Connect with us

West

Trump admin uncovers ‘staggering’ $8.6 billion in suspected California small business fraud

Published

on

Trump admin uncovers ‘staggering’ .6 billion in suspected California small business fraud

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The federal Small Business Administration suspended more than 111,000 California borrowers after uncovering $8.6 billion in suspected fraudulent activity linked to the COVID pandemic, SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler announced Friday. 

“We have suspended nearly 112,000 borrowers tied to at least $9 billion in suspected fraud,” Loeffler said in a press release on Friday. “This staggering number represents the most significant crack-down on those who defrauded pandemic programs, and it illuminates the scale of corruption that the Biden Administration tolerated for years.”

The SBA reported that all in, it suspended 111,620 California borrowers who received 118,489 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) loans, totaling $8.6 billion. 

THE BORDER GETS THE ATTENTION WHILE FRAUDULENT GOVERNMENT BENEFITS BLEED TAXPAYERS DRY

Advertisement

The Small Business Administration announced the suspension of nearly 7,000 Minnesota borrowers after identifying hundreds of millions of dollars in suspected pandemic loan fraud. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

PPP loans were a COVID-era federal relief program that gave small businesses money to keep workers on the payroll, while EIDL loans are part of an SBA program that provides low-interest disaster relief loans to help businesses survive during times of diaster, including the pandemic. 

“Once again, the Trump SBA is taking decisive action to deliver accountability in a state whose unaccountable welfare policies have created a culture of fraud and abuse at the expense of law-abiding taxpayers and small business owners,” Loffler continued. 

CHILDCARE EXPERT EXPOSES KEY ROADBLOCK TO UNCOVERING POTENTIAL FRAUD SCHEMES IN MINNESOTA: ‘REALLY DIFFICULT’

The announcement follows California Attorney General Rob Bonta saying on Thursday that the Trump administration was promoting “baseless claims” of persistent fraud in the state. 

Advertisement

California Attorney General Rob Bonta dismissed Trump administration claims of widespread fraud.  (Reuters/Fred Greaves/File Photo)

“Trump claims California is wasting money when, in reality, our programs are helping lower-income individuals and lower-income families get healthcare, food and housing assistance,” Bonta said on Thursday. 

“Trump claims, wrongly, California is perpetuating fraud when we are the victim,” he added. 

Bonta’s office noted that California has recovered nearly $2.7 billion in various fraud schemes across the last 10 years, “including by partnering with the federal government.” 

EXCLUSIVE: SENATE BILL TARGETS MINNESOTA-STYLE ‘RUNAWAY FRAUD’ TO FORCE SCAMMERS REPAY TAXPAYERS

Advertisement

Fox News Digital reached out to Bonta’s office on Friday for additional comment. 

Newsom’s office directed Fox News Digital to the Governor Newsom Press Office X account, which mocked the SBA announcement. 

“OMG. The Trump Administration found MAJOR FRAUD in programs THEY control, Newsom’s Press Office’s X account posted, linking to a New York Post exclusive on the announcement. 

“The state has no role running / administering these programs.Were they hiding this??? California doesn’t hide fraud … we fight it. Nearly 1,000 arrests + over $125 billion STOPPED under @CAGovernor Gavin Newsom.”

Quality Learning Center in Minnesota was found at the center of an alleged childcare fraud scandal in the state. (Madelin Fuerste / Fox News Channel)

Advertisement

Loeffler continued that the alleged California fraud comes after the SBA suspended 6,900 borrowers in Minnesota associated with 7,900 potentially fraudulent PPP and EIDL loans, which totaled roughly $400 million. 

“As we did in Minnesota, we are actively working with federal law enforcement to identify the criminals who defrauded American taxpayers, hold them to account, and recoup the stolen funds. As we continue our state-by-state work, our message is clear: pandemic-era fraudsters will not get a pass under this Administration,” Loeffler said, comparing California to its investigations in Minnesota. 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Minnesota became ground zero for welfare and social services fraud surrounding the pandemic late in 2025, when investigators uncovered sweeping fraud schemes that could top $9 billion. 

Read the full article from Here

Advertisement

San Francisco, CA

San Francisco Supervisor Jackie Fielder to return following mental health leave

Published

on

San Francisco Supervisor Jackie Fielder to return following mental health leave


San Francisco Supervisor Jackie Fielder will resume her duties next week after taking a three-month leave of absence due to mental health.

“I’m coming clear-eyed and grounded and eager to serve in this role again,” Fielder said in a video posted to social media Tuesday.

Fielder was first elected in 2024 to serve District 9, which includes the Mission District and Bernal Heights and Portola neighborhoods. In late March of this year, her staffers announced she was taking a leave of absence to address an “acute personal health crisis” after missing a few weeks of Board of Supervisors meetings.

“I left the work that I love so much, not because I wanted to, but because my mental health demanded it, and I say that with no shame,” she said.

Advertisement

In the video statement, Fielder mentioned that the pressure of serving as a supervisor took a toll on her mental health.

“I’ve often felt like the weight of this district and city is on my shoulders, and I, through this leave, have had the silver lining of understanding that it never has,” she said. “I was going 100 miles an hour since early 2023 when I started the campaign for supervisor, and being a grassroots candidate is a lot of elbow grease.”

Fielder’s staff continued some of the work in her district while she was gone. She thanked her colleagues and Mayor Daniel Lurie for their support and allowing her to be excused from meetings.

Fielder will return to work Monday and appear at the June 30 board meeting. She is also expected to host listening sessions in her district through July.

“I am an example that it is possible to come back and heal,” she said. “I could not be more honored to serve and more ready to serve.”

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Denver, CO

Nuggets 2026 NBA mock draft tracker 2.0: What national experts predict Denver will do

Published

on

Nuggets 2026 NBA mock draft tracker 2.0: What national experts predict Denver will do


The NBA Draft kicks off Tuesday night at the Barclays Center in New York.

The Nuggets, who own the 26th overall pick, are looking to improve a team that was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2021-22 season.

Here’s a look at who national draftniks are thinking will land in Denver.

The Athletic | Zach Harper | Updated June 23

Advertisement
Italy’s Alessandro Pajola defends against Spain’s Sergio De Larrea , right, during the Eurobasket, European Basketball Championship Group C match between Spain and Italy at Spyros Kyprianou Arena, in Limassol, Cyprus, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Chara Savvidou)

Sergio de Larrea, guard, 6-6, Valencia

“It’s hard to say whether the Nuggets will have the roster flexibility to use this pick or if they kick it down the road by trading it. This team needs offensive creation outside of what Nikola Jokić does. Jamal Murray is more of a scorer than a creator, and they’ve been missing that guard off the bench to run some offense through. With de Larrea in the mix, they’ll have good size at the guard position and someone who can orchestrate more.” See the full mock draft.

Sports Illustrated | Kevin Sweeney | Updated June 23

Isaiah Evans #3 of the Duke Blue Devils shoots the ball against Rubén Prey #17 of the St. John's Red Storm during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Isaiah Evans #3 of the Duke Blue Devils shoots the ball against Rubén Prey #17 of the St. John’s Red Storm during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Isaiah Evans, F, Duke

“Evans is a polarizing prospect after two years at Duke. At his best, he’s one of the most dynamic shooters in this draft, capable of getting his shot off with next-to-no separation and regularly going on streaks of multiple threes in short spurts. His overall impact on the game can be muted at times though, especially when threes aren’t falling. He’s a below-average athlete and mediocre defensively.” See the full mock draft.

Other picks:

  • Second round, 49th overall pick: Aaron Nkrumah, G, Tennessee State

The Sporting News | Stephen Noh | Updated June 23

Isaiah Evans, F, Duke

“Denver has built a great offense without relying much on 3-pointers. What if they could take an even bigger step on that end of the floor?

“Evans could provide that extra oomph. He’s a good shooter who should be able to drill wide open looks while playing off Nikola Jokic. He has the size to defend capably. And he’s a decent athlete who can attack closeouts well.” See the full mock draft.

Advertisement

CBS Sports | Adam Finkelstein | Updated June 22

Ebuka Okorie #1 of the Stanford Cardinal reacts after he made a three-point basket against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Maples Pavilion on Jan. 14, 2026 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Ebuka Okorie #1 of the Stanford Cardinal reacts after he made a three-point basket against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Maples Pavilion on Jan. 14, 2026 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Ebuka Okorie, G, Stanford

“The Pistons, Grizzlies, and Wolves have done the most work on Okorie, but Denver has a real need for a paint touch point guard, especially as Nikola Jokic begins to age and they are forced to explore other ways of creating offense. Ejiofor has reportedly been to Denver as well. Veesaar would fit their system; Reed would be another potential backup five if he were available, and Isaiah Evans and Meleek Thomas could provide floor spacing.” See the full mock draft.

Yahoo Sports | Kevin O’Connor | Updated June 22

Ebuka Okorie, G, Stanford

“The Nuggets need some variety to their half-court offense aside from having Nikola Jokić initiate everything. Well, here’s a guy who could help. Okorie is the best driving guard in the class, a 6-1 jitterbug who manipulates defenders with a tight handle, sudden changes of speed, and an advanced feel for the game. He’s not an above-the-rim athlete, though, and not long ago he was a kid from New Hampshire who ranked outside the top 100 and committed to Harvard. Then Stanford found him, he flipped his commitment, and he proceeded to lead the ACC in scoring with eight 30-point games and a habit for hitting clutch shots. NBA teams will have to decide whether what carved up the ACC will survive against bigger, longer defenders.” See the full mock draft.

Other picks: 

  • Second round, 49th overall pick: Tobe Awaka, F, Arizona

CBS Sports | Gary Parrish | Updated June 23

Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats looks on against the Michigan Wolverines in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats looks on against the Michigan Wolverines in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Koa Peat, F, Arizona

“Peat impacts winning in a variety of ways and was among the reasons Arizona won the Big 12’s regular-season championship before advancing to the Final Four. Good size. Good body. Intriguing prospect. The issue is that he’s a 6-7 wing who doesn’t really shoot, evidence being that Peat only took 20 3-pointers in 36 games with the Wildcats. That’s not ideal for the modern-NBA and why Peat’s draft-range seems vast.” See the full mock draft.

SB Nation | Ricky O’Donnell | Updated June 23

Advertisement

Koa Peat, F, Arizona

No writeup available. See the full mock draft.

ESPN | Jeremy Woo | Updated June 23

Labaron Philon #0 of the Alabama Crimson Tide dribbles against Trey McKenney #1 of the Michigan Wolverines in the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Labaron Philon #0 of the Alabama Crimson Tide dribbles against Trey McKenney #1 of the Michigan Wolverines in the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Labaron Philon Jr., G, Alabama

“This would be quite a fall for Philon, who has interest in the late lottery from the Bucks if they opt for a guard at No. 13. But it seems likely that one of the point guards falls toward the back of the first round with the way the board has shaped up — particularly in this scenario, where the Pistons don’t take one.

“Philon’s range has seemed particularly wide of late, and teams have speculated that he could slip, with his recent workout for the Timberwolves (who have since traded out of the first round) raising some eyebrows.” See the full mock draft.

Other picks: 

  • Second round, 49th overall pick: Jaden Bradley, G, Arizona

Bleacher Report | Jonathan Wasserman | Updated June 22

Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball over Aday Mara #15 of the Michigan Wolverines during the first half of a game in the National Championship of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball over Aday Mara #15 of the Michigan Wolverines during the first half of a game in the National Championship of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Tarris Reed Jr., C, UConn

“Tarris Reed Jr. has been receiving strong reviews from workouts after putting together a rare statistical season, posting a 9.0 block percentage, 13.0 offensive rebounding percentage and 15.0 assist percentage.

“His combination of strength, paint touch, passing and rim protection should put him in first-round conversations for teams that want bigs.” See the full mock draft.

Advertisement

Other picks:

  • Second round, 49th overall pick: Dillon Mitchell, F, St. John’s

USA Today | Bryan Kalbrosky | Updated June 23

Meleek Thomas #1 of the Arkansas Razorbacks dribbles the ball against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Meleek Thomas #1 of the Arkansas Razorbacks dribbles the ball against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half in the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Meleek Thomas, G, Arkansas



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Seattle, WA

How to watch Bosnia vs. Qatar in next Seattle World Cup match

Published

on

How to watch Bosnia vs. Qatar in next Seattle World Cup match


play

Soccer fans waiting for affordable World Cup tickets might be in luck this week.

Two games in Seattle — Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar (12 p.m. PT), Egypt vs. Iran (8 p.m. PT) — are dipping well below the $1,000 minimum price for Seattle’s first two games.

Advertisement

After an opening tie between Egypt and Belgium and a dominant 2-0 USA win over Australia, the city welcomes four more teams this week to finish out group play at the 2026 World Cup in Seattle.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the final group stage matches.

How much are tickets for the Bosnia vs. Qatar game in Seattle?

Tickets for the next World Cup match in Seattle start at $380, and $276 via FIFA.

How can I watch the Bosnia vs. Qatar game?

  • Location: Seattle, WA
  • Date: June 24, 2026
  • Kickoff: 12 p.m. PT
  • TV: FS1
  • Streaming: FOX One, Peacock

When are the remaining World Cup games in Seattle?

  • Wednesday, June 24, 12 p.m. PT (Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar) – Shop tickets
  • Friday, June 26, 8 p.m. PT (Egypt vs. Iran)  – Shop tickets
  • Wednesday, July 1 (Round of 32 match) – Shop tickets
  • Monday, July 6 (Round of 16 match) – Shop tickets

Seattle ticket prices by game

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar (June 24, 12 p.m. PT): starting at $380, $276 via FIFA
  • Egypt vs. Iran (June 26, 8 p.m. PT): starting at $630, $529 via FIFA
  • Round of 32 match (July 1): starting at $1,119, $977.04 via FIFA
  • Round of 16 match (July 6): starting at $3,011, $3,393 via FIFA

Where can I buy FIFA World Cup tickets?

Zachary Fletcher is a trending news reporter with USA TODAY Network’s Washington state team. Keep up with him on X (@zdfletch), BlueSky (@zfletcher.bsky.social) or reach him at zfletcher@usatodayco.com.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending