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New Jersey company agrees to repay $3.25 million in CARES Act settlement

A New Jersey company has agreed to repay $3.25 million after admitting it received excess Paycheck Protection Program funding during COVID-19 relief efforts. The settlement follows allegations brought by a whistleblower and reflects ongoing government actions against fraud involving CARES Act funds.


United States hosts high-level meeting with Lebanon and Israel on direct negotiations

The U.S. Department of State hosted a trilateral meeting with representatives from Israel and Lebanon on April 14. Officials discussed launching direct negotiations—the first such engagement since 1993—and addressed key security concerns facing both nations.


Poteau resident pleads guilty to possessing child sexual exploitation material

Clifford Elmo Smith from Poteau has pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual exploitation material following an FBI investigation. He faces up to ten years in prison with sentencing pending further review by a district judge.


Chamber of Progress opposes Maryland bill banning surveillance data pricing

The Chamber of Progress has urged Maryland lawmakers not to pass SB 387, which would ban surveillance-based pricing in grocery stores.


Durbin, Hawley and New Mexico attorney general call for action on child online safety laws

Senators Dick Durbin and Josh Hawley joined New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez in urging Congress to act on bipartisan bills protecting children online following recent court rulings against tech firms. The officials highlighted several pending pieces of legislation targeting platform accountability.


Tulsa man sentenced for drug distribution and firearm offenses in federal court

Tony Eugene Bahe has been sentenced on federal charges related to drug distribution and firearms offenses after investigations uncovered large quantities of narcotics and weapons at properties linked to him in Tulsa. Authorities say he conspired with others to sell methamphetamine throughout the community.


Mexican citizen sentenced to 15 months for false documents and assaulting federal agents

A Mexican citizen was sentenced after pleading guilty to using false identification documents and assaulting federal agents during an arrest attempt in Michigan. Authorities emphasize risks faced by law enforcement during such encounters.


Two cousins plead guilty to federal crimes in nationwide rental scam case

Two cousins have pleaded guilty in a nationwide short-term rental scam involving double-bookings and fake listings on popular platforms. Authorities say victims suffered last-minute cancellations while negative reviews were hidden or discredited by those running the scheme.


Congress returns to work after quiet recess with partial homeland security shutdown still unresolved

The longest partial government shutdown in U.S. history just hit day 59 — and Congress is back from vacation with no deal in sight.


Foundation for Defense of Democracies releases report on China’s control of battery materials

A new report by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies finds China dominates critical battery material supply chains vital for U.S. defense technology.


Bipartisan Policy Center: CATL-linked battery deals may still qualify for U.S. clean energy tax credits under law carve-out

The Bipartisan Policy Center analyzed how new federal rules affect partnerships with foreign battery suppliers like CATL under recent legislation.


Atoka resident pleads guilty to illegal firearm possession in federal court

Evert Linnel Eoff from Atoka pleaded guilty on April 14 to illegally possessing firearms as a convicted felon. He faces up to 15 years in prison following an investigation by federal authorities. The case highlights ongoing efforts by prosecutors covering eastern Oklahoma.


First Lady Melania Trump approves rare art loan of Whistler painting for European exhibit

First Lady Melania Trump has authorized a rare international loan of James McNeill Whistler's Nocturne from the White House Collection for a major European exhibition. The artwork will appear at Tate Britain and Van Gogh Museum before returning home in summer 2027.


Wewoka resident pleads guilty to theft in Indian Country case

Megan Renee Burgess has pleaded guilty to theft involving more than $1,000 on tribal land in Seminole County. She faces up to five years in prison pending sentencing by a U.S. District Court Judge.


ICE announces arrests of individuals convicted of violent and sexual crimes

ICE announced it has arrested several individuals with serious criminal convictions across the United States. Offenses include manslaughter and crimes against children. Officials say nearly 70 percent of recent ICE arrests involve those charged or convicted with crimes.


Chief Michael W. Banks reports arrests for human smuggling and violent crime near U.S.-Mexico border

Chief Michael W. Banks detailed multiple incidents involving human smuggling attempts and the arrest of a murder suspect between April 13-14, 2026.


House committee chairmen demand ActBlue comply with subpoenas in ongoing investigation

House committee leaders have called on ActBlue's CEO Regina Wallace-Jones to provide all documents requested under past subpoenas amid an ongoing investigation into donor verification practices. The move follows allegations that ActBlue misled Congress about screening for foreign donations.


ICE lodges detainer for Guatemalan national charged with murder in Tulsa

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has requested that local authorities not release Willie Ricardo Merida-Escobar, charged with murder in Tulsa County, Oklahoma. The agency highlighted cooperation between federal officials and local law enforcement as crucial for public safety.


Executive Asst. Commissioner Diane J. Sabatino highlights CBP drug seizures at border ports

Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane J. Sabatino posted on April 14, 2026 about multiple CBP drug interdictions involving canine teams and non-intrusive inspections at San Diego-area border crossings.


Behavioral therapist pleads guilty to health care fraud for submitting inflated insurance reimbursement claims

Mira Stallings pled guilty in federal court on Apr. 14 to health care fraud involving false TRICARE claims and misuse of pandemic relief loans. She faces up to ten years in prison as sentencing awaits further review.