News and reports from the .

Latest News


Aerospace Industries Association appoints Russ Blauw as vice president of membership and strategy

Russ Blauw has been named Vice President of Membership and Strategic Direction at the Aerospace Industries Association. The appointment aims to enhance support for members in advancing key industry policies. Blauw brings decades of military leadership experience.


Consent judgment entered against Segal Arts for false Medicare billing allegations

A Bucks County company faces a $200,000 repayment after allegedly billing group art classes as individual occupational therapy under Medicare. Federal authorities say this action safeguards program integrity for older adults' care.


Former high school teacher sentenced to 13 years for coercing minors to produce abuse material

A former high school teacher has been sentenced to thirteen years in prison for coercing two minors into producing sexually explicit material. Authorities say Kostas Fekkas used social media platforms to contact his victims and collect illicit content. Officials urge anyone with information about child exploitation cases to contact law enforcement.


CBP officers intercept live pythons at World Trade Bridge

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found 39 live pythons hidden in a tractor at the World Trade Bridge during an outbound inspection earlier this month. The animals were seized after being discovered despite a negative declaration from the driver, resulting in penalties exceeding $34,000.


America's Plastic Makers President: Recycled Materials Attribution Act 'would unlock investment and innovation in plastics recycling'

Ross Eisenberg, President of America’s Plastic Makers, said new federal legislation could improve clarity around recycled-content claims for plastic products.


Texas woman pleads guilty in cross-country narcotics conspiracy involving Buffalo

A Houston woman has pleaded guilty for her role in transporting cocaine from Mexico through Texas into Buffalo as part of a larger narcotics conspiracy. Authorities seized drugs and cash during their investigation involving multiple states. Sentencing is set for late September.


Mexican national charged with laundering millions in narcotics proceeds through Oregon businesses

A Mexican national has been charged with laundering millions through Oregon businesses linked to narcotics trafficking proceeds. Federal authorities allege that Jose Alonso Paramo Arguello used multiple companies for illegal wire transfers between Oregon and Mexico.


Charleston felon sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for gun, drug charges

Deon Lathel Gibson of Charleston has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for drug and firearm offenses following his guilty plea. The case involved nearly half a kilogram of methamphetamine and a loaded pistol found during a traffic stop while he was out on bond for another alleged crime.


Senate Judiciary Committee urged to advance Combating Illicit Xylazine Act by broad coalition

A broad coalition including law enforcement groups and veterinary associations has urged the Senate Judiciary Committee to advance bipartisan legislation targeting illicit xylazine use. Supporters say classifying xylazine as a controlled substance will help combat rising threats while protecting legitimate veterinary needs.


Senators Collins and Murray release guidance for FY2027 appropriations requests

Senators Susan Collins and Patty Murray have issued new guidance for Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations requests. The guidelines outline procedures for programmatic funding and Congressionally Directed Spending items. The Senate Appropriations Committee continues its oversight of federal expenditures.


Kalkaska County man sentenced to seven years for fentanyl and heroin trafficking

A Rapid City man has been sentenced to seven years in prison for distributing fentanyl and heroin linked to a fatal overdose in Gaylord. Authorities say Robert Graham Ward continued selling drugs even after learning he was under federal investigation.


Senator Ricketts addresses Endangered Species Act challenges at EPW subcommittee hearing

Senator Pete Ricketts led a hearing examining how well the Endangered Species Act recovers endangered species. He raised concerns about low recovery rates while highlighting local conservation successes in Nebraska.


House Committee reviews 27 bills to reauthorize VA programs and services

The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs has reviewed 27 bills aimed at updating Department of Veterans Affairs programs. Chairman Mike Bost said these changes could improve health care delivery and accountability for veterans nationwide.


Florida man sentenced to five years for orchestrating multimillion-dollar Medicare billing fraud scheme

Ted Albin has been sentenced to five years in prison for running a multimillion-dollar Medicare fraud scheme involving false medical equipment claims. Authorities say his actions led to over $38 million in fraudulent billings with more than $12 million paid out by Medicare.


Senate committee passes Blumenthal’s bills on toxic exposure and veterans’ benefits

The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee unanimously advanced several bills led by Richard Blumenthal aimed at expanding research into birth defects among children of toxic-exposed veterans and strengthening support programs for all U.S. veterans. The legislation includes new provisions for emergency response readiness and expanded benefits.


Ohio man indicted on drug charges after fatal overdose in Lorain County

A Lorain County man has been indicted on federal drug charges following an alleged fatal overdose tied to fentanyl-laced substances he distributed. Authorities say Roderick Cross Jr., who has prior felony convictions, faces enhanced sentencing if convicted.


Cowansville, Quebec man sentenced to 24 months for child sexual abuse material offense

A Quebec man has been sentenced to two years in prison after attempting to enter Vermont with child sexual abuse material on his phone. Authorities say border officers discovered hundreds of illicit videos and images during a routine inspection. The case is part of a broader federal effort against online child exploitation.


Lake City man pleads guilty to methamphetamine and firearm charges in federal court

Clayton Brown from Lake City pled guilty in Sioux City federal court to distributing methamphetamine and illegally possessing a firearm. Authorities seized drugs and cash during the investigation. Sentencing will be determined after further review.


House passes bill to protect lead ammo and tackle use on federal lands

The U.S. House has passed a bill aimed at protecting hunters' and anglers' ability to use lead ammunition and tackle on federal lands. Supporters say it balances conservation needs with continued public access.


Woodford County woman sentenced to 15 years for fentanyl trafficking in jail overdose case

A Versailles woman has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after distributing fentanyl inside a jail led to two overdoses. Authorities say Melissa Wilhoite smuggled drugs into Woodford County Detention Center following her arrest last November.