Source: US Geological Survey
New thermal maps show activity near the beginning and just after the end of episode 16 lava fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea. A timelapse video of episode 16 shows fountain heights rose rapidly during the onset and reached heights of about 300 meters (1000 feet).
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brittany Pettersen (Colorado 7th District)
WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Representatives Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Don Beyer (VA-08), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Lori Trahan (MA-03) led 29 Members calling on Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to immediately cease the proposed reorganization that would dissolve the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
This plan aims to merge SAMHSA into a new entity, the Administration for a Healthy America (AHA), a move that Pettersen and other lawmakers argue is both unlawful and detrimental to the nation’s efforts in combating the opioid epidemic and addressing mental health challenges. According to reports, HHS plans to lay off approximately 10,000 employees and close several agencies, including those overseeing addiction services and community health centers, consolidating their functions under the AHA.
“My mom struggled with addiction for decades after being overprescribed opioids following a back injury,” said Pettersen. “I’ve seen firsthand how broken our system is and how hard it is for people in crisis to get the help they need. Dismantling this agency in the middle of an ongoing epidemic isn’t just reckless — it puts thousands of lives at risk. Without SAMHSA, people like my mom may never get the care they need to recover and rebuild their lives, and we will continue to lose people unnecessarily because we refused to give them the medical care they desperately need. We should be building on the progress we’ve made, not going backwards.”
In the letter, the Members share: “Functionally eliminating this centralized expertise within HHS is incompatible with both current statute and addressing the ongoing addiction and overdose crisis. Such intent and reorganization would require Congressional authorization.”
The Members continued: “Over the last several years, SAMHSA executed a strategic plan that focused on five priority areas: preventing substance use and overdose; enhancing access to suicide prevention and mental health services; promoting resilience and emotional health for children, youth, and families; integrating behavioral and physical health; and strengthening the behavioral healthcare workforce. Under these priorities, SAMHSA was able to make significant strides in addressing the mental health and substance use disorder crises…We cannot afford to turn back the clock on the progress that SAMHSA has made, and we are deeply concerned that the absorption of SAMHSA under the AHA not only likely violates the law, but also threatens to undo this progress.”
Rep. Pettersen has been a leading voice in Congress on addressing the opioid crisis and expanding access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Inspired by her own mother’s struggle, Pettersen has fought for legislation to prevent the import of illicit drugs, crack down on drug traffickers and their financing operations, and prevent overdose deaths by ensuring airplanes, law enforcement, and hospitals are able to distribute naloxone when necessary.
Find the full text of the letter HERE.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) helped introduce bipartisan legislation with Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, to identify and research Jewish-American servicemembers interred in American cemeteries overseas who are buried beneath grave markers that do not accurately reflect their religion and heritage. The bipartisan Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act would create a 10-year program within the American Battle Monuments Commission to identify and conduct research on servicemembers who are incorrectly memorialized and locate and contact their surviving descendants to facilitate a grave marker change to properly represent their religious heritage. An estimated 600 Jewish-American servicemembers who were killed in action during World War II remain buried under Latin Crosses rather than Stars of David. While clerical errors are to blame for many of the improper burials, some are because Jewish-American servicemembers did not want their faith included on their dog tags while fighting against the Nazis.
“Our nation has a duty to fully honor the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to join Senator Moran in introducing this bipartisan legislation to correct the headstones of servicemembers by ensuring that the religious affiliation of our fallen is properly and accurately recognized.”
“We owe a debt we can never repay to those who have given their last full measure of devotion on behalf of our nation and the freedoms we cherish, religious liberty being chief among them,” said Senator Moran. “This legislation makes certain that the religious heritage of those who have died for our country, particularly Jewish-American servicemembers, is rightfully represented at their final resting places, providing their survivors with assurance that their loved one’s faith is being acknowledged and memorialized with accuracy.”
Senator Rosen has been working to deliver for Nevada’s veterans. She has sent letters demanding that the VA reverse harmful plans to reduce its workforce, calling on the VA to permanently reverse layoffs, and pushing for answers regarding mass employee terminations at the VA. Last month, Senator Rosen helped introduce legislation to reinstate veterans wrongfully fired by President Trump and Elon Musk. She also took to the Senate floor to oppose the actions of the Trump Administration and Musk to mass fire employees working at the VA.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen America’s workforce pipeline in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and other critical technologies. Peters’ AI and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act – which he reintroduced with U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) – would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop a workforce framework that defines AI and other emerging and critical technology jobs, and the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform them. Building off the successful National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) framework developed by NIST, this bill would help drive U.S. economic competitiveness and advance our skills pipeline in AI and other emerging technologies by ensuring that individuals have a roadmap to find good-paying jobs. This framework would also help schools, universities, training programs, and employers as they educate, train, and employ the best and brightest in the workforce of the future.
“As the artificial intelligence sector continues to grow and play an increasingly important role in everything from health care to finance to agriculture, it’s crucial that we have a highly skilled workforce ready to drive innovation and keep the United States at the forefront of this industry,” said Senator Peters. “My bipartisan bill would help expand our nation’s workforce pipeline, not only in AI, but also cybersecurity and other critical technologies that will shape the future of our economy.”
“The AI and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act stands as a pivotal step towards ensuring Michigan’s workforce remains at the forefront of AI and emerging technologies,” said Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association. “This legislation aligns seamlessly with the mission of the Michigan Works! Association to prepare Michigan’s workers for the future through inclusive workforce development.”
“Addressing gaps in the AI and cybersecurity workforce will help safeguard U.S. competitiveness and national security,” said Information Technology Industry Council (ITIC) President and CEO Jason Oxman. “The tech sector appreciates U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Eric Schmitt’s bipartisan leadership in introducing the Artificial Intelligence and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act of 2025. This crucial bill will expand resources to ensure that the U.S. has the robust workforce it needs to win the global AI race.”
“ISACA enthusiastically supports the legislation by Senator Peters and Senator Schmitt to bring the coherence of NICE KSA’s to AI,” said Emily Bastedo, Head of Government Affairs for the Information Systems Audit and Control Association. “The model of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) has proven to be effective in developing a skilled cybersecurity workforce. ISACA supports using this model for increasing talent in workers with experience in artificial intelligence. There is a significant gap between the demand for AI skills and the supply of workers who possess them. ISACA’s research, certifications, and professional development programs recognize the connections between the AI, security, privacy, and emerging technology workforces. ISACA supports enactment of the AI and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act.”
“Preparing our workforce for an AI-integrated economy is an all hands on deck moment,” said Americans for Responsible Innovation President Brad Carson. “We need a coordinated federal effort to ready American workers with the skills to stay globally competitive and keep the U.S. at the forefront of innovation. Big changes are coming for our economy, and this bipartisan bill positions the U.S. workforce to lead in an AI-powered world.”
The AI and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act would direct NIST to develop an AI workforce framework and identify and report to Congress on other critical or emerging technology areas that could benefit from workforce frameworks, with a focus on ensuring that the frameworks are useful for individuals from nontraditional backgrounds and education. As technologies continue to evolve, this legislation will help ensure that similar frameworks for emerging technology like advanced biology and quantum computing are developed, while ensuring America is positioned to develop and retain skilled individuals across these industries. The bipartisan bill would also require the NICE cybersecurity framework to be updated with input from industry, academia, and government agencies to reflect changes in the cybersecurity sector. The bill would also encourage NIST to offer career resources and guidance to students and adults about careers in cybersecurity, ensuring a sustainable and capable future cyber workforce.
Peters has worked to promote responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and to expand the AI workforce. In his role leading the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters convened multiple hearings on the transformative potential of AI, as well as how the federal government can enable the responsible and effective adoption of AI. Last Congress, Peters led bipartisan legislation to establish guardrails for the federal government to effectively and responsibly purchase and use AI. Peters also introduced bipartisan legislation to designate a Chief AI Officer at every federal agency to coordinate responsible adoption and deployment of AI tools within agencies and across the federal government. Peters also introduced bipartisan legislation to create an AI training program for federal supervisors and management officials. Peters also authored the bipartisan Transparent Automated Governance Act would require federal agencies to notify individuals when they are interacting with or subject to decisions made using automated systems. In 2022, his bipartisan bill to create a training program to help federal employees responsible for purchasing and managing AI technologies better understand the capabilities and risks they pose was signed into law.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
Peters Lays Out How Trump’s “National Sales Tax” Will Raise Prices for Hardworking Families, Decimate Americans’ Retirement Savings, and Threaten American Jobs and Businesses
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) took to the Senate floor to speak out against President Trump’s latest tariffs on nearly all U.S. imports, calling them a “national sales tax” on hardworking Americans. In his remarks, Peters highlighted the harm that Trump’s tariffs will cause for American families and businesses, including driving our economy toward a recession, raising prices on essential goods, and threatening Americans’ hard-earned income and retirement savings. He also highlighted how the tariffs fall short of a needed strategy to boost American manufacturing in the automotive sector, offering an alternative playbook that includes tariffs on our adversaries and overseas competitors, improving current trade agreements, enforcing existing trade laws, and protecting and strengthening successful domestic manufacturing incentives passed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.
“In the coming days, weeks, and months, the impact of the President’s national sales tax will be devastating,” said Senator Peters. “And it won’t be our competitors that are footing the bill. It will be the American people that are paying the tax on their groceries, their gas, and all the other goods that they buy.”
“This national sales tax won’t miraculously improve our trade relationships or bring jobs home. It will only make it harder for hardworking Americans who are trying to create a better life for themselves and for their children,” Peters continued. “This isn’t a real plan. This is chaos. And it will not help us to achieve any of our long-term goals.”
“I urge all of my colleagues to say no to the national sales tax, and instead, let’s liberate some common sense and work together to make this country stronger.”
To watch Peters’ full remarks, click here.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
April 07, 2025
“I am concerned that a leader without strong technical expertise and extensive experience could put our nuclear deterrent at risk and waste billions of dollars.”
“The person confirmed to lead the NNSA…must also make it abundantly clear that they would not share information with companies that might support China’s own nuclear modernization efforts, further jeopardizing American national security.”
Text of Letter (PDF)
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) wrote to Mr. Brandon Williams, nominee for Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security and Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), with concerns over his lack of experience and potential ties to the Chinese government through his business. Mr. Williams’ nomination will be considered by the Senate Armed Services Committee on April 8, 2025.
The NNSA is tasked with the design, production, and maintenance of the nation’s nuclear arsenal, along with ensuring the safety, security, and reliability of the country’s nuclear weapons. By law, anyone nominated for the position must “have extensive background in national security” and be “well qualified to manage nuclear weapons.” Each of the six previous Under Secretaries for Nuclear Security and NNSA Administrators had strong backgrounds in fields related to nuclear technology or national security. William’s two most recent predecessors each worked for more than 30 years in nuclear security before taking on the role.
Mr. Williams lacks any of the extensive technical experience of his predecessors. He completed a training at the Naval Nuclear Power School and served as a junior officer on a nuclear submarine, but does not possess any advanced degree in physics or engineering. The NNSA is in the middle of a $200 billion nuclear modernization project, which the Government Accountability Office has found already exceeded initial cost estimates by more than $2 billion and is behind by almost 10 years. Williams’ lack of experience raises concerns about his ability to effectively manage the nuclear arsenal.
“I am concerned that a leader without strong technical expertise and extensive experience could put our nuclear deterrent at risk and waste billions of dollars,” said Senator Warren.
Senator Warren also called out Mr. Williams’ ties to the Chinese government through his software cloud computing company, CPLANE.ai. In 2013, after founding the company, Mr. Williams partnered with PCCW Global, which was partially controlled by the Chinese government through China Unicom, a company banned from U.S. markets in 2018 due to “spying concerns.”
“The person confirmed to lead the NNSA…must also make it abundantly clear that they would not share information with companies that might support China’s own nuclear modernization efforts, further jeopardizing American national security,” concluded Senator Warren.
Senator Warren asked Mr. Williams to explain whether he supports DOGE’s mass firings at NNSA, how he plans to address his experience shortfalls, asked him to commit to not share information that would compromise national security interests, and more, by April 14, 2025.
Senator Warren has long worked to ensure the stability and safety of the United States nuclear arsenal:
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, today joined U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, for a bicameral spotlight hearing entitled, “Restoring Accountability: Exposing Trump’s Attacks on the Rule of Law,” to examine the Trump Administration’s attacks on the rule of law. Senator Welch questioned witnesses on the culture that career prosecutors saw breached and the attacks on the rule of law exhibited by the new administration. The hearing was held by Senator Schiff and Representative Raskin.
“The lawlessness of the Trump Administration knows no bounds, and Republicans’ silence on President Trump’s flagrant disregard for the rule of law is deafening. Their refusal to hold President Trump accountable only emboldens the President on his quest to make the Justice Department his Justice Department,” said Senator Welch ahead of the hearing. “We need to do everything in our power to speak out and stand up against Trump’s illegal rampage and demand accountability for his attacks on the rule of law.”
Lawmakers from the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives heard firsthand testimony from:
Ryan Crosswell, a former Department of Justice (DOJ) Trial Attorney in the Public Integrity Section who resigned after the Trump DOJ pressured career prosecutors to drop the corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams in a shocking quid pro quo deal and cover-up;
Liz Oyer, a former DOJ Pardon Attorney who was fired for refusing to give actor and Trump “Special Ambassador” Mel Gibson special treatment to own a firearm despite a domestic violence conviction;
Rachel Cohen, a former Senior Associate at the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, who resigned in protest following a string of Trump Executive Orders targeting law firms for taking on clients or cases that Trump dislikes; and
View the livestream here:
Senator Welch asked several witnesses about their personal experiences with the Trump Administration, including Liz Oyer, a fired former DOJ Pardon Attorney who faced intimidation by U.S. marshals, and Ryan Crosswell, who resigned after DOJ pressured career prosecutors to drop the corruption case against Mayor Eric Adams. Senator Welch’s exchange with Rachel Cohen, a former Senior Associate at the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, who resigned in protest following a string of Trump Executive Orders targeting law firms is below:
Senator Welch: “Tell me about how you saw being in Skadden, Arps—a major Wall Street…really world—law firm as being also an opportunity for you to live your values as an attorney, your commitment to justice, and also have an opportunity to work for folks who otherwise wouldn’t be represented.”
Rachel Cohen: “While I was on the job, I had unlimited pro bono hours. It was perhaps the most important thing to me when selecting a law firm. Because I wanted to get trained up on the private sector things. My past work was in public education, and I needed to understand how those things work. It drew me to finance. But I devoted anywhere from 20 to 33% of my hours to pro bono every year. And ultimately, that is why I resigned…I did a decent amount of immigration pro bono representation and actions by this administration are making it very clear that that is soon going to be viewed, or already is viewed, as adverse to the administration, despite the fact that it is just to allow people to survive when they are fleeing harm and persecution and death. And I couldn’t stay at a place that I knew was on the verge of not allowing me to take representations that the President viewed as adverse, knowing what he views as adverse, to him.”
■ ■ ■
“The Trump administration has been using the Justice Department to go after the president’s political enemies — firing prosecutors who uphold the law, attacking law firms that refuse to do his bidding, and seeking to dismiss cases against his political allies. The Republican Party has abdicated any interest in defending the rule of law or providing meaningful oversight, so I look forward to hosting some of the brave individuals willing to speak out, alongside Ranking Member Raskin, as we do the hard work of accountability that Senate and House Republicans refuse to do,” said Senator Schiff.
“While my GOP colleagues passively watch Trump punish his critics and take a jack hammer to the work of anti-corruption fighters at the Department of Justice, Democrats are lifting up the tough Americans who are standing strong against the corruption and lawlessness of Trump,” said Ranking Member Raskin.
Recently, Senator Welch took to the Senate floor and called on Congress to defend the right to free speech and freedom of the press. He discussed how our First Amendment rights are essential to the well-being of America’s democracy, and highlighted how President Trump has sought to silence or to punish journalists and citizens who speak out about the Trump Administration’s lawless agenda. Watch the Senator’s remarks on his website.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) today wrote to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio warning that the bombing campaign carried out by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Defense Forces raises legal questions about U.S. officials’ liability for potentially aiding and abetting war crimes.
As noted in the Senators’ letter—which was sent on the same day Mr. Netanyahu met with President Trump at the White House—their request comes after the State Department bypassed Congressional approval and invoked an emergency declaration to send more than $8 billion in arms to Israel.
In the last two weeks, Mr. Netanyahu said in response a question concerning remaining legitimate targets to strike in Gaza: “I don’t care about the targets,” and ordered military officials to “destroy the homes, bomb everything in Gaza.” Last week, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that renewed offensive military operations in Gaza aimed to increase pressure “on the population in Gaza”—inflicting additional pain on the more than two million civilians in Gaza instead of focusing on military targets.
In their letter, the Senators requested a briefing by April 30, 2025, on the following questions:
What additional intelligence or diplomatic information does the U.S. government have regarding PM Netanyahu’s and senior Israeli officials’ ordering the destruction of civilian infrastructure for punitive purposes; to intimidate civilians; to coerce civilians to move out of certain zones or to take certain actions; or to affect the conduct of de facto authorities by mass destruction?
Israeli forces have destroyed more than 200,000 buildings in pursuit of a force that was estimated by their government at 10,000 to 30,000 fighters, raising questions about target distinction in a densely populated area. For how many of these over 200,000 destroyed homes and buildings have U.S. officials requested from the Israeli government the underlying intelligence justification for pre-planned airstrikes, given the licensing authority of U.S. officials to “verify credible reports” that U.S.-origin equipment and munitions have been used for unauthorized purposes?
The vast majority of the more than 50,000 Palestinian deaths in the last year and a half have been civilian men, women, and children. What calculations has the U.S. government made of the tolerance by Israeli forces of expected harm against civilians in targeting low-level enemy combatants that are not actively engaged in combat activities?
Read the full letter here and below:
Dear Attorney General Bondi, Director Gabbard, and Secretary Rubio,
We write to draw your attention to two concerning reports. According to a March 20 report from Israeli newspaper Ynet, Prime Minister Netanyahu, in response a question concerning remaining legitimate targets to strike in Gaza, said “I don’t care about the targets” and ordered military officials to “destroy the homes, bomb everything in Gaza. Just last week, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that renewed offensive military operations aim to increase pressure “on the population in Gaza.”
As you know, the destruction of civilian homes without military necessity is a war crime under United States criminal law and international law, while U.S. law additionally outlaws the use of violence to intimidate or coerce civilians. Experts have widely noted that Israel’s bombing campaign in Gaza—the bloodiest and most destructive air campaign in modern history by some measures—stands out for its wide-area destruction and targeting of civilian infrastructure. This new information raises the question of whether U.S. officials risk liability for aiding and abetting war crimes, particularly in light of the State Department bypassing Congress and invoking an emergency to send more than $8 billion in arms to Israel, including 2,000-pound bombs. Accordingly, we request a briefing by April 30, 2025, on the following questions:
What additional intelligence or diplomatic information does the U.S. government have regarding PM Netanyahu’s and senior Israeli officials’ ordering the destruction of civilian infrastructure for punitive purposes; to intimidate civilians; to coerce civilians to move out of certain zones or to take certain actions; or to affect the conduct of de facto authorities by mass destruction?
Israeli forces have destroyed more than 200,000 buildings in pursuit of a force that was estimated by their government at 10,000 to 30,000 fighters, raising questions about target distinction in a densely populated area. For how many of these over 200,000 destroyed homes and buildings have U.S. officials requested from the Israeli government the underlying intelligence justification for pre-planned airstrikes, given the licensing authority of U.S. officials to “verify credible reports” that U.S.-origin equipment and munitions have been used for unauthorized purposes?
As you know, the vast majority of the more than 50,000 Palestinian deaths in the last year and a half have been civilian men, women, and children. What calculations has the U.S. government made of the tolerance by Israeli forces of expected harm against civilians in targeting low-level enemy combatants that are not actively engaged in combat activities?
Finally, we are deeply concerned by reports this weekend of an attempted coverup of the killing of 15 Palestinian first aid responders in marked ambulances—that were bulldozed into a mass grave. Israeli officials claimed to have struck Hamas militants in unlit vehicles, but video evidence on victims’ phones unearthed at the site indicates that those killed were uniformed first responders in marked and well-lit ambulances with emergency signals activated. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies noted that the incident “represents the single most deadly attack on Red Cross Red Crescent workers anywhere in the world since 2017. We urge you to insist that PM Netanyahu promptly inform the Administration and Congress of his plan to hold accountable the individuals responsible for this attack.
Sincerely,
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and California’s former Secretary of State, warned Secretaries of State, Lieutenant Governors, and Chief Election Officials across the country of the devastating potential impacts of Republicans’ Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which the House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on this week. The bill threatens to disenfranchise millions of eligible American voters by creating overly burdensome documentation requirements, making voting harder for new voters, married women, rural voters, and the tens of millions of Americans who register to vote online or through the mail.
Senator Padilla highlighted that nearly half of Americans do not own a passport, and 21 million voting age Americans lack easy access to the voter documentation required by the SAVE Act, including a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate. Furthermore, the bill could restrict the right to vote for approximately 69 million married women whose legal names differ from their birth certificates. As more than 12 percent of Americans move each year, millions of voters would also be required to find these documents any time they change their address.
“If this legislation becomes law, millions of Americans will face major obstacles to vote because they either lack the required documents to prove citizenship or because they relied on ways to register that the bill would upend — including online voter registration, registration by mail, voter drives, or automatic voter registration,” wrote Senator Padilla. “I encourage you to use your office to help educate election officials in your state and your Members of Congress about how this bill could harm voters and elections in your state.”
The SAVE Act is especially alarming following President Trump’s recent anti-voter executive order, Padilla wrote.
“This vote is particularly concerning as it comes after a recent executive order, where the President asserted sweeping unilateral power of state-run elections, including illegally requiring documentary proof of citizenship on the National Voter Registration Form, and allowing DOGE and the Department of Homeland Security access to voter registration and other state records, along with federal databases,” continued Padilla. “We have not seen an attempt like this since the federal push for voter data by the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity during the first Trump Administration in 2017, which state election officials rejected on an overwhelming bipartisan basis.”
Padilla stressed that voting by noncitizens is already a federal crime and is incredibly rare. A review of the 2016 general election found that only 0.0001 percent of votes came from improper noncitizen voting among the jurisdictions reviewed. Additionally, a recent analysis of Heritage Foundation data identified only 68 such cases over the past four decades.
He further emphasized that the immediate implementation of the SAVE Act, which also requires removal of noncitizens from the voter rolls, could result in the purging of eligible voters as states will lack the time and infrastructure to swiftly and accurately implement these changes. Padilla also underscored the risks the SAVE Act poses to the administration of elections, as the bill imposes extreme criminal penalties against election officials, including up to five years in federal prison and major fines, for helping register a voter without the required documentation. As election workers face mounting threats and high workloads, the threat of these penalties could further deplete the election administration workforce.
“Put plainly, state and local election officials should be aware that Congress is rapidly moving legislation to disenfranchise voters and disrupt election administration based on the fiction of noncitizen voting,” concluded Padilla.
Senator Padilla has led the charge opposing President Trump and Republicans’ reckless attempts to restrict the right to vote. Last week, Padilla led 11 Senators in introducing the Defending America’s Future Elections Act to repeal Trump’s illegal anti-voter executive order and prevent the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive voter registration data and state records. Padilla also led 14 Democratic Senators in calling on Trump to revoke his illegal anti-voter executive order and issued a statement slamming the order when it was announced.
Full text of the letter is available here and below:
Dear Lieutenant Governors, Secretaries and Chief Election Officials:
As a former Secretary of State, I write to bring your attention to my serious concerns over the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act (H.R. 22/S. 128) which will be considered in the U.S. House of Representatives soon. This bill purports to stop noncitizen voting by requiring anyone registering to vote to provide documentary proof of citizenship. If this legislation becomes law, millions of Americans will face major obstacles to vote because they either lack the required documents to prove citizenship or because they relied on ways to register that the bill would upend – including online voter registration, registration by mail, voter drives, or automatic voter registration. I encourage you to use your office to help educate election officials in your state and your Members of Congress about how this bill could harm voters and elections in your state.
This vote is particularly concerning as it comes after a recent executive order, where the President asserted sweeping unilateral power of state-run elections, including illegally requiring documentary proof of citizenship on the National Voter Registration Form, and allowing DOGE and the Department of Homeland Security access to voter registration and other state records, along with federal databases. We have not seen an attempt like this since the federal push for voter data by the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity during the first Trump Administration in 2017, which state election officials rejected on an overwhelming bipartisan basis.
Voting by noncitizens, which this bill claims to combat, is exceedingly rare and this response only serves to inhibit eligible voters. A review of the 2016 general election found that in the jurisdictions studied, improper noncitizen voting was 0.0001 percent of votes. Voters already must affirm their U.S. citizenship under the penalty of perjury when registering to vote and voting in a federal election as a noncitizen is a federal crime.
Further, the requirement for documentary proof of citizenship is a costly burden that could disenfranchise millions of Americans. A large majority of Americans live in states where their driver’s license does not meet the requirements of the bill. Over 140 million Americans do not have a passport, and over 21 million American citizens cannot easily access proof of citizenship documents. The bill also prevents people who have changed their legal names from using their birth certificates, impacting tens of millions of married women. More than 12 percent of Americans also move every year, and would be forced to access these documents to re-register at their new address.
Taken together the bill’s requirements would disproportionately harm voters of color, married women, members of the military, and younger voters. As Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab has made clear, his state’s efforts to impose proof of citizenship requirements in 2013 “didn’t work out so well.” As the Kansas law was challenged in court, it was found that only 39 noncitizens had registered to vote in the state from 1999 to 2012, yet the law ultimately blocked the registration of over 31,000 eligible U.S. citizens.
The SAVE Act would take effect immediately, giving states little time to set up a regime that not only requires verification of citizenship but requires removal of noncitizens from the voter rolls. The lack of time and infrastructure for these processes may cause states to rely on unreliable data, resulting in the removal of eligible voters.
In addition to likely disenfranchising millions of Americans, the SAVE Act would make it more difficult for election officials to do their jobs, with dramatic consequences for errors. If enacted, the law would impose severe criminal penalties against election officials, including fines and up to five years in federal prison, if they help register a voter who does not provide documentary proof of citizenship. As you know, election workers in your states are already overburdened – imposing these penalties could have a profoundly harmful impact on the election administration workforce.
Put plainly, state and local election officials should be aware that Congress is rapidly moving legislation to disenfranchise voters and disrupt election administration based on the fiction of noncitizen voting. As someone who served as a state election, I encourage you to review the legislation closely and ensure that election officials in your state and your Members of Congress are aware of the potentially serious consequences if this bill were to be enacted.
Sincerely,
Source: United Nations MIL OSI b
In a world in which every individual has access to high-quality, affordable health services, including sexual and reproductive care, young people can shape their own futures and older persons can age with dignity, speakers at the Commission on Population and Development stressed today as it continued its fifty-eighth session.
Health is not a privilege; it is a human right, Catharina Jannigje Lasseur (Netherlands), Chair of the Commission, underscored in the opening segment of the session. The theme of this year’s session, which will take place from 7 to 11 April, is “Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages”.
While acknowledging the progress made — maternal and child mortality has declined, lifespans are longer — she stressed: “If we are honest with ourselves,” too many health-related targets are not on track. Too many women and girls are still denied their bodily autonomy or face violence. Too many women still die giving birth and too many young people still lack access to comprehensive sexuality education. And too many communities, especially those in humanitarian and climate-vulnerable contexts, are still left behind.
This inequity must be tackled, she stressed, through resilient and equitable health systems that meet people’s needs across the life course — from birth to old age.
The opening segment also featured statements by Guy Ryder, Under-Secretary-General for Policy in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General; Natalia Kanem, Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Department of Economic and Social Affairs; Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka; and Abdoulaye Bio Tchané, Minister of State for Planning and Development of Benin.
In the afternoon, the Commission held a panel discussion to consider the Secretary-General’s reports on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages (document E/CN.9/2025/2); on programmes and interventions for the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development in the context of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages (document E/CN.9/2025/3); and on the flow of financial resources for assisting in the further implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (document E/CN.9/2025/4).
The discussion began with Cheryl Sawyer, Chief of the Population Trends and Analysis Branch of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs’ Population Division, who noted the diverse demographic outlook across the world. Some countries have high levels of fertility and are growing rapidly while others have historically low levels of fertility. However, she stressed, all populations are following a similar path towards longer lives and smaller families – a process known as “demographic transition”. The diversity “stems from the fact that countries are at different stages in this process”, she said.
In low-income countries where the size of the population is projected to increase over the coming decades, it will be critical to renew the political commitment to strengthen health systems and mobilize enough public resources to meet the health needs of growing populations. The rising number of births in these countries will also require substantial investments to meet the growing demand for public health interventions, including childhood immunizations, she added.
Over the next 25 years, she said, the global population aged 60 years or older is expected to increase by 72 per cent, from 1.22 billion in 2025 to 2.11 billion by 2050. This will require changes in health and social protection systems as the number of older persons needing long-term care is projected to more than double. In lower-middle-income countries, the population of older persons is growing faster than the capacity of long-term care systems, “necessitating an increased reliance on unpaid care, which is often performed by women who are themselves aging”, she said. “Expanding long-term care systems and promoting norms of gender equality and caregiving are critical steps towards achieving healthy aging,” she stressed.
She also highlighted the need for “data-driven decision-making” to identify and prioritize critical needs. Despite the uncertainty, she pointed out, compared to other trends such as economic growth or technological advances, the pace and direction of population change “is far more predictable, at least in the short and medium terms”. Leveraging the foresight that can be gained from a robust understanding of population trends is critical for accelerating progress, she said.
Next, Alessio Cangiano, acting Chief of the Population and Development Branch of UNFPA’s Programme Division, stressed the need to address maternal mortality. Midwifery is a proven cost-effective model for healthcare delivery in both stable and humanitarian contexts, he added, noting that community health workers also play a pivotal role in expanding healthcare to rural or underserved populations. Their work is especially useful for ensuring prenatal and postnatal maternal and newborn care, and for increasing the rates of childhood vaccination and in-home care for older persons. “Community health workers often operate as first responders,” he added.
Also stressing the importance of universal access to sexual reproductive health and rights, he said that many individuals, especially women and girls, continue to encounter systemic barriers that hinder such access. “Universal access to modern contraception, skilled attendance at birth and screening for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections are amongst the health interventions providing the highest returns on investments,” he added.
“Promoting universal health coverage is the best way to ensure people have access to quality health services, without financial hardships,” he added. Such coverage has substantial benefits not only for health, but for economic growth. However, since 2000, domestic Government health expenditure as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) has remained low for most low-income and lower-middle-income countries, he said, expressing concern about the “long-standing deprioritization of health” in Government budgets.
He also highlighted the need to use digital technology wisely, noting that mobile health platforms have allowed people in remote or underserved areas to receive critical health information and services by means of their phones. Telemedicine is revolutionizing diagnostics, treatment and care. He then pointed to the power of “georeferencing” — for instance, mapping the proximity of emergency services in preparation for climate disasters.
The panel also included Pascale Allotey, Director of the Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research of the World Health Organization (WHO), who noted that half of the world’s population — some 4.5 billion people — still lack access to essential health services, while nearly 2 billion people face financial hardship due to health costs. “These are not just numbers; they reflect the daily reality of people forced to choose between health and household survival,” she said, adding that progress towards universal health coverage has slowed.
“But, we also have evidence that progress is not only possible, but is already happening,” she added. Countries that have made the most headway are the ones that have tackled six critical challenges head on, she said, adding that the first of these is establishing strong primary healthcare services. “More accessible, more responsive and more equitable” primary healthcare is a critical investment. Secondly, financial protections and sustainable health financing are indispensable, she said, calling for the elimination of financial barriers that push families into poverty simply for seeking care. This is especially urgent as international health aid continues to decline.
The third key challenge is to invest in the health and care workforce, she pointed out, adding that the projected global shortfall in health workers has increased from 10 million to 11.1 million. Without well-trained and equitably distributed health workers, even the most ambitious health goals will fall short. Fourthly, “we must better leverage digital health data and artificial intelligence,” she said, adding that these tools hold immense promise to improve health literacy and enhance service delivery. Yet, their potential remains underutilized, “especially in settings that stand to benefit the most”, she added.
The fifth challenge is to ensure that “the commitment to leave no one behind must be real and must be resourced”, she said, pointing out that, by 2030, 60 per cent of the world’s poorest will live in fragile conflict-affected and vulnerable settings, where access to even basic health services will be at risk. Finally, she said, “we need focused, integrated action on critical outcomes”, such as reducing maternal mortality, advancing sexual and reproductive health and tackling noncommunicable diseases.
Also today, the Commission adopted the provisional agenda (document E/CN.9/2025/1) as well as the proposed organization of its work for the session (document E/CN.9/2025/L.1/Rev.1).
Further, it appointed Romero Veiga (Uruguay), Joselyne Kwishaka (Burundi) and Galina Nipomici (Republic of Moldova) as Vice-Chairs for its fifty-eighth session. Ms. Kwishaka will also assume the responsibility of Rapporteur for the session.
Source: US Department of Labor
WILKES-BARRE, PA – The U.S. Department of Labor has cited Wilkes-Barre roofing contractor Luis Alberto-Reyna Avila for exposing workers to dangerous falls and workplace hazards at a Lackawanna County worksite.
The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration initiated an inspection of Avila’s business, 3 Guys Home Improvement Inc., in September 2024, after receiving an imminent danger complaint alleging worker exposure to fall hazards. The agency cited the company for two willful violations for lack of fall protection and failure to ensure the use of personal protection equipment and 10 serious violations for improper labeling on flammable containers, working near energized power circuits and improper use of ladders. Due to the operator’s history of violations, the company has been added to OSHA’s Severe Violators Enforcement Program.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Learn more about OSHA.
Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
NEW YORK — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Abel Osbaldo Mendez, a 29-year-old illegal alien from Guatemala with convictions for sexual battery of a child and illegal reentry upon his release from U.S. Bureau of Prisons, Federal Correctional Institution, Otisville in Orange County, New York, March 28.
“Convicted child predators such as this thrice removed illegal alien represent a major threat to our communities,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations New York City acting Field Office Director William P. Joyce. “ICE officers play a positive role in the arrest and removal of these criminal aliens and will continue to do so in the interest of keeping our communities safe.”
U.S. Border Patrol Agents encountered Mendez April 25, 2014, unlawfully crossing the U.S. – Mexico border into Texas without inspection. Mendez falsely stated to the agents that he was born in Acayucan, Veracruz, Mexico, and was a citizen and native of Mexico. U.S. Border Patrol placed him into expedited removal proceedings and on May 3, 2014, removed him to Mexico via Brownville, Texas port of entry. Mendez unlawfully reentered the U.S. on an unknown date after his 2014 removal.
Suffolk County Police Department arrested Mendez for the crime of sex assault March 20, 2019. ICE encountered Mendez April 15, 2019, and issued him a notice to appear before a Justice Department immigration judge and placed him into removal proceedings under his true nationality and citizenship of Guatemala.
Mendez was convicted of sexual battery of a child April 25, 2019, and sentenced to 12 months in prison.
A Justice Department immigration judge ordered Mendez removed from the U.S. July 1, 2019. He was removed to Guatemala Dec. 18, 2019.
USBP arrested Mendez Aug. 3, 2020, after he illegally reentered the U.S. and processed him for reinstatement of prior removal order. Mendez was removed from the U.S. for the third time Feb. 3, 2021. ICE officers encountered Mendez in Virginia May 22, 2024, and processed him for reinstatement of prior removal order. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virgina, prosecuted Mendez for illegal reentry, a charge for which he was convicted Nov. 21, 2024, and sentenced to 12 months in prison.
Mendez is in ICE custody.
Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 (866-DHS-2-ICE) or completing ICE’s online tip form.
Learn more about ERO New York City’s mission to preserve public safety on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ERONewYork
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)
“It is critical that Jewish Americans who served our nation in uniform and paid the ultimate price are able to be laid to rest honoring their religious heritage,” said Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz. “Unfortunately, due to the fog of war, there were hundreds of Jewish servicemembers who were improperly buried under Latin crosses in American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries. This bill is an important step to allow more descendants of these brave Jewish servicemembers the resources needed to properly honor their loved one’s military service, life, and religious heritage.”
Washington DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Max Miller (OH-07) will file legislation to help ensure hundreds of fallen American-Jewish servicemembers are buried under military grave markers that represent their true religion and heritage.
“It is critical that Jewish Americans who served our nation in uniform and paid the ultimate price are able to be laid to rest honoring their religious heritage,” said Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz. “Unfortunately, due to the fog of war, there were hundreds of Jewish servicemembers who were improperly buried under Latin crosses in American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries. This bill is an important step to allow more descendants of these brave Jewish servicemembers the resources needed to properly honor their loved one’s military service, life, and religious heritage.”
“Every American who puts on the uniform deserves to be remembered with dignity and respect. Many brave servicemembers made the ultimate sacrifice while defending freedom in World War I and World War II—but due to clerical errors or concerns for their safety during service, their religious identities were not properly recorded,” said Congressman Miller. “This bill is a meaningful step to correct those errors and ensure these heroes are laid to rest with the honor and dignity they deserve.”
“We owe a debt we can never repay to those who have given their last full measure of devotion on behalf of our nation and the freedoms we cherish, religious liberty being chief among them,” said Senator Moran. “This legislation makes certain that the religious heritage of those who have died for our country, particularly Jewish-American servicemembers, is rightfully represented at their final resting places, providing their survivors with assurance that their loved one’s faith is being acknowledged and memorialized with accuracy.”
“Our nation has a duty to fully honor the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to join Senator Moran in introducing this bipartisan legislation to correct the headstones of servicemembers by ensuring that the religious affiliation of our fallen is properly and accurately recognized.”
Due to the sheer scale of burials that occurred during World War I and II, hundreds of American-Jewish servicemembers killed in action were improperly buried under Latin Cross grave markers, rather than Stars of David. It is estimated that as many as 600 remain that way today.
Clerical errors are to blame for many of the improper burials, but some are due to the fact that American-Jewish soldiers did not want to publicly display their faith on dog tags as they fought against Nazi Germany.
To replace a grave marker at American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) cemeteries, the next of kin must present the ABMC with evidence of the decedent’s religious heritage and submit a grave marker change request. However, without resources, this process can be difficult for families. This legislation would create the “Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Program,” to award contracts to nonprofits to identify and research American-Jewish servicemembers buried in ABMC cemeteries under grave markers that do not represent the proper religion and heritage. It authorizes $500,000 per year for 10 years for the program.
This bill is supported by Jewish Federations of North America, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Gold Star Spouses of America, Jewish War Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Aleph Institute, the Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA), Vietnam Veterans of America, the American Legion, and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).
“Congress found that approximately 900 American Jewish service members are inappropriately buried under Latin cross headstones in overseas U.S. military cemeteries,” said Nancy Springer, National Legislative Service Associate Director, of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. “To remedy this longstanding issue, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) supports the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act to identify improperly marked graves, verify the religious heritage of the deceased, and enable descendants to request a replacement Star of David headstone. American Jewish service members who fought and died for our country deserve to have their heritage properly recognized and honored. The VFW applauds Chairman Moran and Senator Rosen for introducing this important legislation and calls for its swift passage.”
“The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is proud to support the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act,” said Bonnie Carroll, President and Founder of TAPS. “We appreciate Chairman Moran and Senator Rosen, and Representatives Wasserman Schultz and Miller for their steadfast commitment to recognizing and honoring the personal faith of those who gave all in service to our nation.”
“Gold Star Spouses of America strongly supports the establishment of the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Program. Ensuring that all servicemembers are honored according to their faith and heritage is a critical step in preserving their dignity and respecting the wishes of their families,” said Tamra Sipes, National President of Gold Star Spouses of America. “This bill would provide much-needed resources to correct historical oversights and honor the legacies of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
“A fallen service member has earned the right to have their personal faith properly preserved, this bill is critical to ensuring that is done,” said Robert Olivarez, National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
“The Vietnam Veterans of America strongly supports this honorable effort to restore the appropriate faith to our fallen service members markers,” said Jack McManus, National President of Vietnam Veterans of America. “This is owed to our fallen patriots and absolutely must be done.”
“The Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) proudly stands in support of the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. This important legislation reaffirms the fundamental right of fallen service members to have their religious beliefs respectfully acknowledged in memorial displays and commemorative settings across the nation,” said Levi Sadr, Director of Government Affairs at the Non Commissioned Officers Association. “As an organization that represents the voice, service, and sacrifice of enlisted personnel past and present, we believe that honoring the faith traditions of those who have given their lives in service to our country is a matter of dignity, respect, and historical truth. The religious symbols and heritage reflected in many memorials are not only consistent with the personal beliefs of the fallen, but are also longstanding expressions of the values held by generations of service members. This legislation safeguards those expressions from unnecessary censorship and ensures that the legacy of the fallen is preserved in a way that is meaningful to their families, communities, and fellow service members. It also protects the freedom of religious expression in a manner that is inclusive, respectful, and consistent with our Constitution. The NCOA urges lawmakers to pass the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act and to affirm the enduring principles of honor, remembrance, and religious liberty that this nation was built upon.”
“JWV fully endorses the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Program Act, legislation that creates a program within the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) to recognize and identify Jewish servicemembers improperly buried in ABMC cemeteries,” said Jewish War Veterans National Commander Gary Ginsburg, USA (retired). “Congress must establish this meaningful $500,000 annual grant for ten years to ensure that Jewish servicemembers killed in action and currently buried under a Latin Cross will be properly buried under a Star of David grave marker. Now is the time for Congress to act and provide proper recognition of these heroes’ religious and heritage significance. JWV commends Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Max Miller, and SVAC Chairman Jerry Moran, and Sen. Jacky Rosen for their leadership in introducing the legislation in the House and Senate. We look forward to working with them on the swift enactment of this legislation and partnering with ABMC on awarding grants to nonprofit organizations.”
“Nearly 11,000 Jewish American soldiers gave their lives during World War II, but many still haven’t received proper burials, laying under a Latin Cross rather than a Star of David. Jewish Federations proudly support this bill to fund the painstaking research in identifying American-Jewish soldiers improperly buried overseas,” said Karen Paikin Barall, Vice President, Government Relations for Jewish Federations of North America. “Whether they died for their country during the Battle or Normandy or the Battle of Manila, each deserves to rest under the marker that not only represents their religion, but their heritage.”
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)
In Powerful Remarks, Pressley Invoked Spirit, Courage and Stamina of Past Generations to Fight Musk-Trump Agenda
BOSTON – This weekend, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) delivered powerful remarks at the “Hands Off” rally in Boston in which she invoked the spirit, courage, and stamina of past generations of activists to defend against Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s cruel vision for America.
A full transcript of the Congresswoman’s remarks, as delivered, is available below and the full video is available here.
Transcript: Rep. Pressley’s Powerful Remarks at ‘Hands Off’ Rally in Boston
City Hall Plaza, Boston
April 5, 2025
Hello movement family!
I know why you’re all here. You’re here because, like me, you are tired of these billionaire boys and their grubby little hands.
Movement family, it is wonderful to be here with you. Thank you for being here. You could have been anywhere else today, but you chose to be here because you recognize that we are one human family, and our freedoms and our destinies are tied.
You are a beautiful sight to behold, and you affirm that the power of the people has always been greater than the people in power.
And as my good sister, the Reverend Mariama White-Hammond reminds us, that has always been true. It was true in Seneca Falls. It was true in Selma. It was true at Stonewall.
And it is just as true today, and it is only fitting on this day. Exactly 40 years ago, a coalition of Black liberation leaders, women’s groups, student organizers, and unions came together for a national day of protest. They were calling for an end to South Africa’s system of apartheid.
A system that disappeared political dissidents, suppressed free speech, and divided a nation. Sound familiar?
The same system that made millions for a South African segregationist by the name of Elon Musk. Oh yeah, he gets it honest. The same system that produced the world’s richest white supremacist, a Nazi nepo baby, Elon Musk.
You see, history has a way of repeating itself, and that’s why we need to take heed to what the past has taught us, that opposition out-worked, out-organized and outlasted those in power until the apartheid regime came crashing down.
And that’s why we’re all here today, to resist and to reject the cruel and dark vision that Donald Trump has for this country, that he has for our country.
You know, the reason Donald Trump and his sycophants have a campaign against being woke, the reason they’re anti-woke is because they want you to stay asleep. They want you to be ignorant. They want you to be indifferent. They want you to be inactive.
But you’re all here because we are going to match their energy. This is an unprecedented moment, a constitutional crisis that we will meet with unprecedented organizing, mobilizing, agitating.
This is our chapter of the Civil Rights Movement, which we are still very much in. Look around the great Coretta Scott King reminds us that freedom is never really won. We must earn it and win it in every generation. And this is our time.
This is our time because there will always be an Elon Musk, this is our time because there will always be a Jeff Bezos. This is our time because there will always be a Donald Trump who will try to enrich themselves at the cost of our freedom and our humanity.
So collectively, we resist and we reject and we say, hands off.
Hands off our bodies.
Hands off our Medicaid.
Hands off our Social Security.
Hands off our Constitution.
Hands off our democracy.
Hands off our Black history books, libraries, museums.
Hands off our cancer research.
Hands off our immigrant neighbors.
Hands off our disabled siblings.
Hands off the LGBTQ community.
You’re all here to say hands off because, well, you give a damn. You give a damn about your neighbor, you give a damn about this country, you give a damn about our democracy. And you’re here to match the energy and to meet the moment, to summon the same stamina that my brother, colleague, Senator Booker did.
So I have a call to action for you. I have a call to action for you that you summon the stamina, that you summon the courage, that you summon the spirit, that you summon—that you summon the courage of this movement that I am so proud to be an ally of. That we center the dignity and the humanity of all people.
We welcome all voices, especially when they’re dissenting, because the people here believe in free speech.
But I need you all to summon the stamina, the courage, and the spirit of the Maverick Moms in the 1960s from East Boston.
I need you to summon the stamina, the courage, and the spirit of Mel King and the activists in the 1960s at Tent City in the South End.
I need you to summon the stamina, the courage, and the spirit of Dr. King on April 22 with 20,000 people assembled on the Boston Common for the first civil rights march in the Northeast.
I need you to summon the courage, the spirit, and the stamina of Chinatown activists for Parcel C in the 1970s against environmental injustice.
I need you to summon the stamina, the spirit, and the courage of those activists in the 1970s of Jamaica Plain and Roxbury to stop the highway and wake up the earth.
This is the tradition that you are all a part of.
You are freedom fighters. You are democracy defenders, you are patriots.
So when you go home today, roll up your sleeves and ask yourself, what’s next? Because that is how we win this.
And I’ll close with the words of a movement sister who recently transitioned, the great Cecile Richards of Planned Parenthood. While she was in the midst of her cancer battle, she was still fighting, and people asked, “Cecile, what are you doing here? You’re in the fight of your life?” And she countered, “because one day the question will be asked, when everything was at stake for the country, what did you do?
And the only acceptable answer will be “everything that I could.”
I love you, movement, family!
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)
Resolution comes ahead of the team’s visit to Capitol Hill to celebrate their championship win
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) is leading a House resolution to honor the Los Angeles Dodgers for winning the 2024 Major League Baseball World Series—their eighth championship in franchise history and first since 2020.
“As the Representative for the heart of Los Angeles and Dodger Stadium, it’s incredible to see the Dodgers bring the World Series trophy home to LA, where it belongs,” said Rep. Gomez. This win continues to be a reason to celebrate the resilience, talent, and unity of our community in LA. This victory means everything to our city and every Dodgers fan, especially after the heartbreak of missing a parade to celebrate our 2020 victory and the loss of the legendary Fernando Valenzuela.”
The Dodgers clinched the championship in Game 5 of the World Series, capping off a season that included 98 regular season wins, the best record in baseball, and their 11th National League West title in 12 seasons. The resolution also honors the late Fernando Valenzuela, whose legacy continues to inspire generations of Angelenos and deepened the Dodgers’ bond with LA’s Latino community. Valenzuela passed just days before the World Series began.
Original cosponsors of the House resolution include Reps. Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Judy Chu (CA-28), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), and Norma Torres (CA-35). The Senate companion resolution, led by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and former Senator Laphonza Butler (D-CA), passed unanimously.
Click here to read the full text of the resolution.
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Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES
CALGARY, Alberta, April 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Helium Evolution Incorporated (TSXV:HEVI) (“HEVI” or the “Company”), a Canadian-based helium exploration company focused on developing assets in southern Saskatchewan, is pleased to announce a $1.8 million expansion of the initial financing of $2.7 million with ENEOS Xplora Inc. (“ENEOS Xplora”) through its affiliated company, ENEOS Xplora USA Limited (“ENEOS USA”), as first announced on March 10, 2025. This expanded investment will bring ENEOS Xplora’s total investment in the Company to $4.5 million. ENEOS Xplora and ENEOS USA are both wholly owned subsidiaries of ENEOS Group, Japan’s largest energy, resources and materials conglomerate with current revenue of $91 billion USD.
This expanded financing continues to mark a significant milestone in HEVI’s strategic growth trajectory within the helium sector, further strengthening the Company’s financial foundation and unlocking new opportunities for both companies. The deal underscores the Company’s increasing momentum and its position as a leader in the Canadian helium exploration market.
Private Placement
HEVI and ENEOS USA have signed an investment agreement (the “Investment Agreement”) that includes a private placement of 9,422,000 units (“Units”) at a price of $0.19 per Unit (the “Offering Price”), for total gross proceeds of $1.8 million (the “Strategic Investor Private Placement”). Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company (each, a “Unit Share”) and one half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a “Warrant”). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one common share of the Company (each, a “Warrant Share”) at a price of $0.305 for a period of one year from the Closing Date, as defined herein, with an acceleration feature if the closing price over a 30-day period remains at or above $0.57 per common share at any time following the six-month anniversary of the Closing Date.
Additionally, HEVI plans to conduct a concurrent private placement of 1,000,000 Units at the Offering Price raising approximately $0.2 million (the “Concurrent Private Placement” and together with the Strategic Investor Private Placement, the “Offering”), involving Units sold to insiders of HEVI. Together, these transactions represent a robust investment in the Company’s future growth.
Following the closing of the Offering, ENEOS USA will own approximately 28% of HEVI’s issued and outstanding shares on a diluted basis as a result of which ENEOS USA will become a Control Person of the Company (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”)). As required by the policies of the TSXV, HEVI intends to seek approval for ENEOS USA to become a Control Person at the Company’s upcoming annual general meeting scheduled for May 21, 2025 (the “Control Person Resolution”).
The net proceeds from the Offering will be used to fund HEVI’s 2025 exploration and development program and for general corporate purposes. If shareholders approve the Control Person Resolution, the Offering is expected to close on or about May 31, 2025 (the “Closing Date”), subject to requisite approvals by the TSXV. The Unit Shares, Warrants and Warrant Shares issued pursuant to the Strategic Investor Private Placement will be subject to a six month hold period from the Closing Date, in accordance with the terms of the Investment Agreement. Unit Shares, Warrants and Warrant Shares issued pursuant to the Concurrent Private Placement will be subject to a statutory holder period of four months plus one day.
HEVI’s Remarks
“We are thrilled to expand our strategic partnership with ENEOS Xplora, a globally recognized leader in energy resources,” said Greg Robb, CEO of HEVI. “This expanded investment further strengthens our position in the helium market, enabling us to accelerate our exploration and development initiatives. With the support of ENEOS, we are poised for significant growth as we work toward becoming a leading supplier of sustainably-produced helium to meet the rising global demand.”
About ENEOS Xplora
ENEOS Xplora is engaged in the development and production of oil and natural gas in Japan and around the world as one of the principal operating companies of the ENEOS Group, Japan’s largest energy, resources and materials conglomerate.
In response to the global movement towards carbon neutrality, ENEOS Xplora is promoting a “Two Pronged” approach, through which ENEOS Xplora aims to cultivate and enhance environment-friendly business as well as focus on their conventional oil and natural gas development and production.
While the safe and stable supply of energy has always been and will continue to be ENEOS Xplora’s mission, in order to create greater social value within the carbon neutral trend, guided by its corporate philosophy, “Explore the EARTH and Create Value” ENEOS Xplora will leverage its subsurface technology and innovative creativity to be a key player working towards a sustainable society.
| 1. Company name | ENEOS Xplora Inc. |
| 2. Address | ENEOS Building, 1-1-2 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan |
| 3. President | Toshiya Nakahara |
| 4. Capital | JPY 37.6 billion |
| 5. Description of business | Exploration for and development of oil, natural gas, and other mineral resources; extraction, processing, storage, sale, and shipment of petroleum, natural gas, and other mineral resources and their secondary products; carbon dioxide capture, transport, storage, and utilization |
About Helium Evolution Incorporated
Helium Evolution is a Canadian-based helium exploration company holding the largest helium land rights position in North America among publicly-traded companies, focused on developing assets in southern Saskatchewan. The Company has over five million acres of land under permit near proven discoveries of economic helium concentrations which will support scaling the exploration and development efforts across its land base. HEVI’s management and board are executing a differentiated strategy to become a leading supplier of sustainably-produced helium for the growing global helium market.
Stay Connected to Helium Evolution
Shareholders and other parties interested in learning more about the Helium Evolution opportunity are encouraged to visit the Company’s website, which includes an updated corporate presentation, and are invited to follow the Company on LinkedIn and X for ongoing corporate updates and helium industry information. Helium Evolution also provides an extensive, commissioned ‘deep-dive’ research report prepared by a third party whose background includes serving as a research analyst for several bank-owned and independent investment dealers.
For further information, please contact:
Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential” and similar expressions, or that events or conditions “will,” “would,” “may,” “could” or “should” occur.
Forward-looking statements in this document include statements regarding the Company’s expectations regarding the closing of the transactions disclosed in the news release including the completion of the Offering (including the approval of the TSXV and the Control Person Resolution with respect thereto), the use of proceeds from the Offering, the benefits of the strategic partnership to the Company, the Company becoming a leading supplier of sustainably-produced helium, ENEOS USA’s ownership of the Company following the Closing Date, the Company’s beliefs regarding growth of the global helium market and other statements that are not historical facts. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, among others: the TSXV may refuse to grant approval of the Offering; the shareholders may not approve the Control Person Resolution; the transactions described in this news release may not close; the Company may reallocate the proceeds of the Offering for reasons that management believes are in the Company’s best interests; the Company may not realize the benefits of the strategic partnership described in this news release; the Company may choose to defer, accelerate or abandon its exploration and development plans; new laws or regulations and/or unforeseen events could adversely affect the Company’s business and results of operations; stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies and such volatility may adversely affect the price of the Company’s securities regardless of its operating performance; risks generally associated with the exploration for and production of resources; constraint in the availability of services; commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations; adverse weather or break-up conditions; and uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures.
When relying on forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and risks other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraphs will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
This news release is not for distribution to U.S. news services or for dissemination in the United States. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.
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US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
There will be many paths to fight back against the illegal actions and dangerous incompetence of the Trump administration. Big and small actions are both important.
Here’s one such proven path that started from my most recent open-to-all town halls in Linn, Clackamas, Crook and Deschutes counties, along with a town hall just for current federal employees and those fired by the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s gang of cronies at the self-declared “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE).
At the federal employees town hall I hosted along with U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas, Val Hoyle, Maxine Dexter and Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, witnesses told us specifics about the damage done to basic services that Oregonians count upon.
Senior Social Security staff at the federal employees town hall in Portland told me that they were short-staffed even before DOGE arrived. They shared how they can’t respond on the phone, the website is crashing, and seniors are getting lost in the system due to fresh and deep cuts from the Trump administration.
Based on those direct accounts, I grilled Trump’s nominee to lead the Social Security Administration, Frank Bisignano about these problems.
In a national spotlight, the nominee failed to provide adequate answers for the tens of millions of Americans who have earned Social Security benefits. The nominee also lied to the committee and all Americans – I was able to call him out thanks to a whistleblower at the agency who confirmed that Bisignano personally insisted on hiring several key DOGE members.
Whistleblowers are the unsung heroes brave enough to alert the public to violations happening behind closed doors. And I encourage anybody who wants to blow the whistle on the Trump administration’s lawbreaking and destructive buffoonery to contact me here.
It is only because of brave whistleblowers that I learned about the Trump administration’s shuttering Medicaid portals that so many providers rely on for payment across all 50 states in January. Trump only reversed course on this part of his disastrous blanket freeze on federal aid AFTER I called his bluff and showed what whistleblowers had confirmed.
Whether I get a tip from a whistleblower or hear from Oregonians directly at a town hall about the Trump corruption and devastation, it helps a lot as I work to hold the administration accountable.
For another example from this past round of town halls, there’s Isabella Isakson, an Olympian athlete and Army veteran. She was a U.S. Forest Service employee for the Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland. She worked to alert the public about wildfires, and at our meeting, she conveyed the danger to rural areas when forests are not properly managed.
These workers serve on the front lines of the fight against the climate crisis by maintaining our beautiful forests and reducing the risks of wildfires. They are your neighbors who worked at the Bonneville Power Administration to help keep your lights on. They are your friends who worked at the Veterans Health Administration to deliver critical services guaranteed to Oregon’s 251,000 veterans.
All of these Oregonians are absolutely invaluable to our state and our entire nation at large. They are incredibly brave for coming forward to tell us their stories.
I am dedicated to investigating these dangerous incursions by Trump and Musk into vital functions of the federal government. Protecting federal workers who provide crucial services to Oregonians is an absolute top priority for me, and I will keep pushing legislation like the Putting Veterans First Act that reinstates veterans unduly fired from their federal positions.
I will also continue to fight to protect whistleblowers at every level, and encourage anyone with information of wrongdoing to contact me or my office. It’s not going to be easy and there is a lot of work ahead.
But I am committed to working nonstop to hold the Trump administration and Musk accountable for their assault on America.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined 18 of her colleagues in urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to reconsider the Trump Administration’s termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans who applied for TPS under its designation in 2023. The Administration’s decision to revoke this critical protection has been temporarily put on hold by a court order, postponing the harm it will cause to approximately 350,000 people who remain at risk of losing TPS.
“Contrary to your assertion that ‘there are notable improvements in several areas, such as the economy, public health, and crime that allow for these nationals to be safely returned,’ the country conditions in Venezuela have deteriorated significantly since 2023, as discussed in detail below,” the senators wrote. “There is no credible evidence demonstrating substantive improvements in the human rights or security situation at this time. Nicolas Maduro’s third term began in January 2025 and has thus far has been characterized by political violence, violent crime, and corruption.”
“For the reasons discussed above, we ask that you reconsider your February 1, 2025 decision and instead extend TPS for Venezuelans in the United States for the maximum statutory period of 18 months. Congress intended TPS to be both a humanitarian tool and a pragmatic response to unstable conditions abroad,” they continued.
The full text of the letter can be found here.
The first and only Latina senator, Senator Cortez Masto has consistently supported immigrant communities in Nevada, calling on both administrations to protect TPS holders and other immigrants, as well as leading commonsense legislation to fix our broken immigration system. Cortez Masto joined Senator Rosen (D-Nev.) in introducing the Born in the USA Act to effectively block the implementation of President Trump’s unconstitutional Executive Order attempting to end automatic citizenship for children born in the United States. She has worked to pass meaningful immigration reform that balances critical border security measures with a path to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS holders, and essential workers, and she’s pushed legislation to allow Dreamers and TPS holders to work in Congress.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 7th, 2025
Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) forced a vote on his amendment to the budget resolution, offering a responsible alternative to a $5 trillion debt limit increase.
Despite frequent discussions among his colleagues about the need for fiscal responsibility and spending cuts.. Dr. Paul’s amendment proposing a limited, 3-month extension, to provide Congress an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to reducing spending was defeated by a 5-94 vote. The Senate chose to continue an unsustainable path.
Washington will borrow $2 trillion this year just to keep the lights on. Handing Congress another $5 trillion blank check ensures nothing changes. If we’re serious about cutting spending, then Congress needs to get serious about returning to fiscal responsibility,” said Dr. Paul. “
In his speech, Dr. Paul highlighted the alarming trajectory of the national debt, noting that it has surpassed $36 trillion. He emphasized that this level of borrowing is unsustainable and poses a significant threat to the nation’s economic stability. Dr. Paul also pointed out the hypocrisy of many in Washington who campaign on fiscal responsibility but fail to take concrete action to address the spending problem. He called for genuine accountability and urged his colleagues to make difficult but necessary decisions to curb excessive spending.
Dr. Paul also applauded President Trump and the work of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in holding government agencies accountable—but made clear that those efforts mean little if Washington continues to drown the country in debt. Fiscal responsibility must come first.
Watch Dr. Paul’s full remarks HERE and Read the full amendment HERE
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today introduced a resolution designating the week of April 7, 2025, as “National Assistant Principals Week.” Amid a national educator shortage, the resolution expresses support for assistant principals’ commitment to instructional leadership and the role they play in addressing student and staff needs while establishing positive school learning environments with strong community relationships.
“Assistant principals play a critical role in schools by cultivating a positive learning environment for students and providing essential support to faculty and staff,” said Durbin. “I’m introducing this resolution to recognize the work of assistant principals.”
According to a 2022 NASSP report, four out of 10 principals surveyed expected to leave the profession in the next three years. In the midst of the national teacher shortage, strong leadership is increasingly important, and recent research shows that effective principals positively impact teacher satisfaction and retention. School leaders are tasked with evolving and growing responsibilities with little support. Further, with a shrinking teacher pipeline, there also is a smaller pool of teachers to promote to school leadership positions, like assistant principals.
The resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM).
The resolution has also earned the endorsement of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA).
Full text of the resolution is available here.
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Source: United Nations 4
UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, issued a statement on Monday following his latest “extensive discussions” with leader of the caretaker administration in Damascus, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The envoy expressed his appreciation noting they had talked through “all aspects” of the ongoing political process, following the overthrow of the Assad regime in December last year.
Mr. Pedersen stressed the need to ease sanctions on Syria, emphasising the importance of a stable economy.
They also discussed the importance of a “transparent framework for the process of selecting and electing an interim people’s assembly” and next steps towards a democratic and inclusive future.
The top UN envoy highlighted the need to prevent any renewed cycle of violence, in the light of the mass killings of Alawite community members last month in several coastal towns.
He also reiterated his “condemnation of Israel’s repeated attacks and interventions” inside Syria.
In a joint statement on Monday a group of independent UN human rights experts said the transition period provides a “valuable opportunity” to end the arbitrary, inhumane and indefinite detention of around 52,000 detainees who have been held for years in the northeast, in relation to alleged ties with the ISIL terrorist group.
They noted the agreement of 10 March between the interim administration and the largely Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces who guard the detainees, paving the way for the armed group to integrate with new national institutions.
Around 9,000 male ISIL suspects are detained without due process, including 5,400 Syrians, 1,600 Iraqis, and some 1,500 from 50 other countries. The vast majority of these detainees continue to be held incommunicado without information on their fate or whereabouts, the experts said.
In addition, some 42,500 individuals are arbitrarily held in camps, including family members and ISIL associates. Many have been held without legal process for at least six years.
“Tens of thousands of innocent children have suffered physical violence and psychological harm, when they should be assisted as victims of terrorism and serious human rights violations,” the experts added.
Special Rapporteurs and other UN Human Rights Council-appointed experts are not UN staff, receive no salary for their work and are independent of any organisation or government.
Progress towards the universal healthcare goal has been undeniable: barriers to health services, education and family planning have been almost completely removed, The UN says.
But on Monday, health ministers, ambassadors and civil society experts gathered at UN Headquarters in New York amid concerns that gains are being reversed, issuing a resounding call to place human health and dignity at the heart of sustainable development.
Convening the 58th session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD58) they stressed the urgency of providing universal access to quality health care – reaffirming commitments to the Programme of Action established at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).
Katja Lasseur, Chair of the 58th session, welcomed over 120 Member States, observers and nearly 50 NGOs, highlighting the momentum behind the week’s discussions. “Health is not a privilege,” she declared. “It is a human right and a prerequisite for sustainable development.”
Real progress has been achieved since 2000. Life expectancy has increased by 10 years in Africa and nine years in South Asia. At the same time, child mortality has dropped by more than half and cases of HIV have dropped by 50 per cent.
“These gains demonstrate what is possible with sustained political will and investment,” emphasised Guy Ryder, Under-Secretary-General for Policy, Warning that progress has been “uneven.”
“Health related targets, including universal health coverage, remain within reach,” he said, but they require urgent and equitable investment, particularly in primary health care and health coverage.
Between 1 January and 27 March in Haiti, at least 1,518 people were killed and 572 injured in attacks by armed gangs, security operations and other acts of violence perpetrated by self-defence groups.
That’s according to a new report from the UN Mission in Haiti (BINUH) which details the “grim” impact of violence since the beginning of the year, said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric briefing journalists in New York.
The report reveals repeated attacks in the rural areas of Kenscoff and some neighbourhoods of Carrefour – two communes in the metropolitan area of the capital, Port-au-Prince – resulting in serious human rights abuses.
According to UN partners, gang members displayed extreme brutality, with the aim of instilling fear on the population. They executed men, women and children inside their homes and shot people on roads and paths as they tried to flee the violence, including an infant.
“At the same time, sexual violence was committed against at least seven women and young girls during the planning and execution of those attacks by gang members,” reported Mr. Dujarric.
The gangs ransacked several homes and set fire to more than 190 of them, which coupled with the violence has now forced more than 3,000 people to flee their localities.
[. Legislative and regulatory changes would enhance sales reporting requirements for businesses, allow officers to issue tickets rather than a court summons where appropriate and streamline the administration of justice for certain minor offenses.
“Scrap metal-related crime such as copper wire and catalytic converter theft is a serious problem that threatens public safety, critical infrastructure, the economy and the environment. These amendments give local law enforcement the flexibility needed to respond effectively to this dangerous and costly criminal behaviour and will help restore the sense of security that has been stolen from communities and rural residents throughout the province in recent years.”
Legislative and regulatory amendments would provide solutions to what local law enforcement agencies have cited as barriers to timely and consistent enforcement since the act came into force in 2020. To support the identification and monitoring of unusual sales, purchasers would be required to record important transaction details to improve the traceability of illicit scrap metal.
If the bill passes, the government plans to amend regulations to require the dollar value of the sale, the type of and per-ounce price of the metal purchased, and, in the case of catalytic converters, the vehicle identification number and/or proof of ownership to be recorded and reported to a database accessible to law enforcement.
“This legislation will help to decrease incidents of copper theft while safeguarding the uninterrupted access to emergency services and the internet that Albertans expect.”
If the bill passes, the government is planning amendments to the Procedures Regulation and the Justice of the Peace Regulation to streamline enforcement process and improve court efficiency. Law enforcement would be able to issue violation tickets for certain offences, allowing charges to be laid more quickly.
Additional planned regulatory changes would set specified penalties for minor offences and give justices of the peace authority to handle them. Individuals can choose to pay the fine or dispute the charge in traffic court. These updates would free up court resources to focus on more serious matters.
“Streamlining the enforcement of penalties ensures that justice is served swiftly, and resources are focused where they are needed most. By empowering justices of the peace to hear cases related to illegal activity concerning scrap metal, the court system can focus on more complex cases while maintaining fairness and accessibility for Albertans.”
These amendments target costly and dangerous criminal activity while protecting Alberta’s legitimate scrap metal industry and law-abiding recyclers.
[. During these moments of crisis, elected officials and emergency management teams must make difficult decisions to protect Albertans and their communities. In response to feedback from the Public Health Emergencies Governance Review Panel, Bill 49 includes updates to the Emergency Management Act to emphasize the importance of balancing Albertans’ individual rights and freedoms when exercising emergency powers.
Alberta’s government recognizes that emergencies require swift coordination and regulations to protect people, property and the environment, and that officials must also be mindful of individual rights when responding to emergencies. If passed, Bill 49 would update the definition of “emergency” to make it clear that emergencies are sudden and temporary events, and the use of emergency powers should only be used for as long as necessary to restore public safety. This increases the threshold required to access the extraordinary powers provided under the act, ensuring emergency powers are only used when necessary.
“These amendments are built on the principle of ‘sober second thought’ — ensuring that, even under pressure, every action is measured against our commitment to individual freedoms. Albertans value deeply the democratic rights and freedoms our society is built on, and it is incumbent on government to ensure those rights are protected.”
Other proposed amendments would place new requirements on the minister responsible for emergencies to consult with the Premier, cabinet or other elected officials prior to authorizing emergency orders, and to ensure orders made are communicated promptly and clearly to all Albertans so they know what actions government is taking and how they might be impacted.
“Trust and transparency are essential, especially during an emergency. These updates would ensure the government is accountable to Albertans and that they know what actions government is taking during emergencies. These changes would also greatly improve emergency preparedness at the local level through enhanced planning measures that will protect Albertans and their communities. We all understand that emergencies require prompt and decisive action to ensure the safety of Albertans, while also safeguarding their rights.”
Alberta’s government is also planning regulatory changes that would focus on enhancing community resilience by improving preparedness, coordination and information sharing during emergencies.
Local authorities would be required to develop evacuation plans to facilitate safe evacuations during emergencies. These plans would also be required to include mitigation strategies informed by a hazard and risk assessment to support long-term reduction of disaster costs and impacts. Local authorities would have two years to come into compliance with these changes.
Further amendments to the Disaster Recovery Regulation would allow post-disaster mitigation funding to cover a broader range of hazards, not just floods, to align with changes to the federal Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements. This reflects a proactive approach to disaster management and a responsible focus on long-term planning and preparation.
Premier David Eby has released the following statement after meeting with Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada.
“I had a productive meeting with Prime Minister Carney where we discussed shared priorities for British Columbia and the federal government. Our conversation focused on solutions for many of the issues facing the people we serve: from U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s attacks on our softwood lumber industry, to a national transportation corridor for goods and services, to expediting major projects and affordable housing. It is clear B.C.’s interests support Canada as a whole.
“The prime minister and I spoke about building more housing with B.C. mass timber. At a time when Canadian forestry exports are facing an escalation in an ongoing trade war, we welcome an opportunity to meet the growing domestic and international demand for value-added wood products.
“The American president’s renewed assault on our forestry sector needs the same Team Canada response as the manufacturing and auto industry jobs in Ontario and Quebec. The prime minister confirmed his understanding of the seriousness of the softwood issue and his commitment to work with us to address it proactively. The Team Canada approach is one B.C. supports, and it is our expectation other provinces will support us, too.
“No matter the result of the federal election, we need a federal government that is ready to help address bottlenecks in our transportation corridor to get our goods to market, as well as expand training to build a highly skilled workforce. Any successful trade diversification strategy for Canada hinges on our success as a province. I feel the prime minister is fully engaged on these critical issues.
“We live in the best province in the best country in the world. By working together, we can meet any challenge that comes our way.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Dear Colleague:
I write with respect to the reckless House Republican budget bill and their toxic scheme to enact the largest Medicaid cut in American history in order to reward their billionaire donors like Elon Musk with massive tax breaks. Once again, it is essential that House Democrats are present with maximum attendance for what is anticipated to be a close vote on Wednesday.
Over this weekend, thousands of grassroots rallies took place across the country that sent a clear message to Donald Trump and House Republicans: hands off Medicaid, Social Security, nutrition assistance, veterans benefits and the American way of life. Moving forward, we will continue to push back aggressively against the far-right extremism that is wrecking the economy and hurting people throughout the land.
During the upcoming two-week district work period, in partnership with the Democratic Policy & Communications Committee, there are a series of national events we have planned as House Democrats. Please join us in a Save Social Security Day of Action on Tuesday, April 15, a Medicaid Matters Day of Action on Thursday, April 17 and a Cost of Living Week of Action beginning on Monday, April 21. Additional information has been provided by the DPCC.
House Republicans broke their promise to address the high cost of living and they lied about their intention to enact their extreme Project 2025 agenda. The harm being unleashed by Donald Trump and the GOP is staggering.
Enough. This is not America.
We will continue to show up, speak up and stand up until we end this national nightmare and bring the American dream to life for everyone. Thank you for your continued leadership.
Sincerely,
Hakeem Jeffries
Democratic Leader
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Washington, DC – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference where he emphasized that House Democrats will continue to push back against Donald Trump’s reckless tariffs which will raise costs on everyday Americans.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Good afternoon, everybody. Donald Trump and extreme MAGA Republicans spent all of last year promising to lower the high cost of living in America while at the same period of time, running away from Project 2025 and pretending as if it didn’t exist. They consistently lied to the American people, and now the American people are feeling the consequences of this extreme administration. The Trump Administration is extreme. President Donald Trump and these extreme MAGA Republicans, who are temporarily in the majority in the House of Representatives this year, Republicans have done nothing. Not a single thing to lower the high cost of living in the United States of America. The cost of living is too high. Housing costs are too high. Grocery costs are too high. Insurance costs are too high. Utility costs are too high. Child care costs are too high. America is too expensive. And Democrats remain committed to driving down the high cost of living in the United States of America.
Instead of costs going down, which Donald Trump promised would happen on day one of his presidency, costs aren’t going down. They’re going up. Inflation is going up. Donald Trump and Republicans are actually crashing the economy in real time. You can’t make this up. They are intentionally inflicting pain on the American people. This Trump tax, these reckless tariffs will cost the American people thousands of dollars a year. It’s the largest tax increase on the American people since 1968. This is what Donald Trump’s presidency and Republicans in control of the House and the Senate are delivering to America, not lower costs. Not a more prosperous economy. Not the golden age in America. Economic disaster.
Then at the same period of time, these MAGA extremists are trying to jam a reckless budget down the throat of the American people. Take away health care from the American people. Strip away veterans benefits from the American people. And hurt nutritional assistance and literally take food out of the mouths of babies in America. Why? Because they want to pass massive tax breaks for their billionaire donors and puppet masters like Elon Musk. This is Republican policy in America, and it’s a complete and total disaster. Questions?
Full press conference can be watched here.
###
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s decision to cut federal funding for small and medium-sized American manufacturers:
At the same time that President Trump was finalizing his announcement of reckless tariffs with the stated goal of boosting domestic manufacturing, his administration began quietly and illegally stealing funding from Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers that provide invaluable support to small and medium-sized U.S. manufacturers across the country. This once again reveals the dishonest contradiction at the heart of this administration. You can’t claim to champion American manufacturers while simultaneously dismantling the very programs that help them survive and compete.
These MEP centers are lifelines for small and medium-sized manufacturers in our communities. They provide the hands-on expertise that family-owned shops rely on to modernize, train workers, source materials, connect with new customers, and keep good jobs in America. When Elon Musk and the other billionaires running this administration illegally slash this funding, they’re not just cutting a government program – they’re cutting the legs out from under hardworking Americans in machine shops and fabrication plants across our country.
Let me be clear: just last month, Congress appropriated $175 million for the MEP program, and the President himself signed this into law. Now his administration has told these centers that their work to support American small businesses and workers no longer aligns with his priorities. Eliminating funding for the MEP program is not just wrong-headed – it’s clearly illegal.
President Trump wants credit for talking tough on trade while quietly pulling the rug out from under the very businesses he claims to protect. Our manufacturers don’t need empty promises and chaotic tariffs that raise prices on the materials they use and the groceries that feed their families – they need practical support to keep up with rapidly evolving technologies and economic circumstances. I expect the President to restore support for all MEP centers and fully implement the funding approved last month. My colleagues on both sides of the aisle should understand the importance of this program for their constituents and stand against illegal cuts.
Source: US State of Nebraska
.powell@nebraska.gov”>jeff.powell@nebraska.gov
Gov. Pillen Signs Letter to USDA Requesting Removal of Soda & Energy Drinks from SNAP Purchases
LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen signed a letter of intent to Secretary Brooke Rollins of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), notifying her of Nebraska’s intent to pursue a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) waiver, removing soda and energy drinks from SNAP allowable purchases. Nebraska is the second state to submit such a waiver.
Gov. Pillen was joined by leadership from the Department of Health and Human Services; Dr. Eric Sherman, chief medical officer at the Charles Drew Health Center; Director of the Department of Agriculture Sherry Vinton; and Senator Brian Hardin, chairman of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee.
“We are starving in the midst of plenty,” said Gov. Pillen. “We are surrounded by an endless number of food and beverage choices that contain numerous preservatives, carbohydrates and sugars, which can lead to obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes and other chronic diseases.”
The SNAP program supports individuals and families with access to nutritious options to improve their health and well-being. However, SNAP currently allows the purchase of any food or beverage that has a nutritional label, regardless of its nutritional value. According to the USDA, soft drinks or soda are the most common SNAP purchase. Approximately 75,000 households or 152,000 individuals receive SNAP benefits in Nebraska. It is estimated 67,690 are youth.
Studies have shown children who drink high levels of soda are more likely to exhibit withdrawn behavior and attention problems. High levels of sugar can also lead to long-term effects such as type 2 diabetes, tooth decay, heart disease, and poor bone health. Caffeine found in energy drinks also has negative effects in children and youth, including increases in stress, anxiety, agitation, sleep disturbance, and high blood pressure, often leading to difficulties in learning and academic performance.
“Unfortunately, the obesity epidemic is only getting worse in the United States. The key to making health improvements is to encourage physical activity, healthy food and drink choices, and healthy eating behaviors,” said pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Eric Sherman, Chief Medical Officer of the Charles Drew Health Center in Omaha. “I appreciate Governor Pillen for his willingness to take this important step to promote health and wellness in Nebraska.”
“Protecting Nebraska’s children is a top priority for Governor Pillen,” said DHHS CEO Steve Corsi. “The decision to omit harmful drinks from SNAP purchases is an important step that will help children and families live healthy lives and have bright futures.”
Once approved by the USDA, DHHS will partner with grocers and other stakeholders to implement a waiver that will ensure Nebraskans are able to maximize their SNAP dollars while accessing healthy options.
“My team and I are ready to hit the ground running and collaborate with our partners as we develop the waiver and implementation plan that expands outreach efforts and supports participants in accessing tools and resources to make informed and healthy choices,” said Shannon Grotrian, director of the DHHS Office of Economic Assistance.
Speaking about soda in particular, Sen. Hardin noted that while enjoyable, it was questionable that soda could be characterized as a healthy product.
“We’re going to do something about that here in Nebraska and other states will be following us in that endeavor,” said Sen. Hardin. “It’s exciting to be part of something that helps people to live better and feel better.”
(Left to right: Dr. Sherman, Director Vinton, CEO Corsi, Gov. Pillen, Sen. Hardin, Director Grotrian)
Dr. Sherman, Charles Drew Health Center
Senator Brian Hardin
Gov. Pillen signs waiver letter request
Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division
Headline: Attorney General Pamela Bondi Statement on Supreme Court Stay of Maryland District Court Order
Attorney General Pamela Bondi released the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s temporary administrative stay blocking the district court’s order that Salvadoran national Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia must be returned to the United States by midnight tonight:”We welcome this stay from the Supreme Court as we continue to fight this case and protect the executive branch from judicial overreach.”
Source: US State Government of Utah
A Louisiana woman pleaded guilty today to receiving child sexual abuse material produced by a photographer she arranged to take the images.
According to court documents, Hannah Kinchen, 40, of Gonzales, coordinated with a photographer, who self-identified as a “pedophile,” to conduct photoshoots for the minor victim’s modeling career. During the photoshoots, Kinchen allowed and assisted the photographer in posing the minor victim wearing scanty attire, including thongs and G-strings. The photographer sent and Kinchen received most of the images through a file-sharing website on the internet. Some of the resulting images qualified as child pornography and some were later sold.
Kinchen pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography. She is scheduled to be sentenced on July 15 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Head of the Justic Department’s Criminal Division, Matthew R. Galeotti; Acting U.S. Attorney April M. Leon for the Middle District of Louisiana; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI New Orleans Division – Baton Rouge Resident Agency investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Rachel L. Rothberg of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen L. Craig for the Middle District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case, with substantial assistance from CEOS Trial Attorney Charles Schmitz.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.