Holiday Crackdown on Drunk and Drugged Driving #DriveSoberorGetPulledOver

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator David Strickland today kicked off the annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” winter holiday crackdown on drunk and drugged driving, along with representatives from local law enforcement, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). To further deter drunk driving, NHTSA today released a “Model Guideline for State Ignition Interlock Programs” that will help states develop and implement a breath alcohol ignition interlock program based on highly successful practices from the U.S. and around the world.

“With the help of our law enforcement partners, we’re sending a message across the country, today and throughout the holiday season – Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” said Secretary Foxx. “And this year, with the release of our model guidelines for ignition interlock programs, we’re helping states improve their efforts to enforce safe driving among convicted offenders, which is crucial to ending these unnecessary deaths.”

Last year, deaths in crashes involving drunk drivers increased 4.6 percent, taking 10,322 lives compared to 9,865 in 2011. The majority of those crashes involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 or higher – nearly double the legal limit. During last year’s holiday season alone, 830 lives were lost in drunk driving crashes.

Previous NHTSA research of convicted drunk drivers show that those with interlocks installed are 75 percent less likely to repeat the behavior compared to those who do not. The guideline emphasizes several key program features to maximize effectiveness – including legislation, education, program administration, and implementation.

“It is unacceptable and downright offensive that anyone would get behind the wheel drunk, let alone at twice the legal limit,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “I urge the states to adopt our new guidelines to protect sober motorists and ensure that individuals convicted of drunk driving learn from their mistakes.”

According to NHTSA’s latest issue of Safety 1n Num3ers, the holiday enforcement on drunk drivers comes at a time of year when crashes involving alcohol increase. Over the past decade, almost two of every five (41 percent) deaths that occur around the New Year’s holiday and the Christmas holiday (37 percent) were alcohol-impaired, compared to 31 percent nationally over the past ten years.

The crackdown runs from December 13 – January 1, 2014, and is supported by $7.5 million in national advertising in TV and radio advertising featuring NHTSA’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. The ads are designed to raise awareness and support law enforcement activities in every state in an effort to reduce drunk driving deaths. NHTSA's Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over message will also be featured in a new public service announcement featuring Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures/Columbia Pictures' RoboCop, in theaters February 12, 2014.

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Mexican, U.S. Women Leading Law Enforcement Efforts Against #FARC and #TransnationalCrime

DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart and Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that IOANNIS VIGLAKIS, a/k/a “Pablo,” pled guilty yesterday in Manhattan federal court to attempting to provide material support to the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (“FARC”), a Colombian terrorist organization. VIGLAKIS, a citizen of Greece, was arrested in Panama City, Panama, in coordination with Panamanian authorities during August 2012. He waived extradition and was subsequently turned over to the custody of the United States. VIGLAKIS pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Katherine B. Forrest.

“This investigation clearly demonstrates DEA’s unique ability to disrupt and dismantle the arms-trafficking networks that supply weapons to the most significant global narco-terror organizations," Leonhart said. "DEA will continue to aggressively pursue international arms dealers and narco-terrorists who are focused on harming our nation's security.”

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “By providing functioning rocket-propelled grenade launchers and other military-grade weapons to an individual he believed to be a FARC associate, Ioannis Viglakis was attempting to arm a known terrorist organization that he understood would use those weapons against Americans and Colombians.”

According to the Indictment previously unsealed in this case:

Beginning in November 2011, VIGLAKIS had a series of meetings with a DEA confidential source (the “CS”) who represented himself to be an associate of the FARC. During those meetings, which took place in Europe and Central America, the CS informed VIGLAKIS that he was seeking weapons for use by the FARC to attack American forces in Colombia.

VIGLAKIS offered to provide the FARC with functional, bona fide, military-grade weapons – including assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenade (“RPG”) launchers and surface-to-air missiles – in exchange for cocaine and cash. During the meetings, VIGLAKIS and the CS also discussed the FARC’s use of these weapons to fight the Colombian and American governments, including by shooting down American aircraft in Colombia.

During the following months, VIGLAKIS indicated that he would provide the CS with several RPG launchers as a sample. On July 18, 2012, VIGLAKIS successfully arranged for the delivery in Europe of six live RPGs and three working RPG launchers, which were received by a DEA undercover agent.

* * *

VIGLAKIS, 53, pled guilty to one count of attempting to provide material support to the FARC. He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Forrest on April 11, 2014, at 11:00 a.m.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding work of the Special Operations Division of the DEA, as well as the DEA Panama Country Office, the DEA Madrid Country Office, and the DEA Copenhagen Country Office. Mr. Bharara also thanked the U.S. Department of Justice Office of International Affairs and National Security Division, the U.S. Department of State, and the Government of the Republic of Panama.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christian R. Everdell, Aimee Hector, and Michael Lockard are in charge of the prosecution.

“This investigation clearly demonstrates DEA’s unique ability to disrupt and dismantle the arms-trafficking networks that supply weapons to the most significant global narco-terror organizations," Leonhart said. "DEA will continue to aggressively pursue international arms dealers and narco-terrorists who are focused on harming our nation's security.”

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “By providing functioning rocket-propelled grenade launchers and other military-grade weapons to an individual he believed to be a FARC associate, Ioannis Viglakis was attempting to arm a known terrorist organization that he understood would use those weapons against Americans and Colombians.”

According to the Indictment previously unsealed in this case:

Beginning in November 2011, VIGLAKIS had a series of meetings with a DEA confidential source (the “CS”) who represented himself to be an associate of the FARC. During those meetings, which took place in Europe and Central America, the CS informed VIGLAKIS that he was seeking weapons for use by the FARC to attack American forces in Colombia.

VIGLAKIS offered to provide the FARC with functional, bona fide, military-grade weapons – including assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenade (“RPG”) launchers and surface-to-air missiles – in exchange for cocaine and cash. During the meetings, VIGLAKIS and the CS also discussed the FARC’s use of these weapons to fight the Colombian and American governments, including by shooting down American aircraft in Colombia.

During the following months, VIGLAKIS indicated that he would provide the CS with several RPG launchers as a sample. On July 18, 2012, VIGLAKIS successfully arranged for the delivery in Europe of six live RPGs and three working RPG launchers, which were received by a DEA undercover agent.

* * *

VIGLAKIS, 53, pled guilty to one count of attempting to provide material support to the FARC. He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Forrest on April 11, 2014, at 11:00 a.m.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding work of the Special Operations Division of the DEA, as well as the DEA Panama Country Office, the DEA Madrid Country Office, and the DEA Copenhagen Country Office. Mr. Bharara also thanked the U.S. Department of Justice Office of International Affairs and National Security Division, the U.S. Department of State, and the Government of the Republic of Panama.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christian R. Everdell, Aimee Hector, and Michael Lockard are in charge of the prosecution.

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Green For All, University of Phoenix Hosted Chicago Green Business Academy to Support Area’s Green Businesses #GoGreen

University of Phoenix® and Green For All held a workshop centered on building Chicago’s emerging green entrepreneurs. During the event, small business owners and entrepreneurs learned valuable information on sustainable business resources, working with the government, financing options and The Affordable Care Act’s effect on green businesses. Participants also pitched their business ideas and received constructive feedback from established local professionals.

As the green economy continues to thrive, Chicago is becoming a leader in the field. It ranks third for green jobs among the nation's largest metro areas. According to a Brookings Institution report, the Chicago area enjoyed 79,388 clean economy jobs.

“Chicago is one of the greenest cities in the country,” said Green For All’s Program Manager for Business Engagement, Zakiya Harris. “This business academy supports the city’s green entrepreneurs and small business owners – particularly those coming from low-income areas and communities of color – and arms them with the resources to grow their businesses and a place to interact with local organizations and community stakeholders.”

The Chicago Green Business Academy was Green For All and University of Phoenix’s 14th business academy to support green entrepreneurs in growing their businesses, especially businesses located in underserved communities.

“University of Phoenix is dedicated to being a good corporate citizen by serving communities and individuals across the country in the areas of education, workforce readiness and sustainability,” said Pat Gottfried, vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility for Apollo Education Group, parent company of University of Phoenix. “We are proud to work with Green For All to bring this exciting event to Chicago and help pair Chicago’s green entrepreneurs with resources needed to grow within this industry.”

Chicago Green Business Academy panelists included: Elise Zelechowski, Founder & Executive Director, Rebuilding Exchange; Brenda Palms Barber, CEO, North Lawndale Employment Network and Sweet Beginnings, LLC; Melissa Antone, Director of Sustainability, Apollo Education Group, parent company of University of Phoenix; Zakiya Harris, Program Manager for Business Engagement, Green For All; Charles Sprague, Lead Faculty Area Chair, University of Phoenix Chicago Campus; Mark Ferguson, Public Information Officer, U.S. Small Business Administration; Jumaani Bates, Sustainability Consultant & Green For All Fellow; Walter Bush IV, Operations Manager & Founding Partner, Bronzeville Green Landscaping, LLC; Mary Timmel, Outreach Manager, Small Business Majority; Jon Levey, Executive Vice President & Chief Lending Officer, GreenChoice Bank; and Marc Lane, Founder, The Law Offices of Marc J. Lane.

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Interpol Praises Belarus’ Contribution to Combating #OrganizedCrime

Belarus makes an appreciable contribution to combating international organized crime, said Interpol President Mireille Ballestrazzi and Interpol Secretary General Ronald Noble in their message of congratulations on the occasion of the 20th anniversary since the establishment of Interpol’s National Central Bureau in the Republic of Belarus and the country’s membership in the organization.

“A plenty of important events have taken place over the past two decades. When Belarus became an independent country, one of the first things it did was to join the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in 1993. A decade ago, in 2003, the Belarusian bureau of Interpol was among the first to get access to Interpol’s I-24/7 global police communications system. For the two decades Belarus has been making a valuable contribution to combating international organized crime. The country takes part in Interpol’s project Millennium meant to counteract organized criminal groups operating in Eurasia,” the message of congratulations reads.

At present the I-24/7 system is available to Belarusian policemen, border services and other law enforcement agencies. The system offers important and relevant international police information. In 2012-2013 Belarus was actively involved in Interpol’s Operation Black Poseidon aimed to identify, disrupt and dismantle transnational organized networks behind trafficking in illicit goods and counterfeiting. As a result of the operation, millions of illicit goods were seized all over Eastern Europe, many people were arrested for counterfeiting. In 2013 Belarusian law enforcement agencies conducted over five million checks using Interpol databanks. “This testifies to the great interest of Belarusian law enforcement agencies in maintaining the security of their citizens,” Interpol believes.

Belarus was one of the first member states to officially recognize Interpol’s travel documents, thus demonstrating its willingness to deepen cooperation.

“Interpol appreciates Belarus’ contribution to the international anti-crime efforts. We are convinced that the National Central Bureau will do its utmost to fulfill our goal – to make people feel safe whenever they are,” the message reads.

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The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism

The gap between rich and poor has never been wider…legislative stalemate paralyzes the country…corporations resist federal regulations…spectacular mergers produce giant companies…the influence of money in politics deepens…bombs explode in crowded streets…small wars proliferate far from our shores…a dizzying array of inventions speeds the pace of daily life.

These unnervingly familiar headlines serve as the backdrop for Doris Kearns Goodwin’s highly anticipated The Bully Pulpit—a dynamic history of the first decade of the Progressive era, that tumultuous time when the nation was coming unseamed and reform was in the air.

The story is told through the intense friendship of Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft—a close relationship that strengthens both men before it ruptures in 1912, when they engage in a brutal fight for the presidential nomination that divides their wives, their children, and their closest friends, while crippling the progressive wing of the Republican Party, causing Democrat Woodrow Wilson to be elected, and changing the country’s history.

The Bully Pulpit is also the story of the muckraking press, which arouses the spirit of reform that helps Roosevelt push the government to shed its laissez-faire attitude toward robber barons, corrupt politicians, and corporate exploiters of our natural resources. The muckrakers are portrayed through the greatest group of journalists ever assembled at one magazine—Ida Tarbell, Ray Stannard Baker, Lincoln Steffens, and William Allen White—teamed under the mercurial genius of publisher S. S. McClure.

Goodwin’s narrative is founded upon a wealth of primary materials. The correspondence of more than four hundred letters between Roosevelt and Taft begins in their early thirties and ends only months before Roosevelt’s death. Edith Roosevelt and Nellie Taft kept diaries. The muckrakers wrote hundreds of letters to one another, kept journals, and wrote their memoirs. The letters of Captain Archie Butt, who served as a personal aide to both Roosevelt and Taft, provide an intimate view of both men.

The Bully Pulpit, like Goodwin’s brilliant chronicles of the Civil War and World War II, exquisitely demonstrates her distinctive ability to combine scholarly rigor with accessibility. It is a major work of history—an examination of leadership in a rare moment of activism and reform that brought the country closer to its founding ideals.

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