Latest News
By T. P. Broyles | Apr 22, 2026
The House Appropriations Committee has released its Fiscal Year 2027 bill covering national security programs under State Department oversight with reduced overall spending compared to last year’s levels. Key leaders say it prioritizes American interests while strengthening oversight over foreign aid.
By F. E. Simons | Apr 22, 2026
Jacob Rappaport has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to fraudulent real estate transactions involving inflated sales prices and hidden payments managed through his legal practice accounts. He faces up to thirty years in prison when sentenced this June.
By C. M. Ingle | Apr 22, 2026
Kennelius Brown has pleaded guilty in federal court for drug trafficking and firearms offenses in New Orleans. He faces sentencing later this year as part of an ongoing national effort against organized crime led by federal authorities.
By F. E. Simons | Apr 22, 2026
A former pre-kindergarten teacher from Jacksonville has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison for attempting to entice an underage girl online for sex acts. Authorities say Tony Leroy Bartley Jr.'s arrest followed an undercover operation involving explicit communications with someone he believed was thirteen years old.
By R. C. Jamison | Apr 22, 2026
Chairman Brett Guthrie spoke about a bill designed to prevent banning fossil fuel-generated electricity for federal buildings. He argued such bans could affect reliability during emergencies like winter storms. The House Energy and Commerce Committee oversees related legislative areas.
By T. J. Graves | Apr 22, 2026
Mario Bustamante Leiva received a three-year sentence for multiple purse thefts targeting women dining out—including former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem—in Washington D.C., as announced by federal prosecutors on Apr. 22. Authorities say he faces deportation after serving time.
By R. C. Jamison | Apr 22, 2026
Senator Susan Collins pressed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about closing tax assistance centers serving rural Mainers during an April hearing. She also raised concerns about illegal marijuana operations linked abroad. The Senate Appropriations Committee's role was highlighted throughout their exchange.
By H. B. Edwards | Apr 22, 2026
Senator Dick Durbin issued a statement after the Justice Department indicted the Southern Poverty Law Center for alleged financial crimes. Durbin criticized what he called politically motivated actions against civil rights organizations. The Senate Judiciary Committee continues its legislative oversight role in such matters.
By C. M. Ingle | Apr 22, 2026
Edgar Zamarron-Cobos faces federal charges after police seized over 130 pounds of methamphetamine following a car chase ending in DeKalb County. Officials say he crashed into multiple vehicles while fleeing law enforcement officers.
By F. E. Simons | Apr 22, 2026
Jarmelle Dante Carter received a nine-year federal prison sentence after pleading guilty to firearm possession following prior felonies and participating in a drug conspiracy. Authorities discovered weapons, cash, cocaine, and marijuana during searches at his residences.
By R. C. Jamison | Apr 22, 2026
House lawmakers introduced two bills aimed at improving U.S. data privacy laws on April 22. The SECURE Data Act would set national standards for protecting personal information while GUARD Financial Data Act updates rules governing financial institutions' use of consumer data.
By R. C. Jamison | Apr 22, 2026
Chairman Tim Walberg welcomed a new Department of Labor rule on joint employment released April 22. He said it would bring needed clarity for workers while reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses. The announcement highlights continued efforts by lawmakers overseeing education and labor policy.
By H. B. Edwards | Apr 22, 2026
The U.S. Senate has passed bipartisan legislation ensuring national background checks for all child care workers—including independent contractors—in an effort led by Senators Chuck Grassley and Dick Durbin. The move aims at closing gaps left by previous laws regarding vetting procedures.
By F. E. Simons | Apr 22, 2026
David Martinez has pleaded guilty to embezzling over $87,000 from a local EMTs and Paramedics union while serving as president between December 2019 and March 2024. The case was announced by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo following an investigation led by federal authorities.
By C. M. Ingle | Apr 22, 2026
A Pensacola woman faces federal wire fraud charges related to pandemic relief funds after being indicted by a grand jury on April 22. The case highlights ongoing efforts against financial crimes in northern Florida.
By T. J. Graves | Apr 22, 2026
CAST announced a free upcoming webinar focused on artificial intelligence applications in in vitro biology research. Speakers will discuss advances ranging from plant tissue analysis using machine learning tools to mapping neural networks across species.
By T. J. Graves | Apr 22, 2026
Melissa Merlau Johnson calls for building greater public trust alongside scientific progress in agriculture. She highlights how organizations like Farm Country Today support outreach through publications while advocating for stronger community engagement.
By T. P. Broyles | Apr 22, 2026
Senator Bill Cassidy addressed key issues around healthcare affordability during a Senate HELP Committee hearing with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., focusing on drug pricing reforms within President Trump's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget. The session covered efforts toward lower prescription costs as well as calls for increased scientific investment.
By H. B. Edwards | Apr 22, 2026
House leaders have announced an upcoming hearing focused on legislative proposals for regulating food safety. Lawmakers will consider over twenty bills addressing product review processes and labeling standards. The session highlights ongoing efforts by Congress to tackle chronic disease through better FDA oversight.
By T. P. Broyles | Apr 22, 2026
The House Administration Committee has advanced bipartisan legislation that would allow U.S. Capitol Police officers with waivers to serve until age 65 instead of being required by law or waiver policy retirements at younger ages. Lawmakers say this change helps maintain staffing levels amid increased security demands.
