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Department of Education advisor visits Westside Elementary for History Rocks! civics event

Senior Advisor Katie Gorka visited Westside Elementary School as part of the U.S. Department of Education's History Rocks! initiative ahead of America's Semiquincentennial anniversary. Students engaged in activities aimed at strengthening civic literacy while connecting local values with national history.


U.S. Department of Education proposes new rule on college accountability for graduate earnings

The U.S. Department of Education has released a proposed rule targeting colleges whose graduates have low earning outcomes compared to high school or bachelor's degree holders. The move aims to protect students and taxpayers as federal student loan debt approaches $1.7 trillion.


Senior advisor for civic education visits Omaha school to promote History Rocks! initiative

Katie Gorka from the U.S. Department of Education visited Concordia Lutheran Schools in Omaha as part of a nationwide tour promoting civic education ahead of America's 250th birthday. The event engaged hundreds of students through interactive activities focusing on American history and citizenship.


U.S. Department of Education finds four Kansas school districts violated federal law

The U.S. Department of Education found four Kansas school districts violated federal laws regarding parental rights under FERPA and anti-discrimination rules under Title IX concerning gender identity issues in schools. Proposed resolutions require policy changes related to record access for parents as well as facility use based on biological sex.


House adopts resolution on Republican efforts to support rural communities

The House adopted a resolution recognizing Republican-led efforts this Congress aimed at strengthening America's rural communities through major investments in health care access, expanded telehealth services, improved connectivity measures and more supportive legislation targeting key challenges facing these regions.


Maryland woman sentenced to two years in multi-million dollar money laundering case

Areal Harris has been sentenced for her involvement in a multi-million dollar money laundering conspiracy targeting various organizations across Maryland. Federal authorities described how she participated alongside others using shell companies between 2021 and early 2024. This prosecution is part of ongoing efforts led by multiple agencies under a federal task force.


Guatemalan national sentenced to six months for illegal reentry in Connecticut

A Guatemalan man has been sentenced to six months' imprisonment for illegally returning to the United States after previous deportations. Federal authorities say this case reflects ongoing efforts against unlawful immigration as part of a broader national initiative.


Coast Guard rescues four from vessel trapped in ice near Chefornak, Alaska

A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew rescued three adults and one child after their boat was trapped on Alaskan ice for over a day. The mission covered more than 800 miles through difficult weather conditions near Chefornak.


Burlington man charged with distributing controlled substances, court appearance set for April 22

Victor Allen has been charged with distributing controlled substances after an investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies in Chittenden County. Authorities seized drugs and other items during searches related to his case. He faces up to twenty years if convicted but remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.


ICE Houston announces arrest of 277 individuals with criminal convictions in April operation

ICE Houston reported arresting 277 individuals with prior criminal convictions during a two-week operation this April. The agency says cooperation with local law enforcement was key to apprehending offenders including child predators and murderers.


Senator Collins urges Commerce Secretary to work with Maine lobster industry on regulations

Senator Susan Collins called on Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to work closely with Maine's lobster industry regarding upcoming NOAA regulations. The discussion also addressed technology options beyond costly ropeless gear and concerns over eliminating economic development support for rural areas.


House Appropriations Committee approves FY27 Financial Services and General Government bill

The House Appropriations Committee approved a $25.3 billion budget measure for fiscal year 2027 on April 22 after close debate. The act reduces spending from last year while aiming at economic growth measures alongside regulatory reforms.


Podcaster sentenced to seven years for multimillion-dollar unemployment fraud scheme

Jonathan Dupiton has been sentenced for running an unemployment insurance scam during the pandemic using stolen identities worth millions in fraudulent claims. Federal officials say this case demonstrates their determination against abuse of public assistance programs.


Little River woman pleads guilty to concealing laundering of drug proceeds

Kayla Tisdale has pleaded guilty to hiding efforts that laundered money gained from drug trafficking activities involving fentanyl and methamphetamine. Federal investigators uncovered evidence showing she helped conceal at least $750,000 using various financial methods. Sentencing will follow review by Judge Joseph Dawson.


Five New Orleans men indicted on drug, weapons, and bank fraud charges

Five New Orleans men face federal charges including drug trafficking, weapons offenses, and bank fraud following an unsealed indictment announced by U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle on April 22. If convicted on all counts they could receive lengthy prison sentences along with significant fines.


Federal jury convicts Alfredo Capote of kidnapping and assault in Georgia case

A federal jury has convicted Alfredo Capote on kidnapping charges after he abducted and assaulted a Gwinnett County woman while evading fraud charges. Authorities highlighted coordinated efforts among multiple agencies leading up to his arrest after more than one year as a fugitive.


House passes bills to improve emergency communications and broadband permitting

The House has approved a series of bills designed to improve emergency communication networks while simplifying broadband permitting processes. Lawmakers say these changes will support economic growth by expanding technology access nationwide. The Energy and Commerce Committee highlighted bipartisan cooperation behind these legislative efforts.


House Committee examines gig economy's impact on entrepreneurship in hearing

The House Committee on Small Business discussed how the gig economy affects American entrepreneurship during an Apr. 21 hearing. Lawmakers heard testimony about flexible work models enabling growth for small businesses through digital platforms.


Dutchess County couple charged in credit card and identity theft scheme

Federal authorities have charged two Dutchess County residents with orchestrating an extensive identity theft scheme involving hundreds of victims' credit card accounts. Prosecutors allege Opeyemi Olujobi and Jennie Davidson made unauthorized purchases totaling over $575,000 using stolen identities.


Tulsa man pleads guilty to illegal firearm and ammunition possession in federal court

Brandon Jason Altamirano from Tulsa has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon. He faces up to 15 years in prison pending sentencing by a U.S. District Court Judge. The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities covering eastern Oklahoma.