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Senators Collins and Murray release guidance for FY2027 appropriations requests

Senators Susan Collins and Patty Murray have issued new guidance for Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations requests. The guidelines outline procedures for programmatic funding and Congressionally Directed Spending items. The Senate Appropriations Committee continues its oversight of federal expenditures.


Senator Ricketts addresses Endangered Species Act challenges at EPW subcommittee hearing

Senator Pete Ricketts led a hearing examining how well the Endangered Species Act recovers endangered species. He raised concerns about low recovery rates while highlighting local conservation successes in Nebraska.


House Committee reviews 27 bills to reauthorize VA programs and services

The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs has reviewed 27 bills aimed at updating Department of Veterans Affairs programs. Chairman Mike Bost said these changes could improve health care delivery and accountability for veterans nationwide.


Ohio man indicted on drug charges after fatal overdose in Lorain County

A Lorain County man has been indicted on federal drug charges following an alleged fatal overdose tied to fentanyl-laced substances he distributed. Authorities say Roderick Cross Jr., who has prior felony convictions, faces enhanced sentencing if convicted.


Lake City man pleads guilty to methamphetamine and firearm charges in federal court

Clayton Brown from Lake City pled guilty in Sioux City federal court to distributing methamphetamine and illegally possessing a firearm. Authorities seized drugs and cash during the investigation. Sentencing will be determined after further review.


Woodford County woman sentenced to 15 years for fentanyl trafficking in jail overdose case

A Versailles woman has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after distributing fentanyl inside a jail led to two overdoses. Authorities say Melissa Wilhoite smuggled drugs into Woodford County Detention Center following her arrest last November.


Durbin and Cortez Masto urge DHS to address DACA renewal delays in Senate letter

Senators Dick Durbin and Catherine Cortez Masto led a group urging DHS officials to speed up Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal processing due to growing delays affecting recipients' stability. Their letter highlights risks such as job loss or deportation if renewals lapse.


Haverhill man charged with wire fraud for alleged investment scheme

A Haverhill man faces federal wire fraud charges after allegedly misleading investors about cryptocurrency funds and losing their money. Prosecutors say Luciano Schipelliti provided false updates to investors before launching another fund that also failed.


Senators file amicus brief opposing Trump’s proposed monument on federal park land

Senators Martin Heinrich and Angus King have filed an amicus brief opposing former President Trump’s plan for a commemorative arch in Washington, D.C., arguing it requires congressional approval under federal law. The move supports ongoing legal efforts by veterans and experts challenging unilateral executive action over national monuments.


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.


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.