Saturday, August 18, 2007

President Declares State Of Emergency For The State Of Texas

President Declares State Of Emergency For The State Of Texas: "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The President today declared an emergency exists in the State of Texas and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Dean beginning on August 17, 2007, and continuing."

Hurricane Dean Path Still Uncertain; Review Your Insurance Policies Now

Hurricane Dean Path Still Uncertain; Review Your Insurance Policies Now: "NEW YORK, August 20, 2007 — Although the path of Hurricane Dean is still uncertain, the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) suggests that home and business owners review their insurance policies now to see what coverages and deductibles apply to damage from hurricanes and windstorm."

Friday, August 17, 2007

Small Business Startups: Tax Advice for Starting, Operating or Closing a Small Business

Small Business Startups: Tax Advice for Starting, Operating or Closing a Small Business: "To many citizens, running a successful business is part of the American dream. But while they may be experts in their chosen field, few small business owners are tax experts. From starting a new business to operating or even closing a business, the IRS has tax advice for small business owners."

Thursday, August 16, 2007

HUD TO ASSUME RENTAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILIES AFFECTED BY HURRICANES KATRINA AND RITA

HUD TO ASSUME RENTAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILIES AFFECTED BY HURRICANES KATRINA AND RITA: "WASHINGTON - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced today that the transition of the Disaster Housing Assistance Program (DHAP) rental assistance program from FEMA to HUD will be as seamless as possible for the approximately 30,000 FEMA-assisted families displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita currently living in private rental units. HUD also announced it has established a toll free call center number, 1-866-373-9509, to answer questions about the transition. The call center will field calls from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST weekdays, and from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on the weekends. "

Earthquake in Peru - International Travel Update

Earthquake in Peru - International Travel Update: "An earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale has hit Peru. The quake’s epicenter was located near the town of Chicha Alta, 100 miles south of Lima (30 miles north of Ica) along the Pacific coast."

"America's Most Wanted" meets Web 2.0 - Workshop Focuses on Digital Exchange of Biometric Info

"America's Most Wanted" meets Web 2.0 - Workshop Focuses on Digital Exchange of Biometric Info: "A merica’s Most Wanted” meets Web 2.0 as researchers develop an additional implementation of a data format that allows disparate law enforcement agencies to exchange fingerprints and other biometric information by using XML, or “Extensible Markup Language"

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Disney Minnie Grants: Deadline August 30, 2007

Disney Minnie Grants: Deadline August 30, 2007: "The Youth Service America and Walt Disney Company are accepting applications for the Disney Minnie Grants program. The purpose of the program is to support youth (ages 5-14)-led service projects focused on the environment, disaster relief, public health and awareness, community education, hunger, literacy, or any issue that youth identify as a community need. "

Credit Score: 5 Tips in Improving Your Credit Score

Credit Score: 5 Tips in Improving Your Credit Score: "Many credit-scoring models consider the number and type of credit accounts you have. A mix of installment loans and credit cards may improve your score. However, too many finance company accounts or credit cards might hurt your score. "

Mortgage Fraud: The FBI Reports

Mortgage Fraud: The FBI Reports: "The increased reliance by both financial institutions and non-financial institution lenders on third-party brokers has created opportunities for organized fraud groups, particularly where mortgage industry professionals are involved. "

Unauthorized Charges For Web Site Services: Operators Will Pay $1.2 Million to Settle FTC Charges

Unauthorized Charges For Web Site Services: Operators Will Pay $1.2 Million to Settle FTC Charges: "Operators who allegedly crammed unauthorized charges for Web site services onto the phone bills of hundreds of thousands of small businesses and non-profits will pay more than $1.2 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that their operations violated federal law. The settlements also will bar the unlawful practices the defendants used to bilk the businesses"

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

CDC Update: HIV/AIDS among Hispanics/Latinos

CDC Update: HIV/AIDS among Hispanics/Latinos: "The HIV/AIDS epidemic is a serious threat to the Hispanic/Latino community. In addition to being a population seriously affected by HIV, Hispanics/Latinos continue to face challenges in accessing health care, prevention services, and HIV treatment. In 2004, HIV/AIDS was the fourth leading cause of death among Hispanic/Latino men and women aged 35 to 44"

Walmart Settlement: California reaches $3.9 million agreement with Wal-Mart for unpaid wages to California workers

Walmart Settlement: California reaches $3.9 million agreement with Wal-Mart for unpaid wages to California workers: "San Francisco—August 14, 2007—California Labor Commissioner Angela Bradstreet announced that an agreement has been reached requiring Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. to pay more than $3.9 million in overtime, waiting time penalties and interest to approximately 50,000 employees, and civil penalties to the state of California."

Diabetes & High Blood Pressure; What You Should Know

Diabetes & High Blood Pressure; What You Should Know: "If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, ask about your kidneys at your next doctor’s appointment. Both of these conditions can damage your kidneys and lead to kidney disease."

Monday, August 13, 2007

New Rule Will Not Affect Teacher Salaries in Upcoming School Year

New Rule Will Not Affect Teacher Salaries in Upcoming School Year: "WASHINGTON — Moving to clear up confusion about a recent tax law change, the Internal Revenue Service today reassured teachers and other school employees that new deferred-compensation rules will not affect the way their pay is taxed during the upcoming school year."

NHTSA Urges Drivers To Check Their Tires During The Hot Weather

NHTSA Urges Drivers To Check Their Tires During The Hot Weather: "The nation’s top highway safety official today cautioned motorists that hot weather and under-inflated tires are a dangerous combination. Nicole Nason, Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, unveiled a public service announcement urging drivers to check tire pressure and tread-wear often but especially during the hot, summer months"

IRS Tax Credit: Help Offset Education Costs with Tax Credits and Deductions

IRS Tax Credit: Help Offset Education Costs with Tax Credits and Deductions: "It is Back-to-School time and maybe time for a tax break, too. Whether you are paying for a college education or a teacher buying items for your classroom, education credits and deductions can help lower your tax bill."