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Chairman Bost welcomes removal of veterans with fiduciaries from FBI background check list

Chairman Mike Bost announced that veterans with fiduciaries will no longer be automatically listed in federal background checks barring firearm purchases unless deemed dangerous by a court. This move follows longstanding efforts in Congress aimed at restoring due process rights for affected veterans.


Baltimore man sentenced to over seven years for possessing loaded ghost gun as felon

Sequan Branch-Green received a sentence exceeding seven years after being found guilty of possessing a loaded ghost gun as a convicted felon in Baltimore. Law enforcement recovered drugs packaged for resale during his arrest. The case forms part of broader efforts against violent crime under Project Safe Neighborhoods.


Justice Department settles first lawsuit enforcing Violence Against Women Act housing rights

The Justice Department has settled its first lawsuit enforcing new Violence Against Women Act housing protections after prosecuting landlords who evicted a tenant following her call for police help during domestic violence. The settlement includes compensation requirements and future compliance measures.


New Sweden man pleads guilty to child sexual abuse material charges in Bangor court

A New Sweden man has pleaded guilty in Bangor federal court to charges related to distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material following an investigation by multiple agencies. The case underscores continued efforts against online exploitation under Project Safe Childhood.


Walberg holds hearing on Department of Health and Human Services policies and priorities

Chairman Tim Walberg led an April 17 hearing examining Health & Human Services' policies amid rising healthcare costs. The session covered topics including cost transparency reforms, child nutrition guidelines changes under Secretary Kennedy's leadership, early childhood program oversight reforms—and fiscal proposals aiming for taxpayer savings.


Auto parts manufacturer and manager sentenced for illegal hazardous waste storage in Kentucky

GOTEC Plus Sun has been fined $275,000 after pleading guilty to illegally storing hazardous waste at its Kentucky facility. Former General Manager Natalie Fehse also received probation following inspections revealing improper accumulation since early 2022.


Markey urges Bureau of Labor Statistics to release data on economic impact of Iran conflict

Senator Edward J. Markey has called on federal officials for transparency about economic impacts stemming from recent U.S.-Iran tensions under President Trump. His latest letter requests detailed projections on consumer prices affecting American families amid rising fuel costs.


Springfield man pleads guilty to fentanyl distribution and conspiracy charges

Emilio Garcia-Cappas has pleaded guilty in Boston federal court for distributing fentanyl earlier this year. Authorities say undercover officers bought drugs from him multiple times during their investigation.


House subcommittee approves funding for constituent engagement innovation project

A congressional subcommittee has secured funding for an innovation project aimed at modernizing constituent engagement through expanded technology options. Lawmakers say this move could improve communication between Members of Congress and those they serve.


Hartford man sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for firearm offenses and violations

Morris Carter III has been sentenced to over thirteen years in prison following convictions on multiple firearm charges while already under federal supervision. Authorities detailed evidence from surveillance footage leading up to his arrest after discarding weapons during flight from police.


Mexican national sentenced to two years for illegal re-entry after felony conviction

Ramon Rodriguez-Gonzalez has been sentenced to two years in prison for illegally re-entering the United States after being previously deported as a convicted felon. He faces additional state charges in Alabama while federal authorities continue their efforts against repeat immigration violations.


Zachary Babitz pleads guilty to armed robberies, carjackings, and fatal shooting in New Mexico

Zachary Babitz has pleaded guilty to multiple violent crimes across New Mexico—including armed robberies and fatal shooting—in incidents spanning three counties during summer 2024. Authorities announced that both sides have agreed upon life imprisonment as part of his plea deal.


House Education and Workforce Committee to mark up workforce modernization bill April 21

The House Education and Workforce Committee will review new legislation aimed at modernizing workforce systems during an April 21 markup session. The bill seeks improvements in worker outcomes and economic strength while ensuring taxpayer accountability.


New Hampshire man charged with enticement and abuse of minor in Vermont

A New Hampshire man has been charged with enticing a minor following an incident in Montpelier involving alleged violence against a child victim. Federal authorities stress community protection as part of broader initiatives targeting child exploitation crimes.


Binance, Coinbase support international law enforcement campaign 'Operation Atlantic'

The United States Secret Service announced results from Operation Atlantic—a multinational effort against crypto approval-phishing scams—identifying over $45 million in fraud schemes with support from Binance and Coinbase.


Deputy Secretary Landau meets with Mauritian Foreign Minister Ramful to discuss bilateral ties

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met Mauritian Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful on April 17. The talks focused on strengthening trade ties and discussing regional security concerns related to Diego Garcia.


Lexington man charged with federal threats against President Trump and law enforcement officers

A Lexington man has been federally charged after allegedly making violent threats online targeting former President Donald Trump and law enforcement officers. Authorities say he posted multiple threatening messages over several months before his arrest was announced April 17. Officials emphasize that such actions are prosecuted swiftly under federal law.


Dominican national pleads guilty to child pornography charge in Boston federal court

Jorge Junior Alvarez Rodriguez has pleaded guilty in Boston federal court to possessing child sexual abuse material after being stopped at Logan Airport last year. Authorities say sentencing is set for July amid ongoing efforts against child exploitation.


CBP highlights arrests and criticizes California sanctuary policies in April 17 posts

On April 17, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) posted updates on arrests made by officers and criticized sanctuary policies in California.


Okmulgee County resident pleads guilty to illegally possessing firearm

Jackie Leon Parker, Jr., from Morris, Oklahoma has pleaded guilty to illegal firearm possession as a felon. He faces up to 15 years imprisonment pending sentencing after an investigation led by federal authorities.