WASHINGTON (AP) — The suspect was covered from head to toe, skulking through the dark streets of the nation’s capital before methodically placing two explosives outside the offices of the Republican and Democratic national committees.

Only 17 hours later — and just before the U.S. Capitol was stormed by a sea of pro-Trump rioters — were the pipe bombs discovered. It quickly became one of the highest-priority investigations for the FBI and the Justice Department.

But the trail grew cold almost immediately. A year later, federal investigators are no closer to learning the person’s identity. And a key question remains: Was there a connection between the pipe bombs and the riot at the Capitol?

The suspect is among hundreds of people still being sought by the FBI following last January’s deadly insurrection. So far, 250 people seen on video assaulting police at the Capitol still haven’t been fully identified and apprehended by the FBI, and another 100 are being sought for other crimes tied to the riot.

The investigation has been a massive undertaking for federal law enforcement officials. More than 700 people have been charged with federal crimes stemming from the Jan. 6 attack, and arrests are still being made regularly.

But for the FBI agents working on the cases, the job is far from over. Agents and investigative analysts have been poring over thousands of hours of surveillance video, going second by second in each video to try to capture clear images of people who attacked officers inside the Capitol.

“This investigation takes time because it is a lot of lot of work, a lot of painstaking work that they look at the video kind of frame by frame,” said Steven D’Antuono, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s field office in Washington.

In one case, police body camera footage captures a man using a cane with electric prods on the end jabbing at officers and shocking them as they fight to hold back the riotous crowd trying to break through a barricaded line of officers at one of the doors of the Capitol. The crackling sound of the electricity can be heard as he prods his cane into one of the officers. The man, known only as “AFO114” — using shorthand for “assaulting a federal officer” — is still being sought.

“The assaults against the police officers are extremely serious,” D’Antuono said. More than 100 police officers were attacked by rioters on Jan. 6, some attacked by multiple people and some attacked multiple times, he said.

In another video, a man is seen repeatedly bashing a police officer over the head with a 6-foot (1.8-meter) metal pole as he tries to push his way into the Capitol. And a third shows a man spraying some kind of chemical from a can into the faces of other officers.

“There is still a lot of work to be done on this,” D’Antuono said. “There were a lot of people up there at the Capitol, a lot of people that either committed violence up there did other unlawful actions up there.”

In the search for the person who left the pipe bombs at the RNC and DNC offices, investigators have interviewed more than 900 people, collected 39,000 video files and examined more than 400 leads. They have dived into the components of the explosives and have been working to try to discern anything they can about the suspect, from analyzing the person's gait to trying to collect information about purchases of the distinctive Nike sneakers the person wore.

But they are still no closer to finding the suspect’s identity and are hoping renewed attention on the video of the person may spark a tip to crack the case.

The explosive devices were placed outside the two buildings between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 5, 2021, but weren’t located by law enforcement until the next day. U.S. Capitol Police and agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were called to the Republican National Committee’s office around 12:45 p.m. on Jan. 6. About 30 minutes later, as the agents and bomb technicians were still investigating at the RNC, another call came in for a similar explosive device found at the Democratic National Committee headquarters nearby. The bombs were rendered safe, and no one was hurt.

Video released by the FBI shows a person in a gray hooded sweatshirt, a face mask and gloves appearing to place one of the explosives under a bench outside the DNC and separately shows the person walking in an alley near the RNC before the bomb was placed there. The person wore black and light gray Nike Air Max Speed Turf sneakers with a yellow logo.

“We’ve used and continue to use every investigative tool that we lawfully have to find this individual,” D’Antuono said. But, a year later, investigators still don’t know whether the suspect is a man or a woman. The person carried the bombs — made of threaded galvanized pipes, kitchen timers and homemade black powder — in a backpack.

“We’re still nose to the grindstone here and trying to find this individual, trying to bring the person to justice,” D'Antuono said. “But there is hopefully maybe somebody still out there that knows the person or sees the video again.”

It is unclear whether the bombs were related to planning for the insurrection or whether they were unrelated to the deadly riot. Both buildings are within a few blocks of the Capitol.

And the fact the suspect was covered from head to toe has made identifying the person extremely difficult for the FBI.

“In normal times, like if this wasn’t COVID,” D’Antuono said, “a person walking down the street in D.C. covered from head to toe with a mask on, glasses and gloves would have been a red flag.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The suspect was covered from head to toe, skulking through the dark streets of the nation’s capital before methodically placing two explosives outside the offices of the Republican and Democratic national committees.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GNmjMIyoxHo?start=11" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Only 17 hours later — and just before the U.S. Capitol was stormed by a sea of pro-Trump rioters — were the pipe bombs discovered. It quickly became one of the highest-priority investigations for the FBI and the Justice Department.But the trail grew cold almost immediately. A year later, federal investigators are no closer to learning the person’s identity. And a key question remains: Was there a connection between the pipe bombs and the riot at the Capitol?The suspect is among hundreds of people still being sought by the FBI following last January’s deadly insurrection. So far, 250 people seen on video assaulting police at the Capitol still haven’t been fully identified and apprehended by the FBI, and another 100 are being sought for other crimes tied to the riot.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641396762471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation has been a massive undertaking for federal law enforcement officials. More than 700 people have been charged with federal crimes stemming from the Jan. 6 attack, and arrests are still being made regularly.But for the FBI agents working on the cases, the job is far from over. Agents and investigative analysts have been poring over thousands of hours of surveillance video, going second by second in each video to try to capture clear images of people who attacked officers inside the Capitol.“This investigation takes time because it is a lot of lot of work, a lot of painstaking work that they look at the video kind of frame by frame,” said Steven D’Antuono, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s field office in Washington.In one case, police body camera footage captures a man using a cane with electric prods on the end jabbing at officers and shocking them as they fight to hold back the riotous crowd trying to break through a barricaded line of officers at one of the doors of the Capitol. The crackling sound of the electricity can be heard as he prods his cane into one of the officers. The man, known only as “AFO114” — using shorthand for “assaulting a federal officer” — is still being sought.“The assaults against the police officers are extremely serious,” D’Antuono said. More than 100 police officers were attacked by rioters on Jan. 6, some attacked by multiple people and some attacked multiple times, he said.In another video, a man is seen repeatedly bashing a police officer over the head with a 6-foot (1.8-meter) metal pole as he tries to push his way into the Capitol. And a third shows a man spraying some kind of chemical from a can into the faces of other officers.“There is still a lot of work to be done on this,” D’Antuono said. “There were a lot of people up there at the Capitol, a lot of people that either committed violence up there did other unlawful actions up there.”In the search for the person who left the pipe bombs at the RNC and DNC offices, investigators have interviewed more than 900 people, collected 39,000 video files and examined more than 400 leads. They have dived into the components of the explosives and have been working to try to discern anything they can about the suspect, from analyzing the person's gait to trying to collect information about purchases of the distinctive Nike sneakers the person wore.But they are still no closer to finding the suspect’s identity and are hoping renewed attention on the video of the person may spark a tip to crack the case.The explosive devices were placed outside the two buildings between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 5, 2021, but weren’t located by law enforcement until the next day. U.S. Capitol Police and agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were called to the Republican National Committee’s office around 12:45 p.m. on Jan. 6. About 30 minutes later, as the agents and bomb technicians were still investigating at the RNC, another call came in for a similar explosive device found at the Democratic National Committee headquarters nearby. The bombs were rendered safe, and no one was hurt.Video released by the FBI shows a person in a gray hooded sweatshirt, a face mask and gloves appearing to place one of the explosives under a bench outside the DNC and separately shows the person walking in an alley near the RNC before the bomb was placed there. The person wore black and light gray Nike Air Max Speed Turf sneakers with a yellow logo.“We’ve used and continue to use every investigative tool that we lawfully have to find this individual,” D’Antuono said. But, a year later, investigators still don’t know whether the suspect is a man or a woman. The person carried the bombs — made of threaded galvanized pipes, kitchen timers and homemade black powder — in a backpack.“We’re still nose to the grindstone here and trying to find this individual, trying to bring the person to justice,” D'Antuono said. “But there is hopefully maybe somebody still out there that knows the person or sees the video again.”It is unclear whether the bombs were related to planning for the insurrection or whether they were unrelated to the deadly riot. Both buildings are within a few blocks of the Capitol.And the fact the suspect was covered from head to toe has made identifying the person extremely difficult for the FBI.“In normal times, like if this wasn’t COVID,” D’Antuono said, “a person walking down the street in D.C. covered from head to toe with a mask on, glasses and gloves would have been a red flag.”

🎥 FBI still hunting Jan. 6 suspects, pipe bomber a year later

WASHINGTON — The IRS urges taxpayers to check into their options to 
avoid being subject to estimated tax penalties, which apply when someone
 underpays their taxes. Taxpayers who paid too little tax during 2021 
can still avoid a surprise tax-time bill and possible penalty by making a
 quarterly <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">estimated tax payment</a>
 now, directly to the Internal Revenue Service. The deadline for making a
 payment for the fourth quarter of 2021 is Tuesday, January 18, 2022.

Income taxes are <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-as-you-go-so-you-wont-owe-a-guide-to-withholding-estimated-taxes-and-ways-to-avoid-the-estimated-tax-penalty">pay-as-you-go</a>.
 This means that taxpayers need to pay most of their tax during the year
 as income is earned or received. There are two ways to do this:

Either payment method--withholding or estimated tax payments--or a 
combination of the two, can help avoid a surprise tax bill at tax time 
and the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes">accompanying penalty</a> that often applies.

If a taxpayer failed to make required quarterly estimated tax 
payments earlier in the year, making a payment soon to cover these 
missed payments will usually lessen and may even eliminate any possible 
penalty. Because the penalty calculation considers the date on which the
 payment or payments were made, even making a payment now, rather than 
waiting until the April filing deadline, often helps.

People who owed tax when they filed their 2020 tax return may find 
themselves in the same situation again when they file for 2021. This 
will likely be true, especially if they failed to take action to avoid 
another shortfall by increasing their withholding during 2021.

People in this situation often include those who itemized in the past
 but are now taking the standard deduction, two wage-earner households, 
employees with non-wage sources of income and those with complex tax 
situations.

In addition, families who received advance payments of the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-h-reconciling-your-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-on-your-2021-tax-return">Child Tax Credit</a>
 during 2021 but don't expect to qualify for the credit when they file 
their 2021 return, may need to make an estimated tax payment.

The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>, available on IRS.gov, can often help people determine if they need to make an estimated tax payment.

Alternatively, taxpayers can use the worksheet included with estimated tax <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040-es">Form 1040-ES</a>, also available on IRS.gov. In addition, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-505">Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax</a>,
 has additional details, including worksheets and examples, that can be 
especially helpful to those who have dividend or capital gain income, 
owe alternative minimum tax or self-employment tax, or have other 
special situations.

The fastest and easiest way to make an estimated tax payment is to do so electronically using IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>. Taxpayers can schedule a payment in advance for the January deadline.

Taxpayers can now also make a payment through their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">IRS Online Account</a>. There they can see their payment history, any pending or recent payments and other useful tax information.

The IRS does not charge a fee for these services. Plus, using these 
or other electronic payment options ensures that a payment gets credited
 promptly.

For information on other payment options, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.

Though it's too early to file a 2021 return, it's never too early to 
get ready for the tax-filing season ahead. For more tips and resources, 
check out the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">Get Ready</a> page on IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The IRS urges taxpayers to check into their options to 
avoid being subject to estimated tax penalties, which apply when someone
 underpays their taxes. Taxpayers who paid too little tax during 2021 
can still avoid a surprise tax-time bill and possible penalty by making a
 quarterly <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">estimated tax payment</a>
 now, directly to the Internal Revenue Service. The deadline for making a
 payment for the fourth quarter of 2021 is Tuesday, January 18, 2022.Income taxes are <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-as-you-go-so-you-wont-owe-a-guide-to-withholding-estimated-taxes-and-ways-to-avoid-the-estimated-tax-penalty">pay-as-you-go</a>.
 This means that taxpayers need to pay most of their tax during the year
 as income is earned or received. There are two ways to do this:<ul>
 <li>Withholding from paychecks, pension payments and some government
 payments, such as Social Security benefits or unemployment 
compensation. Most people pay their tax this way.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Making quarterly <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">estimated tax payments</a> throughout the year to the IRS. Self-employed people and investors, among others, often pay tax this way.</li>
 </ul><h2>Act now to avoid a penalty</h2>Either payment method--withholding or estimated tax payments--or a 
combination of the two, can help avoid a surprise tax bill at tax time 
and the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes">accompanying penalty</a> that often applies.If a taxpayer failed to make required quarterly estimated tax 
payments earlier in the year, making a payment soon to cover these 
missed payments will usually lessen and may even eliminate any possible 
penalty. Because the penalty calculation considers the date on which the
 payment or payments were made, even making a payment now, rather than 
waiting until the April filing deadline, often helps.<h2>Who needs to make a payment</h2>People who owed tax when they filed their 2020 tax return may find 
themselves in the same situation again when they file for 2021. This 
will likely be true, especially if they failed to take action to avoid 
another shortfall by increasing their withholding during 2021.People in this situation often include those who itemized in the past
 but are now taking the standard deduction, two wage-earner households, 
employees with non-wage sources of income and those with complex tax 
situations.In addition, families who received advance payments of the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-h-reconciling-your-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-on-your-2021-tax-return">Child Tax Credit</a>
 during 2021 but don't expect to qualify for the credit when they file 
their 2021 return, may need to make an estimated tax payment.<h2>Additional points to consider:</h2><ul>
 <li>Most income is taxable. Besides wages, interest and other investment income, which also includes income related to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/virtual-currencies">virtual currencies</a>, refund interest and income from the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/gig-economy-tax-center">gig economy</a> are taxable.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/what-if-i-receive-unemployment-compensation">Unemployment compensation</a>
 is fully taxable in 2021. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 allowed 
an exclusion of unemployment compensation of up to $10,200 for 2020 
only. Often, this means that an estimated tax payment should be made, 
especially if no federal income tax was withheld from these payments.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Various financial transactions, especially late in the 
year, can often have an unexpected tax impact. Examples include year-end
 and holiday bonuses, stock dividends, capital gain distributions from 
mutual funds, and stocks, bonds, virtual currency, real estate or other 
property sold at a profit.</li>
 </ul>The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>, available on IRS.gov, can often help people determine if they need to make an estimated tax payment.Alternatively, taxpayers can use the worksheet included with estimated tax <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040-es">Form 1040-ES</a>, also available on IRS.gov. In addition, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-505">Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax</a>,
 has additional details, including worksheets and examples, that can be 
especially helpful to those who have dividend or capital gain income, 
owe alternative minimum tax or self-employment tax, or have other 
special situations.<h2>How to make an estimated tax payment</h2>The fastest and easiest way to make an estimated tax payment is to do so electronically using IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>. Taxpayers can schedule a payment in advance for the January deadline.Taxpayers can now also make a payment through their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">IRS Online Account</a>. There they can see their payment history, any pending or recent payments and other useful tax information.The IRS does not charge a fee for these services. Plus, using these 
or other electronic payment options ensures that a payment gets credited
 promptly.For information on other payment options, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.<h2>Planning ahead</h2>Though it's too early to file a 2021 return, it's never too early to 
get ready for the tax-filing season ahead. For more tips and resources, 
check out the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">Get Ready</a> page on IRS.gov.

IRS: Make quarterly payment soon to avoid a surprise bill, penalty

The Federal Trade Commission<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/biennial-report-congress-under-do-not-call-registry-fee-extension-act-2007"> issued its biennial report to Congress</a>
 on the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry. The new report details the 
number of consumers – now totaling more than 244 million – who have 
placed their telephone numbers on the Registry over the past two years. 
It also states the FTC received more than five million <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/reports/national-do-not-call-registry-data-book-fiscal-year-2021/dnc_data_book_2021.pdf">Do Not Call complaints in fiscal year (FY) 2021</a>, with people overwhelmingly reporting these violations came via robocalls, as opposed to live telemarketing.

Imposter
 scam and warranty protection scam calls led list of commonly reported 
call topics in FY 2021, followed by calls related to reducing debt and 
medical needs and prescriptions. Since the pandemic began, the FTC has 
received more than 18,000 COVID-related Do Not Call complaints, 
according to the report. In response to the consistently high number of 
complaints from the public about impersonator scams, the FTC recently 
launched a rulemaking initiative to combat <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/12/ftc-launches-rulemaking-combat-sharp-spike-impersonation-fraud">business and government impersonation fraud</a>.

The
 report notes that the DNC Registry exists to provide consumers with a 
choice regarding whether or not to receive telemarketing calls. 
Accordingly, it is important that the FTC continue to work alongside the
 Federal Communications Commission to ensure that the Registry is 
effective and accessible for both consumers and telemarketers. As new 
technology provides new challenges, both agencies actively seek to 
address and confront them by, among other things, encouraging private 
industry, other government agencies, academia, and other interested 
parties to create and develop new strategies to help consumers avoid 
unwanted telemarketing calls.

The report also includes the number 
of entities paying fees to access the Registry and the amount of the 
fees; the impact on the Registry of the five-year re-registration 
requirement (which was subsequently rescinded), new telecommunications 
technology, and number portability and abandoned telephone numbers; and 
the impact of the established business relationship exception on 
businesses and consumers. The final section includes updates on recent 
DNC-related enforcement actions, including recent cases against VoIP 
service providers, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/09/globex-telecom-associates-will-pay-21-million-settling-ftcs-first">Globex Telecom, Inc.</a>, and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/12/ftc-takes-action-against-second-voip-service-provider">Alcazar Networks, Inc.</a>

The
 DNC Registry currently has 244.3 million active registrations, an 
increase of more than 2.8 million from the previous fiscal year. 
According to the report, during FY 2021, 2,000 businesses and other 
entities paid nearly $13 million to access the Registry. More than 
12,000 entities subscribed to access the Registry, including 9,595 who 
registered for five or fewer area codes free of charge, and 512 entities
 (such as charitable organizations) claimed “exempt organization” status
 and received free access to the Registry. 

In FY 2020, 1,952 
entities paid Registry access fees totaling nearly $12.5 million. That 
year, 10,420 entities subscribed to Registry, including those who 
registered to access five or fewer area codes at no charge, and 556 
entities claimed “exempt organization” status and accessed the Registry 
without paying a fee.

The Commission also publishes an annual <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/11/ftc-releases-2021-do-not-call-registry-data-book-reports">Do Not Call Registry Data Book</a>
 that provides substantial detail on registration numbers and other 
statistical information about the Registry. Similar information is also 
available the FTC’s <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/federal.trade.commission#!/vizhome/ DoNotCallComplaints/Maps">Tableau public page(link is external)</a>, which is updated regularly and allows users to interact with the data to drill down to state or county data.

The Commission vote approving the report and its submission to Congress was 4-0.

The Federal Trade Commission works to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-competition">promote competition</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">stop deceptive and unfair business practices and scams</a>, and <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/">educate consumers</a>. Report fraud, scams, or bad business practices at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Get consumer advice at <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/">consumer.ftc.gov</a>. Also, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/social-media">follow the FTC on social media</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a>, and read the FTC’s <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe Federal Trade Commission<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/biennial-report-congress-under-do-not-call-registry-fee-extension-act-2007"> issued its biennial report to Congress</a>
 on the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry. The new report details the 
number of consumers – now totaling more than 244 million – who have 
placed their telephone numbers on the Registry over the past two years. 
It also states the FTC received more than five million <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/reports/national-do-not-call-registry-data-book-fiscal-year-2021/dnc_data_book_2021.pdf">Do Not Call complaints in fiscal year (FY) 2021</a>, with people overwhelmingly reporting these violations came via robocalls, as opposed to live telemarketing. Imposter
 scam and warranty protection scam calls led list of commonly reported 
call topics in FY 2021, followed by calls related to reducing debt and 
medical needs and prescriptions. Since the pandemic began, the FTC has 
received more than 18,000 COVID-related Do Not Call complaints, 
according to the report. In response to the consistently high number of 
complaints from the public about impersonator scams, the FTC recently 
launched a rulemaking initiative to combat <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/12/ftc-launches-rulemaking-combat-sharp-spike-impersonation-fraud">business and government impersonation fraud</a>.The
 report notes that the DNC Registry exists to provide consumers with a 
choice regarding whether or not to receive telemarketing calls. 
Accordingly, it is important that the FTC continue to work alongside the
 Federal Communications Commission to ensure that the Registry is 
effective and accessible for both consumers and telemarketers. As new 
technology provides new challenges, both agencies actively seek to 
address and confront them by, among other things, encouraging private 
industry, other government agencies, academia, and other interested 
parties to create and develop new strategies to help consumers avoid 
unwanted telemarketing calls.The report also includes the number 
of entities paying fees to access the Registry and the amount of the 
fees; the impact on the Registry of the five-year re-registration 
requirement (which was subsequently rescinded), new telecommunications 
technology, and number portability and abandoned telephone numbers; and 
the impact of the established business relationship exception on 
businesses and consumers. The final section includes updates on recent 
DNC-related enforcement actions, including recent cases against VoIP 
service providers, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/09/globex-telecom-associates-will-pay-21-million-settling-ftcs-first">Globex Telecom, Inc.</a>, and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/12/ftc-takes-action-against-second-voip-service-provider">Alcazar Networks, Inc.</a>Biennial Report DataThe
 DNC Registry currently has 244.3 million active registrations, an 
increase of more than 2.8 million from the previous fiscal year. 
According to the report, during FY 2021, 2,000 businesses and other 
entities paid nearly $13 million to access the Registry. More than 
12,000 entities subscribed to access the Registry, including 9,595 who 
registered for five or fewer area codes free of charge, and 512 entities
 (such as charitable organizations) claimed “exempt organization” status
 and received free access to the Registry. In FY 2020, 1,952 
entities paid Registry access fees totaling nearly $12.5 million. That 
year, 10,420 entities subscribed to Registry, including those who 
registered to access five or fewer area codes at no charge, and 556 
entities claimed “exempt organization” status and accessed the Registry 
without paying a fee.The Commission also publishes an annual <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/11/ftc-releases-2021-do-not-call-registry-data-book-reports">Do Not Call Registry Data Book</a>
 that provides substantial detail on registration numbers and other 
statistical information about the Registry. Similar information is also 
available the FTC’s <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/federal.trade.commission#!/vizhome/ DoNotCallComplaints/Maps">Tableau public page(link is external)</a>, which is updated regularly and allows users to interact with the data to drill down to state or county data.The Commission vote approving the report and its submission to Congress was 4-0.The Federal Trade Commission works to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-competition">promote competition</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">stop deceptive and unfair business practices and scams</a>, and <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/">educate consumers</a>. Report fraud, scams, or bad business practices at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Get consumer advice at <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/">consumer.ftc.gov</a>. Also, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/social-media">follow the FTC on social media</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a>, and read the FTC’s <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

FTC issues new report on Do Not Call Registry

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden urged concern but not alarm Tuesday as the U.S. set new records for daily reported COVID-19 cases and his administration struggled to ease concerns about testing shortages, school closures and other disruptions caused by the surging omicron variant.

Speaking ahead of a meeting with his COVID-19 response team at the White House, Biden looked both to convey his administration's urgency toward addressing the new variant and to convince wary Americans that the current surge bears little resemblance to the onset of the pandemic or last year's deadly winter. The president emphasized that vaccines, booster shots and therapeutic drugs have mitigated the danger for the overwhelming majority of Americans who are fully vaccinated.

“You can still get COVID, but it’s highly unlikely, very unlikely, that you’ll become seriously ill," Biden said of vaccinated people.

“There’s no excuse, there’s no excuse for anyone being unvaccinated," he added. "This continues to be a pandemic of the unvaccinated.”

Compared to last year, more Americans are employed, most kids are in classrooms, and instances of death and serious illness are down — precipitously so among the vaccinated.

Still, over the past several weeks Americans have seen dire warnings about hospitals reaching capacity amid staffing shortages, thousands of holiday flight cancellations in part because crews were ill or in quarantine, and intermittent reports of school closures because of the more-transmissible variant.

“I believe schools should remain open,” Biden said, adding that they have the funding needed for testing and other mitigation measures to stay open during the surge.

On Tuesday, Biden was set to announce that the U.S. is doubling its order for an anti-viral pill produced by Pfizer that was recently authorized by the FDA to prevent serious illness and death from COVID-19. That means 20 million doses, with the first 10 million pills to be delivered by June.

A senior administration official said that combined with other therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies and convalescent plasma, 4 million treatments that are effective against the omicron variant would be available by the end of January.

“They’re a game changer and have the potential to dramatically alter the impact of COVID-19, the impact it’s had on this country and our people,” Biden said of the pills.

Biden, though, is facing new pressure to ease a nationwide testing shortage, as people seek to determine if they or their family members have been infected with the variant. Long lines and chaotic scenes over the holidays marred the administration's image as having the pandemic in hand.

“On testing, I know this remains frustrating. Believe me it's frustrating to me, but we're making improvements,” Biden said.

In a reversal, the White House announced last month that it would make 500 million rapid antigen tests available free to requesting Americans, but it will be weeks, if not months, before those tests are widely available. The administration notes those tests are on top of existing supply of rapid tests and that even a small increase will help ease some of the shortages. Additionally, private insurers will be required to cover the cost of at-home tests starting later this month.

Test manufacturers have until Tuesday night to respond to the government's contract request, and the first awards are expected to be made this week. Meanwhile, the administration is still developing a system for Americans to order the tests as well as a means to ship them to peoples' homes.

“We’ll set up a free and easy system, including a new website to get these tests out to Americans,” COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients said last week. “We’re actively working to finalize that distribution mechanism, which includes a website where people will be able to order tests for free. And we’ll share more details in the weeks ahead -- days and weeks ahead.”

In a Monday letter, GOP Sens. Richard Burr and Roy Blunt, the top Republicans on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, pressed the Department of Health and Human Services for answers on how the administration was working to address nationwide testing shortages.

“With over $82.6 billion specifically appropriated for testing, and flexibility within the department to allocate additional funds from COVID-19 supplemental bills or annual appropriations if necessary, it is unclear to us why we are facing such dire circumstances now," they wrote. “It does not appear to be because of lack of funding, but a more fundamental lack of strategy and a failure to anticipate future testing needs by the administration.”

White House officials have noted that the spike in testing demand is driven not just by omicron, but by people seeking to travel safely during the holidays and return to school after, and that the shortages are global in nature.

“Turns out, Omicron is driving a spike in demand for testing...everywhere,” tweeted Ben Wakana, the deputy director of strategic communications &amp; engagement for the White House's COVID-19 response team, highlighting similar shortages in the U.K., Canada and Australia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641323717358.png" alt="“There’s no excuse, there’s no excuse for anyone being unvaccinated," he added. "This continues to be a pandemic of the unvaccinated.”" />
 <figcaption>“There’s no excuse, there’s no excuse for anyone being unvaccinated," he added. "This continues to be a pandemic of the unvaccinated.”</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden urged concern but not alarm Tuesday as the U.S. set new records for daily reported COVID-19 cases and his administration struggled to ease concerns about testing shortages, school closures and other disruptions caused by the surging omicron variant.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F226587086315586%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=58" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Speaking ahead of a meeting with his COVID-19 response team at the White House, Biden looked both to convey his administration's urgency toward addressing the new variant and to convince wary Americans that the current surge bears little resemblance to the onset of the pandemic or last year's deadly winter. The president emphasized that vaccines, booster shots and therapeutic drugs have mitigated the danger for the overwhelming majority of Americans who are fully vaccinated.“You can still get COVID, but it’s highly unlikely, very unlikely, that you’ll become seriously ill," Biden said of vaccinated people.“There’s no excuse, there’s no excuse for anyone being unvaccinated," he added. "This continues to be a pandemic of the unvaccinated.”Compared to last year, more Americans are employed, most kids are in classrooms, and instances of death and serious illness are down — precipitously so among the vaccinated.Still, over the past several weeks Americans have seen dire warnings about hospitals reaching capacity amid staffing shortages, thousands of holiday flight cancellations in part because crews were ill or in quarantine, and intermittent reports of school closures because of the more-transmissible variant.“I believe schools should remain open,” Biden said, adding that they have the funding needed for testing and other mitigation measures to stay open during the surge.On Tuesday, Biden was set to announce that the U.S. is doubling its order for an anti-viral pill produced by Pfizer that was recently authorized by the FDA to prevent serious illness and death from COVID-19. That means 20 million doses, with the first 10 million pills to be delivered by June.A senior administration official said that combined with other therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies and convalescent plasma, 4 million treatments that are effective against the omicron variant would be available by the end of January.“They’re a game changer and have the potential to dramatically alter the impact of COVID-19, the impact it’s had on this country and our people,” Biden said of the pills.Biden, though, is facing new pressure to ease a nationwide testing shortage, as people seek to determine if they or their family members have been infected with the variant. Long lines and chaotic scenes over the holidays marred the administration's image as having the pandemic in hand.“On testing, I know this remains frustrating. Believe me it's frustrating to me, but we're making improvements,” Biden said.In a reversal, the White House announced last month that it would make 500 million rapid antigen tests available free to requesting Americans, but it will be weeks, if not months, before those tests are widely available. The administration notes those tests are on top of existing supply of rapid tests and that even a small increase will help ease some of the shortages. Additionally, private insurers will be required to cover the cost of at-home tests starting later this month.Test manufacturers have until Tuesday night to respond to the government's contract request, and the first awards are expected to be made this week. Meanwhile, the administration is still developing a system for Americans to order the tests as well as a means to ship them to peoples' homes.“We’ll set up a free and easy system, including a new website to get these tests out to Americans,” COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients said last week. “We’re actively working to finalize that distribution mechanism, which includes a website where people will be able to order tests for free. And we’ll share more details in the weeks ahead -- days and weeks ahead.”In a Monday letter, GOP Sens. Richard Burr and Roy Blunt, the top Republicans on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, pressed the Department of Health and Human Services for answers on how the administration was working to address nationwide testing shortages.“With over $82.6 billion specifically appropriated for testing, and flexibility within the department to allocate additional funds from COVID-19 supplemental bills or annual appropriations if necessary, it is unclear to us why we are facing such dire circumstances now," they wrote. “It does not appear to be because of lack of funding, but a more fundamental lack of strategy and a failure to anticipate future testing needs by the administration.”White House officials have noted that the spike in testing demand is driven not just by omicron, but by people seeking to travel safely during the holidays and return to school after, and that the shortages are global in nature.“Turns out, Omicron is driving a spike in demand for testing...everywhere,” tweeted Ben Wakana, the deputy director of strategic communications &amp; engagement for the White House's COVID-19 response team, highlighting similar shortages in the U.K., Canada and Australia.

🎥 President Biden talks omicron surge, schools and antiviral pills

NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump has canceled a press conference he had planned to hold in Florida on the anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol by his supporters.

Trump said in a statement Tuesday evening that he would instead be discussing his grievances at a rally he has planned in Arizona later this month.

Trump had been expected to use the press conference to rail against the congressional committee investigating the events of Jan. 6, when a mob of his supporters violently stormed the Capitol in an effort to halt the peaceful transfer of power, and to repeat his lies about the 2020 election.

Trump continues to falsely insist the election was “stolen” and that the “real” insurrection was on Election Day, Nov. 3, 2020, the day Democrat Joe Biden won the votes that led to his 306-232 Electoral College victory. Federal and state election officials, Trump’s own attorney general and numerous judges — including some he appointed — have all said repeatedly that the election was fair and that there is no credible evidence of serious fraud.

“In light of the total bias and dishonesty of the January 6th Unselect Committee of Democrats, two failed Republicans, and the Fake News Media, I am canceling the January 6th Press Conference at Mar-a-Lago on Thursday, and instead will discuss many of those important topics at my rally on Saturday, January 15th, in Arizona,” Trump wrote.

Trump, whom one ally said had soured on the event because he felt it would not be covered fairly, had faced pressure to cancel from some who thought it was ill-advised, especially in an election year. Republicans are hoping to win back control of the House and Senate in this fall’s midterm elections and some in the party fear the former president’s ongoing obsession with the 2020 election and efforts to defend the rioters could turn off voters the party needs to win.

Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Trump friend and ally, told the news outlet Axios that he had urged Trump to cancel, telling him over a round of golf in West Palm Beach this weekend that “there could be peril in doing a news conference. ... Best to focus on election reform instead.”

The event would have been Trump’s second press conference since leaving office. While he has been banned from Twitter and other social media outlets, he has appeared regularly on conservative news outlets and held numerous rallies and other events.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625581218114.png" alt="Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 in an attempt to stop Congress from certifying the results of the presidential election. -U.S. Department of Justice " />
 <figcaption>Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 in an attempt to stop Congress from certifying the results of the presidential election. -U.S. Department of Justice </figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump has canceled a press conference he had planned to hold in Florida on the anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol by his supporters.Trump said in a statement Tuesday evening that he would instead be discussing his grievances at a rally he has planned in Arizona later this month.Trump had been expected to use the press conference to rail against the congressional committee investigating the events of Jan. 6, when a mob of his supporters violently stormed the Capitol in an effort to halt the peaceful transfer of power, and to repeat his lies about the 2020 election.Trump continues to falsely insist the election was “stolen” and that the “real” insurrection was on Election Day, Nov. 3, 2020, the day Democrat Joe Biden won the votes that led to his 306-232 Electoral College victory. Federal and state election officials, Trump’s own attorney general and numerous judges — including some he appointed — have all said repeatedly that the election was fair and that there is no credible evidence of serious fraud.“In light of the total bias and dishonesty of the January 6th Unselect Committee of Democrats, two failed Republicans, and the Fake News Media, I am canceling the January 6th Press Conference at Mar-a-Lago on Thursday, and instead will discuss many of those important topics at my rally on Saturday, January 15th, in Arizona,” Trump wrote.Trump, whom one ally said had soured on the event because he felt it would not be covered fairly, had faced pressure to cancel from some who thought it was ill-advised, especially in an election year. Republicans are hoping to win back control of the House and Senate in this fall’s midterm elections and some in the party fear the former president’s ongoing obsession with the 2020 election and efforts to defend the rioters could turn off voters the party needs to win.Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Trump friend and ally, told the news outlet Axios that he had urged Trump to cancel, telling him over a round of golf in West Palm Beach this weekend that “there could be peril in doing a news conference. ... Best to focus on election reform instead.”The event would have been Trump’s second press conference since leaving office. While he has been banned from Twitter and other social media outlets, he has appeared regularly on conservative news outlets and held numerous rallies and other events.

Trump cancels press conference scheduled on anniversary of Capitol attack

Everyone loves a good deal, and scammers know it. Counterfeit coupons
 are popular way for scammers to steal your identity and money. Motives 
and methods vary, but phony coupons often mean serious losses for 
retailers, consumers, or both.

You come across a website, either through a web search or an ad on 
social media, for coupons from major retailers. Usually, fake coupons 
are worth much more than real ones, offering steep discounts like 80% 
off. By using brands’ official logos, it's nearly impossible to tell if 
it’s fake or not.

In some cases, getting the “coupons” requires subscribing to a coupon
 service and paying a monthly membership fee. Once you sign up, the 
service promises to either send you digital coupons or paper coupons in 
the mail. You may never receive any coupons, or you might receive 
coupons that are fake. Plus, by signing up, you’ve handed over your 
personal details and possibly your credit card information to a 
dishonest stranger.

You may also come across coupons that offer deals in exchange for 
sharing a link on social media. Don’t do it! The link leads to a 
third-party website where visitors enter personal information in 
exchange for the coupon. In most cases, after signing up, you never 
receive any coupons. Instead, you’ve given your personal details to 
scammers.

Learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/16758-bbb-tip-phishing-scams">phishing scams</a> to protect your personal information. Find other general tips at <a href="http://www.BBB.org/AvoidScams">BBB.org/AvoidScams</a>.

If you’ve spotted a coupon scam, report it. Share your experience at <a href="http://www.BBB.org/ScamTracker">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a> to help others recognize scams before it’s too late.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBEveryone loves a good deal, and scammers know it. Counterfeit coupons
 are popular way for scammers to steal your identity and money. Motives 
and methods vary, but phony coupons often mean serious losses for 
retailers, consumers, or both.<h2>How the scam works</h2>You come across a website, either through a web search or an ad on 
social media, for coupons from major retailers. Usually, fake coupons 
are worth much more than real ones, offering steep discounts like 80% 
off. By using brands’ official logos, it's nearly impossible to tell if 
it’s fake or not.In some cases, getting the “coupons” requires subscribing to a coupon
 service and paying a monthly membership fee. Once you sign up, the 
service promises to either send you digital coupons or paper coupons in 
the mail. You may never receive any coupons, or you might receive 
coupons that are fake. Plus, by signing up, you’ve handed over your 
personal details and possibly your credit card information to a 
dishonest stranger.You may also come across coupons that offer deals in exchange for 
sharing a link on social media. Don’t do it! The link leads to a 
third-party website where visitors enter personal information in 
exchange for the coupon. In most cases, after signing up, you never 
receive any coupons. Instead, you’ve given your personal details to 
scammers.<h2>How to avoid coupon scams </h2><ul>
 <li>Don’t fall for deals that are too good to be true. Be skeptical. If a coupon is valued near or above the retail price of an item, consider it a red flag. </li><li>Check the source of the coupon. If the coupon 
doesn’t come from a recognized coupon distributor, the manufacturer, or a
 specific store, be wary. If you aren’t sure about a coupon, visit the 
company’s website directly to look for the coupon on their official site
 or contact their customer service line to inquire. </li><li>Think before you click on links in emails. If you 
receive a coupon via email, hover your mouse over the link without 
clicking on it to see where it will take you. If the URL looks like a 
random assortment of letters and numbers, or if it is a shortened link 
that doesn’t reveal where it’s taking you, don’t click it. Only visit 
official websites to avoid downloading malware onto your computer. </li><li>Read coupons carefully. If a coupon doesn’t have an
 expiration date, if it looks photocopied, or if it contains spelling 
and grammar errors, you’re probably dealing with a fake. </li><li>Don’t trade personal information for perks. A real 
business will not ask for your personal information, such as your credit
 card number or bank account information, in exchange for a coupon or to
 enter a giveaway. Promotional offers that ask for personal information 
are usually scams. You shouldn’t have to pay to receive a coupon either. </li><li>Do a search for coupon scams. When in doubt, search
 the coupon offer along with the word “scam.” This will often bring up 
similar offers that are fake and can help you determine whether a coupon
 is real or not.</li>
 </ul><h2>For more information </h2>Learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/16758-bbb-tip-phishing-scams">phishing scams</a> to protect your personal information. Find other general tips at <a href="http://www.BBB.org/AvoidScams">BBB.org/AvoidScams</a>.If you’ve spotted a coupon scam, report it. Share your experience at <a href="http://www.BBB.org/ScamTracker">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a> to help others recognize scams before it’s too late.

Scam Alert: Watch out for fake coupons on social media

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge in Texas has granted a preliminary injunction stopping the Navy from acting against 35 sailors for refusing on religious grounds to comply with an order to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The injunction is a new challenge to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s decision to make vaccinations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-e08a6e68308b27ad7653ca9210d953dc">mandatory for all members of the military</a>. The vaccination requirement allows for exemptions on religious and other grounds, but none of the thousands of requests for religious waivers so far have been granted.

There was no indication that the order would affect service members beyond the 35 sailors who sued Austin and the Navy.

Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said officials are reviewing the injunction and are in discussion with the Department of Justice “as to what options might be available to us going forward.”

Well over 90% of the military has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including at least 98.5% of active and reserve members of the Navy. Austin asserts that vaccines are a valid and necessary medical requirement to protect service members and their families and ensure the combat readiness of the force.

In his decision Monday, U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor wrote that the Navy’s process for considering a sailor’s request for a religious exemption is flawed and amounts to “theater.”

O’Connor, who was appointed by President George W. Bush, wrote that the group of 35 sailors who sued the government in November and sought a preliminary injunction against the Navy have a right on religious and First Amendment grounds to refuse the vaccination order.

“The Navy servicemembers in this case seek to vindicate the very freedoms they have sacrificed so much to protect,” O’Connor wrote. “The COVID-19 pandemic provides the government no license to abrogate those freedoms. There is no COVID-19 exception to the First Amendment. There is no military exclusion from our Constitution.”

Without commenting on the case in Texas, Kirby last month defended the validity of the military service’s processes for considering religious exemptions.

“Each exemption asked for on religious grounds is evaluated by a chaplain, by a chain of command, by medical experts and is given quite a lot of thought, and they’re all decided case by case individually,” he said Dec. 21.

In his decision in favor of the injunction sought by the 35 Navy sailors, O’Connor wrote that they objected to being vaccinated on four grounds: “opposition to abortion and the use of aborted fetal cell lines in development of the vaccine; belief that modifying one’s body is an affront to the Creator; divine instruction not to receive the vaccine, and opposition to injecting trace amounts of animal cells into one’s body.”

“Plaintiffs’ beliefs about the vaccine are undisputedly sincere, and it is not the role of this court to determine their truthfulness or accuracy,” the judge wrote.

The injunction was first reported by The Washington Post.

The sailors who sued are members of the Naval Special Warfare Command, including SEALs. The suit was filed by First Liberty Institute, a nonprofit that focuses on defending religious liberty.

In the early stages of the pandemic, the Navy struggled with one particularly critical COVID-19 outbreak. Hundreds of sailors aboard the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-health-ap-top-news-international-news-politics-b2ca82bd3cb121ba8c013f98d00cbcb3">USS Theodore Roosevelt</a>&nbsp;aircraft carrier were infected, starting in late March while on a deployment to Vietnam and elsewhere in Asia. The ship was taken out of operation at Guam, its commanding officer was relieved of duty and the crisis led to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-mark-esper-international-news-virus-outbreak-806e7feb6749380553a3ae613871dbb4">resignation of acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly</a>.

Since then, the Navy and other services have managed to avoid major disruptions. In December, officials said about two dozen sailors on board the USS Milwaukee, or roughly 25% of the ship’s crew, had tested positive for COVID-19, keeping the vessel sidelined in port at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. On Monday, the Navy announced that the ship had returned to sea.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638310118543.png" alt="The injunction is a new challenge to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s decision to make vaccinations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-e08a6e68308b27ad7653ca9210d953dc">mandatory for all members of the military</a>-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>The injunction is a new challenge to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s decision to make vaccinations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-e08a6e68308b27ad7653ca9210d953dc">mandatory for all members of the military</a>-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge in Texas has granted a preliminary injunction stopping the Navy from acting against 35 sailors for refusing on religious grounds to comply with an order to get vaccinated against COVID-19.The injunction is a new challenge to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s decision to make vaccinations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-e08a6e68308b27ad7653ca9210d953dc">mandatory for all members of the military</a>. The vaccination requirement allows for exemptions on religious and other grounds, but none of the thousands of requests for religious waivers so far have been granted.There was no indication that the order would affect service members beyond the 35 sailors who sued Austin and the Navy.Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said officials are reviewing the injunction and are in discussion with the Department of Justice “as to what options might be available to us going forward.”Well over 90% of the military has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including at least 98.5% of active and reserve members of the Navy. Austin asserts that vaccines are a valid and necessary medical requirement to protect service members and their families and ensure the combat readiness of the force.In his decision Monday, U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor wrote that the Navy’s process for considering a sailor’s request for a religious exemption is flawed and amounts to “theater.”O’Connor, who was appointed by President George W. Bush, wrote that the group of 35 sailors who sued the government in November and sought a preliminary injunction against the Navy have a right on religious and First Amendment grounds to refuse the vaccination order.“The Navy servicemembers in this case seek to vindicate the very freedoms they have sacrificed so much to protect,” O’Connor wrote. “The COVID-19 pandemic provides the government no license to abrogate those freedoms. There is no COVID-19 exception to the First Amendment. There is no military exclusion from our Constitution.”Without commenting on the case in Texas, Kirby last month defended the validity of the military service’s processes for considering religious exemptions.“Each exemption asked for on religious grounds is evaluated by a chaplain, by a chain of command, by medical experts and is given quite a lot of thought, and they’re all decided case by case individually,” he said Dec. 21.In his decision in favor of the injunction sought by the 35 Navy sailors, O’Connor wrote that they objected to being vaccinated on four grounds: “opposition to abortion and the use of aborted fetal cell lines in development of the vaccine; belief that modifying one’s body is an affront to the Creator; divine instruction not to receive the vaccine, and opposition to injecting trace amounts of animal cells into one’s body.”“Plaintiffs’ beliefs about the vaccine are undisputedly sincere, and it is not the role of this court to determine their truthfulness or accuracy,” the judge wrote.The injunction was first reported by The Washington Post.The sailors who sued are members of the Naval Special Warfare Command, including SEALs. The suit was filed by First Liberty Institute, a nonprofit that focuses on defending religious liberty.In the early stages of the pandemic, the Navy struggled with one particularly critical COVID-19 outbreak. Hundreds of sailors aboard the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-health-ap-top-news-international-news-politics-b2ca82bd3cb121ba8c013f98d00cbcb3">USS Theodore Roosevelt</a>&nbsp;aircraft carrier were infected, starting in late March while on a deployment to Vietnam and elsewhere in Asia. The ship was taken out of operation at Guam, its commanding officer was relieved of duty and the crisis led to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-mark-esper-international-news-virus-outbreak-806e7feb6749380553a3ae613871dbb4">resignation of acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly</a>.Since then, the Navy and other services have managed to avoid major disruptions. In December, officials said about two dozen sailors on board the USS Milwaukee, or roughly 25% of the ship’s crew, had tested positive for COVID-19, keeping the vessel sidelined in port at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. On Monday, the Navy announced that the ship had returned to sea.___

Judge blocks Navy from acting against 35 COVID vaccine refusers

WASHINGTON (AP) — A record 4.5 million American workers quit their jobs in November, a sign of confidence and more evidence that the U.S. job market is bouncing back strongly from last year's coronavirus recession.

The Labor Department also reported Tuesday that employers posted 10.6 million job openings in November, down from 11.1 million in October but still high by historical standards.

Employers hired 6.7 million people in November, up from 6.5 million in October, the Labor Department reported Tuesday in its monthly Jobs Openings and Labor Turnover Survey.

The job market has bounced back from last year’s brief but intense coronavirus recession. When COVID hit, governments ordered lockdowns, consumers stayed home and many businesses closed or cut hours. Employers slashed more than 22 million jobs in March and April 2020, and the unemployment rate rocketed to 14.8%.

But massive government spending — and eventually the rollout of vaccines — brought the economy back. Employers have added 18.5 million jobs since April 2020, still leaving the U.S. still 3.9 million jobs short of what it had before the pandemic. The December jobs report, out Friday, is expected to show that the economy generated almost 393,000 more jobs this month, according to a survey by the data firm FactSet.

The unemployment rate has fallen to 4.2%, close to what economists consider full employment.

By PAUL WISEMAN, AP Economics WriterWASHINGTON (AP) — A record 4.5 million American workers quit their jobs in November, a sign of confidence and more evidence that the U.S. job market is bouncing back strongly from last year's coronavirus recession.The Labor Department also reported Tuesday that employers posted 10.6 million job openings in November, down from 11.1 million in October but still high by historical standards.Employers hired 6.7 million people in November, up from 6.5 million in October, the Labor Department reported Tuesday in its monthly Jobs Openings and Labor Turnover Survey.The job market has bounced back from last year’s brief but intense coronavirus recession. When COVID hit, governments ordered lockdowns, consumers stayed home and many businesses closed or cut hours. Employers slashed more than 22 million jobs in March and April 2020, and the unemployment rate rocketed to 14.8%.But massive government spending — and eventually the rollout of vaccines — brought the economy back. Employers have added 18.5 million jobs since April 2020, still leaving the U.S. still 3.9 million jobs short of what it had before the pandemic. The December jobs report, out Friday, is expected to show that the economy generated almost 393,000 more jobs this month, according to a survey by the data firm FactSet.The unemployment rate has fallen to 4.2%, close to what economists consider full employment.

A record 4.5 million Americans quit their jobs in November

BENNINGTON, Neb. (AP) — The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has identified a man killed in a crash last week in eastern Nebraska that injured three others. 

Officials said in a news release that 61-year-old Timothy Harris, of Washington County, died in the Thursday morning crash. 

Investigators believe Harris was behind the wheel of a speeding car that failed to stop at a stop sign near Bennington and crashed into a sport utility vehicle at the intersection. Officials say Harris' car rolled into a field, and he died at the scene.

 A 68-year-old woman driving the SUV and two children who were riding with her were taken to a hospital with injuries.

BENNINGTON, Neb. (AP) — The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has identified a man killed in a crash last week in eastern Nebraska that injured three others. Officials said in a news release that 61-year-old Timothy Harris, of Washington County, died in the Thursday morning crash. Investigators believe Harris was behind the wheel of a speeding car that failed to stop at a stop sign near Bennington and crashed into a sport utility vehicle at the intersection. Officials say Harris' car rolled into a field, and he died at the scene. A 68-year-old woman driving the SUV and two children who were riding with her were taken to a hospital with injuries.

Officials identify man killed in crash near Bennington

AT&amp;T and Verizon said Monday they will delay activating new 5G wireless service for two weeks following a request by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who cited the airline industry’s concern that the service could interfere with systems on planes.

The announcement reversed the companies’ decision just a day earlier to reject any postponement in new 5G service.

In a statement Monday night, AT&amp;T also repeated its promise to further reduce power of the networks around airports — an approach used in France — for six months to give regulators more time to study potential interference with aviation.

“We know aviation safety and 5G can co-exist and we are confident further collaboration and technical assessment will allay any issues,” AT&amp;T spokeswoman said in a statement.

A Verizon spokesman said the two-week delay would ensure “the certainty” of rolling out the new service later in January.

AT&amp;T and Verizon had planned to launch the new 5G service on Wednesday in many U.S. cities.

On Friday, Buttigieg and Stephen Dickson, head of the Federal Aviation Administration, asked the companies to delay their C-band 5G rollout for up to two weeks. They warned that without a delay, there would be “unacceptable disruption” to aviation because flights would be canceled or diverted to other cities to avoid potential risks to air safety.

The officials' warning followed a request by a major airline trade group to delay the 5G rollout. Airlines for America told the Federal Communications Commission that using C-band 5G near dozens of airports could interfere with devices that measure an airplane’s height above the ground. The group said it had raised the issue before but was given little attention by the FCC.

Other aviation groups also raised alarms. Joe DePete, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, said Monday night, “It’s clear that this irresponsible rollout of 5G wasn’t ready for takeoff.”

The conflict between telecommunications companies and airlines — and between the FCC and the FAA — involves a type of 5G service that relies on chunks of radio spectrum called C-Band, which wireless carriers spent billions of dollars to buy up last year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1570386938205.png" alt="Photo Kansas City International Airport" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City International Airport</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID KOENIG, AP Airlines WriterAT&amp;T and Verizon said Monday they will delay activating new 5G wireless service for two weeks following a request by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who cited the airline industry’s concern that the service could interfere with systems on planes.The announcement reversed the companies’ decision just a day earlier to reject any postponement in new 5G service.In a statement Monday night, AT&amp;T also repeated its promise to further reduce power of the networks around airports — an approach used in France — for six months to give regulators more time to study potential interference with aviation.“We know aviation safety and 5G can co-exist and we are confident further collaboration and technical assessment will allay any issues,” AT&amp;T spokeswoman said in a statement.A Verizon spokesman said the two-week delay would ensure “the certainty” of rolling out the new service later in January.AT&amp;T and Verizon had planned to launch the new 5G service on Wednesday in many U.S. cities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636567863880.png" alt="Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday, Buttigieg and Stephen Dickson, head of the Federal Aviation Administration, asked the companies to delay their C-band 5G rollout for up to two weeks. They warned that without a delay, there would be “unacceptable disruption” to aviation because flights would be canceled or diverted to other cities to avoid potential risks to air safety.The officials' warning followed a request by a major airline trade group to delay the 5G rollout. Airlines for America told the Federal Communications Commission that using C-band 5G near dozens of airports could interfere with devices that measure an airplane’s height above the ground. The group said it had raised the issue before but was given little attention by the FCC.Other aviation groups also raised alarms. Joe DePete, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, said Monday night, “It’s clear that this irresponsible rollout of 5G wasn’t ready for takeoff.”The conflict between telecommunications companies and airlines — and between the FCC and the FAA — involves a type of 5G service that relies on chunks of radio spectrum called C-Band, which wireless carriers spent billions of dollars to buy up last year.

AT&T, Verizon finally agree to delay new 5G service for 2 weeks

NEW YORK — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has signed off on two measures to increase access to additional doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine.

The CDC on Tuesday recommended shortening the recommended interval of time between when people who had an initial series of Pfizer vaccinations and when they receive a Pfizer booster shot, from six months to five months.

The agency has not changed the recommended booster interval for people who got other vaccines. The Johnson &amp; Johnson booster interval is two months and the Moderna vaccine can be given six months after initial doses.

The CDC also recommended that kids ages 5 to 11 with moderately or severely weakened immune systems receive an additional dose 28 days after their second Pfizer shot. Currently, only the Pfizer vaccine is recommended for that age group.

The CDC’s decisions followed moves by the Food and Drug Administration on Monday. The FDA also approved Pfizer booster shots for kids ages 12 to 15. The CDC has not announced a recommendation about that, but a CDC expert advisory committee is expected to take up the matter during a meeting Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634737506200.png" alt="Rochelle Walensky, CDC Director" />
 <figcaption>Rochelle Walensky, CDC Director</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has signed off on two measures to increase access to additional doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine.The CDC on Tuesday recommended shortening the recommended interval of time between when people who had an initial series of Pfizer vaccinations and when they receive a Pfizer booster shot, from six months to five months.The agency has not changed the recommended booster interval for people who got other vaccines. The Johnson &amp; Johnson booster interval is two months and the Moderna vaccine can be given six months after initial doses.The CDC also recommended that kids ages 5 to 11 with moderately or severely weakened immune systems receive an additional dose 28 days after their second Pfizer shot. Currently, only the Pfizer vaccine is recommended for that age group.The CDC’s decisions followed moves by the Food and Drug Administration on Monday. The FDA also approved Pfizer booster shots for kids ages 12 to 15. The CDC has not announced a recommendation about that, but a CDC expert advisory committee is expected to take up the matter during a meeting Wednesday.

CDC signs off on Pfizer extra dose measures for kids

If you have a smartphone purchased in
 the last few years, it almost certainly came with NFC capability. The 
technology allows users to effortlessly transfer money, share files and 
knock out a growing list of other tasks. But that data transfer can 
create vulnerabilities. BBB has tips on what NFCs can do and how to stay safe when using them.

NFC stands for <a href="https://nfc-forum.org/what-is-nfc/about-the-technology/" target="_blank">Near Field Communication</a>. It's
 a data transfer that only works within a very short physical range. 
We’re talking inches, not feet. Some forms of this technology require 
you to tap one device against another or wave them back and forth in 
close proximity.

NFC also stands for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Football_Conference" target="_blank">National Football Conference</a> and the <a href="https://www.nfc.usda.gov/" target="_blank">National Finance Center</a>, a branch of the USDA, but we’re not going to talk about those here. <a href="https://nfc-forum.org/what-is-nfc/about-the-technology/" target="_blank">Near Field Communication</a> capabilities have been around for years, but their use is becoming much more widespread.

NFCs are based on <a href="https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/electromagnetic-compatibility-emc/radio-frequency-identification-rfid" target="_blank">RFID (radio frequency identification)</a> technology, a process that uses radio frequencies to identify objects. Near Field Communication is high frequency RFID that makes it easy for one device to communicate with another.

Near Field Communication uses a 
series of protocols to make transactions easier and faster. People use 
them to make contactless payments, share digital content, connect one 
device with another and a list of other tasks that gets longer every 
day.&nbsp;

An NFC relies on proximity, so when 
users get close to a device they want to interact with, typically they 
receive a prompt asking for permission. They follow on-screen prompts 
from there. It’s convenient because it doesn’t involve downloading an 
app or signing up to get started.

When you activate some NFC 
technologies, they enable Bluetooth and use that to make your data 
transfer. That means you don’t have to fumble around with your phone to 
find Bluetooth settings, choose the device you want to pair, enter the 
key or code and so on.

Other NFC technologies enable Wi-Fi 
between two devices so they can “talk” back and forth. The big benefit 
here is that Wi-Fi direct has much greater bandwidth, so big files 
transfer faster.

New handheld devices become available all the time, so the compatible device list is constantly changing. <a href="https://www.nfcw.com/nfc-phones-list/" target="_blank">NFCWorld</a>
 maintains an exhaustive list of phones and tablets both available now 
and coming soon. But for most people, their mobile is already capable.

Android devices running 4.0 or later 
come with the ability to use NFTs for financial transactions. Phones 
with Android 4.4 or later allow users to exchange files and messages via
 NFC.&nbsp;

iPhone was a little later to jump on 
the bandwagon. However, if you have iPhone 6 or later, it supports Near 
Field Communications.

Are they just for financial transactions?&nbsp;

The possibilities and uses for near 
field communications are, for the most part, just limited by the 
imagination. Here are just a few things people can do with them already:

Simplified connectivity is great, and
 being able to exchange funds without having to dig into our wallets was
 becoming popular even before social distancing was a thing. Now it’s 
even more helpful because it means we don’t have to touch cash or 
transaction terminals. But every time a technology is widely adopted, 
hackers start focusing on how they can exploit it for unfair gain.

Near Field Communications and cyber security

Convenience is great, but if you’re 
like most people, you might recognize when data is just floating around,
 there’s a security risk, especially when technology is linked to your 
credit card or bank account. So how risky is NFC technology?&nbsp;

The good thing is, if you’re bumping 
your phone with a friend’s to share music or checking out with a trusted
 vendor, the security risk is fairly low because of the proximity 
requirement. Devices must be four centimeters or less apart, and during 
the split seconds the data transfer actually takes to occur, it would be
 hard for a hacker to get in there without you noticing.&nbsp;

It takes more than just a bump for a 
transaction to occur; both sending and receiving devices must be ready 
to accept the data transfer. It would be difficult for a hacker to brush
 against you in a crowd and wirelessly withdraw from your bank account. 
You’re not likely to collide with a stranger in the grocery store and 
accidentally send their phone all your personal information. But that 
doesn’t mean NFCs are without risk.

One problem happens when people lose 
their phones or have their device stolen. If a thief can unlock your 
device, or if you don’t secure it with a strong password, there’s 
nothing to stop him or her from waving it over a payment terminal or ATM
 to get your money.&nbsp;

NFC tags are also vulnerable to 
tampering. For example, users have tapped smart tags thinking they were 
about to access movie trailers or visit a vendor website, but instead 
had their personal information sent to a bad actor.&nbsp;

Keep your data safe by taking these precautions:

Have you heard about or experienced 
an NFC related scheme or fraud? You can help spread awareness and 
protect others when you report it to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker">BBB Scam Tracker</a>.

<a href="https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-serving-central-east-texas" target="_blank">BBB Serving Central East Texas contributed this article.&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBIf you have a smartphone purchased in
 the last few years, it almost certainly came with NFC capability. The 
technology allows users to effortlessly transfer money, share files and 
knock out a growing list of other tasks. But that data transfer can 
create vulnerabilities. BBB has tips on what NFCs can do and how to stay safe when using them.What exactly is NFC?NFC stands for <a href="https://nfc-forum.org/what-is-nfc/about-the-technology/" target="_blank">Near Field Communication</a>. It's
 a data transfer that only works within a very short physical range. 
We’re talking inches, not feet. Some forms of this technology require 
you to tap one device against another or wave them back and forth in 
close proximity.NFC also stands for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Football_Conference" target="_blank">National Football Conference</a> and the <a href="https://www.nfc.usda.gov/" target="_blank">National Finance Center</a>, a branch of the USDA, but we’re not going to talk about those here. <a href="https://nfc-forum.org/what-is-nfc/about-the-technology/" target="_blank">Near Field Communication</a> capabilities have been around for years, but their use is becoming much more widespread.NFCs are based on <a href="https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/electromagnetic-compatibility-emc/radio-frequency-identification-rfid" target="_blank">RFID (radio frequency identification)</a> technology, a process that uses radio frequencies to identify objects. Near Field Communication is high frequency RFID that makes it easy for one device to communicate with another.What does it do?Near Field Communication uses a 
series of protocols to make transactions easier and faster. People use 
them to make contactless payments, share digital content, connect one 
device with another and a list of other tasks that gets longer every 
day.&nbsp;How do they work?An NFC relies on proximity, so when 
users get close to a device they want to interact with, typically they 
receive a prompt asking for permission. They follow on-screen prompts 
from there. It’s convenient because it doesn’t involve downloading an 
app or signing up to get started.When you activate some NFC 
technologies, they enable Bluetooth and use that to make your data 
transfer. That means you don’t have to fumble around with your phone to 
find Bluetooth settings, choose the device you want to pair, enter the 
key or code and so on.Other NFC technologies enable Wi-Fi 
between two devices so they can “talk” back and forth. The big benefit 
here is that Wi-Fi direct has much greater bandwidth, so big files 
transfer faster.What smartphones come with NFC?New handheld devices become available all the time, so the compatible device list is constantly changing. <a href="https://www.nfcw.com/nfc-phones-list/" target="_blank">NFCWorld</a>
 maintains an exhaustive list of phones and tablets both available now 
and coming soon. But for most people, their mobile is already capable.Android devices running 4.0 or later 
come with the ability to use NFTs for financial transactions. Phones 
with Android 4.4 or later allow users to exchange files and messages via
 NFC.&nbsp;iPhone was a little later to jump on 
the bandwagon. However, if you have iPhone 6 or later, it supports Near 
Field Communications.Are they just for financial transactions?&nbsp;The possibilities and uses for near 
field communications are, for the most part, just limited by the 
imagination. Here are just a few things people can do with them already:<ul>
 <li>Open car doors</li><li>Share contact information</li><li>Share any link you program it to have</li><li>Make wireless payment using smartphones and tablets</li><li>Create an automatic Wi-Fi/Bluetooth pairing between phone and vehicle for hands-free driving</li><li>Pay for and receive access to public parking and transportation</li><li>Send photos or video between digital cameras, cell phones and media players</li><li>Allow shoppers to receive and redeem coupons</li><li>Prevent hard sleepers from turning off their alarm until they’re actually awake</li><li>Enable healthcare workers to monitor medications and track physical symptoms</li><li>Create interactive toys and games</li>
 </ul>Simplified connectivity is great, and
 being able to exchange funds without having to dig into our wallets was
 becoming popular even before social distancing was a thing. Now it’s 
even more helpful because it means we don’t have to touch cash or 
transaction terminals. But every time a technology is widely adopted, 
hackers start focusing on how they can exploit it for unfair gain.Near Field Communications and cyber securityConvenience is great, but if you’re 
like most people, you might recognize when data is just floating around,
 there’s a security risk, especially when technology is linked to your 
credit card or bank account. So how risky is NFC technology?&nbsp;The good thing is, if you’re bumping 
your phone with a friend’s to share music or checking out with a trusted
 vendor, the security risk is fairly low because of the proximity 
requirement. Devices must be four centimeters or less apart, and during 
the split seconds the data transfer actually takes to occur, it would be
 hard for a hacker to get in there without you noticing.&nbsp;It takes more than just a bump for a 
transaction to occur; both sending and receiving devices must be ready 
to accept the data transfer. It would be difficult for a hacker to brush
 against you in a crowd and wirelessly withdraw from your bank account. 
You’re not likely to collide with a stranger in the grocery store and 
accidentally send their phone all your personal information. But that 
doesn’t mean NFCs are without risk.One problem happens when people lose 
their phones or have their device stolen. If a thief can unlock your 
device, or if you don’t secure it with a strong password, there’s 
nothing to stop him or her from waving it over a payment terminal or ATM
 to get your money.&nbsp;NFC tags are also vulnerable to 
tampering. For example, users have tapped smart tags thinking they were 
about to access movie trailers or visit a vendor website, but instead 
had their personal information sent to a bad actor.&nbsp;7 NFC security tipsKeep your data safe by taking these precautions:<ul>
 <li>Password protect your mobile device</li><li>Enable two-factor authentication for all monetary transactions</li><li>Read data usage policies before you download apps to make sure they protect your privacy</li><li>Update installed apps regularly</li><li>Turn
 your NFC off when not in use (With Android devices this is under 
settings. With iPhone NFC is disabled within individual apps)</li><li>Update your device as required so you receive security patches and firmware updates</li><li>Only use Near Field Communications with vendors and individuals you know are trustworthy</li>
 </ul>Have you heard about or experienced 
an NFC related scheme or fraud? You can help spread awareness and 
protect others when you report it to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker">BBB Scam Tracker</a>.<a href="https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-serving-central-east-texas" target="_blank">BBB Serving Central East Texas contributed this article.&nbsp;</a>

Phone tip: What to know if you’re using NFCs (and you probably are)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress’ top doctor urged lawmakers on Monday to move to a “maximal telework posture,” citing surging numbers of COVID-19 cases at the Capitol that he said are mostly breakthrough infections of people already vaccinated.

The seven-day average rate of infection at the Capitol’s testing center has risen from less than 1% to more than 13%, Brian P. Monahan, the attending physician, wrote in a letter to congressional leaders obtained by The Associated Press.

Monahan said there has been “an unprecedented number of cases in the Capitol community affecting hundreds of individuals.” In what he said was limited sampling as of Dec. 15, about 61% of the cases were the new, highly contagious omicron variant while 38% were the delta variant.

While providing no figure, he said “most” of the cases are breakthroughs.

While such cases have not led to any deaths or hospitalizations among vaccinated lawmakers or congressional staff, he said even mild infections can lead to six to 12 months of “long COVID.” A “reasonable estimate” is that 6% to 10% of cases could end up that way, he added.

Monahan urged congressional offices to “reduce in-person meetings and in-office activities to the maximum extent possible.”

And he said wearing a properly fitted, medical grade KN95 or better mask is “a critical necessity unless the individual is alone in a closed office space or eating or drinking in a food service area.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641231882156.png" alt="A snowstorm closed the U.S. Capitol on Monday -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>A snowstorm closed the U.S. Capitol on Monday -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress’ top doctor urged lawmakers on Monday to move to a “maximal telework posture,” citing surging numbers of COVID-19 cases at the Capitol that he said are mostly breakthrough infections of people already vaccinated.The seven-day average rate of infection at the Capitol’s testing center has risen from less than 1% to more than 13%, Brian P. Monahan, the attending physician, wrote in a letter to congressional leaders obtained by The Associated Press.Monahan said there has been “an unprecedented number of cases in the Capitol community affecting hundreds of individuals.” In what he said was limited sampling as of Dec. 15, about 61% of the cases were the new, highly contagious omicron variant while 38% were the delta variant.While providing no figure, he said “most” of the cases are breakthroughs.While such cases have not led to any deaths or hospitalizations among vaccinated lawmakers or congressional staff, he said even mild infections can lead to six to 12 months of “long COVID.” A “reasonable estimate” is that 6% to 10% of cases could end up that way, he added.Monahan urged congressional offices to “reduce in-person meetings and in-office activities to the maximum extent possible.”And he said wearing a properly fitted, medical grade KN95 or better mask is “a critical necessity unless the individual is alone in a closed office space or eating or drinking in a food service area.”

Doctor: COVID surge at U.S. Capitol among the vaccinated

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden met virtually with independent farmers and ranchers on Monday to discuss initiatives to reduce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-health-business-poland-f559465c6a822d12b2dd513f122d5a31">food prices</a>&nbsp;by increasing competition within the meat industry, part of a broader effort to show his administration is trying to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-business-richard-nixon-ae06d5cccf066239f9aa7f06491c7698">combat inflation</a>.

“Capitalism without competition isn’t capitalism — it’s exploitation,” Biden said.

Higher-than-expected inflation has thwarted Biden’s agenda, hurt his public approval rating, become fodder for Republican attacks and prompted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/manchin-rejects-biden-spending-bill-democrats-election-e7a0ca4c25c686e91cb21e166c44821b">Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.</a>, to cite higher prices as a reason to sideline the Democratic president’s tax, social and economic programs. In November, consumer prices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/latest-inflation-numbers-consumer-prices-616055db3bf67691b4fdc0015fc00783">rose 6.8%</a>&nbsp;over the prior 12 months — a 39-year high.

On food costs, Biden is building off a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/07/09/executive-order-on-promoting-competition-in-the-american-economy/" target="_blank">July executive order</a>&nbsp;that directed the Agriculture Department to more aggressively look at possible violations of the 1921 Packers and Stockyards Act, which was designed to ensure fair competition and protect consumers. Meat prices have climbed 16% from a year ago, with beef prices up 20.9%.

The president said the higher prices have been the subject of frustration at his own kitchen table. His wife, Jill, was talking on Sunday with her sister and a friend about a pound of hamburger meat costing $5 a pound, compared with less than $4 before the pandemic.

The administration is targeting meat processing plants, which can shape the prices paid to farmers and charged to consumers. The White House issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/01/03/fact-sheet-the-biden-harris-action-plan-for-a-fairer-more-competitive-and-more-resilient-meat-and-poultry-supply-chain/" target="_blank">fact sheet</a>&nbsp;saying that the top four companies control 85% of the beef market. In poultry, the biggest four processing firms control 54% of the market. And for pork, the figure is 70% for the four biggest firms.

Many industry groups are pushing back against the administration’s planned oversight of the food industry.

Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said the coronavirus and higher costs for energy and labor are driving meat prices higher, not the corporate structure of the industry.

Bradley said the administration is practicing politics instead of economics and “government intervention would likely further constrain supply and push prices even higher.”

Mike Brown, president of the National Chicken Council, said, “This looks like a solution in search of a problem.” He said the administration is using the food industry as a “scapegoat for the significant challenges facing our economy. ”

Biden outlined plans to distribute $1 billion from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-vote-coronavirus-relief-package-33f4902ca9a2aed4e76274af6bb2ea5c">coronavirus relief package</a>&nbsp;to help independent meat processors expand. He also highlighted money to train workers in the industry and improve conditions, as well as issue new rules for meatpackers and labeling requirements for being designated a “Product of USA.”

The Justice Department and the Agriculture Department will launch a joint effort to make it easier to report anti-competitive actions to the government. The administration will also seek to improve the transparency of the cattle market, with Biden saying, “A free market isn’t truly free without transparency around prices.”

The effort is part of a broader attempt to regain control of America’s economic narrative. Besides inflation, the repeated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-lifestyle-health-travel-80caac77e0cfed7e0e08cfa024ed3a9b">waves of coronavirus outbreak</a>&nbsp;have dampened people’s opinions about the economy despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-economy-gross-domestic-product-119b8182404771d0362da6d0d49891c0">strong growth</a>&nbsp;over the past year.

Biden will have an opportunity to highlight the economy’s strengths with the December jobs report being released Friday. Economists surveyed by FactSet expect that the United States added 362,000 jobs last month with the unemployment rate ticking down to 4.1%. Gains of that magnitude would indicate that the U.S. added roughly 6.5 million jobs last year, more than in any other previous year in a reflection of population growth and government spending.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641245951468.png" alt="The president said the higher prices have been the subject of frustration at his own kitchen table. His wife, Jill, was talking on Sunday with her sister and a friend about a pound of hamburger meat costing $5 a pound, compared with less than $4 before the pandemic-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>The president said the higher prices have been the subject of frustration at his own kitchen table. His wife, Jill, was talking on Sunday with her sister and a friend about a pound of hamburger meat costing $5 a pound, compared with less than $4 before the pandemic-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden met virtually with independent farmers and ranchers on Monday to discuss initiatives to reduce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-health-business-poland-f559465c6a822d12b2dd513f122d5a31">food prices</a>&nbsp;by increasing competition within the meat industry, part of a broader effort to show his administration is trying to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-business-richard-nixon-ae06d5cccf066239f9aa7f06491c7698">combat inflation</a>.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1615116315497364%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=70" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>“Capitalism without competition isn’t capitalism — it’s exploitation,” Biden said.Higher-than-expected inflation has thwarted Biden’s agenda, hurt his public approval rating, become fodder for Republican attacks and prompted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/manchin-rejects-biden-spending-bill-democrats-election-e7a0ca4c25c686e91cb21e166c44821b">Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.</a>, to cite higher prices as a reason to sideline the Democratic president’s tax, social and economic programs. In November, consumer prices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/latest-inflation-numbers-consumer-prices-616055db3bf67691b4fdc0015fc00783">rose 6.8%</a>&nbsp;over the prior 12 months — a 39-year high.On food costs, Biden is building off a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/07/09/executive-order-on-promoting-competition-in-the-american-economy/" target="_blank">July executive order</a>&nbsp;that directed the Agriculture Department to more aggressively look at possible violations of the 1921 Packers and Stockyards Act, which was designed to ensure fair competition and protect consumers. Meat prices have climbed 16% from a year ago, with beef prices up 20.9%.The president said the higher prices have been the subject of frustration at his own kitchen table. His wife, Jill, was talking on Sunday with her sister and a friend about a pound of hamburger meat costing $5 a pound, compared with less than $4 before the pandemic.The administration is targeting meat processing plants, which can shape the prices paid to farmers and charged to consumers. The White House issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/01/03/fact-sheet-the-biden-harris-action-plan-for-a-fairer-more-competitive-and-more-resilient-meat-and-poultry-supply-chain/" target="_blank">fact sheet</a>&nbsp;saying that the top four companies control 85% of the beef market. In poultry, the biggest four processing firms control 54% of the market. And for pork, the figure is 70% for the four biggest firms.Many industry groups are pushing back against the administration’s planned oversight of the food industry.Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said the coronavirus and higher costs for energy and labor are driving meat prices higher, not the corporate structure of the industry.Bradley said the administration is practicing politics instead of economics and “government intervention would likely further constrain supply and push prices even higher.”Mike Brown, president of the National Chicken Council, said, “This looks like a solution in search of a problem.” He said the administration is using the food industry as a “scapegoat for the significant challenges facing our economy. ”Biden outlined plans to distribute $1 billion from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-vote-coronavirus-relief-package-33f4902ca9a2aed4e76274af6bb2ea5c">coronavirus relief package</a>&nbsp;to help independent meat processors expand. He also highlighted money to train workers in the industry and improve conditions, as well as issue new rules for meatpackers and labeling requirements for being designated a “Product of USA.”The Justice Department and the Agriculture Department will launch a joint effort to make it easier to report anti-competitive actions to the government. The administration will also seek to improve the transparency of the cattle market, with Biden saying, “A free market isn’t truly free without transparency around prices.”The effort is part of a broader attempt to regain control of America’s economic narrative. Besides inflation, the repeated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-lifestyle-health-travel-80caac77e0cfed7e0e08cfa024ed3a9b">waves of coronavirus outbreak</a>&nbsp;have dampened people’s opinions about the economy despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-economy-gross-domestic-product-119b8182404771d0362da6d0d49891c0">strong growth</a>&nbsp;over the past year.Biden will have an opportunity to highlight the economy’s strengths with the December jobs report being released Friday. Economists surveyed by FactSet expect that the United States added 362,000 jobs last month with the unemployment rate ticking down to 4.1%. Gains of that magnitude would indicate that the U.S. added roughly 6.5 million jobs last year, more than in any other previous year in a reflection of population growth and government spending.___

🎥 Biden talks with farmers, ranchers on reducing food prices

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Lincoln Public Schools will again require masks when students return to classes this week. School officials said Monday the change was prompted by concern about possible staffing shortages and the spread of the omicron COVID-19 variant. 

Superintendent Steve Joel said the district is also hearing from staff who are fully vaccinated but tested positive for the virus during the holiday break. 

Under the new guidelines, everyone inside school district buildings or on school buses will be required to wear masks, including at athletic events, starting Tuesday. 

The district will review the requirement on Jan. 28 unless community conditions improve.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618287242300.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Lincoln Public Schools will again require masks when students return to classes this week. School officials said Monday the change was prompted by concern about possible staffing shortages and the spread of the omicron COVID-19 variant. Superintendent Steve Joel said the district is also hearing from staff who are fully vaccinated but tested positive for the virus during the holiday break. Under the new guidelines, everyone inside school district buildings or on school buses will be required to wear masks, including at athletic events, starting Tuesday. The district will review the requirement on Jan. 28 unless community conditions improve.

Lincoln Public Schools to return to mask mandates this week

BOSTON (AP) — When Wanda Olson’s son-in-law died in March after contracting COVID-19, she and her daughter had to grapple with more than just their sudden grief. They had to come up with money for a cremation.

Even without a funeral, the bill came to nearly $2,000, a hefty sum that Olson initially covered. She and her daughter then learned of a federal program that reimburses families up to $9,000 for funeral costs for loved ones who died of COVID-19.

Olson's daughter submitted an application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, received a deposit by June and was able to reimburse her mother the $1,974.

“Had this not been available, we would have been paying the money ourselves,” said Olson, 80, of Villa Rica, Georgia. “There wasn’t any red tape. This was a very easy, well-handled process.”

As of Dec. 6, about 226,000 people had shared in the nearly $1.5 billion that FEMA has spent on funeral costs that occurred after Jan. 20, 2020, the date of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S. With the nation's coronavirus death toll topping 800,000, it’s clear that many families who are eligible for reimbursement have yet to take advantage of the funeral benefit.

Her son-in-law was traveling a lot, working on air conditioning systems in theaters, restaurants and businesses, when he began feeling ill, Olson said. After a few days at home, he went to the hospital and was put on a ventilator. He died several weeks later.

BOSTON (AP) — When Wanda Olson’s son-in-law died in March after contracting COVID-19, she and her daughter had to grapple with more than just their sudden grief. They had to come up with money for a cremation.Even without a funeral, the bill came to nearly $2,000, a hefty sum that Olson initially covered. She and her daughter then learned of a federal program that reimburses families up to $9,000 for funeral costs for loved ones who died of COVID-19.Olson's daughter submitted an application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, received a deposit by June and was able to reimburse her mother the $1,974.“Had this not been available, we would have been paying the money ourselves,” said Olson, 80, of Villa Rica, Georgia. “There wasn’t any red tape. This was a very easy, well-handled process.”As of Dec. 6, about 226,000 people had shared in the nearly $1.5 billion that FEMA has spent on funeral costs that occurred after Jan. 20, 2020, the date of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S. With the nation's coronavirus death toll topping 800,000, it’s clear that many families who are eligible for reimbursement have yet to take advantage of the funeral benefit.Her son-in-law was traveling a lot, working on air conditioning systems in theaters, restaurants and businesses, when he began feeling ill, Olson said. After a few days at home, he went to the hospital and was put on a ventilator. He died several weeks later.“He could never overcome it,” she said.To be eligible for reimbursement, death certificates for those who died after May 16, 2020, must indicate that the death was attributed to COVID-19.For deaths that occurred in the early months of the pandemic — from Jan. 20 to May 16, 2020 — death certificates must be accompanied with a signed statement from a medical examiner, coroner or the certifying official listed on the certificate indicating that COVID-19 was the cause or a contributing cause of death.The percentage of individuals who have been reimbursed varies dramatically from state to state — from nearly 40% in North Carolina and Maryland to fewer than 15% in Idaho and Oregon, according to state-by-state data compiled by FEMA.While the reimbursement must go directly to individuals, some funeral directors have taken on the task of informing grieving families of the benefit.After the benefit was first announced, David Shipper, owner of the Sunset Funeral Home, Cremation Center &amp; Cemetery in Evansville, Indiana, took out ads to let people know that help was available if they qualified.“Nine thousand dollars — that’s a lot of money. We wanted to find a way to tell people about it,” he said. “We stopped advertising some time ago, but when we have a new family with a death from COVID, we tell them about the program.”Workers at the home will sit down with families, gather the needed paperwork, contact FEMA on the phone and help walk them through the process if they ask, he said.Many families may simply be unaware of the benefit, but others may opt against seeking the cash out of reluctance to revisit the pain of the death, Shipper said. He said the better time to seek the help is when planning the funeral.“They’re much more likely to take advantage right then than if they’ve already spent the money and don’t want to open it up again,” Shipper said.The largest states account for some of the biggest shares of the FEMA reimbursement money.The program has paid out more than 21,000 reimbursements in California and Texas, which have both reported more than 74,000 COVID-19 deaths. Residents applied for more than $141 million in each state.The fewest number of reimbursements have occurred in Vermont, where 123 people were awarded a total of about $704,000.Expenses covered under the FEMA program include funeral services, cremation and interment, as well as the costs for caskets or urns, burial plots or cremation niches, markers or headstones, transportation or transfer of remains, clergy or officiant services, and the use of funeral home equipment or staff.The program has been funded using federal stimulus funds, and money remains available. No online applications are allowed.After all required documents are received and verified, it typically takes fewer than 30 days to determine if an individual is eligible, according to FEMA. Once eligibility is confirmed, applicants who request direct deposit may receive the money in a matter of days. It may take longer for applicants who request a check.The reimbursement is one way of helping ease the emotional and financial burden that the pandemic has wreaked on communities across the country according to Ellen Wynn McBrayer, president of Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes &amp; Crematory in Villa Rica, Georgia.She recalled one woman who lost her mother, husband and one of her children to the disease in the span of six months. One of the workers at the funeral home also succumbed to the virus.“To have to help a grieving family is hard on a normal day, but to see so many deaths,” she said. “COVID has just broken a lot of hearts and taken a lot of lives.”