Hurricane-force wind downs power lines, fans wildfires in Colorado with more on way

Five new defendants have been charged in a Minnesota housing services fraud scheme, which is part of a larger investigation into fraudulent activities linked to COVID-19 aid. This scheme has raised significant concerns regarding the integrity of housing services in the state.

Five new defendants have been charged in connection with a fraud scheme involving housing services in Minnesota, which has drawn significant scrutiny due to its links to the Somali community and allegations of fraudulent activities related to COVID-19 aid. This development adds to the ongoing investigations into a broader network of fraud that reportedly defrauded the Small Business Administration of approximately $1 billion.

Meg O’Neill has been appointed as BP’s new chief executive, marking her as the first female leader of a major oil company and the first outsider to take on this role. Previously, she served as the CEO of Woodside, an Australian oil and gas company, for four years. This appointment comes during a challenging period for BP, which has seen significant leadership changes in recent years.

The United States is grappling with an unprecedented epidemic of loneliness and social isolation, prompting various small groups to take action to foster community connections. Despite these efforts, challenges remain in effectively addressing the widespread feelings of disconnection among Americans.

A Florida man, convicted of fatally shooting two individuals during a home invasion robbery, is scheduled for execution, marking him as the 19th person to face capital punishment in the state this year. The convict has also confessed to three additional murders, indicating a troubling pattern of violent crime.

The Trump administration has announced plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Colorado, which is the largest federal climate research laboratory in the United States.

The Senate is currently voting on a $901 billion defense bill, which is part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that outlines military spending and policy for the upcoming fiscal year. This legislation follows the House's approval and includes various provisions aimed at enhancing military capabilities and troop welfare.