Over the past few years, Jonny Griffis has invested millions of dollars in his legal marijuana farm in northern Michigan, which produces extracts to be used in things like gummy bears and vape oils.

But now that farm — like many other licensed grows in states that have legalized marijuana — faces an existential threat: high-inducing cannabis compounds derived not from the heavily regulated and taxed legal marijuana industry, but from a chemical process involving little-regulated, cheaply grown hemp.

“It’s going to make our farm obsolete,” Griffis, the chief operating officer of True North Collective, testified before Michigan’s Marijuana Regulatory Agency recently. “The $3 million or so that I’ve invested ... is going to be wiped out.”

At the center of the issue is THC, marijuana’s main intoxicating component. While marijuana and hemp are the same plant — cannabis — the distinction between the two is a legal one, and comes down to the amount of THC in the plant, specifically the amount of a type of THC called delta-9.

Hemp is defined in federal law by its low delta-9 THC content and is traditionally used for food, clothing and industrial applications. “Rope not dope” was long a motto for those who advocated the legalization of hemp.

But since Congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill, authorizing the growing of hemp nationwide, there’s been an unforeseen consequence: People exploiting what they see as a loophole in the law have taken that hemp, extracted a non-intoxicating compound called CBD, and chemically changed it — generally by the addition of solvents and heat — into various types of impairing THC.

Unlike the completely artificial, often dangerous drugs known as K2 or Spice and called “synthetic marijuana,” the chemically created THC at issue here consists of molecules found naturally in cannabis, though sometimes in vanishingly small amounts. It’s far cheaper to produce THC chemically from hemp than to extract it from marijuana.

Because it is derived from hemp, that THC — often in a form called delta-8 —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-business-health-bdef53f20c34fe3adfd17a7808d5b4e6">can wind up in candies, vape oils and other products&nbsp;</a>sold in gas stations, convenience stores and online, even in states where marijuana is illegal. The Food and Drug Administration warned last year that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc" target="_blank">the substances pose a public health risk</a>&nbsp;due to multiple factors, including the way they are marketed and because of potential contamination when manufactured.

At least 17 states have banned such products, but they remain available in many, including the pioneering legal marijuana state of Washington, where gas station and vape-shop sales of THC created from hemp offer competition to the heavily taxed, regulated and tested marijuana market.

Virginia lawmakers this month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-business-richmond-constitutional-amendments-constitutions-6b087beddc55d52b75b83bcd5d51c99e">approved a bill</a>&nbsp;to strictly limit the amount of THC allowed in hemp-derived products; Gov. Glenn Youngkin has not yet signed it. In Kentucky and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-atlanta-lawsuits-e67aff3ade21916638d33768bd094900">Georgia</a>, recent lawsuits have sought to establish that delta-8 products are legal; a Kentucky judge sided with hemp advocates there on Feb. 28, allowing the products to continue to be sold as lawmakers consider a ban.

The U.S. Hemp Roundtable, a hemp industry association, has decried the use of hemp-extracted CBD to create intoxicating products, saying it “undermines the integrity of the hemp industry and intent of the 2018 Farm Bill.”

Supporters call chemically derived THC economical and environmentally friendly. Hemp can be grown in vast fields outdoors, without expensive lighting systems, and can have a lower carbon footprint than marijuana.

Further, processors can make a more consistent product using chemistry to make THC from CBD, they say, and regulators shouldn’t stand in the way of market innovations or pick winners and losers in the industry. They liken it to the synthetically created vanilla or caffeine added to food and drinks.

“Most growers don’t like to hear this, because they feel like it’s taking away from their market, but it’s a great product,” said Abe Fleishman, of Northstar Hemp in Oregon. “It provides an opportunity for companies to scale production, for one, and to make a new product that is, in my opinion, cleaner than your regular THC products.”

For critics, the safety isn’t proven; the process of making it can leave behind trace amounts of unidentifiable compounds. The method also allows for the manufacture of lesser-known cannabis compounds whose health effects aren’t well understood.

Chemically produced THC is unlikely to displace the top-shelf dried cannabis flower preferred by many connoisseurs, but it is so cheap to make that it drastically undercuts marijuana growers who focus on the extract market, and who have spent a lot of time and money adapting to stringent rules for their industry.

Griffis said he’s seen the price of delta-9 distillate drop from $50,000 a liter to $6,000 — and falling — as THC made from hemp floods the market.

“It’s an issue that almost every state cannabis regulator is thinking about,” said Gillian Schauer, executive director of the Cannabis Regulators Association. “It’s presenting a lot of challenges to protecting public health and consumer safety, and also to protecting existing state cannabis markets.”

And, Schauer said, THC chemically made from hemp is only the tip of the iceberg: It can also be made from bioengineered yeast, so regulators will soon find themselves wrestling with that as well.

In Michigan, the Marijuana Regulatory Agency is considering rules that would allow processors to convert CBD into THC with written prior approval from the agency, which would require demonstrations of the conversion method and product testing. They would also have to label their product as synthetic — a suggestion that has angered processors who note that the molecules are found in nature.

Oregon’s Liquor and Cannabis Commission gave marijuana licensees a six-month grace period to sell off intoxicating THC-from-hemp products they had already acquired before a ban takes effect in July.

In California, hemp-derived THC products are not allowed in legal marijuana shops, but regulators are examining the steps necessary to allow them.

Colorado and Washington, which in 2012 became the first states to legalize recreational marijuana, last year made clear that synthetically derived cannabinoids, including THC, are not allowed in their legal industries.

After an uproar from licensed growers who said they were being undercut, Washington’s Liquor and Cannabis board seized more than 1,600 pounds (726 kilograms) of chemically created THC products made by a single licensed marijuana company, Unicorn Brands. The board went on to ban them from the regulated market.

For David Postman, the board’s chairman, THC made from hemp represents an industrialization of the cannabis industry that he isn’t sure voters wanted when they passed Washington’s legal marijuana law, which was billed as a harm-reduction measure.

“The LCB and the majority of the cannabis industry do not think the legal market should include mind-impairing, lab-created THC,” Postman said. “Allowing synthetically derived THC in the state’s legal cannabis market could devastate the industry.”

Vicki Christophersen, a lobbyist for the industry group Washington CannaBusiness Association, argues that the board’s approach is stifling innovation in ways that will make it tough for Washington to compete nationally, should the federal ban on marijuana ever be lifted.

“The collaborations that occur between the hemp industry and the adult-use cannabis industry are not only inevitable, but they’re important,” she said. “We need to look at what is going to advance Washington’s industry alongside all the other competitor states that are advancing at a much higher speed than we are.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648118147513.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSOver the past few years, Jonny Griffis has invested millions of dollars in his legal marijuana farm in northern Michigan, which produces extracts to be used in things like gummy bears and vape oils.But now that farm — like many other licensed grows in states that have legalized marijuana — faces an existential threat: high-inducing cannabis compounds derived not from the heavily regulated and taxed legal marijuana industry, but from a chemical process involving little-regulated, cheaply grown hemp.“It’s going to make our farm obsolete,” Griffis, the chief operating officer of True North Collective, testified before Michigan’s Marijuana Regulatory Agency recently. “The $3 million or so that I’ve invested ... is going to be wiped out.”At the center of the issue is THC, marijuana’s main intoxicating component. While marijuana and hemp are the same plant — cannabis — the distinction between the two is a legal one, and comes down to the amount of THC in the plant, specifically the amount of a type of THC called delta-9.Hemp is defined in federal law by its low delta-9 THC content and is traditionally used for food, clothing and industrial applications. “Rope not dope” was long a motto for those who advocated the legalization of hemp.But since Congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill, authorizing the growing of hemp nationwide, there’s been an unforeseen consequence: People exploiting what they see as a loophole in the law have taken that hemp, extracted a non-intoxicating compound called CBD, and chemically changed it — generally by the addition of solvents and heat — into various types of impairing THC.Unlike the completely artificial, often dangerous drugs known as K2 or Spice and called “synthetic marijuana,” the chemically created THC at issue here consists of molecules found naturally in cannabis, though sometimes in vanishingly small amounts. It’s far cheaper to produce THC chemically from hemp than to extract it from marijuana.Because it is derived from hemp, that THC — often in a form called delta-8 —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-business-health-bdef53f20c34fe3adfd17a7808d5b4e6">can wind up in candies, vape oils and other products&nbsp;</a>sold in gas stations, convenience stores and online, even in states where marijuana is illegal. The Food and Drug Administration warned last year that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc" target="_blank">the substances pose a public health risk</a>&nbsp;due to multiple factors, including the way they are marketed and because of potential contamination when manufactured.At least 17 states have banned such products, but they remain available in many, including the pioneering legal marijuana state of Washington, where gas station and vape-shop sales of THC created from hemp offer competition to the heavily taxed, regulated and tested marijuana market.Virginia lawmakers this month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-business-richmond-constitutional-amendments-constitutions-6b087beddc55d52b75b83bcd5d51c99e">approved a bill</a>&nbsp;to strictly limit the amount of THC allowed in hemp-derived products; Gov. Glenn Youngkin has not yet signed it. In Kentucky and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-atlanta-lawsuits-e67aff3ade21916638d33768bd094900">Georgia</a>, recent lawsuits have sought to establish that delta-8 products are legal; a Kentucky judge sided with hemp advocates there on Feb. 28, allowing the products to continue to be sold as lawmakers consider a ban.The U.S. Hemp Roundtable, a hemp industry association, has decried the use of hemp-extracted CBD to create intoxicating products, saying it “undermines the integrity of the hemp industry and intent of the 2018 Farm Bill.”Supporters call chemically derived THC economical and environmentally friendly. Hemp can be grown in vast fields outdoors, without expensive lighting systems, and can have a lower carbon footprint than marijuana.Further, processors can make a more consistent product using chemistry to make THC from CBD, they say, and regulators shouldn’t stand in the way of market innovations or pick winners and losers in the industry. They liken it to the synthetically created vanilla or caffeine added to food and drinks.“Most growers don’t like to hear this, because they feel like it’s taking away from their market, but it’s a great product,” said Abe Fleishman, of Northstar Hemp in Oregon. “It provides an opportunity for companies to scale production, for one, and to make a new product that is, in my opinion, cleaner than your regular THC products.”For critics, the safety isn’t proven; the process of making it can leave behind trace amounts of unidentifiable compounds. The method also allows for the manufacture of lesser-known cannabis compounds whose health effects aren’t well understood.Chemically produced THC is unlikely to displace the top-shelf dried cannabis flower preferred by many connoisseurs, but it is so cheap to make that it drastically undercuts marijuana growers who focus on the extract market, and who have spent a lot of time and money adapting to stringent rules for their industry.Griffis said he’s seen the price of delta-9 distillate drop from $50,000 a liter to $6,000 — and falling — as THC made from hemp floods the market.“It’s an issue that almost every state cannabis regulator is thinking about,” said Gillian Schauer, executive director of the Cannabis Regulators Association. “It’s presenting a lot of challenges to protecting public health and consumer safety, and also to protecting existing state cannabis markets.”And, Schauer said, THC chemically made from hemp is only the tip of the iceberg: It can also be made from bioengineered yeast, so regulators will soon find themselves wrestling with that as well.In Michigan, the Marijuana Regulatory Agency is considering rules that would allow processors to convert CBD into THC with written prior approval from the agency, which would require demonstrations of the conversion method and product testing. They would also have to label their product as synthetic — a suggestion that has angered processors who note that the molecules are found in nature.Oregon’s Liquor and Cannabis Commission gave marijuana licensees a six-month grace period to sell off intoxicating THC-from-hemp products they had already acquired before a ban takes effect in July.In California, hemp-derived THC products are not allowed in legal marijuana shops, but regulators are examining the steps necessary to allow them.Colorado and Washington, which in 2012 became the first states to legalize recreational marijuana, last year made clear that synthetically derived cannabinoids, including THC, are not allowed in their legal industries.After an uproar from licensed growers who said they were being undercut, Washington’s Liquor and Cannabis board seized more than 1,600 pounds (726 kilograms) of chemically created THC products made by a single licensed marijuana company, Unicorn Brands. The board went on to ban them from the regulated market.For David Postman, the board’s chairman, THC made from hemp represents an industrialization of the cannabis industry that he isn’t sure voters wanted when they passed Washington’s legal marijuana law, which was billed as a harm-reduction measure.“The LCB and the majority of the cannabis industry do not think the legal market should include mind-impairing, lab-created THC,” Postman said. “Allowing synthetically derived THC in the state’s legal cannabis market could devastate the industry.”Vicki Christophersen, a lobbyist for the industry group Washington CannaBusiness Association, argues that the board’s approach is stifling innovation in ways that will make it tough for Washington to compete nationally, should the federal ban on marijuana ever be lifted.“The collaborations that occur between the hemp industry and the adult-use cannabis industry are not only inevitable, but they’re important,” she said. “We need to look at what is going to advance Washington’s industry alongside all the other competitor states that are advancing at a much higher speed than we are.”

High from hemp: States wrestle with chemically made THC

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Two southeast Iowa teenagers used a baseball bat last fall to kill their high school Spanish teacher, and one of them described in social media posts how they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/homicide-iowa-conspiracy-des-moines-fairfield-ed4457ea50af4d77e3ee5ba601e44834">followed the woman</a>, carried out the attack and hid her body, police allege in court documents publicly released Tuesday.

Also Tuesday, a judge rejected defense lawyers’ requests that the media be excluded from a hearing later this week at which the teens will seek to be tried in the juvenile system rather than in adult court.

Jeremy Goodale and Willard Miller, both 16,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/homicide-iowa-ottumwa-fairfield-e9019a1734050a21b69b5afa9d06af6b">are charged</a>&nbsp;with murder in the death of Fairfield High School Spanish teacher Nohema Graber, 66. Her body was found Nov. 3, hidden under a tarp, a wheelbarrow and railroad ties at the Chautauqua Park in Fairfield, about 95 miles (150 kilometers) southeast of Des Moines. She had been reported missing earlier that day.

Details about the case were included in search warrant information that had been sealed by a judge until this week.

The documents state that a witness who knew Goodale showed police Goodale’s Snapchat messages that indicated Miller and Goodale “were involved in the planning, execution, and disposal of evidence” related to Graber’s death. Goodale’s messages described out he and Miller conducted surveillance on Graber, how she was killed, where her body was located, where her car was parked and how the teens disposed of and concealed evidence.

Included in the messages was that a baseball bat was used to kill Graber. Court documents said the teacher suffered “inflicted trauma to the head.”

According to the court documents, police investigators viewed surveillance video that showed Graber’s car left Fairfield High School and entered the park about 4 p.m. on Nov. 2. The car was driven out of the park about 42 minutes later, followed by a pickup truck.

The documents say a witness told police the items used or worn during the crime were taken to Goodale’s home.

In an interview, Miller told Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation agents that he provided a wheelbarrow from his home, according to the documents. Another witness said he saw a male subject pushing a wheelbarrow down a Fairfield street around midnight on Nov. 2.

Many details remain concealed from public view, including an alleged motive. Attorneys for the teens have asked the court to keep most information about the evidence under seal and had requested that the media and public be excluded from Thursday’s hearing on whether the teens should be waived from adult court back to juvenile court.

Judge Shawn Showers on Tuesday denied the request for the private hearing, saying the defense attorneys didn’t show the teens’ right to a fair trial would be irreparably damaged if the hearing was open.

Goodale and Miller are charged as adults as required by Iowa court procedures, which say anyone 16 or over charged with a forcible felony is automatically waived to adult court “and is subject to the same criminal procedures and penalties as adults.”

The adult sentence for first-degree murder in Iowa is life in prison, although in 2016 the Iowa Supreme Court banned judges from imposing murder sentences of life without parole&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/homicide-iowa-conspiracy-des-moines-fairfield-ed4457ea50af4d77e3ee5ba601e44834">for offenders under age 18,</a>&nbsp;saying it amounts to cruel and unusual punishment under the Iowa Constitution.

It’s likely Goodale and Miller would serve lengthy prison sentences if convicted as adults. If moved to juvenile court the two would be released from custody when they turn 18, less than two years.

The judge scheduled trial dates for the teens, with the trial for Goodale set for Aug. 23 and Miller’s date planned for Nov. 1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648114560417.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Two southeast Iowa teenagers used a baseball bat last fall to kill their high school Spanish teacher, and one of them described in social media posts how they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/homicide-iowa-conspiracy-des-moines-fairfield-ed4457ea50af4d77e3ee5ba601e44834">followed the woman</a>, carried out the attack and hid her body, police allege in court documents publicly released Tuesday.Also Tuesday, a judge rejected defense lawyers’ requests that the media be excluded from a hearing later this week at which the teens will seek to be tried in the juvenile system rather than in adult court.Jeremy Goodale and Willard Miller, both 16,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/homicide-iowa-ottumwa-fairfield-e9019a1734050a21b69b5afa9d06af6b">are charged</a>&nbsp;with murder in the death of Fairfield High School Spanish teacher Nohema Graber, 66. Her body was found Nov. 3, hidden under a tarp, a wheelbarrow and railroad ties at the Chautauqua Park in Fairfield, about 95 miles (150 kilometers) southeast of Des Moines. She had been reported missing earlier that day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648114591757.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Details about the case were included in search warrant information that had been sealed by a judge until this week.The documents state that a witness who knew Goodale showed police Goodale’s Snapchat messages that indicated Miller and Goodale “were involved in the planning, execution, and disposal of evidence” related to Graber’s death. Goodale’s messages described out he and Miller conducted surveillance on Graber, how she was killed, where her body was located, where her car was parked and how the teens disposed of and concealed evidence.Included in the messages was that a baseball bat was used to kill Graber. Court documents said the teacher suffered “inflicted trauma to the head.”According to the court documents, police investigators viewed surveillance video that showed Graber’s car left Fairfield High School and entered the park about 4 p.m. on Nov. 2. The car was driven out of the park about 42 minutes later, followed by a pickup truck.The documents say a witness told police the items used or worn during the crime were taken to Goodale’s home.In an interview, Miller told Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation agents that he provided a wheelbarrow from his home, according to the documents. Another witness said he saw a male subject pushing a wheelbarrow down a Fairfield street around midnight on Nov. 2.Many details remain concealed from public view, including an alleged motive. Attorneys for the teens have asked the court to keep most information about the evidence under seal and had requested that the media and public be excluded from Thursday’s hearing on whether the teens should be waived from adult court back to juvenile court.Judge Shawn Showers on Tuesday denied the request for the private hearing, saying the defense attorneys didn’t show the teens’ right to a fair trial would be irreparably damaged if the hearing was open.Goodale and Miller are charged as adults as required by Iowa court procedures, which say anyone 16 or over charged with a forcible felony is automatically waived to adult court “and is subject to the same criminal procedures and penalties as adults.”The adult sentence for first-degree murder in Iowa is life in prison, although in 2016 the Iowa Supreme Court banned judges from imposing murder sentences of life without parole&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/homicide-iowa-conspiracy-des-moines-fairfield-ed4457ea50af4d77e3ee5ba601e44834">for offenders under age 18,</a>&nbsp;saying it amounts to cruel and unusual punishment under the Iowa Constitution.It’s likely Goodale and Miller would serve lengthy prison sentences if convicted as adults. If moved to juvenile court the two would be released from custody when they turn 18, less than two years.The judge scheduled trial dates for the teens, with the trial for Goodale set for Aug. 23 and Miller’s date planned for Nov. 1.

Police: Iowa teens used baseball bat to kill Spanish teacher

Cryptocurrency is the hot new trend 
in investing, and much is still not understood about this buzzy, 
volatile digital payment system that does not rely on banks to verify 
transactions. This has created a fertile environment for scams, 
according to a new in-depth investigative study by Better Business 
Bureau® (BBB®), which states: “A virtual tug of war exists between the legitimate and fraudulent use of cryptocurrency.”&nbsp;

The study – Cryptocurrency
 scams: BBB study finds lack of regulation and consumer education 
results in dramatic increase in fraud and financial losses
 – examines the many facets of cryptocurrency and the variety of ways 
criminals are exploiting the cryptocurrency market to steal from 
investors and victims of common scams. <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/scamstudies/cryptocurrency_scams/cryptocurrency_scams_study" target="_blank">Read the full study</a>.&nbsp;

Cryptocurrency is a form of digital money 
whereby encryption technology can enable anyone anywhere to send and 
receive payments. It does not exist in a physical form such as paper 
money, but as lines of computer code, supported by a decentralized 
computer system known as blockchain and stored in a “crypto wallet.” 
Bitcoin, developed in 2009, is the most popular form of cryptocurrency, 
available for purchase at tens of thousands of Bitcoin ATMs and 
increasingly accepted as payment in certain retail transactions. 
Ethereum is the second most common cryptocurrency and is centrally 
involved in the increasingly popular non-fungible tokens (NFTs), digital
 assets such as pictures or music that are purchased with cryptocurrency
 as an investment. Critically, cryptocurrency operates outside the 
traditional banking system and is not subject to the same protections as
 bank deposits or credit card transactions.&nbsp;

Reports from victims of large financial 
losses to cryptocurrency related scams are skyrocketing. In 2021, BBB 
received more than 2,400 complaints with monetary losses of nearly $8 
million involving cryptocurrency companies. BBB Scam Tracker reports 
about crypto scams numbered more than 1,200 in 2021 and likewise totaled
 nearly $8 million in losses. Scam Tracker reports to BBB tripled between 2019 and 2021, and reported losses tripled over the last two years.&nbsp;

Cryptocurrency accounted for the second 
highest scam losses reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 
2021, with losses of $750 million. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint 
Center (IC3) and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) also had major 
increases in reports received and major increases in losses. BBB’s study
 notes that research shows that most people do not make a report when 
they are scammed, so actual losses suggested to be substantially 
greater.&nbsp;

Cryptocurrency has some key traits that 
make it attractive to scammers: It is relatively unregulated and 
difficult to recoup once lost; it is wildly popular, fueled in part by 
celebrity endorsements; and it is not well understood by the general 
public. The study states that the cryptocurrency market offers new 
opportunities for tried-and-true investment frauds such as Ponzi schemes
 and fraudulent ICOs (initial coin offerings), particularly given the 
development of new currencies and the lack of protections that 
government regulation has made available to more traditional investors.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Many victims report that after purchasing 
cryptocurrency, they&nbsp;were directed to websites where they had to create 
an account in order to monitor their investments. The websites are 
sophisticated, with many offering live customer service chats. But 
victims who want to withdraw their “earnings” are told they must 
contribute more money to cover taxes, commissions, or other fees. 
Ultimately, they can never withdraw money..&nbsp;

A consumer told BBB that she began 
learning about Bitcoin investing in the summer of 2021, reaching out via
 WhatsApp to an investing service she saw mentioned repeatedly in the 
comments of a YouTube video about Bitcoin. The woman was instructed to 
buy $1,500 in Bitcoin via CashApp; 10 days later, she received a 
screenshot displaying an account balance of more than $7,300. However, 
when she decided to withdraw her earnings, she was told to pay a 10% 
commission and a broker’s fee of more than $800. After she paid both, 
she received an email instructing her to pay an additional sum of nearly
 $1,200 to withdraw her money. She concluded it was a scam and reported 
it to BBB.&nbsp;

BBB Scam Tracker data shows that 
cryptocurrency scams most commonly originate on social media, with the 
FTC noting that 25% of crypto fraud reported in 2021 began on social 
media. Scammers may impersonate a victim’s friends to tell them about 
their success in crypto investing, or they may make Facebook posts 
promising big gains.&nbsp;

Cryptocurrency figures prominently in 
other scams as well. Law enforcement and BBB report that romance 
scammers have begun convincing their victims to invest in cryptocurrency
 via sophisticated fake apps, disappearing with the money when the 
victim attempts to withdraw proceeds. Ransomware scams also demand 
cryptocurrency as payment in many cases, BBB’s study notes. BBB Scam 
Tracker data shows that cryptocurrency also is a commonly requested 
payment method in fraudulent online sales, advance fee loan scams, 
employment scams, extortion scams, government impostor fees and more. 
Illicit transactions on the so-called dark web are often conducted using
 cryptocurrency, and it is used in money laundering.&nbsp;

Law enforcement agencies have pursued 
cases involving large cryptocurrency losses and the use of 
cryptocurrency in criminal activity. The U.S. Department of Justice has 
made arrests this year in cases involving billions of dollars in 
cryptocurrency laundering.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tips to avoid cryptocurrency scams:&nbsp;

Recommendations for industry and regulators:&nbsp;

Where to report a scam or register a complaint:&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBCryptocurrency is the hot new trend 
in investing, and much is still not understood about this buzzy, 
volatile digital payment system that does not rely on banks to verify 
transactions. This has created a fertile environment for scams, 
according to a new in-depth investigative study by Better Business 
Bureau® (BBB®), which states: “A virtual tug of war exists between the legitimate and fraudulent use of cryptocurrency.”&nbsp;The study – Cryptocurrency
 scams: BBB study finds lack of regulation and consumer education 
results in dramatic increase in fraud and financial losses
 – examines the many facets of cryptocurrency and the variety of ways 
criminals are exploiting the cryptocurrency market to steal from 
investors and victims of common scams. <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/scamstudies/cryptocurrency_scams/cryptocurrency_scams_study" target="_blank">Read the full study</a>.&nbsp;Cryptocurrency is a form of digital money 
whereby encryption technology can enable anyone anywhere to send and 
receive payments. It does not exist in a physical form such as paper 
money, but as lines of computer code, supported by a decentralized 
computer system known as blockchain and stored in a “crypto wallet.” 
Bitcoin, developed in 2009, is the most popular form of cryptocurrency, 
available for purchase at tens of thousands of Bitcoin ATMs and 
increasingly accepted as payment in certain retail transactions. 
Ethereum is the second most common cryptocurrency and is centrally 
involved in the increasingly popular non-fungible tokens (NFTs), digital
 assets such as pictures or music that are purchased with cryptocurrency
 as an investment. Critically, cryptocurrency operates outside the 
traditional banking system and is not subject to the same protections as
 bank deposits or credit card transactions.&nbsp;Reports from victims of large financial 
losses to cryptocurrency related scams are skyrocketing. In 2021, BBB 
received more than 2,400 complaints with monetary losses of nearly $8 
million involving cryptocurrency companies. BBB Scam Tracker reports 
about crypto scams numbered more than 1,200 in 2021 and likewise totaled
 nearly $8 million in losses. Scam Tracker reports to BBB tripled between 2019 and 2021, and reported losses tripled over the last two years.&nbsp;Cryptocurrency accounted for the second 
highest scam losses reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 
2021, with losses of $750 million. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint 
Center (IC3) and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) also had major 
increases in reports received and major increases in losses. BBB’s study
 notes that research shows that most people do not make a report when 
they are scammed, so actual losses suggested to be substantially 
greater.&nbsp;Cryptocurrency has some key traits that 
make it attractive to scammers: It is relatively unregulated and 
difficult to recoup once lost; it is wildly popular, fueled in part by 
celebrity endorsements; and it is not well understood by the general 
public. The study states that the cryptocurrency market offers new 
opportunities for tried-and-true investment frauds such as Ponzi schemes
 and fraudulent ICOs (initial coin offerings), particularly given the 
development of new currencies and the lack of protections that 
government regulation has made available to more traditional investors.&nbsp;&nbsp;Many victims report that after purchasing 
cryptocurrency, they&nbsp;were directed to websites where they had to create 
an account in order to monitor their investments. The websites are 
sophisticated, with many offering live customer service chats. But 
victims who want to withdraw their “earnings” are told they must 
contribute more money to cover taxes, commissions, or other fees. 
Ultimately, they can never withdraw money..&nbsp;A consumer told BBB that she began 
learning about Bitcoin investing in the summer of 2021, reaching out via
 WhatsApp to an investing service she saw mentioned repeatedly in the 
comments of a YouTube video about Bitcoin. The woman was instructed to 
buy $1,500 in Bitcoin via CashApp; 10 days later, she received a 
screenshot displaying an account balance of more than $7,300. However, 
when she decided to withdraw her earnings, she was told to pay a 10% 
commission and a broker’s fee of more than $800. After she paid both, 
she received an email instructing her to pay an additional sum of nearly
 $1,200 to withdraw her money. She concluded it was a scam and reported 
it to BBB.&nbsp;BBB Scam Tracker data shows that 
cryptocurrency scams most commonly originate on social media, with the 
FTC noting that 25% of crypto fraud reported in 2021 began on social 
media. Scammers may impersonate a victim’s friends to tell them about 
their success in crypto investing, or they may make Facebook posts 
promising big gains.&nbsp;Cryptocurrency figures prominently in 
other scams as well. Law enforcement and BBB report that romance 
scammers have begun convincing their victims to invest in cryptocurrency
 via sophisticated fake apps, disappearing with the money when the 
victim attempts to withdraw proceeds. Ransomware scams also demand 
cryptocurrency as payment in many cases, BBB’s study notes. BBB Scam 
Tracker data shows that cryptocurrency also is a commonly requested 
payment method in fraudulent online sales, advance fee loan scams, 
employment scams, extortion scams, government impostor fees and more. 
Illicit transactions on the so-called dark web are often conducted using
 cryptocurrency, and it is used in money laundering.&nbsp;Law enforcement agencies have pursued 
cases involving large cryptocurrency losses and the use of 
cryptocurrency in criminal activity. The U.S. Department of Justice has 
made arrests this year in cases involving billions of dollars in 
cryptocurrency laundering.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Tips to avoid cryptocurrency scams:&nbsp;</h2><ul>
 <li>Guard your wallet.
 If you buy cryptocurrency, the security of the wallet is of prime 
importance. If you lose the key, then your funds are gone permanently.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Look carefully at email addresses and website addresses. Phishing
 scams often try to trick people into logging in and then capture the 
log in credentials. Those then can be used to steal money. Looking for 
an exchange with an internet search engine may lead to fake sites which 
advertise and impersonate real companies. Be especially careful when 
viewing these on a phone.&nbsp;</li><li>Do not pay for products with cryptocurrency.
 Be careful if someone asks you to pay with Bitcoin or another 
cryptocurrency. No one with the government will ever ask for this form 
of payment.&nbsp;</li><li>Beware of fake recovery companies. Scam companies sometimes claim that they can recover stolen money – for a fee. These are usually scammers.</li><li>Watch out for fake reviews. Scammers often create fake reviews for their own companies.</li><li>Be wary of celebrity endorsements.
 It can be tempting to rely on a prominent figure who has invested in 
cryptocurrency. But those endorsements are often not authorized and even
 if they are, the celebrity may be paid for the effort and may not know 
more about it than you do.&nbsp;</li><li>Be careful about claims made on social media. This is the most common place for people to encounter investment scams.&nbsp;</li><li>Be wary of “friends” who reach out to you on social media and tell you how they made money with cryptocurrency. Accounts are frequently compromised. Call your friend by phone to see if it is really them.&nbsp;</li><li>Only download apps from Google Play or the App Store. Trusted
 app stores do not eliminate the threat of app scams, but they do offer a
 basic level of protection. Be careful with apps. Some contain malicious
 software.&nbsp;</li><li>Do not believe promises of guaranteed returns. No one can guarantee how an investment will perform.&nbsp;</li><li>Seek help and support. Cybercrime Support Network offers a free, confidential support program for romance scam survivors.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><h2>Recommendations for industry and regulators:&nbsp;</h2><ul>
 <li>Social media should do more to:&nbsp;&nbsp;
Prevent hijacking of profiles&nbsp;Stop scam advertisements for cryptocurrency investment schemes&nbsp;&nbsp;Prevent the illegal use of celebrity names to promote cryptocurrency scams&nbsp;
</li><li>Prevent hijacking of profiles&nbsp;</li><li>Stop scam advertisements for cryptocurrency investment schemes&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Prevent the illegal use of celebrity names to promote cryptocurrency scams&nbsp;</li><li>Regulators should carefully monitor Bitcoin ATMs to prevent use by scammers.&nbsp;</li><li>BBB, media, trade groups and government agencies should continue to educate the public about risks.</li><li>U.S. Department of Treasury and security regulators should provide stringent oversight and regulation of cryptocurrencies.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Where to report a scam or register a complaint:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Better Business Bureau — file a complaint with your local BBB at <a href="https://www.bbb.org/complain" target="_blank">BBB.org</a> if you lost money or report a scam online at <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB.org/scamtracker</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — file a complaint online at <a href="https://www.reportfraud.ftc.gov" target="_blank">reportfraud.ftc.gov</a> or call 877-FTC-Help.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) — file a complaint online at ic3.gov/complaint and include:&nbsp;
All transaction IDs&nbsp;&nbsp;Where you sent your crypto from (private wallet, account at exchange X, etc.)Where you believed you were sending your funds (perpetrator’s private wallet, arbitrage account, etc.)&nbsp;Any details regarding the scam and scammers.
</li><li>All transaction IDs&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Where you sent your crypto from (private wallet, account at exchange X, etc.)</li><li>Where you believed you were sending your funds (perpetrator’s private wallet, arbitrage account, etc.)&nbsp;</li><li>Any details regarding the scam and scammers.</li><li>Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre — file a report online at <a href="https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/" target="_blank">antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca</a> or call 1-888-495-8501.&nbsp;</li><li>U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — <a href="https://www.SEC.gov/tcr" target="_blank">SEC.gov/tcr</a>&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

Study: Cryptocurrency is ripe for fraud and financial loss

WASHINGTON — Even though the Internal Revenue Service issues most 
refunds in less than 21 days for taxpayers who filed electronically and 
chose direct deposit, some refunds may take longer.

Many different factors can affect the timing of a refund after the 
IRS receives a return. A manual review may be necessary when a return 
has errors, is incomplete or is affected by <a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central">identity theft</a> or fraud.

Other returns can also take longer to process, including when a return needs a correction to the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-h-reconciling-your-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-on-your-2021-tax-return">Child Tax Credit</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a> amount, includes a claim filed for an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc">Earned Income Tax Credit</a> or an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/does-my-childdependent-qualify-for-the-child-tax-credit-or-the-credit-for-other-dependents">Additional Child Tax Credit</a>, or includes a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8379.pdf">Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation</a>&nbsp;PDF, which could take up to 14 weeks to process.

The fastest way to get a tax refund is by filing electronically and 
choosing direct deposit. Taxpayers who don't have a bank account can 
find out more on how to open an account at an <a href="https://banks.data.fdic.gov/bankfind-suite/bankfind">FDIC-insured bank</a> or the <a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">National Credit Union Locator Tool</a>.

The IRS cautions taxpayers not to rely on receiving a refund by a 
certain date, especially when making major purchases or paying bills. 
Some returns may require additional review and may take longer. Also, 
remember to take into consideration the time it takes for a financial 
institution to post the refund to an account or to receive it by mail.

To check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/check-the-status-of-a-refund-in-just-a-few-clicks-using-the-wheres-my-refund-tool">status of a refund</a>, taxpayers should use the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>
 tool on IRS.gov. Information for the most current tax year filed is 
generally available within 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt 
of a taxpayer's e-filed return. If they filed a paper return, taxpayers 
should allow four weeks before checking the status.

The IRS will contact taxpayers by mail when more information is 
needed to process a return. IRS phone and walk-in representatives can 
only research the status of a refund if it has been:

Before filing a return, taxpayers should make IRS.gov their 
first stop to find online tools to help get the information they need to
 file. The tools are easy-to-use and available anytime. Millions of 
people use them to help file and pay taxes, find information about their
 accounts, get answers to tax questions and get <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/top-things-all-taxpayers-need-to-remember-when-filing-their-2021-tax-return">tips on filing a return.</a>

Waiting on a 2020 tax return to be processed? People whose tax 
returns from 2020 have not yet been processed should still file their 
2021 tax returns by the April due date or request an extension to file.

Those filing electronically in this group need their Adjusted Gross 
Income, or AGI, from their most recent tax return. For those waiting on 
their 2020 tax return to be processed, make sure to enter $0 (zero 
dollars) for last year's AGI on the 2021 tax return. Visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/electronic-filing-pin-request">Validating Your Electronically Filed Tax Return</a> for more details.

Also, when self-preparing a tax return and filing electronically, taxpayers must sign <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc255">and validate the electronic tax return</a>
 by entering their prior-year Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) or prior-year 
Self-Select PIN (SSP). Those who electronically filed last year may have
 created a five digit Self-Select PIN to use as their electronic 
signature. Generally, tax software automatically enters the information 
for returning customers. Taxpayers who are using a software product for 
the first time may have to enter this information.

Taxpayers should review the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-h-reconciling-your-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-on-your-2021-tax-return">special instructions</a>
 to validate an electronically filed 2021 tax return if their 2020 
return has not been processed or they used the Non-Filers tool in 2021 
to register for an advance Child Tax Credit payment or third Economic 
Impact Payment in 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — Even though the Internal Revenue Service issues most 
refunds in less than 21 days for taxpayers who filed electronically and 
chose direct deposit, some refunds may take longer.Many different factors can affect the timing of a refund after the 
IRS receives a return. A manual review may be necessary when a return 
has errors, is incomplete or is affected by <a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central">identity theft</a> or fraud.Other returns can also take longer to process, including when a return needs a correction to the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-h-reconciling-your-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-on-your-2021-tax-return">Child Tax Credit</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a> amount, includes a claim filed for an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc">Earned Income Tax Credit</a> or an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/does-my-childdependent-qualify-for-the-child-tax-credit-or-the-credit-for-other-dependents">Additional Child Tax Credit</a>, or includes a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8379.pdf">Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation</a>&nbsp;PDF, which could take up to 14 weeks to process.The fastest way to get a tax refund is by filing electronically and 
choosing direct deposit. Taxpayers who don't have a bank account can 
find out more on how to open an account at an <a href="https://banks.data.fdic.gov/bankfind-suite/bankfind">FDIC-insured bank</a> or the <a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">National Credit Union Locator Tool</a>.The IRS cautions taxpayers not to rely on receiving a refund by a 
certain date, especially when making major purchases or paying bills. 
Some returns may require additional review and may take longer. Also, 
remember to take into consideration the time it takes for a financial 
institution to post the refund to an account or to receive it by mail.To check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/check-the-status-of-a-refund-in-just-a-few-clicks-using-the-wheres-my-refund-tool">status of a refund</a>, taxpayers should use the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>
 tool on IRS.gov. Information for the most current tax year filed is 
generally available within 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt 
of a taxpayer's e-filed return. If they filed a paper return, taxpayers 
should allow four weeks before checking the status.The IRS will contact taxpayers by mail when more information is 
needed to process a return. IRS phone and walk-in representatives can 
only research the status of a refund if it has been:<ul>
 <li>21 days or more since it was filed electronically (or since the IRS filing season start date – whichever is later),</li><li>Six weeks or more since a return was mailed, or when</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a> tells the taxpayer to contact the IRS.</li>
 </ul>Before filing a return, taxpayers should make IRS.gov their 
first stop to find online tools to help get the information they need to
 file. The tools are easy-to-use and available anytime. Millions of 
people use them to help file and pay taxes, find information about their
 accounts, get answers to tax questions and get <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/top-things-all-taxpayers-need-to-remember-when-filing-their-2021-tax-return">tips on filing a return.</a><h2>2020 tax returns</h2>Waiting on a 2020 tax return to be processed? People whose tax 
returns from 2020 have not yet been processed should still file their 
2021 tax returns by the April due date or request an extension to file.Those filing electronically in this group need their Adjusted Gross 
Income, or AGI, from their most recent tax return. For those waiting on 
their 2020 tax return to be processed, make sure to enter $0 (zero 
dollars) for last year's AGI on the 2021 tax return. Visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/electronic-filing-pin-request">Validating Your Electronically Filed Tax Return</a> for more details.Also, when self-preparing a tax return and filing electronically, taxpayers must sign <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc255">and validate the electronic tax return</a>
 by entering their prior-year Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) or prior-year 
Self-Select PIN (SSP). Those who electronically filed last year may have
 created a five digit Self-Select PIN to use as their electronic 
signature. Generally, tax software automatically enters the information 
for returning customers. Taxpayers who are using a software product for 
the first time may have to enter this information.Taxpayers should review the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-h-reconciling-your-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-on-your-2021-tax-return">special instructions</a>
 to validate an electronically filed 2021 tax return if their 2020 
return has not been processed or they used the Non-Filers tool in 2021 
to register for an advance Child Tax Credit payment or third Economic 
Impact Payment in 2021.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

IRS: Still waiting for your overdue refund? This might be why

By MATTHEW LEE AP Diplomatic Writer

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the Biden administration has made a formal determination that Russian troops have committed war crimes in Ukraine. 

Blinken says the assessment was based on a "careful review" of public and intelligence sources since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine last month. America's top diplomat says the United States will share that information with allies, partners and international institutions tasked with investigating allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. 

Blinken made the announcement Wednesday in a statement released as he was traveling to Brussels with President Joe Biden for an emergency summit of NATO leaders.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648062692938.jpeg" alt="Photo by Max Kukurudziak on Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Max Kukurudziak on Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATTHEW LEE AP Diplomatic WriterWASHINGTON — Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the Biden administration has made a formal determination that Russian troops have committed war crimes in Ukraine. Blinken says the assessment was based on a "careful review" of public and intelligence sources since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine last month. America's top diplomat says the United States will share that information with allies, partners and international institutions tasked with investigating allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Blinken made the announcement Wednesday in a statement released as he was traveling to Brussels with President Joe Biden for an emergency summit of NATO leaders.

US finds Russian troops have committed war crimes in Ukraine

WASHINGTON — Madeleine Albright, the first female U.S. secretary of state, has died of cancer, her family said Wednesday. She was 84. 

President Bill Clinton chose Albright as America's top diplomat in 1996, and she served in that capacity for the last four years of the Clinton administration. 

At the time, she was the highest-ranking woman in the history of U.S. government. She was not in the line of succession for the presidency, however, because she was a native of Czechoslovakia. 

In 2012, President Barack Obama awarded Albright the Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, saying her life was an inspiration to all Americans.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648062507079.png" alt="Albright" />
 <figcaption>Albright</figcaption>
 </figure>The Associated PressWASHINGTON — Madeleine Albright, the first female U.S. secretary of state, has died of cancer, her family said Wednesday. She was 84. President Bill Clinton chose Albright as America's top diplomat in 1996, and she served in that capacity for the last four years of the Clinton administration. At the time, she was the highest-ranking woman in the history of U.S. government. She was not in the line of succession for the presidency, however, because she was a native of Czechoslovakia. In 2012, President Barack Obama awarded Albright the Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, saying her life was an inspiration to all Americans.

Madeleine Albright, 1st female US secretary of state, dies

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A social media post from an owner of a Rapid City hotel attempting to ban Native Americans from the property following a weekend shooting drew quick condemnation from the leader of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the city’s mayor. 

Connie Uhre, one of the owners of the Grand Gateway Hotel, said in a Facebook post Sunday that she cannot allow a Native American to enter her business following a shooting at the hotel early Saturday. 

Police say both the victim, who survived, and the suspect are Native American.

 Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Chairman Harold Frazier and Mayor Steve Allender both condemned Connie Uhre's post, with Allender calling it unlawful and heartless.

By Associated PressRAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A social media post from an owner of a Rapid City hotel attempting to ban Native Americans from the property following a weekend shooting drew quick condemnation from the leader of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the city’s mayor. Connie Uhre, one of the owners of the Grand Gateway Hotel, said in a Facebook post Sunday that she cannot allow a Native American to enter her business following a shooting at the hotel early Saturday. Police say both the victim, who survived, and the suspect are Native American. Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Chairman Harold Frazier and Mayor Steve Allender both condemned Connie Uhre's post, with Allender calling it unlawful and heartless.

South Dakota hotel owner wants to ban Native Americans from property

National Puppy Day is on March 23 and consumers can 
expect a nearly constant stream of cute puppy pictures across most 
social media platforms celebrating everyone’s furry best friends. After 
seeing these pictures, some consumers may decide that the time is right 
for a (or another) dog of their own and will begin the process of 
searching for and purchasing a canine companion. However, exercising 
caution when shopping online for the perfect pet is important. &nbsp;The pandemic resulted in a <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/23354-bbb-study-update-puppy-scams-rising-in-2020" target="_blank">rise in the number of people who were tricked into falling for a fraudulent pet purchase</a>.

Pet scams continue to take a heavy toll on consumers across the nation. According to BBB’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bbbfoundation.images.worldnow.com/library/259c7333-0fb3-4bc0-a059-4b116594c473.pdf" target="_blank">2021 Scam Tracker Risk Report</a>,
 pets were the most common type of purchase used to perpetrate online 
purchase scams, and current data shows little indication 2022 will be 
much different.&nbsp;

Even though puppies are the most common type of animal used in a pet 
scam, BBB also receives reports of fraudulent sellers advertising the 
sale of kittens, reptiles and birds that are never received. In most 
cases, consumers do not recognize they are interacting with a scammer 
until they start arranging for the transportation of the animal after 
purchase.

In February, one consumer submitted a report to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker&nbsp;</a>that
 they lost $1,000 when attempting to buy a miniature Schnauzer online. 
After paying an initial $400 to the seller, they referred the buyer to a
 shipping company to deliver the pet.&nbsp;

“[The shipping company] said I needed to send an additional $600 for 
issuing a sedative and reserving a special crate,” the consumer 
reported. “After that, [they said] I needed to pay an additional $800 
for insurance. Fortunately, I had maxed out my Zelle limit.”

The consumer realized it was a scam once the shipping company stated 
they accepted gift cards as a form of payment after Zelle was no longer 
an option.

“I’m now out $1,000, and there’s nothing I can do about it because it was debit,” the report concluded.

Even though it is hard to resist an adorable face and a decent deal, there are a few ways to avoid being put in the doghouse:

Picking the perfect pet for your family is exciting, so celebrate National Puppy Day the right way – without scammers. Consider <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/18240-scam-alert-adopting-a-rescue-dog-watch-out-for-phony-fees" target="_blank">adopting a pet from a rescue shelter, being careful to avoid scams</a>.

In addition to the risks associated with purchasing a puppy online, 
many charitable givers may consider donating to causes that support dogs
 this National Puppy Day. While BBB encourages charitable giving, it is 
vital to remain aware of scammers who create fraudulent charities and 
crowdfunding initiatives disguised as a worthy cause.&nbsp;

It is always a good practice to spend the time to research a charity or foundation, through a site like <a href="https://www.give.org" target="_blank">Give.org</a>,
 before committing any funds to their stated cause or mission. It takes 
some investigatory work on the part of the donor to make sure their 
money is going to a worthy organization.&nbsp;

If considering a donation to a crowdfunding initiative, BBB 
recommends donating only to those you personally know or can 
independently verify as legitimate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you think you have been scammed or have found a suspicious website,&nbsp;report it to:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648053843020.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Better Business BureauNational Puppy Day is on March 23 and consumers can 
expect a nearly constant stream of cute puppy pictures across most 
social media platforms celebrating everyone’s furry best friends. After 
seeing these pictures, some consumers may decide that the time is right 
for a (or another) dog of their own and will begin the process of 
searching for and purchasing a canine companion. However, exercising 
caution when shopping online for the perfect pet is important. &nbsp;The pandemic resulted in a <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/23354-bbb-study-update-puppy-scams-rising-in-2020" target="_blank">rise in the number of people who were tricked into falling for a fraudulent pet purchase</a>.Pet scams continue to take a heavy toll on consumers across the nation. According to BBB’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bbbfoundation.images.worldnow.com/library/259c7333-0fb3-4bc0-a059-4b116594c473.pdf" target="_blank">2021 Scam Tracker Risk Report</a>,
 pets were the most common type of purchase used to perpetrate online 
purchase scams, and current data shows little indication 2022 will be 
much different.&nbsp;Even though puppies are the most common type of animal used in a pet 
scam, BBB also receives reports of fraudulent sellers advertising the 
sale of kittens, reptiles and birds that are never received. In most 
cases, consumers do not recognize they are interacting with a scammer 
until they start arranging for the transportation of the animal after 
purchase.In February, one consumer submitted a report to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker&nbsp;</a>that
 they lost $1,000 when attempting to buy a miniature Schnauzer online. 
After paying an initial $400 to the seller, they referred the buyer to a
 shipping company to deliver the pet.&nbsp;“[The shipping company] said I needed to send an additional $600 for 
issuing a sedative and reserving a special crate,” the consumer 
reported. “After that, [they said] I needed to pay an additional $800 
for insurance. Fortunately, I had maxed out my Zelle limit.”The consumer realized it was a scam once the shipping company stated 
they accepted gift cards as a form of payment after Zelle was no longer 
an option.“I’m now out $1,000, and there’s nothing I can do about it because it was debit,” the report concluded.Even though it is hard to resist an adorable face and a decent deal, there are a few ways to avoid being put in the doghouse:<ul>
 <li>Visit the seller – responsible breeders and 
reputable rescues are more than happy to offer you a tour and let you 
see the available puppies in person.</li><li>Check references – read online reviews and talk to 
other people who have purchased pets from the place you are considering 
making sure the seller is trustworthy.</li><li>Look for website warning signs – fake puppy sale 
sites look legitimate because they steal content from other websites. An
 easy way to spot a duplicate site: copy a line of text from the website
 and paste it into a search engine.</li><li>Select on site – rather than relying on pictures to
 pick your perfect pet and waiting for a breeder to send them to you, 
visit the site and make your choice in person.</li><li>Use a credit card – this offers additional 
protection if you do make an online purchase. Asking a customer to pay 
by wire transfer or prepaid card is illegal, and any breeder that 
pressures you to do so is most likely a scam.</li>
 </ul>Picking the perfect pet for your family is exciting, so celebrate National Puppy Day the right way – without scammers. Consider <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/18240-scam-alert-adopting-a-rescue-dog-watch-out-for-phony-fees" target="_blank">adopting a pet from a rescue shelter, being careful to avoid scams</a>.In addition to the risks associated with purchasing a puppy online, 
many charitable givers may consider donating to causes that support dogs
 this National Puppy Day. While BBB encourages charitable giving, it is 
vital to remain aware of scammers who create fraudulent charities and 
crowdfunding initiatives disguised as a worthy cause.&nbsp;It is always a good practice to spend the time to research a charity or foundation, through a site like <a href="https://www.give.org" target="_blank">Give.org</a>,
 before committing any funds to their stated cause or mission. It takes 
some investigatory work on the part of the donor to make sure their 
money is going to a worthy organization.&nbsp;If considering a donation to a crowdfunding initiative, BBB 
recommends donating only to those you personally know or can 
independently verify as legitimate.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you think you have been scammed or have found a suspicious website,&nbsp;report it to:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a> - report scams and search our database for possible scams.</li><li><a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank">Federal Trade Commission</a>&nbsp;(FTC)&nbsp;</li><li>In Canada,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/report-signalez-eng.htm" target="_blank">contact the&nbsp;Canadian Antifraud Centre</a></li><li><a href="https://petscams.com/report-pet-scam-websites/" target="_blank">Petscams.com</a> - tracks complaints, catalogs puppy scammers and endeavors to get fraudulent pet sales websites taken down.</li>
 </ul>

It's National Puppy Day! But watch out for these scams

TISHOMINGO, Okla. (AP) — The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says six teenage students have been killed in a two-vehicle collision in southern Oklahoma. 

OHP spokesperson Sarah Stewart says the students were in a passenger vehicle that collided with a semi about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday in Tishomingo, which is about 100 miles southeast of Oklahoma City.

 Stewart said she did not have details of the collision or the exact ages of the students, but that all six victims were female. 

The condition of the semi driver was not immediately known.

 Tishomingo Public School Superintendent Bobby Waitman said in a Facebook post that the district had “a great loss” involving students from the district’s high school.

By Associated PressTISHOMINGO, Okla. (AP) — The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says six teenage students have been killed in a two-vehicle collision in southern Oklahoma. OHP spokesperson Sarah Stewart says the students were in a passenger vehicle that collided with a semi about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday in Tishomingo, which is about 100 miles southeast of Oklahoma City. Stewart said she did not have details of the collision or the exact ages of the students, but that all six victims were female. The condition of the semi driver was not immediately known. Tishomingo Public School Superintendent Bobby Waitman said in a Facebook post that the district had “a great loss” involving students from the district’s high school.

Oklahoma authorities: 6 students killed in crash with semi

WASHINGTON (AP) —Vice President Kamala Harris will announce an action plan to stop racial discrimination in the appraisal of home values, according to senior Biden administration officials.

The plan contains 21 steps to improve oversight and accountability, including a legislative proposal to modernize the governance structure of the appraisal industry. Appraisers help to determine the value of a home so that buyers can receive a mortgage.

The Biden administration officials insisted on anonymity to discuss the administration’s action plan ahead of Wednesday’s announcement.

Multiple reports, including a September&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freddiemac.com/research/insight/20210920-home-appraisals" target="_blank">analysis by mortgage buyer Freddie Mac</a>, show that appraisers are more likely to undervalue homes in Black and Hispanic neighborhoods. This form of discrimination widens the racial wealth gap and makes it harder for many Americans from disadvantaged backgrounds to move up the economic ladder.

One&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-0884c92233ccdb05199efc15f7655c7a">Black homeowner in Indianapolis</a>&nbsp;found the appraised value of her home went from $125,000 to $259,000 after she declined to state her race in her application and removed all family photos and African American art in the home.

As part of the action plan, the government will expand the complaint hotline for the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. There also will be appraisal bias training in homebuyer education classes and efforts to ensure that the computer systems used to value homes do not perpetuate racial biases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624025620777.png" alt="photo by David Condos / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>photo by David Condos / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Vice President Kamala Harris will announce an action plan to stop racial discrimination in the appraisal of home values, according to senior Biden administration officials.The plan contains 21 steps to improve oversight and accountability, including a legislative proposal to modernize the governance structure of the appraisal industry. Appraisers help to determine the value of a home so that buyers can receive a mortgage.The Biden administration officials insisted on anonymity to discuss the administration’s action plan ahead of Wednesday’s announcement.Multiple reports, including a September&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freddiemac.com/research/insight/20210920-home-appraisals" target="_blank">analysis by mortgage buyer Freddie Mac</a>, show that appraisers are more likely to undervalue homes in Black and Hispanic neighborhoods. This form of discrimination widens the racial wealth gap and makes it harder for many Americans from disadvantaged backgrounds to move up the economic ladder.One&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-0884c92233ccdb05199efc15f7655c7a">Black homeowner in Indianapolis</a>&nbsp;found the appraised value of her home went from $125,000 to $259,000 after she declined to state her race in her application and removed all family photos and African American art in the home.As part of the action plan, the government will expand the complaint hotline for the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. There also will be appraisal bias training in homebuyer education classes and efforts to ensure that the computer systems used to value homes do not perpetuate racial biases.

Biden administration to release plan to stop bias in home appraisals

WASHINGTON (AP) —Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine works in babies, toddlers and preschoolers the company announced Wednesday -- and if regulators agree it could mean a chance to finally start vaccinating the littlest kids by summer.

Moderna said in the coming weeks it would ask regulators in the U.S. and Europe to authorize two small-dose shots for youngsters under 6. The company also is seeking to have larger-dose shots cleared for older children and teens in the U.S.

The nation’s 18 million children under 5 are the only age group not yet eligible for vaccination. Competitor Pfizer currently offers kid-sized doses for school-age children and full-strength shots for those 12 and older.

But parents have anxiously awaited protection for younger tots, disappointed by setbacks and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-business-health-coronavirus-vaccine-c283d0644db46578f18b0b1aa1bfb9a0">confusion&nbsp;</a>over which shots might work and when. Pfizer is testing even smaller doses for children under 5 but had to add a third shot to its study when two didn’t prove strong enough. Those results are expected by early April.

Vaccinating the littlest “has been somewhat of a moving target over the last couple of months,” Dr. Bill Muller of Northwestern University, an investigator in Moderna’s pediatric studies, said in an interview before the company released its findings. “There’s still, I think, a lingering urgency to try to get that done as soon as possible.”

The younger the child, the smaller the dose being tested. Moderna said a quarter of the dose it uses for adults worked well for youngsters under age 6.

Moderna enrolled about 6,900 tots in a study of the 25-microgram doses. Early data showed after two shots, youngsters developed virus-fighting antibody levels just as strong as young adults getting regular-strength shots, the company said in a press release.

Moderna said the small doses were safe, and the main side effects were mild fevers like those associated with other commonly used pediatric vaccines.

Once Moderna submits the data to the FDA, regulators will debate whether to authorize emergency use of the small doses for tots. If so, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention then will decide whether to recommend them.

While COVID-19 generally isn’t as dangerous to youngsters as to adults, some do become severely ill. The CDC says about 400 children younger than 5 have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic’s start. The omicron variant hit children especially hard, with those under 5 hospitalized at higher rates than at the peak of the previous delta surge, the CDC found.

COVID-19 vaccines in general don’t prevent infection with the omicron mutant as well as they fended off earlier variants -- but they do still offer strong protection against severe illness.

Moderna reported that same trend in the trial of children under 6, conducted during the omicron surge. While there were no severe illnesses, the vaccine proved just under 44% effective at preventing any infection in babies up to age 2, and nearly 38% effective in the preschoolers.

Moderna said also said Wednesday it will ask the Food and Drug Administration to clear larger doses for older children.

While other countries already have allowed Moderna’s shots to be used in children as young as 6, the U.S. has limited its vaccine to adults. A Moderna request to expand its shots to 12- to 17-year-olds has been stalled for months.

The company said Wednesday that, armed with additional evidence, it is updating its FDA application for teen shots and requesting a green light for 6- to 11-year-olds, too.

Moderna says its original adult dose -- two 100-microgram shots -- is safe and effective in 12- to 17-year-olds. For elementary-age kids, it’s using half the adult dose.

But the FDA never ruled on Moderna’s application for teen shots because of concern about a very rare side effect. Heart inflammation sometimes occurs in teens and young adults, mostly males, after receiving either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Moderna is getting extra scrutiny because its shots are a far higher dose than Pfizer’s.

The risk also seems linked to puberty, and regulators in Canada, Europe and elsewhere recently expanded Moderna vaccinations to kids as young as 6.

“That concern has not been seen in the younger children,” said Northwestern’s Muller.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634902668202.jpeg" alt="The nation’s 18 million children under 5 are the only age group not yet eligible for vaccination.-photo courtesy Moderna&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The nation’s 18 million children under 5 are the only age group not yet eligible for vaccination.-photo courtesy Moderna&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine works in babies, toddlers and preschoolers the company announced Wednesday -- and if regulators agree it could mean a chance to finally start vaccinating the littlest kids by summer.Moderna said in the coming weeks it would ask regulators in the U.S. and Europe to authorize two small-dose shots for youngsters under 6. The company also is seeking to have larger-dose shots cleared for older children and teens in the U.S.The nation’s 18 million children under 5 are the only age group not yet eligible for vaccination. Competitor Pfizer currently offers kid-sized doses for school-age children and full-strength shots for those 12 and older.But parents have anxiously awaited protection for younger tots, disappointed by setbacks and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-business-health-coronavirus-vaccine-c283d0644db46578f18b0b1aa1bfb9a0">confusion&nbsp;</a>over which shots might work and when. Pfizer is testing even smaller doses for children under 5 but had to add a third shot to its study when two didn’t prove strong enough. Those results are expected by early April.Vaccinating the littlest “has been somewhat of a moving target over the last couple of months,” Dr. Bill Muller of Northwestern University, an investigator in Moderna’s pediatric studies, said in an interview before the company released its findings. “There’s still, I think, a lingering urgency to try to get that done as soon as possible.”The younger the child, the smaller the dose being tested. Moderna said a quarter of the dose it uses for adults worked well for youngsters under age 6.Moderna enrolled about 6,900 tots in a study of the 25-microgram doses. Early data showed after two shots, youngsters developed virus-fighting antibody levels just as strong as young adults getting regular-strength shots, the company said in a press release.Moderna said the small doses were safe, and the main side effects were mild fevers like those associated with other commonly used pediatric vaccines.Once Moderna submits the data to the FDA, regulators will debate whether to authorize emergency use of the small doses for tots. If so, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention then will decide whether to recommend them.While COVID-19 generally isn’t as dangerous to youngsters as to adults, some do become severely ill. The CDC says about 400 children younger than 5 have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic’s start. The omicron variant hit children especially hard, with those under 5 hospitalized at higher rates than at the peak of the previous delta surge, the CDC found.COVID-19 vaccines in general don’t prevent infection with the omicron mutant as well as they fended off earlier variants -- but they do still offer strong protection against severe illness.Moderna reported that same trend in the trial of children under 6, conducted during the omicron surge. While there were no severe illnesses, the vaccine proved just under 44% effective at preventing any infection in babies up to age 2, and nearly 38% effective in the preschoolers.Moderna said also said Wednesday it will ask the Food and Drug Administration to clear larger doses for older children.While other countries already have allowed Moderna’s shots to be used in children as young as 6, the U.S. has limited its vaccine to adults. A Moderna request to expand its shots to 12- to 17-year-olds has been stalled for months.The company said Wednesday that, armed with additional evidence, it is updating its FDA application for teen shots and requesting a green light for 6- to 11-year-olds, too.Moderna says its original adult dose -- two 100-microgram shots -- is safe and effective in 12- to 17-year-olds. For elementary-age kids, it’s using half the adult dose.But the FDA never ruled on Moderna’s application for teen shots because of concern about a very rare side effect. Heart inflammation sometimes occurs in teens and young adults, mostly males, after receiving either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Moderna is getting extra scrutiny because its shots are a far higher dose than Pfizer’s.The risk also seems linked to puberty, and regulators in Canada, Europe and elsewhere recently expanded Moderna vaccinations to kids as young as 6.“That concern has not been seen in the younger children,” said Northwestern’s Muller.___

Moderna says its low-dose COVID shot works in babies, toddlers

With coronavirus cases rising in parts of Europe and Asia, scientists worry that an extra-contagious version of the omicron variant may soon push cases up in the United States too.

Experts are also keeping their eyes on another mutant: a rare delta-omicron hybrid that they say doesn’t pose much of a threat right now but shows how wily the coronavirus can be.

The U.S. will likely see an uptick in cases caused by the omicron descendant BA.2 starting in the next few weeks, according to Dr. Eric Topol, head of Scripps Research Translational Institute.

“It’s inevitable we will see a BA.2 wave here,” he said.

One reason? After about two months of falling COVID-19 cases, pandemic restrictions have been lifted across the U.S. Many people are taking off their masks and returning to indoor spaces like restaurants and theaters.

And the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions" target="_blank">the share caused by BA.2 is up significantly.</a>&nbsp;The CDC reported Tuesday that the variant accounted for about 35% of new infections last week. In the Northeast, it was about half.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious disease expert, told ABC’s “This Week” over the weekend that he also thinks the U.S. will likely face an “uptick” similar to what’s happening in Europe, particularly the United Kingdom, where BA.2 is the dominant strain. He said he doesn’t think it will be a “surge.”

The U.K. has “had the same situation as we’ve had now,” Fauci said. “They have BA.2. They have a relaxation of some restrictions such as indoor masking and there’s a waning of immunity” from vaccines and past infections.

Keri Althoff, a researcher at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, cautioned that CDC case counts underestimate the true numbers because some people are no longer getting tested and others are testing at home and not reporting the results. Also, she said, not every specimen is genetically sequenced to determine the variant.

It’s clear, she said, “BA.2 is coming onto the scene.”

One reason the variant has gained ground, scientists say,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-world-health-organization-public-health-7e4cd2f5f6cd2ec87393b3cc9ce41c9c">is that it’s about 30% more contagious than the original omicron</a>. In rare cases, research shows it can sicken people even if they’ve already had an omicron infection — although it doesn’t seem to cause more severe disease.

Vaccines appear just as effective against both types of omicron, but breakthrough infections are possible. And experts point out that vaccination rates are lower in the U.S. than the U.K. About 74% of those 12 and older are fully vaccinated in the U.S, compared with 86% in the U.K.

”We need to emphasize that we’re not protected in this country compared to peer countries,” Topol said.

Still, not all experts are equally concerned about a BA.2-related rise in U.S. cases. Dr. James Musser, head of genomic medicine and infectious diseases at Houston Methodist, said the variant has so far only caused about 1% to 3% of cases in his medical system. Cases there have usually tracked closely with what’s happening in the U.K.

He called BA.2 “something we’re keeping an eye on,” but said, “I’m not losing sleep” over it.

That’s how many scientists view the other variant that some in the public are calling “deltacron,” a hybrid containing genetic information from both delta and omicron.

Earlier this month, Maria Van Kerkhove of the World Health Organization said the hybrid has been detected at “very low levels” in France, the Netherlands and Denmark. And two recent studies, which have not yet been peer-reviewed, point to a tiny number of cases in the U.S.

Much remains unknown about the hybrid. There’s no evidence it causes more severe disease, and it doesn’t look like it’s infecting many people. CDC researchers identified 9 samples, seven from the mid-Atlantic region in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.19.484981v1.full.pdf+html" target="_blank">study released Monday</a>&nbsp;that hasn’t yet been peer-reviewed. Topol, who was not involved in the research, said there’s no evidence it has the potential to spread.

It’s common for coronaviruses to shuffle gene segments, said Dr. Stuart Campbell Ray, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University. With two variants circulating at the same time, people may get double infections, and a “progeny virus” could emerge.

Given the virus’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-pandemics-dc99bc9f769dd6d7cb669e3d185c6261">ability to spawn new mutants</a>&nbsp;— and the rise of BA.2 — experts say people should get vaccinated if they’re not and keep their masks handy.

“Keep your guard up,” Topol said. “This is not over.”

By LAURA UNGAR, Associated PressWith coronavirus cases rising in parts of Europe and Asia, scientists worry that an extra-contagious version of the omicron variant may soon push cases up in the United States too.Experts are also keeping their eyes on another mutant: a rare delta-omicron hybrid that they say doesn’t pose much of a threat right now but shows how wily the coronavirus can be.The U.S. will likely see an uptick in cases caused by the omicron descendant BA.2 starting in the next few weeks, according to Dr. Eric Topol, head of Scripps Research Translational Institute.“It’s inevitable we will see a BA.2 wave here,” he said.One reason? After about two months of falling COVID-19 cases, pandemic restrictions have been lifted across the U.S. Many people are taking off their masks and returning to indoor spaces like restaurants and theaters.And the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions" target="_blank">the share caused by BA.2 is up significantly.</a>&nbsp;The CDC reported Tuesday that the variant accounted for about 35% of new infections last week. In the Northeast, it was about half.Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious disease expert, told ABC’s “This Week” over the weekend that he also thinks the U.S. will likely face an “uptick” similar to what’s happening in Europe, particularly the United Kingdom, where BA.2 is the dominant strain. He said he doesn’t think it will be a “surge.”The U.K. has “had the same situation as we’ve had now,” Fauci said. “They have BA.2. They have a relaxation of some restrictions such as indoor masking and there’s a waning of immunity” from vaccines and past infections.Keri Althoff, a researcher at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, cautioned that CDC case counts underestimate the true numbers because some people are no longer getting tested and others are testing at home and not reporting the results. Also, she said, not every specimen is genetically sequenced to determine the variant.It’s clear, she said, “BA.2 is coming onto the scene.”One reason the variant has gained ground, scientists say,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-world-health-organization-public-health-7e4cd2f5f6cd2ec87393b3cc9ce41c9c">is that it’s about 30% more contagious than the original omicron</a>. In rare cases, research shows it can sicken people even if they’ve already had an omicron infection — although it doesn’t seem to cause more severe disease.Vaccines appear just as effective against both types of omicron, but breakthrough infections are possible. And experts point out that vaccination rates are lower in the U.S. than the U.K. About 74% of those 12 and older are fully vaccinated in the U.S, compared with 86% in the U.K.”We need to emphasize that we’re not protected in this country compared to peer countries,” Topol said.Still, not all experts are equally concerned about a BA.2-related rise in U.S. cases. Dr. James Musser, head of genomic medicine and infectious diseases at Houston Methodist, said the variant has so far only caused about 1% to 3% of cases in his medical system. Cases there have usually tracked closely with what’s happening in the U.K.He called BA.2 “something we’re keeping an eye on,” but said, “I’m not losing sleep” over it.That’s how many scientists view the other variant that some in the public are calling “deltacron,” a hybrid containing genetic information from both delta and omicron.Earlier this month, Maria Van Kerkhove of the World Health Organization said the hybrid has been detected at “very low levels” in France, the Netherlands and Denmark. And two recent studies, which have not yet been peer-reviewed, point to a tiny number of cases in the U.S.Much remains unknown about the hybrid. There’s no evidence it causes more severe disease, and it doesn’t look like it’s infecting many people. CDC researchers identified 9 samples, seven from the mid-Atlantic region in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.19.484981v1.full.pdf+html" target="_blank">study released Monday</a>&nbsp;that hasn’t yet been peer-reviewed. Topol, who was not involved in the research, said there’s no evidence it has the potential to spread.It’s common for coronaviruses to shuffle gene segments, said Dr. Stuart Campbell Ray, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University. With two variants circulating at the same time, people may get double infections, and a “progeny virus” could emerge.Given the virus’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-pandemics-dc99bc9f769dd6d7cb669e3d185c6261">ability to spawn new mutants</a>&nbsp;— and the rise of BA.2 — experts say people should get vaccinated if they’re not and keep their masks handy.“Keep your guard up,” Topol said. “This is not over.”___

Scientists worry virus variant may push up COVID cases in US

WASHINGTON — The FCC Enforcement Bureau today warned three more voice service providers that are apparently transmitting illegal robocalls on their networks that they have 48 hours to stop facilitating this traffic or face all their traffic being blocked by other providers.  The investigation into one of the providers, thinQ, was bolstered by findings from the Office of North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has made clear to such network participants that they must meet their obligations to protect consumers from scams or lose access to other networks.  The FCC has carefully constructed the tools necessary to take swift and impactful action against bad actors – this means not only possible fines when violations occur, but also business consequences for those removed from the Robocall Mitigation Database.  

“There are far too many phone companies that count illegal robocallers among their clients, and that’s bad business,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel.  “It is illegal to allow these junk calls to flood consumers’ phones, and there are consequences for phone companies that do not take immediate action to stop participating in these schemes.”

Today’s letters to thinQ Technologies, Airespring, and Hello Hello Miami mean that more than a dozen voice service providers have now received cease-and-desist letters.  To date, all recipients have quickly responded and committed to take actions to stop the flow of robocalls on their networks.  That said, the FCC and its partners remain vigilant in monitoring these – and all – providers’ efforts to ensure unyielding compliance with consumer protection requirements going forward.

FCC investigations found that thinQ, Airespring, and Hello Hello Miami were apparently facilitating illegal robocall traffic on their networks.  These investigations relied in part on information collected by the Traceback Consortium which, having been made aware of suspicious activity, traced the illegal robocall traffic to these providers.  In addition, in the case of thinQ, the North Carolina Department of Justice identified that company as a source of illegal robocall traffic. 

 Chairwoman Rosenworcel added: “I want to thank Attorney General Stein and his team for their continued focus on protecting North Carolinians from robocall scams.  Ours is a model partnership for combating robocalls.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977952684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FCCWASHINGTON — The FCC Enforcement Bureau today warned three more voice service providers that are apparently transmitting illegal robocalls on their networks that they have 48 hours to stop facilitating this traffic or face all their traffic being blocked by other providers. The investigation into one of the providers, thinQ, was bolstered by findings from the Office of North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein.FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has made clear to such network participants that they must meet their obligations to protect consumers from scams or lose access to other networks. The FCC has carefully constructed the tools necessary to take swift and impactful action against bad actors – this means not only possible fines when violations occur, but also business consequences for those removed from the Robocall Mitigation Database. “There are far too many phone companies that count illegal robocallers among their clients, and that’s bad business,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “It is illegal to allow these junk calls to flood consumers’ phones, and there are consequences for phone companies that do not take immediate action to stop participating in these schemes.”Today’s letters to thinQ Technologies, Airespring, and Hello Hello Miami mean that more than a dozen voice service providers have now received cease-and-desist letters. To date, all recipients have quickly responded and committed to take actions to stop the flow of robocalls on their networks. That said, the FCC and its partners remain vigilant in monitoring these – and all – providers’ efforts to ensure unyielding compliance with consumer protection requirements going forward.FCC investigations found that thinQ, Airespring, and Hello Hello Miami were apparently facilitating illegal robocall traffic on their networks. These investigations relied in part on information collected by the Traceback Consortium which, having been made aware of suspicious activity, traced the illegal robocall traffic to these providers. In addition, in the case of thinQ, the North Carolina Department of Justice identified that company as a source of illegal robocall traffic. Chairwoman Rosenworcel added: “I want to thank Attorney General Stein and his team for their continued focus on protecting North Carolinians from robocall scams. Ours is a model partnership for combating robocalls.”

FTC to robocallers: Remove illegal traffic or be disconnected

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today revised its 
frequently asked questions (FAQs) on 2020 unemployment compensation 
exclusion.

This Fact Sheet (<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/taxpros/fs-2022-21.pdf">FS-2022-21</a>&nbsp;PDF)&nbsp;updates the 2020 unemployment compensation exclusion frequently-asked-questions (FAQs). These updates are:

These FAQs are being issued to provide general information to taxpayers and tax professionals as expeditiously as possible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today revised its 
frequently asked questions (FAQs) on 2020 unemployment compensation 
exclusion.This Fact Sheet (<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/taxpros/fs-2022-21.pdf">FS-2022-21</a>&nbsp;PDF)&nbsp;updates the 2020 unemployment compensation exclusion frequently-asked-questions (FAQs). These updates are:<ul>
 <li>Question 6, Topic A: Eligibility (NEW)</li><li>Questions 1, 2, 4, Topic D: Amended Return (Form 1040-X)</li><li>Question 2, Topic E: Impact to Income, Credits, and Deductions</li><li>Question 1, 8, 9, Topic G: Receiving a Refund, Letter, or Notice</li><li>Question 1, Topic I: Post Unemployment Compensation Exclusion Adjustment</li><li>Question 1, Topic J: Economic Impact Payment</li>
 </ul>These FAQs are being issued to provide general information to taxpayers and tax professionals as expeditiously as possible.

IRS updates FAQs on 2020 unemployment compensation exclusion

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress should provide the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-xavier-becerra-congress-29aef791e891a110677e918fb65cd733">$22.5 billion President Joe Biden wants for continuing the battle against COVID-19</a>&nbsp;without cutting other programs to pay for it, senior administration officials said Tuesday.

And if Republicans continue to insist that additional federal efforts to combat the pandemic must be paid for by culling spending elsewhere, the GOP should specify what it wants to cut, the officials said.

The remarks came nearly two weeks after a new round of COVID-19 funding was pulled out of a $1.5 trillion government-wide measure after rank-and-file Democrats rejected cuts that party leaders had negotiated with Republicans to pay for it. Though Biden signed the overall bill into law, the deletion of the COVID-19 funds was a major setback for Biden and Democrats.

“Our concern right now is that we are going to run out of money to provide the types of vaccines, boosters, treatments to the immunocompromised, and others free of charge that will help to continue to battle” the pandemic, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday.

Top House Democrats have said they believe they will have to find savings to pay for the additional spending to move legislation through Congress. The biggest hurdle would be in the Senate, where Democrats will need at least 10 GOP votes to reach the 60 votes needed to move most significant bills to passage.

The White House has said the government is running out of funds for vaccines, testing and treatments, even as Omicron variant BA.2, which is fueling a virus resurgence in Europe and Asia, is appearing increasingly in the U.S.

The senior administration officials said the government has bought the doses it would need to vaccinate children up to age 5. But they said they only have enough vaccines to administer a fourth shot — which drug makers are recommending for many people — to those with compromised immune systems.

The officials spoke only on condition of anonymity as a requirement for reporters to participate in the telephone briefing.

Republicans say savings to pay for the new expenditures should be found from the trillions that Congress has already provided since the pandemic began two years ago. That includes a $1.9 trillion measure Democrats pushed through Congress over unanimous GOP opposition a year ago.

Asked about the administration officials’ comments, a spokesperson for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., referred a reporter to comments McConnell made on CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday.

McConnell said Republicans would consider the administration’s request but said they should use “some of this massive amount that was spent last year that’s not out the door yet. So let’s take a look at how to pay for it, and then we’ll be happy to decide whether or not to support it.”

GOP leaders say the administration has not provided figures they’ve sought on how much money remains unspent. The administration officials in Monday’s call said they’ve repeatedly provided plentiful data on the subject, and said Republicans have agreed to not require savings to pay for past emergencies.

Only around $300 billion of last year’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief measure remains unspent and not legally committed to a specific program or recipient, the administration officials said.

But around $240 billion of that has been promised to specific recipients like states and cities, who have built the amounts into their budgets, the administration officials said. The administration has held back some of the rest for emergencies, they said.

More than $100 billion of the money that’s so far unspent is for pandemic aid to state and local governments, and nearly that amount is for assistance to some pension plans, according to administration documents obtained by The Associated Press.

Biden’s pandemic spending request had been pared down to $15.6 billion as part of the compromise House bill. It would have been partly paid for by cutting billions in COVID-19 aid that last year’s bill had provided to 30 state governments but had not yet been sent to them.

Many Democrats refused to vote for the overall package until the cuts in state aid were removed, which House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., ultimately agreed to do. Top Republicans had demanded the savings in exchange for supporting the legislation, and Pelosi dropped all the COVID-19 spending after substitute cuts were not found.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647908095685.png" alt="The White House has said the government is running out of funds for vaccines, testing and treatments, even as Omicron variant BA.2, which is fueling a virus resurgence in Europe and Asia, is appearing increasingly in the U.S.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>The White House has said the government is running out of funds for vaccines, testing and treatments, even as Omicron variant BA.2, which is fueling a virus resurgence in Europe and Asia, is appearing increasingly in the U.S.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress should provide the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-xavier-becerra-congress-29aef791e891a110677e918fb65cd733">$22.5 billion President Joe Biden wants for continuing the battle against COVID-19</a>&nbsp;without cutting other programs to pay for it, senior administration officials said Tuesday.And if Republicans continue to insist that additional federal efforts to combat the pandemic must be paid for by culling spending elsewhere, the GOP should specify what it wants to cut, the officials said.The remarks came nearly two weeks after a new round of COVID-19 funding was pulled out of a $1.5 trillion government-wide measure after rank-and-file Democrats rejected cuts that party leaders had negotiated with Republicans to pay for it. Though Biden signed the overall bill into law, the deletion of the COVID-19 funds was a major setback for Biden and Democrats.“Our concern right now is that we are going to run out of money to provide the types of vaccines, boosters, treatments to the immunocompromised, and others free of charge that will help to continue to battle” the pandemic, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday.Top House Democrats have said they believe they will have to find savings to pay for the additional spending to move legislation through Congress. The biggest hurdle would be in the Senate, where Democrats will need at least 10 GOP votes to reach the 60 votes needed to move most significant bills to passage.The White House has said the government is running out of funds for vaccines, testing and treatments, even as Omicron variant BA.2, which is fueling a virus resurgence in Europe and Asia, is appearing increasingly in the U.S.The senior administration officials said the government has bought the doses it would need to vaccinate children up to age 5. But they said they only have enough vaccines to administer a fourth shot — which drug makers are recommending for many people — to those with compromised immune systems.The officials spoke only on condition of anonymity as a requirement for reporters to participate in the telephone briefing.Republicans say savings to pay for the new expenditures should be found from the trillions that Congress has already provided since the pandemic began two years ago. That includes a $1.9 trillion measure Democrats pushed through Congress over unanimous GOP opposition a year ago.Asked about the administration officials’ comments, a spokesperson for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., referred a reporter to comments McConnell made on CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday.McConnell said Republicans would consider the administration’s request but said they should use “some of this massive amount that was spent last year that’s not out the door yet. So let’s take a look at how to pay for it, and then we’ll be happy to decide whether or not to support it.”GOP leaders say the administration has not provided figures they’ve sought on how much money remains unspent. The administration officials in Monday’s call said they’ve repeatedly provided plentiful data on the subject, and said Republicans have agreed to not require savings to pay for past emergencies.Only around $300 billion of last year’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief measure remains unspent and not legally committed to a specific program or recipient, the administration officials said.But around $240 billion of that has been promised to specific recipients like states and cities, who have built the amounts into their budgets, the administration officials said. The administration has held back some of the rest for emergencies, they said.More than $100 billion of the money that’s so far unspent is for pandemic aid to state and local governments, and nearly that amount is for assistance to some pension plans, according to administration documents obtained by The Associated Press.Biden’s pandemic spending request had been pared down to $15.6 billion as part of the compromise House bill. It would have been partly paid for by cutting billions in COVID-19 aid that last year’s bill had provided to 30 state governments but had not yet been sent to them.Many Democrats refused to vote for the overall package until the cuts in state aid were removed, which House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., ultimately agreed to do. Top Republicans had demanded the savings in exchange for supporting the legislation, and Pelosi dropped all the COVID-19 spending after substitute cuts were not found.