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DHS adds CATL supply chain company to forced labor watchlist

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on March 1 that it has added a supplier in the supply chain of Ford’s battery technology partner, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List.


State Department expands visa bond program to 50 countries starting April 2

The State Department will require travelers from fifty countries to post a $15,000 bond before obtaining certain U.S. visas starting April 2. Officials say this move aims to reduce illegal overstays and save taxpayer money.


House Oversight Committee advances nine bills to increase transparency and protect taxpayers

The House Oversight Committee has advanced nine bills designed to improve government transparency and protect taxpayer funds through stricter oversight of spending practices and new reporting requirements.


Poughkeepsie man sentenced to 15 years for selling guns and drugs while on release

Joseph Crocco has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for selling guns and drugs while on supervised release in Poughkeepsie. Authorities recovered narcotics and firearms during their investigation. The case underscores law enforcement efforts against repeat offenders.


A Brownsville man has been sentenced to over ten years in prison for producing sexually explicit videos involving a minor after authorities found evidence dating back two decades. The case was prosecuted under Project Safe Childhood by federal officials.


CBP seizes non-compliant e-bikes from China at Norfolk port

Customs and Border Protection officers have seized a shipment of non-compliant electric bikes imported from China into Hampton Roads, Virginia. The action follows concerns about rising injuries among e-bike riders and highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to enforce federal safety standards.


Lake County man sentenced to 20 years in prison for child sexual abuse materials charges

A Lake County man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for distributing child sexual abuse materials online. Authorities say Todd Oravecz pleaded guilty after investigators found over 100 illegal images and videos linked to him.


U.S. Attorney charges Dutchess County man with coercion and enticement of a minor

A Dutchess County man has been arrested after allegedly attempting to meet someone he thought was a minor for sexual activity following online communications with an undercover investigator posing as a teenager. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton announced that Gregory Graff faces federal charges carrying significant prison time if convicted.


Chairman Capito discusses Endangered Species Act at Senate subcommittee hearing

Senator Shelley Moore Capito led questions during an EPW subcommittee hearing on implementing the Endangered Species Act. Witnesses discussed increasing state roles and handling naturally diseased species under current law.


Chairman Bost leads hearing on VA reauthorization to modernize healthcare and benefits

House Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost led a hearing reviewing 27 bills aimed at updating key Department of Veterans Affairs programs. The initiative focuses on improving healthcare delivery, benefits administration, research coordination, and infrastructure modernization for veterans.


Consent judgment entered against Segal Arts for false Medicare billing allegations

A Bucks County company faces a $200,000 repayment after allegedly billing group art classes as individual occupational therapy under Medicare. Federal authorities say this action safeguards program integrity for older adults' care.


Former high school teacher sentenced to 13 years for coercing minors to produce abuse material

A former high school teacher has been sentenced to thirteen years in prison for coercing two minors into producing sexually explicit material. Authorities say Kostas Fekkas used social media platforms to contact his victims and collect illicit content. Officials urge anyone with information about child exploitation cases to contact law enforcement.


CBP officers intercept live pythons at World Trade Bridge

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found 39 live pythons hidden in a tractor at the World Trade Bridge during an outbound inspection earlier this month. The animals were seized after being discovered despite a negative declaration from the driver, resulting in penalties exceeding $34,000.


America's Plastic Makers President: Recycled Materials Attribution Act 'would unlock investment and innovation in plastics recycling'

Ross Eisenberg, President of America’s Plastic Makers, said new federal legislation could improve clarity around recycled-content claims for plastic products.


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.


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.


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.