Headline: The Justice Department Dismisses Failed Biden-Era Lawsuit Challenging Tennessee’s Law Protecting Minors from Experimental Sex-Change Medical Procedures
Today, the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division dismissed with prejudice the ill-fated Biden-era challenge to Tennessee’s law protecting minors from horrific and experimental sex-change medical procedures. The Department dismissed its complaint in intervention because it does not believe challenging Tennessee’s law serves the public interest.
Today, the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division dismissed with prejudice the ill-fated Biden-era challenge to Tennessee’s law protecting minors from horrific and experimental sex-change medical procedures. The Department dismissed its complaint in intervention because it does not believe challenging Tennessee’s law serves the public interest.
Last month, the Biden Administration’s challenge was soundly rejected by the Supreme Court of the United States when the 6-3 majority held that Tennessee’s law does not violate the Equal Protection Clause.[1] The court held that Tennessee had a rational basis for enforcing the law as it “responds directly” to the “uncertainty” and “ongoing debate” about the “risks and benefits” associated with these medical practices. The Biden administration filed its complaint in intervention after individual plaintiffs and the American Civil Liberties Union challenged the law passed in 2023. After the Supreme Court’s decision, the individual plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed their complaint.
Tennessee is one of 25 states with laws protecting minors from sex-change medical procedures.
“Last month, the Supreme Court upheld a Tennessee state law protecting vulnerable children from genital mutilation and other so-called ‘gender-affirming care,’” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “That was the right decision, and this Department of Justice will no longer be in the business of attacking laws like Tennessee’s that protect children.”
“The United States today undid one of the injustices the Biden administration inflicted upon the country by dismissing a lawsuit against a Tennessee law that protects minors from invasive and mutilating procedures,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to fight to protect the health and welfare of our children and defend states that seek to ban these barbaric practices.”
[1]United States v. Skrmetti, 145 S.Ct. 1816, 1826 (2025).
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Hillary Scholten – Michigan
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Hillary Scholten (D-MI), alongside U.S. Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Veronica Escobar (D-TX), announced the reintroduction of theDignity Act of 2025, a historic, bipartisan immigration reform bill. Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Mike Levin (D-CA), Susie Lee (D-NV), Adam Grey (D-CA), Laura Gillen (D-NY), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Andriano Espaillat (D-NY), Mike Lawler (R-NY), David Valadao (R-CA), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Gabe Evans (R-CO), Marlin Stutzman (R-IN), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Young Kim (R-CA) also co-sponsored the bill.
This historic bipartisan legislation would address border security and infrastructure challenges, tackle critical workforce development issues, create legal status for undocumented immigrants already living in the United States, establish new pathways for asylum seekers, and create new legal pathways for economic migrants and unaccompanied minors.
“As an attorney who has worked on immigration issues, both at the nation’s top law enforcement agency and at a community legal aid organization, helping migrants in West Michigan, I know this system. I’ve seen firsthand what patchwork and reactionary immigration policies do to families and communities, and I remain committed to creating a system that is both fair and humane, balancing humanitarian concerns with law enforcement. Our broken immigration system is a national security threat, an economic and workforce emergency, and a humanitarian crisis. This is Congress’s issue to solve, and we’re here to solve it,” said Rep. Scholten. “Congress must act now to reform our immigration system. It’s time to allow hardworking families to move out of the shadows and into the full light of the American dream. This bipartisan bill will make our communities and our country safer, bring our workforce into the 21st century, and bring dignity to millions of hardworking families already living in the United States to make our country a better place.”
This comprehensive bill makes meaningful reforms to several aspects of our immigration system:
Provides a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers
It creates the Dignity Program to grant legal status to undocumented immigrants already living in the United States;
It establishes new pathways for asylum seekers and creates new regional processing centers;
Enhances border security while creating additional accountability for ICE.
The last time Congress passed immigration reform was in 1996, and that was driven by Republicans and signed into law by President Bill Clinton. That bill eliminated several legal immigration pathways, essentially making fewer people eligible for legal status while making more people deportable. Congress has had many opportunities to address this crisis. Over the last 10 years, 8 major pushes for immigration reform have failed:
In 2013, the Senate on a bipartisan basis passed the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013, but House Republicans refused to take up the bill.
In 2018, a bipartisan group of Senators advanced the Uniting and Securing America Act to protect Dreamers and provide a pathway to citizenship, but Senate Republicans blocked it.
Again in 2018, the Senate tried to advance the United and Securing America Act “Common Sense” Proposal Amendment, but Senate Republicans blocked it.
Yet again in 2018, the Uniting and Securing America Act made it to the Senate floor but was blocked.
In 2019, the House passed the American Dream and Promise Act, but Senate Republicans blocked it.
In 2021, the House again passed the American Dream and Promise Act, but Senate Republicans again blocked it.
In 2021 and 2022, the President proposed record funding for more border agents, more asylum officers, more immigration judges, more border technology, and more detention capacity. Republicans in Congress failed to fund both requests.
In 2024, the Senate failed to pass bipartisan immigration and border security bills after President Trump called on Senate Republicans to abandon the bill so Republicans could campaign on the issue.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Hillary Scholten – Michigan
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Hillary Scholten (D-MI), alongside U.S. Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Veronica Escobar (D-TX), announced the reintroduction of theDignity Act of 2025, a historic, bipartisan immigration reform bill. Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Mike Levin (D-CA), Susie Lee (D-NV), Adam Grey (D-CA), Laura Gillen (D-NY), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Andriano Espaillat (D-NY), Mike Lawler (R-NY), David Valadao (R-CA), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Gabe Evans (R-CO), Marlin Stutzman (R-IN), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Young Kim (R-CA) also co-sponsored the bill.
This historic bipartisan legislation would address border security and infrastructure challenges, tackle critical workforce development issues, create legal status for undocumented immigrants already living in the United States, establish new pathways for asylum seekers, and create new legal pathways for economic migrants and unaccompanied minors.
“As an attorney who has worked on immigration issues, both at the nation’s top law enforcement agency and at a community legal aid organization, helping migrants in West Michigan, I know this system. I’ve seen firsthand what patchwork and reactionary immigration policies do to families and communities, and I remain committed to creating a system that is both fair and humane, balancing humanitarian concerns with law enforcement. Our broken immigration system is a national security threat, an economic and workforce emergency, and a humanitarian crisis. This is Congress’s issue to solve, and we’re here to solve it,” said Rep. Scholten. “Congress must act now to reform our immigration system. It’s time to allow hardworking families to move out of the shadows and into the full light of the American dream. This bipartisan bill will make our communities and our country safer, bring our workforce into the 21st century, and bring dignity to millions of hardworking families already living in the United States to make our country a better place.”
This comprehensive bill makes meaningful reforms to several aspects of our immigration system:
Provides a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers
It creates the Dignity Program to grant legal status to undocumented immigrants already living in the United States;
It establishes new pathways for asylum seekers and creates new regional processing centers;
Enhances border security while creating additional accountability for ICE.
The last time Congress passed immigration reform was in 1996, and that was driven by Republicans and signed into law by President Bill Clinton. That bill eliminated several legal immigration pathways, essentially making fewer people eligible for legal status while making more people deportable. Congress has had many opportunities to address this crisis. Over the last 10 years, 8 major pushes for immigration reform have failed:
In 2013, the Senate on a bipartisan basis passed the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013, but House Republicans refused to take up the bill.
In 2018, a bipartisan group of Senators advanced the Uniting and Securing America Act to protect Dreamers and provide a pathway to citizenship, but Senate Republicans blocked it.
Again in 2018, the Senate tried to advance the United and Securing America Act “Common Sense” Proposal Amendment, but Senate Republicans blocked it.
Yet again in 2018, the Uniting and Securing America Act made it to the Senate floor but was blocked.
In 2019, the House passed the American Dream and Promise Act, but Senate Republicans blocked it.
In 2021, the House again passed the American Dream and Promise Act, but Senate Republicans again blocked it.
In 2021 and 2022, the President proposed record funding for more border agents, more asylum officers, more immigration judges, more border technology, and more detention capacity. Republicans in Congress failed to fund both requests.
In 2024, the Senate failed to pass bipartisan immigration and border security bills after President Trump called on Senate Republicans to abandon the bill so Republicans could campaign on the issue.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Laurel Lee – Florida (15th District)
Washington, D.C.– Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL-15) and Congressman Joe Neguse (D-CO-02) announced the reintroduction of the Supporting Military Voters Act, a bipartisan bill to strengthen oversight of the federal government’s efforts to support active-duty military members and their families in the voting process.
The legislation directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to produce a comprehensive report evaluating the effectiveness of the federal government in carrying out its responsibilities under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) and recommending ways to improve access to voter registration information and assistance for military families.
“The brave men and women who serve our country should never face unnecessary barriers when it comes to voting,” said Congresswoman Laurel Lee.“This bill ensures Congress continues to exercise oversight of federal programs designed to serve military voters and gives us the information we need to improve the process. Every service member who wants to vote should be able to do so securely, and on time.”
“The right to vote is sacrosanct, and those who bravely serve our country must have every opportunity to make their voices heard, including when serving overseas. That’s why I’m proud to team up with Rep. Laurel Lee in introducing the Supporting Military Voters Act. This bill would ensure that distance does not disenfranchise those protecting our country from voting,” said Congressman Joe Neguse.
“Institute for Responsive Government Action is pleased to endorse the Supporting Military Voters Act.” said Sam Oliker-Friedland, Executive Director of the Institute for Responsive Government Action.“This bipartisan legislation from Rep. Lee and Rep. Neguse is not only critical to ensuring access to the ballot box for military and overseas personnel and their families, but also holding the federal government accountable regarding its responsibilities to these voters. We will proudly continue to support any effort in reducing red tape that hinders election participation for Americans serving in the military or living abroad.”
“Ensuring that our military voters can cast their ballots securely and without unnecessary barriers is a fundamental obligation of our democracy. By directing the GAO to study how effectively current systems are working, this bipartisan legislation takes a commonsense, evidence-based approach to oversight, laying the groundwork for future improvements while protecting the rights of those who serve,” says Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action.
“Evaluations as described by the Supporting Military Voters Act will help inform election officials to better understand what information gaps exists and what additional support is needed for our military servicemembers and their family members to achieve parity in voting rates with their contemporaries. We owe all of those who serve and protect our country a great debt. As they defend democracy and our way of life across the globe, the least we can do is give them the tools to participate in this great Republic,”said Paul Lux, Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections.
“This bipartisan bill calls for a comprehensive study and analysis of all factors and data that impact the ability of our service members and their families to vote.The results of this study will help us better understand the factors that result in the very low voting rate of our uniformed service men and women. It will provide a basis of knowledge upon which we can improve the resources and outreach to our military voters, thus improving their ability to vote in a more hassle-free and seamless manner that is also secure and timely,”said Mark Earley, Leon County Supervisor of Elections.
Background:
UOCAVA, first enacted in 1986, is the only federal law solely dedicated to protecting the voting rights of active-duty military members, their families, and overseas citizens. Under this law, states must provide an option for these voters to request and submit absentee ballots, often through the Federal Post Card Application. The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) is responsible for administering UOCAVA.
Despite these protections, voting rates among active-duty military remain significantly lower than the general population. In the 2022 midterm elections, only 23 percent of active-duty military voters participated, compared to 52 percent of civilians. For military voters stationed overseas, the turnout dropped to just 15 percent.
In June 2025, the House Administration Committee held the first congressional oversight hearing on FVAP in over a decade. FVAP Director Patrick Wiedmann highlighted the persistent challenges military voters face—such as time constraints, frequent relocations, and access to voter information.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Laurel Lee – Florida (15th District)
Washington, D.C.– Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL-15) and Congressman Joe Neguse (D-CO-02) announced the reintroduction of the Supporting Military Voters Act, a bipartisan bill to strengthen oversight of the federal government’s efforts to support active-duty military members and their families in the voting process.
The legislation directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to produce a comprehensive report evaluating the effectiveness of the federal government in carrying out its responsibilities under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) and recommending ways to improve access to voter registration information and assistance for military families.
“The brave men and women who serve our country should never face unnecessary barriers when it comes to voting,” said Congresswoman Laurel Lee.“This bill ensures Congress continues to exercise oversight of federal programs designed to serve military voters and gives us the information we need to improve the process. Every service member who wants to vote should be able to do so securely, and on time.”
“The right to vote is sacrosanct, and those who bravely serve our country must have every opportunity to make their voices heard, including when serving overseas. That’s why I’m proud to team up with Rep. Laurel Lee in introducing the Supporting Military Voters Act. This bill would ensure that distance does not disenfranchise those protecting our country from voting,” said Congressman Joe Neguse.
“Institute for Responsive Government Action is pleased to endorse the Supporting Military Voters Act.” said Sam Oliker-Friedland, Executive Director of the Institute for Responsive Government Action.“This bipartisan legislation from Rep. Lee and Rep. Neguse is not only critical to ensuring access to the ballot box for military and overseas personnel and their families, but also holding the federal government accountable regarding its responsibilities to these voters. We will proudly continue to support any effort in reducing red tape that hinders election participation for Americans serving in the military or living abroad.”
“Ensuring that our military voters can cast their ballots securely and without unnecessary barriers is a fundamental obligation of our democracy. By directing the GAO to study how effectively current systems are working, this bipartisan legislation takes a commonsense, evidence-based approach to oversight, laying the groundwork for future improvements while protecting the rights of those who serve,” says Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action.
“Evaluations as described by the Supporting Military Voters Act will help inform election officials to better understand what information gaps exists and what additional support is needed for our military servicemembers and their family members to achieve parity in voting rates with their contemporaries. We owe all of those who serve and protect our country a great debt. As they defend democracy and our way of life across the globe, the least we can do is give them the tools to participate in this great Republic,”said Paul Lux, Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections.
“This bipartisan bill calls for a comprehensive study and analysis of all factors and data that impact the ability of our service members and their families to vote.The results of this study will help us better understand the factors that result in the very low voting rate of our uniformed service men and women. It will provide a basis of knowledge upon which we can improve the resources and outreach to our military voters, thus improving their ability to vote in a more hassle-free and seamless manner that is also secure and timely,”said Mark Earley, Leon County Supervisor of Elections.
Background:
UOCAVA, first enacted in 1986, is the only federal law solely dedicated to protecting the voting rights of active-duty military members, their families, and overseas citizens. Under this law, states must provide an option for these voters to request and submit absentee ballots, often through the Federal Post Card Application. The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) is responsible for administering UOCAVA.
Despite these protections, voting rates among active-duty military remain significantly lower than the general population. In the 2022 midterm elections, only 23 percent of active-duty military voters participated, compared to 52 percent of civilians. For military voters stationed overseas, the turnout dropped to just 15 percent.
In June 2025, the House Administration Committee held the first congressional oversight hearing on FVAP in over a decade. FVAP Director Patrick Wiedmann highlighted the persistent challenges military voters face—such as time constraints, frequent relocations, and access to voter information.
WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Nick LaLota (NY-01) today announced his co-leadership of the bipartisan Estuaries Saving Through Efficient and Responsible Appropriations for Your Shoreline (ESTUARIES) Act, a bill that reauthorizes the National Estuary Program (NEP) through Fiscal Year 2031 and supports the continued restoration and protection of vital estuarine ecosystems across the country.
“I lead the bipartisan ESTUARIES Act in the House because I represent two of our nation’s 28 nationally recognized estuaries—and I know they’re vital to our economy, our fisheries, and the coastal way of life we cherish. That’s why I’m proud to join colleagues from both sides of the aisle to ensure clean water and healthy habitats remain national priorities for generations to come,” said Rep. Nick LaLota.
“The National Estuary Program is one of the smartest investments Congress can make in clean water, resilient infrastructure, and local economies,” said Joyce Novak, PhD, Executive Director of the Peconic Estuary Partnership and Chair of the Association of National Estuary Programs. “Reauthorizing the NEP ensures that coastal communities can continue to lead with science, partner across sectors, and deliver real results where they matter most. We thank Congressman Lalota for his continued and unwavering support for clean water on Long Island and for recognizing the power of this program to protect both ecosystems and economies.”
To read the full text of the ESTUARIES Act, click HERE.
Background:
H.R. 3962 ESTUARIES Act reauthorizes the National Estuary Program (NEP) through Fiscal Year 2031. This bill, which amends Section 320(i)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, ensures the continued protection and restoration of estuaries critical to coastal communities and ecosystems across the country. This legislation extends federal funding authority from 2026 through 2031, ensuring uninterrupted support for vital work in watershed planning, conservation, and pollution mitigation.
The NEP is a non-regulatory, community-based initiative administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It empowers local stakeholders to improve water quality, restore habitats, and build climate resilience in estuaries of national significance.
New York’s First Congressional District is home to two nationally recognized estuaries: the Long Island Sound and the Peconic Bay.
WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Nick LaLota (NY-01) today announced his co-leadership of the bipartisan Estuaries Saving Through Efficient and Responsible Appropriations for Your Shoreline (ESTUARIES) Act, a bill that reauthorizes the National Estuary Program (NEP) through Fiscal Year 2031 and supports the continued restoration and protection of vital estuarine ecosystems across the country.
“I lead the bipartisan ESTUARIES Act in the House because I represent two of our nation’s 28 nationally recognized estuaries—and I know they’re vital to our economy, our fisheries, and the coastal way of life we cherish. That’s why I’m proud to join colleagues from both sides of the aisle to ensure clean water and healthy habitats remain national priorities for generations to come,” said Rep. Nick LaLota.
“The National Estuary Program is one of the smartest investments Congress can make in clean water, resilient infrastructure, and local economies,” said Joyce Novak, PhD, Executive Director of the Peconic Estuary Partnership and Chair of the Association of National Estuary Programs. “Reauthorizing the NEP ensures that coastal communities can continue to lead with science, partner across sectors, and deliver real results where they matter most. We thank Congressman Lalota for his continued and unwavering support for clean water on Long Island and for recognizing the power of this program to protect both ecosystems and economies.”
To read the full text of the ESTUARIES Act, click HERE.
Background:
H.R. 3962 ESTUARIES Act reauthorizes the National Estuary Program (NEP) through Fiscal Year 2031. This bill, which amends Section 320(i)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, ensures the continued protection and restoration of estuaries critical to coastal communities and ecosystems across the country. This legislation extends federal funding authority from 2026 through 2031, ensuring uninterrupted support for vital work in watershed planning, conservation, and pollution mitigation.
The NEP is a non-regulatory, community-based initiative administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It empowers local stakeholders to improve water quality, restore habitats, and build climate resilience in estuaries of national significance.
New York’s First Congressional District is home to two nationally recognized estuaries: the Long Island Sound and the Peconic Bay.
Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $52,350,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for the University of Maine (UMaine) System in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) and Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration Appropriations bills. The legislation, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee this month, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.
This funding advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY 2026 CJS and Agriculture Appropriations bills—an important step that now allows the bills to be considered by the full Senate.
“The brilliant faculty and students at Maine’s public universities and at the flagship university are conducting cutting-edge research and making promising discoveries in a wide variety of fields,” said Senator Collins. “This funding to support these exciting projects across the UMaine System would promote workforce development, support marine research, and help to prepare the next generation of leaders. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
“These investments—made possible through Senator Collins’ advocacy—would expand research opportunities, improve infrastructure, and support collaborative solutions that strengthen Maine’s economy and communities,” said Joan Ferrini-Mundy, Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation for the UMaine System.
“Located at the heart of our campus, the Reynolds Center is a hub of learning and connection. This investment would expand its role as a space for students to grow academically and socially — strengthening our commitment to the Downeast community,” said Megan Walsh, Dean and Campus Director, UMaine Machias.
“The spruce budworm is one of the most significant threats to Maine’s forest economy, and proactive research is essential to protecting this vital resource,” said Dr. Adam Daigneault, Associate Professor of Forest Policy and Economics at the University of Maine. “With this support, UMaine can expand its leadership in forest health research, helping landowners, communities, and the forest products industry prepare for and respond to future outbreaks. We are incredibly thankful for Senator Collins’ investment in the resilience of Maine’s forests.”
Funding advanced by Senator Collins for the UMaine System in the FY 2026 CJS and Agriculture Appropriations bills is as follows:
Gulf of Maine Ocean Observation System Recipient: University of Maine System Project Location: Coastal counties from Washington County to York County, ME Amount Requested: $5,000,000 Project Purpose: To expand the ocean observation system in the Gulf of Maine, which is used by the maritime and fishing industries.
University of Maine Health Science Complex Recipient: University of Maine System Project Location: Orono, ME Amount Requested: $45,000,000 Project Purpose: To support the construction of a health and life sciences complex.
University of Maine Forest Health Lab Recipient: University of Maine System Project Location: Orono, ME Amount Requested: $600,000 Project Purpose: To support the construction of the University’s Forest Health Lab, which conducts spruce budworm research.
University of Maine at Machias Early College Student Support Center Recipient: University of Maine System Project Location: Machias, ME Amount Requested: $750,000 Project Purpose: To renovate a facility on campus to support early college students.
American Lobster Settlement Index Expansion Recipient: University of Maine System Project Location: Walpole, ME Amount Requested: $1,000,000 Project Purpose: To expand the Maine Collector Survey for lobster in the Gulf of Maine.
In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending. Following this decision, Senator Collins has secured more than $1 billion for hundreds of Maine projects for FY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities.
Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $52,350,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for the University of Maine (UMaine) System in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) and Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration Appropriations bills. The legislation, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee this month, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.
This funding advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY 2026 CJS and Agriculture Appropriations bills—an important step that now allows the bills to be considered by the full Senate.
“The brilliant faculty and students at Maine’s public universities and at the flagship university are conducting cutting-edge research and making promising discoveries in a wide variety of fields,” said Senator Collins. “This funding to support these exciting projects across the UMaine System would promote workforce development, support marine research, and help to prepare the next generation of leaders. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
“These investments—made possible through Senator Collins’ advocacy—would expand research opportunities, improve infrastructure, and support collaborative solutions that strengthen Maine’s economy and communities,” said Joan Ferrini-Mundy, Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation for the UMaine System.
“Located at the heart of our campus, the Reynolds Center is a hub of learning and connection. This investment would expand its role as a space for students to grow academically and socially — strengthening our commitment to the Downeast community,” said Megan Walsh, Dean and Campus Director, UMaine Machias.
“The spruce budworm is one of the most significant threats to Maine’s forest economy, and proactive research is essential to protecting this vital resource,” said Dr. Adam Daigneault, Associate Professor of Forest Policy and Economics at the University of Maine. “With this support, UMaine can expand its leadership in forest health research, helping landowners, communities, and the forest products industry prepare for and respond to future outbreaks. We are incredibly thankful for Senator Collins’ investment in the resilience of Maine’s forests.”
Funding advanced by Senator Collins for the UMaine System in the FY 2026 CJS and Agriculture Appropriations bills is as follows:
Gulf of Maine Ocean Observation System Recipient: University of Maine System Project Location: Coastal counties from Washington County to York County, ME Amount Requested: $5,000,000 Project Purpose: To expand the ocean observation system in the Gulf of Maine, which is used by the maritime and fishing industries.
University of Maine Health Science Complex Recipient: University of Maine System Project Location: Orono, ME Amount Requested: $45,000,000 Project Purpose: To support the construction of a health and life sciences complex.
University of Maine Forest Health Lab Recipient: University of Maine System Project Location: Orono, ME Amount Requested: $600,000 Project Purpose: To support the construction of the University’s Forest Health Lab, which conducts spruce budworm research.
University of Maine at Machias Early College Student Support Center Recipient: University of Maine System Project Location: Machias, ME Amount Requested: $750,000 Project Purpose: To renovate a facility on campus to support early college students.
American Lobster Settlement Index Expansion Recipient: University of Maine System Project Location: Walpole, ME Amount Requested: $1,000,000 Project Purpose: To expand the Maine Collector Survey for lobster in the Gulf of Maine.
In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending. Following this decision, Senator Collins has secured more than $1 billion for hundreds of Maine projects for FY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities.
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
July 21, 2025
Skydance reportedly set up secret side deal with Trump worth tens of millions more dollars, with potential Skydance/Paramount merger pending Trump admin approval
“These reports raise fresh questions about corruption in the Trump Administration and President Trump’s willingness to accept payments from entities with significant policy interests before agencies he controls.”
Text of Letter (PDF)
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) pressed David Ellison, CEO of Skydance Media, about reports of a secret deal between Skydance and President Trump — and how it may be related to Paramount’s recent multi-million-dollar settlement agreement with Trump. The settlement, which comes as Skydance and Paramount await approval from the Trump administration for their proposed mega-merger, has raised concerns about potential bribery.
“These reports raise fresh questions about corruption in the Trump Administration and President Trump’s willingness to accept payments from entities with significant policy interests before agencies he controls,” wrote the senators.
In May, following reports of a potential settlement in Paramount’s legal battle with President Trump, the senators wrote to the company with concerns that its attempt to settle President Trump’s “meritless” lawsuit for tens of millions of dollars, while approval for its $8 billion merger with Skydance is pending in front of the Trump administration, could be construed as bribery.
Despite the senators’ warnings, on July 2, Paramount settled with President Trump for $16 million, at least part of which will go toward his Presidential Library fund. But President Trump himself revealed that the arrangement is worth more than the initially announced $16 million, leading to reports of a back-door deal with President Trump. Reporting suggests that a secret side deal with Skydance may include public service announcements “and other broadcast transmissions” worth between $15 million and $20 million that “support conservative causes supported by President Trump.”
On July 17, CBS announced it was canceling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, just days after the host criticized Paramount’s $16 million settlement with President Trump on his show and said the deal resembled bribery.
The senators asked Skydance to answer questions related to whether Skydance’s actions comply with federal anti-bribery laws, including about the contents of the secret deal with President Trump, whether the deal’s participants discussed the pending Paramount-Skydance transaction, and whether Skydance executives were involved in the decision to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, by August 4.
The $16 million Paramount settlement will largely go straight to President Trump’s Presidential Library fund — along with the money from other settlements by tech and media companies, including ABC. Senator Warren, alongside Senator Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Representatives Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), last week introduced the Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act, new legislation to close loopholes that allow presidential libraries to be used as tools for corruption and bribery.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California
July 17, 2025
Washington, D.C. –Today, House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) issued a statement after the Department of the Interior released a memo ordering that all wind and solar energy projects on federal lands must now receive personal approval from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum:
“This memo confirms what we’ve known all along: the Trump administration is deliberately sabotaging clean energy on our public lands. Trump and his fossil fuel allies are so desperate to prop up polluting industries that they’re forcing every single decision and permit for every solar and wind project through the Interior Secretary’s desk.
“Let me be clear, this will drive up energy costs for American families and result in fewer jobs in communities that need them the most, in red and blue districts alike. Blocking wind and solar while China dominates the global clean energy market is nothing short of a surrender.
“Republicans talk a big game about cutting red tape, but when clean energy threatens fossil fuel profits, they pile on bureaucracy. We are watching them slow-walk permits, rewrite definitions, and dismantle tax credits for renewables under the cover of executive orders and a budget bill so horrendous, it reads like it was written by Big Oil — all while the climate crisis fuels deadly heat waves, wildfires, and floods across the country.
“House Republicans and this administration can try to stall our clean energy future, but they won’t stop Democrats from fighting for cleaner air, lower bills, and an economy that works for everyone.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California
July 21, 2025
Washington, D.C. – Today, Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) released a letter from the Department of the Interior (DOI) that rebukes House Republicans’ unprecedented attempt to roll back long-term land management plans in Alaska, North Dakota, and Montana through the Congressional Review Act (CRA).
In a response to Rep. Huffman’s inquiry, DOI made clear that Resource Management Plans (RMPs) approved under Section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 are not considered “rules” subject to CRA repeal. This directly undermines the legal premise of three CRA resolutions introduced by House Republicans that seek to void years of public engagement, scientific review, and Tribal consultation.
“The answer to this question is no,” DOI wrote in the letter, referring to whether RMPs qualify as CRA-covered rules.
The RMPs targeted by the Republican resolutions took years to develop and reflect broad public input, including from local communities, Tribes, and conservation experts. A recent poll from the National Wildlife Federation found that 75% of voters oppose efforts by Congress to eliminate existing public land management plans.
Ranking Member Huffman is calling on Congress to reject H.J. Res. 104, 105, and 106 and protect the integrity of public land management processes.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California
July 18, 2025
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Dean of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior Ranking Member Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), and Congresswoman Kelly Morrison (D-Minn.) sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Rollins and Interior Secretary Burgum demanding answers on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to overturn the 225,504-acre federal mineral withdrawal in the Rainy River Watershed on the Superior National Forest.
This move would blindside local communities, ignore scientific consensus, and put the profits of mining interests ahead of Minnesota’s clean water and world-renowned wilderness.
“This withdrawal is crucial for protecting the clean water, unparalleled recreation opportunities, and biodiverse wildlife habitat of Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (Boundary Waters)—the most visited National Wilderness Area in the nation,” the lawmakers wrote. “As Representatives for the people of the United States and champions for the Boundary Waters – a vast reserve of some of our nation’s purest water and one of our greatest outdoor treasures – we have significant concerns both the substance of this announcement and the manner in which it was communicated.”
The lawmakers slammed Secretary Rollins for announcing the decision using a vague and misleading social post, claiming to have reviewed the withdrawal and taken into account the extensive public input. Multiple environmental reviews and public letters from the U.S. Forest Service leadership have repeatedly concluded that opening the Superior National Forest to mineral development would pose unacceptable risks to the watershed’s cultural, economic, and natural resource values. Polls show that 70 percent of Minnesotans support permanent protection of the Boundary Waters.
“The people of Minnesota and Americans nationwide overwhelmingly support permanent protection for the headwaters of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The use of an inaccurate tweet lacking substantive detail has generated confusion and concern among our constituents, who have already provided extensive public input in support of protecting the Boundary Waters through a mineral withdrawal,” added the lawmakers.
Unraveling the mineral withdrawal protecting these headwaters threatens pristine ecosystems and a vibrant recreational economy supporting nearly 96,000 jobs in Minnesota and generating $13.5 billion annually. The lawmakers asked Secretary Rollins and Secretary Burgum to address their concerns before any further action is taken on the Rainy River Mineral Withdrawal by either the USDA or the DOI.
CBO estimates that Public Law 119-21 will result in a net decrease in the unified budget deficit totaling $366 billion over the 2025-2034 period, relative to the budget enforcement baseline for consideration in the Senate. That decrease in the deficit is estimated to result from a decrease in direct spending of $1.2 trillion and an decrease in revenues of $849 billion.
Some of those budgetary effects are associated with programs that are classified as off-budget. The decrease in the on-budget deficit over that period is estimated at $380 billion.
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) hosted the 2025 Quality Conference, July 1-2, convening healthcare leaders, clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates from across the country. This year’s theme—“Make American Healthy: Improving Health Outcomes Through Prevention, Quality, and Safety,”—focused on practical strategies to reduce harm, improve outcomes, and modernize care delivery.
“The USGS and NASA have partnered for over 50 years to leverage space technologies to map the Earth’s resources, and to bring Earth science to bear on space exploration,” said Sarah Ryker, acting USGS director.“As the nation plans to return astronauts to the Moon, the Artemis missions will require resources prohibitive to bring from Earth. Our USGS expertise in assessing resources will help locate ice, which can be purified for drinking, or electrolyzed to make hydrogen and oxygen, key ingredients in rocket fuel.”
Since its establishment in 1879, the U.S. Geological Survey has been mapping mineral resources in the U.S. and on Earth, with satellite-based scanning beginning in 1972. Off-planet prospectivity is the latest step in the USGS and NASA’s partnership applying Earth science tools to space.
NASA’s planned VIPER, or Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, mission will explore volatile-bearing deposits within the loose surface materials near the Moon’s South Pole, specifically around the Mons Mouton landing site. By locating and characterizing these resources, particularly water ice, the mission could reduce the need to transport such materials from Earth, supporting long-term lunar exploration and future space missions.
“Contributing to the VIPER Science Team helps the USGS test our methods in new settings, with new types of data. This mission represents a bold leap forward in lunar science, and also advances what we do on Earth,” said Joshua Coyan, lead author of the study and a research geologist with the USGS Mineral Resources Program.
Mapping lunar resources paves the way for uncovering critical supplies on other planetary bodies. On Earth, the USGS maps energy and water resources; on the Moon and other planets, as on Earth, water is a potential energy resource.
To support the VIPER mission, the USGS Mineral Resources Program partnered with NASA, the University of Hawai’i, and the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute to develop a new astrogeological prospectivity map with the goal of identifying locations with a high likelihood of containing water-ice deposits around the Lunar South Pole.
“This is the first time Earth-based geostatistical techniques have been adapted to map potential resources on another celestial body,” said Coyan. “By applying proven terrestrial methods in a new planetary context, we’re showing that the tools used to assess mineral potential on Earth can also help identify strategic exploration targets on the Moon and potentially beyond.”
Studying these potential water ice deposits may also help to shed light onto the origin and distribution of these lunar volatiles, offering a deeper understanding of the Moon’s geologic and thermal evolution.
The team found that there are several highly prospective areas near the VIPER landing site. Notable locations include the bases of the Jaci, Masina, and Dawa craters, in addition to several smaller clusters of depressions in the surrounding areas.
3D Map showing prospectivity of water ice volatiles in the Mons Mouton region (Map by Coyan et al., 2025, USGS Mineral Resources Program).
The prospectivity map was generated using methodologies for uncovering drilling and mining locations. Remote sensing and geophysical data on the lunar poles are relatively scarce, so the team used a “fuzzy logic” artificial intelligence technique to locate areas with high potential for ice based on factors like shade and slope.
These techniques were designed to improve as new data is collected during the mission, allowing for near-real time refinement of the locations considered prospective for water ice.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois, man Jessie Bates, 38, was sentenced on July 17, 2025, to 17 years in prison, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release for distribution of methamphetamine.
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that Bates sold over 50 grams of methamphetamine to an individual and undercover agent. When law enforcement attempted to arrest Bates, he fled at a high rate of speed proceeding the wrong way down a busy on-way road. He then fled to the state of Georgia where he was ultimately arrested. The government also presented evidence that Bates committed the offense while out on bond for a Sangamon County case involving aggravated discharge of a firearm.
Also at the hearing, U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless found that the Bates was a career offender and eligible for an obstruction of justice enhancement for recklessly creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to another person in the course of fleeing from law enforcement.
Bates pleaded guilty in March 2025. He remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service, where he has been since his arrest in January 2024.
The statutory penalties for distribution of methamphetamine are at least 10 years and up to a life term of imprisonment, , at least five years and up to a life term of supervised release, and up to a $10,000,000 fine.
“The only thing to be gained from a career as a drug dealer is a prison sentence,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Seberger. “I appreciate the work of the ATF agents who came to central Illinois and went into the field to ensure this was a successful operation. Their work has made our community safer.”
“This case was a direct result of our Violent Crime Initiative and our strong partnership with the Springfield Police Department,” said ATF Chicago Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon. “Through our targeted and collaborative enforcement efforts, and with the unwavering support of retired Chief of Police Ken Scarlette, a violent drug trafficker is now off the streets and behind bars.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case with assistance from the Springfield Police Department, Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Marshals Service. The Illinois State Police provided assistance at sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Seberger represented the government in the prosecution.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Gloucester man was sentenced yesterday to five years in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, on July 15, 2024, Kyle Jacob Buquor, 26, parked a pickup truck in the area of Market Drive and entered a store. While Buquor was inside the store, a K9 positively alerted for narcotics in the truck as law enforcement conducted an open-air sniff around the vehicle.
Buquor was detained when he returned to the vehicle. During a probable cause search of the vehicle agents recovered a handgun, three loaded magazines, an empty magazine, 11.5 grams of methamphetamine, and various items indicative of drug trafficking.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Darrell W. Warren, Jr., Gloucester County Sheriff, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Heath prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-cr-56.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
SAN ANTONIO – United States Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas announced today, that federal prosecutors in the district filed 178 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from July 11 through July 17.
Among the new cases, Edgar Josue Montelongo-Loera was charged in a criminal complaint in Del Rio for trafficking in firearms. On June 12, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents, assisting in a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigation, allegedly observed Montelongo-Loera transfer a plastic bag containing seven 9mm pistols to a non-immigrant alien co-conspirator at a parking lot in Eagle Pass. The criminal complaint states that HSI agents followed the co-conspirator to the Eagle Pass Port of Entry, where Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers allegedly located eight firearms concealed inside the vehicle during an inspection. Further investigation by ATF revealed that Montelongo-Loera allegedly purchased one of the pistols at a retail location in San Antonio.
Also in the Del Rio sector, Mexican national Jose Elias Gavina-Vasquez was arrested on July 14 and charged with illegal re-entry. Gavina-Vasquez has seven prior deportations, and he was most recently deported to Mexico on Feb. 23, 2023. He has a prior felony conviction from June 2022 and a separate conviction for driving while intoxicated from March 2022.
Mexican national and convicted felon Juan Antonio Torres-Moreno was also arrested and charged with illegal re-entry in Del Rio. Torres-Moreno has three prior removals and a voluntary departure, the last being a deportation in 2019. The 2019 deportation resulted from his second illegal-re-entry conviction. He was sentenced to nine months confinement in that case.
Sergio Villeda-Hernandez, also a Mexican national, was arrested in Eagle Pass on July 13 and charged with illegal re-entry after he was recently removed from the U.S. on March 18. Villeda-Hernandez is a convicted felon, having been sentenced to just over a year in prison in 2007 for a felony battery, possession of cocaine, and selling cocaine in DeSoto County, Florida.
In El Paso, Mexican national Mario Humberto Sanchez-Hernandez was found less than a mile and a half west of the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry without immigration documents allowing him to be or remain in the U.S. Sanchez-Hernandez was just removed from the U.S. to Mexico for the third time on June 21 through San Diego and was convicted in October 2024 for driving under the influence in Newark, New Jersey.
Two brothers were arrested in El Paso, each charged with one count of alien smuggling. U.S. Border Patrol agents conducted an undercover operation that led them to meet Marcos Dominguez, who allegedly believed the agents were transporting two illegal aliens and were in need of a stash house. A criminal complaint affidavit alleges that Marcos exited his vehicle to assist with transferring one of the illegal aliens from the agents’ vehicle to his own. Marcos was then detained for further investigation and agreed to guide the agents to his residence. At the residence, the agents encountered Marcos’s brother, Andres Dominguez, who allegedly admitted that illegal aliens were present inside. Agents located four subjects determined to be illegal aliens. The illegal aliens were arrested and transported to the Ysleta Border Patrol Station. The investigation revealed that Marcos allegedly housed more than 40 illegal aliens at his residence, was paid $200 per day for his smuggling actions, and would split the earnings with his brother Andres, whom he said helped him house and transport the illegal aliens.
In Austin, the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Fugitive Operations Team (FOT) encountered Honduran national Jimmy Reinel Espinal-Mejia on July 16. Espinal-Mejia was convicted for illegal re-entry in May 2024 after being previously removed in January 2024. For that conviction, he was sentenced to 63 days confinement and removed in July 2024. Six years earlier, in 2018, Espinal-Mejia was convicted for aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury and sentenced to 12 years in prison.
In Waco, a Mexican national was charged with illegal re-entry on July 17 when Temple Police responded to a vehicle collision in Temple and identified Eloy Hernandez-Ponce as one of the vehicle occupants. ICE identified Hernandez-Ponce as a previously removed alien who was last deported in March 2010 following a felony conviction for intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle in Houston.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), 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), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.
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).
Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Canada’s policymakers are searching for new, sustainable sources of economic strength. One such source is already here and is being overlooked: the emerging Indigenous economy. It has the potential to boost Canada’s economy by more than $60 billion a year.
But Indigenous Peoples are still largely seen as an economic liability to manage instead of an opportunity for growth. It is time for a mindset shift. For it to happen, the federal government should remove unfair economic barriers and invest in closing the employment and income gap.
Compounding this challenge is Canada’s aging labour force. The number of people aged 65 and over is growing six times faster than the number of children aged 14 and under — those who will be entering the job market in the coming years. This demographic shift places additional pressure on pensions, the health-care system and the economy.
A BNN Bloomberg feature about the Indigenous economy in Canada.
If Indigenous Peoples could participate in the economy at the same rate as non-Indigenous Canadians, their GDP contribution could increase from about $55 billion to well over $100 billion annually.
Despite this potential, Canada has largely failed to invest in Indigenous Peoples and reform the colonial structures that create inequality.
While some progress has been made, such as the First Nations Fiscal Management Act that offers communities tools to strengthen their economies, progress is still too slow.
In contrast, First Nations communities are constrained by Canadian institutions. The Indian Act limits First Nations’ authority over their own affairs, segregating them from mainstream finance mechanisms. Unclear legal jurisdiction between federal, provincial and Indigenous governments and weak property rights discourage business investments.
Limited authority and fiscal powers mean First Nations governments cannot provide services at national standards and must depend on other governments.
Compounding these issues is the fragmented, insufficient and culturally inappropriate nature of federal support systems. First Nations people have economic advantages and an entrepreneurial spirit, but they are burdened with unfair economic barriers, such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to capital and administrative hurdles.
The RoadMap Project, a national initiative led by the First Nations Financial Management Board and other Indigenous organizations, proposes a pathway to economic reconciliation. Investing in the Indigenous economy means supporting Indigenous training, providing access to capital for Indigenous organizations and reforming the institutions that continue to impose systemic barriers.
Online learning could help remote communities achieve educational goals, but its success depends on major investments in high-speed internet access, which remains lacking in many areas.
Internationally, development banks have been used to fill credit gaps when the private sector is unable to meet the needs of emerging economies.
In Canada, the First Nations Financial Management Board and other Indigenous organizations are calling for a similar solution: the creation of an Indigenous Development Finance Organization. By lending to Indigenous governments and businesses, this finance organization could bridge the gap between the financial markets and the Indigenous economy.
While investments in capacity and development finance are urgent needs, only the dismantling of economic barriers and increased access to effective institutions can assure Indigenous development.
Legislation such as the First Nations Fiscal Management Act and the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management can support Indigenous economies through taxation, budgeting, land codes and financial laws. They offer a pathway between the Indian Act framework and self-government, without waiting on lengthy negotiations.
Growing stronger together
Canada’s economic future will remain uncertain if short-term solutions keep being prioritized while ignoring the growth potential of the Indigenous economy. Improvements to the status quo are no longer sufficient.
The federal government must support Indigenous-led initiatives like the RoadMap Project to foster shared growth and prosperity for Indigenous Peoples and all Canadians alike. Investments are needed to narrow the employment and income gap through new supports for capacity, access to capital and institutional reform.
Mylon Ollila is a Senior Strategist for the First Nations Financial Management Board.
Hugo Asselin does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
It is crucial to think about what you can do promote your safety while using dating apps, and before you click the download button.(Shutterstock)
Dating apps like Tinder, Bumble and Grindr have become a ubiquitous part of modern dating for young people looking to meet potential partners. However, many Gen Z users are increasingly forgoing dating apps, feeling burnt out by the whole process.
With anti-LGBTQ+ movements rising in Canada, the United States and around the world, it is important to understand the potential dangers of online dating and how LGBTQ+ people can promote their safety.
We recently conducted an online survey that looks into LGBTQ+ people’s experiences with dating apps in Canada as part of a research project at Concordia University’s Digital Intimacy, Gender & Sexuality (DIGS) Lab. We analyzed 624 participant responses that reveal the different harms LGBTQ+ users face and the strategies they use to mitigate those harms.
Dating today can feel like a mix of endless swipes, red flags and shifting expectations. From decoding mixed signals to balancing independence with intimacy, relationships in your 20s and 30s come with unique challenges. Love IRL is the latest series from Quarter Life that explores it all.
These research-backed articles break down the complexities of modern love to help you build meaningful connections, no matter your relationship status.
Harms against LGBTQ+ dating app users
LGBTQ+ dating users can experience a variety of harms, including unwanted sexual advances, harassment, coercion, discrimination and catfishing.
The most common types of harms that participants experienced were sexual harms (like receiving unsolicited sexual content, sexual harassment and sexual assault), emotional harms (like bullying and threatening behavior) and social harms (like discrimination and exclusion). Sexual harm was more common online and emotional harm was more common in person.
Many trans and non-binary participants were insulted with slurs and told their identity was not real by other dating app users. Some people they matched with would also verbally attack them or make death threats. Other trans and non-binary participants reported that people were often nice and friendly online, but then would harass them in person.
Racialized LGBTQ+ users said people often made racist comments or used slurs against them. Racial stereotyping and fetishizing was also common. For example, one participant said that she received “comments about my body based on my race and implications of what a Black woman could do with her lips.”
There were participants who reported being drugged or sexually assaulted when they met someone in person. Unfortunately, many people who use dating apps say that they have experienced sexual violence online or in person.
Younger LGBTQ+ users reported feeling pressured or coerced into doing sexual acts by older users. For example, one participant said they felt pushed into doing sexual acts they were not comfortable with.
If you or someone you know uses dating apps, there are steps you can take to make your experience safer.
The LGBTQ+ people in our study employed strategies like verifying someone’s identity through video calls or by checking out their social media profiles. When meeting someone in person for the first time, participants would choose to meet in a public space and sharetheir location with family or close friends.
Safety is not just the individual’s responsibility, however. Dating app companies need to keep their users safe, and participants from the survey gave suggestions to make dating apps safer. For instance, many recommended better content moderation systems to filter out inappropriate messages and problematic users.
Participants wanted features to make it easier for marginalized communities to connect and avoid people who harass or discriminate. They also wanted better enforcement and stricter consequences for people who violated an app’s community guidelines, like making it impossible, not just harder, for banned users to get back on the apps.
Another thing to think about is how new technology is being incorporated into the apps you use and what that means for your safety and privacy. Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more popular and accessible, and dating app companies are integrating this technology into their platforms to help manage user safety.
With evolving technologies and changes in the sociopolitical climate, these safety issues are not going away. In fact, they may become more complicated in the future. It is crucial to think about what you can do promote your safety while using dating apps, both online and in person.
Christopher Dietzel receives funding from Le Fonds de recherche du Québec – Société et culture (FRQSC).
André Matar does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Andy Kim (D-NJ), along with U.S. Representatives Herb Conaway Jr., MD (D-NJ-03), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Rob Menendez (D-NJ-08), Frank Pallone (D-NJ-06), Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05)—issued the following statement after Defense Secretary Hegseth announced his plan to use Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst as a detention site for undocumented immigrants:
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the decision by the Trump Administration to use Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst as an immigrant detention center. This is an inappropriate use of our national defense system and military resources. Escalating a radical immigration policy that has resulted in the inhumane treatment of undocumented immigrants and unlawful deportation of U.S. citizens, including children, across the country.
“We call on our Republican colleagues in New Jersey to join us in urging this Administration to immediately reverse this action. Using our country’s military to detain and hold undocumented immigrants jeopardizes military preparedness and paves the way for ICE immigration raids in every New Jersey community. We have the greatest military in the world and using it as a domestic political tool is unacceptable and shameful.”
To read the letter Congressman Conaway received from Secretary of Defense Hegseth, click here.
Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, both D-VA, issued the following statements after the Trump Administration heeded their demands that release funding it was illegally withholding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers, including over $23 million for centers throughout Virginia, such as Boys and Girls clubs:
“It’s about time that the Trump administration finally agreed to release federal funding for these vital community learning centers in Virginia and across the country,” said Warner. “Sadly, the truth of the matter is that these funds should never have been stalled. Holding back these investments put unnecessary strain on schools and families, jeopardizing critical support for children in need. Virginia’s kids deserve better.”
“I had the chance to meet with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Southwest Virginia earlier this month to hear from them directly about how devastating the Trump Administration’s illegal withholding of critical funding would be for their ability to provide crucial educational programs for kids throughout Virginia,” said Kaine. “I informed my Senate colleagues of these disastrous cuts at a HELP committee hearing on Tuesday and urged Republican leaders to press the Trump Administration to reverse its devastating action. While I am glad to see the Trump Administration complied with our demands to release this funding, it never should have been withheld in the first place. It’s past time for the Administration to release the remaining $85 million it is still actively withholding from Virginia schools.”
Warner and Kaine have repeatedly battled the Trump Administration over its illegal withholding of already-appropriated federal funding. On July 3, 2025, the senators issued a statement demanding that the Administration promptly release $108 million in funding for Virginia K-12 education—including money for teacher training, after-school programs, and mental health resources—that had already been duly appropriated by Congress. In the following weeks, Kaine met with local officials, parents, and leadership of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia in Vinton, Virginia; and with officials of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in Washington, D.C. In April 2025, Warner and Kaine joined 40 of their congressional colleagues in excoriating the Trump Administration over its illegal funding freeze to Head Start programs on which thousands of families and children in Virginia rely.
overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) achieved its best summer subway ridership week since 2019, hitting four million subway riders three days in a row in a summer season — a first since the start of the pandemic. On Tuesday, July 15, New York City Transit recorded 4,046,610 subway riders; on Wednesday, July 16, the agency recorded 4,121,751 subway riders; and on Thursday, July 17 saw 4,029,692 riders. This milestone was also achieved during the same week NYC experienced a near-record rainfall on Monday, July 14, and transit crews worked expeditiously to restore service the evening of the storm and through the night to ensure a smooth commute the next day. Moreover, Wednesday’s ridership of 4,121,751 subway riders is a new post-pandemic ridership high for the summer.
“We’re delivering a transit system that is safer and more reliable, and New Yorkers have responded by riding in record numbers,” Governor Hochul said. “Transit is the lifeblood of New York City, it powers our economy and makes city life possible for millions. When ridership is on the rise, New York is on the rise.”
The four million mark has now been achieved seven times in three weeks, starting at the end of the school year. The first time the MTA reached four million subway riders in a single day during a summer season since the start of the pandemic was on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, followed by Thursday, June 26, 2025, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, and Thursday, July 10, 2025, and now July 17 through July 19. This milestone comes days after the Governor announced the Authority’s path towards a record-breaking year in ridership and on-time performance.
This is the first summer NYC students are enjoying expanded benefits from Student OMNY cards distributed last September, which allow use after the conclusion of the school year. Student OMNY cards are valid 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Previously, Student MetroCards limited rides on days when the student’s school was open for class.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “New Yorkers are demonstrating their confidence in the MTA’s faster and more reliable transit, voting with their taps to get around the City this summer. And thanks to Governor Hochul’s investments in state-of-good-repair work, safety, and accessibility, we’re achieving post-pandemic ridership records every week.”
New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said, “Thanks to the dedication of New York City Transit workers, we’re continuing to see record-breaking ridership on subways and buses this year. And we’re not done yet – with a capital plan that funds new train cars, more accessible stations, and computerized signals that allow for increased speeds and shorter travel times, riders will continue to see improvements both in the short term and well into the future.”
On top of the ridership increases, tap-and-go continues to surge in popularity with 75 percent of riders deciding to tap their phones, contactless debit/credit cards, or OMNY cards to pay their fares during the week of July 14, up from 67 percent in March 2025.
Headline: Nordhaus, Raines see heroism, partnerships in Central Texas
Early on July 4, almost 30 inches of rain fell within hours across Central Texas’s Hill Country, surging the Guadalupe River and triggering catastrophic flash flooding. Within hours, Texas National Guard members sprang into action, launching search and rescue operations alongside civil authorities.
New York, US, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With the entry into force of the GENIUS Act, the United States has officially banned income-generating stablecoins, cutting off a major channel through which investors previously earned interest. This regulatory shift is expected to drive capital back into the native ecosystems of leading public chains like Ethereum, fueling a sharp rise in demand for on-chain income tools. In response, GoldenMining has introduced an updated suite of ETH cloud mining contracts—designed to deliver stable daily income of up to $9,700—positioning itself as a key player in helping investors earn consistent returns while benefiting from Ethereum’s continued growth.
As the core of the DeFi ecosystem, Ethereum undertakes more than 70% of decentralized financial applications. It has become an important way for many people to make stable money through staking and on-chain services. The ETH cloud mining contract launched by GoldenMining eliminates the trouble of buying mining machines, has a low threshold, and the income is settled every day, with a return rate of more than 60%. In the case of Ethereum’s bullish price, this contract helps investors enjoy price increases and get stable income. Now that policies limit the income of stablecoins, it is difficult to resist inflation by holding coins alone. GoldenMining’s contract model has become a choice with both growth potential and relative safety.
In order to allow more people to participate in Ethereum’s income, GoldenMining has launched a variety of ETH cloud mining contracts. As long as users choose the right investment amount and time, the mining platform will take care of the rest, and the income will be directly credited to your account every day. In this way, everyone does not have to worry about equipment maintenance or technical problems, and can easily get stable mining returns.
User contract recommendation
contract
Investment Amount
Contract Rewards
Total income
VOLCMINER D1 Lite
$15
$0.6
$15.6
Elphapex DG1+
$100
$3
$106
Bitmain S23 Hyd
$500
$32.5
$532.5
AntminerL916GH
$1000
$135
$1135
L917GH
$3000
$621
$3621
ElphaPex DG Hydro1
$5000
$1400
$6400
Elphapex DG2 – 25-Day
$8000
$2900
$10900
Elphapex DG2+ – 30-Day
$15000
$6750
$21750
As the price of Ethereum continues to rise, the benefits of contracts not only come from mining itself, but investors can also enjoy the benefits of asset appreciation. In this way, both income and asset value increase, making investment more secure.
Simple steps to participate in ETH contracts
Register an account and you can get a trial fee worth $15. This trial fee can be used directly by users to experience contracts of mainstream currencies such as BTC, ETH, XRP, etc., helping new users quickly familiarize themselves with the operation of the platform and the receipt of income.
After selecting the contract, the contract will take effect immediately, and the system will automatically settle the income every day and send it directly to your account. The income will be accumulated from the day of signing the contract, and the profit can be withdrawn or reinvested
Users can use their wallets to directly recharge ETH to the platform account. The platform also supports the recharge and withdrawal of a variety of mainstream cryptocurrencies, such as Dogecoin (DOGE), Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), SOL, Ripple (XRP) and US dollar stablecoin (USDC). After the recharge is completed, you can choose ETH contracts of different amounts and terms according to your needs.
To ensure the safety of funds, users’ assets are managed by top banks, all personal information is protected by SSL encryption, and the transaction process is safe and reliable. At the same time, the platform provides AIG insurance underwriting for all contract investments to further enhance financial security and enhance user confidence.
GoldenMining joins hands with Ethereum to seize future profit opportunities
With the continuous growth of the Ethereum ecosystem and the increase in the demand for on-chain income, GoldenMining’s ETH cloud mining contract has seized this opportunity and provided investors with a platform that can share the growth dividends of Ethereum and obtain stable returns. In the future, as more funds flow into the Ethereum ecosystem, this contract model is expected to become a new choice for more and more people to manage their finances.
Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.
New York, US, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With the entry into force of the GENIUS Act, the United States has officially banned income-generating stablecoins, cutting off a major channel through which investors previously earned interest. This regulatory shift is expected to drive capital back into the native ecosystems of leading public chains like Ethereum, fueling a sharp rise in demand for on-chain income tools. In response, GoldenMining has introduced an updated suite of ETH cloud mining contracts—designed to deliver stable daily income of up to $9,700—positioning itself as a key player in helping investors earn consistent returns while benefiting from Ethereum’s continued growth.
As the core of the DeFi ecosystem, Ethereum undertakes more than 70% of decentralized financial applications. It has become an important way for many people to make stable money through staking and on-chain services. The ETH cloud mining contract launched by GoldenMining eliminates the trouble of buying mining machines, has a low threshold, and the income is settled every day, with a return rate of more than 60%. In the case of Ethereum’s bullish price, this contract helps investors enjoy price increases and get stable income. Now that policies limit the income of stablecoins, it is difficult to resist inflation by holding coins alone. GoldenMining’s contract model has become a choice with both growth potential and relative safety.
In order to allow more people to participate in Ethereum’s income, GoldenMining has launched a variety of ETH cloud mining contracts. As long as users choose the right investment amount and time, the mining platform will take care of the rest, and the income will be directly credited to your account every day. In this way, everyone does not have to worry about equipment maintenance or technical problems, and can easily get stable mining returns.
User contract recommendation
contract
Investment Amount
Contract Rewards
Total income
VOLCMINER D1 Lite
$15
$0.6
$15.6
Elphapex DG1+
$100
$3
$106
Bitmain S23 Hyd
$500
$32.5
$532.5
AntminerL916GH
$1000
$135
$1135
L917GH
$3000
$621
$3621
ElphaPex DG Hydro1
$5000
$1400
$6400
Elphapex DG2 – 25-Day
$8000
$2900
$10900
Elphapex DG2+ – 30-Day
$15000
$6750
$21750
As the price of Ethereum continues to rise, the benefits of contracts not only come from mining itself, but investors can also enjoy the benefits of asset appreciation. In this way, both income and asset value increase, making investment more secure.
Simple steps to participate in ETH contracts
Register an account and you can get a trial fee worth $15. This trial fee can be used directly by users to experience contracts of mainstream currencies such as BTC, ETH, XRP, etc., helping new users quickly familiarize themselves with the operation of the platform and the receipt of income.
After selecting the contract, the contract will take effect immediately, and the system will automatically settle the income every day and send it directly to your account. The income will be accumulated from the day of signing the contract, and the profit can be withdrawn or reinvested
Users can use their wallets to directly recharge ETH to the platform account. The platform also supports the recharge and withdrawal of a variety of mainstream cryptocurrencies, such as Dogecoin (DOGE), Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), SOL, Ripple (XRP) and US dollar stablecoin (USDC). After the recharge is completed, you can choose ETH contracts of different amounts and terms according to your needs.
To ensure the safety of funds, users’ assets are managed by top banks, all personal information is protected by SSL encryption, and the transaction process is safe and reliable. At the same time, the platform provides AIG insurance underwriting for all contract investments to further enhance financial security and enhance user confidence.
GoldenMining joins hands with Ethereum to seize future profit opportunities
With the continuous growth of the Ethereum ecosystem and the increase in the demand for on-chain income, GoldenMining’s ETH cloud mining contract has seized this opportunity and provided investors with a platform that can share the growth dividends of Ethereum and obtain stable returns. In the future, as more funds flow into the Ethereum ecosystem, this contract model is expected to become a new choice for more and more people to manage their finances.
Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.
Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
Schumer Secured Authorization In Major Step Forward To Plan & Design New, Expanded Spaces To Store Aircraft And House Soldiers Training At Fort Drum
Schumer Is Pushing To Deliver $$ For New Aircraft Storage And Training Facilities In Upcoming Funding Bill
Schumer: A Major Step Closer To Critical Fort Drum Upgrades
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer announced a major step forward for future construction projects at Fort Drum in the Senate’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The senator has secured required the funding authorization, a critical milestone that unlocks the funding process, for the planning and design of an aircraft maintenance hangar addition and an Operational Readiness Training Complex training barracks at Fort Drum, a vital step in unlocking the funding process . These new projects will add space to house Fort Drum’s aircraft and expand housing for soldiers who come to Fort Drum for training. Schumer said this is a priority for Fort Drum and will fight to secure the funding in appropriations.
“Fort Drum is vital to our national defense and is woven into the very fabric of the North Country, and this funding authorization is a major step towards bringing much-needed construction projects to life. I am proud to announce I just secured the long-desired federal funding authorization of $18.5 million to plan and design expanded space to house Fort Drum’s aircraft and more housing for soldiers who come to Fort Drum for training,” said Senator Schumer. “I will continue to fight tooth and nail to deliver funding in appropriations to get dollars through the door and bring these projects to life for all the hardworking servicemembers at Fort Drum.”
Schumer said securing this $18.5 million authorization in the Senate is a massive step forward in the push to bring two Fort Drum Construction projects to life. This federal funding authorization would contribute to the planning and design of these construction projects. More information on the projects can be found below:
$9.8 million for Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Addition: This funding would construct a hangar addition to store Fort Drum’s aircraft.
$8.6 million for Operational Readiness Training Complex (ORTC) Transient Training Barracks: Fort Drum is a Regional Collective Training Center to roughly 25,000 soldiers annually, and this funding will help house transient units when they come to Fort Drum for training exercises, as it renovates other barracks. The funding would build two new battalion-sized training barracks with special foundations and ensure there are functioning sewer systems and emergency control systems for the two new barracks.
Schumer has worked for years to deliver major federal investments to enhance Fort Drum’s capabilities. Schumer fought for years, personally calling the former Army Secretary, Defense Secretary, and Army Chief of Staff to deliver over $27 million in federal funding to construct a new railhead at Fort Drum, a top priority for the base. The senator also delivered over $21 million for a new Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Hangar at Fort Drum, and he secured $27 million for Fort Drum in the FY22 omnibus to replace the base’s existing water supply that was vulnerable to multiple forms of contamination, requiring Fort Drum to purchase half of its water supply from a municipal source. Schumer additionally secured nearly $10 million for two major Fort Drum projects in the end-of-year spending package for FY2023.
Early on July 4, almost 30 inches of rain fell within hours across Central Texas’s Hill Country, surging the Guadalupe River and triggering catastrophic flash flooding. Within hours, Texas National Guard members sprang into action, launching search and rescue operations alongside civil authorities.