Stories by T. J. Graves on Federal Newswire


EPA Mid-Atlantic administrator visits Pennsylvania to highlight water quality improvements

EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey toured several counties in Pennsylvania to observe water quality projects.


ICE asks New Jersey officials not to release detainee accused of assaulting minor

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has asked New Jersey officials not to release a detainee accused of sexually assaulting a minor. The case underscores ongoing disputes over sanctuary policies between federal authorities and local governments.


OSHA launches OSHA Cares initiative to enhance workplace safety and compliance

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched its OSHA Cares initiative focused on strengthening customer service for workplace safety compliance.


ICE arrests convicted felon in Tennessee after tip from school official

ICE arrested Luis Meza-Olivera, who has multiple violent convictions, after receiving a tip from his daughter's school official fearing for her mother's safety. The Peruvian national remains in custody pending removal proceedings.


New York employers required to offer state-run retirement program to workers

New York now requires employers with ten or more staff who lack a retirement plan to enroll in the state-run Secure Choice Program. Registration deadlines vary depending on company size. Employers can find more information on the official program website.


U.S. Department of Education official visits Ohio school for History Rocks! civics event

Sarah Wilson from the U.S. Department of Education visited an Ohio elementary school as part of a national civics education tour celebrating America's upcoming 250th birthday. Students took part in activities designed to deepen their understanding of American history.


Coin Center sends recommendations to SEC’s Crypto Task Force on rulemaking and blockchain policy

Coin Center has sent recommendations to the SEC’s Crypto Task Force urging broader rulemaking over case-by-case exemptions in crypto regulation. Executive Director Peter Van Valkenburgh suggests blockchain-based solutions could modernize securities recordkeeping while preserving privacy.


Mama Grande Tortilla Factory recalls products due to undeclared wheat and soy allergens

Mama Grande Tortilla Factory has recalled certain bakery products due to undeclared wheat and soy allergens found during an FDA inspection. No illnesses have been reported, but consumers with allergies should avoid these items.


Chief Michael W. Banks reports on recent border enforcement actions and infrastructure

Chief Michael W. Banks detailed recent incidents involving human smuggling interdictions in California and Texas via social media posts dated March 20-21, 2026.


Trump administration orders Centralia coal plant to remain open for grid reliability in Northwest

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.


Suraksha Baral named 2025 CAST Science Communication Scholarship recipient

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.


ICE reports arrests of individuals convicted of violent crimes on March 19

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reported new arrests involving individuals convicted of violent crimes such as manslaughter and sexual assault. The agency says these actions are part of ongoing efforts to protect public safety.


Commerce and Energy Departments announce partnership for energy and AI infrastructure in Ohio

The Departments of Commerce and Energy have launched a major public-private initiative with SoftBank and AEP Ohio aimed at modernizing energy infrastructure in Southern Ohio while supporting advanced computing needs tied to artificial intelligence development. The plan involves significant foreign investment without raising costs for American families.


D.C. man sentenced to two years for assaulting taxi driver with firearm

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.


First Lady Melania Trump announces 2026 Spring Garden Tours at the White House

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.


Philadelphia man convicted of armed robbery at Kensington pharmacy

A Philadelphia man has been convicted for robbing a Kensington pharmacy at gunpoint in December 2021. Michael Nixon faces up to life in prison after being found guilty on multiple charges including Hobbs Act robbery and drug offenses.


U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement details arrests of individuals with serious convictions

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement published updates on March 18-19 about arrests involving individuals from Argentina, Mexico, and Cuba with convictions ranging from theft to sexual assault.


Chief Michael W. Banks highlights enforcement actions and infrastructure upgrades at U.S.-Mexico border

Chief Michael W. Banks shared updates on recent apprehensions in El Paso (March 19) and described advancements in border infrastructure modernization efforts (March 20).


Two members of 18th Street gang convicted of murder and racketeering in Brooklyn federal court

A federal jury has convicted two members of the 18th Street gang for racketeering-related murder in Queens following a three-week trial in Brooklyn federal court. Authorities say this verdict removes dangerous individuals from local neighborhoods while highlighting ongoing efforts against violent gangs.


Washington man sentenced to 10 months for strangling girlfriend after argument

Marcus Hazel was sentenced to ten months in prison for strangling his girlfriend after an argument over a cell phone at a Washington hotel last November. Authorities say he pleaded guilty earlier this year and was prosecuted by local officials.