Audit Finds FEMA Wasted Billions in Katrina Aid
GAO reports show FEMA wasted tens of millions on duplicate rental aid and ineligible payments after Katrina Rita, with less than 1 percent of $1 billion recovered. The audit cites flawed controls, including $46,000 in expenses for free rentals to 10 Plano residents and foreign students paid over $3 million, while thousands sought to defraud the system. FEMA vows process upgrades as they face a court-ordered housing payments restart and ongoing appeals.
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Washington
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Government Accountability Office
Bush Administration
FEMA
GAO
Plano
Texas
Gulf Coast
Gregory Katz
Senate
Katz
Pat Philbin
Philbir
Planning: KDOT weighs tolls and private funding options
Heidner warned that traditional transportation funding is inadequate and by 2009 the Federal Highway Trust could fail to meet obligations. Options include toll roads, public private partnerships, vehicle weight taxes, and mileage charges as local officials discussed future projects in Finney County.
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Heidner
Federal Highway Trust
Mark Ford
HDR Engineering
Portland
Ore
Oregon
Garden City
Liberal
Dodge City
Mayo
Students’ crafts fund lessons at Wiley and West schools
Principal Phil Keidel describes a craft fair where Wiley Elementary second graders sold six dollar pillows in 13 minutes. Teachers link projects to lessons as students learn services versus goods. Preschool to first grade students crafted ornaments and treats, with profits funding nonbudget items and future supplies.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Phil Keidel
Wiley
Rebecca Miller
Jordan Jarnagin
Heather Hubbard
Ann Knoll
Keidel
Beth Moser
Open House Night Boosts Greeley County Shops and Community Ties
The Tribune sponsored holiday open house in Greeley County, with free carriage rides and Santa photos at the library. The Greeley County Community Development Office, started in 2005, aims to grow the local business base of 116 firms and strengthen downtown, aided by seven action teams. Christina Hopkins noted the event drew shoppers after hours and helped socializing and neighborly ties, while local business owner Kellee Dixon praised the focused one night boost during the holidays.
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VFW
Santa Claus
Greeley County
Carol Miles
Miles
Tribune
Christy Hopkins
Busi
Nesses
Hopkins
Kellee Dixon
Dixon Drug
Broadway
Dixon
Iraq policy report urges more troops with Iraq forces
The commission warns US influence could fall and polarization rise if policy fails. It backs embedding more combat and support troops with Iraqi forces while diplomacy continues. By early 2008 all nonessential combat brigades could leave Iraq, subject to security developments. Baker Hamilton and others presented findings to lawmakers as Pelosi calls for bipartisan work to end the war promptly.
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Iraq
Baker
Hamilton
Commission
White House
Nancy Pelosi
California
Congress
Kansas Exports Rise Amid Optimism On Free Trade Benefits
State officials projected higher exports led by manufactured aircraft and parts with autos, hides, wheat, and beets among top products. Senator Karin Brownlee questioned NAFTA’s impact while Watson saw gains for Kansas. ABZ Manufacturing's Jason McClelland cited growth and foreign offices aiding exports. Senator Jim Barone pressed for data to compare Kansas to other states.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Watson
U.S. Census Bureau
Karin Brownlee
Kansas
North America
Mexico
Jason McClelland
ABZ Manufacturing
Madison
Emporia
McClelland
Jim Barone
Dfrontenac
Barone
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KDOT
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Ford County Line
Cimarron
Wharton
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United States
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Gcccks.edu
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