AZTLAN NEWS 7/13/24: 🚰 Securing Water Rights for Arizona Tribes: Historic Settlement Reached
13.0.11.13.2: 🐊 Crocodiles Invade Mexican Cities Amid Heavy Rains 🗳️ Protecting Democracy: Condemning Threats Against Election Workers 🏠 Pascua Yaqui Tribe Breaks Ground on Elder Housing
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Quick Summaries
🏠 Pascua Yaqui Tribe Breaks Ground on Elder Housing Project in Tucson
🚰 New Legislation Would Ratify Colorado River Water Settlements for Three AZ Tribes
💰 Democratic Megadonors Threaten to Withhold $90 Million if Biden Stays in the Race
💸 Rudy Giuliani's Bankruptcy Case Dismissed, Paving Way for Creditors to Collect
🏭 Record-Breaking Settlement for Tribe: Marathon Oil Penalized for North Dakota Pollution
📲 Massive AT&T Data Breach Exposes Customer Call and Text Records
🐊 Crocodiles Invade Cities as Heavy Rains Hit Northern Mexico
💊 Ozempic Offers Unexpected Benefits: Lower Dementia Risk and Reduced Nicotine Use
🗳️ Condemning Threats Against Election Workers: Protecting Democracy
😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
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The Pascua Yaqui Tribe is building new homes for their elders. The government is helping three tribes in Arizona get more water. Some wealthy Democrats are mad at President Biden and want him to quit the race. AOC lost support from her socialist group. Rudy Giuliani is in trouble again, and a big oil company had to pay a lot of money for polluting. A phone company got hacked, and a bunch of crocodiles showed up in Mexican cities because of heavy rains. Some medicines used for diabetes might also help people's brains and stop them from using tobacco. A Congressman in Arizona finished his cancer treatment and will be back at work soon.
👵🏾👴🏾 Summary for Politically-Engaged Seniors
This news update covers a range of important developments, including progress on tribal rights and housing, political machinations within the Democratic Party, accountability for polluters, cybersecurity breaches, and advancements in medical research.
The Pascua Yaqui Tribe's new elder housing project and the legislation to settle long-standing water rights disputes for three Arizona tribes represent positive steps toward improving the lives of Native American communities. However, the threats from Democratic megadonors to withhold funding from President Biden's campaign and the loss of endorsement for Rep. Ocasio-Cortez by the DSA highlight the internal divisions and power struggles within the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.
The record-breaking settlement against Marathon Oil for pollution violations on tribal lands sends a strong message about holding corporations accountable for environmental damage, especially in marginalized communities. In contrast, the massive data breach at AT&T raises serious privacy and security concerns that telecommunications companies must address.
The potential cognitive benefits of the diabetes drug Ozempic and the good news about Rep. Grijalva's cancer treatment recovery offer hope amidst the other challenges covered. Ultimately, this news cycle underscores the need for continued vigilance, unity, and a commitment to social and environmental justice, even as we celebrate incremental progress.
🗝️ Takeaways
🏠 The Pascua Yaqui Tribe has begun constructing a 45-unit apartment complex to serve its elders, the latest phase of their Yaqui Square master-planned project.
🚰 A bipartisan coalition has introduced legislation to ratify and fund the largest Indian water rights settlement, securing water rights for the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe.
💰 Prominent Democratic donors have threatened to withhold $90 million in funding from a pro-Biden super PAC unless the president drops out of the race.
🤯 Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has lost the endorsement of the Democratic Socialists of America, which cites her failure to meet a list of demands.
💸 Rudy Giuliani's bankruptcy case has been dismissed, exposing him to lawsuits and enabling creditors to collect on his debts.
🏭 The federal government has reached a historic $241.5 million settlement with Marathon Oil for air quality violations on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.
📲 AT&T Wireless suffered a significant security breach, with hackers stealing the call and text records of nearly all 109 million customers.
🐊 Heavy rains in northern Mexico have led to over 200 crocodiles invading urban areas near the Texas border.
💊 A study found that the diabetes drug Ozempic may offer unexpected benefits like lower dementia risk and reduced nicotine use.
🚢 Rep. Raúl Grijalva of Arizona has completed his cancer treatment and plans to return to Congress.
🗳️ A Tucson shooting survivor strongly condemns threats against election workers, calling for unity and a rejection of political violence.
🏠 Pascua Yaqui Tribe Breaks Ground on Elder Housing Project in Tucson
The Pascua Yaqui Tribe has begun constructing a 45-unit apartment complex to serve its elders. Dubbed "Two Yaqui Square," this development is the latest phase of the tribe's expansive Yaqui Square master-planned project, which aims to provide affordable housing for hundreds of tribal members.
The four-story building will offer high-quality amenities tailored to seniors' needs, including large windows, oversized balconies, in-unit washers and dryers, emergency pull cord systems, and more. The design also emphasizes community, with an outdoor plaza, rooftop terrace, community rooms, and a communal garden.
This innovative project will significantly enhance the living standards of Pascua Yaqui elders, providing them with a safe and supportive community. The construction of Two Yaqui Square is expected to be completed in November 2025, marking a proud moment for the tribe as they work to meet the housing needs of their senior population.
🚰 New Legislation Would Ratify Colorado River Water Settlements for Three AZ Tribes
A bipartisan coalition of Arizona's congressional delegation has introduced legislation to address one of the longest-running water issues facing three Native American tribes in the state. The Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement (NAIWRSA) Act of 2024 would ratify and fund the largest Indian water rights settlement in the country, securing water rights for the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe.
The legislation aims to achieve a fair, equitable, and final settlement of all Arizona water rights claims for these three tribal nations. In addition to settling the tribes' ongoing water claims in the Colorado River Basin, the act includes billions in funding for essential water development and delivery projects.
This settlement will provide the tribes with reliable and safe access to water sources like the Colorado River, aquifers, and new water infrastructure. It represents a historic step forward in resolving a decades-long water rights dispute, offering much-needed certainty and stability for the Navajo, Hopi, and San Juan Southern Paiute communities.
💰 Democratic Megadonors Threaten to Withhold $90 Million if Biden Stays in the Race
Prominent Democratic donors have threatened to withhold $90 million in funding from Future Forward, the giant pro-Biden super PAC, unless President Biden drops out of the presidential race. The donors say they are no longer willing to support Biden's reelection bid.
Many congressional Democrats have also urged the president to end his campaign. The decision by these major donors was a significant blow to Biden's campaign, which had been struggling just weeks before the Democratic National Convention.
However, Biden has vowed to stay in the race despite the growing calls for him to exit. The path forward for the Democratic Party is unclear. There are questions over whether Vice President Kamala Harris should automatically become the nominee or if other Democrats should vie for the nomination. One prominent donor has opposed "anointing" Harris, stating that she should have to "earn it."
As the Democratic Party grapples with this challenging situation, the future of the presidential race remains uncertain. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the party's direction and the path to the White House.
🤯 Trouble in Socialist Paradise: AOC Loses DSA Endorsement
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), a prominent Democratic Socialist, has lost the endorsement of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) - the very group that propelled her political rise.
The DSA has retracted its endorsement of AOC, citing her failure to meet a list of demands. These include publicly opposing all funding to Israel, regularly participating in the DSA Federal Socialists in Office Committee, opposing the criminalization of anti-Zionism, and publicly supporting the Boycott, Divest, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel.
The DSA accused AOC of making votes that conflicted with their agenda, such as co-sponsoring a resolution they believe conflates opposition to Israel's "right to exist" with antisemitism. They also took issue with AOC hosting a panel with leaders from the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, which the DSA deemed "a deep betrayal to all those who've risked their welfare to fight Israeli apartheid."
This split highlights the growing divide within the progressive movement, where hard-line anti-Israel stances are becoming a litmus test. AOC's more measured approach has now cost her the support of the DSA, a crucial base of her political power. As the 2024 elections approach, this development could significantly impact her political future.
💸 Rudy Giuliani's Bankruptcy Case Dismissed, Paving Way for Creditors to Collect
A federal bankruptcy court judge has dismissed Rudy Giuliani's bankruptcy case, allowing his creditors to collect on the former New York City mayor's debts. The decision follows months of missed deadlines and Giuliani's evasiveness about his finances, raising concerns about self-dealing and conflicts of interest.
This dismissal is a significant development, as it exposes Giuliani to lawsuits, foreclosures, and other measures that will enable creditors, including two defamed Georgia election workers, to collect what they are owed. The judge cited Giuliani's "continued failure to meet his reporting obligations and provide the financial transparency required of a debtor in possession" as the reason for the dismissal.
The ruling marks a setback for Giuliani, who had sought to use the bankruptcy proceedings to shield himself from the $150 million in fines and damages he was ordered to pay after a jury found him liable for defaming the election workers. With the bankruptcy case dismissed, Giuliani can now appeal the defamation judgment, but he will also face increased pressure from creditors seeking to recoup their losses.
🏭 Record-Breaking Settlement for Tribe: Marathon Oil Penalized for North Dakota Pollution
The federal government has announced a historic $241.5 million settlement with Marathon Oil for alleged air quality violations at the company's oil and gas operations on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota. This settlement marks the largest-ever civil penalty for Clean Air Act violations at stationary sources, underscoring the government's commitment to holding polluters accountable and protecting vulnerable communities.
Marathon Oil will be required to pay a $64.5 million civil penalty and implement extensive compliance measures to significantly reduce climate- and health-harming emissions from over 200 facilities across North Dakota. The settlement will result in over 2.3 million tons of pollution reduction, a major win for the environment and the local population's health.
This landmark agreement sends a clear message that the government will not tolerate flagrant disregard for air quality regulations, especially in Indigenous communities already bearing the brunt of the fossil fuel industry's impact. As the nation's 22nd largest oil producer and the 7th largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the oil and gas sector, Marathon Oil must now be held accountable and take concrete steps to mitigate its environmental footprint.
📲 Massive AT&T Data Breach Exposes Customer Call and Text Records
AT&T Wireless has announced a significant security breach. Hackers have stolen the call and text records of nearly all 109 million of its customers. While the stolen data does not include the content of the communications, it does contain information such as the numbers contacted, the number and lengths of interactions, and the period from May to October 2022.
This security breach is a significant concern for AT&T Wireless and its customers. The telecommunications giant has not provided details on how the hackers gained access to this sensitive customer data or what steps are being taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Losing this customer information raises serious privacy and security issues that AT&T Wireless must promptly address. As a result of this data breach, affected customers may be at risk of targeted scams or other malicious activities. It is crucial that AT&T Wireless provides transparent and timely communication to its customers regarding this incident and the measures being taken to protect their personal information.
🐊 Crocodiles Invade Cities as Heavy Rains Hit Northern Mexico
Heavy rains associated with Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Alberto have led to an unusual situation in northern Mexico. At least 200 crocodiles have entered urban areas near the Texas border. Rising water levels in coastal lagoons have prompted these large reptiles to crawl into cities like Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira.
Authorities have captured and relocated around 200 crocodiles, but the problem may continue as water levels recede. While crocodile attacks in Mexico are rare, the influx of these protected animals into populated areas has caused an uproar on social media.
This incident is yet another example of how climate change-fueled extreme weather events disrupt ecosystems and lead to unexpected encounters between wildlife and humans. As these extreme weather occurrences become more frequent, it will be crucial for authorities to develop effective strategies to manage the situation and protect both the public and the crocodiles.
💊 Ozempic Offers Unexpected Benefits: Lower Dementia Risk and Reduced Nicotine Use
A recent observational study conducted by researchers at Oxford University has found that the popular diabetes medication Ozempic may have benefits beyond its primary use. The study, published in the Lancet's eClinicalMedicine journal, analyzed over 100 million medical records of U.S. patients and revealed that Ozempic users had lower rates of cognitive decline and nicotine use compared to those taking other common diabetes drugs.
The study found that Ozempic was not associated with a higher risk of neurological or psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety or depression, in the first year of use. Patients taking Ozempic experienced lower rates of cognitive decline and reduced nicotine cravings.
While these findings are promising, the researchers caution that the results cannot be applied to individuals without diabetes. They emphasize the need for more rigorous randomized controlled trials to confirm these associations.
The study's findings help allay concerns that semaglutide-based treatments, including the weight loss medication Wegovy, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. Instead, the data suggests that these medications may have neuroprotective effects and could potentially help reduce nicotine addiction.
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, has already begun testing semaglutide in patients with early Alzheimer's disease, with results expected by 2025. This latest study adds to the growing evidence that drugs in this class may have cognitive benefits beyond their primary diabetes-related applications.
🌵 Arizona Congressman's Cancer Treatment Victory: Grijalva Announces Completion of Cancer Treatment, Plans Return to D.C.
Longtime U.S. Representative Raúl Grijalva of Arizona has announced that he has completed his chemotherapy and radiation treatments for lung cancer. The veteran congressman, who has represented the Tucson area since 2003, shared the good news that he has finished his cancer treatment and is now focused on regaining his physical strength.
Grijalva had disclosed his cancer diagnosis in April, temporarily widening the Republican's narrow majority in the House as he remained in Arizona for his treatment. Despite the medical challenges, the congressman has remained actively engaged in his congressional work, securing federal funding for his district and continuing to be a vocal advocate on issues like environmental justice and foreign policy.
Though his doctors are "optimistic" about his return timeline to Washington, D.C., Grijalva acknowledged that his travel plans are still subject to clearance from his medical team. Nevertheless, he expressed gratitude for his support and vowed to keep fighting for the people of Southern Arizona.
This is a heartening development for Grijalva's constituents and colleagues, as the veteran lawmaker's recovery from cancer will ensure his continued representation and leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives.
🗳️ Condemning Threats Against Election Workers: Protecting Democracy
In a recent opinion piece, Daniel Hernandez, a survivor of the 2011 Tucson shooting, strongly condemns the remarks made by Maricopa Republican Party Vice Chair Shelby Busch towards Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer.
Hernandez rightly points out that such rhetoric, even if claimed to be hyperbolic or made in jest, is profoundly dangerous and unacceptable. Political violence, defined as any use of force or intimidation to influence electoral outcomes, is a direct assault on the democratic process. When influential figures use violent or inflammatory language, they legitimize and encourage similar behavior among their followers, creating an environment where threats and misinformation thrive.
Hernandez's personal experience with the devastating consequences of political violence underscores the urgency of this issue. He calls on all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, to unite in safeguarding the integrity, safety, and respect of every election. The media and social platforms also have a vital role to play in countering election violence through responsible reporting and vigilant moderation.
As Hernandez eloquently states, the strength of our democracy lies not in the absence of differences but in our ability to resolve them peacefully. We must collectively reject political violence and foster a culture of respect and gratitude for those who work tirelessly to ensure our votes are counted and our voices heard. This is a critical time for our nation, and we must all do our part to defend the pillars of our democracy.
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I cannot comment on all of these items, but I must call attention to one in particular: << The federal government has reached a historic $241.5 million settlement with Marathon Oil for air quality violations on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. >> Of course, I applaud the result, but I hasten to append that in future, corporations will get away with far worse, thanks to the Extreme Court. This is all the more reason to keep Trump & Co. away from power.