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House committee examines EPA budget for fiscal year 2027 in public hearing

Lawmakers reviewed proposed spending for next year's Environmental Protection Agency operations at a recent House hearing led by Congressman Morgan Griffith. Members discussed regulation impacts under Administrator Zeldin's leadership while highlighting key committee responsibilities.


Congressman Griffith delivers statement on EPA budget request for fiscal year 2027

Congressman Morgan Griffith delivered an opening statement at a House subcommittee hearing discussing President Trump's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget request for the Environmental Protection Agency. The discussion included regulatory changes under recent administrations along with funding priorities outlined in this year's proposal.


House Committee on Small Business announces May hearing schedule

The House Committee on Small Business has released its hearing schedule for May. Key topics include small home builders' impact on closing America's housing gap and upcoming legislative review sessions.


Memphis man sentenced to over 48 years for armed bank robberies and firearms offenses

Mario Patterson received more than four decades behind bars following convictions related to multiple armed bank robberies around Memphis involving firearms offenses. Authorities say this lengthy sentence reflects serious consequences for repeat violent offenders.


Two U.S. nationals sentenced for roles in North Korean remote IT worker schemes

Two Americans have been sentenced to prison after aiding North Korean remote IT worker schemes targeting nearly 70 US companies with fraudulent employment practices generating over $1 million sent abroad or used under false identities according to federal authorities.


Gainesville man sentenced to 46 months in prison for bank robbery

A Gainesville man received nearly four years in prison after pleading guilty to robbing a local bank last year. Authorities credited quick police action for his capture following an armed threat at Wells Fargo on Archer Road.


Marlon Ferro sentenced to 78 months for role in $250 million cryptocurrency theft

Marlon Ferro has been sentenced to more than six years in prison for participating in a major scheme that stole over $250 million worth of cryptocurrency through both online deception and physical burglaries across the country. Authorities say this case demonstrates how digital crimes can result in serious penalties.


Senator Cassidy leads Senate HELP Committee hearing on mental health in Louisiana

Senator Bill Cassidy led a Senate HELP Committee field hearing in Jefferson Parish focused on improving treatment for mental health issues. The event featured testimony from experts across Louisiana's healthcare community. Cassidy was recognized with an award for his work supporting Americans' mental well-being.


Foxborough man charged with impersonating a federal immigration officer in Boston

A Foxborough man faces charges after allegedly posing as a federal immigration officer and taking money from immigrants seeking citizenship help. Prosecutors say Francisco Soares had previously been convicted on similar charges but continued his activities targeting Brazilian nationals.


Justice Department announces results of Operation Iron Pursuit in child exploitation crackdown

The Department of Justice announced that Operation Iron Pursuit led to over 200 recovered child victims and more than 350 arrests nationwide during April. Two men were charged with serious offenses related to child sexual abuse materials in western Michigan as part of this coordinated effort.


Huron County man pleads guilty to child sexual abuse and firearms charges

Ricardo Gibson has pleaded guilty to sending child sexual abuse materials online while also facing firearms charges following an investigation involving multiple agencies. Authorities seized thousands of illicit files during their search.


Judge orders civil forfeiture of $1.7M Brownsville mansion tied to drug proceeds

A federal judge has ordered a $1.7 million Brownsville mansion forfeited after authorities linked it to drug trafficking proceeds used for money laundering purposes. The home will be sold at auction following an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations.


U.S. Attorney for Puerto Rico announces indictments, guilty pleas, and sentencings in HSTF cases

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Puerto Rico reported new indictments related to major drug seizures along with several convictions through guilty pleas last week. Sentences ranged from probation up to lengthy imprisonment under ongoing Homeland Security Task Force operations targeting organized crime.


Brandon Stevens sentenced to 32 years in federal prison for child exploitation crimes

Brandon Stevens has been sentenced to thirty-two years in federal prison after being convicted on charges related to child exploitation involving interstate travel and production of child pornography. Authorities say he deceived an underage victim before traveling across state lines for illegal activity.


Lewiston man charged with enticement for attempting to have sex with a 13-year-old girl

A Lewiston man has been arrested after allegedly attempting to arrange sex with someone he believed was a minor following an online sting operation by law enforcement officers. Authorities say CJ A. Wolf faces serious charges carrying up to life imprisonment if convicted.


Dominican Republic man pleads guilty to money laundering conspiracy in grandparent fraud scheme

A Dominican Republic man living illegally in New Jersey has pleaded guilty to participating in an international grandparent fraud scheme targeting elderly Americans. Engels Guillermo Almengot Valerio admitted his role laundering proceeds from victims across several states. Sentencing is set for September.


Detroiter pleads guilty in $16 million federal student aid fraud scheme

Brandon Robinson has pleaded guilty in Detroit federal court after leading a large-scale student aid scam worth millions over nearly ten years. Authorities say he filed thousands of false claims using fake identities across dozens of schools nationwide.


Study finds foreign investment does not boost goodwill for China or the United States in Africa

A new study reveals that neither Chinese nor U.S. investments in Africa reliably build goodwill among local communities despite increasing perceived influence. Researchers say unmet expectations around jobs and transparency contribute to skepticism toward both countries’ projects.


Justice Department finds UCLA medical school discriminated by race in admissions process

A Justice Department investigation found UCLA's medical school discriminated by race during admissions decisions. Officials say these practices violated federal law requiring equal treatment regardless of race or ethnicity.


Long Beach man sentenced to 30 months for possessing Molotov cocktail at protest

Wrackkie Quiogue was sentenced to two-and-a-half years for possessing a Molotov cocktail during an anti-ICE protest last year in downtown Los Angeles. Authorities said his actions endangered both police officers and peaceful demonstrators. The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal prosecutors addressing public safety concerns.