INTERNACIONAL
Trump administration uncovers $1.2B in suspected COVID contract fraud tied to Biden-era spending
FIRST ON FOX: The Vance-led anti-fraud task force and the General Services Administration uncovered more than $1.2 billion in suspected COVID-era contract fraud as the White House anti-fraud task force continues its crackdown across the country.
The General Services Administration, along with the Department of Health and Human Services, found that COVID emergency contracting continued after the pandemic emergency officially ended. The agencies also revealed that millions of vaccine contracts were awarded even after the pandemic ended under the Biden administration.
«The COVID emergency ended over three years ago, yet fraudsters continue to weaponize outdated emergency contracts to abuse taxpayer dollars,» GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst told Digital in a statement. «Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Vice President Vance’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, GSA uncovered $1.22 billion in suspected fraud across five HHS COVID-era contracts.»
AG BLANCHE UNVEILS FEDERAL CHARGES AGAINST 160 DEFENDANTS IN PANDEMIC RELIEF SWEEP
«GSA will continue to work with the Vice President’s task force to stop improper payments, refer suspected fraud to law enforcement, and fight to recover every dollar,» he added.
While the funding uncovered is not currently tied to criminal charges for contractors, the agencies have pinpointed a significant amount of taxpayer dollars that may have otherwise been distributed for COVID vaccines and other pandemic-related services long after the national emergency ended.
GSA estimates that an estimated 93% of the funding for the contracts has not yet been distributed to vendors, while roughly 6.78% has already been expended. The agency has since suspended payments to contractors as part of the initiative.
«The COVID emergency ended in 2023. The emergency contract advantage didn’t — until now.»
WHITE HOUSE PUSHES ‘WATERSHED’ FRAUD-FIGHTING REFORM IN CONGRESS AS VANCE CONVENES TASK FORCE
White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud Executive Director Scott Brady told Digital in a statement. «GSA’s review uncovered $1.22 billion in suspected fraud and stopped $41 million more across five HHS COVID-era contracts that kept the emergency label alive long after the emergency was gone.»
Brady said that allocated emergency funding «is a privilege, not a blank check,» while describing contractors who received funding to combat the pandemic at the time as «honest.» He characterized any funding that was distributed beyond the emergency as a «free pass.»
WHITE HOUSE LAUNCHES INTERACTIVE MAP TRACKING BILLIONS IN SUSPECTED FRAUD
The announcement comes after the General Services Administration found more than $13 billion in suspected contractor fraud in late August, and the Trump administration has declared a total of more than $245.7 billion has been uncovered since the president took office and that it has prevented an annualized $62.9 billion in fraudulent payments.
The White House anti-fraud task force also says that more than $59.1 billion in indictments and settlements are being enforced.
WHITE HOUSE TO YANK 750,000 FRAUDSTERS OFF OBAMACARE, SAVE TAXPAYERS $2.2 BILLION, VANCE SAYS
The Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees Medicare and Medicaid, has uncovered the most significant amount of fraud at $96.4 billion.
As for the beneficiaries of fraudulent activity, the Trump administration has identified some foreign nationals who have infiltrated the federal contracting system and acquired funds while still residing in their home countries.
EXCLUSIVE: FBI’S FIFTH MOST WANTED FRAUDSTER CAPTURED AFTER ALLEGED SNAP SCAM SUSPECT ARRESTED IN INDIA
Earlier this month the FBI released a «Most Wanted» list highlighting alleged fraud suspects as the administration continues its broader crackdown on fraud. Officials say the involvement of foreign nationals in multiple schemes has heightened concerns about overseas actors exploiting U.S. government programs.
Among those named is Onur Simsek, a Turkish national whom the FBI believes is living in Turkey. Prosecutors accuse Simsek of leading a defense procurement fraud scheme that secured U.S. military contracts by falsely certifying Turkish-made parts as tested and qualified, potentially rendering critical military equipment inoperable.
FRAUD EXPERT EXPOSES HOW HIDDEN NETWORKS DROVE MINNESOTA FRAUD, OTHER MAJOR SCAMS: ‘CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE’
Federal authorities allege Simsek is one of a number of foreign nationals who have infiltrated and exploited U.S. federal funds to obtain taxpayer funds.
In an interview with Digital last month, Vice President JD Vance said authorities have observed what he described as a «clear pattern» in some fraud cases involving immigrant communities.
«You definitely see patterns in certain communities,» Vance said. «It’ll start as maybe one Somali person takes advantage of the system, or realizes you don’t even have to have children to get money from these programs. You could just claim that you have children, there’s no verification. Then, word spreads like wildfire, and that program gets tapped into by the same members of that community.»
politics, fox news investigates, investigations, white house, fbi, national security, biden executive orders
INTERNACIONAL
Panamá facilita la reconstrucción tras el terremoto con exoneraciones en obras públicas y privadas
El Gobierno de Panamá aprobó exonerar el pago de tasas y otras contribuciones administrativas relacionadas con las obras de reparación, reforzamiento, rehabilitación y reconstrucción de infraestructuras afectadas por el terremoto del 9 de octubre.
La decisión busca reducir los costos y facilitar los trámites necesarios para recuperar viviendas, edificios públicos, carreteras y otras instalaciones dañadas por el movimiento sísmico de magnitud 7,5.
La medida fue adoptada por el Consejo de Gabinete mediante la Resolución No. 132-26, como complemento al estado de emergencia nacional. La instrucción está dirigida al Cuerpo de Bomberos, el Instituto de Acueductos y Alcantarillados Nacionales (IDAAN), los ministerios de Ambiente y Salud, así como a otras entidades competentes, para que apliquen las exoneraciones correspondientes dentro de sus procedimientos administrativos.
Estas disposiciones permitirán que las intervenciones directamente relacionadas con el desastre puedan tramitarse sin determinados cobros institucionales, dependiendo de las competencias de cada entidad.
El objetivo es agilizar la recuperación de inmuebles e instalaciones esenciales, aunque la exoneración no significa que el Estado asumirá automáticamente los costos de reconstrucción ni que quedarán eliminados todos los impuestos aplicables a los materiales.
La decisión se produce mientras las autoridades continúan identificando daños en viviendas e infraestructuras de distintas provincias. Según el balance del Sistema Nacional de Protección Civil (Sinaproc), hasta la noche del 13 de octubre se habían evaluado más de 3.667 familias, equivalentes a 11.527 personas afectadas, entre ellas 42 mujeres embarazadas y 452 personas con discapacidad.
El informe oficial establece que 3.390 viviendas presentan afectaciones, de las cuales 727 registran pérdida total en Herrera y Los Santos. Esta última provincia concentra 1.613 residencias dañadas y seis lesionados, mientras Coclé contabiliza 1.052 inmuebles afectados y 17 heridos. En Veraguas se reportan 614 viviendas perjudicadas y dificultades en los servicios básicos, particularmente en comunidades apartadas.
La infraestructura educativa también enfrenta consecuencias importantes. El Ministerio de Educación mantiene 619 centros escolares oficiales bajo evaluación, mientras el balance preliminar identifica 35 planteles completamente colapsados, principalmente en las provincias centrales.
Las autoridades prevén una reanudación progresiva de las clases, condicionada a las inspecciones de seguridad y a las condiciones estructurales de los edificios.
En el sector sanitario, las inspecciones incluyen hospitales y otras instalaciones de atención médica, donde se busca determinar las condiciones de seguridad para pacientes y trabajadores.
En Colón se reportaron daños parciales en tres hospitales, mientras equipos técnicos continúan revisando edificaciones públicas. Las iglesias y otros inmuebles comunitarios también forman parte de las estructuras afectadas que requieren evaluaciones antes de su rehabilitación.
Por su parte, el Ministerio de Obras Públicas (MOP) identificó 20 puentes que requieren rehabilitación, siete en Los Santos y 13 en Veraguas. En los pasos sobre los ríos Oria y Agua Buena se ejecutan trabajos para permitir la circulación de vehículos de hasta 10 toneladas.
La institución también reporta 12 puntos viales afectados en Herrera y cinco de mayor magnitud en Veraguas y Los Santos.
Entre las carreteras intervenidas figuran Atalaya-Mariato-Quebro-Flores, Las Tablas-Tonosí, Macaracas-Tonosí y Tonosí-Cambutal, donde se realizaron labores de despeje. En el tramo Tonosí-Búcaro permanecen habilitados desvíos mientras avanzan las reparaciones. En Herrera, la maquinaria trabaja en sectores de Los Pozos, Las Minas y Ocú, afectados por derrumbes y deslizamientos.
El ministro de Obras Públicas, José Luis Andrade, informó que los equipos mantienen operaciones para recuperar la conectividad terrestre, especialmente en comunidades que quedaron incomunicadas.
En Veraguas continúan las inspecciones en Torio y las intervenciones en Soná, mientras Coclé dispone de maquinaria pesada para atender sectores vulnerables. La prioridad es restablecer el tránsito y facilitar el ingreso de ayuda humanitaria.
Mientras avanzan estas labores, más de 2.841 personas permanecen acogidas en 33 albergues temporales, según Sinaproc. Las operaciones humanitarias han movilizado más de 121.220 libras de suministros por vía aérea y 331 toneladas de agua potable. pANAM
El Gobierno mantiene la evaluación de daños y la recuperación de servicios esenciales como parte de las acciones derivadas de la declaratoria de emergencia.
corresponsal:Desde Panamá
INTERNACIONAL
Vance takes aim at soft-on-crime Dems as GOP faces uphill midterm battle: ‘lost their minds’
EXCLUSIVE: TYLER, Texas — Faced with an uphill battle in November’s midterms as costs soar for Americans, Vice President JD Vance is making a pitch that the alternative is not better — and argues that Democrats would only make existing problems like street crime worse.
«It sort of drives home how the Democrats have kind of lost their minds,» Vance told Digital on Tuesday when asked about a recent rash of Somali gang violence in Minnesota.
«And if you elect Democrats, you’re fundamentally electing people who will invite criminals into your state, into your communities and make your communities less safe,» he added in discussing the upcoming duel for control of Congress.
In typically-blue Minnesota, Democratic Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is vying for a seat in the U.S. Senate, but facing a tough challenge from Republican Michele Tafoya.
100-SHOT SOMALI GANG GUN BATTLE ROCKS MINNESOTA AS SHERIFF WARNS ‘WE’RE IN TROUBLE’
«If you elect Republicans, you may not agree with us on everything, but we agree on some basic principles,» Vance continued. «Like, for example, everybody should be safe, everybody should be secure in their communities — and we don’t want let violent criminals come into our country.»
«So, I do think that contrast is driven a little bit more starkly given what’s happening in Minnesota.»
Digital spoke with the vice president after a campaign rally in the town of Tyler, Texas, about 100 miles east of Dallas, on Tuesday. There, Vance rallied for Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton who is also in a tight U.S. Senate race with Democrat state Rep. James Talarico.
POLL: IT’S A LONE STAR SENATE SHOWDOWN BETWEEN TALARICO AND PAXTON
The progressive candidate recently returned from a two-week campaign absence, which Vance described as «odd.»
«How old is he? Thirty-five? Forty?» Vance questioned of Talarico. «You’ve got to have the energy to do the job, and taking two weeks off the campaign in October — that’s the meat of the campaign — I just think it’s a very, very bizarre thing.»
The vice president added that he hopes Talarico’s health is okay, but that Texans must weigh whether he has the energy to do the job as a U.S. Senator.
TALARICO DISAPPEARANCE HAS DEM VOLUNTEERS WORRYING AND TRUMP ASKING, ‘WHAT IS GOING ON?’
In that race, Talarico has demanded a debate with Paxton, who has yet to oblige. President Donald Trump said that the two should debate, posting to Truth Social that Paxton is «ready, willing, and able.» Vance took a softer stance when asked about a potential debate.
«That’s ultimately something Ken Paxton and James Talarico are going to decide,» Vance told Digital, adding that Paxton will make a «great senator.»
«Obviously, those are some those are things the campaigns have to negotiate,» he continued. «But, I’ll let Ken Paxton and James Talarico make that decision. Ultimately, they each have to make their case to the people of Texas.»
Nationwide, Republicans are underwater when it comes to the economy and cost of living, along with the war in Iran, according to polling.
REPUBLICANS FACE BRUTAL MIDTERM HEADWINDS. SIX FORCES COULD HELP THEM DEFY HISTORY.
Of those polled in September, 61% say gas prices are a major problem, up from 48% two years ago, while 52% say the same for healthcare costs, up from 44%. Majorities also view housing costs (54%, down from 60%) and grocery prices (62%, down from 66%) as major problems ahead of the November election.
In a similar poll, 71% of respondents said the Trump administration lacks a concrete strategy for ending the ongoing war in Iran.
The two issues are closely related — as gas prices spiked sharply from a national average of $2.98 per gallon at the start of the war earlier this year, to an average of $4.33 per gallon today.
«Well, we obviously want gas prices to be as low as they possibly can,» Vance said. «And I think voters have to ask themselves, who has affirmatively taken steps to lower gas prices in the face, of course, of the Iranians terrorizing international shipping?»
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Vance accused Democrats of complaining about the problem without offering solutions.
«We saw the president’s announcement, with Russian diesel being allowed to come into the market,» he said. «We have massive refinery capacity that we’re announcing that we’re going to build upon here. So, we’re doing everything that we can, recognizing that building out energy refining capacity takes some time.»
«I’m very cognizant that a lot of Americans are struggling with high gas prices,» he acknowledged. «We’re doing as much as we can to address as much of the pain as possible.»
The 50th vice president stopped short of providing a definitive end date or marker that would signify an end to the war, but said that Iran must commit «not to rebuild [uranium enrichment] capacity and to stay off a pathway of nuclear weapons.»
«They’re going to stay off the pathway that’s developing a nuclear weapon, and I think the president’s been quite clear about that. I think the entire administration has been quite clear about that.»
jd vance, politics, midterm elections, texas, minnesota
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Pope Leo XIV underwent blood tests and a chest X-ray Wednesday following surgery to remove a small nodule on his lung, with his recovery going «as expected,» the Vatican announced.
The development comes after the Holy See Press Office said «the night passed calmly for the Pope» at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
The 71-year-old pontiff on Tuesday underwent thoracic surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung with doctors confirming he had lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer, according to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office.
«This morning, the Holy Father underwent the blood tests and chest X-ray scheduled after surgery. The results confirm that his postoperative recovery is progressing normally: the values are within the expected range for the type of operation performed,» it attributed Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora as saying.
Pope Leo XIV arrives at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, where he’s expected to be operated to remove a lung nodule. (Alessandra Tarantino/AP)
POPE LEO DIAGNOSED WITH LUNG CANCER AFTER SURGEONS REMOVE PART OF RIGHT LUNG, VATICAN SAYS
«The Holy Father has undergone respiratory physiotherapy and has begun walking around his room. He has resumed eating normally and had breakfast and lunch,» their statement added. «His recovery is proceeding as expected.»
The pope’s diagnosis was confirmed through a tissue examination conducted during the operation, consistent with findings from preoperative tests, the Vatican said.
POPE LEO DENOUNCES DEATH PENALTY AS ‘INADMISSIBLE’ AHEAD OF PENTAGON’S PLANNED LIVESTREAMED EXECUTION
An image of Pope Leo XIV rests at the base of a statue of the late Pope John Paul II outside the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, where Leo is hospitalized for surgery to remove a lung nodule, in Rome, on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026. (Gregorio Borgia/AP)
The pope spent approximately three hours in the operating room, although the surgery itself lasted about 90 minutes.
Doctors said the procedure was successful and there were no complications.
«Doctors found a small lump in the lung,» Leo said after an Angelus address at St. Peter’s Square on Monday. «It was identified at a very early stage and well situated.»
Pope Leo XIV is welcomed by Health Director Andrea Cambieri as he arrives at the Gemelli University Hospital for an operation to remove a lump from his lung, in Rome on October 13, 2026. (Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP via Getty Images)
«The doctors consider it appropriate to intervene and so, following their advice, I decided to have surgery to remove it,» he continued. «The surgery is already scheduled for the next few days. I thank you for your spiritual closeness and I rely on your prayer.»
Fox News’ Courtney Walsh, Anders Hagstrom and Jasmine Baehr contributed to this report.
pope leo xiv, cancer, surgery, vatican, health, world
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