News and reports from the .

By T. P. Broyles | Apr 29, 2026

A congressional subcommittee led by Rep. Kevin Kiley will hold a hearing tomorrow focused on how equity policies affect academic excellence in K-12 schools. Witnesses from various organizations are set to testify before lawmakers. The session will be accessible both in person for press members and via livestream.

By F. E. Simons | Apr 29, 2026

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has issued an order impacting an Illinois law meant to reduce credit card swipe fees for restaurants. The National Restaurant Association opposes this move, arguing it will increase costs for business owners already facing financial challenges.

By C. M. Ingle | Apr 29, 2026

Three men have pled guilty following an investigation into methamphetamine trafficking from California into upstate New York under Operation Crystal Express. Law enforcement officials say their coordinated efforts led quickly to convictions aimed at protecting local communities.

By F. E. Simons | Apr 29, 2026

A federal jury has convicted Mufid Elfgeeh of attempted murder following an attack at USP McCreary. He faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced later this year.

By C. M. Ingle | Apr 29, 2026

Ian Blochwitz from Buffalo received a ten-year sentence after pleading guilty to transporting a minor across state lines for sexual abuse purposes in Vermont and New York. Authorities commended law enforcement efforts while emphasizing ongoing initiatives against child exploitation.

By T. P. Broyles | Apr 29, 2026

Senator Shelley Moore Capito led a hearing questioning EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin about regulatory rollbacks affecting energy policy, PFAS cleanup responsibilities, rescinded greenhouse gas funds, and rural clean water initiatives. The discussion reflects ongoing national debates over environmental regulation priorities.

By F. E. Simons | Apr 29, 2026

Dormeshia A. Haire pleaded guilty in federal court after admitting she filed hundreds of fraudulent tax returns resulting in significant losses for both federal and state governments. Authorities say she faces prison time following revocation of her bond ahead of sentencing.

By C. M. Ingle | Apr 29, 2026

Jason Arias has been sentenced for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine mailed from California into Nebraska. Law enforcement officials traced several shipments back to him and his co-conspirator Trevor Sands.

By C. M. Ingle | Apr 29, 2026

The Aerospace Industries Association welcomed a new appropriations bill from House lawmakers designating funds for NASA and NOAA programs. Eric Fanning praised continued investment in spaceflight technology following recent mission successes. The association highlights ongoing advocacy efforts across aerospace policy areas.

By H. B. Edwards | Apr 29, 2026

Senator Shelley Moore Capito led a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing examining the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed budget for fiscal year 2027. The session addressed regulatory changes under current leadership along with priorities for critical environmental programs impacting West Virginia and nationwide.

By H. B. Edwards | Apr 29, 2026

Senator Edward J. Markey emphasized the impact of immigrant entrepreneurs at a recent Senate hearing. Speakers discussed their contributions amid concerns over federal policies affecting these business owners.

By T. J. Graves | Apr 29, 2026

Cedric Wormely has been sentenced for running an online romance scam that targeted women in Vermont and elsewhere. He received prison time plus restitution payments after pleading guilty to wire fraud charges.

By T. P. Broyles | Apr 29, 2026

The House Appropriations Committee approved a major agriculture funding bill with a reduced budget for fiscal year 2027. Leaders say it prioritizes U.S. farmers while cutting costs. Several amendments were adopted during committee markup.

By T. J. Graves | Apr 29, 2026

Jane Frances Pierce has been indicted on multiple federal charges including mail fraud after allegedly claiming nearly $10 million in fraudulent tax refunds. Authorities say she used over $1 million from these refunds for personal expenses before attempting to obstruct IRS recovery efforts.

By T. J. Graves | Apr 29, 2026

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick will open this year's SelectUSA Investment Summit with keynote remarks. The event highlights global business leaders and panels focused on trends shaping industry growth in America.

By T. J. Graves | Apr 29, 2026

A Mexican national has been indicted after authorities seized around 240,000 fentanyl pills hidden inside furniture panels in West Valley City, Utah. The defendant faces federal drug charges with trial set for July at Salt Lake City's courthouse.

By H. B. Edwards | Apr 29, 2026

Senator Joni Ernst led a Senate committee hearing celebrating America's tradition of entrepreneurship ahead of Independence Day's milestone anniversary. The event highlighted historic contributions from several states while outlining ongoing roles for small business leaders.

By T. P. Broyles | Apr 29, 2026

The Department of Homeland Security has been shut down for over 70 days due to ongoing disputes about federal funding between Senate Democrats and Republicans. Critical national security operations are affected while lawmakers debate appropriations bills.

By F. E. Simons | Apr 29, 2026

Two Seattle men have been federally indicted on multiple charges related to sex trafficking involving adults and minors across several states. Authorities allege use of forceful tactics including violence against vulnerable women over wide geographic areas.

By C. M. Ingle | Apr 29, 2026

Romaro Lanarie Foster Sr., from Aliquippa, received a 15-year federal prison sentence for his involvement in a multi-state cocaine trafficking ring. Authorities disrupted shipments coming from California and seized several kilograms during their investigation.