Volume 1 Issue 11 - July 21st, 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

Economy:

• A recent analysis suggests that the gap is growing between what American families earn and what they need to cover basic living expenses, going beyond just necessities to include things like technology for jobs and education.

• There are reports about inflation rising, potentially driven by tariffs, which could increase the cost of everyday items for families.

• New immigration policies are projected to increase prices for various goods and services that families rely on, including food, housing, and transportation.

Education:

• The Supreme Court has allowed President Trump to move forward with his plan to dismantle the Education Department, which includes laying off a large number of employees. This has sparked debate about the future of federal involvement in education.

• There are stories about students who haven't returned to school since the pandemic, sometimes due to administrative hurdles and paperwork challenges.

• Funding for after-school and summer programs has also been a point of discussion, with some grants being frozen.

Health:

• A large rural health fund is facing scrutiny and skepticism regarding its implementation.

• Several states are moving forward with Medicaid work requirements, which could affect access to healthcare for some families.

• The Affordable Care Act (ACA) continues to be a significant topic, with insurers anticipating potentially large premium increases in the coming year.

Please remember that the news landscape is constantly evolving, so these are just snapshots of some of the key stories this week. For the latest updates, I always recommend checking your preferred news sources.

Things in the House

Monday, July 21st:

• Noon: House meets for morning hour.

• 2:00 PM: House resumes legislative business.

• 6:30 PM: Votes are postponed until this time.

• Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:

  • S. 423 – PRO Veterans Act of 2025 (Sponsored by Sen. Sullivan / Veterans' Affairs Committee)

  • S. 201 – ACES Act (Sponsored by Sen. Kelly / Veterans' Affairs Committee)

  • H.R. 2170 – To name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Toms River, New Jersey, the Leonard G. 'Bud' Lomell, VA Clinic, and for other purposes. (Sponsored by Rep. Smith (NJ) / Veterans' Affairs Committee)

  • H.R. 2625 – VERY Act of 2025 (Sponsored by Rep. Davis (NC) / Veterans' Affairs Committee)

  • H.R. 672 – To establish new ZIP Codes for certain communities, and for other purposes, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Diaz-Balart / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

  • H.R. 3095 – To direct the United States Postal Service to designate single, unique ZIP Codes for certain communities, and for other purposes, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Boebert / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

  • H.R. 183 – Law Enforcement Officer Recreation Pass Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. McClintock / Natural Resources Committee)

  • H.R. 131 – Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Boebert / Natural Resources Committee)

  • H.R. 1043 – La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act (Sponsored by Rep. Gosar / Natural Resources Committee)

  • H.R. 3382 – Small Entity Update Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Wagner / Financial Services Committee)

  • H.R. 3351 – Improving Access to Small Business Information Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Kim / Financial Services Committee)

  • H.R. 3343 – Greenlighting Growth Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Haridopolos / Financial Services Committee)

  • H.R. 3339 – Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act of 2025, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Flood / Financial Services Committee)

Tuesday, July 22nd:

• The House will meet at 10:00 AM for morning hour and at Noon for legislative business.

• Consideration of H.R. 3932 – Stop Illegal Reentry Act (Sponsored by Rep. McClintock / Judiciary Committee) (Subject to a Rule)

Wednesday, July 23rd:

• The House will meet at 10:00 AM for morning hour and at Noon for legislative business.

• Consideration of H.R. 3935 – Protecting Our Communities Act (Sponsored by Rep. Nehls / Judiciary Committee) (Subject to a Rule)

Thursday, July 24th:

• The House will meet at 9:00 AM for legislative business.

• Consideration of H.R. (A bill to be announced) (Subject to a Rule)

• Possible consideration of legislation under suspension of the Rules.

Friday, July 25th:

• The House is not scheduled to be in session.

Please note that this schedule is subject to change, and additional items may be added. For the most up-to-date information, it's always a good idea to check the official House of Representatives website.

What the Senate is doing this week?

Monday, July 21st:

• The Senate convened at 3:00 PM.

• Following Leader remarks, 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, the Senate will hold a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #171, which is the nomination of Terrance Cole to be Administrator of Drug Enforcement.

Tuesday, July 22nd:

• The Senate Committee on Armed Services will hold a hearing at 9:30 AM to examine the nominations of Vice Admiral Frank M. Bradley to be Commander, United States Special Operation Command, and Lieutenant General Dagvin R.M. Anderson to be Commander, United States Africa Command.

• The Senate Committee on Finance will hold a business meeting at 9:45 AM to consider the nominations of Joseph Barloon to be a Deputy United States Trade Representative (Geneva Office) and Brian Morrissey, Jr., to be General Counsel for the Department of the Treasury.

• The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations will hold a hearing at 10:00 AM to examine the nomination of Jason Evans to be an Under Secretary of State (Management).

• The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety, will hold a hearing at 10:00 AM to examine issues impacting the trucking and commercial bus industries.

Wednesday, July 23rd - Friday, July 25th:

While specific floor activities for the remainder of the week weren't detailed in the initial search results, the Senate will likely continue with committee meetings, consideration of nominations, and potentially legislative business. You can find more detailed and up-to-date information on the Senate's website under their schedule or committee listings.

Keep in mind that Senate schedules can be fluid and subject to change. For the most accurate and current information, always refer to the official Senate website.

Around the World - Global Events with Potential Impact

Economic Impacts:

• International Trade and Tariffs: With the US giving trading partners until August 1st to finalize new trade deals before potential tariff hikes, any significant developments or announcements in international trade negotiations this week could influence the prices of goods and services for American consumers. Keep an eye on news related to trade with key partners.

• Global Economic Outlook: Reports indicate a possible upcoming inventory adjustment in the US, influenced by previous tariff-related stockpiling. Deteriorating business confidence globally due to geopolitical uncertainty could also have ripple effects on the US economy.

• Central Bank Actions: The European Central Bank (ECB) is considering another interest rate cut. While this is happening in Europe, changes in interest rates by major global central banks can influence international financial markets and potentially have indirect effects on interest rates and the economy in the US.

• Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) Data: Reports on purchasing managers' surveys in the US and other countries will be closely watched this week as they can provide insights into the current economic conditions and the potential impact of trade policies.

Geopolitical Impacts:

• Conflict in Haiti: The UN has reported a significant increase in grave violations against children in Haiti, highlighting the ongoing instability and humanitarian crisis. While this is a regional issue, large-scale humanitarian crises can sometimes lead to discussions about international aid and involvement.

• Global Increase in Children Living in Conflict Zones: A UN report indicates a concerning doubling in the number of children living in conflict zones worldwide. This trend underscores global instability, which can indirectly affect the US through its foreign policy, potential humanitarian efforts, and the overall global security environment.

Health Impacts:

• Dengue Fever: The CDC has updated its global alert for dengue fever, noting it's a year-round risk in many parts of the world. American families planning international travel, especially to tropical regions, should be aware of this and take necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

• Oropouche Virus: There's an update on the Oropouche virus in the Americas, with a low number of cases reported. While the risk to most American families might be low, those traveling to affected areas should stay informed about this midge and mosquito-borne illness.

It's important to stay informed through reputable news sources to understand how these global events might unfold and potentially affect your family.

Things to Keep on Our Family Radar This Week

Based on our kitchen round table, here's a summary of what American families might want to keep on their radar this week:

At Home:

• House of Representatives: Keep an eye on the House as they consider several bills this week. Monday saw votes on various topics, and Tuesday and Wednesday are scheduled for votes on the Stop Illegal Reentry Act and the Protecting Our Communities Act, respectively. Thursday will likely involve more legislative action.

• Senate: The Senate convened on Monday and held a key vote on the nomination of the DEA Administrator. Throughout the week, various Senate committees will be holding hearings on topics like military nominations, trade, foreign relations, and the trucking industry.

• Economy: Continue to monitor news about inflation, as this impacts the cost of living. Also, keep an ear out for any developments related to international trade and potential tariffs, as these can affect the prices of many goods.

Around the World:

• Global Economic Trends: Be aware of international economic news, such as potential interest rate changes in Europe, as these can have broader financial implications.

• International Conflicts: The situation in Haiti and the overall increase in children living in conflict zones globally serve as reminders of international instability, which can indirectly impact the US.

• Travel Health: If your family has any international travel plans, remember to check the latest health advisories, especially regarding dengue fever and the Oropouche virus in certain regions.

Staying informed on these areas can help families understand potential challenges and opportunities in the coming days and weeks.

Jess C's Mom's Two Cents

Alright, here's my two-cents for this week, from one American mom to others:

This week looks like it might have a bit of everything on our plates, doesn't it? With the government busy in Washington and lots happening around the world, it can feel overwhelming. My advice would be to focus on what you can control right here at home and in your community.

• Stay Informed, But Don't Get Overwhelmed: It's good to know what's going on, both nationally and globally. But try to limit your news intake if it starts to feel stressful. Maybe pick a reliable source and check in once or twice a day rather than constantly refreshing feeds.

• Connect with Your Community: With all the talk about what's happening in the government and around the world, sometimes the best thing we can do is focus on our local connections. Maybe there's an event at the Hive Social Garden this week? Connecting with neighbors and friends can provide a sense of support and belonging.

• Budget-Minded: Keep an eye on the economy. With talk of potential price changes, it might be a good week to just check in with your family budget and see if there are any small adjustments you can make to feel more secure.

• Health First: If you have any travel planned, definitely take those health advisories seriously. And even if you don't, this is always a good time to just remind your family about healthy habits.

Remember, we get through things by sticking together and supporting each other. Take things one day at a time, and don't hesitate to lean on your family and community. We're all in this together!!

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 August 19th!

• 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 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!