“Bader Fahad Alzahrani not only violated the terms of his admission to the United States but has proven himself to be a danger to the community through his unlawful and reckless actions,” said ERO Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris. “ERO Newark would like to thank FBI Newark and our law enforcement partners for their assistance in this case.”

"The speed with which our law enforcement partners identified and mitigated the threat posed by Alzahrani should reassure the communities we serve. Our FBI Newark Joint Terrorism Task Force works hand in hand with ICE ERO and other state and local agencies in New Jersey for just the circumstances that developed in this investigation. When a situation could potentially escalate, we are all ready to act immediately to keep the public safe," said FBI Newark acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado.

Alzahrani lawfully entered the United States July 12, 2022. However, he violated the terms of his lawful admission.

According to the investigation, Livingston Police responded to a break-in Jan. 15, 2023, at an unoccupied residential home in Livingston.

During a search of a backpack in that home, authorities discovered a Saudi Arabian passport with the name Bader Alzahrani and other items that appeared to belong to Alzahrani.

The Livingston Board of Education reported Jan. 17, 2023, that a school bus had been stolen from a parking lot across the street from the unoccupied residential home where the break-in was reported.

During the ensuing investigation, law enforcement located Alzahrani in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. After taking Alzahrani into custody, authorities searched him and recovered the keys to the stolen school bus.

FBI agents arrested Alzahrani Jan. 30, 2023, and charged him with receipt of a stolen vehicle and transportation of a stolen vehicle.

Alzahrani pleaded guilty in the U.S. Federal Court for the District of New Jersey Aug. 14, 2024, to one count of an indictment charging him with interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle.

The court sentenced Alzahrani Sept. 9 to time served and issued a judicial order of removal from the United States. ERO Newark took him into custody following the sentencing.

Officers from ERO Newark removed Bader Alzahrani, 24, of Saudi Arabia from the United States to his native country and turned him over to Saudi authorities.

Noncitizens placed into removal proceedings receive their legal due process from federal immigration judges in the immigration courts, which are administered by the Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Executive Office for Immigration Review is an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice and is separate from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case. ICE officers carry out the removal decisions made by the federal immigration judges.

As one of ICE’s three operational directorates, ERO is the principal federal law enforcement authority in charge of domestic immigration enforcement. ERO’s mission is to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws, and its primary areas of focus are interior enforcement operations, management of the agency’s detained and non-detained populations, and repatriation of noncitizens who have received final orders of removal. ERO’s workforce consists of more than 7,700 law enforcement and non-law enforcement support personnel across 25 domestic field offices and 208 locations nationwide, 30 overseas postings, and multiple temporary duty travel assignments along the border.

Members of the public can report crime and suspicious activity by calling 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ERO Newark’s mission to increase public safety in your community on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @ERONewark.

Dear defenders of Ukraine!

On behalf of the staff and volunteers of the Ukraine Reconstruction Fund, we sincerely congratulate you on the holiday that unites all those who defend our country, our freedom and independence.

On this important day, we express our deep gratitude to each of you for your courage, dedication and unbreakable strength of spirit. You are the reliable pillar on which the entire country relies in the most difficult times. It is thanks to you that we are able to build our common future today.

The Ukrainian people will never forget your heroic deeds, and we, in turn, are working to do our best to rebuild our country. Your contribution to the defense of Ukraine is the foundation on which we are building a strong, free and prosperous country.

We wish you good health, unwavering faith in victory and peace. May your dedication to Ukraine be rewarded with prosperity and peace, and may your families always feel protected and supported.

With deepest respect,

Pavlo Kostyuk, Founder of the Ukraine Reconstruction Fund

Victoria Korsunova, Director of the Kyiv office of the Ukraine Reconstruction Fund

Der Beitrag Congratulations on the Day of Defenders of Ukraine from the leadership of the URF erschien zuerst auf ukrainereconstructionfund.

Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin held an official meeting with U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and the U.S. Department of Justice team. This meeting plays a key role in Ukraine’s reconstruction, as cooperation between the legal institutions of the two countries contributes to strengthening the rule of law and global security.

Together with Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova, the participants discussed further cooperation to ensure that the Kremlin regime is held fully accountable for all of its international crimes. An important topic of the meeting was the role of the United States in supporting the institutional capacity of the Ukrainian prosecutor’s office and law enforcement agencies, which is critical for the restoration of the state and the rule of law.

Andriy Kostin expressed his gratitude to his American colleagues for their support and noted the contribution of the U.S. Department of Justice to global efforts to investigate Russia’s war crimes. The work of the Disruptive Technology Strike Force and the KleptoCapture Task Force, which are fighting the supply of components for military production to Russia, was particularly noted.

This cooperation is an important element in the further development of Ukraine, contributing to the strengthening of its legal system and prosecution of crimes against our country.

Der Beitrag Important influence on Ukraine’s reconstruction: meeting of the Attorneys General of Ukraine and the United States erschien zuerst auf ukrainereconstructionfund.

CARMEL, Calif., Sept. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Meyers Manx 2.0 EV Pre-production dune buggy will be unveiled for the first time in the UK and Europe at the prestigious 2024 Goodwood Revival on the 6^th of August.

The media, enthusiasts and attendees at the Revival are invited to join Meyers Manx for the unveiling of the future of their iconic brand.

The next-generation electric vehicle pays homage to Bruce Meyers' revolutionary design while integrating state-of-the-art technology. The 2.0 model preserves the classic lines and adventurous spirit that have made Meyers Manx buggies a symbol of freedom and innovation, now reimagined for the environmentally conscious driver. 

"Goodwood Revival is a remarkable stage for showcasing our vision," said Phillip Sarofim, Meyers Manx chairman. "We're not just unveiling the new 2.0 EV; we're presenting a philosophy – where the legacy of the past is reimagined with the innovation of the future. I'm thrilled to share our 2.0 EV Pre-production model, especially as it demonstrates our relentless pursuit of blending classic design with modern technology."

The Goodwood Revival, renowned for celebrating the golden age of motorsport, marks a significant milestone as Meyers Manx celebrates its 60th anniversary, honoring six decades of pioneering design and engineering excellence. 

Throughout the event, Meyers Manx will lead the opening track parade each day, featuring a line-up that spans the brand's full history. This unique showcase will feature classic buggies including the Steve McQueen Thomas Crown Affair car, highlighting the brand's enduring legacy and connection to popular culture. 

Founded by Bruce Meyers in 1964, Meyers Manx transformed the dune buggy into a cultural icon, capturing the spirit of adventure and the freedom of the open road. The brand has pushed the boundaries of design and performance, influencing generations of enthusiasts. The celebration at the Goodwood Revival is a testament to Meyers Manx lasting impact globally and a preview of the exciting future that lies ahead. 

About Meyers Manx 

Meyers Manx is an iconic American automotive brand, founded by Bruce Meyers in 1964. Known for its innovative design and the creation of the original fiberglass dune buggy, Meyers Manx has become a symbol of freedom, adventure, and off-road performance. The brand continues to evolve, merging its rich heritage with cutting-edge technology to inspire the next generation of four wheeled adventurers. 

Please see pictures attached which are copyright free

For more information, or to attend the event as a member of the media:Meyers Manx Public RelationsEmail: [email protected]Phone: +1 (833) 386-6269OrDavid Barzilay, Barzilay AssociatesEmail: [email protected]Telephone: +44(0)7860 322333

SOURCE Meyers Manx

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“Bryan Daniel Aldana-Arevalo stands accused of some detestable and disturbing crimes against a Nantucket child,” said ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd M. Lyons. “He represents a significant danger to the children of our Massachusetts communities. ERO Boston will not tolerate such a threat to the most vulnerable of our population. We will continue to prioritize the safety of our public by arresting and removing egregious noncitizen offenders from our New England neighborhoods.”

Aldana unlawfully entered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location, without having been inspected, admitted or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.

Nantucket authorities arraigned Aldana July 26 in Nantucket District Court for one count of rape of a child with a 10-year age difference and two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14.

The Nantucket District Court released Aldana on bail July 29.

Officers from ERO Boston arrested Aldana Sept. 10 in Nantucket and served him with a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge. Aldana remains in ERO custody.

ERO conducts removals of individuals without a lawful basis to remain in the United States, including at the order of immigration judges with Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Executive Office for Immigration Review is a separate entity from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case, determining if a noncitizen is subject to a final order of removal or eligible for certain forms of relief from removal.

Members of the public with information regarding noncitizen offenders can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

As one of ICE’s three operational directorates, ERO is the principal federal law enforcement authority in charge of domestic immigration enforcement. ERO’s mission is to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws, and its primary areas of focus are interior enforcement operations, management of the agency’s detained and non-detained populations, and repatriation of noncitizens who have received final orders of removal. ERO’s workforce consists of more than 7,700 law enforcement and non-law enforcement support personnel across 25 domestic field offices and 208 locations nationwide, 30 overseas postings, and multiple temporary duty travel assignments along the border.

Learn more about ERO Boston’s mission to increase public safety in our New England communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBoston.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Sept. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- House Doctors, a Premium Service Brand specializing in handyman services, home repairs and improvements, announced today the nationwide rollout of its of its "Aging in Place" service offering. The program is designed to help seniors live independently in their homes for as long as possible through certified home modifications that ensure safety, accessibility, and comfort.

House Doctors has long provided aging in place work through one-off projects. After identifying a growing market need that aligns with the brand's values, the company decided to formally expand its services in this area. The initiative began in November 2023 and gained momentum with the appointment of brand lead, Ann Lilly, to oversee the national rollout, which has since been successfully piloted in six states.

"Our decision to fully embrace the aging in place market came from both personal experiences and industry insights," said Ann Lilly, Brand Lead of House Doctors. "For many families, helping a loved one remain in the comfort of their own home is not just a financial decision, it's about dignity and quality of life. We wanted to offer a trusted solution backed by certification and expertise."

House Doctors selected Age Safe America as its certification partner due to the organization's rigorous standards, including background checks and specialized training, which reinforce the trust customers place in House Doctors when inviting service providers into their homes. Now, all franchisees are required to undergo this certification, ensuring that every location delivers consistent, high-quality aging in place solutions.

Key features of the new service include:

• Installation of grab bars, ramps, and other accessibility enhancements.
• Home modifications tailored to prevent falls and improve mobility.
• Customized solutions that address the unique needs of seniors while maintaining the aesthetic and functionality of their living spaces.

"Aging in place is about more than just making a home safer; it's about creating an environment where seniors can thrive," added Lilly. "Our turnkey approach provides franchisees with all the resources they need, from business plans and marketing strategies to comprehensive training, allowing them to confidently offer these specialized services."

In addition to home modifications, House Doctors plans to introduce a monthly maintenance program aimed at helping seniors maintain their homes over time. The company is also offering flexible financing options and free estimates, ensuring that these essential services are accessible for homeowners of all financial backgrounds.

For more information about House Doctors and its services, please visit www.housedoctors.com. To learn more about Premium Service Brands' franchising opportunities, please visit www.premiumservicebrands.com.

About House Doctors:For three decades, House Doctors has been a trusted name in handyman services, home repairs, maintenance, and remodeling. As part of the Premium Service Brands family, House Doctors offers a wide range of services from small repairs to large-scale renovations. With a reputation built on trust, quality workmanship, and customer satisfaction, the brand is committed to enhancing the quality of life for homeowners across the country. For more information, visit https://housedoctors.com/.

About Premium Service Brands:Premium Service Brands (PSB) is a leading franchisor of home services brands, including 360° Painting, ProLift Garage Doors, Maid Right, Kitchen Wise | Closet Wise, Window Gang, Rubbish Works, The Grout Medic, House Doctors, and Rooterman. Founded on the principles of exceptional support and training for franchise owners, PSB is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs achieve their dreams and build successful businesses. For more information, visit www.premiumservicebrands.com. 

SOURCE Premium Service Brands

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) and Calm, a leading mental health company with the number one app for sleep, meditation and relaxation, have teamed up to support the mental health and financial goals of people nationwide.

At a time when more than half (59%) of Americans feel stressed about the condition of their finances every month (or more!), Ally is offering over one million free 3-month Calm trials to consumers-at-large and one-year premium subscriptions to customers to help ease stress and build healthier financial habits.

Bound by a shared commitment to make wellness resources accessible to all, the brands will highlight first-of-its-kind financial wellness content on Calm, including a Calm Conversation with financial wellness guru Kelley Long and Jack Howard, Head of Money Wellness at Ally. The collaboration follows the launch of Ally Money Roots™, a free financial wellness program grounded in money psychology that the nation's largest all-digital bank launched earlier this month.

"At Ally, we are constantly finding ways to disrupt the status quo and better support customers on their financial journey. That's why we are continuously innovating ways to learn about money and working with likeminded brands to help people live their best lives," said Andrea Brimmer, Chief Marketing and PR Officer at Ally. "We're thrilled that our collaboration with Calm will help us reward our customers who are investing in their wellbeing along with consumers everywhere who want to live more mindfully and find the joy in money."

Ally conducted a survey to uncover how money stress impacts everything from mental health to daily life. Key findings include:

• Financial anxiety is the top driver of mental health challenges.
• Nearly 1 in 2 (46%) Americans say concerns about their finances impact their lives on a daily or weekly basis, with Gen Z (52%) and millennials (50%) most affected.
• Money is the great disrupter, with respondents citing sleep (66%), mental health (65%) and personal relationships (52%) all affected by financial stress.
• Over half of Americans (54%) say just thinking about their finances makes them feel worried.
• 60% of consumers are "less than confident" in their financial condition and find savings virtually impossible, with over half (51%) unable to cover an emergency expense of $500 without going into debt. 

As part of this collaboration, Ally is curating a bespoke financial wellness playlist of Calm content featuring meditations around money and daily mindfulness practices. To learn more about signing up for a free Calm trial and explore the financial wellness content visit: www.ally.com/calm

More on Money Roots: Grounded in money psychology, Ally Money Roots™ is a departure from traditional skills-based financial education. The interactive Money Roots curriculum, paired with the Calm content, mindfulness exercises and resources are designed to make it easier for people to invest in their financial wellbeing.

Survey Methodology: Data was collected from 2 surveys fielded by Ally Financial in May 2024 among a census balanced population of 2,000 consumers to understand the state of their personal finances, the status of their current financial goals along with any tradeoffs they are making to manage their finances.  

About Ally FinancialAlly Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) is a financial services company with the nation's largest all-digital bank and an industry-leading auto financing business, driven by a mission to "Do It Right" and be a relentless ally for customers and communities. The company serves approximately 11 million customers through a full range of online banking services (including deposits, mortgage, and credit card products) and securities brokerage and investment advisory services. The company also includes a robust corporate finance business that offers capital for equity sponsors and middle-market companies, as well as auto financing and insurance offerings. For more information, please visit www.ally.com.

For more information and disclosures about Ally, visit https://www.ally.com/#disclosures.

For further images and news on Ally, please visit http://media.ally.com.

About CalmCalm is a mental health company on a mission to support everyone on every step of their mental health journey. With the #1 app to help you sleep more, stress less and live mindfully as well as a growing library of digital, evidence-based mental health programs, Calm offers trusted support for individuals and organizations alike. Our flagship consumer app provides personalized content and activities – featuring a range of experts and beloved celebrity voices. Our workplace and healthcare solutions take a consumer-friendly approach to mental health support delivered on a HIPAA-compliant platform to drive positive health and business outcomes. Named a TIME100 Most Influential Company, Calm has more than 150 million downloads and supports more than 3,500 organizations across seven languages and 190 countries. To learn more, visit calm.com.

PR Contact: Megan Rivers (Ally Media) [email protected] 

SOURCE Ally Financial

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MAUI, Hawaii, Aug. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hua Momona Foundation is excited to present a culinary journey like no other at their 1st Annual Maui Music & Food Experience, a three-day celebration that marries the art of music with the vibrant world of culinary excellence. Scheduled from September 5-7, 2024, this inaugural event is set to be a feast for the senses, featuring an unforgettable food experience led by some of the culinary world's brightest stars.

The Maui Music & Food Experience will bring together celebrated chefs from across the globe, offering attendees a rare opportunity to taste exquisite dishes and interact with the culinary masterminds behind them. The Sept 5 Night at the Farm and the Sept 6 Celebration at the Ritz-Carlton Maui will feature a series of interactive food stations where guests can savor gourmet creations crafted under the guidance of renowned chefs, both local legends and those from the mainland.

These food stations will not only offer culinary delights but also provide a unique chance for attendees to meet these famous chefs, watch them in action, and even get their cookbooks signed during the Celebration at The Ritz-Carlton. Among the celebrity chefs participating are:

• Chef Zach Laidlaw, Executive Chef & Vice President of Experiences at Hua Momona Farms, a Next Level Chef finalist is known for his farm-to-table experiences.
• Chef Gabrielle (Gabi) Chappel, the seasonally inspired chef and educator from Brooklyn, NY, and the winner of Next Level Chef Season 3.
• Chef Amanda Lindquist, Executive Chef at Wailea Beach Resort, recognized for her extensive experience in luxury hospitality and her innovative menu development.
• Chef Christina Miros, a first-generation Greek American chef and Next Level Chef finalist, known for her vibrant global flavors influenced by her Greek roots and East Coast experiences.
• Chef Alvin Savella, affectionately known as "The Kitchen Assassin," whose dishes reflect a fusion of local Maui, Filipino, and global flavors. His newest venture, Coco Deck Lahaina, will soon open its doors.
• Chef Ryan Von Smith, owner of Chef Von & Mom and a seasoned chef who has cooked for celebrities and showcased his talents on Next Level Chef.
• Chef Mada Abdelhamid is a former Pro Basketball player, WWE Superstar, Celebrity Trainer and most recently starred on Gordon Ramsay's hit show Next Level Chef. He is originally from Egypt and grew up in New Zealand. He has traveled the world and experienced many culinary cultures.

Supporting Maui's Recovery 

The event isn't just about indulging in world-class food; it's also a way to give back to the community. All proceeds from the festival will go toward ongoing support for survivors of the Lahaina fires of August 2023. Hua Momona Foundation, which has already provided over 50,000 meals to those affected, is committed to raising funds for food, housing, and mental health support through this event.

A Festival for All Senses 

While the culinary experiences are a centerpiece, the Maui Music & Food Experience also promises a dynamic lineup of musical performances, culminating in the Music at the MACC concert on September 7, featuring Billy Cox of the Jimi Hendrix Experience and Band of Gypsys as well as legendary artist Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac. This multi-night festival will offer a holistic experience, blending the best of music and culinary arts in the stunning setting of Maui.

Tickets are Going Fast! 

Don't miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary event, where the flavors of Maui and beyond will take center stage alongside world-class music. Tickets are available now, with up to 500 free tickets reserved exclusively for those affected by the Lahaina fires, courtesy of generous patrons and sponsors.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit MauiMusicandFood Experience.org

About The Hua Momona Foundation

The Hua Momona Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded by the team at Hua Momona Farms to support the Maui community. The Foundation's mission includes providing food, facilitating replacement housing, supporting mental healthcare programs, and hosting fundraising events to benefit local residents.

Press Contact: Lynn Munroe, 845-548-1211

SOURCE The Hua Momona Foundation

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WASHINGTON – The Economic Opportunity Coalition (EOC), launched by Vice President Kamala Harris in July 2022, is a group of more than two dozen companies that have committed to making investments in small business underserved communities to address economic disparities and jumpstart local economic activity. To date, the EOC has announced $1 billion of deposits with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) through partnerships with private companies. 

Alongside the efforts of the Economic Opportunity Coalition to support underserved communities, the Treasury Department released new data on lending activity by participants of the Emergency Capital Investment Program (ECIP). ECIP was established to support the efforts of community financial institutions to provide financial products and services for low- and moderate-income and underserved communities that disproportionately suffered from the impacts of the pandemic, by providing capital investments in CDFIs and MDIs with track records of serving these markets. 

In about 18 months, ECIP participants originated a total of $58.3 billion in loans, of which more than one third was to individuals and communities that have traditionally lacked access to capital, deemed “Deep Impact Lending.” In addition to Deep Impact Lending in underserved places such as persistent poverty counties, ECIP participants also provided $4.5 billion in capital for small businesses, $1.2 billion in financing for affordable housing, and $2.6 billion in mortgages to minorities and other targeted populations. A list of resources for individuals or small businesses seeking assistance is available on the ECIP website. 

Success Stories of how Public-Private Partnerships are Supporting Communities: 

• First Independence Bank (MDI), Detroit, MI
  • Total ECIP Investment: $45,260,000
  • Kenneth Kelly, Chairman & President: “ECIP funding has been instrumental for First Independence Bank, enabling us to enhance our services and partnerships, growing our assets to nearly $600 million. This support enriches our customers’ financial well-being and strengthens our community.” 
  • Success Story: Through Q2 2024, First Independence Bank provided $316,000 in small business loans and $236,000 in loans to underserved businesses, including East Coast Food Management, which provides high-quality food services to schools and community organizations; Wow Me Web Design, a firm that offers digital marketing solutions to help local businesses thrive online; and Quest Diagnostic Nichols Institute, Inc., a critical provider of diagnostic services that support healthcare in underserved areas. These loans have empowered these businesses to grow and continue serving their communities effectively.
• Asian Bank (CDFI and MDI), Philadelphia, PA
  • Total ECIP Investment: $66,069,000
  • James Wang, President & CEO: “Asian Bank is profoundly grateful for the transformative impact of ECIP and EOC funding, enabling us to expand our reach and positively impact more people in our communities.”
  • Success Story: Asian Bank provided a $75,000 Small Business Booster Loan to a borrower in Kensington, PA. The loan helped preserve a vital food retail store called Manba Mini Market in a majority-minority area with a 33% poverty rate.
• Locus Bank (CDFI), Richmond, VA  
  • Total ECIP Investment: $36,400,000
  • Clyde Cornett, Interim CEO & CFO:“ECIP funding has significantly bolstered Locus Bank’s capital base, enabling us to expand lending in affordable housing and clean energy. With this support, we've increased lending by 131% and financed critical community projects.”
  • Success Story:Locus Bank provided a $7.5 million predevelopment line of credit for the Somos at McLean project in Tysons, VA. This project will provide 231 new affordable rental units near essential amenities and transportation.
• M&F Bank (MDI), Durham, NC
  • Total ECIP Investment: $80,000,000
  • James H. Sills III, CEO:“M&F Bank is deeply grateful for EOC’s support, which empowers individuals, businesses, and communities, fostering economic resilience and opportunity.”
  • Success Story:M&F Bank provided $6.5 million in debt financing to an NC-based HBCU, Shaw University. This financing facilitated debt restructuring and improved the university's financial condition.
• Self-Help Credit Union (CDFI and MDI), Durham, NC
  • Total ECIP Investment: $243,000,000
  • Martin Eakes, CEO:“Treasury’s ECIP investments are transformative, enabling us to double our annual lending and serve more families and businesses.”
  • Success Story:Self-Help Credit Union provided a $796,500 loan to A Safe Place Child Enrichment Center in Southeast Raleigh. This loan enabled the center to acquire and upgrade an existing five-star childcare facility, greatly expanding its capacity. The enhanced facility now integrates traditional education with innovative outdoor experiences, significantly improving educational quality and promoting healthy lifestyles for both children and their families.
• Native American Bank (CDFI and MDI), Denver, CO 
  • Total ECIP Investment: $37,414,000
  • Tom Ogaard, President & CEO: “The ECIP funding has provided Native American Bank with the capital to provide much larger loans to projects serving Tribal communities.  NAB has deployed much of its ECIP award to provide low-cost construction and permanent financing for on-reservation Tribal Health Facilities.”
  • Success Story: Native American Bank, N.A., a tribally owned, Native CDFI and MDI bank headquartered in Denver, Colorado, closed two loans totaling $10.9 million to finance the expansion of a critical healthcare facility located in Burney, CA. The healthcare facility is located on the reservation and will serve Pit River Tribal members as well as the surrounding rural community. The Indian Health Service funded non-profit facility will expand its family medicine, dental, and behavioral health outpatient services, as well as add optometry and a pharmacy, which will increase service capacity and reduce the need for patients to travel to other areas for providers. The loans were provided in concert with equity from the CDFI Fund’s New Market Tax Credit program as well as grant and loan funding from the USDA's Community Facilities program.
• Optus Bank (CDFI and MDI), Columbia, SC
  • Total ECIP Investment: $70,923,000
  • Dominik Mjartan, CEO:“ECIP and EOC investments have enabled Optus Bank to deploy nearly $400 million in loans to underserved communities, significantly increasing our assets and loan originations.”
  • Success Story:Optus Bank supported Dream Team Consulting, a company founded in 2018, in developing a solar farm. By funding the acquisition of 65 acres, the bank facilitated the transition to renewable energy, created local jobs, and fostered economic growth. This partnership highlights Optus Bank's commitment to impactful and innovative investments that benefit both the environment and underserved communities.
• Southern Bancorp (CDFI), Arkadelphia, AR
  • Total ECIP Investment:$250,000,000
  • Darrin Williams, CEO:“ECIP's impact is both transformational and generational, allowing us to scale our work, reach underserved communities, and lay a stronger financial foundation for future generations.”
  • Success Story:In March 2024, Southern Bancorp helped an African-American first-time homebuyer in Memphis secure a mortgage. Over several months, the bank assisted in rebuilding his credit from 620 to 700 and helped him save for a down payment and closing costs. This support enabled him to achieve homeownership, providing stability for him and his elderly mother and advancing his financial independence.
• Liberty Bank (CDFI and MDI), New Orleans, LA 
  • Total ECIP Investment: $133,000,000 
  • Alden McDonald, Jr , CEO: “Because of the ECIP investment, we were able to launch new initiatives that allow more people and small businesses to access funding during the economic stress of inflation and high interest rates. Daily, we see loans that would have otherwise been turned down by other institutions. Yet, ECIP allows us to fund those loans and get repaid. With our history and experienced team, we understand how to lend in untraditional ways that are safe and profitable for the bank.  Our primary goal is to provide fair, competitive structure and pricing to small businesses so they can grow and thrive well into the future.”
  • Success Story: Recently, Liberty Bank funded a business loan for the purchase of a commercial vehicle. This company currently has 10 employees and is growing. After a few months of earning more revenue due to the initial loan, the business returned to Liberty seeking to purchase commercial space for its expansion. 

###

“ERO Baltimore is focused on prioritizing public safety by apprehending and removing egregious noncitizen offenders from our Maryland communities,” said ERO Executive Associate Director Daniel Bible. “During this fiscal year, ERO Baltimore has arrested a record number of noncitizen sex offenders. While we are pleased to have removed these egregious offenders from our neighborhoods, we count it a greater victory in knowing that the victims no longer need fear their predators.”

U.S. Border Patrol apprehended Hernandez Nov. 8, 2011, after he unlawfully entered the United States the near Sarita, Texas. Border Patrol officials served Hernandez a notice and order of expedited removal.

ERO Houston removed Hernandez from the United States to Honduras Dec. 5, 2011.

Hernandez unlawfully reentered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location, without being inspected, admitted or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department arrested Hernandez Sept. 13, 2023, and charged him with a sex offense in the fourth degree.

The Circuit Court for Annapolis in Annapolis convicted Hernandez Oct. 6, 2023, for a sex offense in the fourth degree and sentenced him to probation before judgment.

Officers with ERO Baltimore arrested Hernandez Sept. 5 in Glen Burnie. He remains in ERO custody.

ERO conducts removals of individuals without a lawful basis to remain in the United States, including at the order of immigration judges with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Executive Office for Immigration Review is a separate entity from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case, determining if a noncitizen is subject to a final order of removal or eligible for certain forms of relief from removal.

Members of the public can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the ICE online tip form.

As one of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s three operational directorates, ERO is the principal federal law enforcement authority in charge of domestic immigration enforcement. ERO’s mission is to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws, and its primary areas of focus are interior enforcement operations, management of the agency’s detained and non-detained populations, and repatriation of noncitizens who have received final orders of removal. ERO’s workforce consists of more than 7,700 law enforcement and non-law enforcement support personnel across 25 domestic field offices and 208 locations nationwide, 30 overseas postings, and multiple temporary duty travel assignments along the border.

Learn more about ERO Baltimore’s mission to increase public safety in our Maryland communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBaltimore.

“Gean Do Amaral Belafronte unlawfully entered the United States, made his way to Nantucket, and allegedly sexually assaulted one of our residents,” said ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd M. Lyons. “We have been consistent in our promise to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing egregious noncitizen offenders. This is not a hollow expression; it is a sincere promise to the residents of our New England communities.”

Belafronte lawfully entered the United States on Oct 8, 2018. However, he violated the terms of his lawful admission. He voluntarily departed the United States April 18, 2021.

Belafronte unlawfully reentered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location, without being inspected, admitted or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.

Nantucket Police arrested Belafronte June 9, 2021 and charged him with indecent assault and battery on a person 14 years or older. The next day, Belafronte failed to appear at his arraignment, and the Nantucket District Court issued a default warrant for his arrest.

Nantucket Police arrested Belafronte on the default warrant March 12. Later that day, the Nantucket District Court released Belafronte on bail.

Nantucket Police arrested Belafronte June 9 and charged him with indecent assault and battery on a person 14 years or older.

The Nantucket District Court released Belafronte March 12 on bail.

Officers with ERO Boston arrested Belafronte Sept. 11 on Nantucket Island and served him with a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge. Belafronte remains in ERO custody.

ERO conducts removals of individuals without a lawful basis to remain in the United States, including at the order of immigration judges with Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Executive Office for Immigration Review is a separate entity from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case, determining if a noncitizen is subject to a final order of removal or eligible for certain forms of relief from removal.

Members of the public with information regarding noncitizen offenders can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

As one of ICE’s three operational directorates, ERO is the principal federal law enforcement authority in charge of domestic immigration enforcement. ERO’s mission is to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws, and its primary areas of focus are interior enforcement operations, management of the agency’s detained and non-detained populations, and repatriation of noncitizens who have received final orders of removal. ERO’s workforce consists of more than 7,700 law enforcement and non-law enforcement support personnel across 25 domestic field offices and 208 locations nationwide, 30 overseas postings, and multiple temporary duty travel assignments along the border.

Learn more about ERO Boston’s mission to increase public safety in our New England communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBoston.

“ICE has repeatedly failed to provide transparency into its immigration detention system, including its plans to expand detention in states where no facilities currently exist,” said Eunice Cho, senior staff attorney at the ACLU’s National Prison Project. “The mass immigration detention machine wastes billions of taxpayer dollars to lock people up in inhumane and life-threatening conditions – and these documents are a crucial piece of the puzzle in understanding what prisons and jails ICE may seek to further expand this abusive system.”

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, demands that ICE comply with the Freedom of Information Act and immediately turn over the requested records to the ACLU. The filing also comes on the heels of advocacy from immigrants’ rights groups and medical experts who have repeatedly called out ICE’s history of abuse, pervasive medical neglect, and disregard for the dignity of people in its custody. In recent months, members of Congress have written multiple letters to the Department of Homeland Security raising concern about expansion of immigration detention and urging DHS and ICE to reject contracts with for-profit prison corporations. Advocates warn that additional contracts will undoubtedly lead to further abuses in immigration detention.

Already, ICE is exceeding its FY24 budget and congressionally approved detention levels, detaining approximately 37,000 people each day. Efforts to expand the mass detention machine would lay the groundwork for future administrations to detain more immigrants, and under a potential Trump administration, could help to facilitate plans for mass detention and deportation.

This filing is available here.

The ACLU’s FOIA request is available here. A second FOIA request for information for new West Coast immigration detention facilities is available here.

ATLANTA, Sept. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The New Knew, a leading online destination for clean beauty recommendations and how-to tips for growing out your grays, today announced the launch of Going Gray on Your Terms, an online course to help women go gray—and feel good about it. The 100% original course was developed by Lisa Fennessy, founder of The New Knew, who publicly documented her going gray journey at the age of 39. The content went viral and encouraged Fennessy to help more women go gray in a concrete way.

This never-before-seen online course helps women embrace their gray hair with guidance and support through personal stories, mindset work and expert practical haircare tips.

When she stopped dyeing her hair and let her gray grow out at a "young" age, Fennessy's eyes were opened to a huge, invisible problem: it's not "just hair"! Accepting your white, gray or silver hair bumps up against centuries of external stigma, oppression and othering that needs a practical, supportive solution.

Says Fennessy, "Anyone can go gray, but I want to help women go gray and feel good about it. Going gray can be a source of angst and it doesn't have to be; this course helps women feel amazing about growing out their hair gray."

With tips from Fennessy's personal hair stylist, award-winning colorist and salon owner Jenn Jones, Going Gray on Your Terms (GGOYT) breaks down the necessary steps for growing out your gray hair while maintaining a positive mindset. Got frizzy, unruly grays growing in? GGOYT has the solution. Not sure how to camouflage grays as they grow in? GGOYT has the solution. Wonder if a purple or a blue shampoo is for you? GGOYT has the solution.

The course also includes a deep dive into the cultural conditioning about gray hair that women often accept without question. Women have been inundated for decades with marketing telling them they're "ugly" or "old" or "not taking care of themselves" if they don't cover up their gray hair.

Going Gray on Your Terms flips those false ideas on their heads, supporting women as they untangle themselves from society's conditioning and move towards fully embracing their true selves.

GGOYT is about hair but in reality, it's about so much more than that. Women will leave this course feeling confident with their natural hair color, while thriving through every step of the process.

Says Fennessy, "It's the most rewarding work I've ever done, bearing witness to women's gray hair transformations."

Visit goinggrayonyourterms.com for more on Fenessy's personal story and to learn about Going Gray on Your Terms.

About Lisa Fennessy & The New Knew

With a B.S. in Journalism and minor in PR + Advertising from Northeastern University, Lisa Fennessy started The New Knew in 2016. She has been blogging professionally, authoring over 400 posts on the topics of clean beauty, sustainable living and gray hair, for the past 8 years.

What started as a personal outlet has now become a multi-six-figure business with over 4 million monthly impressions.

Media Contact:
Lindsay Anthony7605057488[email protected]

SOURCE The New Knew

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“We’re organizing to protect freedom in America by closing loopholes that a president could use to violate our constitutional rights,” explained Rep. Raskin. “The Supreme Court’s decision granting sweeping legal immunity to presidents who commit crimes under the cloak of their official powers makes it essential for us now to define what the official powers of the presidency are and what they are not.”

Rep. Raskin continued: “That’s why we’re mobilizing on a bipartisan basis to remove any opportunities for the president to assume dictatorial powers, impose a state of siege, force workers to take political loyalty tests, subject the federal civil service to mass ideological purges and weaponize government to pursue political vendettas. It is critical that we join together to safeguard American democracy and freedom.”

The coalition calls on every member of Congress to sign the declaration and, in doing so, commit to safeguards and reforms that keep our freedoms free.

“No president - regardless of party - should be able to operate above the law,” said former Rep. Joe Walsh. “We need to get back to basics—the Constitution and the rule of law -- and the limited government that our Founding Fathers envisioned that helps protect the separation of powers that keeps our republic strong and free.”

The pillars of the No Dictators Declaration include:

• Limiting the president’s ability to declare bogus domestic and foreign emergencies to seize power and bypass Congressional legislative authority.
• Restricting the president’s ability to use the Insurrection Act to deploy the military on American soil.
• Preventing the adoption of partisan, personal, and ideological loyalty tests, loyalty oaths, and similar authoritarian measures designed to purge the professional civil service and replace qualified workers with unqualified loyalists.
• Ensuring that presidents who abuse their powers to commit crimes can be prosecuted like all other people.
• Constraining the president’s ability to use investigative and prosecutorial decisions and resources to pursue vendettas against disfavored people and groups.

“The safeguards that protect our freedoms are in peril and with the courts under attack and trust in other institutions at an all time low, we need to take proactive steps now,” said Ambassador Norman Eisen (ret.), co-founder of State Democracy Defenders Action. “Congress must use their power and these common-sense options to close loopholes that could allow a president to use their vast executive powers to clamp down on our constitutional rights and freedoms.”

The campaign also seeks to mobilize everyday Americans concerned about the growing threat to our democracy and freedoms to contact their members of Congress and urge them to sign the declaration here: www.nodictators.us.

“In the United States, we elect presidents, not kings,” said Deirdre Schifeling, chief political and advocacy officer for the American Civil Liberties Union. “Relying on unwritten norms to safeguard our civil liberties from executive overreach is grossly insufficient. We need action from Congress — and commitments from candidates — that they will protect our freedoms and hold current and future presidents accountable if they abuse that power."

“This isn’t and shouldn’t be seen as a partisan issue -- everyone should be in favor of closing vulnerabilities in our laws that could be exploited by any president to take away our rights and freedoms,” said Heath Mayo, founder of conservative group Principles First. “This declaration is about creating a government that works for the people and limiting how the government would restrict our freedoms.”

The coalition of groups includes the American Civil Liberties Union, State Democracy Defenders Action and Principles First.

More information on the declaration and these efforts to safeguard our democracy and American freedoms can be found here: www.nodictators.us.

Despite the occasional headline about electric vehicle (EV) fires, data consistently shows that EVs are significantly less likely to catch fire than gasoline-powered cars. Several studies from around the world have confirmed that the fire risk for EVs is far lower than for vehicles using internal combustion engines (ICEs). This often surprises consumers, as media coverage tends to exaggerate the dangers of EV fires when they do happen.

A study from AutoInsuranceEZ found that gas-powered cars are about ten times more likely to catch fire than electric vehicles. Their data showed that for every 100,000 sales, there were 1,529 fires in gasoline cars, compared to just 25 in electric vehicles. Hybrid cars, which use both gasoline and batteries, had an even higher rate of 3,475 fires per 100,000 sales​(Kbb.com)​(Electrek).

Supporting these findings, data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) revealed that vehicle fires, largely involving gas-powered cars, accounted for 15% of all fires in the U.S. in 2020. This translated to over 215,000 vehicle fires that year, with only a fraction involving EVs​(Electrek). Similarly, a report from Norway’s Directorate for Social Security and Emergency Preparedness found four to five times more fires in petrol and diesel cars compared to electric cars​(Kbb.com)​(InsideHook).

One of the key reasons for this discrepancy is the fundamental nature of the vehicles themselves. Gasoline is highly flammable, and internal combustion engines rely on controlled explosions to function. If something goes wrong, it can lead to a fire. EVs, on the other hand, do not rely on combustion, and while their batteries can ignite under specific conditions—such as severe crashes or manufacturing defects—these incidents are rare and usually well-contained​(Kbb.com)​(CleanTechnica).

Some skepticism about EV safety persists, partly because EV fires, when they do occur, can be more difficult to extinguish due to the nature of lithium-ion battery fires. These fires can burn hotter and longer than gasoline fires, but such events remain uncommon. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), no EV has ever caught fire during their crash tests, further reinforcing the safety record of electric cars​(CleanTechnica)​(InsideHook).

Public perception is also skewed by the way media covers these incidents. EV fires, although rare, tend to make headlines, while the far more common fires in gasoline vehicles receive little attention. As electric vehicles become more prevalent, it’s important for consumers to understand that the overall risk of fire in these vehicles is much lower than in traditional gas-powered cars​(Kbb.com).

When it comes to media coverage of vehicle fires, electric vehicles (EVs) tend to dominate headlines far more than gasoline-powered cars. However, the reality is that gasoline cars are significantly more prone to catching fire. In 2020 alone, there were over 200,000 gas vehicle fires in the U.S., while there were only 52 fires involving electric cars​(Electrek)​(electrive.com).

Despite these figures, gas car fires rarely make the news, while EV fires often grab attention due to their novelty. Electric cars represent a relatively new technology, and any incident involving them tends to be viewed as a significant event. This leads to a disproportionate number of media stories about EV fires compared to the actual frequency of these incidents. For instance, according to a report by AutoInsuranceEZ, gas-powered cars are about 60 times more likely to catch fire than electric vehicles, yet the media tends to focus more on the latter​(Electrek).

Part of the reason is psychological—gas car fires are seen as routine, but because electric vehicles are new, their fires are viewed as more unusual and, therefore, more newsworthy​ (

Electrek)​(electrive.com). This discrepancy in media attention creates the false impression that EVs are more dangerous, even though they are statistically much safer when it comes to fire risks.

Some use cases still exist where EV’s are not the best solution, but this fact-based argument should remove the last psychological barriers many have against switching to an electric vehicle even though doing so is [usually] in their best interest.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) ("Trulieve" or "the Company"), a leading and top-performing cannabis company in the U.S., today announces a partnership with the Carvana PPA Tour ("PPA Tour") and MLP by Margaritaville ("MLP") to sponsor premier pickleball events in Arizona, Florida, and Georgia.

The Professional Pickleball Association stands as the largest professional and amateur pickleball tour in the world, boasting an impressive 25 tour stops nationwide. With over 39,000 amateur players and a 50% growth in registered players from 2022 to 2023, the PPA Tour has also captured the attention of over 275,000 spectators and 20 million fans watching on broadcast in 2023, solidifying its status as a premier sporting event.

Major League Pickleball is the leading team-based, coed pickleball league featuring nearly 100 players across 22 celebrity-owned teams. The 2024 league schedule will showcase 11 events across 10 different states, bringing MLP's exhilarating competition and energetic atmosphere to more places and fans than ever before.

"We are excited to welcome Trulieve as a partner for the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball," said Jacob Cohen, Vice President of Sales for the United Pickleball Association, the parent organization of the PPA Tour and MLP. "This is an innovative collaboration, and we are looking forward to working with Trulieve as both of us continue to grow rapidly."

Trulieve is sponsoring 12 events, starting with the CIBC Alanta Slam in September, spanning the remaining 2024 and upcoming 2025 schedule. The star-studded PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball feature the best players in the world, including the top 75 men's and top 75 women's players, captivating audiences with their exceptional skill and athleticism. MLP features a collection of regular-season events leading into the season-ending 2024 MLP Playoffs, where 12 of MLP's 22 teams will battle it out at two levels to crown this year's champions.

"Pickleball is experiencing explosive growth across the country, and we are thrilled to partner with both the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball to support the pickleball revolution," said Trulieve's Chief Executive Officer Kim Rivers. "As the exclusive cannabis sponsor of these select events, we look forward to connecting with athletes, educating spectators on the benefits of cannabis, and supporting the top players of the fastest-growing sport in America."

As the fastest-growing sport for the third straight year with approximately 13.6 million players in the U.S. according to the 2024 Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Topline Participation Report, this partnership positions Trulieve, the PPA Tour, and MLP to engage followers, reach new audiences, and foster a sense of community that accelerates cannabis education and acceptance through the joy of pickleball.

For tickets, live streams, and details regarding upcoming Carvana PPA Tour and MLP by Margaritaville events, visit their websites at ppatour.com and majorleaguepickleball.net. Find educational resources and additional information about Trulieve's legal cannabis products and brands at Trulieve.com.

About Carvana PPA TourFounded in 2019, the Carvana PPA Tour is where pickleball's top athletes go head-to-head to determine the best male and female players in the world. The Carvana PPA Tour organizes and conducts tournaments at world-class facilities across the country, establishes player rankings, and showcases the world's best pickleball week in and week out. Inviting amateur players to also compete and "play where the pros play," the Carvana PPA Tour offers divisions for every age group and skill level. Characterized by a uniquely festive and fun atmosphere, Carvana PPA Tour events deliver unparalleled experiences for fans on-site, including pro player meet-and-greets, clinics, food, beverages, live entertainment, giveaways, games, shopping, and VIP upgrades. For more information, go to www.ppatour.com, and follow us on social: Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn.

About MLP by Margaritaville  MLP by Margaritaville (Major League Pickleball) is the preeminent team-based professional pickleball league, featuring nearly 100 of the best athletes across 22 teams, a unique coed format, easy to understand scoring, iconic team owners, and the most electric live events and fan experience in the sport. Founded in 2021, MLP named its first-ever title sponsor, Margaritaville, branding the league MLP by Margaritaville in December 2022. For more information on Major League Pickleball, visit the official website and follow MLP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

About TrulieveTrulieve is an industry leading, vertically integrated cannabis company and multi-state operator in the U.S., with leading market positions in Arizona, Florida, and Pennsylvania. Trulieve is poised for accelerated growth and expansion, building scale in retail and distribution in new and existing markets through its hub strategy. By providing innovative, high-quality products across its brand portfolio, Trulieve delivers optimal customer experiences and increases access to cannabis, helping patients and customers to live without limits. Trulieve is listed on the CSE under the symbol TRUL and trades on the OTCQX market under the symbol TCNNF. For more information, please visit Trulieve.com.

Facebook: @Trulieve   Instagram: @Trulieve_   X: @Trulieve 

Investor ContactChristine Hersey, Vice President of Investor Relations+1 (424) 202-0210[email protected]

Media ContactPhil Buck, APR, Corporate Communications Manager+1 (406) 370-6226[email protected]

SOURCE Trulieve Cannabis Corp.

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“ERO Baltimore is focused on prioritizing public safety by apprehending and removing egregious noncitizen offenders from our Maryland communities,” said ERO Executive Associate Director Daniel Bible. “During this fiscal year, ERO Baltimore has arrested a record number of noncitizen sex offenders. While we are pleased to have removed these egregious offenders from our neighborhoods, we count it a greater victory in knowing that the victims no longer need fear their predators.”

Guzman unlawfully entered the United States on an unknown date and at an unknown location without being inspected, admitted or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.

The Gaithersburg Police Department arrested Guzman July 17, 2019, and charged him with driving under the influence of liquor.

The District Court for Montgomery County in Rockville convicted Guzman Sept. 18, 2020, for the offense of driving vehicle while impaired by alcohol and sentenced him to 60 days of incarceration.

The Montgomery County Police Department arrested Guzman Oct. 3, 2022, and charged him with sexual solicitation of a minor.

The Circuit Court for Montgomery County in Montgomery convicted Guzman Aug. 21, 2023, of two counts of attempted sexual offense in the fourth degree — sexual contact and sentenced him to six months in prison followed by one year of supervised probation.

Officers with ERO Baltimore arrested Guzman Sept. 5 in Gaithersburg.

ERO conducts removals of individuals without a lawful basis to remain in the United States, including at the order of immigration judges with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Executive Office for Immigration Review is a separate entity from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case, determining if a noncitizen is subject to a final order of removal or eligible for certain forms of relief from removal.

Members of the public can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the ICE online tip form.

As one of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s three operational directorates, ERO is the principal federal law enforcement authority in charge of domestic immigration enforcement. ERO’s mission is to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws, and its primary areas of focus are interior enforcement operations, management of the agency’s detained and non-detained populations, and repatriation of noncitizens who have received final orders of removal. ERO’s workforce consists of more than 7,700 law enforcement and non-law enforcement support personnel across 25 domestic field offices and 208 locations nationwide, 30 overseas postings, and multiple temporary duty travel assignments along the border.

Learn more about ERO Baltimore’s mission to increase public safety in our Maryland communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBaltimore.

H.B. 1181 requires any website that publishes content one-third or more of which is “harmful to minors” — a broad category that includes virtually any explicit content — to force their visitors to provide digital IDs or other proof of age before they can access the published material, regardless of what is on the other two-thirds of the site.

“Adults in America have a First Amendment right to read about sexual health, see R-rated movies, watch porn, and otherwise access information about sex if they want to. They should be allowed to exercise that right as they see fit, without having to worry about exposing their personal identifying information in the process,” said Vera Eidelman, staff attorney with the ACLU Speech, Privacy and Technology Project. “Rather than requiring adults to give up their privacy in order to watch and read content the government doesn’t like, legislators should focus on shaping a safer internet through things like voluntary content filters, which give control to people, not the government.”

Texas claims this provision is about protecting minors from accessing sexual content deemed harmful to them, not regulating disfavored content, but it does not merely restrict minors’ access. It also restricts adults’ access, requiring them to identify themselves online and burdening their ability to exercise their First Amendment rights to see sexual content or any other material on a regulated site. As the brief explains, requiring individuals to verify their ages before accessing this protected speech robs people of anonymity, and threatens to bar individuals—for example, those who lack government identification or whose age is misidentified by the relevant technology—from accessing certain websites altogether. Such a restriction is not necessary given the availability of other options, like content filtering, that could accomplish the government’s goal while imposing less of a burden on speech.

“While Texas’ law may sound reasonable on its face, in practice, it is extraordinarily burdensome and invasive, effectively deterring adults from accessing legal content,” said Alison Boden, executive director of the Free Speech Coalition. “To make matters worse, this law – and ones like it – fail at their stated goal of protecting children online, despite forcing adult content creators and consumers to operate under the threat of surveillance and censorship.”

At the same time, the law will not accomplish its stated goal. Because the law only applies if one-third of a site’s content is explicit, social media sites that offer much of the same content, but as a smaller proportion of their total offerings, avoid the law’s requirement. And search engines are exempted entirely, meaning minors can access exactly the same sexual content online via such sites. Moreover, the law’s requirement that regulated sites issue unscientific health warnings about the negative effects of exposure to pornography illustrate the state’s distaste for the regulated speakers.

Before the case reached the Supreme Court, a district court briefly blocked the law from being enforced, concluding that the law’s age verification provision would unconstitutionally chill the speech of adults. However, a divided Fifth Circuit panel vacated that injunction, reasoning that the age verification provisions’ burden on adults’ First Amendment rights merely has to have some rational basis–not face strict scrutiny–because the aim is to protect children. Unless the Supreme Court issues a reversal, this decision will overturn decades of precedent protecting the free speech rights of adults.

In prior cases brought by the ACLU, the Supreme Court has repeatedly held that requiring users to verify their age to access protected content is unconstitutional where there are less restrictive alternatives available, like filtering software. In Reno v. ACLU, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that anti-indecency provisions of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, also meant to protect children, violated the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of speech in part because of the burden it imposed on adults. In Ashcroft v. ACLU, the Court held that a law almost identical to the Texas law had to satisfy strict scrutiny because it restricted adults’ access to protected sexual speech. Where a less-restrictive alternative exists—for example, the voluntary installation of filtering software on minors’ devices—the government cannot impose age verification on adults in the name of protecting children.

Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton is one of several cases in which the ACLU has urged courts to reject age verification schemes that would burden the free speech rights of internet users as part of the organization’s long tradition of defending online free expression.

The ACLU’s brief in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton is a part of the ACLU’s Joan and Irwin Jacobs Supreme Court Docket.

Proposed regulations would support Tribal Nations in providing general welfare for Tribal communities  

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to implement section 139E of the Internal Revenue Code, created by the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act of 2014 (Act).  

The Act enables Tribal governments to provide non-taxable assistance and benefits to Tribal members that are excludable from their gross income for federal income tax purposes. The announcement today supports Tribal Nations in advancing the wellbeing of their communities by the provision of general welfare support that ranges from housing aid to restoration of Native language. These proposed rules would provide that gross income does not include the value of any Indian general welfare benefit paid to or on behalf of a Tribal citizen of a Tribal Nation.

The proposed rules demonstrate an unprecedented recognition of Tribal self-determination and self-governance in tax regulations by providing deference to Tribes in how they establish their programs, the scope of benefits they provide, and determinations involving Tribal culture or ceremonial activities. These principles are the foundation of the Biden-Harris Administration’s recognition of the unique federal trust and treaty responsibility towards Tribal Nations as referenced in Presidential Executive Order 14112.

These proposed rules were the result of a historic level of three pre-regulation consultations with Tribal Nations and multi-year consultation with the Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee in partnership with Treasury’s Office of Tribal and Native Affairs, Office of Tax Policy, and the Internal Revenue Service. 

“The Biden-Harris Administration has provided historic support to Tribal Nations and today’s announcement will provide clarity and certainty that is critical to economic opportunity,” said U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo. “These proposed rules recognize that Tribal Nations know best how to serve their citizens and demonstrate the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to ensuring the voices of Tribal leaders are at the table.”   

“The provision of general welfare is core to indigenous customs and practices and today’s rule incorporates respect for these values in our tax regulations” said U.S. Treasurer, Chief Lynn Malerba. “Treasury’s investment in its consultative process, and the expertise of the TTAC, were critical to improving the Department’s understanding of Tribal needs to support Tribal Nations. I want to thank Treasury’s Office of Tribal and Native Affairs, Office of Tax Policy, and the IRS for working collaboratively with all the offices within Treasury who worked diligently to draft and release this proposed rule.”

A decade ago, Congress passed the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act of 2014 to provide an expanded general welfare exclusion specifically for Tribal programs that improved upon the historical administrative general welfare exclusion. The Act also created the Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary on Tribal tax matters, and provided for audit suspensions on the Act’s enforcement until IRS field agents and Tribal Financial officers were trained on regulations.

Today’s proposed regulations build upon Treasury’s historic investment in developing policies that include feedback of Tribal governments. In response to input from Tribes, this Administration created Treasury’s first Office of Tribal and Native Affairs under the first Native American Treasurer, former TTAC member Chief Malerba. This Office has worked across the Department to support the administration of $30 billion in recovery set asides to Tribal Nations and support for Tribal access to the billions in clean energy tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act, including through elective pay which enables Tribes to access certain clean energy tax credits for the first time. 

Treasury is commencing Tribal consultation on these proposed regulations and looks forward to Tribal feedback. To learn more about this rule, see the Dear Tribal Leader Letter, Consultation and Federal Feedback Summary, and Tribal Fact Sheet. 

### 

During a meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Joe Biden announced a new aid package for Ukraine and emphasized the long-term support of the United States and international partners.

“Russia will not win this war. It will not reign in Ukraine. Ukraine will win, and we will support you every step of the way,” Joe Biden said.

The main topic of the meeting at the White House was the discussion of Ukraine’s “Victory Plan”. Biden outlined two key aspects that can ensure Ukraine’s victory, with the active support of Western partners.

“These two elements are critical to how this war ends,” the US President emphasized.

The first element is to strengthen Ukraine’s positions on the battlefield.

“Today I am announcing a new security assistance package worth $2.4 billion. I have also instructed the Pentagon to use all available funds for Ukraine by the end of my term, that is, by January 20. This will strengthen Ukraine’s position in future negotiations,” Biden said.

The total amount of assistance to Ukraine this time will be $8 billion.

The second element is the long-term support announced at the NATO summit this summer.

“As we stated at the summit in Washington, we will continue to support Ukraine on its path to EU and NATO membership, as well as in implementing the reforms to fight corruption and strengthen democracy that you are actively working on,” Biden added.

The US President emphasized that significant progress has already been made in both directions. This summer, the Ukraine Compact was created, with more than 20 countries pledging to ensure Ukraine’s long-term security.

Biden also announced that more than 30 countries and the EU have signed a Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine’s Recovery and Reconstruction. Part of the funds for this purpose will be obtained from frozen Russian assets.

Der Beitrag Joe Biden: More than 30 countries and the EU signed a Joint Declaration on Ukraine’s recovery erschien zuerst auf ukrainereconstructionfund.

The cooperative agreements will be overseen by NICE, a NIST-led partnership between government, academia and the private sector focused on cybersecurity education, training and development of a diverse workforce. 

“To strengthen our national and economic security, we need a highly skilled and talented cybersecurity workforce,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST Director Laurie E. Locascio. “This investment in cybersecurity education and training will help fill a critical workforce need while giving people the skills they need to succeed in good-paying, high-quality jobs.”

The NICE-funded CyberSeek tool, which analyzes data about the cybersecurity job market, found that there were nearly 470,000 cybersecurity job openings in the U.S. between May 2023 and April 2024. Roughly 85 workers were available to fill every 100 cybersecurity job openings in the U.S. during this time.

The organizations receiving the awards will build Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships to Stimulate (RAMPS) cybersecurity education and workforce development. These RAMPS projects will align the workforce needs of local business and nonprofit organizations with the NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity.

“The RAMPS program provides individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and life circumstances access to cybersecurity careers,” said NICE Director Rodney Petersen. “It also helps communities collaborate on creating career pathways to good jobs for all Americans and contributes to economic development by addressing workforce needs at the local and regional scales.”

Many of the RAMPS projects promote curriculum development or education and training at the high school, collegiate or professional levels. Others support work-based learning experiences in the form of internships, apprenticeships or projects. Still others support workshops, bootcamps, competitions and hackathons.

With these latest awards, there will now be 33 RAMPS communities in 20 states. The award recipients, areas served, and amounts awarded are:

Adventurous Minds Produce Extraordinary Dreams Inc.Louisville, Kentucky $199,670

The Coding SchoolNew York City & Westchester County Region$200,000

Del Mar College DistrictCorpus Christi, Texas$200,000

The Escal Institute of Advanced Technologies Inc.North Bethesda, Maryland$199,700 

Howard Community CollegeColumbia, Maryland$200,000

Metropolitan Washington Council of GovernmentsWashington, D.C.$195,726

Miami UniversityOxford, Ohio$199,850

Moraine Valley Community CollegePalos Hills, Illinois $199,982

New York UniversityNew York, New York$200,000

Old Dominion University Research FoundationNorfolk, Virginia $200,000

Purdue UniversityWest Lafayette, Indiana $199,717

Research Foundation of CUNY on behalf of Lehman CollegeBronx, New York$200,000

The Sierra College FoundationRocklin, California $198,000

University of FloridaGainesville, Florida$199,999

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg, Virginia$194,270

“Elmer Sola unlawfully entered the United States, then made his way into our Nantucket community before allegedly committing some horrific and despicable crimes against a child,” said ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd M. Lyons. “The officers of ERO Boston will not tolerate such a threat to the children of our New England neighborhoods. We will continue to prioritize the safety of our public by arresting and removing egregious noncitizen offenders.”

Sola unlawfully entered the United States on an unknown date at an unknown location, without being inspected, admitted or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.

The Nantucket Superior Court arraigned Sola Aug. 14 on three counts of aggravated rape of child and eight counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14.

Officers with ERO Boston arrested Sola Sept. 10 in Nantucket. Sola remains in ERO custody.

ERO conducts removals of individuals without a lawful basis to remain in the United States, including at the order of immigration judges with Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Executive Office for Immigration Review is a separate entity from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case, determining if a noncitizen is subject to a final order of removal or eligible for certain forms of relief from removal.

Members of the public with information regarding noncitizen offenders can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

As one of ICE’s three operational directorates, ERO is the principal federal law enforcement authority in charge of domestic immigration enforcement. ERO’s mission is to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws, and its primary areas of focus are interior enforcement operations, management of the agency’s detained and non-detained populations, and repatriation of noncitizens who have received final orders of removal. ERO’s workforce consists of more than 7,700 law enforcement and non-law enforcement support personnel across 25 domestic field offices and 208 locations nationwide, 30 overseas postings, and multiple temporary duty travel assignments along the border.

Learn more about ERO Boston’s mission to increase public safety in our New England communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBoston.

The conference is sponsored by the Security Leaders Coalition (SLC) of Michigan. With the theme of "Are You Prepared?", the conference will feature presentations by four nationally recognized authorities on church security:

• "The Biblical Basis for Church Security" by Kurt Owen, pastor, Real Life Church, and expert and trainer on executive protection.
• "Conflict De-escalation with a Ministry Mindset" by John Riley, founder, Gentle Response, and former U.S. Army infantryman, retired Grand Rapids, Mich. police officer, and trainer on de-escalation techniques.
• "Church Focused Study: Active Shooter Threat" by Ed Monk, co-owner, Last Resort, and retired U.S. Army officer, part-time police officer, and firearms trainer.
• "When the Moment Chose Me: A Training Mindset" by Greg Stevens, retired Garland, Texas police officer who was awarded the Law Enforcement Medal of Valor for his actions ending the first ISIS attack on U.S. soil.

Doors will open at 8:00 a.m., and the conference will begin at 9:00 a.m. with a welcome by SLC President Mike Harvill and Oakland County Sheriff, Michael Bouchard. Lunch will be from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. with food available for purchase from food trucks in the church parking lot.

"With faith-based safety and security being such a new venture for houses of worship, most don't know where to turn to get information and training," Harvill said. "That's where the SLC comes in. We're here to help answer questions and provide guidance to houses of worship that are establishing safety and security ministries or are looking for more information to grow their existing ministries."

Admission to the conference is $65 per person, $50 per person for people from SLC member churches, and $45 per person for groups of eight or more people from SLC member churches. For further information and to register for the conference, visit the SLC website at  https://www.securityleaderscoalition.org/conferences.

Founded in 2015, the SLC is a faith-based non-profit organization whose members are leaders of safety and security teams at approximately 80 houses of worship in Michigan. The SLC is dedicated to helping houses of worship improve the safety and security of their congregations and to promoting relationships within the faith-based community. For further information, visit the SLC website at https://www.securityleaderscoalition.org.

CONTACTS:Mike Harvill, PresidentSecurity Leaders Coalition(248) 506-6006 mobile[email protected]

David Adrian, PresidentAdrian & Associates Public Relations Counselors(248) 515-4607 mobile[email protected] 

SOURCE Security Leaders Coalition

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During his visit to the United States, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora. The main topic of discussion was Ukraine’s strategic goals, its prospects in NATO, and the importance of support from Ukrainians abroad.

“The Ukrainian American community is thousands of hearts that beat together with our country. Your help and support for our soldiers and people are extremely important for Ukraine now,” Zelenskyy emphasized, thanking the community in the United States for its activity.

Pavlo Kostyuk, the founder of the URF, who is participating in the organization of the visit, noted the special role of the Ukrainian community in promoting the interests of our country in the international arena.

“The diaspora is ambassadors abroad. Each of our voices of support, each initiative aimed at helping Ukraine is of great importance,” Mr. Kostyuk emphasized.

The President also shared his impressions of the visit to the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant and emphasized that Ukraine has never been so close to NATO.

“A little more determination and everything will work out,” Zelenskyy said.

Pavlo Kostyuk added that the joint efforts of Ukrainians, both in Ukraine and abroad, play a key role in bringing victory closer.

“We are working together for the sake of the future, and right now we have every chance to bring this future closer,” said the Founder of the URF.

After the meeting, the President and his wife Olena visited the exhibition “Oleksandra Ekster: The Stage is the World” at the Ukrainian Museum, where he also thanked the community for promoting Ukrainian identity and art.

Among the participants of the meeting were leaders of Ukrainian NGOs, scholars and educators united by a common goal of supporting Ukraine in its struggle for peace and independence.

The Ukraine Reconstruction Fund, for its part, will continue to actively help Ukraine and Ukrainians by promoting the development of reconstruction projects and international support for our country.

Der Beitrag Pavlo Kostyuk: At the President’s meeting with the Ukrainian community in the United States, we heard words of faith and support erschien zuerst auf ukrainereconstructionfund.

“The court’s decision today is both cruel and wrong. Until today, no appellate court has agreed with the government’s extreme position that a lawful permanent resident like Mr. Banyee can be categorically detained for a prolonged period of time without ever getting a bond hearing. The court’s decision now threatens to tear Mr. Banyee apart from his family, community, and the life he has built over the last two and a half years,” said My Khanh Ngo, staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union. “Mr. Banyee already served his time and has been successfully rehabilitated — both the immigration judge and Board of Immigration Appeals agree he is deserving of relief from removal, and he’s continued to do well since being released. Though today’s decision is disappointing, we remain hopeful that Mr. Banyee will ultimately win the right to stay in the United States, where he has lived since he was a child.”

Mr. Banyee’s case highlights the very problems with prolonged mandatory detention that advocates have consistently raised, especially with the over-policing of Black and Brown immigrants in the jail-to-deportation pipeline. The decision is a loss for immigrants’ rights, and sets a dangerous precedent that would allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to hold immigrants in detention for years on end — without any opportunity for a bond hearing — while they await the completion of their deportation proceedings.

“The right to personal liberty free from unjustified government incarceration is perhaps the most fundamental protection guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, and that guarantee extends to all of us regardless of immigration status,” said Benjamin Casper, staff attorney at the ACLU of Minnesota. “This decision violates that basic principle.”

Mr. Banyee fled Côte d’Ivoire as a child refugee and has never left the United States since coming with his family in 2004. Because of petty theft and robbery convictions from when he was just 18 and 19 years old, he was placed into removal proceedings in March 2021 and detained by ICE at the Kandiyohi County Jail for over 12 months without any individualized review or hearing before a judge. He was finally released on bond by an immigration judge in April 2022, after the district court granted his habeas petition and ordered a bond hearing.

“There is no question that this morning’s decision is a mistake that erodes important international human rights and Constitutional protections against prolonged arbitrary detention,” said Zack Albun, legal director, refugee and immigrant program at the Advocates for Human Rights. “Yet, we remain optimistic that the Courts will recognize (as the immigration judge in this case originally held) that Mr. Banyee is entitled to relief from removal, and that he will continue to thrive in his home, the United States.”

The federal government appealed the case, arguing that it has a right to detain individuals with no limit and without a hearing, as long as removal proceedings are ongoing. The Eighth Circuit heard oral arguments in February 2024, when lawyers for the ACLU argued that Mr. Banyee’s prolonged detention without a hearing violated his right to due process.

WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned five individuals and one entity associated with the Intellexa Consortium for their role in developing, operating, and distributing commercial spyware technology that presents a significant threat to the national security of the United States. These designations complement concerted U.S. government actions against commercial spyware vendors, including previous sanctions against individuals and entities associated with the Intellexa Consortium; the Department of Commerce’s addition of commercial spyware vendors to the Entity List; and the Department of State’s visa ban policy targeting those who misuse or profit from the misuse of commercial spyware, subsequently exercised on thirteen individuals.  

“The United States will not tolerate the reckless propagation of disruptive technologies that threatens our national security and undermines the privacy and civil liberties of our citizens,” said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. “We will continue to hold accountable those that seek to enable the proliferation of exploitative technologies, while also encouraging the responsible development of technologies that align with international standards.” 

Today’s action reaffirms the United States’ commitment to countering the exploitation of Americans’ sensitive data and digital authoritarianism, and aligns with a series of U.S. Government actions to counter the proliferation and misuse of commercial spyware, including the issuance of Executive Order (E.O.) 14093 to Prohibit U.S. Government Use of Commercial Spyware that Poses Risks to National Security; the Joint Statement on Efforts to Counter the Proliferation and Misuse of Commercial Spyware; and the Guiding Principles on Government Use of Surveillance Technologies. These measures reflect the U.S. Government’s commitment to use all available tools and authorities, including sanctions as well as export controls and visa restrictions, to counter the misuse of such sophisticated surveillance technology. 

targeting the global commercial spyware network

The Intellexa Consortium is a complex international web of decentralized companies that built and commercialized a comprehensive suite of highly invasive spyware products, primarily marketed under the brand-name “Predator.” The consortium was founded by Tal Jonathan Dilian (Dilian), an individual designated pursuant to E.O. 13694, as amended by E.O. 13757 (“E.O. 13694, as amended”). 

Predator spyware can be used to gain access to data stored and transmitted from the target’s device, such as a cellphone, through one-click and zero-click attacks that require no user interaction for the spyware to infect the device.Successful Predator spyware attacks can provide the spyware’s operators with access to sensitive information on the victim’s device, including photos, geolocation data, personal messages, and microphone records. As a part of the growing commercial spyware industry, the Intellexa Consortium maintains operations around the world, and its clients include state-sponsored actors and governments. Past targets of the Intellexa Consortium’s spyware products include government officials, journalists, policy experts, and opposition politicians.

Felix Bitzios (Bitzios) is the beneficial owner of an Intellexa Consortium company that was used to supply Predator spyware to a foreign government client. Bitzios also acted as the manager of Intellexa S.A., a company in the Intellexa Consortium that was designated pursuant to E.O. 13694, as amended.

Andrea Nicola Constantino Hermes Gambazzi is the beneficial owner of Thalestris Limited and Intellexa Limited, members of the Intellexa Consortium that were designated pursuant to E.O. 13694, as amended. Thalestris Limited holds distribution rights to the Predator spyware, and is the parent company to Intellexa S.A. Thalestris Limited has been involved in processing transactions on behalf of other entities within the Intellexa Consortium.   

Merom Harpaz is a top executive of the Intellexa Consortium, and acted as a manager of Intellexa S.A.

Panagiota Karaoli is the director of multiple Intellexa Consortium entities that are controlled by or are a subsidiary of Thalestris Limited. 

Artemis Artemiou (Artemiou) is the general manager and member of the board of Cytrox Holdings Zartkoruen Mukodo Reszvenytarsasag (Cytrox Holdings), a member of the Intellexa Consortium that was designated pursuant to E.O. 13694, as amended. Artemiou is also an employee of Intellexa S.A.

Aliada GroupInc. (Aliada Group), a British Virgin Islands-based company and member of the Intellexa Consortium, has enabled tens of millions of dollars of transactions involving the network. The Aliada Group is directed by Dilian. The Aliada Group was associated with Intellexa S.A. and Intellexa Limited, and held shares in Cytrox Holdings.   

Felix Bitzios, Andrea Nicola Constantino Hermes Gambazzi, Merom Harpaz, Panagiota Karaoli, Artemis Artemiou¸ and theAliada Group Inc.are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13694, as amended, for being responsible for or complicit in, or having engaged in, directly or indirectly, cyber-enabled activities originating from, or directed by persons located, in whole or in substantial part, outside the United States that are reasonably likely to result in, or have materially contributed to, a significant threat to the national security, foreign policy, or economic health or financial stability of the United States and that have the purpose or effect of causing a significant misappropriation of funds or economic resources, trade secrets, personal identifiers, or financial information for commercial or competitive advantage or private financial gain.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons. Non-U.S. persons are also prohibited from causing or conspiring to cause U.S. persons to wittingly or unwittingly violate U.S. sanctions, as well as engaging in conduct that evades U.S. sanctions. OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC’s enforcement of U.S. sanctions, including the factors that OFAC generally considers when determining an appropriate response to an apparent violation.

In addition, financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action. Prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. 

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC’s ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC’s Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here.Click here for more information on the individuals and entities designated today.

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GAITHERSBURG, Md. — Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded $6 million to Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to establish a joint center to support cooperative research and experimentation for the test and evaluation of modern AI capabilities and tools. The center will be housed on the Carnegie Mellon campus, in Pittsburgh.

“Artificial intelligence is the defining technology of our generation, and at the Commerce Department we are committed to working with America’s world-class higher education institutions, like Carnegie Mellon University, to advance safe, secure and trustworthy development of AI,” Raimondo said.“I am excited to announce this NIST award of $6 million for Carnegie Mellon to boost research of AI systems and support a new generation of scientists and engineers that will help advance American innovation globally.”

The CMU/NIST AI Measurement Science & Engineering Cooperative Research Center will seek to advance AI risk management practices and evaluation approaches through stakeholder partnerships and translate assessment capabilities and methodologies into practice. 

“This new cooperative research center will expand NIST’s knowledge base and fundamental research capacity in AI,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST Director Laurie E. Locascio. “Through this partnership, we will strengthen our understanding of foundation models and support new research — and new researchers — in this rapidly evolving field.”

The center will focus on foundational research and developing AI system-level tooling, metrics, evaluation procedures, development processes, and best practices to help AI builders consistently engineer safe AI systems. Its efforts will align with NIST AI priorities including better methods for measuring validity, reliability, safety, privacy and security; accountability, transparency, fairness and explainability; and generative AI evaluation at any stage of development or deployment.

The grant to CMU was awarded through NIST’s Measurement Science and Engineering Research Grant Program, which supports collaborative research aligned with NIST’s research objectives. The program seeks to develop a diverse, world-class pool of scientists and engineers to engage in NIST’s measurement science and standards research and to promote understanding of measurement science and standards. 

The new center’s work will support the NIST AI Innovation Lab (NAIIL), which is a component of NIST’s larger efforts on fundamental AI measurement research and guideline development.

The PEOPLE Companies That Care list is based on over 1.3 million employee survey responses and data from companies representing the experience of more than 8.2 million employees. Of those surveys, more than a million came from employees at companies eligible for this year's list and the rankings are based on that feedback.

Companies also submit essays which are validated by employee survey data to give a complete picture of the way an organization cares for its employees, its community, and the planet. To be considered for the list, companies must be Great Place To Work Certified™ and have at least 10 U.S. employees.

"We are incredibly proud to be recognized on this list dedicated to recognizing companies that care, for a second year in a row," said Venterra CEO, John Foresi. "Our team's enthusiasm in positively impacting our community and supporting one another is truly inspiring. Such acknowledgments motivate us to continue our efforts in ensuring a supportive and caring environment for everyone."

"By fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we are able to achieve remarkable results and make a meaningful impact," said Andrew Stewart, Venterra Chairman. "Our employees have transformed the concept of a Culture of Care into a tangible, real-life culture that drives our growth and innovation. We couldn't be more proud and grateful for the unwavering commitment of our colleagues and the profound difference they make every day."

The Companies That Care list is highly competitive. Survey responses reflect a comprehensive picture of the workplace experience. Honorees were selected based on their ability to offer positive outcomes for employees regardless of job role, race, gender, sexual orientation, work status, or other demographic identifier.

"What these companies prove is that taking care of your workforce is an investment — not a cost," says Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work. "And companies that do it the right way will reap the benefits: more engagement, faster innovation, and a healthy bottom line."

"Each year, we look forward to highlighting the innovative ways these companies give back to their employees, communities and the world," says Wendy Naugle, PEOPLE editor-in-chief. "Celebrating the care and kindness they show is a natural extension of our editorial mission—to show what's possible when ordinary people commit to extraordinary endeavors."

About Venterra:

Founded in 2001, Venterra Realty develops, owns and manages approximately 90 communities and about 26,000 apartment units across 21 major US cities. Venterra provides housing to over 50,000 people and 15,000 pets. The organization has completed $9.7 Billion in real estate transactions and currently manages a portfolio of multi-family real estate assets valued at approximately $5.5 Billion. Venterra is committed to improving the lives of its residents by delivering industry-leading customer experience. Find out more about Venterra Realty and its award-winning company culture at Venterra.com.

About the PEOPLE Companies That Care List

Great Place To Work selected the 2024 PEOPLE Companies That Care List by gathering and analyzing over 1.3 million confidential survey responses from companies representing more than 8.2 million U.S. employees at Great Place To Work Certified organizations. Of those, more than a million responses came from employees at companies eligible for the list and these rankings are based on that feedback. Company rankings are derived from 60 employee experience questions within the Great Place To Work Trust Index™ Survey. Read the full methodology.

To get on this list next year, start here.

About Great Place To Work

As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Their proprietary platform and For All™ Model help companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified or receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces™ List.

Follow Great Place To Work on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram or visit greatplacetowork.com and sign up for the newsletter to learn more.

About PEOPLE

PEOPLE delivers the most trustworthy celebrity news and captivating human-interest stories, connecting you to the pulse of American culture. Since our first issue hit stands in 1974, we have been striving to tell compelling stories about the people behind the issues, as opposed to just the issues themselves. We are your everyday escape, taking you inside the lives of intriguing stars, newsmakers, up-and-comers, and ordinary people doing extraordinary things. We serve and delight you by providing ideas about beauty, food, and style through the lens of the people influencing the trends. And we are a force for good by telling stories of hope, optimism, and kindness that drive conversation and inspire action.

Contact: Allie Foard, Communications Manager & Brand Specialist[email protected]

SOURCE Venterra Realty

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The report details how federal interior checkpoints within 100 miles of the U.S. border, where Border Patrol is permitted to screen vehicles and question passengers, can have a direct impact on people who are undocumented or in mixed-status families when fleeing the abortion ban. The report also details how Operation Lone Star, Governor Greg Abbott’s multi-billion-dollar, anti-immigrant initiative, has exacerbated the chilling effect on Texas residents trying to access care.

“Federal interior checkpoints, state anti-immigrant policing, and extreme abortion bans combine to create an unnecessary, stressful, and dangerous web of barriers to abortion care for people living in border communities,” said Sarah Mehta, senior border policy counsel at the ACLU. “Faced with these increasingly hostile state actions, the federal government can and should act to remove the danger of immigration enforcement from border residents trying to get to essential care.” 

In 2023, Texas had the most residents traveling out of state for an abortion — and in many cases, they are traveling up to 12 hours one way by car, further than anyone else in the country. U.S. Border Patrol operates around 110 interior checkpoints with approximately 19 in Texas alone, stationed on the major — and sometimes only — roads in Texas within 100 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border. The ACLU has repeatedly called for the elimination of all permanent interior Border Patrol checkpoints and full compliance with the Fourth Amendment at these checkpoints, including requiring reasonable suspicion for all searches or seizures within any defined border zone.

“It is truly astounding how far state leaders have gone to ignore the true needs and priorities of Texans and deny us of our autonomy, especially in our border communities,” said Maria Cordero, policy strategist for border and immigrants' rights at the ACLU of Texas. “The state wastes literally billions of dollars endangering our lives through lethal anti-immigrant policing and by preventing us from accessing essential health care, like abortion. This is shamefully cruel. Every person in Texas should be able to make the deeply personal decision as to whether, when, and how to have children — no matter our immigration status.”

The ACLU and ACLU of Texas urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ensure that border residents can access essential care, free from fear of immigration enforcement, and calls for more transparency and oversight for checkpoint operations.

The full report, as well as interactive maps of interior checkpoints and driving distance to abortion care by population, are available here.

Pavlo Kostyuk, founder of the Ukraine Reconstruction Fund, expressed his gratitude to the United States for a new package of assistance to Ukraine worth more than $1 billion and noted that this decision is strategically important for the stability of the country.

As it has become known, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing Ukraine with more than $1 billion in support, of which $825 million will be allocated to strengthen the energy system this winter. This financial assistance was announced during the visit of USAID Administrator Samantha Power to Kyiv, which we reported on on October 3.

Ms. Power noted that this amount is double the amount of energy assistance provided by the United States last year and is a response to expected attacks on energy infrastructure by Russia.

“U.S. assistance is strategic and vital for Ukraine, especially as we prepare for the winter months when Russian attacks on critical infrastructure could cause serious damage. $825 million from USAID is a huge contribution to our ability to rebuild and strengthen the energy system to keep millions of Ukrainians warm and alive,” said Pavlo Kostyuk, founder of the Ukraine Reconstruction Fund.

In addition, USAID has launched a new five-year, $13 million rehabilitation program, Rehab for You. This initiative is aimed at supporting over 250000 Ukrainians in need of physical and psychological rehabilitation after the war.

“Launching a rehabilitation program is not just about financial assistance. It is about human lives and restoring human potential. Rehabilitation of Ukrainians after traumas is a key factor in the recovery of the country and its economy,” said Kostyuk.

USAID is also providing $237 million in humanitarian assistance to provide food, shelter, medical services and winter clothing for Ukrainians both within the country and for displaced people abroad.

Thanks to U.S. support, Ukrainian education has also received a significant contribution, with 3.2 million textbooks printed for primary school students.

Der Beitrag Pavlo Kostyuk: $1 billion is not just about financial aid, it’s about human lives erschien zuerst auf ukrainereconstructionfund.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, October 26th, 2024
• Headline act: Sgt. Keni Thomas and Friends
• Time: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM EST (Main act at 3:30)
• Location: Columbus Civic Center, 400 4th Street, Columbus, GA 31901
• Tickets: Available September 12, 2024, at https://spookyhoedown.thefanid.com/

The event will feature an eclectic mix of country music, headlined by country music star Keni Thomas and his band. The event will also feature performances by local favorites and a full range of activities perfect for the whole family, including:

• Magic Show:
• Haunted Hayride:
• Activities for Kids:
• Bouncy Houses:
• Food & Drink: A wide variety of food vendors, with beer, wine, and spirits available for adults

Your ID will donate a portion of ticket sales to charity supporting veterans and military families. The festival will bring the community together in a celebration of Halloween spirit while honoring those who serve. The Columbus Civic Center stated, "We are thrilled to host The All-American Spooky Southern Hoedown, a unique blend of family-friendly Halloween fun and Military Appreciation. This event brings together our community to honor our servicemen and women while enjoying a day filled with great music, activities for all ages, and unforgettable memories. We look forward to welcoming everyone for a truly special celebration."

Keni Thomas, a decorated combat veteran and acclaimed country artist, will perform and deliver a keynote speech, paying tribute to his fellow soldiers and the importance of community support.

About Your ID:

Your ID is a leading event promotion company dedicated to creating memorable experiences. Your ID provides a unique blend of cutting-edge technology and expertise through premium service, ensuring exceptional and high-value events. In addition to concerts, Your ID also specializes in the organization of international football matches.

https://spookyhoedown.thefanid.com/

About Keni Thomas:

Keni Thomas is a decorated combat veteran, acclaimed country music artist, and inspiring motivational speaker. Keni was a member of the elite 75th Ranger Regiment and served with distinction in the Battle of Mogadishu, Somalia—a mission that was later immortalized in the book and film Black Hawk Down. His acts of valor during the battle earned him the Bronze Star Medal with Valor.

Following his military service, Keni transitioned to a successful career in country music, where he has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the industry.

For more information or vendor opportunities visit https://spookyhoedown.thefanid.com/

Contact

Brent McCann
Your ID, IncEmail: [email protected]

SOURCE Your ID, Inc.

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The lawsuit, filed in 2021 by the Texas Civil Rights Project, American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Texas, Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Disability Rights Texas, and the law firm Jenner & Block LLP, challenged numerous provisions of the bill, including that its prohibition against certain interactions in the presence of a ballot violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Texas, Register, Educate, Vote, & Use your Power - Texas (REV UP Texas), and OCA Greater Houston.

This ruling comes after a six week trial last October. The state has announced plans to appeal at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to review the ruling and request a stay of the decision while the appeal plays out.

This latest decision follows an August 2023 win in this case where the district court ruled that the mail-ballot ID-matching provisions of Senate Bill 1 violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The groups await the court’s findings on whether the same provisions of the law, as well as the bill’s expanded Oath of Assistance, violate the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, along with if S.B. 1’s limitations on compensated mail-voting assistance violate Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act. This decision also follows a separate and successful 2022 challenge to S.B. 1’s limitations on the type of assistance that may be rendered to Limited English speaking and disabled voters.

“This ruling is a major triumph in our fight to protect voting rights in Texas,” said Rochelle Garza (she/her), president of the Texas Civil Rights Project. “By striking down these unconstitutional restrictions, the Court has made it clear: voter suppression has no place in our democracy. With Election Day approaching, this decision will make it easier for Texans to vote without fear of being punished. At the Texas Civil Rights Project, we will keep pushing back against these harmful anti-voter laws to protect the basic right that belongs to everyone—the right to vote.”

“This provision of S.B. 1, which the district court rightfully dubbed ‘the canvassing restriction,’ served no purpose but to illegally suppress core political speech under threat of criminal prosecution,” said Zach Dolling (he/him), senior supervising attorney, Voting Rights Program at the Texas Civil Rights Project. “This victory is a powerful repudiation of Texas’s unconstitutional restriction of our clients’ First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. As a result, community organizers like our clients and their members can again engage in the canvassing, voter assistance, and other protected activities that S.B. 1 had forced them to cease.”

“We are incredibly pleased with the federal court’s ruling. This is a significant step towards ensuring equal access to voting, a foundation of our democracy,” said Jessica Ring Amunson and Alex Trepp, partners at Jenner & Block. “We are proud to partner with co-counsel on this important work to protect the right to vote.”

Dayton Campbell-Harris, staff attorney (he/him), ACLU Voting Rights Project: “This ruling is a major victory for voting rights in Texas and a testament to our clients’ relentless commitment to Texans and to our democracy. The law criminalized and severely restricted people’s interactions with voters and GOTV efforts: something Texas should encourage, and not try to stop.”

"This ruling affirms what we have known all along: It is unconstitutional for state leaders to criminalize organizers in Texas for getting out the vote when a mail ballot may be present," said Savannah Kumar (she/they), staff attorney at the ACLU of Texas. "Weeks of powerful testimony by our clients led the court to conclude that this provision of Senate Bill 1 is unconstitutionally overbroad, vague, and an unconstitutional restriction on free speech. We are optimistic that the law’s other harmful changes will be struck down as well. Democracy cannot thrive when civic engagement is criminalized, and this decision affirms that Texans have the right to talk with their neighbors about politics without fearing being locked up."

“Yet another Texas measure to address a manufactured “voter fraud” threat has been exposed for what it is, an unconstitutional and crass attempt to criminalize fundamental voting rights,” said Susana Lorenzo-Giguere (she/her), associate director for democracy at the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund. “The court also explicitly chided Texas’ failure in basic common courtesy to voters, many of whom are elderly Asian Americans with limited English ability, who brought their mail-in ballots to our clients’ community meetings with questions about the voting process and seeking assistance.”

"We are celebrating this successful outcome. S.B. 1’s canvassing restrictions chilled all of our civic engagement activities that prior to S.B. 1 had benefited hundreds of voters in our community in each election. We even feared criminal consequences just giving Gatorade and water to hydrate our canvassers working in the Texas heat of a hundred degrees or more,” said Deborah Chen, OCA-GH’s civic engagement programs director. “One of our missions is to educate and develop a pool of leaders, not to expose our student volunteers to criminal charges.”

“LWV of Texas is energized by this ruling,” said Joyce LeBombard, president of the League of Women Voters of Texas. “Voter engagement is part of LWV's core work — helping voters make their voices heard. As we testified at trial, this provision would have criminalized voters and League members for being engaged in routine voter outreach. Voters, especially those with disabilities and first-time voters, rely on the services of groups like the League to participate in our democracy.”

"Laws that stand in the way of the freedom to vote are intolerable and rightly prohibited in our democracy,” said Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters of the United States. “Texas voters must not be silenced by unnecessary laws that restrict vital voter engagement. We are pleased that this ruling that unfairly criminalized our civic engagement work was struck down so that Texans can make their voices heard.”

Barrantes was arrested Feb. 7, 2020, about 150 nautical miles south of Costa Rica by the U.S. Coast Guard and charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine on board a vessel. He was paroled into the United States for criminal prosecution and convicted by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California of two counts of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute on board a vessel as well as aiding and abetting. Barrantes was sentenced to 60 months of incarceration March 30, 2022. ERO Seattle encountered Barrantes at the Federal Detention Center in Seattle Feb. 24, 2023, lodging an immigration detainer the same day. He was arrested and transported to the Northwest ICE Processing Center June 7. An immigration judge ordered Barrantes, who is also wanted for drug trafficking in Costa Rica, removed to Costa Rica July 14.

“ERO Seattle officers serve as a vital part of a federal law enforcement effort to protect our country from foreign drug traffickers. This removal is an example of that commitment and shows a respect for the rule of law in the home country of the noncitizen,” said ERO Seattle Field Office Director Drew H. Bostock.

Noncitizens placed into removal proceedings receive their legal due process from federal immigration judges in the immigration courts, which are administered by the Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Executive Office for Immigration Review is an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice and is separate from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case. ICE officers carry out the removal decisions made by the federal immigration judges.

As one of ICE’s three operational directorates, ERO is the principal federal law enforcement authority in charge of domestic immigration enforcement. ERO’s mission is to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws, and its primary areas of focus are interior enforcement operations, management of the agency’s detained and non-detained populations, and repatriation of noncitizens who have received final orders of removal. ERO’s workforce consists of more than 7,700 law enforcement and non-law enforcement support personnel across 25 domestic field offices and 208 locations nationwide, 30 overseas postings, and multiple temporary duty travel assignments along the border.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in your community on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROSeattle.

“Evin Obdulio Ponce-Guillen unlawfully entered the United States, made his way to Maryland, and then victimized one of the members of our community,” said ERO Baltimore acting Field Office Director Nikita Baker. “We have a duty to protect the residents of our Maryland communities from such violent noncitizen reprobates. ERO Baltimore will continue to prioritize public safety by apprehending and removing egregious noncitizen offenders.”

Ponce unlawfully entered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location and without being inspected, admitted or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.

The Charles County Police Department arrested Ponce Sept. 5, 2023, and charged him with assault second degree.

The Circuit Court for Charles County convicted Ponce of assault second degree April 5, 2024, and sentenced him to five years in prison. The court then suspended three and a half years of the prison sentence.

Officers from ERO Baltimore arrested Ponce Sept. 19, 2024, in Waldorf and served him with a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge. Ponce remains in ERO custody.

ERO conducts removals of individuals without a lawful basis to remain in the United States, including at the order of immigration judges with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Executive Office for Immigration Review is a separate entity from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case, determining if a noncitizen is subject to a final order of removal or eligible for certain forms of relief from removal.

Members of the public can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the ICE online tip form.

As one of ICE’s three operational directorates, ERO is the principal federal law enforcement authority in charge of domestic immigration enforcement. ERO’s mission is to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws, and its primary areas of focus are interior enforcement operations, management of the agency’s detained and non-detained populations, and repatriation of noncitizens who have received final orders of removal. ERO’s workforce consists of more than 7,700 law enforcement and non-law enforcement support personnel across 25 domestic field offices and 208 locations nationwide, 30 overseas postings, and multiple temporary duty travel assignments along the border.

Learn more about ERO Baltimore’s mission to increase public safety in our Maryland communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBaltimore.

Last week, the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Maryland, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, and the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University filed an amicus brief in support of University of Maryland Students for Justice in Palestine's lawsuit challenging the ban on First Amendment grounds. The free speech organizations argued that the university's ban is unconstitutional because the restriction singles out speech based on its message and fails to meet the high bar therefore required by the First Amendment to justify it.

"The right to engage in free exchange of ideas on campus is not a right that can be taken away because people in power do not want to hear them," said Nick Taichi Steiner at ACLU of Maryland. “Universities must foster an environment where all students feel able to express themselves, their opinions, and their emotions. UMD denied that to the Students for Justice in Palestine and violated their First Amendment rights. We’re grateful for the court’s decision to overturn this viewpoint and content-based ban."

The Council for American-Islamic Relations and Palestine Legal represent the University of Maryland Students for Justice in Palestine, which initially received university permission to host a vigil on the anniversary of October 7 to mourn lives lost in Gaza over the past year. However, after facing complaints about the event and the sponsor, the University of Maryland revoked its permission. The university subsequently instituted a blanket ban on all student-led “expressive events” for October 7, and declared that the university system would allow only “university-sponsored events that promote reflection.”

“This is an important victory for free speech,” said Alex Abdo, litigation director at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University. “It’s unfortunate, though, that it took a federal lawsuit to reaffirm the rule that the First Amendment prohibits public universities from censoring speech based on disagreement with its message or the offense it may cause."

The groups’ amicus explained that this ban is a clear effort to silence speech about Israel and Palestine — and SJP’s message in particular — because the university limited it to a uniquely salient day, and was only declared after others voiced their displeasure with the vigil. The amicus also explains that, even if the ban were not focused on burdening particular messages, it would still be unreasonable, both because it would undercut the public university's core function of encouraging free debate and open dialogue, and because it would be impossible to discern what kinds of events are allowed on UMD campuses that day and what are not.

“Courts don't take preliminary injunction requests lightly, but it was as clear to the court as it was to our coalition that UMD's blanket ban would have constituted a serious and irreparable burden on student speech,” said Alex Morey, FIRE’s vice president of Campus Advocacy. “Students have a First Amendment right to speak on their public campus on October 7th, and UMD's effort to delay that speech to a day that's more convenient for them was, plain and simple, unconstitutional."

Switzerland has announced new financial commitments to support Ukraine’s recovery and engage the private sector in important projects. This became known after a meeting between Minister of Community Development Oleksiy Kuleba and Ambassador of Switzerland to Ukraine Felix Baumann.

One of the key areas of cooperation will be the construction of housing for internally displaced persons (IDPs), of which there are currently more than 4.5 million in Ukraine.

“Intensification of cooperation with Switzerland, especially in the area of housing for IDPs, is strategically important for Ukraine. This is not only assistance in times of crisis, but also a long-term contribution to restoring the viability of the regions. Attracting funding and support from the Swiss private sector will help accelerate these processes,” said Pavlo Kostyuk, founder of the Ukraine Reconstruction Fund.

Ambassador Felix Baumann emphasized that Switzerland has been actively supporting Ukraine for a long time, implementing decentralization and recovery programs. As part of the new initiatives, the Swiss government plans to allocate CHF 1.5 billion for reconstruction projects over the next four years. These funds will be used for Early Recovery programs and long-term projects.

“Long-term cooperation with partners such as Switzerland is a key element in Ukraine’s reconstruction plans. The 1.5 billion francs of financing demonstrate the seriousness of our partners’ intentions. Such contributions not only support ongoing programs but also lay the foundation for the country’s sustainable recovery,” added Pavlo Kostyuk.

A delegation of the Swiss private sector is currently in Ukraine to familiarize itself with the needs in the medium and long term. The 14th meeting of the Ukrainian-Swiss Joint Committee was also held, during which the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) presented an action plan to support Ukraine, including the involvement of Swiss companies in reconstruction projects.

Der Beitrag Switzerland provides 1.5 billion francs for reconstruction projects: comments by Pavlo Kostyuk erschien zuerst auf ukrainereconstructionfund.

Minimum tax estimated to generate more than $250 billion from the most profitable companies over next 10 years and $20 billion in 2025; 60% of corporations that pay the tax would otherwise have an effective federal tax rate of 1% or less.   

WASHINGTON – Today the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to increase tax fairness and address significant corporate tax avoidance by some of the largest and most profitable U.S. corporations by implementing the Inflation Reduction Act’s Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (CAMT). CAMT is a key plank of President Biden and Vice President Harris’s agenda to make the biggest corporations and wealthiest pay their fair share, while cutting taxes for working Americans and middle-class families and supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Treasury estimates that around 100 of the largest and most profitable companies will pay the CAMT annually. These corporations would have otherwise paid an average effective federal tax rate of 2.6%. An estimated 60% of CAMT payers would otherwise have paid an effective tax rate of less than 1%, including 25% of payers that would have paid an effective tax rate of zero.

That’s because some of the largest and most profitable corporations in the country use tax preferences and aggressive planning strategies to pay little to no taxes. These corporations report record profits to shareholders while often paying lower tax rates than nurses, firefighters, police officers, and teachers. Their ability to use complex strategies to avoid tax also gives them an unfair competitive advantage over small businesses, which don’t have access to the same tax planning techniques and high-paid lawyers and accountants. The CAMT helps level the playing field for small businesses by imposing a minimum tax on the profits that the largest corporations report to their shareholders.

Treasury’s NPRM would implement the statutory requirement that the biggest corporations pay a minimum 15% tax on profits reported to shareholders, with certain adjustments, to increase tax fairness and generate an estimated $250 billion over the next 10 years (2025-2034), including $20 billion in 2025.

The CAMT only applies to large corporations that average more than $1 billion in profit per year, not $1 billion in sales. In addition, if these corporations pay regular taxes that equal or exceed 15% of their adjusted profits, they would pay no additional tax. CAMT is designed as a backstop to ensure there are not years where the most profitable corporations in the world are paying minimal taxes.

“The proposed rules released by Treasury today are an important step toward realizing Congress’ efforts to address the most egregious U.S. corporate tax avoidance and ensure the largest and most profitable corporations in the country cannot pay little to no taxes,” said U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen. “The Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax will also help level the playing field for small businesses while generating hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue.”  

Crafting the rules to implement this tax has been one of the most significant projects the Treasury Department has undertaken in decades. Congress delegated a significant amount of authority to Treasury to implement the CAMT, and Treasury and the IRS are implementing the law via these proposed regulations consistent with Congress’s statutory direction and intent.

In particular, as part of the legislative process, Congress chose to retain only a small number of regular tax preferences for the purpose of the minimum tax. The proposed rules follow suit and generally do not create adjustments to the tax base other than those directed by Congress. Consistent with the four notices Treasury previously issued to give taxpayers early clarity, the NPRM addresses limited and targeted cases where adjustments are clearly needed to accomplish congressional intent. For example, it addresses situations involving bankrupt and other troubled companies so that these companies can emerge from bankruptcy and continue to operate and employ their workers.

Today’s guidance is a proposed rule. All stakeholders will have the opportunity to comment on the proposed regulations by December 12, 2024 and may request to speak at the public hearing on the proposed regulations scheduled for January 16, 2025. Treasury and the IRS will carefully consider all comments that we receive on the proposed regulations and make changes based on those comments as appropriate.    

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“Gustavo Augusto Mroczkoski unlawfully entered the United States, made his way to Martha’s Vineyard and allegedly engaged in drug and weapons crimes,” said ERO Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “His actions potentially endangered the members of this Massachusetts community. ERO Boston will continue to prioritize the safety of our public by relentlessly pursuing, arresting and removing egregious noncitizen offenders.”

U.S. Border Patrol arrested Mroczkoski after he unlawfully entered the United States May 4, 2021, near San Luiz, Arizona.

ERO released Mroczkoski July 3, 2021, on an order of recognizance.

Authorities in Dukes County arrested Mroczkoski and arraigned him in the Dukes County Superior Court July 24 on two counts of possessing a large capacity weapon, as well as charges of possessing more than 300 rounds of ammunition without a firearms identification card, possessing with intent to distribute a Class B controlled substance, and possessing Class C and Class E controlled substances.

Officers from ERO Boston arrested Mroczkoski Sept. 17, in Oak Bluffs. He remains in ERO custody.

ERO conducts removals of individuals without a lawful basis to remain in the United States, including at the order of immigration judges with Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Executive Office for Immigration Review is a separate entity from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case, determining if a noncitizen is subject to a final order of removal or eligible for certain forms of relief from removal.

As one of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s three operational directorates, ERO is the principal federal law enforcement authority in charge of domestic immigration enforcement. ERO’s mission is to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws, and its primary areas of focus are interior enforcement operations, management of the agency’s detained and non-detained populations, and repatriation of noncitizens who have received final orders of removal. ERO’s workforce consists of more than 7,700 law enforcement and non-law enforcement support personnel across 25 domestic field offices and 208 locations nationwide, 30 overseas postings, and multiple temporary duty travel assignments along the border.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our New England communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBoston.

“Not only did this Brazilian noncitizen break U.S. immigration laws, but he attempted to distribute drugs on Martha’s Vineyard,” said ERO Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “We will not tolerate such activities to continue in our communities. ERO Boston will continue to persistently arrest and remove egregious noncitizen offenders from our New England neighborhoods.”

The Brazilian noncitizen unlawfully entered the United States June 12, 2021, near Imperial Beach, California, without being inspected, admitted or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.

On August 25, 2021, ERO served the Brazilian noncitizen a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge.

The Edgartown District Court issued the Brazilian noncitizen a continued without a finding for the offense of possession to distribute Class B controlled substances Aug. 23. The court then sentenced the noncitizen to two years of supervised release.

Officers with ERO Boston arrested the Brazilian national Sept. 18 in Oak Bluffs. He remains in ERO custody.

ERO conducts removals of individuals without a lawful basis to remain in the United States, including at the order of immigration judges with Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Executive Office for Immigration Review is a separate entity from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case, determining if a noncitizen is subject to a final order of removal or eligible for certain forms of relief from removal.

As one of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s three operational directorates, ERO is the principal federal law enforcement authority in charge of domestic immigration enforcement. ERO’s mission is to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws, and its primary areas of focus are interior enforcement operations, management of the agency’s detained and non-detained populations, and repatriation of noncitizens who have received final orders of removal. ERO’s workforce consists of more than 7,700 law enforcement and non-law enforcement support personnel across 25 domestic field offices and 208 locations nationwide, 30 overseas postings, and multiple temporary duty travel assignments along the border.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our New England communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBoston.

Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to announce an open competition demonstrating how AI can assist in developing new sustainable semiconductor materials and processes that meet industry needs and can be designed and adopted within five years. For the U.S. semiconductor industry to flourish in the long-term, it must be able to develop innovative and commercially competitive technologies to sustainably produce materials and manufacture chips in a way that protects the environment and local communities. 

To accomplish this, CHIPS for America anticipates up to $100 million in funding to award recipients that develop university-led, industry-informed, collaborations about artificial intelligence-powered autonomous experimentation (AI/AE) relevant to sustainable semiconductor manufacturing. The full text of the NOI can be found here.

“Right now, new semiconductor materials often take years to be production-ready and are incredibly resource-intensive. If we’re going to quickly build up America’s semiconductor manufacturing base, in a way that’s sustainable over the long term in the face of increasing threats from the climate crisis, we need to leverage AI to help develop sustainable material processes quickly. With this new program, the Biden-Harris Administration will harness the vast capabilities of AI to unleash the full potential of our workers and innovators, while building a more secure and enduring domestic semiconductor industry,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. 

“President Biden says our nation can be defined in a single word: Possibilities. Using AI to accelerate the extensive, intricate work of developing sustainable materials for this incredibly complicated product is a great example of American ingenuity,” said Arati Prabhakar, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. “This is how CHIPS research and development will help manufacturers continue to succeed and thrive here at home.”

AI/AE has emerged as a potentially game-changing approach to accelerating materials research and development. AI/AE combines automated synthesis and characterization tools with an AI “planner” to determine the next round of an experimental campaign, vastly accelerating the design of new materials and the acquisition of materials data. In enabling federated research across multiple locations, AI/AE can create opportunities for collaborations across established research universities, emerging research institutions, industry, and national laboratories.

CHIPS for America – with its programs spanning manufacturing incentives and multiple areas of research and development – is uniquely positioned to work with stakeholders across federal, state, and local government, industry, academia and research institutions, labor unions, and environmental groups to investigate, commercialize, and advance solutions in this space. Addressing sustainability challenges also presents an opportunity to better engage universities, including emerging research institutions, to conduct high-impact semiconductor R&D and to grow semiconductor research talent.

“We have a unique opportunity to make the United States a world leader in efficient, safe, high-volume, and competitive semiconductor manufacturing,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Director Laurie E. Locascio. “This CHIPS for America funding opportunity will help bring about sustainable manufacturing processes and materials to meet increasing demands for sustainability and safe working environments in perhaps as few as five years.”

Through this anticipated funding opportunity, CHIPS for America will support the sustainability of the U.S. semiconductor industry while recognizing the ongoing demand for improving microelectronics power, performance, area, and cost metrics. The competition will also aim to expand the participation of universities, including emerging research institutions, and their graduates in the semiconductor research and development (R&D) ecosystem. The notice of funding opportunity is expected to be released later this year.

More information about CHIPS for America’s environmental work can be found here. Follow CHIPS.gov for updates.

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“With the threat of mass detention and deportations looming, the public has a right to understand our immigration infrastructure and how it could be used to become an even more destructive deportation machine,” said My Khanh Ngo, staff attorney at the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project. “Today's filing is a critical step in our preparations to fight back against threats to immigrants’ rights posed by any administration.”

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, demands that ICE, DHS, DOJ, and CBP comply with the Freedom of Information Act and immediately turn over the requested records to the ACLU, which include:

• Records from ICE that show bed space available to ICE, including all currently operational or contracted ICE detention facilities

• Records from DHS regarding its policies for reassigning personnel from one DHS component to another

• Records from CBP regarding its ground transportation of noncitizens between detention centers and to airports for removal

• Legal memoranda from DHS and DOJ discussing the meaning of the “mass influx” provision of the immigration laws

“Every year, federal agencies like ICE waste billions of taxpayer dollars to punish people seeking a better life by locking them up in detention facilities known for pervasive medical neglect, abuse, and other civil rights violations,” said Kyle Virgien, senior staff attorney at the ACLU’s National Prison Project. “The documents requested will help us understand how any administration could expand the abusive immigration detention machine and carry out extreme anti-immigrant policies like mass deportations.”

Today’s filing also comes on the heels of a new FOIA lawsuit from the ACLU requesting documents regarding ICE’s potential plans to expand immigration detention across the country. Advocates warn that additional contracts will undoubtedly lead to further abuses in immigration detention and could potentially lay the groundwork for a presidential administration to implement mass deportations and raids.

“Little is known about how the detention and deportation apparatus actually operates despite the fact that the government spends billions of dollars every year to fund immigration detention and deportations,” said Linnea Cipriano, partner at Goodwin Procter LLP. “The Freedom of Information Act requires federal agencies like DHS and other to provide transparency in a timely manner, and our lawsuit will bring us one step closer to uncovering how our government could potentially implement a mass detention and deportation program on the taxpayers’ dime.”

The complaint is available here: https://www.aclu.org/documents/aclu-foia-complaint-mass-detention-deportation

Some of the approaches that CBO examined aim to reduce prescription drug prices by capping them or limiting their growth; others would reduce prices by promoting price competition or affecting the flow of information.

One examined approach would reduce prices by more than 5 percent—and possibly substantially more. That approach would set maximum allowed prices based on prices outside the United States.

An approach that expanded the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program would lead to a small reduction (1 percent to 3 percent) or a very small reduction (less than 1 percent) in average prices. An approach requiring manufacturers to pay inflation rebates for sales in the commercial market would lead to a small price reduction.

Four approaches would lead to a very small price reduction, no reduction, or a price increase. Those approaches would:

• Allow commercial importation of prescription drugs distributed outside the United States,
• Eliminate or limit direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising,
• Facilitate earlier market entry for generics and biosimilar drugs (which are analogous to generic drugs but are made from living organisms), or
• Increase transparency in brand-name drug prices.

Reducing drug prices would save money for patients and payers, but reducing manufacturers’ expected revenue from drugs that are not yet on the market would make investments in pharmaceutical research and development less profitable, thus decreasing the number of new drugs developed and introduced. Larger reductions in expected revenue would have a greater effect than smaller reductions.

Some approaches would have smaller effects on the prices of drugs launched after the approach was implemented than on those that were on the market beforehand. Additionally, some approaches would disrupt the availability of drugs in other countries, increase foreign drug prices, or both.

This burdensome and unnecessary directive (2024-21) deprives everyone who is lawfully assisting another voter from using a drop box, mandating that this method may be used only by voters who are returning their own ballot.

This directive was issued soon after a federal court decision in late-July that struck down restrictions in Ohio’s House Bill 458, which had made it a felony for all but a handful of family members to assist voters with disabilities in casting absentee ballots.

The initial challenge to HB 458 was brought by the ACLU, ACLU of Ohio, and Covington & Burling in December 2023, on behalf of the LWV-Ohio. LaRose has tried to use his loss in that case as a shield to justify his new effort to make drop boxes harder for all Ohioans to use. But nothing in the district court’s narrow, targeted ruling to protect the right to vote for Ohioans with disabilities made Ohio elections less safe or secure, nor did the district court’s order that Ohio comply with federal law justify LaRose’s imposition of new hurdles for Ohio voters and election officials.

“Secretary LaRose’s frantic alteration of the rules for voting in the upcoming election is hastily-conceived and logistically-fraught. The new requirements will likely disenfranchise voters who will not learn, until too late, of the last-minute changes. For other voters, as well as those legally authorized to assist them, the directive is intimidating, confusing and difficult to comply with. It must be rescinded immediately,” said Freda Levenson, legal director for the ACLU of Ohio.

“The court should put a stop to Secretary LaRose’s last-minute directive, which inflicts wholly unnecessary harm on Ohio voters and election officials. His latest effort to restrict Ohioans’ access to drop boxes will create confusion and unnecessary barriers for voters and rack up new processing and staffing difficulties for election officials, all just weeks before the start of absentee voting in Ohio,” said Megan Keenan, a staff attorney with the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project.

“People with disabilities, seniors, and voters of all walks of life prefer having a loved one deliver their absentee ballots to the drop box, because it is more direct than mail,” said Jen Miller, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Ohio. “This directive has no added security benefits but does create unnecessary work for elections officials and unreasonable barriers for voters. We call on the court to stand with voters by ensuring greater access to the one drop box in each Ohio county.”

“This mandate is a direct assault on the rights of voters with disabilities and others who face barriers to physically delivering their vote,” said NAACP Ohio State Conference President Tom Roberts. “It completely disregards the principle of accessibility and imposes a burden on those who rely on help to make their voices heard. We must ensure that all voters have equal access to the ballot without discriminatory restrictions.”

The organizations encourage the court to order the secretary to rescind Directive 2024-21 and inform county election officials to accept absentee ballots from authorized individuals without requiring an attestation form, including via a drop box.

The brief is online here.

Today, as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced its first award under the CHIPS Incentives Program’s Funding Opportunity for Commercial Fabrication Facilities of up to $123 million in direct funding to Polar Semiconductor (Polar). The award follows the previously signed preliminary memorandum of terms and the completion of the Department’s due diligence. The award will expand and modernize the company’s manufacturing facility in Bloomington, Minnesota. The Department will distribute the funds based on Polar’s completion of project milestones.

“Semiconductors – those tiny chips smaller than the tip of your finger – power everything from smartphones to cars to satellites and weapons systems. I signed the CHIPS and Science Act to revitalize American leadership in semiconductors, strengthen our supply chains, protect our national security, and advance American competitiveness. And over the last three and a half years, we have done just that, catalyzing over $400 billion in private sector investments in semiconductors and electronics that are creating over 115,000 construction and manufacturing jobs. This year alone, the United States is on pace to see more investment in electronics manufacturing construction than it did over the last 24 years combined,” said President Joe Biden. “Today’s announcement that the Department of Commerce has finalized the first commercial CHIPS Incentives award with Polar Semiconductor marks the next phase of the implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act, and demonstrates how we continue to deliver on the Investing in America agenda. Polar’s new facility will also be completed under a Project Labor Agreement to support its construction workforce, creating good-quality union jobs in Bloomington, Minnesota. Today’s announcement is just one of the many ways our Investing in America agenda is reshoring U.S. manufacturing, investing in workers and communities across the country, and advancing America’s leadership in the technologies of tomorrow.”

“Today represents an important milestone in the implementation of the historic CHIPS and Science Act as we announce the first award agreement with Polar,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “The Biden-Harris Administration’s investment in Polar will create a new U.S.-owned foundry for sensor and power semiconductors and modernize and expand Polar’s facilities in Minnesota, strengthening our national and economic security, bolstering our supply chains, and creating quality jobs.”

The Biden-Harris Administration’s investment will support Polar’s efforts to almost double its U.S. production capacity of sensor and power chips within two years. This award catalyzes a total investment of more than $525 million from private, state, and federal sources to transform Polar from a majority foreign-owned in-house manufacturer to a majority U.S.-owned commercial foundry. Through Polar’s semiconductor manufacturing operations, the Administration’s investment is expected to create over 160 manufacturing and construction jobs in Minnesota.

For more information about Polar’s award, please visit the CHIPS for America website.

“The Biden-Harris Administration’s investment into Polar marks the first award, of many to come, into communities across our nation to regain our lead in semiconductor manufacturing,” said Lael Brainard, National Economic Advisor.

“Polar and its employees are excited to embark on our transformative project. We welcome new customers and partnerships, and as a domestic U.S.-owned sensor and advanced power semiconductor merchant foundry, we will support technology and design innovation, protect intellectual property, facilitate onshoring and technology transfers, and provide efficient low- to high-volume manufacturing with world-class quality,” said Surya Iyer, President and Chief Operating Officer of Polar Semiconductor. “Through our collaborative and sustained workforce development efforts, we expect to support customers with highly skilled employees today and into the future. We are pleased to close on the significant equity investment from Niobrara Capital and Prysm Capital, and we extend our sincere thanks to our partners at the U.S. Department of Commerce, the State of Minnesota, and the City of Bloomington for their support of the future of American semiconductor manufacturing.”

The purpose of the Award Phase is to finalize comprehensive due diligence and negotiate the final award documents. As stated in the CHIPS Notice of Funding Opportunity for Commercial Fabrication Facilities, the Department will distribute direct funding based on the completion of project components in connection with both the capital expenditures for the project and production and commercial milestones. The program will track the performance of each CHIPS Incentives Award through financial and programmatic reports, in accordance with the award terms and conditions, to establish a compliance program to monitor that commitments are being upheld.

About CHIPS for AmericaCHIPS for America has allocated more than $35 billion in proposed funding across 16 states and proposed to invest billions more in research and innovation, which is expected to create over 115,000 jobs. Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, semiconductor and electronics companies have announced over $400 billion in private investments, catalyzed in large part by public investment. CHIPS for America is part of President Biden and Vice President Harris’s economic plan to invest in America, stimulate private sector investment, create good-paying jobs, make more in the United States, and revitalize communities left behind. CHIPS for America includes the CHIPS Program Office, responsible for manufacturing incentives, and the CHIPS Research and Development Office, responsible for R&D programs, that both sit within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) at the Department of Commerce. Visit https://www.chips.gov to learn more.

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In response to the filing, lead plaintiff SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the ACLU of Georgia issued the following statements:

“We are disappointed but not surprised to learn that Governor Kemp and Georgia Attorney General Carr are bending over backwards to ask the State Supreme Court to reinstate this deadly abortion ban,” said Monica Simpson, executive director of SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective. “Time and time again, we see anti-abortion extremists using our bodies for political gain instead of advocating for the safety and health of all Georgians. This abortion ban has forced Georgians to spend hundreds traveling across state lines and stole the lives of Amber Nicole Thurman and Candi Miller. This extremist crusade only further disregards our bodily autonomy, our lives, and our dignity. For nearly five years, we have resisted this ban, which is white supremacy in action. We refuse to back down or be silenced. Alongside our partners, we will continue to demand Reproductive Justice because, unlike Governor Kemp and Attorney General Carr, we understand that the freedom and livelihood of all Georgians matters more than political grandstanding.”

“Even after a judge ruled that Georgia’s abortion ban violates Georgians’ fundamental rights and freedoms – and even after the devastating reporting that the ban is the reason Candi Miller and Amber Nicole Thurman are not alive with their families today – Gov. Kemp and AG Carr are using every tool at their disposal to try to put this dangerous ban back in place,” said Julia Kaye, senior staff attorney with the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project. “This is appalling and cruel, but we won’t back down in the face of politicians more interested in scoring a political point than preserving the health, safety, and dignity of their constituents. We will never stop fighting until every person has the power to make personal medical decisions during pregnancy and access the care they need.”

“It’s clear that the state of Georgia has taken an extreme position to have control over decisions about reproductive rights,” said Andrea Young, executive director of the ACLU of Georgia. “We have already seen the tragic consequences of this extreme policy and we will continue to fight in the courts and at the ballot box.”

Stuffed Puffs, LLC, known for its innovative and proprietary technology for producing high-quality marshmallow products filled with milk chocolate and other ingredients, has garnered significant consumer attention and has been the leading driver of growth in its category since its launch in 2019. Founded by Michael Tierney, who has been the driving force behind the brand's success, Stuffed Puffs also benefited from celebrity investors like Grammy-nominated artist Marshmello and his manager Moe Shalizi. Their reach and collaboration were pivotal in connecting the brand with a wide audience and helping to drive the brand's success.

"As we continue to evolve our business, the acquisition of Stuffed Puffs represents a significant step in broadening our confectionery portfolio," said Enrique Grajeda, CEO of Mount Franklin Foods. "We are excited to wed our strengths with those of Stuffed Puffs to deliver even more value and innovation to our customers."

"We are thrilled to join the Mount Franklin Foods family," said Michael Tierney, Founder & CEO of Stuffed Puffs. "With a shared vision for the future of Stuffed Puffs, our strategic alignment with Mount Franklin Foods, together with its scale and resources, will be a major unlock for us to accelerate our growth trajectory and innovation pipeline."

Mount Franklin Foods serves the retail and foodservice industries, manufacturing a variety of high-quality candy, mint and nut products including gummies, jellies, mints, fruit snacks, nut, and snack mixes under well-recognized brands such as Azar Nut, Sunrise Confections and Hospitality Mints. In addition, Mount Franklin Foods has a large co-manufacturing and private label business supporting brands and retailers across the country. The acquisition aligns with Mount Franklin Foods' strategic goal to diversify and expand its product offerings.

About Mount Franklin Foods

Mount Franklin Foods, LLC is a leading North American manufacturer of high-quality confections, nut products, mints, culinary plant-based proteins, bake mixes, powdered beverages and ingredients headquartered in El Paso, Texas. The company proudly serves major retailers, wholesalers, co-manufacturing customers, and foodservice distributors through its various divisions and affiliate companies, including Sunrise Confections, Azar Nut, Hospitality Mints and Element Food Solutions. For more information, please visit www.mountfranklinfoods.com.

SOURCE Mount Franklin Foods, LLC

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This analysis incorporates estimates of the President’s proposals that the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) and CBO completed as of September 17, 2024. It does not include all proposals with major budgetary effects contained in the Administration’s budget. As a result, this report does not include projections of total revenues, spending, deficits, and debt under the President’s budget. The proposals not included are estimated by the Administration to increase revenues by $1.0 trillion, on net, over the 2025–2034 period and to increase outlays by $0.2 trillion, on net, over the same period (in relation to the amounts projected in the Administration’s baseline).

Based on estimates that were available as of September 17, over the 2025–2034 period, the President’s proposals that JCT and CBO analyzed would have the following budgetary effects (in relation to the amounts projected in CBO’s baseline):

• They would increase revenues by $2.8 trillion. About a third of that estimated increase would stem from raising the corporate income tax rate from 21 percent to 28 percent.
• They would increase mandatory outlays by $2.3 trillion across a wide variety of programs, most of them related to income security; health care; and education, training, employment, and social services.
• They would decrease discretionary outlays by $0.9 trillion because requested funding designated as an emergency requirement is much less than the amount CBO projected in its baseline.

This analysis is based on CBO’s and JCT’s budget estimates, not the Administration’s. Some of the Administration’s spending proposals were not specific enough for CBO to assess their effects on outlays. When that was the case, CBO did not include the proposal in this analysis. For certain other proposals, CBO used the Administration’s estimates as placeholders because the agency concluded that those estimates represented achievable targets for the budgetary effects of detailed policies that might be proposed in the future. For example, the President proposed a program to provide access to child care for families but did not provide sufficient details about the proposal for CBO to produce an independent estimate of its costs. CBO concluded that the eligibility criteria and benefit amounts could be specified to result in the amount of spending estimated by the Administration, and therefore the agency used that estimate as a placeholder. That was also the case for proposals relating to paid leave and preschool, as well as for other proposals with smaller budgetary effects. Future estimates of the budgetary effects of the President’s proposals would depend on how those policies were specified in legislation.

For discretionary programs, CBO incorporated the funding levels requested by the President rather than using the amounts in its baseline projections. (CBO’s baseline projections reflect the effects of the caps on most discretionary spending established by the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, or FRA, and the assumption that most funding will grow with inflation after the caps expire.)

CBO’s and JCT’s estimates differ from the Administration’s both with regard to what will occur under current law and what changes would result if the Administration’s proposals were adopted:

• CBO’s baseline estimates of deficits under current law are $2.0 trillion larger than the Administration’s over the 2025–2034 period.
• Excluding any effects on net interest costs, the proposals for which JCT and CBO have provided estimates would, if enacted, shrink deficits by $1.4 trillion over the 2025–2034 period, an amount that is $1.0 trillion less than the Administration estimates.

CBO and JCT estimate that the proposals would, on net, increase revenues by $1.1 trillion less over the decade than the Administration estimates, accounting for most of the difference in the projected deficit effects of the President’s proposals. CBO’s estimate of discretionary outlays under the President’s budget is $67 billion smaller than the Administration’s, and CBO’s and JCT’s estimates for proposals that would affect mandatory outlays are larger than the Administration’s by $20 billion over the same period.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Aug. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- New Orleans & Company and the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) secure an expansion event from GalaxyCon set for July 11-13, 2025. GalaxyCon, the largest independently owned consumer and fan engagement company, is continuing its major expansion with the addition of GalaxyCon New Orleans at the NOENMCC. This new event is in addition to the company's recent announcements that it is also expanding into the Miami FL, St. Louis MO, Philadelphia PA, Orlando FL, Chicago IL, Cleveland OH, and Savannah GA markets.

"New Orleans is a perfect new market to bring our festival of fandom," said Mike Broder, founder of GalaxyCon. "Unlike other conventions, the fun doesn't stop at sundown at GalaxyCon, and we know that fans in and around New Orleans will appreciate our brand of entertainment that continues well past midnight and into the early morning hours."

"Securing GalaxyCon on the heels of booking several other large conventions is a testament to New Orleans & Company's talented Convention Sales and Services team," said Walter J. Leger III, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company, the city's official destination sales and marketing organization for the New Orleans tourism industry. "Together with our partners at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and the hospitality community, we continue to show New Orleans is Built to Host a diverse lineup of events each year."

GalaxyCon brings engaging events to cities across the United States for more than a convention. Boasting over 400 hours of must-see programming, these events are a festival for fans and celebration of nerd culture. Meet and greet with your favorite stars, bond with your fellow fans on the show floor, get a best friend's tattoo, battle it out in the arcade, and then party the night away. GalaxyCon After Dark offers entertainment into the wee hours of the morning, not shutting the doors at midnight.

"New Orleans will deliver an out of this world experience for GalaxyCon guests in 2025," said Michael J. Sawaya, President and CEO of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. "The Convention Center provides an immersive experience where fans can celebrate their favorite characters, pop culture icons and gaming prowess in a setting as dynamic as they are. This will truly be an event to remember, and we are proud to be involved."

Tickets for GalaxyCon New Orleans are on sale now at https://galaxycon.com/pages/live-events, and special celebrity guests will be announced on the GalaxyCon website and social media in the coming months.

With the addition of New Orleans, GalaxyCon's schedule of large-scale fandom events has increased to eighteen in 2025, which is up from eleven events in 2024. Additional shows for 2025 are still to be announced, but GalaxyCon's current 2025 calendar includes:

January 3-5, 2025: Animate! Raleigh (Raleigh, NC)February 14-16, 2025: Animate! Miami (Miami, FL)March 27-30, 2025: GalaxyCon Richmond (Richmond, VA)May 2-4, 2025: Nightmare Weekend Chicago (Rosemont, IL)May 23-25, 2025: GalaxyCon Oklahoma City (Oklahoma City, OK)June 13-15, 2025: Animate! Columbus (Columbus, OH)July 11-13, 2025: GalaxyCon New Orleans (New Orleans, LA)July 24-27, 2025: GalaxyCon Raleigh (Raleigh, NC)August 8-10, 2025: Animate! Orlando (Orlando, FL)August 15-17, 2025: GalaxyCon San Jose (San Jose, CA)August 29-31, 2025: Nightmare Weekend Cleveland (Cleveland, OH)September 12-14, 2025: Animate! Des Moines (Des Moines, IA)September 12-14, 2025: Nightmare Weekend Des Moines (Des Moines, IA)October 3-5, 2025: Animate! Philadelphia (Oaks, PA)October 10-12, 2025: GalaxyCon St. Louis (St. Louis, MO)October 17-19, 2025: Nightmare Weekend Richmond (Richmond, VA)November 14-16, 2025: Nightmare Weekend Savannah (Savannah, VA)December 5-7, 2025: GalaxyCon Columbus (Columbus, OH)

"New Orleans is a fantastic new addition to our jam-packed 2025 schedule," said Peter Katz, Senior VP at GalaxyCon. "We haven't announced everything just yet for 2025, but when it's all said and done, we'll be nearly double the number of events from last year."

About New Orleans & CompanyNew Orleans & Company is the official destination sales and marketing organization for New Orleans' tourism industry. Founded in 1960, our mission is to inspire, promote and encourage travel to our city for the economic, social and community benefit of New Orleans and its people. Our vision is to ensure New Orleans remains the most remarkable, unique, and welcoming city in the world. For more information, visit us at neworleans.com or on social media @VisitNewOrleans or @Neworleansandco. 

About the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC)New Orleans is Built to Host! With 1.1 million square feet of prime exhibit space on one level, all under one roof, NOENMCC is the sixth largest Convention Center in the United States and provides the largest single exhibit space in the country. Our recent LEED Gold certification makes NOENMCC the largest LEED-certified project in Louisiana and the largest convention center project in the U.S. certified under LEED v4.1 Operations and Maintenance, as well as the first convention center in the world to be awarded initial certification under LEED Gold v4.1 O+MA. A leading contributor to the city's robust tourism economy, NOENMCC event activity has produced $90.1 billion in economic impact since its 1985 opening.

About GalaxyCon LLCGalaxyCon LLC, is the largest independently owned consumer and fan engagement company. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and founded by Mike Broder in 2006, GalaxyCon is made for fans, by fans. The company organizes pop culture, anime, and horror-themed events across the United States. Celebrities and fans are united at the festival of fandom in often overlooked locations. Events in Oklahoma City, Raleigh, Columbus, Richmond, and San Jose attract between 20,000 and 50,000 fans for each show. Additionally, GalaxyCon presents Animate! and Nightmare Weekend throughout the year, reaching more consumers and fans.

GalaxyCon is more than a comic con, it is a celebration of fandom.

Media Contacts:Justin Burkhardt, [email protected], 610-730-3709Tammy Austin, 504-442-4786, [email protected] Kelly Schulz, 504-421-0962, [email protected]

SOURCE GalaxyCon LLC

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WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated 16 Maduro-aligned officials who obstructed a competitive and inclusive presidential election process in Venezuela and violated the civil and human rights of the people. The individuals sanctioned today pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13692, as amended, include leaders of the Maduro-aligned National Electoral Council (CNE) and the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ) who impeded a transparent electoral process and the release of accurate election results, as well as the military, intelligence, and government officials responsible for intensifying repression through intimidation, indiscriminate detentions, and censorship. The officials were appointed by Nicolas Maduro, whom OFAC sanctioned in 2017.

“Today, the United States is taking decisive action against Maduro and his representatives for their repression of the Venezuelan people and denial of their citizens’ rights to a free and fair election,” said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo. “The Treasury Department is targeting key officials involved in Maduro’s fraudulent and illegitimate claims of victory and his brutal crackdown on free expression following the election, as the overwhelming majority of Venezuelans call for change. The Biden-Harris Administration will continue to use our tools to hold Maduro and his cronies accountable and support the democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan people.”                                                                                                                

Since the July 28 election, Maduro and his representatives have indiscriminately arrested Venezuelans for exercising their political and civil rights and deployed a range of intimidation tactics to silence the opposition. These acts, including the issuance of an arrest warrant for the successful presidential candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia (Gonzalez), which forced him to depart Venezuela to seek asylum in Spain. 

Concurrently, the Department of State imposed new visa restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 9931 on Maduro-aligned officials who have undermined the electoral process in Venezuela and are responsible for acts of repression. With these newly imposed visa restrictions, nearly 2,000 individuals have been subject to visa restrictions for their role in undermining democracy, significant corruption, and human rights violations. 

DESIGNATED Venezuelan officials

The following individuals who obstructed democratic political participation and undermined the election process were designated today pursuant to E.O. 13692, “Blocking Property and Suspending Entry of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Venezuela,” as amended, for being current or former officials of the GOV.

Inocencio Antonio Figueroa Arizaleta (Figueroa)is a judge serving in the Maduro-aligned TSJ since 2014, currently in the TSJ’s Constitutional Chamber. Previously, he served as magistrate of the TSJ’s Political-Administrative Chamber, according to multiple press reports.

Additionally, according to media coverage, in his capacity as a TSJ judge, Figueroa supported the Electoral Chamber’s decision to review and certify the CNE’s claim that Maduro won the election. Figueroa participated in the TSJ’s expert technical review at the CNE, and he was involved in summoning presidential candidates and political party leaders to the TSJ as part of the Maduro-backed electoral review process. In 2019, Canada sanctioned Figueroa for undermining democracy.

Malaquias Gil Rodriguez (Gil) is a judge serving as the president of TSJ’s Political-Administrative chamber since 2022. Previously, he served as the vice president of the TSJ’s Electoral Chamber; he has held a position in the judiciary since 2010. 

Additionally, according to credible media sources, Gil has obstructed democracy by disqualifying Machado’s presidential candidacy. In 2018, Canada sanctioned Gil for corruption and violation of human rights.

Juan Carlos Hidalgo Pandares (Hidalgo)is ajudge serving as a vice president on the TSJ’s Political-Administrative chamber since 2022. Previously, Hidalgo served as a general of the National Bolivarian Guard and prosecutor general of the military.  

Additionally, according to media sources, Hidalgo has obstructed democracy by disqualifying Machado’s presidential candidacy.

Caryslia Beatriz Rodriguez Rodriguez (Rodriguez)heads the Maduro-aligned TSJ. Rodriguez has been the president of the TSJ since January 2024 and heads the TSJ’s Electoral Chamber. 

Additionally, according to media sources, Rodriguez and the Electoral Chamber certified Maduro’s baseless claim that he had won the election despite well-founded accusations of widespread voter fraud in July’s election.

Fanny Beatriz Marquez Cordero (Marquez) is the vice president of the TSJ and member of the Electoral Chamber.

Marquez was among the officials from the Electoral Chamber who supervised the process of technical appraisal of the evidentiary material submitted by the CNE, political organizations, and former candidates participating in the presidential elections of July 28, 2024. Several news outlets stated Marquez was among the officials from the Electoral Chamber who certified Maduro’s baseless claim to victory.

Edward Miguel Briceno Cisneros (Briceno) is the special judge of the Maduro-aligned First Court of the First Instance with jurisdiction over terrorism.

Additionally, according to media sources, Briceno issued an arrest warrant for Gonzalez less than an hour after the Public Prosecutor’s office requested it for the charges of crimes of usurpation of functions, incitement to disobedience of laws, conspiracy, sabotage to damage systems, and association with opposition members whom Maduro considers criminals.

Luis Ernesto Duenez Reyes (Duenez) is a prosecutor in the Maduro-aligned Public Prosecutor’s office. In his position, Duenez issued the official request for the arrest warrant targeting opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, which was then issued by Briceno.  Gonzalez fled Venezuela into exile to Spain on September 8.

Rosalba Gil Pacheco (Gil Pacheco) is a CNE rector serving since 2023 as president of the Maduro-aligned CNE’s Civil and Electoral Registry Commission. She also served as the secretary of the Maduro-aligned National Assembly since January 2021.

Gil Pacheco, has obstructed democracy by instituting a restrictive new rule for poll watcher eligibility, instituting electoral registration irregularities, and intentionally delaying voting center processes. Also, Gil Pacheco declared Maduro the winner of the presidential election without publishing precinct-level results and without conducting the required audits of the country’s electronic voting system, among other electoral irregularities, according to widely disseminated press reports.  

Antonio Jose Meneses Rodriguez (Meneses)is theCNE Secretary General serving since August 2023. 

Meneses, according to news reports, instituted a restrictive new rule for poll watcher eligibility, introducing electoral registration irregularities, and intentionally delaying voting center processes. Before serving on the CNE, he also signed the document from the Comptroller’s Office upholding Machado’s disqualification. 

Dinorah Yoselin Bustamante Puerta (Bustamante)is a prosecutor serving at the Venezuelan First Special Court of First Instance, an office within the Maduro-aligned Directorate-General of Military Counter-Intelligence (DGCIM). 

Additionally, according to media sources, Bustamante obstructed democracy and the rule of law by initiating politically motivated prosecutions, which resulted in the arbitrary detention of members of the U.S.-recognized 2015 National Assembly and other officials opposed to Maduro. The European Union, United Kingdom, and Switzerland sanctioned Bustamante in 2020 according to sanctions databases.

Pedro Jose Infante Aparicio (Aparicio)serves as the first vice president of the Maduro-aligned National Assembly. He also served as president of the Special Commission for the Investigation and Prosecution of Opposition Parties and Representatives of the 2016-2021 Legislature for the Dispossession and Theft of CITGO as part of the “Bolivarian Fury” campaign launched in January 2024 against the democratic opposition. In that position, the commission subpoenaed several opposition members in seemingly politically motivated prosecutions. 

Domingo Antonio Hernandez Larez (Hernandez) is theStrategic Operational Commander of the Maduro-aligned Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB), serving since July 2021. Hernandezpreviously served as the Commander of Strategic Region for the Integral Defense Capital (REDI Capital). 

Hernandez was denounced by a human rights defender in 2019 as a repressor on behalf of Maduro due to the increase in repression and systematic harassment by intelligence and security agencies recorded in the areas under his control. Additionally, according to various press pieces, FANB has carried out acts of repression against Venezuelans, including arbitrary arrests and threatening those who participate in peaceful protests. 

Elio Ramon Estrada Paredes (Estrada) is the Commander of the Maduro-aligned Bolivarian National Guard (GNB), serving since July 2023. In that position, Estrada leads the Anti-Terrorism Directorate of the GNB that carries out intelligence work to detect and capture those involved in alleged destabilizing plans and other crimes. 

Under Estrada’s command and ahead of the election, the GNB harassed and detained Venezuelans on suspicions of materially supporting Machado on the campaign trail, according to numerous news sources. Estrada led the GNB in arresting thousands of peaceful pro-democracy protestors after the July 28 election.

Johan Alexander Hernandez Larez (Larez) is Commander of REDI Capital of the GNB. Larez was previously the Division General for the Integral Defense Zone in Miranda State, or Zona Operativa de Defensa Integral del Estado Miranda, commonly referenced to as ZODI Miranda State.

Asdrubal Jose Brito Hernandez (Brito) is the Director of Criminal Investigations of the DGCIM. Brito was formerly the counterintelligence director of the presidential detail.

Brito is identified as a torturer in United Nations reporting, and according to multiple press pieces, DGCIM has led a coordinated “Operation Knock Knock” campaign to harass, detain, and arbitrarily arrest opposition and civil society members following the election.

Miguel Antonio Munoz Palacios (Munoz) is the Deputy Director of the Maduro-aligned intelligence service Servicio Bolivariano de Inteligencia (SEBIN) since 2021. 

SEBIN has carried out Maduro’s politically motivated arrests and detentions of opposition leaders, volunteers, poll workers, and election witnesses. Munoz is one of the top leaders of Venezuela’s Pitbull Group, a group consisting of SEBIN personnel from the General Directorate for Military Counterintelligence. The Pitbull Group was tasked to do the “dirty work,” and there were no legal parameters with what they were tasked to do. The Pitbull Group was also believed to be responsible for kidnapping and murders. The group likely kidnapped individuals to pressure them to give the Pitbull Group money. The Pitbull Group used that money for other operational purposes.

PREVIOUS TREASURY ACTIONS TARGETING VENEZUELAN OFFICIALS

Today’s action builds on multiple actions that OFAC has taken to target current or former Venezuelan officials, pursuant to E.O. 13692 as amended, for taking anti-democratic actions and violating human rights.  To date, OFAC has sanctioned over 140 Venezuelan individuals and 100 Venezuelan entities, including:

Key Venezuelan Officials

• Nicolas Maduro Moros – sanctioned since 2017
• Tarek William Saab – sanctioned since 2017
• Jorge Elieser Marquez Monsalve – sanctioned since 2017
• Celia Adela Flores de Maduro – sanctioned since 2018
• Delcy Eloina Rodriguez Gomez – sanctioned since 2018
• Diosdado Cabello Rondon – sanctioned since 2018
• Jose David Cabello Rondon – sanctioned since 2018
• Marleny Josefina Contreras Hernandez – sanctioned since 2018
• Vladimir Padrino Lopez – sanctioned since 2018
• Jorge Jesus Rodriguez Gomez – sanctioned since 2018
• Remigio Ceballos Ichaso – sanctioned since 2019
• Nicolas Ernesto Maduro Guerra – sanctioned since 2019

Key Military and Intelligence Officials

• Gustavo Enrique Gonzalez Lopez – sanctioned since 2015
• Ivan Rafael Hernandez Dala – sanctioned since 2019
• Hildemaro Jose Rodriguez Mucura – sanctioned since 2019
• Rafael Enrique Bastardo Mendoza – sanctioned since 2019

National Electoral Council Officials

• Elvis Eduardo Hidrobo Amoroso – sanctioned since 2017
• Carlos Enrique Quintero Cuevas – sanctioned since 2017
• Conrado Antonio Perez Linares – sanctioned since 2020
• Fabio Enrique Zavarse Pabon – sanctioned since 2018

Supreme Tribunal of Justice Officials and Former Officials

• Gladys Maria Gutierrez Alvarado – sanctioned since 2018
• Maikel Jose Moreno Perez – sanctioned since 2018
• Calixto Antonio Ortega Rios – sanctioned since 2018
• Luis Fernando Damiani Bustillos – sanctioned since 2018
• Arcadio de Jesus Delgado Rosales – sanctioned since 2018
• Carmen Auxiliadora Zuleta de Merchan – sanctioned since 2018
• Lourdes Benicia Suarez Anderson – sanctioned since 2018
• Juan Jose Mendoza Jover – sanctioned since 2018

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons. U.S. persons may face civil or criminal penalties for violations of E.O. 13692. Non-U.S. persons are also prohibited from causing or conspiring to cause U.S. persons to wittingly or unwittingly violate U.S. sanctions, as well as engaging in conduct that evades U.S. sanctions. OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC’s enforcement of U.S. sanctions, including the factors that OFAC generally considers when determining an appropriate response to an apparent violation.

In addition, financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. 

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC’s ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC’s Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here.

Click here for more information on the individuals identified today.

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Although a federal district court struck down this policy in April 2020, noncitizen service members remain in legal limbo due to the Biden administration’s continuation of a Trump-era appeal. Initially, the Biden administration asked the court to pause the appeal while it developed a new policy. However, after years of stalling, the Department of Defense has decided to defend the policy instead.

“The Biden administration should have abandoned President Trump’s cruel and unlawful policy years ago," said Scarlet Kim, staff attorney at ACLU. “Following years of delay, it’s disappointing to see the Administration defend a policy that would deprive thousands of service members the expedited path to citizenship they are entitled to. We hope the appeals court strikes down this unlawful policy once and for all.”

Because of Trump’s 2017 policy, noncitizen service members have been prevented from enjoying the privileges of U.S. citizenship, including the right to vote, sponsor immediate family members, and travel with a U.S. passport. For those serving abroad, their inability to naturalize means they are not entitled to the protections offered by U.S. embassies and consulates. And they also face career limitations since many of the more specialized and advanced military roles are reserved for U.S. citizens.

As the brief explains, noncitizens serving during a period of armed conflict — like the one the U.S. has been in since September 11, 2001 — have been granted a faster path to citizenship by Congress for over a century. The policy the Biden administration is defending sought to deprive them of this path by preventing service members from obtaining a certification necessary to apply for citizenship until they had been in the military for a certain amount of time. This new delay was a significant departure from the Department of Defense’s long-standing practice of issuing these certifications at the start of basic training, with the goal of facilitating service member naturalization by graduation, and before potential overseas assignments.

“Congress and the courts have made it clear that if you are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for America, you are — and should be — entitled to be an American,” said Arthur Spitzer, senior counsel at the ACLU of D.C. “No matter the administration, we’ll fight any policy that robs noncitizen service members of their earned path to citizenship."