year.
To view a copy of Governor Newsom’s letter to Congress, clickhere.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Jul 15, 2025 1930 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook
Updated: Tue Jul 15 19:24:10 UTC 2025 (Print Version | | )
Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table
Forecast Discussion
SPC AC 151924
Day 3 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0224 PM CDT Tue Jul 15 2025
Valid 171200Z – 181200Z
…THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM THE OHIO VALLEY TO THE NORTHEAST STATES…
…SUMMARY… Isolated damaging gusts are possible over parts of the Northeast Thursday.
…Northeast and upper OH Valley… Shortwave troughing over the eastern Great Lakes will gradually merge with broader cyclonic flow over the Northeast and eastern Canada Thursday. A surface low will steadily deepen as it shifts eastward with the upper trough. A cold front trailing the low will serve as a focus for thunderstorm development through the afternoon from the OH valley to the Mid Atlantic and Northeast. Moderate buoyancy and strengthening flow aloft will overlap and could support scattered thunderstorms capable of damaging gusts ahead of the front. A large disparity exists among forecast guidance with regards to the position of the cold front, strength of the surface low and any potential MCVs from prior day’s convection. While confidence in the overall evolution is somewhat low, the broader environment still appears favorable enough to support some severe risk.
…Mid MS Valley and southern Plains… Scattered storms are expected along the cold front as it moves southward across the Mid South and the Southern Plains. Stronger vertical shear should largely lag behind the front especially with southward extent. A few stronger storm clusters are possible along the front where large buoyancy could support sporadic damaging gusts. However, confidence in the frontal timing and convective evolution is very low, precluding the addition of severe probabilities for now.
..Lyons.. 07/15/2025
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Jul 15, 2025 1730 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook
Updated: Tue Jul 15 17:32:51 UTC 2025 (Print Version | | )
Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table
Forecast Discussion
SPC AC 151732
Day 2 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1232 PM CDT Tue Jul 15 2025
Valid 161200Z – 171200Z
…THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE FRONT RANGE AND THE WESTERN GREAT LAKES REGION…
…SUMMARY… Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible Wednesday afternoon and evening from parts of the central High Plains to the Great Lakes.
…Front Range and High Plains… A shortwave trough over the northern Rockies will intensify as it moves eastward across the central US Wednesday. A cold front across the Front Range and High Plains will continue to sag slowly southward as surface moisture deepens behind it. Within the broad up slope flow regime, scattered storm development is expected across the higher terrain of the central Rockies and High Plains by early afternoon Wednesday. Enhanced mid-level flow will support initial supercells capable of hail and isolated damaging gusts. Local terrain effects and enhanced low-level shear near the front may also allow for a tornado or two. Scattered severe storms expand in coverage across the I-25 corridor through the afternoon before moving eastward into the plains through the evening.
How far east the severe threat will extend remains uncertain as cooler temperatures and lingering inhibition are likely to be in place behind the front. Should sufficient upscale growth take place, an MCS may develop and merge with additional convection farther east before continuing south/southeastward across the central Plains overnight. This would support a continued risk for at least isolated damaging gusts.
…Central Plains… As the cold front continues to move southward across the central Plains, lingering inhibition and forcing for ascent displaced to the north should limit convective development along the front through much of the day However, warm surface temperatures and 60s-70s F surface dewpoints will support large buoyancy along the front. As a 30-40 kt low-level jet increases into the evening, storm development is expected with increasing low-level warm air advection. Isolated damaging gust are possible.
…Great Lakes… A convectively augmented shortwave trough over the central Plains will quickly move eastward along the sagging cold front. Ascent from this feature will aid in developing a wave cyclone along the front, enhancing the low-level flow field across parts of WI and northern IL. An ongoing arc of storms near the surface low should gradually re-intensify through the morning and into the early afternoon. Moderate MLCAPE and strengthening flow aloft will support a mix of cells and clusters. The primary risk is expected to be damaging gusts, though enlarged low-level hodographs and 100-200 J/kg of MLCAPE below 3km AGL may support some tornado risk with the more cellular elements. With time gradual upscale growth into a more linear structure is expected near the western shores of Lake Michigan with a continued risk for damaging gusts.
To the east, strong heating of a very humid air mass is expected across Lower Michigan through the afternoon. Scattered to widespread storms are likely along the typical lake breeze fronts. Vertical shear will be weaker through the afternoon, though at least some enhancement of the flow field could support isolated damaging gusts with scattered to numerous storms expected.
There is some potential for a more organized line/cluster of storms on the western side of the lake to move eastward across Lake Michigan late in the evening and through the overnight hours. Stronger flow aloft near the shortwave trough could support damaging gust and brief tornado potential across parts of northern Lower Michigan overnight. Higher severe probabilities could be needed if confidence in this convective scenario increases in future outlooks.
…Upper OH valley… Widespread thunderstorms are expected across the region in response to a shortwave impulse. Modest instability is forecast amid a very moist airmass. While vertical shear will remain fairly limited, some slight enhancement near the upper trough could support a few longer-lived storm clusters. Isolated strong gusts/wet microbursts could occur, with the more intense storms.
…Northern Gulf Coast… Scattered to numerous thunderstorms associated with Invest 93L will occasionally move onshore across the northern/central Gulf Coast Wednesday and Wednesday night. Enhancement of low and mid-level easterly shear north of the weak surface circulation may support a few longer-lived cells near the coast. Sporadic damaging gusts and perhaps a brief tornado are possible, though confidence in this convective scenario is very low.
..Lyons.. 07/15/2025
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Jul 15, 2025 1630 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook
Updated: Tue Jul 15 16:21:56 UTC 2025 (Print Version | | )
Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table
Forecast Discussion
SPC AC 151621
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1121 AM CDT Tue Jul 15 2025
Valid 151630Z – 161200Z
…THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FOR CENTRAL NEBRASKA…
…THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS SURROUNDING THE SLIGHT RISK INTO THE UPPER MIDWEST…FOR NORTHERN AND EASTERN WYOMING…AND NORTHERN UTAH AND SURROUNDING VICINITY…
…SUMMARY… Scattered severe gusts (some 75+ mph) and large hail are probable across parts of Nebraska late this afternoon and evening. Scattered severe gusts are also possible from the Upper Midwest to Utah and Wyoming this afternoon to mid-evening.
…Northern/Central Plains to the Upper Midwest… Primary focus for thunderstorms will be a slowly sagging, southward-moving cold front across the Upper Midwest and a couple mid-level perturbations moving east across the north-central states. Radar imagery shows a convectively augment disturbance moving east across northern SD and water-vapor imagery shows shortwave trough moving east across southeast WY. Both mid-level features will likely prove instrumental in storm coverage and the risk for severe activity later today.
Despite stronger mid-level westerly flow relegated north of the 48th parallel, strong heating of a moist airmass will result in a very unstable boundary layer by mid afternoon from the Upper Midwest southwestward into the NE Sandhills. Storms will probably develop from eastern SD and into MN this afternoon near the front and ahead of the SD mid-level feature. Sufficient instability and effective bulk shear should be present along/ahead of the front to support organized convection, including some supercells. Large hail will be possible with the initially semi-discrete thunderstorms, before a rapid transition to a cluster/linear mode increases the threat for severe/damaging winds. This activity should quickly weaken by late evening as it encounters a less unstable airmass with eastward extent across the upper Great Lakes.
A somewhat separate area of thunderstorms should initiate along/south of the front across parts of southern SD into NE by late afternoon/early evening. Greater instability will likely be present across this region compared to locations farther north, but deep-layer shear should be more modest (around 25-30 kt). Still, some large hail may occur initially given the presence of steep mid-level lapse rates. The threat for scattered to numerous severe/damaging winds is expected to increase through the evening across central NE as an intense bowing cluster develops and spreads southeastward. Isolated significant gusts of 75+ mph appear possible given the rather favorable thermodynamic environment.
…Great Basin into Wyoming… The only change for this portion of the region is to increase severe-wind probabilities across northern UT and surrounding states. The southern fringe of stronger mid-level westerlies was sampled by the 12 UTC Salt Lake City raob. With the approach of the upstream northern Rockies disturbance glancing the region later today, short-term model guidance (e.g., HREF members, time-lagged HRRR) is consistent in showing small clusters of storms moving east from northeast NV/northwest UT eastward into northern UT/southeast ID/far southwest WY. Inverted-V profiles will strongly favor evaporative cooling with the more rain-laden cores. Scattered severe gusts are possible with the more intense downbursts through early evening.
Farther east, the closer proximity to the upper trough digging southeastward over the northern Rockies will promote scattered storms across northern into eastern WY this afternoon and evening. An organized cluster may evolve given 25-35 kt of deep-layer shear, while posing a threat for mainly severe/damaging winds given the presence of steepened low/mid-level lapse rates. Isolated large hail may also occur.
…Arizona… Modest mid-level east-northeasterlies will be present today across parts of AZ on the southern periphery of a mid-level anticyclone over the Southwest. Scattered thunderstorms should once again develop this afternoon over the higher terrain of southeast AZ and southwest NM. With very steep low/mid-level lapse rates expected with ample daytime heating, this activity may pose an isolated threat for severe winds as it spreads into the lower elevations of southern AZ through the evening.
..Smith/Jirak.. 07/15/2025
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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. SEL3
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 513 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 255 PM CDT Tue Jul 15 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of Upper Peninsula Michigan Central and North-Central Minnesota Northern Wisconsin Lake Superior
* Effective this Tuesday afternoon and evening from 255 PM until 1000 PM CDT.
* Primary threats include… Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2 inches in diameter possible Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
SUMMARY…Scattered clusters of strong to severe thunderstorms will likely develop through the remainder of the afternoon and persist into the evening. The stronger thunderstorms will be capable of a risk for large hail and severe gusts.
The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 45 statute miles north and south of a line from 30 miles south southwest of Alexandria MN to 115 miles east of Ironwood MI. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU3).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for 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. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce tornadoes.
&&
AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 26025.
…Smith
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas. SAW3 WW 513 SEVERE TSTM MI MN WI LS 151955Z – 160300Z AXIS..45 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE.. 30SSW AXN/ALEXANDRIA MN/ – 115E IWD/IRONWOOD MI/ ..AVIATION COORDS.. 40NM N/S /64NNW RWF – 17NW SAW/ HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 26025.
LAT…LON 46129564 47168771 45858771 44829564
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS FOR WOU3.
Watch 513 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes
Probability of 2 or more tornadoes
Low (10%)
Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes
Low ( 65 knots
Low (20%)
Hail
Probability of 10 or more severe hail events
Mod (40%)
Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches
Mod (30%)
Combined Severe Hail/Wind
Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events
High (70%)
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.
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing the swimming area at Hope Community Service Pond in Scituate and Briar Point Beach in Coventry due to high bacteria counts.
RIDOH also recommends reopening the swimming area at City Park and Conimicut Point Beach in Warwick for swimming because bacteria counts have returned to safe levels.
RIDOH will continue to monitor and review beach water quality through Labor Day. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751).
Protesters gather during a demonstration at the headquarters of the Department of Education in Washington.AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein
The Trump administration was given the green light by the Supreme Court on July 14, 2025, to proceed with mass layoffs at the Department of Education – part of a wider plan to dismantle the agency. In doing so, the conservative majority on the bench overruled a lower court judge that had blocked the move.
While the court didn’t explain its decision – and didn’t rule on the merits of the case – Justice Sonia Sotomayor, one of the three liberal justices who objected, issued a strongly worded dissent: “When the Executive publicly announces its intent to break the law, and then executes on that promise, it is the Judiciary’s duty to check that lawlessness, not expedite it.”
The Conversation has been following the administration’s efforts to take apart the Department of Education since President Donald Trump won the presidential election in November. Here are a few stories from our archives that explain the executive order targeting the department, why the agency has been in the crosshairs of conservatives, and some of the impacts of carrying out the order.
1. Hollowing out education
Trump has promised to eliminate the Department of Education since at least September 2023. What started out as a campaign promise eventually became the executive order he issued on March 20, 2025, released shortly after the administration announced plans to lay off about 1,300 of the 4,000 employees in the department.
“Although the president has broad executive authority, there are many things he cannot order by himself,” wrote Joshua Cowen, a professor of education policy at Michigan State University. “And one of those is the dismantling of a Cabinet agency created by law. But he seems determined to hollow the agency out.”
And that’s what the Supreme Court says he can do while the case plays out in lower courts. Ultimately, Trump’s order creates a lot of “legal and policy uncertainty around funding for children in local schools and communities.”
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon is responsible for carrying out Trump’s executive order. AP Photo/Rod Lamkey Jr.
2. What the education secretary normally does
The person directed to actually carry our the president’s order is the education secretary, Linda McMahon. She has called dismantling the department its “final mission.”
But the secretary – and the department – have many other missions, such as managing students loans and administering Title I funding to help schools serving low-income students obtain an equitable education regardless of their socioeconomic status.
“Every child in the United States is required to attend school in some capacity, and what happens at the federal level can have real-world impacts on students ranging from preschool to grad school,” wrote Dustin Hornbeck, a scholar of educational policy at the University of Memphis.
In his article, Hornbeck explored the key duties of the education secretary and the role of the federal government in education, which he argued will continue even if the Education Department is abolished.
“First and foremost, Trump and his supporters believe that liberals are ruining public education by instituting what they call a ‘radical woke agenda’ that they say prioritizes identity politics and politically correct groupthink at the expense of the free speech of those, like many conservatives, who have different views,” he explains.
Trump’s battle against DEI – or diversity, equity and inclusion – is of course a big part of that, but so too are what he and his supporters call “radical” race and gender policies.
Hinton goes on to describe three other reasons – including supposed “Marxist indoctrination” and school choice – he argues that the MAGA faithful want to eliminate the Department of Education.
But conservative efforts to gut the department didn’t begin with Trump or MAGA. In fact, the Heritage Foundation, which created the Project 2025 blueprint for remaking the federal government, has been trying to limit or end its role in education since at least 1981 – just two years after the Department of Education was created.
“In its 1981 mandate, the Heritage Foundation struck now-familiar themes,” including closing the Department of Education and ending funding for disadvantaged students, wrote Fred L. Pincus, a sociology professor focused on diversity and social inequality at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. “And the Heritage Foundation called for ending federal support for programs it claimed were designed to ‘turn elementary- and secondary-school classrooms into vehicles for liberal-left social and political change.’”
The conservative think tank struck similar themes in its Project 2025 playbook, though it went even further in calling out “leftist indoctrination” and “gender ideology extremism,” Pincus noted.
Changes at the Department of Education will have a big impact on students across the country. skynesher/E+ via Getty Images
5. Impact on most vulnerable students
After all the already planned layoffs go into effect, the Department of Education will have roughly half the staff it started the year with. That will have a significant impact on its ability to carry out its many tasks, such as managing federal loans for college and tracking student achievement.
“The Office for Civil Rights has played an important role in facilitating equitable education for all students,” they wrote. “The full effects of these changes on the most vulnerable public school students will likely be felt for many years.”
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing the swimming area at Hope Community Service Pond in Scituate and Briar Point Beach in Coventry due to high bacteria counts.
RIDOH also recommends reopening the swimming area at City Park and Conimicut Point Beach in Warwick for swimming because bacteria counts have returned to safe levels.
RIDOH will continue to monitor and review beach water quality through Labor Day. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751).
Protesters gather during a demonstration at the headquarters of the Department of Education in Washington.AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein
The Trump administration was given the green light by the Supreme Court on July 14, 2025, to proceed with mass layoffs at the Department of Education – part of a wider plan to dismantle the agency. In doing so, the conservative majority on the bench overruled a lower court judge that had blocked the move.
While the court didn’t explain its decision – and didn’t rule on the merits of the case – Justice Sonia Sotomayor, one of the three liberal justices who objected, issued a strongly worded dissent: “When the Executive publicly announces its intent to break the law, and then executes on that promise, it is the Judiciary’s duty to check that lawlessness, not expedite it.”
The Conversation has been following the administration’s efforts to take apart the Department of Education since President Donald Trump won the presidential election in November. Here are a few stories from our archives that explain the executive order targeting the department, why the agency has been in the crosshairs of conservatives, and some of the impacts of carrying out the order.
1. Hollowing out education
Trump has promised to eliminate the Department of Education since at least September 2023. What started out as a campaign promise eventually became the executive order he issued on March 20, 2025, released shortly after the administration announced plans to lay off about 1,300 of the 4,000 employees in the department.
“Although the president has broad executive authority, there are many things he cannot order by himself,” wrote Joshua Cowen, a professor of education policy at Michigan State University. “And one of those is the dismantling of a Cabinet agency created by law. But he seems determined to hollow the agency out.”
And that’s what the Supreme Court says he can do while the case plays out in lower courts. Ultimately, Trump’s order creates a lot of “legal and policy uncertainty around funding for children in local schools and communities.”
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon is responsible for carrying out Trump’s executive order. AP Photo/Rod Lamkey Jr.
2. What the education secretary normally does
The person directed to actually carry our the president’s order is the education secretary, Linda McMahon. She has called dismantling the department its “final mission.”
But the secretary – and the department – have many other missions, such as managing students loans and administering Title I funding to help schools serving low-income students obtain an equitable education regardless of their socioeconomic status.
“Every child in the United States is required to attend school in some capacity, and what happens at the federal level can have real-world impacts on students ranging from preschool to grad school,” wrote Dustin Hornbeck, a scholar of educational policy at the University of Memphis.
In his article, Hornbeck explored the key duties of the education secretary and the role of the federal government in education, which he argued will continue even if the Education Department is abolished.
“First and foremost, Trump and his supporters believe that liberals are ruining public education by instituting what they call a ‘radical woke agenda’ that they say prioritizes identity politics and politically correct groupthink at the expense of the free speech of those, like many conservatives, who have different views,” he explains.
Trump’s battle against DEI – or diversity, equity and inclusion – is of course a big part of that, but so too are what he and his supporters call “radical” race and gender policies.
Hinton goes on to describe three other reasons – including supposed “Marxist indoctrination” and school choice – he argues that the MAGA faithful want to eliminate the Department of Education.
But conservative efforts to gut the department didn’t begin with Trump or MAGA. In fact, the Heritage Foundation, which created the Project 2025 blueprint for remaking the federal government, has been trying to limit or end its role in education since at least 1981 – just two years after the Department of Education was created.
“In its 1981 mandate, the Heritage Foundation struck now-familiar themes,” including closing the Department of Education and ending funding for disadvantaged students, wrote Fred L. Pincus, a sociology professor focused on diversity and social inequality at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. “And the Heritage Foundation called for ending federal support for programs it claimed were designed to ‘turn elementary- and secondary-school classrooms into vehicles for liberal-left social and political change.’”
The conservative think tank struck similar themes in its Project 2025 playbook, though it went even further in calling out “leftist indoctrination” and “gender ideology extremism,” Pincus noted.
Changes at the Department of Education will have a big impact on students across the country. skynesher/E+ via Getty Images
5. Impact on most vulnerable students
After all the already planned layoffs go into effect, the Department of Education will have roughly half the staff it started the year with. That will have a significant impact on its ability to carry out its many tasks, such as managing federal loans for college and tracking student achievement.
“The Office for Civil Rights has played an important role in facilitating equitable education for all students,” they wrote. “The full effects of these changes on the most vulnerable public school students will likely be felt for many years.”
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing the swimming area at Hope Community Service Pond in Scituate and Briar Point Beach in Coventry due to high bacteria counts.
RIDOH also recommends reopening the swimming area at City Park and Conimicut Point Beach in Warwick for swimming because bacteria counts have returned to safe levels.
RIDOH will continue to monitor and review beach water quality through Labor Day. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751).
A former Army soldier, who was most recently stationed in Texas, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to hack into telecommunications companies’ databases, access sensitive records, and extort the telecommunications companies by threatening to release the stolen data unless ransoms were paid.
According to court documents, between April 2023 and Dec. 18, 2024, Cameron John Wagenius, 21, used online accounts associated with the nickname “kiberphant0m” and conspired with others to defraud at least 10 victim organizations by obtaining login credentials for the organizations’ protected computer networks. The conspirators obtained these credentials using a hacking tool that they called SSH Brute, among other means. They used Telegram group chats to transfer stolen credentials and discuss gaining unauthorized access to victim companies’ networks. This activity happened while Wagenius was on active duty with the U.S. Army.
After data was stolen, the conspirators extorted the victim organizations both privately and in public forums. The extortion attempts included threats to post the stolen data on cybercrime forums such as BreachForums and XSS.is. The conspirators offered to sell stolen data for thousands of dollars via posts on these forums. They successfully sold at least some of this stolen data and also used stolen data to perpetuate other frauds, including SIM-swapping. In total, Wagenius and his co-conspirators attempted to extort at least $1 million from victim data owners.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller for the Western District of Washington, Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington of the FBI Seattle Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Kenneth DeChellis of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Cyber Field Office made the announcement.
Wagenius pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, extortion in relation to computer fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, a maximum penalty of five years in prison for extortion in relation to computer fraud, and a mandatory two-year sentence consecutive to any other prison time for aggravated identity theft. Wagenius previously pleaded guilty in a separate case to two counts of unlawful transfer of confidential phone records information in connection with this conspiracy. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI and DCIS are investigating the case. The U.S. Army’s Criminal Investigative Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, and the National Security Cyber Section provided valuable assistance. Flashpoint and Unit 221B also provided assistance.
Senior Counsel Louisa Becker and Trial Attorney George Brown of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sok Tea Jiang for the Western District of Washington are prosecuting the case.
A former Army soldier, who was most recently stationed in Texas, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to hack into telecommunications companies’ databases, access sensitive records, and extort the telecommunications companies by threatening to release the stolen data unless ransoms were paid.
According to court documents, between April 2023 and Dec. 18, 2024, Cameron John Wagenius, 21, used online accounts associated with the nickname “kiberphant0m” and conspired with others to defraud at least 10 victim organizations by obtaining login credentials for the organizations’ protected computer networks. The conspirators obtained these credentials using a hacking tool that they called SSH Brute, among other means. They used Telegram group chats to transfer stolen credentials and discuss gaining unauthorized access to victim companies’ networks. This activity happened while Wagenius was on active duty with the U.S. Army.
After data was stolen, the conspirators extorted the victim organizations both privately and in public forums. The extortion attempts included threats to post the stolen data on cybercrime forums such as BreachForums and XSS.is. The conspirators offered to sell stolen data for thousands of dollars via posts on these forums. They successfully sold at least some of this stolen data and also used stolen data to perpetuate other frauds, including SIM-swapping. In total, Wagenius and his co-conspirators attempted to extort at least $1 million from victim data owners.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller for the Western District of Washington, Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington of the FBI Seattle Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Kenneth DeChellis of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Cyber Field Office made the announcement.
Wagenius pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, extortion in relation to computer fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, a maximum penalty of five years in prison for extortion in relation to computer fraud, and a mandatory two-year sentence consecutive to any other prison time for aggravated identity theft. Wagenius previously pleaded guilty in a separate case to two counts of unlawful transfer of confidential phone records information in connection with this conspiracy. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI and DCIS are investigating the case. The U.S. Army’s Criminal Investigative Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, and the National Security Cyber Section provided valuable assistance. Flashpoint and Unit 221B also provided assistance.
Senior Counsel Louisa Becker and Trial Attorney George Brown of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sok Tea Jiang for the Western District of Washington are prosecuting the case.
A former Army soldier, who was most recently stationed in Texas, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to hack into telecommunications companies’ databases, access sensitive records, and extort the telecommunications companies by threatening to release the stolen data unless ransoms were paid.
According to court documents, between April 2023 and Dec. 18, 2024, Cameron John Wagenius, 21, used online accounts associated with the nickname “kiberphant0m” and conspired with others to defraud at least 10 victim organizations by obtaining login credentials for the organizations’ protected computer networks. The conspirators obtained these credentials using a hacking tool that they called SSH Brute, among other means. They used Telegram group chats to transfer stolen credentials and discuss gaining unauthorized access to victim companies’ networks. This activity happened while Wagenius was on active duty with the U.S. Army.
After data was stolen, the conspirators extorted the victim organizations both privately and in public forums. The extortion attempts included threats to post the stolen data on cybercrime forums such as BreachForums and XSS.is. The conspirators offered to sell stolen data for thousands of dollars via posts on these forums. They successfully sold at least some of this stolen data and also used stolen data to perpetuate other frauds, including SIM-swapping. In total, Wagenius and his co-conspirators attempted to extort at least $1 million from victim data owners.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller for the Western District of Washington, Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington of the FBI Seattle Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Kenneth DeChellis of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Cyber Field Office made the announcement.
Wagenius pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, extortion in relation to computer fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, a maximum penalty of five years in prison for extortion in relation to computer fraud, and a mandatory two-year sentence consecutive to any other prison time for aggravated identity theft. Wagenius previously pleaded guilty in a separate case to two counts of unlawful transfer of confidential phone records information in connection with this conspiracy. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI and DCIS are investigating the case. The U.S. Army’s Criminal Investigative Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, and the National Security Cyber Section provided valuable assistance. Flashpoint and Unit 221B also provided assistance.
Senior Counsel Louisa Becker and Trial Attorney George Brown of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sok Tea Jiang for the Western District of Washington are prosecuting the case.
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Mark Schlakman, Senior Program Director, The Florida State University Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, Florida State University
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis leads a tour of the new Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention facility for President Donald Trump and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.Andrew Cabellero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
While touring Alligator Alcatraz on July 1, 2025, President Donald Trump said, “This facility will house some of the menacing migrants, some of the most vicious people on the planet.” But new reporting from the Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times reveals that of more than 700 detainees, only a third have criminal convictions.
To find out more about the state of Florida’s involvement in immigration enforcement and who can be detained at Alligator Alcatraz, The Conversation spoke with Mark Schlakman. Schlakman is a lawyer and senior program director for The Florida State University Center for the Advancement of Human Rights. He also served as special counsel to Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles, working as a liaison of sorts with the federal government during the mid-1990s when tens of thousands of Haitians and Cubans fled their island nations on makeshift boats, hoping to reach safe haven in Florida.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has characterized the migrants being detained in facilities like Alligator Alcatraz as “murderers and rapists and traffickers and drug dealers.” Do we know if the detainees at Alligator Alcatraz have been convicted of these sorts of crimes?
The Times/Herald published a list of 747 current detainees as of Sunday, July 13, 2025. Their reporters found that about a third of the detainees have criminal convictions, including attempted murder, illegal reentry to the U.S., which is a federal crime, and traffic violations. Apparently hundreds more have charges pending, though neither the federal nor state government have made public what those charges are.
There are also more than 250 detainees with no criminal history, just immigration violations.
Is it a crime for someone to be in the U.S. without legal status? In other words, is an immigration violation a crime?
No, not necessarily. It’s well established as a matter of law that physical presence in the U.S. without proper authorization is a civil violation, not a criminal offense.
However, if the federal government previously deported someone, they can be subject to federal criminal prosecution if they attempt to return without permission. That appears to be the case with some of the detainees at Alligator Alcatraz.
What usually happens if a noncitizen commits a crime in the U.S.?
Normally, if a foreign national is accused of committing a crime, they are prosecuted in a state court just like anyone else. If found guilty and sentenced to incarceration, they complete their sentence in a state prison. Once they’ve served their time, state officials can hand them over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. They are subject to deportation, but a federal immigration judge can hear any grounds for relief.
DHS has clarified that it “has not implemented, authorized, directed or funded” Alligator Alcatraz, but rather the state of Florida is providing startup funds and running this facility. What is Florida’s interest in this? Are these mostly migrants who have been scooped up by ICE in Florida?
It’s still unclear where most of these detainees were apprehended. But based on a list of six detainees released by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office, it is clear that at least some were apprehended outside of Florida, and others simply may have been transferred to Alligator Alcatraz from federal custody elsewhere.
To establish Alligator Alcatraz, DeSantis leveraged an immigration emergency declaration, which has been ongoing since Jan. 6, 2023. A state of emergency allows a governor to exercise extraordinary executive authority. This is how he avoided requirements such as environmental impact analysis in the Everglades and concerns expressed by tribal governance surrounding that area.
This presents a stark contrast to Gov. Lawton Chiles’declaration of an immigration emergency during the mid-1990s. At that time, tens of thousands of Cubans and Haitians attempted to reach Florida shores in virtually anything that would float. Chiles’ actions as governor were informed by his experience as a U.S. senator during the Mariel boatlift in 1980, when 125,000 Cubans made landfall in Florida over the course of just six months.
During my tenure on Chiles’ staff, the governor generally opposed state legislation involving immigration. In the U.S.’s federalist system of government, immigration falls under the purview of the federal government, not the states. Chiles’ primary concern was that Floridians wouldn’t be saddled with what ought to be federal costs and responsibilities.
Chiles was open to state and local officials supporting federal immigration enforcement. But he was mindful this required finesse to avoid undermining community policing, public health priorities and the economic health of key Florida businesses and industries. To this day, the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s position reflects Chiles’ concerns about such cooperation with the federal government.
Now, in 2025, DeSantis has taken a decidedly different tack by using Florida taxpayer dollars to establish Alligator Alcatraz. The state of Florida has fronted the US$450 million to pay for this facility. DeSantis reportedly intends to seek reimbursement from FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program. Ultimately, congressional action may be necessary to obtain reimbursement. Florida is essentially lending the federal government half a billion dollars and providing other assistance to help support the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement agenda.
You advised Florida Division of Emergency Management leadership directly for several years during the administrations of Gov. Charlie Crist and Gov. Rick Scott. Does running a detention facility like Alligator Alcatraz fall within its typical mission?
The division is tasked with preparing for and responding to both natural and human-caused disasters. In Florida, that generally means hurricanes. While the division may engage to facilitate shelter, I don’t recall any policies or procedures contemplating anything even remotely similar to Alligator Alcatraz.
DeSantis could conceivably argue that this is consistent with a 287(g) agreement authorizing state and local support for federal immigration enforcement. But such agreements typically require federal supervision of state and local activities, not the other way around.
Mark Schlakman served as special counsel to Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles and as a consultant to Emilio Gonzalez at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during his tenure as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director during the George W. Bush administration.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Aaron Bean Florida (4th District)
WASHINGTON—After filing the Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Spending Act, DOGE Caucus founder and chair U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) urged bipartisan support for the bill and highlighted the immediate need to rein in wasteful federal spending.
Below are Congressman Bean’s remarks as delivered:
168 billion dollars. That was the amount the federal government improperly paid last year. We paid some bills two or three times. We paid the wrong invoices altogether. We paid invoices we didn’t know we paid because there was no tracking mechanism.
If only there were a bill to require the Department of the Treasury to ensure accuracy and eligibility in federal spending.
Wait there is! I just filed it Mr. Speaker, and it’s the Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Spending Act.
The war on waste, fraud, and abuse begins today by requiring the Treasury Department to simply track, verify, and cross-check payments, and that’s what the DOGE in Spending Act will do.
Mr. Speaker, the American people deserve accountability and transparency. I urge all my colleagues to join me, and I’m saving a co-sponsorship for each of you.
Let’s deliver results and let’s go get’em!
BACKGROUND
Congressman Bean is building momentum not only among his colleagues in the House, but also from outside organizations and industry stakeholders who recognize the importance of fiscal accountability and the need for commonsense reforms. By engaging think tanks, taxpayer advocacy groups, and public-sector watchdogs, he is rallying a broad coalition committed to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in federal spending.
A comprehensive list of stakeholders supporting H.R. 4311 includes: America First Policy Institute, Americans for Prosperity, Council for Citizens Against Government Waste, Foundations for Government Accountability, Heritage Action, Open the Books, and The LIBRE Initiative.
Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced that several of her provisions were included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026.
“I’m proud to see that this year’s NDAA includes provisions that will expand protections for service members and make our country more secure,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This bill prioritizes the service members who put their lives on the line for our country, and it includes provisions that will expand health care for service members, help victims of sexual assault, and address brain-related health incidents. I’m also pleased to see that this bill expands my Cyber Service Academy scholarship program—which provides students with full scholarships in exchange for public service after school—and includes millions in funding for Fort Drum, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, and other New York military installations.”
A list of Senator Gillibrand’s priorities included in the FY2026 NDAA is below:
Personnel:
Expanding access to sexual assault medical forensic examinations by requiring the Secretary of Defense to authorize military medical treatment facilities to provide sexual assault medical forensic examinations to all victims, not just victims who are eligible for military health care.
Bolstering OBGYN care at Fort Drum by directing a briefing on the adequacy and sufficiency of OBGYN care for TRICARE beneficiaries in the installation’s vicinity.
Protecting service members’ brain health by conducting blast exposure monitoring within Special Operations Command.
Helping victims of anomalous health incidents by encouraging the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide the cross-functional team addressing anomalous health incidents (AHIs) with adequate resources to continue its efforts, particularly treatment of those affected by AHIs, and by ensuring timely compensation under the Helping American Victims Afflicted by Neurological Attacks (HAVANA) Act of 2021.
Cyber:
In the FY2023 NDAA, Gillibrand created the Cyber Service Academy scholarship program to address the widespread shortage in government cyber personnel. The program grants students a full scholarship in return for public service in a cyber-related discipline in DoD or the Intelligence Community. Successful applicants are provided a scholarship covering the full cost of tuition, select books and fees, a stipend, purchase of a laptop, and more. The following Cyber Service Academy provisions were included in this year’s NDAA:
Funding to roughly double the number of scholarships available through the Cyber Service Academy scholarship program.
Encouraging DoD to expand eligibility for the scholarship to freshmen and sophomores.
Other cyber provisions:
$10 million in additional funding for the Critical Infrastructure Defense Analysis Center (CIDAC), which works to identify DoD’s reliance on critical infrastructure such as power grids, water treatment, and telecommunications infrastructure and improve DoD’s resiliency against potential cyber and kinetic attacks by adversaries.
Requires the development of implementation plans for the creation of Joint Task Force-Cyber elements across the geographic combatant commands, starting with United States Indo-Pacific Command, that would have operational control over cyber forces in their areas of operations. This will better align operational control of cyber forces worldwide to better support combatant commanders.
New York Priorities:
Senator Gillibrand secured millions in funding for New York institutions in the NDAA, including:
$90 million for the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters Readiness Center, which will also clear the way for separate investments and construction at Watervliet Arsenal.
$300 million for LC-130J aircraft, and an additional $70 million for LC-130J non-recurring engineering, which enables the NY Air National Guard to prepare the aircraft for Arctic conditions
$54 million for the Combined Operations Facility at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station
$31 million for the Fort Hamilton Child Development Center
$21 million for the planning and design of future construction projects at Fort Drum:
$9.8 for Fort Drum aircraft maintenance hangar addition design
$8.7 million for Fort Drum Operational Readiness Training Center barracks design.
$2.5 million for Fort Drum Range 41c, Automated Record Fire Plus range design
Strategic Forces:
$500 million for Israeli Missile Defense Cooperative Programs such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow.
Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs):
Secured language to update congressional briefing requirements for UAP.
Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
Proposed Loosened Requirements Could Increase Risk Of Derailments, Spillage Of Dangerous Materials Like Crude Oil
Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee, is expressing concern about an attempt to reduce track inspections and otherwise loosen rail safety requirements. She is calling on the Federal Railroad Administration to maintain its commitment to strong safety standards.
If approved, the waiver would reduce the frequency of visual track inspections that railroads are required to conduct from twice a week to twice a month. They would also extend the time allowed to address identified track defects from immediately to a delay of up to three days. This means that passenger trains and trains carrying hazardous materials could be permitted to travel over tracks with known safety issues for as long as three days before repairs are made.
“Throughout New York and across the country, frequent inspections are vital to rail safety and efficiency. Although new safety technologies should be utilized whenever possible, we must ensure that we do not become overly reliant on new technologies and compromise existing, necessary safety practices,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am very concerned that this proposal would reduce the quality of track inspections and slow the repair of track defects. I urge the administration to deny this request, and I will continue to fight to increase the safety, efficiency, and reliability of rail systems across the country.”
A full copy of the letter can be found here or below.
Dear Mr. Feeley:
We write to express our concerns with a proposal from the Association of American Railroads to reduce track inspections and lessen requirements to repair track safety defects. The Biden Administration made rail safety a priority, and last year the freight railroad derailment rate decreased by 18 percent, the greatest reduction in the derailment rate in 40 years. We look forward to working with you to continue this downward trend.
We are supportive of the deployment of advanced safety technologies; but the Federal Railroad Administration should take care not to allow railroads to become overly reliant on technology. AAR on behalf of the Class I railroads, is seeking a waiver to loosen track safety inspection and repair requirements in exchange for deploying automated track inspection (ATI) technology. We know automated track inspection technology works; it has been around since the 1970s. Last year, the Biden Administration proposed requiring railroads to use this important safety technology. However, we are concerned that the exemptions from safety requirements the railroads are seeking could increase risks.
The waiver requests a decrease in the visual track inspections that railroads are required to conduct, from twice a week to twice a month. While automated track inspection technology is more effective at identifying track geometry defects, there are other safety issues that visual inspections may identify that automated track inspections may not. In fact, track inspectors are trained to look for 17 other kinds of track safety issues, other than track geometry issues, that could cause derailments, including broken rail ties, missing track spikes, and obstructions in the right of way that a train could hit. The waiver does not explain how reducing railroads’ obligation to check for the track issues that ATI technology cannot detect by up to 75 percent will reduce derailments.
Additionally, the waiver requests railroads that use ATI machines be allowed to take up to 72 hours to address a track safety defect once it is identified. Currently, if a human inspector finds a track defect, the track must be fixed immediately, or other remedial action must be taken, such as slowing the speed of trains on the track. If approved, this waiver would allow passenger trains and trains carrying crude oil, vinyl chloride, benzene, and other hazardous materials to travel over track with a known safety issue for up to three days. The waiver does not explain how slowing remediation response times for track safety defects will improve safety.
The National Transportation Safety Board has also expressed concerns with over relying on this technology. In its investigation of a September 2021 Amtrak Empire Train derailment on BNSF track in Joplin, Montana, the independent investigators at the National Transportation Safety Board stated that automated track inspections “do not capture the diverse array of unique track hazards detectable to human inspectors.” The report went further and said they “should not be used to supplant an inspector physically examining a track.[2]” We are concerned that the AAR’s proposal would do just that, reducing the inspections for all track safety issues that are currently inspected by humans in exchange for potentially improving the inspection of track geometry issues.
For these reasons, we request that you deny the Association of American Railroads’ request to waive track safety requirements and rather finalize the Biden Administration’s proposal to require railroads to use automated track inspection technology.
Sincerely,
Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
Proposed Loosened Requirements Could Increase Risk Of Derailments, Spillage Of Dangerous Materials Like Crude Oil
Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee, is expressing concern about an attempt to reduce track inspections and otherwise loosen rail safety requirements. She is calling on the Federal Railroad Administration to maintain its commitment to strong safety standards.
If approved, the waiver would reduce the frequency of visual track inspections that railroads are required to conduct from twice a week to twice a month. They would also extend the time allowed to address identified track defects from immediately to a delay of up to three days. This means that passenger trains and trains carrying hazardous materials could be permitted to travel over tracks with known safety issues for as long as three days before repairs are made.
“Throughout New York and across the country, frequent inspections are vital to rail safety and efficiency. Although new safety technologies should be utilized whenever possible, we must ensure that we do not become overly reliant on new technologies and compromise existing, necessary safety practices,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am very concerned that this proposal would reduce the quality of track inspections and slow the repair of track defects. I urge the administration to deny this request, and I will continue to fight to increase the safety, efficiency, and reliability of rail systems across the country.”
A full copy of the letter can be found here or below.
Dear Mr. Feeley:
We write to express our concerns with a proposal from the Association of American Railroads to reduce track inspections and lessen requirements to repair track safety defects. The Biden Administration made rail safety a priority, and last year the freight railroad derailment rate decreased by 18 percent, the greatest reduction in the derailment rate in 40 years. We look forward to working with you to continue this downward trend.
We are supportive of the deployment of advanced safety technologies; but the Federal Railroad Administration should take care not to allow railroads to become overly reliant on technology. AAR on behalf of the Class I railroads, is seeking a waiver to loosen track safety inspection and repair requirements in exchange for deploying automated track inspection (ATI) technology. We know automated track inspection technology works; it has been around since the 1970s. Last year, the Biden Administration proposed requiring railroads to use this important safety technology. However, we are concerned that the exemptions from safety requirements the railroads are seeking could increase risks.
The waiver requests a decrease in the visual track inspections that railroads are required to conduct, from twice a week to twice a month. While automated track inspection technology is more effective at identifying track geometry defects, there are other safety issues that visual inspections may identify that automated track inspections may not. In fact, track inspectors are trained to look for 17 other kinds of track safety issues, other than track geometry issues, that could cause derailments, including broken rail ties, missing track spikes, and obstructions in the right of way that a train could hit. The waiver does not explain how reducing railroads’ obligation to check for the track issues that ATI technology cannot detect by up to 75 percent will reduce derailments.
Additionally, the waiver requests railroads that use ATI machines be allowed to take up to 72 hours to address a track safety defect once it is identified. Currently, if a human inspector finds a track defect, the track must be fixed immediately, or other remedial action must be taken, such as slowing the speed of trains on the track. If approved, this waiver would allow passenger trains and trains carrying crude oil, vinyl chloride, benzene, and other hazardous materials to travel over track with a known safety issue for up to three days. The waiver does not explain how slowing remediation response times for track safety defects will improve safety.
The National Transportation Safety Board has also expressed concerns with over relying on this technology. In its investigation of a September 2021 Amtrak Empire Train derailment on BNSF track in Joplin, Montana, the independent investigators at the National Transportation Safety Board stated that automated track inspections “do not capture the diverse array of unique track hazards detectable to human inspectors.” The report went further and said they “should not be used to supplant an inspector physically examining a track.[2]” We are concerned that the AAR’s proposal would do just that, reducing the inspections for all track safety issues that are currently inspected by humans in exchange for potentially improving the inspection of track geometry issues.
For these reasons, we request that you deny the Association of American Railroads’ request to waive track safety requirements and rather finalize the Biden Administration’s proposal to require railroads to use automated track inspection technology.
Sincerely,
