States spent welfare cash in ‘crazy ways’

Topline: The federal welfare program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, is sending less money directly to families and more to nonprofits and state agencies, leading the Wall Street Journal to label it a “slush fund” in a new analysis.

Key facts: TANF exists to help low-income families with children pay for housing, groceries, child care and more. The program is part of the Office of the Administration for Children & Families, under the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services...