EFTA00163802.pdf

From: FBI News Briefing <fbinewsbriefing@barbaricum.com> To: "FBINewsBriefing" <FBINewsBriefing@ic.fbi.goy> Subject: [EXTERNAL EMAIL) - FBI Daily News Briefing - September 9, 2025 Date: Tue, 09 Sep 2025 10:05:12 +0000 Importance: Normal View in Browser Federal Bureau of Investigation Seal September 09, 2025 Federal Bureau of Investigation Daily News Briefing (In coordination with the Office of Public Affairs) Email Public Affairs to subscribe to the Daily News Briefing. Mobile version and archive available here. Table of Contents IN THE NEWS • Director Patel Says FBI Has Been Investigating Charlotte Train Stabbing 'From Day One' • Epstein Birthday Letter With President Trump's Signature Revealed • Going Inside FBI Chicago Field Office as Agents Confront Drug Cartels and Violent Gangs • New FBI Deputy Director Andrew Bailey Begins Transition to FBI Role • Director Patel Says Voter Fraud Is a Serious Crime COUNTERTERRORISM • Continued Reporting: FBI 'Most Wanted' Awaits Extradition From Wales to U.S. • Minnesota Men Have Been Financing and Directing Violence in Cameroon Since 2017, Charges Say • New Mexico Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges for Making Bomb Threats to Government Offices • Lockerbie Relatives Urged by FBI to Sign Up to View Bombing Trial • FBI Responds To Wyoming Man Accused Of Threatening Neighbor With Homemade Napalm COUNTERINTELLIGENCE • Ex-FBI Agent Who Leaked to Chinese Company Had His Hands in a Wide Range of Notable Investigations CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS • Trial Begins for Man Charged in Trump Assassination Attempt in Florida • Trump Administration Says It Launches Ice Crackdown in Illinois • FBI Offers $10K Reward in Unsolved Missouri Double Homicide • Mexican National Sentenced to Nine Years for Armed Drug Trafficking • FBI Arrests Suspect Who Had Thirteen Pounds of Fentanyl at Atlanta Airport EFTA00163802 • One of Montana's Largest Drug Busts Just Closed in Court • West Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Distribution • Illinois Man Sentenced for Role in Scheme to Transport Contraband Into Fci McDowell With Drone • Owner of Pennsylvania Care Home Pleads Guilty to $2M Health Care Fraud • Two Missouri Area Doctors Sentenced for Federal Health Care Crimes • Executives of Colorado Company Jailed for Nearly $2M Fraud Scheme • Continued Reporting: FBI Searching for Woman Accused of Stealing $34 Million in COVID Relief Funds • Ohio Man Pleads Guilty in Bankruptcy-Related Fraud Case, Prosecutors Say • Florida Residents Face Federal Charges in Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Scheme • Continued Reporting: North Carolina Nightmare, Man Charged With Threatening to Shoot Black Children at Preschool • FBI-Springfield Issues Alert for Alleged Gang Enforcer • Pennsylvania School Custodian Charged With Possessing Thousands of Child Abuse Images • Oklahoma Man Receives Ten-Year Sentence for Child Sexual Abuse Material Offenses • Man Charged for Traveling to Have Sexual Conduct With Young Girl in DC • Iowa Man Sentenced to Federal Prison After Pleading Guilty to Sharing Child Pornography • FBI Issues Warning: Serial Bank Robber on the Loose in Illinois CYBER DIVISION • Letter Purportedly From Rep. Moolenaar Was Chinese Hacking Attempt • Canada Joins Allies in Warning Against China's Cyber Operatives Behind Global Espionage System • FBI Warns of QR Code Scam Disguised in Mystery Packages • FBI Investigating Millions of Taxpayer Dollars Stolen in a Cyber Attack in Texas • Cybersecurity Emerges as Growing Threat to Construction and Glass Industries • Nevada Websites Remain Down, Recovery Hub Offers Updates • Case of Scotland Man Accused of Hacking FBI and Major Banks Is Thrown Out OTHER FBI NEWS • A Military Approach to Drug Busts Upends U.S. Efforts and Raises Legal Questions • The National Guard Operating in Denver? Unlikely, Experts Say • Massachusetts Police Department Use Hundreds of Informants, and Many Are Active Criminals • Opinion: The FBI Can't Afford to Lower Its Standards INTERNATIONAL NEWS • Explosive Testimony Identifies Legislators, Officials in Philippine Flood-Control Corruption Inquiry • U.S. Tech Companies Enabled the Surveillance and Detention of Hundreds of Thousands in China • Most U.S. Adults Think Individual Choices Keep People in Poverty, New Ap-Norc/Harris Poll Finds • Supreme Court Lifts Restrictions on la Immigration Stops Set After Agents Swept up U.S. Citizens • Palestinian Gunmen Kill Six in Jerusalem Bus Stop Shooting • Israeli Military Evacuation Order Triggers Panic in Gaza City • France's Macron Seeks New Prime Minister After Government's Collapse • Social Media Goes Back Online in Nepal After 19 Are Killed in Protests • Deportation Fears Are Fueling Money Transfers to Latin America • Tanks Were Just Tanks, Until Drones Made Them Change OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS EFTA00163803 • Trump's Union Busting Tests Limits of 'National Security' Powers • Barrett Says Justices 'Wear Black, Not Red or Blue' in Response to Partisan Critics in Fox News Interview • Suspected Sinaloa Cartel Members Apprehended in 23-State Sweep by DEA • Senate GOP Leader Moves to Lower Filibuster Threshold for Trump Nominees Through Nuclear Option • Workers Say Korea Inc Was Warned About Questionable U.S. Visas Before Hyundai Raid • Republican Senators Investigate Palisades Fire Response • Trump's Treasury Secretary Threatens to Punch Housing Official in the Face • Trump Downplays Domestic Disturbances as He Touts D.C. Crime Reduction • Student Test Scores Are Sliding, Reaching New Lows • Murdoch Family Resolves Dispute Over Ownership in Multibillion-Dollar Deal WASHINGTON SCHEDULE IN THE NEWS Director Patel Says FBI Has Been Investigating Charlotte Train Stabbing 'From Day One' Fox News (09/08, Shaw) and Washington Examiner (09/08, Knox) reported that Director Patel confirmed the bureau has been investigating the murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on the Charlotte Metro "from day one," while Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a separate Department of Transportation probe into the city's transit safety failures. According to the articles, Director Patel hinted at new developments coming soon, and Duffy linked his investigation to President Donald Trump's "zero tolerance" crime policy, warning that federal transit funding could be at risk for cities that fail to protect passengers. The articles explained that Trump personally condemned the killing in a social media statement, blasting the suspect's release under cashless bail after 14 prior arrests and calling for tougher measures against repeat offenders. Both Director Patel and Duffy framed the Charlotte case as a national test of accountability, with Duffy telling Fox News that the administration may redirect federal funds if local governments do not improve public safety. The articles noted that local police continue to lead the homicide case with federal assistance, while the FBI and DOT investigations could carry broader implications for crime policy and transit funding nationwide. Additional reporting on the story was provided by ABC News (09/08, Forrester), Axios (09/08, Caputo), BBC (09/08, Ahmadi), CNN (09/08, Yan, Smart, et al.), Fox News (09/08, Wolf, McAdams), The Independent (09/09, Liddell), NBC News (09/08, Alsharif, Mullen), Newsweek (09/08, Sundel, Stanton, Lemon), New York Post (09/08, Blair, Nelson) (2), The New York Times (09/08, Medina, Fausset, Cochrane), Politico (09/08, Wendler), Reuters (09/08, Ax), Rolling Stone (09/08, Klee), The Times (09/08, Thurston), USA Today (09/08, Yancey-Bragg), the Washington Examiner (09/08, Knox) (2) (3), and the Associated Press (09/08, Verduzco, Brumfield). Fox News (09/08, Harris) also published an opinion piece on the story. Epstein Birthday Letter With President Trump's Signature Revealed The Wall Street Journal (09/08, Safdar, Palazzolo) reported that lawyers for Jeffrey Epstein's estate turned over a professionally bound birthday book from Epstein's 50th birthday to the House Oversight Committee, which included a letter bearing President Donald Trump's signature that he has long denied existed. According to the article, the letter, previously described in The Wall Street Journal, featured typewritten text framed by the outline of a naked woman and ended with the line: "Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret," with "Donald" signed in a style mimicking pubic hair. The article explained that Trump has denied writing or signing the letter, calling it "a fake thing" and suing The Wall Street Journal and its parent companies for defamation, while the White House said his legal team will continue pursuing the case. Another letter in the book from businessman Joel Pashcow made a crude joke referencing both Epstein and Trump and included a mock $22,500 check suggesting Epstein "sold" a woman to Trump—an allegation her lawyer called a "disgusting and deeply disturbing hoax," noting she had no romantic relationship with either man and cut ties with Epstein in 1997. The article noted that the birthday book, which also included messages from figures such as former President Bill Clinton and EFTA00163804 billionaire Leon Black, was handed over after a congressional subpoena as Democrats pushed for full release of Epstein-related records while Republicans accused them of "cherry-picking" documents. Additional analysis from The Wall Street Journal (09/08, Safdar, Palazzolo, Dapena) noted similarities between the Epstein letter's squiggly "Donald" signature and bold serif typeface with personal letters Trump wrote in 2000 and 2006, as well as stylistic overlaps such as third-person references, hand-drawn doodles resembling artwork attributed to Trump in charity auctions, and familiar word choices like "enigma" and "a wonderful thing" used in his books and speeches. Another article from The Wall Street Journal (09/08, Safdar, Palazzolo) added that the book's table of contents listed Donald Trump and Bill Clinton under the "Friends" section along with about 20 other associates, while additional sections were labeled "Science," "Brooklyn," and "Family." The article explained that Ghislaine Maxwell wrote a prologue and closing note for the book, later telling Justice Department officials she assembled the album but didn't recall who contributed to it. Bill Clinton's letter appeared as a single handwritten paragraph, with his spokesman reiterating that Clinton cut ties with Epstein long before his 2019 arrest. Other letters included Les Wexner's brief note with a suggestive drawing, Alan Dershowitz's mock "Vanity Unfair" magazine cover, Leon Black's rhymed poem signed "Love and kisses, Leon," Vera Wang's message joking about putting Epstein on The Bachelor, Nathan Myhrvold's seven-page wildlife photo submission, Peter Mandelson's 10-page letter calling Epstein "my best pal," and Mort Zuckerman's satirical note about Epstein's birthplace and family. The article noted the book concluded with a "Next SO Years" section containing a photo of Epstein in a hammock and a message signed "Lots of love, Ghislaine." Additional reporting on the story was provided by ABC News (09/08, Parkinson, Peller), Al Jazeera (09/08, Staff Writer), Associated Press (09/08, Price), Axios (09/08, Axelrod), BBC (09/08, Matza), CNBC (09/08, Breuninger), CNN (09/08, Blake), The Center Square (09/08, Sweeney), The Atlantic (09/08, Chait), The Daily Beast (09/08, Esposito), Deadline (09/08, Johnson), Forbes (09/08, Folk), The Guardian (09/08, Dunbar, Lowell) (2), The Hill (09/08, Samuels, Beitsch), The Independent (09/08, Baragona) (2), NBC News (09/08, Stewart, Tsirkin, et al.), NewsNation (09/08, Falzone), The New York Times (09/08, Gold) (2), NPR (09/08, Breslow), People (09/08, Kile), Politico (09/08, Fuchs) (2), Reuters (09/08, Oliphant, Stempel), Rolling Stone (09/08, Ramirez), Time (09/08, Popli), Fox News (09/08, Elkind) (2), Washington Examiner (09/08, Green) (2), Washington Post (09/08, Goba, Tarrant), and Washington Times (09/08, Howell Jr.), and USA Today (09/08, Anderson, Meyer). Mike Johnson Claimed Trump Was an Anti-Epstein informant, Then Retreated Amid Criticism The Guardian (09/08, Levine) and the Washington Examiner (09/08, Rosciglione) reported that House Speaker Mike Johnson initially claimed at the U.S. Capitol that Donald Trump had been "an FBI informant to try and take this stuff down" in reference to Jeffrey Epstein, before later walking back the statement amid confusion and criticism. According to the article, Johnson's office later clarified that he had been referring to comments made by Brad Edwards, an attorney for several Epstein victims, who said Trump helped him investigate Epstein more than a decade ago but did not confirm any law enforcement cooperation. The article explained that Johnson's retreat came as bipartisan lawmakers push for legislation to force the Justice Department to release all files related to Epstein, with victims publicly urging Congress to act. It also noted that Trump once pledged to release a full list of Epstein's clients but now calls the matter the "Democrat Epstein Hoax," while the Justice Department maintains no such client list exists. The article added that Trump and Epstein had been friends until a 2004 falling-out, which Trump attributed to Epstein stealing workers from Mar-a-Lago, including who was later abused by Epstein. Going Inside FBI Chicago Field Office as Agents Confront Drug Cartels and Violent Gangs Fox News (09/08, Nelson, Lanum, et al.) reported that FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Robert Wieczorek provided a detailed look at the FBI's Chicago Field Office operations as agents confront violent gangs, drug cartels, and surging crime in the city. According to the article, Wieczorek said Chicago's central location, with major interstates, rail systems, airports, and waterways, makes it a prime hub for drug trafficking, which in turn fuels much of the city's violent crime through gang activity and neighborhood turf wars. The article explained that the FBI works closely with local agencies through initiatives like Operation Summer Heat to target violent offenders and gangs, and Operation Restore Justice to track down sexual predators. President Donald Trump recently called Chicago the "murder capital" and announced plans to send in National Guard troops despite opposition from Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, though FBI officials declined to comment on that proposal. Wieczorek emphasized that the FBI often steps in when there is a federal nexus—such as felons in possession of firearms—to support local investigations and said community tips remain one of law enforcement's most valuable tools in fighting crime. The article highlighted that, according to Deputy Director Bongino, Operation Summer Heat has resulted in over 6,000 arrests nationwide since its inception in June. "All 55 fields of office are participating in it, where we are EFTA00163805 aggressively combating violent crimes wherever it comes, and it comes in all forms, so crimes against children and fugitives and streaking violence," he said. New FBI Deputy Director Andrew Bailey Begins Transition to FBI Role Fox News (09/08, Hagstrom) reported that the FBI has appointed Andrew Bailey, former Missouri Attorney General, as its new co-deputy director, making history by creating a two-deputy leadership structure alongside Deputy Director Bongino, both reporting directly to Director Patel. According to the article, the move comes as President Donald Trump emphasizes federal law enforcement, amid controversy within the FBI over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The article quoted Attorney General Bondi as stating, "I am thrilled to welcome Andrew Bailey as Co-Deputy Director of the FBI. He has served as a distinguished state attorney general and is a decorated war veteran, bringing expertise and dedication to service. His leadership and commitment to the country will be a tremendous asset as we work together to advance President Trump's mission." Deputy Director Bailey added, "As I approach the final hours as your Attorney General, I am profoundly grateful to Missouri, as it has been the honor of my life to serve you. Together, we have accomplished much for the place we call home. Until Missouri calls again, thank you." Director Patel Says Voter Fraud Is a Serious Crime Newsmax (09/08, Barron) and Breitbart (09/08, Boyle) reported that Director Patel said the bureau will take voter fraud investigations "extremely seriously," stressing that "one citizen, one vote" is essential to protecting election integrity and that violators "will be brought to justice." According to the articles, the Justice Department charged two people in Pennsylvania with voter fraud: Matthew Laiss, accused of casting ballots in both Pennsylvania and Florida during the 2020 presidential election, and Miya Park, accused of voting in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania during the 2024 presidential election. The articles explained that Laiss allegedly submitted a mail-in ballot in Pennsylvania on October 31, 2020, before voting in person in Florida on November 3, while Park allegedly voted early in New Jersey on October 26, 2024, and again in Pennsylvania on Election Day. Director Patel said the FBI will pursue all cases where individuals attempt to undermine U.S. elections. Back to Top COUNTERTERRORISM Continued Reporting: FBI 'Most Wanted' Awaits Extradition From Wales to U.S. BBC (09/08, Moffat) reported that Daniel Andreas San Diego, a suspected terrorist on the FBI's "most wanted" list for over 20 years, has appeared in a London court for an extradition hearing after being arrested in Wales last November. He is accused of carrying out two bombings in San Francisco, California, in 2003, targeting companies linked to animal testing, with FBI evidence including explosive materials and fingerprints allegedly tied to him. According to the article, prosecutors in the U.S. have charged him with causing destruction by explosives, carrying an unregistered firearm, and using explosives to commit a felony, while a legal expert testified that aspects of the indictment may violate U.S. constitutional protections against double jeopardy. The article stated that defense lawyers argued multiple charges stemming from the same conduct could expose San Diego to a potential 90-year sentence if convicted under terrorism enhancements. The article noted that the FBI placed San Diego on its most wanted list alongside Osama Bin Laden after his disappearance in 2003, and the extradition hearing is ongoing. Additional reporting on the story was provided by Daily Mail (09/08, Radnedge), The Independent (09/08, Dodds), Irvine Times (09/08, Staff Writer), Reuters (09/08, Tobin), Telegraph (09/09, Staff Writer), and Wales Online (09/08, John). Minnesota Men Have Been Financing and Directing Violence in Cameroon Since 2017, Charges Say WCCO (CBS-4) (09/08, Moser) reported that a federal grand jury indicted two naturalized U.S. citizens from Minnesota for allegedly directing and financing violent attacks in Cameroon since 2017. The men, accused leaders of the Ambazonia Defense Forces (ADF), were charged with conspiracy to kill, kidnap, maim, and injure persons abroad, conspiracy to provide material support, conspiracy to launder money, and other related offenses. According to the article, the U.S. Attorney's Office said the men sent thousands of dollars to fund weapons and ammunition purchases, instructing fighters to "kidnap, bomb and kill ordinary civilians, government officials and members of the Cameroonian security forces" to force recognition of the ADF. The article stated that the ADF launched its first attack on September 9, 2017, killing three Cameroonian soldiers and escalating the conflict known as the "Anglophone Crisis," with additional fundraisers in 2021 and 2022 aimed at buying AK-47 rifles for fighters. EFTA00163806 The article noted that the FBI arrested both men on Friday, and they face potential life sentences if convicted. "Although these violent acts occurred outside of U.S. borders, these charges should underscore that criminal actors cannot hide in the United States," Donald Holstead, the assistant director of the FBI's counterterrorism division, said. "The FBI does not condone violence and will work with our partners to ensure those who engage in, or direct criminal acts are held accountable for their actions." New Mexico Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges for Making Bomb Threats to Government Offices SourceNM (09/08, Lohmann) reported that Jeffrey Ramon Diaz, a 43-year-old man from Roswell, New Mexico, pleaded guilty to making multiple bomb threats against elected officials and government buildings in New Mexico and Pennsylvania. Federal prosecutors said Diaz admitted to threatening to bomb or set fire to locations including the offices of a U.S. senator, two New Mexico courthouses, and the Pennsylvania governor's office during a series of phone calls on February 14. According to the article, Diaz used his own name in some threats and called himself "perdido," or "lost" in Spanish, while admitting in his plea agreement that his statements were intended to cause fear, panic, and intimidation. He faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and three years of supervised release under the plea agreement signed on August 11. The article noted that while Diaz made explicit threats toward officials and buildings, prosecutors confirmed he did not possess any explosives. The FBI's Albuquerque Field Office investigated the case, according to the press release. Lockerbie Relatives Urged by FBI to Sign Up to View Bombing Trial BBC (09/08, Staff Writer) reported that relatives of victims of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing, along with first responders and local residents affected by the tragedy, are being urged to register with the FBI to gain remote access to the upcoming trial of Abu Agila Mohamad Mas'ud Kheir Al-Marimi in Washington, D.C. Masud, accused of building the bomb that brought down Pan Am Flight 103 and killed 270 people, has denied the charges, and his trial—originally set for May 2025—has been postponed to April 2026. According to the article, the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI are encouraging those impacted by the attack to fill out an online form to be verified as victims in order to access pre-trial hearings and the trial itself remotely. Judge Jeanine Ferris Pirro emphasized that anyone wishing to participate must re-register due to the new trial date. The article noted that Abdelbasset Al Megrahi, convicted in connection with the bombing, died in 2012 after being released on compassionate grounds by the Scottish government. FBI Responds To Wyoming Man Accused Of Threatening Neighbor With Homemade Napalm The Cowboy State Daily (09/08, McFarland) reported that the FBI's bomb squad responded to a home in Riverton, Wyoming, after 55-year-old Samuel Clay Giese allegedly threatened to burn down his neighbor's house with homemade napalm over complaints about her barking dogs. Local police said the FBI bomb squad was called in after Giese left a threatening letter on the woman's fence claiming he had tested his "napalm stash" and would use it if provoked. According to the article, court documents showed Giese had a history of violent threats, including previous incidents where Riverton police officers had placed him under emergency detention over mental health and safety concerns. Officers arrested Giese on Sunday night after obtaining both arrest and search warrants, with Riverton police confirming the FBI could pursue federal charges depending on its investigation. The article noted that the investigation is ongoing, with evidence collected at the scene and potential federal involvement still under review. Back to Top COUNTERINTELLIGENCE Ex-FBI Agent Who Leaked to Chinese Company Had His Hands in a Wide Range of Notable Investigations Just the News (09/08, Dunleavy) reported that former FBI counterintelligence official Charles McGonigal, who was convicted for leaking details of an FBI investigation into a Chinese company tied to Hunter Biden's business associates, had previously been involved in a long list of high-profile national security and counterintelligence cases before his downfall. According to the article, McGonigal had roles in investigations ranging from the FBI's hunt for a suspected Chinese mole inside the CIA to the Hillary Clinton campaign's 2015 defensive briefing, the Trump-Russia "Crossfire Hurricane" probe, the failed prosecution of Huawei executives, the Chelsea Manning—WikiLeaks leaks, the TWA Flight 800 explosion, and multiple Al-Qaeda terrorism investigations before and after 9/11. The article explained that McGonigal was promoted by then-FBI Director James Comey in October 2016 to lead counterintelligence at the FBI's New York field office after serving as section chief of the Cyber-Counterintelligence EFTA00163807 Coordination Section at FBI Headquarters. He later admitted to leaking sensitive information to an Albanian businessman connected to the Chinese conglomerate CEFC, whose executives, including Patrick Ho, had business dealings with Hunter Biden. Ho was convicted in 2019 of bribery charges unrelated to Biden but had agreed to pay Hunter Biden a $1 million legal retainer. The article noted that McGonigal also played early roles in the Crossfire Hurricane investigation targeting the Trump campaign, including being one of the first FBI officials to receive the "Downer information" about alleged Russian dirt on Hillary Clinton that helped justify opening the probe. He was simultaneously connected to the Clinton campaign's defensive briefing about Turkish influence efforts—a disparity critics say illustrated a double standard in FBI handling of political figures. Additionally, the article said McGonigal supervised the FBI's WikiLealcs Task Force investigating Chelsea Manning, helped lead "Operation Ghost Stories" against Russian illegals later swapped in a spy exchange, worked on the FBI's probe into the TWA Flight 800 explosion, investigated the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombings in East Africa, and participated in the FBI's 9/11 response. After convictions in 2023 and 2024 for money laundering and taking payments from a Russian oligarch and Albanian official, McGonigal remains under scrutiny as Justice Department officials review whether his compromised position may have tainted other major FBI investigations spanning decades. Back to Top CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS Trial Begins for Man Charged in Trump Assassination Attempt in Florida The Associated Press (09/08, Fischer) reported that Ryan Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump while he played golf in Florida last year, apologized to potential jurors as his federal trial began with jury selection. According to the article, Routh, who is representing himself, faces charges including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple firearm violations, with prosecutors alleging he plotted the attack for weeks before being stopped by a U.S. Secret Service agent. The article explained that Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, is overseeing the case and previously unsealed a 33-page list of evidence, which includes photos of Routh holding the same type of semi-automatic rifle found at Trump's club. Prosecutors say Routh fled after the agent opened fire, but was arrested with the help of a witness who identified him. The article noted that jury selection is expected to last three days, opening statements are scheduled for Thursday, and the court has blocked off four weeks for the trial, though attorneys expect it will take less time. USA TODAY (09/09, Nguyen) highlighted that during the investigation, FBI agents discovered a SKS semiautomatic rifle with a scope attached and an extended magazine in the area where Routh had been hiding. Additional reporting on the story was provided by ABC News (09/08, Charalambous), Axios (09/08, Lotz), BBC (09/08, Epstein), CBS News (09/08, Rosen), CNN (09/08, Lybrand), Fox News (09/08, Stancy) (2), NBC News (09/08, Arcodia), Newsweek (09/08, Stanton), The New York Times (09/08, Mazzei, Feuer, Adams), NPR (09/08, Allen), Reuters (09/08, Goudsward), USA Today (09/08, Cann), and The Washington Times (09/08, Ferrechio). Trump Administration Says It Launches Ice Crackdown in Illinois Reuters (09/08, Polansek, Hesson) reported that the Trump administration launched "Operation Midway Blitz," a deportation crackdown in Illinois targeting immigrants in the U.S. illegally who have been convicted of serious crimes. According to the article, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were conducting the operation, citing cases of immigrants with prior arrests or convictions for offenses such as rape, kidnapping, and drug trafficking who had been released from local jails rather than turned over to federal authorities. The article explained that Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the operation as a political stunt, with Pritzker saying it lacked coordination and Johnson warning of "militarized immigration enforcement without due process?' The article added that critics, including Chicago Alderwoman Jeylu Gutierrez, said the operation had detained ordinary community members rather than just "the worst of the worst," while Trump defended the crackdown as necessary to combat crime in Chicago and blamed local officials for resisting federal assistance. The article noted that the crackdown coincided with similar ICE operations in Boston and Houston and came on the same day the U.S. Supreme Court allowed immigration raids in Southern California without "reasonable suspicion" of legal status. An ICE press release noted that the FBI assisted in the operation. FBI Offers $10K Reward in Unsolved Missouri Double Homicide KSDK (NBC-S) (09/08, Somers) reported that the FBI's St. Louis Field Office is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to arrests in the unsolved Sept. 14, 2024, double homicide of Marshun White, 42, of St. Ann, EFTA00163808 and Marcus Price, 34, of St. Louis. According to the article, the two men were fatally shot while sitting outside an apartment building, after suspects reportedly followed them for more than an hour before opening fire and fleeing in a dark-colored SUV. The article noted that authorities said this is the only 2024 homicide that remains unsolved among cases jointly investigated by the FBI and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Additional reporting was provided by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (09/08, Kull). Mexican National Sentenced to Nine Years for Armed Drug Trafficking Right Now Oregon (09/08, Staff Writer) reported that Marco Antonio Lozoya-Ugarte, a Mexican national, has been sentenced to 9 years in federal prison for armed drug trafficking. According to the article, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. The article noted that the Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI's Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Espanola Police Department. FBI Arrests Suspect Who Had Thirteen Pounds of Fentanyl at Atlanta Airport WRCB (NBC-3) (09/08, Goins) reported that the FBI arrested a suspect at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport with 13 pounds of fentanyl in their luggage. According to the article, the seized fentanyl was enough to kill approximately seven million people, according to the FBI. The article noted that the arrest was part of a larger DEA investigation that resulted in two arrests and the recovery of 31 pounds of fentanyl. Additional reporting was provided by WXIA (NBC-11) (09/08, Chandler). One of Montana's Largest Drug Busts Just Closed in Court KSEN-FM (09/08, Cards) reported that Montana law enforcement has closed one of the state's largest drug busts, involving the sale of methamphetamine and fentanyl. According to the article, the two individuals responsible were caught and punished for dealing these highly addictive and dangerous drugs. The article noted that according to the DEA, fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine, and methamphetamine is highly addictive and can cause serious health problems. The investigation was conducted by the FBI's Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force. West Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Distribution West Virginia News (09/08, Staff Writer) reported that Dyson Lamont Woody Jr., 33, of Huntington, also known as "DC Sosa," pleaded guilty in federal court to distributing methamphetamine after selling approximately 27 grams to a confidential informant for $430 during an undercover operation on March 17, 2021, at a Huntington motel. According to the article, he faces up to 20 years in prison, supervised release, and a fine of $1 million when sentenced on January 5, 2026. The article noted that the case was investigated by the FBI, Cabell County Sheriff's Office, and Huntington Police Department. Illinois Man Sentenced for Role in Scheme to Transport Contraband Into Fci McDowell With Drone The Register-Herald (09/08, Staff Writer) reported that Miguel Angel Aleman-Piceno, a 23-year-old Chicago man, has been sentenced to 3 years of federal probation for attempting to smuggle contraband into a West Virginia prison using a drone. According to the article, Aleman-Piceno pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit the felony offense of attempting to introduce contraband into a federal facility, which included cellphones, marijuana, and tobacco. The article noted that Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston announced the sentence and credited the FBI, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the McDowell County Sheriff's Office for their investigation. Additional reporting was provided by WVVA (NBC-6) (09/08, Hankins). Owner of Pennsylvania Care Home Pleads Guilty to $2M Health Care Fraud TRIB Live (09/08, Vellucci) reported that Kelley Oliver-Hollis, the owner of Serenitycare LLC, pleaded guilty to health care fraud and other crimes, resulting in $2 million in Medicaid overpayments. According to the article, Oliver-Hollis admitted to scheming to overbill Pennsylvania's Medicaid program from 2018 to 2023, and failing to provide adequate care and staffing for intellectually disabled residents. The article noted that the FBI, IRS, federal departments of Health and Human Services and Labor, the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office conducted the investigation. Two Missouri Area Doctors Sentenced for Federal Health Care Crimes KTVI (Fox-2) (09/08, Held) reported that Dr. Asim Muhammad Ali and Dr. Mohd Azfar Malik, two St. Louis area doctors, have been sentenced for federal health care crimes in separate cases. According to the article, Dr. Malik pleaded guilty to making false statements and was sentenced to 5 years of probation, a $20,000 fine, and $19,442 EFTA00163809 in restitution. A Department of Justice press release noted that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Missouri Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case. Executives of Colorado Company Jailed for Nearly $2M Fraud Scheme KDVR (Fox-31) (09/08, Rhodes) reported that two former Colorado executives, Michael Vergato and Mark Perlstein, were sentenced to prison for their involvement in a nearly $2 million fraud scheme. According to the article, Vergato, the former vice president of Arrow Electronics, received a 46-month prison sentence and a $20,000 fine, while Perlstein, the former CEO of Datavail Corporation, received a 25-month prison sentence and a $15,000 fine. "These two individuals plotted to defraud their companies of nearly $2 million, falsifying work that was never requested nor performed," said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek in a Department of Justice press release. "They lined their own pockets until their fraudulent scheme was uncovered, and now they will pay the consequences." Additional reporting was provided by KRDO (ABC-13) (09/08, Smith). Continued Reporting: FBI Searching for Woman Accused of Stealing $34 Million in COVID Relief Funds WBRC (Fox-6) (09/08, Alvarado) reported that the FBI is searching for Elaine Angene Escoe, a Jamaican national, for her alleged involvement in a scheme to steal $34 million in COVID-19 relief funds. According to the article, Escoe is wanted for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, and a federal arrest warrant was issued for her on May 22. The article noted that she was last seen in Palm Beach County, Florida, and the FBI is asking anyone with information about her whereabouts to call their toll-free tipline. Ohio Man Pleads Guilty in Bankruptcy-Related Fraud Case, Prosecutors Say WCHS (ABC-8) (09/08, Staff Writer) reported that Wayne Robert Rummel, a 40-year-old Ohio man from Crown City, pleaded guilty to falsifying bankruptcy records. According to the article, Rummel had attempted to purchase a new car for nearly $25,000 by emailing a fake bankruptcy order to secure the car loan in July 2023. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston announced a Department of Justice press release, commending the investigative work of the FBI. Additional reporting was provided by West Virginia News (09/08, Staff Writer). Florida Residents Face Federal Charges in Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Scheme My Florida News (09/08, Daugherty) reported that Salvatore John Carpanzano, 66, and Heather Gayle Fisher, 54, of Pensacola, Florida, have been indicted on federal charges related to a multi-million dollar fraud scheme. According to the article, the indictment includes charges of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and two counts of Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, with each defendant facing up to 50 years in prison if convicted. The article noted that the case is being investigated by the FBI. Continued Reporting: North Carolina Nightmare, Man Charged With Threatening to Shoot Black Children at Preschool Hoodline Raleigh-Durham (09/08, Hawthorne) reported that a North Carolina man, Zachary Charles Newell, was arrested for threatening to shoot Black children at a preschool on social media. According to the article, the threat was reported to the FBI by Google after Newell posted a disturbing message on YouTube, saying he would "shoot up a black preschool" and harm 20 Black children. The article noted that Newell faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted, with the FBI leading the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Blondel prosecuting the case. "Every child in North Carolina deserves to go to school without fear. Your FBI will work with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to investigate threats directed at schools. This federal charge should be a warning to anyone who believes they can sit behind a keyboard and make violent threats, anonymously. FBI Charlotte commends the Carteret County Sheriffs Office for taking immediate action to make an arrest. And we are grateful to our partners at the U.S. Attorney's Office Eastern District of North Carolina to levy federal charges as well," said James C. Barnacle Jr., the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina, in a Department of Justice press release. FBI-Springfield Issues Alert for Alleged Gang Enforcer WLDS-FM (09/08, Cox) reported that the FBI is searching for Dontay R. Moore, Jr., a 35-year-old alleged gang enforcer with ties to the Lundy Mob gang in Southern Illinois. According to the article, Moore is wanted for unlawful possession of a machine gun and is linked to violent assaults, weapons trafficking, and narcotics distribution. The article noted the FBI is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction, and warns that he should be considered armed and dangerous. Pennsylvania School Custodian Charged With Possessing Thousands of Child Abuse Images EFTA00163810 WTAE (ABC-4) (09/08, Ciampi) reported that Michael Sayre, a 55-year-old custodian at Baldwin High School, has been charged with possessing thousands of child abuse images and videos. According to the article, the investigation found nearly 2900 images and 17 videos of child pornography on his devices, with 13 identified victims, but none of them are students at the school. The article noted that Whitehall police and the FBI Pittsburgh's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, carried out a search warrant at Siar's home in May, seizing several electronic devices with multiple images of child sexual abuse material. Police said the discovery led to more search warrants, and during a four-month forensic examination, they looked at 10 phones, a tablet, and a camera. Additional reporting was provided by Patch (09/08, Heyl) and KDKA (CBS-2) (09/08, Bartos). Oklahoma Man Receives Ten-Year Sentence for Child Sexual Abuse Material Offenses Hoodline Oklahoma City (09/08, Donovan) reported that Thomas Edward Gailus, a 52-year-old Oklahoma man, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for child sexual abuse material offenses. According to the article, Gailus was found to have obtained a large collection of illicit content, including material depicting prepubescent minors, using the dark web. The article noted that the case was part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative, and was investigated by the FBI. Man Charged for Traveling to Have Sexual Conduct With Young Girl in DC WDVM (CW-25) (Date, Author, Author) reported that Andrew Juarez, 28, of Baltimore, was arrested on September 5 and charged with traveling to D.C. with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a 9-year-old girl. According to the article, Juarez was taken into custody at a bar where he believed he was meeting the child's mother, but instead encountered law enforcement. The article noted that authorities found two phones in his possession, and he admitted one contained child pornography, now part of the evidence against him. According to a Department of Justice press release, this case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force is composed of FBI agents, along with other federal agents and detectives from the region The task force is charged with investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in the exploitation of children and those engaged in human trafficking. Iowa Man Sentenced to Federal Prison After Pleading Guilty to Sharing Child Pornography WOI (ABC-5) (09/08, Brustkern) reported that Douglas Harsh, 55, of Adel, Iowa, was sentenced on September 5 to 108 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to transporting child pornography, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa. According to the article, Harsh, a participant in an online chat group that exchanged images and videos of prepubescent children, must also serve seven years of supervised release and pay $15,000 in restitution. Law enforcement traced his activity to a WhatsApp account, leading to the seizure of his cellphone and flash drive, both of which contained child sexual abuse material. The article noted that the investigation was led by the FBI, with assistance from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Dallas County Sheriff's Office, and brought under the DOD's Project Safe Childhood initiative. FBI Issues Warning: Serial Bank Robber on the Loose in Illinois WKOY-FM (09/08, Holiday) reported that the FBI in Illinois is searching for a serial bank robber and is asking for the public's help in identifying the suspect. According to the article, a reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect, and tips can be submitted through the FBI's anonymous tip line. The article noted that the FBI has released pictures of the suspect, who is believed to be connected to multiple bank robberies in the area. Back to Top CYBER DIVISION Letter Purportedly From Rep. Moolenaar Was Chinese Hacking Attempt The Detroit Free Press (09/08, Spangler) reported that the FBI and U.S. Capitol Police are investigating a suspected Chinese hacking attempt involving a fake email sent under U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar's name to trade groups, law firms, and government agencies. According to the article, the email contained spyware designed to give hackers access to recipients' networks if the attachment was opened. The malware was traced to APT41, a hacking group believed to work for Beijing's Ministry of State Security, though it remains unknown whether any systems were breached. The article noted that the FBI confirmed it was aware of the incident but declined to share details, while the Chinese embassy in Washington denied involvement and warned against blaming others without concrete EFTA00163811 proof. Additional reporting on the story was provided by Axios (09/08, Sabin), Bloomberg (09/08, Eastland), The Epoch Times (09/08, Yang), MLive (09/08, Taylor), NTT) (09/08, Man), Raw Story (09/08, Chapman), SC World (09/08, Staff Writer), and Security Boulevard (09/08, Burt). Canada Joins Allies in Warning Against China's Cyber Operatives Behind Global Espionage System The Epoch Times (09/08, Avendano) reported that Canada, along with a dozen allied nations, issued a joint cybersecurity advisory warning that Chinese state-sponsored cyber actors are compromising telecommunications and critical infrastructure networks to support a global espionage system. The advisory, co-signed by the FBI and other international agencies, identified a group known as Salt Typhoon as "almost certainly" behind recent attacks, including those targeting Canadian telecommunications companies. According to the article, the FBI said Salt Typhoon infiltrated multiple telecom networks, stole personal data belonging to millions of Americans, and in some cases surveilled communications on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party. The joint advisory urged organizations to apply recommended threat detection and mitigation measures, noting that Salt Typhoon actors had exploited system vulnerabilities and modified network files to enable traffic collection. The article noted that officials expect these attacks to continue over the next two years, with telecommunications and critical infrastructure remaining top espionage targets. Clearance Jobs (09/08, Burgess) also reported on the story. FBI Warns of QR Code Scam Disguised in Mystery Packages Cyber Guy (09/08, Knutsson) reported that the FBI warned of a QR code scam where criminals send unsolicited packages with a QR code that, when scanned, can lead to stolen personal details, drained bank accounts, or malware installation. According to the article, the scam works by sparking curiosity, as the packages often arrive with no sender information, prompting the recipient to scan the QR code to figure out who sent it. The article noted that to stay safe, users can follow tips such as being cautious with unsolicited QR codes, sticking to trusted sources, previewing links before opening, and enabling two-factor authentication. FBI Investigating Millions of Taxpayer Dollars Stolen in a Cyber Attack in Texas KIII (ABC-3) (09/08, Gibson) reported that Nueces County officials are recovering funds stolen in a cyberattack that took nearly $2 million in taxpayer money, with the FBI assisting in the investigation. According to the article, one fraudulent transaction of just over $56,000 has already been fully recovered, while another $999,000 is expected to be returned soon, but a second $937,000 transfer could take up to 120 days to resolve. The FBI is working closely with local authorities to determine how the hackers, believed to be operating from a foreign country, pulled off the theft and to prevent future incidents. County officials have reverted to issuing paper checks, tightened payment verification procedures, and directly contacted vendors to stop additional fraudulent transactions. The article noted that the investigation remains ongoing and that no FBI forensic report has yet been released. Cybersecurity Emerges as Growing Threat to Construction and Glass Industries US Glass (09/08, Huff) reported that cybersecurity has become an escalating concern for the construction, glass, and glazing industries as they adopt more digital technologies, automation, and artificial intelligence. According to the article, the FBI's annual internet crime report revealed that more than $16 billion in losses were reported in 2024 from 859,532 suspected internet crime complaints—a 33% increase from 2023—with phishing, extortion, and personal data breaches ranking as the top three cybercrimes. The article explained that Marsh Construction's "Construction Risk Review" found only 6% of industry professionals listed cybersecurity as a major risk, even though 44% reported increases in phishing attacks, 40% saw more ransomware incidents, and 35% observed a rise in data breaches. The report also highlighted that as companies adopt mobile apps, cloud-based management systems, and data integration platforms, they face greater exposure to cyber infiltration risks, especially from third- party technology providers and supply chain vulnerabilities. The article noted that smaller firms are particularly at risk due to weaker cybersecurity protocols and fewer resources to defend against sophisticated attacks. Nevada Websites Remain Down, Recovery Hub Offers Updates GovTech (09/08, Staff Writer) reported that Nevada is still recovering from a major network cybersecurity incident that began on Aug. 25, leaving some state websites and digital services unavailable more than two weeks later. According to the article, state officials confirmed that "malicious actors" exfiltrated some data from Nevada's network, and the breach remains under active investigation by state and federal authorities, including the FBI and the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. The article explained that Nevada has launched a public recovery update hub to keep residents informed about which services remain disrupted, noting that while critical operations like 911, public safety, payroll, and Medicaid benefits are functioning, services such as NV.gov and some EFTA00163812 agency phone systems are still offline. The article added that officials have warned residents to be cautious about unsolicited calls, texts, or emails while the investigation continues. The article noted that Nevada had recently invested in strengthening cybersecurity, creating a cyber-focused division in July and appointing a new interim chief information security officer prior to the incident. Case of Scotland Man Accused of Hacking FBI and Major Banks Is Thrown Out The Courier (09/08, Currie) reported that the case against Coray Tierney, a 23-year-old Dundee man, has been thrown out due to the unavailability of expert witnesses. According to the article, Tierney was accused of hacking into the FBI website and major banks, including HSBC and the Bank of Israel, between December 2021 and March 2023. The article noted that the prosecution's case relied heavily on a cybercrime report, but the defence argued that it lacked detail and did not provide sufficient evidence to prove Tierney's involvement in the alleged hacking. Back to Top OTHER FBI NEWS A Military Approach to Drug Busts Upends U.S. Efforts and Raises Legal Questions Associated Press (09/08, Toropin, Goodman) reported that the U.S. has upended its role as the high-seas drug police with a military strike on a Venezuelan boat, potentially changing its anti-narcotics mission. According to the article, the Trump administration has indicated that more military strikes on drug targets could be coming, citing self-defense and an 'immediate threat' to the US, but faces questions about the legality of the strike. The article noted that U.S. maritime counter-narcotics operations are typically carried out by the Coast Guard, which boards suspect vessels, arrests the crew, and seizes contraband. The missions are supported by multiple federal agencies — including the Pentagon, State Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and FBI — and bolstered by allied cooperation from the U.K., France, the Netherlands, and regional partners across Latin America. The National Guard Operating in Denver? Unlikely, Experts Say Colorado Politics (09/08, Smith) reported that experts say it is unlikely that the National Guard will be deployed in Denver, despite President Donald Trump's executive order creating specialized military units to deal with public disorder issues. According to the article, the Colorado National Guard Joint Force Headquarters and the office of Gov. Jared Polis have confirmed that there are no orders or pending orders for such a deployment in Denver. Republican strategists argue Democrats face political challenges in responding to President Trump's directive on crime, citing high rates in cities led by Democratic mayors. FBI data from 2024 show that 19 of the 20 U.S. cities with the highest murder rates — each with populations over 100,000 — were run by Democrats. Massachusetts Police Department Use Hundreds of Informants, and Many Are Active Criminals South Coast Today (09/08, Mulligan) reported that the 21st Century Policing Solutions published a report that has raised concerns about the New Bedford Police Department's heavy reliance on confidential informants to conduct drug busts, noting the ethical challenges of depending on active criminals to achieve law enforcement goals. According to the article, the report quotes a 2005 special report by the Department of Justice, "The issue of informants engaging in unauthorized criminal conduct is neither new nor uniquely a New Bedford Police Department problem. The United States Department of Justice's 2005 report on the FBI's use of confidential informants found that '10 percent of the FBI's informant files contained evidence that the informant was committing unauthorized crimes about which the government knew:" The article noted that the report underscores the dilemma facing the department: while informants remain a critical tool in fighting crime, their use poses risks to accountability and public trust. Opinion: The FBI Can't Afford to Lower Its Standards An opinion piece published by The Hill (09/08, Ferbache) reported that the FBI's proposal to lower recruiting standards for new agents, including waiving the college degree requirement, may damage the bureau's effectiveness and reputation. According to the article, lowering standards would create two classes of agents, with veteran agents viewing those hired under relaxed standards as less competent, leading to decreased morale and teamwork. The author assessed that the FBI's complex investigations, such as unraveling fraud schemes and cybercrime, require agents with education and experience, and weakening standards would make it harder for the FBI to do its job and maintain public trust. Back to Top EFTA00163813 INTERNATIONAL NEWS Explosive Testimony Identifies Legislators, Officials in Philippine Flood-Control Corruption Inquiry Associated Press U.S. Tech Companies Enabled the Surveillance and Detention of Hundreds of Thousands in China Associated Press Most U.S. Adults Think Individual Choices Keep People in Poverty, New Ap-Norc/Harris Poll Finds Associated Press Supreme Court Lifts Restrictions on la Immigration Stops Set After Agents Swept up U.S. Citizens Associated Press Palestinian Gunmen Kill Six in Jerusalem Bus Stop Shooting Reuters Israeli Military Evacuation Order Triggers Panic in Gaza City Reuters France's Macron Seeks New Prime Minister After Government's Collapse Reuters Social Media Goes Back Online in Nepal After 19 Are Killed in Protests New York Times Deportation Fears Are Fueling Money Transfers to Latin America New York Times Tanks Were Just Tanks, Until Drones Made Them Change New York Times Back to Top OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS Trump's Union Busting Tests Limits of 'National Security' Powers Bloomberg Barrett Says Justices 'Wear Black, Not Red or Blue' in Response to Partisan Critics in Fox News Interview Fox News Suspected Sinaloa Cartel Members Apprehended in 23-State Sweep by DEA Fox News Senate GOP Leader Moves to Lower Filibuster Threshold for Trump Nominees Through Nuclear Option Fox News Workers Say Korea Inc Was Warned About Questionable U.S. Visas Before Hyundai Raid Reuters Republican Senators Investigate Palisades Fire Response New York Times Trump's Treasury Secretary Threatens to Punch Housing Official in the Face New York Times Trump Downplays Domestic Disturbances as He Touts D.C. Crime Reduction Washington Post Student Test Scores Are Sliding, Reaching New Lows Washington Post EFTA00163814 Murdoch Family Resolves Dispute Over Ownership in Multibillion-Dollar Deal Washington Post Back to Top WASHINGTON SCHEDULE White House President Trump • 9:00 AM: In-Town Pool Call Time • 1:00 PM: Press Briefing by the White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt • 4:00 PM: The President participates in a Swearing-In Ceremony for the United States Ambassador to the Portuguese Republic • 4:30 PM: The President signs a Proclamation. Vice President Vance • No official presidential schedule has been released or announced. US Senate • Hearings to examine how the corruption of science has impacted public perception and policies regarding vaccines. — 2:00 PM — Host: Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs • Hearings to examine whistleblower allegations that Meta buried child safety research. — 2:30 PM — Host: Judiciary • To receive a closed briefing on certain intelligence matters. — 3:00 PM — Host: Intelligence US House of Representatives • Hearing: Public Safety Communications in the United States. — 10:15 AM — Host: Committee on Energy and Commerce • Hearing: "Unmasking Union Antisemitism" — 10:15 AM — Host: Committee on Education and Workforce • Hearing: Oversight hearing on: The State of Our Nation's Federal Forests. — 10:15 AM — Host: Committee on Natural Resources • Markup: Various Measures. — 10:30 AM — Host: Committee on Small Business • Markup: Fiscal Year 2026 Labor Health and Human Services Education and Related Agencies Bill. — 11:00 AM — Host: Committee on Appropriations • Hearing: Legislative Hearing on: H.R. 681 Rep. Keating To amend the Act of August 9 1955 commonly known as the "Long-Term Leasing Act" to authorize leases of up to 99 years for land held in trust for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah and for other purposes H.R. 3654 Rep. Randall Tribal Emergency Response Resources Act H.R. 3903 Rep. Begich Chugach Alaska Land Exchange Oil Spill Recovery Act of 2025 H.R. 3925 Rep. Obernolte Yuhaaviatam of San. — 2:00 PM — Host: Committee on Natural Resources • Hearing: Better Meals Fewer Pills: Making Our Children Healthy Again. — 2:00 PM — Host: Committee on Energy and Commerce • Hearing: Building the American Dream: Examining Affordability Choice and Security in Appliance and Buildings Policies. — 2:00 PM — Host: Committee on Energy and Commerce EFTA00163815 • Hearing: Untapped Talent in America: Removing Barriers to Work and Supporting Opportunity for Individuals with Disabilities. — 10:00 AM — Host: Committee on Ways and Means • Hearing: Exploring the Economic Potential of the Golden Age of American Energy Dominance. — 2:15 PM — Host: Committee on Natural Resources Cabinet Members • Secretary of Defense Hegseth hosts an enhanced honor cordon and meeting welcoming His Excellency Chan Chun Sing, Minister of Defence for the Republic of Singapore, to the Pentagon at 3 p.m. EDT on the steps of the River Entrance at 3:00 PM. • Secretary of State Rubio attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State and the White House. Visitors • No events scheduled. General Events • China's Economy: How Bad Is It? — Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Location: Online event, 9:00 AM. Join the Trustee Chair in Chinese Business and Economics on September 9 for an online roundtable discussion on the state of China's economy. China is making breakthroughs in a variety of technologies, yet by most measures — growth, prices, employment — the macro economy is doing badly. • CSIS: Inaugural Manila Strategy Forum — Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Location: Online event, 9:00 AM. The Southeast Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is pleased to present the inaugural Manila Strategy Forum. This forum will bring together leading experts on foreign policy, geoeconomics, and technology from the Philippines and the United States to discuss some of our most pressing regional and global challenges. • CSIS: Reauthorizing and Reforming the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program — Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Location: Online event, 9:00 AM. The SBIR program has been a critical tool for U.S. government agencies to foster innovation across America's startups and small businesses for more than forty years. In the past decade alone, SBIR awards have almost tripled to $6 billion annually. Eleven federal agencies participate in the SBIR program with the Department of Defense comprising about half of total awards, making the program a key tool for accelerating defense innovation for warfighter needs. • CSIS: Book Talk: The World's Worst Bet with David J. Lynch — Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Location: Online event, 10:00 AM. Please join the CSIS Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business on Tuesday, September 9 from 10am-11am for a conversation with David J. Lynch about his new book, The World's Worst Bet: How the Globalization Gamble Went Wrong (And What Would Make It Right). The conversation will be followed by a book signing with the author from 11am-11:30am. • Carnegie: U.S. Leadership in a Challenging World: A Conversation with Former CIA Director William J. Burns — Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Location: Online event, 9:15 AM. In a world defined by seemingly intractable conflicts, great power competition, and rising challenges posed by climate change, nuclear proliferation, and economic uncertainty, the United States often seems like a modern-day Gulliver tied up and constrained by powers large and small and at times by its own politics and illusions. • CATO Institute: Cato on Tour: Chicago — Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Location: Online event, 5:00 PM. What's driving the deepening divide between young men and women in America? From social media to speech codes, parenting norms to political movements, Gen Z is coming of age in a moment of rising gender polarization. Join New York Times columnist David French and New York Post journalist and coauthor of The Canceling of the American Mind Rikki Schlott for a candid conversation on the forces reshaping identity, liberty, and civil discourse—and what it means for the future of a free society. • American Progress: After the Farm Bill: A Discussion About the Future of Farm and Rural Policy — Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Location: Online event, 12:00 PM. Please join the Center for American Progress for an EFTA00163816 event exploring the implications of federal policy for agricultural communities. • AEI: Breaking Down the New Census Data on Poverty in America — Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Location: AEI Auditorium, 11:45 AM. Join AEI's Center on Opportunity and Social Mobility for a discussion of the Census Bureau's income and poverty estimates corresponding to 2024, which will be released the morning of September 9. AEI's poverty experts will break down the numbers and discuss what they mean for the United States' economic well-being during a period of major policy interventions and their expiration during the Biden administration. Then, panelists will discuss how economic well-being—especially poverty—is likely to change over the next several years in light of major changes to the safety net and broader economic policies. • AEI: The Projects: A Book Event — Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Location: AEI Auditorium, 5:00 PM. In his timely new book—The Projects: A New History of Public Housing—AEI's Howard Husock traces the rise and fall of America's public housing system, from its idealistic beginnings to its unintended consequences for low- income communities. Drawing on history, resident voices, and contemporary policy debates, Mr. Husock argues for a new foundation for housing reform and upward mobility. • Atlantic Council: Building cybersecurity capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa — Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Location: Online event, 8:30 AM. Examining the key outcomes and learnings from cybersecurity workforce development efforts. • Hudson Institute: Southeast Europe's Growing Role in European Energy Security , — Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Location: Online event, 12:30 PM. Southeast Europe, where Russia and Communist China have long sought to strengthen their foothold and expand their malign influence on the Continent, is a test case for a Russia-free, resilient European energy future. The region is becoming the gateway for liquefied natural gas imports from the United States, which could fully replace Russian gas by 2027. The region is also a major hub for US investment in next-generation clean energy technologies. With expanding artificial intelligence—driven data centers and innovation partnerships, Southeast Europe is making important contributions to European resilience and transatlantic ties. Email Public Affairs to subscribe to the Daily News Briefing. Mobile version and archive available here. EFTA00163817