INTERNACIONAL
California leaders mum on $1B high-speed rail detour aimed at preserving disgraced labor leader’s memorial
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California taxpayers may be on the hook for a roughly $1 billion detour project as part of the state’s new high-speed rail construction meant to prevent disruption of a monument honoring the disgraced labor leader Cesar Chavez.
Despite tearing down and vacating memorials for Chavez, top California lawmakers did not immediately respond when asked if taxpayers in their state should still be on the hook for a roughly billion-dollar detour project meant to prevent the state’s new high-speed rail from coming near the monument nestled in the mountains. The detour, according to 2020 estimates from the California High Speed Rail Authority, would cost taxpayers close to $1 billion when accounting for inflation.
California leaders, universities and beyond immediately began stripping honors they had bestowed on the late labor leader after news of him sexually abusing and grooming minors and adults, including one girl who was as young as 13 at the time of the abuse and another who became pregnant twice following their encounters.
CALIFORNIA TO CHANGE CESAR CHAVEZ DAY TO FARMWORKERS DAY AFTER SEXUAL ABUSE SCANDAL
Cesar Chavez, head of the United Farm Workers, makes a point in a press conference in Sacramento. (Getty Images)
The Chavez-founded labor union, United Farm Workers, called the allegations «profoundly shocking» and decided earlier this year to cancel its upcoming annual celebrations honoring him. Meanwhile, the César Chavez Foundation opted to do the same, describing the allegations as «disturbing» and noting they were «deeply shocked and saddened.»
The Chavez Foundation, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, successfully lobbied for the roughly $1 billion detour known as the «Refined César E. Chávez National Monument Design Option,» which moved the high-speed rail track roughly three-quarters of a mile from the Chavez monument’s boundary. The monument, part of the National Park Service, is a sprawling 187 acres and includes Chavez’s and his wife’s burial spots. It is also reportedly the location where Chavez founded his labor movement.
The monument already sits along a key transportation corridor with a single track looping around the site that carries dozens of freight trains a day. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the train creates a constant rumble for those walking around the site.
DEMS FACE RECKONING AFTER PUTTING DECEASED LABOR LEADER ON PEDESTAL AS SEXUAL ABUSE ALLEGATIONS EMERGE
Then-President Barack Obama and Cesar Chavez’s late wife walk from Chavez’s grave site during a tour of a memorial garden at the Chavez National Monument October 8, 2012, in Keene, California. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
«I have been to the monument,» Adriana Rizzo, a member of Californians for Electric Rail, told the San Francisco Chronicle. She noted it «is right next to a freight corridor» leading her to question «why this quieter, less-polluting train would have to be invisible.»
«This is a billion dollars we don’t have. There are a lot of other things we need. If there is a better route, we’re always open,» California High Speed Rail Authority board director, Ernest Camacho, said, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Martha Escutia, another board director, reportedly said she is «always willing to reopen current commitments to ensure we get the best savings for taxpayers.»
Estimates for the high-speed rail project have been north of $200 billion, but the rail authority has challenged those estimates, telling CBS47 and KSEE24 the estimate is closer to $125 billion.
A rendering shows a high-speed rail train as it enters a station during an informational open house by the California High Speed Rail Authority at the Hilton DoubleTree in downtown Fresno, California, on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. (Craig Kohlruss/The Fresno Bee/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
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Fox News Digital reached out to top California leaders, including Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office, to inquire whether there should even be a debate over whether to get rid of the detour plans, particularly when many of them have taken actions to strip honors and memorials to the disgraced labor leader. However, none of them replied in time for publication.
california, taxes, transportation, politics, gavin newsom
INTERNACIONAL
Iran says its small subs deployed to Strait of Hormuz as expert explains threat: ‘Vulnerable to detection’
US tightens Iran blockade in Strait of Hormuz as Trump warns to shoot boats
Fox News national correspondent Bryan Llenas discusses Middle East tensions and U.S. policy towards Iran. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt details a ceasefire extension for Iran’s regime. Bryan Llenas reports on U.S. efforts to clear the Strait of Hormuz of Iranian mines. Former Secretary of the Navy Kenneth Braithwaite emphasizes America’s naval power and its importance for global commerce and preventing conflict in the Gulf.
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Iran says it has deployed small submarines to act as an «invisible guardian» of the Strait of Hormuz amid a series of rejected peace deals between Tehran and the U.S., according to reports.
The deployment claim came as analysts said that although the Iranian Ghadir-class mini-subs could threaten U.S. naval forces, the vessels’ limited range, firepower and endurance would blunt any real strategic impact.
The submarine deployment was highlighted by Bloomberg and first reported by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency.
Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, commander of Iran’s navy, said that his forces deployed its light submarine, referred to as the «dolphins of the Persian Gulf,» according to the Iranian state media outlet.
IRAN TURNS TO PUTIN AS US TALKS COLLAPSE, HORMUZ STANDOFF THREATENS GLOBAL OIL FLOW
Iran claims that it has deployed small submarines to act as an «invisible guardian» of the Strait of Hormuz. (Vahid Reza Alaei / AFP via Getty Images, File)
It also comes as Tehran seeks to reinforce its control over the strait, now defining it as a far larger zone, Reuters reported.
«Time would be limited, probably a couple of days at the most,» defense analyst Tom Shugart told Fox News Digital about the Iranian vessel deployment.
The retired U.S. Navy submarine warfare officer also said the small diesel-electric submarines face fundamental operational constraints.
IRAN HOLDS WORLD ENERGY HOSTAGE WITH ‘NIGHTMARE’ STRAIT OF HORMUZ SEA MINES, FORMER CENTCOM OFFICIAL WARNS
U.S. Marines aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) stand watch in the Arabian Sea during naval blockade operations against Iran. (U.S. Central Command)
«If they run their diesel engines to snorkel and recharge batteries, that could generate sound that could be detected,» Shugart said.
«Their snorkel mast projecting from the water could be detected by radars on patrol aircraft or helicopters,» Shugart added.
The submarines are said to be designed for shallow waters like the Strait of Hormuz and can operate quietly for limited periods on battery power.
«While they may be able to sit on the bottom for a while and operate somewhat quietly on their batteries for a while, they have no air-independent propulsion system (AIP) like more modern diesel-electric submarines,» Shugart said before adding that they’ll, «eventually have to come up and snorkel. This will make them more vulnerable to detection and destruction.»
INSIDE IRAN’S MILITARY: MISSILES, MILITIAS AND A FORCE BUILT FOR SURVIVAL
A navy vessel sails in the Strait of Hormuz. (Sahar Al Attar / AFP via Getty Images)
The IRGC Navy is said to be the sole operator of this class of submarine, all of which serve in the Southern Fleet.
«Any remaining Ghadirs, if they exist and are actually deployed, may be able to lay mines and may be able to threaten merchant ships,» Shugart warned.
«But I don’t see them as a serious threat to U.S. Navy warships — and certainly not to U.S. submarines,» he said.
«But I can say for sure that I wouldn’t want to go out on one in the current environment.»
HORMUZ CHOKE POINT PERSISTS AS IRAN HALTS OIL TRAFFIC DESPITE TRUMP CEASEFIRE
The U.S. Navy confirmed May 10 that a U.S. Navy Ohio-class nuclear-armed submarine had arrived in Gibraltar.
«The port visit demonstrates U.S. capability, flexibility and continuing commitment to its NATO allies,» U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs said in a statement.
«Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines are undetectable launch platforms for submarine-launched ballistic missiles, providing the U.S. with its most survivable leg of the nuclear triad,» it added.
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Meanwhile, Shugart’s remarks came as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, with commercial tanker traffic largely choked off amid ongoing military activity and the continued U.S. blockade of Iranian ports.
The United Arab Emirates and South Korea reported new strikes on stranded vessels Wednesday, while the IRGC increased its fast-attack craft activity, according to reports.
President Donald Trump has maintained Iran’s navy is «completely obliterated.»
The Pentagon did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
war with iran, iran, us navy, military, world
INTERNACIONAL
Costa Rica impulsa a Rebeca Grynspan para liderar la ONU: nuevo gobierno reafirma respaldo internacional
El nuevo gobierno de Costa Rica anunció oficialmente que mantendrá su respaldo a la candidatura de Rebeca Grynspanpara convertirse en la próxima secretaria general de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas, en una apuesta diplomática que busca colocar nuevamente al país centroamericano en el centro de la discusión internacional.
El anuncio fue realizado por el nuevo canciller costarricense, Manuel Tovar, quien destacó la experiencia internacional, la capacidad de negociación y el liderazgo de Grynspan como elementos fundamentales para dirigir el organismo multilateral en uno de los momentos más complejos de la política global.
“Me complace reiterar la firme determinación de impulsar la candidatura de doña Rebeca Grynspan a la Secretaría General de las Naciones Unidas”, afirmó Tovar en un mensaje oficial divulgado por el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Culto.
El jerarca aseguró que el sistema multilateral enfrenta actualmente “desafíos implacables”, por lo que consideró indispensable contar con un liderazgo capaz de reformar y fortalecer la estructura internacional.
Según el canciller, la ex secretaria general iberoamericana y actual figura de relevancia internacional posee el perfil necesario para asumir el cargo debido a su trayectoria regional y global.
“La señora Grynspan cuenta con una larga trayectoria a nivel regional e internacional, demostrando su capacidad de negociación en los escenarios internacionales más complejos, consiguiendo éxitos sobresalientes en sus misiones”, sostuvo Tovar.
El ministro también enfatizó que la diplomática costarricense mantiene un compromiso firme con los principios fundamentales de las Naciones Unidas, particularmente con la idea de “no dejar a nadie atrás”, una de las consignas centrales impulsadas por la organización durante los últimos años.
En medio de conflictos internacionales, tensiones geopolíticas y crisis humanitarias, el gobierno costarricense considera que la ONU necesita una conducción capaz de recuperar consensos y fortalecer la cooperación entre países.
“Hoy más que nunca, el mundo necesita de la vocación de paz que la Organización de las Naciones Unidas representa. Pero esta, a su vez, necesita de un liderazgo fuerte y claro”, expresó el canciller.
Tovar agregó que Grynspan no solo conoce profundamente el funcionamiento del sistema internacional, sino que además entiende la necesidad de reformarlo para responder de manera más eficiente a los retos contemporáneos.
“La señora Grynspan posee no solo una amplia experiencia internacional, sino que también conoce el sistema de Naciones Unidas y el valor que representa defenderlo, pero también reformarlo para que cumpla con su mandato”, indicó.
Con este anuncio, la administración encabezada por Laura Fernández deja claro que mantendrá una política exterior enfocada en el multilateralismo, la diplomacia y el fortalecimiento de la presencia costarricense en organismos internacionales.
La propia Rebeca Grynspan reaccionó al respaldo oficial mediante un mensaje de agradecimiento dirigido al nuevo gobierno.
“Quiero expresar mi profundo agradecimiento al nuevo canciller Manuel Tovar y a la nueva presidenta de Costa Rica, Laura Fernández, por este apoyo y por el honor que me dan de representar a Costa Rica en esta tarea para llegar a ser la secretaria general de Naciones Unidas”, manifestó.
La economista costarricense es una de las figuras latinoamericanas con mayor reconocimiento dentro de organismos multilaterales. A lo largo de su carrera ha ocupado cargos de alto perfil vinculados al desarrollo, la cooperación internacional y la gobernanza democrática.
Su eventual llegada a la Secretaría General de la ONU representaría un hecho histórico no solo para Costa Rica, sino también para América Latina y para las mujeres en espacios de liderazgo global.
En círculos diplomáticos internacionales, el nombre de Grynspan ha sido asociado en múltiples ocasiones con posibles posiciones de alto nivel debido a su experiencia en negociación política y desarrollo sostenible.
Costa Rica, país históricamente identificado con la defensa de los derechos humanos, el desarme y la paz internacional, busca ahora posicionar a una de sus diplomáticas más reconocidas en la máxima estructura del sistema multilateral.
La candidatura también se interpreta como una señal de continuidad de la política exterior costarricense en materia de cooperación internacional y defensa del diálogo como mecanismo para resolver conflictos globales.
Europe
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Vice President JD Vance warned Wednesday that states could lose federal funding if they fail to aggressively pursue Medicaid fraud, escalating the Trump administration’s pressure campaign on governors and state Medicaid officials.
«We are sending letters that will require them to show that they are effectively and aggressively prosecuting Medicaid fraud in their states. And if they do not, if they do not aggressively prosecute Medicaid fraud, we are going to turn off the money that goes to these anti-fraud units,» said Vance during a fraud press conference on Wednesday.
Vance said the federal government has provided states with «billions of dollars» for Medicaid Fraud Control Units and warned that funding could be cut off if states fail to comply with the crackdown. He pointed to states that have received billions of dollars in federal funding to protect against fraud, but have yet to produce a conviction or indictment.
The warning came as the administration announced it is deferring $1.3 billion in Medicaid reimbursements from California, with Vance accusing the state of failing to take fraud seriously. California officials have disputed the administration’s claims.
HOUSE GOP LAUNCHES NEW TASK FORCE, PROBES ALLEGED $250B MEDICAID FRAUD IN OHIO
Vance says anti-fraud funding will be cut to states that don’t respond to Medicaid letters. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
«We’re announcing that the federal government is deferring $1.3 billion in Medicaid reimbursements from the state of California. And the simple reason is because the state of California has not taken fraud very seriously,» Vance added.
Vance said that Ohio, a red state, and Maryland, a blue state, have been good examples of states they have been working with that are taking the «fraud seriously.»
Ohio governor Mike DeWine issued a press release on the same day announcing a series of new measures his state is taking to crackdown on suspected fraud, including proposing a six-month moratorium on new home healthcare and hospice providers enrolling in Medicaid.
As for other states, Vance pointed to a handful of Democrat-led jurisdictions for not tackling the fraud scandals more aggressively.
«This does not have to be a red state or a blue state issue. This is just basic good government. However, states like California, states like Hawaii, states like New York have completely not taken the fraud issue seriously in the Medicaid program and so for those states that refuse to get serious about fraud, we are going to turn off that anti-fraud money,» said Vance.
VANCE ANTI-FRAUD TASK FORCE SUSPENDS 221 CALIFORNIA HOSPICE AND HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS SO FAR
Vice President JD Vance hosted the first meeting of The Task Force To Eliminate Fraud on March 27. The task force has suspended hundreds of hospices suspected of fraud in Los Angeles alone. (Shawn Thew/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
He continued that if states do not take the fraud crackdown seriously, other resources within their Medicaid programs could be turned off too.
«We don’t want to turn off any money. What we want to do is ensure that people are taking fraud seriously. We want to protect Medicaid,» said Vance. «We want to protect Medicare, but we can’t do that if the states that are administering those programs are allowing those programs to be fleeced by fraudsters.»
READ: DR. OZ PUTS ALL 50 GOVERNORS ON NOTICE OVER BILLIONS LOST TO MEDICAID FRAUD
Oz previously gave governors and state Medicaid leaders 10 business days on April 23 to tell CMS whether they will commit to conducting a swift «revalidation» of high-risk Medicaid providers and provide a proposed timetable, Fox News Digital exclusively reported at the time, alongside a separate 30-day deadline for a broader provider-revalidation strategy, escalating federal pressure on states to tighten anti-fraud enforcement.
«While the factors contributing to fraud are multifaceted and require a comprehensive approach to address, a revalidation process for high-risk providers will immediately deter criminal actors from continuing their fraud schemes, as the federal and state governments closely review and scrutinize the qualifications of providers to suspend or terminate clearly abusive actors from the program,» Oz wrote in a letter.
«If they do not aggressively prosecute Medicaid fraud, we are going to turn off the money that goes to these anti-fraud units,» said Vance. (Photo by Heather Diehl/Getty Images)
The letters targeted providers at «high risk of waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption,» particularly those with «less rigorous enrollment and billing requirements,» with CMS directing states to include any provider operating without a National Provider Identifier.
A second letter was also sent to each state Medicaid director reiterating the call for a revalidation strategy tailored to each state.
«Our analysis of national trends strongly suggests a persistent and growing Medicaid threat posed by sophisticated actors knowingly exploiting these complex systems for financial gain,» Oz wrote.
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Fox News Digital reached out to the office of the vice president and CMS for additional comment.
jd vance, health care executive, ohio, governors, mike dewine
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