Former Navy Sailor Pleads Guilty to Plotting to Attack Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago

 

A former Navy sailor has pleaded guilty in federal court in Chicago to plotting to attack Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, Illinois, purportedly on behalf of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Xuanyu Harry Pang, 38, of North Chicago, Illinois, pleaded guilty to conspiring to and attempting to willfully injure and destroy national defense material, national defense premises, and national defense utilities, with the intent to injure, interfere with, and obstruct the national defense of the United States. The guilty plea was entered on Nov. 5, 2024, in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and ordered unsealed today.

According to court records filed in the case, in the summer of 2021, Pang communicated with an individual in Colombia about potentially assisting with a plan involving Iranian actors to conduct an attack against the United States to avenge the death of Qasem Soleimani, a general of the IRGC Quds Force who was killed by the U.S. military in 2020. The Quds Force is a branch of the IRGC that conducts unconventional warfare and intelligence activities outside of Iran.

A covert FBI employee, posing as an affiliate of the Quds Force, subsequently communicated online with the individual in Colombia about conducting an attack. The individual in Colombia put the covert FBI employee in touch with Pang, who at the time was stationed and residing at Naval Station Great Lakes. The pair communicated online through an encrypted messaging application about possible targets for the attack, including Naval Station Great Lakes and other locations in the Chicago area. Pang and the individual in Colombia agreed to help the covert FBI employee and his purported associates with their operation to conduct the attack in the United States, court records state.

On three occasions in the fall of 2022, Pang personally met with another individual working with the FBI who was posing as an associate of the covert FBI employee. The first meeting took place outside of the Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago, and the two other meetings were held at a train station in Lake Bluff, Illinois. During the meetings in Lake Bluff, as the plot coalesced into an attack on the Naval Station, Pang displayed photos and videos on his phone of multiple locations inside the Naval Station. He also provided two U.S. military uniforms – for operatives to wear inside the base during the attack – and a cell phone that could be used as a test for a detonator.

Pang is currently detained without bond and is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois, Assistant Director David J. Scott of the FBI's Counterterrorism Division, and Special Agent in Charge Douglas S. DePodesta of the FBI Chicago Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Chicago Joint Terrorism Task Force – which is comprised of multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies – is investigating the case, with valuable assistance provided by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

NYC Comptroller Lander, NYC Employees’ and Teachers’ Retirement Systems Trustees Announce Wins to Enhance Corporate Board Disclosure at NextEra Energy and Boyd Gaming Corporation

 

Investors at DraftKings Inc. and Corpay, Inc. will have the opportunity to vote in support of enhanced disclosure at the companies’ annual shareholder meetings this spring

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander announced that his office reached agreements with Boyd Gaming Corporation and NextEra Energy on behalf of the New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS) and Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) to publicly disclose a board matrix disclosing each of their director’s relevant skills, experience, attributes, as well as their gender and race/ethnicity.

Such board matrices promote inclusive practices by helping to set a tone from the top and are an important part of a comprehensive human capital management strategy. These matrices are utilized as a standard throughout many industries to provide consistent and comparable data for long-term investors.

“Diversity remains a key driver of business performance and positions our portfolio companies for success. It’s not only the right thing to do – but the smart thing to do. We remain committed to urging our companies to implement tools to ensure that diversity at the highest levels of leadership reflects the range of experience and perspectives needed to navigate the complex and rapidly changing business environment and deliver strong returns for stakeholders,” said Comptroller Brad Lander.

The shareholder proposals that will go to a vote at both DraftKings and Corpay request the implementation and public disclosure of these board matrices with a focus on the skills and attributes that are most relevant in light of their overall business, long-term strategy, and risks.

The matrices would provide investors with decision-useful information that helps them:

• assess how well-suited individual director nominees are for the company;
• identify any gaps in skills or attributes;
• make meaningful, year-over-year comparisons of the Board’s composition; and
• ascertain the self-identified gender, race/ethnicity, skills and attributes of any particular director who has assumed leadership roles on the board/committees, and his/her/their tenure.

The New York City Employees’ Retirement System and Teachers’ Retirement System of the City of New York reached the agreement with NextEra Energy, which marks a particularly crucial milestone in our engagement. While past efforts, including a strong 49% of shareholder vote in favor of the 2023 proposal, did not initially lead to action, however, now NextEra has committed to transparency. The proposal focused on ensuring that directors disclose the skills most relevant to climate risk mitigation, a critical factor in NextEra’s long-term success as a leading energy company.

The agreements reached with Boyd Gaming by the Teachers’ Retirement System of the City of New York and the proposals on the ballot at DraftKings and Corpay build on the Systems’ industry leadership in advocating for this governance measure to foster more inclusive leadership structures. Previously, the Systems reached board diversity matrix disclosure agreements at companies including Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Marriott International, Blackrock, and PepsiCo, setting a new standard for transparency on corporate boards.

Research shows that diversity in skills, experience, attributes, and gender and race/ethnicity are positively correlated with stronger performance across the board, from financial outcomes and innovation, to being more equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape and mitigate risk. Currently, many boards utilize outdated practices to nominate directors, rather than a rigorous assessment that factors in diverse experience and representation.

As of December 31, 2024, the Systems have holdings valued at $18.53 million at Boyd Gaming Corporation, $186.53 million at NextEra Energy, $37.93 million at DraftKings, and $22.24 million at Corpay.

Investors will have the opportunity to vote on similar proposals presented by the Systems at the annual general meeting of sports betting company DraftKings Inc. and business payments and expense management platform Corpay, Inc. this Spring.

Read the DraftKings and Corpay proposals.

More on the work of the Systems’ efforts to advocate for stronger board diversity practices:

• NYC Comptroller and Pension Funds Ask GameStop, NextEra Energy to Disclose Board Demographics (March 2024)
• New York City Comptroller and Pension Funds Ask Companies to Disclose Board Demographics and Experience (May 2023)
• Major Companies to Disclose Additional Board Director Diversity and Inclusion Data After Successful Engagement with NYC’s Public Pension Systems (May 2022)

In addition to Comptroller Lander, the trustees of the aforementioned systems are as follows:

Teachers’ Retirement System of the City of New York (TRS): Mayor Eric Adams’ Appointee Bryan Berge, Director, Mayor’s Office of Pension and Investments; Greg Faulkner, Chair, New York City Public Schools’ Panel for Educational Policy; and Thomas Brown (Chair), Victoria Lee, and Christina McGrath, all of the United Federation of Teachers.

New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS): Mayor Eric Adams’ Appointee Bryan Berge, Director, Mayor’s Office of Pension and Investments; New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams; Borough Presidents: Antonio Reynoso (Brooklyn), Vanessa L. Gibson (Bronx), Mark Levine (Manhattan), Donovan Richards Jr. (Queens), Vito Fossella (Staten Island), and; Henry Garrido, Executive Director, District Council 37, AFSCME; John Chiarello, President, Transport Workers Union Local 100; and Gregory Floyd, President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 237.

MAYOR ADAMS AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR AVILES-RAMOS CELEBRATE 120 YEARS OF CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION AT NEW YORK CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

 

Under Adams Administration, Students Have Earned Over $18 Million Through Paid Apprenticeships and Work-Based Learning Experiences 

  

Adams Administration Has Broken All-Time Jobs Record Eight Times Since Start of Administration, Unemployment Down Across All Demographic Groups 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos today celebrated a milestone of over $18 million paid to students through apprenticeships and work-based learning over the past three years of the Adams administration. New York City’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs — which have been a part of the curriculum at New York City Public Schools for the past 120 years — have evolved to meet the changing needs of the city’s workforce, providing students with hands-on training, industry certifications, and direct pathways to careers and higher education. Today’s announcement to help the city’s youngest New Yorkers prepare for employment opportunities, comes as the city recently celebrated breaking the all-time high jobs record for the eighth time under the Adams administration alone, as well as drop in unemployment across all demographic groups since the start of the Adams administration.  

  

“Public education is one of the most important ways we can support our New York City families, and paid work experience is an important part of that education,” said Mayor Adams. “Our administration is focused on giving our students the real-world experience they need to succeed when they enter the workforce, that’s why over the course of our administration, we have helped young people earn a record total of over $18 million in paid apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities. As we celebrate 120 years of providing career and technical education at our city’s public schools, we commit to ensuring our leaders of tomorrow have what they need to achieve economic opportunity. Our mission is to keep New York City the greatest city in the world and the best place to raise a family, and with announcements like this, we are delivering on building family-sustaining careers today and for future generations to come.”             

  

“For 120 years, New York City Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education programs have opened doors to economic mobility, equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to thrive,” said Public Schools Chancellor Aviles-Ramos. “As we look to the future, we remain committed to strengthening these programs and ensuring all students have access to career-connected learning.” 

  

The Adams administration continues to deliver on its commitment preparing students for success in high-demand industries with over 290 CTE programs in fields including fashion design, culinary arts, automotive technology, health care, business, technology, education, and more. In partnership with industry stakeholders, students gain real-world experience through internships, apprenticeships, and mentorships that prepare them for the competitive job market. 

  

Under Mayor Adams’ leadership, the city has made unprecedented investments in supporting young people on their path to career success. In 2022, the Adams administration introduced FutureReadyNYC , which bridges career exploration in high-growth, high-wage occupations with opportunities for students to earn industry credentials, gain hands-on work experience, be exposed to rigorous academics, and access early college credits, as well as receive personalized advising from counselors and advisors. There are currently 135 schools participating in FutureReadyNYC, with support from Northwell Health, Google, Mount Sinai, and Memorial Sloan Kettering as anchor partners. Mayor Adams recently announced an expansion of the FutureReadyNYC program to reach 15,000 students and develop CTE pathways in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and decarbonization. A total of 60 FutureReadyNYC schools offer CTE programs side-by-side with their FutureReadyNYC programming. 

  

In 2023, Mayor Adams introduced a $600-million, young-adult action plan, “Pathways to an Inclusive Economy: An Action Plan for Young Adult Career Success,” aimed at addressing longstanding inequities in employment. This comprehensive plan focuses on integrating career readiness, work-based learning, and apprenticeships into programs that empower young adults. Additionally, the Adams administration has significantly expanded the Summer Youth Employment and Summer Rising programs, reaching a record number of over 100,000 young people, and, through the Career Readiness and Modern Youth Apprenticeship program, with support from the New York City Jobs Council and CareerWise New York, the city has placed over 500 New York City Public School students in apprenticeships over the last three years. 

  

In Fiscal Year 2024, the city also funded over 11,000 internships or apprenticeships for high school students during the academic year, both through New York City Public Schools and the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development’s “Work, Learn, and Grow” program. Additionally, the administration is on-track to meet Mayor Adams’ 2023 State of the City goal of delivering 30,000 apprenticeships by 2030.  

  

To further support students in foster care, Mayor Adams and the New York City Administration for Children's Services launched “College Choice,” a program designed to provide college students in foster care with stronger support networks, including financial support, so they can attend the college of their dreams without having to worry about the hefty price tag.  

  

Recently, Mayor Adams announced a $12 million expansion of The City University of New York (CUNY) Inclusive Economy Initiative, an impactful program that strengthens college-to-career pathways for CUNY students. The city has also provided funding for over 2,000 college students through CUNY Career Launch, Cultural Corps, and various city internships.   

  

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES AMBITIOUS PROJECT TO MAKE ACCESSIBLE HISTORICAL RECORDS OF ENSLAVED PEOPLE IN NYC

 

 Led by Department of Records and Information Services, NYC Will Begin Transcribing Records Dating to 1660 to Help Historians and Everyday New Yorkers Locate Records Documenting Enslaved New Yorkers

 

City Calling for Volunteers to Help Transcribing Records as It Builds Searchable Database

 

Announcement Comes as Adams Administration Commemorates 400^th Anniversary of New York City and Black History Month

WATCH: Department of Records and Information Services Explain the Historical Records and Its Importance

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced an ambitious project to make accessible the historical records of thousands of formerly enslaved New Yorkers who lived in the five boroughs when the practice of slavery was legal here. Led by the New York City Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS), the project will transcribe digitized historical records dating from 1660 to 1827— when slavery became illegal in New York. Transcribed data will help historians and everyday New Yorkers locate the records of enslaved New Yorkers and even, in some cases, trace familial roots. To accomplish the project, the Adams administration is calling for volunteers to transcribe the digital records and help create searchable data. To learn more about the project, visit the digital archive, or volunteer, New Yorkers can visit Archives.nyc. This announcement comes as the city celebrates Black History Month and all the contributions Black New Yorkers have made to New York City, as well as the city’s 400^th anniversary this year.

 

“We cannot build a better, brighter future without first acknowledging and accepting our past,” said Mayor Adams. “This ambitious project allows everyday New Yorkers to understand the history of enslaved people who shaped our city into what it is today. For too long, enslaved people were forgotten and lost to the past. Today, with projects like this, we shed a light on their story, learn their names, and ensure that time does not leave them behind again.”

 

“This first phase of the transcription project will make available records documenting enslaved people in New York City, and subsequent phases we’ll be adding more records,” DORIS Commissioner Pauline Toole. “This is part of the Municipal Archives and Library initiative to engage communities with the historical records of the city.”

 

The Municipal Archives — a division within DORIS — preserves and makes available city government’s records, dating from 1636 to the present. The Municipal Archives currently has identified and digitized nine volumes of records from towns in Brooklyn, Queens, and Westchester counties, dating from 1660 to 1838. The documents include birth certificates naming enslaved children, and documents that granted enslaved individuals their freedom. The volumes range from 200 to 500 pages, including both original documents and hand-written transcriptions of records. Using From the Page — a platform designed for transcription — volunteers will enter information from each volume into a form that DORIS will then use to publish a searchable guide.  The transcribed data will be easily searchable and will help researchers and the general public locate and view records of thousands of formerly enslaved New Yorkers who lived in New York City that would otherwise be difficult to trace.

 

In December 2024, Mayor Adams announced “Founded By NYC,” a year-long inclusive, comprehensive acknowledgement of the 400^th anniversary of New York City. In partnership with NYC Tourism + Conventions, Founded By NYC will celebrate how New York City has made history, and continues to do so — highlighting the achievements driven by the creativity and resilience of the five boroughs and it’s people, including the perspectives of marginalized audiences, like those of the Indigenous community, women, and people of color. 

 

Throughout planning for New York City’s 400^th anniversary, the mayor’s office has also partnered with the Lenape Center to uplift the voices of the Lenape Indigenous community. Last year, Mayor Adams proclaimed November 20 “Lenape Heritage Day” in a ceremony at Gracie Mansion. This announcement came one year after Mayor Adams hosted the first-ever mayoral reception celebrating Native American and Indigenous heritage at Gracie Mansion, as the city ensures the past contributions and painful experiences of the Lenape people and other Indigenous communities are not lost to history.  

 

Creating Jobs With Clean Energy: Governor Hochul Announces Approval of 25th Renewable Energy Project By New York State Over Four Years

More Than 3.6 GW of Large-Scale Renewable Power in Clean Energy Pipeline

135 MW of Clean Solar Energy in Livingston County to Power More Than 18,000 Homes and Support 150 Local Construction Jobs

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State has permitted 25 large-scale renewable energy projects over the last four years, representing 3.6 gigawatts of new solar and wind power in the state’s clean energy pipeline. The New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission (ORES) has issued a final siting permit for the White Creek Solar project to develop, construct, and operate a 135-megawatt (MW) solar array in the towns of York and Leicester in Livingston County. This marks the 20th clean energy project approved by ORES since 2021, when it was created to accelerate permitting for renewable energy generation.

“The White Creek solar array in Western New York exemplifies New York State’s progress toward creating a clean energy economy,” Governor Hochul said. “With refined siting protocols through the establishment of ORES four years ago, New York is expediting permitting for clean energy projects to achieve a clean energy economy while creating good-paying jobs that benefit communities throughout the state.”

The new solar facility will consist of the solar array and associated support equipment, along with an interconnection substation, fencing, access roads and an operations and maintenance building. The facility will interconnect to the New York electrical grid via a new point of Interconnection, located on a Rochester Gas & Electric transmission line.

The host community benefits include the creation of permanent jobs during operations, local property tax spending, local and regional spending, and host community agreements with the towns of York and Leicester, all without significantly increasing costs to local authorities, school districts, or emergency services. Benefits will also include public road enhancements, increased tax revenues to fund local infrastructure and public services, schools and other community priorities.

Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission Executive Director Zeryai Hagos said, “With the issuance of the siting permit for White Creek Solar, ORES continues to advance New York’s nation-leading clean energy policies while being responsive to community feedback and protecting the environment.”

The Office’s decision for this facility follows a detailed and transparent review process with robust public participation to ensure the proposed project meets or exceeds the requirements of Article VIII of the New York State Public Service Law and its implementing regulations. The solar facility application was deemed complete on July 21, 2024, with a draft permit issued by the Office on September 13, 2024.

White Creek Solar is the 20th siting permit issued by ORES since 2021, which cumulatively represents over 2.9-gigawatt (GW) of new clean energy. The solar power meaningfully advances New York’s clean energy goals while establishing the State as a paradigm for efficient, transparent, and thorough siting permitting process of major renewable energy facilities.

Today’s decision may be obtained by going to the ORES website at https://ores.ny.gov/permit-applications.

New York State's Climate Agenda

New York State's climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.

 

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 2 to 4 YEARS IN PRISON FOR KILLING TEEN STEPSON BY COMPRESSING HIS NECK

 

Defendant Cut Off Oxygen Supply During Fight

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to two to four years in prison after pleading guilty to Criminally Negligent Homicide in the death of his 15-year-old stepson. 

District Attorney Clark said, “During a fight, the defendant held his 15-year-old-stepson around the neck and in a leg hold until the boy passed out and died. It’s a tragedy that this child died at the hands of someone he should have been able to trust.” 

District Attorney Clark said Tyresse Minter, 30, of Morris Avenue, was sentenced today to two to four years in prison after pleading guilty to Criminally Negligent Homicide before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Audrey Stone. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge on January 13, 2025. 

According to the investigation, on January 23, 2023, the defendant got into a dispute with his 15-year-old stepson, Corde Scott in their home on Doris Street in the Parkchester area. Minter put Corde in a neck hold to restrain him, causing his neck to be compressed and cutting off his oxygen supply. The defendant then wrapped his legs around the boy to secure him. The boy lost consciousness and died. The defendant called police 20 minutes later.

District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detective Robert Cintron of the Bronx Homicide Task Force, as well as Detectives Paula Aguero and Airam Cruz-Sheppard of the 45th Precinct Detective Squad for their assistance in the case.  

Attorney General James Stands with Service Members in Constitutional Challenge to Transgender Military Ban

 

AG James and Coalition of 20 Attorneys General Argue Trans Military Ban is Unconstitutional, Discriminatory, and Dangerous

New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of 20 other attorneys general today filed a brief supporting transgender service members in their constitutional challenge to the President’s Executive Order banning transgender Americans from serving in the U.S. military. Attorney General James and the coalition filed an amicus brief in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington supporting a group of current and prospective service members’ request for a preliminary injunction that would block the administration from implementing the ban. The attorneys general argue that the Order is unconstitutional, harms national security, and discriminates against transgender individuals honorably serving in our nation’s military, including members of the National Guard in every state.

“All service members deserve our utmost gratitude for their bravery and sacrifice. We should be honoring their commitment, not degrading it with exclusionary policies,” said Attorney General James. “This ban cruelly targets the transgender Americans who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms. I want all transgender service members and veterans to know that we see you, we respect you, and we will always fight for you. Your service is invaluable, and we will not allow this bigoted attack to diminish your service to our country.”

On January 27, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order titled, “Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness,” directing the Secretary of Defense to implement sweeping restrictions on transgender people in the Armed Forces. Attorney General James and the coalition assert that the president’s order violates the fifth amendment of the U.S. Constitution by denying service members equal protection and due process. The attorneys general also argue that the proposed ban would weaken the military, harm state emergency and disaster preparedness efforts, and deprive the military of experienced and qualified soldiers during an extremely challenging time for recruitment. The coalition also notes that the discriminatory ban violates state laws protecting transgender individuals’ right to participate fully in society. 

Today’s amicus brief is the second Attorney General James has filed opposing the transgender military ban. On February 14, 2025, Attorney General James and 16 other attorneys general filed a brief in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia supporting the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction in Talbot v. Trump. 

Transgender people have served in the military for years. A 2014 study found that approximately 150,000 veterans, active duty servicemembers, and members of the National Guard or Reserves identified as transgender. The President’s Executive Order would require the military to discharge transgender members and turn away potential recruits solely because they identify as transgender. The military has already concluded twice following comprehensive reviews that allowing transgender individuals to serve consistent with their gender identity is in the nation’s best interest. Reinstating the ban simply cannot be justified by reference to costs, unit cohesion, or overall readiness. 

Attorney General James and the coalition also argue that this ban will negatively impact the safety and security of their states. The National Guard is critical to ensuring states’ security and disaster preparedness, and banning transgender individuals from service will harm their recruitment efforts. As a result, this ban stands to jeopardize the fundamental security operations and readiness of states across the nation. After the first, longstanding ban on transgender individuals in the military was lifted in 2016 – and again when the Trump Administration’s first attempt to ban transgender service was reversed in 2021 – transgender National Guard members came out to their superiors and peers with no negative impact on the Guard’s functions.