Federal prosecutors

Former special counsel Jack Smith is testifying publicly before the Senate Judiciary Committee as Republican lawmakers examine the Justice Department investigations he led into Donald Trump. The hearings, covered live by major outlets, are expected to focus on how the classified documents and election interference cases were conducted. The appearance marks a rare public account from Smith, who brought two federal criminal cases against Trump.

The Justice Department is bringing in military attorneys to serve as prosecutors in California and New York, according to an ABA Journal report. The move raises questions about the use of armed forces legal personnel in civilian federal prosecutions, and is drawing attention from legal observers concerned about the blending of military and civilian justice roles.

A guide from Bolts highlights 25 sheriff and prosecutor elections across a dozen states where voters face stark choices over offices with vast powers on policing and punishment. The races are drawing attention because sheriffs and prosecutors decide enforcement priorities, and in many counties the outcome will shape how far local law enforcement cooperates with ICE on immigration enforcement.

Federal prosecutors have charged the owner of a semi-truck business in connection with an alleged investment fraud scheme worth $105 million. Details of the charges and the accused's identity remain limited in initial reports. The case adds to a series of federal actions against fraud in the freight and trucking sector, and industry watchers are tracking what further disclosures may follow.

Federal prosecutors in Texas have charged a man with fraud, alleging he diverted stolen funds into an extravagant lifestyle that included hosting parties and purchasing a gold-plated Tesla Cybertruck, according to the Department of Justice. The unusual purchases have drawn attention as an example of how fraud proceeds are spent in striking ways.

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.

A Texas man has been convicted in a healthcare fraud scheme worth an estimated $26 million. Federal prosecutors said the defendant was found guilty of defrauding health programmes through fraudulent claims, with sentencing to follow. The case adds to a string of large healthcare fraud prosecutions in the United States, drawing attention to oversight of medical billing.

A federal judge has vacated the conviction of a Nevada man after finding that prosecutors failed to turn over exculpatory evidence before trial. The ruling means the conviction is thrown out, and the case could now be retried or dismissed. The decision adds to ongoing concerns about prosecutorial misconduct and the withholding of evidence in criminal cases.

Special counsel Jack Smith is standing by the criminal charges brought against Donald Trump, while a US senator's accusation that Smith lied under oath has failed to gain traction. The dispute centres on the federal prosecutions of the former president, with supporters and critics clashing over the legitimacy of the cases and the credibility of the claims made against the prosecutor.

Jack Smith, the former special counsel who led the federal investigations into Donald Trump, is set to appear before Congress. The scheduled testimony is drawing attention as lawmakers are expected to question him about his probes and decisions, including the cases brought against the president that were later dropped after his election victory. The appearance promises a public accounting from the prosecutor at the center of the most consequential legal battles of recent years.

Jack Smith, the former special counsel who led the federal investigations into Donald Trump, has publicly and forcefully defended the cases he brought, rejecting criticism of his team's conduct. His intervention comes as Republicans accuse his office of improper tactics and work to undermine the legitimacy of the prosecutions and the evidence gathered during the probes.

Colorado's Amendment 81 would require police and prosecutors to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after filing certain criminal charges. The measure is drawing attention as part of a broader debate over cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, with supporters arguing it improves public safety and critics warning it could deter immigrants from reporting crimes or cooperating with investigations.

The Trump administration has moved to loosen federal fuel efficiency standards, a rollback with broad implications for automakers and emissions policy. In separate news, prosecutors have reopened a rape case involving a Cornell University fraternity, reigniting discussion about campus accountability. Both stories are being covered in NPR's morning newsletter alongside reporting on terror suspects.

A nurse in Michigan has been charged with helping an immigrant escape US Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. Federal prosecutors filed charges alleging the nurse aided the individual's flight from detention. The case is drawing attention amid ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement, with supporters viewing the charge as harsh and officials stressing that assisting escape from federal custody is a crime.

Jack Smith, the former special counsel who led federal cases against Donald Trump, told senators he will not be silenced by the president's threats to prosecute him. His closed-door testimony marks a rare public defence by the ex-prosecutor, who has largely stayed silent since dropping the cases after Trump's 2024 election victory.

Jack Smith, the former special counsel who brought two federal criminal cases against Donald Trump, is publicly and forcefully defending the investigations he led. He is pushing back against claims that the prosecutions were politically motivated, arguing his work was justified by the evidence. His remarks are drawing attention amid ongoing debate over the legitimacy of the cases, which were dropped after Trump's election victory.

Jack Smith, the former special counsel who brought two federal cases against Donald Trump, is set to testify before senators that he will not be silenced by threats of prosecution against him. Smith has faced calls from Trump allies for investigation and prosecution over his handling of the cases, which were dismissed after Trump's 2024 election victory.

Special counsel Jack Smith, who brought two federal criminal cases against Donald Trump, is set to testify before senators and say he will not be silenced by threats of prosecution against him. His closed-door appearance comes after Trump and allies called for Smith's prosecution following his investigations into the president-elect's handling of classified documents and election interference efforts.

Federal prosecutors have charged a Venezuelan man with assaulting an officer after he was shot by an ICE agent in Texas. The case adds to the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement tactics in the United States, with critics questioning the use of force and supporters backing agents' actions during arrest operations.