Latest News
By T. J. Graves | Mar 21, 2026
Secretary Chris Wright has ordered TransAlta's Centralia coal plant Unit 2 in Washington State to remain operational past its scheduled closure date. The decision aims to prevent blackouts and ensure stable electricity supply in the Northwest amid ongoing debates over grid reliability versus clean energy goals.
By C. M. Ingle | Mar 21, 2026
The U.S. Department of Energy has announced a $293 million funding opportunity focused on using artificial intelligence for national science challenges through its Genesis Mission initiative. The program encourages collaboration among labs, industry, and academia across several key sectors. Applications open this spring with further details available online.
By T. J. Graves | Mar 21, 2026
Suraksha Baral has been awarded the 2025 CAST Science Communication Scholarship for her work connecting scientific research with community action on sustainability issues. She will present her findings at an upcoming conference in St. Louis.
By F. E. Simons | Mar 21, 2026
CAST has released its latest activities report summarizing two years of organizational change. The report highlights new initiatives planned for 2026 along with international outreach efforts.
By F. E. Simons | Mar 21, 2026
The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) has released new rules on how generative artificial intelligence tools may be used by authors and reviewers working on CAST publications. The guidelines require full disclosure of any AI usage while stressing that human contributors remain fully responsible for all published material.
By C. M. Ingle | Mar 20, 2026
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Louisville seized two types of illicit drugs hidden in a shipment from France labeled as a mini fridge/freezer. The package contained Ethylpentedrone Hydrochloride and Ketamine valued at $152,000.
By C. M. Ingle | Mar 20, 2026
Lamont Brown of Dunkirk has pleaded guilty to stealing government funds through fraudulent pandemic unemployment claims. Authorities say he orchestrated a scheme using stolen identities during COVID-19 relief efforts. Sentencing is set for August.
By F. E. Simons | Mar 20, 2026
CBP AMO detailed its successful interdiction of a suspected smuggling vessel near Miami in tweets posted on March 19 and March 20, 2026.
By F. E. Simons | Mar 20, 2026
Customs officers at Paso de Norte Port seized over 139 kilograms of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine from a single vehicle on Feb. 28. The driver was arrested and federal prosecution is underway.
By T. J. Graves | Mar 20, 2026
Erick Blanco-Cordova has been sentenced to two years in prison for pointing a gun at a taxi driver during an incident in November 2019. His co-defendant received five years after being convicted by jury last year.
By T. J. Graves | Mar 20, 2026
First Lady Melania Trump has announced dates for the annual Spring Garden Tours at the White House in April 2026. The public can visit several historic gardens during this free event with tickets distributed on-site each morning.
By H. B. Edwards | Mar 20, 2026
House Republican leaders responded after the White House released a federal artificial intelligence framework. They emphasized bipartisan cooperation for future AI legislation focused on innovation and consumer protection.
By C. M. Ingle | Mar 20, 2026
A Whitehall Borough man has pleaded guilty to multiple counts related to cyberstalking women across several states using technology. Sentencing is set for July as he faces significant prison time for violating protection orders.
By F. E. Simons | Mar 20, 2026
Persona Chief Operating Officer Christie Kim said the company does not work with ICE or any agency within DHS following concerns about exposed test data on a non-production subdomain.
By C. M. Ingle | Mar 20, 2026
Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane J. Sabatino reported on recent actions by CBP officers in Laredo involving a major cocaine seizure aided by K9 teams on March 19-20, 2026.
By R. C. Jamison | Mar 20, 2026
Senator Dick Durbin described potential barriers for voters under proposed new registration rules requiring proof of citizenship. He compared these requirements with past Supreme Court rulings on voting rights while highlighting possible impacts on millions without proper documents.
By H. B. Edwards | Mar 20, 2026
Senator Dick Durbin spoke against the SAVE America Act on March 20, arguing new voter ID requirements could prevent many Americans from registering. He cited studies showing millions lack required documents and compared costs for passports to a poll tax.
By H. B. Edwards | Mar 20, 2026
The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution honoring American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women for their leadership during Women’s History Month. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Brian Schatz led the effort to recognize these women's contributions across various fields.
By F. E. Simons | Mar 20, 2026
On March 20, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection posted about a recent parrot smuggling interception at Brownsville Port of Entry and revisited its pre-2003 history as U.S. Customs focused on airport enforcement.
By C. M. Ingle | Mar 20, 2026
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York announced it recovered over $68 million in 2025 from fraud-related settlements and enforcement actions. Major cases included pharmaceutical kickback allegations and Paycheck Protection Program fraud.
