WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits plummeted last week to the lowest level in more than half a century, another sign that the U.S. job market is rebounding rapidly from last year's coronavirus recession. 

Jobless claims dropped by 71,000 to 199,000, the lowest since mid-November 1969. 

The drop was much bigger than economists expected. 

The four-week average of claims, which smooths out weekly ups and downs, also dropped — by 21,000 to just over 252,000, the lowest since mid-March 2020 when the pandemic slammed the economy. 

Seasonal adjustments around the Thanksgiving holiday contributed significantly to the bigger-than-expected drop.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits plummeted last week to the lowest level in more than half a century, another sign that the U.S. job market is rebounding rapidly from last year's coronavirus recession. Jobless claims dropped by 71,000 to 199,000, the lowest since mid-November 1969. The drop was much bigger than economists expected. The four-week average of claims, which smooths out weekly ups and downs, also dropped — by 21,000 to just over 252,000, the lowest since mid-March 2020 when the pandemic slammed the economy. Seasonal adjustments around the Thanksgiving holiday contributed significantly to the bigger-than-expected drop.

US jobless claims hit 52-year low after seasonal adjustments

By MATT PIKE <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Thanksgiving is drawing near and food safety is top of mind, not only for people preparing the meal, but also their pets.

Veterinarian
 Melanie Barnes with Friends of the Animal Shelter says that as you work
 to prepare your meal this holiday, as your pets wander around the 
kitchen, you should be sure to keep their safety in mind.

"Thanksgiving
 is coming up, and if your pets are around in the kitchen like mine are 
and yours are, just make sure we're keeping their health and safety top 
of mind," Barnes tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

Barnes says that salmonella can drastically affect your pets’ health.

"Making
 sure you're using good hand hygiene and washing your hands before 
turning around and petting your pet or giving love to your pet, or even 
giving them a treat," Barnes says.

Barnes adds one other big concern for pets along with salmonella is E coli.

Barnes
 says that Thanksgiving is filled with those fatty rich foods, like 
turkey and gravy, and while they aren't truly toxic to pets, they still 
could have negative effects. 

"Just the rich fatty foods, pets 
don't break down fatty acids like we do, both cats and dogs and other 
pets," Barnes explains.  "So that can yield to a lot of GI diseases, 
upset tummies, things like pancreatitis, which is inflammation of your 
pancreas," Barnes says.

Inflammation of the pancreas could not 
only be painful for the pet and cost you lots of money in treatment, in 
some cases it could also be deadly.

Some foods around your home may not be good for your pets, and others can be very toxic for them.  

Barnes
 says to be sure to do your own research to know what foods your animals
 can and cannot have, because you might be surprised by what foods that 
aren’t appropriate for pets.

"There are numerous ones that you 
think are not toxic to us, but grapes and raisins are probably one of 
the top ones that are probably in the house, especially if you have kids
 because kids love grapes mind you, and they're very easy to roll off of
 the plate, onto the floor," Barnes says.

Barnes also says as more
 people try to eat healthy and turn to sugar-free foods, but those foods
 are not safe for pets, because they contain Xylitol which is toxic to 
pets.

By MATT PIKE <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Thanksgiving is drawing near and food safety is top of mind, not only for people preparing the meal, but also their pets.Veterinarian
 Melanie Barnes with Friends of the Animal Shelter says that as you work
 to prepare your meal this holiday, as your pets wander around the 
kitchen, you should be sure to keep their safety in mind."Thanksgiving
 is coming up, and if your pets are around in the kitchen like mine are 
and yours are, just make sure we're keeping their health and safety top 
of mind," Barnes tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.Barnes says that salmonella can drastically affect your pets’ health."Making
 sure you're using good hand hygiene and washing your hands before 
turning around and petting your pet or giving love to your pet, or even 
giving them a treat," Barnes says.Barnes adds one other big concern for pets along with salmonella is E coli.Barnes
 says that Thanksgiving is filled with those fatty rich foods, like 
turkey and gravy, and while they aren't truly toxic to pets, they still 
could have negative effects. "Just the rich fatty foods, pets 
don't break down fatty acids like we do, both cats and dogs and other 
pets," Barnes explains. "So that can yield to a lot of GI diseases, 
upset tummies, things like pancreatitis, which is inflammation of your 
pancreas," Barnes says.Inflammation of the pancreas could not 
only be painful for the pet and cost you lots of money in treatment, in 
some cases it could also be deadly.Some foods around your home may not be good for your pets, and others can be very toxic for them. Barnes
 says to be sure to do your own research to know what foods your animals
 can and cannot have, because you might be surprised by what foods that 
aren’t appropriate for pets."There are numerous ones that you 
think are not toxic to us, but grapes and raisins are probably one of 
the top ones that are probably in the house, especially if you have kids
 because kids love grapes mind you, and they're very easy to roll off of
 the plate, onto the floor," Barnes says.Barnes also says as more
 people try to eat healthy and turn to sugar-free foods, but those foods
 are not safe for pets, because they contain Xylitol which is toxic to 
pets.Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Think about your pets as you prepare this year's Thanksgiving feast

<a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — That Thanksgiving meal is costing a lot more this 
year than last and it's not just the turkey that will cost more.

Thanks
 to inflation, nearly every ingredient in your holiday meal is more 
expensive, according to the American Farm Bureau's annual Thanksgiving 
dinner cost survey.

The average cost of this year’s classic 
Thanksgiving feast for 10 is more than $5 per person at $53.31. It's the
 most the Thanksgiving meal has cost in the survey's 36 years and is up 
14% from the $46.90 in 2020.&nbsp;

Last year's meal was the cheapest in
 more than a decade as families skipped large gatherings and opted for 
smaller meals amid the <a href="https://usatoday.com/news/coronavirus">pandemic</a>. But the price tag is also up 9% from a more normal-sized holiday meal in 2019.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — That Thanksgiving meal is costing a lot more this 
year than last and it's not just the turkey that will cost more.Thanks
 to inflation, nearly every ingredient in your holiday meal is more 
expensive, according to the American Farm Bureau's annual Thanksgiving 
dinner cost survey.The average cost of this year’s classic 
Thanksgiving feast for 10 is more than $5 per person at $53.31. It's the
 most the Thanksgiving meal has cost in the survey's 36 years and is up 
14% from the $46.90 in 2020.&nbsp;Last year's meal was the cheapest in
 more than a decade as families skipped large gatherings and opted for 
smaller meals amid the <a href="https://usatoday.com/news/coronavirus">pandemic</a>. But the price tag is also up 9% from a more normal-sized holiday meal in 2019.&nbsp;

Thanksgiving dinner cost jumps 14%

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Omaha City Council has given approval for plans to support the development of affordable housing and addressing climate change. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that City Council President Pete Festersen introduced the resolutions Tuesday and council members gave support to drafting the plans while identifying the two issues as top priorities. 

Festersen cited a recent study that found Omaha is 80,000 units short in affordable housing.

The city plans to allocate $20 million in American Rescue Plan funds, and Fetersen says that could be matched with $20 from donors. 

Council members voted 6-1 to approve the climate resolution. The city plans to seek public input on the development of a climate action plan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637764547514.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Omaha City Council has given approval for plans to support the development of affordable housing and addressing climate change. The Omaha World-Herald reports that City Council President Pete Festersen introduced the resolutions Tuesday and council members gave support to drafting the plans while identifying the two issues as top priorities. Festersen cited a recent study that found Omaha is 80,000 units short in affordable housing.The city plans to allocate $20 million in American Rescue Plan funds, and Fetersen says that could be matched with $20 from donors. Council members voted 6-1 to approve the climate resolution. The city plans to seek public input on the development of a climate action plan.

Omaha resolutions address housing, climate change

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska judge has sentenced a Lincoln man to as long as 60 years in prison for manslaughter. 

The Lincoln Journal Star reports Lancaster County District Judge Jodi Nelson on Tuesday sentenced 31-year-old Ryan Long to 49 to 60 years in prison. He could be eligible for parole after 27 years. 

A jury last month found Long guilty of manslaughter for fatally shooting Michael Whitemagpie in May 2020. Long was tried on a charge of first-degree murder, but the jury found that Long killed Whitemagpie without malice during a sudden quarrel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637764439288.png" alt="Long" />
 <figcaption>Long</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska judge has sentenced a Lincoln man to as long as 60 years in prison for manslaughter. The Lincoln Journal Star reports Lancaster County District Judge Jodi Nelson on Tuesday sentenced 31-year-old Ryan Long to 49 to 60 years in prison. He could be eligible for parole after 27 years. A jury last month found Long guilty of manslaughter for fatally shooting Michael Whitemagpie in May 2020. Long was tried on a charge of first-degree murder, but the jury found that Long killed Whitemagpie without malice during a sudden quarrel.

Nebraska man sentenced to up to 60 years for fatal shooting

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Kellogg’s plans to start hiring permanent replacements for some of its 1,400 striking cereal plant workers after negotiations broke down again. 

The Battle Creek, Michigan-based company said it failed to reach an agreement with the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union Monday, so it is moving forward with its contingency plan to keep its plants operating. 

The Kellogg’s workers have been on strike since Oct. 5, and now negotiations aren’t scheduled to resume until the week of Dec. 6. 

The strike includes four plants in Battle Creek; Omaha, Nebraska; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and Memphis, Tennessee, that make all of Kellogg’s brands of cereal,

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Kellogg’s plans to start hiring permanent replacements for some of its 1,400 striking cereal plant workers after negotiations broke down again. The Battle Creek, Michigan-based company said it failed to reach an agreement with the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union Monday, so it is moving forward with its contingency plan to keep its plants operating. The Kellogg’s workers have been on strike since Oct. 5, and now negotiations aren’t scheduled to resume until the week of Dec. 6. The strike includes four plants in Battle Creek; Omaha, Nebraska; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and Memphis, Tennessee, that make all of Kellogg’s brands of cereal,

Kellogg's to replace some striking workers after talks stall

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — One person is dead and two others are seriously injured after a pre-dawn crash in Omaha. 

The two-vehicle accident happened just before 3:30 a.m. Tuesday at 120th and Blondo streets. 

Police found newspapers scattered at the site and believe one of the vehicles was delivering the newspapers. Police say a northbound Buick LeSabre was struck by a westbound Toyota Camry. 

A passenger in the Buick, 37-year-old Jamie Novak of Prague, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The accident prompted a five-hour shutdown of the intersection.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — One person is dead and two others are seriously injured after a pre-dawn crash in Omaha. The two-vehicle accident happened just before 3:30 a.m. Tuesday at 120th and Blondo streets. Police found newspapers scattered at the site and believe one of the vehicles was delivering the newspapers. Police say a northbound Buick LeSabre was struck by a westbound Toyota Camry. A passenger in the Buick, 37-year-old Jamie Novak of Prague, was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident prompted a five-hour shutdown of the intersection.

1 dead, 2 injured in early-morning crash in Omaha

By RUSS BYNUM Associated Press

BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) — The jury is deliberating for a second day Wednesday&nbsp; in the trial of three white man charged with the killing of Ahmaud Arbery in coastal Georgia.&nbsp;

It spent about six hours deliberating Tuesday before adjourning without a verdict. Jurors are weighing murder charges against father and son Greg and Travis McMichael and their neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan. 

The McMichaels said they suspected Arbery was a burglar when they chased him past their home in February 2020. Bryan joined the chase and recorded cellphone video of Travis McMichael killing Arbery with a shotgun. Travis McMichael testified he fired in self defense.

By RUSS BYNUM Associated PressBRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) — The jury is deliberating for a second day Wednesday&nbsp; in the trial of three white man charged with the killing of Ahmaud Arbery in coastal Georgia.&nbsp;It spent about six hours deliberating Tuesday before adjourning without a verdict. Jurors are weighing murder charges against father and son Greg and Travis McMichael and their neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan. The McMichaels said they suspected Arbery was a burglar when they chased him past their home in February 2020. Bryan joined the chase and recorded cellphone video of Travis McMichael killing Arbery with a shotgun. Travis McMichael testified he fired in self defense.

Jury deliberations in Arbery death continue a 2nd day

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A 19-year-old man has been ordered to stand trial on first-degree murder for allegedly opening fire on two teenagers in Omaha, killing one of them. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that in addition to the murder charge, J’Maun Haynie of Papillion is charged with second-degree assault and two counts of use of a firearm to commit a felony. 

Homicide Detective Jordan Brandt testified at Monday’s hearing that Franco Vasquez was shot three times and was found dead on Sept. 12 inside a car. 

The other victim had been shot once through her back but survived. Both shooting victims were 18. Police believe the shooting was part of an attempt to steal marijuana.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637764028765.png" alt="Haynie" />
 <figcaption>Haynie</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A 19-year-old man has been ordered to stand trial on first-degree murder for allegedly opening fire on two teenagers in Omaha, killing one of them. The Omaha World-Herald reports that in addition to the murder charge, J’Maun Haynie of Papillion is charged with second-degree assault and two counts of use of a firearm to commit a felony. Homicide Detective Jordan Brandt testified at Monday’s hearing that Franco Vasquez was shot three times and was found dead on Sept. 12 inside a car. The other victim had been shot once through her back but survived. Both shooting victims were 18. Police believe the shooting was part of an attempt to steal marijuana.

Man ordered to stand trial in September killing in Omaha

By JOHN ANTCZAK Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) — NASA has launched a spacecraft on a mission to smash into an asteroid and test whether it would be possible to knock a speeding space rock off course if one were to threaten Earth. 

The spacecraft is called DART, for Double Asteroid Redirection Test. It lifted off from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base. If all goes well, in September 2022 it will slam head-on into Dimorphos, an asteroid 525 feet across, at 15,000 mph. 

The asteroid is no danger to Earth, just a good target for testing out the potentially planet-saving technology.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637763623579.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN ANTCZAK Associated PressLOS ANGELES (AP) — NASA has launched a spacecraft on a mission to smash into an asteroid and test whether it would be possible to knock a speeding space rock off course if one were to threaten Earth. The spacecraft is called DART, for Double Asteroid Redirection Test. It lifted off from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base. If all goes well, in September 2022 it will slam head-on into Dimorphos, an asteroid 525 feet across, at 15,000 mph. The asteroid is no danger to Earth, just a good target for testing out the potentially planet-saving technology.

NASA launches spacecraft to test asteroid defense concept

IRS online portal now available in Spanish

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service this week launched a new 
Spanish-language version of the Child Tax Credit Update Portal (CTC-UP).
 This tool is designed to help families quickly and easily make changes 
to the monthly Child Tax Credit payments they are receiving from the 
IRS.

Families who are already receiving monthly payments use the CTC-UP to
 update their accounts. Now, all the features that have only been 
available in English are also available in Spanish. Updates made by 
11:59 pm Eastern Time on Nov. 29 will be reflected in the last monthly 
payment for 2021, scheduled for Dec. 15.

Under the American Rescue Plan, most eligible families began 
receiving monthly payments starting in July. For these families, 
each&nbsp;payment is up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up 
to $250 per month for each child ages 6 through 17. Payments are based 
on returns filed for 2019 or 2020, including those who registered online
 with the IRS. 
&nbsp; 
Available only on IRS.gov, CTC-UP allows families to verify their eligibility for the payments and then, if they choose to:

Be sure to make any changes by 11:59 pm ET on Nov. 29. To access the portal, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>.

Families are typically receiving half of their total CTC in advance 
monthly payments during 2021. They can claim the rest of the credit when
 they file their 2021 federal income tax return next year. To help them 
do that, early in 2022, families will receive Letter 6419 documenting 
any advance payments issued to them during 2021 and the number of 
qualifying children used to calculate the advance payments.

Non-filers can get lump-sum next year; community partners can help

The IRS encourages partners and community groups to share information and use available <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">online tools</a>
 to help non-filers, low-income families and other underserved groups 
learn about the expanded Child Tax Credit. While it’s now too late to 
sign up for advance payments of the CTC during 2021, it’s not too late 
for eligible families to get the full benefit of the credit.

To do that, any eligible family who missed out on this year’s monthly
 payments can still get a lump-sum payment by filing a 2021 federal 
income tax return next year. This includes families who don’t normally 
need to file a return with the IRS.

Links to online tools, answers to frequently asked questions and other helpful resources are available on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS’ special advance CTC 2021 page</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>IRS online portal now available in Spanish</h2>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service this week launched a new 
Spanish-language version of the Child Tax Credit Update Portal (CTC-UP).
 This tool is designed to help families quickly and easily make changes 
to the monthly Child Tax Credit payments they are receiving from the 
IRS.Families who are already receiving monthly payments use the CTC-UP to
 update their accounts. Now, all the features that have only been 
available in English are also available in Spanish. Updates made by 
11:59 pm Eastern Time on Nov. 29 will be reflected in the last monthly 
payment for 2021, scheduled for Dec. 15.Under the American Rescue Plan, most eligible families began 
receiving monthly payments starting in July. For these families, 
each&nbsp;payment is up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up 
to $250 per month for each child ages 6 through 17. Payments are based 
on returns filed for 2019 or 2020, including those who registered online
 with the IRS. 
&nbsp; 
Available only on IRS.gov, CTC-UP allows families to verify their eligibility for the payments and then, if they choose to:<ul>
 <li>Switch from receiving a paper check to direct deposit;</li><li>Change the account where their payment is direct deposited;</li><li>Update their mailing address;</li><li>Stop monthly payments and</li><li>Reflect significant changes in their income that could potentially raise or lower their monthly payments.</li>
 </ul>Be sure to make any changes by 11:59 pm ET on Nov. 29. To access the portal, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>.Families are typically receiving half of their total CTC in advance 
monthly payments during 2021. They can claim the rest of the credit when
 they file their 2021 federal income tax return next year. To help them 
do that, early in 2022, families will receive Letter 6419 documenting 
any advance payments issued to them during 2021 and the number of 
qualifying children used to calculate the advance payments.<h2>Non-filers can get lump-sum next year; community partners can help</h2>The IRS encourages partners and community groups to share information and use available <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">online tools</a>
 to help non-filers, low-income families and other underserved groups 
learn about the expanded Child Tax Credit. While it’s now too late to 
sign up for advance payments of the CTC during 2021, it’s not too late 
for eligible families to get the full benefit of the credit.To do that, any eligible family who missed out on this year’s monthly
 payments can still get a lump-sum payment by filing a 2021 federal 
income tax return next year. This includes families who don’t normally 
need to file a return with the IRS.Links to online tools, answers to frequently asked questions and other helpful resources are available on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS’ special advance CTC 2021 page</a>.

Deadline looms for changes to Child Tax Credit payments

CLEVELAND (AP) — CVS, Walgreens and Walmart pharmacies recklessly distributed massive amounts of pain pills in two Ohio counties, a federal jury said Tuesday in a verdict that could set the tone for U.S. city and county governments that want to hold pharmacies accountable for their roles in the opioid crisis.

Lake and Trumbull counties blamed the three chain pharmacies for not stopping the flood of pills that caused hundreds of overdose deaths and cost each of the two counties about $1 billion, their attorney said.

How much the pharmacies must pay in damages will be decided in the spring by a federal judge.

It was the first time pharmacy companies had completed a trial to defend themselves in a drug crisis that has killed a half-million Americans over the past two decades.

The counties were able to convince the jury that the pharmacies played an outsized role in creating a public nuisance in the way they dispensed pain medication into their communities.

“The law requires pharmacies to be diligent in dealing drugs. This case should be a wake-up call that failure will not be accepted,” said Mark Lanier, an attorney for the counties.

“The jury sounded a bell that should be heard through all pharmacies in America,” Lanier said.

Attorneys for the three pharmacy chains maintained they had policies to stem the flow of pills when their pharmacists had any concerns and would notify authorities about suspicious orders from doctors. They also said it was the doctors who controlled how many pills were being prescribed for legitimate medical needs.

Spokespeople for CVSHealth and Walgreen Co. said the companies disagree with the verdict and will appeal.

“As plaintiffs’ own experts testified, many factors have contributed to the opioid abuse issue, and solving this problem will require involvement from all stakeholders in our health care system and all members of our community,” CVS spokesperson Mike DeAngelis said in a statement.

Walgreen spokesperson Fraser Engerman said the company believes the court erred “in allowing the case to go before a jury on a flawed legal theory that is inconsistent with Ohio law.”

“As we have said throughout this process, we never manufactured or marketed opioids nor did we distribute them to the ‘pill mills’ and internet pharmacies that fueled this crisis,” Engerman said in a statement. “The plaintiffs’ attempt to resolve the opioid crisis with an unprecedented expansion of public nuisance law is misguided and unsustainable.”

Two other chains — Rite Aid and Giant Eagle —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-ohio-lawsuits-cleveland-21762b10e14a24bf0c67a4da04bdf606">already had settled lawsuits</a>&nbsp;with the two Ohio counties.

Lanier said during the trial that the pharmacies were attempting to blame everyone but themselves.

The opioid crisis has overwhelmed courts, social services agencies and law enforcement in Ohio’s blue-collar corner east of Cleveland, leaving behind heartbroken families and babies born to addicted mothers, Lanier told jurors.

Roughly 80 million prescription painkillers were dispensed in Trumbull County alone between 2012 and 2016 — equivalent to 400 for every resident.

In Lake County, some 61 million pills were distributed during that period.

The rise in physicians prescribing pain medications such as oxycodone and hydrocodone came at a time when medical groups began recognizing that patients have the right to be treated for pain, Kaspar Stoffelmayr, an attorney for Walgreens, said at the opening of the trial.

The problem, he said, was that “pharmaceutical manufacturers tricked doctors into writing way too many pills.”

The counties said pharmacies should be the last line of defense to prevent the pills from getting into the wrong hands.

They didn’t hire enough pharmacists and technicians or train them to stop that from happening and failed to implement systems that could flag suspicious orders, Lanier said.

The trial before U.S. District Judge Dan Polster in Cleveland was part of a broader constellation of federal opioid lawsuits — about 3,000 in all — that have been consolidated under the judge’s supervision. Other cases are moving ahead in state courts.

Kevin Roy, chief public policy officer at Shatterproof, an organization that advocates for solutions to addiction, said the verdict could lead pharmacies to follow the path of major distribution companies and some drugmakers that have reached nationwide settlements of opioid cases worth billions.

So far, no pharmacy has reached a nationwide settlement.

“It’s a signal that the public, at least in select places, feels that there’s been exposure and needs to be remedied,” Roy said.

Roy noted that courts have not been consistent on whether public nuisance law applies to such cases. “There’s been a variety of different decisions lately that should give us reason to be cautious about what this really means in the grand scheme,” he said.

It was one of five trials so far this year in the U.S. to test claims brought by governments against parts of the drug industry over the toll of prescription painkillers.

Trials against drugmakers in New York and distribution companies in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-seattle-california-bob-ferguson-opioids-fceeba90ed62557712f5d389d6f29bbc">Washington state</a>&nbsp;are underway now. A trial of claims against distribution companies in West Virginia has wrapped up, but the judge has not yet given a verdict.

Earlier in November, a California judge ruled in favor of top drug manufacturers in a lawsuit with three counties and the city of Oakland. The judge said the governments hadn’t proven that the pharmaceutical companies used deceptive marketing to increase unnecessary opioid prescriptions and create a public nuisance.

Also in November, Oklahoma’s supreme court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-oklahoma-opioids-statutes-health-555d0e67459962416b251c8f15edd326">overturned a 2019 judgment</a>&nbsp;for $465 million in a suit brought by the state against drugmaker Johnson &amp; Johnson.

Other lawsuits have resulted in big settlements or proposed settlements before trials were completed.

The jury’s decision in Cleveland had little effect on the stock of CVS, Walgreens and Walmart. Shares of all three companies rose Tuesday. Shares of CVS and Walgreens are up by 36% and 19% this year, respectively.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580161711151.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CLEVELAND (AP) — CVS, Walgreens and Walmart pharmacies recklessly distributed massive amounts of pain pills in two Ohio counties, a federal jury said Tuesday in a verdict that could set the tone for U.S. city and county governments that want to hold pharmacies accountable for their roles in the opioid crisis.Lake and Trumbull counties blamed the three chain pharmacies for not stopping the flood of pills that caused hundreds of overdose deaths and cost each of the two counties about $1 billion, their attorney said.How much the pharmacies must pay in damages will be decided in the spring by a federal judge.It was the first time pharmacy companies had completed a trial to defend themselves in a drug crisis that has killed a half-million Americans over the past two decades.The counties were able to convince the jury that the pharmacies played an outsized role in creating a public nuisance in the way they dispensed pain medication into their communities.“The law requires pharmacies to be diligent in dealing drugs. This case should be a wake-up call that failure will not be accepted,” said Mark Lanier, an attorney for the counties.“The jury sounded a bell that should be heard through all pharmacies in America,” Lanier said.Attorneys for the three pharmacy chains maintained they had policies to stem the flow of pills when their pharmacists had any concerns and would notify authorities about suspicious orders from doctors. They also said it was the doctors who controlled how many pills were being prescribed for legitimate medical needs.Spokespeople for CVSHealth and Walgreen Co. said the companies disagree with the verdict and will appeal.“As plaintiffs’ own experts testified, many factors have contributed to the opioid abuse issue, and solving this problem will require involvement from all stakeholders in our health care system and all members of our community,” CVS spokesperson Mike DeAngelis said in a statement.Walgreen spokesperson Fraser Engerman said the company believes the court erred “in allowing the case to go before a jury on a flawed legal theory that is inconsistent with Ohio law.”“As we have said throughout this process, we never manufactured or marketed opioids nor did we distribute them to the ‘pill mills’ and internet pharmacies that fueled this crisis,” Engerman said in a statement. “The plaintiffs’ attempt to resolve the opioid crisis with an unprecedented expansion of public nuisance law is misguided and unsustainable.”Two other chains — Rite Aid and Giant Eagle —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-ohio-lawsuits-cleveland-21762b10e14a24bf0c67a4da04bdf606">already had settled lawsuits</a>&nbsp;with the two Ohio counties.Lanier said during the trial that the pharmacies were attempting to blame everyone but themselves.The opioid crisis has overwhelmed courts, social services agencies and law enforcement in Ohio’s blue-collar corner east of Cleveland, leaving behind heartbroken families and babies born to addicted mothers, Lanier told jurors.Roughly 80 million prescription painkillers were dispensed in Trumbull County alone between 2012 and 2016 — equivalent to 400 for every resident.In Lake County, some 61 million pills were distributed during that period.The rise in physicians prescribing pain medications such as oxycodone and hydrocodone came at a time when medical groups began recognizing that patients have the right to be treated for pain, Kaspar Stoffelmayr, an attorney for Walgreens, said at the opening of the trial.The problem, he said, was that “pharmaceutical manufacturers tricked doctors into writing way too many pills.”The counties said pharmacies should be the last line of defense to prevent the pills from getting into the wrong hands.They didn’t hire enough pharmacists and technicians or train them to stop that from happening and failed to implement systems that could flag suspicious orders, Lanier said.The trial before U.S. District Judge Dan Polster in Cleveland was part of a broader constellation of federal opioid lawsuits — about 3,000 in all — that have been consolidated under the judge’s supervision. Other cases are moving ahead in state courts.Kevin Roy, chief public policy officer at Shatterproof, an organization that advocates for solutions to addiction, said the verdict could lead pharmacies to follow the path of major distribution companies and some drugmakers that have reached nationwide settlements of opioid cases worth billions.So far, no pharmacy has reached a nationwide settlement.“It’s a signal that the public, at least in select places, feels that there’s been exposure and needs to be remedied,” Roy said.Roy noted that courts have not been consistent on whether public nuisance law applies to such cases. “There’s been a variety of different decisions lately that should give us reason to be cautious about what this really means in the grand scheme,” he said.It was one of five trials so far this year in the U.S. to test claims brought by governments against parts of the drug industry over the toll of prescription painkillers.Trials against drugmakers in New York and distribution companies in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-seattle-california-bob-ferguson-opioids-fceeba90ed62557712f5d389d6f29bbc">Washington state</a>&nbsp;are underway now. A trial of claims against distribution companies in West Virginia has wrapped up, but the judge has not yet given a verdict.Earlier in November, a California judge ruled in favor of top drug manufacturers in a lawsuit with three counties and the city of Oakland. The judge said the governments hadn’t proven that the pharmaceutical companies used deceptive marketing to increase unnecessary opioid prescriptions and create a public nuisance.Also in November, Oklahoma’s supreme court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-oklahoma-opioids-statutes-health-555d0e67459962416b251c8f15edd326">overturned a 2019 judgment</a>&nbsp;for $465 million in a suit brought by the state against drugmaker Johnson &amp; Johnson.Other lawsuits have resulted in big settlements or proposed settlements before trials were completed.The jury’s decision in Cleveland had little effect on the stock of CVS, Walgreens and Walmart. Shares of all three companies rose Tuesday. Shares of CVS and Walgreens are up by 36% and 19% this year, respectively.

Jury holds pharmacies responsible for role in opioid crisis

<a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a> is getting reports of a seasonal spin on <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20678-scam-alert-think-twice-before-buying-from-these-social-media-ads" target="_blank">social media ad scams</a>. This time, scammers are targeting holiday shoppers with themed advent calendars.

As you scroll through your social media feed, you come across a 
themed advent calendar that looks fun and unique. Judging by the 
comments on the post, many people have already purchased the item and 
love it. The post links you to a website where you can make your 
purchase. Everything looks normal and the price is reasonable, so you 
place an order. Your credit card is charged, but as the days turn into 
weeks, you start wondering if you’ll ever receive the calendar.&nbsp;

In most cases, your calendar never arrives because it never existed. One consumer told <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>:
 “I&nbsp;saw an ad on Facebook for a Healing Crystal Advent Calendar. I read 
the reviews below the ad and a lot of people were excited. The website 
looked professional, ordering was noneventful, and I received a 
confirmation email and tracking information.” Unfortunately, the 
calendar never arrived. “So I began some investigative work. What I 
found demonstrated to me that this was a fraudulent company. There were 
several Facebook posts and comments from people stating they were 
scammed.”&nbsp;

If you’re among the "lucky" few who do receive a product from a scam 
site, it could be a far cry from what you saw online. Another consumer 
had this experience: “I ordered 2 alcohol advent calendars (bourbon and 
whiskey) for $49.99 each. Each calendar was to contain 24 wax-sealed 
drams. They actually contained 4 empty plastic bottles and some small 
charms.” Victims who reached out to customer service to resolve the 
issue report receiving no answer. &nbsp;

Read more tips on <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20678-scam-alert-think-twice-before-buying-from-these-social-media-ads" target="_blank">social media ad scams</a>.

Avoid scams this holiday season by reading <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/holiday" target="_blank">BBB’s Holiday Tips</a>. You can find more tips by reading <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/14040-bbb-tip-smart-shopping-online" target="_blank">BBB’s tips for smart shopping online</a> and visiting <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/8767-bbb-tips-10-steps-to-avoid-scams" target="_blank">BBB.org/AvoidScams</a>.

If you’ve come across a social media scam recently, report it at <a href="http://www.BBB.org/ScamTracker">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>. Your report can help others spot a scam before it’s too late.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBB<a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a> is getting reports of a seasonal spin on <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20678-scam-alert-think-twice-before-buying-from-these-social-media-ads" target="_blank">social media ad scams</a>. This time, scammers are targeting holiday shoppers with themed advent calendars.<h2>How the Scam Works</h2>As you scroll through your social media feed, you come across a 
themed advent calendar that looks fun and unique. Judging by the 
comments on the post, many people have already purchased the item and 
love it. The post links you to a website where you can make your 
purchase. Everything looks normal and the price is reasonable, so you 
place an order. Your credit card is charged, but as the days turn into 
weeks, you start wondering if you’ll ever receive the calendar.&nbsp;In most cases, your calendar never arrives because it never existed. One consumer told <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>:
 “I&nbsp;saw an ad on Facebook for a Healing Crystal Advent Calendar. I read 
the reviews below the ad and a lot of people were excited. The website 
looked professional, ordering was noneventful, and I received a 
confirmation email and tracking information.” Unfortunately, the 
calendar never arrived. “So I began some investigative work. What I 
found demonstrated to me that this was a fraudulent company. There were 
several Facebook posts and comments from people stating they were 
scammed.”&nbsp;If you’re among the "lucky" few who do receive a product from a scam 
site, it could be a far cry from what you saw online. Another consumer 
had this experience: “I ordered 2 alcohol advent calendars (bourbon and 
whiskey) for $49.99 each. Each calendar was to contain 24 wax-sealed 
drams. They actually contained 4 empty plastic bottles and some small 
charms.” Victims who reached out to customer service to resolve the 
issue report receiving no answer. &nbsp; <h2>How to Avoid Social Media Ad Scams</h2><ul>
 <li>Research before you buy. It can be tempting to buy 
something on social media on a whim, especially if it isn’t too 
expensive, but resist the urge. Do a search for the business before you 
click “buy” to make sure they have a legitimate website and contact 
information. Even if the website has professional looking photos and 
good customer reviews, it could still be a fake. Check <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a> to see if others have been scammed by similar companies. </li><li>Don’t fall for deals that are too good to be true. If an ad promises an intricate advent calendar containing valuable gifts for an extremely low price, it probably is too good to be true. </li><li>Search for consumer complaints. Do an online search
 of the product and business names along with the words “complaints,” 
“scams,” or “reviews” and see what you come up with. If you find reports
 of others who were scammed or didn’t receive what they were promised, 
steer clear.</li>
 </ul><h2>For More Information</h2>Read more tips on <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20678-scam-alert-think-twice-before-buying-from-these-social-media-ads" target="_blank">social media ad scams</a>.Avoid scams this holiday season by reading <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/holiday" target="_blank">BBB’s Holiday Tips</a>. You can find more tips by reading <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/14040-bbb-tip-smart-shopping-online" target="_blank">BBB’s tips for smart shopping online</a> and visiting <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/8767-bbb-tips-10-steps-to-avoid-scams" target="_blank">BBB.org/AvoidScams</a>.If you’ve come across a social media scam recently, report it at <a href="http://www.BBB.org/ScamTracker">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>. Your report can help others spot a scam before it’s too late.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Watch out for social media advent calendar scams

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday ordered 50 million barrels of oil released from the strategic reserve to help bring down energy costs, in coordination with other major energy consuming nations, including China, India, and the United Kingdom.

The move is aimed at global energy markets, but also at voters who are coping with higher inflation and rising prices ahead of Thanksgiving and winter holiday travel. Gas prices are at about $3.40 a gallon, more than double their price a year ago, according to the American Automobile Association.

Biden has scrambled to reshape much of his economic agenda around the issue of inflation, saying that his recently passed $1 trillion infrastructure package will reduce price pressures by making it more efficient and cheaper to transport goods.

Republican lawmakers have criticized the administration for inflation hitting a 31-year high in October.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell tore into the administration over inflation in a floor speech last week, saying the victims of higher prices were middle class Americans.

“The three biggest drivers of the staggering 6.2% inflation rate we logged last month were housing, transportation, and food,” the Kentucky senator said. “Those aren’t luxuries, they’re essentials, and they take up a much bigger share of families’ budgets from the middle class on down.”

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is an emergency stockpile to preserve access to oil in case of natural disasters, national security issues and other events. Maintained by the Energy Department, the reserves are stored in caverns created in salt domes along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coasts. There are roughly 605 million barrels of sweet and sour petroleum in the reserve.

“As we come out of an unprecedented global economic shutdown, oil supply has not kept up with demand, forcing working families and businesses to pay the price,” Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in a statement. “This action underscores the president’s commitment to using the tools available to bring down costs for working families and to continue our economic recovery.”

The Biden administration has argued that the supply of oil has not kept pace with demand as the global economy emerged from the pandemic, and the reserve is the right tool to help ease the problem.

Americans used an average of 20.7 million barrels a day during September, according to the Energy Information Administration. That means that the release nearly equals about two-and-a-half days of additional supply.

The decision comes after weeks of diplomatic negotiations and the release will be taken in parallel with other nations. Japan and South Korea are also participating.

The U.S. Department of Energy will make the oil available from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in two ways; 32 million barrels will be released in the next few months and will return to the reserve in the years ahead, the White House said. Another 18 barrels will be part of a sale of oil that Congress had previously authorized.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Monday evening that the White House would also keep tabs on the oil companies, too.

“We will continue to press oil companies who have made record profits and are overseeing what we consider to be price gouging out there when there’s a supply of oil or the price of oil is coming down and the price of gas is not coming down,” Psaki said. “It does not take an economic expert to know that’s a problem.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637673559812.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday ordered 50 million barrels of oil released from the strategic reserve to help bring down energy costs, in coordination with other major energy consuming nations, including China, India, and the United Kingdom.The move is aimed at global energy markets, but also at voters who are coping with higher inflation and rising prices ahead of Thanksgiving and winter holiday travel. Gas prices are at about $3.40 a gallon, more than double their price a year ago, according to the American Automobile Association.Biden has scrambled to reshape much of his economic agenda around the issue of inflation, saying that his recently passed $1 trillion infrastructure package will reduce price pressures by making it more efficient and cheaper to transport goods.Republican lawmakers have criticized the administration for inflation hitting a 31-year high in October.Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell tore into the administration over inflation in a floor speech last week, saying the victims of higher prices were middle class Americans.“The three biggest drivers of the staggering 6.2% inflation rate we logged last month were housing, transportation, and food,” the Kentucky senator said. “Those aren’t luxuries, they’re essentials, and they take up a much bigger share of families’ budgets from the middle class on down.”The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is an emergency stockpile to preserve access to oil in case of natural disasters, national security issues and other events. Maintained by the Energy Department, the reserves are stored in caverns created in salt domes along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coasts. There are roughly 605 million barrels of sweet and sour petroleum in the reserve.“As we come out of an unprecedented global economic shutdown, oil supply has not kept up with demand, forcing working families and businesses to pay the price,” Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in a statement. “This action underscores the president’s commitment to using the tools available to bring down costs for working families and to continue our economic recovery.”The Biden administration has argued that the supply of oil has not kept pace with demand as the global economy emerged from the pandemic, and the reserve is the right tool to help ease the problem.Americans used an average of 20.7 million barrels a day during September, according to the Energy Information Administration. That means that the release nearly equals about two-and-a-half days of additional supply.The decision comes after weeks of diplomatic negotiations and the release will be taken in parallel with other nations. Japan and South Korea are also participating.The U.S. Department of Energy will make the oil available from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in two ways; 32 million barrels will be released in the next few months and will return to the reserve in the years ahead, the White House said. Another 18 barrels will be part of a sale of oil that Congress had previously authorized.White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Monday evening that the White House would also keep tabs on the oil companies, too.“We will continue to press oil companies who have made record profits and are overseeing what we consider to be price gouging out there when there’s a supply of oil or the price of oil is coming down and the price of gas is not coming down,” Psaki said. “It does not take an economic expert to know that’s a problem.”

US to release 50M barrels of oil from reserve to ease gas prices

WASHINGTON
 —&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service today announced that interest rates will
 remain the same for the calendar quarter beginning January 1, 2022. The
 rates will be:

Under the Internal Revenue Code, the rate of interest is 
determined on a quarterly basis. For taxpayers other than corporations, 
the overpayment and underpayment rate is the federal short-term rate 
plus 3 percentage points.

Generally, in the case of a corporation, the underpayment rate is the
 federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points and the overpayment 
rate is the federal short-term rate plus 2 percentage points. The rate 
for large corporate underpayments is the federal short-term rate plus 5 
percentage points. The rate on the portion of a corporate overpayment of
 tax exceeding $10,000 for a taxable period is the federal short-term 
rate plus one-half (0.5) of a percentage point.

The interest rates announced today are computed from the federal 
short-term rate determined during October 2021 to take effect November 
1, 2021, based on daily compounding.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rr-21-24.pdf">Revenue Ruling 2021-24</a>&nbsp;PDF, announcing the rates of interest, is attached and will appear in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2021-50, dated December 13, 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON
 —&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service today announced that interest rates will
 remain the same for the calendar quarter beginning January 1, 2022. The
 rates will be:<ul>
 <li>3% for overpayments (two (2) percent in the case of a corporation),</li><li>0.5% for the portion of a corporate overpayment exceeding $10,000,</li><li>3% for underpayments, and</li><li>5% for large corporate underpayments.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Under the Internal Revenue Code, the rate of interest is 
determined on a quarterly basis. For taxpayers other than corporations, 
the overpayment and underpayment rate is the federal short-term rate 
plus 3 percentage points.Generally, in the case of a corporation, the underpayment rate is the
 federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points and the overpayment 
rate is the federal short-term rate plus 2 percentage points. The rate 
for large corporate underpayments is the federal short-term rate plus 5 
percentage points. The rate on the portion of a corporate overpayment of
 tax exceeding $10,000 for a taxable period is the federal short-term 
rate plus one-half (0.5) of a percentage point.The interest rates announced today are computed from the federal 
short-term rate determined during October 2021 to take effect November 
1, 2021, based on daily compounding.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rr-21-24.pdf">Revenue Ruling 2021-24</a>&nbsp;PDF, announcing the rates of interest, is attached and will appear in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2021-50, dated December 13, 2021.

Interest rates remain the same for the first quarter of 2022

Today,
 the Federal Trade Commission released the National Do Not Call Registry
 Data Book for Fiscal Year 2021. The FTC’s National Do Not Call (DNC) 
Registry lets consumers add their phone number and choose not to receive
 most legal telemarketing calls. In the last fiscal year, nearly three 
million people signed up with the DNC Registry, bringing the total close
 to 245 million phone numbers. 

Now in its thirteenth year of publication, the Data
 Book also provides the most recent fiscal year information available on
 robocall complaints, the types of calls consumers reported to the FTC, 
and a complete state-by-state analysis. According to the Data Book, 
complaints about imposter calls again topped the list, with almost 
594,000 received during the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2021, 
including both live calls and robocalls. In such calls, imposters 
falsely pose as government representatives, such as the Social Security 
Administration or the IRS, legitimate business entities, or as people 
affiliated with them.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/DoNotCall/Infographic"></a>

According to the Data Book, at the end of FY 2021, the DNC Registry contained 244.3 million actively registered phone numbers, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/10/ftc-releases-fy-2020-national-do-not-call-registry-data-book">up from 241.5 million at the end of FY 2020</a>.
 The number of consumer complaints about unwanted telemarketing calls 
increased, from nearly four million in FY 2020 to over five million in 
FY 2021. Of those complaints, 68 percent concerned robocalls and 22 
percent were about live telemarketing.

In FY 2021, the Commission 
received 3.4 million complaints about robocalls, up from 2.8 million in 
FY 2020. The FY 2021 total is in line with previous years, following FY 
2020’s significant decline. For every month in the fiscal year, 
robocalls—defined under FTC regulations as calls delivering a 
prerecorded message—made up the majority of consumer complaints about 
DNC violations, with the most -- 347,000 -- coming in March of this 
year.

Again this year, imposters 
were the topic of the robocalls consumers reported the most, with more 
than 496,000 complaints received. Warranties and protection
 plans comprised the second-most commonly reported topic, with consumers
 filing more than 412,000 robocall complaints. Calls about supposed 
debt-reduction made up the third-most commonly reported topic, followed 
by complaints about medical and prescription issues, and computers and 
technical support.

With respect to state data, 
New Hampshire continues to top the nation in active DNC registrations 
per capita (94,642). The states reporting the most complaints per 
100,000 population changed in FY 2021: the top five states were Maryland
 (2,028 per 100K population), Delaware (1,982 per 100K population), 
Arizona (1,945 per 100K population), Colorado (1,943 per 100K 
population), and Virginia (1,939 per 100K population).

The underlying data in the report is publicly available at: <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/national-do-not-call-registry-data-book-fiscal-year-2021">https://www.ftc.gov/reports/national-do-not-call-registry-data-book-fiscal-year-2021</a>.

Information for consumers about the <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0108-national-do-not-call-registry">DNC Registry</a>, <a href="http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0198-telemarketing-sales-rule">company-specific DNC requests, and telemarketer caller ID requirements</a> can be found on the FTC’s website, and <a href="https://www.donotcall.gov/">consumers can sign up for the DNC Registry for free</a>. <a href="http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0025-robocalls">Other information about robocalls and what consumers can do about them</a> is also available. To report unwanted telemarketing calls, consumers can file a complaint at <a href="http://www.donotcall.gov/">www.donotcall.gov</a> or call 1-888-382-1222.

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>FTCToday,
 the Federal Trade Commission released the National Do Not Call Registry
 Data Book for Fiscal Year 2021. The FTC’s National Do Not Call (DNC) 
Registry lets consumers add their phone number and choose not to receive
 most legal telemarketing calls. In the last fiscal year, nearly three 
million people signed up with the DNC Registry, bringing the total close
 to 245 million phone numbers. Now in its thirteenth year of publication, the Data
 Book also provides the most recent fiscal year information available on
 robocall complaints, the types of calls consumers reported to the FTC, 
and a complete state-by-state analysis. According to the Data Book, 
complaints about imposter calls again topped the list, with almost 
594,000 received during the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2021, 
including both live calls and robocalls. In such calls, imposters 
falsely pose as government representatives, such as the Social Security 
Administration or the IRS, legitimate business entities, or as people 
affiliated with them.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/DoNotCall/Infographic"></a>FY 2021 Registration and Complaint DataAccording to the Data Book, at the end of FY 2021, the DNC Registry contained 244.3 million actively registered phone numbers, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/10/ftc-releases-fy-2020-national-do-not-call-registry-data-book">up from 241.5 million at the end of FY 2020</a>.
 The number of consumer complaints about unwanted telemarketing calls 
increased, from nearly four million in FY 2020 to over five million in 
FY 2021. Of those complaints, 68 percent concerned robocalls and 22 
percent were about live telemarketing.In FY 2021, the Commission 
received 3.4 million complaints about robocalls, up from 2.8 million in 
FY 2020. The FY 2021 total is in line with previous years, following FY 
2020’s significant decline. For every month in the fiscal year, 
robocalls—defined under FTC regulations as calls delivering a 
prerecorded message—made up the majority of consumer complaints about 
DNC violations, with the most -- 347,000 -- coming in March of this 
year.FY 2021 Data HighlightsAgain this year, imposters 
were the topic of the robocalls consumers reported the most, with more 
than 496,000 complaints received. Warranties and protection
 plans comprised the second-most commonly reported topic, with consumers
 filing more than 412,000 robocall complaints. Calls about supposed 
debt-reduction made up the third-most commonly reported topic, followed 
by complaints about medical and prescription issues, and computers and 
technical support.Registration and Complaint Data by StateWith respect to state data, 
New Hampshire continues to top the nation in active DNC registrations 
per capita (94,642). The states reporting the most complaints per 
100,000 population changed in FY 2021: the top five states were Maryland
 (2,028 per 100K population), Delaware (1,982 per 100K population), 
Arizona (1,945 per 100K population), Colorado (1,943 per 100K 
population), and Virginia (1,939 per 100K population).Underlying Data AvailabilityThe underlying data in the report is publicly available at: <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/national-do-not-call-registry-data-book-fiscal-year-2021">https://www.ftc.gov/reports/national-do-not-call-registry-data-book-fiscal-year-2021</a>.Information for ConsumersInformation for consumers about the <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0108-national-do-not-call-registry">DNC Registry</a>, <a href="http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0198-telemarketing-sales-rule">company-specific DNC requests, and telemarketer caller ID requirements</a> can be found on the FTC’s website, and <a href="https://www.donotcall.gov/">consumers can sign up for the DNC Registry for free</a>. <a href="http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0025-robocalls">Other information about robocalls and what consumers can do about them</a> is also available. To report unwanted telemarketing calls, consumers can file a complaint at <a href="http://www.donotcall.gov/">www.donotcall.gov</a> or call 1-888-382-1222.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>.

FTC: Registrations, complaints spike on Do Not Call registry book

WASHINGTON (AP) — More than 90% of federal workers received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Monday’s deadline set by President Joe Biden.

Biden announced in September that more than 3.5 million federal workers were required to undergo vaccination, with no with option to get regularly tested instead, unless they secured an approved medical or religious exemption. A U.S. official said the vast majority of federal workers are fully vaccinated, and that a smaller number have pending or approved exceptions to the mandate.

In all, more than 95% of federal workers are in compliance with the Biden mandate, the official said, either by being vaccinated or having requested an exemption. Workers who are not in compliance are set to begin a “counseling” process that could ultimately result in their termination if they don’t get a shot or secure an approved exception to vaccination.

The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the statistics because the official wasn’t authorized to speak on the record before their official release later Monday.

The deadline is a major test of Biden’s push to compel people across the country to get vaccinated, as his administration has emphasized that vaccination is the nation’s surest way out from the pandemic. Beyond the federal worker rule, his administration is looking to compel large businesses to institute vaccinate-or-testing requirements that would cover more than 84 million workers, though plans for January enforcement have been on hold pending litigation.

There was considerable concern over whether federal employees would follow the mandate, particularly in law enforcement and intelligence agencies where there was vocal resistance, and among federal workers involved in the travel sector heading into the busy holiday travel season

The White House says they don’t anticipate any federal disruptions from the mandate. At the Federal Aviation Administration, 99% of employees are in compliance with Biden’s order, at the Transportation Security Administration, 93% are in compliance, and 98% of Customs and Border Protection workers are in compliance.

The official said that on Wednesday the Office of Management and Budget would release a breakdown of agency compliance rates.

According to the official, nearly 25% of the Internal Revenue Service’s employees started getting vaccinated after Biden’s announcement, and 98% of its employees are now in compliance with the requirement.

Just about two weeks ago, several intelligence agencies had at least 20% of their workforce unvaccinated as of late October, said U.S. Rep. Chris Stewart, a Utah Republican who is a member of the House Intelligence Committee. Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association President Larry Cosme said around the same time that there are about 31,000 members from 65 federal law enforcement agencies in the association and he estimated 60% of them have been vaccinated.

The White House is now aiming to use the federal vaccination mandate as a model for private businesses to implement their own mandates even before litigation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s is resolved.

Since Biden announced the first federal mandates earlier this summer, the number of unvaccinated Americans aged 12 and over has dropped from about 100 million to under 60 million. Health officials emphasize that the overwhelming majority of instances of serious illness and death from COVID-19 now occur among those who haven’t received a vaccine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632773278988.png" alt="President Biden received his COVID booster earlier this month-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden received his COVID booster earlier this month-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — More than 90% of federal workers received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Monday’s deadline set by President Joe Biden.Biden announced in September that more than 3.5 million federal workers were required to undergo vaccination, with no with option to get regularly tested instead, unless they secured an approved medical or religious exemption. A U.S. official said the vast majority of federal workers are fully vaccinated, and that a smaller number have pending or approved exceptions to the mandate.In all, more than 95% of federal workers are in compliance with the Biden mandate, the official said, either by being vaccinated or having requested an exemption. Workers who are not in compliance are set to begin a “counseling” process that could ultimately result in their termination if they don’t get a shot or secure an approved exception to vaccination.The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the statistics because the official wasn’t authorized to speak on the record before their official release later Monday.The deadline is a major test of Biden’s push to compel people across the country to get vaccinated, as his administration has emphasized that vaccination is the nation’s surest way out from the pandemic. Beyond the federal worker rule, his administration is looking to compel large businesses to institute vaccinate-or-testing requirements that would cover more than 84 million workers, though plans for January enforcement have been on hold pending litigation.There was considerable concern over whether federal employees would follow the mandate, particularly in law enforcement and intelligence agencies where there was vocal resistance, and among federal workers involved in the travel sector heading into the busy holiday travel seasonThe White House says they don’t anticipate any federal disruptions from the mandate. At the Federal Aviation Administration, 99% of employees are in compliance with Biden’s order, at the Transportation Security Administration, 93% are in compliance, and 98% of Customs and Border Protection workers are in compliance.The official said that on Wednesday the Office of Management and Budget would release a breakdown of agency compliance rates.According to the official, nearly 25% of the Internal Revenue Service’s employees started getting vaccinated after Biden’s announcement, and 98% of its employees are now in compliance with the requirement.Just about two weeks ago, several intelligence agencies had at least 20% of their workforce unvaccinated as of late October, said U.S. Rep. Chris Stewart, a Utah Republican who is a member of the House Intelligence Committee. Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association President Larry Cosme said around the same time that there are about 31,000 members from 65 federal law enforcement agencies in the association and he estimated 60% of them have been vaccinated.The White House is now aiming to use the federal vaccination mandate as a model for private businesses to implement their own mandates even before litigation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s is resolved.Since Biden announced the first federal mandates earlier this summer, the number of unvaccinated Americans aged 12 and over has dropped from about 100 million to under 60 million. Health officials emphasize that the overwhelming majority of instances of serious illness and death from COVID-19 now occur among those who haven’t received a vaccine.—

Official: More than 90% of fed workers got shots by deadline

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — Police say the suspect in a deadly Christmas parade crash in suburban Milwaukee was in a domestic disturbance just minutes before he killed five people and injured 48. 

Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said Monday there is no evidence of terrorism in the event. He says police were preparing five charges of intentional homicide against Darrell Brooks, 39, of Milwaukee. 

Thompson identified those killed as four women including 71-year-old&nbsp; LeAnna Owen, 52-year-old&nbsp;Tamara Durand,  52-year-old&nbsp;Jane Kulich,  79-year-old Virginia Sorenson, and 81-year-old&nbsp;Wilhelm Hospel. The women were members of the “Dancing Grannies” club. One victim was an employee of Citizens Bank.

Police also asked for video footage of the suspect vehicle in the parade route or fleeing from the scene, and&nbsp; contact information here&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.gle%2FxVKV6n9JbwUNjwvC8%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR13auXRfLNUfRcHbQoUcYfn4B1IFUV4h1iT3Ie5Vqzunfas8jCnV9GjLRA&amp;h=AT28TAPqZPihnp52yENNCzSj5vQvCys-BgyykyIxvOnaI6tUuKTBGuHYZ7yHmjcd1srEmohI5OoLdBk9TKC7iYo7dm5osh5YNAs1hmFfSLIswdOk5iamYd-QhSMWXBvOzcI2VNQ&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1LbqzdggqSJeQqQG_iCkHYASPrRkKaFA51uDoKTxK7bUmKePuPW-Tog56U46qQ6Asf84vnlR7eyCP2a8mC5hDIqVFMfW5DCbVP6dbJq3UVccxQ6ji8JGlZTO7fmNEHGrpfd8Xgih3ot73LGrjd4LjQYn_q9wzNhsp9y1dW" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/xVKV6n9JbwUNjwvC8</a>. Police are looking for video that a person captured themselves – not video they saw on someone’s social media page.

Police were&nbsp; only looking for footage of the incident, not the aftermath of the event. We know that members of the community want to help out and help the victims. 

The Waukesha County Community Foundation, and United Way of Greater Milwaukee &amp; Waukesha County have joined together to create the “United for Waukesha Community Fund.” This fund will support the needs of the families impacted. You can donate at: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.waukeshafoundation.org%2Fparade%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR13auXRfLNUfRcHbQoUcYfn4B1IFUV4h1iT3Ie5Vqzunfas8jCnV9GjLRA&amp;h=AT0vPdb2ej3cTm6ebcFaexXTTLgibJPw_XgcStSi-Hceb6lez1ee6gFcTpi-DvnjJEvMzJjsxJf4sZFsptUIsXzl-wT1H1odLPQpIoEjAJiBH3bCajr7KcYXJQWtlckgB5WbqoI&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1LbqzdggqSJeQqQG_iCkHYASPrRkKaFA51uDoKTxK7bUmKePuPW-Tog56U46qQ6Asf84vnlR7eyCP2a8mC5hDIqVFMfW5DCbVP6dbJq3UVccxQ6ji8JGlZTO7fmNEHGrpfd8Xgih3ot73LGrjd4LjQYn_q9wzNhsp9y1dW" target="_blank">www.waukeshafoundation.org/parade</a>.

Many people witnessed traumatic events last evening. If you need to talk to someone, you can call or text 800-985-5990 to be connected to a trained, caring counselor - they are available 24/7. Please only call 911 for emergencies. There will be a Friends and Family Resource Center set up at Carroll University in the Campus Center ballroom for all the victims from 2pm-6pm on Tuesday and 9am-1pm on Wednesday. The District Attorney Victim Assistance Program is also available to assist. You can email help4victims@da.wi.gov

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — A person taken into custody after an SUV plowed into holiday parade in Wisconsin, killing at least five people, has been identified as 39-year-old Darrell Brooks.

Police haven’t yet identified the “person of interest” they are holding. But two law enforcement officials briefed on the matter provided the identification to The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

Online court records showed a person named Darrell Brooks, with an birthdate making him 39, has two open criminal cases in Milwaukee County. In one case, filed Nov. 5, he is charged with resisting or obstructing an officer, reckless homicide, disorderly conduct, bail jumping and battery. Records show $500 cash bond was posted Nov. 19.

In the other case, filed in July 2020, Brooks is charged with reckless endangering and illegal possession of a firearm.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP)— A joyous scene of marching bands and children dancing in Santa hats and waving pompoms turned deadly in an instant, as an SUV sped through barricades and into a Christmas parade in suburban Milwaukee, killing at least five people and injuring more than 40 others.

One video showed a woman screaming, “Oh my God!” repeatedly as a group of young dancers was struck Sunday. A father talked of going “from one crumpled body to the other” in search of his daughter. Members of a “Dancing Grannies” club were among those hit.

The city of Waukesha posted on its social media accounts late Sunday that it could confirm at least five died and more than 40 were injured, while noting that it was still collecting information. The city's statement also noted that many people took themselves to hospitals. The city did not release any additional information about those who died.

A “person of interest” was in custody, Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said, but he gave no details about the person or any possible motive. The investigation was ongoing, with assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

“What took place in Waukesha today is sickening, and I have every confidence that those responsible will be brought to justice,” Attorney General Josh Kaul, the state’s top law enforcement officer, tweeted.

The horror was recorded by the city’s livestream and onlookers' cellphones. One video shows the moment the SUV broke through the barricades and the sound of what appears to be several gunshots. Thompson said a Waukesha police officer fired his gun to try to stop the vehicle. No bystanders were injured by the gunfire, and Thompson said he did not know if the driver was struck by the officer’s bullets.

Another video shows a young child dancing in the street as the SUV speeds by, just a few feet from her, before it hurtles into parade participants a few hundred feet ahead. One video, of dancers with pompoms, ends with a group of people tending to a girl on the ground.

“There were pompoms and shoes and spilled hot chocolate everywhere. I had to go from one crumpled body to the other to find my daughter,” Corey Montiho, a Waukesha school district board member, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “My wife and two daughters were almost hit. Please pray for everybody. Please pray.”

The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies posted on its Facebook page that “members of the group and volunteers were impacted and we are waiting for word on their conditions.” The group’s profile describes them as a “group of grannies that meet once a week to practice routines for summer and winter parades.”

A Catholic priest, multiple parishioners and Waukesha Catholic schoolchildren were among those injured, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee spokeswoman Sandra Peterson said.

Chris Germain, co-owner of the Aspire Dance Center studio, had about 70 people in the parade ranging from as young as 2 being pulled in wagons to age 18. Germain, whose 3-year-old daughter was in the parade, said he was driving at the head of their entry when he saw a maroon SUV that “just blazed right past us.” A police officer ran past in chase. Germain said he jumped out of his own SUV and gathered the girls who were with him to safety.

Then he walked forward to see the damage.

“There were small children laying all over the road, there were police officers and EMTs doing CPR on multiple members of the parade,” he said.

Angelito Tenorio, a West Allis alderman who is running for Wisconsin state treasurer, said he was watching the parade with his family when they saw the SUV come speeding into the area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637579510864.png" alt="photo courtesy city of Waukesha&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy city of Waukesha&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — Police say the suspect in a deadly Christmas parade crash in suburban Milwaukee was in a domestic disturbance just minutes before he killed five people and injured 48. Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said Monday there is no evidence of terrorism in the event. He says police were preparing five charges of intentional homicide against Darrell Brooks, 39, of Milwaukee. Thompson identified those killed as four women including 71-year-old&nbsp; LeAnna Owen, 52-year-old&nbsp;Tamara Durand, 52-year-old&nbsp;Jane Kulich, 79-year-old Virginia Sorenson, and 81-year-old&nbsp;Wilhelm Hospel. The women were members of the “Dancing Grannies” club. One victim was an employee of Citizens Bank.Police also asked for video footage of the suspect vehicle in the parade route or fleeing from the scene, and&nbsp; contact information here&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.gle%2FxVKV6n9JbwUNjwvC8%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR13auXRfLNUfRcHbQoUcYfn4B1IFUV4h1iT3Ie5Vqzunfas8jCnV9GjLRA&amp;h=AT28TAPqZPihnp52yENNCzSj5vQvCys-BgyykyIxvOnaI6tUuKTBGuHYZ7yHmjcd1srEmohI5OoLdBk9TKC7iYo7dm5osh5YNAs1hmFfSLIswdOk5iamYd-QhSMWXBvOzcI2VNQ&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1LbqzdggqSJeQqQG_iCkHYASPrRkKaFA51uDoKTxK7bUmKePuPW-Tog56U46qQ6Asf84vnlR7eyCP2a8mC5hDIqVFMfW5DCbVP6dbJq3UVccxQ6ji8JGlZTO7fmNEHGrpfd8Xgih3ot73LGrjd4LjQYn_q9wzNhsp9y1dW" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/xVKV6n9JbwUNjwvC8</a>. Police are looking for video that a person captured themselves – not video they saw on someone’s social media page. Police were&nbsp; only looking for footage of the incident, not the aftermath of the event. We know that members of the community want to help out and help the victims. The Waukesha County Community Foundation, and United Way of Greater Milwaukee &amp; Waukesha County have joined together to create the “United for Waukesha Community Fund.” This fund will support the needs of the families impacted. You can donate at: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.waukeshafoundation.org%2Fparade%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR13auXRfLNUfRcHbQoUcYfn4B1IFUV4h1iT3Ie5Vqzunfas8jCnV9GjLRA&amp;h=AT0vPdb2ej3cTm6ebcFaexXTTLgibJPw_XgcStSi-Hceb6lez1ee6gFcTpi-DvnjJEvMzJjsxJf4sZFsptUIsXzl-wT1H1odLPQpIoEjAJiBH3bCajr7KcYXJQWtlckgB5WbqoI&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1LbqzdggqSJeQqQG_iCkHYASPrRkKaFA51uDoKTxK7bUmKePuPW-Tog56U46qQ6Asf84vnlR7eyCP2a8mC5hDIqVFMfW5DCbVP6dbJq3UVccxQ6ji8JGlZTO7fmNEHGrpfd8Xgih3ot73LGrjd4LjQYn_q9wzNhsp9y1dW" target="_blank">www.waukeshafoundation.org/parade</a>. Many people witnessed traumatic events last evening. If you need to talk to someone, you can call or text 800-985-5990 to be connected to a trained, caring counselor - they are available 24/7. Please only call 911 for emergencies. There will be a Friends and Family Resource Center set up at Carroll University in the Campus Center ballroom for all the victims from 2pm-6pm on Tuesday and 9am-1pm on Wednesday. The District Attorney Victim Assistance Program is also available to assist. You can email help4victims@da.wi.gov<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637624207281.png" alt="Brooks photo Waukesha Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Brooks photo Waukesha Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — A person taken into custody after an SUV plowed into holiday parade in Wisconsin, killing at least five people, has been identified as 39-year-old Darrell Brooks.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637581922928.png" alt="Darrell Brooks-photo Nevada Sex offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Darrell Brooks-photo Nevada Sex offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>Police haven’t yet identified the “person of interest” they are holding. But two law enforcement officials briefed on the matter provided the identification to The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.Online court records showed a person named Darrell Brooks, with an birthdate making him 39, has two open criminal cases in Milwaukee County. In one case, filed Nov. 5, he is charged with resisting or obstructing an officer, reckless homicide, disorderly conduct, bail jumping and battery. Records show $500 cash bond was posted Nov. 19.In the other case, filed in July 2020, Brooks is charged with reckless endangering and illegal possession of a firearm.-----------WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP)— A joyous scene of marching bands and children dancing in Santa hats and waving pompoms turned deadly in an instant, as an SUV sped through barricades and into a Christmas parade in suburban Milwaukee, killing at least five people and injuring more than 40 others.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637579510864.png" alt="Photo courtesy city of Waukesha, Wisconsin&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy city of Waukesha, Wisconsin&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>One video showed a woman screaming, “Oh my God!” repeatedly as a group of young dancers was struck Sunday. A father talked of going “from one crumpled body to the other” in search of his daughter. Members of a “Dancing Grannies” club were among those hit.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">At this time, we can confirm that 5 people are deceased and over 40 are injured. However, these numbers may change as we collect additional information. Many people have self-transported to area hospitals. The Police Department has the person of interest in custody.&mdash; cityofwaukesha (@CityofWaukesha) <a href="https://twitter.com/CityofWaukesha/status/1462659959544594433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The city of Waukesha posted on its social media accounts late Sunday that it could confirm at least five died and more than 40 were injured, while noting that it was still collecting information. The city's statement also noted that many people took themselves to hospitals. The city did not release any additional information about those who died.A “person of interest” was in custody, Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said, but he gave no details about the person or any possible motive. The investigation was ongoing, with assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Justice.“What took place in Waukesha today is sickening, and I have every confidence that those responsible will be brought to justice,” Attorney General Josh Kaul, the state’s top law enforcement officer, tweeted.The horror was recorded by the city’s livestream and onlookers' cellphones. One video shows the moment the SUV broke through the barricades and the sound of what appears to be several gunshots. Thompson said a Waukesha police officer fired his gun to try to stop the vehicle. No bystanders were injured by the gunfire, and Thompson said he did not know if the driver was struck by the officer’s bullets.Another video shows a young child dancing in the street as the SUV speeds by, just a few feet from her, before it hurtles into parade participants a few hundred feet ahead. One video, of dancers with pompoms, ends with a group of people tending to a girl on the ground.“There were pompoms and shoes and spilled hot chocolate everywhere. I had to go from one crumpled body to the other to find my daughter,” Corey Montiho, a Waukesha school district board member, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “My wife and two daughters were almost hit. Please pray for everybody. Please pray.”The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies posted on its Facebook page that “members of the group and volunteers were impacted and we are waiting for word on their conditions.” The group’s profile describes them as a “group of grannies that meet once a week to practice routines for summer and winter parades.”A Catholic priest, multiple parishioners and Waukesha Catholic schoolchildren were among those injured, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee spokeswoman Sandra Peterson said.Chris Germain, co-owner of the Aspire Dance Center studio, had about 70 people in the parade ranging from as young as 2 being pulled in wagons to age 18. Germain, whose 3-year-old daughter was in the parade, said he was driving at the head of their entry when he saw a maroon SUV that “just blazed right past us.” A police officer ran past in chase. Germain said he jumped out of his own SUV and gathered the girls who were with him to safety.Then he walked forward to see the damage.“There were small children laying all over the road, there were police officers and EMTs doing CPR on multiple members of the parade,” he said.Angelito Tenorio, a West Allis alderman who is running for Wisconsin state treasurer, said he was watching the parade with his family when they saw the SUV come speeding into the area.“Then we heard a loud bang,” Tenorio said. “And after that, we just heard deafening cries and screams from the crowd, from the people at the parade. And people started rushing, running away with tears in their eyes, crying.”The Waukesha school district canceled classes Monday and said in a notice on its website that extra counselors would be on hand for students and staff. The parade’s list of entries included cheer, dance and band entries associated with district schools.Gov. Tony Evers said he and his wife, Kathy, were “praying for Waukesha tonight and all the kids, families, and community members affected by this senseless act.”The parade, held each year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, is sponsored by the city’s Chamber of Commerce. This year’s, the 59th, had the theme of “comfort and joy.”Waukesha is a western suburb of Milwaukee, and about 55 miles north of Kenosha, where Kyle Rittenhouse was acquitted Friday of charges stemming from the shooting of three men during unrest in that city in August 2020.