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.

“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.

<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.

Police ID 5 who died in Christmas parade crash 

By Scott Edger Little Apple Post

RILEY COUNTY —Just before 8p.m. Sunday, Riley County Police arrested 38-year-old Kenneth Durell Dotson&nbsp;for multiple counts of stalking, protection order violations, and interference with a law enforcement officer.&nbsp;

Police say Dotson’s current arrest and charges&nbsp;stem from&nbsp;his&nbsp;October 12&nbsp;arrest&nbsp;in connection with a violent attack at&nbsp;a&nbsp;Dairy Queen&nbsp;in Manhattan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On October 12, the police arrested Dotson and Cornelius Lee Sisson,&nbsp;37,&nbsp;both of Manhattan,&nbsp;after they&nbsp;reportedly&nbsp;forced their way&nbsp;into the Dairy Queen&nbsp;at 1015 N. Third Street&nbsp;and chased a man and woman outside before assaulting them with a weapon.&nbsp;

Police arrested Dotson at his home at 12:14&nbsp;Saturday morning, October 12. He&nbsp;was charged&nbsp;with&nbsp;domestic battery, battery, aggravated assault, criminal damage to property, violation of a protection order and aggravated burglary.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At the time of the Sunday night incident, Dotson was free on a $50,000 bond posted October 20.&nbsp;Following his release, Dotson was issued a protection order banning&nbsp;contant&nbsp;with witnesses.&nbsp;

Authorities&nbsp;had recently&nbsp;taken&nbsp;multiple&nbsp;reports of Dotson stalking&nbsp;and contacting&nbsp;witnesses from the October 12&nbsp;attack. Dotson is scheduled for a December 7 hearing in&nbsp;Riley County District Court&nbsp;for the October 12 case.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632060646160.png" alt="Kenneth Dotson- from an earlier arrest in Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Kenneth Dotson- from an earlier arrest in Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Scott Edger Little Apple PostRILEY COUNTY —Just before 8p.m. Sunday, Riley County Police arrested 38-year-old Kenneth Durell Dotson&nbsp;for multiple counts of stalking, protection order violations, and interference with a law enforcement officer.&nbsp;Police say Dotson’s current arrest and charges&nbsp;stem from&nbsp;his&nbsp;October 12&nbsp;arrest&nbsp;in connection with a violent attack at&nbsp;a&nbsp;Dairy Queen&nbsp;in Manhattan.&nbsp;&nbsp;On October 12, the police arrested Dotson and Cornelius Lee Sisson,&nbsp;37,&nbsp;both of Manhattan,&nbsp;after they&nbsp;reportedly&nbsp;forced their way&nbsp;into the Dairy Queen&nbsp;at 1015 N. Third Street&nbsp;and chased a man and woman outside before assaulting them with a weapon.&nbsp;Police arrested Dotson at his home at 12:14&nbsp;Saturday morning, October 12. He&nbsp;was charged&nbsp;with&nbsp;domestic battery, battery, aggravated assault, criminal damage to property, violation of a protection order and aggravated burglary.&nbsp;&nbsp;At the time of the Sunday night incident, Dotson was free on a $50,000 bond posted October 20.&nbsp;Following his release, Dotson was issued a protection order banning&nbsp;contant&nbsp;with witnesses.&nbsp;Authorities&nbsp;had recently&nbsp;taken&nbsp;multiple&nbsp;reports of Dotson stalking&nbsp;and contacting&nbsp;witnesses from the October 12&nbsp;attack. Dotson is scheduled for a December 7 hearing in&nbsp;Riley County District Court&nbsp;for the October 12 case.&nbsp;

Police: Kan. man accused in attack jailed for stalking victims

<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>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.<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.

SUV driver ID'd in Christmas parade crash that killed 5

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A 49-year-old man from Omaha, Nebraska, is hospitalized in critical condition after being struck while crossing a road on the Truman Sports Complex property in Kansas City, Missouri, during a Chiefs game. 

Police say the man was struck by a Chrysler Sedan Sunday afternoon, about 25 minutes after the start of the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs. 

The driver stopped at the scene. Last month, 66-year-old Steven Hickle of Wichita, Kansas, was killed when he was struck by two hit-and-run drivers near Arrowhead Stadium. His death prompted a bicycle and pedestrian safety advocacy group to renew calls to make the area safer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637589620835.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the accident-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the accident-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A 49-year-old man from Omaha, Nebraska, is hospitalized in critical condition after being struck while crossing a road on the Truman Sports Complex property in Kansas City, Missouri, during a Chiefs game. Police say the man was struck by a Chrysler Sedan Sunday afternoon, about 25 minutes after the start of the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs. The driver stopped at the scene. Last month, 66-year-old Steven Hickle of Wichita, Kansas, was killed when he was struck by two hit-and-run drivers near Arrowhead Stadium. His death prompted a bicycle and pedestrian safety advocacy group to renew calls to make the area safer.

Nebraska man injured after being struck near Chiefs game

WASHINGTON — In an advisory issued today, the Office of Inspector General of the Federal Communications Commission alerted EBB providers, beneficiaries, and the public to improper and abusive EBB program enrollments made in connection with the USDA National School Lunch Program’s Community Eligibility Provision.      

Providers’ sales agents are enrolling households in the EBB program by falsely claiming the household includes a dependent child who attends a CEP school.  The Advisory provides examples where the number of EBB households enrolled based on CEP school participation vastly outnumber the students actually enrolled in those schools.  OIG reminds all EBB providers that they are required to implement policies and procedures for ensuring their EBB households are eligible for program support and they will be held liable for their agents’ rule violations.   

OIG notes that as of today, USAC has implemented some controls in response to concerns we shared with the Commission regarding this ongoing fraud. 

Inspector General David L. Hunt said, “Our office is committed to using every tool at our disposal to fight fraud, waste, and abuse in the EBB program.  Advisories such as this play an important role in alerting program stakeholders that we will scrutinize carefully compliance with all program rules to identify and deter fraudulent practices.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1569445831519.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FCCWASHINGTON — In an advisory issued today, the Office of Inspector General of the Federal Communications Commission alerted EBB providers, beneficiaries, and the public to improper and abusive EBB program enrollments made in connection with the USDA National School Lunch Program’s Community Eligibility Provision. Providers’ sales agents are enrolling households in the EBB program by falsely claiming the household includes a dependent child who attends a CEP school. The Advisory provides examples where the number of EBB households enrolled based on CEP school participation vastly outnumber the students actually enrolled in those schools. OIG reminds all EBB providers that they are required to implement policies and procedures for ensuring their EBB households are eligible for program support and they will be held liable for their agents’ rule violations. OIG notes that as of today, USAC has implemented some controls in response to concerns we shared with the Commission regarding this ongoing fraud. Inspector General David L. Hunt said, “Our office is committed to using every tool at our disposal to fight fraud, waste, and abuse in the EBB program. Advisories such as this play an important role in alerting program stakeholders that we will scrutinize carefully compliance with all program rules to identify and deter fraudulent practices.”Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Feds issue warning over school lunch program fraud

NEW YORK (AP) — Target will no longer open its stores on Thanksgiving Day, making permanent a shift to the unofficial start of the holiday season that was suspended during the pandemic. 

To limit crowds in stores, retailers last year were forced to turn what had become a weekend shopping blitz into an extended event with holiday sales beginning as early as October. That forced shift turned out to be a good move. 

U.S. holiday sales in November and December rose 8.2% from the previous year, and the National Retail Federation predicts that this year could shatter that record, growing between 8.5% and 10.5%.

NEW YORK (AP) — Target will no longer open its stores on Thanksgiving Day, making permanent a shift to the unofficial start of the holiday season that was suspended during the pandemic. To limit crowds in stores, retailers last year were forced to turn what had become a weekend shopping blitz into an extended event with holiday sales beginning as early as October. That forced shift turned out to be a good move. U.S. holiday sales in November and December rose 8.2% from the previous year, and the National Retail Federation predicts that this year could shatter that record, growing between 8.5% and 10.5%.

Target to keep stores closed on Thanksgiving for good

Planning to stay in a hotel soon? Scammers consider tourists and 
business travelers easy targets, so always stay aware and protect your 
personal information. Learn about hotel scams and stop the scammers from
 separating you from your cash.

Here are five common hotel scams to be aware of:

When making online hotel reservations, make certain the website is 
legitimate. A common tactic for scammers is to create look-alike web 
pages to lure consumers into providing credit card information.

The <a href="https://www.ahla.com/" target="_blank">American Hotel and Lodging Association</a> is a BBB National Partner. They provided some <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/14155-bbb-tip-booking-a-hotel-room" target="_blank">tips to follow before booking a hotel room</a>.

Make sure the menus left in the hotel room are authentic. Dining-in 
can be a tempting option, especially after a day of traveling or 
exploration, but you could end up ordering from a restaurant that 
doesn’t even exist. Scammers will distribute fake menus to rooms with 
phone numbers that connect the caller to them instead of the hotel or a 
real business. They will collect the caller's credit card information 
over the phone but never deliver food. Before deciding to order out, <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/ways-to-avoid-restaurant-scams-3259996" target="_blank">do some research</a> and make sure the business exists, and check their BBB rating. Confirm with the front desk for restaurant recommendations.

Hotel guests may receive a late night phone call from someone 
impersonating the front desk. The caller asks for credit card 
information claiming there’s a problem with the credit card on file. 
They may say it was declined, they need to re-verify payment information
 or that they lost all of the financial information and need to run an 
audit by a certain time. The scammer will offer to take your credit card
 information over the phone, so that you’re not inconvenienced. However,
 a real hotel staff member will never ask for your credit card 
information over the phone at odd hours of the night. They will always 
ask to settle up any charges at the front desk.

Always notify the hotel management of any calls of this nature.

When staying at a hotel, free internet access is often touted as a 
benefit of being a guest. However, this also provides scammers an “in." 
Wireless internet “skimming” targets travelers with the promise of free 
internet access. This usually appears in the common areas of the hotel. 
The connection is free to access but it’s not safe. Most of the time a 
hotel scam artist is controlling the connection through their computer, 
collecting all the data the traveler transmits - websites accessed, 
passwords used, credit card information, etc.

Before joining a network, make sure the Wi-Fi connection is secure 
and hosted through the hotel. Many secured connections require a 
two-step verification process. You can also consider using your 
cellphone provider network and use your phone as a hotspot -- just check
 the data useage allowed first.

When checking into a hotel, the front desk always asks for a credit 
or debit card to keep on file for incidentals. However, at check-out 
guests can decide to pay with another method, such as cash.

No matter what payment method is used, get a receipt. This provides a
 record of all charges during the stay, whether you use your original 
payment method or switch to cash. If there are any unexpected charges to
 the credit card on file, you'll have a record to dispute them.&nbsp;

The best way to prevent being scammed at checkout is to use the form 
of payment that you put on file when checking in. Consider using a 
credit card versus a debit card. If your number is compromised, using 
your debit card provides access to the checking account and a 
potentially challenging situation in correcting the situation with the 
bank.

If you encounter a scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker at <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/us" target="_blank">BBB.org/scamtracker</a>.

For more information and information on businesses you can trust, visit <a href="https://www.bbb.org/" target="_blank">BBB.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637598279914.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>BBBPlanning to stay in a hotel soon? Scammers consider tourists and 
business travelers easy targets, so always stay aware and protect your 
personal information. Learn about hotel scams and stop the scammers from
 separating you from your cash.Here are five common hotel scams to be aware of:<h2>Fake Website</h2>When making online hotel reservations, make certain the website is 
legitimate. A common tactic for scammers is to create look-alike web 
pages to lure consumers into providing credit card information.The <a href="https://www.ahla.com/" target="_blank">American Hotel and Lodging Association</a> is a BBB National Partner. They provided some <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/14155-bbb-tip-booking-a-hotel-room" target="_blank">tips to follow before booking a hotel room</a>.<h2>Fake Food Delivery</h2>Make sure the menus left in the hotel room are authentic. Dining-in 
can be a tempting option, especially after a day of traveling or 
exploration, but you could end up ordering from a restaurant that 
doesn’t even exist. Scammers will distribute fake menus to rooms with 
phone numbers that connect the caller to them instead of the hotel or a 
real business. They will collect the caller's credit card information 
over the phone but never deliver food. Before deciding to order out, <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/ways-to-avoid-restaurant-scams-3259996" target="_blank">do some research</a> and make sure the business exists, and check their BBB rating. Confirm with the front desk for restaurant recommendations.<h2>Fake Front Desk Calls</h2>Hotel guests may receive a late night phone call from someone 
impersonating the front desk. The caller asks for credit card 
information claiming there’s a problem with the credit card on file. 
They may say it was declined, they need to re-verify payment information
 or that they lost all of the financial information and need to run an 
audit by a certain time. The scammer will offer to take your credit card
 information over the phone, so that you’re not inconvenienced. However,
 a real hotel staff member will never ask for your credit card 
information over the phone at odd hours of the night. They will always 
ask to settle up any charges at the front desk.Always notify the hotel management of any calls of this nature.<h2>'Free' Wi-Fi Connections</h2>When staying at a hotel, free internet access is often touted as a 
benefit of being a guest. However, this also provides scammers an “in." 
Wireless internet “skimming” targets travelers with the promise of free 
internet access. This usually appears in the common areas of the hotel. 
The connection is free to access but it’s not safe. Most of the time a 
hotel scam artist is controlling the connection through their computer, 
collecting all the data the traveler transmits - websites accessed, 
passwords used, credit card information, etc.Before joining a network, make sure the Wi-Fi connection is secure 
and hosted through the hotel. Many secured connections require a 
two-step verification process. You can also consider using your 
cellphone provider network and use your phone as a hotspot -- just check
 the data useage allowed first.<h2>Checkout Scam</h2>When checking into a hotel, the front desk always asks for a credit 
or debit card to keep on file for incidentals. However, at check-out 
guests can decide to pay with another method, such as cash.No matter what payment method is used, get a receipt. This provides a
 record of all charges during the stay, whether you use your original 
payment method or switch to cash. If there are any unexpected charges to
 the credit card on file, you'll have a record to dispute them.&nbsp;The best way to prevent being scammed at checkout is to use the form 
of payment that you put on file when checking in. Consider using a 
credit card versus a debit card. If your number is compromised, using 
your debit card provides access to the checking account and a 
potentially challenging situation in correcting the situation with the 
bank.If you encounter a scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker at <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/us" target="_blank">BBB.org/scamtracker</a>.For more information and information on businesses you can trust, visit <a href="https://www.bbb.org/" target="_blank">BBB.org</a>.

Scam alert: Sleep easier by protecting yourself against hotel scams

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Kellogg Co. will reopen contract talks this week with its 1,400 cereal plant workers who have been on strike since Oct. 5. 

The Battle Creek, Michigan-based company said negotiations are scheduled to resume Monday with the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union that represents those workers. 

This week’s session will be the first time the two sides have met since the beginning of the month when they were unable to reach an agreement after two days of bargaining. 

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

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Kellogg Co. will reopen contract talks this week with its 1,400 cereal plant workers who have been on strike since Oct. 5. The Battle Creek, Michigan-based company said negotiations are scheduled to resume Monday with the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union that represents those workers. This week’s session will be the first time the two sides have met since the beginning of the month when they were unable to reach an agreement after two days of bargaining. The strike includes four plants in Battle Creek; Omaha, Nebraska; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and Memphis, Tennessee that make all of Kellogg’s brands of cereal, including Rice Krispies and Apple Jacks.

Kellogg's to restart talks with striking cereal workers

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A 20-year-old man died and another man was injured in a shooting outside an Omaha bar late Saturday night.

 Omaha Police said Demetrius Johnson of Omaha died at a hospital after the shooting at the DJ’s Dugout location on 114th Street just north of Dodge Street.

Christopher Grutel, 20, was wounded in his right foot during the shooting that was reported around 11:30 p.m. Saturday. Police said both men were taken by private vehicles to different Omaha hospitals. 

No details about what led to the shooting were released immediately on Sunday.

 Johnson’s death is the 27th homicide of the year in Omaha.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A 20-year-old man died and another man was injured in a shooting outside an Omaha bar late Saturday night. Omaha Police said Demetrius Johnson of Omaha died at a hospital after the shooting at the DJ’s Dugout location on 114th Street just north of Dodge Street.Christopher Grutel, 20, was wounded in his right foot during the shooting that was reported around 11:30 p.m. Saturday. Police said both men were taken by private vehicles to different Omaha hospitals. No details about what led to the shooting were released immediately on Sunday. Johnson’s death is the 27th homicide of the year in Omaha.

One man dead, one injured after Omaha bar shooting Saturday

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Two of 17 members of a missionary group who were kidnapped more than a month ago have been freed in Haiti and are safe, “in good spirits and being cared for,” their Ohio-based church organization announced Sunday.

Christian Aid Ministries issued a statement saying it could not give the names of those released, why they were freed or other information.

“While we rejoice at this release, our hearts are with the 15 people who are still being held,” the group said.

The spokesman for Haiti’s National Police, Gary Desrosiers, confirmed to The Associated Press that two hostages were released on Sunday.

The missionaries were kidnapped by the 400 Mawozo gang on Oct. 16. There are five children in the group of 16 U.S. citizens and one Canadian, including an 8-month-old. Their Haitian driver also was abducted, according to a local human rights organization.

The leader of the 400 Mawozo gang has threatened to kill the hostages unless his demands are met. Authorities have said the gang was demanding $1 million per person, although it wasn’t immediately clear that included the children in the group.

The release comes as Haiti struggles with a spike in gang-related violence and kidnappings, with the U.S. government recently urging U.S. citizens to leave Haiti amid deepening insecurity and a severe lack of fuel blamed on gangs blocking gas distribution terminals. On Friday, Canada announced it was pulling all but essential personnel from its embassy.

The fuel shortage has forced hospitals to turn away patients and paralyzed public transportation, with some schools closing and businesses shortening their work hours.

Haiti also is trying to recover from the July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moise and a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck in mid-August, killing more than 2,200 people and destroying tens of thousands of homes.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Two of 17 members of a missionary group who were kidnapped more than a month ago have been freed in Haiti and are safe, “in good spirits and being cared for,” their Ohio-based church organization announced Sunday.Christian Aid Ministries issued a statement saying it could not give the names of those released, why they were freed or other information.“While we rejoice at this release, our hearts are with the 15 people who are still being held,” the group said.The spokesman for Haiti’s National Police, Gary Desrosiers, confirmed to The Associated Press that two hostages were released on Sunday.The missionaries were kidnapped by the 400 Mawozo gang on Oct. 16. There are five children in the group of 16 U.S. citizens and one Canadian, including an 8-month-old. Their Haitian driver also was abducted, according to a local human rights organization.The leader of the 400 Mawozo gang has threatened to kill the hostages unless his demands are met. Authorities have said the gang was demanding $1 million per person, although it wasn’t immediately clear that included the children in the group.The release comes as Haiti struggles with a spike in gang-related violence and kidnappings, with the U.S. government recently urging U.S. citizens to leave Haiti amid deepening insecurity and a severe lack of fuel blamed on gangs blocking gas distribution terminals. On Friday, Canada announced it was pulling all but essential personnel from its embassy.The fuel shortage has forced hospitals to turn away patients and paralyzed public transportation, with some schools closing and businesses shortening their work hours.Haiti also is trying to recover from the July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moise and a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck in mid-August, killing more than 2,200 people and destroying tens of thousands of homes.

US missionaries say 2 of 17 abductees freed in Haiti

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland on Friday formally declared “squaw” a derogatory term and said she is taking steps to remove it from federal government use and to replace other derogatory place names.

Haaland is ordering a federal panel tasked with naming geographic places to implement procedures to eliminate what she called racist terms from federal use. The decision provides momentum to a movement that has included the dismantling of other historical markers and monuments considered offensive across the country.

“Our nation’s lands and waters should be places to celebrate the outdoors and our shared cultural heritage — not to perpetuate the legacies of oppression,” Haaland said in a statement. “Today’s actions will accelerate an important process to reconcile derogatory place names and mark a significant step in honoring the ancestors who have stewarded our lands since time immemorial.”

The first Native American to lead a Cabinet agency, Haaland is from Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico.

The U.S. Senate on Thursday confirmed Charles F. “Chuck” Sams III&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-travel-environment-and-nature-native-americans-parks-d438edd19ca0c7f5d980ad2b7f5aba28">as head of the National Park Service</a>, making him the first Native American to hold that position. Haaland previously said Sams, who is Cayuse and Walla Walla, of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon, would be an asset as the administration works to make national parks more accessible to everyone.

The Native American Rights Fund applauded Haaland’s move to address derogatory place names, saying action by the federal government is long overdue.

“Names that still use derogatory terms are an embarrassing legacy of this country’s colonialist and racist past,” said John Echohawk, the group’s executive director. “It is well past time for us, as a nation, to move forward, beyond these derogatory terms, and show Native people — and all people — equal respect.”

Environmentalists also praised the action, saying it marked a step toward reconciliation.

Under Haaland’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/elips/documents/so-3404-508.pdf" target="_blank">order</a>, a federal task force will find replacement names for geographic features on federal lands bearing the term “squaw,” which has been used as a slur, particularly for Indigenous women. A database maintained by the Board on Geographic Names shows there are more than 650 federal sites with names that contain the term.

The task force will be made up of representatives from federal land management agencies and experts with the Interior Department. Tribal consultation and public feedback will be part of the process.

The process for changing U.S. place names can take years, and federal officials said there are currently hundreds of proposed name changes pending before the board.

Haaland&nbsp;<a href="https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/elips/documents/so-3405-508.pdf" target="_blank">also called for the creation of an advisory committee</a>&nbsp;to solicit, review and recommend changes to other derogatory geographic and federal place names. That panel will be made up of tribal representatives and civil rights, anthropology and history experts.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Board on Geographic Names took action to eliminate the use of derogatory terms for Black and Japanese people.

The board also voted in 2008 to change the name of a prominent Phoenix mountain from Squaw Peak to Piestewa Peak to honor Army Spc. Lori Piestewa, the first Native American woman to die in combat while serving in the U.S. military.

In California, the Squaw Valley Ski Resort changed its name to Palisades Tahoe earlier this year. The resort is in Olympic Valley, which was known as Squaw Valley until it hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics. Tribes in the region had been asking the resort for a name change for decades.

Colorado’s advisory naming panel also has recommended renaming Squaw Mountain near Denver in honor of a Native American woman who acted as a translator for tribes and white settlers in the 19th century. Northern Cheyenne tribal members also filed an application with the federal naming board in October to change the mountain’s name.

There is also legislation pending in Congress to address derogatory names on geographic features on public lands. States from Oregon to Maine have passed laws prohibiting the use of the word “squaw” in place names.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614103644196.png" alt="Secretary Deb Haaland (Left) and Kansas 3rd District congresswoman Sharice Davids(Right)-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Secretary Deb Haaland (Left) and Kansas 3rd District congresswoman Sharice Davids(Right)-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland on Friday formally declared “squaw” a derogatory term and said she is taking steps to remove it from federal government use and to replace other derogatory place names.Haaland is ordering a federal panel tasked with naming geographic places to implement procedures to eliminate what she called racist terms from federal use. The decision provides momentum to a movement that has included the dismantling of other historical markers and monuments considered offensive across the country.“Our nation’s lands and waters should be places to celebrate the outdoors and our shared cultural heritage — not to perpetuate the legacies of oppression,” Haaland said in a statement. “Today’s actions will accelerate an important process to reconcile derogatory place names and mark a significant step in honoring the ancestors who have stewarded our lands since time immemorial.”The first Native American to lead a Cabinet agency, Haaland is from Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico.The U.S. Senate on Thursday confirmed Charles F. “Chuck” Sams III&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-travel-environment-and-nature-native-americans-parks-d438edd19ca0c7f5d980ad2b7f5aba28">as head of the National Park Service</a>, making him the first Native American to hold that position. Haaland previously said Sams, who is Cayuse and Walla Walla, of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon, would be an asset as the administration works to make national parks more accessible to everyone.The Native American Rights Fund applauded Haaland’s move to address derogatory place names, saying action by the federal government is long overdue.“Names that still use derogatory terms are an embarrassing legacy of this country’s colonialist and racist past,” said John Echohawk, the group’s executive director. “It is well past time for us, as a nation, to move forward, beyond these derogatory terms, and show Native people — and all people — equal respect.”Environmentalists also praised the action, saying it marked a step toward reconciliation.Under Haaland’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/elips/documents/so-3404-508.pdf" target="_blank">order</a>, a federal task force will find replacement names for geographic features on federal lands bearing the term “squaw,” which has been used as a slur, particularly for Indigenous women. A database maintained by the Board on Geographic Names shows there are more than 650 federal sites with names that contain the term.The task force will be made up of representatives from federal land management agencies and experts with the Interior Department. Tribal consultation and public feedback will be part of the process.The process for changing U.S. place names can take years, and federal officials said there are currently hundreds of proposed name changes pending before the board.Haaland&nbsp;<a href="https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/elips/documents/so-3405-508.pdf" target="_blank">also called for the creation of an advisory committee</a>&nbsp;to solicit, review and recommend changes to other derogatory geographic and federal place names. That panel will be made up of tribal representatives and civil rights, anthropology and history experts.In the 1960s and 1970s, the Board on Geographic Names took action to eliminate the use of derogatory terms for Black and Japanese people.The board also voted in 2008 to change the name of a prominent Phoenix mountain from Squaw Peak to Piestewa Peak to honor Army Spc. Lori Piestewa, the first Native American woman to die in combat while serving in the U.S. military.In California, the Squaw Valley Ski Resort changed its name to Palisades Tahoe earlier this year. The resort is in Olympic Valley, which was known as Squaw Valley until it hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics. Tribes in the region had been asking the resort for a name change for decades.Colorado’s advisory naming panel also has recommended renaming Squaw Mountain near Denver in honor of a Native American woman who acted as a translator for tribes and white settlers in the 19th century. Northern Cheyenne tribal members also filed an application with the federal naming board in October to change the mountain’s name.There is also legislation pending in Congress to address derogatory names on geographic features on public lands. States from Oregon to Maine have passed laws prohibiting the use of the word “squaw” in place names.

Interior secretary seeks to rid US of derogatory place names

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon will increase housing payments for troops in key areas and look for ways to combat hunger across the force, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Wednesday, in the department’s latest effort to address&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunger-in-america-military-food-insecurity-142728bcb5479fd2de73750e11dbd458">food insecurity among service members.</a>

Austin told reporters that troops have enough to worry about and that “basic necessities like food and housing shouldn’t be among them.”

According to an estimate by Feeding America, as many as 160,000 active-duty military members are having trouble feeding their families. The group, which coordinates the work of more than 200 food banks around the country, estimates that 29% of troops in the most junior enlisted ranks faced food insecurity during the previous year.

He said the department will immediately provide a temporary increase in the housing allowance for troops who live in areas where rent costs have gone up by at least 10% this year. Temporary lodging reimbursement will be extended for those moving into communities with housing shortages.

Austin said he has given the undersecretary for personnel 90 days to develop a longer term strategy.

The exact scope of the problem is a topic of debate, due to a lack of formal study. But activists say it has existed for years and primarily affects junior-level enlisted service members — ranks E1 to E4 in military parlance — with children.

Lower-ranking enlisted troops receive modest pay, and their frequent moves make it difficult for spouses to find steady work. The problem is exacerbated by an Agriculture Department rule that prevents thousands of needy military families from accessing the SNAP government assistance program, commonly known as food stamps.

Service members who do not live on bases get a housing allowance, which is counted as income in calculating their eligibility for food stamps. That additional amount, which is not counted as income for other federal programs, often enough to disqualify families for the food assistance.

Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, a former Blackhawk pilot who lost both legs in a helicopter crash in Iraq, has sponsored a bill that would establish a Basic Needs Allowance payment for military families in need.

Rep. James McGovern, D-Mass., has sought a Pentagon study of the problem and a repeal of the USDA’s Basic Allowance for Housing regulation.

In addition to the immediate actions, Austin said in&nbsp;<a href="https://media.defense.gov/2021/Nov/17/2002894808/-1/-1/1/STRENGTHENING-ECONOMIC-SECURITY-IN-THE-FORCE.PDF?source=GovDelivery" target="_blank">a memo</a>&nbsp;that the department should look into a number of other steps to increase stability for service members. They would include extending the tour length for troops deploying to some locations overseas, when they are accompanied by their families.

Where possible, he said the department should consider extending the three-year time limit on assignments at bases within the United States.

Austin also said the Pentagon should take steps to improve financial education and counseling for troops.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630115953785.png" alt="In addition to the immediate actions, Defense Sec. Lloyd&nbsp; Austin said in&nbsp;<a href="https://media.defense.gov/2021/Nov/17/2002894808/-1/-1/1/STRENGTHENING-ECONOMIC-SECURITY-IN-THE-FORCE.PDF?source=GovDelivery" target="_blank">a memo</a>&nbsp;that the department should look into a number of other steps to increase stability for service members.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>In addition to the immediate actions, Defense Sec. Lloyd&nbsp; Austin said in&nbsp;<a href="https://media.defense.gov/2021/Nov/17/2002894808/-1/-1/1/STRENGTHENING-ECONOMIC-SECURITY-IN-THE-FORCE.PDF?source=GovDelivery" target="_blank">a memo</a>&nbsp;that the department should look into a number of other steps to increase stability for service members.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon will increase housing payments for troops in key areas and look for ways to combat hunger across the force, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Wednesday, in the department’s latest effort to address&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunger-in-america-military-food-insecurity-142728bcb5479fd2de73750e11dbd458">food insecurity among service members.</a>Austin told reporters that troops have enough to worry about and that “basic necessities like food and housing shouldn’t be among them.”According to an estimate by Feeding America, as many as 160,000 active-duty military members are having trouble feeding their families. The group, which coordinates the work of more than 200 food banks around the country, estimates that 29% of troops in the most junior enlisted ranks faced food insecurity during the previous year.He said the department will immediately provide a temporary increase in the housing allowance for troops who live in areas where rent costs have gone up by at least 10% this year. Temporary lodging reimbursement will be extended for those moving into communities with housing shortages.Austin said he has given the undersecretary for personnel 90 days to develop a longer term strategy.The exact scope of the problem is a topic of debate, due to a lack of formal study. But activists say it has existed for years and primarily affects junior-level enlisted service members — ranks E1 to E4 in military parlance — with children.Lower-ranking enlisted troops receive modest pay, and their frequent moves make it difficult for spouses to find steady work. The problem is exacerbated by an Agriculture Department rule that prevents thousands of needy military families from accessing the SNAP government assistance program, commonly known as food stamps.Service members who do not live on bases get a housing allowance, which is counted as income in calculating their eligibility for food stamps. That additional amount, which is not counted as income for other federal programs, often enough to disqualify families for the food assistance.Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, a former Blackhawk pilot who lost both legs in a helicopter crash in Iraq, has sponsored a bill that would establish a Basic Needs Allowance payment for military families in need.Rep. James McGovern, D-Mass., has sought a Pentagon study of the problem and a repeal of the USDA’s Basic Allowance for Housing regulation.In addition to the immediate actions, Austin said in&nbsp;<a href="https://media.defense.gov/2021/Nov/17/2002894808/-1/-1/1/STRENGTHENING-ECONOMIC-SECURITY-IN-THE-FORCE.PDF?source=GovDelivery" target="_blank">a memo</a>&nbsp;that the department should look into a number of other steps to increase stability for service members. They would include extending the tour length for troops deploying to some locations overseas, when they are accompanied by their families.Where possible, he said the department should consider extending the three-year time limit on assignments at bases within the United States.Austin also said the Pentagon should take steps to improve financial education and counseling for troops.

Report: Thousands of active-duty military can't feed their families

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

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The president of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank tells a
St. Joseph audience she doesn’t believe inflation is here to stay.

But, Esther George says the Federal Reserve cannot become
complacent and must act to help right an economy still trying to emerge from
the coronavirus pandemic.

George was the keynote speaker at the St. Joseph Chamber of
Commerce Economic Summit held on the Missouri Western State University campus.
George says the pandemic and our reaction to the pandemic threw the economy out
of balance.

“We have an economy where demand is outstripping supply today
and you all know from your basic Econ 101 when that happens you get rising
prices,” George says.

George characterizes the current economy as “tight,” a vast
improvement over the freefall it went into at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
The federal government pumped trillions of dollars into the economy, fighting
COVID-19 as well as helping to shore up businesses rocked by the shutdowns of
March 2020 and individuals left without work.

George expects the economy to return to its pre-pandemic
level, eventually.

“The reason is those fiscal checks have gone out the door,”
George explains. “Last year, the PPP money has been dispersed and just the math
is that that money is gone. We will begin to see a step down in some of that
demand.”

The pandemic threw the economy out of balance as well,
shifting spending away from services and toward goods.

“People quit doing things like traveling. They quit going to
restaurants,” George says. &nbsp;“They quit
engaging in the kinds of services that were so prominent and they began to sit
behind their computers and starter buying stuff or going to Lowe’s or Home
Depot and buying things that would help remodel their homes.”

A big question looms over the recovering economy:&nbsp; is inflation a temporary or more permanent
concern?

George believes the 6% inflation rate which the country hasn’t
seen for years is a product of the ongoing effects of the pandemic and the slow
recovery from the deep recession it caused. The supply chain problems, the
tight labor market, the reluctance to return to leisure spending all
contribute.

George suggests the current spike in inflation will not last.
But, she does believe it could get out of hand if the Federal Reserve doesn’t
act promptly.

“Once the public begins to believe that inflation is there and
that prices tomorrow will be higher than they are today, it’s sets expectations
in motion for higher inflation,” according to George. “And, right now we see
that in many surveys that consumers are beginning to say I think inflation is
going to be here for three years.”

George says inflation pressures should ease once buying
patterns return to pre-pandemic levels. She says the tight labor market would
be helped by an increase in day care access which would allow women to return
to the workforce.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637424496276.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Federal Reserve President Esther George speaks at the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Economic Summit/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Federal Reserve President Esther George speaks at the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Economic Summit/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTIN <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The president of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank tells a
St. Joseph audience she doesn’t believe inflation is here to stay.But, Esther George says the Federal Reserve cannot become
complacent and must act to help right an economy still trying to emerge from
the coronavirus pandemic.George was the keynote speaker at the St. Joseph Chamber of
Commerce Economic Summit held on the Missouri Western State University campus.
George says the pandemic and our reaction to the pandemic threw the economy out
of balance.“We have an economy where demand is outstripping supply today
and you all know from your basic Econ 101 when that happens you get rising
prices,” George says.George characterizes the current economy as “tight,” a vast
improvement over the freefall it went into at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
The federal government pumped trillions of dollars into the economy, fighting
COVID-19 as well as helping to shore up businesses rocked by the shutdowns of
March 2020 and individuals left without work.George expects the economy to return to its pre-pandemic
level, eventually.“The reason is those fiscal checks have gone out the door,”
George explains. “Last year, the PPP money has been dispersed and just the math
is that that money is gone. We will begin to see a step down in some of that
demand.”The pandemic threw the economy out of balance as well,
shifting spending away from services and toward goods.“People quit doing things like traveling. They quit going to
restaurants,” George says. &nbsp;“They quit
engaging in the kinds of services that were so prominent and they began to sit
behind their computers and starter buying stuff or going to Lowe’s or Home
Depot and buying things that would help remodel their homes.”A big question looms over the recovering economy:&nbsp; is inflation a temporary or more permanent
concern?George believes the 6% inflation rate which the country hasn’t
seen for years is a product of the ongoing effects of the pandemic and the slow
recovery from the deep recession it caused. The supply chain problems, the
tight labor market, the reluctance to return to leisure spending all
contribute.George suggests the current spike in inflation will not last.
But, she does believe it could get out of hand if the Federal Reserve doesn’t
act promptly.“Once the public begins to believe that inflation is there and
that prices tomorrow will be higher than they are today, it’s sets expectations
in motion for higher inflation,” according to George. “And, right now we see
that in many surveys that consumers are beginning to say I think inflation is
going to be here for three years.”George says inflation pressures should ease once buying
patterns return to pre-pandemic levels. She says the tight labor market would
be helped by an increase in day care access which would allow women to return
to the workforce.

KC Fed president doesn't believe inflation is here to stay

BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — A federal judge ordered Kansas on Friday to suspend a new law prohibiting out-of-state groups from mailing advance ballot applications, siding with two national nonprofit groups that contend it disenfranchises voters.

U.S. District Judge Kathryn Vratil granted the preliminary injunction against the law sought by VoteAmerica and the Voter Participation Center. She also rejected the state’s efforts to dismiss the lawsuit.

Vratil noted in her ruling the critical constitutional issues that still need to be decided in the case, finding that the public interest “leans in favor” of preliminarily blocking the law. She also wrote that the voting rights groups are likely to succeed in the lawsuit on their claim that the state law restricts their ability to engage in protected First Amendment activity.

The law that is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-elections-courts-voting-presidential-elections-b27cf2467a3a93a5c30ead5bdcd2a9bb">focus of the litigation</a>&nbsp;was one of two voting laws that were passed this year over the veto of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. It also makes it a crime to include the voter’s name, address and other information on advance ballot applications, even if the voter provided the information and requested an advance mail ballot application.

Vratil found that the voting rights organizations produced evidence of significant burdens associated with the state law, while state officials provided “almost no factual basis” for disputing the groups’ claims that the new law will drastically limit the number of voices advocating for the “politically controversial topic of voting by mail.”

The judge said the law will have the inevitable effect of reducing “the total quantum of speech on an important public issue.”

Kansas argues the law prevents voter fraud because it limits the number of advance ballot applications that each Kansas voter may receive, contending that when a voter receives more than one ballot application it invites fraud. It argues fraud may affect the outcome of a close race and undermine confidence in the fairness and legitimacy of elections.

“Defendants’ argument has superficial appeal, but it actually boils down to an issue of administrative efficiency,” Vratil wrote. “The state employs a rigorous process to make sure that no voter can receive a duplicate mail ballot. Apparently, these procedures are highly effective.”

Nearly 70,000 Kansas voters submitted an advance mail voting application provided by the Voter Participation Center to their county election official in the 2020 general election, the lawsuit said. The nonprofit groups argued that sending out partially pre-filled applications helps to “reduce the burden” on would-be voters and reduces the chance for errors.

But election officials have testified that the flood of applications led to confusion, with many voters repeatedly requesting mail-in ballots.

For the 2022 election cycle, the Voter Participation Center plans to send registration mailings to roughly 70,000 Kansans, communicating with these voters every three to four months before the November election, according to the ruling.

In a separate state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-voting-voting-rights-kansas-topeka-c6f17262cb3e357175f92ce984665022">lawsuit challenging a different voting provision</a>, Shawnee County District Judge Teresa Watson in September allowed the state to keep enforcing a new election law.

Watson denied four groups’ request to temporarily block the law, expressing strong doubts about arguments that it hinders efforts to register and educate Kansas voters. The groups, including the League of Women Voters of Kansas and the voting-rights organization Loud Light, are challenging a provision making impersonating an election official a felony.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602937208880.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROXANA HEGEMANBELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — A federal judge ordered Kansas on Friday to suspend a new law prohibiting out-of-state groups from mailing advance ballot applications, siding with two national nonprofit groups that contend it disenfranchises voters.U.S. District Judge Kathryn Vratil granted the preliminary injunction against the law sought by VoteAmerica and the Voter Participation Center. She also rejected the state’s efforts to dismiss the lawsuit.Vratil noted in her ruling the critical constitutional issues that still need to be decided in the case, finding that the public interest “leans in favor” of preliminarily blocking the law. She also wrote that the voting rights groups are likely to succeed in the lawsuit on their claim that the state law restricts their ability to engage in protected First Amendment activity.The law that is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-elections-courts-voting-presidential-elections-b27cf2467a3a93a5c30ead5bdcd2a9bb">focus of the litigation</a>&nbsp;was one of two voting laws that were passed this year over the veto of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. It also makes it a crime to include the voter’s name, address and other information on advance ballot applications, even if the voter provided the information and requested an advance mail ballot application.Vratil found that the voting rights organizations produced evidence of significant burdens associated with the state law, while state officials provided “almost no factual basis” for disputing the groups’ claims that the new law will drastically limit the number of voices advocating for the “politically controversial topic of voting by mail.”The judge said the law will have the inevitable effect of reducing “the total quantum of speech on an important public issue.”Kansas argues the law prevents voter fraud because it limits the number of advance ballot applications that each Kansas voter may receive, contending that when a voter receives more than one ballot application it invites fraud. It argues fraud may affect the outcome of a close race and undermine confidence in the fairness and legitimacy of elections.“Defendants’ argument has superficial appeal, but it actually boils down to an issue of administrative efficiency,” Vratil wrote. “The state employs a rigorous process to make sure that no voter can receive a duplicate mail ballot. Apparently, these procedures are highly effective.”Nearly 70,000 Kansas voters submitted an advance mail voting application provided by the Voter Participation Center to their county election official in the 2020 general election, the lawsuit said. The nonprofit groups argued that sending out partially pre-filled applications helps to “reduce the burden” on would-be voters and reduces the chance for errors.But election officials have testified that the flood of applications led to confusion, with many voters repeatedly requesting mail-in ballots.For the 2022 election cycle, the Voter Participation Center plans to send registration mailings to roughly 70,000 Kansans, communicating with these voters every three to four months before the November election, according to the ruling.In a separate state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-voting-voting-rights-kansas-topeka-c6f17262cb3e357175f92ce984665022">lawsuit challenging a different voting provision</a>, Shawnee County District Judge Teresa Watson in September allowed the state to keep enforcing a new election law.Watson denied four groups’ request to temporarily block the law, expressing strong doubts about arguments that it hinders efforts to register and educate Kansas voters. The groups, including the League of Women Voters of Kansas and the voting-rights organization Loud Light, are challenging a provision making impersonating an election official a felony.

US judge blocks Kansas law on mailed ballot applications

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of airline passengers traveling for Thanksgiving this year is expected to rebound to pre-coronavirus pandemic levels, but the Transportation Security Administration says it is ready to handle the surge.

Administrator David Pekoske said Wednesday he expects agency staffing to be sufficient for what’s traditionally TSA’s busiest travel period.

“We are prepared,” Pekoske told ABC’s “Good Morning America.” He said travelers should expect long lines at airports and plan to spend a little more time getting through security.

In 2019, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-travel-public-health-coronavirus-pandemic-thanksgiving-89bae1bb65636af83dc2229a2c11ae80">record 26 million passengers and crew passed through U.S. airport</a>&nbsp;screening in the 11-day period around Thanksgiving. But that plummeted in 2020 as the pandemic kept people at home.

Pekoske said he didn’t think a vaccine mandate going into effect for TSA agents Monday would have any effect on staffing for Thanksgiving next week.

“In fact, implementation of the mandate will make travel safer and healthier for everyone,” he said. “So, we see quite a significant increase in the number of our officers that are vaccinated, and I’m very confident that there will be no impact for Thanksgiving.”

Pekoske told NBC’s “Today” he remains “very concerned” about the issue of unruly passengers as incidents on airplanes have continued.

“The level of unruly behavior is much higher than I’ve ever seen it,” he said.

The Federal Aviation Administration says it has referred&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-airlines-federal-aviation-administration-32ef917a1a709f84ad90f7567cd14f09">37 cases involving unruly airline passengers to the FBI&nbsp;</a>for possible criminal prosecution since the number of disruptions on flights began to spike in January.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622894132711.png" alt="Photo Kansas City International Airport" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City International Airport</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of airline passengers traveling for Thanksgiving this year is expected to rebound to pre-coronavirus pandemic levels, but the Transportation Security Administration says it is ready to handle the surge.Administrator David Pekoske said Wednesday he expects agency staffing to be sufficient for what’s traditionally TSA’s busiest travel period.“We are prepared,” Pekoske told ABC’s “Good Morning America.” He said travelers should expect long lines at airports and plan to spend a little more time getting through security.In 2019, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-travel-public-health-coronavirus-pandemic-thanksgiving-89bae1bb65636af83dc2229a2c11ae80">record 26 million passengers and crew passed through U.S. airport</a>&nbsp;screening in the 11-day period around Thanksgiving. But that plummeted in 2020 as the pandemic kept people at home.Pekoske said he didn’t think a vaccine mandate going into effect for TSA agents Monday would have any effect on staffing for Thanksgiving next week.“In fact, implementation of the mandate will make travel safer and healthier for everyone,” he said. “So, we see quite a significant increase in the number of our officers that are vaccinated, and I’m very confident that there will be no impact for Thanksgiving.”Pekoske told NBC’s “Today” he remains “very concerned” about the issue of unruly passengers as incidents on airplanes have continued.“The level of unruly behavior is much higher than I’ve ever seen it,” he said.The Federal Aviation Administration says it has referred&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-airlines-federal-aviation-administration-32ef917a1a709f84ad90f7567cd14f09">37 cases involving unruly airline passengers to the FBI&nbsp;</a>for possible criminal prosecution since the number of disruptions on flights began to spike in January.