LAS VEGAS – The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $824,276 in back wages and damages for 680 employees of a Las Vegas drywall contractor that denied overtime pay to piece-rate and hourly workers, in violation of federal law.
The recovery follows the department’s Wage and Hour Division investigation of Spectrum Construction LLC that found the employer failed to pay piece-rate and hourly workers – including painters, drywall hangers, and tapers – time-and-one-half their regular rate of pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act. The division found that Spectrum Construction paid piece rates to workers without any overtime premium for hours worked over 40 and “banked” the overtime hours of hourly painters, later compensating them with days off paid at straight time or not compensating them at all.
“This case highlights the Wage and Hour Division’s commitment to protecting construction workers’ rights to be paid overtime wages,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Gene Ramos in Las Vegas. “By uncovering and addressing widespread overtime violations at Spectrum Construction, we are ensuring that hundreds of workers receive the wages they rightfully earned. Our enforcement efforts ensure fair competition in the construction industry and send a clear message that employers must comply with federal labor laws.”
The FLSA requires that an overtime premium be paid to all non-exempt employees for hours worked over 40, even if the employee is not paid on an hourly basis. Additionally, only pubic employers, such as state and local governments, are allowed to bank overtime hours, and are subject to additional rules.
The department also assessed Spectrum Construction $10,060 in civil money penalties for the willful nature of the violations.
Since 2011, Spectrum Construction LLC has operated as a contractor focusing on drywall, metal stud framing, acoustical installation, and painting for residential and commercial buildings in Nevada.
Learn more about the Wage and Hour Division, including a search tool to use if you think you may be owed back wages collected by the division. Employers and workers can call the division with questions and requests for compliance assistance through the agency’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Download the agency’s free Timesheet App for iPhone and Android devices to track hours and pay.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) is urging small businesses and private nonprofit organizations across Northwest Ohio to act swiftly as the July 7 deadline approaches to apply for US Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) related to last fall’s drought conditions across Northwest Ohio, and the Buckeye State.
Businesses in Erie, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Putnam, Sandusky, Seneca, and Wood counties have until July 7, 2025, to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans to help offset economic losses caused by the prolonged drought conditions that began on September 10, 2024.
“These loans have proven a lifeline for small businesses and nonprofits in our region feeling the financial aftershocks of last year’s protracted drought,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “Northwest Ohio’s resilience depends on making sure local enterprises and community institutions have the resources they need to weather economic hardship. I strongly encourage all eligible organizations to apply for this federal farm assistance before the deadline passes.”
The SBA’s EIDL program provides working capital to help businesses meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. Loan funds can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills. Importantly, businesses do not need to have sustained physical damage to be eligible for this support.
While agricultural producers, farmers, and ranchers are generally not eligible, small aquaculture businesses may qualify for assistance. Visit the SBA website for full details and application materials.
Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)
Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio meets with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Department of State on June 10, 2025.
———-
Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.
The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.
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Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
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Click here or on the image above to watch Chairman Capito’s opening remarks from the hearing.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS), chaired a hearing with Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, M.D., the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to review the president’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request.
Below is the opening statement of Chairman Capito as prepared for delivery:
“Good morning. Dr. Bhattacharya, congratulations on your new role as Director of the NIH. Thank you for appearing before the subcommittee today to discuss how the fiscal year 2026 budget proposal will continue efforts from NIH to reduce illness, enhance health and lengthen the lives of all Americans.
“My home state of West Virginia is faced with many complex health challenges. I know that if we work together, make wise investments and focus on what really matters, we can create positive momentum towards eliminating those challenges.
“Fostering NIH collaboration with smaller and rural states is critical, and one of the strengths of the NIH IDeA Program. This program provides funding to 23 states—including West Virginia—that historically have received little to no federal research funding.
“The IDeA program and other NIH funding streams have been instrumental for Marshall University, West Virginia University, and other institutions in my state in developing world-class research in neuroscience, cancer, stroke, vision, and addiction science.
“Researchers throughout West Virginia are making significant contributions to biomedical research in areas ranging from cancer to Alzheimer’s disease to substance use disorders.
“I look forward to hosting you in West Virginia soon to see first-hand all of the amazing research being done across the state.
“This will be a challenging year for appropriations, yet supporting biomedical research is a priority for me and has long been a bicameral, bipartisan priority for Congress.
“The United States leads the world in biomedical innovation and I, along with many of my colleagues on this committee, think it is important America remains the leader in biomedical innovation and research. Investing in biomedical research has proven to save lives while exponentially strengthening the U.S. economy. I look forward to hearing from you how this budget request would continue to advance this critical research and innovation.
“The NIH is a driver of economic growth, funding more than $94.58 billion in national economic activity last year.
“In West Virginia, NIH supported over 700 jobs and $147 million in economic activity in 2024 alone.
“For almost a decade, this committee has supported research toward the goal of finding treatments and a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. This goal is very personal to me since both of my parents lived with and eventually succumbed to the disease.
“These investments have allowed NIH to fund research into a wide variety of potential causes of the disease, and build evidence for prevention based on a healthy lifestyle. NIH-funded research on the amyloid protein led to the development of FDA-approved Alzheimer’s drugs in 2023 and 2024 to slow progression of the disease.
“All of this research is important, and I look forward to working with you to continue robust and diversified Alzheimer’s disease research.
“NIH-funded research is also behind many of the more than 600 new cancer treatments that the FDA has approved over the last 20 years.
“As a lead sponsor of the Childhood Cancer STAR Act, I look forward to hearing about your priorities and advancements to combat cancer and grow our clinical trial networks – especially among children.
“Although we are making positive strides, substance abuse remains an issue in my state. I look forward to hearing more from you about how combining the National Institute on Drug Abuse into a new National Institute on Behavioral Health will enable that important work to continue.
“I have heard from many University leaders – from schools ranging in size, location, and subject – about the impact of changes being implemented at NIH. These institutions are the reason America has kept the edge in biomedical innovation.
“As with any change in leadership, there seems to be a heightened sense of concern and confusion that diverting resources from research will result in a less healthy America. And I hope today we can work to come to a better understanding.
“We have a difficult task ahead of us this year, but it is my hope that we will come together, just as we have done in prior fiscal years, to use our limited resources in the most efficient and effective way to support the health and well-being of all Americans.
“Dr. Bhattacharya, I look forward to your testimony.”
Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced a resolution condemning former FBI Director James Comey for inciting violence against President Donald Trump in a recent social media post. In response to Comey’s reckless threat on the President’s life, the resolution condemns his incitement of violence, bars Comey from future employment by the federal government, and calls for investigations by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security into Comey’s threats. The resolution was cosponsored by U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), and a companion resolution was led by Reps. August Pfluger (R-TX) and Laurel Lee (R-FL) in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“For the former FBI director to be amplifying threats against the President of the United States is disgraceful,” said Senator Mike Lee. “President Trump has been targeted in two assassination attempts and wounded in one, which killed Corey Comperatore. Congress should unite to condemn Jim Comey in the strongest terms.”
“As violent riots rage across Los Angeles, it has never been more important to have leaders in Washington that are prepared to defend the rule of law and uphold our shared values,” said Rep. August Pfluger, Chairman of the Republican Study Committee. “James Comey’s reckless incitement of violence is another reminder of how dangerous it is when former public officials prioritize politics over the values our nation was founded upon. This bicameral resolution demands the accountability and transparency the American people deserve, ensuring Comey never again holds a position of public trust.”
“For years, we’ve heard accusations from the Left about so-called dangerous rhetoric. But now, former FBI Director James Comey—the same official who helped launch the discredited Russia collusion hoax —is engaging in rhetoric that carries an implicit threat against President Trump. As a former federal prosecutor and judge, I take this very seriously. James Comey should never again hold a position of public trust in the United States Government, and we formally urge the Department of Justice to investigate whether his conduct violates applicable laws. The American people deserve equal justice—not selective outrage. If we are to preserve the rule of law, then even those who once led law enforcement must be held accountable.” – Representative Laurel Lee
Resolution
A resolution condemning James B. Comey, former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for inciting violence against President Donald J. Trump.
Whereas James B. Comey, former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (in this preamble, referred to as the ‘‘FBI’’), on May 15, 2025, posted an image on Instagram depicting the numbers ‘‘86 47’’ with the cryptic caption ‘‘cool shell formation’’;
Whereas this message promotes violence against the sitting President of the United States, Donald J. Trump;
Whereas Mr. Comey posted this to his public Instagram account during President Trump’s first overseas trip to the Middle East, jeopardizing his security and invigorating the enemies of the United States abroad;
Whereas it is indefensible and inexcusable to issue a call for violence against the President of the United States;
Whereas Mr. Comey exhibits a clear desire to undermine President Trump; Whereas there have been multiple assassination attempts against President Trump;
Whereas former public officials owe a special duty of care not to use their past positions and influence accrued through public service to threaten the lives of their political opponents; and
Whereas Congress must hold Mr. Comey accountable for his violations of the public trust and preserve the rule of law to protect our institutions from those that seek to sow discord and promote violence against their political opponents:
Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate—
(1) unequivocally condemns James Comey’s ap3 parent incitement of political violence against President Trump;
(2) urges the relevant authorities to take every relevant action to ensure that Mr. Comey is never again permitted to serve as an employee of the Federal Government; and
(3) requests that the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security conduct a full and comprehensive investigation of Mr. Comey’s attempts to incite violence against the President, and release the findings to the relevant committees of Congress and the public.
Read exclusive coverage from The Daily Signal here.
See the official resolution text here.
Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) discussed the role of American energy production in international diplomacy. Ricketts underscored the importance of energy production for success in the competition with Communist China.
“Last month, I hosted a bipartisan tabletop exercise with Senator Coons, simulating a Communist Chinese energy quarantine of Taiwan,” said Ricketts. “That exercise confirmed one of Taiwan’s biggest vulnerabilities, which is energy insecurity. But it’s not just about Taiwan, this is something that applies to all our allies in the region, who are nearly just as vulnerable in relying on seaborne energy imports in such a crisis… The most immediate answer to this problem for us is to increase our exports of LNG. We are the world’s top exporter with clean and reliable gas, it’s already helping our allies replace coal, reduce their emissions, and increase their energy resilience.”
Click here to watch more.
The hearing considered the nominations of Jacob Helberg, to be Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment; Paul Kapur, to be Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs; Andy Puzder, to be Ambassador to the EU; Benjamin Black, to be CEO of DFC; and Howard Brodie, to be Ambassador to Finland.
BACKGROUND:
Earlier this month, Senator Ricketts led a congressional delegation (CODEL) trip to Singapore for the Shangri-La Dialogue conference with Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). Last month, Senator Ricketts led a congressional delegation trip to Taiwan and the Philippines with Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Ted Budd (R-NC). Senators Ricketts and Coons are working as chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations East Asia Subcommittee to support our allies and partners in the region against Communist China’s aggression, including conducting a recent tabletop exercise and introductions of the PORCUPINE Act and COUNTER Act.
Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new report was released showing that 258,396 Wisconsinites will have their health care terminated under Republicans’ House-passed budget bill to gut Medicaid and dismantle key parts of the Affordable Care Act to pay for tax cuts for corporations and wealthy Americans. Nationwide, 16 million Americans’ care is in jeopardy, including over 8.5 million Americans who rely on Affordable Care Act coverage and 7.4 million Americans on Medicaid.
“Republicans’ plan is simple: gut benefits for working Americans so that the wealthiest Americans and big corporations can get richer. My phones have been ringing off the hook from Wisconsinites who are terrified their health care coverage is on the chopping block, and now we see just how many of our neighbors are in jeopardy,” said Senator Baldwin. “If Republicans get their way, 250,000 Wisconsinites will lose their coverage as health care costs are jacked up on thousands more. We should be working to make sure more people have health care and lowering costs – not taking it away from the elderly, the disabled, and hardworking families. We’re making sure Americans know who will pay the price so Donald Trump and Republicans can give handouts to billionaires.”
The Republicans’ plan includes changes to the Medicaid program designed to kick eligible Americans off their health care, with a new report today showing an estimated 148,254 Wisconsinites would lose their Medicaid benefits. The Republican plan would also allow the enhanced Affordable Care Act Premium Tax Credits, which save Americans on average $700 each year on their coverage, to expire, jacking up the cost of coverage and putting insurance out of reach for 110,142 Wisconsin families. Senator Baldwin leads legislation to make these tax breaks for working families permanent.
In Wisconsin, over 1.2 million are enrolled in Medicaid. About 1 in 3 children in both Wisconsin’s rural and metro communities have Medicaid coverage. Severe cuts to Medicaid will also jeopardize rural hospitals and clinics’ ability to keep their doors open. Over 12 million rural Americans rely on Medicaid for health care.
Senator Baldwin has been leading the charge to fight back against cuts to Medicaid. This year, Senator Baldwin has made eleven stops on her “Hands Off Medicaid Tour,” holding roundtable discussions statewide calling out Republicans’ plan to slash Medicaid to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy. During each stop, Senator Baldwin heard directly from Wisconsinites who depend on Medicaid and highlighted the dire consequences cuts to the lifesaving program would mean for them and their loved ones.
Full report is available here with a breakdown by Congressional District available here.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Jun 10, 2025 1730 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook
Updated: Tue Jun 10 17:46:55 UTC 2025 (Print Version | | )
Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table
Forecast Discussion
SPC AC 101746
Day 2 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1246 PM CDT Tue Jun 10 2025
Valid 111200Z – 121200Z
…THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS TEXAS INTO LOUISIANA…THE UPPER MIDWEST/CORN BELT…AND NORTHERN ROCKIES/HIGH PLAINS…
…SUMMARY… Isolated severe thunderstorms are possible Wednesday over parts of the Northern Rockies and northern High Plains, the Upper Midwest/Corn Belt, as well as Texas to western Louisiana.
…Central to southern Texas… Ahead of a weak mid-level trough, moderate instability should develop over much of central into eastern/southern Texas with a moist surface air mass beneath seasonably cool mid-level temperatures. However, specifics are complicated by the potential of lingering early-day convection and outflows. Some guidance would suggest that convection/MCV-related enhancement to the flow field may occur and linger much of the day, a scenario in which a Slight Risk could be warranted into the Day 1 time frame pending corridors of more certain destabilization across central/east Texas. This flow enhancement could influence the potential for supercells and possibly a tornado risk within a moist environment. Scattered storms, including some clusters, can otherwise be expected with hail and wind possible.
…Upper Midwest/Corn Belt… A west/east-oriented stationary front will exist across this region, with strong heating aiding moderate to locally strong destabilization along and south of the boundary. The glancing influence of a shortwave trough may contribute to storm development as the boundary layer otherwise destabilizes Wednesday afternoon. Effective shear of 30-35 kt should generally exist near the front, potentially allowing for a few supercells and more prevalent multicells. Scattered storms producing hail/damaging wind appear most probable during the late afternoon and evening, progressing eastward out of Iowa toward the Illinois/Wisconsin border vicinity. A relatively narrow/confined Slight Risk could ultimately be warranted in the Day 1 time frame.
…Northern Rockies to Northern High Plains… Storms are expected to develop relatively early in the day from eastern Oregon across Idaho as a shortwave trough moves over the region. Scattered storms will develop and spread quickly eastward into parts of Wyoming and Montana, with areas of strong outflow expected. Scattered severe gusts may occur. Overall deep-layer shear appears most favorable from southern Idaho into western Wyoming, resulting in a few cells capable of hail as well as strong wind gusts. Additional severe storm development is expected by Wednesday late afternoon/early evening into the northern High Plains including near/east of the Big Horns.
..Guyer.. 06/10/2025
CLICK TO GET WUUS02 PTSDY2 PRODUCT
NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 0600Z
Top/Latest Day 1 Outlook/Today’s Outlooks/Forecast Products/Home
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
SPC AC 101628
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1128 AM CDT Tue Jun 10 2025
Valid 101630Z – 111200Z
…THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING ACROSS PARTS OF SOUTHEAST NM AND FAR WEST INTO CENTRAL TX…
…SUMMARY… Severe storms are expected to develop this afternoon and evening across parts of far southeast New Mexico, far West Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. Marginally severe storms will be possible from parts of the southern Plains eastward into the lower Mississippi Valley, along parts of the Atlantic Coastal states, in northern California/southern Oregon and in parts of the northern Rockies.
…Central/East/Southeast TX… Recent satellite/radar imagery shows a decaying MCS across central TX. The airmass downstream across east/southeast TX is very moist, with dewpoints in the 70s, which will support strong buoyancy amid continued daytime, with MLCAPE likely over 2500 J/kg. However, vertical shear is weak and the general expectation is for the strength of the MCS to remain modest, with only limited re intensification anticipated. Any reintensification appears most likely along the northern portion of the MCS, where interaction with a warm-front-like boundary demarcating more tropical air is likely. This may lead to some forward propagation and an increased potential for a few locally stronger gusts.
…Southeast NM/Far West into Central TX This Afternoon/Evening… Easterly/southeasterly winds are expected to result in notable low-level moisture advection into the region throughout the day. This increased low-level moisture beneath steep mid-level lapse rates will support moderate to strong airmass destabilization amid daytime heating this afternoon. Low-level convergence and orographic ascent coupled with strengthening large-scale lift ahead of an approaching shortwave trough will foster severe thunderstorm development this afternoon across southeast NM and far west TX. Large to very large hail (3″+ in diameter) is the primary risk with the more cellular, early stage development. Upscale growth is then expected, with the resulting convective line progressing southeastward into the Edwards Plateau/central TX vicinity. The hail threat will persist, but strong wind gusts will become the primary risk once the linear mode dominates.
…Central Portions of the Southeast into Mid-Atlantic… Recent surface analysis places a weak trough from northern MS eastward through northern GA then northeastward across the Carolina Piedmont to a low over the Chesapeake Bay vicinity. This boundary will provide the impetus for scattered thunderstorm development as it gradually shifts southeastward as a more cold-front-like feature later this afternoon and evening. The downstream airmass will be moderately to strongly buoyant, but shear will be weak, leading to a predominantly disorganized multicellular mode. A few strong downbursts are possible as storms collapse and/or briefly surge as bowing line segments.
…Eastern FL Peninsula… Full daytime heating and dewpoints in the 70s will yield strong instability later this afternoon along the northeast and east-central FL peninsula, supporting scattered thunderstorm development. Weak but sufficient deep-layer shear and steep low-level lapse rates could result in locally damaging wind gusts in the strongest cells.
…New England… Recent surface analysis places a cold front from eastern Lake Erie southwestward through far western NY and PA, well to the west of the warm conveyor showers and thunderstorms currently ongoing across much of New England. Modest destabilization is anticipated ahead of the cold front, with scattered thunderstorm development anticipated along this boundary as it moves eastward this afternoon. Buoyancy will be modest, but strong mid-level flow and resulting strong shear should still support organized storm structures this afternoon/evening. Some isolated hail and/or damaging gusts are possible within the strongest updrafts.
…Pacific Northwest into the northern Rockies… Upper ridging will continue to dampen across the region while mid-level southwesterly/westerly flow aloft gradually strengthens ahead of an approaching low-amplitude shortwave trough. Orographic effects coupled with increasing mid-level moisture and modest large-scale ascent will support thunderstorms over the higher terrain, with some of these storms tracking eastward/northeastward into lower elevation areas. Greater lower elevation destabilization is anticipated the southern/southeast OR vicinity and the lee of northern Rockies in western/central MT. Damaging gusts are possible later this afternoon/evening as high-based storms moved into these regions. Some isolated hail may occur as well.
..Mosier/Thornton.. 06/10/2025
CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT
NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 2000Z
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Mesoscale Discussion 1241
Mesoscale Discussion 1241 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0143 PM CDT Tue Jun 10 2025
Areas affected…eastern North Carolina
Concerning…Severe potential…Watch unlikely
Valid 101843Z – 101945Z
Probability of Watch Issuance…20 percent
SUMMARY…Primarily strong gusts (40-55 mph) likely but localized severe gusts possible (55-65 mph) through 5 pm EDT.
DISCUSSION…A long-lived thunderstorm band with an associated MCV is moving northeast around 45 kt across eastern North Carolina. Broken cloud cover ahead of the ongoing storms is acting to temper heating with lower 80s deg F temperatures being observed within a seasonably moist airmass (lower 70s dewpoints). A 53-kt gust was recorded at 1739z at the Wilmington ASOS (KILM). The Wilmington WSR-88D VAD showed a rear-inflow jet with flow in the 1-3 km layer increasing from 25-35 kt to 50-60 kt. This corresponding increase in flow coincided with the passage of the thunderstorm band. Given a sufficiently destabilized airmass across the coastal plain and barrier islands, it is plausible the strong to severe wind threat will continue through much of the afternoon as this activity continues northeastward. The overall limited spatial coverage of 60+ mph gusts will likely preclude a severe thunderstorm watch issuance.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports. SEL6
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 406 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 145 PM CDT Tue Jun 10 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of Southeast New Mexico Far West int West Texas
* Effective this Tuesday afternoon and evening from 145 PM until 900 PM CDT.
* Primary threats include… Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5 inches in diameter possible Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
SUMMARY…Thunderstorm coverage is expected to increase over the next few hours as the airmass continues to destabilize. Steep mid-level lapse rates and moderate deep-layer shear will support supercells, with large to very large hail as the primary hazard. Over time, upscale growth into a convective line is possible, with this line then progressing southeastward into more of west Texas. Damaging gusts are the primary risk once this linear transition occurs.
The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 110 statute miles east and west of a line from 35 miles northeast of Carlsbad NM to 70 miles southwest of Dryden TX. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU6).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce tornadoes.
&&
AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 27030.
…Mosier
SEL6
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 406 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 145 PM CDT Tue Jun 10 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of Southeast New Mexico Far West int West Texas
* Effective this Tuesday afternoon and evening from 145 PM until 900 PM CDT.
* Primary threats include… Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5 inches in diameter possible Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
SUMMARY…Thunderstorm coverage is expected to increase over the next few hours as the airmass continues to destabilize. Steep mid-level lapse rates and moderate deep-layer shear will support supercells, with large to very large hail as the primary hazard. Over time, upscale growth into a convective line is possible, with this line then progressing southeastward into more of west Texas. Damaging gusts are the primary risk once this linear transition occurs.
The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 110 statute miles east and west of a line from 35 miles northeast of Carlsbad NM to 70 miles southwest of Dryden TX. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU6).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce tornadoes.
&&
AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 27030.
…Mosier
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas. SAW6 WW 406 SEVERE TSTM NM TX 101845Z – 110200Z AXIS..110 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE.. 35NE CNM/CARLSBAD NM/ – 70SW 6R6/DRYDEN TX/ ..AVIATION COORDS.. 95NM E/W /55SE CME – 76SE MRF/ HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 27030.
LAT…LON 32660195 29310121 29310486 32660574
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS FOR WOU6.
Watch 406 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes
Probability of 2 or more tornadoes
Low (10%)
Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes
Low ( 65 knots
Low (20%)
Hail
Probability of 10 or more severe hail events
Mod (40%)
Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches
Mod (40%)
Combined Severe Hail/Wind
Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events
High (80%)
For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.
ICYMI: OPINION | Sarah Huckabee Sanders: My State is Taking On the Middlemen Who Inflate Drug Prices
The New York Times published “My State is Taking On the Middlemen Who Inflate Drug Prices,“an op-ed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders on what Arkansas is doing to fight anti-competitive practices by Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs):
Behind inflated prescription prices, complicated insurance plans and dying local pharmacies, there is a little-known culprit: pharmacy benefit managers that operate as self-serving middlemen between drug manufacturers, insurance companies and you. Now my home state, Arkansas, is taking action against them.
I am proud to be the first governor in the country to ban the anticompetitive practices that allow P.B.M.s to dominate the prescription drug market, and to encourage other states and Congress to follow Arkansas’s lead.
P.B.M.s started as a good idea that quickly went sour. They initially served as negotiators between pharmacies and insurance companies. P.B.M.s are supposed to keep track of fast-changing drug prices, insurance plans and government regulations, and are intended to keep patient costs low and prescriptions filled. But anyone who has had to pay an insurance premium or co-pay recently likely knows they don’t always work as intended.
Instead, some of these P.B.M.s opened their own pharmacies and others were acquired by existing pharmacy chains, in both cases creating huge conflicts of interest. The result: P.B.M.s forcibly steer patients away from independent operators and inflate drug prices in the vacuum left behind. That consolidation has only hastened in recent years. Today the nation’s three largest P.B.M.s process 80 percent of all prescriptions, and their affiliated pharmacies bring in 70 percent of all specialty drug revenue. They bring in steep profits, too: Pharmacies associated with the nation’s largest P.B.M.s received $1.6 billion in excess revenue from just two cancer drugs in under three years.
Especially in places like rural Arkansas, that puts patients at risk. I heard from one woman in Camden, Ark., who was a longtime patient at a community pharmacy where she always picked up her prescription in person.
But when she developed a life-threatening breathing disorder that required an inhaler, she ran into problems with her health plan, which is administered by one of the largest P.B.M.s in the country, CVS Caremark.When it came time for her routine refill, her claim was denied. She was told she had to use one of CVS’s pharmacies (which share a parent company with the P.B.M.), the closest of which was an hour and a half drive away.
She had three options: drive three hours round-trip, pay hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket at her trusted local pharmacy or risk enrolling in mail-order prescriptions.
She reluctantly chose mail-order, which required jumping through various hoops, including a new doctor’s appointment and onerous paperwork, only to encounter delays that left her without an inhaler for weeks. After finally getting an inhaler, she went to refill the prescription and was told it was no longer covered for mail orders.
This red tape isn’t just annoying; it’s also life-threatening. And the only purpose it serves is to line the pockets of corporate suits who stand between patients and the care they need.
Arkansas is fixing this problem. The legislation I just signed makes it so that a P.B.M. cannot also own a pharmacy. They can still operate in our state; they just can’t continue to mistreat patients and box out other pharmacies.
Not surprisingly, these multibillion-dollar companies are engaging in an all-out broadside against our new law. CVS flooded Arkansas airwaves with hair-on-fire ads before the legislation was signed. Now, CVS is threatening to close down every pharmacy it operates in our state — preferring to take its ball and go home rather than divest from its P.B.M. and actually serve the patients it claims to care about.
CVS and another major P.B.M., Express Scripts, are using all the legal firepower their money can buy to take Arkansas to court. And I have no doubt that lobbyists in other states and Washington, D.C., are about to make a pretty penny representing these panicked corporations.
Arkansas isn’t scared. We won’t sacrifice our veterans, seniors or rural patients in service of P.B.M. stock prices.
If you’d asked me a year ago if we could change these entrenched interests, I’m not sure I would have thought it possible. But with President Trump in office, everything is changing. He signed an executive order last month that targets P.B.M.s. “We’re going to cut out the middlemen,” he promised in a recent news conference.
Republicans have a chance to lead on this issue — but we have to act now. My fellow governors and congressional lawmakers should ignore the fear mongering from P.B.M.s and stand up for patients and local pharmacists to end these anti-competitive practices and fix the broken, backward system that has tarnished America’s health care for too long.
DENVER – This week, the Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI) informed health insurance companies that the agency was revising the expected impact of Colorado’s Reinsurance Program to reflect the Republican controlled Congress’s failure to extend enhanced tax credits for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) market. Governor Jared Polis wrote to Colorado’s Congressional delegation urging them and Congress to help keep thousands of Coloradans on their health care coverage by extending tax credits for those buying insurance off the health exchange. House Speaker Julie McCluskie and Senator Dylan Roberts also expressed concerns.
Since the inception of the bipartisan reinsurance initiative from 2020 through 2025, Coloradans will have saved over $2.1 billion dollars. Failing to extend these enhanced tax credits that are scheduled to expire at the end of the year, when combined with harmful provisions of the Reconciliation bill, will increase costs on Colorado families and individuals.
“On top of the destructive proposed cuts to Medicaid, which will throw hundreds of thousands of Coloradans off of their health care, failure of the Republican controlled Congress to extend these ACA tax credits, which have saved Colorado families hundreds of millions in premiums, will throw even more people off of health insurance who rely on reinsurance and marketplace coverage to save money. While Republicans fight with each other, hardworking Coloradans are focused on keeping health care that is accessible and affordable, and want to see costs go down, not up. The Senate should take action to extend these critical tax credits for hardworking families and start from scratch on the reconciliation bill,” said Governor Jared Polis.
The Republican controlled House passed Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” by a one-vote margin, 215 – 214. Representatives Pettersen, Neguse, DeGette, and Crow voted no, while Representatives Hurd, Evans, Crank and Boebert voted yes.
Governor Polis wrote to Colorado’s members of Congress today: “Amongst its many failures, the Reconciliation bill passed by the House fails to extend the enhanced tax credits that Coloradans rely on to make their health insurance affordable. If the Republican controlled Congress allows those cuts to go into effect, tens of thousands of Coloradans will no longer be able to afford their health care.
Coloradans who receive enhanced tax credits will see net premiums increase on average by 104%, simply due to the expiration of these credits. The end of enhanced tax credits will effectively be a tax increase for Coloradans and, moreover, will usher in the return of the “subsidy cliff” – where Coloradans making more than 400% of the federal poverty level (household income of $84,600 for a family of two) are left paying the full cost of their health insurance premiums without any assistance. The combined effect will disproportionately impact households with enrollees over age 55.
The end of the enhanced tax credits would significantly reduce the positive benefits of Colorado’s reinsurance initiative by materially reducing the federal support received to reduce individual market rates. Since the inception of the bipartisan reinsurance initiative in 2020 through 2025, Coloradans will have saved over $2.1 billion dollars. The reinsurance initiative operates under an ACA Section 1332 waiver, and is funded by the dollars that would otherwise flow through premium tax credits without increasing costs for the federal government. If the enhanced tax credits are not extended, state reinsurance initiative would have less funding available to lower premiums for all consumers in the market.”
The reconciliation bill would also increase red tape for Coloradans and create new barriers to enrollment.
“Between the cuts to Colorado’s Medicaid coverage and the cuts to Colorado’s ACA market, this bill will dramatically increase the uninsured rate in Colorado, rip away people’s access to health care, and lead to a substantially higher amount of uncompensated care that must be absorbed by Colorado’s hospitals and health care providers. That, in turn, will mean that employers will see their health insurance premiums rise as well. No corner of our health care system will be safe from the damage that this bill will inflict,” the Governor continued. “I urge you to take action, either through amendments to the reconciliation bill or through standalone legislation, to extend these enhanced premium tax credits and to scrap additional provisions in the reconciliation bill that will further raise health insurance costs and make health care unaffordable for many Coloradans.”
“If Congressional Republicans fail to extend the enhanced ACA tax credits, many Coloradans who buy their own health insurance will lose the coverage they rely on and many more will see their premiums go up, especially in the high country and rural parts of our state,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “These premium increases and the loss of insurance coverage, on top of the proposed cuts to Medicaid, will be devastating for families and destabilize rural health care systems that cannot absorb the cost of more uninsured patients at their facilities. In Colorado, we’ve worked together to lower costs for families with the successful reinsurance program. Washington Republicans must extend these ACA credits, or Colorado families will be stuck with the bill.”
“It is hard to overstate the negative impact that losing health insurance affordability tax credits would have on Coloradans, especially those in our rural and mountain communities,” said State Senator Dylan Roberts (D-Frisco). “Colorado’s bipartisan leadership in using savings from the ACA to create the Reinsurance and Colorado Option programs has kept insurance rates from spiking and allowed tens of thousands of more Coloradans to have access to the financial security of health insurance coverage. Slashing these tax credits will undermine all of that, spike health insurance rates, and lead to more Coloradans being uninsured, particularly the rural residents our state’s Republican members of Congress represent. It’s truly baffling they’d harm their constituents like this.”
ATLANTA (June 10, 2025) — On June 10, 2025, Sen. Randal Mangham (D–Stone Mountain) will hold a town hall meeting to update constituents on the 2025 Legislative Session. Representatives Viola Davis (D–Stone Mountain) and Imani Barnes (D–Tucker) will also be in attendance.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Tucker City Hall, 1975 Lakeside Pkwy, Suite 350, Tucker, GA 30084
This Event is Open to the Public.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Evan Bergwall at SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.
# # # #
Sen. Randal Mangham represents the 55th Senate District, which includes portions of Gwinnett and Dekalb County. He may be reached at (404) 657-4640 or by email atRandal.Mangham@senate.ga.gov.
Announcement comes following robust joint state-local investigation
OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta along with San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan, Alameda District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, Marin County District Attorney Lori E. Frugoli, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, and Sonoma District Attorney Carla Rodriguez, today announced a settlement with Pacific Magazine Billing, resolving allegations that the company deceptively disguised solicitation mailers for magazine subscriptions as bills. As part of the settlement announced today, Pacific Magazine Billing agreed to pay $275,000 and is banned from participating in the mail order magazine solicitation industry.
“In California, we boast nation-leading consumer protection laws — robust tools my office and the offices of local law enforcement partners can use to protect our residents. Pacific Magazine Billing used dishonest tactics to trick recipients into thinking they owed money to get consumers to sign up for a magazine subscription,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Today, the settlement secured by my office and our law enforcement partners sends a clear message to companies looking to make a buck off unsuspecting Californians: If you deceive consumers, we will go after you, it’s that simple.”
“Deceptive business practices that exploit unsuspecting people in Alameda County will not be tolerated, and this joint settlement shows business owners will be held to account for their actions,” said Alameda District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson.
“My office will not tolerate unscrupulous companies profiting from deception,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman. “Pacific Magazine Billing is accused of disguising third party offers as legitimate invoices in order to trick consumers into paying fake bills — conduct specifically prohibited by state and federal consumer protection laws. Our office will protect consumers from being tricked by these large companies. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office vigorously fights for consumers in our county, and when companies violate consumer protection laws across the state, we proudly partner with fellow district attorneys and the Attorney General to hold violators accountable.”
“The Company’s business model was a scheme built on deception,” said Marin County Deputy District Attorney Michael Wear. “Consumers believed they were paying legitimate bills, when in fact they were being scammed. Our action puts a stop to Pacific Magazine Billing’s fraudulent practices.”
“My office is committed to protecting consumers in San Francisco and around the State from direct mailers that are deceptive or misleading,” said San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “I encourage any consumer who receives an unsolicited mailer that seems confusing or just not right to contact my office’s consumer protection unit. I also want to thank my fellow District Attorneys and our partners in the Attorney General’s Office for working jointly to address the conduct alleged in this case.”
“Our Environmental and Consumer Law Division is committed to holding businesses and individuals accountable when they mislead California consumers,” said Sonoma District Attorney Carla Rodriguez. “We are pleased that we were able to work with the California Attorney General and other California District Attorneys around the state to stop this practice.”
Spurred by consumer complaints, in late 2022 the District Attorneys’ offices and the California Department of Justice launched a joint investigation into Pacific Magazine Billing. The investigation revealed that between 2016 and 2022 the company blasted out tens of millions of mailers that looked like bills for existing magazine subscriptions, when the mailers were in truth solicitations designed to deceive consumers into unknowingly starting or renewing subscriptions.
The settlement announced today resolves allegations that in sending the mailers, Pacific Magazine Billing misled consumers and violated California’s False Advertising and Unfair Competition Laws. As part of the settlement, Pacific Magazine Billing will pay a total of $275,000 in combined civil penalties and other payments that will be used to fund the enforcement of consumer protection laws. The company has also agreed to strong injunctive terms that permanently stop it from issuing solicitations for any magazine subscriptions and mailing solicitations designed as bills in any other business effort.
Attorney General Bonta is committed working with law enforcement partners up and down the state to protect California consumers. In April, Attorney General Bonta in partnership with Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley and Santa Barbara County District Attorney John T. Savrnoch, announced a settlement with HomeOptions, a realty company based in Oakland that engaged in a predatory real estate scheme impacting over 500 California homeowners, and its Chief Executive Officer. In 2024, Attorney General Bonta, along with Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto, announced a $500,000 settlement with Tilting Point Media LLC resolving allegations that the company violated state and federal laws by collecting and sharing children’s data without parental consent in their popular mobile app game “SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off.” In 2023, Attorney General Bonta, along with District Attorneys from Merced, Ventura, and Yolo Counties, announced a settlement against Walmart over allegations that illegal weapons were sold to California consumers by Walmart and by third-party sellers through Walmart’s website.
A copy of the complaint and final judgement can be found here and here. The settlement is pending court approval.
Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement after HHS Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP), which is made up of medical and public health experts — including pediatricians, epidemiologists and geriatricians — who make recommendations about who should get certain vaccines, including the schedule for childhood vaccinations:
“Secretary Kennedy’s unfounded, personal anti-vaxxer views are hazardous to public health and he is making this reckless move based on ideology and conspiracy theories, not sound evidence. The Trump Administration is removing trusted, accomplished, independent experts on ACIP and will likely replace them with ideologues who parrot Kennedy’s misconceptions and conspiracy theories about vaccines. This move is sure to increase vaccine-preventable outbreaks and endanger people’s lives. The most vulnerable Americans, including unvaccinated infants, immunocompromised individuals, and older Americans are most likely to suffer from this ill-conceived directive.
“I urge my Republican colleagues to speak up on behalf of their constituents and work with Democrats to hold this Administration accountable for breaking its promises and degrading public health.”
The CDC recently reported that routine childhood vaccinations in America have prevented over 1.1 million deaths, more than 500 million cases of illness and over 32 million hospitalizations over the past 30 years.
Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
WASHINGTON, DC—Today, after President Trump ordered more than 700 active-duty U.S. Marines into Los Angeles against the will of the California governor and Los Angeles mayor, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:
“I am gravely troubled by President Trump’s order to deploy active-duty U.S. Marines into an American city against the will of its governor and mayor.
“Let me clear: the ongoing violence in Los Angeles is unacceptable. Public safety and law enforcement are paramount, and LA’s state and local law enforcement must continue working to restore peace.
“But the president is forcibly overriding the authority of the governor and mayor and using the military as a political weapon. This unprecedented move threatens to turn a tense situation into a national crisis.
“Since our nation’s founding, the American people have been perfectly clear: we do not want the military conducting law enforcement on U.S. soil.
“President Trump must stop testing the boundaries of the executive branch’s power and attempting to use the military domestically. Every American, regardless of their politics, should reject the idea of a U.S. president deploying active-duty forces against the will of state and local leaders. The President must immediately cease this reckless operation and place the well-being of our nation above his own political ambitions.”
WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with a firearms offense.
According to court documents, Leonard Rrapaj, 61, of Topeka, is charged with illegal possession of a machinegun.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated the case, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Debenham and Stephen Hunting are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Alejandro Espinosa-Hinostroza, 32, a Mexican national residing illegally in Topeka, Kansas, was indicted on one count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm and one count of reentry of a removed alien. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hunting is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###
NEW ORLEANS – ActingU.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that MARK BROOKS (a/k/a “Baby Nu”) (“BROOKS”) age 35, a resident of New Orleans, was indicted on June 5, 2025 for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ‘ 2422(b) (Count 1), and attempted transmission of obscene matter to a minor, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ‘ 1470 (Count 2).
According to the indictment, beginning on or about May 1, 2025, and continuing until on or about May 13, 2025, BROOKS attempted to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an individual he believed to be a fifteen-year-old female to engage in unspecified sexual activity for which a person can be criminally charged. Additionally, beginning on May 1, 2025, and continuing until on or about May 4, 2025, BROOKS attempted to transfer, by means of interstate commerce, obscene matter to an individual who had not attained the age of sixteen years.
BROOKS faces a mandatory minimum of ten (10) years in prison and a maximum term of life in prison as to Count One. He faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years as to Count Two. BROOKS also faces a lifetime of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and can be required to register as a sex offender. He also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee per count.
Acting U. S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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 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 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.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.
Marcus Taslim, 70, of Folsom, was sentenced Monday to 15 months in prison for visa fraud, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced. Taslim was also ordered to pay the victim $39,000 in restitution.
According to court documents, Taslim brought the victim to the United States from Indonesia in December 2018 to provide caregiving services for Taslim’s mother. He obtained a non‑immigrant visa for the victim through lies and false statements, falsely representing to a consular officer that the victim’s length of stay in the United States would only be one month, that she would be paid minimum and overtime wages under the laws of the State of California, that she would be paid bi-weekly and in full, and that he had paid the victim’s one-month salary in advance. Taslim knew these statements were not true. As soon as the consular officer received proof that Taslim had paid the victim’s advance salary, he ordered the victim to withdraw that money and return it to him, which she did.
According to court documents, the victim continued caring for the mother in the United States for about six months. She typically worked seven days a week, beginning work as early as 5 or 6 a.m. and ending at about 8 or 9 p.m. Taslim paid the victim far less than minimum wage, did not pay her bi-weekly and in full, and also confiscated her passport so she could not leave. The victim was only able to leave in June 2019, following intercession from the Folsom Police Department.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot C. Wong prosecuted the case.
A Mexican man who was illegally in the United States pled guilty June 9, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City.
Gerardo Morales-Ramirez, a citizen of Mexico, was convicted of being a felon found in the United States after illegal reentry.
On February 28, 2025, Morales-Ramirez was arrested in Sioux City, Iowa, after an encounter with officers from the Department of Homeland Security. Officers were able to determine Morales-Ramirez is a citizen of Mexico, that he did not have permission to lawfully be present in the United States, and that he was previously removed from the United States on three occasions. Prior to his last removal in 2021, Morales-Ramirez had been convicted of felony operating while intoxicated – third or subsequent offense.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Morales-Ramirez remains in custody of the United States Marshals and will remain in custody pending sentencing. He faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security.
A Mexican man who was illegally in the United States pled guilty June 9, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City, Iowa. Jose De Jesus Mejia-Fraijo, a citizen of Mexico, was convicted of being an aggravated felon found in the United States after illegal reentry.
On March 1, 2025, officers from the Iowa State Patrol encountered Mejia-Fraijo in Sioux City, Iowa, when they arrested him for driving without a valid driver’s license and interference with official acts after a brief attempt to flee from officers on foot. Officers with the Department of Homeland Security were able to determine Mejia-Fraijo is a citizen of Mexico, that he did not have permission to lawfully be present in the United States, and that he was previously removed from the United States on two occasions. Prior to his last removal in 2022, Mejia-Fraijo had been convicted of an aggravated felony offense, namely conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Mejia-Fraijo remains in custody of the United States Marshals and will remain in custody pending sentencing. He faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 25-4015. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
ATLANTA – Bartholomew Keeton Harralson, 47, of Atlanta, Ga., was charged earlier today by a federal grand jury seated in the Northern District of Georgia with Possession with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Heroin, and Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Harralson allegedly possessed 28 firearms, including a machine gun, and hundreds of thousands of pills containing fentanyl and other illicit drugs.
“Thanks to the hard work of the FBI, DEA, and our U.S. Attorney, Georgians are safer following this drug bust. This defendant was using state-of-the-art pill presses to produce poison on a massive scale — he will now face severe consequences for his alleged crimes as we continue to shut down fentanyl networks across the country,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.
“This armed felon allegedly ran a massive fentanyl pill pressing operation in our community, producing enough deadly fentanyl to potentially kill millions of people,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Due to the quick action and seamless collaboration of our law enforcement partners, Harralson now faces federal drug and firearms charges, his operation has been dismantled, and countless lives have almost certainly been saved.”
“The scale of this fentanyl operation—run by a convicted felon—posed a grave threat to our community,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The presence of high-powered firearms alongside industrial pill-pressing equipment underscores the deadly convergence of drug trafficking and violence. The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our commitment to dismantling these operations and holding dangerous individuals accountable.”
“The DEA and our partners are working hard day in and day out to protect our communities from the dangers and violence associated with drug trafficking. DEA’s priorities are to save American lives and to keep our communities safe,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “We will continue to leverage every partnership, and every resource available to ensure drug traffickers who distribute poison, like fentanyl and other illicit drugs in our communities, are brought to justice.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On June 5, 2025, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at Bartholomew Keeton Harralson’s Atlanta-area residence. Once inside, law enforcement located over 56 kilograms of fentanyl, 84 kilograms of methamphetamine, nearly 10 kilograms of heroin, and approximately four kilograms of cocaine – all in the form of powders and hundreds of thousands of pressed pills. Law enforcement also located nine firearms, including one converted to function as a machine gun, $145,000 in cash, and a book titled “How to Avoid Federal Drug Conspiracy & Firearms Charges.” Harralson was arrested at the scene.
Later that same day, law enforcement executed another federal search warrant at Harralson’s Douglasville, Georgia residence. In that residence, law enforcement found two large pill press machines capable of pressing up to 25,000 pills per hour, three hydraulic presses used to form kilogram-sized bricks of narcotics, more than 37 kilograms of fentanyl, approximately 13 kilograms of methamphetamine, just over eight kilograms of heroin, and more than six kilograms of cocaine. These drugs, like those recovered during the search of Harralson’s other residence, were in the form of powder and hundreds of thousands of pressed pills. In addition, in a machine shop located behind the Douglasville residence, law enforcement found approximately 1,375 pounds of binding agent used to press pills, 564 punch dies to mark the pills, 19 firearms, four drum-style magazines, and a significant amount of ammunition.
Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, with valuable assistance provided by the South Fulton Police Department and Douglasville Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. Forsyth, III is prosecuting the case.
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).
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.
WILMINGTON, Del. – Dylan J. Steinberg, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that, on June 5, 2025, a federal jury convicted a Philadelphia man for participating in the kidnapping and murder of a Wilmington resident in July 2021.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Dwayne Alexander, 41, was a high-ranking member of the Shotgun Crips street gang. In the summer of 2021, a lower-ranking Shotgun Crip named Kimon Burton-Roberson became embroiled in a dispute with a Wilmington man. A group of Shotgun Crips then invaded the man’s home, beat him with multiple blunt objects, bound his hands behind his back with zip ties, and drove him to Alexander’s home in Philadelphia. After picking up Alexander, the gang then drove the victim to an industrial park in Yeadon, Pennsylvania, where they executed the victim by shooting him in the head. Alexander supplied the murder weapon and approved the killing.
Alexander is the sixth person convicted in connection with the fatal kidnapping. Other persons convicted federally include:
Kimon Burton-Roberson – pending sentencing
Stephanie Bultes-Ramirez – pending sentencing
Rodney Chambers – pending sentencing
Jamil Salahuddin – pending sentencing
A sixth person, Josiah Rivera, who was a minor at the time of the crime, has been convicted in the Superior Court for the State of Delaware.
Acting U.S. Attorney Steinberg stated, “This conviction marks yet another step forward on the path toward securing full justice for the victim of a brutal and senseless crime. We thank our law enforcement partners for their tireless work on the case. Together, we have sent a message that we hope reaches every corner of Delaware: violent gang activity in this State will be detected, investigated vigorously, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“We appreciate the continued commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold each party responsible for their role in this kidnapping and murder,” said Wilmington Police Chief Wilfredo Campos. “It is our hope that this latest conviction will continue to offer some degree of comfort to the family of the victim, that the law enforcement community will leave no stone unturned in delivering justice in this case.”
“Dwayne Alexander committed a horrific and ruthless murder with his fellow gang members. This guilty verdict is the result of years of painstaking investigation and constant collaboration between our dedicated law enforcement partners and the FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “Together we will relentlessly pursue justice and ensure that dangerous criminals who target our communities are held accountable.”
The FBI, the Wilmington Police Department, the Yeadon Borough Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Delaware Probation and Parole investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle L. Morgan and Benjamin L. Wallace are prosecuting the case.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)
Bacon, Min Reintroduce Orozco Act
The legislation allows immediate relatives of first responders who die in the line of duty to continue to process their immigration application in a timely manner despite the death of their loved one.
Washington – Yesterday, Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE-02), along with Rep. Dave Min (D-CA-47), re-introduced H.R. 3832, the “Kerrie Orozco First Responders Family Act.” This legislation allows immediate relatives of first responders who die in the line of duty to continue to process their immigration application in a timely manner despite the death of their loved one. It simply extends the privilege to first responders that current law affords to spouses of U.S. military serving our country.
The legislation is named after Omaha Police Officer Kerrie Orozco, who was gunned down ten years ago on May 20 while serving a felony arrest warrant as part of the city’s gang unit. Orozco, who had delayed her maternity leave until her premature baby girl Olivia could come home, was due to pick her up hours later that day. In addition to her husband Hector, she was survived by her stepchildren Natalie and Santiago.
“Four years ago, when Officer Kerrie Orozco was killed, her husband Hector was going through the immigration process. His immigration status should not have been put in jeopardy because his wife made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our community,” said Rep. Bacon. “Our first responders put their lives on the line every time they go to work ensuring our families and communities are safe. If they are killed in the line of duty, we owe them peace of mind knowing their families will be taken care of and not forgotten.”
“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Min. “The families of the officers who make the ultimate sacrifice for us shouldn’t be forced to deal with extra red tape as they’re grieving. I’m proud to support this common-sense legislation to support the brave law enforcement families around our nation.” Under current law, the surviving family members of first responders who have pending immigration applications face delays in the naturalization process.
The legislation is supported by: American Business Immigration Coalition (AIBC), FWD.us, National Immigration Forum, Police Officers’ Defense Coalition, and the U.S. Deputy Sheriff’s Association.
“This bill is a compassionate, commonsense step toward honoring those who make the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country and local communities, and the families who carry their legacy forward. It recognizes that many of our country’s heroes are part of immigrant families, and that their spouses and children are deeply rooted in our communities. These families embody the strength and values that hold our country together. Protecting them isn’t just the right thing to do, it reflects who we are as a nation,”said ABIC CEO, Rebecca Shi.
“In the aftermath of a line of duty death, the FOP, the fallen heroes department and the community grieve together and do what they can to support the family and loved ones they leave behind. In the tragic case of Officer Kellie Orozco, who was shot and killed just days before she was to bring home her baby—a daughter that was born prematurely—she left behind a husband who faced a lengthy nationalization process while caring for their three children as a single parent. Modeled on the Gold Star Families program, the legislation would provide that a surviving spouse, child or parent of a U.S. citizen public safety officer who died in service or as a result of their service to apply for U.S. citizenship more quickly by waiving the five-year continuous residence and the 30-month physical presence requirements for naturalization. The FOP is proud to support the bill,” said Patrick Yoe, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police.
“The National Immigration Forum supports The Kerrie Orozco First Responders Act, a commonsense, bipartisan immigration reform that recognizes the sacrifice of fallen first responders and their family members. This bill helps surviving non-citizen spouses, parents, or children of U.S. citizen public safety officers by streamlining their process for obtaining citizenship, providing them a measure of stability and peace of mind. This compassionate and sensible reform would afford these family members a more direct path to permanent status and citizenship, an important and well-deserved gesture at a particularly difficult time,”said Jennie Murray, President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum.
“This important legislation stands as a profound and compassionate testament to the brave men and women who make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. By allowing the spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen public safety officer to be naturalized- provided the officer’s death resulted from a line-of-duty injury and all relevant immigration law requirements are met-this bill affirms a deep moral truth: that our nation not only values the lives of those who serve, but also honors and supports the families they leave behind,”said Bert Eyler, President of the Police Officers’ Defense Coalition.
This legislation is part of Rep. Bacon’s overall approach to immigration, which includes securing our borders and fixing our broken immigration system.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)
WASHINGTON –Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40) and the rest of the California Republican delegation to introduce a resolution formally condemning the riots in Los Angeles.
“I support the First Amendment right to peacefully protest, but the violence and vandalism happening in Los Angeles is unacceptable,”said Congressman Valadao.“Standing for law and order should be common sense, and ICE should continue to prioritize the removal of known criminals from our country. With this resolution, California Republicans urge Governor Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass to condemn the chaos and work with the administration to restore peace to our streets.”
“Peaceful protests are a constitutional right, but vandalism, looting, violence, and other crimes are not. Protecting public safety shouldn’t be controversial, which is why I am leading the California Republican delegation in a resolution to support law and order as we continue to see unrest,”said Congresswoman Young Kim.“I hope Governor Newsom can come together with President Trump to stop the riots, lower the temperature, and keep our communities safe.”
Congresswoman Young Kim added,“Let’s be clear: the riots escalated before the National Guard was sent in and were enabled by California’s soft-on-crime policies – peddled for years by Governor Newsom, Sacramento, and local prosecutors – that have allowed for lawlessness and endangered public safety of hardworking Californians.”
This resolution expresses that the U.S. House of Representatives:
Recognizes the right to assemble and protest peacefully.
Condemns unequivocally the violence perpetrated against Federal, State, and local law enforcement.
Calls on local and State elected leadership to work with the Federal government to end the violent riots and restore peace.
Expresses gratitude to law enforcement officers for keeping our communities safe in the face of danger.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Perry (PA-10)
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Scott Perry (PA-10) introduced the No Desire for Streetcars Act, a bill prohibiting mass transit pet projects masquerading as legitimate public infrastructure.
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, unless we’re talking about publicly-funded streetcars – expensive, ugly, and slow,”said Congressman Perry.“Academic, out-of-touch city planners are the only proponents of building roads to nowhere. Streetcars are the worst of the worst – dysfunctional and expensive at best, and funnel tax dollars to large coastal cities and out of the pockets of hardworking Americans.”
The No Desire for Streetcars Act ends funding for the D.C. streetcar boondoggle, and for any current or future copycat transit infrastructure projects. In Washington, the streetcar cost exceeded $200 million, took years to implement, and never collected a single fare.
Washington D.C. is phasing out the streetcar line by 2025, and replacing it with an electric bus after the abject failure of the decades-long project. Taxpayers can’t afford another failed mass transit project, and the No Desire for Streetcars Act eliminates the risk of one by codifying common sense.
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Lincoln Mitchell, Lecturer, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University
Heavy equipment and military vehicles arrive in Jessup, Md., for the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary parade on June 14, 2025, which coincides with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
Melania Trump and President Donald Trump joined French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, to watch the annual Bastille Day military parade in Paris on July 14, 2017, an event that inspired Trump to seek a parade in Washington, D.C. Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Trump vs. NYC
New York is a parade town. It’s also a city with which Trump has a long, complex relationship.
Trump was born in New York and began his business career there. Before Trump was a politician, or even a reality TV star, he was a fixture in the New York tabloids. His marriages, divorces, dating life and business successes and failures were splashed across more headlines than can be easily counted beginning in the early 1980s, but Trump was always presented as a clownish figure, albeit a very rich one.
In those years, continuing into the first decade of this century, the local media always presented him as gaudy, loud and not quite as business savvy as he claimed – hence the coverage of his bankruptcies.
While much of the rest of the country bought the Trump narrative that he was a brilliant businessman surrounded by beautiful women, doting staff and fawning celebrities, many New Yorkers never did.
And the city celebrates with big parades honoring everything from sports championships, which used to be much more common for New York teams, to the U.S. winning wars, most recently following the first Gulf War in 1991. Additionally, New York has parades for many of the hundreds of ethnic groups that make up the city.
For decades on Thanksgiving Day, as they roast their turkey, prepare the stuffing and finalize preparations for the traditional feast, millions of Americans have watched the Thanksgiving parade, which is always held in Manhattan, frequently referred to as the Macy’s Day parade because Macy’s has long sponsored the event.
Some, like the Thanksgiving parade, have their own rituals, such as watching the balloons being inflated behind the American Museum of Natural History on the evening before Thanksgiving.
However, the most famous of all parade types in New York is the ticker-tape parade. Dating from the days when paper, not computers, dominated trading floors and offices, people would throw ticker tape and other papers out their windows as the parade passed through the Financial District area that became known as the Canyon of Heroes.
But New Yorkers never throw parades for their politicians and tend to favor drums and floats rather than tanks and soldiers at these events.
An avalanche of confetti rains down on Aug. 13, 1969, honoring the three astronauts of the Apollo 11 mission, who became the first people to walk on the Moon. Bettman/Getty Images
No ticker tape for Trump
While there are parades for all kinds of people and events in New York, there has never been a parade there for Donald Trump. There was a pretty massive street party in the city when it was announced that Trump had lost the 2020 election.
Although Trump changed his primary residence to Florida in 2019, Trump was a New Yorker for many years and like many longtime residents had the chance to see many heroes – Mickey Mantle, John Glenn, Tom Seaver, Derek Jeter, Eli Manning, Nelson Mandela, American war veterans, numerous foreign leaders and many others – feted with a parade down the Canyon of Heroes. Jeter was celebrated five times, John Glenn and Mickey Mantle twice.
It is impossible to know Trump’s motivations for pushing the parade in the nation’s capital. But we also know that he is a man who holds himself in high regard and craves attention. Trump will likely never get a parade in his erstwhile hometown, so Washington must be the next best thing.
Trump’s newfound parade fetish underscores his love-hate relationship with New York.
A Washington, D.C., parade celebrating an unappreciated New Yorker who years ago decamped to Florida and Washington is a pale imitation of the Canyon of Heroes, where New Yorkers honor beloved leaders, war heroes, explorers and their favorite sports stars. But it is all Trump has.
Lincoln Mitchell does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
The Bank of Canada today maintained its target for the overnight rate at 2.75%, with the Bank Rate at 3% and the deposit rate at 2.70%.
Since the April Monetary Policy Report, the US administration has continued to increase and decrease various tariffs. China and the United States have stepped back from extremely high tariffs and bilateral trade negotiations have begun with a number of countries. However, the outcomes of these negotiations are highly uncertain, tariff rates are well above their levels at the beginning of 2025, and new trade actions are still being threatened. Uncertainty remains high.
While the global economy has shown resilience in recent months, this partly reflects a temporary surge in activity to get ahead of tariffs. In the United States, domestic demand remained relatively strong but higher imports pulled down first-quarter GDP. US inflation has ticked down but remains above 2%, with the price effects of tariffs still to come. In Europe, economic growth has been supported by exports, while defence spending is set to increase. China’s economy has slowed as the effects of past fiscal support fade. More recently, high tariffs have begun to curtail Chinese exports to the US. Since the financial market turmoil in April, risk assets have largely recovered and volatility has diminished, although markets remain sensitive to US policy announcements. Oil prices have fluctuated but remain close to their levels at the time of the April MPR.
In Canada, economic growth in the first quarter came in at 2.2%, slightly stronger than the Bank had forecast, while the composition of GDP growth was largely as expected. The pull-forward of exports to the United States and inventory accumulation boosted activity, with final domestic demand roughly flat. Strong spending on machinery and equipment held up growth in business investment by more than expected. Consumption slowed from its very strong fourth-quarter pace, but continued to grow despite a large drop in consumer confidence. Housing activity was down, driven by a sharp contraction in resales. Government spending also declined. The labour market has weakened, particularly in trade-intensive sectors, and unemployment has risen to 6.9%. The economy is expected to be considerably weaker in the second quarter, with the strength in exports and inventories reversing and final domestic demand remaining subdued.
CPI inflation eased to 1.7% in April, as the elimination of the federal consumer carbon tax reduced inflation by 0.6 percentage points. Excluding taxes, inflation rose 2.3% in April, slightly stronger than the Bank had expected. The Bank’s preferred measures of core inflation, as well as other measures of underlying inflation, moved up. Recent surveys indicate that households continue to expect that tariffs will raise prices and many businesses say they intend to pass on the costs of higher tariffs. The Bank will be watching all these indicators closely to gauge how inflationary pressures are evolving.
With uncertainty about US tariffs still high, the Canadian economy softer but not sharply weaker, and some unexpected firmness in recent inflation data, Governing Council decided to hold the policy rate as we gain more information on US trade policy and its impacts. We will continue to assess the timing and strength of both the downward pressures on inflation from a weaker economy and the upward pressures on inflation from higher costs.
Governing Council is proceeding carefully, with particular attention to the risks and uncertainties facing the Canadian economy. These include: the extent to which higher US tariffs reduce demand for Canadian exports; how much this spills over into business investment, employment and household spending; how much and how quickly cost increases are passed on to consumer prices; and how inflation expectations evolve.
We are focused on ensuring that Canadians continue to have confidence in price stability through this period of global upheaval. We will support economic growth while ensuring inflation remains well controlled.
Information note
The next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is July 30, 2025. The Bank will publish its next MPR at the same time.
