A new Inspector General's report revealed that the Biden administration bypassed federal rules when awarding a $529 million contract to a nonprofit led by a former Biden official, according to Fox News. The contract, issued in March 2021, was intended to address the unaccompanied minor crisis. In other news, two South Korean skiers were disqualified from the Winter Olympics after banned substances were found on their equipment, and South Korea's spy agency believes North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has selected his daughter as his heir. Additionally, concerns about the use of military counter-drone technology caused a temporary airspace closure over El Paso, and a prominent election denier now holds a high-ranking position in a potential second Trump administration.
The Inspector General's report, released on Thursday, accused the Administration of Children and Families (ACF), under HHS, of circumventing standard procedures when awarding the "sole source contract" to Family Endeavors. This nonprofit was led by a former Biden official. The contract was for a one-year period.
In sports news, two South Korean skiers, Han Dasom and Lee Eui-jin, were disqualified from the Winter Olympics after their equipment tested positive for fluor, a banned substance. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) confirmed the disqualifications from the qualification round for the women's cross-country classic sprint.
Meanwhile, South Korea's spy agency, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), informed lawmakers that Kim Jong Un has chosen his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his heir. The NIS cited her increasing public presence at official events as a key factor in their assessment. Kim Ju Ae has been pictured with her father at high-profile events, including a visit to Beijing in September. The NIS stated they would continue to monitor the situation.
The airspace over El Paso was temporarily closed due to concerns about military counter-drone technology. According to the NY Times, the military has made rapid advancements in developing technology to combat drones, but the rules and procedures for using these technologies in civilian airspace are still being developed. Conflicting accounts exist regarding the exact cause of the closure, with some sources suggesting a response to drone incursions from Mexican drug cartels.
Finally, the NY Times reported that Kurt Olsen, a prominent figure in the election denialism movement, is now the director of election security in a potential second Trump administration. Olsen was previously considered a fringe figure. This development highlights the ongoing debate surrounding election integrity and the influence of those who have questioned the results of the 2020 election.
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