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House committee advances NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act on March 18

The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology has approved a bill to modernize NOAA's weather radio network. The legislation seeks to improve emergency alert coverage nationwide by updating equipment and expanding access in rural areas.


Markey criticizes Trump administration over fraud and transparency at Senate hearing

Senator Edward J. Markey criticized alleged fraud under the Trump administration during a Senate Small Business Committee hearing focused on transparency. He called for more oversight regarding operations at the Small Business Administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The committee's role in shaping fiscal policy was also discussed.


DHS operation stops attempted smuggling of 15 people off Miami coast

Federal authorities stopped a nighttime maritime smuggling attempt near Miami involving fifteen people from several countries. Eleven were returned to their country of origin while four face charges for human smuggling.


Subcommittee reviews USPS financial challenges and reform efforts under Postmaster General Steiner

A congressional subcommittee reviewed efforts by Postmaster General David Steiner aimed at addressing severe financial problems facing USPS. Lawmakers pressed for answers on cost-cutting measures, rising expenses, service quality issues, and future reforms.


Chairman Arrington calls for balanced budget amendment and Article V Convention in House remarks

House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington urged Congress on March 18 to adopt a balanced budget amendment or pursue an Article V Convention due to rising national debt concerns. He cited past failures by both parties while highlighting projections from federal agencies about future deficits.


Dominican national extradited to United States for alleged elder fraud money laundering

Gerardo Heriberto Nuñez Nuñez has been extradited from the Dominican Republic to face charges related to laundering funds from an alleged elder fraud scheme targeting hundreds across the United States. Authorities say more than $5 million was lost by victims averaging age 84.


California man sentenced to five and a half years for loan fraud conspiracy

Frank Hamilton has been sentenced to more than five years in prison after pleading guilty to leading a multi-million dollar loan fraud scheme involving government-backed pandemic relief programs. Federal investigators say most funds were never repaid.


Felon sentenced to 24 months for illegal possession of firearm

David Oday Smith has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for illegal firearm possession after pleading guilty last year. The case is part of an initiative targeting gun violence offenders with stricter penalties.


National Farmers Union responds to delay of poultry grower payment rule by USDA

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew criticized USDA's decision to delay new rules aimed at improving fairness in poultry grower payments. The organization says this postponement impacts family farmers seeking greater transparency in their contracts. NFU continues advocating for timely enforcement of these regulations.


U.S. criticizes IACHR hearing on counternarcotics operations in Caribbean and Pacific

The United States has criticized a recent Inter-American Commission on Human Rights hearing about U.S. counternarcotics operations. Officials say such hearings fall outside IACHR's mandate and risk undermining its credibility.


United States signs health cooperation agreements with Honduras and Senegal

The United States has signed new bilateral health cooperation agreements with Honduras and Senegal under its America First Global Health Strategy. These five-year deals focus on improving disease detection capabilities and strengthening local healthcare systems through joint investments.


Rikers Island correction officer pleads guilty to false statements in workers’ compensation case

Todd Faustin, a former Rikers Island correction officer, has pled guilty to making false statements regarding workplace injuries tied to use-of-force incidents. Prosecutors say he fraudulently obtained over $370,000 in benefits before resigning his post.


Investment advisor pleads guilty to defrauding elderly client out of nearly $10 million

A former investment advisor has pleaded guilty to wire fraud after stealing nearly $10 million from an elderly client over several years in Georgia. Authorities say Eijroghene Okuma abused his position by embezzling funds through fraudulent accounts and unauthorized transfers.


Iowa City man sentenced to over nine years for receipt of child pornography

Nong Chatchanok Press of Iowa City has been sentenced to over nine years in federal prison for receiving child pornography. Authorities seized thousands of illicit images from his devices following an investigation prompted by a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.


Former Fort Myers resident sentenced to prison for firearm trafficking scheme

Osnyson Desrosiers has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for his role in a firearm trafficking scheme involving straw purchases of Glock handguns later smuggled into Canada. The case is part of Operation Take Back America.


House passes Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act to reauthorize SBIR/STTR programs

The U.S. House has approved S. 3971 to reauthorize key small business innovation programs through 2031. Lawmakers say this move supports entrepreneurs driving technological advancement and economic growth.


Pending home sales rise 1.8 percent in February, National Association of Realtors reports

Pending home sales rose slightly nationwide last month but remain below last year's levels overall according to new data from the National Association of Realtors released March 17th. Regional trends varied with some metro areas posting strong annual gains while others saw declines. Experts say affordability improvements may have contributed but warn future changes could impact buyer activity.


Guatemalan national extradited to Texas to face drug trafficking charges

A Guatemalan man has been extradited to Texas on federal drug trafficking charges following an international investigation led by U.S. authorities. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison. Authorities emphasize that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.


Brian Shane Haigler sentenced for Ponzi scheme targeting North Carolina church and investors

Brian Shane Haigler has been sentenced after defrauding investors and a North Carolina church in a Ponzi scheme involving nearly $1.5 million. The investigation revealed misuse of both private investments and federal COVID-19 relief funds.


Chairman Rogers outlines border security and defense priorities at House Armed Services hearing

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers discussed border security progress under President Trump during a March 17 hearing on military posture in the Western Hemisphere. He addressed reductions in illegal crossings and drug trafficking while highlighting international cooperation against cartels.