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Here's how billions in COVID relief funds were stolen or wasted

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:15 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Much of the theft was brazen, even simple.Fraudsters used the Social Security numbers of dead people and federal prisoners to get unemployment checks. Cheaters collected those benefits in multiple states. And federal loan applicants weren’t cross-checked against a Treasury Department database that would have raised red flags about sketchy borrowers.Criminals and gangs grabbed the money. But so did a U.S. soldier in Georgia, the pastors of a defunct church in Texas, a former state lawmaker in Missouri and a roofing contractor in Montana.All of it led to the greatest grift in U.S. history, with thieves plundering billions of dollars in federal COVID-19 relief aid intended to combat the worst pandemic in a century and to stabilize an economy in free fall.An Associated Press analysis found that fraudsters potentially stole more than $280 billion in COVID-19 relief funding; another $123 billion was wasted or misspent. Combined, the loss represents 10% of the $...

George Soros passes control of his foundation to his son Alex

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:15 GMT

(The Hill) - American billionaire philanthropist and investor George Soros has passed control of his foundation, Open Society Foundations (OSF), to his son Alex. A foundation spokesperson confirmed the news to the Wall Street Journal on Sunday. In an interview, Alex, 37, told the Journal that he’s “more political” than his father, adding that he was concerned about former President Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, suggesting that his organization might have to play a significant financial role in the 2024 election. “As much as I would love to get money out of politics, as long as the other side is doing it, we will have to do it, too,” the younger Soros added. In a separate interview, Soros, via a spokesperson, told the Financial Times that the organization plans to double down on defending voting rights and personal freedom at home and supporting the cause of democracy abroad.A source told the Journal that Soros’ priorities in U.S. politics will remain unchanged w...

Brutal heat worsens through the week

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:15 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Brace yourself.... this week's heat will get worse before it gets better. (And the "better" might be quite awhile from now.)Afternoon highs will climb towards the century mark this afternoon, and with the addition of humidity, will bring 'feels like' temperatures up to 105° in some areas.Dangerous heat index values Monday afternoonLater this evening, a few strong storms will make a run at our northern counties. Most of these storms will stay north of our area, but those storms that have enough strength to hold together will have the potential to bring large hail and strong winds.Isolated storms possible late Monday, mainly north of AustinMarginal to slight risk (1-2 out of 5) of severe storms Monday eveningAs high pressure builds over the region, temperatures will continue to climb. High temperatures will soar well above average each day, surpassing 100° each afternoon. With temperatures expected to reach 104°-105° late week into the weekend, expect heat index value...

98.3 TRY Social Dilemma: Separate Vacations

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:15 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Today's TRY social dilemma is about separate vacations. This is what the anonymous sender had to say: Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox!  Hi Jaime. I’m not sure how I feel about a double standard that’s happening in my home.  My wife got some exciting news.  She’s been invited on a two week girls trip to Hawaii with her friends.   That’s great.   But when I said I would take the opportunity to go to vegas with my best friend who’s never been, she said no way. What’s the difference here?AnonymousWhat do you think?

5 things to know this Monday, June 12

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:15 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Happy Monday! According to Meteorologist Jill Szwed, we should expect warm and muggy conditions early on, followed by a few potential evening storms, however nothing severe. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! After the Philip Schuyler statue was removed from in front of Albany City Hall, a time capsule was discovered underneath where the statue stood. Meanwhile, thousands lost power in Rensselaer County following a mass power outage in multiple towns. These stories, and more, are covered in your five things to know this Monday morning. 1. Time capsule found at Albany City HallA time capsule was discovered on June 10 at City Hall in Albany. The removal of the Philip Schuyler statue earlier that day led to the capsule being unearthed.2. Philip Schuyler statue removed from Albany City HallThe statue of General Philip Schuyler that stood in front of Albany City Hall for nearly a century is gone....

Janae Edmondson set to have another surgery today

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:15 GMT

ST. LOUIS - A teen recovering from a devastating injury that almost took her life is making strides in her recovery.Janae Edmondson lost her legs in a downtown St. Louis crash earlier this year. She's scheduled to have another surgery Monday. Her mom posting her GoFundMe page is an important step toward getting her prosthetics, so she can walk again. Monday is also Janae's 18th birthday.Her mom shared that Janae really didn't want to have this surgery on her birthday, but she would have to wait 3 weeks before they could schedule it if she didn't do it on her Monday. So she's having the procedure Monday instead of waiting. Janae Edmondson set to have another surgery today Her mom saying - "This girl is made different and really wants to walk soon."Janae was in town from Tennessee for a volleyball tournament back in February when she got hit by a car at the 11th and St. Charles Streets downtown. She was walking back to her hotel with her family when police said Daniel Riley failed t...

Crews responding to church fire in Warrenton, Missouri

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:15 GMT

WARRENTON, Mo. - Emergency crews are at the scene of a church fire in Warrenton early Monday morning. Our Bommarito Automotive Group SkyFOX helicopter is flying over the area, located at the 'Abundant Life Church' right off Interstate 70 on Northwest Service Road, where the building can be seen covered in smoke. Fire fighters are continuing to calm the flames. ‘Worst roads in America’ : St. Louis man makes viral videos in push for change The cause of the fire has not been revealed. FOX 2 will update this story with more information as it becomes available.

Metro Transit changing more than 40 routes today

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:15 GMT

ST. LOUIS - Significant schedule changes are starting Monday to more than 40 metro bus routes, impacting riders on both sides of the river.The Civic Center stop by the Enterprise Center will be a busy area for MetroBus riders. Metro officials are calling the shifts a quarterly service change designed to improve transit services, but they also say the changes do include some service reductions and that workforce shortages are an issue that Metro is trying to deal with as well.Metro officials told FOX 2 that schedule adjustments are being to made to 30 routes that will reduce the frequency of service or temporarily suspend service altogether during low ridership periods on weekday evenings and weekends. We're also told those changes will allow resources to be shifted to routes and times when there is higher demand. ‘Worst roads in America’ : St. Louis man makes viral videos in push for change Schedule adjustments are being made to seven routes to try and improve on-time performance ...

O'Fallon, Missouri carnival ride flash sale happening today

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:15 GMT

O'FALLON, Mo. - A deal on tickets Monday for the O'Fallon Missouri Heritage and Freedom Festival, July 1 through 4. They're offering a 20-hour flash sale. You can buy a wristband Monday for all-day carnival rides. For $20, that's a 40% saving from the regular price of $35. ‘Worst roads in America’ : St. Louis man makes viral videos in push for change The festival will also feature food, music, and fireworks. The group '38 Special' will perform on July 4.

SSM Health and St. Louis Area Food Bank host food fair today

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:15 GMT

ST. LOUIS - SSM Health and the St. Louis Area Food Bank are also fighting food insecurity once again. They're hosting another drive-thru food giveaway Monday.It starts at 9:00 a.m. at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital on Clayton Road. Janae Edmondson set to have another surgery today The hospital and the food bank say healthy food helps good health care. The event is free and open to everyone.