Federal agencies

Donald Trump has spoken out publicly, declaring 'we caught them' in a statement picked up by international media. The remark suggests authorities have apprehended individuals connected to an unspecified case, though details about who was caught and in what context have not been confirmed. Commentators are closely watching for further clarification from the White House and federal agencies.

Four environmental organizations filed a petition Thursday urging the Federal Communications Commission to reverse its approval of a startup's plan to beam on-demand sunlight from space to Earth. The groups argue the agency failed to consider the project's potential impacts on wildlife and astronomy. The case highlights growing friction between commercial space ventures and environmental concerns.

A federal judge has rejected the Trump administration's attempt to cut off funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The ruling blocks the administration's effort to defund the agency, which oversees consumer financial products and enforcement against financial firms. The decision is a setback for administration officials seeking to curb the bureau's operations, and is drawing attention from both consumer advocates and financial industry observers.

Politico reports on a new Democratic plan aimed at preserving the federal Education Department, which has faced calls for dismantling or major downsizing. The proposal outlines how the party intends to defend the agency's core functions and funding, positioning education as a key battleground in Washington's budget and policy fights.

Federal health agencies have connected an E. coli outbreak to a raw milk cheese brand, according to the CDC and FDA. The announcement, picked up by multiple US news outlets, signals an ongoing food safety investigation. Details on the brand, the number of illnesses, and affected states have not yet been made available in the initial reports.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has purchased $1.3 million worth of robotic dogs from a Connecticut-based company. The acquisition puts quadruped robots, normally associated with industrial inspection, into the hands of a federal immigration enforcement agency, drawing attention to how such technology may be deployed in raids, surveillance or border operations.

The Department of Homeland Security has posted a video featuring career highlights of former NFL safety Brian Dawkins. The unusual choice of material by a federal security agency, spotlighting a beloved football figure best known for his years with the Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos, has drawn attention and prompted questions about why the department is sharing sports content.

Federal agencies have opened investigations into Duke University and the University of North Dakota over alleged foreign funding ties. The inquiries focus on whether the universities properly disclosed money received from overseas sources, an issue that has drawn increasing federal scrutiny of American higher education institutions in recent years.

A Cuban national has been convicted of using a Florida travel agency as a front to smuggle people across the US border, according to the US Attorney's Office. Prosecutors say the business was used to facilitate illegal crossings. The case highlights ongoing federal efforts to target smuggling networks operating behind legitimate businesses in Florida.

Technology firm Leidos has won a $129 million blanket purchase agreement to support electronic health records systems for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Under the deal, Leidos will provide technical and operational support for medical record systems used across ICE detention facilities. The contract adds to Leidos' large federal health IT portfolio and comes as immigration detention conditions and detainee medical care remain under scrutiny.