Lack of oversight: A lack of oversight allowed a Louisiana Department of Education employee to swindle more than $74,000 from a federal grant program in 2021, according to a recent report from Louisiana Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack. Waguespack’s audit details the misappropriation of $74,250 in funds from the Child Care Assistance Program, as well as other reporting issues with multiple federal programs. Read more about the audit from The Center Square.Â
Signs of easing: A slide in all manner of raw-materials prices—corn, wheat, copper and more—is stirring hopes that a significant source of inflationary pressure might be starting to ease, The Wall Street Journal reports. There are matters of supply and demand behind the declines, such as better crop-growing weather, but some investors are starting to view the reversals as a sign that the Federal Reserve’s efforts to slow the economy are reducing demand. Read the full story. Â
Virtual meetings: Many Americans don’t expect to rely on the digital services that became commonplace during the pandemic after COVID-19 fully subsides, according to a new Associated Press poll, even as many think it’s a good thing if those options remain available in the future. Close to half or more of U.S. adults say they are not likely to attend virtual activities, receive virtual health care, have groceries delivered or use curbside pickup after the coronavirus pandemic is over. Read the full story.Â
