Latest news with #CBSNewsChicago
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
This Illinois man was attacked online after scammers shopped at his store with SNAP funds stolen from Texas
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is the country's biggest food-benefit program, according to the USDA. In 2023, an average of 42.1 million people received monthly SNAP benefits. The USDA says that over 250,000 retailers across the U.S. accept SNAP benefits. However, one Illinois retailer recently got into trouble for that. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) According to a CBS News Chicago report, Alsham Supermarket and Bakery in Lombard, Illinois, was on the receiving end of bad online reviews after SNAP recipients in other states had their benefits fraudulently used there. But Ardavan Nazari, who owns the store, insists he did nothing wrong. "People, they point their fingers. They're upset and they're mad because somebody stole their information. But the one who stole the information is not us," Nazari told CBS News Chicago. Unfortunately, it's not difficult for criminals to steal people's SNAP benefits. The process is similar to stealing a credit card or debit card number. Criminals can use skimming devices and hidden cameras to capture SNAP EBT data. EBT is the electronic system that lets SNAP users pay for purchases using their benefits. Think of it as a SNAP-specific debit card. Once criminals have that data, they can replicate actual SNAP EBT cards and use whatever funds are on them to buy things for themselves. That's what happened at Nazari's Chicago-area store. When the situation became clear, customers started writing negative reviews online about Alsham Supermarket and Bakery stealing their money. Nazari was upset when he saw the accusations. "I have been here five years, working very hard on this store," he told CBS News. "We're working hard here to get good reviews, good staff, good inventory." Nazari tried contacting some of the people who wrote negative reviews about his business. "I start asking them over the phone questions like, 'Somebody stole your card? Or you give your card to someone?'" he told CBS News. "And they said, 'No, we have the card in the hand.'" Two of the people whose SNAP benefits were used at Nazari's store live in Houston. In late February, Kimberley Edwards tried to use her SNAP benefits at a local store and was told by the cashier that she only had $13 left. "It was just devastating," she told CBS News. "My main concern was, how was I going to supply food for my son?" Read more: This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method' to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs When Edwards checked to see where her balance had gone, she saw a $432 transaction for Alsham Supermarket and Bakery. "I've never been to Illinois," she said. Something similar happened to another Texas resident, Lakeda Cunningham, in April. "I went to Dollar General to purchase drinks, and when I swiped the card and put the code in, the cashier told me that it was insufficient funds," Cunningham told CBS News. "I was like, 'That's not possible because my money just posted on April 18th, six days ago." It turned out someone had used Cunningham's SNAP benefits to charge $162.11 at Alsham Supermarket and Bakery that same day. "I've never been to Illinois," Cunningham said. "Period." The USDA says that in the fourth quarter of 2024, approximately 446,000 fraudulent SNAP transactions were reported, affecting almost 144,000 households. In Illinois, SNAP fraud has been a huge issue. From October 2022 to December 2024, almost $21 million in SNAP benefits were stolen, CBS News reported, citing data from the Illinois Department of Human Services. That amounted to almost 124,000 fraudulent transactions and impacted over 38,000 households. The state urges anyone experiencing SNAP fraud to report it here. But while SNAP fraud clearly has the potential to hurt the program's beneficiaries, it can also hurt innocent retailers, including small businesses like Alsham Supermarket and Bakery. Part of the reason Nazari's store was targeted was that he carries an array of expensive and unique items — something that could attract customers and criminals equally. Jim Morley, assistant special agent-in-charge with the U.S. Secret Service in Chicago, told CBS News that stores like Nazari's tend to be popular with scammers because their inventory isn't just pricey but also hard to find elsewhere. "Oftentimes, we see a particular store getting targeted because they're selling merchandise that the criminal is able to resell," Morley explained. Nazari, meanwhile, is taking steps to prevent future SNAP fraud at his business now that he's aware of the issue. He filed a report with the Lombard police as a starting point. He also gave them video and receipt copies related to the fraud Cunningham experienced in the hopes of helping law enforcement catch the scammer. He also installed 12 security cameras. The USDA has tips for retailers to help prevent SNAP fraud. It says to inspect point-of-sale machines and PIN pads regularly for tampering or skimming devices. It also suggests using cameras to monitor checkout areas and never allowing unscheduled service visits for point-of-sale equipment. The USDA also urges retailers to train employees to spot suspicious behavior. Charging a large amount of luxury items on a SNAP EBT card could be one red flag. Finally, any retailer that thinks it has been targeted by SNAP scammers should contact local law enforcement and its point-of-sale equipment provider. It should also call the USDA Office of Inspector General Hotline at 1-800-424-9121. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
CBS News
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Group using traditional Vietnamese art to help heal lingering wounds 50 years after Vietnam War
The Vietnam War ended 50 years ago, but its effects continue to be felt by people in the United States, and one organization is trying to heal through art. Erin Phuong Steinhauer and her husband, Peter Steinhauer, are the founders of Vietnam Society, a Washington, D.C.- based organization using art and culture in part to counter the lingering effects of the Vietnam War. "We want Vietnam to be seen as a culture that is almost 4,000 years old, and not just a war," Erin said. CBS News Chicago met them recently at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the Chicago Riverwalk. Erin fled Vietnam as a child. "The Vietnamese American community have achieved tremendously in this country," she said. "However, they're still suffering from the trauma of the war. They feel that their history have been erased or forgotten." Peter's father was a doctor in Vietnam during the war. "Vietnam has been in my life my entire life," he said. As a photographer, Peter knows the healing power of art, like a show featuring traditional Vietnamese dress at the Smithsonian Museum of Asian Art, or a Vietnamese wedding at the Kennedy Center. "Art helps people get past their pain and their trauma through seeing something beautiful, and focusing on things that are beautiful, rather than destruction, war, and pain," he said. "We focus on music. We focus on art. We focus on performing arts. We focus on literature." Erin and Peter said their art is also designed to help American soldiers who fought in Vietnam, many who are still struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder. "It is really within ourselves to keep building bridges, to keep connecting with each other through art and culture. It makes us stronger as a community, as a nation, as a melting pot that we are in this country," Erin said. Vietnam Society is headquartered in Washington, D.C., but they often hold events around the country. Peter spoke at a special event last week at Haymarket House in Chicago to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
Daily Mirror
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Video emerges showing new Pope Leo XIV dancing and singing karaoke at party
Social media users have been charmed by a video shared online of Pope Leo XIV from more than a decade ago of him singing songs in Peru, where he has dual nationality A charming video has been shared of the new pope singing with friends at a Christmas party during his time as an archbishop in Peru. The 267th pontiff to sit on the hallowed throne of St Peter, Pope Leo XIV, follows in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pope Francis, remembered for his more tolerant, liberal approach to Catholicism. In the early days of his papacy people are still getting to know Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost. Earlier it was revealed the new pontiff is a Chicago Cubs baseball fan and a maths whizz and now a previous acquaintance has shared a sweet video of Pope Leo from a chance meeting more than a decade ago. Never expecting the priest they were introduced to would one day ascend to the head of the Roman Catholic church, they joined him in a singalong. The charming footage has since been shared widely across social media, as the future pontiff sang the Spanish Christmas classic Feliz Navidad with a live band. Alongside the footage, the user wrote on X: 'At our 2014 Christmas gathering, we were introduced to Monsignor Roberto. We were charmed by his simplicity. "We never imagined we were meeting the man who would become the new Pope. The boys from Josif Chiclayo will always remember him. God bless you.' One impressed user wrote in reply: 'How beautiful, my friend! I love you love him so much, and I was so moved to see him. Congratulations, you deserve it! A Pope with Peruvian citizenship is great!' Another added: 'I hope you can soon take group trips to visit the Holy Father Leo XIV. He will be very happy to see you again.' In an interview with CBS News Chicago, Pope Leo's elder brother, John Prevost, reminisced about their shared childhood and how the future pontiff's theological ambitions became apparent from a very early age. Retired Catholic school principal John recalled: "You know how some kids like to play war, and be soldiers, and some girls want to play dolls, and be housewives. He wanted to play priest, and so he took our mom's ironing board, and put a tablecloth over it, and we had to go to mass. "We went to mass, and he knew everything. "He knew the prayers in Latin, he knew his prayers in English, and he did that all the time. He took it totally serious. It was not a joke, it was not a game. He was dead serious about it.' An academic student, Leo was on the honour roll at St. Augustine Seminary High School, where he was even presented with a Letter of Commendation for his outstanding results. After completing his studies in 1973, Leo went on to attend Villanova University, a private Catholic research university in Villanova, Pennsylvania. It was here where, in 1977, the multi-talented young pope-to-be graduated with a degree in mathematics. He spent most of his career as a missionary in Peru, becoming a cardinal only two years ago in 2023. He was twice elected prior general, or top leader, of the Augustinian religious order - founded in the 13th Century by St Augustine. The order operates in 50 countries and focuses on a life of community and equality among its members. In 2014, Francis moved him from the Augustinian leadership back to Peru in 2014, where he served as an administrator and later, archbishop of Chiclayo.
Daily Mirror
09-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
5 facts you didn't know about new Pope - dividing sports fan to unusual talent
As newly elected Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, the Mirror takes a look back at the first US-born pope's all-American upbringing, and intriguing life filled with adventure and learning The 2025 papal conclave has concluded, and a brand new pope has been elected sovereign of the Vatican City State. And, in many ways, he's lived a very different sort of life from those who've come before. Born Robert Francis Prevost, the newly selected head of the Roman Catholic Church will now forever go down in history as Pope Leo XIV, and the very first American pope. Naturally, people are now curious about the Chicago-born 69-year-old, whose own legacy has yet to be written. The 267th pontiff to sit on the hallowed throne of St Peter, Pope Leo follows in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pope Francis, remembered for his more tolerant, liberal approach to Catholicism. Paying affectionate tribute to "courageous" Francis from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica, Pope Leo told assembled worshippers: "We still hear in our ears the weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed us. United and hand in hand with God, let us advance together." As Pope Leo moves forward to shape his own papacy, the Mirror takes a look at five surprising facts about the Chicagoan pontiff's all-American upbringing. Playing priest In an interview with CBS News Chicago, Pope Leo's elder brother, John Prevost, reminisced about their shared childhood and how the future pontiff's theological ambitions became apparent from a very early age. Retired Catholic school principal John recalled: "You know how some kids like to play war, and be soldiers, and some girls want to play dolls, and be housewives? He wanted to play priest, and so he took our mom's ironing board, and put a tablecloth over it, and we had to go to mass. "We went to mass, and he knew everything. He knew the prayers in Latin, he knew his prayers in English, and he did that all the time. He took it totally serious. It was not a joke, it was not a game. He was dead serious about it. Isn't that interesting?" Alongside their other brother, Louis, John and Leo both served as altar boys at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, but it was clear even then which of the brothers would pursue their faith all the way to the top. John remembered how, when Leo was still in kindergarten or first grade, one of the mothers from their neighbourhood predicted that the little boy would become the very first pope born in the US. Looking ahead to the future, and proud big brother John has every faith that Leo will be an excellent pope, describing him as "a second Pope Francis". John reflected: "I think the very fact that in his heart and in his very soul, he wanted to be a missionary. He didn't want the bishop, he didn't want the cardinal, but that's what he's asked to do. "I think you'll see a second Pope Francis. I think. And then he'll take some things on himself. He's young to be a pope, I think, and he's active. So he will be here and there, and moving around, and I think he will also speak his mind." Baseball fan Born and raised in the Chicago suburb of Dolton, it was inevitable that debate would turn to which of the Illinois city's iconic baseball teams Pope Leo cheers for - the White Sox or the Cubs. Taking to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, The Cubs initially claimed Leo as one of their own, declaring, "Hey, Chicago, He's a Cubs fan!" However, brother John has since set the record straight, confirming that Pope Leo is a lifelong White Sox fan. Revealing that they would regularly attend games together as youngsters, as a reward for their altar service duties, John shared: "They had it wrong. He's Sox, and then the radio announced Cubs, and that's not true." Maths whizz An academic student, clever Leo was on the honour roll at St. Augustine Seminary High School, where he was even presented with a Letter of Commendation for his outstanding results. After completing his studies in 1973, Leo went on to attend Villanova University, a private Catholic research university in Villanova, Pennsylvania. It was here where, in 1977, the multi-talented young pope-to-be graduated with a degree in mathematics. He also studied Philosophy, as per Vatican News. Excitement was naturally high at Villanova University, where church bells sounded across campus to mark Pope Leo's appointment, as per WHYY. In a statement, Villanova University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue said: "As an Augustinian Catholic institution, we celebrate this significant day for our University community and the global Church. Villanova, built on the teachings of St. Augustine, has always been grounded in advancing a deeper understanding of the fundamental relationship between faith and reason, between spirituality and wisdom. 'With today's election of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, I cannot help but reflect on what his Augustinian papacy will mean to our University community and our world. Known for his humility, gentle spirit, prudence and warmth, Pope Leo XIV's leadership offers an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to our educational mission.' After graduating from Villanova, Pope Leo proceeded to earn his Master of Divinity from Chicago's Catholic Theological Union in 1982, the same year of his ordination. In 1984, he received a licentiate degree in canon law from Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, followed by a doctorate in 1987. Dual citizenship Although he is being hailed as the first American pope, Pope Leo spent a large portion of his career in Peru, first moving to the South American country in 1985 after joining a mission. For many years, Leo served as a parish pastor and also taught at a seminary in the coastal city of Trujillo, northwestern Peru. In 2014, Leo, who is a dual citizen of the US and Peru, was named Bishop of Chiclayo, a city to the north of Peru. Photos from Leo's time in Peru show him out horse riding, while it's understood he enjoyed the local cuisine. At a press conference, Chiclayo's current bishop, Edison Farfa,n divulged: "He loved goat, duck with rice and ceviche, those were his favorite dishes." Leo made his enduring love of Peru clear in his balcony address,stating: 'Greetings... to all of you, and in particular, to my beloved diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, where a faithful people have accompanied their bishop, shared their faith,." Meanwhile, bells have rung out in the Peruvian capital of Lima, where many view Leo as one of their own. Multi-lingual talents Pope Leo was born to father Louis Prevost, a World War II veteran and school superintendent of French and Italian descent, and Mildred Martinez, a librarian of Spanish descent. The pontiff's diverse lineage is reflected in his formidable linguistic abilities, and, according to The Washington Post, he is fluent in five languages—English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and French. He can also read Latin and German. These skills have, of course, proved important in his work as a missionary, and, in his St Peter's Square address, the new pope was able to address crowds in both Italian and Spanish as he spoke of the importance of building bridges.
CBS News
08-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Women treated to Mother's Day makeovers from Dress for Success
Two women from the Chicago area are being treated to Mother's Day makeovers on CBS News Chicago this morning! The women, who were selected by Dress for Success, will have their hair done by Larry's Barber College and Restore 3:16, makeup from The Kiki J. Experience, and clothing from Meredith Jaye. They're also being treated to brunch by The Protein Bar. Dress for Success helps unemployed and underemployed women access programs, developmental tools and professional clothing to find and progress in their jobs and lives. Larry, the founder of the barber college, joined the Mother's Day makeover and explained how he made history in Illinois. He was the first and only accredited barber school to be in the Cook County Jail. "I wanted to give an opportunity for young men and women in there to kind of do something different with their lives," Larry said. He ensures that formerly incarcerated people find jobs when they are released.
