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CAST announces Frances Pierce as creative media assistant intern for spring and summer 2026

Frances Pierce has been named Creative Media Assistant Intern at CAST for Spring/Summer 2026. She will support communications efforts while completing her studies at Oklahoma State University. Her work aligns with CAST's mission of sharing credible agricultural information.


Treasury and Education Departments announce Federal Student Assistance Partnership

The U.S. Departments of Treasury and Education have launched a partnership to improve federal student aid programs amid rising loan defaults. The initiative aims to streamline operations by shifting some responsibilities from Education to Treasury.


Treasury sanctions network accused of diverting funds to benefit Hizballah

The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned a network accused of raising over $100 million for Hizballah through various international schemes since 2020. The move blocks assets linked to key individuals across multiple countries and aims to disrupt funding channels supporting militant activities.


Education and Treasury Departments announce Federal Student Assistance Partnership

The Departments of Education and Treasury have launched a partnership aimed at improving federal student aid management amid rising loan defaults. Officials say this move will bring financial discipline to a $1.7 trillion portfolio affecting millions of Americans.


U.S. Department of Education leaders visit Vermont and West Virginia for History Rocks! events

U.S. Department of Education leaders visited schools in Vermont and West Virginia as part of their History Rocks! tour celebrating America's upcoming 250th birthday. The initiative aims to strengthen civic literacy by connecting students with foundational American principles through interactive activities.


Treasury releases GENIUS report on digital assets and illicit finance, Coin Center responds

The Department of Treasury has released a report examining how technology can help combat illicit finance involving digital assets. Coin Center responded by highlighting both positive steps toward privacy protections and areas needing further attention. The organization urges continued focus on regulated entities rather than expanding surveillance requirements.


Cardinal Health recalls Webcol alcohol prep pads due to microbial contamination

Cardinal Health has issued a voluntary recall for certain lots of its Webcol Large Alcohol Prep Pads due to microbial contamination that could pose health risks for vulnerable patients. The company urges consumers and healthcare providers to check their supplies and report any adverse reactions.


Alabama doctor sentenced to prison for $2.7 million telemedicine fraud scheme

An Alabama doctor has been sentenced in Boston federal court for participating in a multi-million dollar telemedicine fraud scheme targeting Medicare through unnecessary equipment orders and genetic tests. Authorities say Tommie Robinson signed off on false documentation without patient contact or relationships.


CBP to host three-day San Antonio career expo

U.S. Customs and Border Protection will host a three-day career expo in San Antonio from March 24-26. Job seekers can learn about available roles and meet recruiters but should note that no interviews or job offers will occur during the event.


Hopkins County woman indicted on federal animal welfare and wire fraud charges

A Hopkins County woman faces federal charges after authorities allege she operated an unlicensed dog breeding facility under poor conditions while committing wire fraud through false claims about her animals. Kristine Michelle Hicks could face up to 20 years if convicted.


Former Costa Rican official and associate extradited to Texas on drug trafficking charges

Two Costa Rican nationals have been extradited to Texas for alleged involvement in international drug trafficking operations after recent constitutional reforms allowed their transfer. Authorities say this case highlights growing cross-border cooperation against organized crime.


Millvale resident indicted on charges of transporting and possessing child sexual abuse material

A Millvale man has been indicted by a Pittsburgh grand jury for allegedly transporting and possessing child sexual abuse material. Authorities say Robert William Bauer could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The case was investigated by the FBI as part of Project Safe Childhood.


CAST announces free April webinars on soil fertility tools and Corn Belt policy brief

The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) is hosting two free webinars this April covering soil fertility tools and agricultural diversification policy in the Corn Belt region. The sessions are open access events designed for anyone involved or interested in agriculture.


CBP reminds Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands small boaters to use ROAM for arrival reporting

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has reminded small boat operators traveling into Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands about mandatory arrival reporting requirements. The agency highlighted fines starting at $5,000 for non-compliance and promoted its mobile ROAM app as an easy way for travelers to fulfill legal obligations.


Senators Scott and Gillibrand promote CLEAR LABELS Act for drug origin transparency

Senators Rick Scott and Kirsten Gillibrand have introduced new legislation requiring country-of-origin labels for prescription drugs sold in America. Their bipartisan effort seeks greater transparency for consumers about where medicines come from.


Segepo-FSM agrees to pay $887,234 over improper Paycheck Protection Program loan

Segepo-FSM, Inc., based in Cold Spring, will pay $887,234 after allegations it improperly obtained and received forgiveness for a federal pandemic relief loan intended for small businesses. The agreement resolves claims brought under whistleblower provisions but does not determine liability.


Brockton man pleads guilty to fentanyl and cocaine distribution charges in federal court

Elijah Melton from Brockton has pleaded guilty in Boston federal court for distributing large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine across Massachusetts. Authorities seized several kilograms during coordinated operations linked through encrypted communications with alleged associates out-of-state.


Byfield man sentenced to over 12 years for methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy

James Adams has been sentenced to more than twelve years for his involvement in a major methamphetamine distribution ring operating across Eastern Massachusetts. Authorities seized drugs and firearms during their investigation into members associated with the Unknown Bikers Motorcycle Club.


Honduran national extradited from Guatemala to Texas to face drug trafficking charges

A Honduran national has been extradited from Guatemala to Texas to face international drug trafficking charges after being indicted in 2019. Authorities say he will appear in federal court this month and could face life imprisonment if convicted.


Oversight Committee launches investigation into fraud in California hospice programs

The House Oversight Committee is investigating alleged large-scale fraud within California's federally funded hospice programs following reports about insufficient state safeguards against abuse. Lawmakers requested documents from Governor Gavin Newsom after citing significant increases in suspicious billing practices.