Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)
Senator Mullin Advocates for Brain Aneurysm Research, Reintroduces Ellie’s Law
Washington, D.C. – Earlier this month, U.S. Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) reintroduced Ellie’s Law, a bipartisan bill to increase federal funding for research of prevention and detection of brain aneurysms.
“As an advocate for better brain health outcomes, I’m proud to support Ellie’s Law. No family should have to go through the heartbreak or financial burden from a disease we have the power to prevent,” said Senator Markwayne Mullin. “We have to continue pushing for real progress in brain aneurysm research, and I’m committed to working with my colleagues in the Senate to make sure that critical funding moves forward.”
Senator Mullin met with Ellie’s family in Washington, D.C. and discussed the importance of this bill and Ellie’s beautiful life.
Full text of the ‘‘Ellie Helton, Lisa Colagrossi, Kristen Shafer Englert, Teresa Anne Lawrence, and Jennifer Sedney Focused Research Act’’ or ‘‘Ellie’s Law’’ can be found here.
Background:
An estimated six million people in the U.S., or one in 50 people, have an unruptured brain aneurysm.
Each year, an estimated 30,000 people in the U.S. suffer a brain aneurysm rupture, 40 percent of which are fatal.
Brain aneurysms are most prevalent in people ages 35-50 but can occur in children.
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
Welch on Trump’s Trade War: “From my perspective—and obviously the court’s perspective—he’s overreaching. He’s acting beyond the scope of authority that he has as the chief executive of our country.”
BURLINGTON, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined CBC Radio One’s The Current to reflect on his recent trip to Ottawa, where he and a bipartisan Congressional Delegation discussed the trade war with Prime Minister Mark Carney and other Canadian leaders. In the interview, Senator Welch also reacted to the U.S. Court of International Trade’s ruling halting President Trump’s so-called ‘reciprocal’ global tariffs, and tariffs on Canada and Mexico.
Matt Galloway: “You have called Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada, in your words, ‘really, really stupid.’ What did you make of this court ruling?”
Senator Welch: “Well, it’s welcome news. The reality is that in the United States, under our Constitution, a tariff is a tax, and the originating body has to be the Congress. The president has hijacked that authority, supposedly invoking emergency powers. I think that was bogus and that it has done a lot of damage. This court ruling says what I think is true: the president and executive, whether it’s Trump or anyone else, does not have the unilateral authority to arbitrarily and whimsically impose these tariffs without congressional approval.”
Galloway: “It’s interesting, this court has appointees from Ronald Reagan, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. Do you think that the Trump Administration will abide by their decision?”
Welch: “Open question. As you said, when there is a court ruling the Trump Administration disagrees with, it accuses the judges of being unelected people who have no authority. Under our system of justice, and our constitutional order—the court—that is their job to make a determination as to whether a law or an action by the executive is within the bounds of the constitution. It’s ‘situation normal’ and ‘reaction normal’ from Trump. If he doesn’t like the decision, he says it’s bogus. He has disregarded many decisions, I think it’ll be tougher, on this one, for him to do so.”
■■■
Galloway: “As you said, this was a bipartisan group of Members that came to Ottawa, both Democrat and Republican. What is your sense as to how willing the parties are to work together when it comes to mending offenses?”
Welch: “Well, here’s the dilemma that we have—this is our problem: There’s widespread opposition to the tariffs, because—whether you voted for Trump, you voted for Harris—these tariffs are making your business running your business very, very difficult. But the reality, politically, for us right now is Trump continues to have a pretty iron grip on the Republicans in Congress. So, at a certain point, my Republican colleagues are going to have to decide whether they’re going to defer to the president or listen to the people they represent. Because whether you’re in a Republican state like North Dakota or…a Democratic state like Vermont, our businesses in both states, our hospitality industry, they’re being affected. And of course, Canada is a major trading partner for 34 states. It is for Vermont, but we’re one of 34 states. And this is something that is now integrated into the economies of 34 of our states, and really our country.
“These tariffs make absolutely no sense, and many of us are saying that. But Trump’s in charge, and from my perspective—and obviously the court’s perspective—he’s overreaching. He’s acting beyond the scope of authority that he has as the chief executive of our country.”
Listen to the episode here:
This week in Manchester, Senator Welch brought together Vermont businesses and manufacturers to hear directly how global tariffs and President Trump’s trade war are impacting them. The event was held at The Orvis Company. Read more about the event here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)
WASHINGTON– Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01), a senior member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, and Congressman Greg Stanton (AZ-04) introduced the Extreme Weather and Heat Response Modernization Act. This legislation would empower the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to better define and address extreme heat and to provide communities with more resources, including cooling centers, to keep people safe during extreme temperature events.
“Last year, Clark County suffered from the deadliest extreme heat season on record with 526 heat-related deaths,” said Rep. Titus. “While steps have been taken in recent years to combat the rise of heat-related illnesses, more needs to be done to improve emergency responses to this deadly threat. My bill will provide FEMA with the flexibility to expand its suite of mitigation measures against extreme heat, including cooling centers. It also requires FEMA to provide guidance to help communities better plan for extreme temperature events.”
“If Phoenix was being hit with a hurricane, or pummeled by tornadoes or extreme flooding, FEMA would be able to provide federal assistance. But despite extreme heat killing more people each year than hurricanes and tornadoes combined, states can’t request the same kind of federal assistance for heat emergencies. Extreme heat is a long-term natural disaster, and we need the federal government to start treating it as such,” said Rep. Stanton. “Our legislation gives FEMA the tools to address extreme heat—in coordination with state, local and Tribal governments—and keep Arizonans safe.”
Background
Extreme heat causes more deaths than tornados and hurricanes combined. Statistics show that the summer of 2024 was the deadliest for extreme heat, especially in Southern Nevada, where Las Vegas recorded its deadliest extreme heat season. According to weather indicators, the number of extreme heat events per year has increased in frequency and intensity, showing no signs of letting up.
Over the 4th of July weekend in 2024, nearly 130 million people were under some sort of extreme heat threat, and temperatures in Southern Nevada reached a local record of 120 degrees. As heat-related illnesses and hospitalizations continue to increase, communities need more resources to protect individuals, including the ability to set up cooling centers to help vulnerable people maintain a safe body temperature.
The legislation is supported by the City of Las Vegas; National Association of Counties (NACo); Desert Research Institute; IBEW Local 357; United Steelworkers; BuildStrong America; and the NRDC.
A Section by Section of the bill can be found here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)
Larsen Announces Winner of 2025 Congressional Art Competition
Mount Vernon, W.A., May 30, 2025
Today, Rep. Rick Larsen announced Tessa Meyer of Oak Harbor High School as the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition in Washington state’s 2nd congressional district with her piece, “Swallow Your Attitude.”
“Swallow Your Attitude” by Tessa Meyer, Oak Harbor High School “Swallow Your Attitude” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Meyer has also been invited to attend the Congressional Art Competition awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. and received free airfare for her and an adult for the trip.
“It takes courage to put yourself out there as a young person, and I’m grateful to all the artists who submitted their work to the Congressional Art Competition,” said Larsen. “Congratulations to Tessa Meyer for winning this year’s competition with her fantastic piece. I look forward to seeing “Swallow Your Attitude” in the Capitol.”
This year’s second and third place winners are also students at Oak Harbor High School: Lillika Taitano with “An Orange-flavored Day” and Peyton Bodenhafer with “Obscure.”
“An Orange-flavored Day” by Lillika Taitano, Oak Harbor High School
“Obscure” by Peyton Bodenhafer, Oak Harbor High School Kit Christopherson is the art teacher at Oak Harbor High School, and congratulated his three students for winning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in this year’s competition.
“All participants’ works exhibited great technical excellence and I am thrilled our OHHS artists were recognized,” said Christopherson. “Lillika Taitano’s “An Orange-Flavored Day” is a beautifully crafted look at first childhood experiences and Peyton Bodenhafer’s “Obscure” is an excellent experiment in hidden form. The detailed winning piece “Swallow Your Attitude” by Tessa Meyer could be read as a social commentary where kids receive more loud opinions and information than people can handle and reminds me that parents and teachers have the opportunity to demonstrate stability instead of trying to compete with the noise.”
This year, Rep. Larsen’s office received 15 eligible artwork submissions from across the Second District. Rep. Larsen, Dr. Kate MacKenzie (Snohomish County Arts Commissioner), Therese Kingsbury (President of Sculpture Northwest), and Diane Martindale (former President of the San Juan Islands Museum of Art) served as judges in the competition. Each submission was scored on creativity, the execution of the artist’s skill, and the way the piece tells a story or provokes a reaction.
The winner of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition in Washington state’s 2nd congressional district, “Reflection” by Riley Tomtan of Ferndale High School, has hung in the U.S. Capitol for the past year.
“Reflection” by Riley Tomtan, Ferndale High School Each spring since 1982, the Congressional Institute has sponsored the Congressional Art Competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in each congressional district. Since the competition began, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. For more information about the annual Congressional Art Competition, click here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)
A number of communities and localities in Virginia’s Ninth District are reported to be considered “sanctuary jurisdictions” by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In light of this news, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:
“Ninth District law enforcement organizations and localities are very cooperative with the federal government in the handling and detainment of illegal aliens.
“It is a surprising development to see some of our localities listed as ‘sanctuary jurisdictions’ by DHS. My office has been in contact with our liaisons in the federal government for an explanation and solution. As of now, we do not have a definitive answer. However, it appears that there may be some paperwork anomalies related to federal detainers, particularly at some regional jails.
“I will continue to monitor the situation and hope I will have specific answers within the next week.”
BACKGROUND
A detainer is a legal document that asks a community or law enforcement organization, like a jail, to detain a prisoner or illegal alien until the federal government can pick them up.
Today, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), in consultation with the National Energy Dominance Council and relevant permitting agencies, issued a Permitting Technology Action Plan to modernize Federal environmental review and permitting processes for infrastructure projects involving roads, bridges, mines, factories, power plants and more.
The Permitting Technology Action Plan provides a government-wide strategy to optimize technology to effectively and efficiently evaluate environmental permits, allowing for seamless information exchange between agencies, simplified interactions for applicants, and greater transparency and predictability on environmental review and permitting schedules for sponsors and stakeholders.
The Permitting Technology Action Plan contains:
Minimum functional requirements for environmental review and permitting systems;
An initial National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and permitting data and technology standard;
A timeline and implementation roadmap for agencies; and
A governance structure for implementation.
This Permitting Technology Action Plan is a testament to the Trump Administration’s commitment to expediting and simplifying the environmental review and permitting process. It delivers on President Trump’s Memorandum, Updating Permitting Technology for the 21st Century, and follows the establishment of the Permitting Innovation Center. Working with the General Services Administration’s Technology Transformation Services, the CEQ-led Permitting Innovation Center will design and test prototype permitting technology systems in order to advise Federal agencies on the adoption of the best-in-class-tools.
“The Trump Administration is working tirelessly to implement innovation-driven environmental review and permitting reforms to eliminate needless delays that cripple the growth of the U.S. economy, replacing outdated technology with efficient, speedier solutions,” said Katherine Scarlett, Chief of Staff at the White House Council on Environmental Quality. “Through interagency coordination, this Administration has taken bold action to streamline the NEPA process and get America back to building infrastructure projects of all kinds.”
“Under President Trump’s leadership, we will ensure the Federal government is maximizing modern technologies to streamline permitting,” said Thomas Shedd, Technology Transformation Services Director at the General Services Administration. “Technology Transformation Services remains committed to supporting the execution of the Permitting Technology Action Plan by building the tools agencies can use to accelerate their environmental review and permitting processes – with results in weeks or months, not years.”
The solutions laid out in the Permitting Technology Action Plan will leverage technology to tackle longstanding problems identified in CEQ’s E-NEPA Report to Congress—including, reliance on outdated systems, fragmented data management, and disconnected digital tools—reinforcing this Administration’s unwavering dedication to deliver outstanding results at 21st century speeds.
“We need to drill more, map more, mine more, and build more — all while innovating faster than our global competitors,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum.“The Permitting Technology Action Plan will channel our greatest asset, American innovation and technology, to overhaul our current permitting process and power our nation faster, better, cleaner, and more reliably than ever before. Embracing cutting-edge development and modernizing this outdated system will pave the way to American success.”
“With President Trump’s leadership, this administration is taking action to fix a broken system that’s slowing down critical energy projects across the country. Outdated permitting systems are creating costly delays at the exact moment we need to be expanding capacity, strengthening our energy security, and building the infrastructure that powers American industry and lowers costs for families,” said Secretary of Energy Chris Wright.“As Secretary of Energy and Vice Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council, I welcome this decisive action to modernize permitting technology, cut red tape, and align the full force of the federal government behind getting these essential projects approved and built—because energy dominance isn’t possible without the infrastructure to support it.”
“When President Trump says American farmers and ranchers have been the lifeblood of our economy for centuries, he means it. For too long, our producers have experienced delays and uncertainty as they navigate a complex permitting process that gets in the way of American innovation and stifles energy and timber production. This historic Memorandum will increase efficiency and transparency so farmers, foresters, and producers can get back to the work they do every day to feed, fuel, and clothe our nation,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.
“It takes too long to build in America,” said Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy. “Ridiculous red tape and outdated regulations add cost and delays to projects. It has to stop. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we are slashing the bureaucracy and getting back to actually building things in America again. We are doing that by harnessing innovative technology to expedite the permitting process.”
“I applaud President Trump for his actions to streamline environmental reviews and permitting processes which will bolster American innovation and grow our economy. Pillar Three of my Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative is permitting reform, cooperative federalism, and cross-agency partnership and under President Trump’s leadership, EPA will leverage technology to maximize efficiency and maintain the quality of review while expediting permits for infrastructure projects. No longer will applicants face years-long, uncertain, and costly permitting processes. Instead, we will safeguard our environment and incentivize investment into our economy creating American jobs,” said Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency Lee Zeldin.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
WW 348 TORNADO NC VA WV 301735Z – 310000Z
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 348 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 135 PM EDT Fri May 30 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Northwest into Central North Carolina Western and Northern Virginia Southern and Eastern West Virginia
* Effective this Friday afternoon and evening from 135 PM until 800 PM EDT.
* Primary threats include… A couple tornadoes possible Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible Isolated large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible
SUMMARY…Scattered thunderstorms are forecast to develop ahead of a surface low where enlarged hodographs and moist low levels will promote a mix of cells and bands of storms. The stronger storms will pose a risk for a couple of tornadoes, scattered damaging gusts, and isolated large hail.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 80 statute miles east and west of a line from 30 miles north northeast of Elkins WV to 20 miles southwest of Greensboro NC. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU8).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and 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.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 347…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 25035.
CAMDEN, N.J. — An Albanian national was charged with marriage fraud, and he and his wife, an American citizen, were both charged with making false statements on forms submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services following an investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Newark.
The charges against Elvis Harizaj, 25, of Cherry Hill, and Natasha Flores, 27, of Newark, were announced May 28 by the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey in Camden.
“This couple allegedly undermined the integrity of our U.S. immigration laws by entering into a deceptive marriage for the purpose of obtaining fraudulent legal status to remain in our country,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “These charges should serve as a warning to others that marriage fraud is a federal crime, and we will investigate and prosecute those who try to circumvent our nation’s legal paths to residency.”
According to HSI Newark’s investigation, Harizaj is a citizen of Albania and entered into a sham marriage with Flores for the purpose of obtaining permanent residence in the United States. On forms submitted to USCIS, Harizaj falsely stated that he lived with Flores and Flores falsely stated that she had never been married before. Flores, in fact, had previously been married to a Brazilian national who obtained U.S. citizenship based on his marriage to Flores. In addition, Harizaj was charged with marriage fraud.
The counts of false statements and marriage fraud both have a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of three years of supervised release.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Monica De La Cruz (TX-15)
Washington, DC – Co-chairs, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (R-TX) and Congresswoman Emilia Strong Sykes (D-OH), along with Vice-Chairs, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) and Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (D-OR) announce theBipartisan Women’s Caucus priorities for the 119th Congress.
The Caucus outlined the following legislative priorities:
Caregiving:Exploring ways to better support caregivers
Food and Nutrition:Expanding access to healthy and nutritious food
Small Business and Entrepreneurship:Promoting programs for women-owned businesses
STEM/STEAM:Creating greater opportunities and a pipeline for women and girls
Women Veterans:Addressing military sexual trauma and enhancing research on women veterans’ health
Violence Against Women:Supporting efforts to promote the economic security of survivors
Women’s Health:Strengthening and funding maternal health, mid-life health and expanding IVF insurance coverage
Women’s History Museum:Ensuring women’s contributions throughout our country’s history is recognized and honored
“As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus, I’m committed to working across the aisle to advance policies that support women-owned small businesses, strengthen families, and expand access to childcare and elder care.Empowering women is at the heart of our mission, and I look forward to delivering commonsense solutions on the priorities we share.”-Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15)
“As the representative for one of the most bipartisan congressional districts in the country, it is an honor to Co-Chair the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus to prioritize real change for women and girls in America. Whether we are working to raise awareness around violence against women, improving women’s health, expanding opportunities for women and girls in STEAM, or engaging in efforts to improve access to healthy foods and ensure food is safe for our children, I am grateful for the opportunity to work with so many amazing women across the political spectrum to make sure that women and girls are not left behind by our government.”–Congresswoman Emilia Strong Sykes (OH-13)
“As Vice-Chair serving in the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus, I remain committed to advancing commonsense, bipartisan policies that support women and families nationwide. We’ve worked to increase the Child Tax Credit and expand women’s health care, support women-owned businesses, advance STEM opportunities, supporting solutions to increase access to child care, and champion a National Women’s History Museum. We’re working across the aisle to empower current and future generations of women and girls.”-Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis.
“Every day I hear from Oregonians that want lower costs, better jobs, and a fair chance at the American Dream. I remain firmly committed to working across the aisle as Vice-Chair of the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus to deliver real results to improve Americans’ quality of life.”-Congresswoman Janelle Bynum
“In keeping with their 48-year history, the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus’ legislative priorities for the 119th Congress demonstrate their continued commitment to work across the aisle to ensure women and their families are economically secure, healthy and safe. WCPI will continue to work alongside the Caucus to hold regular briefings and engage in thoughtful bipartisan discussions and learning opportunities for Members and congressional staff.”-President of the Women’s Congressional Policy Institute (WCPI) Jennifer Lockwood-Shabat
Background:
The Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues was founded in 1977 and later renamed to the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus (BWC). When it was founded, the Caucus included 15 of the 18 women servingin the House of Representatives. Today, nearly one-third of the House are women members. With its founding, the Caucus offered a space for women members to speak in public and with each other about women’s policy issues with the goal of developing, initiating, and promoting bipartisan legislation and public policies for women.
Some of the early accomplishments of the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus included:
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (1978)
The Retirement Equity Act (1984)
The Women’s Business Ownership Act (1988)
The Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act (1990)
Source: United States House of Representatives – Monica De La Cruz (TX-15)
De La Cruz Advocates to Combat New World Screwworm in Hidalgo County
Washington, May 29, 2025
WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins advocating for the USDA to establish anew sterile fly facility at the Moore Air Base in Hidalgo County, Texas. The facility is critical to protecting Texas livestock and wildlife from New World Screwworm.
In the 1960s, Moore Air Base housed a sterile fly facility that helped successfully eradicate the New World Screwworm. Given Hidalgo County’s proximity to the border and the existing infrastructure, it is strategic and beneficial to select this location for a potential new sterile fly facility.
Read the full letter here or below.
“Dear Secretary Rollins,
I write to you today regarding the potential establishment of a new sterile fly facility within the United States, a matter of critical importance to the protection of our livestock and wildlife. As you know, the threat of invasive fly species, such as the New World screwworm, poses a significant risk to the health and economic well-being of our agricultural sector and the delicate balance of our ecosystems.
Given the strategic importance of this facility, I strongly advocate for its location within Texas’ 15th Congressional District, specifically at Moore Air Base. This base was previously the site of a facility to help combat screwworm in the 1960’s. Additionally, the United States Department of Agriculture currently operates a fruit fly rearing and eclosion facility in this area and the addition of a new sterile fly facility would logistically make sense due to the existing USDA infrastructure in place and the operational runway at Moore Air Base. This region also presents a compelling case for consideration, primarily due to its proximity to the United States-Mexico border.
The Moore Air Base location offers several key advantages:
Border Proximity: The proximity to the border with Mexico is crucial for effective monitoring and control of potential incursions of invasive fly species. A facility in this region would allow for rapid response and containment, minimizing the spread of infestations into the United States.
Existing Agricultural Infrastructure: The region boasts a robust agricultural sector with established infrastructure and expertise in livestock management. This existing framework would facilitate efficient integration of the sterile fly facility and streamline its operations. Additionally, Moore Air Base has operations runways equipped to distribute sterile flies.
Strategic Location: Moore Air Base offers a central location for distribution of sterile flies to other areas in the southern United States, if such a need arises. Additionally, this base was the site of a facility used in the 1960’s to successfully combat screwworm.
Economic Impact: The establishment of such a facility would provide valuable economic opportunities for the region by generating jobs and stimulating local economies.
I understand the Department of Agriculture’s commitment to safeguarding our agricultural resources and natural habitats. I believe that locating this vital facility in Texas’ 15th Congressional District would be a prudent and strategic decision, enhancing our ability to protect our livestock and wildlife from the devastating impact of invasive fly species.
I respectfully request that you give this matter your full consideration and explore the feasibility of establishing the sterile fly facility within Texas’ 15th Congressional District at Moore Air Base. I am prepared to provide any additional information or support that may be required during your evaluation process.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.
Headline: High School Teams from Across North Carolina Amaze in Ready, Set, App! Competition
High School Teams from Across North Carolina Amaze in Ready, Set, App! Competition lsaito
Raleigh, NC
Today Governor Josh Stein announced the three winning North Carolina high school teams of the sixth annual Ready, Set, App! competition. Nine student teams from across the state attended the final event to pitch their original mobile apps to a panel of business and tech-industry professionals along with a live audience of family members, teachers, and peers.
“I am proud to recognize these competitors for their technical acumen and hard work to develop apps that will make a difference for their friends, family, and neighbors,” said Governor Josh Stein. “We must expand opportunity so that students can apply what they learn in the classroom to solve real problems. I look forward to seeing all that these students achieve in the future.”
The following teams were selected as the winners for this year’s competition:
First place was ASLephant from Mallard Creek High School in Mecklenburg County, who created an app to teach users about the foundations of American Sign Language (ASL) through a gamified leveling system, which features unique quizzes and flashcards. Team members include Elizabeth Bui, Linh Thai, and Laylah Pegues. Watch ASLephant’s presentation here.
Second place went to Color Catch from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics – Morganton in Burke County. Their app empowers individuals with color blindness by enabling them to easily identify the colors of everyday objects, enhancing their independence. Team members include Rohin Patel, Avika Gera, Peter Tenholder, Sai Yadavalli, and Ishaan Joshy. Watch Color Catch’s presentation here.
Third place was ApneaAid from Enloe High School in Wake County, who created an AI-powered app that detects sleep apnea risk using your phone’s microphone and provides unique recommendations and trends to improve sleep quality. Team members include Madhav Annachi, Sehajpreet Bajwa, Aarush Jain, Ahan Jaiswal, Abhinay Ruddarraju. Watch ApneaAid’s presentation here.
The Ready, Set, App competition is hosted by the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE), a business-led, education non-profit within the Governor’s Office, and sponsored by Lenovo. The contest challenges student teams to design and develop an original android mobile application to solve a problem in their school or community.
This year, Ready, Set, App! teams are comprised of three to five students along with an advisor. The competition set participation records this year, engaging 425 students with 107 teams from across 30 counties. From the registered teams, 51 submitted completed projects, including a full app demonstration accompanied by a compelling video pitch. Projects were then judged by Lenovo professionals, educators, business leaders, and government officials to determine the nine finalists. Teams then pitched their apps on stage at the Lenovo headquarters in Morrisville for the chance to win brand new Lenovo tech.
“We are incredibly proud to recognize the outstanding talent and innovation showcased by all the participants in this year’s Ready, Set, App! competition,” said Libby Richards, community engagement manager at Lenovo. “These high school students have demonstrated not only technical skill, but also a forward-thinking problem solving using technology. We congratulate the winners on their impressive achievements and applaud every student who took part in this inspiring competition.”
This year’s team was led by Kishan Rajeev Jagadeesh from Apex Friendship High and Wisdom Walker from Harper Middle College. New additions this year include Evan Kim from Weddington High School, Mariya Tinch from Nash-Rocky Mount Early College, Nachammai Annamalai from South Iredell High School, and Swayam Shah from Enloe Magnet High School.
Ready, Set, App! is open to all North Carolina high school students and will be held again next school year with a kickoff planned for fall 2025. Intern applications will open in September and team registration will open shortly after.
Click here or more information about the Ready, Set, App! Competition.
Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)
Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate TuSimple Holdings – a Chinese autonomous trucking company – for potential violations of U.S. export controls, unauthorized transfers of sensitive technology to the People’s Republic of China, and any associated breaches of national security.
In the letter, Senator Hawley wrote, “According to recent investigative reports, TuSimple systematically shared proprietary data, source code, and autonomous driving technologies with Chinese state-linked entities, in blatant disregard of a 2022 national security agreement with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). These reports also revealed communications from TuSimple personnel inside China requesting the shipment of sensitive Nvidia AI chips and detailed records showing ‘deep and longstanding ties’ with Chinese military-affiliated manufacturers. To date, TuSimple has not faced serious consequences for sharing American intellectual property with China.”
He continued, “If the reports about TuSimple are accurate, they represent not just a violation of export law, but a breach of national trust and a direct threat to American technological leadership. The American people deserve to know how and why a supposedly U.S.-based company was allowed to serve as a conduit for the transfer of sensitive innovations to the Chinese Communist Party.”
Senator Hawley concluded, “I urge the Department to act swiftly and without hesitation. Any individual or entity found to have violated our laws must be held fully accountable.”
Read the full letter here or below.
May 28, 2025
The Honorable Pam BondiAttorney GeneralU.S. Department of Justice950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NWWashington, DC 20530
Dear Attorney General Bondi,
I write to urge the Department of Justice to open a formal investigation into TuSimple Holdings Inc., a Chinese autonomous trucking company, for potential violations of U.S. export controls, unauthorized transfers of sensitive technology to the People’s Republic of China, and any associated breaches of national security.
According to recent investigative reports, TuSimple systematically shared proprietary data, source code, and autonomous driving technologies with Chinese state-linked entities, in blatant disregard of a 2022 national security agreement with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS)[1] These reports also revealed communications from TuSimple personnel inside China requesting the shipment of sensitive Nvidia AI chips and detailed records showing “deep and longstanding ties” with Chinese military-affiliated manufacturers. To date, TuSimple has not faced serious consequences for sharing American intellectual property with China.
If the reports about TuSimple are accurate, they represent not just a violation of export law, but a breach of national trust and a direct threat to American technological leadership. The American people deserve to know how and why a supposedly U.S.-based company was allowed to serve as a conduit for the transfer of sensitive innovations to the Chinese Communist Party. I urge the Department to act swiftly and without hesitation. Any individual or entity found to have violated our laws must be held fully accountable.
As you conduct your investigation, please consider the following questions:
1. Did TuSimple provide protected information to Hydron, Foton, BAIC Group, or any other affiliated Chinese entity?2. What steps has the Department of Justice taken to ensure that Bot Auto—a new, Texas-based self-driving truck company staffed with former TuSimple employees and backed by Chinese capital—does not engage in similar behavior?3. What activities were covered by TuSimple’s national security agreement with CFIUS?4. What were the infractions of this agreement for which TuSimple paid a $6 million settlement?5. Are “national security agreements” an adequate mechanism for controlling high-risk companies with known ties to the Chinese Communist Party?
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,Josh HawleyU.S. Senator
Luján Visits Las Cruces, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe; Holds Town Hall With Rep. Stansbury
New Mexico – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) concluded a series of events across New Mexico this week, meeting with health care providers, seniors, families, and union members to highlight the impact of Republican efforts to cut Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP.
This week, Senator Luján traveled from Las Cruces to Albuquerque to Santa Fe to speak directly with New Mexicans about what’s at stake and to reaffirm his commitment to protecting the essential programs that thousands of New Mexico families, children, seniors, and communities rely on
Candlelight Memorial Ceremony in Las Cruces
Senator Luján began the week on Monday by honoring fallen service members at the 12th Annual Candlelight Ceremony in Doña Ana County.
“On Memorial Day, we pause to remember the heroes who gave everything for our country. I was proud to stand with the community in Las Cruces to honor their service, their sacrifice, and their families,” said Senator Luján.
Roundtable on Republican Benefit Cuts in Las Cruces
At the Munson Senior Center on Tuesday, Senator Luján met with health care professionals, senior service providers, and AARP to discuss how Republican cuts would harm New Mexicans.
“We heard firsthand how Republican cuts would shut down clinics, rip away food and care, and leave families with nowhere to turn,” continued Senator Luján. “For seniors living on fixed incomes, for parents working to make ends meet, and for rural communities already facing barriers to care – these programs are lifelines. I will keep fighting in the Senate to stop these cuts and protect the dignity and well-being of every New Mexican.”
Town Hall with Representative Melanie Stansbury in Albuquerque
Tuesday evening, Senator Luján joined Rep. Melanie Stansbury for a town hall focused on threats to Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and SNAP.
“This Republican-led bill is a total rip-off for New Mexicans – all to line the pockets of people like President Trump and Elon Musk,” said Senator Ben Ray Luján. “The Republicans’ priorities couldn’t be more clear: tax handouts for billionaires and massive corporations, paid for by cutting health care, food assistance, and benefits for New Mexicans. We are not backing down.”
Health Care Roundtable at CHRISTUS St. Vincent in Santa Fe
Senator Luján met with health careleaders and providers to discuss the impact of federal budget cuts on care delivery, staffing, and rural access.
“Gutting Medicare and Medicaid would take health care away from those who need it most – especially in rural communities,” continued Senator Luján. “Providers are already stretched thin. These cuts would force closures, delay care, and put lives at risk. Our hospitals and health care workers need support, and I’ll keep fighting to make sure they get it.”
AFSCME and SNAP Labor Event in Santa Fe
Senator Luján concluded the tour with AFSCME union members, focusing on how GOP cuts to SNAP and public services would affect workers and families.
“AFSCME members keep our state running, and SNAP keeps families fed. These cuts are a direct attack on both,” said Senator Luján. “That’s why I’ve introduced legislation to strengthen the SNAP workforce because supporting workers means better service for families. I’ll always stand with New Mexico’s workers and the communities they serve.”
Throughout the statewide tour, Senator Luján underscored the devastating impact of the GOP budget proposal that slashes health and nutrition programs, raises costs for New Mexicans, and adds to the national debt – all to fund massive tax handouts for the wealthiest Americans and corporate interests.
Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
Legislation would expand access to capital to more Americans
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper joined eleven of his Senate colleagues to reintroduce the bipartisan CDFI Bond Guarantee Program Improvement Act, which would strengthen Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) to jumpstart economic development and increase access to capital for more Americans.
“CDFIs open doors for communities that traditional financing leaves behind,” said Hickenlooper. “Strengthening our CDFIs will deliver more small businesses, more jobs, and a stronger economy.”
CDFIs play a critical role providing financing to a wide range of small businesses, homeowners, and housing developers. The bipartisan bill will extend the authorization of the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program, which provides long-term, low-cost capital to CDFIs, and make it more reliable and accessible to smaller CDFIs.
The program’s authorization lapsed in 2014, but it has been extended on a year-by-year basis in annual appropriations bills. The bipartisan legislation would authorize the program for four years to provide greater certainty to borrowers and lenders.
Additionally, the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program Improvement Act will reduce the minimum loan size from at least $100 million to $25 million. It also removes the annual limit on guarantees to allow smaller CDFIs to use the program and to support more community development projects.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Florissant, Mo., man appeared in court today on an indictment alleging that he possessed firearms after a prior felony conviction.
Jerald Cortez Harris, Jr., 27, was charged with being a felon in possession of firearms in an indictment returned on May 13, 2025, by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City, Mo. The indictment, which was unsealed upon Harris’s arrest and appearance in court, alleges that between March 14, 2025, and March 27, 2025, Harris possessed two firearms: a Glock, model 30, .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun, and a Beretta, model APX A1 Compact, 9 mm semi-automatic handgun. Harris has a prior felony conviction and is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Kummerer. It was investigated by the Columbia, Mo. Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
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.
MIAMI – A former Key West firefighter made his initial appearance in federal court today to face an indictment charging him with the possession of a destructive device and possession of a short-barreled rifle.
According to the indictment, on March 14, Vincent Michael Vega, 38, was in possession of a combination of parts used in converting a device into a destructive device, i.e. an explosive bomb or similar device. Vega was also in possession of a modified semi-automatic rifle, which had a barrel of less than 16 inches. The firearms were not registered to Vega in the National Firearm Registration and Transfer Record, as required under federal law.
U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and acting Special Agent in Charge Gordon Mallory of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, made the announcement.
ATF Miami is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Hannah is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-10023.
SAN ANTONIO – Acting United States Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas announced today, that federal prosecutors in the district filed 413 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from May 23 through May 29.
Among the new cases, Salvadoran national Jaqueline Del Carmen Aleman-Aguilar was charged with one count of illegal re-entry in San Antonio. According to a criminal complaint, Aleman-Aguilar was convicted for transportation of aliens in June 2015 and sentenced to six months in federal prison. She was then removed from the United States to Mexico in July 2015.
Christian Ruben Corea-Benavides, a Nicaraguan national, was charged in El Paso with attempting to transport illegal aliens. U.S. Border Patrol agents allegedly observed Corea-Benavides pick up five illegal aliens just over four miles west of the Fort Hancock Port of Entry. A criminal complaint alleges that during a traffic stop, the investigating USBP agent observed a female passenger in the front seat of the vehicle, and four additional passengers lying on top of one another in the backseat—all appearing to be wet and muddy.
Mexican national Sabino Renteria-Alvarado was arrested May 28 at the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry after he attempted to enter through the pedestrian entrance and allegedly presented the Customs and Border Protection officer (CBPO) with a false claim that he had been a Legal Permanent Resident, but that police in Nevada possessed his LPR card. The CBPO referred Renteria-Alvarado to Passport Control Secondary, where records revealed he had been previously removed in January 2024 through Nogales, Arizona. His criminal record includes a 15-year prison sentence for a sexual assault of a minor conviction in 2017. Renteria-Alvarado is currently charged with one count of illegal re-entry.
Two U.S. citizens were arrested in the Del Rio area as the result of separate human smuggling attempts, as alleged in criminal complaints. Nancy Anna Gwyn, of Houston, was encountered during a May 22 traffic stop near Carrizo Springs. USBP agents allegedly uncovered three passengers in her vehicle who were identified to be citizens of foreign countries and illegally present in the U.S. On May 24,an immigration checkpoint inspection near Eagle Pass allegedly revealed that Anastasia Lee Daneill Godfrey, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was attempting to transport two illegal aliens to San Antonio in the trunk of a sedan.
Honduran national Walter Alonso Martinez-Chandias is charged with illegal re-entry. He has one prior removal—in June 2013 through Alexandria, Louisiana—and a lengthy criminal record that includes convictions in Birmingham, Alabama for drug trafficking and homicide, for which he was sentenced in 2018 to five years and 20 years in prison, respectively. In 2017, he was convicted in Birmingham for unlawful transport of firearms and sentenced to 81 months in prison. A criminal complain alleges that when he was arrested on May 25, Martinez-Chandias refused to comply with Border Patrol agents’ commands and resisted attempts to be placed in custody and handcuffs by running and kicking.
Luis Alberto Olivarez-Hernandez, of Mexico, was arrested May 27 near Eagle Pass for illegal re-entry. He has two prior removals, the last one being Feb. 25 through Laredo, five days after a felony conviction for unlawfully carrying a weapon in prohibited places. Additionally, Olivarez-Hernandez was convicted in 2010 for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Armando Vazquez-Ruiz, also a Mexican national, is charged with illegal re-entry after being found near Eagle Pass less than two weeks after his most recent removal. Vazquez-Ruiz had been convicted in Georgetown May 7 for assault causing bodily injury and was deported May 8 through Laredo.
In Austin, Mexican national Basilio Luna-Luna was encountered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Travis County Jail May 24, where he was detained for what would be his seventh DWI, if convicted. Luna-Luna was previously removed from the U.S. in November 2014 and voluntarily returned to Mexico twice—once in 1998 and once in 2009.
Juan Alberto Zarate-Salgado, also of Mexico, was encountered at the Travis County Jail as well and is charged with illegal re-entry. Zarate-Salgado has two prior removals and multiple convictions for assault of a family/household member and assault causing bodily injury to a family member.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.
These cases are 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).
Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
CHNV was an unlawful scheme to unleash over 530,000 poorly vetted aliens into America
WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secured a legal victory in its effort to terminate parole for more than 530,000 illegal aliens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV) who were released into the country by the Biden Administration. The U.S. Supreme Court issued a 7-2 order, staying a District Court’s order pending appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
With this decision, DHS can once again start removing illegal aliens under the disastrous CHNV parole programs as the case progresses. This order comes after an activist judge ruled that DHS could not outright end the CHNV program.
DHS released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the Trump Administration to keep Americans safe:
Statement Attributable to Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin
“Today’s decision is a victory for the American people. The Biden Administration lied to America. They allowed more than half a million poorly vetted aliens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela and their immediate family members to enter the United States through these disastrous parole programs; granted them opportunities to compete for American jobs and undercut American workers; forced career civil servants to promote the programs even when fraud was identified; and then blamed Republicans in Congress for the chaos that ensued and the crime that followed,”
“Ending the CHNV parole programs, as well as the paroles of those who exploited it, will be a necessary return to common-sense policies, a return to public safety, and a return to America First.”
Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the selection of Jeff C. Coffman and Benjamin Klein as Chiefs of the Office’s White Plains Division, as well as the retirement of Perry Carbone, Chief of the Office’s Criminal Division, who previously served with distinction as Chief of the White Plains Division.
Mr. Coffman joined the Office as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division in 2018, following five years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of New York and one year as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Columbia. Prior to becoming a prosecutor, Mr. Coffman worked at the law firm of Trout Cacheris, PLLC and co-founded and managed a small law firm in Washington, D.C. Mr. Coffman received Bachelor of Science degrees from Virginia Tech and his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. After graduating from law school, he clerked for the Hon. James C. Cacheris of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Mr. Klein joined the Office as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division in 2021. Before becoming a prosecutor, Mr. Klein worked at the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. Mr. Klein received a Bachelor of Arts from Cornell University, and a J.D. from the Yale Law School, where he served as an editor of TheYale Law Journal. After graduating, Mr. Klein clerked for the Honorable Thomas M. Hardiman of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
“I am pleased to announce the selection of Jeff Coffman and Ben Klein as co-chiefs of the Office’s White Plains division,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Jeff and Ben will bring a wealth of prosecutorial talent and experience to lead the critically impactful work of the division. Together with our agency partners, they will drive our commitment to safety and fairness for millions of New Yorkers. On behalf of the hundreds of women and men of the Southern District who have benefited from working with Perry Carbone, I say thank you, Perry, for your commitment to justice and your devotion to the Office and your colleagues. Perry has been a consummate prosecutor for decades and has admirably spent his career as a selfless advocate for public safety. We all thank Perry for doing so much good for so many. I am also especially grateful to Margery Feinzig, Deputy Chief of our Criminal Division, who stepped in as Acting Chief of the White Plains Division during this transition. Her steady leadership, professionalism, and tireless commitment ensured that the White Plains Division continued to function at the highest level. We are fortunate to have had her at the helm.”
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Derris Mayberry, 37, of Denver, was sentenced to 110 months in federal prison after being convicted by federal juries in two trials of one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
According to the facts established at the trials, on the evening of March 22, 2024, a woman approached an officer conducting surveillance for an undercover operation and offered the officer “dope.” She then told the officer that she knew someone who could get “blues,” meaning fentanyl pills. The woman ultimately led undercover police officers to an alley near the Colorado State Capitol where Mayberry was waiting. An audio recording captured the undercover officer negotiating the price and amount of fentanyl pills. The officers then observed the woman make a hand-to-hand exchange with Mayberry, immediately after which the woman handed four fentanyl pills to the undercover officer in exchange for $20. Law enforcement contacted Mayberry shortly thereafter at a bus stop only feet away from where the deal had taken place. During a pat down, law enforcement found a loaded .22 caliber revolver in his shorts pocket. Mayberry had previously been convicted of multiple felonies and, therefore, was prohibited from possessing the loaded revolver. During a search incident to his arrest, law enforcement found additional fentanyl pills and the $20 used by the undercover officer to purchase the drugs.
“Illicit fentanyl destroys lives,” said Acting U.S. Attorney J. Bishop Grewell. “Our office will continue to prioritize putting fentanyl traffickers behind bars.”
“Felons illegally possessing firearms and distributing deadly drugs like fentanyl pose a serious and immediate threat to public safety,” said ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Chris Ashbridge. “We are grateful for our local and federal partners who are unified in our commitment to pursue these violent criminals and hold them accountable for their actions.”
“What began as great, proactive police work ended with an armed dealer of dangerous narcotics being sentenced to prison to a lengthy term,” said Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas. “The Denver Police Department, in partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and U.S. Attorney’s Office, remain committed to stopping the availability of dangerous drugs in Denver.”
United States District Judge Daniel D. Domenico presided over the sentencing. The Denver Police Department VICE unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives handled the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Theodore O’Brien and Celeste Rangel handled the prosecution.
Louisville, KY – A Louisville couple was sentenced this week to federal prison for engaging in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud and disaster fraud.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Licari of the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG), Midwestern Region, Special Agent in Charge Kelly J. Blackmon of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the Pittsburgh Division made the announcement.
According to court documents, Yeniseis Saavedra, 35, was sentenced on May 28, 2025, to 3 years and 6 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of making a false statement, two counts of disaster fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Alien Saavedra, 36, was sentenced on May 20, 2025, to 1 day in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of disaster fraud.
Between 2019 and 2020, Yeniseis Saavedra and Alien Saavedra engaged in a conspiracy to defraud factoring (trucking loan) companies by submitting false bills of lading. Yeniseis Saavedra and Alien Saavedra also aided and abetted each other in committing disaster fraud by filing for lost wage assistance payments authorized by a Presidential Memorandum resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic with the Kentucky Office of Unemployment. The filing for lost wage assistance payments was on behalf of Alien Saavedra and failed to report that Alien Saavedra was receiving wages from the motor carrier industry.
In 2020, Yeniseis Saavedra made a false statement to the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration when she falsely filed an application on behalf of another, C.S., claiming that C.S. was going to operate a trucking company. However, C.S. was not aware of the application filing, and Yeniseis Saavedra was operating the company.
Yeniseis Saavedra also filed for lost wage assistance payments authorized by a Presidential Memorandum resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic with the Kentucky Office of Unemployment on behalf of C.S. Again, C.S. was unaware of the filing, this time for lost wage assistance payments, and C.S. did not receive any of the lost wage payments. Instead, the lost wage payments were sent to a bank account controlled by Yeniseis Saavedra.
Lastly, Yeniseis Saavedra was sentenced for aggravated identity theft for using the identity and Social Security number of C.S. without C.S.’s authorization to obtain the lost wage assistance payments.
There is no parole in the federal system.
Alien Saavedra was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $111,143.78.
Yeniseis Saavedra was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $156,147.78
This case was investigated by the DOT-OIG, HHS-OIG, and USPIS.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Ansari prosecuted the case.
“For the past several days in New York’s 10th Congressional District in Lower Manhattan, masked, plain-clothes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have been stationed in the lobby of the federal building that houses immigration court in order to arrest immigrants coming out of court so they can be deported on an expedited basis. These arrests are part of a coordinated effort within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) where DHS lawyers move to dismiss deportation proceedings against these immigrants – most of whom do not speak English nor have legal representation — in order to place them in a different, “expedited” deportation proceeding.
“In effect, instead of targeting convicted criminals as the Trump Administration has repeatedly said, DHS is using these immigrants’ good faith efforts to appear in court and follow proper procedures to surprise them with an end-run around the law to tear them away from their families and communities via immediate detention and deportation.
“The immigrants attending their court hearings are doing exactly what the law asks of them: they are showing up, complying with the process, following our laws and going through the immigration system the right way, often asserting their legal right to seek asylum – which is a lawful pathway to enter this country. However, it appears DHS is exploiting a procedural technicality to fast-track deportations far away from the border where this authority is primarily used.
“Today, I confronted these masked ICE officers after they detained multiple immigrants in the lobby of the federal building that also contains my Manhattan District Office. These officers were carrying printed-out papers with immigrants’ names and faces, wearing masks, and attempting to intimidate reporters on site – all while avoiding questions I asked them as a duly-elected Member of Congress carrying out my oversight responsibilities as a member of the Homeland Security Committee.
“We are a nation of immigrants, founded by successive waves of people from across the world seeking the American dream and the promise it offers. These egregious, authoritarian tactics by the Trump administration stand in stark contrast to our values as a nation, founded upon the rule of law and due process for all.”
Congressman Goldman: “This is Gestapo-like behavior where plain-clothed officers, wearing masks, are terrorizing immigrants who are doing the right thing by going to court, following up on their immigration proceedings, and trying to come into this country lawfully, which is through asylum.”
Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) today held an emergency press conference after witnessing and confronting masked ICE agents detaining immigrants attending routine immigration court appearances in the lobby of his 290 Broadway Manhattan district office. The press conference followed Congressman Goldman attending an immigration court proceeding this morning at the Executive Office for Immigration Review New York – Broadway Immigration Court in Manhattan where ICE agents have been detaining both immigrants and observers, including a pastor from Queens.
VIDEO: The event is available to stream on Youtube and can be downloaded HERE
PHOTOS: Photos of the event can be found HERE
A rush transcript of the Congressman’s remarks is available below:
Dan Goldman: We’re standing in front of 290 Broadway, which is a federal building where my district office is and where immigration court is. Today, I had the opportunity to both observe immigration court and observe plainclothes officers wearing masks, arresting and detaining immigrants who were here to appear in front of a judge as part of their court case.
The Department of Homeland Security has implemented, over the last week, a coordinated effort to do an end run around our legal system in order to remove nonviolent, non-criminal immigrants trying to come into this country through a lawful pathway of immigration proceedings, and in many cases, asylum proceedings.
By recommending dismissal of their cases, the Department of Homeland Security is essentially taking jurisdiction away from the court, removing the asylum application from going forward, and then allowing the immigration agents to arrest these people and put them in a deportation proceeding under a different authority than the one that they just dismissed, which has fewer rights and applies in very few circumstances.
This is Gestapo like behavior where plain-clothed officers, wearing masks, are terrorizing immigrants who are doing the right thing by going to court, following up on their immigration proceedings, and trying to come into this country lawfully, which is through asylum.
I observed the courtroom today, where there was one proceeding where the Department of Homeland Security moved to dismiss the case judge granted dismissal. The gentleman left the courtroom and then was arrested.
As I was leaving the courtroom, there were about 15 other people there, and I asked if anyone spoke English. There wasn’t a single person who spoke English. There did not appear to be a single lawyer there representing them.
These are routine appearances. They’re updates. They’re administrative. There is no reason for anyone to have expected anything unusual to happen today. And yet they’re ripped away from their families, from their communities, even though they’re trying to do the right thing and pursue the American dream as so many of us and our ancestors have.
I was a federal prosecutor for ten years right there. I worked with the Department of Homeland Security. I worked with ICE agents. I worked with Homeland Security Investigations. I have never seen any plainclothes officer wearing a mask.
And, when I asked them, ‘Why are you wearing a mask?’ One person told me, ‘Because it’s cold.’ I asked him if he would testify to that under oath, and he walked away and wouldn’t respond to me.
Another person admitted that they were wearing masks so that they are not caught on video. And my question to them is: ‘if what you are doing is legitimate, is lawful, is totally aboveboard, why do you need to cover your face?’
Law enforcement officers do not cover their faces. And in fact, the Trump administration is cracking down on universities for allowing protesters to wear masks. So, apparently it is not okay to wear a mask if you are protesting the government, but it is okay if you are the government.
This is not America. This is not who we are. And if you are a violent criminal, if you’re a convicted criminal, then you should be deported. I 100% agree with that. But these people are doing it the right way. They’re not criminals. They’re not murderers. They’re not rapists. They’re trying to seek a better life. They’re trying to escape horrific conditions at home and come to this great democracy and pursue the American dream. This is not who we are.
This is not how our government should behave. And we will continue to demand answers from the Department of Homeland Security about what they are doing, why they are doing it, and why they are doing this end run around the legal process.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Juan Ciscomani (Arizona)
‘As we continue the meaningful work of safeguarding these vital benefits while reducing waste and increasing efficiency, we need to understand CMS’ processes and what is driving up Medicare costs and premiums’
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani reintroduced legislation to increase transparency with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid’s (CMS) billing codes.
Specifically, Ciscomani’s legislation, theOversight of Medicare Billing Code Cost Act(H.R. 3580) directs the Office of Inspector General within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a study of the processes and procedures used by CMS when determining Medicare billing codes. This would help identify inefficiencies, increase transparency, and provide patients, physicians, and policy makers greater insights into how billing decisions by CMS impact healthcare costs.
“Seniors in my district, and across the U.S., who are on Medicare deserve full transparency about their healthcare costs and coverage,” said Ciscomani. “As we continue the meaningful work of safeguarding these vital benefits while reducing waste and increasing efficiency, we need to understand CMS’ processes and what is driving up Medicare costs and premiums. My bill is a commonsense solution to identify trends and inefficiencies, reduce waste, and provide greater transparency to CMS’ process and the factors they consider when altering, removing, or approving new billing codes.”
Ciscomani is joined by Reps. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) and Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) in this effort.
“We can’t allow unaccountable federal bureaucrats to jeopardize the well-being of Medicare beneficiaries,” said Harshbarger. “Even as Medicare faces financial instability, CMS has been expanding services without input from Congress—driving costs sky-high. The Oversight of Medicare Billing Code Cost Act is a practical solution that will help control runaway spending, bring much-needed transparency to the billing system, and ensure that Medicare patients and their benefits remain protected.”
“Congress and the American public deserve greater transparency into how the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) modify billing codes,” said Smucker. “Understanding what drives program costs is essential—especially as Medicare faces insolvency in just over a decade. We must act urgently to shed light on CMS’s billing and coding processes, delivering an accountable system that the American people can fully trust.”
Veterans across the United States will gather on June 6, 2025, to protest the Trump administration’s cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as the slashing of staff and programs throughout the government. Veteran-led protests will be held at the National Mall, 16 state capitol buildings and over 100 other venues across 43 states.
Veterans also depend on comprehensive, free, federally funded health care through VA clinics throughout the country. But that care is deteriorating due to cuts, rule changes and return-to-work policies that make it impossible for many VA workers to effectively provide care.
Looming cuts to the VA may cause an irreversible blow if the VA stops providing comprehensive care to veterans and, instead, pushes veterans into seeing doctors in private practice.
This is not the first time that veterans have engaged in mass mobilization. Veterans groups in the U.S. have successfully mobilized for centuries, crossing traditional political divisions such as race, class and gender. They are powerful messengers, and their actions in the past have helped secure back pay and pensions for veterans, a Social Security and welfare system for U.S. civilians, and foreign policy changes to end wars abroad.
I’m a scholar of law, social movements and veterans benefits. Here’s a brief history of veterans’ campaigns that illustrates how veterans developed their political clout and effectively advocated to protect themselves, and many others, from harmful federal policies.
Veterans are an important political constituency. On Nov. 7, 1932 – the day before Election Day – Franklin D. Roosevelt, the New York governor running for president, visited the veterans hospital at Castle Point, near Beacon, N.Y. Bettman/Getty Images
After the Revolutionary War ended in 1783, Gen. George Washington lobbied Congress to offer lifetime half-pay to officers who served until the end of the war. Given the federal government’s financial precariousness at the end of the war, this effort failed. Veterans were unable to successfully mobilize to advocate for the pensions, given their small numbers and internal divisions between more privileged officers and less privileged soldiers.
During the Civil War, Congress passed numerous laws designed to support veterans. The 1862 pension law allocated payouts in proportion to a soldier’s permanent bodily injury or disability caused by their service. The benefits were generous in comparison with prior allocations, and more veterans began applying for them.
Yet, by 1875 only 6.5% of veterans had signed up for pensions. Veterans began to organize to increase awareness about these benefits and to lobby for more.
The Grand Army of the Republic became a leading veterans organization that demanded better pension and disability benefits. At the end of the 1800s, earning veterans’ votes became a priority for aspiring politicians. The Grand Army of the Republic directly lobbied Congress to pass bills expanding veterans pensions, one of which Democratic President Grover Cleveland vetoed in 1887.
The organization then successfully mobilized its members to vote against Cleveland in the 1888 election, securing victory for presidential candidate William Henry Harrison and for Republicans in both houses of Congress. This secured the 1890 Arrears Act, which expanded veterans’ pensions and disability payments.
As more veterans returned in 1898 from fighting in the Spanish-American War, and with a huge influx of veterans 20 years later from World War I, veterans mobilized to streamline and expand pension and disability benefits.
In the 1920s, the two most prominent veterans organizations, the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, or VFW, formed a national legislative committee dedicated to lobbying for improved benefits. Each group boasted thousands of members whom they could call on to “barrage”– a veterans term – congressmen with letters. By 1929, even as the federal budget ballooned, veterans benefits still represented 20% of the total federal budget.
The 1924 “Bonus Act,” which Congress passed after overruling Calvin Coolidge’s presidential veto, offered WWI veterans a deferred “bonus” payment available in 1945. But veterans suffered immensely in the Great Depression, along with the rest of the country.
Veterans tried a new campaign tactic in 1932, creating the “Bonus Expeditionary Forces,” or “Bonus Army,” march on Washington, D.C., to demand their promised pay be delivered sooner.
Over the course of three months, from May through July 1932, 40,000 veterans set up encampments throughout the city. During their stay, they crowded congressional galleries and plazas during debates on the bill. When President Herbert Hoover called on the military to disband the encampments, he set himself up for electoral defeat later that year.
It took another four years for Congress to pass a law offering an immediate payout, but the veterans got their bonuses in 1936, not 1945.
Campaigning to prevent cuts
Building from public support bolstered by the Bonus Army march, veterans fought publicly to protect their benefits in the Great Depression.
A 1933 VFW encampment in Milwaukee attracted 10,000 veterans who openly decried Roosevelt’s economic policies. The event featured left-wing Louisiana populist Sen. Huey P. Long and former Marine turned anti-Wall Street populistSmedley Butler.
The U.S. entered World War II in December 1941. To avoid another spectacle, FDR began developing a compensation program for World War II veterans even before the war’s end. During debates about these expenditures, veterans activism helped ensure the generous educational, housing and vocational benefits from the so-called GI Bill developed by FDR, and the soldier vote helped secure FDR’s fourth-term election in 1944.
Scholars credit the GI Bill with creating a booming U.S. economy from the 1950s through the 1970s and creating the contemporary middle class, an economic and social group now shrinking and under threat.
Beyond benefits
Vietnam veterans hold a silent march down Pennsylvania Avenue past the White House on April 22, 1971, to protest the Vietnam War. Bettman/Getty Images
After World War II, veterans’ mobilization expanded from a focus on benefits to foreign policy.
Most famously, after its founding in 1967, Vietnam Veterans Against the War engaged in street theater and gathered testimonies about U.S. military abuses to condemn the U.S. government for violence against the Vietnamese.
Vietnam Veterans Against the War helped organized a four-day protest in 1971 in Washington, D.C., including camping on the National Mall. The organization continued to mobilize in more traditional ways, drafting congressional legislation for benefits and promoting investment in psychological support for Vietnam veterans.
Veterans have continued to protest wars, particularly the Iraq War, engaging in street protests and also through mainstream politics such as elections and television advertising.
Given their experiences, veterans today know what they are standing up for on June 6: their own freedom and prosperity, as well as the country’s and the world’s.
Jamie Rowen receives funding from National Science Foundation.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-1)
On Saturday, U.S. Representative Jack Bergman joined Michigan USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Director Joel Johnson to meet with maple syrup producers and announce critical federal relief for farmers and forest landowners impacted by the late March ice storm.
Speaking with local producers, Rep. Bergman and Director Johnson confirmed that assistance through the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) is on the way for Northern Michigan. Both programs are designed to help landowners recover from severe storm damage and restore their operations.
“This is about getting real help into the hands of our people. Folks who grow our food, manage our forests, and contribute to the economy of Northern Michigan,” said Rep. Bergman. “I appreciate Director Johnson’s leadership in pushing for the flexibility and federal approvals needed to make these programs work on the ground, especially for unique operations like our maple syrup producers.”
“We requested critical flexibilities to ensure producers can proceed with recovery efforts immediately and still retain critical ECP and EFRP access in the coming months”said Joel Johnson, State Executive Director for FSA in Michigan.“These flexibilities include a waiver of onsite inspection to expedite determination of need and approvals of restoration work and to forego the requirement of a producer request for work starting prior to submitting an application for certain emergency non-ground disturbance activities such as surface debris removal and fence repair. Before taking any other type of action, please call your local office.”
Director Johnson emphasized that his office has been actively working with federal partners to secure the necessary waivers that allow the ECP and EFRP to be applied effectively in Michigan’s unique agricultural and forestry contexts.
The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) provides funding to restore agricultural production on land damaged by natural disasters — including a new provision specific to Michigan’s maple sap operations that suffered significant damage to taps and tubing.
Learn more about the ECP here: Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) | Farm Service Agency
The Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) assists owners of nonindustrial private forest land (NIPF) with recovery efforts. Eligible plots must be at least one acre in size, 120 feet wide, and at least 10% forested.
Learn more about the EFRP here: Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) | Farm Service Agency
Bergman encouraged all affected producers and forest owners to contact their local FSA offices immediately to learn more and determine their eligibility: “If you think these programs might apply to you, don’t wait – reach out today. Help is available.”
Source: US International Brotherhood of Boilermakers
Jess Mendenhall is the most recent Boilermaker sister to be recognized as a Tradeswoman Hero by North America’s Building Trades Union. Mendenhall, who was honored in May, is a journey worker at Local 83 (Kansas City, Missouri).
She embodies what it means to be a Tradewomen Hero by blazing trails, breaking barriers and demonstrating exceptional leadership and skill as a Boilermaker. Since indenturing into Local 83 in 2012, Jess has forged an impressive path in a male-dominated field, earning respect through hard work, fortitude and a drive for excellence. Her dedication to the trade and commitment to lifelong learning have made her stand out not just among her peers, but also to instructors and leaders across the country.
Mendenhall recently became only the second woman in 20 years to complete the Boilermaker MOST Project Management course—which speak volumes about her ambition and perseverance. MOST instructor Gerry Klimo noted her strong presence and potential: “She’s outgoing and knowledgeable. I’ve taught 30 or more of these classes, and sometimes there are people who really stand out.”
Her career has spanned coast to coast, including leading teams as a foreman in California and taking on complex emergency projects, such as a high-stakes, on-the-fly refinery rebuild in Toledo, Ohio. She’s also held roles as a project coordinator and instructor, giving back to the trade by sharing her knowledge and supporting others.
Jess holds a Certified Associate Welding Inspector credential and is close to completing her associate degree in business management, with her sights set on earning a PMP certification. Because she works in the trades, she’s able to pay her school tuition in full each semester.
While Jess has faced significant challenges—especially when it comes to access to advancement opportunities—she continues to advocate for mentorship and equity in training for women in the trades.
For a full list of May winners and instructions on making a nomination visit https://nabtu.org/twbn/.
SACRAMENTO — In a callous moment during a townhall this morning, Republican U.S. Senator Joni Ernst shrugged off the devastating human toll of President Donald Trump’s proposed plan to fund tax breaks for the rich by gutting Medicaid and food assistance — saying, “Well, we all are going to die” when warned by her own constituents that slashing these programs would cost lives.
Unfortunately, she’s right about one thing: people will die if President Trump’s Big Ugly Bill becomes law. President Trump’s bill is an all-out assault on America’s safety net, targeting the most vulnerable communities in every state, including California.
Here are 6 catastrophic cuts in the bill that would do real damage to Californians:
❌ Eliminate coverage for up to 3.4 million Californians, largely among those covered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expansion
❌ Cut at least $22 billion in federal Medicaid funding by imposing burdensome job loss penalties on low-income adults
❌ Punish states like California that use state funding to cover undocumented residents for non-emergency benefits by slashing federal support by at least $4 billion annually
❌ Restrict vital funding mechanisms, such as provider taxes and certain other payments that support hospitals and providers across California, that would result in the loss of billions of dollars
❌ Shut down nonprofit providers like Planned Parenthood by cutting them off from Medicaid funding
❌ Cut federal funding for SNAP in California by at least $2.3 to $4.9 billion annually, with at least 250,000 recipients likely to lose this benefit
Governor Gavin Newsom recently spoke about the impacts of the Big Ugly Bill on the MeidasTouch Network: “No state, incidentally, has more to lose on that. 3.4 million Americans will lose support if that bill passes in its existent form in the United States Senate, here in California.”
Press releases, Recent news
Recent news
May 30, 2025
News What you need to know: With unprecedented speed, Governor Newsom is today announcing the availability of $800 million in competitive grant funding as part of Proposition 1 Bond Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round 2 to develop a wide…
May 30, 2025
News What you need to know: CAL FIRE is awarding $72 million to projects across the state that help reduce catastrophic wildfire risk across California. Governor Newsom also announced 13 vegetation management projects spanning nearly 7,000 acres have already been…
May 29, 2025
News What you need to know: California is launching CalHeatScore – a groundbreaking tool to help protect vulnerable populations from dangerous heatwaves. The state’s new tool provides localized warnings and resources for extreme heat events. Governor Newsom is also…
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont released the following statement regarding the list from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that falsely labels Connecticut as a “self-identified” state sanctuary jurisdiction:
“We want local law enforcement focused on maintaining the safety of our neighborhoods and helping to get those who commit serious crimes off our streets. Connecticut’s Trust Act, which was originally bipartisan, is consistent with federal constitutional standards and reflects sound public safety priorities. I am focused on making sure people feel safe in our schools, churches, and elsewhere. Nothing about this makes Connecticut a ‘sanctuary’ in any legal or practical sense – it makes our state one that upholds the Constitution, respects the rule of law, and prioritizes the safety and well-being of our communities.”
