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DOJ reaches plea deal with Dem donor who sought to bribe her way to Kennedy Center seat

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DOJ reaches plea deal with Dem donor who sought to bribe her way to Kennedy Center seat

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A Los Angeles County woman, who served on a presidential advisory committee under the Biden administration and has an extensive history of donating to Democrats, reached a plea agreement with the Department of Justice (DOJ) for making tens of thousands of dollars in illegal campaign contributions to reportedly secure a seat on the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees, the DOJ announced Wednesday.

Teena Maria Hostovich, 66, was charged Wednesday with making contributions in the name of another aggregating to more than $10,000 in a year, which is a felony, the DOJ reported. 

She revealed in her plea agreement that she carried out the scheme in part to secure a spot on the Kennedy Center’s Board of Trustees, the DOJ stated in the press release. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts serves as the national cultural center of the U.S. and is located in Washington, D.C.

Hostovich is an insurance broker who used the identities of 11 other people, including co-workers and family members of co-workers, to illegally contribute more than $75,000 to political candidates between 2020 and 2023, the DOJ stated in a press release. 

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DOGE SAYS IT’S REFERRED DOZENS OF POTENTIAL VOTER FRAUD CASES TO DOJ

Teena Hostovich at a Hollywood, California, event in 2015. (Getty Images)

“According to her plea agreement, from May 2020 through 2023, Hostovich knowingly and willfully made a total of $75,700 in contributions to federal candidates’ principal campaign committees and federal joint fundraising committees in the names of other people,” the DOJ said in a press release. “For the calendar years 2021 through 2023, Hostovich’s conduit contributions aggregated to more than $10,000 during each of those years.” 

Hostovich agreed in a court filing Wednesday to plead guilty to the federal criminal charge and pay a $43,500 fine. 

Her scheme included contacting co-workers, their family members and other people “who performed personal services for Hostovich and her family” to ask them to make a donation to a political campaign or fundraising committee, according to the press release. She would then use PayPal to reimburse the individual for the contribution or pay them up front before the contribution was made, the Justice Department explained. 

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“To execute these conduit contributions, Hostovich sometimes explicitly stated that she would advance the money for the contribution or pay the person back for that contribution,” the press release outlined. “Other times, the person had an implicit understanding that Hostovich would advance the money or reimburse them based on her history of advancements and reimbursements of political contributions. Hostovich generally advanced or reimbursed these individuals in amounts that exceeded the exact contribution amount but often the amounts were very close to the contribution amount.” 

The Department of Justice announced a plea deal with a California woman accused of carrying out a conduit political donation scheme. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

Fox News Digital reviewed a website promoting a book Hostovich wrote in 2024 on climbing America’s corporate ladder, which also touted Hostovich as a member of the Clinton Global Initiative, and that former President Joe Biden appointed her to serve on the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts. 

“She is a member of the Clinton Global Initiative and the White House Historical Association. President Biden recently appointed her to the President’s Advisory Committee for the Arts, and she is the Co-Chair of the Advisory Council to the Kennedy Center’s President and Chairman,” the bio states, which is accompanied by photos of Hostovich with high-profile Democrats such as Hillary Clinton, former President Bill Clinton and Biden.  

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Fox News Digital reached out to the Clinton Foundation for comment but did not immediately receive a reply. 

An archived official White House press release from 2023 under the Biden administration detailed Hostovich’s position on the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts, including touting her “corporate governance responsibility, political activism, and philanthropic work.”

“She has combined her lifelong passion for the arts, history, and education with her corporate governance responsibility, political activism, and philanthropic work,” the bio states. “In addition to serving on the Board of the Los Angeles Philharmonic for over a decade, she has been one of the Chairs (along with her husband and son) of Hollywood Bowl Opening Night many times (including 2023) honoring significant artists and showcasing the LA music community while raising money for Music Matters benefitting music/arts programs in public schools.” 

It is unclear how donations made in other people’s names would bolster her reported efforts to secure a spot on the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees. The president appoints general trustees to the board, while other members are appointed by Congress. 

CALIFORNIA WOMAN AND MAN CHARGED WITH ALLEGEDLY STEALING OVER $2 MILLION IN ILLEGAL COVID RELIEF FUNDS

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A representative for Hostovich told Fox News Digital in an emailed statement Tuesday morning that “Teena Hostovich has agreed to plead guilty to one count of making contributions in the name of another, involving five donations of $2,900 each in 2021. In doing so, she is accepting responsibility for her conduct early and swiftly.”

The statement continued that Hostovich’s “mistakes are out of character,” arguing that her “career, accomplishments, and numerous charitable deeds reflect a lifetime of hard work and generosity.”

“Her generosity and commitment to her community led to her involvement in donating and fundraising for causes and candidates that she believed would champion fairness, equality, and improve society,” the spokesperson continued. “She deeply regrets that her ardent support of some candidates led to lapses in judgment in a fraction of the donations she helped to raise and make. She is even more remorseful for the shadow that this investigation may cast on the candidates to whom the donations were made, as they had no knowledge of any wrongdoing.” 

“Throughout this process, Ms. Hostovich has cooperated fully and worked transparently with law enforcement authorities. She is committed to making the appropriate amends.”

A spokesperson said that Teena Hostovich’s “mistakes are out of character,” arguing that her “career, accomplishments, and numerous charitable deeds reflect a lifetime of hard work and generosity.” (iStock)

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The DOJ did not identify in its press release which political party Hostovich favored, though Federal Election Commission (FEC) records reviewed by Fox News show Hostovich made hundreds of donations across the years to Democrat politicians, the Democratic Party and left-wing political action committees. 

Hostovich has nearly 1,000 entries on the FEC’s database regarding donations she made under her own name stretching back to 2008 through the 2024 election cycle. 

The FEC data shows she donated to campaigns and groups such as the Obama Victory Fund, Democratic Party of Virginia, Pasadena, California, area United Democratic Headquarters and Chris Coons for Delaware during the 2008–2012 period.

More recent data from the 2024 election cycle shows she donated to groups such as the North Carolina Democratic Party – Federal, the Wyoming Democratic State Central Committee, the Pennsylvania Democratic Party and the Democratic State Committee (Delaware). Searching for donations made to groups or campaigns containing the name “Republican” or “GOP” yielded zero results, Fox News Digital found. 

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The FBI carried out an investigation into Hostovich before she was charged and reached a plea agreement, the DOJ said. The DOJ told Fox Digital on Tuesday that Hostovich is scheduled to appear in court on June 13 in Los Angeles. 

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San Francisco, CA

After attempts to report vandalism, San Francisco homeowner gets graffiti notice from city

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After attempts to report vandalism, San Francisco homeowner gets graffiti notice from city


SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — A San Francisco man says months of reporting graffiti and vandalism in his Mission District neighborhood yielded little response from the city – until he received a notice blaming him for a small graffiti tag on a fire hydrant connected to his home.

Michael, who asked that his last name not be used, told ABC7 Eyewitness News that he has spent the past year alerting the city to vandalism near his home. He said he has called 311, contacted San Francisco police, emailed city leaders and even tweeted Mayor Daniel Lurie, but mostly received automated or generic replies.

“Obviously, we would have taken care of it had we noticed. But it’s like this tiny little thing,” Michael said, referring to the graffiti notice issued by the city.

The notice came from the San Francisco Department of Public Works, citing graffiti on a fire hydrant connected to his property. Michael said receiving it felt insulting after repeated attempts to get help addressing larger issues in the neighborhood.

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“We feel like had those guys responded a little bit faster or like actually taking our emails seriously. Then this wouldn’t be there,” he said.

MORE: Oakland Chinatown businesses say they’re getting fined thousands for graffiti on their own property

Michael said what upset him most was what he saw as unequal accountability.

“I was particularly upset about is that they’re pointing out our problems without resolving theirs first. Like, don’t be hypocritical. Yeah,” he said.

In response to ABC7’s inquiry, the Department of Public Works provided the following statement in part:

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“In this case, Public Works received a complaint about graffiti on the property and by law we were compelled to respond. We issued the property owner a corrective notice – not a citation – for a small graffiti tag, with 30 days to remove it.”

Michael acknowledged that he is aware of the city’s graffiti abatement program but said he believes the root issue goes beyond cleanup.

MORE: Community rallies to restore new 50-foot-long mural vandalized after SF’s Great Highway closure

“Realistically, like they have to deal with the drug crisis. That’s the core issue. Like it’s there’s nothing that’s more important in my opinion,” he said.

Walking through nearby blocks, Michael pointed out remnants of encampments and alleged drug dealing sites. He said the issue is personal, adding that his own family has struggled with substance abuse.

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“If you deal with the people who are actively dealing and selling drugs on our street, then everything will go away,” he said.

As he noted a boarded-up property across the street that he said has attracted squatters, a neighbor agreed the situation has become unmanageable.

Michael said he supports Mayor Lurie and the administration’s approach overall but worries some neighborhoods are being overlooked.

“We are all paying property taxes. We are all contributing to the city. We all deserve the same level of respect and like I think cleanliness and just like the same level of service from the city and it just seems like they’re just, I don’t know, like relegating the problem into a one area,” he said.

Full statement from Department of Public Works:

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“We hear this resident’s frustration, and we want to be clear: Our first path is to work with property owners, not against them.
In this case, Public Works received a complaint about graffiti on the property and by law we were compelled to respond.
We issued the property owner a corrective notice – not a citation – for a small graffiti tag, with 30 days to remove it. That’s intentional. We build in that window specifically to give property owners time and flexibility to address the violation. We also provide them contact information should they have any questions.
Property owners who are repeatedly targeted with graffiti vandalism can cite that as a hardship and we will take it into account. In this case, Public Works has not received an email or call from this property owner.
We also want to note that this complaint was submitted through Solve SF, a new AI-powered platform that allows the public to report issues of concern. Launched in January, the third-party platform provides people with another option in addition to the City’s 311 customer service operation to flag concerns. We encourage residents to report graffiti tags to keep our city clean and free of blight. It is important to remove tags quickly to deter more tags.
By City code, graffiti removal on private property is the responsibility of the property owner but there is an exception. San Francisco Public Works operates a Graffiti Abatement Opt-In Pilot Program that allows eligible property owners in commercial corridors to have graffiti removed from their property at no cost to them. Unfortunately, this particular property is not eligible for the opt- in program because it does not fall into the eligibility map.
For property owners experiencing repeated tagging, we recommend a few practical steps in addition to opting into our program: installing motion-activated lighting and security cameras, which can deter vandalism and support enforcement efforts.
Property owners on commercial corridors can learn more and submit an interest form on our website https://sfpublicworks.org/services/graffiti-opt-in
We want to resolve this quickly and we’re committed to working with this resident to do so.”

Copyright © 2026 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.



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Denver, CO

Avalanche vs. Wild NHL playoff schedule

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Avalanche vs. Wild NHL playoff schedule


The Colorado Avalanche will face the Minnesota Wild in the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Here’s the schedule and how to watch each game as the Avs continue their 2026 playoff run starting Sunday at Ball Arena.

Avs vs. Wild playoff schedule

Game 1: 7 p.m. Sunday, May 3, Minnesota at Colorado, TNT, truTV, HBO MAX
Game 2: TBD, Minnesota at Colorado
Game 3: TBD, Colorado at Minnesota
Game 4: TBD, Colorado at Minnesota
Game 5*: TBD, Minnesota at Colorado
Game 6*: TBD, Colorado at Minnesota
Game 7*: TBD, Minnesota at Colorado

*If necessary

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Seattle, WA

Sporting Kansas City vs Seattle Sounders FC: TV channel, live stream, and kick-off time | Goal.com US

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Sporting Kansas City vs Seattle Sounders FC: TV channel, live stream, and kick-off time | Goal.com US


Today’s game between Sporting Kansas City and Seattle Sounders FC will kick-off at May 2, 2026, 2:30 PM.

The TV channel and live stream options for Sporting Kansas City vs Seattle Sounders FC are listed below. This MLS fixture is available exclusively on Apple TV, which holds the rights to every regular-season match, playoff game, and Leagues Cup fixture in 2026. If you already subscribe to Apple TV, you have full access at no extra cost – no separate pass required. You can stream on any device running the Apple TV app, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and mobile devices.

Sporting Kansas City host Seattle Sounders FC at Sporting Park in Kansas City in a Major League Soccer Western Conference fixture that could not arrive at a more contrasting moment for the two clubs.

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Sporting are in the grip of a serious slump. Five consecutive defeats across all competitions have left them anchored near the foot of the Western Conference, and the numbers make for grim reading. They have conceded ten goals in their last three MLS matches alone, with a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Chicago Fire FC last weekend the latest low point.

Seattle, meanwhile, arrive in Kansas City with momentum behind them. Three wins from their last four outings across all competitions point to a side that has found its rhythm, and their 2-1 victory over FC Dallas last weekend kept them firmly in the hunt for a top-four seed in the West.

The Sounders have also been managing CONCACAF Champions Cup commitments alongside their MLS schedule, which adds context to any minor inconsistencies in form. Brian Schmetzer’s side have handled the fixture congestion well enough, and they head to Kansas City as the form team by some distance.

For Sporting, this is a match that demands a response. The club has not won in MLS since late March, and the gap between them and the playoff positions is growing with each passing week. Home advantage at Sporting Park offers some comfort, but the crowd will need a performance to match the urgency of their situation.

Read on for everything you need to know about how to watch Sporting Kansas City vs Seattle Sounders FC live, including TV channel details, live stream options, and kick-off time.

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How to watch Sporting Kansas City vs Seattle Sounders FC with VPN

If you are travelling abroad or just want to access your usual streaming services from a different part of the world, you may run into geo-restrictions. This is where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) comes in handy.

A VPN, such as ExpressVPN, allows you to establish a secure, encrypted connection online. By virtually changing your location to a country where the game is being broadcast, you can bypass blackout restrictions and watch your favourite team live. A step-by-step guide is described later in this article, or you can also check out our guide to the best VPNs for streaming sports.

Team news & squads

No confirmed injury or suspension information is currently available for Sporting Kansas City ahead of this fixture, and no projected XI has been released. Updates will be added closer to kick-off as the club provides official confirmation.

Seattle Sounders FC have also not released team news at this stage, with no injuries, suspensions, or probable lineup listed. Check back for the latest squad information before the match.

Injuries and Suspended players

Form

Goal Scored (Conceded)
2/17
Games over 2.5 goals
5/5
Both teams scored
2/5
Goal Scored (Conceded)
10/5
Games over 2.5 goals
3/5
Both teams scored
3/5

Sporting Kansas City have lost all five of their last matches across all competitions, recording a W0-D0-L5 run. Their most recent defeat was a 5-0 loss to Chicago Fire FC in MLS on April 26, which followed a 3-0 reverse against Vancouver Whitecaps the previous week. They also lost 3-0 to Colorado Springs Switchbacks in the US Open Cup and fell 1-3 to San Jose Earthquakes in the league. Kansas City conceded 15 goals across these five fixtures and scored just four, with no clean sheets in the sequence.

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Seattle Sounders FC have won three of their last five matches across all competitions. Their most recent result was a 2-1 win over FC Dallas in MLS on April 26. Before that, they beat St. Louis City 4-1 in the league and defeated Tigres 3-1 in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, though they had lost the first leg of that tie 2-0. Across the five games, Seattle scored ten goals and conceded five.

Head-to-Head Record

Games over 2.5 goals
4/5
Both teams scored
4/5

The most recent meeting between these sides came on August 25, 2025, when Seattle Sounders FC beat Sporting Kansas City 5-2 in an MLS fixture played at Lumen Field. Across the last five head-to-head matches, Seattle have won three and Sporting have won one, with one further result going in Sporting’s favour on home soil — a 2-1 win in Kansas City in July 2025. The Sounders have generally held the upper hand in this fixture, with the aggregate scoreline across the five games reflecting their dominance.

Standings

In the MLS Western Conference, Seattle Sounders FC currently sit fourth, while Sporting Kansas City are positioned 15th.

Step-by-step VPN guide to watch Sporting Kansas City vs Seattle Sounders FC today

NordVPN

  1. Download & Install: Sign up to ExpressVPN or another reputable VPN service (check out GOAL’s guide here) and download the app on your device.
  2. Connect to a Server: Open the app and select a server location where the match is being shown (e.g. if you are in the UK but want to watch a US stream, connect to a US server).
  3. Clear Cache: Sometimes your browser holds onto your old location. Clear your cookies or refresh your browser to ensure the change takes effect.
  4. Start Streaming: Go to your broadcaster’s website and app and enjoy the game.

How to watch on the Big Screen

Watching on your phone or laptop is fine, but live sports belongs on the big screen. Here is how to get the VPN working on your TV:

  • Smart TVs & Fire Stick: Most Android-based TVs and devices like the Amazon Fire TV Stick or Google Chromecast with Google TV have native VPN apps. Simply search for your VPN provider in the app store on your TV, log in, and connect just like you would on your phone.
  • Apple TV, Roku & Consoles: These devices often don’t support direct VPN apps. The easiest workaround is to use Smart DNS (usually found in your VPN account settings) or Mirror/Cast the stream from your VPN-connected phone or laptop to your TV.



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