News from April 2026
By H. B. Edwards | Apr 10, 2026
The Congressional Budget Office reported a significant reduction in the federal deficit for early fiscal year 2026. House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington attributed these results to reduced bureaucratic waste and higher tariff revenues.
By T. P. Broyles | Apr 10, 2026
The House Education and Workforce Committee will hold a hearing on April 17 about Health and Human Services policies. The session will be led by Chairman Tim Walberg. The public can follow along via livestream or attend in person.
By T. J. Graves | Apr 10, 2026
A Maple Heights man received over ten years in prison after admitting to possessing a loaded gun while on parole for earlier offenses. The sentence follows an incident outside a Cleveland bar where police discovered him with the weapon.
By C. M. Ingle | Apr 10, 2026
A man has been sentenced to over fourteen years in prison for an armed carjacking outside a Chicago home last November. Authorities say Damarr Conner attacked residents before stealing two vehicles over several weeks, with one accomplice still awaiting sentencing.
By C. M. Ingle | Apr 10, 2026
A Long Island college professor has been charged with attempting to entice a minor following an undercover operation led by federal authorities. Philip Schuler faces multiple charges after allegedly communicating online with someone he believed was underage before arranging an in-person meeting.
By F. E. Simons | Apr 10, 2026
Secretary Markwayne Mullin visited Astoria, Oregon to tour U.S. Coast Guard facilities and meet personnel. The visit recognized high retention rates within the service branch and honored a fallen officer.
By C. M. Ingle | Apr 10, 2026
Justin Aguino, a former Ohkay Owingeh police officer, has pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice after sharing sensitive details from a federal investigation. He faces up to fifteen months in prison following his arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.
By C. M. Ingle | Apr 10, 2026
A former IU researcher has been sentenced for smuggling E.coli DNA hidden in clothing shipments from China after admitting guilt during an investigation led by federal agencies. Authorities warn that such actions threaten public safety as well as agricultural security.
By T. J. Graves | Apr 10, 2026
A Brockton man has been indicted on charges related to alleged fraudulent receipt and forgiveness of COVID-19 relief loans while working for Veterans Affairs. Prosecutors claim Jesus Abreu obtained over $74,000 through misrepresentation but stress he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
By C. M. Ingle | Apr 10, 2026
A retired Massachusetts State Police sergeant faces wire fraud charges after allegedly obtaining over $21,000 through false claims on a PPP loan application. Federal prosecutors say Damian Halfkenny has agreed to plead guilty but remains presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
By F. E. Simons | Apr 10, 2026
A West Bloomfield man has been charged with wire fraud and money laundering related to over $5 million in alleged PPP loan fraud. Federal officials say this marks an early result from President Trump's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
By T. J. Graves | Apr 10, 2026
A court has sided with business groups including NFIB against New York's expanded wetlands regulations. The ruling halts enforcement of new rules while giving state officials time to consider an appeal.
By T. J. Graves | Apr 10, 2026
Rep. Nathaniel Quentin Moran called illegal Chinese vapes 'a threat on every front,' citing health risks and national security concerns in a March 16 statement.
By H. B. Edwards | Apr 10, 2026
Senators led by Jeanne Shaheen urged Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent not to extend waivers allowing certain transactions involving Russian oil. They argued that continuing these waivers helps fund Russia's war efforts amid ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
By F. E. Simons | Apr 10, 2026
Omar R. Pouncy has pleaded guilty to suborning perjury after attempting to undermine judicial proceedings related to previous convictions for carjacking and robbery in Genesee County. Authorities say he paid a witness $10,000 for false testimony during a federal habeas proceeding before being caught through evidence found by corrections staff.
By H. B. Edwards | Apr 10, 2026
Chairman Brett Guthrie participated in CERA Week discussions focused on U.S. energy infrastructure challenges. Legislative proposals were outlined aiming at improving grid reliability while addressing permitting issues. The House Energy and Commerce Committee's historical role was also highlighted.
By H. B. Edwards | Apr 10, 2026
Chairman Brian Babin praised Artemis II's safe splashdown on April 10. The mission marks America's first crewed journey beyond low Earth orbit in over fifty years.
By F. E. Simons | Apr 10, 2026
A Guatemalan national has pleaded guilty in Detroit federal court for illegally returning to the United States after deportation and failing to register as a sex offender following prior convictions involving attempts at child exploitation.
By T. J. Graves | Apr 10, 2026
A Coweta man has been sentenced after pleading guilty to felony assault with a dangerous weapon as well as illegal possession of ammunition while under a protective order. Federal officials say this case demonstrates ongoing efforts against gun violence affecting tribal communities.
By F. E. Simons | Apr 10, 2026
Nicholas Parks of Winnetka pleaded guilty on Apr. 10 for conspiring with others on a multi-state marijuana trafficking operation involving over $329,000 laundered from drug sales between Maryland and California. Law enforcement used evidence from traffic stops and controlled operations as part of their investigation.
