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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.


Durbin responds to Justice Department indictment of Southern Poverty Law Center

Senator Dick Durbin issued a statement after the Justice Department indicted the Southern Poverty Law Center for alleged financial crimes. Durbin criticized what he called politically motivated actions against civil rights organizations. The Senate Judiciary Committee continues its legislative oversight role in such matters.


Mexican national charged with methamphetamine trafficking after DeKalb County vehicle crash

Edgar Zamarron-Cobos faces federal charges after police seized over 130 pounds of methamphetamine following a car chase ending in DeKalb County. Officials say he crashed into multiple vehicles while fleeing law enforcement officers.


Midwest City man sentenced to nine years for firearm and drug offenses

Jarmelle Dante Carter received a nine-year federal prison sentence after pleading guilty to firearm possession following prior felonies and participating in a drug conspiracy. Authorities discovered weapons, cash, cocaine, and marijuana during searches at his residences.


House committees introduce SECURE Data Act and GUARD Financial Data Act

House lawmakers introduced two bills aimed at improving U.S. data privacy laws on April 22. The SECURE Data Act would set national standards for protecting personal information while GUARD Financial Data Act updates rules governing financial institutions' use of consumer data.


Chairman Walberg welcomes Department of Labor joint-employer rule for workforce stability

Chairman Tim Walberg welcomed a new Department of Labor rule on joint employment released April 22. He said it would bring needed clarity for workers while reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses. The announcement highlights continued efforts by lawmakers overseeing education and labor policy.


Senate passes bipartisan bill for nationwide background checks on child care workers

The U.S. Senate has passed bipartisan legislation ensuring national background checks for all child care workers—including independent contractors—in an effort led by Senators Chuck Grassley and Dick Durbin. The move aims at closing gaps left by previous laws regarding vetting procedures.


Cheektowaga man pleads guilty to embezzling over $87,000 from local union

David Martinez has pleaded guilty to embezzling over $87,000 from a local EMTs and Paramedics union while serving as president between December 2019 and March 2024. The case was announced by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo following an investigation led by federal authorities.


Pensacola woman indicted on federal wire fraud charges involving pandemic relief funds

A Pensacola woman faces federal wire fraud charges related to pandemic relief funds after being indicted by a grand jury on April 22. The case highlights ongoing efforts against financial crimes in northern Florida.


CAST and SIVB to host free webinar on AI in in vitro research

CAST announced a free upcoming webinar focused on artificial intelligence applications in in vitro biology research. Speakers will discuss advances ranging from plant tissue analysis using machine learning tools to mapping neural networks across species.