USA News

The Senate returned to Washington on Monday, resuming work after a five-week recess. Key items include procedural votes on cryptocurrency legislation and the Protect College Sports Act, amid ongoing discussions about regulatory measures for artificial intelligence and potential action on the Farm bill and surveillance authority.

The Justice Department has announced a crackdown on COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program fraud, resulting in charges against over 160 defendants and approximately $245 million in intended losses. The initiative, dubbed “Heartland fraud surge,” involved 44 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and targeted fabricated businesses and identity theft schemes.

New York’s primary elections featured key congressional races, with former City Comptroller Brad Lander projected to defeat Rep. Dan Goldman in the 10th District, while Assemblywoman Claire Valdez is set to win against Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in the 7th District. Additionally, Attorney General Alan Wilson secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination in South Carolina.

The Supreme Court has dismissed Damon Landor’s claim against Louisiana prison officials for shaving his dreadlocks, ruling 6 to 3 that he cannot sue under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. The decision upholds previous lower court findings regarding the lack of liability for individual state officials.

The Trump administration has proposed increasing application fees for U.S. citizenship, raising costs from $760 to $1,330 for paper applications and from $710 to $1,280 for online submissions. The plan eliminates fee waivers and reductions for low-income applicants while maintaining exemptions for service members. Public comments on the proposal will be accepted for 60 days.

A federal judge has quashed six grand jury subpoenas issued by the Trump administration to Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey. The judge ruled the subpoenas were retaliatory and unlawful, linked to a lawsuit challenging the federal immigration initiative, Operation Metro Surge.

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