SUMMARY: Former U.S. Congressman David Rivera has been indicted for violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and laundering funds to conceal his criminal activities, according to the Department of Justice. Rivera, 59, allegedly received over $5 million to lobby U.S. officials on behalf of sanctioned Venezuelan businessman Raul Gorrín from June 2019 to April 2020. He created fraudulent shell companies to disguise his actions and failed to register under FARA. Rivera previously faced charges in 2022 for money laundering linked to President Nicolás Maduro’s government, resulting in frozen assets worth $24 million. The FBI is currently investigating the case.

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SUMMARY: The head of the U.N. migration agency, Amy Pope, expressed optimism after meetings with Syria’s new caretaker government, noting their recognition of the challenges ahead and their need for international support. Since former President Bashar Assad’s departure, around 100,000 people have returned to Syria, while approximately 85,000 have left for Lebanon. Most of those departing are Shiite Muslims, in contrast to the predominantly Sunni armed groups now in control. Pope, one of the first U.N. agency leaders to visit post-Assad Syria, reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to aid efforts, seeking $30 million to support nearly 685,000 people in the northwest.

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The post UN migration agency head says interim Syria leaders recognize challenges ahead appeared first on www.clickorlando.com

SUMMARY: Controversial gun bills, including repealing Florida’s “red flag” laws, may face challenges in the upcoming legislative session. Senate President Ben Albritton opposes such bills, citing safety concerns and law enforcement opposition. Florida’s risk protection orders, which allow families and police to petition for weapon confiscation, were introduced after the 2018 Parkland shooting. Rep. Dr. Joel Rudman advocates for repealing these laws and supporting open carry, arguing they infringe on Second Amendment rights. However, Albritton, along with law enforcement, believes these laws are vital for public safety. Governor DeSantis has shown little interest in pushing for repeal, with significant legislative opposition.

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The post Repeal of Florida’s ‘red flag’ laws seem unlikely in state Senate appeared first on www.abcactionnews.com