In a heartwarming display of solidarity, members of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity at Northeastern University rallied around third-year student Reese Tiller, who shared his journey battling leukemia as a teenager. Instead of offering condolences, Tiller's peers showed genuine interest in understanding his experience, asking questions about the timeline and details of his recovery. This positive reception not only uplifted Tiller but also sparked a collective effort to make a difference. Within weeks, the fraternity, along with friends and family, raised an impressive $11,000 for a foundation dedicated to supporting families of pediatric cancer patients.
The B+ Foundation, which focuses on providing financial assistance and funding research for pediatric cancer, became the beneficiary of this fundraising initiative. Although Tiller and his family did not utilize the foundation during his treatment, he was introduced to it by fellow students Nico Savo and Aidan Demircan, who recognized his passion for spreading awareness about pediatric cancer. As Tiller took on the role of philanthropy chair within his fraternity, he found a receptive audience among his brothers. Gabe Psilakis, a second-year student and fraternity member, recalls how Tiller opened up about his experiences, inspiring everyone to contribute wholeheartedly. The rapid influx of donations was a testament to the fraternity’s unity and compassion.
Tiller believes that having someone close to his age share similar experiences would have greatly helped him during his treatment. Now cancer-free after five years in remission, he hopes to serve as a source of comfort and inspiration for others facing similar challenges. His story highlights the power of community support and the importance of raising awareness for pediatric cancer. By sharing his journey, Tiller has not only brought hope to many but also demonstrated the profound impact of empathy and collective action in making a difference in people's lives.
A resident of Gibsland, Louisiana, has been sentenced to federal prison for engaging in fraudulent activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shaquaila Lewis-Chatman, aged 36, received a sentence of two years and three months in federal custody, followed by three years of supervised release. The court will determine the restitution amounts at a future date. This case highlights the misuse of funds intended for economic relief under the CARES Act, which aimed to provide financial assistance to individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic.
In March 2020, Congress introduced the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic. Among its provisions were low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the Small Business Administration (SBA), designed to support small businesses, renters, and homeowners. Additionally, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) offered forgivable loans up to $349 billion to help small businesses retain employees and cover certain expenses.
Lewis-Chatman devised a scheme to exploit these programs by submitting falsified applications for both PPP and EIDL loans. Her actions resulted in over $1.1 million in losses, affecting multiple parties. One notable instance occurred in February 2021 when she submitted a false PPP application to Square Capital on behalf of Perfect Memories Travel. She requested approximately $20,833, falsely claiming it would be used to maintain payroll. Instead, she used the funds for personal expenditures after receiving $20,583 from Square Capital.
The Department of Justice uncovered her fraudulent activities, leading to her conviction. This case underscores the importance of stringent oversight and adherence to legal requirements when applying for government assistance programs. It serves as a reminder that such funds are meant to aid those genuinely in need during challenging times.
On Wednesday, officials from New York City raised concerns over the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reclaiming $80 million in grants allocated to the city. This action has sparked a heated debate between local authorities and federal agencies. Mayor Eric Adams confirmed via social media that funds initially awarded under the Biden administration were withdrawn last week. The city comptroller, Brad Lander, labeled this move as "illegal" and compared it to "highway robbery," emphasizing the need for legal action. The controversy began when allegations surfaced regarding the misuse of these funds for housing migrants in upscale accommodations, claims vehemently denied by city officials.
The conflict escalated following statements made by tech mogul Elon Musk and FEMA’s acting administrator, Cameron Hamilton. They alleged that $59 million of the suspended FEMA funds were being utilized for lodging migrants in luxurious hotels. However, New York officials strongly rebutted these assertions, clarifying that the per-night rate for migrant accommodation under FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program does not exceed $12.50. Comptroller Lander further explained during a press conference that the funds in question included both allocated and competitive payments totaling $80 million. Allocations are determined based on predefined eligibility criteria, whereas competitive funding requires applications.
City officials have initiated an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of these funds. Legal avenues are also being explored to address what they consider an unlawful action. Hamilton stated in a court filing that the suspension was due to concerns about facilitating illegal activities. The White House has yet to comment on the matter. Meanwhile, the city remains committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in its use of federal resources.
New York City is now navigating the complexities of this dispute, balancing its responsibilities towards its residents and the requirements set forth by federal agencies. Officials emphasize their dedication to upholding the law while advocating for fair treatment in the allocation and management of essential resources. As this situation unfolds, stakeholders continue to monitor developments closely, hoping for a resolution that respects both local needs and federal guidelines.