DHS Condemns Fairfax County DA Plea Deal for Alien Murderers

DHS issued a press release criticizing the Fairfax County District Attorney's Office for offering a plea deal to two illegal aliens convicted of murder. The defendants, Maldin Anibal Guzman-Videz and Luis Alonzo Sort-Portillo, were convicted of stabbing a man to death in Fairfax County in 2024. DHS urged Virginia officials not to release the defendants from custody.

Ferry Infrastructure Grant Program

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced $657 million in FTA ferry grants to modernize terminal infrastructure, launch new ferry routes, and fund new ferries. The funding aims to improve family-friendly travel options in both rural and urban communities, with applications due by May 11, 2026.

Rural and Tribal Transportation Infrastructure Grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation Build America Bureau announced $54.2 million in Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program grants to 49 recipients (31 rural, 18 tribal) for transportation infrastructure pre-construction activities. Funds support bridge/road rehabilitation, port infrastructure, and multimodal development with no local match required. Examples include $2.35 million to City of Chevak, Alaska for marine barge facility design, and $1.96 million to Crow Tribe Reservation, Montana for tribal transportation facility development.

EU Cigarette Excise Tax Analysis - Ireland Highest at €10.71

The Tax Foundation published its annual analysis of EU cigarette excise taxes as of January 1, 2026. Ireland levies the highest excise duty at €10.71 ($12.58) per 20-cigarette pack, followed by France (€8.09) and the Netherlands (€7.77). Bulgaria has the lowest rate at €2.03. EU minimum rates require €1.80 excise per pack and at least 60% of weighted average retail price, but all Member States exceed these minimums.

British Council - Seneca Polytechnic IELTS Contract Award Notice

The British Council published a contract award notice for IELTS testing services with Seneca Polytechnic York Campus under the UK Procurement Act 2023. The two-year contract, valued at £72,193 including VAT, runs from 1 March 2026 to 29 February 2028. This below-threshold procurement was conducted in Canada where services will be delivered.

Amtrak Federal Railroad Grant - National Network Cooperative Agreement

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced a funding opportunity making $1,138,375,964 available to Amtrak through a National Network Cooperative Agreement pursuant to the FY2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act. Funds cover Operating, Capital, and Debt Service expenses until January 31, 2029 or until expended. The application closing date is April 30, 2026.

Pollinator-Friendly Practices on Roadsides Grant Program

FHWA announces funding availability under the Roadside Pollinators Program for State DOTs, Indian Tribes, and Federal Land Management Agencies. Up to $3.8 million available across FY2023 and FY2026. Maximum award $150,000 with 100% federal share. Applications due April 8, 2026.

Community Parent Resource Centers Grant Program

The Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) posted a funding opportunity for Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) under Assistance Listing Number 84.328C. The program supports local parent organizations that provide training and information to parents of children with disabilities to improve educational outcomes. Applications are open to private nonprofit local parent organizations meeting IDEA requirements.

FY26 Northeast Corridor Cooperative Agreement to Amtrak

The Federal Railroad Administration announces a $461,187,434 cooperative agreement grant to Amtrak for Northeast Corridor capital and debt service under the FY2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act. Amtrak is the sole eligible applicant and must submit complete grant applications electronically by April 30, 2026.

State v. Meads, Docket 9-25-17, trial court reversed for applying wrong expungement statute

State v. Meads, Docket 9-25-17, trial court reversed for applying wrong expungement statute