March 27, 2024 | Read Online

Good morning. It's Wednesday, March. 27, and we're covering House ethics investigation, prepaid debit cards for migrants spark debate, NBA's fresh betting scandal, and much more. First time reading? Sign up here.

American Fact of the Day!

Texas - First Ever Rodeo was Held in Pecos, Texas July 4, 1883: Rodeoing can actually date back to the 1500's in Mexico. These rodeos were a way for cattlemen to bring their herds in for branding or selling. A lot of the techniques we see in rodeos today were used during these times. The rodeo in Pecos is considered the first because it was the first to offer a cowboy money for being the best at his skill.

Breaking Updates

Texas Rep. Troy Nehls Faces House Ethics Investigation

On Tuesday, the House Ethics Committee revealed it was conducting an investigation into Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX). While the specific nature of the investigation isn't known, Nehls, who indicated he was "fully cooperating" with the probe, alluded to it involving campaign finances.

"I look forward to assisting the House Committee on Ethics inquiry into my campaign's finances," Nehls said in a statement. "My campaign has complied with every Federal Election Commission (FEC) law, and my books are open."

House Ethics Committee Chair Michael Guest (R-Miss.) and ranking member Susan Wild (D-Pa.) said Tuesday that they began an investigation into Nehls after receiving information about the congressman from the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) on Dec. 11. The OCE is an independent, nonpartisan entity that reviews allegations of misconduct regarding lawmakers and staff members.

Nehls, of course, is not the first member of Congress to face an ethics investigation. Most notably, former Rep. George Santos (R-NY) was expelled following an investigation into his activities. And current Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) is reportedly under investigation by the Department of Justice following an ethics inquiry.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams' Prepaid Debit Cards for Migrants Spark Debate

In a rather confusing and contradictory move, New York City has begun distributing prepaid debit cards to illegal immigrants and asylum seekers. The program, spearheaded by Mayor Eric Adams in partnership with a New Jersey-based company, was launched on Tuesday at the Roosevelt Hotel.

The Adams administration and Mobility Capital Finance have collaborated to provide preloaded Mastercards to illegal immigrants and asylum seekers in the city to streamline aid and supposedly save the city money. The Adams administration launched its program to give prepaid debit cards to New York City migrants this week — two months after inking a controversial no-bid $53 million contract for the deal.

The one-year deal came under fire after The Post first revealed the contract was inked without a typical bidding process. The program could be a boon for the tech start-up, giving it the potential to net $1.8 million by taking a cut of the funds loaded onto each Mastercard, according to the contract.

The program comes amid growing concerns over how cities like New York City can accommodate an increasing number of people entering their cities from south of the border. However, the fact that the mayor and his team don't seem to have looked at what will happen when more people show up seeking free cash is mind-boggling, to say the least.

Either Adams is woefully inept at his job, or his constant laments about the border crisis are a performance worthy of an Academy Award. Either way, if this program is any indication, New York City is about to get a lot more crowded – assuming more residents don't pack up and move to other states.

American Sports & Culture

The NBA has a fresh betting scandal, too

Major League Baseball has a betting scandal that doesn't involve betting on baseball.

MLB Opening Day 2024: Date, time, schedule, best record, longest win streaks

Fresh off the Seoul Series and an eventful offseason, get all the information you need to know for 2024 MLB Opening Day.

2024 NFL Mock Draft: NFC team moves up and down the board; Cowboys, Lions make big splashes to improve offense

This mock features trades galore, and not just for quarterbacks

American Business & Markets

How AI Is Used in Business

AI technology is now prevalent in many types of software and apps, revolutionizing workflows, business practices, and entire industries. AI has changed the way we work, access information, and analyze data, with many useful applications in the business world.

Entrepreneurship: From ancient markets to modern startups

From pottery makers to tech innovators, take a trip through the history of entrepreneurs.

TikTok ban could affect local businesses promoting on social media

In the latest TikTok ban update, the US Senate is still considering and making changes to the bill, which could have a big impact on small businesses who promote themselves on the