Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division
Headline: Miami Return Preparer Agrees to Injunction and Disgorgement
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida issued an injunction today against Miami tax return preparer Nia Daniel, which bars her from preparing tax returns for others, having any ownership stake in any tax preparation business, or assisting or training others in tax return preparation through at least Jan. 27, 2028.
Source: United States Attorneys General
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida issued an injunction today against Miami tax return preparer Nia Daniel, which bars her from preparing tax returns for others, having any ownership stake in any tax preparation business, or assisting or training others in tax return preparation through at least Jan. 27, 2028. The court also ordered Daniel to disgorge $446,000 in ill-gotten gains she received from her return preparation business. Daniel agreed to both the injunction and ordered disgorgement.
The complaint alleged that Daniel understated customers’ tax liability and claimed inflated refunds largely by:
According to the complaint, the IRS estimated a tax loss of more than $500,000 in 2023 alone from returns prepared by Daniel.
The Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.
Taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant against unscrupulous tax preparers. The IRS has information on its website for choosing a tax return preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers. The IRS also offers 10 tips to avoid tax season fraud and ways safeguard personal information.
In the past decade, the Department of Justice Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
ROCKFORD — A California truck driver was sentenced today to eleven years in federal prison for trafficking $2.5 million worth of cocaine that was destined for Chicago.
RONALD COLEMAN, 45, of Barstow, Calif., pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston imposed the sentence during a hearing in federal court in Rockford.
Coleman admitted in a plea agreement that in April 2023 he was the driver of a semi-truck and trailer traveling through Whiteside County, Ill. on Interstate 88. Inside his semi-trailer, he knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute more than 91 kilograms of cocaine with a street value of $2.5 million. Coleman was transporting the cocaine to a warehouse in Chicago, where he was to exchange the drugs for cash and transport the money back to California. Inside his semi-truck, Coleman also possessed a firearm to protect himself, the cocaine, and the cash during the transport. Coleman expected to be paid for transporting the cocaine from California to Chicago.
The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Sheila G. Lyons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The Illinois State Police provided assistance in the investigation.
The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Ladd.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Alex Kai Tick Chin, 40, of San Francisco, California, was sentenced today to 37 years in prison, to be followed by 20 years of supervised release, for production of child pornography, enticement of a minor, and committing a sex crime against a minor while a registered sex offender.
A federal jury convicted Chin on August 22, 2024, after a three-day trial. Evidence at trial proved that from on or about December 12, 2020, through on or about February 14, 2021, Chin coerced a minor female residing within the Southern District of West Virginia to record and send him sexually explicit images of herself via the Snapchat multimedia instant messaging app. Chin threatened to harm himself if the minor female did not send him sexually explicit images.
Chin exchanged messages with a second minor female during the same time period who also resided within the Southern District of West Virginia, engaging in sexual conversations and soliciting nude images from her as well. Chin also threatened to harm himself in conversations with the second minor female unless she complied with his demands. Chin sent photos and videos of himself to the second minor female, including an image of himself masturbating.
Chin continued to communicate with both minor females until early March 2022, when he drove from California in a white panel van equipped with a mattress to the Southern District of West Virginia. There, he attempted unsuccessfully to meet both minor females in person.
Chin was a registered sex offender at the time of these offenses, and has been since his felony conviction for possession of child pornography in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, on December 27, 2017.
“The defendant was already a convicted sex offender when he targeted these two minor victims online. He groomed them, preyed upon their vulnerabilities, and coerced them into sending him pictures,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “He has shown a complete inability to take any responsibility for his own actions or demonstrate any remorse for his conduct, which was reprehensible in this case.”
Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Courtney L. Finney prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-87.
###
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
NEWNAN, Ga. – Arthur Gene Young, a multi-convicted felon with a history of violence, has been sentenced to federal prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm while resisting police officers in a small west Georgia city.
“Armed felons cannot be allowed to terrorize the citizens of our district,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “After Young was arrested with a firearm for the third time in two years, local law enforcement wisely sought federal assistance to ensure he would be removed from the community. We will continue to work with our partners at all levels to protect the public from gun violence and repeat violent offenders.”
“The law-abiding citizens of this community are safer because of today’s sentence which will ensure the incarceration of a dangerous criminal and contribute to the restoration of order and peace to this area,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Gibbons. “This sentence sends a direct message to criminals that ATF and our local law enforcement partners will investigate violent criminals and protect citizens.”
“The partnership of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies is imperative to help local communities stay safe,” said Bremen Police Department Lieutenant Joshua Newman. “The Bremen Police Department would like to thank all the agencies and law enforcement officers that were involved in this case.”
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the charges and other information presented in court: On May 2, 2023, less than a month after his release from state prison for other criminal conduct, Arthur Gene Young shoplifted from a pharmacy located in Bremen, Georgia. He returned to the pharmacy the following morning and argued with the store manager. Police officers responded and, upon learning of the earlier shoplifting incident, escorted Young from the store to arrest him. Young refused to obey the officers’ commands and shouted that he would not go back to prison as he fled the scene.
As officers pursued Young through the center of town and towards a church preschool, Young exclaimed that he was armed and demanded to be left alone. As additional officers responded, Young crossed a highway, scaled a berm, and walked onto an active train track. There, he grabbed the wrist and arm of a deputy sheriff who attempted to detain him. Ultimately, Young tripped, giving officers an opportunity to place handcuffs around one of his wrists. But Young fought the officers and refused to comply as the officers attempted to fully cuff him. During the struggle, one of the officers noticed the grip of a loaded 7.65mm semiautomatic pistol in Young’s right pants pocket. The officer managed to secure the weapon before Young was finally handcuffed.
As a multi-convicted felon, Young was legally prohibited from possessing firearms. Young’s decade-long criminal record included convictions for crimes of violence, such as attempted robbery by intimidation and terroristic threats, as well as other offenses. Additionally, at the time of his arrest following the incident at the Bremen pharmacy, Young was under indictment and on pretrial release in three cases brought in 2021 and 2022 charging him with attempted armed robbery, attempted robbery by intimidation, and two counts each of felon in possession of a firearm, aggravated assault, and simple assault.
Arthur Gene Young, 34, of Bremen, Georgia, was sentenced on April 22, 2025, by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr. to 14 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Young was convicted of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person on January 14, 2025, after he pleaded guilty in the middle of a jury trial.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Bremen Police Department. The Haralson County Sheriff’s Office, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, and Georgia State Patrol provided valuable assistance.
Assistant United States Attorneys Theodore S. Hertzberg and Amy M. Palumbo prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Paul Mignacca, age 46, of Syracuse, was sentenced today to 78 months in federal prison for distribution, transportation, and possession of child pornography. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig R. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
Between September 2023 and February 2024, Mignacca uploaded several videos of child sexual abuse material to a social media application group chat dedicated to sharing child pornography files, as well as to Mignacca’s private account on an Internet-based filesharing application. Law enforcement arrested Mignacca in April 2024 and seized his electronic devices. Digital forensic analysis revealed that Mignacca possessed more than 3,400 files constituting child pornography.
United States Chief District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also ordered Mignacca to serve a 10-year term of post-incarceration supervised release, to pay a total of $60,000 in restitution to children identified from the child pornography he possessed, and to forfeit the electronic device he used to commit the offenses. Mignacca will also be required to register as a sex offender after his release from prison.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis prosecuted the case as a part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
NEW YORK — An investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement resulted in charges against a Rwandan man for lying on his applications for a green card and United States citizenship by concealing his past role as a local leader and perpetrator of violence during the genocide in Rwanda in 1994.
As alleged, Faustin Nsabumukunzi, 65, who was living in Bridgehampton, New York, was a local leader with the title of “Sector Counselor” in Rwanda in 1994 when the genocide began. Between April and July of that year, members of the majority Hutu population persecuted the minority Tutsis, committing acts of violence including murder and rape. An estimated 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed during the three-month genocide. Nsabumukunzi was arrested April 24 on Long Island.
ICE Homeland Security Investigations New York acting Special Agent in Charge Darren B. McCormack; Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and John J. Durham, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York announced the charges.
“This defendant has been living in the United States for decades, hiding his alleged horrific conduct, human rights violations, and his role in these senseless atrocities against innocent Tutsis,” said ICE HSI New York acting Special Agent in Charge Darren B. McCormack. “The depraved conduct of which the defendant is accused represents the worst of humanity. As demonstrated through the tireless work of HSI New York agents, analysts, and task force officers, we will never tolerate the safe harboring of individuals linked to such unimaginable crimes.”
Acting SAC McCormack thanked United States Citizenship and Immigration Services personnel for their collaborative and assistance.
“This case is the epitome of HSI’s commitment to ensuring the United States is not a safe haven for human rights violators,” said Andre R. Watson, Assistant Director for National Security. “We will work tirelessly to identify, investigate and remove perpetrators of genocide, torture, war crimes and other human rights violations and to ensure justice for their victims.”
As alleged in the indictment, Nsabumukunzi used his leadership position to oversee the violence and killings of Tutsis in his local area and directed groups of armed Hutus to kill Tutsis. He is alleged to have set up roadblocks during the genocide to detain and kill Tutsis and to have participated in killings. According to court filings, Nsabumukunzi was subsequently convicted in absentia by a Rwandan court for genocide.
As further alleged, Nsabumukunzi applied for admission to the United States in 2003, applied for and received a green card in 2007, and later submitted applications for naturalization in 2009 and 2015. Nsabumukunzi is alleged to have lied to U.S. immigration officials in his immigration applications, including by falsely denying any involvement as a perpetrator of the Rwandan genocide. As a result of his ongoing efforts to conceal his actions during the genocide, Nsabumukunzi has been able to live and work in the United States since 2003.
“As alleged, the defendant participated in the commission of heinous acts of violence abroad and then lied his way into a green card and tried to obtain U.S. citizenship,” said Galeotti. “No matter how much time has passed, the Department of Justice will find and prosecute individuals who committed atrocities in their home countries and covered them up to gain entry and seek citizenship in the United States.”
“As alleged, Nsabumukunzi repeatedly lied to conceal his involvement in the horrific Rwandan genocide while seeking to become a lawful permanent resident and citizen of the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Durham. “For over two decades, he got away with those lies and lived in the United States with an undeserved clean slate, a luxury that his victims will never have, but thanks to the tenacious efforts of our investigators and prosecutors, the defendant finally will be held accountable for his brutal actions.”
Nsabumukunzi is charged with one count of visa fraud and two counts of attempted naturalization fraud. The defendant made his initial court appearance April 24 in the Eastern District of New York. If convicted, he faces a statutory maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.
ICE HSI New York’s Assistant Special Agent in Charge Long Island office investigated the case, with assistance from the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center. Currently, HSI has more than 180 active investigations into suspected human rights violators and is pursuing more than 1,945 leads and removals cases involving suspected human rights violators from 95 different countries. Since 2003, the HRVWCC has issued more than 79,000 lookouts for potential perpetrators of human rights abuses, and stopped over 390 human rights violators and war crimes suspects from entering the U.S.
Members of the public who have information about former human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact U.S. law enforcement through the ICE Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423) or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. You can also email HRV.ICE@ice.dhs.gov or complete the online tip form.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Dustin P. Brunker, 37, Weston, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 7 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Brunker pleaded guilty to this charge on January 28, 2025.
In early 2024, investigators with the Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force began investigating a group of individuals who were distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine in the Marathon County area. Brunker was identified as a distributor for the group.
Following a series of controlled purchases of methamphetamine involving Brunker in March and April of 2024, task force officers executed a search warrant at a residence that Brunker shared with co-defendant Mercadys A. Perkins in Weston. Officers found over 300 grams of methamphetamine, over $2,000 in cash, drug ledgers, and other drug trafficking paraphernalia during the search.
Further investigation revealed that between February 18, 2024, and April 12, 2024, a co-conspirator provided Brunker and Perkins approximately 16 pounds of methamphetamine and 6 ounces of cocaine intended for further distribution.
At the time of these events, Brunker was serving a term of state supervision for two felony cases and out on state bond for a felony drug charge. His state supervision was revoked, and he was sentenced to a total of 3 years in state prison, which he is currently serving. Judge Conley ordered the federal sentence run concurrently with the remainder of Brunker’s state prison sentences.
At sentencing, Judge Conley called Brunker’s large quantity methamphetamine trafficking egregious. Judge Conley further observed that while Brunker had a lengthy prior record, the conduct in the present case showed an escalation in criminality.
Three others were charged in connection with this drug trafficking conspiracy. Mercadys Perkins was convicted of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and sentenced to 6 years in federal prison on April 17, 2025. Joshua Lake and Jessica Colby have pleaded guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced in the coming weeks.
The charge against Brunker was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force comprised of investigators from the FBI, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Bay Police Department, Wausau Police Department and Wisconsin National Guard Counter Drug Program. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the case. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. The Marathon County District Attorney’s Office also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to unlawful possession of a machinegun.
James Thelwell-Mullen, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a machinegun before U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs who scheduled sentencing for July 29, 2025. In July 2024, Thelwell-Mullen was indicted by a federal grand jury.
On or around April 28, 2023, Thelwell-Mullen unlawfully possessed a machinegun conversion device, commonly referred to as a “Glock switch” – a device designed to enable a Glock semi-automatic pistol to fire automatically. According to court documents, a machinegun conversion device, as well as two privately made firearms, ammunition, firearm magazines, other firearm accessories, and one plastic bag of fentanyl, were recovered during a search of Thelwell-Mullen’s Boston residence. Messages on Thelwell-Mullen’s phone indicated that he was also selling machinegun conversion devices.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Criminal Division.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
New York, NY, April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CrpoBase has obtained the Money Services Business (MSB) license issued by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, officially completing its compliance registration in the United States. This milestone signifies CrpoBase as one of the very few global cryptocurrency trading platforms with both U.S. domestic registration and licensing, further showcasing its compliance strength and regulatory transparency in the global digital asset industry.
Compliance has become the core competitive advantage for the platform, with CrpoBase continuously deepening its global regulatory layout.
CEO Michael Garrett of CrpoBase stated in a media interview, “We have not only established a physical entity in the United States but also chosen the ‘U.S. regulatory structure’ as the cornerstone of the exchange’s governance. This is to provide global users and institutional clients with clearer and more reliable legal and financial security.”
As of now, CrpoBase Exchange has established comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance processes, strictly adhering to the U.S. Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) 40 recommendations for combating money laundering. Through multi-layer verification mechanisms in registration, trading, withdrawals, custody, and other aspects, user data protection and risk screening are conducted to ensure that user assets are monitorable, auditable, and traceable throughout the entire process.
Endorsed by the MSB license, CrpoBase attracts global capital and institutional trust.
The U.S. MSB license, as one of the most authoritative financial regulatory qualifications globally, imposes strict requirements on platform asset security capabilities, risk control capabilities, anti-money laundering mechanisms, customer protection mechanisms, among others. The successful approval of CrpoBase indicates that its technical architecture, financial transparency, and compliance operations have met international financial institution standards.
According to industry experts’ analysis, against the backdrop of tightening global compliance and stricter reviews, CrpoBase’s acquisition of the MSB qualification is equivalent to obtaining a “passport to the global institutional capital market.” This will not only help the platform expand its high-net-worth and institutional client base in more European and American regions but also lay a solid foundation for future applications for licenses in Singapore (PSA), the EU (MiCA), Japan (FSA), and other countries.
CrpoBase Exchange: Establishing the cornerstone of compliant, secure, and international digital asset trading
As one of the leading global digital asset platforms, CrpoBase Exchange has consistently adhered to the core development philosophy of “compliance driving growth, security empowering the ecosystem.” Based in the United States, the platform offers diverse services including spot trading, stablecoin exchanges, DeFi aggregation gateways, institutional custody, and more. It currently serves over 15 million users globally across North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and other core markets.
Looking ahead, CrpoBase will continue to expand its global compliance footprint, foster deep cooperation with international regulators, sovereign funds, major brokerage firms, and traditional financial institutions, striving to become the most trusted “compliant financial foundation” in the global Web3 infrastructure.
Media contact
Contact: Sandra C. Collins
Company Name: CrpoBase LTD
Website: https://trade.crpobasex.com
Email: Sandra(at)crpobasex.com
Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.
Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2
strong>FRANKFORT, Ky. –A Disaster Recovery Center has opened in Hardin County to offer in-person support to Kentucky survivors who experienced loss as the result of the April severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides. The new Disaster Recovery Center in Hardin County is located at:
Kentucky State Police Post #4, 954 Cameron Ponder Drive, Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Working hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Saturday and 1 – 7 p.m. Eastern Time, Sunday.
FEMA representatives can explain available assistance programs, how to apply to FEMA, and help connect survivors with resources for their recovery needs. Representatives from the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance, the Kentucky Department of Insurance and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will also be available at the recovery centers to assist survivors.
Click here to find centers that are already open in Kentucky. You can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed.
To find all other center locations, including those in other states, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362.
FEMA is encouraging Kentuckians affected by the April storms to apply for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible.
If you are unable to visit a center, there are other ways to apply: online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA app for mobile devices or call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.
When you apply, you will need to provide:
A current phone number where you can be contacted.
Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
Your Social Security Number.
A general list of damage and losses.
Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.
Apply Separately for Each Disaster
When two or more disasters are declared in the same state, FEMA ensures survivors receive all eligible assistance while preventing a duplication of federal benefits. Disaster survivors affected by multiple disasters should apply with FEMA separately for each individual disaster.
When applying for FEMA assistance, be sure to specify the damage and the date it occurred to ensure you are applying under the correct declaration number.
DR-4860-KY for the severe storms, straight-line winds, landslides and mudslides that occurred from Feb14 – March 7. Homeowners and renters in Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Simpson, Woodford counties may be eligible. The deadline to apply under DR-4860-KY is May 25.
DR-4864-KY for the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred on April 2 and continuing. Homeowners and renters in the Anderson, Butler, Carroll, Christian, Clark, Franklin, Hardin, Hopkins, Jessamine, McCracken, Mercer, Owen and Woodford counties may be eligible. Survivors have 60 days from the date of the presidential major disaster declaration to apply for individual assistance under DR-4864-KY.
Homeowners and renters in Woodford County may be eligible for federal assistance under DR-4860-KY or/and DR-4864-KY. If you had property damage or loss in Woodford County from the February severe incident, and then again from the April severe incident, you will need to complete two separate disaster assistance applications.
For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4860 and www.fema.gov/disaster/4864. Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x.com/femaregion4.
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment has arrested a man for assaulting a fishery officer in the lawful execution of their duties in Smiths Settlement.
On April 26, at approximately 5 a.m., RCMP officers responded to a report of an assault near Hwy 7. RCMP officers learned that Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) was attempting to conduct an inspection at Eel Pond when a man driving an Acura TL collided with a uniformed fishery officer who was on foot and instructing the driver to stop.
The fishery officer was not injured.
The 36-year-old driver from Sipekne’katik was safely arrested at the scene by RCMP officers. During a search of the vehicle, an extendable baton and drug paraphernalia were seized.
The man was later released. He’s scheduled to appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court on August 20, at 9:30 a.m., to face a charge of Assault with a Weapon.
A second man who was present at the time of the incident was arrested by DFO in relation to a Fisheries Act investigation and later released.
File #: 25-57781
Source: United Nations (Video News)
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
Financing for Development
Deputy Secretary-General
Victims of Terrorism Associations’ Network
Trust Fund in Support of Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
International Court of Justice
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Lebanon/Israel
Yemen
Sudan
Afghanistan
Myanmar
Security Council
International Day
Resident Coordinator – Samoa
Financial Contribution
Briefings Today
FINANCING FOR DEVELOPMENT
This morning, the Secretary-General, as you heard, spoke at the Economic and Social Council Forum on Financing for Development.
He said that, as we prepare for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla in July, we are facing some harsh truths: donors are pulling the plug on aid commitments, the Sustainable Development Goals are dramatically off track and high borrowing costs are draining away public investments.
But, the more dangerous truth is that collaboration is being questioned with the ongoing trade wars. The Secretary-General said trade is a prime example of the benefits of international cooperation, and trade barriers are a clear and present danger to the global economy and sustainable development.
These are tough times, he said, but it is in difficult periods that the imperative for responsible, sustainable investment is even more critical.
DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL
The Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed is in Montevideo, Uruguay. Today, she met with the President of Uruguay, Yamandú Orsi, to discuss the country’s development priorities and their alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Later today, she will meet with several Government Ministers to discuss the partnership between the United Nations and Uruguay. She is also meeting youth groups, civil society, and of course the country team of the United Nations.
And over the weekend, she chaired the annual regional retreat with UN Resident Coordinators from across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Ms. Mohammed will leave Uruguay later today and will be back here tomorrow evening.
VICTIMS OF TERRORISM ASSOCIATIONS’ NETWORK
This morning, our friends at the Office of Counter-Terrorism launched the Victims of Terrorism Associations’ Network. This is an initiative that brings together victims of terrorism and victims’ associations from across the globe to drive collective action to support victims’ rights and needs.
The network aims to provide a safe space for victims and survivors of terrorism to support each other, build resilience and engage as advocates, as educators, and as peacebuilders.
The development of the network was supported by a financial contribution from Spain.
The network was launched during an event this morning – and it is already available on UN Webtv. More information on the website of the office of Counter-terrorism.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=28%20April%202025
Source: European Parliament
Directive 93/13/EEC[1] requires Member States to ensure that consumers are not bound by unfair contract terms. I t applies to all contracts on the purchase of goods and services[2] including financial services .
Under Directive 93 /13/EEC as interpreted by the Court of Justice of the European Union , i t is for Greek authorities and courts to assess, based on the circumstances of each case, whether Greek banks comply with their obligations regarding the fairness and transparency of contract terms such as those exposing the borrower to a foreign exchange risk[3], and draw conclusions in each case .
In particular, contracts continue to be binding without the unfair terms[4] unless this is impossible under national law. The practical consequences of the invalidity of a mortgage loan contract on account of unfair terms are also governed by national law, provided that it allows to restore the situation which the consumer would have been in without the contract[5].
Finally, remedies enabling consumers to rely on the unfairness of contract terms must be available under conditions which do not hamper the obtention of the protection sought, including through interim measures[6].
The Commission does not have powers to intervene in individual consumer disputes, to review decisions of national authorities and courts or to order the suspension of property auctioning.
Regarding Directive 2014/17/EU[7], it introduced specific rules to protect consumers where the credit is dominated in a foreign currency (e.g. explanations for the implications to consumers, right to convert the credit agreement into an alternative currency).
The directive only applies to mortgage credit contracts concluded as from March 2016, not offering protection for contracts prior to this date.
Source: European Parliament
The Digital Services Act (DSA) [1] mandates the Commission to designate an online platform or online search engine as a very large online platform (VLOP) or very large search engine (VLOSE) when their number of average monthly active recipients in the EU for the last six months is equal or higher than 45 million,[2] making them subject to additional due diligence obligations.
As clarified by the Recital 75, this is due to the importance of VLOPs and VLOSEs, given their reach, in facilitating public debate, economic transactions, the dissemination of information, opinions or ideas, and in influencing how recipients obtain and communicate information online.[3]
VLOPs and VLOSEs may cause societal risks with a different impact than smaller platforms, and it is required from them to bear the highest proportional standard of due diligence obligations.[4]
The provider may exercise its right to be heard in the process leading up to the designation of its service. As any Commission decision, the designation of a service as a VLOP or VLOSE is subject to judicial review by the Court of Justice of the European Union,[5].
To tackle the different potential societal and economic risks VLOPs and VLOSEs may pose in view of their extended reach and network effects, the specific obligations applicable to them essentially define a risk-based framework where potential risks specific to their characteristics and features needs to be assessed and corresponding mitigation measures defined and audited. This ensures proportionality of the measures in line with the actual level of risk of the platform and their characteristics.
Finally, under DSA Article 91[6] the Commission shall evaluate and report[7] on the current process for designation of VLOPs and VLOSEs[8].
Source: European Parliament
Delivering on the EU’s climate targets[1] requires a swift decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from all sectors, including transport. It is also urgent to reduce Europe’s reliance on imported fossil fuels, which makes the EU more vulnerable to external pressure and global market uncertainty — in 2022, the EU’s fossil-fuel energy import bill reached EUR 604 billion.
The CO2 standards Regulation[2] sets targets for new cars and vans, which get more stringent over time, up to a 100% emission reduction as of 2035.
This creates long-term predictability for manufacturers and investors, while giving industry the necessary lead-time to adapt. This also supports competitiveness — EU manufacturers are strongly investing in zero-emission technologies and a strong home market is a crucial enabler for them to regain leadership in this area.
The 2025 CO2 targets, which require a 15% reduction of emissions from baseline, can be met through a mix of technological options, including electric and hybrid vehicles.
For manufacturers that may not be able to comply on their own , the regulation, as strongly requested by the industry, provides the option to pool with other manufacturers. Pooling is not required under the regulation — it is one option in manufacturers’ compliance strategy.
As announced in the Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector[3], on 1 April 2025 the Commission proposed a targeted amendment of the CO2 standards, whereby compliance would be assessed over the years 2025, 2026 and 2027 combined instead of annually[4].
This will contribute to safeguarding the EU industry’s capacity to invest, keeping the overall ambition of the 2025 targets. The Commission will also accelerate work on the preparation of the review of the regulation .
Source: European Parliament
Delivering on the EU’s net greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 and the climate neutrality target by 2050[1] calls for ambitious action to ensure a swift decrease in emissions from all sectors, including transport.
The revised CO2 standards Regulation[2] sets targets which get more stringent over time, up to a 100% emission reduction for new cars and vans registered in the EU as of 2035.
This gradual transition towards zero-emission mobility gives industry enough lead-time to develop an adequate compliance strategy.
The 2025 target requiring a 15% reduction of emissions from the 2021 baseline was agreed by the co-legislators in 2019 and confirmed in 2023. Manufacturers may rely on various technologies to achieve this target, such as zero-emission and hybrid vehicles, or improvements of conventional vehicles.
For manufacturers that may not be in a position to achieve target compliance on their own, the regulation provides the option to pool with other manufacturers. Pooling is not mandatory, but is one option as part of manufacturers’ compliance strategy.
As announced in the Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector[3], on 1 April 2025 the Commission proposed a targeted amendment of the CO2 emission standards, whereby the compliance would be assessed over the years of 2025, 2026 and 2027 instead of annually[4].
This will contribute to safeguarding industry’s capacity to invest, keeping the overall ambition of the 2025 targets. The Commission will also accelerate work on the preparation of the review of the regulation.
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001572/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Fabio De Masi (NI)
In 2023, the Commission – on behalf of President von der Leyen and Commissioner Gabriel – acknowledged the importance of enhancing detection capabilities for objects in the near-Earth space environment, partly to better identify UAP[1].
Can the Commission clarify how it intends to honour its previously stated intention to enhance UAP detection capabilities in the space domain, and explain why no reference to UAP has been included in the ongoing development of the EU Space Law?
Submitted: 17.4.2025
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is investigating a vehicle crash involving a fatality in Hammonds Plains.
Yesterday, at approximately 8:40 p.m., RCMP officers, fire services, and EHS responded to a report of a vehicle crash at the intersection of Kingswood Dr. and Terradore Ln. Investigators learned that a Ford Edge travelling on Terradore Ln. went through the intersection, struck a fire hydrant, and came to rest in the tree line.
The driver, a 72-year-old Hammonds Plains man, who was pronounced deceased at the scene, is believed to have suffered a medical incident.
The passenger, a 70-year-old Hammonds Plains woman, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital by EHS.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Our thoughts are with the man’s loved ones at this difficult time.
File #: 25-58591
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
McALLEN, Texas – A 55-year-old McAllen resident has been ordered to prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Mayela Saby Cantu pleaded guilty Dec. 20, 2024.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has ordered Cantu to serve 24 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $350,000 in restitution. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that detailed Cantu’s role in the scheme. The victim also reported the significant loss due to Cantu’s actions and asked the court for a sentence that would operate as a deterrent for others. In handing down the prison term, the court noted the complexity of the scheme and emphasized that Cantu’s role as an escrow officer allowed her to facilitate the scheme.
At the time of her plea, Cantu admitted she knowingly participated in a scheme that used falsified lien payoff statements, fraudulent warranty deeds and deceptive emails to mislead lenders, title companies and property buyers.
From November 2020 until her arrest, Cantu defrauded buyers and lenders in multiple property transactions while working at a McAllen title company. Using her position of trust, she facilitated closings backed by falsified documents. In one notable case, she directed others to create a fraudulent email address resembling that of a legitimate lienholder. Cantu then used the fake account to send false payoff amounts via interstate wires, leading a title company to improperly disburse more than $350,000.
Cantu facilitated additional fraudulent property transactions, including arranging closing on properties that had already been sold and accepting undisclosed cash payments. By concealing the true nature of these deals, she caused significant financial harm to the affected parties.
She was permitted to remain on bond pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI, McAllen Police Department and Texas Department of Insurance conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Garcia prosecuted the case.
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001534/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Mariusz Kamiński (ECR)
The Commission’s rule of law report criticised the conservative Polish government for arresting dangerous Russian spy Pavel Rubtsov[1], which raises serious questions. Poland was clearly being pressured to release a Russian spy. In addition, this was an attack on the EU’s most anti-Putin government, which has been exceptionally active in supporting Ukraine in the war with Russia. Despite spending millions of euros on fact-checking and fighting disinformation, the Commission made no effort to verify the circumstances around Rubtsov’s arrest but simply, and disgracefully, played into Russia’s hands.
The Commission handled the situation disgracefully, avoiding any responsibility and pinning the blame entirely on the Council of Europe’s platform[2]. However, following the spy exchange and the public welcome from Putin that backed up the Polish government’s position, the Council of Europe updated the information on the platform on 16 October. Other organisations also withdrew their false accusations[3]. By not withdrawing its disgraceful claims, the Commission is alone in stubbornly sticking to and promoting the lie. Commissioner McGrath’s stance was also significant – during an EUDS committee meeting he did not respond to questions on the matter.
Submitted: 15.4.2025
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
NEW ORLEANS – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson announced that TERRAN WILLIAMS, a/k/a “Funky” (“WILLIAMS”), TYRONE BOVIA, a/k/a “Sixx” (“BOVIA “), and JAVONTA DOLEMAN, a/k/a “Dutt” (“DOLEMAN “), all from New Orleans, were found guilty on April 21, 2025 after a two-week jury trial before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo. They were found guilty of various violations, including RICO conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, firearms conspiracy and Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering (VCAR) murder.
All three defendants were members of the Byrd Gang, which operated primarily out of the former Magnolia Housing Development, but additionally had ties to the Westbank. Its members daily distributed drugs, including heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine and marijuana, and always possessed firearms. WILLIAMS, BOVIA and DOLEMAN participated in numerous drug trafficking activities and violent crimes and acted as gunmen for the Byrd Gang.
On January 31, 2017, Lawrence Williams, IV, and Wynston Jackson, a/k/a “Ghost,” were shot and killed by the three defendants shortly after leaving an Edna Karr High School basketball game. Jackson was a member of the rival group, Ghost Gang, while Williams was an associate. Byrd Gang member, Briyan Love, attended the basketball game, and when she saw Jackson enter the auditorium, she communicated with Terran WILLIAMS and informed him that Jackson was at the game. WILLIAMS, BOVIA and DOLEMAN, and other Byrd Gang members and associates, drove across the river to Edna Karr School to kill rival Jackson.
When Williams and Jackson left the basketball game and sat in a car in front of the school, WILLIAMS, BOVIA and DOLEMAN approached the car with two rifles and a handgun and unloaded a torrent of bullets. Jackson attempted to return fire with his nine-millimeter handgun but was shot and killed on the scene. Williams, who was also shot, later died at the hospital.
TYRONE BOVIA was also convicted for his role in another shooting that he committed in May 2017 at the Bernmas Apartments, where M.I., another Ghost Gang member, resided and was the intended target. BOVIA’S companion and fellow Byrd Gang member, Terrence Augustine, was shot and killed during this incident by return fire. Byrd Gang member, James Alexander, has additionally pled guilty to this shooting.
During the trial, evidence was presented that showed back-and-forth retaliatory shootings between the Byrd Gang and the Ghost Gang, much of which was fueled by social media posts, rap music and videos. Numerous individuals have been shot and killed on both sides, and many innocent bystanders have likewise been shot during these inner-city rivalries.
During the investigation, dozens of firearms, most with large-capacity magazines, as well as hundreds of rounds of ammunition, have been recovered from Byrd Gang members, including from the three defendants.
WILLIAMS, BOVIA and DOLEMAN all face a mandatory life sentence for the VCAR murders. Sentencing in this matter will be held before Judge Milazzo on July 30, 2025.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, especially the New Orleans Gang Task Force, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Privitera, David Haller and Sarah Dawkins are in charge of the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia has charged 12 individuals in a 24-count indictment in connection with narcotics, firearms, and conspiracy offenses. These charges stem from an investigation targeting individuals engaged in the illegal possession and distribution of narcotics in Richland and Lexington County. During this investigation, agents seized multiple firearms, ammunition, and large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, and marijuana.
The individuals charged include:
The defendants are each charged with offenses carrying a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of up to life in federal prison. The defendants appeared for arraignment last week. Ten defendants waived their right to a bond and United States Magistrate Judge Shiva V. Hodges ordered them detained pending trial. Douglas Steven Raley and Marsha Beth Gurwitch have detention hearings scheduled for tomorrow. The remaining defendants retain the right to ask for a detention hearing at a later date.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, City of Columbia Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore is prosecuting the case.
All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Javier Chavez (35, Sarasota) to 10 years in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and attempted transfer of obscene matter to a minor. Chavez pleaded guilty in December 2024.
According to court documents, beginning on May 15 and continuing through May 16, 2024, Chavez communicated with an undercover law enforcement officer who was posing as both the mother of a 14-year-old girl and her 14-year-old daughter. After learning of the girl’s age, Chavez directly engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with the “girl” and sent explicit videos of himself. Chavez was apprehended by deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office when he arrived at a home with the intention of engaging in sexual activity with the girl. Chavez later admitted to deputies that his intentions with the girl were sexual.
This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell today sentenced Rodney Alan Hortman (59, Okeechobee) to five years in federal prison for possessing and accessing with intent to view images depicting the sexual abuse of children. Hortman was also sentenced to a life term of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. Hortman entered a guilty plea on January 22, 2025.
According to court documents, in December 2022, the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a cybertip from an electronic service provider reporting that Hortman had uploaded files that depicted child sexual abuse material from his cellphone.
On June 6, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Hortman’s residence and seized Hortman’s cellphones and computer tower. Hortman agreed to speak with law enforcement and admitted that there would be child sex abuse material on his electronic devices. The subsequent forensic examination of Hortman’s electronic devices revealed images of child sexual abuse material.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with assistance from the Glades County Sheriff’s Office and FDLE. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 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 victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Carlos Alberto Urribarri Dominguez (34), a Venezuelan national, with knowingly buying a fraudulent Social Security card and possessing a fake U.S. Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as a “Green Card.” If convicted for the Social Security card offense, Urribarri Dominguez faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. The Greed Card offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, 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).
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol, the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General, and the Veterans Affairs Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam W. McCall.
US Senate News:
Source: The White House
Since President Donald J. Trump took office, he and his administration have ushered in the most secure border in modern American history — and he didn’t need legislation to do it. President Trump has made good on the promises he made on the campaign trail to usher in an unprecedented era of homeland security.
Here are a few of those promises:
PROMISE MADE: “We will close the border. We will stop the invasion of illegals into our country.” (10/12/24, Aurora, CO)
PROMISE KEPT:
Illegal border encounters are down by 95%.
Illegal immigrant “gotaways” — the top threat to public safety — are down by 99%.
Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin: “If Fox were to send me down there right now, I would have trouble finding a single migrant on camera.”
CBS immigration reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez: “Typically, when we go to the U.S./Mexico border, we at least see one group of people who are trying to cross into the U.S. illegally. We did not see a single migrant.”
The Wall Street Journal: Border Crossings Grind to Halt as Trump’s Tough Policies Take Hold
The New York Times: How Trump’s Hard-Line Tactics Are Driving Down Migration
CBS News: Amid Trump crackdown, illegal border crossings plunge to levels not seen in decades
Axios: Border crossings plunge to lowest levels in decades: New data
New York Post: Northern border sector previously overrun by illegal migrants sees dramatic drop in crossings: ‘We haven’t seen anyone since November’
The Times: This city was a border flashpoint. Now the only migrants are quail
Reuters: Migrant arrests at US-Mexico border in March lowest ever recorded
Bloomberg: US-Bound Migration Plunges 99% Along Panama Jungle Route
The Washington Times: Under Trump, border catch-and-release has dropped 99.99% from worst Biden month
Los Angeles Times: California-Mexico border, once overwhelmed, now nearly empty
PROMISE MADE: “We will expel every single illegal alien gang member and migrant criminal operating on American soil and remove the savage gang, Tren de Aragua, from the United States.” (1/19/25, Washington, D.C.)
PROMISE KEPT:
President Trump designated Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and other vicious gangs and cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
Department of Justice: 27 Members or Associates of Tren de Aragua Charged with Racketeering, Narcotics, Sex Trafficking, Robbery and Firearms offenses
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem: “Under President Trump, we have arrested over 150,000 aliens — including more than 600 members of the vicious Tren de Aragua gang.”
The Trump Administration directed the successful apprehension of a key MS-13 gang leader — an illegal immigrant living in Virginia and operating as one of the top three MS-13 leaders in the U.S.
The Trump Administration directed the successful arrests of three illegal immigrant MS-13 gang members in Florida, wanted on first-degree murder charges, and another high-ranking MS-13 member in New York, linked to 11 murders.
ICE arrested 370+ illegal immigrants as part of a major operation in Massachusetts — many of whom have serious criminal convictions and charges, including murder, child rape, fentanyl trafficking, and armed robbery.
PROMISE MADE: “On Day One … We will begin the largest deportation operation in the history of our country.” (10/21/24, Concord, NC)
PROMISE KEPT:
New York Post: Trump’s mass deportation raids result in 655% spike in arrests of terrorists roaming US — including one of India’s ‘most wanted’
Since President Trump took office, there have been 139,000 deportations.
In President Trump’s first 50 days, ICE arrested 32,809 illegal immigrants — nearly 75% of whom were accused or convicted criminals — virtually the same number of arrests over the entirety of Biden’s final year in office.
NBC News: Immigration enforcement operations ramp up in cities across the U.S.
PROMISE MADE: “I will immediately end the Biden border nightmare that traffickers are using to exploit vulnerable women and children.” (7/21/23)
PROMISE KEPT:
The number of unaccompanied illegal immigrant children reached a record low.
At its peak under Biden, 4.6% of illegal border crossings were unaccompanied minors — many of whom were victims of trafficking. In the first two weeks of March under President Trump, just 0.4% of illegal crossings were unaccompanied minors.
PROMISE MADE: “Under my leadership, we will seal it up and expand that wall until we have total control.” (3/4/23, National Harbor, MD)
PROMISE KEPT:
PROMISE MADE: “You have the gotaways. You know what the gotaways are? It’s the people that don’t want to be looked at at all. So, they’re worse than the people we’re seeing that’s why they don’t want to be looked at.” (11/3/24, Macon, GA)
PROMISE KEPT:
Border Czar Tom Homan: “Known gotaways — people we knew crossed the border … weren’t apprehended, weren’t fingerprinted, weren’t vetted. Average day under Joe Biden? More than 1,800 gotaways. Yesterday? 38 — 38 too many, but we’ll get that to zero. We went from 1,800 [per day] to 38.”
Fox News’s Bill Melugin: “Border Patrol’s nationwide recorded gotaways have plummeted to a stunningly low daily average of just 77 over the last 21 days, according to internal CBP data we’ve reviewed. President Biden averaged 1,837 gotaways per day in fiscal year 2023 at the height of the crisis, totaling 670,674 for the year.”
PROMISE MADE: “I will ban all welfare and federal benefits for illegals, and then they won’t come.” (10/29/24, Allentown, PA)
PROMISE KEPT:
President Trump signed an executive order to ensure taxpayer resources are not used to incentivize or support illegal immigration.
The Trump Administration ended food stamps for illegal immigrants.
The Trump Administration “clawed back” tens of millions paid to house illegal aliens in luxury NYC hotels and ended a $40 million contract to “improve … inclusion of sedentary migrants.”
The Department of Education revoked waivers that allowed certain colleges to divert federal funds intended for low-income students and students with disabilities to illegal immigrants.
PROMISE MADE: “I will end catch-and-release.” (10/12/24, Aurora, CO)
PROMISE KEPT:
Since taking office, the Trump Administration has arrested 150,000+ illegal immigrants, deported 139,000+ illegal immigrants, and released just nine illegal immigrants into the U.S. — a staggering 99.99% decrease over the same period last year under Biden.
New York Post: Trump orders Border Patrol to immediately stop setting illegal migrants free in the US: ‘Catch and release is ended’
The Washington Times: Under Trump, border catch-and-release has dropped 99.99% from worst Biden month
PROMISE MADE: “My administration will deliver justice for every family whose loved one has been stolen from them by migrant crime, including Laken Riley, Rachel Morin, Jocelyn Nungaray, Kayla Hamilton, and every other precious American soul that we have lost to these animals. Their memories will live in their hearts forever and our hearts forever, and we will never, ever forget them.” (1/19/25, Washington, D.C.)
PROMISE KEPT:
Fox News: Trump signs Laken Riley Act into law as first legislative victory in new administration
Newsweek: Laken Riley’s Mom Says Trump Didn’t Forget Her Daughter as Bill is Signed
The Hill: Trump signs Laken Riley Act, marking first legislative win of second term
PROMISE MADE: “I will invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Think of that. 1798, this was put there. 1798 — that’s a long time ago, right? To target and dismantle every migrant criminal network operating on American soil.” (10/12/24, Aurora, CO)
PROMISE KEPT:
The White House: Invocation of the Alien Enemies Act Regarding the Invasion of The United States by Tren De Aragua
The New York Times: Trump Invoked the Alien Enemies Act to Speed Up Deportations
PROMISE MADE: “Kamala’s app for illegals will be shut down immediately — within 24 hours.” (10/12/24, Aurora, CO)
PROMISE KEPT:
NBC News: Trump shuts down immigration app, dashing migrants’ hopes of entering U.S.
The New York Times: Trump Shuts Down Migrant Entry App, Signaling the Start of His Crackdown
Fox News: Up to 1M migrants who used Biden’s CBP One app ordered to deport by Trump admin
PROMISE MADE: “Today, I am announcing a new plan to end all sanctuary cities in North Carolina and all across our country… and we will bring down the full weight of the federal government on any jurisdiction that refuses to cooperate.” (9/21/24, Wilmington, NC)
PROMISE KEPT:
Politico: Fresh executive order targets sanctuary cities, federal aid for undocumented migrants
Reuters: Trump steps up immigration crackdown, warns city, state officials against interference
The Wall Street Journal: Trump Plans to Withhold All Federal Funding From Sanctuary Cities
Politico: Trump administration sues New York over sanctuary policies for undocumented immigrants
AP: Trump administration sues Chicago in latest crackdown on ‘sanctuary’ cities
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the dinner reception today (April 28):
Thank you, Glenn (Emcee of the dinner reception). I hope that you agree with me that the best part of Hong Kong is about the people. And we brought quite a number of people from Hong Kong tonight so that we will be in for a joyful and enjoyable evening. And again, I would like to really express our sincere gratitude. As Glenn has said, we personally were at the ATM (Arabian Travel Market) this afternoon. We saw how busy and how vibrant it was. We understand fully that each and everyone of you here at this dinner have a lot of important initiatives tonight but you choose to honour us with your presence and that makes it even more important and special for us all. From the bottom of my heart and from the bottom of the hearts of our delegation, a big, big thank you very much. Here comes the official opening statement but again it is also from the bottom of my heart.
Good evening, distinguished guests, friends from the trade, ladies and gentlemen,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to this special evening where I could meet key partners from the Middle East’s tourism industry, alongside distinguished travel trade leaders, industry representatives from Hong Kong, and of course, the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board and their team.
I am the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. And I took office about five months ago. This visit marks my debut overseas visit outside of China and I am glad to have picked the Middle East as the first destination of this tour. I am truly honoured to be able to play an important role in forging stronger tourism ties between the Middle East and Hong Kong, and I indeed look forward to exchanging views with you on how we can collaborate to bring more visitors to Hong Kong.
Let me start by saying how keen we are to receive friends from the Middle East. Last year, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region outlined the vision in his Policy Address to establish Hong Kong as a welcoming destination for the Middle East travellers. Following this, my Bureau promulgated the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0 which sets out the roadmap for the development of Hong Kong’s tourism industry from 2025 to 2030. A key focus in this Blueprint is expanding our visitor base with the Middle East at the forefront. The Middle East is one of the fastest-growing markets globally. By 2028, it is estimated that there will be 250 million Muslim visitors worldwide, generating US$225 billion in tourism revenues. That’s why I am here to share with you that Hong Kong, as the Pearl of the Orient, and a unique fusion of the East and the West, is more than ready and happy to welcome you from the Middle East to enjoy the all-in-one experiences in the city.
But that is not all. It is not about business. It is not just about business. It is about establishing friendship between us in Hong Kong and you all in the Middle East and for those who come from Dubai locally, I enjoy the city very much and I hope that in the rest of my journey, I will be enjoying the other cities that I will be visiting as much as I do here.
Hong Kong also has its unique appeal in a wide spectrum, offering multifaceted tourism products and experiences that fit for visitors of all ages and with different interests. First, we offer a myriad of possibilities and experiences by presenting world-class tourist attractions such as the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Ocean Park which is home for six adorable pandas, among others, the very iconic Peak Tram which brings you to the Victoria Peak to enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the heart of Hong Kong, or the Ngong Ping 360 cable car that takes you to the tranquil Po Lin Monastery and the famous Big Buddha. For arts and culture lovers, we have unmissable experiences at world-class landmarks like the M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, which carry an exciting array of exhibitions on East and West cultural themes. Apart from attractions, we are also promoting mega events tourism, island tourism and horse-racing tourism which offer tourists unforgettable and unique experiences. Last month, we commissioned the largest state-of-the-art sports infrastructure in Hong Kong, the Kai Tak Sports Park, which marked a thrilling new era and would see lots of great sports and entertainment events being held in Hong Kong. In addition to staging our signature Hong Kong Sevens rugby matches for the first time in end March this year, the new venue, the Kai Tak Sports Park, will play host to the Hong Kong Football Festival featuring four world-renowned football clubs, including Liverpool which just secured its champion on the English Premier League for the 20th time. And also we will have Arsenal, AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur this July. Horse racing has a history of 140 years in Hong Kong and our racecourses are well-known tourist hotspots. The new racing season of Hong Kong usually starts in September, climaxing on the Hong Kong International Races in early December with world-class jockeys and horses competing fiercely for the world championships. The magnificent green and blue from our green landscape, the beautiful beaches and outlying islands are also the hidden gems of the city awaiting you to explore.
We are indeed dedicated to making Hong Kong a welcoming home for Middle East visitors. Our 60 hotels and 170 restaurants in Hong Kong are halal-certified, and many attractions and venues provide prayer facilities and cultural training for their staff. Not only do we have strong and keen enthusiasm in joining the Arabian Travel Market and setting up a Hong Kong pavilion again to showcase the city’s novel experiences like what we did this afternoon and the coming days, we have also arranged familiarisation visits for trade partners from the Middle East to go to Hong Kong to experience our various offerings, and we also partnered with major Middle East airline and online travel agents to promote Hong Kong as an ideal tourism destination across the region.
Looking ahead, we are eager to build even closer ties with the Middle East – not just welcoming you as visitors to Hong Kong but also inspiring more Hong Kong people to explore the incredible destinations for both business and leisure in the Middle East.
So, thank you all once again for joining us tonight. May I take this opportunity to wish you all good health and many good returns. Have an enjoyable evening. And thank you again.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Queen Elizabeth Hospital announces incident of healthcare staff member suspected to have been assaulted
An Operation Assistant (OPA) was assaulted around 9am while maintaining order on the second floor of the Ambulatory Care Centre. Hospital staff and security staff immediately arrived on the scene to assist, and called the Police for assistance. The injured OPA was sent to the QEH Accident and Emergency Department for treatment. The OPA’s left ear was injured and the staff member was discharged after treatment. The police arrested a male patient at the hospital later, who was suspected to be connected with the case.
The hospital is highly concerned about the incident, expressed sympathy and rendered necessary support to the injured staff member. The hospital resolutely adopts a zero-tolerance attitude to any workplace violence and strongly condemns the violent act. The hospital will follow up and fully co-operate with the Police investigation.
The hospital has long attached great concern to work safety for its staff under prevailing guidelines and measures to prevent workplace violence. The hospital appeals to patients and relatives to follow the advice of healthcare workers.
The hospital has reported the incident to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System.
Issued at HKT 18:58
NNNN
Source: US Congressional Budget Office
The House and Senate recently agreed to a budget resolution that kicks off the reconciliation process, which allows the Congress to expedite consideration of bills that would change laws affecting spending, revenues, or the debt limit. That budget resolution, H. Con. Res. 14, includes reconciliation instructions directing committees to propose legislation aimed at having a specified effect on the federal budget.
Throughout the reconciliation process, the Congressional Budget Office, in collaboration with the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT), assists the Congress by providing nonpartisan analysis and cost estimates for legislative proposals as they are developed and finalized. As the committees move forward with reconciliation, the information that CBO provides about legislative proposals may be considered in determining whether the bills comply with the rules governing the process. The Congress is responsible for enforcing those rules.
CBO will update its Reconciliation page as it publishes estimates and other related analyses.
CBO will publish cost estimates for bills as they are ordered reported by the relevant Congressional committees. To ensure that its analysis is timely, the agency anticipates that those estimates will be conventional—that is, they will not incorporate any effects that the legislation might have on the size of the economy. As required by law, JCT will provide estimates for legislation that would affect the Internal Revenue Code. After the bills are combined, CBO and JCT will work together to provide an estimate of that broader reconciliation package that accounts for the interactions among the separate bills’ provisions.
CBO and JCT also expect to work together on dynamic estimates—that is, estimates that reflect the budgetary effects of changes in the size of the economy and in other macroeconomic variables that would stem from enacting the legislation. Such dynamic estimates are required, to the extent practicable, by the House rules for the 119th Congress.
By law, CBO develops cost estimates that show budgetary effects in relation to its baseline budget projections, which reflect the assumption that current laws governing taxes and spending generally remain unchanged. The Congress chooses which information to use and the baseline against which to enforce points of order during the legislative process.
Some lawmakers have called for using a baseline that reflects current tax policy—one in which certain provisions of the 2017 tax act (Public Law 115-97) that are set to expire under current law, many at the end of 2025, are extended. If the Chairmen of the Budget Committees specify the details of such a baseline and direct CBO to provide information about the budgetary effects of legislation relative to that baseline, the agency will do so.
CBO and JCT collaborate to support the Congress and will continue to do so throughout the reconciliation process. When it comes to legislation involving changes to the Internal Revenue Code, CBO is required by law to incorporate estimates produced by JCT into its cost estimates. Thus, JCT is responsible for any estimates of the effects of tax provisions included in reconciliation legislation.
For example, JCT provided estimates of the budgetary effects of the tax provisions of the 2022 reconciliation act (P.L. 117-169), including the cost of energy-related tax credits, which CBO reported in its cost estimates. If this year’s reconciliation legislation makes further changes to those provisions—and thus to the Internal Revenue Code—JCT will once again provide the estimates.
With each new baseline, CBO includes updated projections of tax revenues to reflect new legislation, newly available data, and updated projections of the economy, including any information that has become available since JCT made its initial estimate for the new legislation.
The baseline projections that CBO published in February 2024, for example, included substantial upward revisions to the cost of clean vehicle and energy-related tax credits. Those revisions reflected a rule proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency that would change standards for vehicle emissions, guidance from the Treasury about certain provisions of the 2022 reconciliation act, and market developments.
The nonpartisan analysis that CBO and JCT provide can inform lawmakers as they look to ensure that reconciliation legislation complies with Senate rules that govern the process. An example of such a rule is the “Byrd rule,” which limits the provisions that can be included in a reconciliation package. CBO does not enforce those rules—that responsibility is left to the Senate.
Phillip L. Swagel is CBO’s Director.