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Chairman Walberg outlines seven education and workforce bills at committee markup

Chairman Tim Walberg introduced seven new bills during a committee markup on Mar. 17 covering topics from literacy instruction reforms to combating student aid fraud and curbing frivolous lawsuits affecting retirement plans.


House Education and Workforce Committee passes seven bills on education and retirement reforms

The House Education and Workforce Committee approved seven new bills covering topics from literacy instruction to retirement security. The legislation targets student aid fraud prevention as well as protections for children in schools.


Bettendorf man sentenced to over 18 years in federal prison for child pornography offenses

A Bettendorf man received over eighteen years in federal prison for repeated child pornography offenses while on supervised release. Authorities say Jacob Lawson Bertrand possessed thousands of illegal images and videos using an unauthorized cell phone. The case is part of Project Safe Childhood's ongoing efforts against online child exploitation.


Planner of seven Chinatown Walgreens robberies sentenced to 126 months in prison

Gianni Robinson has been sentenced to over ten years in prison for planning seven armed robberies at a Chinatown Walgreens store in Washington D.C., involving inside help from store managers and an armed accomplice. The case underscores law enforcement efforts against organized retail crime.


Derrick West receives suspended sentence for robbery and carjacking spree in D.C.

Derrick West received a fully suspended sentence after pleading guilty to multiple robberies and carjackings committed as a juvenile in Washington D.C. The case raises questions about youth sentencing laws and rehabilitation.


Senator Cassidy expands investigation into child care fraud and seeks accountability from governors

Senator Bill Cassidy has expanded his investigation into alleged fraud in federal child care funding by several states. He is seeking accountability from governors with high rates of improper payments while leading new oversight efforts through his Senate committee.


Heinrich and Whitehouse host roundtable on rising energy costs under Trump administration

Senators Martin Heinrich and Sheldon Whitehouse led a roundtable discussing rising household electricity costs since Donald Trump's presidency began. Lawmakers attributed increased prices to federal policies impacting clean energy projects and utility rates.


Lafourche Parish resident pleads guilty to role in drug trafficking conspiracy

Michael Lewis of Thibodaux has pleaded guilty to using communication devices in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving methamphetamine distribution across Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes. Sentencing is set for June 16. Authorities credit multiple agencies for their investigative work.


Whitehouse and Khanna reintroduce Big Oil windfall profits tax amid rising gas prices

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Ro Khanna have reintroduced legislation aimed at taxing large oil company profits during periods of high gas prices linked with global conflict. The proposed bill seeks consumer relief through quarterly rebates funded by taxing excess profits from major oil producers.


International law enforcement agencies launch Operation Atlantic to combat crypto fraud

Law enforcement agencies from three countries have launched Operation Atlantic targeting crypto-related approval phishing scams this week. The initiative aims to help victims secure assets and prevent further losses while disrupting organized fraud networks.


Guatemalan man sentenced to over 24 years for cocaine trafficking conspiracy

A Guatemalan man has been sentenced to over 24 years in federal prison for leading a major cocaine trafficking operation into the United States. Authorities say Marlon Alexis Aguilar Reyes used corrupt officials and violence as part of his activities before being arrested in Miami.


Apollo Beach businessman charged with COVID-19 relief fraud, faces up to 30 years

A businessman from Apollo Beach has been indicted on charges related to fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities allege misuse of funds for luxury purchases and travel. The case highlights ongoing efforts against pandemic-related financial crimes.


Interior Department announces investment in western water infrastructure for farmers and families

The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced a $1 billion investment in western water infrastructure following recent legislation. Chairman Bruce Westerman says this move will provide more reliable water supplies for farmers and communities across the region.


CBP AMO reports marine unit operations and border agent rescue in recent posts

CBP AMO detailed several recent actions via social media between March 16-17, including marine checks near Pompano Beach, disruption of a human smuggling attempt, and an aerial rescue of an injured border patrol agent in El Centro.


Senator Susan Collins issues statement on Department of Homeland Security shutdown negotiations

Senator Susan Collins commented on March 17 about ongoing negotiations over Department of Homeland Security funding. She criticized Democratic actions during the shutdown while highlighting recent legislative efforts. The Senate Appropriations Committee's role in managing federal expenditures remains central.


Senator Risch meets with Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordanian ambassadors at Capitol

Senator Jim Risch met with ambassadors from Gulf Cooperation Council nations and Jordan at the Capitol. The meeting focused on regional security issues related to Iran's actions. Risch emphasized continued cooperation between U.S., GCC states, and Jordan.


L.A. County sheriff’s deputy pleads guilty to obstructing federal probe into crypto threats

A Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputy has pleaded guilty to obstructing a federal investigation into threats made by a cryptocurrency businessman against a party planner. The case involves several law enforcement officers who worked private security while still serving as deputies.


Three men sentenced in Ohio for illegal re-entry after deportation

Three men from Guatemala and Honduras have been sentenced in Toledo for illegally re-entering the U.S. after prior deportations. The cases were prosecuted under federal law and are part of Operation Take Back America.


Canadian national charged in Tampa with opioid trafficking and money laundering

A Canadian man has been indicted in Tampa on charges related to importing synthetic opioids and money laundering following an international investigation involving U.S., Canadian, and Spanish authorities. Authorities allege he sold tens of thousands of illicit pills using cryptocurrency payments.


CBP reminds travelers of agricultural import rules for Passover and Easter travel

U.S. Customs and Border Protection urges travelers to check rules on bringing agricultural items into the country during Passover and Easter. The agency warns that undeclared prohibited goods can lead to fines or delays.