Welcome to Monday, July 18th, olives and branches...

Lawmakers return to the Capitol this week with the House set to take up a birth control bill and “minibus” appropriations package, while the Senate considers judicial nominations.

Senate committees will hold hearings on weapons of mass destruction and health security threats to the homeland; approving Finland and Sweden’s NATO membership; and mass shootings.

House committees will hold hearings on the economic policy response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; a ban on so-called “assault weapons” and liability for gun manufacturers; and the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol.

How do you feel about this week’s congressional schedule?

9-8-8: The New Suicide Hotline

There is a new suicide and crisis lifeline: 9-8-8. This is an alternative to calling the current 10-digit number from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This number, 1-800-273-8255, will remain active, but calls will be routed to 988 once it launches. 

Advocates and lawmakers see the new number as an opportunity to make this form of care more accessible in the U.S. and hope to transform the mental health care system. 

Share the lifeline to help someone in need.

CBP Apprehended Over 207K Unauthorized Immigrants in June, Setting a All-Time Record for the Month

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released data on Friday revealing that apprehensions of people entering the U.S. illegally at the Southern border in June were the highest on record for the month.

That follows three consecutive months in which new all-time records for monthly apprehensions were reached ― 239,416 in May; 235,478 in April; and 222,339 in March.

Are you concerned about the rate at which people are attempting to enter the country illegally?

All the Memes Fit to Post

And, In The End...

Happy to Global Hug Your Kids Day. Embrace your kiddos today (and every day).

—

—Jamie Epstein

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