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Sign up to sex abuse redress scheme or lose funding, government warns

Victorian private schools, religious entities and other organisations who don't sign up to a redress scheme for child sex abuse survivors may lose funding, the state government has warned.




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Ruby Princess preparing to leave as passengers promised full refund

The plans for the ship's departure come as Carnival Australia confirmed on Monday it would offer a full refund to guests on the cruise that returned to Sydney on March 19.




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5 Fun Drinking Games To Play With Your Partner During The Lockdown




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Soundgarden members accuse Chris Cornell’s widow of withholding funds from 2019 benefit concert


The Seattle rock icons filed a countersuit Wednesday accusing Vicky Cornell of withholding money raised through a star-studded benefit concert held last year in the late singer’s honour, instead using it for personal purposes — an accusation Cornell denies.




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AFL boss confirms membership refunds after McGuire and Jones on-air clash

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan confirms club members can get their money back if they face financial hardship, but implores those who can afford it to stick with their clubs through the coronavirus pandemic.




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'None of them are going to starve': Dominic Thiem doesn't want to fund struggling tennis players

The men's world number three has earned more than $37 million during his career, but he says he is not willing to contribute money to a planned relief program to help tennis professionals doing it tough during the coronavirus shutdown.




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UrbanSitter Garners $1,955,138 New Funding Round

UrbanSitter is an online service which uses Facebook to connect parents with babysitters.




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Cloudian Garners $41,000,000 New Funding Round

Cloudian, A leading US s3 cloud Storage Company which offers object storage software, s3 object storage solutions. We are providing massive scalable cloud storage solutions




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Wochit Receives $13,000,000 New Funding

Wochit is a revolution in short form video. The cloud based video creation platform enables brands and storytellers to instantly react to any story and economically scale branded, studio-quality video production.




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GovX Lands $3,728,482 New Funding Round

The largest Military & Government exclusive ecommerce site offering discounts up to 50% off current season goods from 250+ top lifestyle and tactical brands.




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AdAdapted Garners $302,980 New Funding Round

AdAdapted is the first mobile advertising company focused on integrating CPG brands into the apps that drive consumers’ in-store purchase decisions.




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Super League Gaming Secures $5,000,000 Series C Funding

Super League Gaming is the world's first recreational video game league in a cool movie theater. Every week gamers bring a laptop and friends to a nearby Regal, AMC, Cinemark or iPic. Super League creates the best entertaining gameplay experience - ever.




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Geneva Healthcare Receives $60,000 New Funding

Revolutionizing cardiac device data management




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StreamLink Software Secures $2,600,000 New Funding Round

StreamLink Software began as nonprofit executives saw a need for solutions to common management issues. When it became clear there was gap in quality, affordable products, StreamLink Software was formed to develop them.




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Retention Science Garners $750,000 New Funding Round

Retention Science is the leader in Retention Marketing. Our team consists of passionate data scientists, statisticians, engineers and marketing experts. We bring our expertise together to create the most effective customer retention solutions that enable businesses to maximize customer lifetime value.




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Indian analytical instruments industry expects low govt funding & curtailed Capex in post─COVID─19 phase




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Pallone, Wyden Slam Trump Admin for Excluding Medicaid Providers from COVID-19 Relief Fund

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ) and Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) called on the Trump administration to address the lack of financial relief for Medicaid providers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The two Committee leaders voiced concerns that, to date, roughly $70 billion has been distributed to health care providers under the CARES Act in a way that discriminates against Medicaid-dependent health care providers. “HHS’s continued neglect for the needs of Medicaid-dependent providers struggling to deal with the COVID-19 crisis is unacceptable,” the members wrote. “The country is in the middle of a pandemic. The Medicaid program is a first responder, and the providers it relies on must be treated with equity. At a bare minimum that should include expeditious access to the [provider fund] as intended by Congress.”  The Provider Relief Fund that Congress created as a part of the CARES Act, within the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund (PHSSEF), was intended to support health care providers including those who participate in Medicare and Medicaid. However, to date only Medicare-enrolled providers have been able to access funds, and these funds are being allocated according to a methodology that rewards providers with high levels of privately-insured individuals while providers supporting the safety net are left waiting. This imbalance discriminates against critical health care providers that primarily service the Medicaid population, such as frontline hospitals, nursing homes and home-based providers, behavioral health providers, maternal health care providers and pediatricians. In the letter, sent to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar, Pallone and Wyden called on the Trump administration to describe how much funding will go to Medicaid-dependent providers and the steps it has taken to understand the needs of these providers during the pandemic. The full letter is available here. ###




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Pallone and Neal Demand Transparency into Methodology and Distribution of COVID-19 Health Care Provider Relief Funds

Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Ways and Means Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma today raising a series of concerns over the methodology used to distribute and the lack of transparency into how COVID-19 relief funds and loans for health care providers are being spent.  “We write to raise serious concerns about the Provider Relief Fund and the Accelerated and Advance Payment Programs,” Pallone and Neal wrote.  “With respect to each, we are concerned about the lack of transparency with Congress and the American people about how funds are being spent or loans are being made.  We also have grave concerns regarding the methodology being used to distribute $175 billion Congress appropriated for the Provider Relief Fund.” The Chairmen’s letter documents concerns with how the programs are being run, in particular the Administration’s methodologies for distributing funding that has shortchanged a number of critical providers and makes clear that more transparency is needed for Congress to accurately assess the ongoing needs of health care providers as the COVID-19 crisis unfolds. “The Administration’s efforts to establish the Provider Relief Fund to date has been at best, a series of missteps, and at worst, a disregard of Congress’ intent for the program,” Pallone and Neal continued in their letter. Pallone and Neal wrote that when Congress passed the CARES Act, it was clear that the funding provided to HHS for the Provider Relief Fund was for the express purpose, “to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.”  The two Chairs voiced concern that some of the funding formulas adopted to date fail to target funding based on the statutory framework relating to COVID-19 driven costs.  In fact, the Chairs write that the level of funding appears to be, “completely disconnected from need.” The Chairmen requested an immediate response from HHS regarding documents and information pertaining to the Provider Relief Fund and the Accelerated and Advanced Payment Program.  Pallone and Neal also wrote that if HHS is unable to immediately provide the information, it should provide a timeline of when the Committees would receive the requested information. While recognizing the incredible demands on the Department at this difficult time, the Chairmen emphasized that, “This crisis demands that we work swiftly and based on the best data available.  Currently, despite repeated requests, this Administration has prevented Congress from obtaining the data that the Department has available on funding for our health care system, data that is necessary to inform near future legislation.  We look forward to receiving this information so that we can conduct the business the American people expect of us.  We look forward to having you join us at the earliest possible date in each of our Committees to discuss these and other COVID-related issues.” To read the full letter, click HERE. ###




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COVID-19 and Fungal Superinfections: The Deadly, Perfect Storm

Virtually unknown just a few months ago, the COVID-19 pandemic has already resulted in over 239,000 deaths worldwide—including over 67,000 in the United States alone. Now, emerging reports suggest that as many as one third of patients with severe COVID-19 infection requiring intensive care may also be battling another life-threatening infection: invasive aspergillosis, a deadly […]




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World leaders donate to COVID-19 vaccine funding drive

Experts says $20bn needed to vaccinate global population




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EU-led coronavirus fundraiser targets initial 7.5 billion euros

A pledging conference led by the European Union (EU) has set an initial target of 7.5 billion euros ($8.1…



  • Anti-virals/Antibiotics and Infectious diseases/Coronavirus/EIB Group/Europe/Focus On/Government Affairs/Health Medical Pharma/Pharmaceutical/Public health

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N.J. Electrical Company Employee Pleads Guilty to Defrauding the Environmental Protection Agency at Superfund Site

An employee of a Sewell, N.J., company that provided temporary electrical utilities pleaded guilty today to participating in a fraud conspiracy at an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-designated Superfund site in New Jersey.



  • OPA Press Releases

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N.J. Industrial Pipes Supply Company and Its Co-Owner Plead Guilty to Fraud at Two N.J. Superfund Sites

A Middlesex, N.J., industrial pipes, valves and fittings supply company and its co-owner pleaded guilty today to participating in a fraud conspiracy at two U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-designated Superfund sites in New Jersey. The sites are Federal Creosote, located in Manville, N.J., and Diamond Alkali, located in Newark, N.J.



  • OPA Press Releases

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U.S. Asks Courts in California & South Carolina to Shut Down Promoters of Allegedly Fraudulent $39.2 Million Tax Refund Scam

The United States has sued tax return preparers in Placerville, Calif., and Columbia, S.C., seeking to bar them from preparing federal tax returns for others. According to the government complaints in the two cases, Teresa Marty of Pollock Pines, Calif., and Winston Able of Blythewood, S.C., prepare federal income tax returns for their customers that claim fraudulent tax refunds.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Two Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to File False Claims for Tax Refunds

Odell Folks, a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Tanya Smith, a resident of Waterbury, Conn., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to file false claims for tax refunds. Folks also pleaded guilty to mail fraud and making a false tax return.



  • OPA Press Releases

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New York Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to File False Claims for Tax Refunds

A woman from the Bronx, N.Y., pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to making false claims and mail fraud. The indictment alleged that between approximately May 1, 2003, and Feb. 28, 2005, Sharon Smith and others participated in a scheme to file false and fraudulent individual income tax returns in the names of individuals who were not entitled to the refunds that were claimed.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Former Head Securities Trader for Lancer Group Hedge Funds Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Mail, Wire and Securities Fraud

The former head securities trader for Lancer Group hedge funds pleaded guilty on April 28, 2009, to one count of conspiracy to commit mail, wire and securities fraud. Eric Hauser, 65, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Adalberto Jordan in Miami. Hauser admitted to participating in a scheme to manipulate trading of stocks owned by the Lancer Group hedge funds.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Antitrust Division Announces Initiative to Help Protect Recovery Funds from Fraud, Waste and Abuse

The Department's Antitrust Division announced the details of its newly formed initiative aimed at preparing government officials and contractors to recognize and report efforts by parties to unlawfully profit from the stimulus projects that are being awarded as part of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.    



  • OPA Press Releases

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Attorney General Eric Holder at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Candlelight Vigil

"Tonight we hold a vigil, but every day we must be vigilant. So let us bind ourselves together with a new bond of service -- to make our country brighter, safer and more hopeful -- and in so doing, let us honor the memory of our fallen heroes every day."




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Georgia-Pacific Agrees to Perform Cleanup Activities at the Kalamazoo Superfund Site in Michigan

Georgia-Pacific, a manufacturing company headquartered in Atlanta, has agreed to perform remedial work at an estimated cost of nearly $13 million to contain two former disposal areas within the Kalamazoo River Superfund site in Allegan and Kalamazoo Counties, Mich.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Campaign Fundraising Scheme

A Virginia man pleaded guilty today to illegally making conduit contributions to a candidate seeking federal office.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Former Political Action Committee Contractor Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Funds

Melissa Thomas, 34, pleaded guilty today to one count of forgery in connection with a scheme to embezzle more than $17,000 from a political action committee (PAC), which was a client of her employer.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Thirty-Six Companies Agree to Clean up Breslube-Penn Superfund Site in Coraopolis, Pa.

Thirty-six companies allegedly responsible for hazardous contamination of soil and groundwater at the Breslube-Penn Superfund Site in Coraopolis, Pa., have agreed to cleanup up the site. According to the settlement filed in U.S. District Court in the Western District of Pennsylvania, the companies have agreed to fund and/or complete a $12 million cleanup at the seven-acre site.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Canadian Executive Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Money Laundering Conspiracies Involving a New Jersey Environmental Protection Agency Superfund Site

A former executive of Bennett Environmental Inc. (BEI), a Canadian-based company that treats and disposes of contaminated soil, pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to pay kickbacks and commit fraud at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-designated Superfund site, Federal Creosote, located in Manville, N.J. The former executive also pleaded guilty to participating in a money laundering conspiracy and impeding a proceeding before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.



  • OPA Press Releases

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New York State and New York City to Pay Record $540 Million to Settle Allegations of False Claims for Medicaid Funds

The state of New York and New York City have agreed to pay $540 million to settle allegations that they knowingly submitted, or caused to be submitted, false claims for reimbursement for school-based health care services, primarily speech therapy and transportation, provided to Medicaid eligible children from 1990 to 2001. The settlement is a record federal recovery by the Justice Department for the Medicaid Program.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Business Owner Sentenced to 100 Years for His Role in Scheme to Defraud Clients of Funds Allegedly Held in Trust

Edward H. Okun, the former owner of The 1031 Tax Group LLP (1031TG), was sentenced today to 100 years in prison for his leading role in a scheme to defraud and obtain approximately $126 million in client funds held by 1031TG.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Two Virginia Residents Sentenced for Their Role in Scheme to Defraud Clients of Funds Allegedly Held in Trust

Two former employees of Edward H. Okun, who was sentenced to 100 years in prison on Aug. 4, 2009, after a three-week jury trial, were sentenced today before U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne for their roles in a scheme to defraud and obtain approximately $126 million in client funds held by The 1031 Tax Group LLP (1031TG).



  • OPA Press Releases

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United States Transfers More Than $750,000 in Forfeited Funds to Government of Peru

More than $750,000 in forfeited funds from an embezzlement scheme by a Peruvian military officer have been transferred to the government of Peru.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Three Individuals Indicted for Roles in Conspiracy Schemes Involving Two U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Superfund Sites in New Jersey

A Newark grand jury indicted three individuals for their participation in fraud and kickback conspiracies related to contracts at a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-designated Superfund site, Federal Creosote, located in Manville, N.J.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Brooklyn Resident Sentenced to Prison for Conspiracy to File False Claims for Tax Refunds

Odell Folks, of Brooklyn, N.Y., was sentenced to prison today by District Judge Carol Bagley Amon of the Eastern District of New York for his participation in a false tax return scheme. Folks, who pleaded guilty in March 2009 to mail fraud, a false claims conspiracy, and making and subscribing a false return, was sentenced to 77 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $489,292.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Florida Man Indicted In Alleged Fraudulent Lobbying and Fund Raising Scheme

A Florida doctor was charged today by a federal grand jury in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., with allegedly orchestrating a fraudulent political fund raising and lobbying scheme through which he secretly diverted to himself more than $350,000 from contributions to political organizations he controlled.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Justice Department Announces Success in Battle Against Firearms Trafficking and Recovery Act Funds to Build on Project Gunrunner

Deputy Attorney General David W. Ogden and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Acting Director Kenneth E. Melson today announced the results of ATF’s Gun Runner Impact Team (GRIT) initiative, a 120-day deployment of ATF resources to the Houston Field Division to disrupt illegal firearms trafficking by Mexican drug cartels



  • OPA Press Releases

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Government Files Seven Lawsuits Nationwide to Block Alleged Scheme Involving Fraudulent Tax-Refund Claims

The federal suits – filed in Los Angeles; Panama City, Fla.; Salt Lake City; Nashville, Tenn.; and Pocatello, Idaho – allege that the defendants promote a tax fraud scheme designed to siphon hundreds of millions of dollars from the U.S. Treasury through fraudulent tax refund claims.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Former Subcontractor Representative Pleads Guilty to Indictment Involving Conspiracy at New Jersey Superfund Site

James E. Haas Jr. pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey, to charges that he engaged in a kickback and fraud conspiracy at the Federal Creosote Superfund site in Manville, N.J.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Settlement Reached to Clean up Idaho’s St. Maries Creosote Superfund Site

Two companies and the city of St. Maries, Idaho, have agreed to clean up a superfund site in St. Maries at a cost estimated more than $12 million.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Birmingham Man Sentenced to Prison for False Tax Refund Scheme

Cardale Leon Bates of Birmingham, Ala., was sentenced to 57 months in prison today by U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Settlement Reached at Sutton Brook Disposal Area Superfund Site in Massachusetts

A settlement estimated worth more than $30 million will ensure that cleanup of the Sutton Brook Disposal Area Superfund Site in Tewksbury, Mass., will move forward, the Justice Department and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection announced today.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Californian Pleads Guilty to False Tax Refund Conspiracy

Haroon Amin of Upland, Calif., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Second Californian Pleads Guilty to False Tax Refund Conspiracy

Ather Ali of Diamond Bar, Calif., pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to defraud the United States.



  • OPA Press Releases

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Federal Court in Los Angeles Shuts Down Tax Firm for Requesting $23 Million in Bogus Tax Refunds

A federal court in Los Angeles has permanently barred Nyla McIntyre of Covina, Calif. and her business, Approved Financial Services, Inc., from preparing tax returns for others.



  • OPA Press Releases