News and reports from the .

Latest News


Durbin criticizes Republicans for focusing on deportation funding over affordability crisis

Senator Dick Durbin criticized Republican lawmakers for focusing on immigration enforcement funding instead of tackling rising costs affecting American families. He highlighted growing economic inequality under current policies while urging Congress toward reforms benefiting ordinary citizens.


West Hartford man sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for cocaine trafficking

A West Hartford man has been sentenced by a federal judge in Hartford for supplying large amounts of cocaine through an organized network investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies. Authorities seized drugs worth thousands along with weapons during coordinated raids across several locations.


House passes Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act to repeal fossil fuel mandate for federal buildings

The House has passed H.R. 4690 aiming to repeal a mandate requiring new federal buildings use only non-fossil fuel electricity by 2030. Supporters argue this move will improve reliability during high demand periods like recent winter storms while reducing costs.


Mexican national pleads guilty to voter fraud and false citizenship claim

A Mexican national pleaded guilty after being convicted of illegally voting in multiple U.S. elections while falsely claiming citizenship status, according to DHS officials on Apr. 22. The case comes amid expanded use of verification tools like SAVE aimed at preventing non-citizens from participating in American electoral processes.


Second Philadelphia man pleads guilty in armored truck robbery cases

Dante Shackleford has pleaded guilty to several armed robberies involving Brinks trucks around Philadelphia. The crimes occurred between July and October last year, according to federal prosecutors. Sentencing is set for August.


Heinrich questions DOE Secretary Wright on energy project cancellations and rising costs

Senator Martin Heinrich pressed Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright over canceled clean energy projects and budget cuts during an April hearing. Heinrich accused DOE leadership of making politically motivated decisions impacting American families' energy costs.


Oklahoma City man sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for firearm offense

Izavia Marquis Smith has been sentenced to twelve years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm following previous felony convictions in Oklahoma County. Authorities say this case is part of broader efforts under Operation Take Back America aimed at reducing violent crime.


Maryland man pleads guilty to bank fraud and obstruction in COVID-19 relief case

A Gaithersburg man pleaded guilty on Apr. 22 in Baltimore federal court after admitting he defrauded COVID-19 relief programs out of more than $160,000 using false loan applications—and tried obstructing justice with fake evidence presented via a witness before a grand jury.


Palmetto man indicted for possessing ammunition as a convicted felon

A Palmetto man has been indicted for allegedly possessing ammunition while on supervised release after previous felony convictions. The case is part of Operation Take Back America targeting violent crime and illegal activity.


Eastern District of Texas marks National Crime Victims’ Rights Week with focus on fentanyl prosecutions

The Eastern District of Texas is marking National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by highlighting recent prosecutions related to fentanyl distribution resulting in overdoses or deaths across East Texas counties. U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs emphasized continued efforts supporting crime victims while prosecuting offenders.


Israeli citizen pleads guilty to bringing an alien into the United States

Israel Enden has pleaded guilty in Buffalo federal court to bringing an unauthorized alien into the United States from Canada earlier this year. Authorities discovered Elazar Wigdorowitz hidden inside Enden's vehicle during border inspection at Rainbow Bridge Port of Entry.


Twenty-nine arrested in Jersey City drug trafficking and firearms case, officials say

Federal officials announced twenty-nine arrests linked to an alleged large-scale drug ring operating out of Jersey City this week. Authorities seized narcotics valued at millions along with firearms after an extensive multi-agency investigation targeting violent crime.


Grassley warns Senate on China’s theft of U.S. intellectual property at Judiciary hearing

Senator Chuck Grassley addressed ongoing concerns about China's alleged theft of American intellectual property during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Apr. 22. Citing recent cases involving technology firms and agriculture companies, Grassley called for stronger protections while outlining steps Congress can take.


House Appropriations Committee releases FY27 national security and State Department funding bill

The House Appropriations Committee has released its Fiscal Year 2027 bill covering national security programs under State Department oversight with reduced overall spending compared to last year’s levels. Key leaders say it prioritizes American interests while strengthening oversight over foreign aid.


Towson attorney pleads guilty to bank fraud in real estate scheme

Jacob Rappaport has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to fraudulent real estate transactions involving inflated sales prices and hidden payments managed through his legal practice accounts. He faces up to thirty years in prison when sentenced this June.


New Orleans man pleads guilty to drug trafficking and firearms charges

Kennelius Brown has pleaded guilty in federal court for drug trafficking and firearms offenses in New Orleans. He faces sentencing later this year as part of an ongoing national effort against organized crime led by federal authorities.


Former pre-kindergarten teacher sentenced to 10 years for attempting to entice minor

A former pre-kindergarten teacher from Jacksonville has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison for attempting to entice an underage girl online for sex acts. Authorities say Tony Leroy Bartley Jr.'s arrest followed an undercover operation involving explicit communications with someone he believed was thirteen years old.


Guthrie supports bill to prevent fossil fuel ban in federal buildings

Chairman Brett Guthrie spoke about a bill designed to prevent banning fossil fuel-generated electricity for federal buildings. He argued such bans could affect reliability during emergencies like winter storms. The House Energy and Commerce Committee oversees related legislative areas.


Chilean national sentenced to 36 months for purse thefts including Kristi Noem case

Mario Bustamante Leiva received a three-year sentence for multiple purse thefts targeting women dining out—including former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem—in Washington D.C., as announced by federal prosecutors on Apr. 22. Authorities say he faces deportation after serving time.


Senator Collins questions Treasury Secretary on Maine tax centers and illegal marijuana operations

Senator Susan Collins pressed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about closing tax assistance centers serving rural Mainers during an April hearing. She also raised concerns about illegal marijuana operations linked abroad. The Senate Appropriations Committee's role was highlighted throughout their exchange.