This year the Lt. Gen. Robert B. Flowers Best Sapper Competition was held at Fort Leonard Wood and the Army’s top combat engineers assembled to prove they have the expertise, stamina and fortitude to earn the title of Best Sapper.
About the U.S. Army:
The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force. Interested in joining the U.S. Army? Visit:
spr.ly/6001igl5L
Connect with the U.S. Army online: Web:
https://www.army.mil
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
X: Tweets by USArmy
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
#USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Shorts #Army
HOUSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported Jesus Vazquez Daniel, a 59-year-old illegal alien and accused murderer, from the U.S. May 22.
Vazquez has been on the run for the past 20 years after he allegedly murdered a Mexican national in Hidalgo, Mexico, Oct. 1, 2004.
ICE transported Vazquez from the Montgomery Processing Center in Conroe to the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge Port of Entry in Laredo, and he was turned over to Mexican authorities.
“For the past 20 years, this accused murderer evaded authorities while the family of his alleged victim was forced to wait patiently praying that justice might one day be served,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston Field Office Director Bret Bradford. “Thanks to outstanding teamwork and unyielding persistence by ICE officers from the Dallas and Houston field offices, that wait has finally come to an end.”
Vazquez illegally entered the United States on an unknown date and at an unknown location without inspection, admission or parole. On July 18, 2024, ERO Dallas notified ERO Houston that they had received information indicating that Vazquez was potentially illegally residing in the Hillsboro area. A follow-up investigation by officers from ERO Houston’s Waco office confirmed that Vazquez was residing in the area and had an open warrant in Mexico for his arrest. On Feb. 2, ICE officers, with assistance from the Hill County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, safely arrested Vazquez in Hillsboro. Vazquez was transported to the Montgomery Processing Center Feb. 3 and placed into immigration proceedings. On May 13, an immigration judge with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review ordered Vazquez removed to Mexico.
For more news and information on ICE’s efforts to enforce our nation’s immigration laws and defend public safety, national security and border security in Southeast Texas follow us on X at @EROHouston.
Homes and a fisher along the Kenai River. Photo: Christian Thorsberg.
Seldovia, Alaska — a quintessential sleepy fishing town on the southern edge of the Kenai Peninsula — starts to wake up around late May.
By then, the first salmon are running. Water taxis come and go. Fishing charters fill. Bellies, too. During a busy year, the community of roughly 500 people doubles in size from the influx of tourists eager to soak up the Arctic sun.
The summer of 2019 began with its usual verve, and as May turned to June turned to July, the height of the busy season, the sleepy town was still dreaming. “The summer was great. I remember midway through, people were so happy,” says Cassidi Cameron, who at the time was Seldovia’s city manager. “We had all these visitors. Everybody had a smile on their face.”
But as inns brimmed, freezers filled, and coffers replenished, one site in town felt emptier. “And then it started to dawn on us,” Cameron says. “Wow, there hasn’t been very much rain.”
All of Seldovia draws its water from a single reservoir, which sits within city limits no more than 200 feet above sea level. A gravity-fed treatment facility rests below, and water flows naturally into a distribution system. The operation is entirely dependent on rainfall and melting snow, and summer is a time of increased water usage. But between June and August of 2019, fewer than three inches of rain had fallen, roughly half a foot behind seasonal averages.
Early signs of water shortages began to reveal themselves, though they could be explained away by leakages, which were a common occurrence in town. “Alaska’s infrastructure is very much aged-out, and we were having several issues with our water lines deteriorating and breaking or just plain not working,” Cameron says. Some of Seldovia’s oldest residents didn’t seem too worried, either. They recalled the 1970s and ‘80s, when a booming fish cannery industry meant frequent water overconsumption.
But as the pleasurable string of sunny days turned to unseasonable warmth, Cameron remained diligent. She ordered an underwater scan of the reservoir to check for leaks in its bed. She monitored the water usage of the state ferry, which was still docking in Seldovia three times each week and taking 20,000 to 50,000 gallons of water with each stop. Regular visits to the reservoir revealed it was losing several inches of surface water each day, both to usage and evaporation. By August, consumption spiked at more than 200,000 gallons per day. This seemed like a lot, but Cameron had no historical numbers for comparison. Seldovia held its breath for the reliable late-summer rainy season. But August came and went — nothing.
What had once seemed an impossibility to Cameron, who moved to the coastal community in 2008 from Idaho and began working for the city in 2009, was suddenly her problem to fix: “How could you have a drought and water shortages in Alaska?” she wondered.
This question was addressed at a standing-room-only town hall meeting — “I’ve never seen one so well-attended,” Cameron recalls. Many residents were well-aware that the reservoir in neighboring Nanwalek had recently been reduced to mud. That Wrangell, too, was running dry. As a potential Day Zero loomed locally, community members were cautioned to limit their showering, cooking, and cleaning. Library hours were shortened. Restaurants switched to disposable utensils. Pallets of drinking water were imported and delivered door-to-door for several weeks.
The city received a permit to pump water from a regional creek and set up a non-potable tank of gray water for public use. Still, Suzie Stranik, the chair of the Seldovia Arts Council, recalls shutting down her greenhouse early and flushing her toilets sparingly. “It was quite a time here in our community,” she says.
Looming above town, the reservoir dwindled. At its lowest point, it held just 14 days of water.
Today, Cameron works as the executive director of the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District. When she recalls that stressful summer, it is above all the massive learning curve, and the lack of readily available science, that floats to the top of her mind.
“It was a bigger situation than what we were prepared for,” she says. “I needed a crash course in hydrology. It was a reality check.”
Cameron’s experience is not unfamiliar to many leaders in small communities across the Kenai Peninsula and Alaska more broadly. Often, they have few resources — and little time — to prepare for potentially life-altering weather events. Had September not brought rains and cooler temperatures, a bad situation could easily have been worse.
“I wish there were more resources and data back in 2019 to help me understand our water situation and reservoir capacity,” she says. “A good rule of thumb for the future would be: get a baseline understanding, get familiar with your water source.”
A Beaver Creek Baseline
Three years later and roughly 80 miles north of Seldovia, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists Josh Koch, Meg Haserodt, and Andy Leaf eased their kayaks through the freshwater lowlands of the peninsula’s northwestern bogs. Marshes and muck marked the peaty landscape, many hidden ponds threatening to overtop their waders and bows.
Compared to 2019, the summer of 2022 was significantly wetter. Mosquitos swarmed as the trio installed wells in the shallow peat. For weeks, they measured the interactions of surface water and groundwater, temperature, and vegetation cover along the narrow banks of Beaver Creek.
As he was pounding in a well, USGS scientist Andy Leaf (right) lost his wedding ring. “It’s still out there, as far as I know,” he says. “An archaeologist will find it one day.” Photo: Meg Haserodt.
A 10-mile-long tributary of the mighty Kenai River, Beaver Creek is a critical watershed for the city of Kenai, the peninsula’s most populous community. Nearly all of its 7,500 year-round residents depend heavily on pumped groundwater for clean drinking water, and thousands of Pacific salmon — the lifeblood of the community’s economy and staple of its meals — have spawned in its gravel for generations.
“If you live in Kenai, Beaver Creek is your backyard,” says Ben Meyer, an environmental scientist and water quality coordinator with the Kenai Watershed Forum, and a Kenai resident. “For both people and wildlife, it’s a crucial place where water needs intersect.”
Beaver Creek is one of the many watersheds in the Cook Inlet region that is currently intact yet sensitive to shifting climate regimes. Laying within a rain shadow, the area averages only 19 inches of precipitation each year. From May through September, 64 percent of the watershed’s slow-moving streams are supplied by groundwater flows.
“Nineteen inches of precipitation is not a lot,” Leaf says. “Some people have talked about the possibility of the wetlands drying up due to climate change.” Koch adds: “We anticipate these lowland streams to be the ones most potentially impacted by changes to the climate, namely temperature and precipitation.”
On the upper Kenai Peninsula, the annual average temperature is expected to increase by roughly 11 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100, according to the Scenarios Network for Arctic Planning (SNAP). Greater rainfall is also possible, with SNAP models projecting 45 percent more precipitation in spring alone. But deluges may be interspersed with long, dry stretches — a “more rain, more drought” phenomenon expected to affect many parts of south-central and southeast Alaska by mid-century.
“As average air temperatures warm, we anticipate more summers like 2019 could happen,” Meyer says. “It behooves us to be prepared.”
Hot Pockets and Salmon Refugia
With an uncertain climate in mind, USGS and the Kenai Watershed Forum collaborated on a recently published study that establishes baseline streamflow and temperature measurements and future scenarios for Beaver Creek. The team projects that the volume of groundwater and streamflow discharge will remain about the same through 2050. Atmospheric warming, however, will almost certainly affect the water’s quality.
“By far the biggest concern is rising temperatures,” Leaf says. “Both from an acute standpoint, like heat waves, but also warmer temperatures for longer periods of time.”
Between 1950 and 2009, the average summer temperature on the upper Kenai Peninsula was 53.6 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the team’s models, by mid-century, waters near the mouth of Beaver Creek will experience 34 to 63 extra days each year with average weekly temperatures above 55.4 degrees, and 14 to 81 extra days above 59 degrees.
Extended periods of warmth are likely to produce at least some negative impacts on Pacific salmon incubation, spawning, rearing, and migration. The team also projects “routine exceedances” of 68 degrees — the water temperature at which salmon succumb to disease and heat stress.
“On the Kenai, as for so much of Alaska, important hydrologic questions are related to salmon and salmon habitat,” Koch says.
Fishers on the Kenai River. Photo: Christian Thorsberg.
While identifying areas of concern, the team also looked for bright spots. Their report identifies several streams in the basin that, despite warming air temperatures, are expected to remain cool enough for salmon to thrive or rest within during days of extreme heat. Because Beaver Creek flows through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, the team hopes these potential areas of salmon refugia will benefit from dedicated habitat conservation.
Coho and king salmon, which both migrate through and spawn in lowland waters like Beaver Creek, have seen precipitous declines in the Kenai River watershed in recent years. According to preliminary data from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the watershed’s king salmon late run escapement last year was a mere 6,630 — well below the 15,000 – 30,000 goal range — even with no permitted harvest. And while coho escapement is not monitored, their 2024 commercial harvest estimate of 24,750 was 86 percent below the recent 20-year average.
These findings again contribute to a baseline understanding of the watershed’s health, Meyer says, as no escapement, for any salmon species, is currently measured in Beaver Creek specifically.
“It was exciting to see that our model could find and identify those safer locations,” Koch says. “Hopefully, that’s information that land managers can use to think about preservation of important habitat.”
Future Stressors
By 2046, the city of Kenai is expected to see its population grow by 13.3 percent, relative to 2015. Nearby Soldotna, home to about 4,500 people, is likely to grow at a similar rate. The researchers don’t anticipate water shortages from this alone, though local development could bring additional water demands.
If built, the proposed Alaska LNG pipeline — which would transport natural gas 800 miles through the heart of Alaska, from the North Slope to the Kenai Peninsula — would likely cross through and then terminate adjacent to the Beaver Creek watershed near Nikisi. The area would also host the pipeline’s liquefaction plant, where natural gas is condensed for export. The facility, Meyer says, could potentially draw from the municipality’s water supply.
An active petroleum exploration project is also underway near the last few miles of Beaver Creek, just outside the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, though drilling is occurring below the water table. Oil and gas impacts were not considered as part of this study.
“Our goal was not to assign value between different uses, but to simply demonstrate how the water moves and how that might change in the future,” Koch says. “We’re hopeful that we’ve provided new information that can be used by the community to weigh those trade-offs and manage those resources.”
The Kenai River in late September, the tail end of the seasonal salmon run. Photo: Christian Thorsberg.
Resource considerations are magnified on the 25,000 square-mile peninsula, where roughly 60,000 people call home. Every community — from Seldovia to Seward, from Kenai to Hope — is connected to Anchorage and the rest of Alaska by just a single road and several small airports.
Sustainable living is equally sensitive to both longer-term climate changes, Cameron says, as it is to sudden events.
“It isn’t all about drought,” she says. “How do you manage your resources in the event of a catastrophe, or something significant that affects basic living needs? Water is one of them, and we need to raise awareness for planning and preparation.”
The peninsula’s unique geography and location makes it susceptible to natural disasters including landslides, earthquakes, tsunamis, and the expected eruption of Mt. Spurr, a stratovolcano just 60 miles from Kenai. Such events can suddenly make any given town, possibly in crisis, unreachable. Having reliable science during times of need is crucial, the researchers say. They hope similar studies will be a priority for other Kenai communities soon.
“Generating baseline data sets can be challenging to convince people to fund,” Haserodt says. “But they’re really useful. They’re an investment in our understanding of the future of our water resources and ability to make data-driven management decisions.”
This news announcement was written by Christian Thorsberg, University of Alaska Fairbanks. Read the original post on the Alaska CASC website: Kenai Peninsula Communities Struggle for Baseline Water Data Amid Climate Uncertainty | AK CASC
Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As Republicans in Congress continue to push forward on a partisan tax plan that cuts the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by more than 20 percent, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (D-VA) issued the following statement condemning GOP efforts to make drastic cuts to a vital nutrition lifeline in order to pay for tax cuts for the richest Americans:
“Gutting nutrition assistance in order to pay for tax breaks for billionaires is both morally wrong and economically shortsighted. At a time when families are grappling with the rising cost of living, Donald Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ rips food off the tables of working parents, children, seniors, and veterans. In Virginia alone, more than 200,000 people, including many children, could go hungry if President Trump and Republicans ram this partisan proposal through Congress. We strongly urge our Republican colleagues in the Senate to reject this cruel legislation and stand with the American families who will bear the brunt of its consequences.”
Republicans in the House of Representatives voted to approve Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” in the dawn hours of Thursday morning, and the Senate is expected to take up the bill for consideration after the Memorial Day state work period. Warner and Kaine have been sounding the alarm about the effects of the GOP plan on Virginia if Republicans in Congress continue to insist on gutting vital programs in order to pay for tax breaks for the richest Americans, noting that the GOP bill would strip health insurance from more than 262,000 Virginians, raise energy costs for Virginia households, jeopardize more than 20,000 Virginia jobs, and raise taxes on minimum wage workers while giving the richest 0.1% a $188,000 tax cut.
Nationwide, the harsh cuts in the House-passed bill would take food assistance away from nearly 11 million people – about 1 in 4 SNAP participants – including more than 4 million children and more than half a million adults aged 65 or older and adults with disabilities nationwide. In Virginia, at least 204,000 people – including children – are in danger of losing some SNAP benefits under the Republican proposal, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP).
Additionally, the bill includes a cost-share proposal that would shift tens of billions in SNAP costs onto states – creating an unfunded mandate that would almost certainly require states to cut benefits and eligibility. Under that proposal, Virginia would be expected to come up with as much as $439 million in state funds in order to fill the hole or be forced to make further cuts to food benefits by 2028, according to CBPP.
In 2024, 827,800 Virginia residents received assistance from SNAP, with an average benefit of $5.83 per day. More than 2/3 of SNAP participants in Virginia are in families with children, and SNAP benefits help keep them fed when their families would otherwise struggle to put food on the table.
Beyond the immediate impact cuts will have on SNAP recipients, cuts to SNAP benefits will also create downstream economic harms. The National Grocers Association, which represents America’s independent grocers, recently released a report that found SNAP funding supports approximately 16,173 Virginia jobs and $546,478,800 in direct wages, creating $470,672,400 in direct tax revenue for Virginia. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that in a weak economy, $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 in economic activity. Households receive SNAP benefits on electronic benefit transfer cards, which can be used only to purchase food at one of about 6,400 authorized retail locations in Virginia.
Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
Published: May 23, 2025
Bipartisan push follows reports that Upward Bound programs have yet to receive funding due for the coming program year
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, wrote to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon yesterday urging the Department of Education to immediately release TRIO Upward Bound grants—which fund programs preparing high school students of disadvantaged backgrounds for attending college—to current grant recipients. The Senators’ request comes following reports that Upward Bound programs have yet to receive the funding they’ve been promised for the coming program year.
“Given that current recipients of Upward Bound grants were already successfully awarded their five-year grants from the Department of Education in 2022, Upward Bound programs should have the assurance that they will receive this funding for the fourth year of their grants,” the Senators wrote. “This delay in grant distribution, as well as a lack of information or guidance from the agency, is causing extreme uncertainty for Upward Bound programs across the country.”
“For nearly 60 years, Upward Bound programs have given generations of students the support they need to help succeed in higher education and beyond,” they continued. “The current delay in funding distribution is creating an unnecessary and existential crisis for these critical programs and the students they serve.”
“We urge you to immediately provide Upward Bound programs with the federal funding they’ve been promised,” the Senators concluded.
The complete text of the letter can be read here.
Source: US State of California Department of Justice
Friday, May 23, 2025
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov
SAN DIEGO – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the filing of felony charges against a San Diego dermatologist for Medi-Cal fraud of over $1.3 million. The investigation uncovered that the dermatologist charged Medi-Cal $1,386,995 for services that were never rendered.
“We will not tolerate fraud where individuals take advantage of Medi-Cal to line thier own pockets, potentially jeopardizing critical, necessary medical services our most vulnerable residents rely on,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Today’s action is possible due to my team’s efforts to hold accountable those who defraud Medi-Cal, and we will continue to do so. At the California Department of Justice, we are committed to fighting against all types of elder abuse, theft, and fraud. We will take prompt action to ensure that anyone who exploits or harms these vulnerable members of our community is held accountable.”
It is alleged that the dermatologist was invoicing for as many as 233 patients on a daily basis, averaging between 60 to 70 patients per day for identical or comparable services. Furthermore, it was found that all patients were undergoing light therapy, with the majority using non-medical lamps. A complaint was filed in San Diego County Superior Court charging the dermatologist with 22 counts of healthcare insurance fraud, one count of Medi-Cal fraud, the white-collar crime enhancement, and the excessive takings enhancement.
The California Department of Justice’s Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse (DMFEA) works to protect Californians by investigating and prosecuting those responsible for abuse, neglect, and fraud committed against elderly and dependent adults in the state, and those who perpetrate fraud on the Medi-Cal program. Assistance on this investigation was provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, California Department of Healthcare Services, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.
The Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $69,244,976 for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2025. The remaining 25 percent is funded by the State of California. FY 2025 is from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025.
A copy of the complaint can be found here.
It is important to note that criminal charges must be proven in a court of law. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the May Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Alejandro Aldave.Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute (Counts 1 and 2); Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (Count 3); Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 4). Aldave, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with knowingly possessing more than 500 grams of cocaine with intent to distribute. He is additionally charged with maintaining a residence to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam D. McConney is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-173
Daniel Allen Ash; Amber Dawn Murphy.Second Degree Murder in Indian Country (Count 1); Child Neglect in Indian Country (Counts 2 through 5); Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under 12 Years of Age in Indian Country; (Count 6); Second Degree Murder in Indian Country (Count 7); Child Neglect in Indian Country (Counts 8 through 11) Possession of Child Pornography in Indian Country (Count 12) (superseding). Both from Commerce, Ash, 32, and Murphy, 30, a member of the Cherokee Nation, are charged with unlawfully killing a minor child in Sep. 2024 and willfully neglecting the health, safety, and welfare of four minor children. Ash is further charged with engaging in a sexual act with a minor child under 12 years old. Additionally, he is charged with possessing visual images depicting the sexual abuse of at least one prepubescent minor. The FBI and Quapaw Nation Marshal Service are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia Hockenbury is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-088
David Moses Castro-Rivera.Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Castro-Rivera, 22, a Honduran national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in June 2021. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Dill is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-183
Javier Cortez Banda.Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Banda, 36, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Sep. 2020. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Whipple is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-184
James Devon Davis.Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition After Conviction for a Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence. Davis, 29, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of a felony and a domestic violence misdemeanor. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Dewhurst is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-177
Bradley Ray Dick.Child Abuse in Indian Country. Dick, 47, of Claremore and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with willfully and maliciously injuring a child under the age of 18. The FBI and the Claremore Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Heign is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-176
Stephen Dale Homer.Production of Child Pornography; International Production of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography. Homer, 57, of McAlester and a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, is charged with using a minor child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of child sexual abuse material. He also coerced a minor child to engage in sexually explicit conduct outside of the United States for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the sexually explicit conduct. This visual depiction was then transported to the United States. Additionally, Homer is charged with possessing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children under 12 years old. The FBI Tulsa, FBI Charlotte, the Federal Air Marshal Service, the Tulsa Police Department, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Robert is prosecuting the case with assistance from the Western District of North Carolina USAO. 25-CR-171
Robert Marcus Johnston.Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country. Johnston, 19, of Tulsa and a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, is charged with assaulting a minor victim by strangulation. The FBI and Sapulpa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Weems is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-169
Kaci Anne-Rene Lima.Bank Fraud (Counts 1 through 3); Aggravated Identity Theft (Counts 4 through 6). Lima, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with fraudulently obtaining funds from the victim’s bank account without permission. Further, Lima used the victim’s identity while committing a felony. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Catoosa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-179
Jorge Antonio Lopez Vasquez.Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Lopez Vasquez, 39, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in July 2018. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Dewhurst is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-180
Olajuwon Hasan Myers.Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Myers, 39, of Phoenix, Arizona, is charged with knowingly possessing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mandy Mackenzie is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-178
Ricardo Plateado-Martinez; Rosa Maria Olmos; Rafael Gonzalez; Joel Rosales Pina.Drug Conspiracy; Conspiracy to Commit International Money Laundering; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Conspiracy to Import a Controlled Substance (third superseding). Plateado-Martinez, 34, of Broken Arrow; Olmos, 35, of Broken Arrow; Gonzales, 31, of Beaumont; and Pina, 40, a Mexican National are charged with conspiring to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine. Plateado-Martinez, Olmos, Gonzalez, and Pina are charged with conspiring to move money internationally with the intent to promote methamphetamine distribution and the conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Pina is further charged with maintaining a residence to distribute drugs. Gonzalez, and Pina are charged with conspiring to import more than 500 grams of methamphetamine from Mexico. The Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Tulsa Police Department, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Broken Arrow Police Department, and Oklahoma City Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-131
Jordan Frazier Payne.Second Degree Murder in Indian Country; Child Neglect in Indian Country. Payne, 31, of Grove, is charged with unlawfully killing the minor victim by blunt force trauma to the head. Further, Payne is charged with willfully failing to provide medical care for the minor victim. The FBI, the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, the Grove Police Department, and the Jay Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valeria Luster and Emily Dewhurst are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-168
Adan Orozco-Godines.Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Orozco-Godines, 38, a Guatemalan national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Dec. 2016. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Harris is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-182
Lekeith Deshawn Russell.Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony (Counts 1 and 2); Attempted Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Count 3). Russell, 38, of Tulsa, is charged with attempting to possess methamphetamine through the mail. He is further charged with attempting to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyson McCoy is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-172
Defendant allegedly used proceeds to purchase two Ferraris, a Mercedes-Benz Model S, at least three Rolex watches
BOSTON – The owner of Pharmagears, LLC (Pharmagears) and RR Medco, LLC (RR Medco) has agreed to plead to guilty in connection with a nearly $30 million health care fraud conspiracy involving medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME), including orthotics such as back and knee braces.
Raju Sharma, 61, of Sharon, Mass., has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court. Per the plea agreement, the government will recommend a sentence of 10 years in prison and more than $15.8 million in restitution.
Sharma was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in February 2025 and subsequently released on conditions pending trial. He was later ordered detained in April 2025 after the Court found that he violated the conditions of his release by contacting a potential witness.
According to the charging documents, between February 2021 and February 2025, Sharma – on behalf of Pharmagears and RR Medco – entered into contracts with telemarketing companies that generated DME orders by targeting Medicare beneficiaries. It is alleged that Sharma then billed Medicare for this medically unnecessary DME, which the Medicare beneficiaries often did not want or could not use; and/or a medical practitioner ordered without having met or examined the beneficiary; or were ordered by the fraudulent use of practitioners’ national provider identifiers without their knowledge or assent. It is further alleged that these DME orders were obtained in violation of the anti-kickback statute, because although Sharma agreed in the contracts to pay the marketing companies a flat fee for their services, Sharma in fact paid the marketing companies on a per-lead, or per-order, basis.
According to the charging documents, Sharma worked with multiple other co-conspirators, including family and acquaintances, to open and operate additional DME companies in the same fraudulent manner. In total, the companies owned, operated, or connected with Sharma billed Medicare approximately $29.6 million for these fraudulent DME orders and were paid approximately $15.8 million.
Sharma made substantial profits from this alleged fraud, which he used to purchase luxury goods, including two Ferraris, a Mercedes-Benz Model S and at least three Rolex watches. Pursuant to the plea agreement, the defendant has agreed to forfeit these luxury goods, as well as over $250,000 in cash investigators seized from his bank accounts.
The charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, supervised release for up to three years and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge, Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General; and Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Marshals Service and the Sharon Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Graber and Sarah Hoefle of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Richard A. Lazzara has sentenced Jose Antonio Cax-Mach (47, Guatemala) to 18 months in federal prison for illegal reentry by a convicted felon. Cax-Mach pleaded guilty on February 24, 2025.
According to court records, Cax-Mach is a native and citizen of Guatemala. He was initially removed from the United States on February 19, 2020. Prior to his removal, Cax-Mach had three separate convictions for aggravated driving under the influence on July 15, 2019, March 5, 2019, and November 15, 2010.
This case was investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.
LOS ANGELES – Southern California Edison (SCE) has agreed to pay the United States $82.5 million – the largest-ever wildfire cost recovery settlement by the United States in the Central District of California – to resolve claims on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service to recoup costs and damages associated with the 2020 Bobcat Fire in the Angeles National Forest, the Justice Department announced today.
The Bobcat Fire ignited in September 2020 and burned more than 114,000 acres – approximately 175 square miles – of which nearly 100,000 acres were in the Angeles National Forest.
“This record settlement against Southern California Edison provides meaningful compensation to taxpayers for the extensive costs of fighting the Bobcat Fire and for the widespread damage to public lands,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “My office will continue to aggressively pursue recovery for suppression costs and environmental damages from any entity that causes harm to the public’s forests and other precious national resources.”
The United States filed a lawsuit in September 2023 on behalf of the Forest Service against SCE and Utility Tree Service to recover costs incurred fighting the Bobcat Fire and for the extensive damages that it caused to the Angeles National Forest.
The United States alleged that the Bobcat Fire ignited when trees that were not properly maintained by SCE and its tree maintenance contractor came into contact with power lines, causing the blaze to ignite. The wildfire started on September 6, 2020, and resulted in damage to public lands. It caused years of closure of more than 100 miles of trails and numerous campgrounds. It also had a detrimental impact on habitats and wildlife, including to the federally endangered wildlife-mountain yellow-legged frog, federally threatened fish and birds, and irreplaceable cultural and heritage resources.
SCE agreed to pay the $82.5 million settlement within 60 days of the effective date of the settlement agreement, which was May 14, without admitting wrongdoing or fault.
“These settlements are essential in restoring our landscapes after wildfires,” said Acting U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Regional Forester Jason Kuiken.
“We are grateful to receive these settlement funds, which mark an important step toward recovery and restoration,” said Deputy Forest Supervisor Tony Martinez of the Angeles National Forest. “These resources will help us rehabilitate burned areas, restore wildlife habitats, and strengthen our forests’ resilience to future wildfires.”
The United States Forest Service investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah Quist and Joseph Tursi of the Complex and Defensive Litigation Section negotiated the settlement in this case.
CLEVELAND – Matthew J. Turnipseede, 51, of Las Vegas, Nevada, has been sentenced to more than five years in prison (65 months) by U.S. District Court Judge Christopher A. Boyko after admitting to orchestrating a Ponzi scheme that defrauded business investors out of over $8.5 million. He was also ordered to pay $4,731,165.10 in restitution. Turnipseede pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud in November 2024.
According to the indictment, from March 2015 to May 2021, Turnipseede induced approximately 72 individuals in Ohio and elsewhere to invest over $8.5 million in his betting companies, Edgewize and Moneyline Analytics. He promised that their funds would be used to make sophisticated sports wagers which used an algorithm that generated double-digit returns. Turnipseede also told investors that he would not take compensation for placing wagers, but instead would retain a percentage of winning profits.
In truth, none of Turnipseede’s companies ever generated the promised profits. Instead, the defendant used the investors’ money to maintain the businesses, seek additional sources of funds, and pay off earlier investors.
To perpetuate the scheme, the defendant emailed the victim-investors periodic updates describing how successful Edgewize and Moneyline Analytics were. He also emailed the victim-investors falsified financial statements purporting to show substantial gains on their investments. When a victim wanted to withdraw some, or all, of their funds, Turnipseede would use money invested by other victims to cover the withdrawal request. The scheme collapsed in May 2021 when Turnipseede declared bankruptcy, still owing his investors over $4.7 million in principal alone.
The defendant also admitted to using investor funds for his personal expenses such as family trips, spa treatments, lease payments on multiple vehicles, and country club membership dues.
This case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erica D. Barnhill and Brian M. McDonough for the Northern District of Ohio.
HOUSTON – A 39-year-old Columbian national illegally residing in Houston has been charged for theft of government funds, false representation of a U.S. citizen and aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Javier Alfonso Nunez Suarez is set to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Ho at 2 p.m.
The now unsealed indictment, returned May 15, alleges Suarez fraudulently applied for and obtained Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits in February 2016 by impersonating a U.S. citizen. Suarez then allegedly qualified for Medicaid benefits.
According to the charges. Suarez continued receiving both SSA disability and Medicaid benefits until his arrest, resulting in a total theft of government funds exceeding $588,000.
If convicted, Suarez faces up to 10 years imprisonment as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine for each of the charges. He also faces an additional two years in prison for aggravated identity theft which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.
SSA-Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen M. Lansden is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
MISSOULA – A homeless man with ties to Kalispell admitted today that he threatened to blow up the Flathead County courthouse, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Kermit “Ty” Poulson, 46, pleaded guilty to interstate communication of a threat to damage property by means of fire or explosive, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a potential fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided and District Judge Dana L. Christensen will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for September 18, 2025. Poulson was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on April 25, 2023, an attorney in Flathead County, Montana received the following email from Gmail account jerryleebishipjr@gmail.com:
The attorney reported receiving the email to the FBI and disclosed that he/she had previously represented defendant Poulson in a matter in Kalispell. The attorney recalled Poulson had a history of making similar threats.
The FBI obtained subscriber information from Google for Gmail account jerryleebishopjr@gmail.com, which listed another associated Gmail account of typoulsonia@gmail.com. The FBI obtained subscriber information for Gmail account typoulsonia@gmail.com, which named the subscriber of that account as Poulson. Criminal records checks show Poulson was previously the subject of an FBI investigation in Portland, Oregon. In that case, he was investigated, arrested, and convicted of threatening to set the Portland Mayor’s house on fire with Molotov cocktails. See United States v. Poulson, Case No. 3:18-CR-00622-SI-1 (D. Or. 2018). He also claimed in that case that he had ties to Antifa.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Starnes is prosecuting the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA) sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom urging him to reconsider any plans that would include closing Calipatria State Prison, following the Governor’s announcement in the May Revision of the California Budget that another state prison will be closed this year.
In his letter, Congressman Ruiz emphasized the devastating economic impact such a decision would have on Imperial Valley, a predominantly rural, underserved region already experiencing the highest unemployment rate in California at 16%, more than triple the state average.
“The closure of Calipatria State Prison would strip away a critical source of economic security from families already struggling to make ends meet,” said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25). “This is about more than just jobs; it’s about protecting the ability of parents to provide for their children and ensuring that communities in Imperial Valley are not left behind. I am calling on Governor Newsom to not close the Calipatria State Prison.”
The prison provides hundreds of stable, good-paying jobs for local residents, serving as a lifeline in a region historically excluded from major economic development efforts. The letter also highlights the compounding effect of the recently announced planned closure at the Spreckels Sugar Plant, another major employer in the area, which has already deepened economic insecurity for local families.
Congressman Ruiz called on the Governor to work collaboratively with him and local leaders to find alternative solutions that do not jeopardize livelihoods or increase economic hardship for the region’s residents.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in South Dakota of the June 23 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning Oct. 15, 2024.
The disaster declaration covers the South Dakota counties of Bennett, Jackson, Jones, Lyman, Mellette, Todd and Tripp.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs impacted by financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than June 23.
###
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Montana of the June 23 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning Oct. 15, 2024.
The disaster declaration covers the Montana counties of Big Horn, Custer, Dawson, Garfield, McCone, Musselshell, Petroleum, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Treasure, Wibaux and Yellowstone.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs impacted by financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than June 23.
###
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Kansas of the June 23 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning Oct. 15, 2024.
The disaster declaration covers the Kansas counties of Bourbon, Butler, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Cowley, Crawford, Elk, Labette, Neosho, Sedgwick and Sumner as well as the Missouri counties of Barton, Jasper and Vernon and the Oklahoma counties of Kay and Osage.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than June 23.
###
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Colorado of the June 23 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning Oct. 15, 2024.
The disaster declaration covers the Colorado counties of Boulder, Clear Creek, Eagle, Gilpin, Grand, Jackson, Larimer, Routt and Summit.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs impacted by financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than June 23.
###
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is introducing bipartisan legislation to increase the efficiency and efficacy of livestock feed — leading to higher produce yields and harvests. Under current law, farmers and ranchers do not have access to the most up-to-date additives to help improve the quality and quantity of their meat and dairy products. The Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (FEED) Act would help cut bureaucratic red tape at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to spur innovation in the livestock feed sector and equip farmers with the supplies they need.
“Everyone benefits when healthy livestock produce safe, high-quality meat and dairy products — and that begins with how they eat,” said Senator King. “Unfortunately, manufacturers of supplemental additives to livestock feed face needless, burdensome hurdles and bureaucratic red tape which prevents farmers and ranchers from getting their hands on new, innovative products. The bipartisan Innovative FEED Act will expedite the period between the early stages of development and regulatory approval — creating a level playing ground for the agricultural industry and ensuring healthier, sustainable options for consumers.”
The Innovative FEED Act would:
Amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act establishing a new category in the animal food additive petition process to cover ingredients that address animal health, food safety, or environmental benefits in an animal’s diet.
Help American livestock producers cut regulatory red tape while adding value to their products and remaining competitive on a global scale.
Ensures farmers are rewarded for participating in voluntary, producer-led sustainability efforts, and market their products to companies and nations that have set climate reduction goals.
Modernize the approval process by establishing a new pathway for manufacturers to receive approval for feed additives that improve efficiency in meat and dairy production while also reducing byproducts.
Establish strict guardrails to ensure only qualifying products are eligible for this pathway while also ensuring products are safe to use.
In addition to Senator King, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA).
The full text of the legislation can be found here.
Senator King is a staunch advocate for the Maine agriculture industry. This session of Congress, Senator King cosponsored the Honor Farmer Contracts Act which released withheld federal funding and allocated it back to farmers as Congress had intended. He is an original sponsor of the bipartisan Dairy PRIDE Act which combats the mislabeling of non-dairy products and requires accurate labeling of dairy and non-dairy products as mislabeling is harmful to dairy farmers selling their products in a crowded marketplace. Senator King also cosponsored the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act to direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to give milk producers a greater voice in dairy pricing. Additionally, Senator King is an annual cosponsor of the federal ‘National Dairy Month’ resolution.
Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act to strengthen U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) ability to combat human and drug trafficking at the southern border using new, innovative technology. The bill makes Innovation Teams—the division within CBP created in 2018 to implement new technologies—permanent.
“President Trump secured the southern border in his first 30 days. Let’s secure the border forever by using new technology,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Let’s stop fentanyl from flowing into our country.”
Investments in border security technology will strengthen CBP’s detection and response time to cases of trafficking and illicit border crossings in remote areas.
The Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act will:
Authorize the CBP Commissioner to maintain one or more CBP Innovation Teams to research and adapt commercial technologies to assist in border security operations and urgent mission needs;
Require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to submit a plan to Congress that assesses the performance parameters and security impacts of potential technologies, as well as the deactivation of former CBP technology;
Require CBP Innovation Teams to make standard operating procedures; and
Require DHS to submit information to Congress that describes CBP Innovation Team activities and operating procedures.
Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) in introducing the bill. A similar version of this legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Morgan Luttrell (R-TX-08) and Lou Correa (D-CA-46).
Five individuals were charged in a 19-count indictment yesterday for their participation in a scheme to trade securities on the basis of material nonpublic information about the merger between two companies that resulted in profits of over $600,000.
According to court documents, between May and June 2023, Rouzbeh “Ross” Haghighat, 61, of West Newbury, Massachusetts, Behrouz “Bruce” Haghighat, 60, of Laguna Niguel, California, Kirstyn Pearl, 35, of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, Seyedfarbod “Fabio” Sabzevari, 31, of North Hollywood, California, and James Roberge, 70, of Westford, Massachusetts, allegedly profited more than $600,000 by unlawfully purchasing the securities of a biopharmaceutical company in Seattle, Washington (Company-1), where Ross Haghighat served as a director. As alleged, the defendants traded securities based on material nonpublic information about another pharmaceutical company’s (Company-2) proposed acquisition of Company-1. The indictment alleges that, in May 2023, Company-2 made a confidential proposal to acquire Company-1 at a price per share above the then current market value. The two companies then negotiated an agreement for the acquisition, which was announced in June 2023, causing the share price to spike.
“The defendants were charged yesterday for allegedly trading on inside information and reaping hundreds of thousands in illicit profits,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Securities fraud and insider trading distort our financial markets and disadvantage Americans who play by the rules. These charges demonstrate that the Criminal Division is committed to maintaining the integrity of markets by holding accountable all those who defraud investors.”
“Our office is committed to protecting the integrity of the market and holding accountable those who attempt to gain unfair advantages through trading on insider information,” said U.S. Attorney Alina Habba for the District of New Jersey.
“This case makes one thing clear: if you think you can game the system using insider information, think again,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Criminal Investigations Group. “Ross Haghighat and his associates thought they were above the law and colored outside the lines for financial gain, but yesterday’s indictment proves no one is above the law. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will not hesitate to pursue and bring to justice anyone who tries to corrupt the integrity of our financial markets.”
In his position as a director on the board of Company-1, Ross Haghighat allegedly obtained material nonpublic inside information about its acquisition, including sensitive deal terms. He then purchased securities, and tipped others — including Bruce Haghighat, Pearl, Sabzevari, and Roberge — for personal benefit with the expectation that they would purchase securities, which the defendants allegedly did.
Ross Haghighat was charged with one count of securities fraud, 16 counts of insider trading, and two counts of conspiracy. He was previously charged with one count of conspiracy to commit insider trading.
Bruce Haghighat was charged with one count of securities fraud, one count of insider trading, and one count of conspiracy.
Pearl was charged with one count of securities fraud, one count of insider trading, and one count of conspiracy.
Sabzevari and Roberge were both charged with one count of securities fraud and seven counts of insider trading.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison on the securities fraud charge and 20 years in prison on each of the insider-trading charges. If convicted of conspiracy, Ross Haghighat, Bruce Haghighat, and Pearl face a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney John J. Liolos of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Mezzanotte for the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
HOUSTON – A 29-count indictment has been unsealed following the arrests of nine individuals for their roles in a drug trafficking organization. Some are also charged with related gun offenses.
Houston residents James Michael Brewer aka Creeper, 33, Jonathan Alvarado aka Joker, 28, Alexis Delgado aka Chino, 28, Hector Luis Lopez aka Capulito, 23, Kylie Rae Alvarado, 24, Ruby Mata, 31, Victor Norris Ellison, 35, Mexi Dyan Garcia aka Mexi, 31, and Jesus Gomez-Rodriguez aka Jr., 33, made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Ho, at which time the indictment was unsealed.
Also charged are Enzo Xavier Dominguez aka Smiley, 32, William Alexander Lazo aka Miclo, 21, and Alfredo Gomez aka Fredo, 26. They are currently in custody and expected to make their initial appearances in the near future.
Three others are considered fugitives and warrants remain outstanding for their arrests – Mexican national Jose Francisco Garcia-Martinez aka Paco, 29, Guatemalan national Marcos Rene Simaj-Guch aka Taco Man, 41, as well as Jose Eduardo Morales aka Primo, 22, Houston.
“The defendants are alleged to have engaged in a multi-drug narcotics distribution ring, and, as often seen in the drug trade, are also alleged to have used illegal firearms to facilitate their enterprise,” said U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. “Some of the charges indicate methamphetamine was alleged to have been sourced from Mexico, and thus this investigation highlights why this office’s enforcement efforts on the border are so critical. The Southern District of Texas will do everything it can to prevent narcotics from entering our country and will be relentless in apprehending those that would distribute drugs in our communities.”
“As alleged, this drug trafficking organization imported methamphetamine directly from Mexico and used the U.S. mail, a taco truck, and homes in different Houston neighborhoods to distribute and sell methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Several of the defendants are also alleged to have used firearms in furtherance of their narcotics trafficking and illegally possessed firearms despite having previously been convicted of felonies. The Criminal Division, along with our federal, state, and local partners, will continue to work tirelessly to combat the scourge of drug trafficking in communities.”
“For years, the transnational criminal organization allegedly operated by these gang members has brazenly flooded our local communities with deadly narcotics,” said Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) Houston Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. “Working in conjunction with the Houston Police Department (HPD) and our Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) partners, we were able to expose and dismantle their drug trafficking scheme, eliminating a significant contributor to violent crime in the area and saving an untold number of Houstonians from becoming addicted.”
The indictment, returned under seal May 14, alleges all were members of a drug trafficking organization that distributed methamphetamine, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, oxycodone, Xanax psylocibin mushrooms and marijuana. They are alleged to have used several drug houses and a food truck to store illegal drugs and conduct drug transactions. In one notable instance in June 2023, authorities seized 29 kilograms of methamphetamine that one defendant was attempting to transport into the United States, according to the charges.
With the exception of Simaj-Guch who faces up to 40 years, the rest could receive up to life, upon conviction. Brewer, Alvarado, Lopez, Gomez and Ellison are further charged with firearms offenses which carry up to another 15 years.
ICE-HSI and the HPD led the investigation with the assistance of the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Texas Board of Criminal Justice-Office of the Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco Rodriguez is prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorneys Ralph Paradiso and Amanda Kotula of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.
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 and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s OCDETF and Project Safe Neighborhood.
This case is also part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Houston. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas have partnered, along with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, to confront violent crimes gang members and associates have committed through the enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources to prosecute the offenders and prevent further violence.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)
We caught up with MAHA Moms, doctors, business leaders and more at the White House yesterday and that are all excited about president trump’s efforts to MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN
“We are so excited to be part of this movement… This is a unique moment in the United States. It’s a chance for all of us to think differently about how we’re eating and what we’re doing to live healthier lives.”
“There is no conclusion to where these girls might’ve ended up,” Park said. “Our hope’s we find these girls alive somewhere.”
The girls’ disappearance has profoundly impacted Faloma and Maleina’s families and community, investigators said. “They left a big hole in a lot of people’s hearts, left a lot of questions unanswered,” Park said.
The incident also shattered Saipan’s reputation for being a safe place for children to roam. “It’s a very loving community, and that is why it was so detrimental when this occurred, because that safety was snatched from the community,” said FBI Special Agent Rick Bauer, who’s currently leading this case for FBI Honolulu. “That’s just another reason to drive us and the law enforcement—and the community—to get answers.”
Looking for clues on the ‘coconut wire’
Investigators say additional clues in this case may come from across an ocean.
A large number of Micronesians have migrated to the continental United States—mainly to the Pacific Northwest, but also to states like Idaho and Texas. Since the Micronesian community’s bonds are strong, a steady flow of individuals in the diaspora travel home to attend annual community events. Likewise, Saipan residents frequently travel to the continental U.S. to visit friends and loved ones.
Chatter between current and former Saipan residents naturally ensues—a phenomenon Park said is known as the “coconut wire.” And, he said, “news travels fast.” For this reason, the FBI is also asking anyone who might’ve heard information about Faloma and Maleina’s whereabouts through the grapevine—on either side of the Pacific Ocean—to come forward.
“We want to reach out to those Micronesians that might have been here during that time or heard something,” he said. “We want to see if they want to come forward, help us, help the family, bring closure, or give us some evidence that we can use.”
If you have any information about Faloma and Maleina’s whereabouts or what might’ve happened to them—even if you’ve already spoken with law enforcement about the case—we encourage you to contact the FBI.
You can submit tips by phone at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or online at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be shared anonymously, and no detail is too small to potentially help investigators solve this case.
“We believe there are people out there that know something,” Bauer said. “No matter how big or how little it may be, it could be something that law enforcement can use in solving this mystery.”
Headline: Mountain Gateway Museum Launches Hands-On ‘Second Saturdays’ Summer Workshop Series
Mountain Gateway Museum Launches Hands-On ‘Second Saturdays’ Summer Workshop Series jejohnson6
The Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center in Old Fort is launching Second Saturdays, a new summer workshop series offering hands-on classes in traditional crafts and music. Learn how to make a berry basket, cane a chair seat or practice your musical skills on the harmonica in this exciting and fun new workshop series taught by local artists. The Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Held on the second Saturday of each month from June through September, each session begins at 10 a.m. and lasts approximately two hours. Classes take place inside the historic ca. 1885 Morgan Cabin on the museum’s grounds at24 Water St., Old Fort.
Workshops are open to participants age 12 and up. Space is limited to 12 people per class. All materials and tools are provided. Cost is $25 per person. Pre-registration and payment are required 10 days prior to each workshop. Payment can be made by cash, check, debit, or credit card. Classes will take place rain or shine.
Workshop Schedule:
June 14 – Crafting a Bark Berry Basket Learn to make a natural bark-covered berry basket with handle. Taught by sixth-generation basket-maker Joe Williams. Registration deadline: June 4 at 5 p.m.
July 12 – Caning a Ladderback Chair Learn to weave a chair seat using ash splits. Old chairs will be provided, or participants may bring their own. Instructor: Sam Scroggin of Asheville Furniture Repair Registration deadline: July 2 at 5 p.m.
Aug. 9 – Beginner’s Guide to Traditional Musical Instruments Learn the basics of guitar, banjo, fiddle, and harmonica. Perfect for beginners of all ages. Instructor: Local musician and educator Freddy Bradburn Participants will receive a free harmonica, courtesy of the McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA). Registration deadline: July 30 at 5 p.m.
For more information or to register, contact RoAnn Bishop at 828-619-5103 orroann.bishop@dncr.nc.gov.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
Five individuals were charged in a 19-count indictment yesterday for their participation in a scheme to trade securities on the basis of material nonpublic information about the merger between two companies that resulted in profits of over $600,000.
According to court documents, between May and June 2023, Rouzbeh “Ross” Haghighat, 61, of West Newbury, Massachusetts, Behrouz “Bruce” Haghighat, 60, of Laguna Niguel, California, Kirstyn Pearl, 35, of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, Seyedfarbod “Fabio” Sabzevari, 31, of North Hollywood, California, and James Roberge, 70, of Westford, Massachusetts, allegedly profited more than $600,000 by unlawfully purchasing the securities of a biopharmaceutical company in Seattle, Washington (Company-1), where Ross Haghighat served as a director. As alleged, the defendants traded securities based on material nonpublic information about another pharmaceutical company’s (Company-2) proposed acquisition of Company-1. The indictment alleges that, in May 2023, Company-2 made a confidential proposal to acquire Company-1 at a price per share above the then current market value. The two companies then negotiated an agreement for the acquisition, which was announced in June 2023, causing the share price to spike.
“The defendants were charged yesterday for allegedly trading on inside information and reaping hundreds of thousands in illicit profits,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Securities fraud and insider trading distort our financial markets and disadvantage Americans who play by the rules. These charges demonstrate that the Criminal Division is committed to maintaining the integrity of markets by holding accountable all those who defraud investors.”
“Our office is committed to protecting the integrity of the market and holding accountable those who attempt to gain unfair advantages through trading on insider information,” said U.S. Attorney Alina Habba for the District of New Jersey.
“This case makes one thing clear: if you think you can game the system using insider information, think again,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Criminal Investigations Group. “Ross Haghighat and his associates thought they were above the law and colored outside the lines for financial gain, but yesterday’s indictment proves no one is above the law. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will not hesitate to pursue and bring to justice anyone who tries to corrupt the integrity of our financial markets.”
In his position as a director on the board of Company-1, Ross Haghighat allegedly obtained material nonpublic inside information about its acquisition, including sensitive deal terms. He then purchased securities, and tipped others — including Bruce Haghighat, Pearl, Sabzevari, and Roberge — for personal benefit with the expectation that they would purchase securities, which the defendants allegedly did.
Ross Haghighat was charged with one count of securities fraud, 16 counts of insider trading, and two counts of conspiracy. He was previously charged with one count of conspiracy to commit insider trading.
Bruce Haghighat was charged with one count of securities fraud, one count of insider trading, and one count of conspiracy.
Pearl was charged with one count of securities fraud, one count of insider trading, and one count of conspiracy.
Sabzevari and Roberge were both charged with one count of securities fraud and seven counts of insider trading.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison on the securities fraud charge and 20 years in prison on each of the insider-trading charges. If convicted of conspiracy, Ross Haghighat, Bruce Haghighat, and Pearl face a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney John J. Liolos of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Mezzanotte for the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
Published: May 21, 2025
WASHINGTON – During a Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship hearing featuring Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler, Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) highlighted her bipartisan solution to continue the great American manufacturing resurgence happening under the Trump administration.
Ernst went on to thank Loeffler for restoring fiscal sanity to the SBA’s flagship 7(a) loan program and ending the era of sloppy underwriting.
Click here to watch Chair Ernst’s remarks.
Loeffler praised Ernst’s Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act as a key bipartisan solution that will “supercharge the return of American manufacturing.” Ernst described how doubling the size of crucial manufacturing loans will give small businesses the fuel they need to grow and bring jobs back.
She then applauded the hard work of Loeffler in righting the ship within the 7(a) loan program after a series of reckless changes by the Biden administration resulted in rising defaults, threatening to force taxpayers to foot the bill.
EL PASO, Texas — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation officers on May 22 removed a previously removed Mexican national wanted in his home country for possessing methamphetamine and firearms.
Miguel Sifuentes Jimenez, 36, was turned over to Mexican authorities on the top of the Stanton Street Bridge on the international boundary between the United States and Mexico.
Sifuentes last illegally entered the United States on May 3, 2021, by walking across the U.S.-Mexico international boundary east of the Santa Teresa Port of Entry near Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The following day, he was processed as a reinstatement of prior order of removal and presented for prosecution. Upon time served, he was released to the streets by the Luna County Detention Center in Deming, New Mexico.
He was first ordered removed from the United States on Jan. 9, 2013, and removed to his home country on Jan. 28, 2013, from Calexico, California. His criminal history in the United States includes convictions in California for felony robbery in 2008, for which he was sentenced to 364 days in jail; aggravated battery/spouse, a misdemeanor, in 2009, for which he was sentenced to serve 60 days in jail; and inflicting corporal injury spouse/cohab, a felony, in 2011, for which he received a two-year sentence.
On May 12, Enforcement and Removal Operations deportation officers encountered Sifuentes at the Eddy County Detention Center in Carlsbad, New Mexico, where he was serving time after being convicted for aggravated battery against a household member/strangulation or suffocation. ERO lodged a detainer and arrested him when he was released from jail that same day.
On May 13, he was charged with alien inadmissibility and alien previously removed as an arriving alien, which is an aggravated felony.
Source: US Congressman Ryan Zinke (Western Montana)
(Washington, D.C.) As Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee ForeignMilitary Sales Task Force, Congressman Ryan Zinke has introduced bipartisan legislation to modernize the Congressional Notification (CN) thresholds for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Direct Commercial Sales (DCS). Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) co-sponsored this legislation. Read the full text of the billhere.
FMS and DCS purchases by allies have surged, however, CN thresholds have remained unchanged for over 20 years. The outdated process delays key defense and diplomatic partnerships, potentially pushing allies toward adversaries like China and Russia.
Zinke’s bill raises CN dollar thresholds to reflect inflation and global realities, streamlining approval timelines while maintaining rigorous security and human rights reviews by the Department of State and Department of Defense. The legislation also updates reporting requirements under the Arms Export Control Act to improve efficiency and oversight.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) andCongresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-38)introduced the Accessible Campus Commuting and Expanded Student Savings (ACCESS) Act to improve accessibility and affordability of higher education.
The cost of transportation is a significant barrier for many students, yet is often overlooked as students weigh the affordability of college and apprenticeship programs.
The ACCESS Act would help reduce barriers to access, make higher education more affordable and alleviate student pressure by helping American families use their savings to cover more of their children’s education expenses.
“Student parking and transportation costs add up fast for commuting students — and the problem is only getting worse,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “High commuting costs hurt student retention and success at a time when institutions already see declining enrollments post-COVID, yet many scholarship and financial aid awards still don’t cover transportation expenses. The ACCESS Act empowers students to use their 529 savings plan to cover transportation and parking expenses, ensuring that they have the tools they need to succeed regardless of zip code or socioeconomic status.”
“Commuting to class shouldn’t be what keeps someone from getting their degree. But for a lot of students, the cost of parking or public transit adds up quickly. This is a smart, straightforward way to make things a little bit easier,” said Congresswoman Sánchez. “I appreciate Congresswoman McClellan for her work to make college more affordable for more students.”
The ACCESS Act has been endorsed by Commonwealth Savers (formerly Virginia 529), the College Savings Plans Network (CSPN), the Virginia College Advising Network (VCAN), the Virginia Community College System, the College Savings Foundation, and the Council for Independent Colleges of Virginia (CICV).
Specifically, H.R.3574, the Accessible Campus Commuting and Expanded Student Savings Act would:
Amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow 529 savings plans to include student parking and transportation costs at colleges, universities, and apprenticeship programs as eligible educational expenses covered by the 529 Program.
Read the full bill text here. Read the one-pager here.