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Virginia Hasn't Spent $38M In DHS Grants, Audit Finds

Virginia has not spent more than $38 million of federal Department of Homeland security grants it has received since 2008, the Associated Press reports. Virginia received a total of $90 million in homeland security grants from the federal government between 2008 and 2010, according to a federal audit. 

The audit from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General's office criticizes the state for not doling out the money more quickly to local governments for things such as improved communication equipment and other emergency response gear. It also faults the state for failing to establish measurable goals for the grants and for slack oversight.

But Virginia officials say the audit doesn't paint a clear picture, because although some of the funds haven't been used yet, they have all been allocated. They say the funds will all be spent by next year. 

NPR

China Builds Museums ... But Will The Visitors Come?

China is on a spree to build world-class museums and has opened about 100 of them annually in recent years. Two of the biggest opened on the same day last fall on opposite banks of Shanghai's Huangpu River. But filling these museums — with both art and visitors — is proving more challenging.
NPR

Nutrition Group Says Chocolate Milk Is OK, No Need For Aspartame

The nation's largest group of nutritionists is urging the FDA to reject the dairy industry's petition to change the definition of milk. The petition aims to allow aspartame or other alternatives to be used to sweeten milk in an effort to boost consumption in schools.
NPR

IRS Official In Charge Of Nonprofits Declines To Testify

Lois Lerner, who heads the IRS division dealing with nonprofits seeking tax-exempt status, will not testify on Wednesday despite a congressional subpoena, her attorney says. She is accused of closely scrutinizing conservative groups that sought tax-exempt status.
NPR

Microsoft Reveals New Xbox One Game System

Microsoft unveiled its new Xbox One Tuesday, displaying a device that takes new steps in game consoles' journey into becoming all-purpose entertainment and communication devices. The new console replaces the Xbox 360, which has been on the market for more than seven years.

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