April Jefferson
Freelance Journalist · Chicago, IL
PureSource News LLC
April Jefferson is a freelance journalist in Chicago who covers government, business, courts, and issues affecting urban communities. Her reporting has included public institutions, municipal decisions, economic developments, and community level consequences of changes in public policy. Jefferson takes a research driven approach to reporting, working from original documents and multiple sources whenever possible and focusing on presenting complicated subjects in language that is accessible to general readers.
Articles by April Jefferson
179 published articles — showing the 24 most recent
HSBC Posts $9.6bn Third-Quarter Profit, Announces Buyback
HSBC reported a $9.6bn third-quarter profit and approved a new $1bn share buyback. The bank also announced sales of units in Singapore and Egypt while reviewing operations in Turkey.
Chase Elliott Withdraws From 2026 NASCAR Popular Driver Ballot
Chase Elliott withdrew from the 2026 NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award ballot to honor Kyle Busch. Voting runs until November 9 for Busch and 34 other eligible Cup Series drivers.
Bonta, FTC Sue to Block PlayPower, Burke Merger
California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the FTC filed a lawsuit Monday to block the PlayPower and BCI Burke merger. The suit alleges the deal violates federal law by reducing competition and raising costs for schools.
Commerce Approves GeoXO Baseline Reducing Satellites
The Department of Commerce approved the GeoXO program's new baseline in April 2026. The restructuring reduces satellites from six to four with an expected lifecycle cost of $13 billion.
NCUA Proposes Rule to Simplify Fidelity Bond Requirements
The National Credit Union Administration proposed a rule on October 14, 2026, to simplify fidelity bond coverage requirements. The agency seeks comments on the proposal within 60 days of its publication in the Federal Register.
U.S. Consumer Prices Rise 0.6 Percent in September 2026
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 0.6 percent rise in the Consumer Price Index for September 2026. Gasoline prices increased 9.1 percent, contributing to a 3.7 percent annual inflation rate.
Swanson Scores Late as U.S. Ties Spain 2-2
Mallory Swanson scored in the 86th minute to help the U.S. tie Spain 2-2. The result ends a two-match series before the Concacaf W Championship quarterfinal.
CFTC Seeks Rules for Crypto Asset Markets
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission issued a notice seeking public comment on new rules for crypto asset markets. The agency cites prior fraud cases involving billions in losses as justification for federal oversight.
Three Dominican Nationals Charged in Smuggling Case
A federal grand jury indicted three Dominican nationals on October 7, 2026, for a smuggling venture that capsized near Mona Island. The incident caused three deaths and left 12 people missing while authorities rescued 49 others.
Diesel Prices Reach $6.32 Per Gallon Before G7 Stock Release
Group of Seven nations agreed to release diesel stocks after prices rose to $6.32 per gallon. Goldman Sachs forecasts food prices could increase by 0.4 points due to higher transport costs.
GAO Urges Labor to Resume Disability Audits of Contractors
The GAO recommends the Department of Labor resume disability compliance audits and plan its workforce. The report cites $793 billion in federal contracts and past violations affecting over 1 million workers.
Composer George Fenton Dies at 76
British composer George Fenton died unexpectedly at age 76. He earned five Oscar nominations and scored over 100 films.
Roberts Family Attacks Crank in New Colorado Ad
Sky and Amanda Roberts appear in an ad accusing Representative Jeff Crank of hiding Epstein files. The spot supports Democrat Jessica Killin ahead of the election in Colorado's 5th District.
Nikkei 225 Jumps 2.5% to Close Above 70,000 Points
Japan's Nikkei 225 index jumped 2.5% to close above 70,000 points for the first time in three months. The gain followed U.S. jobs data showing a slowdown in hiring that reduced expectations for Federal Reserve rate hikes.
Netflix Releases Seven-Episode East of Eden Series
Netflix released a seven-episode limited series adaptation of East of Eden created by Zoe Kazan. Florence Pugh stars as Cathy Ames and serves as an executive producer on the project.
Omani Co-Pilot Hamam Al-Hammami Attacks Captain With Ax
Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami attacked the captain with an ax on October 1, 2026, during a Flydubai flight near Jordan. The aircraft descended 17,000 feet before passengers subdued the suspect.
East Ridge Police Arrest Hill on Meth, Child Endangerment
East Ridge Police arrested Abby Leigh Hill on October 3 for methamphetamine possession and three counts of child endangerment. The charges also include possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.
U.S. Unemployment Rises to 4.2% as Economy Adds 29,000 Jobs
The U.S. unemployment rate rose to 4.2% in September as the economy added only 29,000 jobs. Women accounted for 14,000 of the new positions, continuing a trend where they hold over half of all jobs.
Engineer Uses AI to Decode 1809 Napoleon Letter
Carter Church used an AI model to decode an 1809 letter from Napoleon's stepson in six hours. The decrypted text reveals French military plans involving 80,000 men before the Battle of Wagram.
Joseph Clay Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud Scheme in Yonkers
Joseph Clay pleaded guilty to aiding false tax returns and agreed to pay over $5 million in restitution. He filed more than 3,500 fraudulent returns that cost federal and state governments nearly $6 million.
JAMA Study: Lean MASLD Patients Face High Risks
A JAMA study finds lean MASLD patients face mortality risks similar to overweight counterparts. Fibrosis severity drives outcomes more than body mass index across 41 countries.
Judge Orders Sarsour Removal on Foreign Policy Grounds
US Immigration Judge Jayme Salinardi ruled that Salah Sarsour is removable from the United States. Sarsour's legal team has 30 days to file appeals arguing deportation would risk torture.
Norwich City Honorary President Michael Wynn-Jones Dies in England
Michael Wynn-Jones, honorary life president of Norwich City Football Club in England, died Monday at age 85. The club opened a condolence book and plans a permanent stadium tribute.
FBI Task Force Checks New Ransom Note in Guthrie Case
The FBI Guthrie Task Force is verifying a new ransom note regarding Nancy Guthrie's 2026 disappearance. Authorities state her status remains unconfirmed while rewards exceed $1.1 million.