LND topic: federal-council page 1

federal council

Schools Lose Support as Education Office Passes Jobs to Other Agencies

February 25, 2026

The U. S. Department of Education is moving more of its duties to other federal bodies, a shift that could reshape how schools receive help and funding. Under new deals, the Health and Human Services (HHS) agency will manage certain grant programs that currently provide money for school safety and c

politics

Support for Crans‑Montana Fire Victims

February 25, 2026

The Swiss government will give a one‑time payment of 50, 000 francs (about $56, 000) to each person who was badly hurt or whose loved one died in the bar fire that happened on New Year’s Eve at Crans‑Montana. This gesture is meant to help families quickly, and it shows the country’s compassion fo

politics

Retail Stores Must Report Theft, but No Fines Imposed

February 25, 2026

In Douglas County, a new rule was approved that tells most retail shops in the unincorporated areas to tell law‑enforcement when someone steals from them. The county changed the original plan, which had set fines up to $1, 000 for businesses that didn’t report a theft. Instead of penalties, the deci

politics

Trial Begins for Those Accused in Rio Councilwoman’s Murder

February 25, 2026

The highest court in Brazil has opened a courtroom session to hear the case of people charged with killing a city councilwoman and her driver in 2018. A panel of five judges will decide on the fates of former congressman Chiquinho Brazão, his brother Domingos who once served on a city watchdog, t

politics

Orangeburg Talks Safety After Campus Shooting

February 25, 2026

Orangeburg leaders held a “Safety First” chat to let residents voice worries about safety and ask questions. The meeting happened just weeks after a shooting at South Carolina State University that killed two people and hurt another. An 18‑year‑old was arrested for the crime. City officials

politics

City Council’s Big Budget Moves: From School Fields to Animal Shelters

February 25, 2026

The council met on Feb. 19 and decided to release $2. 3 million from the city’s free‑cash pile, a move that follows the mayor’s request and the Finance Committee’s nod. The biggest chunk—$2 million—was earmarked for Westfield High School’s new athletic fields. City Treasurer‑Collector Matthew Bar

crime

Texas Supplier Accused of Medicare Scam

February 25, 2026

A small medical supply shop in Austin is at the center of a federal complaint that says it billed Medicare for unnecessary urinary catheters. Investigators say the company, linked to a Russian citizen living in Texas, is part of a scheme that moved millions of dollars overseas. The complaint n

politics

A New Surgeon General on the Horizon

February 25, 2026

The Senate health committee will hear from Dr. Casey Means, a 38‑year‑old wellness advocate, on Wednesday as she seeks the top public health post in Washington. The meeting was pushed back from last October after Means unexpectedly went into labor the day she was scheduled to appear. During her t

politics

Utah University Ends Link With Diversity Group Over Racial Rules

February 25, 2026

The University of Utah has cut ties with a nonprofit that helps underrepresented students earn business doctorates. The move comes after the Department of Education looked into 45 schools for alleged racial preferences in their programs. The agency said Utah and others might have broken Title 

politics

Trial Tests Trump’s Antifa Terrorist Claim

February 24, 2026

The trial in Texas starts with arguments that will examine a Trump promise to treat antifa as a violent terrorist group. Nine people have said they are not guilty of joining an armed antifa “cell” that allegedly shot a police officer during a protest at an ICE detention center in Alvarado last summe