Volume 1 Issue 10 - July 14th, 2025

“Here’s what I know: Time must be explicitly managed, like money. You can always change your plan, but only if you have one. Ask yourself: Are you spending your time on the right things? Develop a good filing system. Rethink the telephone. Delegate. Take a time out. Time is all you have. And you may find one day that you have less than you think.” - Randy Pausch

Happy Monday!! The second half of the year is getting in full swing and it is time to start back-to-school prep!!! Lots of things are getting added to our calendar and it becomes more important than ever to start learning how to balance and keep all the plates spinning. Let's set up a call this week to plan out your goals and set some routines in place to help build the structure we crave with the flexibility needed for life.

What's the Buzz?

Alright everyone, gather 'round the kitchen table! It's time for our weekly buzz to keep our families in the know. Here's what's happening across our communities this week:

On the Home Front - National News & Your Family's Well-being

• Potential Tropical Development in the Gulf Coast: The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a trough of low pressure off the Atlantic coast of northern Florida. This system is expected to move across Florida and into the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, potentially developing further during the middle to latter part of the week. Regardless of whether it becomes a full tropical storm, there's a risk of heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding along portions of Florida and the north-central Gulf Coast throughout the week. Families in these areas should stay informed about the latest weather forecasts and be prepared for potential flooding.

• International Affairs: Other national news includes updates on the US special envoy's visit to Ukraine and discussions around Russia's foreign policy in relation to North Korea. President Trump is also scheduled to meet with the NATO secretary-general this week.

• Domestic Policy: The Senate is expected to consider a bill involving federal spending cuts this week. There's also ongoing news regarding a resurgence of measles, with health officials urging a public health emergency declaration.

Health and Safety During Storms and Flooding

Given the potential for storms and flooding in the Gulf Coast this week, it's a good time to review some general safety tips for your family:

• Know Your Risk: Check FEMA's Flood Map Service Center to understand the flood risk in your area. Remember that flooding can happen anywhere, not just in designated flood zones.

• Stay Informed: Monitor weather radios, local news alerts, and official emergency notifications for the latest updates and instructions.

• Have an Emergency Plan: Discuss with your family what you would do in case of a flood. This includes identifying evacuation routes and a meeting place.

• Build an Emergency Kit: Make sure you have essential supplies like food, water, medications, a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, and important documents in a waterproof container.

• Never Drive, Walk, or Swim Through Floodwaters: It takes very little moving water to sweep away a person or a car. Remember the saying, "Turn Around, Don't Drown!"

• If You Receive an Evacuation Order, Leave Immediately: Don't wait until the last minute to evacuate.

• Seek Higher Ground: If flooding occurs, move to the highest possible floor of your home. If trapped, go to the roof only as a last resort.

• Stay Away from Bridges Over Fast-Moving Water: The water can be more powerful than it looks and can wash bridges away.

• After the Flood: Be cautious when returning to flooded areas. Wear protective gear during cleanup and be aware of potential hazards like contaminated water and electrical issues.

It's always a good idea for families to stay prepared and informed, especially during times of potential severe weather.

Things in the House

Floor Activity:

• The House will meet at noon for morning hour and at 2:00 PM for legislative business.

• Votes will be postponed until 6:30 PM on Monday.

• The House will consider several pieces of legislation under suspension of the rules, including:

  • H.R. 1770 – Consumer Safety Technology Act (Sponsored by Rep. Soto)

  • H.R. 1709 – Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act (Sponsored by Rep. Landsman)

  • H.R. 1455 – ITS Codification Act (Sponsored by Rep. Carter (GA))

Committee Hearings:

Several House Committees have scheduled hearings for Monday, July 14th, 2025:

• 3:00 PM ET: Committee hearing on "VA Office of Information and Technology Organizational Structure and Priorities."

• 4:00 PM ET: Committee hearing on various bills including "H.R. 1919 Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act," "H.R. 3633 Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025," "S. 1582 GENIUS Act," and "H.R. 4016 Department of Defense Appropriations Act 2026."

• 5:00 PM ET: Committee hearing on the "Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Bill."

• 6:00 PM ET: Committee hearing on the "Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Bill."

• 10:00 AM Local Time: House Committee on Armed Services will hold a markup of H.R. 3838 - Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.

What the Senate is doing this week?

Floor Activity:

• The Senate convened at 3:00 PM ET on Monday, July 14th, 2025.

• Following remarks from the Majority Leader, the Senate will be in a period of morning business where senators can speak for up to 10 minutes each.

• At approximately 5:30 PM ET, the Senate will vote on the confirmation of Executive Calendar #261, Whitney D. Hermandorfer, of Tennessee, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Sixth Circuit.

Committee Hearings:

Based on the schedule, several Senate Committees have hearings scheduled throughout the week:

• Monday, July 14th:

  • 3:30 PM ET: Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry will hold a hearing to examine stakeholder perspectives on Federal oversight of digital commodities.

• Tuesday, July 15th: There are numerous committee hearings scheduled throughout the day on various topics, including critical mineral supply chains, drone warfare threats at home, bankruptcy law, the National Defense Authorization Act, Interior and Environment appropriations, small business advocacy, antisemitism in higher education, and more.

• Wednesday, July 16th: Scheduled hearings include discussions on making America a crypto capital, public health workforce, Puerto Rico's fiscal recovery, the Biden border crisis, artificial intelligence and criminal exploitation, weather forecasting technologies, and others.

• Thursday, July 17th: A hearing is scheduled to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies bill, along with the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies bill.

Around the World - Global Events with Potential Impact

Several global events happening around July 2025 could potentially impact families in the US. Here's a breakdown of some key areas:

Economic Factors:

• Global Economic Growth: Projections indicate a global economic growth rate of around 3.3% for both 2025 and 2026. However, there's an anticipated slowdown in growth within the US, Canada, Mexico, and China. This could indirectly affect US families through potential impacts on employment, trade, and the overall cost of goods and services.

• Inflation: Inflation in OECD countries is projected to be around 4.2% in 2025. While the report suggests US inflation might be slightly higher than previously anticipated, persistent global inflation can influence the prices of imported goods and overall household expenses in the US.

Health Concerns:

• Measles Outbreak: The US is currently experiencing a significant measles outbreak, with a large number of confirmed cases across many states. Canada is also facing a measles outbreak. This global context of increased measles activity emphasizes the importance of ensuring family members are vaccinated and being aware of travel advisories if planning international trips.

Geopolitical Developments:

• Farmland Security: The US government has announced a plan to enhance national farm security, which includes banning the purchase of American farmland by Chinese nationals and other foreign adversaries. This policy could impact agricultural markets and potentially the prices of certain food products for US consumers.

• International Relations: High-level discussions and commemorations between the US and countries like Israel regarding military cooperation highlight ongoing international relations that can sometimes have indirect effects on domestic policies and priorities.

Other Potential Events:

• While not a specific "event," the ongoing global discussions around family-oriented policies for sustainable development, as emphasized by the UN's International Day of Families leading up to the Second World Summit for Social Development, could influence policy debates and social awareness in the US regarding family well-being.

• The potential tropical development in the Gulf of Mexico, while regionally focused, could have broader implications for energy prices and supply chains across the US if it intensifies.

It's important to remember that global events are interconnected, and these are just some of the potential areas where international developments could have an impact on families within the United States. Staying informed through reliable news sources is always a good practice.

Things to Keep on Our Family Radar This Week

Based on what we've discussed, here's a summary of what families in the US should keep on their radar this week:

Weather and Safety:

• Gulf Coast Weather: Families in Florida and the north-central Gulf Coast should closely monitor weather forecasts for potential tropical development that could bring heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding throughout the week. Be prepared to take necessary safety precautions.

National News and Government:

• Senate Confirmation Vote: Keep an eye out for the Senate vote on the confirmation of Judge Whitney D. Hermandorfer scheduled for Monday evening.

• House Legislative Activity: The House of Representatives will be busy with legislative business and committee hearings. While the specific bills being considered might vary in their direct impact on families, you can stay informed about major policy discussions. Of particular note is the focus on "Crypto Week" in the House, which might lead to discussions and votes on digital asset regulations.

• Measles Outbreak: Continue to be aware of the ongoing measles outbreak across the US and in Canada. Ensure your family's vaccinations are up-to-date, especially if you have travel plans.

Global Events:

• International Economic Trends: Be mindful of reports regarding global economic growth and inflation, as these can indirectly influence the cost of living and economic opportunities in the US.

• Geopolitical News: While the specific impacts can be varied, staying generally informed about significant international relations and policy discussions, such as the US farm security initiative and talks with Israel, can provide context for broader national trends.

By staying informed about these areas, families can be better prepared for any potential impacts on their safety, health, and financial well-being.

Jess C's Mom's Two Cents

Alright, here are my "two cents" for the week, focusing on what's most relevant for you and your family:

This week, the big thing to watch is the weather, especially if you're near the Gulf Coast. That potential tropical system could bring some nasty weather, so keep an eye on the forecasts and have your safety plans ready.

Nationally, there's movement in both the House and Senate. The House is diving into "Crypto Week," which might be interesting to follow if you're concerned about the future of digital assets. The Senate has a judge confirmation vote early in the week.

Globally, remember that the world's economy and health situations can ripple back here. The ongoing measles outbreak is a good reminder to double-check those vaccination records.

Overall, it looks like a week where staying informed on both local weather and broader national and international news will be key for family well-being. Stay safe and have a good week!

Upcoming Events for The Hive Social Garden

• The Mysterious Bea-nedict Society - First Monday of Each Month at 1400 EST in the Hive - Join us on August 4th for mentorship and coaching

  • Queen Beas (25+)

  • Queens-in-Training (age 18-24)

• Sowing Circles - Second Thursday of Each Month at 8 pm EST in the Hive - Join us on August 14th for Show and Tell what you are working on in your garden. Whether crafting or planting, we love to share our creations!

• Femme in STEM - Third Tuesday of Each Month at 1400 EST in the Hive - Join us on July 15th!

• The Honey Bea Coven - Third Wednesday of Each Month at 1800 EST (Link will be emailed) - Join us on July 23rd

  • Sparks (age 14-17)

  • Tinker Fairies (age 5-13)

• Byte-Sized Adventures - Planned adventures in time and space, exploring quantum intelligence, social engineering, and sustainable globalization... To come play with us, you have to find us first

  • Pokemon Go July Community Day July 20th

  • Pokemon Go August Community Day August 30th

  • Hacker's Hyde-Away July 26th

• Virtual Summer Camp is in full swing!! - The goal is to fund our Mobile Innovation Center while educating the public on how to secure their private information and intellectual property, share their experiences in non-judgmental environments, and build a more sustainable and equitable future for all. All of this is part of our larger goal of helping work towards the United Nations Sustainability Goals for Agenda 2030.

Additional Services Available to Members of the Hive Social Garden (Let me know if you'd like to get started with these):

• Family Album - Organize your pictures and share securely with family!! Also order photo gifts.

• PrivacyBee - Cleaning up your digital footprint and protecting you against spam, doxing, fraud, scams, extortion, identity theft, and cyber bullies!!

• Monarch Money - Budgeting and Savings!! Protecting your bottle line from subscriptions that you no longer use, are of no use to you, and are difficult to cancel because you have to make 47 calls to cancel.

• Communitique - On Communitique, you can find new or well-maintained clothes in your fit and style for free, and easily pick them up in your area.

Have a fantastic week, everyone!