Shereen Bobrowsky, the disabled Yonkers woman, a senior, who claims there’s an ongoing attempt to wrongfully foreclose on her property-and to harass and intimidate her-wants to know why Judge Paul I. Marx, who’s presiding over the case hasn’t sanctioned the opposing party for violating deadlines set by the court for delivery of documents.

Separately, after reviewing some of the documents that are on the docket in the State Supreme Court, Westchester County, White Plains, New York, in light of past reports about compromised records in various court jurisdictions, in New York and elsewhere, this reporter is curious as to why there were no decisions and orders of the many motions Ms. Bobrowsky entered that requested important items such as “the accounting” and the Pooling and Servicing Agreement (PSA).

Ms. Bobrowsky, who is in her 70s, also believes a campaign to intimidate her has escalated and now become dangerous. Recently, after a short drive from her home, she realized she had a flat front tire. When she got out to inspect the flat, she discovered that a nail had been stuck into the tire.

“It’s one thing to send someone to snoop around my property or to steal my garbage,” Ms. Bobrowsky says, describing past incidents. “But to start puncturing my tire, knowing that I have to drive down a steep slope as soon as I leave my property, that’s something else,” she says.

Ms. Bobrowsky was sued by US Bank Trust National Association, Not In Its Individual Capacity But Solely As Owner Trustee for REO Trust 2017-RPL1, in the New York State Supreme Court, Westchester County, White Plains, New York.

This is a second article by Black Star News covering her ordeal, which she says keeps her awake at night and leaves her sick with a migraine headache, sometimes for days.

Ms. Bobrowsky says she has not missed a single mortgage payment since January 2003, and she has her records as proof. Yet, she is facing what she calls a third “wrongful, fraudulent, and illegal foreclosure” lawsuit. The first two-one in 2016 and the second in 2020-were both voluntarily discontinued by the bank, for no reason except to stall, causing her harm, Ms. Bobrowsky says. “In December, governor Hochul signed a bill into law called the foreclosure abuse prevention act that’s meant to prevent the type of abuse I’m enduring,” she says.

Ms. Bobrowsky previously complained of harassment by a man who comes to her home monthly to “inspect” the property, purportedly for the mortgage servicer (Nationstar dba Mr. Cooper), who Ms. Bobrowsky believes is behind the three lawsuits based on the same allegations. The man, whose identity she does not know, has taken her picture occasionally and one time even peered into her home from the window, she says.

Max Saglimbeni, an associate with Knuckles Komosinki & Manfro, LLP., the firm representing the plaintiff, didn’t respond to an earlier e-mail message from Black Star News asking him if the unidentified man works for his client. Ms. Bobrowsky said the man has not shown up since the first Black Star News article.

Also, Mr. Saglimbeni’s firm billed Ms. Bobrowsky $30,000 in legal fees for the work that they say they’ve done for their client. Mr. Saglimbeni didn’t respond to an earlier e-mail message by Black Star News inquiring about the bill and whether Judge Marx was aware of it.

Then recently, on two separate occasions, Ms. Bobrowsky’s green garbage bags disappeared. She suspects whoever stole them is fishing for evidence and she filed a police report after the first incident. “Now I put my dog’s pooh-pooh on top of the bag,” she says.

However, the tire incident suggests that whomever is trying to intimidate her is getting desperate, Ms. Bobrowsky says. One recent morning, accompanied by her 85-year-old cousin, the two were driving downhill to head to the farmers’ market when she realized she had a flat. After discovering the nail, she took her vehicle to a nearby repair shop.

Ms. Bobrowsky is confident justice will prevail if the court goes by the evidence alone. Yet, she’s troubled, she says, by the fact that Judge Marx didn’t sanction the plaintiff, through Saglimbeni, after they failed to deliver to her all the documents by the deadline as instructed by the court.

At an Aug. 21, 2024 hearing covered by Black Star News reporter Colin Benjamin, Judge Marx had directed Saglimbeni to produce the following documents to Ms. Bobrowsky by Sept. 30, 2024: her complete payment history; a copy of the promissory note and of all assignments and the attached allonges; a copy of the mortgage; a copy of all default notices, including the 90 day notice prior to initiating foreclosure as required by New York law; a copy of the affidavit of service, and; any documents that Saglimbeni intended to use for the summary judgment motion he told the judge that he intended to file.

The Sept. 30 deadline came and went, and the plaintiff hadn’t produced all the documents as directed by Judge Marx, including the critical complete payment history, and the promissory note and all assignments and the attached allonges, Ms. Bobrowsky says.

Yet, the court still allowed Saglimbeni to file a summary judgment motion which Ms. Bobrowsky was required to respond to-and did-by Dec. 20. “I’m the only one who’s supposed to play by the rules?” Ms. Bobrowsky says. “I’m also very concerned that the court has not provided any written decision and orders on my motions requesting the vital accounting, as well as the pooling and servicing agreement. This deprives me of my right to appeal.”

Judge Marx didn’t respond to questions about these two purported orders.

Ms. Bobrowsky also noticed what she called two “strange” orders on the court docket. The purported orders are attributed to Judge Marx. One is stamped on the upper right corner of a letter that Ms. Bobrowsky submitted to the court, and; the second one is stamped on the lower right hand of the letter. The first order, bearing a signature attributed to Judge Marx, stated, in part, “…the court accept’s plaintiff’s counsel’s representation in his letter dated 11/12/24 that the full payment history has been provided and that the Note and Allonges have been made available to the defendant…”

“This is nonsense. Why would I be requesting for the full payment history if they were provided,” Ms. Bobrowsky says. “Just like I said last time, I may be old and appear slow at times, but I’m no fool. I wonder how many other vulnerable homeowners are treated this way.”

“Instead of taking plaintiff’s word, ex parte, that plaintiff complied, Judge Marx should hold a hearing so both sides can be questioned and have the plaintiff produce the documents in open court,” Ms. Bobrowsky says. “I am being egregiously prejudiced by the withholding of documents with no sanctions against plaintiff. I have been requesting various documents for over one year now to no avail while discovery and depositions are also being withheld.”

“I demand sanctions for plaintiff’s failing to disclose the documents I have been requesting for over a year. But I also request the court to allow for full discovery for which I am entitled. I initially had an attorney but the court allowed him to be relieved as counsel over my objections. Now, all my requests seem to be for naught in this third foreclosure action that is based on clear fraud,” Ms. Bobrowsky adds.

The second order, on the lower right portion of Ms. Bobrowsky’s letter, also bearing a signature attributed to Judge Marx, stated: “The court apologizes. The documents which were to be delivered for in camera inspection, were in fact, delivered, timely, but through oversight, have not yet been reviewed.”

This was in reference to the un-redacted Pooling and Servicing Agreement (PSA), which Ms. Bobrowsky has been denied a copy, she says. The version Saglimbeni sent her is so redacted that it’s illegible, she said. Ms. Bobrowsky was informed previously that the court also hadn’t received an un-redacted copy; yet the purported order attributed to Judge Marx claimed a copy was indeed submitted.

“By saying I’m not entitled to an un-redacted Pooling and Servicing Agreement is akin to saying I’m not entitled to a defense. Plaintiff, and the court, are also refusing to supply the name of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, which is on the SEC website, but cannot be looked up without a name,” Ms. Bobrowsky says.

Ms. Bobrowsky says Judge Marx is wrongfully denying her access to Pooling And Servicing Agreement (PSA).

A second document that Ms. Bobrowsky discovered on the docket, a “Court Notice,” dated Nov. 13, 2024 stated in part: “The court has reviewed the Pooling And Servicing Agreement (“the Agreement”) which was submitted by Plaintiff’s counsel, as directed. Defendant’s request for an unredacted for an unredacted copy of the agreement is denied.” Ms. Bobrowsky states that since this was not a decision and order but merely a Court Notice, she cannot appeal the denial.

“I don’t know whom and what to believe anymore,” Ms. Bobrowsky says.

Judge Marx did not respond to an e-mail message from Black Star News seeking confirmation that the purported ex parte orders were authentic and that the two signatures belong to him. The judge also didn’t respond to a question seeking confirmation that he did in fact receive and review an un-redacted copy the PSA, and a question as to why Ms. Bobrowsky can’t be provided with a copy.

The questions sent to Judge Marx were also copied to New York State Attorney General Letitia James, Yonkers Police Commissioner, Christopher Sapienza, the plaintiff’s lawyer Saglimbeni, and Judge Anne E. Minihan, the District Administrative Judge.

“Your e-mail is received,” Judge Minihan’s office responded, confirming receipt of the copied questions.

As reported in the earlier Black Star News article, the plaintiff also failed to provide the complete payments history when directed on Dec. 21, 2023, to be supplied within three weeks to do so by court attorney referee, Sheila Gabay, when the matter was in settlement conference, Ms. Bobrowsky says.

Ms. Bobrowsky previously alleged that the signature attributed to Ms. Theresa Barrett, as the person who signed and notarized that she witnessed Ms. Tamara Sulea execute an assignment of mortgage on September 6, 2019 is “a forgery”-an allegation which has since been confirmed by the authorities in Los Angeles, Ca., where Ms. Barrett’s notary oath is kept, Ms. Bobrowsky says.

What’s more, Ms. Bobrowsky claims, the purported assignment of mortgage filed in the Westchester County Clerk’s office is also fraudulent. The document states that it was executed on Nov. 6, 2019, which is two months after Notary Public Ms. Barnett’s signature-the same signature Ms. Bobrowsky claims was forged.

Mr. Saglimbeni also didn’t respond to questions about this allegation. “I’m perplexed as to why the Westchester County Clerk Timothy Idoni has not referred the filing of a false instrument for investigation by the District Attorney or the Attorney General,” Ms. Bobrowsky says. “When a fraud is brought to the head of the county clerk, they have a duty to maintain the laws in its government entity. Filing a false document is a misdemeanor, but when it affects a deed, it is a felony.”

If you’ve been the victim of an illegal or wrongful foreclosure and have documentation please reach the reporter at mallimadi@gmail.com

The post Elderly Yonkers Homeowner In Alleged “Wrongful Foreclosure” Questions Why Judge Marx Won’t Sanction Plaintiff for Violations appeared first on Black Star News.

Photos: YouTube Screenshots\Wikimedia Commons

How should we remember the late Jimmy Carter, 39th president of the United States? Pundits will argue over his domestic policy, especially his economic record, which wasn’t great – inflation, interest rates, and unemployment all shot up on his watch between 1977 and 1981.

Others will debate his foreign policy record – which featured major wins for him like the Camp David and the Panama Canal peace treaties, but also major losses like the Iranian hostage crisis.

But it’s what Carter said after he left office that will stick with me, because not only was he perhaps the most beloved ex-president, but he also wasn’t afraid to speak some blunt truths to the American people.

Here are the most surprising Jimmy Carter quotes you may not have heard before – and probably won’t get mentioned in most of his obituaries.

1. Let’s start with 2015. When the now-late president said, “I think the American superpower goal should be to be the champion of peace,” only to later follow it with the assertion that “we are the most warlike country on earth.” Carter also pointed out that the US had been at peace for only 16 of its then 242 years as a nation, four of which were on his watch.
2. Regarding the invasion of Iraq, already in 2004, Carter told The Independent newspaper in the UK “there was no reason for us to become involved in Iraq recently. That was a war based on lies and misinterpretations from London and from Washington.”
3. In 2006, he doubled down on that statement, calling for Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to step down, and saying that he and Vice President Dick Cheney quote, “deliberately misled the American people about the danger in Iraq.”…

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The post Important Jimmy Carter Quotes You Won’t See In Most Mainstream Media Obits appeared first on Black Star News.

Jimmy Carter Net Worth: Assets Owned By The Former President 

Jimmy Carter’s net worth at the time of his death was $10 million. Carter is famous as one of the least expensive former presidents of the States. Even after his term ended in 1981, he lived a pretty simple life. Carter, like any other former president, received a pension worth $221,400 from the government. He also received other amenities like office space and travel facilities. His assets include his house in his hometown worth $167,000. He was also a renowned author and published 30 books in his lifetime. 

Also read: Harrison Ford Net Worth 2024: $300 Million Journey of a Hollywood Icon

Jimmy Carter Net Worth: Life During Presidency 

Various achievements decorate Jimmy Carter’s presidency tenure in the United States. He was known as the president who advocated human rights in the best way. Jimmy Carter issued Proclamation 4483 on the very second day of his presidency, pardoning all the Vietnam War draft evaders. Other achievements that make up his spectacular foreign policy include the Panama Canal treaties, the Egypt-Israel peace treaty, and many more. He also initiated the Salt II treaty with the Soviet Union, the Camp David Accords, and diplomatic relations with China. He was also famous nationally for his deregulation of communication, energy, finance industry, and transportation. Carter is also responsible for major environmental protection legislations like the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.

Life After Presidency 

Jimmy Carter after stepping down from the presidency lived a rather simple life in his hometown. His house in Georgia was reportedly worth a fraction of the average US house. He did not fly privately either. Carter co-founded a non-profit organization in 1982 named Rosalynn the Carter Center. The organization performs humanitarian activities across the globe. In 1989 during an interview, when asked about his remarkable charity work, Carter mentioned he was here to give it and not take it. Carter reportedly rejected many public speaking offers and said that he would never accept an extravagant payment for an appearance. 

Also read: David O. Sacks Net Worth: From PayPal Mafia to Trump’s White House A.I. & Crypto Czar

Chip Carter’s Public Statement 

Chip Carter, Jimmy Carter’s son, in a statement named his father a hero for him and many others. Everyone who believed in humanitarian rights, peace, and unselfish love regards him as their hero. He also stated that his brothers and sisters shared him with the world through these common beliefs. He mentioned that the world is their family for them because of the way his late father brought people together. He also thanked the people for honoring the memories of his father by continuing to live these common beliefs. 

The post Jimmy Carter Net Worth: The 39th US President Passes Away At 100 appeared first on Black Star News.

Photos: YouTube Screenshots

China committed more than $50 billion to Africa over the next three years as it made green infrastructure deals the focus of its engagement with the continent.

Beijing has forged partnerships with African countries in supply chains for critical minerals required to develop green technologies including electric vehicles.

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the commitment in Beijing at the triennial Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in September. The $50 billion in financing was up from a $40 billion commitment made at the last FOCAC held in Senegal in 2021, but down from the $60 billion committed in 2018.

This year, China also deepened its business and economic interests in Eswatini in a sign that Taiwan’s last African ally is pivoting towards Beijing. And Chinese online retailer Temu made a high profile entry into the Nigerian market.

— Alexis Akwagyiram

The post China Focused On Green Energy Deals With Africa appeared first on Black Star News.

Throughout 2024, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat remained focused on supporting efforts to deepen regional integration and improve the welfare of the Region’s citizens.

Under the decisive leadership of the Conference of Heads of Government, we advanced many of the Region’s key priorities. Food and nutrition security was boosted through the 25 by 2025 initiative; there were efforts to improve air and maritime transportation in the Region and advance implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), and initiatives to stem the worrying issue of crime and violence.

We continued to take advantage of opportunities in regional and international fora to advocate for decisive climate action by the international community to keep temperatures to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. We also called for urgent attention to honour commitments made to provide climate financing. The Bridgetown Initiative and implementation of the multilaterally agreed Multidimensional Vulnerability Index remain critical to ensuring that CARICOM Small Island and Low-lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS) receive the resources needed to increase and sustain resilience.

Great effort was expended throughout the year by CARICOM leaders and the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) towards the resumption of functional governance and security in Haiti, by ensuring Haitian-led and Haitian-owned solutions to the ongoing crises. Regrettably, the growing insecurity caused by gang violence remains a serious threat to the aspirations and hopes of the people of Haiti, as many thousands of persons continue to be displaced, and are victims of violence and food insecurity.

In July, the record-breaking Hurricane Beryl severely impacted agriculture, fisheries, communications and transportation in several countries of the Region. However, in the true spirit of Community, our Member States and Regional Institutions rallied to support each other.

The signing of the CARICOM-African Union Memorandum of Understanding in the latter half of the year will promote the strengthening of economic, cultural, political and fraternal relationships between CARICOM and Africa, which will also be bolstered by the increased opportunities for trade, investment and tourism between CARICOM and Africa.

We acknowledge the strong participation of our Member States, International Development Partners, the private sector, labour organisations, the diaspora, and civil society in initiatives to strengthen the pillars of our integration movement. In this regard, for their sterling contribution to the Region, two Community stalwarts, Sir Clive Lloyd and the Honourable Roderick Rainford, were awarded the Order of the Caribbean Community, the Region’s highest honour, at the 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government.

As the Region seeks to consolidate integration in the year ahead, we look forward to continued collaboration with our stakeholders and partners, including the CARICOM Committee of Ambassadors and CARICOM Youth Ambassadors, as well as the guidance of the Bureau of the Conference, which will comprise Barbados, Grenada and Jamaica effective 1 January 2025.

My sincere thanks to all the staff of the Secretariat at our Georgetown Headquarters and our offices in Barbados and Jamaica, for their unswerving dedication to the work of the Community.

I wish for all peace, success and prosperity in 2025 and safety during the Season’s festivities.

The post CARICOM End Of Year Message To All: “Peace, Success And Prosperity In 2025” appeared first on Black Star News.

Photos: YouTube Screenshots

Here is a New Year’s resolution.

Yes. In the wealthiest country on earth let us Make America Healthy Again. Let us go forward together to lead the world in terms of life-expectancy, quality of life and human happiness. But let’s be clear. In order to accomplish those goals, slogans and rhetoric will not be enough. We need concrete policy changes. We need to take on powerful special interests who make billions in profits by making us sick and shortening our lifespans.

This is some of what we have to do.

Medicare for All. Health care is a human right. The function of a rational health care system is to guarantee quality health care to all, not huge profits for the insurance industry. The United States cannot continue to be the only wealthy nation that does not provide universal health care. It is not acceptable that, while spending almost twice as much per capita on health care as other countries, 60,000 Americans die each year because they can’t afford the health care they need.

Lower the cost of prescription drugs. As Americans we should not be paying, by far, the highest prices in the world for life-saving medications. It is absurd that, while the pharmaceutical industry enjoys huge profits and benefits from U.S. taxpayer research, one out of four Americans cannot afford to purchase the prescription drugs their doctors prescribe. We must cut prescription drug prices in half by making sure that we pay no more for medicine than the Europeans or Canadians.

Paid Family and Medical Leave. Workers should not have to go to work when they are sick. Mothers and fathers should have ample time to stay home with their new-born babies. A parent should not get fired when they stay home with a sick kid. We must guarantee at least 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave to every worker in America.

Reform the food industry. Large food corporations should not make record-breaking profits addicting children to the processed foods which make them overweight and prone to diabetes and other diseases. As a start, we must ban junk food ads targeted to kids and put strong warning labels on products high in sugar, salt and saturated fat. Longer term, we can rebuild rural America with family farms that are producing healthy, nutritious food.

Raise the minimum wage to a living wage. Millions of workers should not have to worry about how they’ll pay the rent or buy food for their kids. Working class Americans live far shorter lives than the rich because of the stress of trying to survive on a paycheck-to-paycheck existence. We must raise the minimum wage to at least $17 an hour.

Lower the work week to 32 hours with no loss of pay. People will live longer and healthier lives if they can spend more time with family and friends and have the opportunity to enjoy leisure time activities. Advancements in technology, automation and artificial intelligence must benefit workers, not just billionaires on Wall Street or Silicon Valley.

Combat the epidemic of loneliness, isolation and mental illness. Too many Americans are struggling with intense anxiety and “diseases of despair” – alcoholism, drug addiction and even suicide. Not only do we need to greatly increase access to mental health care, we need to rebuild our sense of community and create a culture in which we better enjoy and appreciate each other as human beings.

Address climate change and the environmental crisis. Every American is impacted when the Earth’s temperature rises and the air we breathe is polluted. Climate change and extreme weather disturbances will cause more widespread suffering, economic disruptions and population dislocation. Air pollution is a major risk factor for respiratory and heart disease, cancer and other health problems. The fossil fuel industry cannot be allowed to continue making us sick and shortening our lives.

Create a high-quality public education system. Life-long education is a human right and should be obtainable for all in a wealthy nation like ours. Health, life expectancy and economic wellbeing is often tied to educational attainment. Instead of spending a trillion dollars a year on the military we should make certain that all Americans, from childcare to graduate school, are able to enjoy free, high-quality education.

Let’s be clear. The way forward to creating a healthy society is not radical. Many of the components, in one form or another, already exist in countries throughout the world. But that struggle will not be easy.

The ruling class of this country is not content with the unprecedented level of income and wealth we are experiencing. They are not content with the extraordinary concentration of ownership that exists, or the immense political power the billionaire class has achieved through the corrupt campaign finance system they created.

The truth is that their ideology of greed requires them to want more, and more and more. And if that greed makes us sicker or shortens our lives, that’s the price they require us to pay.

But we say NO. We are fighting back. We can and will create a government and economy that works for all, and not just the few. We can and will create a society which enhances human health and well-being, and not the wealth and power of the billionaire class.

Let’s go forward together.

In Solidarity,

Bernie

The post A New Year’s Resolution: Let’s Make Wealthy America Healthy Again appeared first on Black Star News.

Photos: Kweisi Mfume Press\YouTube Screenshots\Wikimedia Commons

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 6826, legislation designating the Visitor and Education Center at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine as the “Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center.” This bill was crafted and led in the U.S. House by Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07), while Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-MD) introduced an identical, companion bill in the U.S. Senate.

H.R. 6826 is cosponsored by the entire, bipartisan Maryland delegation in the United States House of Representatives who spearheaded its passage in the House on December 3, 2024. With passage of the measure in the Senate, it will be sent to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.    

CLICK HERE to view Reps. Mfume & John Sarbanes’ House floor remarks on this bill.  (December 3, 2024)

“The late Senator Sarbanes was a champion of Fort McHenry, and he firmly believed that the site is critical to understanding and appreciating our national heritage and our national identity,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “I am overjoyed that this bill has been triumphantly passed out of the Congress, and I am thankful for the partnership of the bipartisan, Maryland congressional delegation whose unified front made this bill’s advancement attainable,” he concluded. 

“Senator Paul Sarbanes was known for his strong commitment to his principles, to public service and to the people of Maryland. He had a long and distinguished career, but he never forgot his Baltimore roots. He saw Fort McHenry as a national treasure in the city and a site worth celebrating. This legislation acknowledges his long-term advocacy for the preservation of the site and the improvement of the visitor experience. He left an indelible mark in the Senate and in Maryland, and the ‘Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center’ at Fort McHenry will be a symbol of his long-standing legacy,” said Senator Ben Cardin.

“During his time in the House of Delegates, the U.S. House of Representatives, and as our state’s second-longest serving United States Senator, Paul Sarbanes was a tireless advocate on behalf of all Marylanders. Fort McHenry, a powerful symbol of Maryland’s pride and patriotism, is a fitting place to honor his legacy, and Congress’s passage of this legislation will help pay tribute to all that Paul did for our state and our nation,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen.

“For decades, my family has cherished Fort McHenry’s rich history and its tremendous vistas of the Chesapeake Bay. My father, Paul Sarbanes, deeply understood Fort McHenry’s role as the beating heart of Baltimore, and he worked tirelessly for many years to lift up and preserve this treasured site,” said Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD-03). “Among my father’s proudest achievements was securing a new visitor center for the fort to better welcome growing crowds and ensure it remained accessible to all. There is no finer tribute to his legacy than naming the visitor center at Fort McHenry in his honor. The Sarbanes family is deeply grateful to Rep. Mfume for his leadership in the House, to Senator Cardin for his leadership in the Senate, and to the entire bipartisan Maryland delegation for their support in making this possible.”

Background: H.R. 6826 

• H.R. 6826 would name the visitor and education center at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (Fort McHenry) in Baltimore, Maryland, as the “Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center.”
  
• Fort McHenry is known as the site of the 1814 attack by British troops against 1,000 American soldiers.
  
• The resistance of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry during bombardment by the Royal Navy inspired the poem “Defence of Fort M’Henry,” which later became the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner,” our national anthem.
  
• The Honorable Paul S. Sarbanes served the State of Maryland in the House of Representatives for six years and in the U.S. Senate for three decades.
  
• During his tenure, Senator Sarbanes helped secure funding for construction of the new visitor center at Fort McHenry, increasing capacity and visitor access. 
  
• Senator Sarbanes worked to introduce numerous bipartisan bills that eventually established the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail as the 26th such trail in our nation. It covers Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland, telling the stories of the events, people, and places that led to the birth of our national anthem.
  
• Naming the visitor and education center at Fort McHenry would honor Senator Sarbanes’ long history of service to Maryland and his connection with the Fort McHenry site.

Read the bill text HERE . 

The post Bill To Rename Fort McHenry Visitor And Education Center After Senator Paul Sarbanes Passes Congress appeared first on Black Star News.

Photos: Kweisi Mfume Press\YouTube Screenshots\Facebook

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, the United States Senate passed legislation (H.R. 9544) to designate a Baltimore United States Post Office (USPS) as the ‘‘United States Representative Elijah E. Cummings Post Office Building.” The bill to rename the post office at 340 South Loudon Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland, in honor of Congressman Cummings will now be sent to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. H.R. 9544 was crafted and led by Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07) in the U.S. House, and the companion legislation to this bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-MD). Maryland Congressmen Steny Hoyer (D-MD-05), Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD-02), John Sarbanes (D-MD-03), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), David Trone (D-MD-06), and Glenn Ivey (D-MD-04) all cosponsored the U.S. House legislation when it was introduced. 

CLICK HERE to view Rep. Mfume and other Members’ remarks on the floor of the U.S. House in support of H.R. 9544 (December 4, 2024).

“Congressman Elijah Cummings was a person of deep intellect, unlimited compassion, and a champion for working people everywhere. This House and our nation still feel his loss, which makes the renaming of this post office in his honor a fitting tribute to our dear friend,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “I am elated that this legislation has prevailed out of the Congress. It is a small but important gesture to say thank you to Congressman Elijah Cummings for the work he did, for so many years, for the people of Baltimore and the state of Maryland. Elijah was a trailblazer, consensus builder, peacemaker, and friend. His name and his image will now be a part of this building for all to see,” he concluded. 

“Elijah’s talent for building consensus, as well as his work ethic and dedication to his constituents, propelled him early on to positions of leadership. He never for a moment forgot that his purpose was to represent the people back home in his district and to be a voice for the many who were silenced,” said Senator Ben Cardin.  “He once said that while it was his ‘constitutional duty to conduct oversight of the executive branch,’ it was his ‘moral duty’ to fight for his constituents. For this reason and so many others, this is a fitting tribute to our friend and colleague Elijah Cummings and his love for Baltimore and the community he cherished and fought for year after year.”

“Congressman Elijah Cummings was a man of principle and dignity. His life was shaped by a commitment to serve others, and nowhere did he work harder to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for all than in his beloved Baltimore community. Congress’s passage of this legislation is an important recognition of all that Elijah did for his city, his state, and his country,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen.

“On behalf of the Cummings family, we thank Congressman Mfume and Senators Cardin and Van Hollen for keeping alive the legacy of my father, their friend, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings. We are deeply grateful for all of their work to rename a district post office in recognition of his commitment to public service, including his work on postal issues that came before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee,” said Jennifer Cummings , the late Congressman’s eldest daughter upon the legislation’s introduction. 

The introduction of this legislation was an effort in partnership with the Cummings family, who wrote to Congressman Mfume in August 2024. Their letter expressed the Cummings family’s support to honor Congressman Cummings with the renaming of a post office after their father. On November 20, 2024, this bill was passed unanimously by the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. On December 4, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill, sending it to the U.S. Senate. 

The Life of Congressman Elijah E. Cummings 

Congressman Cummings was born in Baltimore on January 18, 1951. His father worked at a chemical factory and his mother worked at a pickle factory and later as a maid while raising seven children. Both parents came from Southern sharecropping families. 

Elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 1982, Mr. Cummings became the youngest Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus and the first African American elected speaker pro tem by the body, a permanent role in the Maryland House. He served in that chamber for 14 years, during which he worked tirelessly to advance the rights and opportunities of Maryland residents.

In 1996, Mr. Cummings won the seat in the U.S. House of Representatives that Congressman Mfume vacated to become NAACP president, launching a 23-year career in Congress during which he advocated on behalf of all people, including lower-income and working-class Americans. 

Where others saw problems and danger, he saw opportunities and solutions. He advanced measures to improve education, to expand affordable housing, to curb addiction, to enhance public infrastructure, to promote gun safety, and to reform police practices. He worked to erase the racial and class divides that he had grown up with, so that future generations of Baltimoreans would not face the same obstacles he did.

Congressman Cummings became Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus in 2002, where he pushed to increase funding for public education and the Head Start program. 

After the tragic death of Freddie Gray, Congressman Cummings went to the streets to ask the citizens of Baltimore to come together and find a peaceful path forward. Then, true to form, he launched into action, pushing hard for policies and programs to help the city recover. 

As Ranking Member and then Chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, Mr. Cummings spearheaded much of the impeachment inquiry of former President Trump, and led probes relating to Trump’s family members serving in the White House. In this role, Congressman Cummings also had jurisdiction over postal issues and led the charge to pass the Postal Service Reform Act to ensure the financial solvency of the U.S. Postal Service until his passing in 2019. A version of the legislation ultimately became law in 2022.

He was passionate about rooting out corruption, protecting our democracy, and achieving equality and freedom for all. He fought for what was right, simply because it was right.

Read the bill text HERE .

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Ryan Reynolds receives Order of Canada civil honor

On December 19, 2024, Ryan Reynolds was among 88 individuals honored with the prestigious Order of Canada. The Vancouver-born actor expressed deep gratitude and pride, calling it an incredibly emotional moment. Reynolds shared, “I couldn’t be more emotional and prouder of this moment. I’m so grateful to be a part of the ever-evolving Canadian story.”

In his heartfelt response, Reynolds called Canada his “third parent,” and acknowledged the communities that helped shape his success. Known for his humor, he joked about breaking his medal into “thousands of little pieces to share” with others.

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Ryan Reynolds: Philanthropic Work

Ryan Reynolds is not only a celebrated actor but also a dedicated humanitarian. The Canadian government recognized him not only for his cinematic success but also for his support of several important causes. These include:

• Water First Education, addressing clean water issues,
• Covenant House Vancouver, helps homeless youth, and
• SickKids Foundation, improving healthcare for children.

It evidences a deep commitment Reynolds has in making Canada’s communities better while upholding the entire country.

Far beyond entertainment industries, this humanitarian work is identified to be known.

This establishes him as an icon within one’s recognition.

Reynolds has won awards and accolades for work in Canada. He is a recipient of the Order of British Columbia and the Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television. The award seals his position in history as someone who made meaningful impacts both in Canada and the rest of the world.

Although he lives in New York City with his wife, Blake Lively, and their four children, Reynolds seems to remain close to his Canadian roots. He continues to speak about the values learned from Canada: “Canada taught me lessons that come in handy weekly, if not daily since I left home at 18.”

What is the Order of Canada?

The Order of Canada was established in 1967 and has been the highest civilian distinction a country can confer. It has been one of the finest honors that recognizes someone’s outstanding contributions to Canadian society as a whole, in fields including arts, sciences, or humanitarian efforts, reflecting excellence and service to the nation.

The acknowledgment shows that Ryan Reynolds has had a significant influence not only as an international entertainer but as well as someone who is grounded deeply in his culture. He bridges cultural influence with philanthropy in his work.

A Global Star with Canadian Pride

Through movies such as Deadpool, Free Guy, and The Adam Project, Ryan Reynolds has become internationally renowned. He is one of the most beloved Hollywood actors, with his fast wit, humor, and charm. However, beneath all of this, he continues to push forward with the Canadian values and culture around the world.

Following his win, Reynolds took to social media to express thanks, jokingly stating he would “use my powers for good. and general whimsy.” The lighter response highlights the uniqueness of the balance between wit and seriousness.

Also read: Christmas Market Attack in Germany: 2 Dead, 68 Injured

Conclusion

The appointment of Ryan Reynolds to the Order of Canada is a fitting tribute to his dual career as a global entertainer and dedicated philanthropist. Taking pride in his Canadian identity, Reynolds inspires millions in humility, humor, and commitment to giving back. He is an outstanding example whose individual success contributes to the values that define Canada’s evolving story.

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Justin Trudeau Net Worth

Canada is among the world’s largest and most influential nations and the leader of Canada holds not only political powers but personal finances as well. The 23rd Prime minister of Canada’s net worth is a subject of interest. A Canadian business magazine surveyed Trudeau’s net worth and according to them the net worth of Trudeau may have exceeded $10 million in 2019. The salary of the Canadian Prime minister is $ 357, 800, and he is among the top 10 highest paid world leaders. However, the net worth of Trudeau is affected by several factors: Some inherent property from his father, his lucrative speaking fees, and the family also owns some real estate holdings.

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Some of the other allowances Given to Justin Trudeau 

Apart from his salary as a prime minister Trudeau gets various additional benefits and allowances. He is also given a residential allowance of $150,000 per year to maintain the official residence where he lives as a prime minister, he is given an allowance of $ 2,000 per year for his car, he is given a text allowance of $ 200,000 annually for his housing and other expenses. Trudeau and his family get the additional benefit of security from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police through government expense. Adding all these benefits Trudeau’s total compensation as prime minister exceeds $500,000 per year.

Inherent Property of Justin Trudeau 

Trudeau got shares in two companies from his father. From the first company, he owns $20,000 per year, from the second company he owns $10,000 per year. Some of Trudeau’s earnings come from real estate. In  2007 Trudeau and his wife purchased a new house worth $1.2 million in Ottawa’s Rockcliffe Park neighbourhood. In 2012 Trudeau sold a three-bedroom townhouse in Montreal which he got from his father and made $1.2 million from that sale. Trudeau also owns a mansion in Montreal’s upscale Mont-Royal neighborhood worth $800,000. However, he sold that property before he made his appearance in the political field. 

Conclusion 

The net worth of Trudeau as the prime minister of Canada, along with the additional benefit he gets as prime minister almost exceeds $500,000 per year. It has been 10 years since Trudeau was the Prime minister of Canada. However, the sudden resignation of Freeland has created some trouble for Trudeau, leaders of the position party are demanding his resignation. 

Also read: Jessica Simpson’s $200M Net Worth: From Pop Star to Business Mogul

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