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Fayette County man pleads guilty to federal firearm possession charge

Braden Robertson has pleaded guilty in Charleston federal court for possessing multiple stolen firearms despite prior felony convictions. Authorities continue efforts under Operation Take Back America as several stolen guns remain unrecovered.


Hanahan city official charged with possession and production of child sexual abuse material

Kevin Phillip Hedgpeth, Hanahan's Mayor Pro Tem and councilman, has been charged with possessing and producing child sexual abuse material following an investigation by federal authorities. The case involves allegations spanning digital payments for illicit content involving minors over several years.


Senate Republicans block resolution honoring former FBI Director Robert Mueller

Senator Dick Durbin's effort on April 14 to honor former FBI Director Robert Muller was blocked by Senate Republicans following objections centered around Muller's legacy. The event reflects ongoing partisan tensions regarding Muller's work investigating Russian interference.


NYC Comptroller Levine: Palantir’s ‘material change’ in immigration enforcement role raises concerns

New York City Comptroller Mark Levine raised concerns about Palantir Technologies’ changing involvement with federal immigration enforcement agencies.


Grassley urges UBS to cooperate in Credit Suisse Nazi account investigation

Senator Chuck Grassley criticized UBS's cooperation with an ongoing investigation into Nazi-linked accounts at Credit Suisse. The Senate Judiciary Committee continues its oversight amid disputes over withheld documents and deadlines. Another hearing is planned before year's end.


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.