Doris O'Brien is a retired college Speech teacher and banker. She has published two books of humor (Up or Down With Women's Liberation and Humor Me a Little) and for many years contributed light verse to the Pepper 'n Salt column of the Wall Street Journal. She is an avid writer of letters to the editors.
Doris celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary in the same year she welcomed her first grandchild. She now lives in Pasadena with a great view of the San Gabriel mountains — and the annual Tournament of Roses Parade.
She can be reached by e-mail: witsendob at (@) gmail.com
GAO-23-106556: Emergency Relief Funds: Significant Improvements Are Needed to Address Fraud and Improper Payments
"Three programs — SBA's PPP and COVID-19 EIDL program, and DOL's UI program—account for a large portion of COVID-19 relief funding. Based on GAO's findings and other audits, GAO added SBA's emergency loans for small businesses issued under PPP and COVID-19 EIDL, and the UI system to its High-Risk List in March 2021 and June 2022, respectively. This testimony summarizes (1) fraud, improper payments, and accountability deficiencies in COVID-19 relief programs; (2) shortcomings in agencies' fraud risk management practices and internal controls; and (3) the status of recommended actions to improve these practices in the future. GAO reviewed its prior COVID-19 findings and recommendations on internal controls and fraud risk management practices." more »
A Berkeley Study: With Rapidly Increasing Heat and Drought, Can Plants Adapt?
"An intensive study of a group of plants that first invaded emerging deserts millions of years ago concludes that these pioneers — rock daisies — did not come unequipped to deal with heat, scorching sun and lack of water. They had developed adaptations to such stresses while living on dry, exposed rock outcroppings within older, more moist areas and even tropical forests, all of which made it easier for them to invade expanding arid areas." more »
Justice Department Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco Delivers Remarks on Charges and New Arrest in Connection with Assassination Plot Directed from Iran
"This case also highlights the evolving threat and increasingly brazen conduct emanating from Iran. I have spoken before about the threat Iran poses to our homeland through its networks and proxies. In the last year, we have charged members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) with a plot to murder the former U.S. National Security Advisor; We’ve indicted Iranian hackers for targeting utility companies and other critical U.S. infrastructure; And we’ve called out Iran for a destructive cyberattack that crippled a partner government’s computer networks. We will not tolerate this belligerent and criminal conduct. Instead, we will hold accountable those who would bring Iran’s campaign of violence to our shores. We will hold accountable those who seek to silence voices for human rights and women’s rights." more »
Fact Sheet on U.S. Security Assistance to Ukraine January 25, 2023
"Fact Sheet on U.S. Security Assistance to Ukraine January 25, 2023 In total, the United States has more than $27.8 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden Administration..." Thousands of night vision devices, surveillance systems, thermal imagery systems, optics, and laser rangefinders; Commercial satellite imagery services; Explosive ordnance disposal equipment and protective gear; Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear protective equipment; 100 armored medical treatment vehicles; Over 350 generators; Medical supplies to include first aid kits, bandages, monitors, and other equipment; Electronic jamming equipment; Field equipment, cold weather gear, and spare parts; Funding for training, maintenance, and sustainment. The United States also continues to work with its Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with additional capabilities to defend itself. more »
