MIAMI – Michel Duarte Suarez, 50, a Cuban national, pleaded guilty for his role in a scheme he directed from his residence in Panama to obtain control over an elderly victim’s bank account, steal more than $800,000 from the victim’s account, and then launder the proceeds with the assistance of co-conspirators in South Florida.
Suarez was initially indicted in September 2023 but resided in Panama City, Panama at the time. In January 2025, Suarez was arrested in Panama and brought to South Florida to face the charges.
According to court documents, in March 2022 Suarez explained to a confidential informant that he had access to the bank of account of an elderly victim, who was 82 years old at the time. To carry out the fraud conspiracy, Suarez created and mailed fraudulent checks from Panama to South Florida with directions to cash the checks and return 50% of the fraud proceeds to Suarez by wiring the money to Suarez’s Miami-based company, Online Electronics. The fraudulent checks contained forged signatures designed to resemble that of the victim’s signature on his/her signature card for that same bank account.
In total, Suarez and his co-conspirators stole approximately $803,000 from the elderly victim’s bank account during a four-month period.
Sentencing is set for September 29, 2025, in Miami before United States District Court Judge Kathleen M. Williams. Suarez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and mail fraud (Count 1) and one count of aggravated identity theft (Count 4). Suarez faces up to 30 years in prison on Count 1, and an additional mandatory two years in prison, to run consecutive to any term of imprisonment imposed on Count 1.
U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Jason Scalzo of the FDIC-OIG Electronic Crimes Unit; and Special Agent in Charge Rafael Barros of the US Secret Service Miami Field Office made the announcement.
Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Thor Pogozelski is prosecuting the case. Assistant United States Attorney Marx Calderon is handling asset forfeiture proceedings.
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-CR-20359-WILLIAMS.
BOISE – Rito Salazar, 59, of Nampa, was sentenced to 182 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Salazar to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
According to court records, Salazar was sending a courier to California monthly to purchase large quantities of methamphetamine and transporting them to Idaho. He would then redistribute the methamphetamine to local street dealers in Idaho for further distribution. Salazar has an extensive criminal history and has previously been convicted of drug trafficking crimes at the state level.
“This investigation is an excellent example of the success achieved when local law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office partner to disrupt multi-state drug traffickers.” said Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott. “As our population grows, so does drug traffickers’ access to larger supplies of drugs. Ensuring drug traffickers are held accountable for bringing these dangerous drugs to Idaho is among the highest priorities of Idaho’s local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the collaborative investigation efforts of the Boise Police Department’s Boise Area Narcotic Drug Interdiction Team (BANDIT), the Canyon County City and County Narcotics Unit (CCNU), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Sacramento Field Office’s Fresno Resident Agency, which led to the charges. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey A. Manweiler prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visitwww.treasurevalleypartners.org.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) announced the Federal Aviation Administration has awarded a series of Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants to local NY-23 airports: $731,951 to the Corning-Painted Post Airport, $394,724 to the Akron Jesson Field Airport, $386,272 to the Buffalo-Lancaster Regional Airport, and $201,400 to the Chautauqua County Jamestown Airport.
Specifically, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded an AIP grant to the Town of Erwin Industrial Development Agency to fund the final phase of construction at Corning-Painted Post Airport. This project will rehabilitate 3,269 feet of an existing paved runway to maintain the structural integrity.
At Akron Jesson Field Airport, an AIP grant was awarded to Christian Airmen Inc. to conduct an initial pavement survey and develop a new pavement management plan.
At Buffalo-Lancaster Regional Airport, an AIP grant was awarded to Lancaster Airport Inc. to conduct an initial pavement study and develop a new pavement management plan.
At Chautauqua County Jamestown Airport, an AIP grant was awarded to the County of Chautauqua to reconstruct the existing Terminal Apron lighting and to reconstruct 13,900 square yards of existing Terminal Apron pavement.
“Investing in our local airports is essential to strengthening our regional infrastructure and economy,”said Congressman Langworthy.“I’m proud to support these FAA grants, which will make necessary upgrades that improve safety, access, and future growth opportunities for our communities.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL)
WASHINGTON – This afternoon, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Donalds-resolution H.Res.137 – “The Bipartisan Frederick Douglass Press Gallery Renaming Resolution” by unanimous, bipartisan, voice vote to officially name the U.S. House of Representatives Press Gallery after the legendary abolitionist, writer, and statesman.
The resolution was introduced on February 14, 2025 to honor the 207th birthday of Frederick Douglass and designates the House Press Gallery (United States Capitol Rooms H-315, H-316, H-317, H-318, and H-319) as the “Frederick Douglass Press Gallery.”
H.Res.137 – “The Bipartisan Frederick Douglass Press Gallery Renaming Resolution” is co-sponsored by Representatives Andre Carson (D-IN), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Wesley Hunt (R-TX), Burgess Owens (R-UT), John James (R-MI) and was advanced to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on April 2, 2025.
Transcript of Donalds Remarks During Floor Debate
Mr. Speaker,
I rise today in strong support of H.Res.137 to rename the House Press Gallery the Frederick Douglass Press Gallery— in honor of a man whose life and work embodied the very best of American ideals and shattered through glass ceilings.
Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in 1818. After courageously escaping bondage in 1838, he built a life dedicated to truth, liberty, and justice. He became a journalist in Rochester, New York, and launched The North Star using his own money, giving voice to the voiceless in the years before the Civil War.
He fought fiercely against slavery, championed equal rights and women’s suffrage, and became one of the most forceful orators in American history. During the Civil War, Douglass recruited Black soldiers, met with President Lincoln to advocate for equal pay and treatment, and worked to assist those escaping slavery.
After his Rochester home was destroyed in a suspected arson attack, he moved to Anacostia here in Washington, D.C. and became editor — and later owner — of the New National Era, which chronicled Black progress throughout the nation.
Douglass was the first Black reporter admitted to the Capitol press galleries. From 1871 to 1875, he reported on House and Senate action, keeping the African American community informed during Reconstruction after the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. He spent countless hours writing and studying right here in the House Press Gallery.
Even after his tenure in the gallery, he returned often to the Capitol.
Congress has honored Douglass with a portrait and plaque in the gallery, and a statue in Emancipation Hall. This resolution permanently renames these famous offices off of the House Floor for all Americans today, and years to come, to honor his work for freedom in this hallowed chamber.
I would like to thank Speaker Johnson, Chairman Graves, Representatives Andre Carson, Burgess Owens, Stephen Horsford, Wesley Hunt, and John James for their leadership on this resolution. I urge my colleagues to support H.Res.137.
I yield back.
Background:
Frederick Douglass was the first Black reporter allowed into the Capitol press galleries, where journalists watch lawmakers on the floors of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Douglass was a member of the congressional press galleries from 1871–1875.
Douglass reported on House and Senate legislation regularly to update the African-American community during Reconstruction following the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the Constitution.
Douglass was recorded frequently in the congressional directory and spent a significant amount of time writing and studying from the House Press Gallery.
In 1870, Douglass was asked to become editor of the New National Era, which chronicled the progress of Blacks throughout the United States, and he later bought the paper.
Douglass met twice with President Lincoln, first about the pay and treatment of Black soldiers and then to discuss the President’s desire to assist escaping slaves.
Legislative Actions:
To designate the House Press Gallery, Rooms H-315, H-316, H-317, H-318, and H-319 as the “Frederick Douglass Press Gallery”.
More:
Read Text of Current 119th Congress Version of the Resolution HERE.
See Congress.Gov Legislative Profile of the Resolution HERE.
Watch Passage of the Resolution HERE.
See Rep. Donalds Remarks During Debate of the Resolution HERE & HERE.
See Chairman Graves Remarks During Debate of the Resolution HERE.
See Rep. Larsen Remarks During Debate of the Resolution HERE.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today highlighted the historic investment she championed for Central New York through the One Big Beautiful Bill, which delivers critical support for America’s semiconductor industry and advanced manufacturing sector.
The enhancement of the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit, included in the One Big Beautiful Bill, is a key provision designed to expand domestic semiconductor manufacturing and restore America’s leadership in this vital strategic sector. Earlier this year, Congresswoman Tenney led more than 20 of her colleagues in introducing the Building Advanced Semiconductors Investment Credit (BASIC) Act, which aimed to extend and increase this critical tax credit.
The One Big Beautiful Bill represents the most significant tax and investment package in a generation, designed to strengthen American industry, secure supply chains, and bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States.
“Preserving and increasing the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit in the One Big Beautiful Bill sends a clear message that the United States is committed to long-term technological leadership and competitiveness. This will level the playing field for American companies, create good-paying jobs, and ensure that Micron and other major employers continue to invest and grow here in New York. I was honored to lead on this effort in the House and look forward to the positive impact this legislation will have on Central New York and our national economy,” said Congresswoman Tenney.
“We thank Congresswoman Tenney for her leadership on the BASIC Act, which increased the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit – a key provision included in the One Big Beautiful Bill. Micron strongly supported this legislation, which strengthens U.S. manufacturing, drives innovation, and helps develop Upstate New York’s burgeoning semiconductor ecosystem as well as other hubs across America,” said Sanjay Mehrotra, Micron Chairman, President, and CEO.
“Reshoring the advanced manufacturing and semiconductor industries is critical for both economic and national security. Thanks to the leadership of Congresswoman Tenney to preserve and increase the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit, Onondaga County and Central New York are even closer to becoming the national epicenter for memory technology semiconductor manufacturing,” said Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon.
“Congresswoman Tenney’s BASIC Act was the foundation for the inclusion and expansion of the semiconductor advanced manufacturing tax credit in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This provision is vital to maintain U.S. global competitiveness as we reshore critical semiconductor manufacturing. We thank the Congresswoman for her leadership and for being a champion of our industry,” said Dr. Thomas Caulfield, Executive Chairman of GlobalFoundries
“Increasing the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit advances Syracuse’s emergence as a leader in domestic chip production,” said Ben Sio, acting president and CEO at CenterState CEO. “This support cements the region’s role as a vital hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation, while also bolstering our national defense and economic resilience.”
“Securing the increase of the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit through the One Big Beautiful Bill is a significant win for New York and its goal of being the leader in semiconductor manufacturing. We applaud Congresswoman Tenney for leading the fight on this legislation that will undoubtedly create jobs and grow New York’s economy for years to come,” said Heather Mulligan, President and CEO, The Business Council of New York State.
Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
N.M. Delegation: “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss”
RUIDOSO, N.M. — As families mourn the loss of the three lives taken in severe flash flooding, and as many New Mexicans are being forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are calling on President Donald Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
In aletterto President Trump, New Mexico’s Congressional delegation wrote, “We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions.
“Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts.
“The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.”
A Major Disaster Declaration would open up access to Public Assistance and Individual Assistance funds from FEMA. Public Assistance supports the restoration and reconstruction of public infrastructure and lands. Individual Assistance supports families from losses suffered due to the flash flooding.
The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan.
The lawmakers added, “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss.”
Read the full text of the letter below or by clicking here.
Dear President Trump,
We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions.
Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts.
The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.
The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan. We ask that you expeditiously grant the declaration and make this federal assistance available as soon as possible for the State to have all the resources they need to mitigate and recover from the devastation of this weather system.
Beginning on June 23, 2025, a weather system swept across New Mexico, producing monsoonal rain patterns and causing overwhelming damage across the state. Exacerbated by the severe to exceptional drought conditions across much of the state, as well as the number of interacting burn scars in much of the impacted area, the heavy rains and thunderstorms led to devastating flash flooding. Since this weather system started, it has impacted approximately 675 homes, with hundreds more under immediate threat of ongoing flooding in burn scars, and tragically caused at least three fatalities. Additionally, 70 distinct pieces of critical infrastructure have been damaged, including roads and bridges having been blown out by the floods and debris flow and drainage systems, water control facilities, and at least eight public buildings being destroyed or receiving severe damage. Many New Mexicans have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, often with livestock and pets.
It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss.
Thank you for your consideration of this important request.
In a major recruitment push, the Indian Railways has issued over 9,000 appointments in the first quarter of the financial year 2025–26 and is on track to offer more than 50,000 jobs by the end of the fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Railways.
Since November 2024, the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have conducted computer-based tests (CBTs) for over 1.86 crore candidates across seven different notifications covering a total of 55,197 vacancies. The large-scale examinations are part of a broader recruitment calendar that has so far announced 1.08 lakh vacancies since 2024.
The Railways also plans to extend its recruitment efforts into the next financial year, with another 50,000 appointments expected to be made in FY 2026–27.
Conducting CBTs at such scale is a complex logistical operation. In a move to ease the process for candidates, the Railways has taken the initiative to assign exam centres closer to candidates’ places of residence. Special preference has been given to female candidates and persons with benchmark disabilities (PwBDs).
To uphold transparency and fairness, the Railways has introduced Aadhaar-based e-KYC authentication for candidate verification — a first for such large-scale government exams. The Ministry reported a success rate of over 95% in the implementation of this digital identity verification system.
Additionally, 100% deployment of electronic jammers has been ensured at all exam centres to prevent cheating through electronic devices.
66th WIPO General Assemblies, July 2025: UK Statement
UK Statement for the World Intellectual Property Organization General Assemblies. Delivered by Mr. Adam Williams, Chief Executive and Comptroller-General of the UK’s Intellectual Property Office.
Thank you Chair.
The UK is pleased to be part of the 66th session of the WIPO Assemblies. We thank you, Chair, Ambassador Suescum, DG Tang, and the Secretariat for preparing this session.
We commend your positive leadership, DG, over the past four years. Systems like the PCT, Hague and Madrid remain essential for all UK businesses, providing cost-effective global IP protection. We value your commitment to keeping these services central to WIPO’s work.
The UK welcomes WIPO’s responsible and prudent financial management, which is especially important in these uncertain times. This General Assembly has several challenging issues to discuss ahead, including WIPO’s program and budget. We encourage all delegations to work towards consensus.
The UK applauds the adoption of the design law and genetic resources treaties last year, clear proof that multilateralism and IP can deliver meaningful progress. We are pleased to announce our intention to sign the Design Law Treaty this week, supporting global designers and small businesses.
We strongly support efforts to build a more inclusive IP system, especially programs for women, youth, and underrepresented groups and initiatives like the Global Entrepreneurship Empowerment.
Looking ahead, with just 17% of SDG targets on track, we welcome WIPO GREEN’s expansion, and the growing recognition of IP’s role in tackling climate change. The UK was pleased to sign a MoU with WIPO Green last year and have since joined its Board to deepen collaboration.
We also value WIPO’s work on IP and frontier technologies and encourage deeper collaboration with Geneva-based partners and global initiatives like the UN Global Digital Compact and AI for Good.
Finally, we thank the Secretariat for its report on assistance for Ukraine’s innovation and creativity sector (document A/66/8). While Ukraine faces an unprecedented level of Russian attacks on its towns and cities, wreaking horrific damage on its people and its creative industries, we salute its resilience and innovation in the face of such criminality, and welcome the support provided by WIPO.
Chair, the UK remains committed to a WIPO that is efficient, inclusive and focused on delivering for global innovators and creators.
July 9, 2025 – Tokyo, Japan – Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today met with Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa to discuss strengthening the longstanding economic and security partnership between Canada and Japan.
Minister Anand reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to be a strategic partner with Japan and to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, through the Canada-Japan Action Plan, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.
Japan and Canada will cooperate on critical minerals and natural resources and expand regional trade generally. Minister Anand thanked the Chief Cabinet Secretary for his work to further Canada-Japan relations over the years.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)
WASHINGTON — Following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit this week to the United States Capitol, Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced the re-establishment of the bipartisan House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group.
“This is an important time to bring together a bipartisan delegation of American and Israeli lawmakers to discuss mutual concerns and how to continue strengthening the alliance between our two nations,” Speaker Johnson said. “The House-Knesset Friendship group will be instrumental in building a broad understanding among elected representatives as we pursue together peace in Israel and lasting solutions for the Middle East.”
“The special relationship between the United States and Israel is anchored in our shared democratic values and strategic interests,” Leader Jeffries said. “Congress is committed in a bipartisan way to the safety and security of Israel and its right to exist as a Jewish, Democratic state. The House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group provides a critical forum to strengthen our partnership and provides the opportunity for bilateral dialogue at the legislative level during these challenging times.”
“This is a historic milestone in U.S.-Israel relations, with legislative bodies leading the advancement of the partnership and exploring new opportunities,” said Speaker of the Israeli Knesset Amir Ohana. “Since the war began, the U.S. House of Representatives has risen to the occasion, supporting Israel through statements and legislation that have bolstered its security and diplomatic efforts against the ayatollah regime in Iran and its terror proxies in the Middle East. I wish to thank my friend, Speaker Mike Johnson, a true friend of Israel, who today officially launched the House-Knesset Friendship Group. Together, we will continue to strengthen the enduring alliance between Israel and the United States.”
The House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group brings together selected American and Israeli lawmakers to discuss ways to strengthen the partnership between the U.S. and Israeli legislative bodies.
The bipartisan members of the group are as follows:
WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer today announced a $5 million funding opportunity for up to 14 grants to attract and retain more American workers in Registered Apprenticeship programs and high-growth industries like manufacturing, construction, and cybersecurity.
Administered jointly by the department’s Women’s Bureauand Employment and Training Administration, the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupationsgrant program supports community-based organizations in their efforts to recruit, train, and retain more women in Registered Apprenticeships and high demand occupations. This announcement follows a thorough evaluation and realignment of the program, which will ensure WANTO grants help the department achieve President Trump’s goal of reaching onemillion new active apprentices.
“Under President Trump’s leadership and our shared commitment to transparency, the department has been reviewing all taxpayer-funded grants to ensure they fulfill their intended purpose and help this Administration achieve our workforce goals. That’s why these WANTO grants are specifically tailored to bolstering the number of women in our Registered Apprenticeship programs, which will help fill the thousands of jobs being created under the President’s America First policies,” Secretary Chavez-DeRemer said.
The WANTO grants will help address the shortage of American workers across in-demand, highly skilled industries like construction, manufacturing, infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Since the beginning of the Trump Administration, more than 145,000 new apprentices have registered across the nation. Apprenticeships are a proven pathway to good-paying, family-sustaining jobs and help employers recruit, develop, and retain a highly skilled workforce.
Read more about past WANTO grant recipients.
Learn more about how to apply for the 2025 WANTO grants.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in New Jersey of the Aug. 11 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought and excessive heat occurring June 1, 2024.
The disaster declaration covers the New Jersey counties of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean as well as counties of Bucks and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania.
Under this declaration SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The deadline to return economic injury applications is Aug. 11, 2025.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today the opening of Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOC) in Douglas County to assist small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides occurring March 13-20. Beginning Monday, July 14, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Myrtle Creek and Drain to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. No appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome. Those who prefer to schedule an in-person appointment in advance can do so at appointment.sba.gov.
The centers’ hours of operation are as follows:
DOUGLAS COUNTY Disaster Loan Outreach Center Myrtle Creek Community Center 425 NW Second Ave. Myrtle Creek, OR 97457 Opens at 9:00 a.m., Monday, July 14 Monday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Permanently closes at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 15
DOUGLAS COUNTY Disaster Loan Outreach Center Drain Civic Center Meeting Room 205 West A Ave. Drain, OR 97435 Opens at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 16 Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Permanently closes at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, July 17
The following DLOC locations are open on the days and times as shown below:
COOS COUNTY Disaster Loan Outreach Center Myrtle Point City Hall Conference Room 424 Fifth St. Myrtle Point, OR 97458 Opens at 9:00 a.m., Thursday, July 10 Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Permanently closes at 4:30 p.m., Friday, July 11
DOUGLAS COUNTY Disaster Loan Outreach Center Roseburg Public Safety Center Third Floor – Salmon Conference Room 303 700 SE Douglas Ave. Roseburg, OR 97470 Mondays – Fridays, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
“When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers perform an important role by assisting small businesses and their communities,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the U.S. Small Business Administration. “At these centers, our SBA specialists help business owners and residents apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to support their recovery.”
Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.
Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to these disasters. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises. EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Aug. 25, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 24, 2026.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
MIAMI – A Boca Raton resident pled guilty today in the Southern District of Florida to securities fraud based on an insider trading scheme that netted over $420,000.
According to court documents, during a July 4th gathering in 2020, Charles Lawrence Baugh, Sr. (“Baugh”), 60, learned of a pending partnership between Google LLC and ADT Inc. (“ADT”). Baugh also learned that Google LLC would be making a substantial investment in ADT. At the time, ADT’s shares were publicly traded on the Nasdaq stock exchange.
A close family member who occupied a senior role at ADT revealed the pending partnership and investment to Baugh. Baugh knew that the news was material, non-public information and that he had a duty to keep the information confidential. Nonetheless, in violation of that duty, Baugh proceeded to purchase in trading accounts he controlled approximately 1,000 ADT call options and 800 ADT shares. Baugh began purchasing the securities on July 6, 2020—the first trading day after the July 4th holiday.
In addition to trading in his own accounts, Baugh traded in ADT securities in the accounts of at least two other family members and convinced two additional family members to buy ADT securities, all while news of the partnership and investment was non-public.
On August 3, 2020, news of the partnership and investment became public. ADT’s share price increased over 50%. Baugh sold all 1,000 call options, netting over $314,000.
As part of his guilty plea, Baugh agreed to forfeit $316,044, all the proceeds from the scheme he personally received.
Baugh’s sentencing will take place before Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks at a later date.
U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office appreciates the assistance of the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, who previously sued and settled with Baugh.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli S. Rubin is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Paster is handling asset forfeiture.
This is the fifth insider trading conviction in 2025 secured by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and the FBI Miami Field Office. Convictions were previously obtained in United States v. Federico Nannini et al., 24-20398-CR, and United States v. Stephen George, 25-60011-CR.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-80089.
MIAMI – A Boca Raton resident pled guilty today in the Southern District of Florida to securities fraud based on an insider trading scheme that netted over $420,000.
According to court documents, during a July 4th gathering in 2020, Charles Lawrence Baugh, Sr. (“Baugh”), 60, learned of a pending partnership between Google LLC and ADT Inc. (“ADT”). Baugh also learned that Google LLC would be making a substantial investment in ADT. At the time, ADT’s shares were publicly traded on the Nasdaq stock exchange.
A close family member who occupied a senior role at ADT revealed the pending partnership and investment to Baugh. Baugh knew that the news was material, non-public information and that he had a duty to keep the information confidential. Nonetheless, in violation of that duty, Baugh proceeded to purchase in trading accounts he controlled approximately 1,000 ADT call options and 800 ADT shares. Baugh began purchasing the securities on July 6, 2020—the first trading day after the July 4th holiday.
In addition to trading in his own accounts, Baugh traded in ADT securities in the accounts of at least two other family members and convinced two additional family members to buy ADT securities, all while news of the partnership and investment was non-public.
On August 3, 2020, news of the partnership and investment became public. ADT’s share price increased over 50%. Baugh sold all 1,000 call options, netting over $314,000.
As part of his guilty plea, Baugh agreed to forfeit $316,044, all the proceeds from the scheme he personally received.
Baugh’s sentencing will take place before Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks at a later date.
U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office appreciates the assistance of the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, who previously sued and settled with Baugh.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli S. Rubin is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Paster is handling asset forfeiture.
This is the fifth insider trading conviction in 2025 secured by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and the FBI Miami Field Office. Convictions were previously obtained in United States v. Federico Nannini et al., 24-20398-CR, and United States v. Stephen George, 25-60011-CR.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-80089.
FBI Seeks to Identify Additional Potential Victims
OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal Grand Jury has charged LEE GRANT CLARK, 78, of Stillwater, with two counts of production of child pornography, and one count each of receipt of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and aggravated sexual abuse, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On July 1, 2025, a federal Grand Jury returned a five-count Indictment against Clark, charging him with the crimes listed above. According to public record, in October 2024, FBI agents began investigating a computer user requesting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through a file-sharing website. An investigation into the IP address of the user led authorities to Clark’s home in Stillwater. FBI agents spoke with officers with the Stillwater Police Department, who alerted the agents of a report involving Clark’s alleged sexual abuse of two minors around 2004. The Indictment further alleges that Clark produced CSAM on at least two occasions and sexually abused minors under the age of 12.
The FBI is seeking to identify potential additional victims. Anyone with additional information to report can contact the FBI at LGC-Victims@fbi.gov.
If found guilty, Clark faces up to life in federal prison. He also faces fines of up to $250,000 for each count.
The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations, and that Clark is innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office (Stillwater Resident Agency) and the Stillwater Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ganz is prosecuting the case.
This case is also part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
FBI Seeks to Identify Additional Potential Victims
OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal Grand Jury has charged LEE GRANT CLARK, 78, of Stillwater, with two counts of production of child pornography, and one count each of receipt of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and aggravated sexual abuse, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On July 1, 2025, a federal Grand Jury returned a five-count Indictment against Clark, charging him with the crimes listed above. According to public record, in October 2024, FBI agents began investigating a computer user requesting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through a file-sharing website. An investigation into the IP address of the user led authorities to Clark’s home in Stillwater. FBI agents spoke with officers with the Stillwater Police Department, who alerted the agents of a report involving Clark’s alleged sexual abuse of two minors around 2004. The Indictment further alleges that Clark produced CSAM on at least two occasions and sexually abused minors under the age of 12.
The FBI is seeking to identify potential additional victims. Anyone with additional information to report can contact the FBI at LGC-Victims@fbi.gov.
If found guilty, Clark faces up to life in federal prison. He also faces fines of up to $250,000 for each count.
The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations, and that Clark is innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office (Stillwater Resident Agency) and the Stillwater Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ganz is prosecuting the case.
This case is also part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
Padilla, Schiff Announce Over $81 Million to Upgrade California Airport Infrastructure
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) announced that 18 California airports were awarded a combined $81.3 million in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to bolster aviation infrastructure. The funding comes through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which invests in airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, noise cancellation, airport signage, airport lighting, and airport markings.
“Californians and the millions of people who visit our state each year deserve a safe and easy airport travel experience,” said Senator Padilla. “That starts with modernizing and rehabilitating outdated airport infrastructure. These critical investments will not just make travel smoother for passengers, but will reduce noise pollution in neighboring communities.”
“These grants will allow us to make critical investments in our airport infrastructure that will enhance the travel experience for millions of visitors and travelers, improve safety, create more jobs, and boost our local economies,” said Senator Schiff.
California airports receiving funding include:
Los Angeles International Airport — $22.80 million: This project acquires and installs full noise mitigation measures for 400 residences affected by airport noise exposure.
Van Nuys Airport — $19.45 million: This project reconstructs 3,138 feet of existing paved Taxiway connectors C, D, E, F, H, M, N, P, and Q pavement that have reached the end of their useful lives. This grant is associated with an Airports Infrastructure Grant which funds the remaining eligible portion of the project. This grant funds a portion of the final phase, which consists of reconstruction of 1,788 feet.
San Diego International Airport — $15 million: This project acquires and installs full noise mitigation measures for 250 residences affected by airport noise exposure.
San Luis Obispo County RegionalAirport — $8.71 million: This project rehabilitates 6,101 feet of existing paved Taxiway A to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris to extend its useful life. This grant is associated with an Airport Infrastructure Grant that funds the remaining eligible portion of the project. This grant funds a portion of the total project.
Hollywood-Burbank/Bob Hope Airport — $7.92 million: This project constructs a new 105,816 square yard Terminal Apron to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This grant funds the final phase, which consists of construction of 74,071 square yards.
March Air Reserve Base — $3.27 million: This project reconstructs 13,950 square yards of the existing Golf Apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. This grant is associated with an Airport Infrastructure Grant that funds the remaining eligible portion of the project. This grant funds a portion of phase 2, which consists of construction.
Chino Airport — $1.05 million: This project rehabilitates 500 feet of existing paved Taxiway G to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement to extend its useful life. It also extends existing Taxiways H and L an additional 1,800 feet in length to bring the airport into conformity with current standards, while constructing new 1,800-foot Taxiways K, S, and T to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This grant funds phase 1, which consists of design.
A complete list of AIP awards for California airports is available here. Last year, Senator Padilla announced $219.5 million in grant funding from the FAA through the AIP to upgrade aviation infrastructure. He also announced $89.3 million from the FAA’s Airport Terminal Program, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Padilla and the late Senator Dianne Feinstein previously announced a combined $528 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for airport upgrades and modernizations across California.
The 2025 President’s Circle Reception was part of the annual meeting and hosted by AIMBE President, Lola Eniola-Adefeso, Ph.D. The event brought together AIMBE Fellows and supporters to recognize those who have gone above and beyond in advancing AIMBE’s mission of advocacy for medical and biological engineering.
Each year, a leader from AIMBE, or the broader medical and biological engineering community, is invited to serve as the designated honored guest. Dr. Cato T. Laurencin of UConn was invited because of his exceptional leadership in biomedical engineering, and his pioneering work in regenerative engineering. His presence highlighted the importance of continued advocacy and engagement at the highest levels of science and policy.
AIMBE is the authoritative voice and advocate for the value of medical and biological engineering to society.
Laurencin is the University Professor at UConn and the Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at UConn School of Medicine, professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, professor of Materials Science and Engineering, and professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Connecticut. He is the CEO of The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering, a cross-university institute created and named in his honor at UConn.
Laurencin is a fellow of AIMBE and previously served on its board of directors. He served as chair of the College of Fellows for AIMBE. He received the Pierre Galletti Award, the highest honor of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. More recently, Laurencin received the Professional Impact Award for Leadership from AIMBE recognizing his work as the founder of the field of Regenerative Engineering.
In 2025, he has received the Paul Terasaki Innovation Award from the Paul Terasaki Foundation, and the Bioactive Materials Lifetime Achievement Award. He will receive the Dickson Prize in Medicine this year. Many of the Dickson Prize awardees have gone on to receive the Nobel Prize.
Laurencin was bestowed Knight Commander of the Order of St. Lucia, under the auspices of King Charles III of England by the Governor General of Saint Lucia. He is recognized as the leading international figure in polymeric biomaterials chemistry and engineering who has made extraordinary scientific contributions and with profound contributions to improving human health.
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Sean-Michael Smith (36, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to using the internet to access child sexual abuse materials. Smith faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison and a potential life term of supervised release. Smith is a registered child sex offender who was convicted in federal court in 2014 of distributing videos and photos of children being sexually abused. Smith was arrested on December 18, 2024, and remains in federal custody pending his sentencing hearing scheduled for September 29, 2025.
According to court records, after serving his federal prison sentence and while on supervised release, Smith admitted to his probation officer that he had drawn sketches depicting nude children and had also accessed the internet several times. On December 10, 2024, U.S. Probation Officers conducted a search of Smith’s residence for contraband evidence. During an interview, Smith admitted that he had accessed child sexual abuse materials online during August, September, and December 2024. He advised that he used a particular device to access these materials. Probation Officers seized this device and turned it over to the FBI for further investigation.
On February 18, 2025, an FBI agent extracted the contents of the device’s computer chip and found approximately 35 photos depicting young children being sexually abused.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Coast Guard and Puerto Rico Police marine units rescued six kite surfers who were beset by weather off Ocean Park Beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Tuesday evening. Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector San Juan’s Command Center received report at 5:17 p.m., Tuesday, of a group of kite surfers who were left adrift, between one to two miles offshore, after their kites reportedly failed due to a sudden drop of wind throughout the area. No injuries or medical concerns were reported in this case.
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The group is accused of storing explosive devices, dozens of firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition. The RCMP seized all of it, and the four suspects are due to appear in Québec City court next week. Three are charged with facilitating a terrorist activity, along with weapon-possession offences.
The suspects include active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, according to the RCMP. Given the allegations that they were planning terrorist attacks for an extremist militia, the inclusion of army personnel might not be surprising.
But it could represent a stark manifestation of a deeply troubling and accelerating trend: the rise of violent right-wing extremism and anti-government or anti-authority radicalization within western democracies. This is a shift dramatically exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic as many seized the opportunity to spread anti-government ideas based on restricted freedoms.
Raphaël Lagacé, one of the suspects charged by the RCMP. (Instagram)
There’s also a long-running pattern of militia activity in North America. Activities in the United States show how dangerous it is when violent ideologies spread.
This includes the nihilistic doctrine of accelerationism, which is a white-supremacist belief that the current state of society cannot be fixed and that the only way to repair it is to destroy and collapse the “system”.
There are versions of accelerationism on both the right and left.
In the past decade, white supremacist, anti-government and militia groups have gained traction. That’s due in part to online echo chambers, growing political and social divisions and the rise and rapid spread of conspiracy theories.
In 2023, the FBI repeatedly said domestic violent extremism continues to pose a threat, especially racially or ethnically motivated extremists and anti-government groups.
Accelerationism is behind a lot of this violence. It underpins efforts to speed up the disintegration of society through targeted violence and technology, with the goal of starting a racial war or civil war to bring down liberal democratic institutions.
The Base is an example of this trend. It’s a multinational, trans-border white supremacist network that supports violence to create chaos.
But this is not just a North American problem. Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, far-right members of the Ukrainian Azov Regiment reportedly drew western extremists to their cause, many of whom were looking for paramilitary training, possibly to use against their own governments.
Canada: The Base, the ‘freedom convoy’
This global tide doesn’t leave Canada out. The arrests in Québec are the most recent and concerning example.
Mathew fled to the U.S. in 2019. The FBI subsequently arrested him and charged him with gun-related crimes and taking part in a riot at a Virginia protest. Mathew is now serving a long prison sentence for his part in what the FBI called a “neo-Nazi plot to instigate a race war in the United States.”
These examples clearly show how extremists work within national military systems to learn tactical capabilities.
The so-called “freedom convoy” occupation of Ottawa in 2022 also showed troubling connections between radicalism and some parts of the Canadian Armed Forces.
All of this paints a bleak picture: extremist ideas are slowly taking hold in Canada as adherents aim to leverage military training to spread cynicism in democratic institutions. Previous studies back this up.
Countering the threat
To deal with this complicated and changing threat, we need a whole society, integrated approach that includes reliable top-down enforcement and monitoring and proactive, bottom-up societal resilience.
To quickly disrupt and deter extremist groups, top-down actions are very important. To properly monitor, penetrate and break up violent extremist networks, law enforcement and security services like CSIS and the RCMP need more resources, updated laws and better co-ordination.
It’s also important for the Canadian Armed Forces and other security-sensitive organizations to have better screening processes to find and purge those with extremist ideas.
But law enforcement isn’t enough. For one, it could be seen as biased, which could lead to more radicalization. Bottom-up methods are just as important for long-term prevention.
We need programs that provide teachers, social workers, community leaders and families with the tools they need to spot early signs of radicalization and do something about it in a positive way.
It’s important to teach people how to think critically, read the news to fight false information and learn about civic duties that stress democratic principles and diversity. This is especially critical to fight against rising hate-motivated crimes.
I am involved in a one such project. It’s called Extremism and Radicalization to Violence Prevention in Manitoba (ERIM). We strive to build resilient communities by creating awareness and early detection of radicalism.
Dialogue and education are paramount.
Canada can’t afford to wait for a disaster to happen before acting. It can’t let its soldiers — those tasked with protecting Canadians and Canada’s security — get caught up in right-wing extremism. They are a source of national pride and should remain so.
Kawser Ahmed has led a Public Safety project called Extremism and Radicalization to Violence Prevention in Manitoba (ERIM)
Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the catastrophic floods that have devastated communities across Central Texas and taken more than 100 lives thus far, highlighted some of the heroic rescue and recovery efforts after seeing the damage firsthand during his visit to Kerrville on Saturday, and held a moment of silence with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to honor the lives lost and those still unaccounted for. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.
“As most Texans were sleeping on the morning of July the 4th, a 100-year flood event caused the waters of the Guadalupe River to rise an astonishing 26 feet in 45 minutes, and the loss of life was horrific.”
“More than 100 people died in Central Texas from this flooding, including 27 young campers, young girls ranging down to the age of eight years old, as well as counselors at Camp Mystic.”
“This is a sad time for Texas, and it’s brought the Lone Star State to our knees in grief and in prayer.”
“When I was in Kerrville this last Saturday, I participated in an aerial tour, as I mentioned, and a car tour of the flooded areas. The damage I witnessed was nothing short of devastating.”
“I’m beyond grateful to the efforts of Governor Abbott, President Trump, and Secretary Noem for their quick response… approving a Federal Disaster Declaration and ensuring that every available resource is being put forward in the rescue and recovery efforts throughout Central Texas.”
“As a father of two daughters myself, my heart breaks. My heart breaks for all those who are grieving, and especially those who are holding out hope that somehow, some way their loved one may still be found.”
“While we try to wrap our heads around this heart wrenching disaster, we can find some solace, some encouragement in the bravery exhibited by the heroes – some of whom died to help saving these young girls.”
“Among these is Dick Eastland, who was the Director of Camp Mystic with his wife for many decades. Dick died while trying to save the lives of his young campers.”
“We can find hope and strength in the stories of those who gave their all to help their fellow Texans and the first responders who’ve miraculously saved 850 lives in high-water rescues.”
“One of those Coast Guard responders was a young man named Scott Ruskan, a rescue swimmer with the United States Coast Guard, who single-handedly saved nearly 170 people.”
“As Texans, we are all united in offering our prayers and support for all of the families who have lost loved ones and those who still remain unaccounted for. My wife and I, Sandy, will especially keep the parents grieving the loss of their precious children in our prayers.”
“I would now invite the Senate to observe a moment of silence in honor of the flooding victims, their families, all who died, suffered injuries, or are still unaccounted for after these terrible floods.”
Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the catastrophic floods that have devastated communities across Central Texas and taken more than 100 lives thus far, highlighted some of the heroic rescue and recovery efforts after seeing the damage firsthand during his visit to Kerrville on Saturday, and held a moment of silence with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to honor the lives lost and those still unaccounted for. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.
“As most Texans were sleeping on the morning of July the 4th, a 100-year flood event caused the waters of the Guadalupe River to rise an astonishing 26 feet in 45 minutes, and the loss of life was horrific.”
“More than 100 people died in Central Texas from this flooding, including 27 young campers, young girls ranging down to the age of eight years old, as well as counselors at Camp Mystic.”
“This is a sad time for Texas, and it’s brought the Lone Star State to our knees in grief and in prayer.”
“When I was in Kerrville this last Saturday, I participated in an aerial tour, as I mentioned, and a car tour of the flooded areas. The damage I witnessed was nothing short of devastating.”
“I’m beyond grateful to the efforts of Governor Abbott, President Trump, and Secretary Noem for their quick response… approving a Federal Disaster Declaration and ensuring that every available resource is being put forward in the rescue and recovery efforts throughout Central Texas.”
“As a father of two daughters myself, my heart breaks. My heart breaks for all those who are grieving, and especially those who are holding out hope that somehow, some way their loved one may still be found.”
“While we try to wrap our heads around this heart wrenching disaster, we can find some solace, some encouragement in the bravery exhibited by the heroes – some of whom died to help saving these young girls.”
“Among these is Dick Eastland, who was the Director of Camp Mystic with his wife for many decades. Dick died while trying to save the lives of his young campers.”
“We can find hope and strength in the stories of those who gave their all to help their fellow Texans and the first responders who’ve miraculously saved 850 lives in high-water rescues.”
“One of those Coast Guard responders was a young man named Scott Ruskan, a rescue swimmer with the United States Coast Guard, who single-handedly saved nearly 170 people.”
“As Texans, we are all united in offering our prayers and support for all of the families who have lost loved ones and those who still remain unaccounted for. My wife and I, Sandy, will especially keep the parents grieving the loss of their precious children in our prayers.”
“I would now invite the Senate to observe a moment of silence in honor of the flooding victims, their families, all who died, suffered injuries, or are still unaccounted for after these terrible floods.”
Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the catastrophic floods that have devastated communities across Central Texas and taken more than 100 lives thus far, highlighted some of the heroic rescue and recovery efforts after seeing the damage firsthand during his visit to Kerrville on Saturday, and held a moment of silence with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to honor the lives lost and those still unaccounted for. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.
“As most Texans were sleeping on the morning of July the 4th, a 100-year flood event caused the waters of the Guadalupe River to rise an astonishing 26 feet in 45 minutes, and the loss of life was horrific.”
“More than 100 people died in Central Texas from this flooding, including 27 young campers, young girls ranging down to the age of eight years old, as well as counselors at Camp Mystic.”
“This is a sad time for Texas, and it’s brought the Lone Star State to our knees in grief and in prayer.”
“When I was in Kerrville this last Saturday, I participated in an aerial tour, as I mentioned, and a car tour of the flooded areas. The damage I witnessed was nothing short of devastating.”
“I’m beyond grateful to the efforts of Governor Abbott, President Trump, and Secretary Noem for their quick response… approving a Federal Disaster Declaration and ensuring that every available resource is being put forward in the rescue and recovery efforts throughout Central Texas.”
“As a father of two daughters myself, my heart breaks. My heart breaks for all those who are grieving, and especially those who are holding out hope that somehow, some way their loved one may still be found.”
“While we try to wrap our heads around this heart wrenching disaster, we can find some solace, some encouragement in the bravery exhibited by the heroes – some of whom died to help saving these young girls.”
“Among these is Dick Eastland, who was the Director of Camp Mystic with his wife for many decades. Dick died while trying to save the lives of his young campers.”
“We can find hope and strength in the stories of those who gave their all to help their fellow Texans and the first responders who’ve miraculously saved 850 lives in high-water rescues.”
“One of those Coast Guard responders was a young man named Scott Ruskan, a rescue swimmer with the United States Coast Guard, who single-handedly saved nearly 170 people.”
“As Texans, we are all united in offering our prayers and support for all of the families who have lost loved ones and those who still remain unaccounted for. My wife and I, Sandy, will especially keep the parents grieving the loss of their precious children in our prayers.”
“I would now invite the Senate to observe a moment of silence in honor of the flooding victims, their families, all who died, suffered injuries, or are still unaccounted for after these terrible floods.”
Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the catastrophic floods that have devastated communities across Central Texas and taken more than 100 lives thus far, highlighted some of the heroic rescue and recovery efforts after seeing the damage firsthand during his visit to Kerrville on Saturday, and held a moment of silence with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to honor the lives lost and those still unaccounted for. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.
“As most Texans were sleeping on the morning of July the 4th, a 100-year flood event caused the waters of the Guadalupe River to rise an astonishing 26 feet in 45 minutes, and the loss of life was horrific.”
“More than 100 people died in Central Texas from this flooding, including 27 young campers, young girls ranging down to the age of eight years old, as well as counselors at Camp Mystic.”
“This is a sad time for Texas, and it’s brought the Lone Star State to our knees in grief and in prayer.”
“When I was in Kerrville this last Saturday, I participated in an aerial tour, as I mentioned, and a car tour of the flooded areas. The damage I witnessed was nothing short of devastating.”
“I’m beyond grateful to the efforts of Governor Abbott, President Trump, and Secretary Noem for their quick response… approving a Federal Disaster Declaration and ensuring that every available resource is being put forward in the rescue and recovery efforts throughout Central Texas.”
“As a father of two daughters myself, my heart breaks. My heart breaks for all those who are grieving, and especially those who are holding out hope that somehow, some way their loved one may still be found.”
“While we try to wrap our heads around this heart wrenching disaster, we can find some solace, some encouragement in the bravery exhibited by the heroes – some of whom died to help saving these young girls.”
“Among these is Dick Eastland, who was the Director of Camp Mystic with his wife for many decades. Dick died while trying to save the lives of his young campers.”
“We can find hope and strength in the stories of those who gave their all to help their fellow Texans and the first responders who’ve miraculously saved 850 lives in high-water rescues.”
“One of those Coast Guard responders was a young man named Scott Ruskan, a rescue swimmer with the United States Coast Guard, who single-handedly saved nearly 170 people.”
“As Texans, we are all united in offering our prayers and support for all of the families who have lost loved ones and those who still remain unaccounted for. My wife and I, Sandy, will especially keep the parents grieving the loss of their precious children in our prayers.”
“I would now invite the Senate to observe a moment of silence in honor of the flooding victims, their families, all who died, suffered injuries, or are still unaccounted for after these terrible floods.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Millions of households to be given income boost as Bill progresses through Parliament
Nearly 4 million households will see an annual income boost estimated to be worth £725 cash as a Bill to overhaul the welfare system completes the next stage of its passage through Parliament.
Bill to introduce biggest permanent boost to out-of-work support since 1980 progresses through Parliament.
Legislation will remove perverse disincentives to work that exist in the welfare system while protecting 200,000 of those with the most severe, lifelong conditions who are not expected to ever be able to work.
Alongside the Bill, disabled people and those with health conditions will have legal protections to try work without fear of reassessment.
Reforms to the welfare system aimed at improving living standards across the country and breaking down barriers to opportunity as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.
Nearly 4 million households will see an annual income boost estimated to be worth £725 cash as a Bill to overhaul the welfare system completes the next stage of its passage through Parliament.
For the first time ever, the Universal Credit standard allowance will permanently rise above inflation, amounting to £725 by 2029/30 in cash terms for a single person aged 25 or over.
This is the highest permanent real terms increase to the main rate of out-of-work support since 1980, according to the IFS.
Reforms set out in the Universal Credit Bill will look to rebalance the core payment and health top up in Universal Credit (UC). This will address the fundamental imbalance in the system which creates perverse incentives that drive people into dependency.
The Bill, which will legislate to make these changes, today successfully cleared the House of Commons. It will now be introduced into the House of Lords to continue its passage through Parliament towards Royal Assent.
Alongside these changes, we have published significant new measures, giving people receiving health and disability benefits the right to try work without fear of reassessment.
The new Right to Try Guarantee enshrines this in law for the first time and includes disabled people and people with health conditions – such as those recovering from illness – who want to return to work now their health has improved.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:
Our reforms are built on the principle of fairness, fixing a system that for too long has left people trapped in a cycle of dependence.
We are giving extra support to millions of households across the country, while offering disabled people the chance to work without fear of the repercussions if things don’t work out.
These reforms will change the lives of people across the country, so they have a real chance for a better future.
As part of our commitment to protect the most vulnerable and severely disabled, 200,000 in the Severe Conditions Criteria group – individuals with the most severe, lifelong conditions who are unlikely to recover – will not be called for a UC reassessment.
All existing recipients of the UC health element and new customers with 12 months or less to live or who meet the Severe Conditions Criteria will also see their standard allowance combined with their UC health element rise at least in line with inflation every year from 2026/27 to 2029/30.This means they can live with dignity and security, knowing the reforms to the welfare system mean it will always be there to support them.
We are also putting disabled people at the heart of a ministerial review of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment led by Disability Minister Stephen Timms and co-produced with disabled people, along with the organisations that represent them, experts, MPs and other stakeholders – making sure it is fair and fit for the future.
We will be engaging widely over the summer to design the process for the review and consider how it can best be co-produced to ensure that expertise from a range of different perspectives is drawn upon.
These reforms are underpinned by a major investment in employment support for sick and disabled people – worth £3.8 billion over the Parliament. Funding will be brought forward for tailored employment, health and skills support to help disabled people and those with health conditions get into work as part of our Pathways to Work guarantee.
This investment will accelerate the pace of new investments in employment support programmes, building on and learning from successes such as the Connect to Work programme, which are already rolling out to provide disabled people and people with health conditions with one-to-one support at the point when they feel ready to work.
The reforms build on the Get Britain Working White Paper that will overhaul Jobcentres, empower Mayors and local leaders to tackle inactivity, and deliver a Youth Guarantee so every young person is either earning or learning, as part of the Government’s ambition to deliver an 80% employment rate.
Further information
The Universal Credit standard allowance is set to be around £250 higher than an inflation only increases.
The UC Bill legislates for:
Rebalancing of UC health and standard elements to address the fundamental imbalance in the system which creates perverse incentives that drive people into dependency through:
Increasing the UC standard allowance above inflation for the next four years – worth an estimated £725 by 2029/30 for a single adult aged 25 or over.
Reducing the health top-up for new claims to £50 per week from April 2026.
Ensuring that all existing recipients of the UC health element – and any new claimant meeting the Severe Conditions Criteria and/or that has their claims considered under the Special Rules for End of Life (SREL) – will receive the higher UC health payment after April 2026.
Exemptions from reassessment for those with the most severe, lifelong conditions.
More women and their children leaving violence now have safe, secure place to stay as 44 new shelter and transitional housing spaces have opened in Kelowna.
“Making sure women and children escaping violence can live safely, comfortably and affordably is essential to helping them recover and move forward,” said Ravi Kahlon, B.C.’s Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “Adding new shelter beds and transitional homes in Kelowna is offering hope, stability and the opportunity to live free from abuse.”
The Province, through BC Housing, provided more than $5 million to the new Alexandra Gardner Women and Children Safe Centre (AG House) through a shovel-ready housing grant. A redevelopment of a former 20-space shelter, the newly built five-storey building features 20 shelter spaces for women and an additional 24 transitional studio homes for women and their children leaving violence.
“Our government is committed to helping communities develop local solutions to housing need and homelessness,” said Stephen Fuhr, federal Secretary of State and MP for Kelowna. “This is why the Government of Canada has invested in AG House here in Kelowna. These new shelter beds and homes mean that women and their families will have a place to turn to where they will have the support they need to rebuild their lives, heal and gain independence. It’s another step forward in our bold, ambitious plan to build Canada strong.”
NOW Canada will operate the new AG House, which includes two separate entrances for the women’s shelter and transition homes. The building has a full commercial kitchen, dining area and lounge, as well as laundry facilities. NOW Canada staff will be available on site to provide 24/7 support to clients.
“NOW Canada is proud to partner with all levels of government to redevelop our shelter and add 24 transitional housing suites for women and children in Kelowna,” said Liz Talbott, executive director, NOW Canada. “This is a vital step toward addressing the shortage of shelter beds, affordable housing and essential services for vulnerable women in our community.”
This project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the province has more than 93,250 homes that have been delivered or are underway, including more than 2,200 homes in Kelowna.
In addition, through Building BC: Women’s Transition Housing Fund, the Province is working in partnership to deliver and operate 3,000 new transition, second-stage and long-term affordable housing spaces for women and children in the province. To date, more than 1,200 units are complete or underway throughout the province.
Quotes:
Jennifer Blatherwick, B.C.’s parliamentary secretary for gender equity –
“Every person has the right to feel safe, valued and empowered in their home and community. However, too many people face a risk of violence, which is why more safe housing in Kelowna will provide a foundation for healing, refuge and care.”
Tom Dyas, mayor of Kelowna –
“Everyone deserves to be safe and have access to the supports they need. This new centre provides women and children in crisis with a secure, caring environment to begin rebuilding their lives. Thank you to all the partners who came together to make this possible.”
Quick Facts:
As with all projects for women and children leaving violence, the project address has not been disclosed for safety reasons.
Safe and Supported: B.C.’s Gender-Based Violence action plan was released in December 2023.
The action plan reports on vital work underway across government to address gender-based violence.
Initiatives were developed in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous partners, and with advice from community service providers and advocates.
Learn More:
To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for people in British Columbia, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/
A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC
For provincial supports available for survivors of gender-based violence, sexual assault or domestic violence, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/public-safety/domestic-violence
To learn more about Safe and Supported: B.C.’s Gender-based Violence Action Plan, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/gender-equity/ending-gender-based-violence
For the most-requested Government of Canada housing information, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/finance/manage/housing.html
To be attributed to Detective Inspector Daryl Smith, Waikato Field Crime Manager:
Police have charged a 20-year-old man with murder following an incident at a house on Bellmont Avenue in Chartwell, Hamilton last night.
Police were called to the property at 6.40pm and located a 31-year-old man deceased.
The alleged offender, who was known to the victim, had fled the scene prior to police arrival.
A search for the alleged offender immediately commenced, including the deployment of Eagle helicopter to Waikato District to assist.
At around 12.20am, the alleged offender stole a car from a motorist at gunpoint. The motorist had stopped to pick up the man, who was hitchhiking on Gordonton Road. Fortunately the motorist was not injured but they were understandably shaken by the incident.
At around 12.40am a police dog unit spotted the stolen car and pursued it north to Ngāruawāhia, where road spikes were deployed. The car came to a stop in Ngāruāwahia and the alleged offender was arrested.
The 20-year-old man has been charged with murder, aggravated robbery and failing to stop for police.
He is expected to appear in Hamilton District Court this morning.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Sporting icon Robert de Castella presents cyclist Jay Vine with the 2024 Athlete of the Year – Men’s Sport Award
In brief:
Winners of the CBR Sport Awards 2024 have been announced.
Awards are given to the ACT’s top athletes, teams and special contributors.
This article lists the winners and Hall of Fame inductees.
Canberra’s top athletes, sporting teams and special contributors have been acknowledged at the 2024 CBR Sport Awards.
The city’s sporting community came together to celebrate their outstanding achievements, both in the past year and over time.
CBR Sport Awards 2024 winners
Athlete of the Year – Men’s Sport Jay Vine – Cycling
Athlete of the Year – Women’s Sport Jade Melbourne – Basketball
Athlete of the Year – Para Sport James Turner – Athletics
Team of the Year Canberra Brave – Ice Hockey
Rising Star Cameron Myers – Athletics
The Minister for Sport and Recreation’s Awards, which form part of the CBR Sport Awards were also awarded.
These seek to recognise some of the great activities happening in ACT sporting clubs and organisations.
Ministers Award for Event Excellence Softball ACT – 2024 Gilley’s Shield
Ministers Award for Innovation Bowls ACT – Graded Reserve Open Gender Championships
Hall of Fame inductees
Four new inductees were welcomed into the ACT Sport Hall of Fame this year.
The ACT Sport Hall of Fame is located at the Sporting Commons at the University of Canberra.
It began in 1995 and recognises both athletes (Full Member) and non-athletes – including coaches, officials, sport scientists, journalists and administrators (Associate Member) from the region.
This year the ACT Sport Hall of Fame welcomed:
Katrina Fanning – Full Member – Rugby League
Brad Haddin – Full Member – Cricket
Carrie Graf – Associate Member – Basketball
Ron Harvey – Associate Member – Basketball
Sport in Canberra
Sport unites the Canberra community, building pride in the city and breaking down barriers of culture, class and gender.
The ACT has a proud sporting culture, boasting the highest sporting participation rates in the country.