Federal Executive Branch
Here's a look at documents from the U.S. Executive Branch
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New Federal Prosecutor Targets Social Security, Other Government Frauds
ST. LOUIS, Missouri, March 7 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri posted the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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New Federal Prosecutor Targets Social Security, Other Government Frauds
The addition of a specially-funded prosecutor has resulted in the indictment of 14 people in the Eastern District of Missouri accused of defrauding the government out of $1 million via disability fraud, pandemic fraud and the theft of Social Security and other benefits.
Those charged include a home health aide accused of stealing a client's Social Security retirement
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ST. LOUIS, Missouri, March 7 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri posted the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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New Federal Prosecutor Targets Social Security, Other Government Frauds
The addition of a specially-funded prosecutor has resulted in the indictment of 14 people in the Eastern District of Missouri accused of defrauding the government out of $1 million via disability fraud, pandemic fraud and the theft of Social Security and other benefits.
Those charged include a home health aide accused of stealing a client's Social Security retirementand Veterans Administration benefits, the owner of a pest control business who has been accused of fraudulently receiving disability benefits and others who stole benefits being paid to people who died.
"This new position is allowing us to expand our prosecutions of Social Security and other frauds and will mean that we can recover hundreds of thousands of dollars of taxpayer money in the short term alone," said U.S. Attorney Thomas C. Albus. "These programs are designed to aid those who desperately need the money, and fraud and abuse will not be tolerated."
"SSA OIG special agents work closely with prosecutors and our federal law enforcement partners to investigate allegations of Social Security fraud and hold offenders accountable," said Michelle L. Anderson, SSA OIG, Assistant Inspector General for Audit as First Assistant. "These cases demonstrate the value of dedicated resources focused on identifying fraud schemes and ensuring that those responsible face justice."
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jolene Taaffe's position is being funded by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and is one of nearly two dozen new positions across the country, bringing the total to 47 in 43 offices. More hires are expected. On April 15, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum (https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/preventing-illegal-aliens-from-obtaining-social-security-act-benefits/) entitled Preventing Illegal Aliens from Obtaining Social Security Act Benefits. That memorandum authorized the expansion of a longstanding partnership with the Justice Department in which attorneys are detailed to U.S. Attorney Offices throughout the country. SAUSAs typically receive investigative referrals from SSA Office of Inspector General special agents and work with the agents to develop the referrals into prosecutable cases.
The memorandum has expanded SSA's full-time fraud prosecution program to at least 50 U.S. Attorney Offices. It also requires SSA to "prioritize assigning new detailees to the 10 U.S. Attorney Offices whose jurisdictions encompass the largest known populations of illegal aliens, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security."
The memorandum also established a new fraud-prosecutor program between the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) "with regard to programs administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services." HHS provides direct funding for these positions, enabling dedicated prosecution of beneficiary fraud within CMS programs.
March 5 was National "Slam the Scam" Day, meant to raise awareness of fraudsters who pretend to represent the SSA or other government agencies, and part of the Federal Trade Commission's National Consumer Protection Week. More information on protecting yourself from imposter fraud is available at ssa.gov/scam/resources. Information on how to avoid, report and recover from scams is available at https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/national-consumer-protection-week#Avoid.
Please help investigators, and other scam victims, by reporting Social Security-related scams to oig.ssa.gov or 1-800-269-0271. Report other scams to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Charges set forth in indictments are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The cases were investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/new-federal-prosecutor-targets-social-security-other-government-frauds
NCPC Will Take Action on the East Wing Modernization Project at Its April 2, 2026 Meeting
WASHINGTON, March 7 -- The National Capital Planning Commission issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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NCPC Will Take Action on the East Wing Modernization Project at Its April 2, 2026 Meeting
At its Thursday, March 5 meeting the National Capital Planning Commission heard a presentation on preliminary and final site and building plans for the East Wing Modernization Project submitted by the Executive Residence at the White House. Following the presentation by NCPC staff and the project design team, Commissioners asked questions and heard testimony from members of the public.
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WASHINGTON, March 7 -- The National Capital Planning Commission issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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NCPC Will Take Action on the East Wing Modernization Project at Its April 2, 2026 Meeting
At its Thursday, March 5 meeting the National Capital Planning Commission heard a presentation on preliminary and final site and building plans for the East Wing Modernization Project submitted by the Executive Residence at the White House. Following the presentation by NCPC staff and the project design team, Commissioners asked questions and heard testimony from members of the public.
The public comment period closed at noon on March 4 and all public testimony was heard at the March 5 meeting; no further public comments will be accepted. The Commission did not vote on the project but will take an action at NCPC's Thursday, April 2 meeting. There will not be public testimony at the April 2 meeting on this item.
In the March meeting's morning session, NCPC approved preliminary and final building plans submitted by the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation for Washington Union Station Lighting Upgrades. Proposed enhancements include uplighting to accentuate the station's architectural features and to improve visibility and safety. Commissioners appreciated that the applicant responded to previous NCPC comments to refine the lighting approach to ensure that the station's front facade provides some differentiation in brightness and contrast while minimizing light loss and spillage. They also supported the approach to the proposed lighting of the station's barrel vault and noted that only white light would be used.
Commissioners provided comments to the National Park Service on the Glen Echo Management Plan Amendment. The draft master plan for the 0.9-acre Glen Echo Park will help address demand for additional arts and cultural programming space. The park currently hosts 13 resident arts/culture organizations, has approximately 350,000 annual visitors, and is a National Historic District. The draft plan proposes to restore some of the centralized development that existed when the park was an amusement park and includes a new pedestrian connection to the shared parking lot with the Clara Barton Historic Site. The Commission supported the Park Service's proposed alternative which it believes will enhance the visitor experience through improved site access and circulation; limits demolition to non-contributing features; and proposes development in strategic locations that respects views of the park's unique features.
The Commission also provided comments on the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division - Olney Support Center Area Development Plan submitted by the U.S. Navy. The Navy obtained this 80-acre secure facility in Montgomery County, Maryland from the General Services Administration in November 2019 and developed the first plan for the area. The new plan serves as a framework for future short-, medium- and long-range projects which include a battery testing facility, new access roads, and support equipment. NCPC commended the Navy for starting the master planning process and supported focusing development on the site's southern end by the entrance and reusing existing parking and facilities to support new development.
Commission actions and related materials are available online.
The Commission approved two items on the Consent Calendar (no presentations were made). Unless otherwise noted, the projects are in Washington, DC.
1. Preliminary and final site development plans for the Four Corners Temporary Fencing Project, 501 17th Street, NW. (8746)
2. Preliminary and final building plans for the National Museum of Natural History Wireless Communications Equipment Installation, 1000 Constitution Avenue, NW. (8750)
The Executive Director approved four items under authority delegated by the Commission. Unless otherwise noted, the projects are in Washington, DC.
1. Final site and building plans for the National Zoological Park Hawthorne Street Electrical Substation Replacement, 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW. (8673)
2. Transfer of Jurisdiction for a Portion of Reservation 2 at Liberty Loan, 401 14th Street, SW. (8723)
3. Final site and building plans for the Fort McNair Building 61 Renovation, 300 D Street, SW. (8527)
4. Preliminary and final site development plans for the Fort McNair Pedestrian Gate Upgrade, 300 5th Avenue, SW. (8747)
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The National Capital Planning Commission is the federal government's central planning agency in Washington, DC and surrounding counties of Maryland and Virginia. The Commission provides overall guidance for federal land and buildings in the region. It also reviews the design of federal projects and memorials, oversees long-range planning for future development, and monitors capital investment by federal agencies.
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Original text here: https://www.ncpc.gov/participate/releases/2026/NCPC_Will_Take_Action_on_the_East_Wing_Modernization_Project_at_Its_April_2,_2026_Meeting.pdf
Joint Statement From International Contact Group for the Great Lakes on the Situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
WASHINGTON, March 7 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following joint statement on March 5, 2026, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the European Union:
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Joint Statement from the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG) on the Situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
The Governments of the United States of America, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, chaired by Sweden, issue the following statement on situation in
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WASHINGTON, March 7 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following joint statement on March 5, 2026, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the European Union:
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Joint Statement from the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG) on the Situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
The Governments of the United States of America, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, chaired by Sweden, issue the following statement on situation inthe eastern DRC:
The ICG expresses its profound concern regarding the continued and recent violations in eastern DRC of the ceasefires upheld by the signing of the Washington Accords on 4 December 2025 and the commitment in Doha on 19 July 2025 to a permanent ceasefire and a permanent cessation of hostilities. Such violations include the use of drones in military attacks which also pose an acute risk to civilian populations. All parties involved should urgently and unequivocally recommit to ceasing the hostilities and return to negotiations.
There can be no military solution to the conflict.
We urge all parties to fully implement their obligations and commitments made under the Washington Accords and the Doha process and to comply with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 2773 and 2808, and the full respect of territorial integrity. The ICG commends the ongoing mediation by the AU-appointed mediator, Faure Gnassingbe, President of the Council of the Republic of Togo, and the Panel of Facilitators, as well as the crucial mediation conducted by the US and Qatar. We welcome the efforts by Qatar, the ICGLR and MONUSCO to establish a ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism. We recall the importance of creating conditions for an inclusive inter-Congolese dialogue with all key Congolese stakeholders - a necessary element for durable peace in the DRC - and welcome the consultations undertaken by the Republic of Angola.
We stand ready to support these efforts.
The ICG calls on all parties to honor their obligations to respect international humanitarian law and to ensure full, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to enable critical assistance to those in need. We welcome positive steps forward such as the commitments by governments and actors in the region to improve and facilitate humanitarian access, including following the visit of EU Commissioner Lahbib; the reopening of the border between the DRC and Burundi; and the use of the Goma airport during the recent visit to Goma by MONUSCO Interim Head and Special Representative of the Secretary-General van de Perre, which should lead to the sustained reopening of the Goma airport for humanitarian flights.
The ICG further calls on parties to stop incitement to hatred, discrimination or violence, including against Rwandophone minorities, and other actions that gravely endanger civilian populations and social cohesion.
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Original text here: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/03/joint-statement-from-the-international-contact-group-for-the-great-lakes-icg-on-the-situation-in-the-eastern-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-drc/
Joint Statement Following 19th Meeting of the U.S.-Argentina Joint Standing Committee on Nuclear Energy Cooperation
WASHINGTON, March 7 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following joint statement on March 5, 2026, with Argentina:
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Joint Statement Following the 19th Meeting of the U.S.-Argentina Joint Standing Committee on Nuclear Energy Cooperation
The 19th meeting of the Joint Standing Committee of the United States and Argentina on Nuclear Energy Cooperation was held in Washington from February 25-27. It was chaired by Mr. Gonzalo Suarez, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nonproliferation Policy in the Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation of the United States Department of State, and Mr.
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WASHINGTON, March 7 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following joint statement on March 5, 2026, with Argentina:
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Joint Statement Following the 19th Meeting of the U.S.-Argentina Joint Standing Committee on Nuclear Energy Cooperation
The 19th meeting of the Joint Standing Committee of the United States and Argentina on Nuclear Energy Cooperation was held in Washington from February 25-27. It was chaired by Mr. Gonzalo Suarez, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nonproliferation Policy in the Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation of the United States Department of State, and Mr.Federico Ramos Napoli, Secretary of Nuclear Affairs, Ministry of Economy of Argentina.
The U.S. delegation included representatives from the Department of State, the Department of Energy (DOE), the National Nuclear Security Administration, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and the Department of Commerce. The Argentine delegation included representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship / Directorate of International Security, Nuclear and Space Affairs (DIGAN), the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (ARN), and Nucleoelectrica Argentina S.A., as well as the Embassy of Argentina in Washington.
Both Parties reaffirmed the value of civil nuclear cooperation in deepening their strategic, economic, and political relationship and advancing policies which uphold safeguards and the nonproliferation regime, and the highest standards of safety and security. They also affirmed their commitment to international security and nuclear non-proliferation, as well as sound practices for nuclear and radiological safety and security and emergency preparedness and response. They underscored the importance of the international community's commitments regarding the security of nuclear materials and facilities.
The United States and Argentina reaffirmed their commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and recognized its enduring benefits. Both countries highlighted the importance of preserving and strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation regime, and the effectiveness and efficiency of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, and underlined the need to improve international cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, within the framework of Article IV of the Treaty. They recognized the critical role and support of the IAEA in capacity building, technical cooperation and promoting responsible applications of nuclear technology.
The delegations underscored their commitment to deepening cooperation in the civil nuclear field at the bilateral and multilateral levels. The United States and Argentina continue to share an interest in deploying small modular reactors and other advanced civil nuclear technologies and recognize the potential of both to support economic growth and national development. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to civil nuclear energy partnership under the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program.
Both countries stressed the importance of close cooperation as civil nuclear technology rapidly advances, including the critical importance of exchanging technical information related to nuclear reactor regulation, oversight, licensing, physical protection, security and cyber security. The United States and Argentina committed to continue to collaborate on these issues and to continue working together on international safeguards and export controls.
The authorities of both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to swiftly complete negotiations on the text of a new Agreement for Cooperation between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Argentine Republic Concerning the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy to replace the current agreement, which expires in 2027.
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Original text here: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/03/joint-statement-following-the-19th-meeting-of-the-u-s-argentina-joint-standing-committee-on-nuclear-energy-cooperation/
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Issues Beige Book on on March 4, 2026
WASHINGTON, March 7 -- The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland issued the following Beige Book on March 4, 2026:
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Summary of Economic Activity
On balance, contacts reported that business activity in the Fourth District increased modestly in recent weeks, with continued modest growth expected in the months ahead. Manufacturing and commercial construction contacts reported increased demand, with multiple contacts noting that the majority of activity came from data center buildouts. Freight contacts reported that demand for their services grew modestly; however, they attributed this to reduced
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WASHINGTON, March 7 -- The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland issued the following Beige Book on March 4, 2026:
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Summary of Economic Activity
On balance, contacts reported that business activity in the Fourth District increased modestly in recent weeks, with continued modest growth expected in the months ahead. Manufacturing and commercial construction contacts reported increased demand, with multiple contacts noting that the majority of activity came from data center buildouts. Freight contacts reported that demand for their services grew modestly; however, they attributed this to reducedcapacity rather than increased freight volumes. Meanwhile, consumer spending was flat. Overall, contacts said that their employment levels remained flat and that wage pressures grew moderately. Nonlabor cost pressures remained robust, and selling prices continued to grow moderately.
Labor Markets
Reports indicated that employment levels remained flat on net in recent weeks. While some construction, financial services, and professional and business services firms added staff to support growth, others across sectors reduced head counts because of soft demand, cost pressures, and weak outlooks. Labor reductions varied from targeted cuts by manufacturers and reductions in temporary retail workers' hours to closures of underperforming business locations. Several contacts noted increased availability of qualified candidates as larger firms slowed hiring. Multiple contacts reported leveraging automation and artificial intelligence solutions to gain efficiencies in back-office functions, a situation which one banker anticipated could further reduce head count needs.
On balance, wage pressures continued to grow moderately, with many contacts implementing standard annual increases. Several professional and business services contacts reported selectively raising wages to attract and retain talent, with one noting "scarcity of accounting graduates and talent." In freight, while most contacts reported stable wages, a couple regularly raised drivers' wages, citing persistent difficulties finding qualified candidates, particularly with new CDL requirements. Manufacturers and bankers reported awarding typical merit increases, while retailers approached wage increases more cautiously, with a couple holding steady because of elevated cost pressures.
Prices
Overall, nonlabor input cost pressures remained robust for the sixth consecutive reporting period. Contacts reported higher costs for insurance, professional services, utilities, and materials (especially metals and food). Freight costs surged, with one contact describing spot market rates as "exploding." Many manufacturers cited tariffs as driving materials-cost increases, while some large retailers noted that tariff impacts were stabilizing. To offset these pressures, multiple contacts evaluated new vendors and sought efficiencies to counter increases in non-negotiable areas like utilities. On balance, contacts expected nonlabor costs to grow moderately in the coming months.
Overall, contacts reported moderate selling price pressures in recent weeks. Many passed along higher input costs, though some firms absorbed these increases to maintain market share amid competitive pressures and softer demand. Several manufacturers implemented additional price increases to cover tariff impacts; one noted raising prices by 4.25 percent instead of the planned 3 percent to offset additional steel tariffs. Freight contacts reported robust rate increases despite customer pushback and softer demand. Two carriers noted a similarity to pandemic-era pricing conditions without the corresponding demand surge, and another suggested that capacity constraints might explain the price firmness.
Consumer Spending
Contacts reported flat-to-down consumer spending, with many attributing slow sales to the unseasonably cold temperatures and winter storms. Several automotive dealers expressed concern over vehicle affordability as sales declined, with one noting that low-income consumers were priced out of new car purchases. Retailers and food and hospitality contacts reported reduced discretionary spending due to the high cost of living. Overall, contacts expect a slight increase in consumer spending over the coming months. Most automotive dealers anticipated services and parts demand to increase because of the rising average age of vehicles but expected flat-to-declining vehicle sales as affordability issues persisted.
Manufacturing
Demand for manufactured goods rose slightly, and contacts generally expected demand to increase modestly in the coming months. Data center buildouts and operation remained a key demand driver for producers of metal products and electrical components, though for some this was the only area of growth amid otherwise soft demand. Other sources of strength included light vehicle manufacturing and aerospace. In reports collected prior to the recent Supreme Court ruling on tariffs, multiple contacts were optimistic that more clarity surrounding trade policy would improve overall economic conditions. Conversely, a small number of manufacturers continued to report flat or softer orders related to home-improvement activity, as existing home sales remained stable at a low level.
Real Estate and Construction
Demand for homes decreased slightly in recent weeks. Two homebuilders and several real estate brokers reported that harsh winter weather discouraged potential buyers from entering the market. Contacts' views on the impact of mortgage rates were mixed. A homebuilder said that current rates contributed to greater demand for new homes, while a real estate broker suggested that rates would need to decrease further to encourage existing homeowners to move. Contacts anticipated strong growth in the coming months, with some expecting pent-up demand and lower mortgage rates to contribute to an active spring selling season.
Commercial construction and real estate demand increased modestly over the last two months. Builders noted continued demand for infrastructure and data centers, offsetting the impact of delayed manufacturing projects. Senior and multifamily housing developers saw steady demand, while retail rental activity softened. Demand for office real estate improved as more firms sought in-person workspaces, though one commercial real estate consultant noted that tenants in the sector remained cautious. On balance, contacts expected continued modest growth in the coming months.
Financial Services
On balance, bankers reported that overall loan demand grew modestly in recent weeks. A couple of bankers said that merger-and-acquisition activity increased, with some commercial clients increasingly focused on succession planning. On the consumer side, one banker noted that mortgage demand had remained "relatively good" despite typical seasonal stagnation in winter months. Credit demand was generally up, though bankers attributed the growth to varying sources. Some reported that growth came primarily from existing accounts, including slower paydowns and increased utilization of existing credit lines, while a couple cited new account originations. In the months ahead, bankers expected loan demand to increase moderately.
Nonfinancial Services
Professional and business services firms reported moderate demand and expected robust demand in the coming months. An accountant reported that tax policy changes drove demand for their services, and one consultant attributed demand growth to a rebound in corporate investments. Likewise, a law-and-consulting firm noted that merger-and-acquisition activity increased for large public companies but slowed for middle-market firms. Freight contacts reported modest demand growth and expected moderate growth in the coming months. However, they attributed the recent growth to a reduction in available drivers due to the updated CDL eligibility requirements rather than an increase in freight volumes.
Community Conditions
Nonprofits reported that clients' financial stress worsened over the past three months because of elevated food, utility, and housing costs coupled with reduced social support services. In response, contacts said some clients stopped paying bills, skipped meals, or delayed medical care. One contact noted seeing more employed individuals requesting food, rent, and utility assistance, and another noticed more seniors seeking employment to make ends meet. To address their clients' increased financial stress, nonprofits provided hotel stays when homeless shelters were full, worked with local grocers to secure more food donations, and furnished funds to cover delinquent rent and utility bills.
For more information about District economic conditions visit: https://www.clevelandfed.org/en/region/regional-analysis.
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Last Update: March 04, 2026
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Original text here: https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/beigebook202602-cleveland.htm
FBI Provides Update on March 1 Austin Shooting Investigation
WASHINGTON, March 7 -- The FBI issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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FBI Provides Update on March 1 Austin Shooting Investigation
The FBI and the Austin Police Department (APD) continue to investigate the act of targeted violence in Austin, Texas, on March 1, 2026, which tragically resulted in the loss of three innocent lives, and injury to 15 others.
The FBI recognizes the extraordinary bravery and swift response of APD officers during the shooting which took place on Rio Grande Street. The FBI was alerted to this incident and responded immediately.
The perpetrator, Ndiaga
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WASHINGTON, March 7 -- The FBI issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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FBI Provides Update on March 1 Austin Shooting Investigation
The FBI and the Austin Police Department (APD) continue to investigate the act of targeted violence in Austin, Texas, on March 1, 2026, which tragically resulted in the loss of three innocent lives, and injury to 15 others.
The FBI recognizes the extraordinary bravery and swift response of APD officers during the shooting which took place on Rio Grande Street. The FBI was alerted to this incident and responded immediately.
The perpetrator, NdiagaDiagne, sustained fatal injuries. Since the night of the attack, more than 150 FBI personnel have supported the ongoing investigation into what led to Diagne's actions. Multiple FBI field offices and FBI Headquarters divisions are providing support during the investigation.
The FBI is analyzing physical and digital evidence, conducting interviews, running down numerous leads, and providing support to victims and their families. All evidence recovery efforts associated with the Diagne, including his last known residence, have been completed.
Investigators are aggressively pursuing all leads to identify any potential associates of the subject and to better understand the circumstances and motive behind his actions.
The following specialized teams have been instrumental in these efforts:
* Special Agent Bomb Technicians (SABT)
* Evidence Response Team (ERT)
* Computer Analysis Response Team (CART)
* Digital Video Retrieval Team (DIVRT)
* Cellular Analysis Survey Team (CAST)
* Crisis Management Team
* Language Services Section
* Victim Services Division (VSD)
The FBI's Digital Images and Video Recovery Team (DIVRT), a specialized unit of forensic examiners trained in media acquisition and exploitation, has gathered over 2,000 digital images. This includes CCTV and other camera footage which is being processed for analysis.
A Virtual Family Assistance Center has been established as a centralized resource hub with information about all available resources.
The following agencies have contributed by responding on scene and/or with the ongoing investigation: the Austin Police Department; Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services; Austin Fire Department; Texas Department of Public Safety (including the Texas Rangers); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Travis County Sheriff's Office; University of Texas at Austin Police Department; Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC); United States Marshals Service (USMS); Pflugerville Police Department; San Antonio Police Department; Cibolo Police Department; and Homeland Security Investigations.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas continues to support the investigation. To date, approximately 38 subpoenas have been served, and eight search warrants have been executed, including three residential search warrants, one electronic device search warrant, and four search warrants for various email, social media, and electronic data accounts.
The FBI continues to work diligently on this investigation and encourages anyone with information related to this incident to submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov or contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
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Original text here: https://www.fbi.gov/news/press-releases
Department of Justice: Iranian Intelligence Agent Convicted of Terrorism and Murder for Hire in Connection With Foiled Plot to Assassinate U.S. Politicians and Government Officials
WASHINGTON, March 7 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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Iranian Intelligence Agent Convicted of Terrorism and Murder for Hire in Connection with Foiled Plot to Assassinate U.S. Politicians and Government Officials
Today, a federal jury convicted Asif Merchant, also known as "Asif Raza Merchant," of murder for hire and attempting to commit an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries. Merchant was a trained operative of the Iranian government's global terrorist force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Merchant admitted
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WASHINGTON, March 7 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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Iranian Intelligence Agent Convicted of Terrorism and Murder for Hire in Connection with Foiled Plot to Assassinate U.S. Politicians and Government Officials
Today, a federal jury convicted Asif Merchant, also known as "Asif Raza Merchant," of murder for hire and attempting to commit an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries. Merchant was a trained operative of the Iranian government's global terrorist force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Merchant admittedat trial that the IRGC sent him to the United States to arrange for political assassinations and steal documents, but law enforcement foiled the plot before any attack could be carried out. Merchant arrived in the United States in April of 2024, met with purported hitmen in June--who were in fact undercover U.S. law enforcement officers in New York--and was placed under arrest before leaving the country in July of 2024. Merchant faces up to life in prison.
"This man landed on American soil hoping to kill President Trump -- instead, he was met with the might of American law enforcement," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "The Department of Justice will remain ever-vigilant to protect Americans, prosecute terrorists, and halt acts of terrorism before they happen."
"Merchant tried to hire someone to kill a politician or a U.S. government official, but the FBI and our partners stopped that deadly plot," said FBI Director Kash Patel. "This was not the first attempt by Iran to harm our citizens on U.S. soil; the other efforts also failed. Let this verdict serve as a reminder that the FBI is committed to detecting such threats and preventing acts of violence, and we will hold accountable anyone who tries to interfere with our democratic system."
"Merchant, a trained Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps operative, entered the United States intending to commit acts of terror, and ultimately, to facilitate the assassination of U.S. government officials, including President Trump," said Assistant Attorney General for National security John A. Eisenberg. "Merchant's plot struck at the heart of our democracy and our commitment to the rule of law. NSD remains committed to defending our Nation from the pernicious threat of terrorism."
"Iran's terrorist regime sent Asif Merchant here to sow mayhem and murder," stated United States Attorney Nocella for the Eastern District of New York. "Thanks to the vigilance of our law enforcement partners, his scheme ended in failure. Today, with Merchant's conviction, that failure is complete. This Office will always remain vigilant in our mission to protect the United States from foreign terrorist adversaries. "
As set forth in trial exhibits and testimony, including the defendant's own testimony, Merchant began working for the IRGC in Pakistan in late 2022 or early 2023, when he received training in tradecraft, including countersurveillance. Later in 2023, he was sent to the United States to look for potential IRGC recruits who could stay behind in the United States. Merchant testified that he knew that the IRGC was a designated terrorist organization. Throughout this period, Merchant repeatedly traveled to Iran to meet with his IRGC handler.
Merchant testified that in 2024, he was sent back to the United States with a new mission: to recruit "Mafia" members to steal documents, stage a protest, and arrange the murder of one of three specific U.S. government officials and politicians. To that end, Merchant contacted an acquaintance in New York who he thought could help him with his scheme. That person, Nadeem Ali, instead reported Merchant's conduct to law enforcement and became a confidential source.
In early June, Merchant met Ali in New York and explained his assassination plot. Merchant told Ali that he had an ongoing opportunity for him and then made a "finger gun" motion with his hand, indicating that the opportunity was related to a killing. Merchant further stated that the intended victims would be "targeted here," in the United States. Merchant instructed Ali to arrange meetings with individuals whom Merchant could hire to carry out these actions. Merchant explained that his plot involved multiple criminal schemes: (1) stealing documents or USB drives from a target's home; (2) planning a protest; and (3) killing a politician or government official.
At that meeting, Merchant began planning potential assassination scenarios and quizzed Ali on how he would kill a target in the various scenarios. Specifically, Merchant asked Ali to explain how the target would die in different scenarios. Merchant told Ali that there would be "security [] all around" the person.
Merchant stated that the assassination would occur after he left the United States and he would communicate with Ali from overseas using code words. Ali asked whether Merchant had spoken to the unidentified "party" back home with whom Merchant was working. Merchant responded that he had and that the party back home told him to "finalize" the plan and leave the United States. Merchant would later testify that the "party" was his IRGC handler.
In mid-June, Merchant met with the purported hitmen, who were in fact undercover U.S. law enforcement officers (the UCs) in New York. Merchant advised the UCs that he was looking for three services from them: theft of documents, arranging protests at political rallies and for them to kill a "political person." Merchant stated that the hitmen would receive instructions on who to kill after Merchant had departed the United States.
Throughout this period, Merchant performed internet searches for the locations of political rallies and sent reports back to his IRGC handler regarding security protocols at rallies.
Merchant then began arranging means to obtain $5,000 in cash to pay the UCs as an advance payment for the assassination, which he eventually received with assistance from an individual overseas. On June 21, Merchant met with the UCs in New York and paid them the $5,000 advance. After Merchant paid the $5,000 to the UCs, one of the UCs stated, "now we're bonded," to which Merchant responded "yes." The UC then stated "Now we know we're going forward. We're doing this," to which Merchant responded "Yes, absolutely."
Merchant subsequently made flight arrangements and planned to leave the United States on Friday, July 12, 2024. On that day, law enforcement agents placed Merchant under arrest before he could leave the country.
The FBI's Field Offices in Dallas, Houston, Tampa, Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago and Albany for partnered in the investigation of this case. The New York City Police Department, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection assisted with the investigation.
The case is being handled by the Office's National Security & Cybercrime Section for the Eastern District of New York. Assistant United States Attorneys Sara K. Winik, Nina Gupta and Gilbert Rein for the Eastern District of New York are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Deputy Chief Paul Casey and Trial Attorney Jessica Joyce of the Department of Justice's Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/iranian-intelligence-agent-convicted-terrorism-and-murder-hire-connection-foiled-plot
