News and reports from the .

By F. E. Simons | Mar 18, 2026

A Lorain County man has been indicted on federal drug charges following an alleged fatal overdose tied to fentanyl-laced substances he distributed. Authorities say Roderick Cross Jr., who has prior felony convictions, faces enhanced sentencing if convicted.

By C. M. Ingle | Mar 18, 2026

A Quebec man has been sentenced to two years in prison after attempting to enter Vermont with child sexual abuse material on his phone. Authorities say border officers discovered hundreds of illicit videos and images during a routine inspection. The case is part of a broader federal effort against online child exploitation.

By T. J. Graves | Mar 18, 2026

Clayton Brown from Lake City pled guilty in Sioux City federal court to distributing methamphetamine and illegally possessing a firearm. Authorities seized drugs and cash during the investigation. Sentencing will be determined after further review.

By H. B. Edwards | Mar 18, 2026

The U.S. House has passed a bill aimed at protecting hunters' and anglers' ability to use lead ammunition and tackle on federal lands. Supporters say it balances conservation needs with continued public access.

By T. J. Graves | Mar 18, 2026

A Versailles woman has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after distributing fentanyl inside a jail led to two overdoses. Authorities say Melissa Wilhoite smuggled drugs into Woodford County Detention Center following her arrest last November.

By R. C. Jamison | Mar 18, 2026

Senators Dick Durbin and Catherine Cortez Masto led a group urging DHS officials to speed up Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal processing due to growing delays affecting recipients' stability. Their letter highlights risks such as job loss or deportation if renewals lapse.

By F. E. Simons | Mar 18, 2026

A Haverhill man faces federal wire fraud charges after allegedly misleading investors about cryptocurrency funds and losing their money. Prosecutors say Luciano Schipelliti provided false updates to investors before launching another fund that also failed.

By H. B. Edwards | Mar 18, 2026

Senators Martin Heinrich and Angus King have filed an amicus brief opposing former President Trump’s plan for a commemorative arch in Washington, D.C., arguing it requires congressional approval under federal law. The move supports ongoing legal efforts by veterans and experts challenging unilateral executive action over national monuments.

By T. P. Broyles | Mar 18, 2026

Senators Bill Cassidy and Tommy Tuberville have introduced draft legislation targeting fraud in federal child care funding. The proposal seeks stronger oversight measures after investigations revealed issues in several states. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback before April 8.

By T. J. Graves | Mar 18, 2026

Chase Langston Wiatt has been sentenced to over seven years in federal prison after being found unconscious behind the wheel with two firearms in his vehicle despite prior felony convictions. Authorities say he will remain in custody pending transfer.

By H. B. Edwards | Mar 18, 2026

The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology has approved a bill to modernize NOAA's weather radio network. The legislation seeks to improve emergency alert coverage nationwide by updating equipment and expanding access in rural areas.

By T. P. Broyles | Mar 18, 2026

Senator Edward J. Markey criticized alleged fraud under the Trump administration during a Senate Small Business Committee hearing focused on transparency. He called for more oversight regarding operations at the Small Business Administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The committee's role in shaping fiscal policy was also discussed.

By T. J. Graves | Mar 18, 2026

Federal authorities stopped a nighttime maritime smuggling attempt near Miami involving fifteen people from several countries. Eleven were returned to their country of origin while four face charges for human smuggling.

By T. P. Broyles | Mar 18, 2026

A congressional subcommittee reviewed efforts by Postmaster General David Steiner aimed at addressing severe financial problems facing USPS. Lawmakers pressed for answers on cost-cutting measures, rising expenses, service quality issues, and future reforms.

By H. B. Edwards | Mar 18, 2026

House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington urged Congress on March 18 to adopt a balanced budget amendment or pursue an Article V Convention due to rising national debt concerns. He cited past failures by both parties while highlighting projections from federal agencies about future deficits.

By C. M. Ingle | Mar 18, 2026

The Federal Trade Commission has reached a $17 million settlement with Xponential Fitness over alleged violations of federal franchise regulations. The agency claims that Xponential misled prospective franchisees about costs and timelines while failing to disclose important legal information.

By F. E. Simons | Mar 18, 2026

Gerardo Heriberto Nuñez Nuñez has been extradited from the Dominican Republic to face charges related to laundering funds from an alleged elder fraud scheme targeting hundreds across the United States. Authorities say more than $5 million was lost by victims averaging age 84.

By T. J. Graves | Mar 18, 2026

Frank Hamilton has been sentenced to more than five years in prison after pleading guilty to leading a multi-million dollar loan fraud scheme involving government-backed pandemic relief programs. Federal investigators say most funds were never repaid.

By R. C. Jamison | Mar 18, 2026

House Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg welcomed a federal court's decision to vacate the Biden-Harris fiduciary rule. Walberg said ending the rule protects retirees' ability to seek financial advice without added restrictions or costs.

By F. E. Simons | Mar 18, 2026

David Oday Smith has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for illegal firearm possession after pleading guilty last year. The case is part of an initiative targeting gun violence offenders with stricter penalties.