As part of city-wide funding to transform Manchester’s green spaces, Wythenshawe Park has undergone development for park-goers.
The Clean, Green Safer Manchester Investment, which is worth £157,000, has been put towards the work taking place in the popular park and surrounding areas to make it more accessible for families with pushchairs, wheelchair users and cyclists.
The south Manchester park has had potholes repaired on two pathways off the main entrances and the pathway to the tennis courts will also undergo resurfacing.
With Manchester holding the proud title of the European Capital of Cycling, the national cycling route which runs through Wythenshawe Park will now be able to welcome thousands of avid cyclists who pedal through the area each year on safer surfaces.
Manchester City Council understands the power of movement and its ability to encourage communities to come together and prioritise active lifestyles to truly thrive. And so, the Wythenshawe Park Cycle Hub will also benefit from the investment, ensuring cycle-lovers have somewhere to meet and connect to before setting off on their journeys or taking a stop to recharge.
For park-goers, after a long day of activity, there is an option to take a rest stop on one of the many benches installed through the park and around the surrounding areas.
By the spring, there will be a total of 7 Age Friendly Benches in total placed in Wythenshawe Park to Northenden giving older commuters in particular a chance to enjoy the scenery or enjoy some lunch while recharging.
Park visitors using public transport can also expect to see sixteen new benches in total near Wythenshawe Park tram and bus stops on the way to Wythenshawe Park as they embark on their journeys.
As well as near to Wythenshawe Tram stop to the park and Moor Rd tram stop to the Altringham Rd retail park.
Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, said: “It’s terrific to see the long-term investment into Wythenshawe Park and surrounding areas as part of our commitment to make spaces in Manchester cleaner and greener.
“We want to ensure all visitors to the park, whether in a wheelchair or on a bike, are made to feel welcome and safe as they enjoy our green spaces.
“From the national cycling route to new benches near your local tram stop, there is something for everyone through this newest investment.”
Further information about the investment into Wythenshawe park, can be found out through Cllr Lee-Ann Igbon who has given her insight into the project.
NARCO and Park Cycling Group said: “Nacro Outdoor Learning/Wythenshawe Nacro Community Cycling Hub (WyNCCH) are pleased to see the resurfacing works around Wythenshawe Park. This includes the paths, roads and trails.
“The resurfacing work that has recently been completed has made a huge difference for all our participants that access our provision. This includes our school groups as some have mobility difficulties, our cyclist at (WyNCCH) who recently became Manchester Sport Club of the year. One of our recent cyclist club hub members commented on the recent improvements around the park.
“This is a brilliant improvement and investment” Nacro Outdoor Learning/WyNCCH would like to thank Manchester City Council for the recent work that has been completed. Nacro WyNCCH has several events for 2025 for walking/cycling. This investment at Wythenshawe Park improves operating activities safely for all, including accessibility for the wider community and the general park users.”
A Transport for Greater Manchester Active Travel spokesperson said: “It’s the perfect space to teach people to ride as it is built for that purpose, the surface improvements have made a great difference. The number of attendees at our sessions shows that it is meeting a local need and is supporting those who want to cycle more for leisure or function journeys to do so.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)
U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), bipartisan leaders on mental health and suicide prevention, today introduced the Barriers to Suicide Act. This legislation would create grants to help state and local governments fund nets and barriers that have been shown to reduce suicide on bridges and other high-risk infrastructure.
“Research has shown that means restriction is one of the most effective strategies for reducing suicides, the eleventh leading cause of death in the United States. Our Barriers to Suicide Act is commonsense, bipartisan legislation that would strengthen America’s response to the epidemic of suicide and save lives,” said Rep. Beyer. “Congress can help state and local governments by stepping up to provide critical funding to build life-saving infrastructure in communities across the country. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and will continue to pursue legislative solutions to prevent suicide, including through my work as co-Chair of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus and its Suicide Prevention Task Force.”
“More than 1,000 lives are lost to suicide on our railways each year. In our community, that crisis recently took three of our own—one to suicide, and two more in a brave attempt to save him. It was a devastating loss that shook us to our core,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “We can’t accept tragedy as the cost of inaction—not when solutions exist. That’s why Representative Beyer and I are introducing the Barriers to Suicide Act. As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health Task Force, I’m working to equip communities with funding for proven, life-saving barriers at rail stations and other high-risk sites. We can’t bring back those we lost—but we can act in their memory, and we can save lives with the tools we know work.”
“The Barriers to Suicide Act meets a critical need to prevent suicide by investing in proven strategies to make public spaces safer for people in crisis,” said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “By funding evidence-based design and infrastructure improvements in high-risk settings, this legislation takes a proactive approach to suicide prevention. NAMI thanks Reps. Beyer and Fitzpatrick for their leadership and supports this important legislation.”
“In 2023, more than 49,300 lives were lost to suicide in the United States, including 1,297 deaths by falling. Research shows that these deaths are preventable by reducing access to lethal means,” said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (ASFP). “Bridge barriers deter suicide and give individuals time to seek care and support. We commend Representative Beyer and Representative Fitzpatrick for championing this lifesaving legislation.”
“Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S., and too many occur at predictable, preventable locations. Research shows that physical barriers on bridges and high structures can reduce suicide deaths at those sites by up to 90%,” said Erich Mische, CEO at the Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE). “Congressmen Don Beyer and Brian Fitzpatrick are showing the bipartisan leadership this crisis demands through the Barriers to Suicide Act of 2025. There should be no trade-off between saving money and saving lives. It’s time we apply the same safety standards to suicide prevention that we already expect in our public infrastructure—to protect the people we love.”
The Barriers to Suicide Act would establish a competitive grant program for states and localities to apply for federal funding to install nets and barriers on bridges, buildings, parking garages, and at rail stations. Project funding would be made eligible under the National Highway Performance Program. This bill would also authorize a study to identify additional strategies to reduce jumping deaths.
Over 49,000 Americans died by suicide in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Falling deaths are a common cause of suicide, and restricting access to lethal means allows time for a feeling of crisis to pass, allowing people experiencing suicidal thoughts to seek help. Studies show that installing physical barriers and nets on bridges commonly used for suicide, for instance San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, can save lives. Suicide prevention advocates have worked to raise awareness of suicide prevention barriers in the National Capital Region in recent years.
The Barriers to Suicide Act is cosponsored by Reps. Andre Carson, Sharice Davids, Marcy Kaptur Betty McCollum, Gwen Moore, Seth Moulton, Jamie Raskin, Shri Thanedar, Lori Trahan, and Bonnie Watson Coleman.
It is endorsed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (ASFP), the Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE), the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP), the Kennedy Forum, and the National Association of Social Workers.
Text of the Barriers to Suicide Act is available here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)
Today, during the House Appropriations Interior and Environment Subcommittee hearing for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request with Secretary Burgum, Ranking Member Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) laid out how the Trump Administration is dismantling the Department of the Interior—abandoning its core mission to protect our environment, preserve our public lands, and help steward our natural resources in order to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. [embedded content] Click here to watch Pingree’s opening remarks; Watch the full hearing here.
Pingree’s remarks as prepared for delivery:
Secretary Burgum, we appreciate your being here today. This is my first chance to meet you, and I want to thank you for bringing your many skills as a former governor and businessman to this very important position.
The Department of the Interior is tasked with protecting and managing our natural resources and cultural heritage, providing scientific information about those resources, and honoring our treaty and trust responsibilities.
I will warn you, I am deeply, deeply concerned with the state of the Department of the Interior. In just four months, the Department has been destabilized, and there has been a stunning decline in its ability to meet this mission. Given your extensive executive experience, I am stunned and disappointed that you would allow this to happen.
In partnership with Elon Musk’s rogue “agency” DOGE, you illegally canceled grants for conservation, for ecosystem restoration, and other important work. Over 1,700 probationary employees have been recklessly fired and 7,600 (or 11%) of the Interior workforce have been pushed to resign. These are not just numbers—those people are experts and dedicated public servants with decades of programmatic and institutional knowledge that is critically needed to ensure the Department fulfills its mission as a guardian of our public lands.
To make matters worse, you instituted a hiring freeze and are considering even further reductions-in-force. I don’t see this ending well for this precious agency that this committee is dedicated to overseeing. And that this committee has devoted hundreds of hours to nurturing.
Further, due to the policies you have instituted, employees are hamstrung from accomplishing everyday tasks by absurdly limiting credit card expenditures to $1. This is no way to efficiently run an organization. In fact, these actions seem to be designed to obstruct employees from doing their job.
Even the National Park Service is under attack: Ahead of peak season, you have gutted staff—leaving national parks like Acadia, in my home state of Maine, understaffed and without the resources needed to keep summer visitors safe, and our parks pristine and protected.
Your Fiscal Year 2026 budget is equally devastating, with a proposed cut to the Department of 30%.
The budget eviscerates the U.S. Geological Survey with a proposed $564 million cut, targeting scientific research on natural hazards, ecosystems, water, and Earth mapping. These programs help us monitor and provide real-time earthquake and hazard information, they strengthen our assessment of groundwater and surface water systems, and they help ensure our national safety by informing the management of our mineral and energy resources.
Without these programs, our communities will be left vulnerable to natural disasters and deprived of the scientific data that guides responsible land management.
The budget shamefully abandons our trust and treaty obligations to Native Americans, slashing the Bureau of Indian Affairs public safety and justice programs by 19% when we are already only meeting a fraction of the need. You’ve also chosen to eliminate funding for desperately needed school construction, leaving a $1 billion repair backlog untouched.
Secretary Burgum, the document we are here to discuss today is more than just a budget. It is a blueprint for dismantling the very mission of the Department of the Interior, making it impossible to protect our natural resources and iconic national parks or uphold our commitments to Tribal communities now and for future generations.
As Ranking Member of this subcommittee, I wholeheartedly oppose these harmful cuts, and I will not stand by while you attempt to hollow out this agency.
Thank you again for being here this morning. I hope you are prepared to give a rationale for your decisions or work with us to reverse them.
Headline: Hurricane Helene Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) Ending May 31
Hurricane Helene Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) Ending May 31 jawerner
The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP), launched in response to Hurricane Helene, will officially end on May 31, 2025. The U.S. Health and Human Services program has provided temporary, no-cost access to prescription medications and vaccines as well as certain medical supplies and forms of equipment for uninsured individuals impacted by the storm.
“This federal emergency assistance program provided life-saving resources for our residents who needed it most,” said State Pharmacist Amanda Fuller Moore, PharmD. “While this program is temporary, our commitment to supporting western North Carolina in their continued recovery is not.”
Uninsured residents located in counties affected by Helene were able to request medications and medical supplies at any EPAP-participating pharmacy. Since its activation on October 4, 2024, more than 11,700 EPAP claims have been processed for more than 800 individuals residing in the 20 impacted counties across the western region. These claims covered prescription medications, medical equipment like crutches and walkers, and even diabetic supplies.
This no-cost resource assistance program was possible through partnership with HHS, FEMA, North Carolina Emergency Management, and local pharmacies and health care providers. A memo has been sent to all EPAP stakeholders to notify them of the program’s upcoming end date.
As western North Carolina continues to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, NCDHHS remains committed to providing the resources necessary to improve the health and safety of all North Carolinians. Residents who have relied on the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and need continued prescription and medical supply assistance should consider the following resources:
Apply for health care coverage through NC Medicaid
Access free or low-cost medications at participating free and charitable clinics, community health centers, and rural health centers through the NC Medication Assistance Program
Access the NC MedAssist Free Pharmacy Program, which provides free prescription medications to North Carolina residents who are uninsured and fall at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level
Visit the federal Health Insurance Marketplace to apply for coverage
Additional Hurricane Helene recovery resources are available online at ncdhhs.gov/helene.
ElPrograma de asistencia de emergencia para medicamentos recetados (EPAP), lanzado en respuesta al huracán Helene, finalizará oficialmente el 31 de mayo de 2025. El programa del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los Estados Unidos ha proporcionado acceso temporal sin costo a medicamentos recetados y a vacunas, así como a ciertos suministros médicos y aparatos para las personas sin seguro afectadas por la tormenta.
“Este programa federal de asistencia de emergencia proporcionó recursos para salvar vidas a nuestros residentes que más lo necesitaban”, dijo la farmacéutica estatal Amanda Fuller Moore, PharmD. “Si bien este programa es temporal, nuestro compromiso de apoyar al oeste de Carolina del Norte en su recuperación continua no lo es”.
Los residentes sin seguro ubicados en los condados afectados por Helene pudieron solicitar medicamentos y suministros médicos en cualquier farmacia participante en EPAP. Desde su activación el 4 de octubre de 2024, se han procesado más de 11,700 reembolsos de EPAP para más de 800 personas que residen en los 20 condados afectados de la región occidental. Estas reclamaciones cubrían medicamentos recetados, equipos médicos como muletas y andadores, e incluso suministros para diabéticos.
Este programa de asistencia de recursos sin costo fue posible a través de la colaboración con Salud y Servicios Humanos (HHS), Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés), Departamento de Gestión de Emergencias de Carolina del Norte (North Carolina Emergency Management), farmacias y proveedores de atención médica locales. Se ha enviadoun memorando a todas las partes interesadas del EPAPpara notificarles la próxima fecha de finalización del programa.
A medida que el oeste de Carolina del Norte continúa recuperándose de ladevastación del huracán Helene, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés) sigue comprometido a proporcionar los recursos necesarios para mejorar la salud y la seguridad de todos los habitantes de Carolina del Norte. Los habitantes que han confiado en el Programa de Asistencia de Recetas de Emergencia y necesitan asistencia continua con recetas y suministros médicos deben considerar los siguientes recursos:
Solicite cobertura de atención médica a través deNC Medicaid
Acceda a medicamentos gratuitos o de bajo costo en clínicas gratuitas y caritativas participantes, centros de salud comunitarios y centros de salud rurales a través delPrograma de Asistencia de Medicamentos de NC
Acceda al Programa de Farmacia GratuitaNC MedAssist, que proporciona medicamentos recetados gratuitos a los habitantes de Carolina del Norte que no tienen seguro y se encuentran en o por debajo del 300% del Nivel Federal de Pobreza
Visite el sitio web:Mercado de seguros médicosfederal para solicitar cobertura
Los recursos adicionales de recuperación del huracán Helene están disponibles en línea en el sitio web:ncdhhs.gov/helene.
Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
Legislation Would Increase Penalties for Improper Maintenance or Release of Personally Identifiable Information (“PII”) by the Government
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and five Senate colleagues in introducing the Defending Our Government’s Electronic data: Bolstering Responsible Oversight & Safeguards (DOGE BROS) Act, legislation to hold Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) accountable for their continued efforts to improperly access, and retain, individuals’ personally identifiable information (PII) including names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, Social Security numbers, and other financial information.
“From day one, Elon Musk’s DOGE has taken a wrecking ball to the federal government and critical services for the American people, all while carelessly pursuing their sensitive personal data,” said Senator Luján. “Congress must do more to protect that information and keep it out of the wrong hands. That’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing legislation to strengthen our privacy laws and put Americans’ privacy first.”
“As unvetted and unqualified DOGE employees continue to recklessly access the sensitive personal information of millions of Americans, it’s important that we take steps to better protect this data,” said Senator Warner. “For too long, our privacy laws have sat outdated, barely serving as a deterrent for improper handling or potential release of information. This legislation would enforce that privacy must be a priority when handling the data of the American public.”
“Elon Musk and his ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ are wreaking havoc across the government and gaining access to Americans’ sensitive information without proper authorization, which poses significant privacy and national security concerns,” said Senator Kaine. “That’s why I’m introducing this bill to increase the penalties for violating privacy laws and help safeguard Americans’ personal information.”
“Elon Musk and his DOGE cronies have been illegally ransacking federal agencies to gain access to troves of Americans’ sensitive personal data – from Social Security numbers to medical records to bank account information. Strengthening penalties for the theft of this data will help further deter these illegal abuses and keep Americans’ private information safe,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“The American people do not want Elon Musk knowing their Social Security numbers and sifting through their financial information. Musk and his team of wildly unqualified DOGE employees have gone too far – and we are sick of it. The Senate needs to prove we care more about those we serve than Elon Musk. Let’s immediately pass this legislation to protect the data and privacy of the American people,” said Senator Alsobrooks.
“Elon Musk’s so-called ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ and his DOGE agents are wreaking havoc on the federal government and the programs millions of Americans rely on. There’s no reason DOGE should gain access to Vermonters’ personal information, and I’m working with my colleagues to hold DOGE accountable and protect peoples’ privacy and data,” said Senator Welch.
Joining Senators Luján and Warner in introducing the DOGE BROS Act are U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).
The United States has existing laws that are designed to protect personal information held by the government. However, the penalties established in these various laws have not been properly adjusted or increased to account for inflation, making them far less impactful today. The DOGE BROS Act would increase five penalties for violation of federal privacy laws to better protect the sensitive information that DOGE is accessing in their reckless purge of the federal government. Specifically, the DOGE BROS Act would increase the following existing penalties for the unauthorized release of the following information:
Individually Identifiable Information Contained Within Any Agency Record
Code Section: 5 U.S.C. §552a(i)(i, ii, iii)
Current Penalty: up to $5,000
Proposed Penalty: up to $30,000
Information from Any Department or Agency of the United States Obtained Using a Computer Without Authorization
Code Section: 18 U.S.C. 1030(a)(2)(B)
Current Penalty: up to $250,000
Proposed Penalty: up to $750,000
Social Security and Medicare Data
Code Sections: 42 U.S.C. §1306
Current Penalty: up to $10,000
Proposed Penalty: up to $25,000
Tax Return Information
Code Section: 26 U.S.C. §7213
Current Penalty: up to $5,000
Proposed Penalty: up to $25,000
Census Data
Code Section: 13 U.S.C. §214
Current Penalty: up to $5,000
Proposed Penalty: up to $25,000
Full bill text is available here.
The IAM Union has confirmed that an IAM Union Local 695 (District 160) member and lawful U.S. permanent resident, Maximo Londonio, is being held in custody by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Londonio has been detained since May 15 after returning home from a trip with his wife and young daughter to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary and see family in the Philippines. Londonio is a lead fork lift driver at Crown Cork & Seal, an IAM-represented manufacturing facility in Lacey, Wash., where he has worked since 2017. Coworkers describe him as a well-liked and dedicated to his job.
The IAM Union is currently working with the employer to maintain Londonio’s job, as well as allied organizations to secure his release.
“Like so many across our country, our IAM Union Brother Maximo is simply trying to be the best husband and father he can be and provide for his family,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “To our knowledge, there has been no evidence to support the U.S. government’s continued detention of Maximo. We call for his immediate release.”
“Our union is a family – and we will speak up any time we see the human rights of our members are violated,” said IAM Union Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “We will continue to call for his release until Maximo is free and united with his family.”
The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.
WASHINGTON, May 20, 2025—The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) and the IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) gathered outside the Department of Commerce today to welcome back the 35 employees at the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) who had been placed on administrative leave and faced a Reduction in Force (RIF) threat under a Trump administration Executive Order.
WATCH: NFFE-IAM, IAM Union Welcomes Minority Business Development Agency Employees Back to Work
VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT
NFFE-IAM members at the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) were able to return to work today after the Rhode Island U.S. District Court issued a preliminary injunction on May 7, 2025, that protects the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) from an executive order calling for its dismantling. The court stated that the executive order violates the Administrative Procedures Act, separation of powers principles, and the Take Care clause of the U.S. Constitution.
“I’m proud to stand here today on behalf of NFFE Local 2 to welcome our colleagues back to work,” said Angela Washington, Shop Steward for NFFE-IAM Local 2. “For two years, I’ve served as a steward for these employees, and I’ve seen firsthand their critical work. MBDA is one of 13 bureaus within the Department of Commerce, and it plays a vital role in supporting socially and economically disadvantaged communities by providing access to capital, contracts, and technical assistance. The return of these employees means a return to serving businesses that help create more than 14,000 jobs annually and over $2 billion in access to capital. This is a win for equity, workers, and the communities we serve.”
The MBDA is the only federal agency solely dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of minority business enterprises (MBEs). It achieves this mission by funding a national network of business centers and providing technical assistance, access to capital, and market development services.
“We are happy to welcome back NFFE-IAM members employed by MBDA,” said NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin. “Now they can return to their mission of fostering the growth and competitiveness of minority-owned businesses. We will continue to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect in the workplace.”
The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – James Yerdon, age 54, of Adams Center, New York, appeared in federal court last week charged with possession of child pornography. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.
The charge filed against Yerdon carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum sentence of 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release between 5 years and life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Yerdon appeared for an arraignment in Syracuse, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks and was detained pending further proceedings.
The complaint filed against Yerdon alleges that on May 13, 2025, during an ongoing investigation by NYSP and HSI regarding allegations Yerdon had engaged in the hands-on sexual abuse of a child, a search was conducted of Yerdon’s home. During the search, Yerdon was found in possession of a cellphone on which Yerdon possessed multiple images and videos of child pornography including material depicting the sexual abuse of children as young as five months old. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. Yerdon is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “We thank HSI and the NYSP for their dedication and tireless work on this investigation. The defendant’s actions, as alleged, targeted infants and children, the most vulnerable amongst us. I will not stand for it.”
“James Yerdon is accused of preying upon defenseless victims–babies and children–for his own despicable sexual gratification,” said Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge, HSI Buffalo. “Members of the public deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods and in their own homes. HSI Syracuse and our law enforcement partners are relentlessly committed to our shared pursuit of a safer New York.”
NYSP Superintendent Steven G. James said, “The State Police have zero tolerance for anyone involved in child pornography, promoting the acts of child predators, or who perform predatory acts against children. The charge in this case reflects the severity of the crime and our commitment to finding justice for the victims. We thank our partner agencies involved for their determination in holding Mr. Yerdon accountable for his reprehensible actions.”
The case was investigated by HSI and NYSP and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adrian LaRochelle as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that two men convicted of illegally reentering the United States after having been deported in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania were sentenced today.
Yovany Basurto, aka Yovany Basurt Leal, 33, a Mexican national, was sentenced this morning by United States District Court Judge Joseph F. Leeson Jr. to time served, exactly three months for illegally reentering the U.S. after having been deported.
In February of this year, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) received electronic notification that Basurto had been arrested and processed by the Bridgeport Borough (Pa.) Police Department on a charge of driving under the influence (DUI).
He was arrested by ICE on a federal complaint and warrant, indicted in March, and pleaded guilty to illegal reentry last month.
The defendant had previously been arrested by ICE in October of 2018 for being in the U.S. without authorization and was removed from the country in February 2019. In June of the same year, the U.S. Border Patrol arrested Basurto in Laredo, Texas, after he illegally reentered the United States once again. That July, Basurto was removed from the U.S. for the second time. After serving the sentence imposed today, he will again be removed from the country.
Cristhian Vega-Guerra, 34, an Ecuadorian national, was sentenced this afternoon by United States District Court Judge Mitchell S. Goldberg to time served, approximately three months and for illegally reentering the U.S. after having been deported.
After receiving and investigating information that the defendant may be illegally residing in Lehigh County, ICE arrested Vega-Guerra on a federal complaint and warrant in January 2025. He pleaded guilty last month to a superseding information charging him with illegal reentry.
In March 2023, the U.S. Border Patrol had encountered Vega-Guerra near Eagle Pass, Texas, and arrested him for entering the U.S. without authorization. He was ordered removed and deported from the country that August. After serving the sentence imposed today, he will again be removed from the country.
“Illegal immigration strains our public services, endangers our citizens, and insults the rule of law,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “If you keep coming into this country illegally, know that we will keep prosecuting you, and the penalties will keep getting steeper.”
“Yovany Basurto and Cristhian Vega-Guerra showed complete disregard for our nation’s immigration laws by repeatedly violating them and are therefore subject to removal,” said ICE ERO Philadelphia Field Office Director Brian McShane. “These sentences send a clear message that aliens who dismiss an immigration judge’s order of removal by illegally reentering the United States after being deported are committing a criminal offense.”
These cases were investigated by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations and are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Schopf and Rebecca Kulik.
EL PASO, Texas – Beginning in early May, additional criminal charges were filed against individuals who illegally entered or were found illegally in the United States and who had illegally entered the National Defense Area (NDA) that had been established along the U.S.-Mexico border from area bordering New Mexico, through El Paso County, to an area near Fort Hancock. As of May 19, 60 defendants had pleaded guilty and were convicted of these charges.
Title 50 United States Code (USC) 797 and Title 18 USC 1382 are among the federal statutes that establish criminal penalties for unlawful intrusions into areas designated as National Defense Areas. Title 50 USC 797 refers to the willful violation of defense property security regulation, which, pursuant to lawful authority, was approved by the Secretary of Defense—or a military commander designated by the Secretary of Defense—for the protection or security of Department of Defense property. Title 18 USC 1382 subjects anyone to criminal penalties who, within the jurisdiction of the U.S., entered upon a military post, fort, or yard—in these cases, the Texas National Defense Area—for a purpose prohibit by law or lawful regulation, that is illegal entry into the U.S.
“The role of this U.S. Attorney’s Office is to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States, seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior, and to administer and enforce the nation’s laws to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “These NDA-related charges are brought because the defendants violated of the federal law. These convictions area positive step in the judicial process of deterring illegal immigration, and I am very grateful to our El Paso Division staff and to our federal law enforcement and military partners for their diligent work in securing our borders.”
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).
BOSTON – A Georgia woman was sentenced on May 14, 2025 in federal court in Boston for her role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that trafficked narcotics from Mexico into the United States.
Brooke Logan Paniagua, 28, of Dalton, Ga., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns to 10 years in prison, to be followed by 48 months of supervised release. In January 2025, Paniagua pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
On Sept. 25, 2022, the DTO informed a confidential source that a female courier would be transporting 12 pounds of methamphetamine from Georgia to Massachusetts. On Sept. 27, 2022, Paniagua called the confidential source to coordinate the time and location to meet to complete the sale of the methamphetamine. Paniagua informed the confidential source that the methamphetamine was hidden inside a 50-pound bag of dog food.
On Sept. 27, 2022, Paniagua arrived at the agreed-upon location and notified the confidential source that she had arrived at the location. During a search of her person, a .22 caliber Ruger handgun loaded with eight rounds of ammunition was located in Paniagua’s back pocket. A search of Paniagua’s vehicle resulted in the recovery of a large, partially opened bag of dog food that contained five plastic containers filled with 12.3 pounds of 97% pure methamphetamine.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police, and the Natick, Newton and Waltham Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Sullivan the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Seattle – A 64-year-old Portland, Oregon, man was sentenced today to four years in prison for traveling with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Marc David McCool was arrested May 16, 2024, when he arrived at a Seattle area hotel, allegedly intending to sexually abuse fictitious 7 and 11-year-old children. U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour imposed 15 years of supervised release to follow the prison term.
According to records filed in the case, McCool responded to an ad posted on social media by an undercover law enforcement agent. Over more than six weeks of “chats” via the Kik Messenger App, McCool described his sexual interest in children. Ultimately, McCool arranged to travel to Seattle believing he would sexually abuse two young children. He was arrested after he traveled by train and a rideshare to the meet location. At the time of arrest, he had various items reflective of his sexual interest in abusing children: condoms, baby oil, rope, and stuffed animals.
Speaking at sentencing McCool said his life has been forever changed. He said he has lost everything and damaged his relationships with everyone he loves. He hopes to get treatment while incarcerated.
Judge Coughenour commended the resolution of the case.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigation as part of the Seattle Police Department Internet Crimes against Children Task Force (ICAC).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Yakima, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Alexandro Aguilar 33, to 30 years in prison, Kassandra M. Montelongo, 27, to 10 years in prison, and Luis Lara, 25, to 10 years in prison on drug trafficking charges.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, in August 2022, Aguilar was being held at the Spokane County Jail, following state court conviction for murder. Deputies with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office developed information Aguilar was regularly communicating from jail with Montelongo, who was acting as his agent for a drug trafficking operation on the outside. Investigators also developed information that Lara and another man, Jose Garcia, were also involved in the drug operation.
Between December 2022 and January 2023, agents conducted several controlled drug purchases in Spokane Valley, from Aguilar’s drug operation totaling 7,700 fentanyl pills and more than 7 pounds of methamphetamine. Federal law enforcement additionally obtained cocaine through these controlled purchases, which involved convert purchases under law enforcement supervision of illegal drugs to use as evidence against the defendants.
On June 7, 2023, federal agents executed a search warrant at Montelongo’s home in Sunnyside, Washington. During the search, agents located approximately 11 pounds of methamphetamine, a small scale, and ziplock bags. Additionally, agents located multiple high-capacity magazines, bulk ammunition in various calibers, one AR-15 style rifle, two pistols, and cash.
On January 24, 2025, Garcia was sentenced to 10 years in prison on one count of methamphetamine distribution.
“Drug trafficking continues to devastate families and communities across Eastern Washington, especially in our most vulnerable and underserved areas,” stated Acting United States Attorney Rich Barker. “Our office will continue to pursue those who profit of off addiction and violence, and we will continue to support law enforcement efforts to stop the flow of deadly narcotics like fentanyl and protect the people we serve.”
This case was investigated by the FBI Spokane Regional Safe Streets Task Force and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nowles H. Heinrich and Patrick J. Cashman.
INDIANAPOLIS— Bryant Hoskins, 20, and Samuel Fancher, Jr., 19, of Indianapolis, have each been sentenced to 17 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to two counts of carjacking, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to court documents, in late May of 2024, Fancher Jr. and Hoskins committed two violent carjackings in less than one week, targeting Uber drivers during the late-night hours.
On May 24, 2024, at 4:30 in the morning, the duo called an Uber to pick them up near East 21st street in Indianapolis. Once they reached their drop off location, they held the driver at gunpoint and ordered him to get out of the car. When the driver did not immediately comply, one of the defendants dragged the driver out of the car and punched him in the head. They took the driver’s wallet and then drove away in his Toyota Rav 4. After fleeing the scene, they took videos of themselves driving the stolen vehicle and bragging, “I told you we was gone get one… we got one.”
Just five days later on May 29, the duo called another Uber to pick them up near Franklin Road, this time targeting a luxury vehicle so they could sell the stolen vehicle for profit. Once they reached their drop off location, they held the female driver at gunpoint and ordered her to get out of her Mercedes GLA. She did not immediately comply, and during the ensuing struggle Hoskins fired his weapon. The victim suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder and received treatment at a local hospital.
“Uber drivers frequently work alone during late hours, putting their safety at risk just to earn a living. The defendants exploited this vulnerability, leaving both victims deeply traumatized and showing no signs of remorse. Instead, they became emboldened—committing additional crimes and boasting about their actions,” said John E. Childress, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Gig workers have the right to feel safe, especially as they provide vital transportation services. Our office remains committed to working with federal and local partners to ensure that violent offenders are held accountable for their reckless actions.”
“No one should fear becoming a victim of violence simply while driving their car in an effort to support themselves,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy O’Malley. “This sentence sends a clear message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will pursue violent offenders relentlessly and work tirelessly to restore a sense of safety and justice to our neighborhoods.”
FBI and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelsey L. Massa and Jeremy C. Fugate, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found MARIO PASCUAL-AQUINO, 44, of Torrington, guilty of fentanyl trafficking offenses.
According to the evidence presented during the trial, this matter stems from a DEA Hartford Task Force investigation of a Hartford-based drug trafficking organization involved in the distribution of a large amount of fentanyl and other narcotics, and the transportation and laundering of cash proceeds from their drug trafficking activity. In January 2022, law enforcement coordinated a motor vehicle stop of a minivan and seized $92,000 from a hidden compartment. The investigation revealed that Harold Luis Del Orbe, also known as “Jaro,” was directing the operators of the minivan to conduct narcotics-related transactions on his behalf. On November 16, 2022, investigators executed a court-authorized search warrant at an apartment on Putnam Heights in Hartford and seized approximately 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl, items used to process and package narcotics, and a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun. Pascual-Aquino, Del Orbe, and others were present in the apartment at the time of the search.
The trial before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver began on May 14, 2025. On May 19, Pascual-Aquino was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. At sentencing, which is scheduled for August 13, Pascual-Aquino faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Pascual-Aquino, who had been released on bond, was remanded to custody at the conclusion of his trial.
Del Orbe pleaded guilty to related charges and, on May 6, 2025, was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment.
This investigation is being conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force, which includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, Middletown, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone and Robert S. Dearington through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Republicans in the House Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means Committees voted along party lines to severely cut Medicaid and blow a hole in America’s health care system in order to provide bigger tax benefits to billionaires and big corporations.
The House Republican plan would take health care away from millions of Americans, including children and seniors in nursing home, as well as people battling cancer or addiction, and working families who don’t receive health care through their employers. It would result in 10.3 million people losing Medicaid coverage and 7.6 million people going uninsured, according to an analysis by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed denounced the Republican plan to cut Medicaid, stating:
“The American people want more people to have health insurance and for it to be more affordable. Republicans apparently don’t agree and want to whack Medicaid so fewer people have coverage and costs go up. These Trump inspired cuts will do real harm – pushing seniors out of nursing homes, increasing hospital closures, and denying families access to preventative care. If you think the emergency room is crowded now, just wait until Trump’s Medicaid cuts happen.
“These cuts to Medicaid are extremely unpopular, which is why Republicans hope people don’t notice. I urge citizens to look closely at what Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration are trying to do here. Get engaged before it is too late.
“Ensuring the health care system is strong, sustainable, affordable, and accessible to all will do more to save Americans their hard earned money, rather than a few dollars in tax cuts. Congressional Republicans are trying to jam Medicaid cuts through without people noticing. Trump Administration officials are trying to incorrectly brand Medicaid, which covers hundreds of thousands of Rhode Islanders, as ‘welfare.’ It’s not welfare – it’s a lifeline.
“I will continue to sound the alarm and oppose it every step of the way. We have a long way to go, and together, we can make a difference. But ordinary people need to speak up and send a message that if Republicans cut Medicaid, they will be held accountable.”
Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
WASHINGTON, DC — President Donald Trump’s efforts to curry favor from several wealthy royal families that rule over countries in the Middle East and cut artificial intelligence deals with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) could threaten U.S. national security and put American economic interests at risk.
Today. U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) along with Congressmen Jim Himes (D-CT) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) issued the following joint statement in response to President Trump’s artificial intelligence deals that were announced with Saudi Arabia and the UAE this week:
“Democrats and Republicans have long agreed that American companies must remain the undisputed leader in AI, a rapidly developing technology critical to the future of everything from our national security to manufacturing, finance to health care. We have worked hard to ensure the most powerful AI systems are built here, and we have fought to restrict the most sophisticated chips from reaching China – or those who would grant remote access to China – given Beijing’s use of AI to strengthen its military, crack down on domestic dissent, and compete with the U.S.
“President Trump announced deals to export very large volumes of advanced AI chips to the UAE and Saudi Arabia without credible security assurances to prevent U.S. adversaries from accessing those chips. These deals pose a significant threat to U.S. national security and fundamentally undermine bipartisan efforts to ensure the United States remains the global leader in AI. Rather than putting America first, this deal puts the Gulf first.
“The volume of AI chips Trump is offering for export would deprive American AI developers of highly sought-after chips needed here and slow the U.S. AI buildout. Under this deal, data centers and AI systems that would otherwise be built in America will be built in the Middle East – at the exact time that President Trump says he wants to bring jobs and key industries back home. This deal would incentivize U.S. firms to build the factories of the future overseas, creating significant vulnerabilities in our AI supply chain. If our leading AI firms offshore their frontier computing infrastructure to the Middle East, we could become as reliant on the Middle East for AI as we are on Taiwan for advanced semiconductors – and as we used to be on the Middle East for oil. We should not foster new dependencies on foreign countries for this premier technology.
“Additionally, these deals will provide our highest end chips to G42, a company with a well-documented history of cooperation with the People’s Republic of China. We applaud the administration’s efforts to limit exports of advanced AI chips to China, including recent actions to further restrict exports of Nvidia chips. However, these efforts will be for nothing if G42 or other companies with ties to China are given large quantities of our most advanced chips.
“Proponents of the deal argue that China will fill the gap if we do not sell substantial quantities of advanced chips to these countries. This is false. China cannot and will not because China makes fewer chips as a nation than these deals offer, and each is inferior to their U.S.-designed equivalent. This is thanks to the bipartisan efforts under both the Trump and Biden administrations to cut off China’s access to advanced chip manufacturing equipment. These efforts have worked, and we should double down on this success rather than squander the leverage we have won.
“If this deal succeeds, the offshoring of frontier American AI will be recorded as an historic American blunder. People around the world deserve to enjoy the benefits we will reap from AI. However, AI chips must only be exported to trusted companies, in reasonable numbers, and in concert with credible security standards and assurances. We welcome the opportunity to work with the administration to meet these objectives and urge our colleagues in Congress to do the same.”
Senator Reed is Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Senator Coons is Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. Senator Shaheen is Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Senator Warner is Vice Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Senator Kelly is a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Congressman Himes is Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee. Congressman Krishnamoorthi is Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.
In a show of support for a sustainably financed World Health Organization, WHO Member States today approved a 20% increase in assessed contributions (membership dues) as they endorsed the Organization’s 2026–27 budget of US$ 4.2 billion.
This is the second such 20% increase in assessed contributions to WHO, the previous being agreed as part of the 2024–25 budget. It comes as governments are facing financial constraints and economic headwinds and demonstrates Member States’ fundamental support for global health solidarity and the critical role of WHO.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, and other senior leaders thanked Member States for their support and partnership, noting their profound vote of confidence in WHO’s mission and their commitment to health security and resilience worldwide.
Insufficient levels of predictable funding of WHO has hindered its ability to carry out long term projects and support its global operations to promote health for all. This, in addition to over reliance on funding from a small set of traditional donors, was identified as a major organizational challenge in WHO’s Transformation initiative that launched in 2017.
In 2022, WHO Member States agreed an historic increase in their assessed contributions by gradually increasing their membership dues to represent 50% of WHO’s core budget by the 2030–2031 cycle, at the latest. In the 2020–2021 biennium, assessed contributions represented only 16% of the approved programme budget.
While this work began years ago, due to recent changes in the global financial landscape, sustainable financing is more important than ever before. WHO’s originally approved 2026–27 programme budget was downsized 22% (from US$ 5.3 billion to US$ 4.2 billion) due to financial constraints.
Today’s approval of WHO’s base programme budget of US$ 4.2 billion for 2026–2027 is the first to be fully developed based on the Organization’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work, 2025–2028 (GPW 14), its global health strategy for the next four years.
Note to editor
At its meeting in January 2021, WHO’s Executive Board established the Sustainable Financing Working Group to begin work on a path towards resolving the widening gap between the world’s expectations of WHO and the financial resources available to us to meet them.
In addition to increasing Member State assessed contributions to WHO, several other resource mobilization initiatives are being undertaken to support WHO’s activities. These include the establishment of the WHO Foundation, diversification of WHO’s donor base, and staging of its first Investment Round, including today’s high-level pledging event.
Ensuring WHO has sustainable levels of financing is critical for it to continue responding to health emergencies, increasing health-care access, and ensuring people are living healthy lives.
The Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly marks a key moment in the transformation of WHO to become a more efficient and effective organization, made possible by contributions from partners across the globe.
.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins in Nebraska today as she signed the first-in-the-nation waiver to amend the statutory definition of food for purchase for Nebraska’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Effective January 1, 2026, taxpayers will no longer be subsidizing the purchase of soda or energy drinks in the State of Nebraska.
“There’s absolutely zero reason for taxpayers to be subsidizing purchases of soda and energy drinks. SNAP is about helping families in need get healthy food into their diets, but there’s nothing nutritious about the junk we’re removing with today’s waiver. I’m grateful to have worked with Secretary Rollins and the Trump Administration to get this effort across the finish line. It is a tremendous step toward improving the health and well-being of our state. We have to act because we can’t keep letting Nebraskans starve in the midst of plenty,” said Governor Jim Pillen.
“Today’s waiver to remove soda and energy drinks from SNAP is the first of its kind, and it is a historic step to Make America Healthy Again. Under President Trump’s leadership, I have encouraged states to serve as the ‘laboratories of innovation.’
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and Governors in Iowa, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, West Virginia, and Colorado are pioneers in improving the health of our nation,” said Secretary Rollins.
Prior to this waiver, SNAP recipients could buy anything except alcohol, tobacco, hot foods, and personal care products. This historic action adds soda and energy drinks to the list of products excluded from SNAP purchases in the state of Nebraska.
As part of the Make America Healthy Again agenda, this historic action seeks to reverse alarming disease trends across the country. Prediabetes now affects one in three children ages 12 to 19; 40% of school-aged children and adolescents have at least one chronic condition; and 15% of high school students drink one or more sodas daily.
overnor Kathy Hochul today warned basketball fans looking to purchase tickets to an NBA Eastern Conference Final game to be aware of potential scams. The New York Knicks reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years, and game one on Wednesday will be played at Madison Square Garden. Fans usually get excited about their favorite team and may decide to see them play live to be part of the experience, but it’s also an attractive opportunity for scammers to take advantage of high demand for tickets. Governor Hochul is urging consumers to follow tips provided by the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection to avoid event ticket scams leading up to the Knicks home games.
“As the Knicks continue their incredible run, I understand the excitement and pride fans across New York are feeling — it’s electric,” Governor Hochul said. “But I want to remind everyone: don’t let that excitement make you a target. Be cautious when buying tickets and only use trusted sources. Scammers are out there, and we won’t let them take advantage of our fans.”
Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “With the Knicks heading to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years, excitement for fans is through the roof, but so is the risk of scams. I urge all New Yorkers, and all sports fans alike, to follow our tips from the Division of Consumer Protection when purchasing tickets to this historic matchup to prevent scammers from stealing your shot at seeing the Knicks take home the championship title.”
State Senator Rachel May said, “As many New Yorkers celebrate the Knicks’ big win and look forward to the next game, it’s important for fans looking for tickets to be vigilant and aware of potential scams. As Chair of the Consumer Protection Committee, I want Knicks fans to understand that this is an opportunity for scammers to take advantage of the excitement surrounding the team. Please pay close attention to the tickets you purchase because you don’t want to ruin your experience at the next big game with a fraudulent ticket.”
Assemblymember Nily Rozic said, “While we cannot wait to see the Knicks-In-Four, it’s equally important that fans are not sidelined by scammers looking to take advantage of the moment. I applaud Governor Hochul for issuing this timely alert and urge all New Yorkers to follow these tips to protect themselves and their money when buying tickets.”
TIPS TO AVOID TICKET SCAMS:
Purchase from the venue: Many official ticket sales agents now offer secondary sales options, as well.
Buy only from trusted sources: Buy only from vendors you know and trust. Be especially wary of online marketplaces like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and other social media sites, as they are ripe with scammers peddling bogus tickets. Also avoid the so-called ticket scalpers who approach you outside the event gates, since it’s easy for scammers to sell you a fake ticket and disappear.
Watch out for fake tickets: Scammers often use fake services that mimic legitimate payment platforms to trick individuals into providing sensitive information or transferring funds.Beware of resellers that re-direct you to a different payment platform or a different website. Official digital payment platforms are designed to integrate with existing systems to facilitate seamless and secure payment processing and do not redirect you to a different website. The process of buying tickets and paying for the tickets are embedded allowing users to purchase tickets directly from within a website, without being redirected to a separate ticketing platform.
Verify the seller: Research the seller and check for reviews and their reputation online. Check for a physical address and phone number. A legitimate seller will have a real address and a phone number where you can contact them. Also, verify the ticket details. Ensure the ticket details, such as the event name, date, and time, match the official event information. You can also look up the seller on VerifiedTicketSource.com to confirm you are buying from a National Association of Ticket Brokers member resale company, which requires its members to guarantee that every ticket sold on their websites is legitimate.
Beware of low prices: Don’t let the excitement of finally finding a good deal on a ticket cloud your judgement. Many scammers use low prices and will try and pressure you into quickly buying the tickets. If it looks too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.
Consider paying with a credit card: Credit cards generally offer more fraud protection than other payment methods like debit cards and payment apps if you ever need to dispute a charge. Scammers often want you to pay with payment apps, prepaid gift cards or cash since these payment methods are untraceable and may not allow you to stop payment or reverse a transaction.
Use a strong password: Many stadiums and venues only accept digital tickets accessed through an app. Be sure to use a strong password to ensure a scammer can’t hack into your account and steal your ticket.
Want to stream the game instead? Know your rights with free trials: If you sign up for a free trial on a streaming service to watch the game, keep track of when the trial ends and cancel beforehand to avoid paying for an unwanted subscription. New York State law requires businesses that offer automatically renewing subscriptions with free trials to outline how prices will change and how you can cancel the service.
About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection
Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, X and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. The Division can also be reached via X at @NYSConsumer or Facebook.
overnor Kathy Hochul today announced economic development awards to five Western New York-based firms that will spur nearly $135 million in capital investments. The awards, approved by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) Board of Trustees today, include Western New York hydropower allocations to four firms that will create 107 jobs and $88,000 in Western New York Power Proceeds funding to Industrial Support Inc. in Buffalo.
“New York Power Authority economic development awards play a key role in attracting businesses to Western New York, stimulating regional job growth and significant capital investments, and leveraging our state’s hydropower resources,” Governor Hochul said. “This round of awards reflects our efforts to build a vibrant, resilient economy through the creation of more than one hundred jobs for the Western New York workforce.”
Western New York Hydropower
At today’s meeting, the NYPA Board of Trustees approved low-cost Niagara hydropower allocations for Food Nerd, Polaris, Saint-Gobain and Deckorators.
Food Nerd—a firm established in 2019 that creates nutrient-rich, plant-based snack foods and meals—was awarded 630 kilowatts (kW) of Niagara hydropower for a nearly $5 million expansion that will lead to the creation of 11 jobs. The project includes the establishment of a production line in a 27,000 square-foot facility in Clarence in Erie County. The new manufacturing line will have the capacity to produce more than 100,000 product packs per week for a variety of items, including those for children and pets. For its expansion, Food Nerd will purchase new machinery and equipment, refurbish its Clarence site and implement a seed sprouting operation, providing end-to-end processing capabilities—from raw ingredients to finished products.
Polaris specializes in providing temperature-controlled storage and warehouse solutions, offering a variety of services tailored to meet the needs of industries that require strict temperature regulation for products, such as the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology sectors. The firm was awarded 1,290 kW of low-cost Niagara hydropower to support its more than $12 million expansion that includes the construction of a new 80,000 square-foot facility in Sanborn in Niagara County and associated machinery and equipment purchases. The facility will feature five separate freezer storage areas totaling 32,000 square feet, and four separate coolers providing 16,000 square feet of climate-controlled space. Additionally, the firm will allot 12,000 square feet for dry storage. As a result of the project, Polaris will create 16 jobs.
Saint-Gobain, a producer of high-performance materials and products, was awarded a 2,060-kW hydropower allocation to support a $40 million project at its Niagara Falls site. The firm will construct a new 125,000 square-foot manufacturing facility to expand its manufacturing capabilities for producing catalyst carriers—materials to which catalysts that speed up chemical reactions are affixed—and ceramic media products, which are used for grinding and polishing of hard metal workpieces such as steel. To outfit the new facility, Saint-Gobain will purchase associated machinery and equipment. The project will lead to the creation of 30 new jobs.
Deckorators, an American designer and producer of decking materials and accessories, is expanding its operations through the acquisition and renovation of its first Northeast facility in Lackawanna in Erie County. The firm will double its current production of its Surestone composite decking products resulting from its expansion into a 240,000 square-foot manufacturing space on the site. NYPA will support Deckorator’s more than $77 million project—that includes machinery and equipment purchases—with 2,080 kW of Niagara hydropower, supporting the creation of 50 jobs.
Low-cost Niagara hydropower is available for eligible companies located within a 30-mile radius of the Power Authority’s Niagara Power Project and in Chautauqua County.
NYPA Chairman and Western New York resident John R. Koelmel said, “The approval of these Niagara hydropower allocations for Western New York businesses underscores the Power Authority’s essential role in driving economic development in Western New York. The Niagara Power Project does more than produce electricity, it supports significant investments in our communities and creates meaningful job opportunities for local residents as evidenced by the more than 100 jobs supported through today’s announcement.”
Western New York Power Proceeds
At today’s meeting, the NYPA board also approved an $88,005 Western New York Power Proceeds funding award to Industrial Support Inc., a Buffalo-based firm that specializes in metal fabrication and stamping, electronic and manufacturing assembly, and contract packaging.
The funding award will support the firm’s purchase of a new machine for its metal fabrication segment to enhance quality and precision, increase production speed and offer more complex designs. The expanded capabilities will support 27 jobs—four newly created.
NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “Supporting small businesses like Industrial Support Inc. is at the heart of NYPA’s mission to support New York’s clean energy economy. The funding award approved at today’s Power Authority Board of Trustees meeting will provide Industrial Support Inc. with the resources needed to enhance its production capabilities and create new jobs, underscoring our dedication to fostering economic growth at a local level.”
The NYPA funding award is made possible through the Western New York Power Proceeds Fund, which is comprised of net earnings resulting from the sale of unused hydropower generated at the Power Authority’s Niagara Power Project and stems from power proceeds legislation signed into law in 2012.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “With Empire State Development and NYPA support, we are proud to see multiple projects moving forward. Governor Hochul’s focus on manufacturing is paying off, with new companies taking root and global companies choosing to expand in Western New York. We look forward to seeing each of the businesses grow the local workforce as they find success in the region.”
State Senator April N. M. Baskin said, “An infusion of capital investment and more than 100 new jobs in our region is welcome news; I applaud the New York Power Authority for continuing to be a catalyst for positive change in our community, delivering funds and good paying jobs. In my district alone, we are seeing tangible results with the expansion of Deckorators in Lackawanna and funding for Buffalo-based Industrial Supports Inc.”
Assemblymember Jonathan D. Rivera said, “By utilizing our region’s unique access to clean, renewable hydropower, we are attracting forward-looking companies like Deckorators to invest, expand, and build right here in our communities. This significant investment in my district and in Lackawanna not only brings new life to a historic industrial site, but also positions Erie County as a hub for advanced manufacturing and sustainable products. I thank NYPA for its continued commitment to unlocking Western New York’s economic potential as its economic development program continues to be a powerful driver of growth and job creation throughout our corner of the state.”
About NYPA
NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
A middle-aged woman was arrested by RCMP NL on May 19, 2025, after police responded to a disturbance and residential fire at a home in Davidsville.
Shortly after 5:00 p.m. on Monday, police received a report of a residential disturbance. A woman inside the home threatened another occupant and was damaging the property. As officers were responding, they received further information that the home was now on fire.
Upon arrival at the residence in Davidsville, police determined that the home, which was fully engulfed in flames, had been safely vacated and that no one was injured. The woman was arrested for uttering threats and was transported to the James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre in Gander for an assessment under the Mental Health Care and Treatment Act. She was committed into care at the hospital.
Fire and Emergency Services were engaged. The investigation is continuing with further charges possible.
Company announcement no. 29 / 2025 Schindellegi, Switzerland – 20 May 2025
Reporting of transactions made by persons discharging managerial responsibilities
Pursuant to the Market Abuse Regulation Article 19, Trifork Group AG (Swiss company registration number CHE-474.101.854) (“Trifork”) hereby notifies receipt of information of the following transactions made by persons discharging managerial responsibilities in Trifork or by persons associated with them.
1.
Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated
a)
Name
Ferd AS
2.
Reason for the notification
a)
Position/status
Ferd AS is represented on the Board of Directors of Trifork Group AG by Erik Theodor Jakobsen
b)
Initial notification/ Amendment
Initial notification
3.
Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
a)
Name
Trifork Group AG
b)
LEI
8945004BYZKXPESTBL36
4.1
Details of the transaction(s)
a)
Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument
Identification code
Shares
ISIN CH1111227810
b)
Nature of the transaction
Acquisition
c)
Price(s) and volume(s)
Price(s)
Volume(s)
DKK 90.00
160,000
d)
Aggregated information — Aggregated volume — Price
Total volume: 160,000
Total price: DKK 90.00
Total value: DKK 14,400,000
e)
Date of the transaction
20 May 2025
f)
Place of the transaction
Nasdaq Copenhagen (XCSE)
1.
Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated
a)
Name
Jørn Larsen
2.
Reason for the notification
a)
Position/status
CEO
b)
Initial notification/ Amendment
Initial notification
3.
Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
a)
Name
Trifork Group AG
b)
LEI
8945004BYZKXPESTBL36
4.1
Details of the transaction(s)
a)
Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument
Identification code
Shares
ISIN CH1111227810
b)
Nature of the transaction
Sale
c)
Price(s) and volume(s)
Price(s)
Volume(s)
DKK 90.00
160,000
d)
Aggregated information — Aggregated volume — Price
Total volume: 160,000
Total price: DKK 90.00
Total value: DKK 14,400,000
e)
Date of the transaction
20 May 2025
f)
Place of the transaction
Nasdaq Copenhagen (XCSE)
Investor and media contact Frederik Svanholm, Group Investment Director, frsv@trifork.com, +41 79 357 73 17
About Trifork Trifork is a pioneering and global technology partner, empowering enterprise and public sector customers with innovative digital solutions. With 1,215 professionals across 71 business units in 16 countries, Trifork specializes in designing, building, and operating advanced software across sectors such as public administration, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, energy, financial services, retail, and real estate. The Group’s R&D arm, Trifork Labs, drives innovation by investing in and developing synergistic, high-potential technology companies. Trifork Group AG is publicly listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen. Learn more at trifork.com.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
SPC AC 201615
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1115 AM CDT Tue May 20 2025
Valid 201630Z – 211200Z
…THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT FROM EASTERN ARKANSAS INTO MUCH OF THE TENNESSEE VALLEY AND THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS…
…SUMMARY… Multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms are expected today through this evening, centered on the Mid/Deep South, Tennessee/Lower Ohio Valleys, and Cumberland Plateau. Tornadoes, some of which could be strong, along with scattered to widespread damaging winds, and large to isolated significant severe hail will be possible.
…KY/TN… Thunderstorms are ongoing across central KY/middle TN. These storms will progress eastward through the afternoon into a moist and increasingly unstable air mass over eastern KY/TN and eventually into western WV/VA. Most model guidance suggests that storms will intensify through the day, with an increasing risk of damaging wind gusts and a few tornadoes. Refer to MCD #902 for further details.
…AR into the TN Valley this afternoon/evening… In the wake of the aforementioned convection, rapid heating is occurring across eastern AR/west TN/northern MS. Surface dewpoints in the upper 60s to 70s and steep mid level lapse rates will yield afternoon MLCAPE values around 3000 J/kg and only a weak cap. This will lead to the development of multiple clusters of intense thunderstorms (including supercells) that will track eastward through the afternoon and evening hours. The initial storms will pose a risk of very large hail and a few tornadoes. As the activity progresses eastward, the risk of damaging winds will increase with a persistent risk of tornadoes. Strong tornadoes will be possible. Storms are expected to get as far east as northwest GA tonight before slowly weakening.
…MO/IL… Satellite imagery shows a well-defined shortwave trough and associated surface low over IA/MO. Ahead of this feature, southerly low-level winds have transported mid 60s dewpoints into central IL, where strong heating is now occurring. This will result in moderate CAPE across the region and encourage rapid thunderstorm development over northeast and east-central MO by mid-afternoon. Steep lapse rates aloft and favorable deep-layer shear will support supercell structures capable of large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes. Storms will track across IL and into central IN this evening.
..Hart/Moore.. 05/20/2025
CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT
NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 2000Z
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3
Summary
Company Announcement Date: May 19, 2025 FDA Publish Date: May 20, 2025 Product Type: Food & BeveragesFoodborne Illness Reason for Announcement:
Recall Reason Description Salmonella
Company Name: Bender Grower’s, Inc. Brand Name:
Brand Name(s) No Brand Name
Product Description:
Product Description Cucumbers
Company Announcement Bedner Growers, Inc. of Boynton Beach, Florida is voluntarily recalling cucumbers sold at Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market between April 29, 2025, and May 14, 2025 because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. The recalled cucumbers were sold directly to consumers at the three Bedner’s Farm Fresh Markets locations in Florida (Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and West Palm Beach). Because the recalled cucumbers do not bear any stickers or other labeling, customers should discard and not consume any cucumbers that were purchased at these locations between April 29, 2025, and May 14, 2025. The recalled cucumbers also were sold to a wholesale distributor, which has been directed to further contact its customers with recall instructions. The cucumbers are being recalled because they have been linked by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to a Salmonella outbreak that has resulted in 26 illnesses in AL, CA, CO, FL, IL, KS, KY, MI, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, and VA. This recall does not include any cucumbers currently available for sale at Bedner’s Farm Fresh Markets after May 14, 2025, nor does it include any other agricultural products. All cucumbers currently available for sale at Bedner’s Farm Fresh Markets were not grown by Bedner Growers, Inc., as the company is no longer producing, packing, or selling any cucumbers because the growing season has concluded. Consumers who have purchased the recalled products may obtain additional information by contacting Bedner Growers, Inc. at 866-222-9180, M-F 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT. Bedner Growers, Inc. is conducting this recall in coordination with the FDA.
Painesville, OH – United States Marshal Pete Elliott and Lake County Sheriff Frank Leonbruno announce the successful completion of Operation Washout in Lake County.
Operation Washout was a six weeklong operation focused in Lake County in an attempt to bring down drug related violence and overdose incidences throughout the county.
Investigative and enforcement resources from the United States Marshals Service (USMS) were used to reduce crime by working in collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. The operation targeted violent felony warrants, to include offenses that have an illegal narcotic distribution or possession nexus. The operation also targeted individuals wanted for crimes related to narcotic trafficking such as homicide, robbery, sex offenses, felonious assault and firearm violations.
Sheriff Frank Leonbruno stated, “Operation Washout was a tremendous success and made a significant impact in finding some our most wanted persons throughout Lake County. The cooperation we have working with the United States Marshal Service helps to ensure we are able to meet the safety and security needs of our citizens to help ensure that Lake County is the best place to build a home, create a business, and raise your family.”
During the course of the six weeklong operation, 61 warrants were closed after arrests by the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF), its partner agencies or other law enforcement agencies in the area. Six known gang members were arrested during the operation and one firearm was recovered.
Notable arrests during the operation include Tyrese Johnson and Brianna Johnson, both wanted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office for manslaughter, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, tampering with evidence, corrupting another with drugs, and drug trafficking. This investigation began with the Mentor Police Department after two overdose deaths that occurred in April of 2024. Tyrese Johnson was arrested on April 9th, at his residence in the 600 block of River Street, Grand River. Brianna Johnson was arrested on that same date at her residence in the 1400 block of East 175th Street, Cleveland.
Additionally, Cortez Hopper who was wanted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office for illegal manufacture of drugs was also arrested during the operation. Fugitive investigation led the NOVFTF to believe that Hopper was in Steubenville, OH. In addition to the charges in Lake County, Hopper was a suspect in an investigation where he was distributing cocaine in Steubenville. Members of the local police department were unable to identify Hopper until information was sent to their area in connection with the fugitive investigation. Hopper was arrested on April 4 with assistance of the Northern District of West Virginia, Wheeling.
U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “Outstanding and longstanding partnerships are what make operations such as this so successful. When agencies work towards the same goals, success like this is inevitable. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office, local police departments, and the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force are all committed to the safety of the communities we serve.”
Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous. Follow the U.S. Marshals on X @USMSCleveland.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force – Painesville Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies: U.S. Marshals Service, Eastlake Police Department, Willowick Police Department, Willoughby Police Department, Willoughby Hills Police Department, Wickliffe Police Department, Mentor Police Department, Mentor-on-the-lake Police Department, Painesville Police Department, Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Geauga County Sheriff’s Department, Ashtabula Police Department, Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Middlefield Police Department, Lake County Narcotics, Chester Township Police Department, Kirtland Police Department, and Madison Village Police Department.
“We’re not building just an exchange. We’re building infrastructure for the free movement of value.” “Stablecoins aren’t a product innovation—they’re a redefinition of who gets access to financial power.”
– By Matt, CEO of BloFin
ROAD TOWN, Virgin Islands, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Matt, CEO of BloFin, has released a forward-looking statement outlining the company’s long-term vision for the evolution of global finance—one driven by stablecoin infrastructure, seamless trading and payments, and inclusive access to capital. Positioned at the intersection of fintech and Web3, BloFin aims to build the foundational infrastructure for a borderless financial system, enabling users worldwide to hold, earn, swap, and spend digital assets with the same simplicity and security as traditional money.
When the internet first arrived, it democratized access to information. Blogs replaced newspapers. Social media replaced TV. Search and discovery replaced gatekeepers.
Now, we’re witnessing the next wave of decentralization—not of information, but of value.
Stablecoins are turning the US dollar into an internet-native asset. What used to be gated by banks, borders, and bureaucracy is now becoming programmable, portable, and universally accessible.
Asset tokenization, meanwhile, is doing to capital markets what MP3s did to the music industry—unlocking accessibility, liquidity, and user ownership.
This isn’t about crypto hype. It’s about financial experience catching up with digital expectations.
Trading and Payments Are Merging
Historically, trading and payments were separate industries. One was speculative, the other transactional.
That wall is falling.
Today, users don’t want to think about “investment” vs. “remittance” vs. “yield” vs. “purchase.” They want seamless flows:
Hold stablecoins
Earn yield
Swap into assets
Send money abroad
Pay with a tap
In the background: liquidity, risk, custody, and compliance. But to the user—it just works.
The future of trading and payments is not about interfaces. It’s about infrastructure that makes the experience invisible.
What Infrastructure Must Look Like in the Next 10 Years
To serve this shift, we believe the next-generation platforms must be:
Stablecoin-native, not bank-native
Cross-border by design, not by exception
Compliant, modular, and transparent, without sacrificing speed or usability
Open to both traditional and decentralized assets, with unified user experience
This is not about replacing banks or regulators. It’s about building something parallel, efficient, and trustworthy.
Five Systems We Need to Build as an Industry
Over the next decade, the most important evolution in crypto won’t be the next memecoin.
It will be whether we can build:
Global, high-trust trading platforms rooted in stablecoin rails
Borderless financial accounts (wallets + custodial layers) that scale safely
Unified payment and settlement networks that work across fiat and crypto
Stablecoin ecosystems that support real-world use: payrolls, invoices, trade
Crypto-native banking infrastructure with savings, credit, and asset management
These aren’t buzzwords. They’re necessities—especially for users in markets where the traditional financial system has left them behind.
Principles That Matter in a Fragmented World
This industry is still young. And while some players chase short-term profit, others are working to lay down something more lasting.
For anyone building:
Compliance isn’t a constraint—it’s a moat.
User trust is everything. Don’t trade against them, freeze them, or exploit them.
Culture isn’t perks—it’s what your team tolerates under pressure.
Systems > slogans. Execution > announcements.
In an increasingly fragmented, regulated, and uncertain environment, long-term trust is the rarest asset.
A Final Thought
Crypto started with the idea of freedom. But freedom without function leads nowhere.
What we need now is function that delivers freedom:
The freedom to trade without friction.
The freedom to earn, send, and save without permission.
The freedom to hold value in a system that doesn’t collapse when borders close.
That’s the system we want to build.
And if you’re building it too—we’re already on the same team.
— By Matt, CEO of BloFin
About BloFin
BloFin is a top-tier cryptocurrency exchange that specializes in futures trading. The platform offers 480+ USDT-M perpetual pairs, spot trading, copy trading, API access, unified account management, and advanced sub-account solutions. Committed to security and compliance, BloFin integrates Fireblocks and Chainalysis to ensure robust asset protection. By partnering with top affiliates, BloFin delivers scalable trading solutions, efficient fund management, and enhanced flexibility for professional traders. As the constant sponsor of TOKEN2049, BloFin continues to expand its global presence, reinforcing its position as the place “WHERE WHALES ARE MADE.” For more information, visit BloFin’s official website at https://www.blofin.com.
Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Blofin. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.
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Unfortunately, our new report highlights a workforce crisis that raises serious questions about the future of the UK screen industry. And Donald Trump’s recent threat to impose tariffs on non-US films adds to the grim situation, throwing the industry’s vulnerability into stark relief.
We carried out extensive interviews with 29 participants from across the sector who painted a bleak picture of overwork, financial instability, discrimination and barriers to career progression.
Charities supporting the sector have already noted that the industry has a longstanding retention problem – the so-called “leaky pipeline”. But our report highlights that economic volatility in the UK and elsewhere is worsening financial and working conditions so much that the film and television industry risks a debilitating loss of its most valuable resource: freelancers.
This article is part of our State of the Arts series. These articles tackle the challenges of the arts and heritage industry – and celebrate the wins, too.
Long gaps between jobs are widening, and even experienced freelancers with long careers are struggling to make ends meet. Currently there is no publicly available data on numbers entering and leaving the industry, but companies have reported worsening skills shortages, not due to poor recruitment, but because people are leaving in response to worsening conditions.
As many as two thirds of screen freelancers are considering leaving the industry within the next five years. Since just under 50% of the film production workforce is freelance, such a large-scale exodus would seriously damage our domestic screen industry.
That industry contributes £13.48 billion to the UK economy, and its talent on-screen and behind the cameras is world-renowned, so why is this crisis happening at all?
Boom and bust
The key change has been a reduction in domestic investment by UK-based public service broadcasters in tandem with increased investment from US-based studios and streamers.
While a recent boom in international investment led to a rapid expansion in UK film and TV infrastructure and a corresponding acute shortage of workers, it also inflated the costs of production, which has proved unaffordable to traditional domestic commissioners. Without consistent local productions, the UK market is exposed to international disruptions like never before.
Since the deregulation of the TV sector in the 1990s, the UK’s screen industry has relied on a high proportion of freelance workers. This model provided flexibility in a thriving domestic industry boasting some of the world’s most skilled talent and specialist infrastructure to match.
A shift in the 2000s towards international workflows in production and post-production fuelled by competitive tax incentives transformed the UK film and TV industry into a global operation. Coupled with healthy domestic competition, the UK’s film and TV industry soared.
But more recently, this globalised business model has been tested by an extended period of economic volatility that has left experienced talent out of work.
First came the COVID lockdowns. Then a post-pandemic boom as companies moved to refill their schedules, took UK film and TV production to a record high in 2021.
High inflation – partly caused by the influx of international money – led many domestic companies to slash their commissioning budgets. By the middle of 2024, plans to build new studios in the UK were being put on hold and more than half the workforce were still unemployed.
As one worker told us: “I’ve got friends who’ve been out of work for a year … they’re having to sell their houses and these are experienced, serious producers.” Another contributor told us how: “So many people I know at the moment are looking elsewhere for work completely outside of the industry.”
And another interviewee said: “There have been some unfortunate casualties along the way, some people simply haven’t had the income or the interest to sustain a living and and they’ve got to do what comes first, which is earn a wage that lets them survive.”
Until recently, a healthy domestic broadcasting industry helped provide consistent work opportunities for freelancers. But at the same time as production costs have risen, broadcasters’ revenue from advertising – and for the BBC, from the licence fee – has fallen.
The effect has been a precipitous 22% drop in domestic high-end television commissions in 2024, alongside a 50% decrease in international co-productions. UK broadcasters no longer have the financial capacity to plug the gap in the periods when international investors cut back.
In effect, the domestic industry has become dominated by, and heavily reliant on, a handful of international players led by unpredictable economic interests and global market fluctuations. It’s no coincidence that the two most notable recent British success stories, Adolescence and Baby Reindeer, are produced by Netflix, which has the financial resources British broadcasters lack.
And despite the presence of the streamers, inflated costs are making it harder for producers to make programmes with British subject matter. Patrick Spence, the executive producer of the hugely successful Mr Bates vs. the Post Office, has said he wouldn’t even try to make the show today.
To make matters worse, productions funded by international finance (that might have been funded by UK broadcasters in the past) bring little subscription or licensing profits back to the domestic industry.
As our research shows, this constellation of issues means freelancers face extreme financial insecurity like never before, alongside increasingly poor working practices as production companies try to cut costs and, in some cases, promote too early where experienced staff are missing. It is little wonder that so many are considering leaving the sector.
If significant numbers do leave the sector, there will no longer be a supply of skilled workers to meet the demands of an uptick in productions – and the US firms will go elsewhere, leaving only a depleted domestic industry in financial crisis.
Netflix has already made a thinly veiled threat to seek out more competitive territories in the event of a levy on streamers. We could expect a similar decision if they find that the skilled talent they count on in the UK is no longer available.
The next bust may already be in sight thanks to President Trump’s proposed tariffs on “foreign-made” films. Though such a levy would be difficult to implement and would cause as much harm to the US industry as it would its global partners, it’s not hard to imagine it having a chilling effect on commissioning in the UK.
So what can be done? The introduction of a new programme of tax breaks for productions made in the UK, initiated by the Conservatives and ratified by the Labour government, has been rightly celebrated. However, industry experts predict these will not solve the financial sustainability of a homegrown industry.
MPs have called on the government to go further in its support for the UK independent film and high-end television sectors, to provide a counterbalance to the fluctuations in investment in big budget fare, and to appoint a freelance commissioner to protect workers rights.
We wait to hear whether the government will take up its recommendations, and bring us closer to other countries, such as France, that have protected their domestic workforce by negotiating specific investment agreements with the major US streamers.
In our report, we argue that a minister for self-employed and precarious workers working across government departments is the only way to ensure that the appropriate measures can be achieved to address the challenges freelancers now face.
Better data on freelancer movements will help policy makers and industry to understand the effects of changes to the domestic industry, to help better secure that workforce for future growth as part of the government’s Invest 2035 growth plans.
We also recommend better data for freelancers themselves: a central source of information on taxation, employment rights, training, funding and the other resources they need to thrive in this challenging landscape.
These are only the first steps to lessen the immediate risk of losing a substantial section of the skilled workforce that is the engine of the UK industry, preparing the ground for the much larger structural shifts that are needed. Participants in our research at different stages of their career repeatedly insisted that the industry needs root and branch care to overcome the extreme cycles of feast and famine.
Protecting the cultural value of the UK’s screen industry goes far beyond making economic sense. The sector forms a major part of the country’s diverse national identity and projects a global image that is literally priceless.
Andrew Philip receives funding for his screen industries research from the Arts & Humanities Research Council through the University of Reading’s Impact Acceleration Account programme.
Lisa Purse receives funding for her screen industries research from the Arts & Humanities Research Council through the University of Reading’s Impact Acceleration Account programme.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah chaired a significant meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday to review and strategize the future of sustainability and circularity in the cooperative dairy sector on Tuesday. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Union Minister of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar, Murlidhar Mohol, Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation Ashish Bhutani, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying Alka Upadhyaya, NDDB Chairman Dr. Meenesh Shah, and NABARD Chairman Shaji KV.
Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation), the meeting led to the decision to establish three new multi-state cooperative societies aimed at bolstering the dairy sector. These include:
A society focused on animal feed production, disease control, and artificial insemination.
A society promoting cow dung management models.
A society encourages the circular use of dead cattle remains.
Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah emphasized the need to move towards White Revolution 2.0, highlighting the importance of building a sustainable, circular economy-based dairy ecosystem. He underlined that increasing farmers’ incomes hinges on creating a network of integrated, mutually cooperative societies that offer end-to-end support to dairy farmers.
Shah also stressed the importance of ensuring carbon credit benefits reach farmers through scientifically designed models and called for greater emphasis on strengthening milk unions, food processing in dairy plants, and enhancing cooperative efficiency.
“Cooperation is the backbone of rural development,” Shah said, adding that dairy cooperatives have proven to be a reliable source of livelihood for millions of rural families, particularly by providing access to stable markets, credit, veterinary services, and breeding support. He also highlighted the crucial role these cooperatives play in empowering women through active participation in dairy activities.
The Minister said that the transformation from “Sustainability to Circularity” must be multi-dimensional, with farmers’ own cooperatives stepping up to provide services like technical assistance, feed supply, veterinary care, dung management, and milk processing, traditionally dominated by the private sector.
Referring to successful models such as Amul, Shah stated that the “Cooperation among Cooperatives” initiative is playing a pivotal role in realizing the government’s vision. He noted that village-level cooperatives are being strengthened and integrated with allied sectors through collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Cooperation and other ministries.
Shah praised national institutions like the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), and NABARD for their ongoing contributions to the cooperative movement. He highlighted NDDB’s biogas and dung management programs as exemplary models of sustainable innovation that should be scaled up nationwide.