Latest news with #andEconomicSecurity
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Bluefield woman pleads guilty to COVID-19 fraud scheme
BLUEFIELD, WV (WVNS) — A Bluefield woman pleaded guilty to a COVID-19 relief fraud scheme. According to a press release, 43-year-old April Elick, of Bluefield, pleaded guilty to the theft of government money on June 2, 2025. She obtained $84,000 in COVID-19 loans through the Small Business Association (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and used the funds for personal use. Elick is set to be sentenced on September 8, 2025, and faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, three years probation, and a $250,000 fine. She owes $97,802.59 in restitution, as well. Court documents and statements made in court stated that Elick received two Paycheck Protection Program loans (PPP) amounting to $14,520 in April 2021, after stating that the money was for her home healthcare business to cover payrolls and other expenses. She received an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) amounting to $61,000 through the CARES Act in January 2022, and also increased the COVID-19 business loan by $8,700 in April 2022, the release stated. As part of her plea, Elick confessed that she knew she could use the proceeds only for things outlined in CARES Act programs, the release noted. Elick also stated that she used funds for personal expenses, such as withdrawing $30,560, an estimated $16,350 in digital wallet transfers, and $8,290.11 in purchases made in West Virginia, North Carolina, and Virginia. The CARES Act allowed for forgivable PPP loans to be used for eligible for impacted businesses and sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals, the release stated. It also approved the SBA to provide EIDL loans of up to $2 million for eligible small businesses that were experiencing substantial financial struggles. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston released the announcement and applauded the work of the WorkForce West Virginia Integrity Section, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of Inspector General (NASA OIG), the Litigation Financial Analyst with the U.S. Attorney's Office, and the West Virginia State Police — Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Newsweek
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
DOJ Calls Transgender Man a 'Woman' Months After Trump Crackdown
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A transgender man convicted of fraudulently collecting COVID funds has been referred to by the Department of Justice (DOJ) as a "woman" in official correspondence. Newsweek reached out to the DOJ for comment. Why It Matters President Donald Trump has been aggressive in tackling transgender policies and issues, with one of his first executive orders recognizing two sexes only—male and female—and stating that they are "not changeable." Along with banning transgender women from competing in women's sports, he has also greenlit a ban on transgender military members that currently is allowed by the U.S. Supreme Court. The Department of Justice seal and logo seen on a lectern at a news conference at the Department of Justice on May 6, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The Department of Justice seal and logo seen on a lectern at a news conference at the Department of Justice on May 6, 2025, in Washington, To Know A press release issued by the U.S. Attorney's Office of the Eastern District of Louisiana refers to Brandon Jarrow, 33, of New Orleans, as a "woman" and mentions former name Brandi Jarrow. On May 8, Jarrow pleaded guilty in federal court to stealing funds and making false statements to receive over $115,000 in loans as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act program that provided relief to individuals and small businesses during the pandemic. The CARES Act was signed into law by Trump in March 2020 to order the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to dole out emergency assistance via the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program. Jarrow's case stems back to the infancy of the pandemic. Charging documents show that on or about June 20, 2020, Jarrow submitted a false application to the SBA for an EIDL, leading to a loan worth $95,000. On February 4, 2021, Jarrow again made false statements to an approved lender for "another sham business," as described by DOJ, to obtain a $20,833 PPP loan. Though Trump's national approval rating has recently wavered, due in large part to economic turbulence, his stance on the transgender issue remains for the American public one of his most well-received initiatives. An Associated Press-NORC poll of 1,175 adults conducted between May 1 and 5 found that 52 percent of Americans approve of Trump's handling of transgender issues—higher than his job approval rating, which the poll measured at 41 percent. What People Are Saying Alithia Zamantakis, a research assistant professor in the Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing at Northwestern University, told Newsweek that the DOJ correspondence is part of a broader theme within the current administration. "It's clear that the Trump administration continues to use anti-trans bigotry as a means to divide everyday people and to justify the administration's actions," Zamantakis said. "The administration has presented a caricature of trans people as fraudulent, a waste of government funds, and a harm to our society. Their reference to Brandon as a 'woman' only furthers that characterization." Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, reacting to a post about transgender treatments provided by the Pentagon, said on X, formerly Twitter, last month: "If this is true—we will find any way possible to stop it. Taxpayers should NEVER pay for this lunacy. As we stated—before a rogue judge blocked it—'service members with gender dysphoria are disqualified from military service.' Zero readiness reasons for trans troops." Maine's Democratic Governor Janet Mills said in a statement last month: "As I have said previously, this is not just about who can compete on the athletic field, this is about whether a president can force compliance with his will, without regard for the rule of law that governs our nation. I believe he cannot." J. Michael Bailey, a professor of psychology at Northwestern University, said in an opinion article for Newsweek: "Since his inauguration, President Donald Trump has signed a series of executive orders that respect biological reality in areas from medicine to sports to intimate spaces, and protect the right to speak about the harms of gender ideology. These orders, including the most recent one, issued February 5, honor honest scientific inquiry and reverse the trend of activists distorting the scientific picture." What Happens Next Jarrow's sentencing date is scheduled for August 13. Jarrow faces up to five years in prison for false statement counts and up to 10 years for the theft of government funds. All counts carry a penalty of up to $250,000 in fines, up to three years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, per the DOJ.
Chicago Tribune
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Stephanie R. Toliver: Don't stay silent. Libraries need support now.
I remember walking into my local library as a child, breathing in that distinct scent of books and possibility. The tall shelves, the peaceful atmosphere, the librarians who seemed to know exactly what book might capture my imagination. These experiences shaped my understanding of what it means to be part of a community that values knowledge. Now, these foundational institutions face a serious threat as President Donald Trump has issued an executive order targeting the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the federal agency that provides critical support to libraries nationwide. The IMLS, with its annual budget of approximately $300 million, represents a minuscule fraction of federal spending, yet its impact on communities nationwide is immeasurable. This institution has been the backbone supporting libraries and museums as they adapt to serve the evolving needs of Americans, particularly in underserved communities where access to information and educational resources can be transformative. This year, there are an estimated 124,903 libraries in the United States, including close to 100,000 school libraries and an estimated 17,278 public libraries. When the pandemic forced many Americans into isolation, libraries pivoted immediately. A 2024 study showed that the IMLS distributed funds to libraries through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. With this money, libraries could meet evolving community needs, including expanding digital services and ensuring communities maintained access to vital information. As many institutions transitioned online, libraries expanded digital services, added virtual programs and provided resources for those who lost jobs during the upheaval. Even without national crises, libraries remain steadfast in their commitment to community support. A Public Library Association survey found that the majority of public libraries offer election services, and almost all libraries have summer reading programs. More than 75% provide career services, and half have special designations for emergencies, 'serving as cooling/warming centers in extreme temperatures, distribution centers during public health emergencies, and/or centers for community members and first responders during disaster recovery.' To be sure, proponents of the executive order may argue that budget constraints necessitate difficult decisions about federal spending priorities. Some may contend that library services could be funded primarily at local levels or through private philanthropy. This perspective ignores the role that federal support plays in ensuring equitable access to information across all communities, regardless of their tax base or donor networks. The digital divide remains a significant barrier for millions of Americans, making physical libraries more essential than ever for those without reliable internet access or digital literacy skills. The executive order's directive to reduce the IMLS to 'the minimum presence and function required by law' isn't a budget cut. It's an assault on the democratic principle that information and cultural resources should be available to all Americans, regardless of geography, economic status or background. As a former high school English teacher and now a university English educator, I've always believed that libraries represent the best of American values: equal opportunity, community support and the belief that knowledge should be accessible to all. I've witnessed firsthand how they transform lives: the senior citizen learning digital skills to stay connected with grandchildren, the teenager spending hours in the library because they feel safe, the entrepreneur using library resources to launch a small business, the child discovering the joy of reading during story time. What makes libraries unique in American society is their unwavering commitment to serving everyone equally. They ask nothing of patrons except curiosity. They demand no payment beyond the promise to return what was borrowed. They exist purely to enrich, inform and connect communities. In return, they ask only for sufficient resources to continue this essential work. Libraries have always stood ready to help Americans navigate challenges, from economic downturns to technological revolutions to pandemics. They have evolved from simple book repositories to complex community anchors offering job training, digital literacy, civic engagement opportunities and safe spaces for vulnerable populations. Now is the time to reciprocate this unwavering support. Just as libraries have consistently stood up for the right of every American to access information and opportunity, we must now stand up for them. It is critical to contact elected representatives, so they receive the input from citizens on support for libraries and opposition to this executive order. It is necessary to share personal stories of how libraries have affected individuals and communities. It is critical to support local library funding initiatives through advocacy and votes and to visit local library libraries regularly. Support for national organizations such as the American Library Association is also needed as they advocate for library funding at the federal level. Each time I walk into my local library today, I'm reminded of that first library card and the world it opened for me. By taking action now, it is possible to ensure that future generations will have the same opportunities. By honoring an institution that has defended access to knowledge, opportunity and community for generations, the future is more secure. Libraries have always had our backs. It's time we had theirs. Stephanie R. Toliver is an assistant professor of curriculum and instruction at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a public voices fellow with The OpEd Project.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
I fell behind on my mortgage and my credit score tanked 175 points — how major drops can affect your financial future
Let's say you're about to lease a new apartment, apply for a loan, or take out a mortgage. These major steps require a credit score check to ensure you're a borrower who pays bills on time and has a healthy debt-to-income ratio. You check your credit score expecting to see a rating between 740 and 810, only to find you're down around 600. This can happen in a matter of months if you've had some financial difficulty, or missed payments on a student loan. For a lot of young Americans, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allowed them to suspend their federal student loan payments for a time — but when the term of the act was over, many became delinquent on their loans. 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) Americans with upside-down car loans owe more money than ever before — and drivers can't keep up. Here are 3 ways to cut your monthly costs ASAP With a series of missed payments on your record, your score can drop faster than you'd think. This can cause landlords to reject your rental application, or banks to turn you down for a loan. But the good news is, you can also improve it in a matter of months. Here are our top tips for getting your credit score back in the 700s. Lenders use credit scores to determine the risk level when loaning money or allowing an individual to open a line of credit or credit card account. This includes loans such as mortgages — but landlords can also request a credit report from potential tenants to help them decide whether the tenant is likely to miss rental payments. A low credit score can impact whether you're accepted for loans. It can also mean that the interest rates for any new loans or credit cards you apply for will be higher than average. Scores can range from 300 to 850, with a score of over 740 seen as the most desirable. You can request a credit report through your bank or an independent service. But this also comes with a catch — requesting a report too often can lower your score. Instead, check your credit once per year to avoid these penalties. You can still monitor your score with what's known as a 'soft pull' credit check, which won't affect your rating. The good news is that there are a number of online services and apps available that monitor your rating for free without impacting your score. Read more: Gold just hit a historic high of $3,000/ounce on Trump's tariff moves — while US stocks got slaughtered. Here's 1 simple way to prevent more pain within minutes Your credit score is calculated by assessing five factors: Your payment history, including any missed payments Outstanding balances on accounts like credit cards and lines of credit The types of accounts you have How long you have been a borrower How often you have applied for new accounts like credit cards To improve your score, it's important to understand that your credit utilization matters. This means the ratio of your total outstanding loan balances compared to your total credit limits. Lenders look at your utilization to assess risk, so it's important to keep this score under 30%. That might mean paying down any credit card balances as quickly as possible, or looking for other ways to balance your utilization. To improve your credit score quickly, you might consider using savings to pay off an outstanding card balance and improve your utilization. However, you should speak to [a trusted financial adviser]( first before taking this step. Next, it's important to make all your payments on time. If you've missed payments, especially two due dates in a row on the same account, it can wreak havoc on your credit score. Those who have trouble keeping track should consider setting up automatic payments. If you've missed a number of payments due to an oversight or lack of communication from the lender, you may be able to negotiate with the lender to remove some of the missed payment reports from your credit history once you've paid the outstanding balances. Don't overlook this step as it can be a huge boost to your score. Finally, if you have a lower-than-expected credit score and have both a good utilization ratio and no missed payments, you may want to check your detailed credit report for errors. These can happen, and it's up to you to be vigilant about checking your score and report details each year to catch the errors. If you find any outstanding issues, be sure to contact your lender right away. By taking these steps, you can start to see a change in your score in as little as a month. With consistency, you could get your rating into the 700s within a few months. 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 Protect your retirement savings with these 5 essential money moves — most of which you can complete in just minutes This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
