All articles tagged with #public funds
Nine Minnesota child care centers discussed in a viral video were found to be operating as expected during recent state inspections, with ongoing investigations into some facilities for potential issues, amid broader concerns about fraud in state-funded programs.
A viral video alleging fraud at Minnesota daycare centers has prompted a federal and state investigation into the misuse of nearly $18 billion in public funds, with authorities emphasizing ongoing probes and denying specific allegations of criminal activity at the centers featured in the video. The incident has also sparked political and community debates over oversight and potential stigmatization of Somali Minnesotans.
Fraud in Minnesota's Medicaid programs may exceed $9 billion, with recent federal and state investigations revealing widespread, industrial-scale abuse, including fraudulent claims by providers and the shutdown of programs like Housing Stabilization Services amid allegations of massive financial misconduct.
Federal prosecutors in Minnesota have announced new charges in a massive Medicaid fraud scheme involving billions of dollars, with defendants accused of billing for services not provided, using funds for personal luxury, and creating fake companies to claim millions in fraudulent Medicaid claims, highlighting the scale and impact of healthcare fraud in the state.
The UK government has used an AI tool to recover nearly £500 million lost to fraud over the past year, including during the Covid-19 pandemic, and plans to license this technology internationally, despite concerns over AI bias and privacy issues.
The UN has accused South Sudanese authorities of systematic looting of billions of dollars from public funds since 2011, exacerbating the country's deepening food crisis and political instability, with allegations of corruption linked to government programs and officials, despite government denials.
The order aims to reform federal grantmaking by enhancing oversight, ensuring grants align with national interests, reducing waste, and preventing funding of activities that conflict with American values or safety, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and strategic allocation of taxpayer dollars.
The D.C. Council approved a $3.7 billion deal to build a Commanders football stadium and mixed-use development at RFK Stadium, involving over $1 billion in public funds and tax breaks, with ongoing negotiations on labor, environmental, and affordable housing commitments, pending a final vote in September.
Donald Trump opened a new private golf course in Scotland during a trip that cost U.S. taxpayers around $10 million, with most expenses covered by public funds, raising concerns about misuse of government resources for private business interests.
D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson announced a deal with the Washington Commanders to redevelop RFK Stadium, which is expected to save hundreds of millions of dollars and paves the way for a vote on bringing the team back to its historic site.
A federal judge denied Mayor Eric Adams' attempt to secure $4 million in public matching funds due to his failure to adequately respond to campaign finance inquiries, marking a setback in his reelection efforts amid ongoing legal and political challenges.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell defended the nearly $2.4 billion renovations of the Fed's historic headquarters, stating they were necessary for safety and modernization, despite criticism over cost overruns and luxury upgrades, with some lawmakers comparing the spending to palace-like extravagance.
A reform group, Common Cause New York, has called for an investigation into Andrew Cuomo's campaign, alleging improper coordination and undisclosed in-kind contributions involving lobbying firm Tusk Strategies, which provided free campaign services and conducted polls that may have influenced the race. The group urges regulators to scrutinize these activities and consider stripping Cuomo of public funds, amid ongoing concerns about campaign finance violations.
White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf is revisiting his old playbook of threatening to move the team in order to secure public funds for a new stadium in the South Loop, claiming that the team's current location cannot generate the revenue needed to pay player salaries. Critics argue that the real problem lies in poor team performance and Reinsdorf's poor stewardship, pointing out that the Cleveland Guardians have achieved success with smaller payrolls. Despite skepticism, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has left the door open for potential public support, but there is currently no compelling reason for Major League Baseball to consider relocating the team.
The City Council has charged Mayor LaToya Cantrell's communications director, Gregory Joseph, with incompetence, neglect of duty, and gross misconduct after an investigation found that he violated city and state laws by using public funds to promote Cantrell during a recall campaign. Council President JP Morrell accused Joseph of giving false testimony under oath. A public hearing to consider Joseph's removal is scheduled for October 3. Cantrell has expressed support for Joseph, but he could be dismissed or suspended with a majority vote from the council. This is the first time in recent memory that the council has sought to remove a city official under its charter authority.