OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police have arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with the shooting death of a 40-year-old man at an apartment complex in northwest Omaha.

 The Omaha Police Department said Friday that Julian Lopez was taken into custody without incident. 

He was booked Friday morning into the Douglas County jail on suspicion of second-degree murder and using a weapon to commit a felony.

 The shooting happened just after 12:30 a.m. Friday. 

Police said that officers were called to a shooting at Tudor Heights Apartments just west of Interstate 680 and north of Maple Street.

 Officers found Jose Valenzuela dead inside an apartment unit.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police have arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with the shooting death of a 40-year-old man at an apartment complex in northwest Omaha. The Omaha Police Department said Friday that Julian Lopez was taken into custody without incident. He was booked Friday morning into the Douglas County jail on suspicion of second-degree murder and using a weapon to commit a felony. The shooting happened just after 12:30 a.m. Friday. Police said that officers were called to a shooting at Tudor Heights Apartments just west of Interstate 680 and north of Maple Street. Officers found Jose Valenzuela dead inside an apartment unit.

Police arrest 23-year-old man over shooting death in Omaha

News Release US Attorney's Office-Omaha

Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Timothy E. Caruso, 45, was found guilty on July 15 after a jury trial in Omaha, Nebraska, on charges of distributing of child pornography and accessing with intent to view child pornography. Caruso faces a sentence of imprisonment of not less than 15 years and up to 40 years.&nbsp; Chief United States District Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. will sentence Caruso on October 8at 11 a.m.

Caruso was on federal supervision after a prior conviction for failing to register as a sex offender. In December 2018, Caruso uploaded an image of child pornography to a private section of Pinterest. Pinterest reported the upload to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The image was traced back to a Google account used by Caruso and sent from an IP address where he was staying. Further investigation discovered Caruso’s search terms indicating an interest in young girls. His messages on Pinterest included that he had lost his child pornography collection and was seeking to trade child pornography and acquire new images.

This case was investigated by&nbsp;the Omaha FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lecia E. Wright.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1567093537444.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release US Attorney's Office-OmahaActing United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Timothy E. Caruso, 45, was found guilty on July 15 after a jury trial in Omaha, Nebraska, on charges of distributing of child pornography and accessing with intent to view child pornography. Caruso faces a sentence of imprisonment of not less than 15 years and up to 40 years.&nbsp; Chief United States District Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. will sentence Caruso on October 8at 11 a.m.Caruso was on federal supervision after a prior conviction for failing to register as a sex offender. In December 2018, Caruso uploaded an image of child pornography to a private section of Pinterest. Pinterest reported the upload to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The image was traced back to a Google account used by Caruso and sent from an IP address where he was staying. Further investigation discovered Caruso’s search terms indicating an interest in young girls. His messages on Pinterest included that he had lost his child pornography collection and was seeking to trade child pornography and acquire new images.This case was investigated by&nbsp;the Omaha FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lecia E. Wright.

Nebraska man found guilty on child porn charges

WASHINGTON — The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. is becoming “a pandemic of the unvaccinated.”

Speaking during a White House briefing, Dr. Rochelle Walensky says cases in the U.S. are up about 70% over the last week, hospital admissions are up 36% and deaths rose by 26%. Nearly all hospital admissions and deaths, she says, are among the unvaccinated.

White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients echoed the pandemic is “one that predominantly threatens unvaccinated people.”

He says the Biden administration expects cases to increase in the weeks ahead because of spread in communities with low vaccination rates. Four states accounted for 40% of new cases last week, with one in five coming from Florida.

But Zients says there are signs that increased cases are driving more people in those communities to seek vaccination at rates faster than the national average.

WASHINGTON — The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. is becoming “a pandemic of the unvaccinated.”Speaking during a White House briefing, Dr. Rochelle Walensky says cases in the U.S. are up about 70% over the last week, hospital admissions are up 36% and deaths rose by 26%. Nearly all hospital admissions and deaths, she says, are among the unvaccinated.White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients echoed the pandemic is “one that predominantly threatens unvaccinated people.”He says the Biden administration expects cases to increase in the weeks ahead because of spread in communities with low vaccination rates. Four states accounted for 40% of new cases last week, with one in five coming from Florida.But Zients says there are signs that increased cases are driving more people in those communities to seek vaccination at rates faster than the national average.___

CDC Director: U.S. becoming pandemic of the unvaccinated

A federal judge in Texas on Friday ruled illegal an Obama-era program that prevents the deportation of some immigrants brought into the United States as children, putting new pressure for action on President Joe Biden and Democrats who control Congress for legislation to safeguard the people known as “Dreamers.”

U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen ruled in favor of Texas and eight other conservative states that sued to halt the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which provides limited protections to about 650,000 people. People who are already enrolled won’t lose protections, but Hanen is barring the approval of any new applications.

On the decision, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said, “Today’s decision is a victory for the rule of law that reaffirms no president has the unilateral authority to rewrite or suspend our immigration laws. Even President Obama stated this obvious fact on numerous occasions until, capitulating to political pressure, he purported to create DACA by executive action. As I have said many times during the course of this lengthy litigation, DACA recipients are a sympathetic group with significant public support and a compelling argument that their circumstance is unique. But, because of President Obama’s unlawful executive action, for the past decade DACA recipients have lived under the cruel illusion of a program that in fact never could lawfully exist."

Hanen’s decision limits the immediate ability of Biden, who pledged during his campaign to protect DACA, to keep the program or something similar in place. His ruling is the second by a federal judge in Texas stopping Biden’s immigration plans, after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-immigration-texas-barack-obama-51688033e490d50867e52ef9c8ec574f">court barred enforcement of Biden’s 100-day stay</a>&nbsp;on most deportations. The program has been challenged in court since former President Barack Obama instituted it in June 2012.

In Friday’s ruling, Hanen wrote that the states proved “the hardship that the continued operation of DACA has inflicted on them.”

He continued: “Furthermore, the government has no legitimate interest in the continuation of an illegally implemented program.”

Biden has already proposed legislation that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-legislation-immigration-border-security-2179887c74cfd8d156bbd293abfc9fb0">provide a pathway to citizenship</a>&nbsp;for the estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. without authorization. He also ordered agencies to make efforts to preserve the program.

Supporters of DACA, including those who argued before Hanen to save it, have said a law passed by Congress is necessary to provide permanent relief. Hanen has said Congress must act if the U.S. wants to provide the protections in DACA to recipients commonly known as “Dreamers.”

The House approved legislation in March creating a pathway toward citizenship for “Dreamers,” but the measure has been stalled in the Senate. Immigration advocates hope to include a provision opening that citizenship doorway in sweeping budget legislation Democrats want to approve this year, but it’s unclear whether that language will survive.

Hanen’s ruling came after a nearly 3 1/2 hour&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-houston-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-immigration-us-supreme-court-bc19608c6aa54623902c44ded180d005">court hearing</a>&nbsp;Dec. 22 on DACA’s fate.

The states argued that Obama never had the authority in 2012 to create DACA because it circumvented Congress. The states also argued that the program drains their educational and healthcare resources.

Suing alongside Texas were Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Carolina, and West Virginia — states that all had Republican governors or state attorneys general.

The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, which defended the program on behalf of a group of DACA recipients, argued Obama did have the authority and that the states lacked the standing to sue because they had not suffered any harm due to the program.

Hanen rejected Texas’ request in 2018 to stop the program through a preliminary injunction. But in a foreshadowing of his latest ruling, he said he believed DACA as enacted was likely unconstitutional.

“If the nation truly wants to have a DACA program, it is up to Congress to say so,” Hanen wrote in 2018.

Hanen ruled in 2015 that Obama could not expand DACA protections or institute a program shielding their parents.

While DACA is often described as a program for young immigrants, many recipients have lived in the U.S. for a decade or longer after being brought into the country without permission or overstaying visas. The liberal Center for American Progress says roughly 254,000 children have at least one parent relying on DACA. Some recipients are grandparents.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald Trump’s attempt to end DACA in 2017 was unlawful. A New York judge in December&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-immigration-courts-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-ab070236efdcadce2659800f88b68507">ordered</a>&nbsp;the Trump administration to restore the program as enacted by Obama.

Todd Schulte, president of FWD.us, a progressive organization, expressed disappointment at Friday’s ruling, saying in a statement that DACA has been a big success that has transformed many lives.

“Today makes absolutely clear: only a permanent legislative solution passed by Congress will eliminate the fear and uncertainty that DACA recipients have been forced to live with for years. We call on each and every elected office to do everything within their power so that DACA recipients and their families and communities can live free from fear, and continue to build their lives here,” Schulte said.

By ASTRID GALVAN, Associated PressA federal judge in Texas on Friday ruled illegal an Obama-era program that prevents the deportation of some immigrants brought into the United States as children, putting new pressure for action on President Joe Biden and Democrats who control Congress for legislation to safeguard the people known as “Dreamers.”U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen ruled in favor of Texas and eight other conservative states that sued to halt the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which provides limited protections to about 650,000 people. People who are already enrolled won’t lose protections, but Hanen is barring the approval of any new applications.On the decision, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said, “Today’s decision is a victory for the rule of law that reaffirms no president has the unilateral authority to rewrite or suspend our immigration laws. Even President Obama stated this obvious fact on numerous occasions until, capitulating to political pressure, he purported to create DACA by executive action. As I have said many times during the course of this lengthy litigation, DACA recipients are a sympathetic group with significant public support and a compelling argument that their circumstance is unique. But, because of President Obama’s unlawful executive action, for the past decade DACA recipients have lived under the cruel illusion of a program that in fact never could lawfully exist."Hanen’s decision limits the immediate ability of Biden, who pledged during his campaign to protect DACA, to keep the program or something similar in place. His ruling is the second by a federal judge in Texas stopping Biden’s immigration plans, after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-immigration-texas-barack-obama-51688033e490d50867e52ef9c8ec574f">court barred enforcement of Biden’s 100-day stay</a>&nbsp;on most deportations. The program has been challenged in court since former President Barack Obama instituted it in June 2012.In Friday’s ruling, Hanen wrote that the states proved “the hardship that the continued operation of DACA has inflicted on them.”He continued: “Furthermore, the government has no legitimate interest in the continuation of an illegally implemented program.”Biden has already proposed legislation that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-legislation-immigration-border-security-2179887c74cfd8d156bbd293abfc9fb0">provide a pathway to citizenship</a>&nbsp;for the estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. without authorization. He also ordered agencies to make efforts to preserve the program.Supporters of DACA, including those who argued before Hanen to save it, have said a law passed by Congress is necessary to provide permanent relief. Hanen has said Congress must act if the U.S. wants to provide the protections in DACA to recipients commonly known as “Dreamers.”The House approved legislation in March creating a pathway toward citizenship for “Dreamers,” but the measure has been stalled in the Senate. Immigration advocates hope to include a provision opening that citizenship doorway in sweeping budget legislation Democrats want to approve this year, but it’s unclear whether that language will survive.Hanen’s ruling came after a nearly 3 1/2 hour&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-houston-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-immigration-us-supreme-court-bc19608c6aa54623902c44ded180d005">court hearing</a>&nbsp;Dec. 22 on DACA’s fate.The states argued that Obama never had the authority in 2012 to create DACA because it circumvented Congress. The states also argued that the program drains their educational and healthcare resources.Suing alongside Texas were Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Carolina, and West Virginia — states that all had Republican governors or state attorneys general.The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, which defended the program on behalf of a group of DACA recipients, argued Obama did have the authority and that the states lacked the standing to sue because they had not suffered any harm due to the program.Hanen rejected Texas’ request in 2018 to stop the program through a preliminary injunction. But in a foreshadowing of his latest ruling, he said he believed DACA as enacted was likely unconstitutional.“If the nation truly wants to have a DACA program, it is up to Congress to say so,” Hanen wrote in 2018.Hanen ruled in 2015 that Obama could not expand DACA protections or institute a program shielding their parents.While DACA is often described as a program for young immigrants, many recipients have lived in the U.S. for a decade or longer after being brought into the country without permission or overstaying visas. The liberal Center for American Progress says roughly 254,000 children have at least one parent relying on DACA. Some recipients are grandparents.The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald Trump’s attempt to end DACA in 2017 was unlawful. A New York judge in December&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-immigration-courts-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-ab070236efdcadce2659800f88b68507">ordered</a>&nbsp;the Trump administration to restore the program as enacted by Obama.Todd Schulte, president of FWD.us, a progressive organization, expressed disappointment at Friday’s ruling, saying in a statement that DACA has been a big success that has transformed many lives.“Today makes absolutely clear: only a permanent legislative solution passed by Congress will eliminate the fear and uncertainty that DACA recipients have been forced to live with for years. We call on each and every elected office to do everything within their power so that DACA recipients and their families and communities can live free from fear, and continue to build their lives here,” Schulte said.

Federal judge orders end to DACA immigration program

CHEYENNE, Wyo.-A one-year-old child is safe after an Amber Alert led to a Wyoming trooper locating the child and the suspect.

On July 14, 2021, around 11:04 p.m., the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) was notified of an active Amber Alert out of Colorado.  

The Amber Alert was issued after the Westminster Police Department reported a man had taken his one-year-old daughter and allegedly threatened to kill her and himself in a car crash. Law enforcement was told that the suspect vehicle involved in the incident was headed towards Wyoming via Interstate 25. 

A WHP trooper located the suspect vehicle near Cheyenne, Wyoming, and stopped the car.  Thankfully, the child was found safe inside the vehicle.   

The child was released to authorities in Colorado to be reunited with family.  

The driver was identified as 28-year-old Alexander D. Martinez.  Martinez was arrested on a warrant from Colorado, which included charges of domestic violence, felony eluding, child abuse, reckless driving, reckless endangering, and violating a protection order.  

The incident is still under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626470917529.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the Wyoming Highway PatrolCHEYENNE, Wyo.-A one-year-old child is safe after an Amber Alert led to a Wyoming trooper locating the child and the suspect.On July 14, 2021, around 11:04 p.m., the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) was notified of an active Amber Alert out of Colorado. The Amber Alert was issued after the Westminster Police Department reported a man had taken his one-year-old daughter and allegedly threatened to kill her and himself in a car crash. Law enforcement was told that the suspect vehicle involved in the incident was headed towards Wyoming via Interstate 25. A WHP trooper located the suspect vehicle near Cheyenne, Wyoming, and stopped the car. Thankfully, the child was found safe inside the vehicle. The child was released to authorities in Colorado to be reunited with family. The driver was identified as 28-year-old Alexander D. Martinez. Martinez was arrested on a warrant from Colorado, which included charges of domestic violence, felony eluding, child abuse, reckless driving, reckless endangering, and violating a protection order. The incident is still under investigation.

Wyoming trooper finds baby, arrests suspect after Amber Alert

KEARNEY, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;—&nbsp;Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested a Colorado man following a pursuit on Interstate 80 early Friday morning.

At approximately 1:30 a.m. Friday, a trooper clocked a 2012 Audi traveling 103 miles per hour on I-80 eastbound near Kearney.&nbsp; The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle accelerated and fled. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

The vehicle reached speeds in excess of 150 miles per hour during the pursuit, before the vehicle exited at the Shelton interchange, driving north to Highway 30 and eventually stopping after becoming high-centered on railroad tracks at the junction of Highway 30 and Schauppsville road.&nbsp; Troopers were then able to take the driver into custody without incident.

The driver, Jacob Rhoades, 20, of Parker, Colorado was arrested for flight to avoid arrest and willful reckless driving. He was lodged in the Buffalo County Jail.

KEARNEY, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;—&nbsp;Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested a Colorado man following a pursuit on Interstate 80 early Friday morning.At approximately 1:30 a.m. Friday, a trooper clocked a 2012 Audi traveling 103 miles per hour on I-80 eastbound near Kearney.&nbsp; The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle accelerated and fled. The trooper initiated a pursuit.The vehicle reached speeds in excess of 150 miles per hour during the pursuit, before the vehicle exited at the Shelton interchange, driving north to Highway 30 and eventually stopping after becoming high-centered on railroad tracks at the junction of Highway 30 and Schauppsville road.&nbsp; Troopers were then able to take the driver into custody without incident.The driver, Jacob Rhoades, 20, of Parker, Colorado was arrested for flight to avoid arrest and willful reckless driving. He was lodged in the Buffalo County Jail.

Troopers arrest Colorado man after pursuit in Buffalo County

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska’s unemployment rate remained almost unchanged last month while the rates in some of its biggest cities increased slightly.

 The Nebraska Department of Labor reports a statewide, seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.5% in June, compared to 2.6% in May.

 The rate is substantially lower than the 6.6% unemployment rate in June 2020, in the heat of the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, the non-seasonally adjusted rates in the Omaha, Lincoln and Grand Island areas ticked upward.

 The Omaha area’s unemployment rate increased to 3.2% in June, from 2.7% the prior month. 

The Lincoln area’s rate increased to 2.5%, from 2.5% the previous month. 

And the Grand Island area’s rate rose to 2.8% in June, up from 2.4% in May.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska’s unemployment rate remained almost unchanged last month while the rates in some of its biggest cities increased slightly. The Nebraska Department of Labor reports a statewide, seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.5% in June, compared to 2.6% in May. The rate is substantially lower than the 6.6% unemployment rate in June 2020, in the heat of the coronavirus pandemic.Meanwhile, the non-seasonally adjusted rates in the Omaha, Lincoln and Grand Island areas ticked upward. The Omaha area’s unemployment rate increased to 3.2% in June, from 2.7% the prior month. The Lincoln area’s rate increased to 2.5%, from 2.5% the previous month. And the Grand Island area’s rate rose to 2.8% in June, up from 2.4% in May.

Unemployment rate ticks up slightly in Omaha, Lincoln

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police in Omaha are searching for a suspect in the overnight shooting death of man at an apartment complex in northwest Omaha. 

Police say in a news release that the shooting happened just after 12:30 a.m. Friday, when officers were called to a shooting at Tudor Heights Apartments just west of Interstate 680 and north of Maple Street.

 Arriving officers found 40-year-old Jose Valenzuela dead inside an apartment unit. 

Police have not released other details of the death or announced any suspects in the case.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police in Omaha are searching for a suspect in the overnight shooting death of man at an apartment complex in northwest Omaha. Police say in a news release that the shooting happened just after 12:30 a.m. Friday, when officers were called to a shooting at Tudor Heights Apartments just west of Interstate 680 and north of Maple Street. Arriving officers found 40-year-old Jose Valenzuela dead inside an apartment unit. Police have not released other details of the death or announced any suspects in the case.

Police seek suspect in shooting death of Omaha man

The
 owners of a New Jersey-based company that sells septic tank cleaning 
products agreed to a permanent ban on telemarketing and will pay more 
than $1.6 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that the 
company and its telemarketer made illegal robocalls to consumers, 
including tens of millions of calls to numbers listed on the agency’s Do
 Not Call Registry. In addition, the defendants will turn over a 
residential property as part of the settlement.

<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/complaint_doc._no._1.pdf">According to the FTC’s complaint</a>,
 Environmental Safety International, Inc. or ESI; ESI’s two officers, 
brothers Joseph Carney and Sean Carney; and their other brother Raymond 
Carney, acted together to initiate more than 45 million illegal 
telemarketing calls to consumers nationwide between January 2018 and 
March 2019 to promote ESI’s “Activator 1000” line of septic tank 
cleaning products. The FTC alleges that 31 million of those calls were 
made to numbers on the DNC Registry. The Department of Justice filed the
 complaint and proposed orders on the FTC’s behalf.

According to the complaint, the defendants’ telemarketers falsely 
told consumers they were calling from an unnamed “environmental company”
 to give consumers “free info” on their septic tank cleaning product. 
Despite being told the robocall was “not a sales call or solicitation,” 
consumers who “pressed one” to receive free information instead received
 a sales pitch.

The complaint also alleges that ESI sent letters to consumers who 
agreed to buy their products but had unpaid invoices, falsely claiming 
that they would be referred to a “national collection agency” or to an 
attorney. However, ESI never took either of these actions.

In addition to the bans on telemarketing, the settlement orders 
impose $10.2 million civil penalty judgments against all defendants, 
which will be partially suspended after <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/signed_order_-_esi_jc_sc_doc._no._7.pdf">Joseph and Sean Carney</a> pay $1,646,210 to the U.S. Treasury and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/signed_order_-_rc_doc._no._8.pdf">Raymond Carney</a> pays $15,000 to the Treasury.

In addition, Joseph and Sean Carney are prohibited from making 
material misrepresentations to consumers, including that they would be 
referred to an attorney or collection agency. They are prohibited from 
billing or attempting to collect payments from any consumers in 
connection with the sale of their septic tank cleaning products, and are
 required to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/attachment_a.pdf">notify all ESI customers</a>
 with unpaid balances that they no longer have to pay ESI because their 
balances have been cancelled. Joseph and Sean Carney must also apply for
 ESI’s dissolution within 30 days.

The Commission vote to refer the civil penalty complaint and consent 
orders to the DOJ for filing was 4-0. The DOJ filed the complaint on 
behalf of the FTC in the U.S. District Court for District of New Jersey 
and the settlements have been approved by the Court.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Like the FTC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/federaltradecommission">Facebook(link is external)</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/FTC">Twitter(link is external)</a>, get <a href="http://ftc.gov/subscribe">consumer alerts</a>, read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>, and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> for the latest FTC news and resources.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe
 owners of a New Jersey-based company that sells septic tank cleaning 
products agreed to a permanent ban on telemarketing and will pay more 
than $1.6 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that the 
company and its telemarketer made illegal robocalls to consumers, 
including tens of millions of calls to numbers listed on the agency’s Do
 Not Call Registry. In addition, the defendants will turn over a 
residential property as part of the settlement.<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/complaint_doc._no._1.pdf">According to the FTC’s complaint</a>,
 Environmental Safety International, Inc. or ESI; ESI’s two officers, 
brothers Joseph Carney and Sean Carney; and their other brother Raymond 
Carney, acted together to initiate more than 45 million illegal 
telemarketing calls to consumers nationwide between January 2018 and 
March 2019 to promote ESI’s “Activator 1000” line of septic tank 
cleaning products. The FTC alleges that 31 million of those calls were 
made to numbers on the DNC Registry. The Department of Justice filed the
 complaint and proposed orders on the FTC’s behalf.According to the complaint, the defendants’ telemarketers falsely 
told consumers they were calling from an unnamed “environmental company”
 to give consumers “free info” on their septic tank cleaning product. 
Despite being told the robocall was “not a sales call or solicitation,” 
consumers who “pressed one” to receive free information instead received
 a sales pitch.The complaint also alleges that ESI sent letters to consumers who 
agreed to buy their products but had unpaid invoices, falsely claiming 
that they would be referred to a “national collection agency” or to an 
attorney. However, ESI never took either of these actions.In addition to the bans on telemarketing, the settlement orders 
impose $10.2 million civil penalty judgments against all defendants, 
which will be partially suspended after <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/signed_order_-_esi_jc_sc_doc._no._7.pdf">Joseph and Sean Carney</a> pay $1,646,210 to the U.S. Treasury and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/signed_order_-_rc_doc._no._8.pdf">Raymond Carney</a> pays $15,000 to the Treasury.In addition, Joseph and Sean Carney are prohibited from making 
material misrepresentations to consumers, including that they would be 
referred to an attorney or collection agency. They are prohibited from 
billing or attempting to collect payments from any consumers in 
connection with the sale of their septic tank cleaning products, and are
 required to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/attachment_a.pdf">notify all ESI customers</a>
 with unpaid balances that they no longer have to pay ESI because their 
balances have been cancelled. Joseph and Sean Carney must also apply for
 ESI’s dissolution within 30 days.The Commission vote to refer the civil penalty complaint and consent 
orders to the DOJ for filing was 4-0. The DOJ filed the complaint on 
behalf of the FTC in the U.S. District Court for District of New Jersey 
and the settlements have been approved by the Court.The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Like the FTC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/federaltradecommission">Facebook(link is external)</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/FTC">Twitter(link is external)</a>, get <a href="http://ftc.gov/subscribe">consumer alerts</a>, read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>, and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> for the latest FTC news and resources.

FTC: Millions of robocalls will cost septic cleaning company $1.6M

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The company that’s building casinos in Nebraska after voters legalized them has announced plans for another facility in Norfolk. 

WarHorse Gaming, LLC says it will pitch a horse-racing track and eventual casino at the DeVent Center.

 The company, a subsidiary of Ho-Chunk, Inc., which financed the casino legalization campaign, will present its plans Friday to the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. 

WarHorse Gaming is seeking a racing license before the company breaks ground for construction of the new track and an overhaul of existing buildings. 

WarHorse Gaming also plans to manage casinos in South Sioux City, Lincoln and Omaha.

 The Omaha and Lincoln properties are a partnership with the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The company that’s building casinos in Nebraska after voters legalized them has announced plans for another facility in Norfolk. WarHorse Gaming, LLC says it will pitch a horse-racing track and eventual casino at the DeVent Center. The company, a subsidiary of Ho-Chunk, Inc., which financed the casino legalization campaign, will present its plans Friday to the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. WarHorse Gaming is seeking a racing license before the company breaks ground for construction of the new track and an overhaul of existing buildings. WarHorse Gaming also plans to manage casinos in South Sioux City, Lincoln and Omaha. The Omaha and Lincoln properties are a partnership with the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.

Casino and track developer to pitch project in Norfolk

LINCOLN, Neb.-&nbsp;One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Thursday, July 15 drawing is holding a ticket worth $90,000.

The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Thursday’s Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $90,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Good2go #15, 6206 Spur 85c, in Bruning. The winning numbers from Thursday’s Nebraska Pick 5 draw were 05, 08, 26, 34, 38. Players are encouraged to check their tickets at any Nebraska Lottery retailer, online at nelottery.com, or by calling the Lottery office at 402-471-6100.

Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website, nelottery.com, or by calling 800-587-5200.

Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $4,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 501,942. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 8.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $831 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626441031551.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Nebraska LotteryLINCOLN, Neb.-&nbsp;One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Thursday, July 15 drawing is holding a ticket worth $90,000.The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Thursday’s Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $90,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Good2go #15, 6206 Spur 85c, in Bruning. The winning numbers from Thursday’s Nebraska Pick 5 draw were 05, 08, 26, 34, 38. Players are encouraged to check their tickets at any Nebraska Lottery retailer, online at nelottery.com, or by calling the Lottery office at 402-471-6100.Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website, nelottery.com, or by calling 800-587-5200.Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $4,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 501,942. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 8.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $831 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

$90K Nebraska Pick 5 winner sold in Bruning

WASHINGTON (AP) —U.S. Surgeon General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-opioids-coronavirus-pandemic-vivek-murthy-barack-obama-2e1643c5f69e2f64ef04a46db60e95d7">Vivek Murthy</a>&nbsp;on Thursday called for a national effort to fight&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-entertainment-coronavirus-pandemic-health-8c8345f474db874b1d27806e8d1f5ca1">misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines</a>, urging tech companies, health care workers, journalists and everyday Americans to do more to address an “urgent threat” to public health.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21010078-surgeon-general-confronting-health-misinformation" target="_blank">a 22-page advisory</a>, his first as President Joe Biden’s surgeon general, Murthy wrote that bogus claims have led people to reject vaccines and public health advice on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-health-understanding-the-outbreak-a87da6ce7831863152f0d904b9d1abe1">masks and social distancing</a>, undermining efforts to end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;and putting lives at risk.

The warning comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-62342c09ad0a50f77739846fd25850e7">the pace of COVID-19 vaccinations has slowed</a>&nbsp;throughout the U.S., in part because of vaccine opposition fueled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-checking-869249289558">unsubstantiated claims</a>&nbsp;about the safety of immunizations and despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-600k-deaths-us-1ef14a0b998e6ce99281edf6e996dfbe">the U.S. death toll recently passing 600,000</a>.

Murthy, who also served as surgeon general under President Barack Obama, noted that surgeon general advisories have typically focused on physical threats to health, such as tobacco. Misinformation about COVID-19, deemed an “infodemic” by the World Health Organization, can be just as deadly, he said.

“Misinformation poses an imminent and insidious threat to our nation’s health,” Murthy said during remarks to reporters Thursday at the White House. “We must confront misinformation as a nation. Lives are depending on it.”

Given the role the internet plays in spreading health misinformation, Murthy said technology companies and social media platforms must make meaningful changes to their products and software to reduce the spread of misinformation while increasing access to authoritative, fact-based sources.

Too often, he said, the platforms are built to encourage, not counter, the spread of misinformation.

“We are asking them to step up,” Murthy said. “We can’t wait longer for them to take aggressive action.”

The criticism is not new, and Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and other platforms have defended their work to stem the tide of misinformation. In a response to Murthy, Twitter noted that it has removed more than 40,000 pieces of content that violated its COVID-19 misinformation rules.

“We agree with the surgeon general,” Twitter said in a statement. “Tackling health misinformation takes a whole-of-society approach.”

Murthy’s recommendations went beyond tech firms. Teachers, he said, should expand lessons on media literacy and critical thinking. Journalists, he suggested, should work to responsibly debunk health misinformation without inadvertently spreading it further. And public health professionals, he added, should do a better job answering questions and explaining why public health guidelines sometimes change based on new information.

As for everyday Americans, Murthy urged them to verify questionable health information with trusted sources like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and to exercise critical thinking when exposed to unverified claims. If people have loved ones or friends who believe or spread misinformation, he said, it’s best to engage by listening and asking questions rather than by confronting them.

While some groups that push health misinformation do so for profit or other motives, many Americans may be spreading false information without realizing it, according to the advisory.

“Misinformation hasn’t just harmed our physical health — it has also divided our families, friends, and communities,” Murthy wrote in the advisory. “The only way to address health misinformation is to recognize that all of us, in every sector of society, have a responsibility to act.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626432035246.png" alt="U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy&nbsp; said misinformation about COVID-19, deemed an “infodemic” by the World Health Organization, can be deadly.-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy&nbsp; said misinformation about COVID-19, deemed an “infodemic” by the World Health Organization, can be deadly.-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —U.S. Surgeon General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-opioids-coronavirus-pandemic-vivek-murthy-barack-obama-2e1643c5f69e2f64ef04a46db60e95d7">Vivek Murthy</a>&nbsp;on Thursday called for a national effort to fight&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-entertainment-coronavirus-pandemic-health-8c8345f474db874b1d27806e8d1f5ca1">misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines</a>, urging tech companies, health care workers, journalists and everyday Americans to do more to address an “urgent threat” to public health.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today I issued a Surgeon General’s Advisory to call our country’s attention to health misinformation – an urgent threat to our health that requires an all-of-society response. <a href="https://t.co/hqJdkLV6RK">https://t.co/hqJdkLV6RK</a> <a href="https://t.co/OyX9vlyTdZ">pic.twitter.com/OyX9vlyTdZ</a>&mdash; Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General (@Surgeon_General) <a href="https://twitter.com/Surgeon_General/status/1415628833970085889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21010078-surgeon-general-confronting-health-misinformation" target="_blank">a 22-page advisory</a>, his first as President Joe Biden’s surgeon general, Murthy wrote that bogus claims have led people to reject vaccines and public health advice on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-health-understanding-the-outbreak-a87da6ce7831863152f0d904b9d1abe1">masks and social distancing</a>, undermining efforts to end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;and putting lives at risk.The warning comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-62342c09ad0a50f77739846fd25850e7">the pace of COVID-19 vaccinations has slowed</a>&nbsp;throughout the U.S., in part because of vaccine opposition fueled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-checking-869249289558">unsubstantiated claims</a>&nbsp;about the safety of immunizations and despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-600k-deaths-us-1ef14a0b998e6ce99281edf6e996dfbe">the U.S. death toll recently passing 600,000</a>.Murthy, who also served as surgeon general under President Barack Obama, noted that surgeon general advisories have typically focused on physical threats to health, such as tobacco. Misinformation about COVID-19, deemed an “infodemic” by the World Health Organization, can be just as deadly, he said.“Misinformation poses an imminent and insidious threat to our nation’s health,” Murthy said during remarks to reporters Thursday at the White House. “We must confront misinformation as a nation. Lives are depending on it.”Given the role the internet plays in spreading health misinformation, Murthy said technology companies and social media platforms must make meaningful changes to their products and software to reduce the spread of misinformation while increasing access to authoritative, fact-based sources.Too often, he said, the platforms are built to encourage, not counter, the spread of misinformation.“We are asking them to step up,” Murthy said. “We can’t wait longer for them to take aggressive action.”The criticism is not new, and Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and other platforms have defended their work to stem the tide of misinformation. In a response to Murthy, Twitter noted that it has removed more than 40,000 pieces of content that violated its COVID-19 misinformation rules.“We agree with the surgeon general,” Twitter said in a statement. “Tackling health misinformation takes a whole-of-society approach.”Murthy’s recommendations went beyond tech firms. Teachers, he said, should expand lessons on media literacy and critical thinking. Journalists, he suggested, should work to responsibly debunk health misinformation without inadvertently spreading it further. And public health professionals, he added, should do a better job answering questions and explaining why public health guidelines sometimes change based on new information.As for everyday Americans, Murthy urged them to verify questionable health information with trusted sources like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and to exercise critical thinking when exposed to unverified claims. If people have loved ones or friends who believe or spread misinformation, he said, it’s best to engage by listening and asking questions rather than by confronting them.While some groups that push health misinformation do so for profit or other motives, many Americans may be spreading false information without realizing it, according to the advisory.“Misinformation hasn’t just harmed our physical health — it has also divided our families, friends, and communities,” Murthy wrote in the advisory. “The only way to address health misinformation is to recognize that all of us, in every sector of society, have a responsibility to act.”

Surgeon general urges US fight against COVID misinformation

Johnson &amp; Johnson announced that <a href="https://www.neutrogena.com/sunscreen-recall.html">it is recalling five </a>of its sunscreen products after some samples were found to contain low levels of benzene, a chemical that can cause cancer with repeated exposure.

The affected products, packaged in aerosol cans, are Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen, and four Neutrogena sunscreen versions: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen and UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen.

The recall includes all can sizes and all levels of sun protection factor, or SPF. The products were distributed nationwide through retailers.

The health care giant said the benzene was found after testing by the company and an independent laboratory. It is investigating how the chemical got into the products.

J&amp;J said it’s working to get all lots of the five products removed from store shelves. It urged consumers to stop using the sunscreens immediately and said customers can get a refund by calling J&amp;J’s Consumer Care Center at 1-800-458-1673. More information is available at the websites for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.neutrogena.com/sun" target="_blank">Neutrogena</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aveeno.com/sun" target="_blank">Aveeno</a>.

J&amp;J said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jnj.com/johnson-johnson-consumer-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-of-specific-neutrogena-and-aveeno-aerosol-sunscreen-products-due-to-the-presence-of-benzene" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;that “use of these products would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences” and that it voluntarily decided to recall them “out of an abundance of caution.” The statement added that people should use an alternate sunscreen to protect themselves from the skin cancer melanoma.

Benzene is a highly flammable, widely used chemical that’s present throughout the environment. It can cause cancer with repeated exposure at high enough levels. It also can damage the immune system and prevent cells from functioning properly, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/benzene/basics/facts.asp" target="_blank">U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>.

The chemical’s effects vary by whether a person accidentally inhales or ingests it or gets it on skin and clothing. Symptoms range from dizziness and irregular heartbeat to convulsions and, at very high levels, death.

J&amp;J, which is based in New Brunswick, New Jersey, said it has notified the Food and Drug Administration of the recall.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626370924607.png" alt="The affected products, packaged in aerosol cans, are Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen, and four Neutrogena sunscreen versions: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen and UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen.-photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson" />
 <figcaption>The affected products, packaged in aerosol cans, are Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen, and four Neutrogena sunscreen versions: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen and UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen.-photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>Johnson &amp; Johnson announced that <a href="https://www.neutrogena.com/sunscreen-recall.html">it is recalling five </a>of its sunscreen products after some samples were found to contain low levels of benzene, a chemical that can cause cancer with repeated exposure.The affected products, packaged in aerosol cans, are Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen, and four Neutrogena sunscreen versions: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen and UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen.The recall includes all can sizes and all levels of sun protection factor, or SPF. The products were distributed nationwide through retailers.The health care giant said the benzene was found after testing by the company and an independent laboratory. It is investigating how the chemical got into the products.J&amp;J said it’s working to get all lots of the five products removed from store shelves. It urged consumers to stop using the sunscreens immediately and said customers can get a refund by calling J&amp;J’s Consumer Care Center at 1-800-458-1673. More information is available at the websites for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.neutrogena.com/sun" target="_blank">Neutrogena</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aveeno.com/sun" target="_blank">Aveeno</a>.J&amp;J said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jnj.com/johnson-johnson-consumer-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-of-specific-neutrogena-and-aveeno-aerosol-sunscreen-products-due-to-the-presence-of-benzene" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;that “use of these products would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences” and that it voluntarily decided to recall them “out of an abundance of caution.” The statement added that people should use an alternate sunscreen to protect themselves from the skin cancer melanoma.Benzene is a highly flammable, widely used chemical that’s present throughout the environment. It can cause cancer with repeated exposure at high enough levels. It also can damage the immune system and prevent cells from functioning properly, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/benzene/basics/facts.asp" target="_blank">U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>.The chemical’s effects vary by whether a person accidentally inhales or ingests it or gets it on skin and clothing. Symptoms range from dizziness and irregular heartbeat to convulsions and, at very high levels, death.J&amp;J, which is based in New Brunswick, New Jersey, said it has notified the Food and Drug Administration of the recall.Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.<ul>
 <li>Complete and submit the report&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program/reporting-serious-problems-fda">Online</a></li><li>Regular Mail or Fax:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/medical-product-safety-information/medwatch-forms-fda-safety-reporting">Download form</a>&nbsp;or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178</li>
 </ul>This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.___

5 sunscreens recalled due to benzene traces

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department
 announced today that millions of American families have started 
receiving monthly Child Tax Credit payments as direct deposits begin 
posting in bank accounts and checks arrive in mailboxes.

This first batch of advance monthly payments worth roughly $15 
billion reached about 35 million families today across the 
country.&nbsp;About 86% were sent by direct deposit.

The payments will continue each month. The IRS urged people who 
normally aren't required to file a tax return to explore the tools 
available on IRS.gov. These tools can help determine eligibility for the
 advance Child Tax Credit or help people file a simplified tax return to
 sign up for these payments as well as Economic Impact Payments, and 
other credits you may be eligible to receive.

Under the American Rescue Plan, each&nbsp;payment is up to $300 per month 
for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child ages 6
 through 17. Normally, anyone who receives a payment this month will 
also receive a payment each month for the rest of 2021 unless they 
unenroll. Besides the July 15 payment, payment dates are: Aug. 13, Sept.
 15, Oct. 15, Nov. 15 and Dec. 15.

Here are further details on these payments:

Additional information is available on a special <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">Advance Child Tax Credit 2021 page</a>, designed to provide the most up-to-date information about the credit and the advance payments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department
 announced today that millions of American families have started 
receiving monthly Child Tax Credit payments as direct deposits begin 
posting in bank accounts and checks arrive in mailboxes.This first batch of advance monthly payments worth roughly $15 
billion reached about 35 million families today across the 
country.&nbsp;About 86% were sent by direct deposit.The payments will continue each month. The IRS urged people who 
normally aren't required to file a tax return to explore the tools 
available on IRS.gov. These tools can help determine eligibility for the
 advance Child Tax Credit or help people file a simplified tax return to
 sign up for these payments as well as Economic Impact Payments, and 
other credits you may be eligible to receive.Under the American Rescue Plan, each&nbsp;payment is up to $300 per month 
for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child ages 6
 through 17. Normally, anyone who receives a payment this month will 
also receive a payment each month for the rest of 2021 unless they 
unenroll. Besides the July 15 payment, payment dates are: Aug. 13, Sept.
 15, Oct. 15, Nov. 15 and Dec. 15.Here are further details on these payments:<ul>
 <li>Families will see the direct deposit payments in their accounts 
starting today, July 15. For those receiving payment by paper check, 
they should remember to take into consideration the time it takes to 
receive it by mail.</li><li>Payments went to eligible families who filed 2019 or 2020 income tax returns.</li><li>Tax returns&nbsp;processed by June 28 are reflected in these payments. 
This includes people who don't typically file a return, but during 2020 
successfully registered for Economic Impact Payments using the IRS 
Non-Filers tool or in 2021 successfully used the Non-filer Sign-up Tool 
for Advance CTC, also on IRS.gov.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Payments are automatic. Aside from filing a tax return, 
including a simplified return from the Non-Filer Sign-Up tool, families 
don't have to do anything if they are eligible to receive monthly 
payments.</li>
 </ul>Additional information is available on a special <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">Advance Child Tax Credit 2021 page</a>, designed to provide the most up-to-date information about the credit and the advance payments.

IRS: Monthly Child Tax Credit payments begin for millions of US families

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has fired the warden and deputy warden of the state penitentiary in Sioux Falls after an investigation into an anonymous complaint. 

The complaint alleges that supervising corrections officers regularly sexually harassed their fellow employees and that attempts to report harassment were ignored. 

The governor had suspended Darin Young, the former warden, on Tuesday, along with Secretary of Corrections Mike Leidholt. 

Noem said Thursday she has also suspended Stefany Bawek, who was the director of a prison work program called Pheasantland Industries.

 Requests for comment left at phone numbers listed for Young, Jennifer Dreiske, the former deputy warden, and Bawek were not immediately returned.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has fired the warden and deputy warden of the state penitentiary in Sioux Falls after an investigation into an anonymous complaint. The complaint alleges that supervising corrections officers regularly sexually harassed their fellow employees and that attempts to report harassment were ignored. The governor had suspended Darin Young, the former warden, on Tuesday, along with Secretary of Corrections Mike Leidholt. Noem said Thursday she has also suspended Stefany Bawek, who was the director of a prison work program called Pheasantland Industries. Requests for comment left at phone numbers listed for Young, Jennifer Dreiske, the former deputy warden, and Bawek were not immediately returned.

Noem fires prison warden, deputy following harassment claim

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate's top Democrat is backing a bill that would strike down a longstanding federal prohibition on marijuana, embracing a proposal that has slim chance of becoming law yet demonstrates growing public support for decriminalizing the drug.

Proposals to legalize marijuana are nothing new. But Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is a sponsor of the effort unveiled Wednesday, underscoring how a once-fringe idea is increasingly mainstream. The measure would erode a central pillar of the decades-long war on drugs, which has disproportionately affected communities of color in the United States.

“I will use my clout as majority leader to make this a priority in the Senate,” said Schumer, of New York, who is the first Senate leader to support such an effort. “It's not just an idea whose time has come, it's long overdue.”

The bill would treat marijuana much like alcohol or tobacco, allowing it to be taxed and regulated. States could still outlaw its use. And those under the age of 21 couldn't purchase it. It would remain illegal to sell significant quantities without proper licensing and authorization, much like bootlegging alcohol. It would also clear the path for additional cannabis medical research.

But besides clearing obstacles to recreational use, advocates say the bill would help the poor and those from communities of color who have disproportionately been arrested, charged and jailed for marijuana crimes.

The bill would expunge federal nonviolent convictions and allow for records of them to be sealed. Those currently serving nonviolent marijuana-related sentences could also seek a review hearing and receive an expungement.

“We have our precious resources being used to lock up ... Black and brown people for doing things that presidents, Congress people and senators have done,” said Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, who is also a cosponsor of the bill, along with Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden.

A similar bill has passed the House. But the measure faces a virtually nonexistent path in a narrowly divided Senate, where 60 votes are needed to pass most legislation.

Schumer acknowledged that not all Democrats support the bill. That includes President Joe Biden, who has said he supports decriminalizing marijuana but believes the federal prohibition should remain.

“I’ve spoken in the past about the president’s views on marijuana. Nothing has changed and there’s no new endorsements of legislation today,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday.

Republicans and influential law enforcement groups are certain to oppose it, as well.

“I don't understand how Republicans who say they are for ‘states rights’ won't support what my colleagues are talking about," said Wyden. ”What this bill does is we decriminalize at the federal level, but we don't require states to legalize."

Schumer and the other sponsors of the bill say their proposal is a “discussion draft" that's intended to get the conversation started.

Though 18 states have legalized recreational use and 37 allow for some sort of medical marijuana, the remaining federal prohibition has created headaches for the industry in states where it is legal, making it hard for businesses to get banking services and loans.

Those in the marijuana industry called Schumer's support a significant advance.

“It is a big ask and I’m a realist,” said Joe Caltabiano, CEO of Choice Consolidation Corp. and the cofounder of Cresco Labs. “It will take a lot to get this bill through Congress.”

Maritza Perez, of the Drug Policy Alliance, said Congress is finally catching up with where the general public has long been. Meanwhile, those who are convicted of marijuana-related offenses face life-altering consequences, making it hard to get a job or receive public benefits.

Earlier this month, American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson was left off the U.S. team's Olympic roster following a positive test for marijuana, costing her a chance at running on the relay team in Tokyo, in addition to her spot in the 100-meter individual race.

“Today is a historic day in the sense that we have the Senate majority leader introducing a bill to regulate and legalize marijuana. That's huge,” said Perez, who is a director in the office of national affairs for the organization. “For the public, marijuana has become culturally acceptable. But people forget that more than a half-million people are arrested for marijuana possession each year.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626346133308.png" alt="Senator Cory Booker and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer during a Wednesday news conference. Though 18 states have legalized recreational use and 37 allow for some sort of medical marijuana, the remaining federal prohibition has created headaches for the industry in states where it is legal, making it hard for businesses to get banking services and loans.-photo courtesy office of Senator Booker" />
 <figcaption>Senator Cory Booker and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer during a Wednesday news conference. Though 18 states have legalized recreational use and 37 allow for some sort of medical marijuana, the remaining federal prohibition has created headaches for the industry in states where it is legal, making it hard for businesses to get banking services and loans.-photo courtesy office of Senator Booker</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate's top Democrat is backing a bill that would strike down a longstanding federal prohibition on marijuana, embracing a proposal that has slim chance of becoming law yet demonstrates growing public support for decriminalizing the drug.Proposals to legalize marijuana are nothing new. But Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is a sponsor of the effort unveiled Wednesday, underscoring how a once-fringe idea is increasingly mainstream. The measure would erode a central pillar of the decades-long war on drugs, which has disproportionately affected communities of color in the United States.“I will use my clout as majority leader to make this a priority in the Senate,” said Schumer, of New York, who is the first Senate leader to support such an effort. “It's not just an idea whose time has come, it's long overdue.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626345994624.png" alt="photo courtesy office of Senator Cory Booker" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy office of Senator Cory Booker</figcaption>
 </figure>The bill would treat marijuana much like alcohol or tobacco, allowing it to be taxed and regulated. States could still outlaw its use. And those under the age of 21 couldn't purchase it. It would remain illegal to sell significant quantities without proper licensing and authorization, much like bootlegging alcohol. It would also clear the path for additional cannabis medical research.But besides clearing obstacles to recreational use, advocates say the bill would help the poor and those from communities of color who have disproportionately been arrested, charged and jailed for marijuana crimes.The bill would expunge federal nonviolent convictions and allow for records of them to be sealed. Those currently serving nonviolent marijuana-related sentences could also seek a review hearing and receive an expungement.“We have our precious resources being used to lock up ... Black and brown people for doing things that presidents, Congress people and senators have done,” said Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, who is also a cosponsor of the bill, along with Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden.A similar bill has passed the House. But the measure faces a virtually nonexistent path in a narrowly divided Senate, where 60 votes are needed to pass most legislation.Schumer acknowledged that not all Democrats support the bill. That includes President Joe Biden, who has said he supports decriminalizing marijuana but believes the federal prohibition should remain.“I’ve spoken in the past about the president’s views on marijuana. Nothing has changed and there’s no new endorsements of legislation today,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday.Republicans and influential law enforcement groups are certain to oppose it, as well.“I don't understand how Republicans who say they are for ‘states rights’ won't support what my colleagues are talking about," said Wyden. ”What this bill does is we decriminalize at the federal level, but we don't require states to legalize."Schumer and the other sponsors of the bill say their proposal is a “discussion draft" that's intended to get the conversation started.Though 18 states have legalized recreational use and 37 allow for some sort of medical marijuana, the remaining federal prohibition has created headaches for the industry in states where it is legal, making it hard for businesses to get banking services and loans.Those in the marijuana industry called Schumer's support a significant advance.“It is a big ask and I’m a realist,” said Joe Caltabiano, CEO of Choice Consolidation Corp. and the cofounder of Cresco Labs. “It will take a lot to get this bill through Congress.”Maritza Perez, of the Drug Policy Alliance, said Congress is finally catching up with where the general public has long been. Meanwhile, those who are convicted of marijuana-related offenses face life-altering consequences, making it hard to get a job or receive public benefits.Earlier this month, American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson was left off the U.S. team's Olympic roster following a positive test for marijuana, costing her a chance at running on the relay team in Tokyo, in addition to her spot in the 100-meter individual race.“Today is a historic day in the sense that we have the Senate majority leader introducing a bill to regulate and legalize marijuana. That's huge,” said Perez, who is a director in the office of national affairs for the organization. “For the public, marijuana has become culturally acceptable. But people forget that more than a half-million people are arrested for marijuana possession each year.”

Senators unveil plan to end federal ban on marijuana

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A 44-year-old Omaha man who police say was “hunting” sex offenders when he fatally shot a man last year in a vigilante killing has been sentenced to up to 70 years in prison.

 James Fairbanks was sentenced Wednesday to 40 to 70 years in prison for the May 14, 2020, shooting death of 64-year-old Mattieo Condoluci in Omaha. 

Fairbanks pleaded no contest in April to second-degree murder and a gun charge in the case. 

Prosecutors say Fairbanks showed up at Condoluci’s door with a rifle and fired seven shots into Condoluci, a convicted sex offender. 

Authorities say Fairbanks didn’t know Condoluci, but had found him in an internet search for registered sex offenders.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A 44-year-old Omaha man who police say was “hunting” sex offenders when he fatally shot a man last year in a vigilante killing has been sentenced to up to 70 years in prison. James Fairbanks was sentenced Wednesday to 40 to 70 years in prison for the May 14, 2020, shooting death of 64-year-old Mattieo Condoluci in Omaha. Fairbanks pleaded no contest in April to second-degree murder and a gun charge in the case. Prosecutors say Fairbanks showed up at Condoluci’s door with a rifle and fired seven shots into Condoluci, a convicted sex offender. Authorities say Fairbanks didn’t know Condoluci, but had found him in an internet search for registered sex offenders.

Omaha man gets prison for fatal shooting of sex offender

LINCOLN – For a touch of holiday cheer at a beautiful park, bring the family to Indian Cave State Park on July 16-17 for the 8th Annual Campfire Christmas in July.

Traditional holiday activities include visits with Santa, lighted Polar Express hayrack rides, a Yule log quest, holiday crafts and a Christmas-themed outdoor movie. Try your hand at the antler toss, snowball toss and horseshoes, and snack on tin roof sundaes, chili dogs and root beer floats.

Other activities throughout the weekend include a campground-decorating competition, kids’ pony rides, a waterslide and face painter. For a full schedule, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA3MTMuNDMxNjA0OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NhbGVuZGFyLm91dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YvIn0.CCTQKkuRqiglFoWjvsoXHmDA2WVrvII6AkflJwDBJQ4/s/497221906/br/109252855017-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call the park at 402-883-2575 for more details.

A park entry permit is required for each vehicle entering the park.

LINCOLN – For a touch of holiday cheer at a beautiful park, bring the family to Indian Cave State Park on July 16-17 for the 8th Annual Campfire Christmas in July.Traditional holiday activities include visits with Santa, lighted Polar Express hayrack rides, a Yule log quest, holiday crafts and a Christmas-themed outdoor movie. Try your hand at the antler toss, snowball toss and horseshoes, and snack on tin roof sundaes, chili dogs and root beer floats.Other activities throughout the weekend include a campground-decorating competition, kids’ pony rides, a waterslide and face painter. For a full schedule, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA3MTMuNDMxNjA0OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NhbGVuZGFyLm91dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YvIn0.CCTQKkuRqiglFoWjvsoXHmDA2WVrvII6AkflJwDBJQ4/s/497221906/br/109252855017-l" target="_blank">calendar.outdoornebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call the park at 402-883-2575 for more details.A park entry permit is required for each vehicle entering the park.

Celebrate Christmas in July at Indian Cave State Park

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans hoping to travel abroad this summer may have to delay their plans if they need new or renewed passports.

The State Department said Wednesday that the wait for a passport is now between 12 weeks and 18 weeks, even if you pay for expedited processing. That’s because of ripple effects from the coronavirus pandemic that caused extreme disruptions to the process at domestic issuance facilities and overseas embassies and consulates.

A department official says a backlog of 1.5 million to 2 million passport requests means that applications submitted now probably will not be processed until the fall.

Rachel Arndt, deputy assistant secretary of state for passport services, said the department is increasing COVID-19-reduced staffing throughout the United States as pandemic restrictions are eased. But she said Americans needing to apply for or renew a passport should do so at least six months ahead of when they plan to travel.

“We really encourage folks to apply for or renew their passport at least six months ahead of when you’ll need one to avoid any of those last-minute problems,” she told reporters.

The State Department and Department of Homeland Security have already taken steps&nbsp;to ease issues related to Americans abroad with expired passports who are seeking to return home.

The departments announced in May that U.S. citizens who are currently overseas and whose passports expired on or after Jan. 1, 2020, would be able to use their documents to reenter the United States until Dec. 31, 2021. That provision does not apply to travel between third countries unless it is a transit stop.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626352739126.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans hoping to travel abroad this summer may have to delay their plans if they need new or renewed passports.The State Department said Wednesday that the wait for a passport is now between 12 weeks and 18 weeks, even if you pay for expedited processing. That’s because of ripple effects from the coronavirus pandemic that caused extreme disruptions to the process at domestic issuance facilities and overseas embassies and consulates.A department official says a backlog of 1.5 million to 2 million passport requests means that applications submitted now probably will not be processed until the fall.Rachel Arndt, deputy assistant secretary of state for passport services, said the department is increasing COVID-19-reduced staffing throughout the United States as pandemic restrictions are eased. But she said Americans needing to apply for or renew a passport should do so at least six months ahead of when they plan to travel.“We really encourage folks to apply for or renew their passport at least six months ahead of when you’ll need one to avoid any of those last-minute problems,” she told reporters.The State Department and Department of Homeland Security have already taken steps&nbsp;to ease issues related to Americans abroad with expired passports who are seeking to return home.The departments announced in May that U.S. citizens who are currently overseas and whose passports expired on or after Jan. 1, 2020, would be able to use their documents to reenter the United States until Dec. 31, 2021. That provision does not apply to travel between third countries unless it is a transit stop.

Going abroad? US government says passport waits top 3 months

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Biden administration is beginning to distribute&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-joe-biden-business-health-government-and-politics-24023ed3ffba98e4a65dd6006518da7a">expanded child tax credit payments</a>, giving parents on average $423 this month, with payments continuing through the end of the year.

President Joe Biden increased the size of the tax credit as part of his $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, as well as making it fully available to families without any tax obligations. The benefit is set to expire after a year, but Biden is pushing for it to be extended through 2025 and ultimately made permanent.

A closer look at how the payments work and who can receive them:

The credit is $3,600 annually for children under age 6 and $3,000 for children ages 6 to 17. But six months of payments will be advanced on a monthly basis through the end of the year. This means eligible families will receive $300 monthly for each child under 6 and $250 per child older than that.

This is a change from last year, when the credit totaled $2,000 per child. Families who did not owe the government income taxes were also unable to claim the credit, a restriction that Biden and Congress lifted.

The payments begin to phase out at incomes of $75,000 for individuals, $112,500 for heads of household and $150,000 for married couples. Higher-income families with incomes of $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for married couples can still receive the previous $2,000 credit.

If you filed taxes and the IRS already has your bank account information, the payments should be deposited directly into your account on the 15th of each month. The Treasury Department estimates that 35.2 million families will receive payments in July. But even if you haven’t filed taxes in 2019 or 2020, you might still be eligible for the credit and can apply here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool" target="_blank">https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool</a>.

Advocates say the monthly payments can help smooth out an impoverished family’s income, making it easier for them to budget and less dependent on high-interest lenders.

Yes. Some people are used to the child tax credit enabling them to get a refund on their taxes. They might not want the monthly advance and about 1 million people have opted out, according to administration officials. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-update-portal">Click here to unenroll</a> in the program.

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Biden administration is beginning to distribute&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-joe-biden-business-health-government-and-politics-24023ed3ffba98e4a65dd6006518da7a">expanded child tax credit payments</a>, giving parents on average $423 this month, with payments continuing through the end of the year.President Joe Biden increased the size of the tax credit as part of his $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, as well as making it fully available to families without any tax obligations. The benefit is set to expire after a year, but Biden is pushing for it to be extended through 2025 and ultimately made permanent.A closer look at how the payments work and who can receive them:HOW BIG ARE THE CREDITS?The credit is $3,600 annually for children under age 6 and $3,000 for children ages 6 to 17. But six months of payments will be advanced on a monthly basis through the end of the year. This means eligible families will receive $300 monthly for each child under 6 and $250 per child older than that.This is a change from last year, when the credit totaled $2,000 per child. Families who did not owe the government income taxes were also unable to claim the credit, a restriction that Biden and Congress lifted.ARE THERE LIMITS ON WHO CAN QUALIFY?The payments begin to phase out at incomes of $75,000 for individuals, $112,500 for heads of household and $150,000 for married couples. Higher-income families with incomes of $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for married couples can still receive the previous $2,000 credit.HOW CAN YOU APPLY?If you filed taxes and the IRS already has your bank account information, the payments should be deposited directly into your account on the 15th of each month. The Treasury Department estimates that 35.2 million families will receive payments in July. But even if you haven’t filed taxes in 2019 or 2020, you might still be eligible for the credit and can apply here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool" target="_blank">https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool</a>.WHY ARE THE PAYMENTS MONTHLYAdvocates say the monthly payments can help smooth out an impoverished family’s income, making it easier for them to budget and less dependent on high-interest lenders.CAN THE MONTHLY PAYMENTS BE STOPPED?Yes. Some people are used to the child tax credit enabling them to get a refund on their taxes. They might not want the monthly advance and about 1 million people have opted out, according to administration officials. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-update-portal">Click here to unenroll</a> in the program.

Payday: How the expanded child tax credit payments work

Agency charged the company with deceiving loan applicants about hidden fees

Online lender<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/x180028_-_lendingclub_corporation_-_stipulated_order_for_permanent_injunction_and_judgment.pdf"> LendingClub Corporation agreed to pay</a>
 $18 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that the company
 deceived consumers about hidden fees that it charged and about whether 
their loan applications were approved.

In
 addition, the settlement bars LendingClub from making 
misrepresentations to loan applicants and requires that the company 
clearly and conspicuously disclose the amount of any prepaid, up-front, 
or origination fee and the total amount of funds that borrowers will 
receive.

“Companies that profit by 
preying on consumers don’t just harm the families they cheated — they 
also harm their competitors that play by the rules. LendingClub fleeced 
consumers looking for a loan online, and will pay $18 million for its 
alleged misconduct,” said Samuel Levine, Acting Director of the FTC’s 
Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Moving forward, when it comes to 
misconduct in the financial services arena, the FTC will bring joint 
actions with state and federal partners to seek penalties that deter 
wrongdoing market-wide, before it can harm consumers.”

The FTC <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2018/04/ftc-charges-lending-club-deceiving-consumers-0">sued LendingClub in April 2018</a>,
 charging that the company falsely promised loan applicants that they 
would receive a specific loan amount with “no hidden fees,” when in 
reality the company deducted hundreds or even thousands of dollars in 
hidden up-front fees from the loans. The FTC also alleged that 
LendingClub told consumers they were approved for loans when they were 
not, and took money from consumers’ bank accounts without authorization.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Agency charged the company with deceiving loan applicants about hidden fees</h2>FTCOnline lender<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/x180028_-_lendingclub_corporation_-_stipulated_order_for_permanent_injunction_and_judgment.pdf"> LendingClub Corporation agreed to pay</a>
 $18 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that the company
 deceived consumers about hidden fees that it charged and about whether 
their loan applications were approved.In
 addition, the settlement bars LendingClub from making 
misrepresentations to loan applicants and requires that the company 
clearly and conspicuously disclose the amount of any prepaid, up-front, 
or origination fee and the total amount of funds that borrowers will 
receive.“Companies that profit by 
preying on consumers don’t just harm the families they cheated — they 
also harm their competitors that play by the rules. LendingClub fleeced 
consumers looking for a loan online, and will pay $18 million for its 
alleged misconduct,” said Samuel Levine, Acting Director of the FTC’s 
Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Moving forward, when it comes to 
misconduct in the financial services arena, the FTC will bring joint 
actions with state and federal partners to seek penalties that deter 
wrongdoing market-wide, before it can harm consumers.”The FTC <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2018/04/ftc-charges-lending-club-deceiving-consumers-0">sued LendingClub in April 2018</a>,
 charging that the company falsely promised loan applicants that they 
would receive a specific loan amount with “no hidden fees,” when in 
reality the company deducted hundreds or even thousands of dollars in 
hidden up-front fees from the loans. The FTC also alleged that 
LendingClub told consumers they were approved for loans when they were 
not, and took money from consumers’ bank accounts without authorization.In
 an earlier ruling, the court found that LendingClub falsely told loan 
applicants that their loans were “on the way” and “100% Backed” while 
knowing that many of them would never get a loan. And according to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/lending_club_complaint.pdf">the FTC’s complaint</a>,
 the company also withdrew double payments from consumers’ accounts and 
charged those who cancelled automatic payments or paid off their loan, 
which led to overdraft fees and prevented borrowers from making other 
payments.The Commission vote approving the stipulated
 final order was 4-0-1, with Chair Khan not participating. It was filed 
in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, San 
Francisco Division.NOTE: Stipulated final orders or injunctions, etc. have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Like the FTC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/federaltradecommission">Facebook(link is external)</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/FTC">Twitter(link is external)</a>, get <a href="http://ftc.gov/subscribe">consumer alerts</a>, read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>, and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> for the latest FTC news and resources.