LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Police are investigating after staff discovered racist graffiti in hallways and bathrooms of a Lincoln middle school. 

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that graffiti — scrawled words and images in pencil — was found three different times this week inside Dawes Middle School in northeast Lincoln.

 Police Sgt. Chris Vigil described the graffiti as depicting “racially hateful themes,” but declined to reveal the words or describe the drawings.

 Principal Liz Miller sent a message to parents Friday morning saying the school is working with police and the school district’s security team to try to find out who scrawled the graffiti.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Police are investigating after staff discovered racist graffiti in hallways and bathrooms of a Lincoln middle school. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that graffiti — scrawled words and images in pencil — was found three different times this week inside Dawes Middle School in northeast Lincoln. Police Sgt. Chris Vigil described the graffiti as depicting “racially hateful themes,” but declined to reveal the words or describe the drawings. Principal Liz Miller sent a message to parents Friday morning saying the school is working with police and the school district’s security team to try to find out who scrawled the graffiti.

Police investigating after racist graffiti found in school

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Two Sioux Falls police officers are facing child pornography charges in what officials say are unrelated cases. 

Twenty-eight-year-old Luke Schauer has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of attempted production of child pornography and transfer of obscene materials to minors. 

Twenty-three-year-old Matthew Jock is charged in state court with five counts of possession, manufacturing and distribution of child pornography. 

He remains in custody at the Minnehaha County Jail on a $25,000 cash bond.

 The city's chief and the mayor say they will be reviewing the police department's internal policies and procedures.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Two Sioux Falls police officers are facing child pornography charges in what officials say are unrelated cases. Twenty-eight-year-old Luke Schauer has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of attempted production of child pornography and transfer of obscene materials to minors. Schauer has bonded out of jail. Twenty-three-year-old Matthew Jock is charged in state court with five counts of possession, manufacturing and distribution of child pornography. He remains in custody at the Minnehaha County Jail on a $25,000 cash bond. The city's chief and the mayor say they will be reviewing the police department's internal policies and procedures.

2 South Dakota officers charged in child pornography cases

You may be used to getting text messages and <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20728-is-that-email-really-from-the-boss-a-bbb-study-of-business-email-compromise-scams" target="_blank">emails</a> from your boss, which is why a recent texting scam is so effective. Scammers find out where you work and pose as the CEO or other executive. Be on guard and don’t share money or information – be it your own or your company’s.

You receive a text from a number you don’t recognize, claiming to be from your boss.
 The sender knows your name, where you work, and your boss’s name. It 
seems so real! The text message might read something like this: “Hi 
Chris, I’m tied up in a conference call right now but let me know if you
 get this text. Thanks [your boss’ name].”

If you reply that you received the text, you’ll be asked to 
do a quick task. This could be purchasing gift cards for a client or 
wiring funds to another business. In some cases, the scammer 
may ask you to send personal information to someone, often giving you a 
plausible reason to carry out the request.

No matter how believable the reason sounds, always double check 
before taking any action. &nbsp;Once you send the money, gift cards, or 
information, it will be in the hands of a con artist.

How to protect yourself from impostor scams

Stay safe by reading the BBB’s tips on <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/spot-a-scam/how-to-spot-a-phony-text-message" target="_blank">how to spot fake text messages</a> and <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21686-how-to-avoid-impostor-scams" target="_blank">how to avoid impostor scams</a>.&nbsp; Also, read BBB’s report about the rise of <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20728-is-that-email-really-from-the-boss-a-bbb-study-of-business-email-compromise-scams" target="_blank">business email compromise scams</a>.

If you’ve spotted a scam, whether or not you fell victim, report it at <a href="https://www.BBB.org/ScamTracker" target="_blank">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>. Your report helps expose scammers tactics and boost consumer awareness.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBYou may be used to getting text messages and <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20728-is-that-email-really-from-the-boss-a-bbb-study-of-business-email-compromise-scams" target="_blank">emails</a> from your boss, which is why a recent texting scam is so effective. Scammers find out where you work and pose as the CEO or other executive. Be on guard and don’t share money or information – be it your own or your company’s.<h2>How the scam works</h2>You receive a text from a number you don’t recognize, claiming to be from your boss.
 The sender knows your name, where you work, and your boss’s name. It 
seems so real! The text message might read something like this: “Hi 
Chris, I’m tied up in a conference call right now but let me know if you
 get this text. Thanks [your boss’ name].”If you reply that you received the text, you’ll be asked to 
do a quick task. This could be purchasing gift cards for a client or 
wiring funds to another business. In some cases, the scammer 
may ask you to send personal information to someone, often giving you a 
plausible reason to carry out the request.No matter how believable the reason sounds, always double check 
before taking any action. &nbsp;Once you send the money, gift cards, or 
information, it will be in the hands of a con artist. <h2>How to protect yourself from impostor scams</h2><ul>
 <li>Don’t trust unsolicited messages from unfamiliar numbers. If
 your boss regularly communicates with you via text message, save their 
number in your contact list. Don’t respond to potential impersonators 
reaching out from a different number. </li><li>Be wary of unusual requests. If your boss has never
 asked you to buy gift cards, even if the request comes from a number 
you’ve saved, think twice. Scammers can potentially clone phone numbers 
and might have hijacked your boss’ number to target employees. </li><li>Double check with your boss personally. If a 
request comes from a strange number or just doesn’t sound right, call or
 email your boss first, using their real contact information, rather 
than replying to the message. It’s better to double check than to rush 
into a scam. Plus, your boss will want to know if they are being 
impersonated, so they can warn their other employees. </li><li>If you suspect a scam, don’t reply. If you’re 
fairly certain you’ve been contacted by a scammer, don’t reply to the 
text message. Replying lets scammers know they have an active phone 
number and could leave you vulnerable to future attacks. Instead, block the number and delete the message.</li>
 </ul><h2>For more information</h2>Stay safe by reading the BBB’s tips on <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/spot-a-scam/how-to-spot-a-phony-text-message" target="_blank">how to spot fake text messages</a> and <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21686-how-to-avoid-impostor-scams" target="_blank">how to avoid impostor scams</a>.&nbsp; Also, read BBB’s report about the rise of <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20728-is-that-email-really-from-the-boss-a-bbb-study-of-business-email-compromise-scams" target="_blank">business email compromise scams</a>.If you’ve spotted a scam, whether or not you fell victim, report it at <a href="https://www.BBB.org/ScamTracker" target="_blank">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>. Your report helps expose scammers tactics and boost consumer awareness.

Scam alert: That might not be your boss texting

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/17/medical-school-proposed-at-kearney-to-help-address-rural-health-care-staffing-crisis/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN
 — If you want to increase the number of doctors, nurses and other 
health professionals in rural areas, you need to educate them in a rural
 area.

That
 was the message delivered Thursday by several advocates of a plan to 
create a rural medical school on the campus of the University of 
Nebraska at Kearney.

State
 Sen. Robert Hilkemann, who grew up on a Randolph area farm and worked 
as a podiatrist in Omaha, introduced a proposal to spend $60 million of 
the state’s $1.04 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for 
the University of Nebraska Medical Center Rural Health Complex.

UNMC,
 which is located in Omaha, has had a program at UNK since 2015 that 
trains nurses and allied health professionals such as physical 
therapists.

Legislative
 Bill 721 would combine $60 million in the federal recovery funds with 
$25 million in private or matching funds. It would expand UNK’s medical 
offerings to include programs in pharmacy, public health and respiratory
 therapy, as well as training family physicians.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Doug
 Kristensen, UNK’s chancellor and a former state senator, said 80% to 
85% of the graduates of the university’s current medical program start 
their careers in rural Nebraska.&nbsp;

“Nebraska’s
 rural communities face an increasingly severe crisis in maintaining 
access to health care for their residents,” Kristensen said.&nbsp;

Fourteen
 of the state’s 93 counties have no rural physicians, and 17 have no 
pharmacists, the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee was told 
Thursday.

Dr.
 Juliann Sebastian, dean of UNMC’s College of Nursing, said the pandemic
 has exacerbated the problem, with many workers in health fields burning
 out or retiring early. Twenty-one percent of the state’s nurses, she 
said, are approaching retirement age.

Dr.
 John Craig, a family physician in his hometown of Minden, said 
educating doctors and nurses in a rural setting like Kearney makes it 
more likely that they’ll practice in a rural area.

“Students can see themselves living and working in a rural area,” he said.

Hilkemann
 said he’s seen the opposite when working with medical interns at his 
Omaha podiatry office. Students from rural areas are less likely to move
 back to a small town&nbsp;once they’ve married or established connections in
 the big city, he said.

“It’s important that we train students where they want to practice,” he said.

Kearney
 State Sen. John Lowe said the new medical campus would require 40 new 
employees and attract more than 200 students. It would also serve to 
increase undergraduate enrollment, others predicted.

“There’s no bigger bill for central and western Nebraska,” Lowe&nbsp;saidof LB 721.

Sebastian
 said that the UNK program has grown steadily, from 130 students to 306 
last year, and that demand would be strong if family physicians could be
 fully trained in Kearney.

The
 Appropriations Committee took no action on LB 721 after a public 
hearing. It was one of eight proposals by the University of Nebraska for
 spending $185 million in ARPA dollars.

NU
 President Ted Carter said the proposals were “once in a lifetime 
opportunities” chosen because they build on “existing strengths” of the 
university and because they would make the most significant, long-term 
impacts.

A recent economic impact study of NU, Carter said, showed a $9 return on every dollar invested by the state.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645194411800.png" alt="Artist’s rendering of the $85 million medical school proposed at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (Courtesy of University of Nebraska at Kearney)" />
 <figcaption>Artist’s rendering of the $85 million medical school proposed at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (Courtesy of University of Nebraska at Kearney)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/17/medical-school-proposed-at-kearney-to-help-address-rural-health-care-staffing-crisis/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN
 — If you want to increase the number of doctors, nurses and other 
health professionals in rural areas, you need to educate them in a rural
 area.That
 was the message delivered Thursday by several advocates of a plan to 
create a rural medical school on the campus of the University of 
Nebraska at Kearney.State
 Sen. Robert Hilkemann, who grew up on a Randolph area farm and worked 
as a podiatrist in Omaha, introduced a proposal to spend $60 million of 
the state’s $1.04 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for 
the University of Nebraska Medical Center Rural Health Complex.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645194470154.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Robert Hilkemann of Omaha (Courtesy Unicameral Information Office)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Robert Hilkemann of Omaha (Courtesy Unicameral Information Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>UNMC,
 which is located in Omaha, has had a program at UNK since 2015 that 
trains nurses and allied health professionals such as physical 
therapists.Legislative
 Bill 721 would combine $60 million in the federal recovery funds with 
$25 million in private or matching funds. It would expand UNK’s medical 
offerings to include programs in pharmacy, public health and respiratory
 therapy, as well as training family physicians.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>A ‘severe crisis’</h2>Doug
 Kristensen, UNK’s chancellor and a former state senator, said 80% to 
85% of the graduates of the university’s current medical program start 
their careers in rural Nebraska.&nbsp;“Nebraska’s
 rural communities face an increasingly severe crisis in maintaining 
access to health care for their residents,” Kristensen said.&nbsp;Fourteen
 of the state’s 93 counties have no rural physicians, and 17 have no 
pharmacists, the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee was told 
Thursday.Dr.
 Juliann Sebastian, dean of UNMC’s College of Nursing, said the pandemic
 has exacerbated the problem, with many workers in health fields burning
 out or retiring early. Twenty-one percent of the state’s nurses, she 
said, are approaching retirement age.Dr.
 John Craig, a family physician in his hometown of Minden, said 
educating doctors and nurses in a rural setting like Kearney makes it 
more likely that they’ll practice in a rural area.<h2>Train students in rural area</h2>“Students can see themselves living and working in a rural area,” he said.Hilkemann
 said he’s seen the opposite when working with medical interns at his 
Omaha podiatry office. Students from rural areas are less likely to move
 back to a small town&nbsp;once they’ve married or established connections in
 the big city, he said.“It’s important that we train students where they want to practice,” he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645194494571.jpeg" alt="State Sen. John Lowe of Kearney (Courtesy of Unicameral Information Office)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. John Lowe of Kearney (Courtesy of Unicameral Information Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kearney
 State Sen. John Lowe said the new medical campus would require 40 new 
employees and attract more than 200 students. It would also serve to 
increase undergraduate enrollment, others predicted.“There’s no bigger bill for central and western Nebraska,” Lowe&nbsp;saidof LB 721.Sebastian
 said that the UNK program has grown steadily, from 130 students to 306 
last year, and that demand would be strong if family physicians could be
 fully trained in Kearney.The
 Appropriations Committee took no action on LB 721 after a public 
hearing. It was one of eight proposals by the University of Nebraska for
 spending $185 million in ARPA dollars.NU
 President Ted Carter said the proposals were “once in a lifetime 
opportunities” chosen because they build on “existing strengths” of the 
university and because they would make the most significant, long-term 
impacts.A recent economic impact study of NU, Carter said, showed a $9 return on every dollar invested by the state.<h2>Multiple proposals</h2>The other NU proposals were:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>LB 703, which would
 combine $25 million in ARPA funds and $25 million in matching private 
funds to build a companion building at Lincoln’s Innovation Campus for a
 $140 million research structure planned by the USDA. The companion 
structure would help entrepreneurs turn research findings from the USDA 
facility into “real world” products, the committee was told.</li><li>LB 766, which would combine $15
 million in ARPA funds with $15 million in private funds to create a 
center for excellence at UNMC to study ways to screen and cure 
pancreatic cancer.</li><li>LB 904 seeks $50 
million in ARPA funds to create the “Artificial Intelligence, 
Cybersecurity, and Holland Computer Center” at Innovation Campus.</li><li>LB 950 asks for $10
 million in ARPA monies for academic, medical research and development 
at the Global Center for Health Security at UNMC.</li><li>LB 961 asks for $4 
million ARPA funds for the National Counterterrorism Innovation, 
Technology, and Education Center to increase research at the University 
of Nebraska at Omaha.</li><li>LB 962, which would
 appropriate $5 million in ARPA money for renovation and construction of
 a facility to house the Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, 
Teaching, Research, and Inquiry-Based Learning Center at UNO.</li><li>LB 1054, which 
seeks $16 million from ARPA to modernize academic research labs and 
equipment for the College of Education, Health, &amp; Human Sciences at 
UNO. Money would be used specifically for the Department of 
Biomechanics. </li>
 </ul>

Medical school proposed at Kearney to address rural health care staffing ‘crisis’

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/18/concept-calls-for-one-shared-kitchen-three-restaurants-consolidated-carryout/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

City+Ventures,
 a fast-growing development and investment company based in Omaha, has 
launched what it describes as a new-to-Nebraska concept built around a 
shared kitchen for a trio of restaurants.

The
 concept is now being carried out in Lincoln’s Leighton District and, 
later this year, will be at the Omaha area’s La Vista City Centre. Both 
sites are mixed-use districts developed by City+Ventures.

Here’s
 how it works: Freshly prepared food from all three restaurants exit 
from one kitchen, so customers can order specialty items from any 
restaurant while they dine in. The trio of restaurants are under the 
Dead Presidents Group flag.

Also part of&nbsp; the concept is the Presidents Takeout, which offers a walk-up option for consolidated carryout orders.

The
 Lincoln project opened a few days ago at 48th Street and Leighton 
Avenue and offers: Franco’s Fresh Mexican fast-casual food, including 
tacos and margaritas; Daq Shack tropical fare, including lobster rolls 
and fried chicken sandwiches; and Lincoln’s Pub, whose menu includes 
pizza, burgers and craft beer.

Chris
 Erickson, co-founder of City+Ventures, said his team sees the new 
enterprises as continued growth for the respective communities. At the
 Leighton District, the Daq Shack will have a walk-up window directly 
connected to the pool and sundeck of The Flats Apartments.

“We
 look forward to serving residents at our nearby Flats apartments, 
neighbors in the University Place district, and students and local 
residents,” Erickson said. “We know this unique destination, with 
something for everyone, will be an economic driver for the area.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645194227124.png" alt="Daq Schack in Lincoln’s Leighton District, part of a new concept with a shared kitchen and three restaurants. (Courtesy of City+Ventures)" />
 <figcaption>Daq Schack in Lincoln’s Leighton District, part of a new concept with a shared kitchen and three restaurants. (Courtesy of City+Ventures)</figcaption>
 </figure>By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/18/concept-calls-for-one-shared-kitchen-three-restaurants-consolidated-carryout/">Nebraska Examiner</a>City+Ventures,
 a fast-growing development and investment company based in Omaha, has 
launched what it describes as a new-to-Nebraska concept built around a 
shared kitchen for a trio of restaurants.The
 concept is now being carried out in Lincoln’s Leighton District and, 
later this year, will be at the Omaha area’s La Vista City Centre. Both 
sites are mixed-use districts developed by City+Ventures.Here’s
 how it works: Freshly prepared food from all three restaurants exit 
from one kitchen, so customers can order specialty items from any 
restaurant while they dine in. The trio of restaurants are under the 
Dead Presidents Group flag.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645194299649.jpeg" alt="Lincoln’s Pub in Lincoln’s Leighton District (Courtesy of City+Ventures)" />
 <figcaption>Lincoln’s Pub in Lincoln’s Leighton District (Courtesy of City+Ventures)</figcaption>
 </figure>Also part of&nbsp; the concept is the Presidents Takeout, which offers a walk-up option for consolidated carryout orders.The
 Lincoln project opened a few days ago at 48th Street and Leighton 
Avenue and offers: Franco’s Fresh Mexican fast-casual food, including 
tacos and margaritas; Daq Shack tropical fare, including lobster rolls 
and fried chicken sandwiches; and Lincoln’s Pub, whose menu includes 
pizza, burgers and craft beer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645194326207.jpeg" alt="Franco’s Fresh Mexican in Lincoln’s Leighton District (Courtesy of City+Ventures)" />
 <figcaption>Franco’s Fresh Mexican in Lincoln’s Leighton District (Courtesy of City+Ventures)</figcaption>
 </figure>Chris
 Erickson, co-founder of City+Ventures, said his team sees the new 
enterprises as continued growth for the respective communities. At the
 Leighton District, the Daq Shack will have a walk-up window directly 
connected to the pool and sundeck of The Flats Apartments.“We
 look forward to serving residents at our nearby Flats apartments, 
neighbors in the University Place district, and students and local 
residents,” Erickson said. “We know this unique destination, with 
something for everyone, will be an economic driver for the area.”

Lincoln concept calls for one shared kitchen, three restaurants

The
 Federal Trade Commission is sending refunds totaling more than $580,000
 to consumers nationwide who bought indoor TV antennas and signal 
amplifiers marketed online using deceptive claims that the products 
would let them cancel their cable service and still receive their 
favorite channels for free. Each check is for $14.14.

<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/03/new-york-based-defendants-settle-ftc-charges-they-deceptively">According to a March 2021 complaint</a>,
 Wellco, Inc. and its owner and CEO, George M. Moscone violated the FTC 
Act by making deceptive performance claims for their antennas and signal
 amplifiers and using deceptive consumer endorsements and web pages that
 looked like objective news reports. The products were sold online under
 the brand names TV Scout, SkyWire, SkyLink, and Tilt TV.

<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/10_-_stipulated_order_signed.pdf">The order settling the Commission’s charges</a>
 prohibits the defendants from making false or unsubstantiated claims 
such as those alleged in the complaint and provides for the payment of 
refunds to defrauded consumers.

More than 40,000 consumers are 
receiving refund checks. Consumers who receive checks should cash them 
within 90 days, as indicated on the check. Consumers who have questions 
about their refunds should call Analytics Consulting LLC, the 
administrator for this case, at 1-877-629-1728.

The FTC’s <a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase">interactive dashboards for refund data(link is external)</a>
 provide a state-by-state breakdown of FTC refunds. In 2020, FTC actions
 led to more than $483 million in refunds to consumers across the 
country, but recently the United States Supreme Court ruled the FTC 
lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal 
court going forward. The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a> to restore the FTC’s ability to get money back for consumers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe
 Federal Trade Commission is sending refunds totaling more than $580,000
 to consumers nationwide who bought indoor TV antennas and signal 
amplifiers marketed online using deceptive claims that the products 
would let them cancel their cable service and still receive their 
favorite channels for free. Each check is for $14.14.<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/03/new-york-based-defendants-settle-ftc-charges-they-deceptively">According to a March 2021 complaint</a>,
 Wellco, Inc. and its owner and CEO, George M. Moscone violated the FTC 
Act by making deceptive performance claims for their antennas and signal
 amplifiers and using deceptive consumer endorsements and web pages that
 looked like objective news reports. The products were sold online under
 the brand names TV Scout, SkyWire, SkyLink, and Tilt TV.<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/10_-_stipulated_order_signed.pdf">The order settling the Commission’s charges</a>
 prohibits the defendants from making false or unsubstantiated claims 
such as those alleged in the complaint and provides for the payment of 
refunds to defrauded consumers.More than 40,000 consumers are 
receiving refund checks. Consumers who receive checks should cash them 
within 90 days, as indicated on the check. Consumers who have questions 
about their refunds should call Analytics Consulting LLC, the 
administrator for this case, at 1-877-629-1728.The FTC’s <a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase">interactive dashboards for refund data(link is external)</a>
 provide a state-by-state breakdown of FTC refunds. In 2020, FTC actions
 led to more than $483 million in refunds to consumers across the 
country, but recently the United States Supreme Court ruled the FTC 
lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal 
court going forward. The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a> to restore the FTC’s ability to get money back for consumers.

Cancel cable? Feds sending refunds to indoor antenna, amplifier consumers

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission today proposed a $45 million fine against a company that conducted an apparently illegal robocall campaign to sell health insurance under the pretense that the annual enrollment period had been reopened due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Interstate Brokers of America apparently made 514,467 unlawful robocalls without subscribers’ prior express consent or an emergency purpose.  This is the largest TCPA robocall fine ever proposed by the Commission.

The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau investigation found that Interstate Brokers made 514,196 robocalls to wireless phones and 271 telemarketing robocalls to landline phones in apparent violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.  The Bureau reviewed a sample of 10,000 calls, confirmed with the dialing platform provider that the calls were pre-recorded messages, and spoke to several recipients who confirmed they had not provided to consent to be called.  The proposed fine is based on the verified calls. 

Interstate Brokers is a Ft. Lauderdale, Florida-based lead generator run by Gregory Robbins and which also does business as National Health Agents.  The company purchased lists of phone numbers from third-party vendors; it also acquired numbers from consumers looking for health insurance quotes online, without clearly disclosing that, by providing contact information, the consumers would be subject to robocalls.  The company left prerecorded voice messages marketing its clients’ insurance plans.  Voice recognition software would identify when a consumer answered the call.  If a consumer responded by pressing a number on their phone, or by staying on hold, the system automatically transferred the call to a call center operated by Interstate Brokers.   Consumers were then offered insurance products sold by one of several insurance companies that had hired Interstate Brokers

One of the company’s prerecorded voice messages stated: “Many states’ opened enrollment options to combat the COVID-19 virus and our plans include telemedicine services that would allow you to see a doctor over the phone or a video that could treat common sickness like the cold and flu.  Give me a call back, at our phone number … and I can go over what is still available in your area.”  The FCC’s investigation was prompted by a report from the Industry Traceback Group of suspected illegal robocall traffic.  FCC investigators also reviewed consumer complaints including those found online.  For example, one consumer wrote online: “Message left from ‘Ashley’ from the Health care center calling to announce open enrollment for health care due to COVID-19. ... Called on my work cell phone that I do no personal business on.”

Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, robocalls made to wireless phones and telemarketing robocalls made to landlines require prior written consent of the called party.  Many of the calls also were made, apparently unlawfully, to consumers on the Do Not Call Registry.  

The proposed action, formally called a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture, or NAL, contains only allegations that advise a party – Gregory Robbins, Interstate Brokers of America LLC, and National Health Agents LLC – on how it has apparently violated the law and may set forth a proposed monetary penalty.  The Commission may not impose a greater monetary penalty in this case than the amount proposed in the NAL.  Neither the allegations nor the proposed sanctions in the NAL are final Commission actions.  The party will be given an opportunity to respond, and the Commission will consider the party’s submission of evidence and legal arguments before acting further to resolve the matter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977952684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FCCWASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission today proposed a $45 million fine against a company that conducted an apparently illegal robocall campaign to sell health insurance under the pretense that the annual enrollment period had been reopened due to the coronavirus pandemic. Interstate Brokers of America apparently made 514,467 unlawful robocalls without subscribers’ prior express consent or an emergency purpose. This is the largest TCPA robocall fine ever proposed by the Commission.The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau investigation found that Interstate Brokers made 514,196 robocalls to wireless phones and 271 telemarketing robocalls to landline phones in apparent violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. The Bureau reviewed a sample of 10,000 calls, confirmed with the dialing platform provider that the calls were pre-recorded messages, and spoke to several recipients who confirmed they had not provided to consent to be called. The proposed fine is based on the verified calls. Interstate Brokers is a Ft. Lauderdale, Florida-based lead generator run by Gregory Robbins and which also does business as National Health Agents. The company purchased lists of phone numbers from third-party vendors; it also acquired numbers from consumers looking for health insurance quotes online, without clearly disclosing that, by providing contact information, the consumers would be subject to robocalls. The company left prerecorded voice messages marketing its clients’ insurance plans. Voice recognition software would identify when a consumer answered the call. If a consumer responded by pressing a number on their phone, or by staying on hold, the system automatically transferred the call to a call center operated by Interstate Brokers. Consumers were then offered insurance products sold by one of several insurance companies that had hired Interstate BrokersOne of the company’s prerecorded voice messages stated: “Many states’ opened enrollment options to combat the COVID-19 virus and our plans include telemedicine services that would allow you to see a doctor over the phone or a video that could treat common sickness like the cold and flu. Give me a call back, at our phone number … and I can go over what is still available in your area.” The FCC’s investigation was prompted by a report from the Industry Traceback Group of suspected illegal robocall traffic. FCC investigators also reviewed consumer complaints including those found online. For example, one consumer wrote online: “Message left from ‘Ashley’ from the Health care center calling to announce open enrollment for health care due to COVID-19. ... Called on my work cell phone that I do no personal business on.”Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, robocalls made to wireless phones and telemarketing robocalls made to landlines require prior written consent of the called party. Many of the calls also were made, apparently unlawfully, to consumers on the Do Not Call Registry. The proposed action, formally called a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture, or NAL, contains only allegations that advise a party – Gregory Robbins, Interstate Brokers of America LLC, and National Health Agents LLC – on how it has apparently violated the law and may set forth a proposed monetary penalty. The Commission may not impose a greater monetary penalty in this case than the amount proposed in the NAL. Neither the allegations nor the proposed sanctions in the NAL are final Commission actions. The party will be given an opportunity to respond, and the Commission will consider the party’s submission of evidence and legal arguments before acting further to resolve the matter.

COVID insurance? Feds propose $45M fine against robocalling telemarketer

WASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service today updated frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the&nbsp;2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.

These FAQs (<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/newsroom/fs-2022-12.pdf">FS-2022-12</a>&nbsp;PDF) revisions are as follows:

Individuals who did not qualify for, or did not receive, the 
full amount of the third Economic Impact Payment may be eligible to 
claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit based on their 2021 tax year 
information. Individuals may have received their third Economic Impact 
Payment through initial and "plus-up" payments in 2021.

Note: Third Economic Impact Payments are different 
than the monthly advance Child Tax Credit payments that the IRS 
disbursed from July through December 2021.

Most eligible people already received their Economic Impact Payments 
and won't include any information about their payment when they file. 
However, people who are missing stimulus payments should review the 
information on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a> page to determine their eligibility and whether they need to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit for tax year 2021.

To claim any remaining credit for 2021, eligible people must file a 
2021 tax return, even if they usually do not file taxes. Also, people 
who did not receive all of their first and second Economic Impact 
Payments in 2020 can receive those amounts only by filing a 2020 tax 
return (or amending a previously filed return) and claiming the 2020 
Recovery Rebate Credit. They should review the Recovery Rebate Credit 
page to determine their eligibility.

The 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit can reduce any taxes owed or be 
included in the tax refund for the 2021 tax year. Filers must ensure to 
not mix information from their 2020 and 2021 tax years. In particular, 
filers should take care to NOT include any information regarding the 
first and second Economic Impact Payments received in 2020, or the 2020 
Recovery Rebate Credit, on their 2021 return. They will need the total 
of the third payment received to accurately calculate the 2021 Recovery 
Rebate Credit when they file their 2021 federal tax return in 2022.

Individuals can now view this information in their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">online account</a>.

People can also locate this information on Notice 1444-C, which they 
received from the IRS during 2021 after each payment, as well as Letter 
6475, which the IRS will mail to them through March 2022.

The FAQs cover most questions relating to claiming the credit and are
 for use by taxpayers and tax professionals and are being issued as 
expeditiously as possible.

Taxpayers with income of $73,000 or less can file their federal tax returns electronically for free through the IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File Program</a>.
 The fastest way to receive a tax refund is to file electronically and 
have it direct deposited into a financial account. Refunds can be 
directly deposited into bank accounts, prepaid debit cards or mobile 
apps as long as a routing and account number is provided.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service today updated frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the&nbsp;2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.These FAQs (<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/newsroom/fs-2022-12.pdf">FS-2022-12</a>&nbsp;PDF) revisions are as follows:<ul>
 <li>2021 Recovery Rebate Credit — Topic A: General Information: Q3, Q6</li><li>2021 Recovery Rebate Credit — Topic B: Claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren't required to file a 2021 tax return: Q5</li><li>2021 Recovery Rebate Credit — Topic D: Claiming the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit: Q6</li><li>2021 Recovery Rebate Credit — Topic E: Calculating the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit: Q7, Q18</li><li>2021 Recovery Rebate Credit — Topic G: Finding the Third Economic 
Impact Payment Amount to Calculate the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit: Q2, 
Q7, Q8</li>
 </ul>Individuals who did not qualify for, or did not receive, the 
full amount of the third Economic Impact Payment may be eligible to 
claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit based on their 2021 tax year 
information. Individuals may have received their third Economic Impact 
Payment through initial and "plus-up" payments in 2021.Note: Third Economic Impact Payments are different 
than the monthly advance Child Tax Credit payments that the IRS 
disbursed from July through December 2021.Most eligible people already received their Economic Impact Payments 
and won't include any information about their payment when they file. 
However, people who are missing stimulus payments should review the 
information on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a> page to determine their eligibility and whether they need to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit for tax year 2021.To claim any remaining credit for 2021, eligible people must file a 
2021 tax return, even if they usually do not file taxes. Also, people 
who did not receive all of their first and second Economic Impact 
Payments in 2020 can receive those amounts only by filing a 2020 tax 
return (or amending a previously filed return) and claiming the 2020 
Recovery Rebate Credit. They should review the Recovery Rebate Credit 
page to determine their eligibility.The 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit can reduce any taxes owed or be 
included in the tax refund for the 2021 tax year. Filers must ensure to 
not mix information from their 2020 and 2021 tax years. In particular, 
filers should take care to NOT include any information regarding the 
first and second Economic Impact Payments received in 2020, or the 2020 
Recovery Rebate Credit, on their 2021 return. They will need the total 
of the third payment received to accurately calculate the 2021 Recovery 
Rebate Credit when they file their 2021 federal tax return in 2022.Individuals can now view this information in their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">online account</a>.People can also locate this information on Notice 1444-C, which they 
received from the IRS during 2021 after each payment, as well as Letter 
6475, which the IRS will mail to them through March 2022.The FAQs cover most questions relating to claiming the credit and are
 for use by taxpayers and tax professionals and are being issued as 
expeditiously as possible.<h2>File for free and use direct deposit</h2>Taxpayers with income of $73,000 or less can file their federal tax returns electronically for free through the IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File Program</a>.
 The fastest way to receive a tax refund is to file electronically and 
have it direct deposited into a financial account. Refunds can be 
directly deposited into bank accounts, prepaid debit cards or mobile 
apps as long as a routing and account number is provided.

IRS updates information on 2021 COVID relief tax credits

GRAND ISLAND&nbsp; — Nebraska State Troopers have arrested the subject of an ongoing homicide investigation after a standoff in St. Paul Thursday evening.

The incident began when NSP investigators were informed that the Grand Island Police Department was seeking to arrest Donald Anthony, 34, of Grand Island, as part of an ongoing homicide investigation. As part of that investigation, GIPD obtained a search warrant for a residence at 1019 7th&nbsp;Street in St. Paul, where the subject was believed to be.

NSP SWAT was activated. After initial attempts to communicate, SWAT determined that Anthony was the only individual inside the residence.

After approximately 90 minutes, SWAT troopers made entry into the residence and located Anthony barricaded inside an attic crawlspace. He was taken into custody without further incident. Anthony has been turned over to the Grand Island Police Department as part of their ongoing homicide investigation. The Howard County Sheriff’s Office and St. Paul Police Department also assisted in this operation.

Questions regarding the homicide investigation should be directed to GIPD.

By Nebraska State PatrolGRAND ISLAND&nbsp; — Nebraska State Troopers have arrested the subject of an ongoing homicide investigation after a standoff in St. Paul Thursday evening.The incident began when NSP investigators were informed that the Grand Island Police Department was seeking to arrest Donald Anthony, 34, of Grand Island, as part of an ongoing homicide investigation. As part of that investigation, GIPD obtained a search warrant for a residence at 1019 7th&nbsp;Street in St. Paul, where the subject was believed to be.NSP SWAT was activated. After initial attempts to communicate, SWAT determined that Anthony was the only individual inside the residence.After approximately 90 minutes, SWAT troopers made entry into the residence and located Anthony barricaded inside an attic crawlspace. He was taken into custody without further incident. Anthony has been turned over to the Grand Island Police Department as part of their ongoing homicide investigation. The Howard County Sheriff’s Office and St. Paul Police Department also assisted in this operation.Questions regarding the homicide investigation should be directed to GIPD.

Homicide suspect in custody after standoff in St. Paul

By ARIANA FIGUEROA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/16/students-defrauded-by-for-profit-colleges-to-get-millions-in-loan-repayments/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of 
Education announced Wednesday that nearly 16,000 student borrowers would
 receive millions in loan repayments, after the department found that 
four private for-profit institutions made misleading claims about their 
job placement rates.

“The Department remains committed to 
giving borrowers discharges when the evidence shows their college 
violated the law and standards,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel 
Cardona said in a statement.

“Students count on their colleges to 
be truthful. Unfortunately, today’s findings show too many instances in 
which students were misled into loans at institutions or programs that 
could not deliver what they’d promised.”

Cardona said this was part of the 
Department of Education’s targeted borrower defense policy, which 
provides relief to students who are found to have been defrauded.

The four institutions include DeVry 
University, which is based in Illinois, but has 40 locations in 18 
states; Westwood College, based in Colorado, which closed in 2016; ITT 
Nursing, based in Indiana, which filed for bankruptcy in 2016; and the 
Minnesota School of Business/Globe University, which closed in 2017.

“Today marks the first findings 
against a school, DeVry University, that is open and still enrolling new
 students,” federal student aid chief operating officer Richard Cordray,
 representing the department, said during a call with reporters.

Cordray said that students who 
attended DeVry University from 2008 to 2015 can file claims to the 
department. DeVry asserted that 90% of its students who graduated found 
employment, when the job placement rate was really about 58%.

The department will approve $71.1 million in borrower defense charges for about 1,800 former DeVry students.

“In this case, we reviewed 
considerable evidence showing that DeVry substantially misstated its job
 placement rates, and the likelihood of students finding new jobs in 
their field of study after graduation,” he said.

Officials at DeVry could not be reached for comment.

Cordray said that from 2007 to 2016, 
officials from ITT Technical Institute lied to students seeking to 
enroll in its associate nursing degree program.

“The program was not accredited,” he 
said. “And students were unable to get the benefit they were promised 
from their courses (of) study.”

The department plans to approve about $3 million to 130 students. 
This is the fourth time the department has issued discharges to students
 who attended that institution, for a combined $660 million in 
discharges for about 23,000 students who attended ITT Tech during those 
years.

Student borrowers who attended the 
criminal justice programs at the Minnesota School of Business and/or 
Globe University will be entitled to full borrower defense discharges, 
department officials said. The department has already approved about $3 
million in discharges for 270 students.

The department is also approving 
$284.5 million in discharges to more than 11,900 student borrowers who 
attended beauty schools such as Corinthian Colleges, which closed in 
2015, and Marinello Schools of Beauty, which closed in 2015.

Cordray said the department also 
found that Westwood College misled student about graduate job placement 
rates of 80% or higher and falsely claimed that graduates would make 
salaries of $50,000 or more. The department found that the salary data 
was based on national federal data and that graduates of the institution
 made half or less of those salary claims.

The Department of Education will approve about $53.1 million for 1,600 student borrowers who submit those claims.

During the Biden administration, the Education Department has distributed more than $2 billion in borrower defense discharges.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/over-323000-federal-student-loan-borrowers-receive-58-billion-automatic-total-and-permanent-disability-discharges">Last year</a>,
 the department announced that more than 323,000 borrowers who have a 
permanent disability would receive $5.8 million in automatic student 
loan discharges.

The Biden administration has <a target="_blank" href="https://newjerseymonitor.com/2021/12/17/biden-administration-resists-democrats-pleas-on-student-debt-relief-as-deadline-nears/">resisted</a> lawmakers’ call to cancel up to $50,000 worth of federal student loan debt per student. The Federal Reserve <a target="_blank" href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/SLOAS">estimates</a> that the total U.S. student loan debt is more than $1.75 trillion. The Department of Education <a target="_blank" href="https://studentaid.gov/data-center/student/portfolio">owns about 92% </a>of that student loan debt.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki
 said during a Tuesday briefing that Biden has “forgiven $15 billion in 
student loans, benefiting more than 675,000 student loan borrowers since
 he took office.”

As part of Biden’s campaign platform,
 he said he would forgive up to $10,000 per student in federal student 
loans, but he has not directed the Department of Education to make that 
change. Biden has said he wants Congress to put forth legislation to 
cancel up to $10,000 worth of debt per student for him to sign into law.

Psaki also pointed to the pause on student loan repayment due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“No one has been required to pay a 
single dime in federal student loans, and he extended the hiatus of 
payment until May to give people some extra breathing room,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645113399735.jpeg" alt="Dr. Miguel Cardona, Secretary of Education" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Miguel Cardona, Secretary of Education</figcaption>
 </figure>By ARIANA FIGUEROA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/16/students-defrauded-by-for-profit-colleges-to-get-millions-in-loan-repayments/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of 
Education announced Wednesday that nearly 16,000 student borrowers would
 receive millions in loan repayments, after the department found that 
four private for-profit institutions made misleading claims about their 
job placement rates.“The Department remains committed to 
giving borrowers discharges when the evidence shows their college 
violated the law and standards,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel 
Cardona said in a statement.“Students count on their colleges to 
be truthful. Unfortunately, today’s findings show too many instances in 
which students were misled into loans at institutions or programs that 
could not deliver what they’d promised.”Cardona said this was part of the 
Department of Education’s targeted borrower defense policy, which 
provides relief to students who are found to have been defrauded.The four institutions include DeVry 
University, which is based in Illinois, but has 40 locations in 18 
states; Westwood College, based in Colorado, which closed in 2016; ITT 
Nursing, based in Indiana, which filed for bankruptcy in 2016; and the 
Minnesota School of Business/Globe University, which closed in 2017.“Today marks the first findings 
against a school, DeVry University, that is open and still enrolling new
 students,” federal student aid chief operating officer Richard Cordray,
 representing the department, said during a call with reporters.Cordray said that students who 
attended DeVry University from 2008 to 2015 can file claims to the 
department. DeVry asserted that 90% of its students who graduated found 
employment, when the job placement rate was really about 58%.The department will approve $71.1 million in borrower defense charges for about 1,800 former DeVry students.“In this case, we reviewed 
considerable evidence showing that DeVry substantially misstated its job
 placement rates, and the likelihood of students finding new jobs in 
their field of study after graduation,” he said.Officials at DeVry could not be reached for comment.Cordray said that from 2007 to 2016, 
officials from ITT Technical Institute lied to students seeking to 
enroll in its associate nursing degree program.“The program was not accredited,” he 
said. “And students were unable to get the benefit they were promised 
from their courses (of) study.”The department plans to approve about $3 million to 130 students. 
This is the fourth time the department has issued discharges to students
 who attended that institution, for a combined $660 million in 
discharges for about 23,000 students who attended ITT Tech during those 
years.Student borrowers who attended the 
criminal justice programs at the Minnesota School of Business and/or 
Globe University will be entitled to full borrower defense discharges, 
department officials said. The department has already approved about $3 
million in discharges for 270 students.The department is also approving 
$284.5 million in discharges to more than 11,900 student borrowers who 
attended beauty schools such as Corinthian Colleges, which closed in 
2015, and Marinello Schools of Beauty, which closed in 2015.Cordray said the department also 
found that Westwood College misled student about graduate job placement 
rates of 80% or higher and falsely claimed that graduates would make 
salaries of $50,000 or more. The department found that the salary data 
was based on national federal data and that graduates of the institution
 made half or less of those salary claims.The Department of Education will approve about $53.1 million for 1,600 student borrowers who submit those claims.During the Biden administration, the Education Department has distributed more than $2 billion in borrower defense discharges.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/over-323000-federal-student-loan-borrowers-receive-58-billion-automatic-total-and-permanent-disability-discharges">Last year</a>,
 the department announced that more than 323,000 borrowers who have a 
permanent disability would receive $5.8 million in automatic student 
loan discharges.The Biden administration has <a target="_blank" href="https://newjerseymonitor.com/2021/12/17/biden-administration-resists-democrats-pleas-on-student-debt-relief-as-deadline-nears/">resisted</a> lawmakers’ call to cancel up to $50,000 worth of federal student loan debt per student. The Federal Reserve <a target="_blank" href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/SLOAS">estimates</a> that the total U.S. student loan debt is more than $1.75 trillion. The Department of Education <a target="_blank" href="https://studentaid.gov/data-center/student/portfolio">owns about 92% </a>of that student loan debt.White House press secretary Jen Psaki
 said during a Tuesday briefing that Biden has “forgiven $15 billion in 
student loans, benefiting more than 675,000 student loan borrowers since
 he took office.”As part of Biden’s campaign platform,
 he said he would forgive up to $10,000 per student in federal student 
loans, but he has not directed the Department of Education to make that 
change. Biden has said he wants Congress to put forth legislation to 
cancel up to $10,000 worth of debt per student for him to sign into law.Psaki also pointed to the pause on student loan repayment due to the coronavirus pandemic.“No one has been required to pay a 
single dime in federal student loans, and he extended the hiatus of 
payment until May to give people some extra breathing room,” she said.

Students defrauded by for-profit colleges to get millions in loan repayments

FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AP) — For the victim, a 78-year-old man from Annandale, it started with an effort to find some companionship. He created an account on a social network called iFlirt, then made contact with someone identifying herself as a widowed woman in her 30s who seemed interested.

As the online relationship grew, though, the scam started to emerge. The woman, who claimed to be from New York, said she was arrested while traveling to Germany to retrieve an inheritance of gold bars, and needed money to make bail. The man paid it, only to get another message that she was arrested a second time and needed even more money.

In the end, the Annandale man, who is not identified in court papers, got taken for well over $500,000, the latest victim in a growing trend known as romance fraud.

Romance scams reached a record high in 2021, increasing by nearly 80% from 2020, according to a report from the Federal Trade Commission. In the past five years, victims have lost more than $1.3 billion to such scams, the FTC said, more than any other category of fraud the agency tracks.

On Friday, two of the people who scammed the Annandale man will be sentenced in federal court in Alexandria. Ghanian nationals Linda Mbimadong and Richard Broni played relatively minor roles in the scam: Prosecutors describe them as “money mules” who never made contact with the victim themselves but helped receive and launder the money in return for a 5% to 10% cut of the proceeds.

Prosecutors estimate that the scheme targeted multiple victims and raked in more than $42 million, much of it going go Ghana, where the scam was headquartered.

In sentencing memos ahead of Friday’s hearing, Mbimadong and Broni, who were living in New York City at the time of their arrest, apologized for their actions.

“I have to express my ugly truth. I was selfish, ambitious and greedy for success,” Mbimadong wrote.

Jessica Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, is prosecuting the Annandale man’s case. She said large numbers of romance scams go unreported because victims are embarrassed that they fell for tales like the one the defendants in this case spun, around widowed royalty and inheritances of gold bullion. But she said the scammers are sophisticated and patient in their approach, building rapport with targets over a matter of months before making their move.

“These fraudsters know exactly how to play on people’s emotions,” Aber said in an interview. “They use third parties to try to validate the stories that are being spun.”

Authorities take it seriously when complaints are made, Aber said; her office has prosecuted multiple cases of romance fraud in recent years.

Scammers are based both domestically and internationally, she said. Sometimes fraudsters spin exotic tales of international intrigue; other times, the approach is more mundane.

Richard Dorpe, a Ghanaian national, portrayed himself as a balding 57-year-old white man from Virginia Beach named “Jerry Linus” on the “OurTime” senior dating website. He conned a 68-year-old widow from Chesapeake out of more than $300,000, as well as items including clothes, a computer and jewelry. When she ran out of cash, she took out a home equity loan.

Dorpe was sentenced to more than three years in prison last year by the federal court in Norfolk.

Aber encourages potential victims to contact law enforcement. She noted that the FBI has a website to report internet crimes, and does a good job of connecting the dots of disparate reports when they’re made.

“The best thing you can do is to report it so you can potentially stop some other person from falling victim to this kind of scheme,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645122085356.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>From the Associated PressFALLS CHURCH, Va. (AP) — For the victim, a 78-year-old man from Annandale, it started with an effort to find some companionship. He created an account on a social network called iFlirt, then made contact with someone identifying herself as a widowed woman in her 30s who seemed interested.As the online relationship grew, though, the scam started to emerge. The woman, who claimed to be from New York, said she was arrested while traveling to Germany to retrieve an inheritance of gold bars, and needed money to make bail. The man paid it, only to get another message that she was arrested a second time and needed even more money.In the end, the Annandale man, who is not identified in court papers, got taken for well over $500,000, the latest victim in a growing trend known as romance fraud.Romance scams reached a record high in 2021, increasing by nearly 80% from 2020, according to a report from the Federal Trade Commission. In the past five years, victims have lost more than $1.3 billion to such scams, the FTC said, more than any other category of fraud the agency tracks.On Friday, two of the people who scammed the Annandale man will be sentenced in federal court in Alexandria. Ghanian nationals Linda Mbimadong and Richard Broni played relatively minor roles in the scam: Prosecutors describe them as “money mules” who never made contact with the victim themselves but helped receive and launder the money in return for a 5% to 10% cut of the proceeds.Prosecutors estimate that the scheme targeted multiple victims and raked in more than $42 million, much of it going go Ghana, where the scam was headquartered.In sentencing memos ahead of Friday’s hearing, Mbimadong and Broni, who were living in New York City at the time of their arrest, apologized for their actions.“I have to express my ugly truth. I was selfish, ambitious and greedy for success,” Mbimadong wrote.Jessica Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, is prosecuting the Annandale man’s case. She said large numbers of romance scams go unreported because victims are embarrassed that they fell for tales like the one the defendants in this case spun, around widowed royalty and inheritances of gold bullion. But she said the scammers are sophisticated and patient in their approach, building rapport with targets over a matter of months before making their move.“These fraudsters know exactly how to play on people’s emotions,” Aber said in an interview. “They use third parties to try to validate the stories that are being spun.”Authorities take it seriously when complaints are made, Aber said; her office has prosecuted multiple cases of romance fraud in recent years.Scammers are based both domestically and internationally, she said. Sometimes fraudsters spin exotic tales of international intrigue; other times, the approach is more mundane.Richard Dorpe, a Ghanaian national, portrayed himself as a balding 57-year-old white man from Virginia Beach named “Jerry Linus” on the “OurTime” senior dating website. He conned a 68-year-old widow from Chesapeake out of more than $300,000, as well as items including clothes, a computer and jewelry. When she ran out of cash, she took out a home equity loan.Dorpe was sentenced to more than three years in prison last year by the federal court in Norfolk.Aber encourages potential victims to contact law enforcement. She noted that the FBI has a website to report internet crimes, and does a good job of connecting the dots of disparate reports when they’re made.“The best thing you can do is to report it so you can potentially stop some other person from falling victim to this kind of scheme,” she said.

Romance fraud: Looking for love in wrong place proves costly

WASHINGTON (AP) — Reported sexual assaults at the U.S. military academies increased sharply during the 2020-21 school year, as students returned to in-person classes during&nbsp;the coronavirus pandemic, according to several U.S. officials familiar with the reports.

The increase continues what officials believe is an upward trend at the academies, despite an influx of new sexual assault prevention and treatment programs.

Comparing the totals over the past three years, however, is tricky. The number of reports dropped at all the academies during&nbsp;the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 school year&nbsp;when in-person classes were canceled and students were sent home in the spring to finish the semester online.

Although there were fewer reports that year than the previous year, one senior defense official said that based on trends the total likely would have shown an increase if students had not left early. In addition, the number of reported assaults in 2020-21 was also higher than the pre-pandemic school year of 2018-19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645121938748.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>From the Associated PressWASHINGTON (AP) — Reported sexual assaults at the U.S. military academies increased sharply during the 2020-21 school year, as students returned to in-person classes during&nbsp;the coronavirus pandemic, according to several U.S. officials familiar with the reports.The increase continues what officials believe is an upward trend at the academies, despite an influx of new sexual assault prevention and treatment programs.Comparing the totals over the past three years, however, is tricky. The number of reports dropped at all the academies during&nbsp;the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 school year&nbsp;when in-person classes were canceled and students were sent home in the spring to finish the semester online.Although there were fewer reports that year than the previous year, one senior defense official said that based on trends the total likely would have shown an increase if students had not left early. In addition, the number of reported assaults in 2020-21 was also higher than the pre-pandemic school year of 2018-19.

Sexual assault reports increase at US military academies

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/16/lincoln-seeks-200-million-and-possible-help-from-mud-to-solve-water-problem/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN
 — The state’s second-largest city has a water problem, and it’s asking 
for federal funds and possibly help from Omaha’s Metropolitan Utilities 
District to solve it.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=306vBy37F98">Flooding in 2019</a>
 inundated Lincoln’s main water field along the Platte River near 
Ashland, prompting concerns that the city’s primary source of drinking 
water could be shut down.

That
 “near crisis,” Lincoln officials said, prompted a search for a&nbsp; second 
source of water, in addition to the Platte River, to provide for 
anticipated growth in the Capital City.

“It
 jarred our community from a water reliability standpoint,” said 
Elizabeth Elliott, the city’s director of transportation and utilities.

She
 was among officials who testified in favor of a bill, introduced by 
State Sen. Eliott Bostar of Lincoln, to earmark $200 million in federal 
American Rescue Plan Act funds for communities of Lincoln’s size to find
 new water sources.

Those
 funds, according to Legislative Bill 1081, could be used for 
construction of new well fields, acquisition of land for water pipelines
 and construction of pipelines 25 miles in length or longer.

“We
 are unlikely to see such an infusion of federal funds again,” Bostar 
said. “It’s important that we use this money where it can do the most 
good.”

He
 said that Lincoln’s population is expected to grow from the current 
291,677 to 470,000 by 2060 but that work should begin now on such a 
long-term project.

Elliott
 said the city is exploring two options: either hooking up to MUD’s 
Missouri River water plant or having Lincoln build its own pipeline (of 
perhaps 50 miles in length) to the Missouri River. She estimated it 
would cost $350 million to $800 million, depending on which option was 
chosen.

The
 Lincoln water official said obtaining a second source of water other 
than the Platte could also help farmers. With their current setup, if 
there was an extreme drought, Elliott said, Lincoln could make a “call” 
on the Platte River’s water, which would shut down some irrigators 
upstream. With a backup source of water, that “call” wouldn’t be needed.

No opposition testimony to the bill was presented during a public hearing before the Legislature’s Natural Resources Committee.

Bostar said Lincoln could face water restrictions in a decade unless a second source of water is found.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645121093327.png" alt="During flooding in 2019, a well operated by the City of Lincoln quickly was inundated by floodwaters (Courtesy of City of Lincoln)" />
 <figcaption>During flooding in 2019, a well operated by the City of Lincoln quickly was inundated by floodwaters (Courtesy of City of Lincoln)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/16/lincoln-seeks-200-million-and-possible-help-from-mud-to-solve-water-problem/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN
 — The state’s second-largest city has a water problem, and it’s asking 
for federal funds and possibly help from Omaha’s Metropolitan Utilities 
District to solve it.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=306vBy37F98">Flooding in 2019</a>
 inundated Lincoln’s main water field along the Platte River near 
Ashland, prompting concerns that the city’s primary source of drinking 
water could be shut down.That
 “near crisis,” Lincoln officials said, prompted a search for a&nbsp; second 
source of water, in addition to the Platte River, to provide for 
anticipated growth in the Capital City.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645121159037.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Ellot Bostar of Lincoln (Craig Chandler/University Communication)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Ellot Bostar of Lincoln (Craig Chandler/University Communication)</figcaption>
 </figure>“It
 jarred our community from a water reliability standpoint,” said 
Elizabeth Elliott, the city’s director of transportation and utilities.She
 was among officials who testified in favor of a bill, introduced by 
State Sen. Eliott Bostar of Lincoln, to earmark $200 million in federal 
American Rescue Plan Act funds for communities of Lincoln’s size to find
 new water sources.<h2>Two options being explored</h2>Those
 funds, according to Legislative Bill 1081, could be used for 
construction of new well fields, acquisition of land for water pipelines
 and construction of pipelines 25 miles in length or longer.“We
 are unlikely to see such an infusion of federal funds again,” Bostar 
said. “It’s important that we use this money where it can do the most 
good.”He
 said that Lincoln’s population is expected to grow from the current 
291,677 to 470,000 by 2060 but that work should begin now on such a 
long-term project.Elliott
 said the city is exploring two options: either hooking up to MUD’s 
Missouri River water plant or having Lincoln build its own pipeline (of 
perhaps 50 miles in length) to the Missouri River. She estimated it 
would cost $350 million to $800 million, depending on which option was 
chosen.<h2>Could help irrigators</h2>The
 Lincoln water official said obtaining a second source of water other 
than the Platte could also help farmers. With their current setup, if 
there was an extreme drought, Elliott said, Lincoln could make a “call” 
on the Platte River’s water, which would shut down some irrigators 
upstream. With a backup source of water, that “call” wouldn’t be needed.No opposition testimony to the bill was presented during a public hearing before the Legislature’s Natural Resources Committee.Bostar said Lincoln could face water restrictions in a decade unless a second source of water is found.

Lincoln seeks $200M, and possible help from MUD, to solve water problem

CONCORDIA, Kan. (AP) — Concordia police say a Nebraska man and a woman from Texas were arrested after shots were fired during a police chase through the north central Kansas town. 

Police say when officers tried to stop a pickup truck in Concordia Wednesday afternoon, the driver fled. 

Police say during the chase, one of the people in the truck fired at officers, prompting a Concordia officer to return fire. 

The chase ended when the driver lost control in Concordia. 

The driver, Jacob Lyman of Bennet, Nebraska, was held on several traffic and drug charges.

 His passenger, Valerie Sanchez of Temple Bell, Texas, was booked on several drug charges.

CONCORDIA, Kan. (AP) — Concordia police say a Nebraska man and a woman from Texas were arrested after shots were fired during a police chase through the north central Kansas town. Police say when officers tried to stop a pickup truck in Concordia Wednesday afternoon, the driver fled. Police say during the chase, one of the people in the truck fired at officers, prompting a Concordia officer to return fire. No one was injured. The chase ended when the driver lost control in Concordia. The driver, Jacob Lyman of Bennet, Nebraska, was held on several traffic and drug charges. His passenger, Valerie Sanchez of Temple Bell, Texas, was booked on several drug charges.

Shots fired during police chase with Nebraska man through Concordia

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — Police in Grand Island have identified a man who was found dead earlier this week with a stab wound at an area apartment complex. 

Police say in a news release Thursday that the victim is 30-year-old Abdullahi Farah, of Grand Island. Police say an autopsy has been completed, but officials are still awaiting the results. 

Police earlier said that officers were sent to the complex around 6 a.m. Tuesday for reports of an injured person.

 Arriving officers found Farah dead from an apparent puncture wound.

 Investigators are still working to identify any suspects, but police said they don't believe anyone is “randomly targeting victims at this time.”

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — Police in Grand Island have identified a man who was found dead earlier this week with a stab wound at an area apartment complex. Police say in a news release Thursday that the victim is 30-year-old Abdullahi Farah, of Grand Island. Police say an autopsy has been completed, but officials are still awaiting the results. Police earlier said that officers were sent to the complex around 6 a.m. Tuesday for reports of an injured person. Arriving officers found Farah dead from an apparent puncture wound. Investigators are still working to identify any suspects, but police said they don't believe anyone is “randomly targeting victims at this time.”

Grand Island police ID man found dead at apartment complex

CLOUD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple charges after a chase and exchange of gunfire.

Just after 4:30p.m. Wednesday, police conducted a traffic stop on a Dodge Ram pickup pulling a trailer at 14th and Archer, according to a media release.

The vehicle fled the scene and officers pursued eastbound on Kansas 9 highway out of the city of Concordia. The pickup turned off the highway southbound approximately two miles of town when Cloud County Sheriff's deputies joined the chase.

The suspect pointed a gun out the window and shot at pursuing officers. Concordia police officers returned fire. The chase returned to K-9 Highway and then westbound back through the city of Concordia.

The suspect lost control of the vehicle at 9th and Lincoln and it came to a stop after it was surrounded by pursuing law enforcement patrol units.

Two suspects identified as 34-year-old Jacob Lyman and 25-year-old Valarie N. Sanchez, Temple Bell, Texas, surrendered without incident.&nbsp; Lyman is being held on requested charges that including possession of stolen property and numerous drug and weapons violations. Sanchez on requested drug charges.

The police officer who returned fire is being placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. There were no injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645108520157.png" alt="Lyman-photo Cloud Co." />
 <figcaption>Lyman-photo Cloud Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>CLOUD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple charges after a chase and exchange of gunfire.Just after 4:30p.m. Wednesday, police conducted a traffic stop on a Dodge Ram pickup pulling a trailer at 14th and Archer, according to a media release.The vehicle fled the scene and officers pursued eastbound on Kansas 9 highway out of the city of Concordia. The pickup turned off the highway southbound approximately two miles of town when Cloud County Sheriff's deputies joined the chase.The suspect pointed a gun out the window and shot at pursuing officers. Concordia police officers returned fire. The chase returned to K-9 Highway and then westbound back through the city of Concordia.The suspect lost control of the vehicle at 9th and Lincoln and it came to a stop after it was surrounded by pursuing law enforcement patrol units.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645108614206.png" alt="Sanchez-photo Cloud Co." />
 <figcaption>Sanchez-photo Cloud Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Two suspects identified as 34-year-old Jacob Lyman and 25-year-old Valarie N. Sanchez, Temple Bell, Texas, surrendered without incident.&nbsp; Lyman is being held on requested charges that including possession of stolen property and numerous drug and weapons violations. Sanchez on requested drug charges.The police officer who returned fire is being placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. There were no injuries.

Nebraska man captured after chase, exchange of gunfire in Kansas

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha police officer is facing a child pornography charge in federal court. 

Officer Christopher Groth made his initial appearance in court Wednesday where he was charged with transportation of child pornography. 

He waived his preliminary hearing and will remain in federal custody.

 Court documents that explain why Groth was arrested remain sealed, and a federal prosecutor didn’t offer any details about the case at Wednesday’s hearing.

 If he is convicted, Groth faces a sentence of five to 20 years in prison. Groth's newly appointed attorney didn’t immediately respond to a message Wednesday. 

The 15-year-veteran was placed on paid administrative leave Tuesday while criminal and internal investigations continue.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha police officer is facing a child pornography charge in federal court. Officer Christopher Groth made his initial appearance in court Wednesday where he was charged with transportation of child pornography. He waived his preliminary hearing and will remain in federal custody. Court documents that explain why Groth was arrested remain sealed, and a federal prosecutor didn’t offer any details about the case at Wednesday’s hearing. If he is convicted, Groth faces a sentence of five to 20 years in prison. Groth's newly appointed attorney didn’t immediately respond to a message Wednesday. The 15-year-veteran was placed on paid administrative leave Tuesday while criminal and internal investigations continue.

Omaha police officer faces federal child pornography charge

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded those with 
income from a farming or fishing business they should file and pay their
 entire tax due on or before Tuesday, March 1, if they did not make 
estimated tax payments.

Taxpayers can pay from their bank account using their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a> or they can schedule payments in advance using IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>.

Farmers and fishers who decided to forgo making estimated tax 
payments have the option to pay the entire tax due on or before March 1.
 Normally, this special rule applies when income from farming or fishing
 made up at least 2/3 of the total gross income in either the current or
 the preceding tax year. Those opting to file by the regular April 18 
deadline should have made an estimated tax payment by January 15 to 
avoid an estimated tax penalty. For more information on estimated tax, 
see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p505">Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax</a>.

Those in the farming business report income and expenses on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-f-form-1040">Schedule F (Form 1040), Profit or Loss From Farming</a>. Additionally, they use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-se-form-1040">Schedule SE (Form 1040), Self-Employment Tax</a> to figure self-employment tax if their net earnings from farming are $400 or more. For more information refer to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc554">Topic No. 554</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p225">Publication 225, Farmer's Tax Guide</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/agriculture-tax-center">Agriculture Tax Center</a>.

Those in the fishing business report income and expenses on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-c-form-1040">Schedule C (Form 1040), Profit or Loss From Business (Sole Proprietorship)</a>. They also use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-se-form-1040">Schedule SE (Form 1040)</a>
 to figure self-employment tax if their net earnings from fishing are 
$400 or more. For general information about the rules applying to 
individuals, including commercial fishermen who file Schedule C, refer 
to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p334">Publication 334, Tax Guide for Small Business</a>.

Those whose trade or business is a partnership or corporation see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p541">Publication 541, Partnerships</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p542">Publication 542, Corporations</a>.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online account</a>
 allows individuals to make same-day payments from a checking or savings
 account. Taxpayers can view up to 5 years of their payment history, any
 pending or scheduled payments, balance and payment plan information, 
and digital copies of certain notices from the IRS. They can also view 
their Adjusted Gross Income from their most recent tax return, their 
Economic Impact Payment amounts, and their advance Child Tax Credit 
payment information.

Taxpayers can use IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>
 to schedule a payment from their bank account for their tax deadline 
with no registration or login required. Those who want to pay business 
taxes should enroll in and use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System
 (<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">EFTPS</a>).

For more information about these and other payment options visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded those with 
income from a farming or fishing business they should file and pay their
 entire tax due on or before Tuesday, March 1, if they did not make 
estimated tax payments.Taxpayers can pay from their bank account using their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a> or they can schedule payments in advance using IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>.Farmers and fishers who decided to forgo making estimated tax 
payments have the option to pay the entire tax due on or before March 1.
 Normally, this special rule applies when income from farming or fishing
 made up at least 2/3 of the total gross income in either the current or
 the preceding tax year. Those opting to file by the regular April 18 
deadline should have made an estimated tax payment by January 15 to 
avoid an estimated tax penalty. For more information on estimated tax, 
see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p505">Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax</a>.Those in the farming business report income and expenses on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-f-form-1040">Schedule F (Form 1040), Profit or Loss From Farming</a>. Additionally, they use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-se-form-1040">Schedule SE (Form 1040), Self-Employment Tax</a> to figure self-employment tax if their net earnings from farming are $400 or more. For more information refer to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc554">Topic No. 554</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p225">Publication 225, Farmer's Tax Guide</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/agriculture-tax-center">Agriculture Tax Center</a>.Those in the fishing business report income and expenses on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-c-form-1040">Schedule C (Form 1040), Profit or Loss From Business (Sole Proprietorship)</a>. They also use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-se-form-1040">Schedule SE (Form 1040)</a>
 to figure self-employment tax if their net earnings from fishing are 
$400 or more. For general information about the rules applying to 
individuals, including commercial fishermen who file Schedule C, refer 
to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p334">Publication 334, Tax Guide for Small Business</a>.Those whose trade or business is a partnership or corporation see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p541">Publication 541, Partnerships</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p542">Publication 542, Corporations</a>.<h2>Paying online is safe, fast and easy</h2><a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online account</a>
 allows individuals to make same-day payments from a checking or savings
 account. Taxpayers can view up to 5 years of their payment history, any
 pending or scheduled payments, balance and payment plan information, 
and digital copies of certain notices from the IRS. They can also view 
their Adjusted Gross Income from their most recent tax return, their 
Economic Impact Payment amounts, and their advance Child Tax Credit 
payment information.Taxpayers can use IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>
 to schedule a payment from their bank account for their tax deadline 
with no registration or login required. Those who want to pay business 
taxes should enroll in and use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System
 (<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">EFTPS</a>).For more information about these and other payment options visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.

IRS reminds those with farming, fishing businesses of tax deadline

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission this week announced it has now sent cease-and-desist letters to more than a dozen voice service providers suspected of facilitating illegal robocall traffic.  These admonishments are getting results, with all the providers quickly responding and committing to take actions to stop the flow of robocalls on their networks.  Meanwhile, the FCC and its partners remain vigilant in monitoring these – and all – providers’ efforts and laying the groundwork to take serious action should mitigation not be implemented and maintained.

“Our message to anyone helping illegal robocalls remains simple and consistent: stop it now or face serious consequences,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.  “Providers must meet their consumer protection obligations.  If they do not, we are ready to take swift and meaningful action against bad actors.”

To date, the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau has sent 15 cease-and-desist letters.  When appropriate, voice service providers that not only carry robocall traffic but appear to play a role in originating that traffic also face potential removal from the Robocall Mitigation Database.  If removed, a provider risks having all of their traffic blocked by downstream voice service providers.  The latest letters were sent recently to Great Choice Telecom and to TCA Voip.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1569445831519.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FCCWASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission this week announced it has now sent cease-and-desist letters to more than a dozen voice service providers suspected of facilitating illegal robocall traffic. These admonishments are getting results, with all the providers quickly responding and committing to take actions to stop the flow of robocalls on their networks. Meanwhile, the FCC and its partners remain vigilant in monitoring these – and all – providers’ efforts and laying the groundwork to take serious action should mitigation not be implemented and maintained.“Our message to anyone helping illegal robocalls remains simple and consistent: stop it now or face serious consequences,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “Providers must meet their consumer protection obligations. If they do not, we are ready to take swift and meaningful action against bad actors.”To date, the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau has sent 15 cease-and-desist letters. When appropriate, voice service providers that not only carry robocall traffic but appear to play a role in originating that traffic also face potential removal from the Robocall Mitigation Database. If removed, a provider risks having all of their traffic blocked by downstream voice service providers. The latest letters were sent recently to Great Choice Telecom and to TCA Voip.Recipients of cease-and-desist letters were ordered to take steps to effectively mitigate illegal traffic within 48 hours. They were also asked to inform the Commission and the Traceback Consortium within 14 days of the steps taken to implement effective measures to prevent robocallers from using the providers’ networks to make illegal calls.Cover image courtesy Pixabay