News and reports from the .

A former Jacksonville church pastor has been indicted on charges related to fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loan applications totaling about $50,000 in losses. Authorities say he faces up to 20 years per count if convicted.

Dominican national convicted of identity theft and passport fraud in Orlando

A Dominican national living in Orlando has been convicted on charges including passport fraud and aggravated identity theft after using another woman's identity for decades. Authorities say Lesbia Cristina Grullon Nolasco illegally obtained government benefits totaling over $10,000 during this period.

House Oversight Committee to hold roundtable on lawfare affecting American agriculture

Chairman James Comer announced a congressional roundtable focused on how litigation is impacting U.S. agriculture policy. Farmers, legal experts, and advocacy leaders will discuss regulatory burdens faced by producers as a result of court actions.

Orange County man indicted on charges related to child sexual abuse material offenses

By C. M. Ingle | Apr 15, 2026

Aaron Starbird has been indicted on multiple federal charges involving coercion and child sexual abuse material offenses following an investigation led by local authorities. The case highlights ongoing efforts under Project Safe Childhood targeting child exploitation crimes.

Española man charged with assault by strangulation after alleged incident

Joseph Cata from Española has been charged with assault by strangulation after an alleged violent incident inside a residence earlier this month. Authorities say the victim suffered significant facial injuries before a witness intervened. The case remains under investigation as Cata awaits trial.

Los Angeles man sentenced to over 23 years for drug conspiracy in South Dakota

A Los Angeles man has been sentenced in Sioux Falls federal court for his role in distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl across state lines. Authorities say he managed drug transport operations from California into South Dakota between late 2023 and September 2024.

Baby Boomers remain largest group of home buyers as first-time purchases hit record low

A new report shows Baby Boomers continue as top U.S. homebuyers while first-time purchases fall sharply. Younger generations face affordability barriers despite shifting trends led by older Millennials' rising incomes.

Trump administration announces creation of USDA Office of Seafood

The Trump administration has launched a new USDA Office dedicated exclusively to supporting America's seafood industry. Officials say it will streamline government support for fishing businesses while boosting coordination among federal agencies.

DHS employee Lauren Bullis killed; suspect was naturalized in 2022, agency says

The Department of Homeland Security announced that Lauren Bullis was killed on April 13 by Olaolukitan Adon Abel—a recently naturalized citizen with prior convictions—according to officials. In response to such cases involving violent offenders within immigrant populations or those seeking citizenship status changes, 0USCIS has introduced new vetting centers and reinstated neighborhood investigations.

House Small Business Committee holds hearing on Working Families Tax Cuts Act benefits

By R. C. Jamison | Apr 15, 2026

The House Small Business Committee examined how recent federal tax cuts impact local entrepreneurs at a hearing led by Chairman Roger Williams on Apr. 15. Witnesses described increased investment opportunities for manufacturers and expanded employee benefits due to greater financial certainty under current law.

Former Baltimore football coach sentenced for overtime fraud and tax evasion

A former Baltimore City School police officer has been sentenced for submitting fraudulent overtime claims worth over $200,000 and evading taxes exceeding $60,000. The sentencing reflects ongoing efforts by federal authorities against public corruption involving misuse of taxpayer funds.

Four indicted in Massachusetts for alleged trafficking of narcotics from Puerto Rico and California

Federal prosecutors have charged four people with mailing large amounts of narcotics into Massachusetts from Puerto Rico and California. Authorities allege members used residential addresses throughout northeastern Massachusetts before retrieving drug-laden parcels soon after delivery.

Gun store owner indicted for aiding straw purchases and failing to report cash payments

Federal prosecutors have charged Esteban Yanez with aiding illegal gun purchases and failing to report large cash sales at his stores Virtus Armament and The Armory. If convicted on all counts outlined by an April grand jury indictment in Phoenix, he faces significant prison time and fines.

Chairman Bost addresses VA disability claims backlog reduction at oversight hearing

Chairman Mike Bost led an oversight hearing discussing major reductions in VA disability claims backlogs under Secretary Collins' leadership. The session addressed policy changes aimed at delivering faster benefit decisions for veterans while maintaining quality standards.

Orlando man sentenced to over six years for COVID-19 unemployment fraud

An Orlando man received over six years in prison after being convicted of bank fraud tied to COVID-19 unemployment benefits. Authorities say Dexter Ray King used stolen identities and fake information in multiple states to obtain more than half a million dollars.

Senate Aging Committee chair Rick Scott announces new financial education guide for seniors

Senator Rick Scott announced a new bipartisan guide aimed at helping seniors manage their finances safely during retirement planning. The announcement was made during a Senate Aging Committee hearing focused on protecting older Americans from fraud through education initiatives.

Chairman Rick Scott announces new financial literacy guide for seniors at Senate hearing

Chairman Rick Scott has announced a new financial literacy guide aimed at helping seniors make informed decisions about retirement finances while guarding against scams. The initiative was unveiled during a recent Senate Aging Committee hearing focused on protecting older Americans from fraud.

Senator Cassidy hosts roundtable on child literacy and dyslexia support with parents