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House Energy and Commerce Committee schedules four subcommittee hearings for April 21-22

The House Energy and Commerce Committee plans four subcommittee hearings addressing health care budgets, satellite licensing reform, nuclear oversight and material supply chains. The sessions are scheduled for April 21-22 at Rayburn House Office Building.


United Kingdom citizen sentenced to 10 years for $97 million wine fraud scheme

A UK citizen has been sentenced in Brooklyn federal court for orchestrating a global wine investment fraud worth over $97 million affecting more than 140 victims worldwide. Authorities say James Wellesley's actions involved false promises about high-value wine collateral resulting in substantial financial losses.


Joseph E. diGenova sworn in as Counselor to the Attorney General

Joseph E. diGenova has been sworn in as Counselor to the Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice. DiGenova brings decades of legal experience from both government service and private practice.


Lexington man convicted of armed drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession charges

Victorian Valdimar Hardaway was convicted by a federal jury on charges involving armed drug trafficking after authorities seized large quantities of drugs and firearms from his residence. Federal officials said he faces at least 20 years in prison when sentenced later this year.


Mexican national pleads guilty to drug trafficking after methamphetamine and carfentanil seizure

Jose Tobias Jimenez-Martinez has pleaded guilty after authorities seized over eighty-six pounds of pure methamphetamine and thousands of carfentanil-laced pills from his home in Madera. He faces at least ten years in prison when sentenced this July before Judge Kirk E. Sherriff.


Gardner woman charged with Social Security fraud in Worcester federal court

Leidy E. Otero from Gardner has been charged with allegedly obtaining over $185,000 through fraudulent Social Security disability claims between January 2015 and March 2025. Federal authorities highlight their commitment against benefit fraud while reminding that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.


Claremore man sentenced to over eight years for child pornography offenses

A Claremore man has been sentenced after pleading guilty to receiving and distributing child sexual abuse material. Authorities seized multiple electronic devices containing illegal content involving minors following an investigation prompted by a cybertip.


Jefferson Parish resident sentenced to over five years for fraud and identity theft

A Jefferson Parish woman has been sentenced to over five years in prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft totaling more than $350,000. Authorities say she used false documents and stolen identities related to pandemic relief programs. The case underscores ongoing federal efforts against financial crimes impacting public funds.


Former Fresno Arts Council manager pleads guilty to $1.8 million embezzlement scheme

Suliana Caldwell has pleaded guilty to wire fraud after embezzling over $1.8 million from public arts funds while managing finances at the Fresno Arts Council. Authorities say she altered financial records over several years before being charged with federal crimes.


Roma resident sentenced to federal prison for human smuggling involving minor and Chinese nationals

A Roma man was sentenced after recruiting a minor for human smuggling involving Chinese nationals near McAllen. Authorities say he will serve more than three years in prison following previous convictions.


Senate Foreign Relations Committee schedules hearing on U.S. counterterrorism in Africa

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a subcommittee hearing on April 21 about U.S. counterterrorism efforts in Africa. Senior officials from two State Department bureaus are scheduled as witnesses. The event highlights Congress's ongoing role in shaping American foreign policy.


Texas Transportation Commission reviews digital delivery and aviation pilot at March meeting

The Texas Transportation Commission discussed digital construction methods and aviation innovation at its March meeting. Commissioners highlighted progress on major road projects and improvements in public safety statistics while approving millions for infrastructure upgrades statewide.


FAA proposes $255,000 penalty against American Airlines for drug and alcohol violations

The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed a $255,000 fine against American Airlines for alleged violations of drug and alcohol regulations involving flight attendants. The airline has thirty days to respond after receiving notice from the agency.


Texas releases 2026 travel guide celebrating Route 66 centennial

Texas has released its 2026 State Travel Guide and Official Travel Map honoring Route 66's centennial. The new publications highlight historic sites along Route 66 while offering planning tools for road trips across the state.


Nigerian national pleads guilty to wire fraud conspiracy in multi-million dollar BEC schemes

Animashaun Adebo has pleaded guilty in Brooklyn federal court for orchestrating multi-million dollar email scams targeting individuals nationwide. Authorities say he laundered stolen funds through various channels including shell companies abroad. The prosecution highlights continued efforts against cyber-enabled financial crimes.


FAA and Department of War complete safety assessment of counter-drone laser system

The Federal Aviation Administration and Department of War have completed a safety review for a new high-energy laser counter-drone system. Officials say this technology does not pose risks to passenger aircraft and highlights advances in protecting U.S. airspace.


FAA launches campaign to recruit next generation of air traffic controllers

The Federal Aviation Administration is opening its annual hiring window for air traffic controllers starting April 17. The new campaign targets young adults skilled in gaming and alternative paths rather than requiring traditional college degrees.


Former Hanahan official remains in custody after waiving detention hearing on child sexual abuse charges

Kevin Phillip Hedgpeth, former Hanahan Mayor Pro Tem and councilman, will remain in federal custody after waiving his detention hearing on April 20 following charges related to possession and production of child sexual abuse material. Federal investigators allege he paid minors for explicit content using online payment services since December 2021. The U.S. Attorney's Office for South Carolina continues its work prosecuting such cases under Project Safe Childhood.


Senate Energy Committee announces hearing on Department of Energy budget request

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources will hold a hearing on April 21 about next year's budget request for the Department of Energy. Secretary Christopher Wright will testify at this session. The event will be webcast live with materials available online.


North Charleston man sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for bribing public officials

Aaron Charles-Lee Hicks has been sentenced to over a year in federal prison after admitting involvement in bribery schemes aimed at influencing North Charleston City Council decisions about zoning changes tied to an industrial project. The sentencing underscores ongoing efforts by authorities across South Carolina against public corruption.