Headline: Microsoft Flight Simulator: City Update 11 spotlights US Northeast states
Plymouth: The Mayflower Pilgrims landed at Plymouth in 1620, making it one of the most important historical sites in the United States. Called “America’s Hometown,” Plymouth is located 40 miles south of Boston and is the oldest settlement in New England.
New Jersey
Northeastern New Jersey: Cities include Newark, Hackensack, and Paterson, all of which are members of the greater New York metropolitan area. Newark, one of the oldest cities in the United States, is renowned for its contribution to the industrial development of the country and as a modern transportation hub. Hackensack is known for its historical importance during the American Revolution where George Washington established a headquarters. Paterson became a key location in the Industrial Revolution due to the energy supplied by the Great Falls of the Passaic River, around which the city was initially constructed.
Central Jersey: This AOI focuses on cities in the eastern portion of Central Jersey, including Elizabeth, New Brunswick, and Edison. Elizabeth was the first capital of New Jersey and is one of the state’s oldest cities. New Brunswick played an important role in the American Revolution and is an important university center. Edison (originally called Raritan Township) was named after famed American inventor Thomas Edison who established his research laboratory in the area and created several important innovations, including the incandescent light bulb and the phonograph.
New York
Brooklyn: Located on the western end of Long Island, Brooklyn is the most populous of the five boroughs of New York City. It lies just south of the borough of Queens and is connected to the borough of Manhattan by one tunnel and three bridges that span the East River. Brooklyn offers some of the most stunning views in all of New York City, notably of the Brooklyn Bridge, the East River, and lower Manhattan.
Manhattan: Manhattan is one of the most renowned urban centers in the world. The smallest borough by area of the five boroughs that compose New York City, Manhattan is often cited as the capital of several global industries, including finance, media, and entertainment. Known for its iconic architecture, Manhattan is home to the tallest building in both the United States and the Western Hemisphere, One World Trade Center (1,776 feet tall), and the second tallest in the Nation and the Western Hemisphere, Central Park Tower (1,550 feet tall).
Long Island’s East End: One of the most beautiful areas in the northeastern United States, Long Island’s East End is renowned for its pastoral landscapes, historic villages, colonial architecture, and maritime vistas. The update includes Southampton, one of the core towns of the well-known Hamptons resort area, and Montauk, the easternmost point in New York State and home to the spectacular Montauk Point Lighthouse.
Rhode Island
The update’s Rhode Island AOI covers all major cities in the state, including Providence, Cranston, and Warwick. Providence, established in 1636, is the capital and most populous city in the state. Providence, along with the cities of Cranston and Warwick to its south, are located along the mouth of the Providence River at the northern extremity of Narragansett Bay, which opens to the Atlantic Ocean.
City Update 11: Northeastern United States is available FREE to all owners of Microsoft Flight Simulator. Ensure that you have the latest simulator version installed (1.38.2.0 for MSFS2020 / 1.3.23.0 for MSFS2024 / 1.3.25.0 for MSFS2024 on Windows PC – Steam as of 06/27/2025), download City Update 11, and take to the skies above the Northeastern United States!
Microsoft Flight Simulator is available for Xbox Series X|S and PC with Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Windows, and Steam, and on Xbox One and supported mobile phones, tablets, and lower-spec PCs via Xbox Cloud Gaming. For the latest information onMicrosoft Flight Simulator, stay tuned to@MSFSOfficialon Twitter.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)
June 30, 2025
Honoring and Celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month
Washington, D.C. – In honor of Immigrant Heritage Month, Chair Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) and Co-Chair Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) have officially relaunched the bipartisan New Americans Caucus for the 119th Congress. This Caucus is composed of first-generation Members of Congress dedicated to advancing awareness and policies that uplift new Americans across the nation.
“As the only Member of Congress born in Guatemala, I am committed to amplifying the voices of new and aspiring Americans,” said Congresswoman Torres. “Our immigrant communities are the backbone of our country’s growth and innovation. Many new Americans continue to face systemic obstacles on their journey toward citizenship and full participation in society, especially during these difficult times. This caucus will continue to serve as a powerful platform to educate Congress and advocate for meaningful reforms that ensure everyone has the chance to succeed.”
“I’m proud to join Congresswoman Torres as Co-Chair of the New Americans Caucus during the 119th Congress and look forward to continuing our collective efforts to ensuring the rights of newly naturalized citizens to our nation,” said Rep. Espaillat, the first Dominican American and only formerly undocumented immigrant to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. “Our nation is facing unprecedented challenges, which is exacerbated for immigrant families amid this current administration. For many, the path to becoming citizens can mean life or death. We must do all it takes to support new Americans and their families through the citizenship process in ways that will afford them equal opportunities in America today and for future generations.”
The Caucus membership includes: Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Victoria Spartz (IN-05), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10).
The New Americans Caucus was founded in 2017 and honors the diverse origins of its members, who hail from countries including Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, India, Somalia, Taiwan, Ukraine, Mexico, South Korea, and Cuba.
Dr. Cato T. Laurencin is the founding editor-in-chief of the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, recognized as the leading voice in the field, published by Springer Nature.
“We are proud to work with Professor Sir Cato Laurencin on the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. As the Founding Editor-in-Chief of this important journal, he has made great strides in the advancement of research on racial and ethnic health disparities. The journal’s 2024 CiteScore is 7.5, ranking 5 out of 524 journals in the Anthropology category,” said Katherine Lang, executive publisher, Journals – Springer Nature.
Professor Sir Cato T. Laurencin is the University Professor at UConn and Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at UConn School of Medicine, professor of Chemical Engineering, professor of Materials Science and Engineering, and professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Connecticut. He is the chief executiveoOfficer of The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering, a cross-university institute created and named in his honor at UConn.
He completed his B.S.E. in Chemical Engineering at Princeton. At the same time, he completed the Program in African-American Studies at Princeton. He received his M.D., Magna Cum Laude from the Harvard Medical School and his Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology from M.I.T. Under the auspices of King George III of England, Laurencin was bestowed Knighthood by the Governor-General of St. Lucia.
Laurencin is a professor of Africana Studies at the University of Connecticut and chaired the Inaugural World Congress on Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, held in 2025 in St. Lucia. He received the Herbert V. Nickens Award from the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) for his work in advancing social justice and fairness. The NAACP awarded him the Spingarn Medal, given for “the highest or noblest achievement by an African American.” Previously the award was given to Dr. Charles Drew, Martin Luther King Jr., and Maya Angelou, among others. The W. Montague Cobb/NMA Health Institute and the National Medical Association created the Cato T. Laurencin Lifetime Research Achievement Award in his honor, bestowed at the opening ceremonies of the National Medical Association meeting.
When former President Joe Biden revealed in May that he had been diagnosed with an advanced and aggressive form of prostate cancer, the news rattled UConn’s Reza Amin ’18 Ph.D., ’19 MS.
Amin is the CEO and Founder of Bastion Health, the first and largest virtual urology group in the country. Bastion, a UConn startup, addresses men’s health care through at-home diagnostics, specialist-led care, and elimination of impediments to medical attention.
Detecting prostate cancer in its most treatable stage is more than a professional interest for Amin. He lost his grandfather to the disease and wants to spare others from that heartbreak.
“Prostate cancer is a cruel disease because it can often be asymptomatic and, without testing, men don’t know they have it,’’ he says. “The good news is that if prostate cancer is diagnosed early, the survival rate is close to 100 percent. Diagnosed later, it falls to about 40 percent.
“Our work at Bastion is about changing that equation—by offering early, accessible, and private care for our male patients,’’ he says. Bastion also addresses prostate, hormonal, and reproductive issues, as well as cancer prevention.
“Improving men’s access to care is at the heart of what we do. We’re building a future where men don’t delay care because of stigma, access issues, or inconvenience,’’ he says. “When care is confidential, virtual, and designed around them, men are more willing to use it.’’
Men’s Health a Growing Concern
Bastion Health is based at the UConn Technology Incubation Program (TIP) in Farmington, which unites research, facilities, and business support for high-impact startups.
The company, created in 2020, contracts with large employers who offer the medical service to their employees. Some 120,000 men—in all 50 states— have access to Bastion’s services. The company is growing quickly and is set to expand, adding multiple Fortune 500 employers to its ranks next year.
The statistics about men’s health are concerning. About one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. In the last seven years or so, there has been a spike in men being diagnosed with late-stage disease.
Reza Amin (courtesy of Bastion Health)
Bastion offers at-home testing, supported by a team of more than 60 board-certified urologists, who deliver comprehensive virtual care and guide patients every step of the way, offering fast referrals when in-person support is needed.
New patients begin with an app-based intake, followed by a nurse practitioner visit and at-home diagnostic kits delivered to their door. The tests cover blood, urine, semen, and stool. Samples are processed by certified labs, and results are reviewed by board-certified urologists to initiate treatment.
“The clinical accuracy matches traditional in-office care, but with greater convenience, faster follow-through, and a better patient experience,’’ Amin says. The normalization of telehealth following the COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated Bastion’s growth, making virtual specialty care not just viable—but preferred, he added.
The traditional health care system hasn’t evolved with men’s needs, and as a result, many men bypass it, Amin says. Long waits in a doctor’s office, missed time at work, embarrassing test requirements, and difficulty scheduling follow-up appointments result in men avoiding life-enhancing or life-saving care.
“Men deserve care that’s private, seamless, and designed for them, especially when it comes to issues ‘under the belt,’” Amin says. “We’re a team of technologists, physicians, nurses, and health professionals building the future of men’s health. With AI-powered telehealth, nationwide urologist access, and integrated at-home testing, we’re redefining specialty care—delivered from home, anywhere in the country. We are always keeping the patient in mind in whatever we do.”
The medical service not only improves outcomes and prevents late-stage diagnoses, but also reduces health care spending for employers and payers.
“Not only are we saving lives, but we are also saving companies a great deal of money. Every cancer patient who is diagnosed early saves employers and payers $300,000. That’s just huge,” Amin says. “In many cases that savings alone covers the cost of the program for the entire employee population.’’
From Avid Researcher to Business Entrepreneur
Amin’s business idea began 10 years ago when he was completing a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, with a focus on medical diagnostic system design, at UConn. He published his first paper on at-home testing and how it can help with cancer detection.
“It started as an idea on paper, but it pieced things together,’’ he says. As the idea took root, Amin realized he wanted to create something more impactful than a testing company. He wanted to transform access to care.
“We dove into everything—regulations, diagnostics, emerging tech,” he says. “Today, we’re an AI-powered virtual care platform integrating at-home testing and automated clinical workflows. With help from AI, we streamline medical documentation, enhance clinical decision-making, and engage patients more effectively, improving the experience for both patients and providers. It’s about reducing friction, increasing satisfaction, and delivering high-quality care at scale.”
The year after completing his Ph.D., Amin added a master’s degree in global entrepreneurship from UConn to his resume. He is also the co-founder of Encapsulate, a precision personalized cancer therapy program.
Urologists Often Difficult to Find
Because urology practices are most frequently located in cities, some 62% of United States counties don’t have a single urologist, Amin says. That makes it difficult for many men, even those who are health-conscious, to get an appointment and schedule follow-ups if a problem is detected.
At Bastion, the team tries to make accessing care as seamless as possible. A dedicated care coordinator alerts men to appointments, testing, and medication refills. If follow-up care is needed, the patient is quickly referred to a health care system that can address even complex treatment.
If men are comfortable receiving care at home, let’s bring it to them there. We are leading the market but not abandoning high-quality service. — Reza Amin, Bastion Health
Through Bastion’s focus on patient satisfaction, Amin and his team reviewed and adopted technologies designed with the male patient experience in mind—making it easy to collect blood, urine, semen, and stool from home.
“We strive to be tech-savvy and futuristic thinking,” he says. “If men are comfortable receiving care at home, let’s bring it to them there. We are leading the market but not abandoning high-quality service.”
UConn Instrumental in Bastion’s Success
Bastion Health has also benefitted from numerous UConn entrepreneurship programs through the School of Business, College of Engineering, the Werth Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. As an entrepreneur, Amin says, he ran into many people who discouraged his efforts. The support from UConn offset the challenges.
“Our company is a UConn spinoff. We’re Huskies through and through. We’ve had great support, lab and office space, and we utilize talent from UConn,” Amin says.
Amin has also competed in prestigious entrepreneurship competitions, including Connect Next, Mayo Clinic Incubator, Mass Challenge, and Plug & Play.
Bastion has been recognized in Forbes twice and as a Top 100 Healthcare Tech Company by Healthcare Tech Report Nation. He was also chosen as a “40 Under Forty” award recipient by the Hartford Business Journal.
“In growing this business, I realized that talent is key. I wanted to spend enough time to find the right people. Technology and funding are important, but it is talent that brings the ideas, builds the culture, and shares the vision that creates value,’’ he says. “Our partnerships and alignment are very important.’’
‘It Impacts Everyone and Everything’
Although Amin is focused on caring for men’s health, he recognizes the work he does has a profound ripple effect.
“Whether you’re addressing men’s health, women’s health, or children’s health, it is all family health,” he says. “Everyone wants a healthy family and if any one member has a problem, it impacts everyone and everything, from fear and disruption to employment and income concerns.”
“Losing lives to conditions that are treatable, when solutions exist and can’t be accessed, is failure,” he says. “We hope to save many families from going through the terrible experience of advanced prostate cancer.’’
overnor Kathy Hochul today released the Final Report for New York’s first-ever Master Plan for Aging (MPA). The MPA Final Report contains more than 100 proposals directed towards all levels of government, the social sector and private enterprise, all with the aim of helping individuals age with dignity, independence and the support they need and deserve to thrive.
“Every New Yorker should be able to age with dignity and independence,” Governor Hochul said. “The Master Plan for Aging builds on our ongoing efforts to empower older adults and advance New York’s status as an age-friendly state. I thank the hundreds of stakeholders, state agency staff and partners who worked to develop these proposals and look forward to reviewing the report.”
The report’s release was accompanied by a newly unveiled MPA website featuring the complete report and a sortable library of its 100-plus proposals, available in multiple languages at https://planforaging.ny.gov/.
The MPA advances goals outlined in the Governor’s 2022 State of the State Address and Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Executive Budget. It was formally established by Executive Order No. 23, signed in November 2022.
The Master Plan for Aging, led by the New York State Department of Health, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the New York State Department of State is the product of a collaborative effort with dozens of stakeholders inside and outside of government.
New York has the fourth-largest population of older adults in the U.S., with 3.2 million individuals – about 16 percent of the population – over age 65. The state’s population of those over the age of 60 is projected to grow to 5.3 million by 2030, with those over 80 years of age exceeding 1.2 million – growing faster than any other age group in some areas of the state. By 2030, older adults will make up 25 to 30 percent of the population in most New York counties.
New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “The Master Plan for Aging was created by New Yorkers, for New Yorkers, so we can age successfully and independently—on our terms—right here in New York.”
New York State Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen said, “The final Master Plan for Aging is a true triumph of collective problem-solving. Under the vision of Governor Hochul, the MPA has brought together hundreds of the brightest and most accomplished minds from diverse fields and sectors – all contributing their talent to create this historic roadmap for an age-friendly New York. The Master Plan for Aging outlines over 100 proposals, each holding the promise to make a real difference in the lives of individuals as they age. Just as importantly, this document assesses the potential challenges, opportunities and pathways for action on each proposal, making it both visionary and practical. I applaud Governor Hochul, our state agency partners, the stakeholders and the public for their contributions to this historic outcome for older adults in New York State.”
New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to the lives of older New Yorkers is on full display with this comprehensive Master Plan for Aging, which will guide aging policy in the state well into the future. The way we plan and develop our communities has a tremendous impact on the health, safety and quality of life of older New Yorkers. The Department of State was proud to have played a pivotal role in the development of the Master Plan for Aging, with our partners at Department of Health and State Office for the Aging. We stand ready to support the next phase of plan implementation through our planning and development programs, like the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, NY Forward and Smart Growth, which create livable communities for people of all ages and abilities.”
Hundreds of stakeholders participated in a process of MPA workgroups to develop the MPA Final Report proposals. Organized into eight subcommittees and over 34 workgroups, the stakeholders coalesced around nine overarching pillars, which were:
Affordability of Basic Necessities
Informal Caregiver and Workforce Support and Modernization of Community-Based Aging Network Service
Modernization and Financial Sustainability of Healthcare, Residential Facilities and Community-Based Aging Network Service Providers
Prevention, Wellness Promotion and Access
Housing Access and Community Development
Access to Services in and Engagement with Historically Underserved Communities
Social Engagement of Older Adults
Combatting Elder Abuse, Ageism, Ableism and Stigma
Technology Access and Development
The MPA builds upon New York’s status as a nation-leader in aging policy, as evidenced by New York’s designation as the first Age-Friendly State in the nation by AARP. This designation recognizes the State’s commitment to addressing “the environmental, economic and social factors that affect the health and well-being of older adults.”
The 100-plus proposals presented in the MPA Final Report explore multiple approaches that address the built environment and infrastructure, transportation and transit, financing of care and services, recruitment and retention of the long term care workforce, licensing and training, pilot initiatives that can bring together providers and community services, innovations in care and service delivery, public-private partnerships, and many more.
The MPA process is already having an impact. The FY 2026 Enacted State Budget includes $45 million in additional funds to expand community-based aging services offered through Area Agencies on Aging — a critical priority identified by the MPA. This funding will help to reduce waiting lists for services such as home-delivered meals, assistance from personal care aides for activities of daily living, transportation assistance, home adaptations, case management to assist with person-centered resources, and other community-based supports. Going forward, the MPA provides a range of strategies for state agencies, the Legislature, stakeholders and partners to consider as New York pursues policies, programs and collaborations that will benefit older adults and their families.
The MPA Final Report builds on the MPA Preliminary Report issued in August of 2023 and Interim Report issued in October of 2024.
The MPA Council, which is made up of New York State executive agencies, will continue to engage stakeholders from groups and communities across the State and coordinate efforts across state agencies to ensure that policy and programs supporting New York’s aging population are moving forward.
The Master Plan for Aging Final Report can be found here.
New York State Department of Health First Deputy Commissioner and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Eugene Heslin said, “The Master Plan for Aging Process brought together public and private sector stakeholders to discuss the factors that impact aging in our communities. The result is a compendium of suggested strategies to help focus state agencies, the legislature and private partners supporting New Yorkers as they age.”
State Senator Cordell Cleare said, “The planning process that gave rise to the MPA was truly a grassroots effort and labor of love by those who have dedicated their professional lives to empowering, protecting and prioritizing Older New Yorkers. I look forward to digging into the granular details–but more importantly, I welcome the opportunity to turn this plan into a comprehensive package of legislative solutions backed by permanent and recurring funding.”
Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright said, “Governor Hochul’s Final Report for the Master Plan for Aging serves as a critical blueprint for advancing affordability, expanding pathways to aging in place and elevating the system of care and quality of life for older New Yorkers. As Chair of Aging and Assembly Member of the largest cohort of older adults in Manhattan, I’m proud to partner with the Governor, Leader Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Heastie, Senate Aging Chair Cleare, legislative colleagues, advocates and stakeholders toward ensuring that aging New Yorkers have the equitable and affordable city and state that they deserve, that they have earned.”
MPA Coalition co-chairs Nora O’Brien-Suric and Bob Blancato said, “We commend Governor Hochul on the release of an historic and holistic Master Plan for Aging. The MPA Coalition is proud to be the largest stakeholder group advocating for the MPA. We now will shift our focus to helping ensure the priority recommendations in the plan are implemented in a timely manner.”
AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel said, “The Master Plan for Aging has created a valuable opportunity for stakeholders across New York to assess our current systems and propose policies that better support aging New Yorkers now and in the future. Governor Hochul is already making meaningful progress with the historic investment in aging services in the final state budget this year. The real challenge lies ahead as we work together to implement these proposals and turn this visionary plan into reality.”
Association on Aging in New York (AgingNY) Executive Director Rebecca Preve said, “As a key MPA stakeholder, the Association on Aging in New York contributed at multiple levels in the development of this pioneering roadmap of proposals to support older adults and create opportunities for successful aging in New York State. This process has already yielded game-changing outcomes, including additional funds in this year’s state budget for Area Agencies on Aging to meet locally determined needs for services. We look forward to supporting the MPA’s progress in partnership with stakeholders across sectors.”
Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Inc. President and CEO Ann Marie Cook said, “I applaud Governor Hochul for her Executive Order to create a New York State Master Plan for Aging and for her steadfast support of older New Yorkers. The process involved thousands of people – everyone from older adults, to aging service professionals, to family caregivers. The plan creates a critical roadmap to ensure that aging New Yorkers are able to live and thrive in our state. I am proud to have participated in this process and look forward to doing everything I can to implement this historic plan.”
ARCHANGELS CEO and Co-founder Alexandra Drane said, “All of us do it, whether we realize it or not: we care. In fact, over 40% of us across our nation are showing up in foundational ways for family, friends, neighbors. The intensity of that care is real – and it manifests in all aspects of our health and productivity. New York’s Master Plan for Aging marks a powerful shift: it recognizes this population as the economic backbone of New York State and elevates this often-invisible work as essential infrastructure. Through public-private partnerships like Any Care Counts-NY and the bold, cross-sector ideas in this truly comprehensive plan, New York is turning good intentions into real-world support and impact for caregivers and the people, businesses, and communities who rely on them. ARCHANGELS is honored to continue our long-term partnership with New York in this transformative work – because supporting caregivers isn’t just good policy, it’s smart economics, and it gets to the very heart of an age-friendly New York.”
ArchCare CEO Scott La Rue said, “Being a stakeholder in the development of the NYS Master Plan for Aging was a truly positive experience. The process was remarkably inclusive, offering multiple avenues for New Yorkers and their representatives to provide invaluable input. This forward-thinking document will undoubtedly guide the state effectively as its population of older adults continues to grow.”
VNS Health President and CEO Dan Savitt said, “Governor Hochul’s Master Plan for Aging is an essential step forward for New York, responding with deep clarity and vision to the demographic, economic, and health care realities of our time. As the state’s largest home- and community-based care provider, VNS Health is proud to have contributed to the Governor’s bold plan and will work collaboratively with the Administration to harness technology, strengthen partnerships, and expand access to care so that all older New Yorkers are able to age with the dignity, independence and support they deserve.”
LeadingAge New York President and CEO Sebrina Barrett said, “As the only statewide organization dedicated to the entire continuum of care for older New Yorkers, LeadingAge New York supports the MPA’s comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of older adults. With a growing population of older adults and a shrinking number of working-age caregivers, we need to act swiftly and decisively to ensure access to appropriate services and the necessary workforce to provide them. We welcome the report’s attention to innovative solutions, such as housing with services, and its proposals to address provider regulations and payment rules that limit access and fragment care. We are excited to continue the productive inter-agency and multi-stakeholder collaboration that has arisen from the MPA process, as we work to promote a high-quality continuum of care for older New Yorkers today and in the future.”
John A. Hartford Foundation President Terry Fulmer, PhD, RN, FAAN said, “Every New Yorker deserves to age with the support and care they need to maintain their health and well-being, and this statewide plan for aging moves us in the right direction. We applaud everyone involved in the creation of this robust blueprint for action and look forward to working with partners to prioritize and implement the proposed recommendations so that our state’s health systems and all sectors become age-friendly.”
It’s official. The Wyoming Air National Guard formally recognized their recruiting and retention unit as a flight during an Activation and Assumption of Command Ceremony last week.
When U.S. Air Force Capt. Nicole Zoellner raised her hand in salute during the ceremony, she also became one of the first commanders in the country to lead recruiting and retention as an official unit.
The activation of a new flight marks an important milestone by establishing a unit designed to support the mission of the United States Air Force and the Wyoming Air National Guard.
The term “flight” dates to World War One and was originally used to designate a group of aircraft. Today, the term can be used for any kind of group with a distinct mission.
And the Recruiting and Retention Flight at the Wyoming Air National Guard have a big one.
The number one priority for leadership at the Wyoming Air National Guard is bringing in the next generation of talent. This is no small feat, especially when one considers that Wyoming is the least populated state in the country, with the lowest population density as well.
In fact, the state has more antelopes than people.
But the number of enlistments for the Wyoming Air National Guard continues to increase in large part thanks to the grit, drive, and determination of the Wyoming Air National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Flight. Last year, they ranked in the top 15 recruiting and retention units nationwide in total accessions.
During the Activation and Assumption of Command Ceremony last week, Brigadier General Barry Deibert presented the official activation orders. The audience rose for the publishing of the order. Military members stood at attention. The guidon posted the flag unwaveringly.
“By order of the Adjutant General and the Governor of Wyoming, effective 17 May, 2025, Recruiting and Retention Flight, Joint Force Headquarters, is hereby activated to support the mission of the 153rd Airlift Wing, United States Air Force,” Deibert said.
With the activation of the flight, it was time to recognize its leadership.
Zoellner faced Deibert and saluted.
“Sir, I assume command,” she said.
With the passing of the orders, the Recruiting and Retention Flight at the Wyoming Air National Guard will gain additional resources to achieve their mission. The flight will now have a defined chain of command, additional manning, and new opportunities for the recruiters to advance in their career field.
Also, they will now be known as talent management craftsmen.
“This is such an exciting time for the flight to be moving forward,” Zoellner said. “Recruiting and retention has always been given the expectation to push and do more, but now they are given the resources to make that happen.”
They’re tasked to reach 102% manning for the 153rd Airlift Wing in 2028.
“Our recruiters let interested people know that by joining the Wyoming Air Guard they can be the heroes of their own story, and we are here to be their guide,” Zoellner said. “You need tuition assistance for school? You want to be a part of something bigger than yourself? We have a solution, but it’s your story.”
The Recruiting and Retention Flight of the Wyoming Air National Guard are on the frontline of the future, taking on the mission of attracting the next generation of the best and brightest.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (Wisconsin 3rd)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) released the following statement on the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decision to decline the argument for redrawing the state’s congressional district lines:
“Today’s decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court is a victory for the rule of law, election integrity, and the Constitution. The lines as they stand were drawn by Governor Evers and affirmed by the previous state Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court. The Democrats’ repeated attempts to redraw the congressional maps were solely because they did not like the results of free and fair elections.
“I am grateful to the state Supreme Court for being impartial in their decision and not caving to partisan politics. “It is honor to serve Wisconsin’s Third District.”
By Staff Sgt. Kristina Kranz, 197th Public Affairs Detachment
CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Service members, veterans, and civilians gathered at Joint Force Headquarters in Cheyenne on June 12 to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States Army, a historic milestone honoring a legacy of service that began in 1775. The ceremony featured remarks, tributes, and time-honored traditions, including a proclamation signing by Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon and a ceremonial cake cutting by the Wyoming Army National Guard’s oldest and youngest Soldiers present.
Gordon officially declared June 14, the Army’s founding date, as “U.S. Army Day” in Wyoming, recognizing the Army’s role in safeguarding the nation and Wyoming’s deep-rooted military heritage. In his proclamation, Gordon acknowledged the Army’s 250 years of selfless service and traced Wyoming’s contributions back to the formation of militia units in the 19th century, culminating in the modern-day Wyoming Army National Guard.
“In the words of General George S. Patton, ‘Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men and women’,” said Gordon. “God bless the United States. God bless our Army. Ride for the brand. That is the condition.”
The event was led by Master of Ceremonies Maj. Eric Jacobs, who highlighted the Army’s historical significance and mission: “This We’ll Defend.” Distinguished guests included Brig. Gen. Toby Alkire, deputy adjutant general; Chief Warrant Officer 5 Derek Fisbeck, command chief warrant officer; and Command Sgt. Maj. Thad Ehde, command senior enlisted leader. A commemorative video set the tone for the celebration, reflecting on the Army’s evolution, from its beginnings in the Revolutionary War to its role in today’s complex global landscape.
“TheArmy is more than a force, it’s a family,” said Jacobs. “Our strength lies not in our weapons, butin our people.”
The ceremony concluded with the traditional cake-cutting ceremony, with the oldest and youngest Soldier, symbolizing the Army’s continuity and future. This year’s honor went to Sgt. 1st Class Eric Cothren and Pvt. 1st Class Hayden Pindell. The gesture symbolizes the continuity of service from one generation to the next.
Headline: Governor Stein Announces New Auto Industry Supplier Will Create 125 Jobs in Rutherford County
Governor Stein Announces New Auto Industry Supplier Will Create 125 Jobs in Rutherford County lsaito
Raleigh, NC
Governor Josh Stein announced today that TMG & Haartz Solutions LLC, a new joint venture to supply synthetic leather materials for automotive interiors, will create 125 jobs over the next five years in Rutherford County. The company will invest $51 million in Bostic to establish an industrial facility to supply original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Mercedes Benz, Volvo, BMW, GM, Toyota, and Ford.
“North Carolina’s robust network of suppliers to the automotive industry grows stronger today with TMG Haartz Solutions’ decision to locate in our state,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Manufacturing companies understand that North Carolina’s workforce training programs can help supply the skilled craftspeople they need.”
TMG Haartz Solutions is a new joint venture formed by two family-owned companies, each with long histories of serving the automotive industry. The Haartz Corporation, formed in 1907 with headquarters in Acton, Massachusetts, is a world leader in highly engineered and uniquely designed convertible toppings and interior surface materials. TMG Automotive (TMG), a business unit of the TMG Group with headquarters in Portugal, is a world leader in automotive interior surface materials, notably synthetic leathers.
The new company, TMG Haartz Solutions, will focus on the localized supply of highly engineered synthetic leather materials for automotive interior trim components such as seat covers, instrument panels, door pillars, and shift gear boots. The company’s mission aims to drive the next generation of automotive design by crafting precision materials that reflect the company’s global expertise, commitment to local stewardship, and dedication to a lighter environmental footprint. The company’s project in Rutherford County will establish an industrial manufacturing center in Bostic at a site previously used for the Milliken Golden Valley plant.
“Our journey began with a commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, values passed down through generations of the Gonçalves family,” said Isabel Furtado, Board Member at TMG Group & Board Member and CEO at TMG Automotive. “From our roots in Portugal to this new chapter in the United States, we have always believed in building relationships based on trust, respect, and shared purpose. The relationship between Gonçalves and Haartz families is more than a business alliance—it is a story of mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for the future of mobility.”
“Collaboration is one of our core values at Haartz, and our relationship with the Gonçalves family and TMG Automotive is a shining example of how shared values, mutual respect, and family heritage can transcend business,” said Eric Haartz, CEO at The Haartz Corporation. “What began as a business relationship has grown into a deep bond between our families — one that continues to inspire innovation and lasting impact. We are honored to take this next step together, bringing our combined strengths to an exciting new chapter in the United States.”
“North Carolina is the number one manufacturing state in the Southeastern United States, and our leadership has been noticed by companies around the world,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “From our world-class transportation networks to our concentration of workers with manufacturing experience, we can offer companies like TMG Haartz Solutions the right ingredients for success.”
Although wages will vary depending on the position, the average salary for the new positions will be $64,218, compared with an average wage in Rutherford County of $46,673.
The company’s project in North Carolina will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee earlier today. Over the course of the 12-year term of this grant, the project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by more than $352.59 million. Using a formula that takes into account the new tax revenues generated by the new jobs, the JDIG agreement authorizes the potential reimbursement to the company of up to $1,463,000, spread over 12 years. State payments only occur following performance verification by the departments of Commerce and Revenue that the company has met its incremental job creation targets.
The project’s projected return on investment of public dollars is 125 per cent, meaning for every dollar of potential cost, the state receives $2.25 in state revenue. JDIG projects result in positive net tax revenue to the state treasury, even after taking into consideration the grant’s reimbursement payments to a given company.
“I’m pleased to see two family-owned companies with great reputations begin their next phase of growth together right here in North Carolina and Rutherford County,” said Senator Tim Moffitt. “We are a family-friendly region and our community will rally around and support this company as it begins to put down roots in our area.”
“It takes a lot of work behind the scenes by many community and economic development groups to bring a great company like TMG Haartz Solutions to our region,” said Representative Paul Scott. “We welcome these new jobs and this confident investment in the people of Rutherford County.”
Partnering with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina on this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the Commerce Department’s Division of Workforce Solutions, Isothermal Community College, Rutherford County, and Rutherford County Economic Development.
With this announcement, since January 1st, Governor Stein has announced business expansions or new projects that will make more than $16.3 billion of new capital investment in North Carolina and create more than 18,000 new good-paying jobs.
Headline: Governor Stein Highlights Ongoing Efforts to Expand Access to Good Jobs with Good Wages
Governor Stein Highlights Ongoing Efforts to Expand Access to Good Jobs with Good Wages lsaito
Raleigh, NC
Today at Central Piedmont Community College, Governor Josh Stein’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships announced its first report, outlining its goals to expand access to good jobs with good wages that will support a family.
“You shouldn’t have to get a four-year degree to get a good job and support your family,” said Governor Stein. “That’s why I am committed to creating more good-paying jobs and pursuing the goals in this report so that our people have the skills and knowledge they need to build strong careers and bright futures in a changing economy.”
“The Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships featured the expertise of representatives from everyone in our workforce system, from employers and labor to educators and state officials,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Meeting the goals adopted by the Council will be vital to continuing North Carolina’s economic success, because our talented people give us our competitive edge.”
“Communities in every corner of the state, whether they are urban or rural, all need workers with the right skills for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Senator Eddie Settle. “The Council’s goals identify the top priorities for North Carolina to continue building an exceptional business climate, while allowing all workers to have opportunities for rewarding careers.”
“Building upon North Carolina’s strong tradition of collaboration in workforce development, the Council has highlighted important ways that we can use education, training, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning partnerships to meet the needs of employers,” said Dr. Jeff Cox, president of the N.C. Community College System. “Our outstanding 58 community colleges look forward to playing a key role in meeting these goals.”
The 11 goals approved by the Council and submitted to Governor Stein are:
1. Ensure 2 million North Carolinians aged 25-44 will have earned an industry-valued credential or degree.
2. By graduation, ensure that every high school student has completed coursework that results in transferable credit or credentials/certifications in preparation for the postsecondary pathway of their choice. The coursework includes dual enrollment, Career & Technical Education (CTE) concentrator, Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC), Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate, and work-based learning courses.
3. For graduating high school students, increase postsecondary enrollment, employment, or enlistment in the military within 12 months of high school graduation.
4. Double the number of registered apprentices.
5. Increase participation in work-based learning:
Double the number of work-based learning experiences through the NCWorks system with funding from Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I and the Native American Workforce Program.
Double the number of high school students participating in work-based learning.
Increase by 25% the number of community college students participating in work-based learning courses.
Increase by 25% work-based learning experiences including Correction Enterprises roles and work-release at state correctional facilities.
Increase by 15% work-based learning experiences for individuals with disabilities through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title IV funds.
Double the number of students participating in the state government internship program.
6. Engage 50,000 employers to partner with the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships on achieving its goals.
7. Establish and expand coordinated partnerships between education and workforce agencies and employers to increase alignment of resources to better address current and projected employer needs. Partnerships will result, on an annual basis, in the identification of local industry-valued training across the education continuum, shared planning for educational courses to meet these training needs, and increased use of available federal and state funds to support training in these programs.
8. Create statewide sector-based workforce development strategies for at least 3 key industries, including, but not limited to, advanced manufacturing, education, and health care.
9. Develop a plan to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills development into sector-based strategies and work-based learning in key industries to build a future-ready workforce.
10. Reduce state government vacancy rate to 15%.
11. Launch a coordinated statewide public outreach effort to broaden awareness and participation in workforce development programs by employers, learners, jobseekers, and incumbent workers, with an emphasis on reaching under-tapped talent pools like rural communities, veterans and their families, individuals with disabilities, and justice-involved people.
Established through Executive Order No. 11 as an advisory body within the NCWorks Commission, the Council is co-chaired by N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, N.C. Senator Eddie Settle, and N.C. Community College System President Dr. Jeff Cox. The Department of Commerce and the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) provide administrative support for the Council’s work. The Council will continue to meet and will develop a second report, due in December 2025, detailing proposed strategies to attain each goal.
Since January 1st, Governor Stein has announced business expansions or new projects that will make more than $16.3 billion of new capital investment in North Carolina and create more than 18,000 new good-paying jobs.
Headline: NCDHHS Holds Virtual Educational Briefing on Federal SNAP and Medicaid Proposals
NCDHHS Holds Virtual Educational Briefing on Federal SNAP and Medicaid Proposals jawerner
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services invites members of the media to a virtual educational briefing on Tuesday, July 1, at 10 a.m. to provide clarity on recent federal proposals that could significantly impact Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in North Carolina. The briefing will outline the major differences between the House and Senate budget proposals, including how each could affect access to health care and nutrition assistance for North Carolinians.
This educational session is designed to support accurate and informed reporting as federal negotiations continue.
What: Virtual Media Briefing on Federal Medicaid and SNAP Proposals
Who: Secretary Dev Sangvai Jonathan Kappler, NCDHHS Chief of Staff Karen Wade, NCDHHS Policy Director Jay Ludlam, NCDHHS Deputy Secretary of NC Medicaid
When: Tuesday, July 1 10 a.m.
Where: Zoom. Please RSVP to news@dhhs.nc.gov if you can attend and to receive the link.
What you need to know: Californians are urged to practice common sense and safety when using fireworks to celebrate this Fourth of July. People who resort to using illegal fireworks will be held accountable.
SACRAMENTO – With Fourth of July celebrations set to go off with a bang across the state this week, Governor Gavin Newsom and state fire officials are reminding all Californians that the state has no tolerance for illegal fireworks. Over 600,000 pounds of illegal fireworks have already been seized in 2025.
The sale, transport, or use of fireworks without the “Office of the State Fire Marshal Safe and Sane” seal is illegal, as is possessing or using any fireworks in communities where they are not allowed. Violators face potential fines up to $50,000 as well as a year in jail.
“We all must do our part to keep Fourth of July fun and safe. I ask all Californians to use common sense and practice safety when lighting fireworks to celebrate. Our message is clear: illegal fireworks won’t be tolerated, and you will be prosecuted. They run the risk of starting dangerous fires in the peak of our fire season.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
Over the past several months, CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal’s specialized Arson and Bomb Investigators have been aiding local and federal illegal fireworks enforcement efforts. Last year, officials seized 288,000 pounds of illegal fireworks. The 10 year annual average is about 240,000 pounds seized per year.
Since 2024, fireworks have caused over $35 million in property damage across California, sparking 1,230 fires. Illegal fireworks include:
Skyrockets
Bottle rockets
Roman candles
Aerial shells
Firecrackers
Sparklers
Other fireworks that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner
“Already this year our Arson and Bomb Investigators, along with our partners, have successfully seized over 600,000 pounds of illegal fireworks from all over California,” said State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant. “Our recent enforcement efforts clearly demonstrate our zero tolerance toward the use, transportation, and possession of illegal fireworks. Even ‘Safe and Sane’ fireworks are banned in many communities and bring large fines for their illegal use.”
For a fun and safe Fourth of July, know your local fireworks laws. Some California communities ban all fireworks, while others allow certain “Safe and Sane” fireworks.
To learn more about fireworks safety and to view a full list of jurisdictions that allow the sale of Safe and Sane fireworks, go to ReadyforWildfire.org.
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San Antonio, Texas, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — JCE SEO Web Design & Digital Marketing, a Texas-based digital agency, announced today the launch of its new “digital revenue engines” initiative, aimed at delivering measurable business growth for high-ticket clients. This innovative approach redefines traditional digital marketing by shifting the focus from a menu of services to a results-driven model designed to generate revenue, enhance market positioning, and ensure predictable performance outcomes.
The traditional model of digital marketing often revolves around a menu of services, such as search engine optimization (SEO), social media management, and content creation. While these services are essential, they do not inherently guarantee success or revenue growth. JCE SEO recognizes that high-ticket clients are not merely interested in purchasing marketing services; they are looking for solutions that will drive their business forward. This understanding has led to the development of digital revenue engines, which are designed to deliver measurable outcomes that align with the clients’ business objectives.
At the core of JCE SEO’s digital revenue engines is the belief that businesses should sell outcomes rather than services. This philosophy is particularly relevant for high-ticket clients who are focused on achieving specific goals, such as increasing sales, expanding market share, or enhancing brand reputation. By framing their offerings in terms of the results they can deliver, JCE SEO positions itself as a partner in the clients’ success rather than just a service provider.
One of the key advantages of this approach is the emphasis on predictable performance. High-ticket clients often operate in competitive markets where every decision can significantly impact their bottom line. They require assurance that their investment in digital marketing will yield positive results. JCE SEO addresses this need by implementing data-driven strategies that are tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. By leveraging advanced analytics and performance metrics, the company can provide clients with insights into their marketing efforts, allowing them to make informed decisions and adjust their strategies as needed.
The digital revenue engines offered by JCE SEO encompass a range of services that are strategically designed to drive revenue growth. These services include comprehensive website design, search engine optimization, lead generation, and targeted advertising campaigns. Each component is integrated into a cohesive strategy that focuses on achieving the desired outcomes for the client. For instance, a well-designed website not only enhances user experience but also serves as a powerful tool for lead generation, converting visitors into paying customers.
Website design plays a crucial role in the success of digital marketing efforts. A visually appealing and user-friendly website can significantly impact a business’s ability to attract and retain customers. JCE SEO understands that a website is often the first point of contact between a business and its potential clients. Therefore, the company prioritizes creating websites that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also optimized for search engines. This dual focus ensures that clients can effectively reach their target audience while also providing a seamless experience for users.
Lead generation is another critical aspect of JCE SEO’s digital revenue engines. The company employs a variety of strategies to attract potential customers and convert them into leads. This includes utilizing content marketing, social media engagement, and targeted advertising campaigns. By focusing on lead generation, JCE SEO helps clients build a robust sales pipeline that can drive consistent revenue growth. The company’s expertise in digital marketing allows it to identify the most effective channels for reaching potential customers, ensuring that clients can maximize their return on investment.
In addition to these services, JCE SEO places a strong emphasis on market leadership. High-ticket clients often aspire to be leaders in their respective industries, and JCE SEO is committed to helping them achieve this goal. By implementing innovative marketing strategies and staying ahead of industry trends, the company positions its clients as thought leaders in their fields. This not only enhances their brand reputation but also attracts more customers who are seeking reliable and authoritative solutions.
The success of JCE SEO’s digital revenue engines is evident in the results achieved by its clients. Many businesses have reported significant increases in revenue and market share after partnering with JCE SEO. This success can be attributed to the company’s commitment to delivering outcomes that matter to its clients. By focusing on revenue growth and market leadership, JCE SEO has established itself as a trusted partner for high-ticket clients seeking predictable performance in their digital marketing efforts.
As the digital marketing landscape continues to evolve, JCE SEO remains at the forefront of innovation. The company’s digital revenue engines represent a shift in how businesses approach marketing, emphasizing the importance of outcomes over services. This approach not only aligns with the needs of high-ticket clients but also sets a new standard for the industry as a whole.
In conclusion, JCE SEO’s introduction of digital revenue engines marks a significant advancement in the field of digital marketing. By prioritizing outcomes such as revenue growth and market leadership, the company is redefining the way businesses engage with their marketing strategies. High-ticket clients can now rely on JCE SEO to deliver predictable performance and measurable results, ensuring that their investment in digital marketing translates into tangible success. As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape, JCE SEO stands ready to empower them with innovative solutions that drive growth and establish market leadership.
6101 Broadway St San Antonio, Texas 78209 United States
Julio Escamilla +1 (210) 570-8874
About JCE SEO Web Design & Digital Marketing
JCE SEO Web Design & Digital Marketing, based in San Antonio, Texas, specializes in delivering comprehensive digital marketing solutions. The agency provides expertise in SEO, local SEO, social media marketing, and high-quality web design, tailored to enhance online visibility and drive business growth. With a focus on customized strategies, JCE empowers businesses to achieve success in the competitive digital landscape by optimizing their digital presence and connecting with target audiences effectively.
Press inquiries
JCE SEO Web Design & Digital Marketing https://www.jceseo.com Julio Escamilla info@jceseo.com (210) 570-8874 6101 Broadway St San Antonio, TX. 78209
San Antonio, Texas, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — JCE SEO Web Design & Digital Marketing, a Texas-based digital agency, announced today the launch of its new “digital revenue engines” initiative, aimed at delivering measurable business growth for high-ticket clients. This innovative approach redefines traditional digital marketing by shifting the focus from a menu of services to a results-driven model designed to generate revenue, enhance market positioning, and ensure predictable performance outcomes.
The traditional model of digital marketing often revolves around a menu of services, such as search engine optimization (SEO), social media management, and content creation. While these services are essential, they do not inherently guarantee success or revenue growth. JCE SEO recognizes that high-ticket clients are not merely interested in purchasing marketing services; they are looking for solutions that will drive their business forward. This understanding has led to the development of digital revenue engines, which are designed to deliver measurable outcomes that align with the clients’ business objectives.
At the core of JCE SEO’s digital revenue engines is the belief that businesses should sell outcomes rather than services. This philosophy is particularly relevant for high-ticket clients who are focused on achieving specific goals, such as increasing sales, expanding market share, or enhancing brand reputation. By framing their offerings in terms of the results they can deliver, JCE SEO positions itself as a partner in the clients’ success rather than just a service provider.
One of the key advantages of this approach is the emphasis on predictable performance. High-ticket clients often operate in competitive markets where every decision can significantly impact their bottom line. They require assurance that their investment in digital marketing will yield positive results. JCE SEO addresses this need by implementing data-driven strategies that are tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. By leveraging advanced analytics and performance metrics, the company can provide clients with insights into their marketing efforts, allowing them to make informed decisions and adjust their strategies as needed.
The digital revenue engines offered by JCE SEO encompass a range of services that are strategically designed to drive revenue growth. These services include comprehensive website design, search engine optimization, lead generation, and targeted advertising campaigns. Each component is integrated into a cohesive strategy that focuses on achieving the desired outcomes for the client. For instance, a well-designed website not only enhances user experience but also serves as a powerful tool for lead generation, converting visitors into paying customers.
Website design plays a crucial role in the success of digital marketing efforts. A visually appealing and user-friendly website can significantly impact a business’s ability to attract and retain customers. JCE SEO understands that a website is often the first point of contact between a business and its potential clients. Therefore, the company prioritizes creating websites that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also optimized for search engines. This dual focus ensures that clients can effectively reach their target audience while also providing a seamless experience for users.
Lead generation is another critical aspect of JCE SEO’s digital revenue engines. The company employs a variety of strategies to attract potential customers and convert them into leads. This includes utilizing content marketing, social media engagement, and targeted advertising campaigns. By focusing on lead generation, JCE SEO helps clients build a robust sales pipeline that can drive consistent revenue growth. The company’s expertise in digital marketing allows it to identify the most effective channels for reaching potential customers, ensuring that clients can maximize their return on investment.
In addition to these services, JCE SEO places a strong emphasis on market leadership. High-ticket clients often aspire to be leaders in their respective industries, and JCE SEO is committed to helping them achieve this goal. By implementing innovative marketing strategies and staying ahead of industry trends, the company positions its clients as thought leaders in their fields. This not only enhances their brand reputation but also attracts more customers who are seeking reliable and authoritative solutions.
The success of JCE SEO’s digital revenue engines is evident in the results achieved by its clients. Many businesses have reported significant increases in revenue and market share after partnering with JCE SEO. This success can be attributed to the company’s commitment to delivering outcomes that matter to its clients. By focusing on revenue growth and market leadership, JCE SEO has established itself as a trusted partner for high-ticket clients seeking predictable performance in their digital marketing efforts.
As the digital marketing landscape continues to evolve, JCE SEO remains at the forefront of innovation. The company’s digital revenue engines represent a shift in how businesses approach marketing, emphasizing the importance of outcomes over services. This approach not only aligns with the needs of high-ticket clients but also sets a new standard for the industry as a whole.
In conclusion, JCE SEO’s introduction of digital revenue engines marks a significant advancement in the field of digital marketing. By prioritizing outcomes such as revenue growth and market leadership, the company is redefining the way businesses engage with their marketing strategies. High-ticket clients can now rely on JCE SEO to deliver predictable performance and measurable results, ensuring that their investment in digital marketing translates into tangible success. As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape, JCE SEO stands ready to empower them with innovative solutions that drive growth and establish market leadership.
6101 Broadway St San Antonio, Texas 78209 United States
Julio Escamilla +1 (210) 570-8874
About JCE SEO Web Design & Digital Marketing
JCE SEO Web Design & Digital Marketing, based in San Antonio, Texas, specializes in delivering comprehensive digital marketing solutions. The agency provides expertise in SEO, local SEO, social media marketing, and high-quality web design, tailored to enhance online visibility and drive business growth. With a focus on customized strategies, JCE empowers businesses to achieve success in the competitive digital landscape by optimizing their digital presence and connecting with target audiences effectively.
Press inquiries
JCE SEO Web Design & Digital Marketing https://www.jceseo.com Julio Escamilla info@jceseo.com (210) 570-8874 6101 Broadway St San Antonio, TX. 78209
In a landmark initiative to bolster maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, the Coast Guards of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia have launched the first-ever ‘QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission.’ The cross-embarkation mission, conducted under the Wilmington Declaration, sees two officers—including women officers—from each nation aboard the US Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, currently en route to Guam.
This pioneering mission marks a significant step in operational coordination among QUAD members, aimed at boosting joint readiness, domain awareness, and interoperability in the region. It aligns with the vision articulated at the QUAD Leaders’ Summit in September 2024 and reinforces the commitment to a Free, Open, Inclusive, and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific.
India’s involvement underlines its strategic SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine and supports its broader Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), focusing on capacity-building, humanitarian efforts, and upholding maritime law. The ‘QUAD at Sea’ initiative lays the groundwork for a future ‘QUAD Coast Guard Handshake,’ reflecting growing trust and shared resolve to address evolving maritime challenges collaboratively.
In a landmark initiative to bolster maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, the Coast Guards of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia have launched the first-ever ‘QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission.’ The cross-embarkation mission, conducted under the Wilmington Declaration, sees two officers—including women officers—from each nation aboard the US Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, currently en route to Guam.
This pioneering mission marks a significant step in operational coordination among QUAD members, aimed at boosting joint readiness, domain awareness, and interoperability in the region. It aligns with the vision articulated at the QUAD Leaders’ Summit in September 2024 and reinforces the commitment to a Free, Open, Inclusive, and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific.
India’s involvement underlines its strategic SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine and supports its broader Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), focusing on capacity-building, humanitarian efforts, and upholding maritime law. The ‘QUAD at Sea’ initiative lays the groundwork for a future ‘QUAD Coast Guard Handshake,’ reflecting growing trust and shared resolve to address evolving maritime challenges collaboratively.
Key Process Improvements Save Energy and Cut Costs for Recycling Polyester With Enzymes
NREL and collaborators made key improvements at each stage of an enzymatic recycling process—from the breakdown of plastics to the efficient recovery of building blocks for high-value materials—which resulted in an economically viable process for industry. Pictured from NREL (back row left to right): Manar Alherech, John E. McGeehan, Stephen H. Dempsey, Gregg T. Beckham; (front row left to right): Kelsey J. Ramirez, Natasha P. Murphy, Jason S. DesVeaux, Christine A. Singer, Hannah M. Alt, Elizabeth L. Bell. Photo by Josh Bauer, NREL
A successful collaboration involving a trio of research institutions has yielded a road map toward an economically viable process for using enzymes to recycle plastics.
The researchers, from NREL, the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and the University of Portsmouth in England, previously partnered on the biological engineering of improved PETase enzymes that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET). With its low manufacturing cost and excellent material properties, PET is used extensively in single-use packaging, soda bottles, and textiles.
The new study combines the previous fundamental research with advanced chemical engineering, process development, and techno-economic analysis to lay the blueprints for enzyme-based PET recycling at industrial scale.
While current methods exist for recycling PET, they are often incompatible with typical low-quality plastic waste. A potential solution lies with enzymes, which can selectively break down PET, even from contaminated and colored plastic waste streams. The researchers’ new design focuses on improvements at each stage of the process, from plastic deconstruction with enzymes, to efficient recovery of the resulting building blocks, or monomers. These monomers can be used to make new plastic or upcycled to generate higher value materials, saving energy and resources.
The key to making such a process viable is to reduce the energy and cost requirements, which in turn yields a cheaper product. The team has achieved this by innovations that change the reaction conditions and separations technologies to reduce expensive acid and base additions by more than 99%, reduce annual running costs by 74%, and reduce energy use by 65%.
“Despite the advantages of enzymatic recycling for complex plastic waste streams, the field has encountered multiple challenges for realistic implementation,” said Gregg Beckham, a senior research fellow at NREL and colead of the study. “Here we have taken a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates multiple innovations to realize an economically viable and scalable process.”
The modeled cost of the resulting enzyme-recycled PET are now below those of U.S. domestic virgin PET ($1.51/kg vs. $1.87/kg), making this an attractive option for industry investment and scale-up.
According to a 2022 NREL study, 86% of plastics were landfilled in the United States in 2019—materials with enough embodied energy to supply 5% of the power needs of the U.S. transportation sector. With global plastic production anticipated to increase between two and four times current levels by 2050, recovering and valorizing more postconsumer plastics is an opportunity to recapture that energy for domestic materials manufacturing.
“We see a significant opportunity to design, test, and optimize new recycling technologies to efficiently valorize postconsumer plastics into feedstock for new materials,” said Natasha Murphy, a biochemist at NREL and co-first author of the new paper.
The paper, “Process innovations to enable viable enzymatic poly(ethylene terephthalate) recycling,” appears in the journal Nature Chemical Engineering. Other co-authors from NREL are Stephen Dempsey, Jason DesVeaux, Taylor Uekert, Swarnalatha Mailaram, Manar Alherech, Hannah Alt, Kelsey Ramirez, Brenna Norton-Baker, Elizabeth Bell, Christine Singer, and John McGeehan.
McGeehan, who recently joined NREL from the University of Portsmouth, said, “I am delighted to be part of a team that is dedicated to translate fundamental science toward real-world application and look forward to working closely between NREL and our industry partners to accelerate the design and construction of the first U.S. enzymatic plastic recycling plant.”
Research funds came from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office and Bioenergy Technologies Office. This work was performed as part of the Bio-Optimized Technologies to keep Thermoplastics out of Landfills and the Environment (BOTTLETM) consortium.
Explore NREL bioenergy and bioeconomy research, including recyclable-by-design materials research.
NOAA and its partners have released the latest Regional Temperature and Precipitation Impacts and Outlooks, which recap spring conditions and provide insight into what might be expected this summer.
Spring Temperature Recap
During meteorological spring (March–May) 2025, the continental U.S. average temperature was 54.1°F, 3.2°F above average, making it the second-warmest spring in the 131-year record. North Carolina recorded its second-warmest spring (3.7°F above average), while Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi and Virginia each matched or exceeded their third-warmest spring on record. For the spring season (March–May), Alaska’s average temperature was 27.7°F, 3.7°F above average, ranking in the warmest third of the historical record.
Spring Precipitation Recap
During spring, the continental U.S. received an average of 8.90 inches of precipitation, 0.97 inch above the long-term average, ranking in the wettest third of the 131-year record. Much-above-average precipitation fell across parts of the southern Plains, South, Ohio Valley and Northeast, as well as in portions of the northern Plains and upper Great Lakes. In contrast, below-average precipitation was observed in parts of the Mountain West, central Plains and across the Florida Peninsula.
Alaska tied its second-wettest spring on record, despite some parts of the West Coast and western Aleutians being drier than average.
Summer Temperature Outlook
The July–September Temperature Outlook favors above-normal temperatures throughout the lower 48 states with the highest forecast confidence across the Great Basin and New England. The outlook only slightly leans towards above-normal temperatures for much of the Great Plains and Mississippi Valley. Above-normal temperatures are also favored for eastern and southern Alaska.
Summer Precipitation Outlook
The July–September Precipitation Outlook depicts elevated above-normal precipitation probabilities for the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Upper Ohio Valley. Below-normal precipitation is more likely across the Northern to Central Great Plains, Northern Rockies, and Pacific Northwest. Above-normal precipitation is favored for central and western Alaska.
Impacts and Outlooks for Your Region
Get more details for your region in the June 2025 Regional Temperature and Precipitation Impacts and Outlooks:
Creating Quarterly Summaries
NOAA’s Regional Climate Services lead the production of these quarterly temperature and precipitation impacts and outlooks for various regions of the United States as well as parts of Canada along the border. This effort, which began in 2012, includes 13 unique regional products that are produced collaboratively with partner organizations.
You can access all of the Temperature and Precipitation Impacts and Outlooks summaries as well as additional reports and assessments through the U.S. Drought Portal Reports web page at Drought.gov.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, in collaboration with the Metro Nashville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives successfully apprehended Josue Hernandez Moxje, 23, a Honduran national, in connection with a double homicide.
On April 28, HSI Nashville, ATF Nashville and the Metro Nashville Police responded to a double homicide near Percy Priest Lake and Lincoya Bay Apartments. The victims were identified as Amir Landan Wilkerson, 19, and Jaime Valdez-Garcia, 18, both from Alabaster, Alabama. Through extensive investigative efforts and interagency cooperation, Hernandez was identified as the prime suspect.
Hernandez, who entered the United States without inspection around 2013 or 2014, was apprehended June 6 in Louisiana by HSI New Orleans and its state and federal partners following a Tennessee arrest warrant.
Hernandez, a convicted felon with prior charges including domestic violence with strangulation, fraud, and theft, was extradited to Nashville June 24. He is currently in the Metro Nashville Police Department’s custody.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
PHOENIX, Ariz. – During the week of enforcement operations from June 21, 2025, through June 27, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 164 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 84 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 71 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed cases against 9 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Recent matters of interest include:
United States v. Jesus Alfred Salazar-Ruiz: On June 22, 2025, Border Patrol Agents attempted to conduct a stop on Jesus Alfred Salazar-Ruiz while he was driving. Salazar-Ruiz failed to yield and turned on to a dirt road, breaking through a chain gate in barbed wire fencing. Salazar-Ruiz drove at approximately 50 mph on the dirt road for several miles before coming to an abrupt stop. When agents approached the vehicle, it was empty. Agents searched the area and were able to locate Salazar-Ruiz, who still had the vehicle key in his possession. Agents were able to locate and apprehend three passengers from Salazar-Ruiz’s vehicle who were determined to be in the United States illegally. Salazar-Ruiz was charged by criminal complaint with Transportation of an Illegal Alien for Profit. [Case Number: 25-MJ-02859]
United States v. Miguel Angel Mezo-Antele: On June 24, 2025, Border Patrol Agents stopped a vehicle on Interstate 40 in Yuma, Arizona. Miguel Angel Mezo-Antele, the driver of the vehicle and a citizen of Mexico, was transporting four passengers who were also citizens of Mexico. Mezo-Antele and the four passengers did not possess any documents allowing them to enter, pass through, or remain in the United States legally. Mezo-Antele was transporting the four passengers from New Mexico, through Arizona, to their ultimate destinations in California and Oregon. Mezo-Antele was charged by criminal complaint with Transportation of an Illegal Alien. [Case Number: 25‐MJ‐1696]
United States v. Dalesio Hernandez-Bautista: On June 27, 2025, Dalesio Hernandez-Bautista, was charged by criminal complaint with Re-entry of a Removed Alien. Hernandez-Bautista had been previously removed from the United States in 2018 after being convicted of manslaughter, a felony, in the Superior Court of Arizona, Pinal County. Hernandez-Bautista was sentenced to five years in prison for the manslaughter. [Case Number: 25-MJ-53146]
A criminal complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Darnell William King, age 42, was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release following his plea in May to conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to the indictment and information presented in court, King entered into separate conspiracies to commit Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud and to use stolen identities to obtain personal lines of credit from various private lenders in and around Wake County. King was also ordered to pay restitution to the Small Business Administration and the private lenders who were defrauded.
“This sentence sends a clear message: those who seek to exploit pandemic relief programs and steal individuals’ identities for personal gain will be held accountable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. “Mr. King’s deliberate and repeated fraud undermined a program designed to help struggling businesses in Eastern North Carolina. Thanks to the diligence of our federal and state partners, justice has been served.”
“Criminals cause immeasurable hardship to innocent victims and businesses by lying and stealing their identities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Richard Gaskins, Charlotte Field Office, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. “The defendant knowingly stole personally identifiable information and recruited others to aid in obtaining fraudulent loans using the stolen info. Our special agents will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office, to find, investigate and prosecute those who choose to willfully defraud the American people.”
“Stealing critical resources aimed at protecting communities and citizens is inexcusable,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “Not only did this individual exploit assistance programs aimed at helping those in need, but he did so while illegally possessing a firearm. Prohibited individuals in possession of firearms are dangerous and should be considered serious threats to public safety.”
King and others recruited “mules” to obtain fraudulent personal loans. King created fake driver’s licenses and other identity documents using a true photo of the mule and stolen personally identifying information belonging to unknowing victims. The mules then used the fake identity documents and other forged business records to obtain personal loans based on applications for credit that King or others had previously submitted online. The mule would then deliver the loan proceeds to King or his co-conspirators and would receive kickbacks anywhere between $100 and $2,000.
“This extensive investigation, known as Operation Overload, uncovered a sophisticated criminal enterprise that fraudulently utilized thousands of North Carolina licenses, resulting in financial crimes that impacted individuals across multiple states,” said Captain Vaughn of the North Carolina DMV License & Theft Bureau. “Bureau commends its inspectors, intelligence analysts, and all partner agencies for their hard work and collaboration. Their efforts underscore the importance of interagency cooperation in combating complex fraud schemes and safeguarding the identities of North Carolina residents.”
“This investigation began following several complaints from Wake County residents regarding identity theft and fraud. Over the course of nearly a year, a thorough investigation led to multiple arrests, supported by the NCDMV License and Theft, Clayton Police Department, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the IRS Criminal Investigations. The investigators involved demonstrated exceptional diligence in pursuing the suspects and uncovering a vast network of crimes. Their efforts resulted in identifying hundreds of victims, not only in Wake County, but across North Carolina, and uncovering hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraud. I would like to commend the investigators for their tireless work and unwavering commitment to serving the residents of our county and state,” Sheriff Willie Rowe said.
In a second conspiracy, King and other conspirators applied for a PPP loan in King’s name with falsified bank and tax records claiming that King had been working as an Uber driver before the pandemic, resulting in the disbursement of over $15,000 in funds guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. Finally, during the execution of a search warrant in Clayton seeking evidence related to the identity theft conspiracy, law enforcement discovered King in possession of a firearm with a high-capacity drum magazine, even though King is a previously convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms. King’s co-defendants, Loretta Clarice James and Lakesha Bowles, were previously sentenced to 8 years imprisonment and 30 months imprisonment respectively, for their roles in the conspiracies.
Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II pronounced the sentence. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation led the investigation with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations; the Wake County Sheriff’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles License & Theft Bureau. The Clayton Police Department and other local agencies have also aided over the course of the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David G. Beraka and Ashley H. Foxx prosecuted the case.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
SAN ANTONIO – A federal grand jury in San Antonio returned an indictment charging a San Antonio man with three counts of firearm-related offenses.
According to court documents, Alex Lee Vega, 27, allegedly conspired with another co-conspirator to transport a machinegun conversion device to another person on or about April 10. Additionally, Vega, who is a convicted felon, allegedly possessed two separate Glock pistols on or about April 11 and April 14.
Vega is charged with one count of aiding and abetting trafficking in firearms and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. He made his initial court appearance Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth S. Chestney of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. If convicted, Vega faces up to 15 years in prison for each charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sade Bogart is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
OKLAHOMA CITY – RAYMOND IVAN MUNOZ, 22, of Lawton, has been sentenced to serve 84 months in federal prison for illegal possession of firearms after conviction of a previous misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On September 4, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned a two-count Indictment against Munoz, charging him with being a drug user in possession of a firearm and, on a separate occasion, possession of firearms by a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. According to public record, on February 14, 2023, officers with the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Police Department encountered Munoz unconscious under the influence of drugs in the front passenger seat of a vehicle with an AK-47 loaded with an extended magazine resting between his legs. Later, on May 10, 2024, Lawton Police Department investigators observed one of Munoz’s social media posts in which he displayed a firearm while driving in a vehicle. Later that evening, officers observed Munoz, whom they knew to have a suspended license and active warrants, driving that vehicle in Lawton. When they attempted a traffic stop, Munoz initiated a pursuit in which his speeds exceeded 100 miles per hour, at times on the wrong side of the road and with his headlights off. He eventually reached his residence where he hid inside for approximately two hours before being arrested. Upon execution of a search warrant at the residence, detectives located two firearms hidden in a bathroom.
Public record further reflects that Munoz was convicted of domestic assault and battery in Comanche County District Court case number CM-2020-810.
On February 7, 2025, Munoz pleaded guilty to Count 2 of the Indictment and admitted that he possessed firearms despite having previously been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
At the sentencing hearing on June 25, 2025, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Munoz to serve 84 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court specifically noted the threat that Munoz poses to society and the necessity of a substantial sentence to protect the public.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Police Department, and the Lawton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle M. Connolly prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program to reduce violent crime. This case is also part of “Operation 922,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of PSN, which prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence. For more information about PSN, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Christopher Michael Stanton, Jr., 29, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
According to court records, on August 7, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Stanton’s residence on West Baars Street in Pensacola. In addition to Stanton and a female being present in the residence at the time of the search warrant, there were also three young children, all under the age of 10, present in the residence. Law enforcement located marijuana, cocaine, a loaded firearm, ammunition, loaded handgun magazines, and drug paraphernalia including a scale and cups with cocaine residue. Stanton was already a convicted felon.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The fact that the defendant had dangerous narcotics strewn about his home in the presence of young children is inexcusable. My office is committed to the safety of our community, which includes keeping illegal narcotics off the streets and firearms out of the hands of convicted felons.”
The case involved a joint investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Task Force (HIDTA). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
June 30, 2025
WASHINGTON – Ahead of an upcoming vote-a-rama, where Senate Democrats will expose the truth about Republicans’ harmful scheme to cut health care and food assistance to provide billionaires with tax breaks, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) filed two motions to commit the bill back to the Senate Finance Committee and make revisions to protect against cuts to rural hospitals and medical research. Under the Senate Republican bill, $930 billion will be cut from Medicaid—in addition to more than $300 billion from the Affordable Care Act—resulting in rural and children’s hospital closures, shuttering of nursing homes, and 16 million Americans losing their health coverage.
“Today, Senate Republicans will attempt to pass a reconciliation bill that will rip away health care from 16 million Americans to give tax breaks to billionaires,” said Durbin. “Under this bill, our rural hospitals will close, forcing people to drive hours to the next nearest hospital for critical care. If you are a patient with ALS, Alzheimer’s, or cancer, the hope you have for a cure will be ripped away because of Republicans’ ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’”
“I hope Senate Republicans will take up my call to change the bill, but unfortunately their loyalty is to Donald Trump and his billionaire buddies—not Americans seeking critical health care,”Durbin concluded.
Durbin’s motions to recommit to Committee include:
Eliminate provisions that cut Medicaid payments rural hospitals in Maine, Alaska, Missouri, Kansas, North Carolina, Louisiana, or West Virginia need to stay open; and would ensure big corporations and the ultra-wealthy pay a fair share in taxes.
Eliminate provisions that would reduce funding that supports biomedical research into cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease, congenital heart defects, and other critical conditions.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Maxwell Frost Florida (10th District)
June 30, 2025
AmeriCorps State and National is awarding over $27 million to Florida for FY25 to address community needs across the state
ORLANDO, FL – Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) announced Central Florida will be receiving $1.8 million in federal grants from AmeriCorps, the federal agency for service and volunteering. This funding will support the City of Orlando’s Operation AmeriCorps and City Year Orlando’s ongoing efforts to provide academic support to students in underserved neighborhoods.
This funding announcement comes after a federal judge ordered the Trump Administration to restore funding to AmeriCorps programs following a lawsuit filed by a coalition of states over the administration’s efforts to dismantle the federal agency.
“These federal grants are an investment in the volunteers and programs that help address Central Florida’s most pressing needs. Both City Year Orlando and Operation AmeriCorps work to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed. And that work isn’t possible without strong federal support,” said Rep. Frost. “The Trump Administration may label AmeriCorps’ work as ‘wasteful,’ but in Central Florida, we know their work is essential to building a stronger, thriving community for everyone.”
AmeriCorps State and National provides grants to hundreds of nonprofits, faith and community-based organizations, public agencies, Indian Tribes, and institutions of higher education. Recipient organizations, known as grantees, design service activities for AmeriCorps Members that demonstrate an evidence-based or evidence-informed approach to strengthening communities and solving community problems.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Maxwell Frost Florida (10th District)
June 30, 2025
AmeriCorps State and National is awarding over $27 million to Florida for FY25 to address community needs across the state
ORLANDO, FL – Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) announced Central Florida will be receiving $1.8 million in federal grants from AmeriCorps, the federal agency for service and volunteering. This funding will support the City of Orlando’s Operation AmeriCorps and City Year Orlando’s ongoing efforts to provide academic support to students in underserved neighborhoods.
This funding announcement comes after a federal judge ordered the Trump Administration to restore funding to AmeriCorps programs following a lawsuit filed by a coalition of states over the administration’s efforts to dismantle the federal agency.
“These federal grants are an investment in the volunteers and programs that help address Central Florida’s most pressing needs. Both City Year Orlando and Operation AmeriCorps work to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed. And that work isn’t possible without strong federal support,” said Rep. Frost. “The Trump Administration may label AmeriCorps’ work as ‘wasteful,’ but in Central Florida, we know their work is essential to building a stronger, thriving community for everyone.”
AmeriCorps State and National provides grants to hundreds of nonprofits, faith and community-based organizations, public agencies, Indian Tribes, and institutions of higher education. Recipient organizations, known as grantees, design service activities for AmeriCorps Members that demonstrate an evidence-based or evidence-informed approach to strengthening communities and solving community problems.
Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council
The following statement by UN Secretary-General António Guterres was issued today:
I welcome the signing of a peace agreement on 27 June in Washington, D.C., by the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda, facilitated by the United States.
This agreement is a significant step towards de-escalation, peace and stability in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes region. I commend the United States for its leadership in facilitating this process, in coordination with the State of Qatar and the African Union Mediator, Faure Gnassingbé of Togo. I acknowledge the contributions of the five co-facilitators designated by the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
I urge the parties to honour in full the commitments they have undertaken in the peace agreement and pursuant to Security Council resolution 2773 (2025), including the cessation of hostilities and all other agreed measures.
The United Nations, including through the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), remains fully committed to supporting the implementation of the agreement, in close coordination with the African Union, regional and international partners.
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced twelve appointments to various boards and commissions.
Casey Burton, Ph.D., of St. James, was appointed to the State Board of Health and Senior Services.
Mr. Burton is the executive director of research and governmental affairs at Phelps Health in Rolla, Missouri. He also serves as an adjunct assistant professor of chemistry at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) where he develops and leads sponsored research involving noninvasive disease detection and characterization. Burton also serves on the boards of the Ozark Biomedical Initiative, Missouri Ozarks Community Action, Inc., Phelps County Community Resource Center, and more. Burton earned his doctorate in analytical chemistry and bachelor’s in chemistry from Missouri S&T.
James Carter Jr., of St. Charles, was appointed to the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Mr. Carter currently serves as an Advanced American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter and is certified and licensed by the Board of Evaluation of Interpreters in both Illinois and Missouri. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Carter is a member of the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASL), World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), and Deaf in Government (DIG). He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Lincoln Christian University.
Earl Crawford, of Excelsior Springs, was reappointed to the Governor’s Council on Disability.
Mr. Crawford currently serves as executive director at Missouri Inclusive Housing Development Corporation. He has previous experience as a special education teacher, superintendent of a rehabilitation center, and an education consultant, among other positions. In addition to his professional experience, Crawford has served on the Marshall Parks and Recreation Board, Marshall School Board, Marshall Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Valley College Board of Trustees, and Midland Empire Resources of Independent Living (MERIL), as well as vice president of the Marshall Chamber of Commerce. He holds a Master of Special Education from the University of Central Missouri.
Betty Davidson, Ph.D., of St. Louis, was reappointed to the Governor’s Council on Disability.
Ms. Davidson is a retired educational professional and expert in disability studies and inclusive practices. She previously served as the director of visually or orthopedically impaired students at the Special School District of St. Louis County. She also serves as the chair of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER), the president of Inclusivity Media, the vice president of the St. Clare Hospital Auxiliary for SSM Health, and more. Dr. Davidson earned a doctorate in higher education from Saint Louis University, a master’s in special education from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, and her bachelor’s degree from Harris-Stowe State College.
Aaron Durso, of Taneyville, was appointed to the Governor’s Council on Disability.
Mr. Durso currently serves as Bull Creek Village Clerk. He has previous experience as burough manager and the municipal authority manager in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania, and Senior Pastor at LOVE Christian Fellowship. A disabled veteran of the United States Air Force, Durso was honorably discharged in 1993. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Newburg Theological Seminary, Master of Ministry at Chesapeake Theological Seminary, and Bachelor of Religious Education at the University of Valley Forge.
Ronald Hack, of Sunset Hills, was reappointed to the Governor’s Council on Disability.
Mr. Hack is a retired lawyer, formerly serving as a partner at Evans & Dixon, LLC and Gallop Johnson & Neuman, L.C. He has been an active community volunteer for more than 30 years, currently serving on the boards of the Sunset Hills Conservation Foundation and the Southwest Area Chamber of Commerce. Hack earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from Westminster College.
Katie Jones, of St. Peters, was reappointed to the Governor’s Council on Disability.
Ms. Jones is the chief program officer for Boone Center Inc. (BCI). She previously worked as supervisor for Cardinal Ritter Senior Services and a case manager for the Child Abuse and Neglect Unit for the Division of Family Services. In addition to her professional career, Jones is also a member of the Missouri Association of County Developmental Disabilities Services, Missouri Association of Sheltered Workshop Managers, and the Legislative Committee of St. Charles Coalition. Jones earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Sociology from Lindenwood University.
Jennifer Meyer, of O’Fallon, was appointed to the Governor’s Council on Disability.
Ms. Meyer currently serves as principal at J. Meyer Strategies. She has previous experience as director of field operations for Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer and district field director for Senator Roy Blunt. In addition to her professional experience, Ms. Meyer serves as an executive board member for both the Freedom 13 and the North County Police Business Association. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Missouri – St. Louis.
Susan Orton, of St. Louis, was reappointed to the Governor’s Council on Disability.
Ms. Orton currently serves as a realtor and sales associate with Coldwell Banker Realty – Gundaker. In addition to her professional responsibilities, she is a member of the St. Louis Realtors Association, Member Inclusion Advisory Committee, and Brain Injury Association of Missouri. Orton is a graduate of Towson High School.
Paul Ogier, of Chesterfield, was appointed to the Health and Educational Facilities Authority of the State of Missouri.
Mr. Ogier is a retired certified public accountant (CPA), providing limited consulting services to not-for-profits in the senior housing industry. He also serves as the chief financial officer for the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus in a part-time capacity. Ogier is an active member of his community, previously serving on the board of the Leading Age Missouri, Missouri Health Care Association, and the Treasurer of the Nursing Facilities Agent Corporation. Ogier earned his bachelor’s degree from the Missouri State University.
Jill Wedemeier, of Leopold, was reappointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.
Ms. Wedemeier is a judicial assistant and law clerk for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. She previously served as the Cape Girardeau assistant prosecuting attorney. She is an active member of the Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence board, and the Leopold R-III School District Foundation. Wedemeier earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Southeast Missouri State University.
Claire West, of Jefferson City, was reappointed to the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System (LAGERS) Board of Trustees.
Prior to her retirement, Ms. West owned and operated Claire West Consulting LLC, a retirement consulting firm. She has previous experience as executive director of the Joint Committee on Public Employee Retirement. Additionally, West served on the board of the Missouri Association of Public Employee Retirement Plans from 2000 to 2007. She holds an associate’s degree in business from Columbia College.
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced a judicial appointment to the 18th Judicial Circuit.
Sean Pilliard, of Sedalia, was appointed as the Associate Circuit Judge for Pettis County in the 18th Judicial Circuit.
Mr. Pilliard is a seasoned attorney specializing in a wide range of legal areas including bankruptcy, criminal defense, and family law, based in the Law Offices of Sean P. Pilliard. Pilliard is a member of the Pettis County Bar Association, Sedalia and Pettis County Economic Development, and the Sedalia Park Band board. He also serves as a volunteer for several area youth activities. Pilliard earned his Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Missouri. He will fill the vacancy left by Judge R. Paul Beard II.