Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
NO BAN Act would prohibit discriminatory immigration bans like one President Trump implemented in 2017
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet joined their Senate colleagues to reintroduce the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act, which protects against discriminatory immigration bans like those President Trump implemented during his first term.
Specifically, the NO BAN Act would prohibit religious discrimination in our immigration laws and ensure that any use of the President’s authority to suspend entry into the country would be based on specific and credible facts, and be narrowly tailored to address a compelling government interest.
“During his first term, Trump’s Muslim ban stripped people of their rights and separated entire families,” said Hickenlooper. “Americans deserve real solutions on immigration, not prejudicial bans that cause chaos and suffering.”
“For generations, immigrants and refugees have come to our country to flee religious persecution and seek a better life. My own family is part of this story – my mom’s family survived the Holocaust and came to the United States because it was the only country in the world where they believed they could rebuild their shattered lives,” said Bennet. “That’s why I’ll keep working with my colleagues to oppose efforts to shape our refugee program by religious or ethnic preferences that betray the values that have made our country strong.”
As a candidate for president in 2016, Donald Trump promised to ban Muslim immigrants from the United States. Upon taking office, he tried to enact bans that were repeatedly struck down by the courts until the conservative majority of the Supreme Court ultimately upheld a version of the ban by a 5-4 vote. The discriminatory bans caused widespread harm, separating 1,545 children from their American parents and 3,460 parents from their American sons and daughters.
President Biden reversed the discriminatory bans, but now that President Trump’s the threat of their revival remains. He already issued an executive order that requires government departments to identify nations whose migration and screening processes are “so deficient as to warrant a partial or full suspension on the admission of nationals from those countries.” The order lays the groundwork for another ban on migration from predominantly Muslim countries. This legislation is necessary to prevent such discriminatory actions.
The NO BAN Act would:
Expand the nondiscrimination provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act to include religious discrimination, and extend them to the issuance of nonimmigrant visas and benefits.
Require that any travel restriction imposed under the Immigration and Nationality Act be based on specific and credible facts, and be narrowly tailored to address a compelling government interest.
Require notice to Congress within 48 hours of instituting a ban and follow-up reporting.
An Alabama man pleaded guilty today in connection with the January 2024 unauthorized takeover of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s social media account on X, formerly known as Twitter, in which hackers posted a fraudulent message in the name of the then-SEC Chairman, temporarily causing the value of Bitcoin (BTC) to increase by more than $1,000.
According to court documents, Eric Council Jr., 25, of Athens, conspired with others who took unauthorized control of the SEC’s X account and falsely announced that the SEC approved BTC Exchange Traded Funds, a decision highly anticipated by the market. Immediately following the false announcement, the price of BTC increased by more than $1,000 per bitcoin. Shortly after this unauthorized post, the SEC regained control over its X account and confirmed that the announcement was false and the result of a security breach. Following the correction, the value of BTC decreased by more than $2,000 per bitcoin.
The conspirators gained control of the SEC’s X account through an unauthorized Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) swap carried out by Council. A SIM swap refers to the process of fraudulently inducing a cell phone carrier to reassign a cell phone number from the legitimate subscriber or user’s SIM card to a SIM card controlled by a criminal actor. As part of the scheme, Council used an identification card printer to create a fraudulent identification card with a victim’s personally identifiable information obtained from his co-conspirators. Council used the fraudulent identification card to impersonate the victim and gain access to the victim’s cellular phone number for the purpose of accessing the SEC’s account. Council’s co-conspirators then accessed the account and posted in the name of the SEC Chairman. Council received payment in bitcoin from his co-conspirators for his role.
Council pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit aggravated identity theft and access device fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 16 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. for the District of Columbia; Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the FBI Washington Field Office, Criminal and Cyber Division; and SEC Inspector General Deborah Jeffrey made the announcement.
The FBI Washington Field Office and SEC Office of Inspector General are investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Ashley Pungello of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Trial Attorney Lauren Archer of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Rosenberg for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case. Substantial assistance was provided by Cyber Fellow Paul M. Zebb III.
For more information on SIM swapping, visit www.ic3.gov/PSA/2024/PSA240411.
Coalition also seeks court order barring Trump Administration from implementing drastic funding cuts
OAKLAND — As part of a coalition of 22 attorneys general, California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for unlawfully decimating funds that support cutting-edge medical and public health research at universities and research institutions across the country. Filed in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts, the lawsuit challenges the Trump Administration’s attempt to unilaterally cut “indirect cost” reimbursements at every research institution throughout the country, including at the University of California (UC) and at the California State University (CSU). Indirect cost reimbursements are based on each institution’s unique needs, negotiated with the federal government through a carefully regulated process, and then memorialized in an executed agreement. In addition to filing today’s lawsuit, the coalition is seeking a temporary restraining order to bar the Trump Administration’s action from taking effect.
“We are suing President Trump and his administration because they are once again violating the law. Let’s be clear about what they are seeking to do now: they want to eviscerate funding for medical research that helps develop new cures and treatments for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “The stakes are especially high here in California. Ours is a state known as a national and global leader in life-saving biomedical research, and I will not allow the Trump Administration to jeopardize the extraordinary work being done right now by scientists, scholars, medical professionals, and other workers.”
“Like scores of institutions across the country, the University of California has relied on NIH grants to pursue life-saving research that benefits Americans nationwide,” said UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D. “Cuts of this magnitude would deal a devastating blow to our country’s research and innovation enterprise, undermine our global competitiveness, and, if allowed to go forward, will ultimately delay or derail progress toward treatment and cures for many of the most serious diseases that plague us today. We stand ready to fight to protect this critical investment in a healthier and more prosperous America.”
“Federal grant funding is vital to the CSU’s teaching and research mission, which addresses some of society’s most urgent challenges in health care, agriculture, water, fire prevention and cybersecurity,” said CSU spokesperson Jason Maymon. “The NIH’s drastic reduction in reimbursement for previously agreed upon administrative costs will leave the CSU’s 23 universities with millions in unfunded expenses, jeopardizing critical research and support systems needed for program success. This decision threatens not only groundbreaking research but also the future of student innovation and scientific progress.”
This past Friday, February 7, the NIH announced it would abruptly slash indirect cost rates to an across-the-board 15% rate, which is significantly less than the cost required to perform cutting edge medical research. The NIH purported to make this cut effective the very next business day, Monday, February 10, giving universities and institutions no time to plan for the enormous budget gaps they are now facing. The reimbursements at issue cover expenses to facilitate biomedical research, like lab, faculty, infrastructure, and utility costs. Without immediate relief, this action could result in the suspension of lifesaving and life-extending clinical trials, disruption of research programs, staffing cuts, and laboratory closures.
In today’s lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that the Trump Administration’s action violates the Administrative Procedure Act in multiple ways. For example, the attorneys general argue that the action is arbitrary and capricious and violates a directive Congress passed during President Trump’s first term to fend off his earlier proposal to drastically cut research reimbursements. That statutory language, still in effect, prohibits the NIH from requiring categorial and indiscriminate changes to indirect cost reimbursements.
Most NIH-funding research occurs outside of federal government institutions such as both public and private universities and colleges. In California, this includes:
The University of California. The UC system has 21 health professional sciences schools, five NCI-designated cancer centers, and six academic medical centers widely recognized as among the best in the nation, and they are international leaders in the education of health professionals, in research that develops new cures and treatments, and in public service that provides healthcare for all Californians regardless of ability to pay. Federal funds are UC’s single most important source of support for its research, accounting for more than half of UC’s total research awards. In Fiscal Year 2023, UC received a total of over $2 billion in NIH contract and grant funding.
The California State University. The CSU system is the largest public university system in the United States and consists of 23 campuses. In the last audited year, CSU campuses received approximately $158 million in NIH funds.
The NIH is the primary source of federal funding for medical research in the United States. Medical research funding by NIH grants have led to innumerable scientific breakthroughs, including the discovery of treatment for cancers of all types, the first sequencing of DNA, and the development of the MRI. Additionally, dozens of NIH-supported scientists have earned Nobel Prizes for their groundbreaking scientific work.
In filing today’s lawsuit, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of: Arizona, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today joined a coalition of 21 other attorneys general in suing the Trump administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for attempting to illegally slash grant funding to universities and research institutions across the country. Attorney General James and the coalition are challenging the NIH’s new policy that caps “indirect cost” reimbursements at 15% for every research institution in the country. These indirect cost reimbursements cover all expenses that facilitate biomedical research, including laboratory space, equipment, faculty, infrastructure, and utility costs. Limiting these reimbursements will threaten lifesaving medical research at institutions across the country and could lead to layoffs, disruptions to clinical trials, and even laboratory closures. With today’s lawsuit, Attorney General James and the coalition seek to prevent the policy from taking effect.
“This is yet another unlawful and reckless attempt by the Trump administration to undermine vital public institutions and harm the people who rely on them,” said Attorney General James. “The administration’s decision to cap NIH reimbursement rates could force scientists to shutter their lifesaving research on cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, addiction, infectious diseases, and more. My office will not stand idly by as this administration once again puts politics over science and endangers public health. We are suing to prevent this harmful policy from taking effect.”
On February 7, NIH announced it would abruptly slash indirect cost rates for research grants to 15% across the board, significantly less than the cost required to perform cutting-edge medical research. The NIH also announced that cuts would go into effect the next business day, Monday, February 10, giving universities and institutions no time to plan for the enormous budget gaps they are now facing. Without immediate relief, this action could result in the suspension of life-saving and life-extending clinical trials, disruption of research programs, layoffs, and laboratory closures.
Attorney General James and the coalition argue that the rate change violates Congressional appropriations law, which has prohibited NIH from altering indirect cost rates without proper authorization since 2018. This directive was passed by Congress during the first Trump administration, following another proposal by the administration to drastically cut research reimbursements. In addition, the attorneys general argue that NIH exceeded its authority by making this cut retroactive to existing grants, and that the cut lacks any factual basis and was enacted without proper notice or any opportunity for comment. The attorneys general are seeking a court order barring the Trump administration and NIH from implementing the action.
The NIH is the primary source of federal funding for medical research in the United States. Medical research funding by NIH grants has led to innumerable scientific breakthroughs, including the discovery of treatment for cancers of all types, the first sequencing of DNA, and the development of the MRI. Additionally, dozens of NIH-supported scientists have earned Nobel Prizes for their groundbreaking scientific work. Most NIH-funded research occurs outside of federal government institutions such as public and private universities and colleges.
In New York, there are currently $5 billion in open NIH grants to institutions throughout the state. If the proposed funding cap takes effect, approximately 250 institutions in New York would be impacted, encompassing most universities and medical schools in the state. New York institutions stand to lose approximately $850 million from this policy. For example, the State University of New York (SUNY) system alone stands to lose $78 million through the full life of its current grants and would have to abandon breakthrough research projects on cancer and Alzheimer’s disease if the cap is allowed to go forward.
Joining Attorney General James in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
This matter is being handled for New York by Special Counsel Molly Thomas-Jensen and Special Counsel for Federal Initiatives Rabia Muqaddam of the Executive Division, under the supervision of First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today released police body-worn camera footage and dashboard camera video that her office obtained as part of its ongoing investigation into the death of Christopher Ferguson, who died on December 5, 2024 following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn.
On the afternoon of December 5, members of the NYPD, after a pursuit, encountered Mr. Ferguson as he was attempting to get out of a car near the intersection of Utica Avenue and Park Place in Brooklyn. During the encounter, Mr. Ferguson allegedly pointed a gun at the officers and the officers discharged their service weapons in response, striking Mr. Ferguson. Mr. Ferguson was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officers recovered a firearm with an extended magazine at the scene.
The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) of the Attorney General’s Office released footage from body-worn cameras that officers were equipped with during the incident and video from a police car dashboard camera. The release of this footage follows Attorney General James’ directive that camera footage obtained by her office during an OSI investigation be released to the public to increase transparency and strengthen public trust in these matters.
Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.
The release of this footage is not an expression of any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of any party in a criminal matter or any opinion as to how or whether any individual may be charged with a crime.
Warning: These videos contain content that viewers may find disturbing.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a statewide ban to prohibit the DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence application from being downloaded on ITS-managed government devices and networks. DeepSeek is an AI start-up founded and owned by High-Flyer, a stock trading firm based in the People’s Republic of China. Serious concerns have been raised concerning DeepSeek AI’s connection to foreign government surveillance and censorship, including how DeepSeek can be used to harvest user data and steal technology secrets.
“Public safety is my top priority and we’re working aggressively to protect New Yorkers from foreign and domestic threats,” Governor Hochul said. “New York will continue fighting to combat cyber threats, ensure the privacy and safety of our data, and safeguard against state-sponsored censorship.”
New York State Chief Cyber Officer Colin Ahern said, “Safeguarding New Yorker’s critical infrastructure, privacy, freedom from censorship are central pillars of Governor Hochul’s security and resilience agenda. This action today demonstrates we will continue to defend New York from cyber threats.”
New York State Office of Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer and Director Dru Rai said, “The decision by Governor Hochul to prevent downloads of DeepSeek is consistent with the State’s Acceptable Use of Artificial Intelligence Technologies policy that was established at her direction over a year ago to responsibly evaluate AI systems, better serve New Yorkers, and ensure agencies remain vigilant about protecting against unwanted outcomes. I commend the Governor for recognizing that this must continue to be the highest priority.”
Today’s announcement builds on the Governor’s 2024 issuance of statewide guidance for AI use in government, which established that through the responsible use of AI, State agencies can drive innovation, increase operational efficiencies and better serve New Yorkers while protecting privacy, managing risk and promoting accountability, safety and equity.
That guidance — which included provisions on the proper use of AI, human oversight, fairness and equity, transparency, risk assessment and management, privacy and security — offered a comprehensive policy for the use of AI in State government.
The Royal Saskatchewan Museum is celebrating the February Family Week break with several activities for visitors.
Whether you are checking out the new “T. Rex Talk” to ask Scotty, the worlds’ largest T. Rex, a burning question or celebrating Indigenous Storytelling Month by listening to talented storytellers, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum has something for everyone!
“The Royal Saskatchewan Museum is home to many amazing exhibits that explore our province’s identity, both in past and present,” Parks, Culture, and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. “With fun-filled activities and programs for guests of all ages, there is always something new and exciting to see at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum”
School’s Out Drop-in Activities
February 17-21 – Afternoons from 1-4pm
Visit the SaskTel Be Kind Online Learning Lab and Field Station spaces for hands-on activities for the whole family.
Grab a scavenger hunt and attend a T. Rex Talk to ask Scotty your burning dinosaur questions!
Storytelling with Skylar Anderson and Teddy Bison
Friday, February 21 – 1-2pm
Celebrate Indigenous Storytelling Month with artists Skylar Anderson and Teddy Bison. Include this family friendly performance in your plans for the Family Week break.
Seating is first-come, first-served in the auditorium.
Storytime with Elder Hazel
Monday, February 24 – 10-11am
In celebration of Indigenous Storytelling Month, listen to stories with Elder Hazel Dixon. This drop-in storytelling session in the Buffalo Room (First Nations Gallery) is for children ages 3 to 6 years with their parent or caregiver.
Space is limited. Seating is first-come, first-served in the Buffalo Room. Elder Hazel is known and loved by many teachers and students through her continued work in the Regina school system and is a YouTube star on the RSM YouTube channel!
Daycares and other groups must pre-book, contact education@royalsaskmuseum.ca for availability.
To learn more about the Royal Saskatchewan Museum’s exhibits, events, programming and world class research, visit royalsaskmuseum.ca.
Coalition of 22 attorneys general challenge NIH funding cuts for universities and research institutions
SEATTLE – Attorney General Nick Brown and 21 other attorneys general today sued the Trump Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for unlawfully cutting funds that support cutting-edge medical and public health research at universities and research institutions across the country.
The coalition is challenging the Trump Administration’s Friday, Feb. 7, announcement to unilaterally cut “indirect cost” reimbursements at every research institution around the country to 15 percent. Indirect cost reimbursements, on which institutions rely, cover expenses that facilitate biomedical research, like labs, faculty, infrastructure, and utility costs. Without them, lifesaving and life-changing medical research in which Washington state has long been a leader, could be compromised, putting public health and medical advancements at risk. The coalition’s lawsuit seeks to prevent that reckless and illegal conduct.
The suit argues that Trump’s order violates the Administrative Procedure Act by ignoring the profound harms the cuts cause to research institutions as well as the directive Congress passed during President Trump’s first term to fend off his earlier proposal to drastically cut research reimbursements. That law, still in effect, prohibits the NIH from requiring categorial and indiscriminate changes to indirect cost reimbursements. The coalition is seeking a court order barring the Trump Administration and NIH from implementing the action.
The lawsuit was filed today in U.S. District Court for Massachusetts and can be found here.
“President Trump is trying to do the same thing he tried during his first term and the Administration must know it is illegal,” said Brown. “NIH provides lifesaving medical, agricultural, and public health research the people of Washington depend on. This attempt to curtail scientific research could have long-lasting impacts for generations to come.”
“Washington is a leader in cutting-edge scientific research. If the Trump Administration’s unlawful action is allowed to go forward, it would be disastrous for the important work happening at our research institutions,” said Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson. “I will work with our Attorney General and experts at our universities to ensure these dollars are protected from unlawful federal overreach.”
Most NIH-funded research occurs outside of federal government institutions, including at public and private universities and colleges in Washington state. The money goes to fund critical and time-sensitive research into life-saving medicine (such as cures for cancer), as well as numerous treatments and therapies for a wide array of medical, physiological, and public health issues. The money funds animal laboratories that are instrumental for research into human and animal health alike. It funds clinical trials for treatments of Alzheimer’s, diabetes, pediatric cancer, kidney cancer, and many other life-threatening diseases. It also goes into the facilities that are critical for monitoring and detecting emerging health threats, such as avian influenza, that present imminent danger to Washington’s agricultural and public health.
This lawsuit is being co-led by the attorneys general of Massachusetts, Illinois, and Michigan. Joining this coalition are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
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ELMA – Travelers who use the Elma Rest Area along eastbound State Route 8 in Grays Harbor County will soon need to make other plans.
Beginning 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 3, contractors working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will close the rest area around the clock until 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7.
The planned closure will allow crews to finish upgrades to the facility’s water system.
The work includes installation of new, larger water pipes. New well pumps and an automated water management system were installed in November 2024.
When complete, the work will reduce long-term maintenance costs and extend the service life of the system.
About the rest area
The Elma Rest Area opened in 1967. Amenities include water fountains, restrooms, picnic areas, vending machines, a visitor information center, short term parking and a recreational vehicle wastewater disposal area.
Alternate facilities
The next available rest area, located 31 miles east at Scatter Creek along northbound Interstate 5 in Thurston County, is also scheduled to close for water upgrades Feb. 10-28.
The next nearest rest area with restrooms, short term parking and picnic areas is located 35 miles east near Maytown along southbound I-5 in Thurston County.
Travelers are encouraged to sign up for email updates about work on state roads in Grays Harbor County. Real-time travel information is available from the WSDOT app and statewide travel map.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Malvika Gupta, DPhil Candidate in the Department of International Development, University of Oxford
Ecuador’s presidential election will go to a second round after the current president, Daniel Noboa, and the candidate for the left-wing Revolución Ciudadana (RC) party, Luisa González, received nearly identical shares of the vote.
After more than three-quarters of the ballots had been counted, Noboa led the 16 candidates with 44.6% of the vote – short of the 50% needed to win outright. González trailed with 44.02%. A run-off to decide the winner is scheduled to take place in April.
The election, which saw voters head to the polls for the third time in four years, took place against the backdrop of violence. Under Noboa’s two predecessors, who like him entered office with a neoliberal agenda, Ecuador became a narco-trafficking hub.
It now has one of the highest homicide rates in the world. This fact was laid bare by the 2023 assassination of Fernando Villavicencio, one of the candidates in the snap presidential election called that year when the former president, Guillermo Lasso, dissolved congress in an attempt to escape impeachment.
Noboa defeated González in an October 2023 runoff vote to see out Lasso’s term and then declared an “internal armed conflict” against criminal groups. He believed the only way to stop his country becoming a “narco-state” was with a hardline crackdown on organised crime groups.
But the militarisation of Ecuador’s streets and prisons has led to serious human rights violations by security forces. In late 2024, for example, four Afro-Ecuadorian boys died in the coastal town of Guayaquil after being detained by the military. Human rights groups say this case has prompted a shift in public attitudes to Noboa’s war on the gangs.
The rampant violence has been compounded by an energy crisis. Rolling blackouts instigated by a severe drought have raised questions about under-investment in Ecuador’s energy sector.
A raid on the Mexican embassy in capital city Quito in April 2024 led to the detention of Ecuador’s fugitive former vice-president Jorge Glas. This has prompted concern about Noboa’s lackadaisical attitude towards international law.
The result of the latest election was narrower than many polls had predicted. This suggests that the second round will be hard to call. But there are signs that the Ecuadorian left-wing, which has been divided for more than a decade, could be set to rally around González’s candidacy.
A key reason for the spate of neoliberal presidents in Ecuador is the division between those supportive of the country’s former leftist leader, Rafael Correa, who led the country from 2007 to 2017, and those who oppose him.
Indigenous voters, who make up roughly one-quarter of Ecuador’s electorate, helped Correa first come to power. And his government was successful in reducing extreme poverty and economic inequality.
But conflict soon arose over his policies to fund social services through the extraction of natural resources. In 2012, Correa accused the country’s main Indigenous organisation, Conaie, of trying to destabilise Ecuador by protesting against mining plans.
Correa also alienated Ecuador’s Indigenous movement by dismantling their hard-won intercultural bilingual education system in favour of mining revenue-funded education, as well as attempting to take control of water resources away from individual communities and give it to a new state agency.
In response to protests, Correa’s government prosecuted Indigenous leaders, saying they were saboteurs and terrorists. So, since 2017, many Indigenous voters have combined with the right-wing to keep RC from power. The RC candidate has lost the last two elections despite entering the second round because they did not have the Indigenous vote.
To break this impasse, RC participated in a dialogue with various left-wing parties, including the Indigenous-aligned Pachakutik political movement, to forge a unified electoral alliance for the 2025 election. These efforts did not result in a joint presidential bid. But they did lead to two favourable outcomes for the Ecuadorian left-wing.
RC and Pachakutik agreed a pact not to attack each other or the smaller left-wing candidates during the election campaign. And they also pledged to consider supporting the candidate of the other party should they reach the second round.
But this will, among other things, depend on how they manage their divergent positions on extractivism. RC sees the extraction of natural resources as one of the main economic pathways for Ecuador, while Pachakutik remains staunchly opposed.
González has said she wants to accelerate the transition to clean energy, but has also recognised the importance of oil and gas to Ecuador. She supported the “no” vote during the 2023 referendum where Ecuadorians voted to halt oil drilling in the Yasuní national park, arguing that exploration should continue in the area.
Pachakutik, on the other hand, seeks a post-extractive economic transition. The campaign of Pachakutik’s presidential candidate, Leonidas Iza, proposed boosting national agricultural and industrial production as an alternative to extractive capitalism. Iza envisions an economy based on harmony between humans and nature.
A plurinational tide?
Another area where RC and Pachakutik diverge is in their vision of plurinationality. Ecuador became the first country in the world to define itself as “plurinational” in 2008, adopting a new constitution that acknowledged the rights of nature as well as strengthening rights for Ecuador’s Indigenous peoples and other marginalised groups.
But, since then, the application of plurinationalism has faced major obstacles – not least because of the commitment of successive governments to resource extraction.
Pachakutik’s plurinational ethos was reflected in Iza’s election campaign. It featured images of a poncho-sporting Amazonian capybara threatened by extractivism, as well as rap songs of support by Afro-Ecuadorians living in coastal city slums. Plurinationalism was absent from – or certainly not central to – the electoral campaigns of most other candidates.
Ecuador’s Indigenous movement will probably determine who becomes Ecuador’s next president. Whether or not RC will now take plurinationalism seriously and forge an alliance with Pachakutik remains to be seen.
Malvika Gupta does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
In an unprecedented decision on December 6 2024, the Romanian constitutional court annulled the November 25 presidential elections after it received credible intelligence of large-scale external interference rigging the results of the first round in favour of a hardly-known far-right candidate, Calin Georgescu.
Georgescu’s massive last-minute surge was largely blamed on the creation of thousands of paid-for Russian-controlled bots on TikTok and illegal campaign financing.
This may seem like last year’s news, but with elections coming up in Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, and possibly even Ukraine, there’s plenty to worry about – apart from a new US president who is disrupting Washington (and the world) with a flurry of executive orders and foreign policy initiatives that feel more like real estate sales pitches.
Concerns about Russian election interference are nothing new, but so far the picture of Moscow’s success is rather mixed.
Back in January 2017, the US intelligence community was confident that Russia had interfered in the 2016 presidential elections to get Donald Trump elected. The following year, similar accusations arose in the context of presidential elections in France. But in France, the Kremlin failed to prevent the victory of Emmanuel Macron.
By contrast, despite alleged Russian interference in Moldova, the country’s pro-western president won a second term in November 2024. A referendum on a constitutional commitment to EU membership was supported by a razor-thin majority of voters.
Opinion polls on perceptions of Russia and Vladimir Putin across western democracies also offer some solace. According to a survey by the Pew Research Center in 2024, positive views of Russia and its leader remain very low across EU and Nato member countries. At the same time, approval ratings of the EU and Nato remained high among member countries’ citizens.
But these relatively comforting headline figures mask important, and somewhat worrying, trends. In Germany, which holds early parliamentary elections on February 23, positive views of Putin more than doubled from 8% in 2023 to 17% in 2024. This is still a far cry from the 76% who approved of Putin in 2003 or even the 36% who did so in 2019, according to the same survey. The German increase is an outlier among the 13 EU members, but in only one of them – Italy – did support for Putin drop, compared with the previous year.
The same goes for support for the EU and Nato. The median level of support for the EU across nine member states surveyed stands at 63%, with 36% of participants holding unfavourable views. Germany, with 63% favourable views, however, recorded the second consecutive decline, down from 78% in 2022 and 71% in 2023. And Germany is less of an outlier here – favourable views of the EU among member states have generally declined somewhat over the past two years.
Musk speaks at an AfD rally.
When it comes to Nato, 63% of survey participants in 13 member countries thought more positively of the alliance, while 33% had more negative views. But again, with the exception of Hungary and Canada (where favourability went up), the share of those with favourable views had declined by between two and eight percentage points since last year.
Does this mean that Putin is winning? No, at least not yet. Attitude surveys are less important than election results.
Russia appears to have had some recent success in changing election outcomes, for instance in Romania where Romanian intelligance services discovered evidence of voter manipulation. But the Romanian example (in annulling the election) is also illustrative of how important it is for democracies to fight back – and even more importantly to take preventive action.
And this is a lesson that seems to have sunk in. On January 30, the foreign ministers of 12 EU member states sent a joint letter to Brussels urging the European Commission to make more aggressive use of its powers under the Digital Services Act to protect the integrity of democratic elections in the bloc. Article 25 of that act, crucially, establishes an obligation on online platforms to design their services free from deception and manipulation and ensure that users can make informed decisions.
While the commission has yet to demonstrate its resolve under the Digital Services Act, a Berlin court on February 7 2025, ordered that X must hand over data needed to track disinformation to two civil society groups who had requested it.
Musk and Putin: shared values?
If Putin is winning, he is not winning on his own. Democracies are not only under threat from Russia. Musk – an unelected billionaire wielding unprecedented influence under Donald Trump – has repeatedly been accused of interfering in European debates and election campaigns. Of his comments on the German election, Musk has argued that as he has significant investments in Germany he has the right to comment on its politics and that the AfD “resonates with many Germans who feel their concerns are ignored by the establishment”.
What Musk and Putin have in common is their deep dislike of open liberal democracies and a cunning ability to employ technology to further their goals by promoting political parties and movements that share their illiberal views.
Where they differ is that Musk focuses on the far right – Germany’s AfD or the UK’s Tommy Robinson. But Putin tends to back whoever he sees as serving Russian interests in weakening western unity and influence. This leads to the Kremlin lending support to leaders on both the far right and far left.
But often Putin’s and Musk’s proteges are the same. In the case of the German AfD, it was no accident that Putin echoed comments from a speech Musk gave at an AfD election rally, saying that Germans should move beyond their war guilt. Both were keen to remove the stain of being too close to Germany’s Nazi past from the AfD and make it not just electable but also respectable enough to bring into a coalition, much like Austria’s far-right Freedom Party which has a long history of friendly relations with Putin.
And what Musk can do openly on X, Putin tries to achieve with a campaign of his bot army on the platform.
Perhaps the most significant similarity between Musk and Putin – and others who have been accused of election interference – is that they tap into a growing reservoir of discontent with liberal democracy.
According to a 2024 survey of 31 democracies worldwide, 54% of participants were dissatisfied with how they saw democracy working. In 12 high-income countries – Canada, US, and 10 EU member states – dissatisfaction was even higher with 64% and has been increasing for the fourth consecutive year.
Pushing back against the kind of blatant election interference by the likes of Putin and Musk is clearly important. But it will not be enough to reverse persistent trends of decline in the support for democracy and its standard bearers including the EU and Nato. It is right to resist and prosecute election rigging. But it is also crucial to ask why people are dissatisfied with democracy – and to do something about it.
Stefan Wolff is a past recipient of grant funding from the Natural Environment Research Council of the UK, the United States Institute of Peace, the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, the British Academy, the NATO Science for Peace Programme, the EU Framework Programmes 6 and 7 and Horizon 2020, as well as the EU’s Jean Monnet Programme. He is a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the Political Studies Association of the UK and a Senior Research Fellow at the Foreign Policy Centre in London.
Water bills are going up in England and Wales, even after the series of scandals around water companies. Last year water firms paid £158 million in fines following a record-breaking number of sewage dumps in rivers and seas.
Severn Trent Water and United Utilities alone reportedly made 1,374 illegal sewage spills over two years. (Both companies took issue with the analysis that led to this figure but acknowledged concerns about sewage discharges.)
There have been other notable incidents. Whistleblowers have told of water companies that fail to treat legally required amounts of sewage and divert that sewage to public waterways. To add to the disgrace, water companies have generally failed to invest enough in the UK’s water infrastructure.
Research suggests that governments have been pressured to become more “business-like”. This has given rise to the use of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to run important public services, such as water, transport and even prisons. Water companies in England and Wales are private companies that bid for their contracts, while in Scotland, the water provider is a public organisation.
While other findings show that PPPs can support important public service needs, such as public health, research by my colleagues and I examines a consistent pattern in UK PPP scandals and wrongdoing. Over the past decade and a half, billions of pounds of taxpayers’ funds are unaccounted for. This appears to be largely because private interests have been prioritised over public needs.
As a researcher of PPP wrongdoing, the reasons for many of the scandals seem obvious. My colleagues and I studied parliamentary inquiries and reports that have scrutinised PPP wrongdoing. This research can tell us a great deal about the UK’s predicament with regard to the failings in the water industry.
The first lesson is that, in general, many PPPs are motivated actually to reduce the quality of the services they deliver. One parliamentary inquiry found that contracting services out from the public to the private sector had become a “transactional process” where cost-cutting is favoured and the “knock-on cost” to users results in a lower-quality public service.
Other findings showed that companies regularly reduced the quality of a service to maximise profits. One way was to bid for a public service at a low price. A Public Accounts Committee member observed that companies coming in with low quotes for contracts can end up damaging services by under-investing in them.
Another example is Sodexo – a private prison management provider. It cut employee numbers by around 200 and a subsequent BBC Panorama documentary detailed escapes and widespread drug use in the prisons they managed and also criticised a lack of safety for both prisoners and prison officers. Sodexo acknowledged the programme had highlighted problems and said it would investigate, but added that there had been “positive actions and improvements” already.
Similar practices were observed at a children’s prison run by security firm G4S, where an officer was left with brain damage after an attack by inmates. G4S admitted liability for the officer’s injuries and agreed a settlement with him.
Pay the fine, it’s cheaper
The second lesson is it can be cost-effective to breach contracts and pay fines. Companies sometimes breach the terms of their public-private contracts because it’s in their economic interest. This even has a name – economists call it “efficiency breach”.
When observing the fines in comparison to the profitable contracts, it’s easy to posit what the motivations of many in the UK’s public service system are. In 2017, despite previous indictments of wrongdoing, G4S won £25 million of government contracts.
In 2020 the firm won another £300 million contract to run Wellingborough “mega-prison” in England. Despite some raised eyebrows, G4S said at the time it aimed to make the site a blueprint for “innovation, rehabilitation and modernisation” in the prison service.
Pay the shareholders, invest later
The third lesson is that shareholders are more important than long-term investments in a service. This is perhaps the most notable feature of the UK’s public service system, where a vast array of shareholders benefit from the profits made by PPPs. In one of the parliamentary reports we analysed, which details the collapse of the facilities management firm Carillion, it was clear that shareholders’ interests trumped good management and long-term investment.
As was noted in the report, despite Carillion’s collapse, the firm paid out £333 million more to shareholders than it generated in cash between 2012 and 2017. Often, this shareholder primacy can even go against a firm’s own employees rather than just the state and taxpayers. One MP noted that despite its pension scheme being in deficit, shareholders were still receiving dividends.
Often, shareholders are prioritised because of short-term thinking. These processes can lead to firms passing these bad practices down their supply chains.
The behaviour of water companies is suggestive of these dynamics. Since water companies have been privatised, they have loaded themselves up with debt (£64 billion) but paid out £78 billion to shareholders. Some 70% of these shareholders are “foreign investment firms, private equity, pension funds and businesses lodged in tax havens”.
So what should be done? There are plenty of ways to enhance and improve the UK’s PPP problems. The most obvious may be to renationalise public services and renew the quality of public services through New Deal-style investments. After all, this is what what most of the UK electorate wants.
There are other options. An innovative and exciting frontier is opening for businesses to recognise their environmental responsibilities – initiatives in New Zealand, India and Ecuador are giving the status of personhood to rivers and ecosystems, for example.
Outdoor fashion brand Patagonia has “the Earth” as its only shareholder, and hair and skincare brand Faith in Nature has appointed nature to its board. Imagine if the UK’s water companies had the rivers and seas represented.
In the end, only time will tell how water companies will be held accountable. But for the moment it’s the UK taxpayer and consumer paying the price.
G4S was approached about this article but declined to comment.
Daniel Fisher receives funding from the Leverhulme/British Academy for his work with heritage steam train drivers, which is unrelated to his research on PPP wrongdoing.
Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)
Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio meets with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty at the Department of State, on February 10, 2025.
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The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts entered a consent order against Randall Crater of Heathrow, Florida. The order requires Crater to pay over $7.6 million in restitution to defrauded victims in connection with his digital asset fraud scheme, with dollar-for-dollar credit for restitution payments to victims in satisfaction of the restitution ordered in a parallel criminal action. The order also imposes a permanent injunction against Crater and bans him from trading in any CFTC-regulated markets, entering into any transactions involving commodity interests or digital asset commodities, and registering with the CFTC. The consent order finds from at least January 2014 through January 2018, Crater, together with other defendants named in CFTC’s amended complaint, operated a digital asset scheme in which they fraudulently offered the sale of a fully functioning virtual currency, My Big Coin, a commodity in interstate commerce. Crater obtained more than $7.6 million from at least 28 customers through fraudulent solicitations, including false and misleading claims and omissions about MBC’s value, use and trade status, and that MBC was backed by gold. He spent the misappropriated money to purchase, among other things, a home, antiques, fine art, jewelry, and other luxury goods. The consent order resolves the claims against Crater in the CFTC’s enforcement action against him and co-defendants Mark Gillespie, My Big Coin Pay, Inc., My Big Coin, Inc., John Roche, and Michael Kruger. [See CFTC Press Release 7678-18.] The enforcement action remains pending against the co-defendants. The CFTC cautions that orders requiring repayment of funds to victims may not result in the recovery of any money lost because the wrongdoers may not have sufficient funds or assets. The CFTC will continue to fight vigorously for the protection of customers and to ensure wrongdoers are held accountable. Parallel Criminal Action On Jan. 18, 2022, a grand jury returned an eight-count superseding indictment charging Crater with wire fraud, unlawful monetary transactions, and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business based on the same conduct alleged in CFTC’s amended complaint. [United States v. Randall Crater, No. 1:19-cr-10063-DJC (D. Mass. Jan. 18, 2022)).] Crater was found guilty of those charges on July 21, 2022, and was sentenced to over eight years in prison and ordered to pay $7.6 million in restitution to defrauded customers and to forfeit $7.6 million, which represented the proceeds he received from his violations. The CFTC appreciates the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, and the FBI. Division of Enforcement staff responsible for this case are Traci Rodriguez, Jonah E. McCarthy, Patricia Gomersall, Daniel Ullman II, Paul G. Hayeck, and former staff members Jason Mahoney, John Einstman, Kyong J. Koh, and Hillary Van Tassel.
regon residents are bracing for continued winter storms bringing heavy snow, ice, and increased risks of falling tree branches and downed power lines. Emergency management officials urge the public to remain alert, be properly prepared for winter driving, and follow safety guidelines to protect homes, vehicles, and personal well-being.
Risk of Falling Branches
Many regions in Oregon are experiencing snowfall and ice buildup on trees. The added weight can cause branches—or even entire trees—to snap unexpectedly. Falling branches pose a danger to:
Vehicles: Branches can damage cars, so avoid parking under trees whenever possible.
Pedestrians: Tree limbs can break without warning, so be extra cautious when walking outdoors.
Power lines: Branches falling onto power lines may cause electrical hazards or widespread outages.
Downed branches can disrupt utility lines, potentially leading to extended power outages. To prepare:
Stock up on essentials: Have flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, and blankets ready in case the lights go out.
Keep extra supplies: If safe to do so, store a few days’ worth of food and water, especially in rural areas where utility restoration may be delayed.
Stay informed: Monitor local weather updates through official channels. Follow any advisories from the National Weather Service or your local emergency management office.
What to Do if a Power Line Falls
A downed power line is extremely dangerous. If you see or suspect a live wire has fallen on your property, car, or near your home:
Stay away and call for help: Immediately call 911 and report the downed line. Then contact your local utility provider. Do not approach or attempt to move the line. Even if it appears inactive, it could still be energized.
If a power line falls on your car: Stay inside your vehicle. Do not step out unless there is an urgent threat like a fire. If you must exit (e.g., due to fire), open the door carefully, jump out without touching the car and the ground at the same time, then land with your feet together. Shuffle or hop away, keeping both feet close together to minimize electrical risk.
Keep others clear: Alert neighbors and passersby to the hazard. Set up a safe perimeter, if possible, to prevent anyone from accidentally coming into contact with the live wire.
General Safety Tips
Use caution around trees: Weakened limbs can break at any moment—keep an eye on overhead branches and fallen debris.
Dress in layers: Winter conditions can change quickly, and frostbite can occur if you’re not properly protected from the cold.
Only travel when necessary: If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you and allow extra time to reach your destination. Check road conditions before driving and let someone know your route if you must travel.
Stay safe, everyone! By keeping these precautions in mind—avoiding falling branches, staying prepared for power outages, and knowing what to do if a power line falls—you can help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community during Oregon’s challenging winter conditions.
LONDON, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SOAX, the leading intelligent data extraction and collection platform, today announced the availability of a new scraper API product to extract data from Shopee, the leading ecommerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. Initial tests show the new SOAX Shopee Scraper API outperforms other web data scrapers for a fraction of the cost.
Shopee is one of the most popular ecommerce sites serving Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore, as well as South American markets like Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Chile. Real-time access to detailed product, review and pricing data is essential to remain competitive. Web data scraping is the most effective way to monitor ecommerce competitors. It’s also the best way to monitor the minimum advertised price (MAP) to ensure others aren’t underselling your brand. Businesses also analyze scraped reviews to gain valuable insights on how to improve their products.
The SOAX Shopee Scraper API has been shown to achieve higher success rates at a cost three to six times lower than other solutions. SOAX accesses the Shopee API, gathering all available data rather than just what’s on the web page. The result is a comprehensive view. SOAX uses proprietary, adaptive AI technology to unblock sites using constant fingerprint generation, self-healing proxies, and custom browser builds. And, thanks to SOAX’s vast network of 191 million proxy servers, the Shopee Scraper API is capable of scaling to millions of requests per day for virtually unlimited data gathering. Pricing starts as low as $1 per thousand requests, compared to $3 from the closest competitors.
“Access to accurate Shopee data is essential for any e-tailer to stay competitive,” said Anton Rachitskiy, Vice President of Data Products for SOAX. “We are delighted to be able to add a Shopee to Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Walmart, and our other ecommerce scraper APIs. Our customers are already benefiting from SOAX’s superior speed and accuracy in web data gathering, along with our highly reliable proxy network boasting 99.9% uptime.”
Shopee is the latest addition to SOAX’s more than 50 scraper APIs for ecommerce, search engines, and social networks. SOAX also offers sophisticated web unblockers capable of bypassing the most advanced anti-bot systems and residential, mobile, ISP, and datacenter proxies for every need.
SOAX sells directly to corporate customers through a subscription-based model, providing access to its ethical proxy network, web unblocker, and scraper APIs. Customers can sign up via SOAX’s self-service platform, select a plan, and start immediately. Larger enterprises can opt for custom plans with white glove support. SOAX’s services are API-driven, allowing seamless integration into existing workflows, and its flexible pricing tiers accommodate varying usage needs, location coverage, and feature requirements.
About SOAX SOAX is building the future of data extraction. They provide data-hungry companies with an automated, one-stop platform for accessing web data quickly and ethically. SOAX’s extensive network of nearly 200 million ethically-sourced proxies, combined with powerful scraping APIs, enables businesses to unlock valuable insights in a fraction of the time it takes with traditional methods.
Recognized as a leader in the proxy market, SOAX prioritizes customer satisfaction through product performance, security, and legal compliance. They’ve earned industry recognition like “Newcomer of the Year” (Proxyway, 2021) and “Contender of the Year” (Proxyway, 2023) for their commitment to innovation and excellence. SOAX is leveraging AI to further enhance its platform and empower businesses with AI-powered data solutions.
Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
As fall out continues from Trump Administration’s funding freeze, legislators demand answers on HHS’s plan to do its job and keep Americans safe
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Related Agencies Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, joined Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, in calling out the Trump Administration for the chaos and confusion they have unleashed by pausing communications and critical work, groundbreaking research, and funding for programs Americans rely on at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The legislators also demanded answers from the Trump Administration on the funding freeze that has impacted Medicaid, Head Start and other vital services in their states.
“The Department’s issuance of internal guidance combined with implementation of sweeping Executive Orders has unleashed significant confusion and hindered the Department’s mission to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans,” wrote the legislators in a letter to Dorothy A. Fink, M.D., Acting Secretary of HHS.
The legislators outlined their concerns that HHS has paused external communications for weeks that give Americans basic information about the spread of diseases and viruses that impact their communities. As communities across the country deal with avian flu, the Centers for Disease (CDC) paused the release of a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from January 16 to February 6, the first time in decades that this basic public health communication for states and local communities did not go out. The National Institutes of Health was also forced to cancel over 50 critical meetings, resulting in delays for tens of thousands of grant applications and delaying lifesaving biomedical research and clinical trials across the country.
Meanwhile on the ground in communities across the country, community health centers have been unable to reach anyone at the Health Resources and Services Administration who can help them access the federal funds that they are owed, while public health data that researchers and local doctors rely on was removed from CDC’s website.
The legislators also rebuked the Trump Administration for the chaos and confusion caused by an Office of Management and Budget memo that called for a halt on federal funding of agency grant, loan, and other financial assistance programs. While that memo was later rescinded and courts stepped in to pause the freeze on spending, significant confusion and ongoing disruptions in federal funding remain. The legislators warned against continued efforts to override Congress, especially the delay or termination of grants through programs already secured and passed in bipartisan spending legislation.
“The Department’s actions over the last two weeks have done nothing to improve the health of Americans. They have disrupted early childhood education for our youngest children. They have put at risk opioid prevention and treatment programs and led to domestic violence programs wondering how they can keep their doors open and phones on,” the legislators continued. “They have delayed biomedical research and clinical trials for lifesaving cures for deadly diseases. We are deeply concerned this is a precursor of actions to come from this Administration.”
Given the lack of transparency or clear communication from HHS, the legislators concluded by demanding more information about the full scope of the HHS communications pause and further information on their plan to implement the flurry of Executive Orders from the Trump Administration in its first few weeks. The legislators requested a response by no later than February 10, 2025. A full list of their questions is available below.
The full letter is available HERE.
Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
***READ FACT SHEET HERE***
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released a new fact sheet detailing how, in his third week in office, President Trump is continuing to block hundreds of billions of dollars in enacted funding from making its way out to families and communities across America who are counting on investments that have been enacted into law.
In a statement, Senator Murray said:
“President Trump is still illegally blocking hundreds of billions of dollars in investments that are owed to communities across the country.
“The president’s sweeping freeze is causing real pain for people in every part of the country—in red states and blue states and everywhere in between—and it must end right now.
“The uncertainty alone over the fate of these investments is putting jobs on the chopping block, hurting American businesses left wondering whether contracts they’ve inked mean anything, and jeopardizing entire local economies. What Trump is doing could shutter critical infrastructure projects in virtually every community, kill good-paying jobs, choke off funding for farmers, stop innovation in its tracks, leave massive holes in local communities’ budgets, and so much more.
“Once again: if Donald Trump or Elon Musk want to gut funding that’s creating good-paying jobs all across America, they can take their case to Congress and win the votes they need to do it. Defying the constitution to unilaterally rip away your tax dollars is not how this works.”
A table of estimated funding in jeopardy is below. Read the full fact sheet HERE.
While the extent of Trump’s funding freeze remains uncertain as his administration refuses to clarify what is blocked, here is a non-exhaustive overview of what is frozen by Trump’s actions and in jeopardy:
Trump Action
Relevant Agencies
Select Examples of Affected Programs
Funding in Jeopardy*
Executive Order Freezing IIJA & IRA Funding
Department of Commerce
High-speed broadband deployment.
$40+ billion
(EO 14154)
Department of Energy
Efforts to build and upgrade America’s energy infrastructure, lower costs for consumers.
$98 billion
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Grants and loans to improve resiliency and energy efficiency of affordable housing.
$830+ million
Department of the Interior
Tribal electrification, hazardous fuel reduction, National Parks maintenance and staffing, & more.
$20+ billion
Department of Transportation
Funding to upgrade roads, bridges, transit, & more.
$130+ billion
EPA
Funds for clean water infrastructure, tackling pollution, Superfund sites, & more.
$100+ billion
Forest Service
Wildfire risk reduction, ecosystem restoration, & more.
$10+ billion
NOAA
Funding for flood inundation mapping, coastal resilience projects, habitat restoration, ocean observations, fisheries management, & more.
$1.5 billion
USDA
Grants for producers and rural small businesses to finance renewable energy projects, for farmers to improve climate resiliency, for watershed protection and flood prevention, rural broadband, & more.
$25 billion
Executive Order Blocking All Foreign Assistance (EO 14169)
Department of State & USAID
Life-saving aid, funding to monitor and prevent the spread of infectious diseases that can reach our shores, counterterrorism programs, programs to give U.S. businesses an edge over Chinese and other companies in foreign markets, funds owed to U.S. businesses for services rendered, & more.
$30 billion
Executive Order Halting Funding for Anything Deemed “DEI” (EO 14151)
All agencies
Any programs or expenditures the administration deems “woke.”
??? The administration has provided little to no clarity over what programs it is blocking (or will block) funding for under this EO.
Elon Musk & DOGE Actions
All agencies
Open question. Reports confirm DOGE sought access to central payment system to halt disbursements.
???
Other actions
All agencies
???
???
TOTAL
At least $455 billion
*Funding in Jeopardy: this reflects our best understanding, as of afternoon on February 7, of what funding is being illegally withheld. The administration has failed to provide clear answers—and the actual number could be higher. This lack of transparency and responsiveness to Congress, and thus the American people, is without precedent.
FOR MORE DETAILS, READ THE FULL FACT SHEET HERE.
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
February 10, 2025
“I am deeply alarmed that these actions may not only erode trust in our military as an institution, but also dangerously distract from where our focus ought to be on foreign adversaries and their capabilities,” Durbin wrote in his letter to Secretary Hegseth
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense (SACD), yesterday sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to warn him against the politicization of the Department of Defense (DoD). Durbin’s letter comes after several thinly-veiled political orders by the Trump Administration related to the nation’s military, including removing protection from former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, using the military for immigration enforcement, and impounding congressional approved DoD funding.
“I write to express my concern that President Trump’s personal agenda is counter to defending against our country’s serious national security threats. Since the President’s inauguration less than one month ago, the Trump Administration has pursued several dubious executive actions that threaten our military’s long-standing ethos to remain nonpartisan and promote merit, both of which you spoke to the importance of during your hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) prior to your confirmation,” Durbin began his letter.
“I am deeply alarmed that these actions may not only erode trust in our military as an institution, but also dangerously distract from where our focus ought to be on foreign adversaries and their capabilities,” Durbin wrote. “With China rapidly building its nuclear and naval forces, Russia fighting a war of aggression on the border of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and North Korea and Iran pursuing nuclear weapons and destabilizing actions, these erratic pursuits distract from the real threats to our nation.”
Durbin then laid out the troublesome and political actions that the Trump Administration has taken since January 20.
Durbin referenced the “targeting [of] military officers such as… former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley… as part of an effort to go after individuals unceremoniously deemed unfit or considered political adversaries.”
In January, Secretary Hegseth removed General Milley’s security detail despite ongoing threats related to the 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian General Qusem Soleimani. DoD also announced that there will be an investigation into General Milley for “undermining the chain of command,” but there has been no clear indication of what conduct would be investigated. Rather, the investigation and threat of demotingGeneral Milley’s four-star rank appears to be a political reaction to General Milley’s public comments about being photographed at Lafayette Square after President Trump cleared the area of protestors using National Guard troops. Similarly, Coast Guard Commandant Linda Fagan, the first woman to lead a military service, was removed from her post on President Trump’s second day in office without warning and ahead of her scheduled departure.
Durbin also emphasized that the Trump Administration is “diverting DoD resources and critical warfighting personnel for contentious immigration enforcement, compromising our military assets and distracting from national security threats.”
Immediately upon being sworn in, President Trump signed an executive order stating that DoD would deploy troops to the southern border despite federal law prohibiting the use of military for law enforcement. At the end of January, DoD announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would use facilities at Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, Colorado, as a detention center forundocumented immigrants. Further, military planes typically used for missions such as providing security assistance to Ukraine and Israel or hunting Russian and Chinese submarines have been used to deport immigrants and provide surveillance on our southern border. In addition, in an unprecedented move, the Trump administration began flying migrants on military aircraft from the U.S. for detention at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.
In addition, Durbin decried the administration’s efforts to freeze congressionally-appropriated funding for programs such as defense medical research, which supports lifesaving treatment and prevention of illnesses for service members, veterans, and the civilian population. Since Fiscal Year 2015, Durbin has boosted defense medical research funding by more than $1.4 billion or 82 percent through SACD.
Durbin also noted that administration efforts to overturn policies that “remove barriers and enhance opportunities for qualified recruits” ultimately “[undermines] force strength and readiness—in the midst of unprecedented recruitment and retention challenges.” On January 27, President Trump issued an Executive Order effectively banning transgender troops from the military. And on January 31, the Pentagon eliminated a Biden-era policy that would provide reimbursements for service members who travel out of state to get reproductive health care after the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade.
“America’s national security depends on the Department of Defense functioning as a stable institution that supports its personnel rather than being thrown into disarray. Further, increasing politicization of our military risks diminishing the role of the United States on the international stage, sending a dangerous signal to our allies and adversaries alike,” Durbin said.
“In the spirit of your promise before SASC to be a faithful partner to Congress, I urge you to defend the principles of the Department of Defense,” Durbin concluded his letter.
Prior to Secretary Hegseth’s confirmation, Durbin made his concerns about his nomination clear. In January, Durbin delivered a speech on the Senate floor explaining his objections to Hegseth’s nomination, including his inability to articulate a defense strategy in addressing threats to the U.S., his disparaging comments about women serving in the military, and troubling reports of financial mismanagement, alcohol abuse, and personal misconduct.
The full text of the letter can be found here and below:
February 9, 2025
Dear Secretary Hegseth,
I write to express my concern that President Trump’s personal agenda is counter to defending against our country’s serious national security threats. Since the President’s inauguration less than one month ago, the Trump Administration has pursued several dubious executive actions that threaten our military’s long-standing ethos to remain nonpartisan and promote merit, both of which you spoke to the importance of during your hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) prior to your confirmation. I am deeply alarmed that these actions may not only erode trust in our military as an institution, but also dangerously distract from where our focus ought to be on foreign adversaries and their capabilities. With China rapidly building its nuclear and naval forces, Russia fighting a war of aggression on the border of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and North Korea and Iran pursuing nuclear weapons and destabilizing actions, these erratic pursuits distract from the real threats to our nation.
The Trump Administration’s troubling actions have included, but are not limited to:
Targeting military officers such as Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, as well as civilian federal government employees within the Department of Defense (DoD), such as the Senate-confirmed Inspector General, as part of an effort to go after individuals unceremoniously deemed unfit or considered political adversaries;
Diverting DoD resources and critical warfighting personnel for contentious immigration enforcement, compromising our military assets and distracting from national security threats;
Unconstitutionally impounding congressionally approved DoD funding from a myriad of programs that protect and support our service members, including projects that boost defense medical research, reduce civilian casualties, provide infrastructure grants to municipalities near military installations, and promote investments in critical technologies, sowing mass confusion and chaos; and
Undermining force strength and readiness—in the midst of unprecedented recruitment and retention challenges—by arbitrarily weaponizing programs and policies designed to remove barriers and enhance benefits and opportunities for qualified recruits.
As you know, DoD is the largest federal government agency in the United States. Your responsibilities include overseeing a nearly $900 billion budget, more than 3.5 million service members and civilian employees, and 750 military installations around the world. America’s national security depends on the Department of Defense functioning as a stable institution that supports its personnel rather than being thrown into disarray. Further, increasing politicization of our military risks diminishing the role of the United States on the international stage, sending a dangerous signal to our allies and adversaries alike.
In the spirit of your promise before SASC to be a faithful partner to Congress, I urge you to defend the principles of the Department of Defense.
Sincerely,
-30-
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
February 10, 2025
CHICAGO—U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined local small business owners at Hop Butcher For The World to discuss the potential impact of President Trump’s proposed tariffs on imports and exports from Mexico and Canada. In 2023, Illinois, which ranks first among the 50 states in imports from Canada, exported a total of $20.55 billion in products to Canada. Additionally, Illinois exports to Mexico in 2023 totaled $12.93 billion.
“The tariffs proposed by President Trump would drive up costs for manufacturers, disrupt our supply chains, and they already have inspired retaliatory tariffs, which will hurt small businesses and consumers even more,” said Durbin. “Illinois is a top trading partner of both Canada and Mexico, and our local businesses that rely on importing and exporting goods will face the brunt of this harmful proposal’s impact.”
“The IRA supports getting the best deal possible for American workers and great restaurants across the state purchase food locally whenever possible, yet our produce and food supply is purchased from our trade partners in Canada and Mexico due to seasonality and necessity. Broad based tariffs on food will actually hurt the American worker and their families by making household and restaurant staples unaffordable and often unavailable. We ask that the Trump Administration works with Senator Durbin and Congress to tailor tariffs in a manner that allows the restaurant industry to stay approachable and affordable,” said Scott Weiner, Chair of the Illinois Restaurant Association Board.
“What tariffs have created is uncertainty, and when there’s uncertainty, there’s risk. And risk in construction means money and delays in projects. Higher prices create real questions whether a project will be built, and whether that skilled union worker has a job to report to next week. Our hope is that these tariffs are short-lived. The impacts will be felt in construction and many other industries — and by the average consumer. Whether you’re buying a house or avocados, tariffs will affect how you spend your money,” said Tom Cuculich, Executive Director of the Chicagoland Associated General Contractors.
Out-of-Province Initiative Extended to Increase Patient Access to Urgent Diagnostics
The Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) are taking continued action to improve breast health services for Saskatchewan patients through a short-term extension to an initiative that allows patients to receive diagnostics at a medical facility in Calgary.
Established in November 2023, this agreement has been extended to March 2026 as a temporary measure to accelerate urgent diagnostic procedures until these services are fully stabilized in the province. The implementation of the Out-of-Province Program has significantly reduced wait times for urgent breast biopsies from November 2023 to date, bringing them in line with the clinically recommended target of three weeks or less.
“We are committed to ensuring Saskatchewan residents have access to safe, high quality, and timely breast health care services as we advance several measures to expand in-province capacity, implement new technologies and complete construction on the new Breast Health Centre in Regina,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “We appreciate the dedication from our health care teams to accelerate urgent diagnostic breast cancer procedures and treatments following a diagnosis.”
Eligible Saskatchewan patients who are waiting for urgent diagnostic breast procedures, such as breast biopsies, will be triaged by health care providers, who will contact them to ensure thorough screening and determine their interest in participating in the program.
Patients identified as eligible and willing to travel to Calgary will receive diagnostic services based on their urgency, as determined by clinical evaluation. Those requiring urgent care will receive priority access, either within Saskatchewan or at the Calgary facility, depending on availability.
“The Out-of-Province Breast Assessment Program helps provide Saskatchewan residents at risk of breast cancer with timely access to urgent diagnostic services,” Saskatchewan Health Authority Medical Imaging Executive Director Richard Dagenais said. “By extending this initiative, we can continue to address the immediate needs of patients while actively building capacity within the province to deliver high-quality breast health services closer to home.”
To support patients accessing out-of-province services, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health will reimburse travel and accommodation expenses for the patient and one support person, to a maximum of $1,500. All medical expenses related to the diagnostic procedures will be fully covered by the Ministry of Health.
As of January 17, 2025, approximately 472 patients have had their diagnostic procedures completed in Calgary.
A number of proactive initiatives in Saskatchewan are either underway or in planning stages to enhance care and ensure it is provided in a timely manner, including:
Construction of a new Breast Health Centre in Regina that will provide a co-location of services, such as diagnostic imaging, consultation with specialists and surgeons, patient education, support and navigation. The Centre will also offer on-site access to post-treatment care, such as therapies and rehabilitation;
Phased expansion of breast screening eligibility to those aged 40 to 49, beginning in January 2025;
Additional capacity in Saskatoon and Moose Jaw, offered to long-waiting and urgent patients from Regina and southern Saskatchewan, which has provided an additional 150 patients with timely access to breast diagnostic procedures since November 2023;
Centralized booking for breast cancer screening, providing seamless care and quicker access for all patients;
Implementation of 3D breast imaging (tomosynthesis), which will increase cancer detection, reduce the need for additional imaging views and tests, and reduce both false positive and false negative mammogram results;
Implementation of new breast tumour localization “seed” technology, which results in fewer delays and cancellations, as well as less discomfort for the patient; and
Ongoing work with the Ministry of Health to train and recruit medical radiation technologists, sonographers (ultrasound technologists), and radiologists specializing in breast imaging as part of its ongoing Health Human Resources Action Plan, including two local radiologists in Regina who recently completed their breast radiology fellowships.
To learn more about the out-of-province breast cancer diagnostic initiative, please visit: saskatchewan.ca/medical-imaging.
DENVER — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Adan Desederio Pavon-Andino, 30, an illegally present Honduran national in Thornton, Colorado, Feb. 5.
Pavon has two convictions for felony marijuana possession and is facing four charges of felony possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, felony re-entry as well as alien in possession of a firearm.
“I don’t think I can be more clear, ICE is not going to tolerate those who peddle drugs and steal guns in our communities,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Denver Field Office Director Robert Guadian. “We’re glad to partner with the DEA in executing a lawful order to effect the arrest of Pavon. He will face justice and then removal from the United States.”
Pavon, who was previously removed from the U.S., unlawfully re-entered the U.S. at an unknown date and location.
Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.
Learn more about ERO Denver’s mission to increase public safety throughout Colorado and Wyoming on X at @ERODenver.
The Palisades and Eaton wildfires in southern California destroyed more than 16,000 structures near Los Angeles and were responsible for at least 29 fatalities. Dry conditions and near-hurricane-force Santa Ana winds contributed to the rapid spread of the fires during January.
The coldest Arctic airmass of the season-to-date plunged as far south as southern Florida the week of January 19. Larger snowfall amounts ranged from six inches in eastern Texas to record amounts of 10 inches in parts of the Florida Panhandle, as well as more than 10 inches in Lafayette, Louisiana.
January 2025 was the coldest January since 1988 and sixth driest on record for the nation.
Other Highlights:
Temperature
The average temperature of the contiguous U.S. in January was 29.2°F, 0.9°F below average, ranking in the coolest third of the 131-year record and the coldest January on record (2005–25) for the U.S. Climate Reference Network (USCRN). Generally, January temperatures were below average from the central and southern Rockies to the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Above-average temperatures were present across parts of the West Coast, Northern Tier and Northeast.
The Alaska statewide January temperature was 15.4°F, 13.2°F above the long-term average, ranking eighth warmest in the 101-year period of record for the state. Above- to much-above average temperatures dominated the state during January.
For January, Hawaiʻi had an average temperature of 64.1°F, 0.7°F above the 1991–2020 average, ranking in the middle third of the 35-year record.
Precipitation
January precipitation for the contiguous U.S. was 1.39 inches, 0.92 inch below average, ranking as the sixth-driest January in the historical record. Precipitation was below average across much of the West and from the northern Plains to the Northeast and across portions of the Southeast. Pockets of above-average precipitation were present across the Rockies as well as portions of the central and southern Plains.
Alaska’s average monthly precipitation ranked wettest on record for January, exceeding the record set in 1949. Much of this precipitation fell as rain throughout the month with three to five times the average amount falling across much of the region from southwest Alaska northeastward to the eastern Brooks Range.
Precipitation across Hawaiʻi in January averaged 6.09 inches, 0.98 inch above average, ranking in the wettest third of the 1991–2025 record.
Drought
According to the February 4 U.S. Drought Monitor report, about 42.4% of the contiguous U.S. was in drought, up about 4.3% from the end of December. Drought conditions expanded or intensified across much of the Southwest and parts of southcentral Texas, as well as in portions of the Carolinas. Drought contracted or was reduced in intensity across parts of the northern Rockies and Hawaiʻi.
Monthly Outlook
Above-average temperatures are favored to impact northern portions of the Southwest and Southeast while precipitation is likely to be above average across portions of the West and Great Lakes. Drought is likely to persist or expand across parts of the central and northern Plains, East Coast and from the Southwest to the Deep South. Visit the Climate Prediction Center’s Official 30-Day Forecasts and U.S. Monthly Drought Outlook website for more details.
Significant wildland fire potential for February is above normal across southern California, the Deep South and Southeast. For additional information on wildland fire potential, visit the National Interagency Fire Center’s One-Month Wildland Fire Outlook.
For more detailed climate information, check out our comprehensive January 2025U.S. Climate Reportscheduled for release on February 13, 2025. For additional information on the statistics provided here, visit theClimate at a GlanceandNational Mapswebpages.
Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
Bill would prevent arrests from happening at schools, hospitals, and places of worship
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet along with 19 Senate colleagues introduced the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act to limit immigration arrests at sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, and places of worship.
“We all want criminals off our streets and a more secure border,” Hickenlooper said. “Targeting kids and families who haven’t committed a crime – especially at their schools, hospitals, or places of worship – doesn’t get us any closer to fixing our broken immigration system.”
“The Trump Administration’s efforts to allow ICE to take enforcement action in protected areas are deeply concerning and go against long-standing precedent,” said Bennet. “Every Coloradan should feel safe to go to school, church, and the doctor without fear of arrest.”
On January 21, 2025, the Trump administration rescinded the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) existing policy that prevented Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials from entering certain locations, such as, schools, hospitals, food pantries, churches, domestic violence shelters, to conduct arrests.
Last Wednesday, there were reports that ICE officials blocked school buses from picking up children and prevented families from leaving their homes in Metro Denver.
The Protecting Sensitive Locations Act would reinstate DHS’s previous policy preventing arrests in sensitive locations and expand the protected locations to include courthouses and additional health care, educational, and religious facilities.
The legislation includes exceptions for exigent circumstances and requires ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel receive training on carrying out enforcement activities. It also requires ICE and CBP to submit an annual report to Congress on their enforcement actions.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $60 million transaction to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure deployment across New York City. The loan provided by NY Green Bank (NYGB), the State’s clean energy investment fund and a division of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), to Revel, the largest provider of public EV fast-charging in New York City, will enable Revel to more than triple its current New York City public fast charging network this year. This represents NYGB’s first EV charging infrastructure transaction and supports the expansion of investments in clean transportation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while increasing access to critical charging infrastructure necessary for the wider adoption of EVs.
“In support of the transition to a clean energy economy, it is critical that we continue to build electric vehicle infrastructure to ease the shift to EV ownership for more New Yorkers, especially those in urban areas,” Governor Hochul said. “This significant investment addresses the key need of providing electric vehicle users in New York City with much needed public charging options while reducing local emissions.”
This funding will enable the construction of 267 new charging stalls across nine sites and supports the intricate construction activities involved in designing and building EV charging stations. Revel will complete construction of the below new sites in the next 12 months, with the remainder to be completed by 2027:
60 charging stalls in Maspeth, Queens, that will be the largest fast-charging station in the Northeast U.S.
44 charging stalls near LaGuardia Airport, making it the largest fast-charging station near an airport in the country. *
24 charging stalls at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK); making it the largest charging station at the airport. *
30 charging stalls in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
20 charging stalls in the Port Morris section of the Bronx. *
* Located in a Disadvantaged Community (DAC)
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “NY Green Bank’s financing support for critical infrastructure that is advancing clean transportation complements NYSERDA’s efforts to drive the transition to electrification of this sector. Increasing the state’s charging capabilities is a step forward in ensuring New Yorkers can plug in and drive clean and we commend Revel’s leadership in this regard in a major hub and in high-impact locations such as major airports.”
NY Green Bank President Andrew Kessler said, “NY Green Bank is pleased to share this exciting transaction that is demonstrating the viability of financing EV charging infrastructure to support the adoption of electric vehicles. The Revel transaction is an important and replicable precedent we expect will help accelerate investment in this fast-growing sector and expand access to EV charging for more New York drivers.”
Revel Co-Founder and CEO Frank Reig said, “For the past few years, Revel has been preparing a strategic portfolio of the most lucrative fast-charging locations in New York City. These sites are now shovel-ready. With the critical support from NY Green Bank, we are ready to take New York’s EV economy to the next level with a fast-charging network rivaling any other top tier city.”
Revel broke ground in November at JFK Airport, adjacent to the main rideshare vehicle waiting area, with support from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. With funding from NYGB, Revel will now be able to complete construction of the aforementioned 24 charging stalls. That site will open in Q1 2025 and is expected to be one of the most utilized charging stations in the country.
State Senator Kevin Parker said, “Our goal is to leave New York State in a better condition than when we found it. If we are going to move forward with our CLCPA goals, we must transition our transportation sector to clean vehicles. We also must invest in the infrastructure needed to provide confidence, reliability, and convenience for New Yorkers. I applaud Governor Hochul, Revel, and NYSERDA for continuing to provide these opportunities with financing support through New York Green Bank.”
State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “The future of transportation is electric. Today’s investment by the NY Green Bank and NYSERDA represents our state’s continued commitment to new and emerging transportation technologies and a greener, cleaner future for New Yorkers.”
Assemblymember William Magnarelli said, “I am encouraged by this announcement. Expanding our charging infrastructure is essential if New York is going to reach its zero-emission transportation goals. These additional chargers will make transitioning to an EV more convenient and reliable.”
Revel charging stations are open to the public on a 24/7 basis for any make and model EV. All chargers installed at future locations will have speeds of at least 320 kilowatts (kW), which can charge an EV in as little as 15 minutes.
Last year, NYGB completed another groundbreaking transaction with Inspiration Mobility—which partners with Revel—to support the deployment of nearly 400 EVs in New York City that are increasing access to clean ridesharing transportation. Over three-quarters of Revel’s pipeline projects being supported by NYGB financing are located in DACs, advancing NYGB’s goal to commit a minimum of 35 percent, with a target of 40 percent, of its capital to projects benefiting DAC.
As the largest state green bank in the nation, NYGB has committed more than $2.4 billion to advancing New York State’s clean energy economy for all New Yorkers. Since inception, its investments have mobilized up to $8.8 billion in project costs across technologies, with $383 million mobilized in the clean transportation sector alone. NYGB’s transactions are designed for replication and adoption by the private sector, helping to animate the market and mobilize capital into underserved green sectors with a special focus on clean transportation, energy storage, and building decarbonization.
More information about the Revel deal can be found in NYGB’s transaction profiles on its portfolio page. Photos and video are available upon request by contacting Revel at [email protected].
New York State’s Climate Agenda New York State’s climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.
EDNY Ranked No. 1 in Asset Forfeiture Among All U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Nation
United States Attorney John J. Durham announced today that the Eastern District of New York (EDNY) collected over $400 million in asset forfeiture actions in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, ranking the EDNY first among all 93 districts in the country. Forfeiture recoveries are generally derived from warrants and forfeiture orders against illegal proceeds generated by, among other things, transnational criminal organizations and cartels; financial frauds; bribery and political corruption; cybercriminals; and those who violate the Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctions (OFAC).
“The forfeiture of criminal assets is an important tool used by law enforcement to deter crime and punish wrongdoers by depriving them of their ill-gotten gains,” stated United States Attorney Durham. “To the extent possible, forfeited funds are used to compensate victims of crime. That my Office collected the largest dollar amount of asset forfeiture of all U.S. Attorney’s Offices is a testament to the hard work and exceptional dedication of our prosecutors and professional staff in carrying out their mission to do justice, compensate victims, and hold defendants accountable for their crimes.”
In certain circumstances, forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund can be used to compensate victims of crimes, and for a variety of law enforcement purposes. In addition, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
In addition to the asset forfeiture recoveries, EDNY collected a total of $333,368,879.70 in judgments and other debts on behalf of victims and the government in FY 2024 in criminal and civil actions filed in the district and in cases in which the Office worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice. Of this amount, $303,583,835.60 was collected in criminal cases and $29,785,044.11 in civil cases.
FY 2024 Forfeiture Highlights
In March 2024, Gunvor S.A. (Gunvor), a part of the Gunvor Group, one of the largest commodities trading firms in the world, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The charge arose out of a scheme to bribe officials of the Ecuadorian Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Petroecuador, the Ecuadorian state-owned oil company, in order to obtain contracts to purchase oil products. In exchange for these bribe payments, high-level Ecuadorian officials helped Gunvor win contracts to provide a series of oil-backed loans to Petroecuador. Following the plea, United States District Judge Eric N. Vitaliano sentenced Gunvor to pay a criminal monetary penalty of more than $374 million and to forfeit more than $287 million in ill-gotten gains.
In October 2023, as previously ordered by United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen, $100,189,754.61 was forfeited from a Swiss bank account held by Datisa S.A. As proven at two separate trials, Datisa was a corrupt corporate entity that paid and promised to pay millions of dollars in bribes to top soccer officials to secure the media and marketing rights to the 2016 Copa America Centenario, a soccer tournament played in stadiums throughout the United States. This forfeiture is part of the larger investigation of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), which exposed corruption throughout world soccer and has resulted in over 30 felony convictions and guilty pleas, and the recovery of over $200 million in forfeiture funds.
Premier Smith and Minister Amery have demanded Bill C-5 be repealed in its entirety and the federal government reintroduce mandatory minimum jail sentences for Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) offences. Alberta also calls on the federal government to rescind guidelines prepared by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada that direct federal prosecutors to divert drug cases away from the criminal justice system to pursue alternative measures and leave criminal prosecutions for only the most serious cases.
If the federal government does not immediately undertake these actions, Premier Smith and Minister Amery have asked for federal funding to enable the province to permanently take over all CDSA prosecutions.
“For years, Alberta’s government has urged the federal government to reverse their soft-on-crime policies which have allowed illegal drugs to flood our streets and for repeat offenders to prey on our most vulnerable. The federal government must act now and put an end to their insane policies. And if they refuse to, then they must allow the Province of Alberta to take over all prosecutions under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Let there be no mistake, Alberta’s government will find these dangerous criminals, prosecute them and keep them in jail where they belong.”
When the federal government passed Bill C-5, they further weakened the Canadian justice system and increased potential harm for Canadians by:
Eliminating all mandatory minimum sentences of imprisonment for CDSA offences;
Eliminating many mandatory minimum sentences for serious weapons and substance-related offences under the Criminal Code of Canada;
Removing limitations placed on the use of conditional sentences;
Forcing both police and prosecutors to first consider referring people to treatment and support programs rather than charging or prosecuting drug possession offences; and
Continuing to emphasize an approach to drug possession that fails to address the death, disorder and victimization caused by the drug-crime nexus, by focusing narrowly on diversionary measures.
Under Bill C-5, law enforcement has lost the ability to effectively deal with serious crimes, lessening meaningful and impactful enforcement and prosecution. Drug dealers often face very limited consequences, with their charges dismissed or conditional sentences imposed. This allows these criminals to continue profiting from illegal activity while preying on vulnerable populations and worsening the drug crisis in Canada.
“Alberta is deeply concerned about the federal government’s failure to address the growing drug crisis in Canada. Federal prosecution directives and Bill C-5 have significantly weakened our justice system, allowing criminals and drug dealers to exploit loopholes while putting public safety and Canadian lives at risk. We demand immediate action to reverse these disastrous policies, prioritize the safety and well-being of Canadians, and restore Canada’s reputation on an international level.”
Issues with drugs and drug-related crimes continue to worsen in Canada, with drug trafficking often linked to other serious offences such as human trafficking, gun trafficking and money laundering. These concerns have also been underscored by the Trump Administration, which has called for Canada to secure the border to illegal migrant and drug activity. Alberta responded to that request by introducing a $29-million border plan to combat drug smuggling, gun trafficking and other illegal activities. The plan includes a new Sheriffs unit, a 51-officer Interdiction Patrol Team, four K-9 patrol teams, 10 weather surveillance drones and four narcotics analyzers to test for illicit drugs.
This Family Day weekend, why not get out on the ice and go fishing? It’s the perfect way to enjoy some family fun outside and the best part is – no angling licence required!
Free Fishing Weekend applies to all provincial waterbodies that allow sportfishing. All other regulations apply, including possession limits, and if you plan to take fish out of the province, you will need a valid Saskatchewan angling licence.
“In Saskatchewan, we are blessed to have some of the best sportfishing anywhere, right here in our backyard,” Environment Minister Travis Keisig said. “Free Fishing Weekend is a great opportunity to discover – or rediscover – our beautiful province and the fun of angling with friends and family.”
To make the most of your angling experience, keep these important things in mind:
Always, safety first! Be aware of ice thickness before travelling on it. Check out the Winter Ice Safety Fact Sheet for tips and ice thickness guidelines.
Some waterbodies have lake-specific rules and regulations so check the Anglers Guide.
Clean, drain and dry all your gear to reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species.
Don’t litter! Remove all garbage from the ice and dispose of it properly.
To find out more about fishing in Saskatchewan, check the Saskatchewan Anglers Guide, available wherever fishing licences are sold or online at saskatchewan.ca/fishing.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York entered an order against Rashawn Russell, a New York resident, in a CFTC action charging Russell with fraudulent solicitation and misappropriation of investor assets obtained for the purported purpose of trading digital assets on behalf of customers. The order requires Russell to pay over $1.5 million in restitution to defrauded victims. The order also permanently enjoins Russell from engaging in conduct that violated the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations, as charged, permanently bans him from registering with the CFTC and from solicitation for and trading in any CFTC-regulated markets on behalf of third parties, and bans him from trading for himself for a period of eight years. The order resolves the CFTC’s action against Russell. [See CFTC Press Release No. 8686-23] Case Background The order, stemming from a CFTC complaint filed April 11, 2023, finds from November 2020 to August 2022 Russell engaged in a fraudulent digital assets trading scheme in which he solicited more than two dozen retail customers to contribute bitcoin, ether, and fiat currency to invest in his purported proprietary digital assets trading fund. The order further finds Russell intentionally and/or recklessly made false and misleading statements regarding the fund’s structure, size, and performance to obtain and retain investors; failed to trade the money and assets as represented; and, falsely promised to pay withdrawal requests. The order finds Russell misappropriated over $1.5 million in customers assets through his fraudulent scheme, which he used, among other things, to pay personal expenses, entities associated with gambling activities, and Ponzi-like payments to current customers. Parallel Criminal Action On Sept. 19, 2023, Russell pled guilty to one count of wire fraud arising from the same digital assets trading scheme alleged in the CFTC’s complaint and to one count of access device fraud arising from unrelated conduct. [United States v. Rashawn Russell, Case No. 23-CR-152 (E.D.N.Y. 2023)] Russell was subsequently sentenced to over three years in prison, an additional term of three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay over $1.5 million in restitution to the victims of his trading scheme. The CFTC appreciates the assistance of the Department of Justice, Fraud Section. Division of Enforcement staff responsible for this case are Rebecca Jelinek, Steve Turley, Tom Simek, Chris Reed, and Charles Marvine.
MSF spoke at the Polish parliament on 4 February 2025, outlining what our teams have seen in two years of providing medical care to migrants at the Poland-Belarus border.
We have witnessed how Poland’s legislation has turned into violence against people seeking safety.
Poland and all EU member states must seek to safeguard the right to asylum.
Since 2021, Poland’s legislative shifts have progressively infringed on people’s rights to seek asylum, culminating in the proposal to entirely suspend this fundamental right for certain groups. Since November 2022, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has witnessed the steady increase of militarisation and violence employed against people seeking safety in Poland. On 4 February, MSF spoke in the Polish parliament, outlining what our medical staff have witnessed in over two years at the border.
MSF calls on Poland and all European Union (EU) member states to urgently change course to safeguard the right to seek territorial asylum, and to stop endangering the lives and wellbeing of people seeking sanctuary in the European Union. For too long, legislation has translated into physical violence against vulnerable people seeking safety.
From November 2022 to November 2024, MSF treated 442 people stranded in the wild forests at the Poland-Belarus border. Some 50 per cent of whom were suffering from physical trauma related to violence. They had sustained injuries from beatings, dog bites and rubber bullets.
Apart from violence, over half of all patients were suffering from frostbite, trench foot or hypothermia due to prolonged exposure to harsh conditions. Other conditions included infections, dehydration, exhaustion, and psychological trauma, as well as deep cuts and fractures related to climbing or falling from the border fence.
A Paramedic stitches deep wounds caused by barbed wire. Located in the middle of the forest, the injured person had been hiding from the uniformed services for several days. Poland, April 2024.Jakub Jasiukiewicz/MSF
Bills passed in 2021 and 2024 have granted additional powers to border guards and soldiers, allowing them near-absolute discretion in denying people asylum without due process. In some cases this has led to family separation. Despite claims that there is humanitarian assistance for migrants and refugees, MSF and other organisations face restrictions from Polish authorities.
Humanitarian workers and civil society volunteers, who play a key role in providing humanitarian assistance at the border, do not have access to the buffer zone and are at increasing risk of criminalisation. As result, a large portion of the area remains inaccessible for humanitarian and medical interventions, including those by MSF.
However, far from improving these policies and practices, the Polish government is proposing even harsher legislation, with the freedom to suspend the right to seek asylum for certain groups.
“The new and sweeping proposals to suspend asylum rights are unconscionable. The Polish government and the Belarusian authorities must acknowledge that these are human beings, not pawns to be exploited for political gain,” says Uriel Mazzoli, MSF’s head of mission in Poland. “The system as it stands today, forces those seeking sanctuary into a prolonged cycle of violence, without recourse to aid and absolutely nowhere to turn.”
Today, Poland holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU, and the country’s recent asylum legislation has been endorsed in public statements by the EU Commission. Since the so-called ‘migration crisis’ began in Europe in 2015, EU institutions and members states have steadily eroded the foundations of asylum in the EU, instead opting for containment policies in third countries, pushbacks, and outright violence at borders.
Dehumanising rhetoric that characterises migrants and refugees as threats has been key in furthering these policies. The concept of ‘hybrid warfare’ as referred to by Polish and EU officials, in reference to people crossing from Belarus to Poland, is one of the clearer examples of this.
With the Presidency of the EU Council, Poland has the opportunity to demonstrate leadership in putting human life and humane asylum obligations before political currency. Since 2015, MSF teams have borne witness to the colossal failure of EU member states and institutions in addressing the needs of migrants and refugees, consistently opting for violence and containment over humane asylum policies. Poland must ensure that people have access to fair asylum procedures and humanitarian assistance as required.
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