Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for three pieces of legislation to bolster American leadership in the digital asset marketplace and to ban the creation of a central bank digital currency in the United States.
“The increasing adoption of digital assets and the use of blockchain technologies can grow our economy and provide American families with a new opportunity to grow wealth. However, under President Biden, digital assets were attacked, which crushed innovation and created uncertainty for businesses. We want digital asset innovation to happen in America and crypto jobs to be created in America – without ceding ground to foreign countries,” said Rep. Feenstra. “That’s why I voted for three bills to cement American leadership in the digital asset marketplace and to ban the creation of a central bank digital currency in the United States. Under President Trump, we are protecting Americans’ financial security, investing in our economy, and making America the crypto capital of the world.”
TheDigital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Actestablishes clear roles for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), provides consumer protections through greater transparency and accountability in the marketplace, and helps digital asset firms operate legally and with confidence in the United States.
TheGuiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Actprovides clear rules of the road for the issuance of payment stablecoins, which are pegged to a stable currency like the U.S. dollar.
TheAnti-CBDC Surveillance State Actwould ban the creation of a central bank digital currency in the United States.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Barry Moore
Washington D.C. – Congressman Barry Moore (AL-01) cosponsored the Bridge Investment and Modernization Act of 2025, introduced by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee members Representatives Shomari Figures (AL-02) and Mike Ezell (MS-04).
This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes the Bridge Investment Program through 2031 and cuts government red tape that only allowed one large Bridge Investment Program grant per state. Reauthorizing this program will streamline federal funding, ensuring projects like the I-10 Bridge and Bayway Project get the necessary resources needed for completion.
This legislation will deliver faster, more effective repairs and upgrades to bridges across the nation. The Bridge Investment and Modernization Act was also submitted into the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Portal by Reps. Figures and Ezell for consideration in the reauthorization package, which is expected to come to the floor later this year or early next year.
“Alabama’s economy depends on strong roads and bridges to transport goods, support businesses, and connect our communities,” said Moore. “I’m proud to support this bill, which makes critical reauthorizations to move federal dollars where they’re needed most while cutting the bureaucratic red tape we see so often in Washington. This bill allows for continued investments in American infrastructure and specifically advances projects like the I-10 Bridge and Bayway Project in Mobile, making travel safer and easier for so many across the Gulf Coast. I will continue working with President Trump and Transportation Secretary Duffy to ensure we deliver on a new I-10 bridge.”
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
July 17, 2025
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and six of her colleagues in condemning the Trump Administration for its recent decision to terminate the consent order against Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU). This decision effectively excuses NFCU from accountability for charging millions in illegal surprise overdraft fees to their members—primarily active-duty servicemembers, Veterans, Department of Defense employees and their families.
“In 2024, the CFPB found that between 2017 and 2022, NFCU charged overdraft fees on ATM withdrawals and debit card purchases – even when accounts showed sufficient funds,” the Senators wrote in a letter to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Acting Director Russell Vought. “In response, the Bureau issued a consent order requiring NFCU to pay $95 million in penalties and restitution: $80.6 million directly to harmed consumers and $15 million to the CFPB’s victims relief fund.”
That order was rescinded on July 1, 2025.
“As former CFPB officials have noted, this decision raises serious concerns about whether the Bureau is still capable—or even willing—to fulfill its legal mandate,” the Senators continued. “At a minimum, the public and Congress deserve answers.”
The letter was cosigned by U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD).
The full letter is available below and on Senator Duckworth’s website:
Dear Acting Director Vought,
We write to express profound alarm over the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s recent decision to terminate the consent order against Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU), effectively excusing them from accountability for charging millions in illegal surprise overdraft fees to their members – primarily active-duty service members, veterans, Department of Defense employees, and their families.1 This decision appears to prioritize financial institutions over the very servicemembers the Bureau is charged with protecting. The restitution funds intended to compensate harmed consumers are now at risk of being withheld. This reversal is particularly troubling given your Bureau’s pledge less than three months ago to prioritize protections for military consumers.
In 2024, the CFPB found that between 2017 and 2022, NFCU charged overdraft fees on ATM withdrawals and debit card purchases—even when accounts showed sufficient funds. In response, the Bureau issued a consent order requiring NFCU to pay $95 million in penalties and restitution: $80.6 million directly to harmed consumers and $15 million to the CFPB’s victims relief fund. Your recent two-page order terminating that consent order provides no detailed explanation or justification for this reversal.
On April 16, 2025, under your leadership, the Bureau pledged to “focus its enforcement and supervision resources on pressing threats to consumers, particularly service members and their families and veterans.”3 And yet, your abrupt reversal of this consent order suggests your stated commitment to servicemembers is little more than lip service. The CFPB’s mission is to protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices and to hold lawbreaking companies accountable. Under your direction, it is doing neither. As former CFPB officials have noted, this decision raises serious concerns about whether the Bureau is still capable—or even willing—to fulfill its legal mandate. At a minimum, the public and Congress deserve answers.
Accordingly, we respectfully request answers to the following questions no later than July 30, 2025:
How much of the $80.6 million in restitution remains unpaid to affected consumers?
What portion of the $15 million originally designated for the Victims Relief Fund was actually deposited? If any amount was withheld or returned, please explain.
Were affected consumers notified that the consent order was terminated and that restitution obligations may be altered or withdrawn?
Was the Bureau’s Office of Servicemember Affairs consulted before the consent order was terminated? If not, why not?
What was the full legal and factual basis for terminating the consent order?
What communications or meetings occurred between the CFPB and Navy Federal Credit Union from January 1, 2025, to the present? Please include dates, topics, and participants.
Who at the CFPB authorized the termination of the consent order, and what internal processes were followed to approve it? Please identify all senior staff, attorneys, and political appointees involved.
Was any analysis conducted on the impact of this decision on affected consumers or on military households more broadly? If so, please provide a copy of that analysis.
How does this action align with the CFPB’s publicly stated enforcement priorities, particularly your April 16, 2025, memo referencing protections for servicemembers and veterans?
At a time when families are feeling the strain of higher costs and every dollar is hard-earned, the American people—especially our servicemembers, veterans, and military families—deserve more. They deserve a Bureau that has their backs, not one that shields institutions from accountability.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your prompt and thorough response.
Sincerely,
– 30 –
Volcano Watch is a weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological SurveyHawaiian Volcano Observatoryscientists and affiliates.
This photo was taken by a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitoring webcam just before 6:00 a.m. HST on July 9, during episode 28 of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption. Mauna Loa looms in the background, illuminated by the morning sun. USGS photo.
Mauna Loa erupted frequently prior to 1950. Consistent written records of Mauna Loa eruptions begin in 1843. Between then and 1950, there were 30 Mauna Loa eruptions which means that before 1950, Mauna Loa erupted on average every 3–4 years.
Fast forward to 2025, and there have been only three eruptions of Mauna Loa in the past 75 years since 1950: 1975, 1984, and 2022. While the frequency of Mauna Loa eruptions has decreased in the past 75 years compared to the century before that, Mauna Loa remains an active volcano that will erupt again someday.
Eruptions of Mauna Loa generally start high in the summit region, above 12,000 feet (3,660 m) elevation. From there, eruptions can migrate into one of the two rift zones—the Northeast Rift Zone or the Southwest Rift Zone—or, less commonly, radial vents on the northwest flank.
During the spring of 1950, Mauna Loa inflation due to magma accumulating beneath the surface was evident on monitoring stations at the summit of Kīlauea. In May 1950, seismic activity in Mauna Loa increased, with the largest earthquake—a magnitude-6.4—occurring on May 29. On June 1, a swarm of earthquakes occurred, and at 9:25 p.m. HST the night sky was illuminated with red glow as a fissure system 2.5 miles (4 km) long opened high on the southwest flank of the summit region of Mauna Loa.
Activity at the initial fissure system only lasted a few hours, and lava flows stalled at about 9,000 ft (2,800 m) elevation. Soon after, two other sets of fissure vents opened lower on the Southwest Rift Zone, between 10,500–8,500 ft (3,200–2,590 m) and 8,200–7,810 ft (2,500–2,380 m) elevation. Lava fountains nearly 200 ft (60 m) high fed a system of complex braided lava flows that were moving nearly 5 miles (24 km) per hour down the steep west flanks of Mauna Loa. About three hours after these lower fissures opened, the first lava flow crossed Highway 11 and entered the ocean, destroying a gas station, post office, and several homes along the way.
Fourteen and a half hours after the eruption began, another lava flow crossed Highway 11; this second flow destroyed several homes and entered the ocean about 1.2 miles (2 km) south of the first flow. Activity at both of these lava flows and their ocean entries ceased within about a day.
Yet another set of fissure vents opened even lower on the volcano later the night of June 1, between 8,200–7,810 ft (2,500–2,380 m) elevation. A lava flow from this fissure entered the ocean by the afternoon of June 2, farther south than the two earlier flows. For the next three weeks, lava would drain from Mauna Loa volcano via this channelized lava flow into the ocean.
Before the eruption ended on June 23, Hoʻokena village was destroyed, including a post office, church, gas station, cemetery, and 5–6 homes. Structures of the Magoon Ranch, the Ohia Lodge, and several other vacation/fishing cottages were also destroyed. Lava flows crossed Highway 11 in three locations and one man, who had been looking after cattle on a ranch, was trapped between two lava flows for 28 hours before being rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. Thirty-five homestead lots were later opened in Kona for people whose property had been covered by lava in 1950.
The 1950 eruption was the largest-volume eruption of the Southwest Rift Zone since written records began; lava flows moved quickly down steep slopes in the region to enter the ocean within hours of the eruption onset. Mauna Loa has been quiet since the Northeast Rift Zone eruption in 2022, but monitoring data indicates that magma is slowly accumulating within the volcano. As communities on the flanks of Mauna Loa continue to grow, Island of Hawaiʻi residents should not forget these past eruptions. While 75 years is long in the human time scale, it goes by like the blink of an eye for an active volcano.
Volcano Activity Updates
Kīlauea has been erupting episodically within the summit caldera since December 23, 2024. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is WATCH.
Episode 28 of the Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater occurred on July 9, with approximately 9 hours of fountaining from the north vent. Summit region inflation since the end of episode 28, along with persistent tremor, suggests that another episode is possible. Current inflation data indicate that episode 29 is likely to start between July 17 and 18. Sulfur dioxide emission rates are elevated in the summit region during active eruption episodes. No unusual activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.
Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.
One earthquake was reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M3.0 earthquake 5 km (3 mi) SSW of Pāhala at 31 km (19 mi) depth on July 15 at 6:14 p.m. HST.
HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
Please visit HVO’s website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake information, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.
A federal jury in Memphis, Tennessee, convicted three men today for their roles in a violent bank robbery conspiracy, involving five bank robberies and an attempted sixth, in which the robbers shot two people. The defendants were found guilty of four bank robberies and using firearms during some of those robberies. Four of their co-defendants have pleaded guilty.
“The bank robberies committed by these seven defendants included gun-point threats, instilling fear and chaos in innocent victims going about their days,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their actions terrorized bank employees and customers alike. We are grateful to our prosecutors, the FBI, and our local law enforcement partners for bringing these dangerous individuals to justice and helping make the Memphis community safer.”
“The hard work and determination of the FBI and its partners cannot be overstated,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division, “We are proud that our actions held these criminals accountable for their harm to the Memphis community.”
Evidence at trial proved that between April 2023 and December 2023, the defendants, Courtney Trenell, 34; Devin Hinds, 36; and Joshua Cribbs, 33, all of Memphis, conspired to rob banks in and around Memphis. Four of the co-conspirators, Robert Haley, Travis Drain, Marquarius Trenell, and Monterrio Trenell, already pleaded guilty to bank robbery and using a firearm during the robberies.
During the Aug. 11, 2023, robbery of a branch of Truist Bank, Hinds raised a gun and shook it back and forth at a bank customer to instill fear and deter her from notifying law enforcement. He then served as a getaway driver. Hinds also drove a getaway car during the Dec. 22, 2023, robbery of a branch of the Independent Bank where a co-defendant pointed a semi-automatic military-style rifle at bank employees.
Courtney Trenell and Cribbs helped rob branches of the Bank of Bartlett and First Horizon Bank on Oct. 20, 2023. The defendants planned to rob the banks, which are directly across the street from each other, at the same time to confuse law enforcement and evade capture. Cribbs entered the Bank of Bartlett with a trash bag and threatened bank employees into handing over money. Cribbs unknowingly took at least one dye pack, which exploded after the robbers fled, releasing red dye that stained the stolen cash. During the Bank of Bartlett robbery, Courtney Trenell operated a second getaway vehicle stationed about a mile from the robbery, aiding one of the robbers in fleeing the area.
At trial, an FBI special agent testified that the defendants spoke over conference calls before and after the robberies, which the government argued was to coordinate the crimes. An FBI analyst testified that DNA evidence from Courtney Trenell and Hinds was found inside their respective getaway vehicles.
In total, the group stole over $170,000 cash from five bank robberies. The sixth robbery attempt was unsuccessful and ended in a shoot-out between the co-defendants and an armed security guard where the robbers shot two victims. Co-defendants Haley and Drain coordinated the five robberies and one attempted robbery throughout the conspiracy, while Marquarius Trenell robbed the Truist Bank on Aug. 11, 2023, as well as the Bank of Bartlett with Monterrio Trenell, and others, on Oct. 20, 2023.
Defendants Travis Drain and Mario Patterson accost bank employees on Dec. 22, 2023, while Devin Hinds waits outside in a getaway car.
Cribbs is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 22, and Courtney Trenell and Hinds are scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 23. Their co-defendants who earlier pleaded guilty will face sentencing later this year. A federal district judge will determine sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Hinds faces a maximum penalty of life in prison for his use of a firearm during a bank robbery; Courtney Trenell and Cribbs each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for their roles in the robberies.
A grand jury indicted an eighth co-defendant, Mario Patterson, 45, of Memphis, for his role in the conspiracy, as well as the individual bank robberies and firearm crimes he committed. He faces trial later this year and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The FBI and the Memphis Police Department Safe Streets Task Force investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Ashleigh Atasoy of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory A. Wagner, Stephen Hall, and Tony Arvin for the Western District of Tennessee prosecuted the case.
This case is part of the Safe Streets Task Force’s efforts to prosecute violent crimes in Memphis, Tennessee and surrounding areas.
A federal jury in Memphis, Tennessee, convicted three men today for their roles in a violent bank robbery conspiracy, involving five bank robberies and an attempted sixth, in which the robbers shot two people. The defendants were found guilty of four bank robberies and using firearms during some of those robberies. Four of their co-defendants have pleaded guilty.
“The bank robberies committed by these seven defendants included gun-point threats, instilling fear and chaos in innocent victims going about their days,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their actions terrorized bank employees and customers alike. We are grateful to our prosecutors, the FBI, and our local law enforcement partners for bringing these dangerous individuals to justice and helping make the Memphis community safer.”
“The hard work and determination of the FBI and its partners cannot be overstated,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division, “We are proud that our actions held these criminals accountable for their harm to the Memphis community.”
Evidence at trial proved that between April 2023 and December 2023, the defendants, Courtney Trenell, 34; Devin Hinds, 36; and Joshua Cribbs, 33, all of Memphis, conspired to rob banks in and around Memphis. Four of the co-conspirators, Robert Haley, Travis Drain, Marquarius Trenell, and Monterrio Trenell, already pleaded guilty to bank robbery and using a firearm during the robberies.
During the Aug. 11, 2023, robbery of a branch of Truist Bank, Hinds raised a gun and shook it back and forth at a bank customer to instill fear and deter her from notifying law enforcement. He then served as a getaway driver. Hinds also drove a getaway car during the Dec. 22, 2023, robbery of a branch of the Independent Bank where a co-defendant pointed a semi-automatic military-style rifle at bank employees.
Courtney Trenell and Cribbs helped rob branches of the Bank of Bartlett and First Horizon Bank on Oct. 20, 2023. The defendants planned to rob the banks, which are directly across the street from each other, at the same time to confuse law enforcement and evade capture. Cribbs entered the Bank of Bartlett with a trash bag and threatened bank employees into handing over money. Cribbs unknowingly took at least one dye pack, which exploded after the robbers fled, releasing red dye that stained the stolen cash. During the Bank of Bartlett robbery, Courtney Trenell operated a second getaway vehicle stationed about a mile from the robbery, aiding one of the robbers in fleeing the area.
At trial, an FBI special agent testified that the defendants spoke over conference calls before and after the robberies, which the government argued was to coordinate the crimes. An FBI analyst testified that DNA evidence from Courtney Trenell and Hinds was found inside their respective getaway vehicles.
In total, the group stole over $170,000 cash from five bank robberies. The sixth robbery attempt was unsuccessful and ended in a shoot-out between the co-defendants and an armed security guard where the robbers shot two victims. Co-defendants Haley and Drain coordinated the five robberies and one attempted robbery throughout the conspiracy, while Marquarius Trenell robbed the Truist Bank on Aug. 11, 2023, as well as the Bank of Bartlett with Monterrio Trenell, and others, on Oct. 20, 2023.
Defendants Travis Drain and Mario Patterson accost bank employees on Dec. 22, 2023, while Devin Hinds waits outside in a getaway car.
Cribbs is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 22, and Courtney Trenell and Hinds are scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 23. Their co-defendants who earlier pleaded guilty will face sentencing later this year. A federal district judge will determine sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Hinds faces a maximum penalty of life in prison for his use of a firearm during a bank robbery; Courtney Trenell and Cribbs each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for their roles in the robberies.
A grand jury indicted an eighth co-defendant, Mario Patterson, 45, of Memphis, for his role in the conspiracy, as well as the individual bank robberies and firearm crimes he committed. He faces trial later this year and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The FBI and the Memphis Police Department Safe Streets Task Force investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Ashleigh Atasoy of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory A. Wagner, Stephen Hall, and Tony Arvin for the Western District of Tennessee prosecuted the case.
This case is part of the Safe Streets Task Force’s efforts to prosecute violent crimes in Memphis, Tennessee and surrounding areas.
The North Dakota Department of Commerce will open the 2025 Tourism and Community Enhancement Grants aimed at enhancing tourism, community infrastructure, and historic preservation across the state. These grants, funded by the 69th Legislative Assembly, are designed to support various projects that will contribute to North Dakota’s visitor and resident experiences.
The grant opportunities are as follows:
Historic Opera House Restoration Grant: $250,000 to restore a historic opera house constructed prior to 1930 that once served as a community entertainment hub.
Medora Transportation Improvement Grant: $1 million to support the development, building, and operation of a public transportation system in Medora, North Dakota.
Community Hall Grant: $175,000 for improvements to a multi-function community hall in rural North Dakota communities.
Historic Theater Restoration Matching Grant: $500,000 to support the improvement and restoration of a historic theater constructed prior to 1930 that is currently operational and offering public events.
Historic Theater Improvement Grant: $250,000 to support the improvement and restoration of a historic theater constructed prior to 1930 that once served as a community entertainment hub.
State Magazine Grant: $250,000 to current or previous publishers of an official state magazine that features stories and photos showcasing the best of North Dakota.
All grants will be open from July 22 – Sept. 1, 2025.
Eligible organizations must submit a concise application letter to Commerce, identifying the applicant, point of contact, amount requested, intended uses for the funds, current and/or future events, and desired outcomes. Applications must be submitted electronically by 5 p.m. CDT Sept. 1, 2025, to McKenzie Clayburgh at clayburghmckenzie@nd.gov.
For more information on the Tourism and Community Enhancement Grants, go to https://ndgov.link/TourismEnhancementGrants.
North Dakota’s wide-open landscapes are about to come alive with color. Beginning late July and into August, thousands of acres of sunflower fields across the state will explode into vibrant golden blooms, creating a striking contrast against blue prairie skies.
To help travelers capture the beauty of this iconic summer moment, North Dakota Tourism has launched the 2025 Sunflower Field Map, featuring more than 20 confirmed bloom locations. While chasing the blooms, visitors are encouraged to extend their stay and discover the charm of the local communities surrounding these breathtaking fields.
“Our state’s sunflower fields are the gifts that keep on giving,” said Keagan Lautenschlager, a sunflower grower near Kenmare, North Dakota. “This partnership between North Dakota’s growers and North Dakota Tourism is stronger than ever, and we’re excited to welcome visitors to experience the vibrancy, beauty, and uniqueness of these fields. It’s not only about capturing a once-in-a-lifetime view; it’s also a meaningful way to support both tourism and agriculture in our communities.”
Sunflowers are more than just a seasonal attraction—they’re a symbol of heritage. Ukrainian immigrants brought sunflower cultivation to North Dakota in the late 1800s, and today, these golden fields are a testament to both agricultural legacy and cultural pride in the state.
Tips for the Perfect Sunflower Experience:
Respect the Fields: Enjoy the view from the roadside and avoid entering fields unless signage or the landowner has given permission. Be mindful of fields that may be undergoing spraying or maintenance.
Capture the Best Photos: Cloudy days are ideal for vivid close-up shots, while golden sun hours add a beautiful glow to wide-angle views.
Celebrate National Sunflower Day: Save the date for Saturday, August 2, 2025, also known as National Sunflower Day, and join the celebration by sharing your favorite shots using #BeNDLegendary or #NDFieldFinders.
Take the Flavor Home: Sunflowers aren’t just beautiful, they’re tasty, too! From allergy-friendly SunButter to local favorites like North Dakota sunflower pie, the seeds are a delicious way to enjoy the experience long after your visit.
Be on the lookout for the North Dakota Sunflower Mailboxes, where visitors can enjoy complimentary edible sunflower seeds available at select field locations while supplies last. Mailboxes stocked with seeds will be placed on-site in areas including Walcott, Langdon, Sharon, Havana, and more starting in late July.
For details on each participating field, including location, seed availability, and bloom updates, please visit the “Let the Amazing Sunflower Put a Smile on Your Face” page. For more sunflower recipes, videos and little-known facts, visit Brighten Your Day with the Amazing Sunflower.
The Sunflower Map is updated weekly with bloom status for the fields, allowing bloom-chasers to see the fields at their most beautiful. Whether you’re a professional photographer, or just looking for a legendary road trip backdrop, these fields are must-see stops during North Dakota’s sunniest season.
For more on planning a legendary trip to North Dakota, visit NDtourism.com.
###
Follow North Dakota Tourism on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TravelND, on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/northdakotalegendary/ or on X at http://x.com/NorthDakota and get tips on what to see and do all year long.
Memphis, TN – A federal jury recently returned a guilty verdict in the case of an armed career offender accused of a firearm offense. Turante Nunn, 33, faces a minimum of 15 years in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the verdict today.
According to court documents, in January 2024, Memphis police observed an unoccupied stolen 2009 Pontiac G6 car with a broken rear window parked outside a BP gas station in Memphis. Officers secured the scene inside the BP gas station and reviewed the store surveillance video to see who got out of the stolen car. Officers determined that Nunn was one of the individuals who exited the stolen car and went into the store. The store surveillance video also showed Nunn discarding a gun on a shelf in the store when officers were entering the store. Officers found a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm caliber pistol on a shelf at the exact area where Nunn discarded the object.
After a two-day trial, federal jurors found Nunn guilty of one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. In the second phase of the trial, jurors determined that Nunn was an Armed Career Criminal, as he had three prior felonies committed on occasions separate from one another.
As a result of his felony convictions, Nunn will face a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life imprisonment as an Armed Career Criminal under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, and the Project Safe Neighborhood task force (PSN).
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.
Assistant United States Attorney Jermal Blanchard prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
###
For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebookor on Xat @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
WASHINGTON, D.C.– On July 17, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02)voted in support of two bipartisan bills — the CLARITY Actand the GENIUS Act— marking a critical step forward in the regulation of digital assets, the protection of crypto users, and blockchain innovation.
“These bipartisan bills, while not perfect, add important and much-needed regulation and guardrails to the digital asset industry,” said Vasquez. “We need to continue working to develop clear, commonsense rules that protect consumers, promote innovation, and prevent fraud and money laundering. New Mexicans deserve transparency, accountability, and equal access to new financial tools.”
TheCLARITY Actestablishes a regulatory framework for digital assets. Under the bill, more established digital assets would be treated like commodities and regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), while newer assets would be treated as securities and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This legislation would help prevent fraud, create a more stable market, and ensure all investors are playing by the same rules.
The GENIUS Act establishes the rules of the road for stablecoins: digital assets backed by physical assets like the U.S. dollar which currently lack comprehensive federal regulations to protect consumers. By establishing the first ever guardrails for these assets – holding stablecoin issuers to strict requirements, and instituting strong protections against trafficking – this bill safeguards consumers and strengthens financial security.
“We need to ensure our regulatory frameworks keep pace with innovation, and this is a step in the right direction,” said Vasquez. “I will continue to seek out ways to maximize consumer protections and ethics standards in the cryptocurrency industry.”
Vasquez continues to fight for the economic security of all New Mexicans by holding Big Tech accountable and protecting consumers from digital exploitation.
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) led the Oregon Democratic delegation—Senator Ron Wyden and U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05)—to demand the Trump Administration reverse its abrupt cutoff of more than $73 million in federal education funds for Oregon, harming afterschool programs, specialized literacy programs, educator training, and support for English language learners at schools.
“Any withholding of these critical funds will negatively affect the State of Oregon’s efforts to increase academic outcomes for all our students, particularly our multilingual and migrant education students. It will undermine successful initiatives to recruit talented teachers and retain them in our schools, and it will undermine the ability for students to be taught in safe and secure environments. Additionally, withholding funds that support student learning through summer and after-school programs will undermine Oregon’s efforts to help all students thrive in their education,” wrote the lawmakers to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought and U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.
The Oregon delegation letter follows Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announcing the state joined a coalition of states to file a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s freezing of these federal education funds. The Administration this week also moved to fire 1,400 Education Department employees, impacting the agency’s ability to perform essential functions such as distributing financial aid and essential federal dollars.
“Oregon’s school districts are dedicated and efficient stewards of federal dollars, leveraging funds from [these grant programs] to improve student outcomes and serve Oregon’s student population,” they continued. “For example, Neah-Kah-Nie School District in rural Tillamook County uses ESEA Title II, Part A dollars to fund literacy interventionists in their rural elementary schools so students struggling with reading, writing, and comprehension get targeted support. Without Title II dollars, Portland Public Schools, Oregon’s largest school district serving more than 44,000 students, will lose the ability to provide critical professional development and support for teachers working in low-income schools with challenging student needs.”
The lawmakers stressed, “In addition, Hood River Valley School District uses a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant under ESEA Title IV to administer academic support in after-school programs at four Title I schools across this rural region. Similarly, Umatilla School District uses the funds for an after-school program that supports extended learning for roughly half of its K-12 students and provides an opportunity for the students to participate in robotics and a variety of STEAM-focused classes.”
Merkley and Wyden also previously joined 30 Senate colleagues to demand OMB Director Vought and Secretary McMahon immediately release nearly $7 billion in frozen funding for K-12 schools and adult literacy programs nationwide.
“We respectfully demand that you abide by the law and immediately release this previously appropriated funding. Oregon’s students are counting on you and so are we,” the lawmakers directed.
Full text of the Oregon delegation’s letter can be found HERE.
CREATING NEW NON-CAREER, POLICY-ORIENTED EMPLOYEES IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order creating a new classification of non-career federal workers, “Schedule G” employees, to better serve Americans’ needs by focusing on implementing Administration policies.
The Order amends Civil Service Rule VI to fill an existing gap in federal employee classifications by creating a new type of hire, Schedule G, for employees who engage in policy-making or policy-advocating work.
Schedule G positions will be non-career positions, meaning incumbents will generally be expected to leave when the President who appointed them leaves office. Schedule G will not apply to career positions or career employees.
Schedule G employees will be hired to help faithfully implement the President’s policy agenda.
ADDRESSING GAPS IN GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY: President Trump believes creating non-career Schedule G positions will enhance government efficiency and accountability and improve services provided to taxpayers by increasing the horsepower for agency implementation of Administration policy.
Congress has recognized that some Federal positions, due to their confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating character, should be exempt from the career-employee protections that make it difficult to remove corrupt or poor performing workers.
Existing types of employees, like Schedule C and Schedule Policy/Career, do not provide for non-career appointments to policy-making or policy-advocating roles, leaving a gap in Federal hiring categories.
Creating Schedule G fills this gap and facilitates appointments of non-career federal employees who will serve temporarily and implement the policy agenda prescribed by the American people through our elections. This will improve operations, particularly in agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs, by streamlining appointments for key policy roles.
REFORMING THE BUREAUCRACY: President Trump is delivering on his promise to dismantle the deep state and reclaim our government from Washington corruption.
In April, President Trump created a new Federal employee category, Schedule Policy/Career, to enhance accountability for career Federal employees in policy-related roles.
President Trump is reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies by ensuring Federal agencies prioritize the will of the American people over entrenched interests.
The Administration has taken steps to review and eliminate unnecessary regulations, aligning with the goal of making our government more responsive and effective.
PROVIDING REGULATORY RELIEF: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed four proclamations, each granting two years of regulatory relief from stringent Biden-era regulations that impacted various sectors vital to national security.
The proclamations cover coal plants, taconite iron ore processing facilities, and certain chemical manufacturers that produce chemicals related to semiconductors, medical device sterilization, advanced manufacturing, and national defense systems.
These proclamations allow certain of these facilities to comply with the EPA standards that were in place before the Biden Administration rulemakings for two years.
The exemptions ensure that these facilities within these critical industries can continue to operate uninterrupted to support national security without incurring substantial costs to comply with, in some cases, unattainable compliance requirements.
REDUCING BURDENSOME RESTRICTIONS: President Trump recognizes that overly restrictive environmental regulations undermine America’s energy reliability, economic vitality, and national security.
Biden-era emissions standards impose costly and, in some cases, unattainable compliance requirements on these industries essential to national interests.
The technologies necessary to comply with these Biden-era standards are further not commercially viable in many instances.
These sectors are critical to maintaining national security and economic stability. Shutdowns could compromise our grid and lead to electricity shortages and reliance on foreign energy, increase our reliance on foreign supply chains for semiconductors, reduce our ability to provide sterile medical equipment for public health and military readiness, and reduce the supply on steel that we need to support critical infrastructure.
BALANCING ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS WITH AMERICAN PROSPERITY: President Trump has consistently prioritized a pragmatic approach, ensuring environmental policies support, rather than undermine, America’s economic strength and national security.
President Trump has sought to protect American industries while maintaining standards that allow Americans to have among the cleanest air and water in the world.
He directed the EPA to repeal the Obama-era Clean Power Plan during his first term, replacing it with the Affordable Clean Energy rule in 2019 that set achievable standards to preserve jobs while addressing emissions.
He paused the expansion of windmills, recognizing their detrimental environmental impact, particularly on wildlife, often outweighs their benefits.
He has championed an energy dominance strategy, boosting domestic oil and gas production to reduce reliance on foreign energy while maintaining practical environmental oversight.
His approach encourages industry to develop cost-effective solutions like improved emissions technologies rather than imposing unfeasible mandates that risk economic disruption.
Canada’s new government is ready to get our country building major projects again – and projects built in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples will be at the forefront of this work.
To that end, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, convened the First Nations Major Projects Summit in Gatineau, Québec, to engage First Nations groups on the Building Canada Act and how to most effectively build major projects in partnership with Indigenous Peoples. Over 250 First Nations leaders, regional organizations, and other Rights Holders’ representatives attended the meeting in person and virtually to share their insights, ideas, and priorities.
The Prime Minister heard from First Nations and discussed how the Building Canada Act was designed to transform the Canadian economy and contribute to greater prosperity for Indigenous communities, through equity and resource management projects. To ensure that these major projects are built in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, the federal government is moving forward with several new measures, including:
Standing up an Indigenous Advisory Council that will closely work with thenew Major Federal Projects Office. Comprised of First Nations, Inuit, Métis, as well as Modern Treaty and Self-Government representatives, the Advisory Council will help ensure Indigenous perspectives and priorities are integrated at each stage.
Dedicating $40 million in funding for Indigenous participation. From early discussions on which projects to include to ongoing governance and capacity-building, new funding streams will support meaningful participation of Indigenous leadership in nation-building projects.
Expanding the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program. The government has doubled the program to $10 billion to help unlock capital for Indigenous communities to gain full equity ownership in major nation-building projects.
Collaboration will continue with First Nations leadership at all levels through regional dialogue tables. The Prime Minister will soon meet separately with the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee and Métis leadership to further advance these conversations on a distinctions basis.
Quotes
“It’s time to build big projects that will transform and connect our economy. Central to this mission is shared leadership with Indigenous Peoples. Working in partnership, we can seize this opportunity and build lasting prosperity for generations.”
“This Summit marks a turning point. The One Canadian Economy Act is not just about inclusion – it’s about recognizing that prosperity comes when First Nations are full partners in shaping the future. Together, we are building an economy that reflects our shared values, our shared responsibilities, and our shared potential.”
“Today represents a historic opportunity. Together, we’re beginning the work of building a better future, one in which Indigenous economies and priorities are truly integrated into the national economy. By listening, engaging, and learning in the spirit of true partnership, we are taking the first steps toward that brighter, more equitable future.”
“The One Canadian Economy Act is designed to build Canada strong – building economic resilience here at home while ensuring that First Nations, and all Canadians, benefit. To achieve our objectives, we will – and must – look to advance the interests of Indigenous communities. That is the only path to shared success. The First Nations Major Projects Summit marks the first step in that process – setting the stage to create lasting economic opportunities for First Nations across Canada.”
“It’s time to build major energy and resource projects again in Canada to strengthen our economy and secure our sovereignty in the face of threats. A key part of how we will do this successfully is transforming how we think about First Nations partnership. First Nations are not just participants in our economy – they are the original stewards of this land, Rights Holders, governments, and builders. With meaningful collaboration as partners, they enable us to build better. It’s clear: if we are serious about retooling our economy, then reconciliation must be front and centre, not just at today’s Summit, but in perpetuity.”
Quick facts
Central to the Building Canada Act is Indigenous consultation, participation, equity, and partnership. The Act requires meaningful consultation on which projects are deemed in the national interest and on the conditions that projects will have to meet.
The Government of Canada will advance nation-building projects while respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples recognized and affirmed by Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, and the rights set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including the principle of free, prior, and informed consent.
The Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation is responsible for managing the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program. Loan guarantees are available to support Indigenous equity participation in projects of various sizes, reflecting the diversity of opportunities and economic development priorities in Indigenous communities across Canada.
By advancing national interest projects, the Government of Canada is committed to working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to support economic prosperity, grounded in respect for constitutionally protected rights and modern treaty obligations.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Ben Cline (R-VA) and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) introduced the bipartisan Don’t Sell My DNA Act, a bill aimed at strengthening consumer privacy by safeguarding genetic data obtained from individuals through relationships with biotech companies.
In recent years, more Americans have begun to utilize at-home DNA testing services for additional insight into their personal health and ancestry lineage, the need to safeguard this sensitive information has never been more vital. The Don’t Sell My DNA Act ensures that genetic data cannot be treated as just another corporate asset to be sold off when biotech or genetic testing companies undergo bankruptcy.
This bipartisan legislation serves as the House companion to S.1916, introduced in the Senate by Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), along with Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA).
This legislation updates the current Bankruptcy Code to explicitly list genetic information in the definition of “personally identifiable information” and requires companies to provide written notice and obtain consumer consent before selling, leasing, or using their genetic data during bankruptcy proceedings. Additionally, it mandates that any genetic data not part of an approved transaction between entities is to be permanently deleted by the trustee or debtor in possession of this critical data.
“Bankruptcy should not lead to a fire sale of Americans’ most personal information,” Rep. Ben Cline said. “Your DNA is not just another line item that can just be sold without the knowledge of the consumer. It is private, sensitive data that belongs to you. This bill helps ensure that genetic information is not sold off to the highest bidder when a company files for bankruptcy.”
“People looking for long-lost relatives likely didn’t expect that their genetic data could be sold to the highest bidder. There is rightful outrage about the 23andMe plans, and Congress must step in to safeguard Americans’ privacy,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren. “Our bipartisan Don’t Sell My DNA Act should race through both chambers and become law because it’s a straightforward way to protect our most sensitive data.”
The Don’t Sell My DNA Act is in response to the recent bankruptcy filing of 23andMe. Under current law, the Bankruptcy Code protects certain forms of personal information from being sold, such as one’s Social Security number, but fails to include personal genetic information. This bill closes this glaring loophole and brings the bankruptcy code to the 21st century to protect this personal and vital information.
Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and a Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today the opening of an SBA Business Recovery Center (BRC) in Tom Green Countyto assist small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding beginning July 2.
Beginning Friday, July 18, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Business Recovery Center in San Angelo to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. No appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome. Those who prefer to schedule an in-person appointment in advance can do so at appointment.sba.gov.
The center’s hours of operation are as follows:
TOM GREEN COUNTY Business Recovery Center Angelo State University 69 N. Chadbourne St. San Angelo, TX 76903
Opens at 10 a.m., Friday, July 18 Mondays – Fridays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The following location is also open and continues to serve survivors:
KERR COUNTY Business Recovery Center The YES Center at First Presbyterian Church 823 North St. Kerrville, TX 78028
“SBA’s Business Recovery Centers have consistently proven their value to business owners following a disaster,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “Business owners can visit these centers to meet face‑to‑face with specialists who will guide them through the disaster loan application process and connect them with resources to support their recovery.”
Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to these disasters. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.
SBA representatives will also provide help to business owners and residents at disaster recovery centers when they are opened in the impacted area.
Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.813% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Sept. 4, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is April 6, 2026.
###
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
ACHESON, Alberta, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — North American Construction Group Ltd. (“NACG” or “the Company”) (TSX:NOA.TO/NYSE:NOA) announced today that it will release its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, after markets close. Following the release of its financial results, NACG will hold a conference call and webcast on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 7:00 a.m. Mountain Time (9:00 a.m. Eastern Time).
The call can be accessed by dialing: Toll free: 1-800-717-1738 Conference ID: 53211
A replay will be available through September 15, 2025, by dialing: Toll Free: 1-888-660-6264 Conference ID: 53211 Playback Passcode: 53211
A slide deck for the webcast will be available for download the evening prior to the call and will be found on the company’s website at www.nacg.ca/presentations/
A replay will be available until September 15, 2025, using the link provided.
About the Company
North American Construction Group Ltd. is a premier provider of heavy civil construction and mining services in Australia, Canada, and the U.S. For over 70 years, NACG has provided services to the mining, resource and infrastructure construction markets.
For further information, please contact:
Jason Veenstra, CPA, CA Chief Financial Officer North American Construction Group Ltd. Phone: (780) 960-7171 Email: ir@nacg.ca
ACHESON, Alberta, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — North American Construction Group Ltd. (“NACG” or “the Company”) (TSX:NOA.TO/NYSE:NOA) announced today that it will release its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, after markets close. Following the release of its financial results, NACG will hold a conference call and webcast on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 7:00 a.m. Mountain Time (9:00 a.m. Eastern Time).
The call can be accessed by dialing: Toll free: 1-800-717-1738 Conference ID: 53211
A replay will be available through September 15, 2025, by dialing: Toll Free: 1-888-660-6264 Conference ID: 53211 Playback Passcode: 53211
A slide deck for the webcast will be available for download the evening prior to the call and will be found on the company’s website at www.nacg.ca/presentations/
A replay will be available until September 15, 2025, using the link provided.
About the Company
North American Construction Group Ltd. is a premier provider of heavy civil construction and mining services in Australia, Canada, and the U.S. For over 70 years, NACG has provided services to the mining, resource and infrastructure construction markets.
For further information, please contact:
Jason Veenstra, CPA, CA Chief Financial Officer North American Construction Group Ltd. Phone: (780) 960-7171 Email: ir@nacg.ca
There are 58 wildfires currently burning across Alberta in the Forest Protection Area, and four mutual aid fires.
14 are classified as out of control, 12 are being held and 32 are under control.
There have been four new wildfires since yesterday.
Since Jan. 1, there have been 780 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area, burning more than 663,000 hectares.
More than 1,500 Alberta firefighters, contract firefighters and imported firefighters are currently battling wildfires across the province.
Resources currently being used include heavy equipment, air tankers, helicopters and night vision helicopters.
Alberta has imported firefighters and support staff from Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Australia, Costa Rica, Chile and the United States Forest Service.
Information about wildfires can be found by visiting the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
Orders and alerts
Updates on evacuation orders are available on www.alberta.ca/emergency.
On July 17, the Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council rescinded its evacuation orders for Peerless Lake and Trout Lake, allowing all residents to return home. Residents must remain prepared to evacuate again if conditions change.
The Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17’s evacuation order for Chipewyan Lake remains in effect.
Reception centre at Lakeview Sports Centre, 102 Opportunity Drive, Wabasca-Desmarais.
The Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council’s evacuation alert for the Loon River First Nation (Loon Lake) remains in effect.
The Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17’s evacuation alert for Red Earth Creek remains in effect.
Alberta Emergency Alerts are issued by local authorities and are updated at their discretion. For the best source of information on the status of evacuation orders and alerts, residents are encouraged to follow their local authorities’ preferred communication channels for updates.
People living in Alberta are encouraged to download the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app, which immediately pushes all alerts out to subscribers.
Fire bans
Fire advisories are in place for the Grande Prairie, Lac La Biche, High Level, Slave Lake and Peace River Forest Areas.
Under the advisory, fire permits will only be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Safe campfires are still permitted.
Please confirm advisories, restrictions or bans for your area at alberta.ca/fire-bans.
Fire bans outside the Forest Protection Area are the responsibility of municipalities and counties.
Everyone has a role to play in wildfire prevention. Follow all fire bans and restrictions to avoid new fire starts. If you see smoke or flames in the forest, call 310-FIRE to report it.
Applying FireSmart principles to homes and property can mitigate the risk of wildfire damage. Removing flammable materials and vegetation around the property and preventing embers from accumulating can help protect your home from wildfires. To learn more, visit FireSmart Alberta.
Air quality
Visit Wildfire Smoke Information for air quality monitoring information to make informed decisions about outdoor activities to protect your health. While wildfire smoke is affecting air quality in parts of Alberta, the presence of smoke does not necessarily mean there is fire near your community. Find information about the status of active wildfires and wildfire updates at Alberta Wildfire.
Roads and highways
Highway 686 between Red Earth Creek and Trout Lake is closed due to a wildfire.
Highway 686 near Red Earth Creek from Highway 88 to Trout Lake fully reopened as of 11 a.m. on July 17.
511 Alberta is the best source of real time information as conditions change on our highways. Follow on X (formerly known as Twitter) @511alberta.
Alberta highways that are affected by the wildfires will open and close frequently depending on safety and weather conditions. Be patient and respect the staff at the closure/detour sites – they are there with your safety in mind.
Health
For information about wildfire resources, including mental health, visit Wildfire Resources | Alberta Health Services.
Child care
Opportunity Childcare in Red Earth Creek has reopened.
Licensed child-care programs are required to notify Child Care Connect if they close unexpectedly.
Parents and guardians should reach out to their child-care provider for information on closures.
Justice and court services
The Red Earth Creek courthouse is closed until further notice.
Visit the Alberta Courts website for the most current information regarding court scheduling.
Related information
Active emergency updates
Alberta Emergency Alerts
Download the Alberta Emergency Alerts app
Download the Alberta Wildfire app
How to prepare for an emergency
Wildfire smoke information
Emergency evacuation payments
Free admission to provincial museums and historic sites
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the S. 1582, the GENIUS Act, and H.R. 3633, the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025: “Crypto is here to stay. That’s why we can’t afford to wait any longer to establish guardrails that protect consumers and bring long-overdue transparency to this rapidly evolving industry.” “I voted YES on the GENIUS Act because it’s a meaningful step toward ensuring that Americans who choose to invest in stablecoins are protected from fraud and abuse. This bill is far from perfect and more must be done to confront the blatant corruption we’re seeing from Donald Trump, who has shamelessly used his position as President to line his pockets with millions in crypto. I’ll keep fighting for strong anti-corruption legislation to stop the kind of self-dealing that’s happening in plain sight.” “I voted NO on the CLARITY Act. I support a regulatory framework that distinguishes between digital assets, fosters innovation, and promotes responsible growth, but this bill simply doesn’t get us there. It’s riddled with loopholes and carveouts that leave everyday investors exposed to the kinds of volatile, often fraudulent crypto schemes we’ve seen too regularly with memecoins. It fails to strike the right balance between innovation and consumer protection. As the bill moves to the Senate, it’s critical that our colleagues strengthen it, starting with ensuring that states like Massachusetts retain the authority to crack down on fraud and abuse.” “I believe we can support innovation in the crypto space while standing firmly against the predatory practices that have taken root in the absence of meaningful oversight. The future of digital assets should be built on transparency, accountability, and protections for everyday investors. That’s the balance I’ll keep fighting for.”
Operations across the U.S. target criminal illegal aliens convicted of heinous crimes
WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security today announced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Houston arrested Pedro Trejo Reyes, a convicted child rapist and criminal illegal alien from Mexico. On July 17, ICE removed Reyes from American communities.
Reyes, a criminal alien from Mexico, entered the United States as a lawful permanent resident in 1990. While in the United States he was convicted of a DWI in 1995 and convicted again in Texas for repeatedly sexually assaulting his 12-year-old niece resulting in her pregnancy and subsequent miscarriage in 2011.Forensic DNA testing confirmed with over 99.9% certainty that Trejo Reyes fathered the unborn child. A U.S. immigration judge approved Trejo Reyes’ order for removal in 2011, and ICE removed him to Mexico on July 17, 2025, after his 16 years of confinement.
“As the media and politicians continue to carry water for criminal illegal aliens who have committed indescribable acts of evil in our country, the brave men and women of ICE are arresting and removing the worst of the worst from the U.S.,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Just today, ICE deported Pedro Trejo Reyes who raped and impregnated a defenseless child. There is no path forward, no second chances and no place in America for depraved aliens like him. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, DHS is continuing to make America safe.”
ERO agents across the country carried out similar arrests of criminal illegal aliens with serious convictions, including:
Edwin Jacobo Hernandez Mateo, a criminal alien from Honduras, who was charged in Waller County, Texas, for raping and impregnating a minor under the age of 14. Hernandez was arrested by ICE June 17 and remains in ICE custody at the Montgomery Processing Center.
Juan Gabriel Zamorano-Gutierrez, an illegal alien from Mexico, convicted of molesting a minor in Ontario, California.
Edmundo Vasquez-Gaxiola, an illegal alien from Mexico, convicted of aggravated indecent assault after being accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a young girl over the course of several years in York Springs, Pa. According to a Pennsylvania State Police affidavit, the victim disclosed the abuse began when she was around 5 years old and continued until she was about 11.
Kelvin Civil, an illegal alien from Haiti, convicted of inducing a minor for sex, assault and battery on a police officer, and resisting arrest in Taunton, Massachusetts.
Elmer Breve-Sanchez, an illegal alien from Honduras, convicted of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens in Del Rio, Texas.
The U.S. Senate narrowly approved on July 16, 2025, a bill that would claw back federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which distributes money to NPR, PBS and their affiliate stations. The US$9 billion rescission package will withdraw $1.1 billion Congress had previously approved for the CPB to receive in the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years. In addition, it makes deep foreign aid cuts. All Democrats present voted against the measure, joined by two Republicans: Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. As long as the House, which approved a previous version, votes in favor of the Senate’s version of the bill by midnight July 18, Trump will be able to meet a budgetary deadline by signing the measure into law in time for it to take effect.
What will happen to NPR, PBS and local stations?
NPR and PBS provide programming to local public television and radio stations across the country. The impact on them will be direct and indirect.
Both NPR and PBS receive money from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, an independent nonprofit corporation Congress created in 1967 to receive and distribute federal money to public broadcasters. More than 70% of the money it distributes flows directly to local stations. Some stations get up to half of their budgets from the CPB.
But NPR and PBS get much of their funding from foundation grants, viewers’ and listeners’ donations, and corporate underwriting. And local public radio and TV stations also get support from an array of sources besides CPB.
“There’s nothing more American than PBS,” said the network’s CEO, Paula Kerger, at a congressional hearing on March 26, 2025.
The nearly 1,500 public media stations in the U.S. rely on a mix of NPR, PBS and third-party producer programming, such as American Public Media and PRX, for the programs they offer. Local stations also produce and air regional news and provide emergency broadcasts for the government.
In rural areas with few broadcast stations and spotty cellphone coverage, public broadcast stations are vital sources of information about important community news and updates during emergencies. Federal support is essential for the programming and day-to-day operations of many local stations and allows for the maintenance of equipment and personnel to operate these vital community resources.
We believe that stations in communities that most need them, especially in rural locations, would be hit especially hard because they rely heavily on CPB funding.
Why is public media necessary when there’s news on the internet?
As journalism revenue has plummeted, public broadcasting has remained a vital source for news in communities across the nation. This is especially true in rural communities, where economic and political pressures have threatened the survival of local journalism.
In addition, with much online news coverage placed behind paywalls, public radio and television plays an important role in making quality journalism available to the American public.
Want crucial information about water systems in your drought-prone community? Public radio station KVMR in Nevada City, Calif., has a program for you. KVMR screenshot
Why did Congress approve these funds 2 years ahead?
Dozens of Native American stations are at risk of closing once the CPB is defunded. Native Public Media, a network of 57 radio stations and four TV stations, is a key source of news and information for tribal communities across the nation and relies on CPB support.
U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, a South Dakota Republican, publicly stated that he secured an agreement with the White House to move $9.4 million in Interior Department funding to two dozen Native American stations. But there is no provision related to this promise within the legislation.
Allison Perlman is the co-chair of the Scholars Advisory Committee of the American Archive of Public Broadcasting.
Josh Shepperd and Allison Perlman are under contract to co-author an update of the history of public broadcasting for Current, public media’s trade journal, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Josh and Allison are not paid employees or vendors of either institution.
Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
Codifies President Trump’s Civil Rights Reforms
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Restoring Equal Opportunity Act today to codify President Trump’s Executive Order prohibiting the use of disparate impact policies that incentivize racial hiring quotas. U.S. Representative Brandon Gill (R-TX) is the legislation’s co-lead in the House of Representatives.
“Disparate impact has undermined equal opportunity in hiring for generations,” said Senator Mike Lee. “These policies are antithetical to the Constitution, keeping hardworking men and women from the jobs they deserve. It’s un-American, and it’s going to stop. The Restoring Equal Opportunity Act will prohibit this woke practice and support President Trump’s fight for equality under the law.”
“Americans deserve equal opportunity, not race-based quotas,” said Rep. Gill. “Equality under the law is a core American principle, ensuring every citizen’s right to equal protection and due process. I’m proud to introduce the Restoring Equal Opportunity Act alongside Senator Lee to bring merit, rather than DEI, back to our hiring and selection processes.”
Background
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits employment discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, or national origin. The purpose of this prohibition is clear: to prevent clear and overt instances of discrimination by prohibiting employers from engaging in the kinds of discriminatory practices that had become commonplace during the Jim Crow era.
In the 1971 case of Griggs v. Duke Power Company, the Supreme Court expanded this standard by ruling that in addition to overt discrimination, Title VII also prohibited any employment practices that have a “disparate impact” on minorities. The Court alleged that though Duke Power Company’s policies were not intentionally discriminatory, they could not implement job requirements that have a disparate impact on minorities and are judged to have no relation to job performance.
This unfair standard practically requires employers to impose racial quotas to avoid potential legal liability. Disparate impact prevents employers from making hiring decisions based solely on qualification and skill and requires them to engage in behavior that goes against the spirit and the letter of the Constitution. Congress codified the disparate impact standard into law via the 1991 Civil Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act, and disparate impact theory has since become the de facto method of determining discrimination.
On April 23rd, President Trump issued an executive order to end usage of the disparate impact standard in all areas of the United States government. President Trump’s executive order is a much-needed correction, and Senator Lee’s Restoring Equal Opportunity Act would permanently put an end to disparate impact and fully restore equal opportunity under the law.
The Restoring Equal Opportunity Act:
Prohibits any disparate impact claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act or the Fair Housing Act.
Codifies President Trump’s “Restoring Equality of Opportunity and Meritocracy” executive order.
Read exclusive coverage from The Daily Caller here.
Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), joined by eight of their Republican colleagues, sent a letter to White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, advocating for the release of anticipated education formula funding.
Specifically, Boozman and colleagues requested the release of education funding secured in the FY 2025 Full-Year Continuing Resolution Act, which President Trump signed into law earlier this year.
This legislation contains critical funding that states, including Arkansas, rely on to help students, families and local economies. Releasing federal funding as allocated is necessary for Natural State school districts and organizations as they depend on funding secured through grants such as the 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants, among others.
Boozman and Capito were joined by Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Susan Collins (R-ME), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jim Justice (R-WV), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Mike Rounds (R-SD).
Text of the letter can be found below and here.
Dear Director Vought,
We write to ask you to faithfully implement the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Full-Year Continuing Resolution Act, which President Trump signed into law earlier this year, including the education formula funds that states anticipated receiving on July 1, 2025.
The Continuing Resolution contained funding for Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants; 21st Century Community Learning Centers; Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants; English Language Acquisition; Migrant Education; Adult Basic and Literacy Education State Grants (including Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education State Grants). Withholding these funds will harm students, families, and local economies.
The decision to withhold this funding is contrary to President Trump’s goal of returning K-12 education to the states. This funding goes directly to states and local school districts, where local leaders decide how this funding is spent, because as we know, local communities know how to best serve students and families. Withholding this funding denies states and communities the opportunity to pursue localized initiatives to support students and their families.
We share your concern about taxpayer money going to fund radical left-wing programs. However, we do not believe that is happening with these funds. These funds go to support programs that enjoy longstanding, bipartisan support like after-school and summer programs that provide learning and enrichment opportunities for school aged children which also enables their parents to work and contribute to local economies.
These funds also go to support adult learners. These students are often adults seeking second chances for a myriad of reasons, for example, caregiving responsibilities or financial challenges. These are adult learners working to gain employment skills, earn workforce certifications, or transition into postsecondary education. We should be making educational opportunities easier for these students, not harder.
We welcome the opportunity to work with you and Secretary McMahon to ensure that all federal education funding goes towards programs that help states and school districts provide students an excellent education. We want to see students in our states and across the country thrive, whether they are adult learners, students who speak English as a second language, or students who need after-school care so that their parents can work. We believe you share the same goal.
We encourage you to reverse your decision and release this Congressionally-approved funding to states.
Thank you for your attention to this request, and we look forward to your prompt reply.
Sincerely,
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-TN)
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) joined President Donald J. Trump at the White House to celebrate the signing of the bipartisan Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) of Fentanyl Act, landmark legislation aimed at cracking down on the trafficking and abuse of deadly illegal fentanyl that continues to devastate communities across the nation.
“Counterfeit Fentanyl is one of the deadliest drug threats our country has ever faced, and East Tennessee families have seen the devastation firsthand,” said Rep. Harshbarger. “The HALT Fentanyl Act is a commonsense, life-saving bill that will help law enforcement keep these poisons out of our communities and hold criminals accountable. I was proud to stand with President Trump and my colleagues at the White House today to mark this important victory in our fight to protect American lives.”
BACKGROUND:
Harshbarger was an original co-sponsor of the House version of this legislation. As a pharmacist and member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Harshbarger has been a vocal advocate for combating the opioid and illegal fentanyl crisis and played a critical role in advancing the bill through Congress. Additionally, Harshbarger is the Vice Chair of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee and is a part of the Republican Doctors Caucus.
The bill permanently classifies illicit fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, giving law enforcement the tools they need to stop traffickers and ensuring this incredibly dangerous substance remains off our streets.
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) released the following statement after Senate Republicans passed Donald Trump’s extreme bill to claw back funding for public broadcasting, which will hurt rural communities in Nevada that rely on it for key information including extreme weather threats and important public safety announcements. Public broadcasting in Nevada like Nevada Public Radio, Las Vegas PBS, KUNR, and Reno PBS will see millions of dollars in cuts as a result of this package.
“Senate Republicans continue to bend at the knee to Donald Trump at the expense of hardworking families in rural communities,” said Senator Rosen. “Republicans passed an extreme bill in the dead of night in the Senate that will turn out the lights on Nevada public broadcasting stations that provide essential information like emergency weather alerts for rural areas in our state. After jacking up our national debt by giving billionaires more tax cuts, Senate Republicans are now trying to balance the budget by cutting more critical services that hardworking families rely on. It’s despicable.”
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), and Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) introduced legislation to declare extreme heat as a major disaster so that communities can access federal aid. Their Extreme Heat Emergency Act would explicitly authorize extreme heat as eligible for a Major Disaster Declaration by the President under the Stafford Act, which recognizes fires, floods, explosions, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes as eligible disasters. This would help communities like those in Nevada, Arizona, and Texas access federal resources and funding to respond to these disasters and prepare for future extreme heat waves. On Monday, Las Vegas had the hottest day recorded so far this year, and the death toll of heat-related deaths has already risen to 29 people in Southern Nevada.
“Last year, more than 500 people died in one single county in Nevada from heat-related illnesses,” said Senator Rosen. “Current federal policy ignores the physical and health risks that such extremely high temperatures have on our communities, which is why I’m introducing a bill to change that. By classifying extreme heat as a major disaster, our communities will be able to receive the federal funding needed to respond and prepare for future extreme heat events.”
“Each year, extreme heat kills more Americans than every other form of extreme weather combined. But still the federal government sits on the sideline, leaving state and local governments to drain their funds trying to keep people safe,” said Senator Gallego. “By adding extreme heat to FEMA’s list of major disasters, we can unlock the funds and support our communities desperately need.”
“If you found out that thousands of Americans were dying every year from a single cause, you’d be shocked to learn that the federal government has no plan. But that’s exactly what’s happening with extreme heat. Without a disaster declaration, federal response teams and experts are forced to sit on the sidelines while people suffer and die. That’s unconscionable and it needs to change,” said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. “I’m proud to sponsor the Extreme Heat Emergency Act with Senators Rosen and Gallego to ensure local and state governments don’t have to face this challenge alone. Federal law must catch up to the reality we’re living.”
“It’s only mid-July, and the Southwest, Pacific Northwest, the Midwest, the Mid-Atlantic, and New England have already experienced record high temperatures. Each year, extreme heat causes thousands of deaths and hundreds of billions of dollars in damages to critical infrastructure and economic productivity and overwhelms the capabilities of local governments,” said Hannah Safford, Associate Director of Climate and Environment at the Federation of American Scientists. “The Extreme Heat Emergency Act recognizes extreme heat for what it is – an emergency – that the federal government needs to be ready to support response to before, during, and after the disaster. Recognizing extreme heat as an emergency is critical to a heat-ready nation, as FAS emphasizes in its 2025 Heat Policy Agenda.”
Senator Rosen has been leading the fight to ensure that Nevadans have access to federal resources to stay safe during natural disasters. For years, she has been calling on the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide federal assistance to address extreme heat in Nevada. Last summer, Senator Rosen visited a cooling center in Las Vegas to discuss the need for federal resources to protect against extreme heat.
As of 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, there are 48 active wildfires in Saskatchewan. Of those active fires, six are categorized as contained, 10 are not contained, 17 are ongoing assessment and 15 are listed as protecting values.
Eight communities are currently under an evacuation order: Resort Subdivision of Lac La Plonge, La Plonge Reserve, Northern Village of Beauval, Jans Bay, Patuanak/English River First Nation as well as priority individuals from Montreal Lake Cree Nation, Northern Village of Pinehouse and Canoe Lake Cree First Nation/Cole Bay/Canoe Narrows.
Any evacuees should register through the Sask Evac Web Application and then call 1-855-559-5502 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to have their needs assessed and for additional assistance. Individuals who need help registering through the application can call the 855 Line for assistance.
Evacuees supported by the Canadian Red Cross should call 1-800-863-6582.
A full list of evacuated communities can be found on the Active Evacuations webpage.
As a reminder, there is a fire ban in place in the area north of the provincial forest boundary, up to the Churchill River. The fire ban prohibits any open fires, controlled burns and fireworks in the designated boundary. This includes provincial parks, provincial recreation sites, and the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District within the boundary.
Earlier today, the Province of Saskatchewan and the community of Denare Beach announced the opening of a Community Resilience Centre to provide a safe and supportive space for residents and business owners to share their questions, describe their needs, provide information and updates, receive case management supports and receive services to help them through recovery and rebuilding efforts. Case management support and services will include financial support, navigation assistance, help with applications and individual counselling services.
The centre is located at the Denareplex, 1700 Wigwam Drive, and is running today, July 17, 2025, from noon to 9 p.m., and will open again on July 18, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon. The centre is expected to be open two days per week for the following weeks.
The latest wildfire information, an interactive fire ban map, frequently asked questions, fire risk maps and fire prevention tips can be found at: saskpublicsafety.ca.
Review the current fire bans and restrictions in provincial parks and recreation sites.
TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orca Energy Group Inc. (“Orca” or the “Company” and includes its subsidiaries and affiliates) (TSX-V: ORC.A, ORC.B) announces that Mr. Ewen Denning is no longer employed in the position of Chief Operating Officer with the Company and its subsidiaries effective July 15, 2025. “On behalf of the Company, I would like to thank Ewen for his time with Orca,” stated Jay Lyons, Chief Executive Officer. “We wish him the very best in his future endeavors.” The Company is not seeking a replacement for Mr. Denning.
Orca Energy Group Inc.
Orca Energy Group Inc. is an international public company engaged in natural gas development and supply in Tanzania through its subsidiary, PanAfrican Energy Tanzania Limited. Orca trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbols ORC.B and ORC.A.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward Looking Information
Certain information regarding Orca set forth in this news release, including but not limited to Orca’s ability to continue regular distributions to shareholders constitutes “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. The words “may”, “will”, “would”, “should”, “could”, “expects”, “plans”, “intends”, “trends”, “indications”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “likely” or “potential” or the negative or other variations of these words or other comparable words or phrases, are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking information, by its very nature, involves inherent risks and uncertainties and is based on several assumptions, both general and specific. Orca cautions that its assumptions may not materialize and that current economic conditions render such assumptions, although believed reasonable at the time they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. Such forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results or performance of Orca to be materially different from the outlook or any future results or performance implied by such information.
The forward-looking information contained in this new release is provided as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable Canadian securities laws.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05)
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), member of the House Financial Services Committee, issued the following statements in response to the passage of three digital asset-related pieces of legislation: the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025 (CLARITY), Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act (GENIUS) Act,andAnti-CBDC Surveillance State Act.
On the CLARITY Act: “For too long, our entrepreneurs and investors have faced uncertainty from federal regulators involving digital assets,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “The CLARITY Act bill finally sets the ground rules, reins in regulatory overreach, and empowers the next generation of digital market builders to thrive here in the United States, not overseas.”
On the GENIUS Act: “Stablecoins present a major opportunity to modernize payments. The GENIUS Act strikes the right balance by fostering innovation while putting clear guardrails in place,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “It’s a serious, thoughtful approach to payments innovation—without handing the keys to Washington bureaucrats.”
On the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act: “A government-controlled digital dollar is a direct threat to privacy, financial freedom, and the American way of life,” said Congressman Fitzgerald.“That’s why I’m a proud cosponsor of the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, which ensures that no federal agency can use a Central Bank Digital Currency to monitor or control how law-abiding Americans spend their money.”
