Source: European Parliament
Denmark assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 July and will hold the office until 31 December 2025. It took over from Poland and will hand the baton to Cyprus, the three countries forming a presidency trio.
Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002369/2025/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Gerald Hauser (PfE)
Neither the Chinese nor the US Government officially disputes that the COVID-19 virus was artificially created in a laboratory as part of ‘gain-of-function’ research and that the global COVID-19 pandemic was triggered either by a laboratory accident or deliberate release. The US Government has therefore recently slashed funding for gain-of-function research or stopped it altogether in certain countries. In the last few months, a pair of Chinese researchers working at the University of Michigan was charged in the US with attempting to smuggle a dangerous pathogen – a potential bioweapon – into the United States. The US prosecutor in charge of the case described it as a matter of utmost importance for national security[1].
Submitted: 12.6.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002496/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Jaume Asens Llodrà (Verts/ALE)
The Eje Transversal Ferroviario (‘Crosslink Railway Corridor’), or ETF, is a strategic piece of infrastructure to connect Lleida with Girona and France via the interior of Catalonia, with branches to the ports of Tarragona and Barcelona. Designed for passenger and freight transport, it would ease congestion on the Catalan coast, which is currently saturated by mixed traffic on the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Mediterranean Corridor. The ETF would allow freight trains to be diverted from densely populated areas to a more efficient route compatible with local mobility. It would contribute to territorial rebalancing by giving a boost to inland districts and reducing the concentration in Barcelona.
The project has had an approved plan since 2010, with estimated investment of EUR 7 000 million and phased development. The Catalan Parliament agreed to start a preliminary study. A number of institutional and social actors are calling for the project to be taken forward in the drive for more sustainable transport.
In light of the above:
Submitted: 23.6.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002311/2025/rev.1
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 144
Isabel Serra Sánchez (The Left)
National and international organisations are warning of the escalating human rights situation in the river basins of Curbaradó and Jiguamiandó in Bajo Atrato (Colombia). With illegal armed groups’ territorial control increasing, the ethnic communities that have historically defended human rights and the environment and put forward valuable peacebuilding proposals have been threatened and attacked. The region, one of the world’s most biodiverse and rich in natural resources, is the focus of many licit and illicit economic interests. A recent investigation by the Environmental Investigation Agency reported that timber illegally logged in the region was being imported into the EU. Furthermore, historic local leaders are being brought to trial.
Submitted: 10.6.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002504/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Paolo Inselvini (ECR), Sergio Berlato (ECR), Giovanni Crosetto (ECR), Alberico Gambino (ECR), Mariateresa Vivaldini (ECR), Alessandro Ciriani (ECR), Chiara Gemma (ECR)
The Commission has suspended aid provided under the NDICI-Global Europe instrument (Regulation (EU) 2021/947) and has not presented revisions of the multiannual indicative programmes (MIPs) for Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, citing interruptions to the constitutional order as the basis for the decision.
These funds were crucial for stability in the region and the objectives set out in the EU’s Sahel strategy. The Commission has adopted a completely different approach for other countries in similar situations, such as Chad, Gabon and Guinea.
Italy has kept the cooperation channels open and the bilateral mission to Niger (MISIN) operational, unlike the EU. The EU’s absence risks undermining the protection of key areas for combating terrorism, migration and illicit trafficking, leaving room for hostile powers.
In light of the above, can the Commission please answer the following questions:
Submitted: 23.6.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002505/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Giuseppe Antoci (The Left)
In Italy, thousands of workers known as ‘part-time volunteer firefighters’ have worked for years in precarious conditions, on repeated temporary contracts and with no structural protection.
The Commission opened an infringement procedure in that regard against Italy[1] for breach of Directive 1999/70/EC, which is still open[2]. Although the Italian authorities said that from 1 January 2025 those precarious posts would no longer be allowed, as they were being replaced by permanent staff, it does not appear thus far that this plan has been fully implemented.
What is more, Decree-Law No 131 of 2024 provided only for partial compensation for precarious workers in the public administration, but did not include a clear stabilisation path for part-time firefighters.
At the same time, Italy faces a serious shortage of permanent firefighters[3]. The high average age[4], the absence of regular competitions and the reduction of training activities compound this state of affairs.
In the light of the above:
Submitted: 23.6.2025
Source: European Parliament
For all waste destined for disposal, or in the case of hazardous and most mixed waste destined to recovery, the prior notification and consent procedure applies.
This means that an operator planning such shipments needs the prior consent of all authorities from the countries concerned (from origin to destination, including transit) before the shipment can take place.
The new Waste Shipment Regulation[1] will simplify this process and move away from a paper-based approach to an electronic one. A central EU system will ensure the smooth operation of this exchange from May 2026.
The Commission will develop a central hub that will allow the exchange of information and documents between the central system and local system operated by some competent authorities as well as software offered by commercial software providers.
The Implementing Act on interoperability of systems for electronic submission and exchange of information and documents is intended to be adopted in the coming weeks.
Related to recycling, Article 72(3) of the Batteries Regulation[2] sets the clear and strict condition that waste batteries or fractions thereof exported from the Union shall only count towards the fulfilment of obligations, efficiencies and targets laid down in Articles 70 and 71 of the Batteries Regulation if the exporter of the waste batteries or fractions thereof provides documentary evidence approved by the competent authority of destination that the treatment took place in conditions that are equivalent to those required by the Batteries Regulation and in accordance with other Union law regarding human health and environmental protection.
Together those provisions will improve the economic model for recycling black mass within the EU.
Source: European Parliament
Member States that are also North Atlantic Treaty Organisation allies have committed to spend at least 2% of their gross domestic product on defence.
While not all Member States have reached this target yet, the trajectory over the past years is going in that direction. The White Paper for European Defence — Readiness 2030[1] recognises this positive trend and notes a growth in the defence spending by Member States of more than 31% since 2021, reaching 1.9% of the EU’s combined gross domestic product in 2024. But this is not enough, in particular to compensate for decades of underinvestment in defence.
In view of the growing geopolitical challenges EU faces, its security depends on this overall increase of defence spending and defence investments, as well as Member States closely coordinating and working together.
The Commission therefore offers support to all Member States in this endeavour, including by offering the possibility to Member States to use the national escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact[2] for additional expenditure in defence up to EUR 650 billion, in a framed and coordinated manner.
Finally, the Security Action for Europe Regulation adopted by Member States on 27 May 2025[3] will provide Member States with loans up to EUR 150 billion.
Its recital (8) acknowledges that ‘… there is a growing need to accelerate, in a spirit of solidarity, the provision of Union support to those Member States that are likely to be threatened by serious difficulties due to the massive public investments needed, which may have an impact on their economic situation and that …, such solidarity is especially essential for those Member States which are most exposed to military threats’.
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002558/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Anders Vistisen (PfE)
Submitted: 25.6.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002557/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sunčana Glavak (PPE)
Regulations (EU) 2023/959 and 2023/956 of the European Parliament and of the Council have introduced new climate instruments, such as the Emissions Trading System for Buildings and Road Transport (ETS2) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). These instruments aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and bolster the Union’s climate ambitions. However, their financial impact is causing concern among citizens and business entities. Additional costs arising from new requirements could lead to an increase in energy and product prices, which could reduce the competitiveness of the European economy in the long term. It is therefore imperative that, in addition to energy efficiency, we also ensure financial sustainability when implementing green policies, in particular with regard to the fair distribution of costs and the protection of the most vulnerable groups.
In view of the above:
Submitted: 25.6.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002498/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Jorge Buxadé Villalba (PfE), Mireia Borrás Pabón (PfE)
Last autumn, in order to build solar photovoltaic plants in the municipalities of Lopera, Arjona and Marmolejo (Jaén), company Greenalia began felling 100 000 olive trees that have stood for a hundred years. Backed by the Regional Government of Andalusia but categorically rejected by the general public, the project will take over more than 426 hectares of olive trees, destroying one of the best olive growing areas and causing irreparable damage to the local economy. It will also result in an irretrievable loss of flora, fauna and landscape, which is at odds with the guidelines laid down in EU legislation on this type of facility.
In view of the above, and taking into account the grievances of those living in the municipalities concerned:
Submitted: 23.6.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002507/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Harald Vilimsky (PfE), Georg Mayer (PfE)
The growing technological dominance of the US and China, the EU’s growing investment gap and the EU’s persistent innovation deficit despite extensive programmes raise fundamental questions about the effectiveness of the EU’s strategies for promoting technological independence.
Submitted: 23.6.2025
Source: European Parliament
On 3 July 2025, from 10:00 to 12:30, the HOUS Special Committee will hold a public hearing on ‘Financialisation in the Housing Market: Effects and Policy Responses’. This hearing will examine the impact of financialisation and speculation on rising housing costs, particularly the role of institutional investors, private equity, and vulture funds in the real estate market. Policy measures such as rent control, taxation, and the regulation of large-scale real estate ownership will be discussed.
The hearing will be structured around two panels. In the first panel experts will explore the fundamental economic drivers of the financialisation in the housing market. The second panel will focus on how to address the challenges of financialisation in the housing market.
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002550/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Arash Saeidi (The Left)
Despite the warnings made in a 2008 Commission-ordered study on the feasibility of a European Foundation Statute (ETD/2007/IM/F2/80), no harmonised framework has been put in place to prevent certain foundations being misused for tax purposes.
In several Member States, foundations can be used as a tax-exempt way to transfer assets, without there being any real scrutiny of how they serve the public interest. For example, the Netherlands had over 60 000 foundations in 2016, many of which had no clearly identifiable philanthropic mission, compared to only 660 public-benefit foundations in France in 2021. Some jurisdictions allow foundations to be set up without precise requirements for their non-profit purpose, transparency or governance, which makes tax avoidance easier.
Submitted: 25.6.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002478/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI)
The recent use of the Acropolis by a sports company for advertisement purposes constitutes another outrageous expression of the commercialisation of cultural heritage.
This is not the first time that archaeological sites have been exploited by business groups – there have been dozens of examples already. In fact, a few days later, there was another instance in the Old Palace of Corfu.
This practice is the result of an EU policy that has been implemented over time by successive governments, including the current Nea Dimokratia Government.
With the ‘Creative Europe’ programme, the EU aims to enable the cultural and creative sectors to ‘expand their entrepreneurial potential’ in the context of the European single market, ‘recognising the economic value of these sectors, including their wider contribution to growth and competitiveness’.
This approach based on the commercialisation of cultural heritage is accompanied by the minimisation of state funding for the protection and promotion of cultural heritage and by the pursuit of private sources of revenue, as well as the capitalisation of cultural heritage to boost the profits of other sectors of the economy.
How does the Commission view the fact that, on the basis of its approach, which is supported and implemented by national governments, it has transformed cultural heritage sites into an opportunity for profit and competition, commercialising both their content and access to it?
Submitted: 19.6.2025
Source: European Parliament
The Commission has contacted the Slovenian authorities about the Hospitality Act to seek clarifications on whether the draft law includes obligations for online service providers which would constitute technical regulations subject to the notification procedure established by the Single Market Transparency Directive[1] (EU) 2015/1535 (SMTD).
In its communication, the Commission reminded the Slovenian authorities that should the above-mentioned draft provide for any technical regulations as defined in Article 1 of SMTD, these technical regulations have to be notified to the Commission according to Article 5(1) of that directive.
According to the case-law of the Court of Justice of the EU (Case C-194/94, ‘CIA Security International’), the failure to fulfil the notification obligation under Directive (EU) 2015/1535 constitutes a substantial procedural defect in the adoption of the technical regulation concerned, which implies that any interested individual could challenge the legality of the technical regulation before a national court and ask for its inapplicability.
Article 15 of the Services Directive[2] lists several requirements, like quantitative or territorial restrictions, that Member States must notify to the Commission before or after their adoption.
At the time of issuing this reply, no notification under the Services Directive has been received. The Commission will examine the compliance of the Slovenian measures at issue with the Services Directive, notably when they are notified by the Slovenian authorities, and take the appropriate measures.
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002497/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Marie Toussaint (Verts/ALE)
On 4 June 2025, France announced that it was making educational guidance a national priority. This reflects a growing awareness in several Member States: that students’ course choices, especially at the end of lower secondary, are based on social factors rather being an informed decision.
In several European education systems, the guidance process ends up limiting opportunities of access, going against the principles of lifelong guidance defined in the Council Resolution of 21 November 2008, which promotes a person-centred, ongoing and inclusive approach.
Careers guidance should give everyone a better understanding of their skills, talents, interests and aspirations, based on the principles of self-identity and social justice.
Submitted: 23.6.2025
Source: European Parliament
The report[1] in question originates from a working group (WG) acting under the facilities of the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), which gathers national experts and cannot be considered as endorsed by the STECF. A disclaimer states that ‘this report does not necessarily reflect the view of the STECF and the European Commission and in no way anticipates the Commission’s future policy in this area’. Such a report has to undergo the scientific peer-review process conducted by STECF, which then leads to the actual STECF opinion[2].
STECF reviewed the WG report’s conclusions and validated certain but not all figures provided by the national experts.
STECF presented figures on the loss of fishing days (-16%) and landings (-20%) as a total for the fleets of Germany, Ireland, Spain and France but stated that ‘the reduction in effort and landings cannot be considered as a final outcome of the analysis’, as they can result from ‘other effects that could have an effect on the socioeconomic impact of the closures (e.g. fleet size, costs, markets or fishing opportunities).’
The statement ‘any long-term solution will need to safeguard vulnerable ecosystems and the communities that have sustainably fished these waters’ comes from the WG’s report and has not been validated by STECF.
The STECF opinion remains inconclusive on the quantification of the socioeconomic impacts of the vulnerable marine ecosystem closures on the fleets at local level. More work is therefore necessary to quantify these impacts and the Commission is reflecting on the best way forward.
Source: US Whitehouse
This is what Democrats just unanimously opposed:
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)
Washington, D.C. – Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Jim Himes, Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement regarding the Trump administration’s decision to cancel a classified Member briefing on recent military action in the Middle East.
“As the administration has pursued a chaotic and unauthorized policy in the Middle East, it has failed to perform the basic function of informing the Congress—the Article I branch charged with the Constitutional power to authorize force—by canceling a classified briefing on the U.S. military strikes in Iran that was several days overdue. This is unacceptable. We can only speculate as to why the administration canceled the briefing, but it certainly appears as though they’re afraid to answer questions about their policies and the president’s unverified claims that the strikes obliterated Iran’s nuclear program. The administration must be forthcoming in terms of what was accomplished by the unauthorized strikes and how much of Iran’s nuclear program has been impacted. These are the questions the White House does not want to answer because to do so honestly would likely not align with President Trump’s declarations of victory.
“The administration must hold the classified briefing this week, in accordance with the obligations that the Executive branch has to keep the Legislative branch informed.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)
Washington, D.C. – Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Michael McCaul; Ami Bera, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific; and Bill Huizenga, Chairman of the Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, issued the following statement announcing the bipartisan introduction of the ‘‘Burma Genocide Accountability and Protection Act,” or the “Burma GAP Act.”
“In March 2022, Secretary of State Antony Blinken determined that the Burmese military’s widespread campaign of violence against Rohingya in Burma constituted genocide, crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing. And yet, in 2025, Rohingya and Burma remain in crisis because the military’s brutality has continued. Hundreds of thousands remain internally displaced in Burma, and refugee camps in Bangladesh and the surrounding region are overstretched due to the continued influx of refugees.
“The United States must not shirk its moral leadership in addressing this crisis, which is also destabilizing the region. Today we are introducing the BURMA Genocide Accountability and Protection Act (the Burma GAP Act) to help create a pathway to safety for Rohingya. This legislation calls for the State Department to develop a holistic strategy to address the Rohingya crisis that involves providing humanitarian assistance, supporting refugees, creating protection mechanisms for ethnic minorities, and authorizing accountability and justice programs.”
A previous version of this bill passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee in the 118th Congress (H.R. 8936). A PDF copy of the bill text can be found here.
BURMA GAP Act Highlights:
Several Rohingya and human rights organizations support the Burma GAP Act, including Campaign for a New Myanmar, Global Center for Responsibility to Protect, International Campaign for the Rohingya, Jewish Rohingya Justice Network, Never Again Coalition, No Business with Genocide, Peace Direct, Refugees International, The Sentry, and U.S. Campaign for Burma.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) released the following statement:
“Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court to limit the scope of nationwide injunctions is a disturbing blow to judicial oversight. By weakening the power of the courts to issue such injunctions, the Court is clearing the path for Trump to exercise his executive power as he pleases. Our founders established checks and balances to protect against authoritarian power and ensure no branch—especially the executive—could act like a king.
“This decision will make it easier for Trump to govern by Executive Order, limiting the ability of courts to block his illegal orders—such as his proposal to end birthright citizenship.
“The Constitution is clear – every child born into the United States is an American citizen. Democrats will relentlessly fight until this constitutional right is upheld without question.”
###
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)
Washington, DC – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on the signing of a peace deal between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda:
“I welcome today’s announcement of a peace deal between the DRC and Rwanda, which includes a prohibition of hostilities in eastern Congo and an agreement between both parties to facilitate full humanitarian access and the return of refugees and internally displaced persons. For too long, Congolese civilians in the east have been subjected to displacement, extreme violence, sexual abuse, and intimidation by armed groups. This brutality must end immediately.
“Good-faith implementation of the agreement in the weeks ahead must be paramount. I look forward to seeing the full withdrawal of Rwandan Defense Forces from the DRC, as well as swift action to disarm the M23, Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and other armed groups. It is also imperative to undertake transparent security reforms and ensure robust inclusion of Congolese civil society in determining how to address DRC’s many internal governance and security challenges. And the planned regional economic integration framework referenced in this deal can be a critical step toward securing a brighter future—and it must incorporate the full engagement of the Congolese and Rwandan people, including communities in mining areas who deserve to benefit.
“For its part, the Trump administration must now work to facilitate this promising deal by reversing its harmful foreign aid cuts and surging humanitarian and development assistance to those in the region who have long suffered from this conflict. Continued high-level U.S. attention on monitoring and accountability during the implementation process will be critical. I applaud both the Congolese and Rwandan governments for taking this step toward peace, which is essential to the region’s future prosperity.”
###
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)
Washington, D.C. — Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Michael McCaul, Chairman Emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning Russia’s abduction and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children and calling for their return before a peace agreement is finalized.
“Putin is a war criminal and, under his watch, the Russian military has cruelly abducted and illegally deported tens of thousands of Ukrainian children from their homeland,” said Ranking Member Meeks. “These atrocities are not isolated incidents; they are the direct result of Putin’s war of choice. The United States has a responsibility to condemn these unconscionable acts by Russia and to demand the immediate return of each and every one of the children Russia has taken.”
“Since the beginning of Putin’s war of aggression, Russia has abducted at least 19,500 Ukrainian children from their homeland — with some estimates putting the true number as high as 200,000. These children have been stripped of their national identity, adopted into Russian families, or indoctrinated as soldiers for the Kremlin. As a father, I can’t imagine the pain their families have experienced. Russia’s mass-scale child abduction is nothing short of evil; the United States must demonstrate moral leadership by demanding every child be returned to his or her family in Ukraine before true peace can be achieved,” said Chair Emeritus McCaul.
Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced the resolution in the Senate.
Background:
Ukrainian authorities have received at least 19,546 confirmed reports of unlawful deportations and forced transfers of Ukrainian children to Russia, Belarus, or Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory. The abductions aim to erase the children’s Ukrainian names, language, and identity. As of April 16, Ukraine and its partners have only managed to return 1,274 abducted children.
The State Department’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report found Russia recruits or uses child soldiers, has a state-sponsored policy or pattern of human trafficking and is among the worst hubs for human trafficking in the world.
Read the full text of the resolution here.
Source: US State of Idaho
Home Newsroom AG Labrador Secures $24 Million for Idaho in Purdue Opioid Settlement
BOISE — Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced today that all 55 attorneys general, representing all eligible states and U.S. territories, agreed to a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and its owners, the Sackler family. The Sackler family has also informed the attorneys general of its plan to proceed with the settlement, which would resolve litigation against Purdue and the Sackler family for their role in creating and worsening the opioid crisis across the country. Idaho stands to receive up to $24 million over the next 15 years.
“The companies responsible for driving the opioid crisis in our country are finally being held to account,” said Attorney General Labrador. “While these settlements cannot repair the broken lives and families, hopefully we can prevent the wreckage of future addiction with targeted investments in drug treatment and prevention efforts in Idaho.”
Under the Sacklers’ ownership, Purdue manufactured and aggressively marketed opioid products for decades, fueling the largest drug crisis in the nation’s history. The settlement ends the Sacklers’ control of Purdue and their ability to sell opioids in the United States. Communities across the country will directly receive funds over the next 15 years to support addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery. This settlement in principle is the nation’s largest settlement to date with individuals responsible for the opioid crisis.
Most of the settlement funds will be distributed in the first three years. The Sacklers will pay $1.5 billion and Purdue will pay roughly $900 million in the first payment, followed by $500 million after one year, an additional $500 million after two years, and $400 million after three years.
Like prior opioid settlements, the settlement with Purdue and the Sacklers will involve resolution of legal claims by state and local governments. The local government sign-on and voting solicitation process for this settlement will be contingent on bankruptcy court approval. A hearing is scheduled on that matter in the coming days.
Not including the Purdue and Sackler settlement, Attorney General Labrador has previously secured settlements totaling nearly $32 million in funds specifically for Idaho from companies that helped fuel the opioid epidemic, including Allergan, Kroger, Mylan, Teva Pharmaceutical, CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, and Walmart. Since taking office in 2023, Attorney General Labrador has obtained over $161 million in consumer protection settlements against companies for deceptive marketing and harmful products.
Attorney General Labrador is joined in securing this settlement by the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Source: US State of California
OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the release of the annual Homicide in California, Crime in California, Use of Force Incident Reporting, Juvenile Justice in California, and Crime Guns, Inspections, and Handguns in California statistical reports. The information contained in the reports reflects statistics for 2024 as submitted by California law enforcement agencies and other criminal justice entities. The reports provide policymakers, researchers, law enforcement, and members of the public with vital statewide information on criminal justice statistics in California to support informed policy choices based on data and analysis and help protect the safety and well-being of all Californians. In accordance with Senate Bill 965 (D-Min), the 2024 Crime Guns, Inspections, and Handguns in California Report marks the first year specified information about the California Department of Justice’s (DOJ) work to inspect firearm dealers and ammunition vendors in California. This information provides a more detailed picture of crime gun recoveries, dealer practices, and examines the link between firearm dealers and inspection trends as it relates to crime guns which are recovered by law enforcement.
“Transparency is key for understanding, preventing, and combating crime in our communities. While crime rates have declined over the past year, public safety in our communities remains priorities one, two, and three. I encourage local partners and law enforcement to review this data and recommit to taking action,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The statistics reported today in the California Department of Justice’s annual crime reports are a critical part of understanding where we are, regulating our response, and ensuring policymakers and law enforcement have the tools they need to make informed decisions that keep millions of Californians safe.”
Each year, DOJ publishes annual reports on various criminal justice statistics in California. While law enforcement agencies across the state are in the process of transitioning to the new data collection system known as the California Incident-Based Reporting System (CIBRS), the format of the information made available in this year’s reports remains consistent with previous years. The ongoing transition to incident-based reporting will ultimately enable law enforcement agencies to collect more in-depth information about specific incidents than previously available in the legacy system that had been in use for decades.
Through CIBRS, policymakers, law enforcement, and members of the public will eventually have more detailed information, context, and specificity about crime in the state. Law enforcement agencies across California are currently in the process of transitioning to CIBRS. To date, more than 600 reporting agencies have completed the transition and are in the process of becoming certified by DOJ. DOJ continues to work with agencies across the state during this ongoing transition.
In the interim, in order to help ensure the annual criminal justice reports remain complete and accurate to the fullest extent possible, DOJ continues to accept data in both the legacy and CIBRS formats. The information made available in this year’s reports is a combination of data collected under both reporting methods. The Attorney General encourages researchers, academics, and all members of the public to analyze the data and use it to help inform public discourse on the state’s criminal justice system. It is important to note that not all agencies were able to submit a full year of data for 2024. Please reference the “Understanding the Data, Characteristics and Known Limitations” section in the Crime in California and Homicide in California 2024 reports for more information.
Key findings from each of the four reports released today and a brief description of their contents are available below:
Homicide in California 2024 provides information about the crime of homicide, including demographic data of victims, persons arrested for homicide, persons sentenced to death, peace officers feloniously killed in the line of duty, and justifiable homicides. Some key findings include:
Crime in California 2024 presents statewide statistics for reported crimes, arrests, dispositions of adult felony arrests, adult probation, criminal justice personnel, civilians’ complaints against peace officers, domestic violence-related calls for assistance, anti-reproductive rights crimes, and law enforcement officers killed or assaulted. Some key findings include:
Use of Force Incident Reporting 2024 presents a summary overview of use of force resulting in serious bodily injury or death, or the discharge of a firearm by a civilian, a peace officer, or both, as defined in California Government Code section 12525.2. Some key findings include:
o 50.2% were Hispanic.
o 25.8% were white.
o 19.4% were Black.
o 80% were not injured.
o 20% were injured.
o None died.
Juvenile Justice in California 2024 provides insight into the juvenile justice process by reporting the number of arrests, referrals to probation departments, petitions filed, and dispositions for juveniles tried in juvenile and adult courts. Some of the key findings include:
o 46.5% were for a felony offense.
o 51.8% were for a misdemeanor offense.
o 1.7% were for a status offense, defined as acts that would not be classified as crimes if committed by adults such as curfew violations, truancy, running away, and incorrigibility.
Crime Guns, Inspections, and Handguns in California 2024 provides insight into patterns and trends relating to recovered firearms that have been illegally possessed, used in a crime, or suspected to have been used in a crime — also known as “crime guns”— including the leading sources and origins of those firearms. The report also sheds light on firearm dealer and ammunition vendor inspection data and trends, including the rate at which the Bureau of Firearms obtains corrections and the link between firearm dealers providing corrections and complying with state laws and regulations. The 2024 report also includes detailed information on the Roster of Certified Handguns (Handgun Roster) that is maintained by DOJ and lists handguns that are approved for retail sale in the state of California because they meet specified testing and safety requirements. Some key findings include:
The Homicide in California report is available here. The Crime in California report is available here. The Use of Force Incident Reporting report is available here. The Juvenile Justice in California report is available here. The Crime Guns, Inspections, and Handguns in California Report is available here. The underlying data associated with the annual reports is available on OpenJustice here.
Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)
Greenbelt, Maryland – Today, U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Newton Ofioritse Jemide, 47, a Nigerian national extradited from France, to 41 months in federal prison for his role in a scheme to fraudulently obtain federal benefits. Jemide will also serve three years of supervised release, pay $520,431.83 of restitution, and a forfeiture money judgment was entered against him in the amount of $311,036.64. Jemide executed his part of the criminal scheme from Nigeria where he resided when he committed the offense.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the plea with Joseph V. Cuffari, Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); Acting Special Agent in Charge Colleen Lawlor, Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of Inspector General – Philadelphia Field Division; and Special Agent in Charge William McCool, U.S. Secret Service – Washington Field Office.
As a result of the conspiracy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided emergency benefits and compensation for damages to victims affected by declared national emergency disasters, such as hurricanes and wildfires. Among other benefits, an individual in an affected area was immediately eligible for Critical Needs Assistance (CNA) to purchase life-saving or life-sustaining materials. Victims could decide how to receive assistance payments, including deposits on pre-paid debit cards.
According to his guilty plea, in 2016 and 2017, Jemide and others from Nigeria directed co-conspirators living in the United States to purchase hundreds of Green Dot Debit Cards. Co-conspirators living in Nigeria then registered the cards with Green Dot using stolen personal information from identity theft victims around the United States. Jemide and his co-conspirators used an encrypted messaging application and other means to communicate.
In 2017, following Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria — and the California wildfires — Jemide and other co-conspirators from Nigeria used stolen personal information to apply online for FEMA and CNA benefits. FEMA dispersed $500 per claim on the Green Dot Debit Cards that the co-conspirators purchased for a total of at least $8 million.
In addition to filing false disaster-assistance claims with FEMA, Jemide and co-conspirators also submitted false online claims for Social Security benefits, IRS tax refunds, and other government benefits using stolen identities of multiple individuals, including names, addresses, Social Security Numbers (SSN), and other personal identifiers.
As a result of fraudulent submissions, FEMA and other federal agencies deposited benefits onto the Green Dot Debit Cards. The funds were deposited on the debit cards using multiple stolen identities, including identities different from the identities used to register the cards. Jemide and select co-conspirators informed other co-conspirators when the fraudulent funds became available on the debit cards and gave them information to cash out the funds from the cards in exchange for a commission. Additionally, the co-conspirators took steps to conceal their identities by enlisting others to make purchases and withdrawals; utilizing multiple store and bank locations and methods of withdrawal; and making money orders payable to other individuals and/or corporate entities.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended DHS OIG, SSA OIG, and the USSS for their work in the investigation and thanked the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the U.S. Marshals Service for their valuable assistance in securing the extradition of Jemide to the United States. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Wright and Darren Gardner who are prosecuting the federal case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.
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Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
WASHINGTON – Tyjuan McNeal, 28, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 84 months in federal prison for participating in the December 2023 burglary of 34 firearms from a Maryland pawn shop. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
McNeal pleaded guilty on March 12, 2025, to one count of conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking. In addition to the 84-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson ordered McNeal to serve three years of supervised release.
According to the court documents, on December 13, 2023, McNeal and at least four co-conspirators drove from Washington, D.C. to the A&D Pawn Shop, a Federal Firearms Licensee in Glen Burnie, Maryland. McNeal was wearing an ankle monitor that he had wrapped in aluminum foil.
At the pawn shop, one of the co-conspirators used a portable saw to cut the locks on a pull-down security gate. Another co-conspirator then used a crowbar-type tool to pry open the main door. Once inside, the quintet grabbed an array of rifles, shotguns, and pistols from the shelves and display racks and fled with at least 34 of the firearms. They later used social media to advertise the sale of the stolen guns.
McNeal was arrested on March 22, 2024, with a Glock 29 pistol and has been detained since.
Co-defendant Juwon Markel Anderson, 22, was sentenced to 84 months in prison. Vincent Lee Alston, aka “Vedo,” 23, was sentenced to 84 months. Niquan “Stickz” Odum, 23, was sentenced to 48 months. Sentencing is pending for Cy’juan Hemsley, 20, who pleaded to conspiracy to commit theft from a firearms licensee and to possession of stolen firearms.
This case was investigated by the ATF Washington Division and the Metropolitan Police Department, with assistance from the ATF Baltimore Field Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shehzad Akhtar with valuable assistance from former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Lipes.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Louisville, KY – On May 6, 2025, a federal grand jury in Louisville charged a total of 20 defendants from across Kentucky and California in 3 separate indictments involving methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking offenses and firearms offenses. On May 21, 2025, a federal grand jury charged 4 defendants, 2 of whom were previously charged, in an indictment involving methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking and money laundering offenses. The indictments charging all 22 defendants were the result of a lengthy investigation conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Cincinnati Field Office, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the Pittsburgh Division, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Chicago Director of Field Operations Lafonda Sutton-Burke, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
The following 9 defendants were charged in the first indictment on May 6, 2025:
According to the first indictment, Havlicheck, Hollie, Joseph Nguyen, Ngo, Kevin Nguyen, and Johnathan Nguyen were charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a methamphetamine for a conspiracy beginning as early as April 2024 and continuing through July 19, 2024. Havlicheck and Ngo were also charged with one count of distribution of methamphetamine 50 grams or more.
Smith, Jr. was charged with four counts of distribution of methamphetamine 50 grams or more.
O’Neal was charged with three counts of distribution of methamphetamine 50 grams or more and two counts of firearms trafficking.
Render was charged with four counts of firearms trafficking, four counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, three counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of distribution of heroin, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Render was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offense.
On April 2, 2020, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, Render was convicted of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
If convicted, Havlicheck, Hollie, Joseph Nguyen, Ngo, Kevin Nguyen, Johnathan Nguyen, Smith, Jr., and O’Neal face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. Render faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison. All the defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The following 9 defendants were charged in the second indictment on May 6, 2025:
According to the second indictment, Taylor, Matthews, Bradley, Brown, McCray, James, and Jackson were charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl for a conspiracy beginning as early as August 21, 2024, and continuing through October 23, 2024.
Taylor was also charged with one count of distribution of 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, eight counts of distribution of 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Taylor was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On or about May 21, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Taylor was convicted of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon and trafficking in a controlled substance first degree unspecified less than ten dosage units (two counts).
Matthews was also charged with one count of distribution of 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, three counts of distribution of 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, two counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count firearms trafficking, one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and one count of distribution of a controlled substance. Matthews was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offense.
On March 9, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Matthews was convicted of flagrant non-support.
Bradley was also charged with three counts of distribution of 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, one count of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Brown was also charged with one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, one count of distribution of a fentanyl mixture, and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Brown was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On or about July 17, 2017, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Brown was convicted of assault in the second degree, criminal mischief in the first degree, receiving stolen firearm, and wanton endangerment in the first degree.
McCray was also charged with one count of possession of an unregistered firearm.
James was also charged with one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture.
Jackson was also charged with one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture.
Tran was also charged with one count of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Wilson was also charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Wilson was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On July 16, 2024, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Wilson was convicted of flagrant non-support.
On January 9, 2017, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Wilson was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, schedule I heroin less than two grams.
If convicted, Taylor, Matthews, Bradley, Brown, James, Jackson, and Tran face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. McCray faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Wilson faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
Matthews and McCray have not been federally arrested and are not yet before the Court.
The following 2 defendants were charged in the third indictment on May 6, 2025:
Foster was charged with two counts of distribution of controlled substances, nine counts of distribution of fentanyl, ten counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, seven counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of illegal possession of a machine gun, and one count of firearms trafficking. Foster was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On or about March 30, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Foster was convicted of receiving stolen property (firearm) and illegal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, heroin.
On or about June 15, 2021, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Foster was convicted of complicity to trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, opioids, complicity to trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, methamphetamine, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and tampering with physical evidence.
Rice was charged with eleven counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, one count of firearms trafficking, and two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm. Rice was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On January 10, 2014, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Rice was convicted of burglary in the second degree and receiving stolen property over $500.
On April 30, 2019, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Rice was convicted of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.
On August 8, 2023, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Rice was convicted of complicity to possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, theft by unlawful taking – firearm (two counts), and theft by unlawful taking over $500 but under $10,000.
If convicted, Foster faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 70 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. Rice faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison on each count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and the single count of firearms trafficking and a 10-year maximum sentence for the two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The following 4 defendants were charged in the fourth indictment on May 21, 2025:
According to the fourth indictment, Taylor, James, Evans, and Hinkle were charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl for a conspiracy beginning as early as June 2024 and continuing through July 11, 2024.
Hinkle was also charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute of 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture.
James was also charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture.
Taylor is also charged with engaging in monetary transactions derived from specific unlawful activities and laundering of a money instrument during his purchase of a vehicle.
If convicted, Taylor, James, Evans, and Hinkle face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. All the defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
Evans and Hinkle have not been federally arrested and are not yet before the Court.
The cases are being investigated by the FBI, HSI, ATF, DEA, IRS-CI, CBP, USPIS, KSP, and LMPD.
These cases were investigated and prosecuted by the Kentucky Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Christ’Avian X’Zayvia Rayshon Sheard, 19, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
According to court records, on April 2, 2024, Sheard was located in a vehicle parked at Sanders Beach. Sheard was in possession of marijuana as well as a loaded Taurus 9 millimeter pistol. Sheard was a convicted felon at the time, with a prior felony conviction for aggravated assault by threat with a firearm and carrying a concealed firearm.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Operation Take Back America is a promise by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi that we will do everything in our power to stop those who are victimizing our communities, and keeping a violent felon like this one off the streets is exactly what they meant. I am proud of the work of our brave state and federal law enforcement partners who investigated this case, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute these offenders to keep our communities safe.”
“Pensacola Police is committed to reducing guns crimes and will continue to work with our federal law enforcement partners to hold everyone accountable that chooses to illegally possess a firearm in our city,” said Chief Randall of the Pensacola Police Department.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Pensacola Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.