How freezing USAID is hurting U.S. farmers
President Trump has only been in office since January, but he's already made a number of significant changes. One of them was halting funding for foreign aid programs. Specifically, Trump initiated a 90-day freeze on the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, which aims to reduce poverty, fight disease and address humanitarian needs in foreign countries. By Feb. 4, his administration announced that nearly all 10,000 USAID employees were being put on leave and that those working overseas would be recalled. While a federal judge halted the move, the block was only temporary. As of March 10, The Guardian reported that the Trump administration has officially eliminated 83% to 90% of USAID's programs. Most recently, funding to the U.N. World Food Program was cut, which helped millions in 14 countries, including Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan. It's unclear which programs remain, but the State Department will be administering them. Halting foreign aid clearly hurts overseas communities, but the impacts have hit hard domestically, too. In fact, halting aid is already hurting U.S. farmers. As Kansas farmer Vance Ehmke told ABC News, “We are having a real crisis out here in terms of income."
President Trump has only been in office since January, but he's already made a number of significant changes. One of them was halting funding for foreign aid programs. Specifically, Trump initiated a 90-day freeze on the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, which aims to reduce poverty, fight disease and address humanitarian needs in foreign countries. By Feb. 4, his administration announced that nearly all 10,000 USAID employees were being put on leave and that those working overseas would be recalled. While a federal judge halted the move, the block was only temporary. As of March 10, The Guardian reported that the Trump administration has officially eliminated 83% to 90% of USAID's programs. Most recently, funding to the U.N. World Food Program was cut, which helped millions in 14 countries, including Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan. It's unclear which programs remain, but the State Department will be administering them. Halting foreign aid clearly hurts overseas communities, but the impacts have hit hard domestically, too. In fact, halting aid is already hurting U.S. farmers. As Kansas farmer Vance Ehmke told ABC News, “We are having a real crisis out here in terms of income."
Family sue city for $4.7M after tree damages home
A Portland, Oregon family was stunned when a 150-foot Douglas fir tree crashed into their home during the January 2024 snowstorm — with them inside. Joel and Sarah Bond had filed for a removal permit back in January 2022, but Portland’s Bureau of Urban Forestry denied the request, stating "no serious structural defects were observed," and that cutting it down would “significantly affect the neighborhood character.” “I saw wood and debris on the ground, a collapsing roof,” Sarah wrote in an account of the moment, reported KGW 8. “I scream my daughter’s name. Silence. Then I hear my husband say, ‘I got her!’” The Bonds' six-year-old daughter was only a couple of feet away from where the tree smashed into the house. “They’ll still have to live knowing that they were two feet away from having a dead six-year-old,” their attorney, Joe Piucci, told KGW 8. The family, who are currently living in a rental while their home is repaired, are taking the city to court for $4.7 million.
A Portland, Oregon family was stunned when a 150-foot Douglas fir tree crashed into their home during the January 2024 snowstorm — with them inside. Joel and Sarah Bond had filed for a removal permit back in January 2022, but Portland’s Bureau of Urban Forestry denied the request, stating "no serious structural defects were observed," and that cutting it down would “significantly affect the neighborhood character.” “I saw wood and debris on the ground, a collapsing roof,” Sarah wrote in an account of the moment, reported KGW 8. “I scream my daughter’s name. Silence. Then I hear my husband say, ‘I got her!’” The Bonds' six-year-old daughter was only a couple of feet away from where the tree smashed into the house. “They’ll still have to live knowing that they were two feet away from having a dead six-year-old,” their attorney, Joe Piucci, told KGW 8. The family, who are currently living in a rental while their home is repaired, are taking the city to court for $4.7 million.
New Ford F-150 sporadically brakes on highway
Houston driver Ryan Kattchee never imagined the problems he'd have after purchasing a new 2024 Ford F-150 Lariat in December. Unfortunately, the truck seems to have a mind of its own. It brakes when it shouldn't, including on the freeway, putting occupants at risk. Kattchee explained that the braking, which started just days after he’d purchased the truck, seems to happen without reason, although a warning shows up on the car's display as the vehicle brakes itself. “Suddenly, this whole thing turns red," Kattchee told NBC’s KPRC 2. "The whole display right here flashes red. It hits the brakes. And, it’s not soft. It’s enough to pull you out of your seat.” Unfortunately, he says the problem occurs often — and despite the vehicle being at the dealer for months, no one can seem to come up with a reason for the issue or a solution to the problem. Kattchee is waiting for the manufacturer to agree to buy the truck back, but in the meantime, he's in limbo, stuck with a car he cannot drive and hoping things will eventually be made right. Here’s the reason Kattchee is left in limbo without his Ford.
Houston driver Ryan Kattchee never imagined the problems he'd have after purchasing a new 2024 Ford F-150 Lariat in December. Unfortunately, the truck seems to have a mind of its own. It brakes when it shouldn't, including on the freeway, putting occupants at risk. Kattchee explained that the braking, which started just days after he’d purchased the truck, seems to happen without reason, although a warning shows up on the car's display as the vehicle brakes itself. “Suddenly, this whole thing turns red," Kattchee told NBC’s KPRC 2. "The whole display right here flashes red. It hits the brakes. And, it’s not soft. It’s enough to pull you out of your seat.” Unfortunately, he says the problem occurs often — and despite the vehicle being at the dealer for months, no one can seem to come up with a reason for the issue or a solution to the problem. Kattchee is waiting for the manufacturer to agree to buy the truck back, but in the meantime, he's in limbo, stuck with a car he cannot drive and hoping things will eventually be made right. Here’s the reason Kattchee is left in limbo without his Ford.
Lost Wallet Returned in Heartwarming Gesture
When Michelle Johnson of Wyandotte, Michigan, looked at her security camera and saw a stranger on her porch, she didn't know who he was — or what he wanted. Then, the stranger held up a wallet in front of the camera, making sure it was visible. Johnson quickly realized that the wallet belonged to her college-age son. It held more than $100 in cash — tips he had earned from working the entire weekend at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The kind stranger had come to return the wallet. “I almost cried. I know that sounds silly, but it was nice,” Johnson told WCSC-TV Live 5 News, describing the unexpected kindness of a stranger who went out of his way to do the right thing.
When Michelle Johnson of Wyandotte, Michigan, looked at her security camera and saw a stranger on her porch, she didn't know who he was — or what he wanted. Then, the stranger held up a wallet in front of the camera, making sure it was visible. Johnson quickly realized that the wallet belonged to her college-age son. It held more than $100 in cash — tips he had earned from working the entire weekend at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The kind stranger had come to return the wallet. “I almost cried. I know that sounds silly, but it was nice,” Johnson told WCSC-TV Live 5 News, describing the unexpected kindness of a stranger who went out of his way to do the right thing.
Fraudsters are using a $20 ‘distraction’ scam
It’s not every day a stranger insists on handing you a $20 bill you didn’t drop. But for Sarah — whose last name has been withheld, as reported by Fox LA — that’s exactly what happened on an ordinary Wednesday afternoon at a Ralphs grocery store in Van Nuys. "He came much closer to me and was kind of pushing the $20 into my wallet," Sarah recalled. "I said, ‘No, I don’t think I did.’" At first, it could have been a strange but harmless mix-up. That is, until Sarah noticed the man was suddenly joined by a woman — both of them following her to her car, pressing the cash on her with unsettling persistence. What felt like an awkward moment quickly turned into a coordinated scam. When Sarah checked her wallet, her cash was intact, but her debit card was gone. Within 30 minutes, the thieves had made multiple withdrawals from Sarah and her daughter, Jennifer's bank account from a Chase branch. Unfortunately, Sarah and Jennifer aren’t alone. Distraction scams have been popping up across the country. Here's how to spot the red flags.
It’s not every day a stranger insists on handing you a $20 bill you didn’t drop. But for Sarah — whose last name has been withheld, as reported by Fox LA — that’s exactly what happened on an ordinary Wednesday afternoon at a Ralphs grocery store in Van Nuys. "He came much closer to me and was kind of pushing the $20 into my wallet," Sarah recalled. "I said, ‘No, I don’t think I did.’" At first, it could have been a strange but harmless mix-up. That is, until Sarah noticed the man was suddenly joined by a woman — both of them following her to her car, pressing the cash on her with unsettling persistence. What felt like an awkward moment quickly turned into a coordinated scam. When Sarah checked her wallet, her cash was intact, but her debit card was gone. Within 30 minutes, the thieves had made multiple withdrawals from Sarah and her daughter, Jennifer's bank account from a Chase branch. Unfortunately, Sarah and Jennifer aren’t alone. Distraction scams have been popping up across the country. Here's how to spot the red flags.
Corona residents against new housing plans
It’s no secret that finding affordable housing options in California is an ongoing struggle for many residents. In an effort to alleviate this ongoing housing crisis, the state recently passed new laws designed to encourage building more homes at a faster pace. However, not everyone likes the new rules, including the residents of Corona, California. Some are furious about the impending development of 38 housing units by Tricon Residential, according to KCAL News. Prior to the new state laws, Corona City Council approved the company building 19 units in the housing development. But, the recent laws that went into effect allowed Tricon Residential to double the number of accessory-dwelling-units (ADUs) built within the same lot. At this point, the City Council can’t do much. Essentially, the state law allows for this change to the proposed development with little recourse for the locals. “I don't want a cracker box across the street,” local resident Paulette Perry said in an interview with KCAL News. “I want something that looks like our neighborhood.”
It’s no secret that finding affordable housing options in California is an ongoing struggle for many residents. In an effort to alleviate this ongoing housing crisis, the state recently passed new laws designed to encourage building more homes at a faster pace. However, not everyone likes the new rules, including the residents of Corona, California. Some are furious about the impending development of 38 housing units by Tricon Residential, according to KCAL News. Prior to the new state laws, Corona City Council approved the company building 19 units in the housing development. But, the recent laws that went into effect allowed Tricon Residential to double the number of accessory-dwelling-units (ADUs) built within the same lot. At this point, the City Council can’t do much. Essentially, the state law allows for this change to the proposed development with little recourse for the locals. “I don't want a cracker box across the street,” local resident Paulette Perry said in an interview with KCAL News. “I want something that looks like our neighborhood.”
Inside Charlie Javice's $175M fraud at JPMorgan
Charlie Javice was the young, charismatic founder behind Frank, a fintech startup that promised to revolutionize the then-daunting student financial aid process. Javice’s bold vision to simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) gained recognition, landing her on Forbes' prestigious "30 Under 30" list. More media attention — and investor interest — weren’t far behind. Enter banking giant JPMorgan Chase, which hoped to leverage Frank’s alleged massive user base of more than 4 million students to gain a stronger foothold in the lucrative student finance market. The bank’s decision to pay $175 million appeared justified given the growth and scale touted by Javice. But beneath Javice’s business model, prosecutors alleged, were fake user accounts and falsified data. Undetected during JPMorgan’s due diligence process, the strategy eventually unraveled into one of Wall Street’s most dramatic fraud scandals, drawing parallels to the fraud case of disgraced Theranos leader Elizabeth Holmes. In late March federal jurors convicted Javice of fraud and conspiracy, setting the stage for possible decades-long prison sentences for Javice and her co-defendant, Olivier Amar. At a recent bail hearing, Javice’s lawyer attempted to argue that wearing an ankle monitor would prevent Javice from doing her current job: teaching Pilates in South Florida. How exactly did Javice manage to deceive a financial powerhouse like JPMorgan? And what crucial lessons can investors take from the company’s mistakes?
Charlie Javice was the young, charismatic founder behind Frank, a fintech startup that promised to revolutionize the then-daunting student financial aid process. Javice’s bold vision to simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) gained recognition, landing her on Forbes' prestigious "30 Under 30" list. More media attention — and investor interest — weren’t far behind. Enter banking giant JPMorgan Chase, which hoped to leverage Frank’s alleged massive user base of more than 4 million students to gain a stronger foothold in the lucrative student finance market. The bank’s decision to pay $175 million appeared justified given the growth and scale touted by Javice. But beneath Javice’s business model, prosecutors alleged, were fake user accounts and falsified data. Undetected during JPMorgan’s due diligence process, the strategy eventually unraveled into one of Wall Street’s most dramatic fraud scandals, drawing parallels to the fraud case of disgraced Theranos leader Elizabeth Holmes. In late March federal jurors convicted Javice of fraud and conspiracy, setting the stage for possible decades-long prison sentences for Javice and her co-defendant, Olivier Amar. At a recent bail hearing, Javice’s lawyer attempted to argue that wearing an ankle monitor would prevent Javice from doing her current job: teaching Pilates in South Florida. How exactly did Javice manage to deceive a financial powerhouse like JPMorgan? And what crucial lessons can investors take from the company’s mistakes?
LA County reshuffles homeless agency funding
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously late on April 1 to pull hundreds of millions of dollars in funding from the area’s homeless services agency. In an effort to banish homelessness, Los Angeles County has been funneling some of its tax revenue to one of its largest agencies, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). The LA Times recently reported that the board will no longer be funding more than $300 million to the agency, and instead will be moving it to a new county agency, a transition that will take place over the next 16 months. The shift, however, doesn’t go without criticism. “What I don’t understand is the rush of the proposed strategy of moving all services with no real plan in place,” Nathaniel VerGow, deputy chief programs officer at LAHSA told the board. “A timeline is not a plan.”
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously late on April 1 to pull hundreds of millions of dollars in funding from the area’s homeless services agency. In an effort to banish homelessness, Los Angeles County has been funneling some of its tax revenue to one of its largest agencies, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). The LA Times recently reported that the board will no longer be funding more than $300 million to the agency, and instead will be moving it to a new county agency, a transition that will take place over the next 16 months. The shift, however, doesn’t go without criticism. “What I don’t understand is the rush of the proposed strategy of moving all services with no real plan in place,” Nathaniel VerGow, deputy chief programs officer at LAHSA told the board. “A timeline is not a plan.”
Cumberland Farms clerk saves woman from losing $4K
A sharp-eyed store clerk and a well-timed police visit saved a local woman from losing $4,000 to a Bitcoin scam in South Hadley, Massachusetts. The woman was stopped when the Cumberland Farms employee flagged the situation to a nearby detective, who intervened just as she was about to finalize the transaction. Crypto scams like this are on the rise, and because Bitcoin is nearly impossible to trace, it makes it a go-to for fraudsters. So, how did she get tricked, and what can you look out for with similar scams?
A sharp-eyed store clerk and a well-timed police visit saved a local woman from losing $4,000 to a Bitcoin scam in South Hadley, Massachusetts. The woman was stopped when the Cumberland Farms employee flagged the situation to a nearby detective, who intervened just as she was about to finalize the transaction. Crypto scams like this are on the rise, and because Bitcoin is nearly impossible to trace, it makes it a go-to for fraudsters. So, how did she get tricked, and what can you look out for with similar scams?
Cuts to maternal health care have larger effects
It’s the last thing maternal advocates want to hear, but Senior Advisor to the President Elon Musk — the father of 14 — has repeatedly warned that declining birth rates around the world threaten civilization. Yet under Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), billions in funding for maternal health care, research and community support programs have been cut, leaving health providers scrambling and expectant mothers without critical care. Sevonna Brown, a Brooklyn-based maternal health advocate and founder of Sanctuary Medicine, had to stop her work almost overnight after DOGE froze more than $2 million in federal funding tied to her initiative. Echoing Brown’s sentiment is Emilie Rodriguez, co-founder of The Bridge Directory. She underscored the perceived hypocrisy. “We can’t claim to care about birthrates while defunding the very systems that make pregnancy, birth and parenting safe,” she told Forbes. While critics say Musk’s policies are removing the safety net from under the very people who are growing the next generation, it can be a more costly initiative in the long run.
It’s the last thing maternal advocates want to hear, but Senior Advisor to the President Elon Musk — the father of 14 — has repeatedly warned that declining birth rates around the world threaten civilization. Yet under Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), billions in funding for maternal health care, research and community support programs have been cut, leaving health providers scrambling and expectant mothers without critical care. Sevonna Brown, a Brooklyn-based maternal health advocate and founder of Sanctuary Medicine, had to stop her work almost overnight after DOGE froze more than $2 million in federal funding tied to her initiative. Echoing Brown’s sentiment is Emilie Rodriguez, co-founder of The Bridge Directory. She underscored the perceived hypocrisy. “We can’t claim to care about birthrates while defunding the very systems that make pregnancy, birth and parenting safe,” she told Forbes. While critics say Musk’s policies are removing the safety net from under the very people who are growing the next generation, it can be a more costly initiative in the long run.
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