Sober Mass-mailing Worm Update Information

Sober Mass-mailing Worm Update Information: "US-CERT is aware of functionality that could allow the latest Sober mass-mailing worm variants known as 'W32/Sober.X', 'W32/Sober.Y', and 'W32/Sober.Z' to automatically update themselves. These Sober worm variants are dual-language (English and German) mass-mailing worms that utilize a built-in SMTP engine to propagate. There have been over 20 Sober worm variants since October 2003. The latest Sober worm variant has been propagating since November 15, 2005 and will attempt to update itself on January 6, 2006"

West Virginia Mine Explosion:Federal Mine Safety Agency Launches Accident Investigation

West Virginia Mine Explosion:Federal Mine Safety Agency Launches Accident Investigation: "Eight-Member Team to Probe Cause of West Virginia Mine Explosion, Handling of Information on Trapped Miners' Condition " -ARLINGTON, Va. The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) today launched its investigation into the underground coal mine explosion that killed 12 miners and seriously injured one additional miner. The blast occurred on Monday, Jan. 2, at the Sago Mine in Upshur County, W.Va. The mine was acquired last year by International Coal Group Inc. "

Rose Bowl Football Game Flight Restrictions

Rose Bowl Football Game Flight Restrictions: "To provide safety and security for participants at the Rose Bowl football game, and various aerial demonstrations, the following TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS will be in effect pursuant to 14 CFR 91.145, Management of Aircraft Operations in the Vicinity of Major Sporting Events and Aerial Demonstrations"

IRS Provides Safe Harbor to Heavy Equipment Dealers For Use of Replacement Cost for Parts

IRS Provides Safe Harbor to Heavy Equipment Dealers For Use of Replacement Cost for Parts: "WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service today issued guidance that provides heavy equipment dealers with a safe harbor that allows them to approximate the cost of the equipment parts inventory using the replacement cost method of accounting."

Contractors Board Warns California Flood Victims Not To Get Soaked Twice

Contractors Board Warns California Flood Victims Not To Get Soaked Twice: "SACRAMENTO -- The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is warning California flood victims to use caution when hiring a contractor to repair or rebuild their homes and property. The CSLB has found that unscrupulous or unlicensed operators will try to take advantage of homeowners following a disaster. These con artists face can also face felony charges if they operate in a declared disaster area."

Outbreak Notice: Update: Yellow Fever, West Africa

Outbreak Notice: Update: Yellow Fever, West Africa: "According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report dated December 19, the Ministry of Health of Guinea has reported 114 cases of suspected yellow fever, with 26 deaths since the beginning of 2005. Of these cases, 23 have been laboratory confirmed. The most affected region of Guinea is Boke where WHO is assisting the Ministry of Health in investigating the outbreak. "

New AMT Assistant Debuts on IRS

New AMT Assistant Debuts on IRS: "WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service is providing a new online tool to help individual taxpayers determine whether they are potentially subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT).
The AMT Assistant helps taxpayers determine whether or not they may be subject to the AMT by automating the AMT Worksheet of the 1040 Instructions, called the "Worksheet to See if You Should Fill in Form 6251 " Line 45." IRS estimates most taxpayers can make entries and get an answer in five to 10 minutes using the new application."

Audit of Medicaid School-Based Services in Texas

Audit of Medicaid School-Based Services in Texas: "The objective of our audit was to determine whether the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (the State agency) claimed Federal reimbursement for school-based health services in accordance with Federal and State requirements. We found that 991 of sampled claims did not comply with Federal and State requirements."

HUD ANNOUNCES HIGHER FHA HOME LOAN LIMITS TO HELP MORE AMERICAN FAMILIES BECOME HOMEOWNERS

HUD ANNOUNCES HIGHER FHA HOME LOAN LIMITS TO HELP MORE AMERICAN FAMILIES BECOME HOMEOWNERS: "Effective January 1, 2006, FHA will insure single-family home mortgages up to $200,160 in standard areas and up to $362,790 in high cost areas. The high cost amount is almost $50,000 more than last year. The loan limits for two-, three- and four-unit dwellings also increased. FHA is sending letters to thousands of mortgage lenders and brokers to make them aware of the higher rates that can help families. "

DHS Introduces Risk-based Formula for Urban Areas Security Initiative Grants

DHS Introduces Risk-based Formula for Urban Areas Security Initiative Grants: "The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today $765 million in direct funding for high threat urban areas as part of the fiscal year 2006 Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI). UASI provides resources for the unique equipment, training, planning, and exercise needs of select high threat urban areas"

HUD ANNOUNCES HIGHER FHA HOME LOAN LIMITS TO HELP MORE AMERICAN FAMILIES BECOME HOMEOWNERS

HUD ANNOUNCES HIGHER FHA HOME LOAN LIMITS TO HELP MORE AMERICAN FAMILIES BECOME HOMEOWNERS: "Effective January 1, 2006, FHA will insure single-family home mortgages up to $200,160 in standard areas and up to $362,790 in high cost areas. The high cost amount is almost $50,000 more than last year. The loan limits for two-, three- and four-unit dwellings also increased. FHA is sending letters to thousands of mortgage lenders and brokers to make them aware of the higher rates that can help families."

Tax Packages for the 2006 Filing Season

Tax Packages for the 2006 Filing Season: "The Internal Revenue Service will send taxpayers almost 17.7 million tax packages and 15.5 million computer filing post cards this year. The tax packages cost nearly $6 million for printing and $5.1 million for postage for an average overall cost of 63 cents per tax package. The 4-page post cards describe the advantages of e-filing and cost about 20 cents each. For all products, the average overall cost is 42 cents per piece. Most people will get their tax packages in early January. The IRS expects to receive about 135 million individual tax returns in 2006"

Oldest Baby Boomers Turn 60!

Oldest Baby Boomers Turn 60!: "In 2006, the oldest of the baby boomers, the generation born between 1946 and 1964, will turn 60 years old. Among the Americans celebrating their 60th will be our two most recent presidents, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. Other well-known celebrities reaching this milestone include Cher, Donald Trump, Sylvester Stallone and Dolly Parton."

You Can Lose Weight - Here�s How

You Can Lose Weight - Here's How: "Americans are getting fatter. We're putting on the pounds at an alarmingly rapid rate. And we're sacrificing our health for the sake of super-sized portions, biggie drinks, and two-for-one value meals, obesity researchers say. More than 60 percent of U.S. adults are overweight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And about 15 percent of children and adolescents ages 6 to 19 are overweight."

Indian Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program Grant Opportunity: FY 2006

Indian Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program Grant Opportunity: FY 2006: "The purpose of the Indian Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program is to reduce crimes associated with the distribution and use of alcohol and controlled substances in tribal communities. The program seeks to mobilize tribal communities to implement or enhance innovative, collaborative efforts that address public safety issues related to alcohol and substance abuse."

Top 10 Ways Scam Artists Turn Pigeons into Turkeys

Top 10 Ways Scam Artists Turn Pigeons into Turkeys: "The New York State Consumer Protection Board and other consumer protection agencies offer this list of widespread scams and frauds."

Akron, N.Y., Contractor Faces $90,500 in OSHA Fines for Asbestos Hazards

Akron, N.Y., Contractor Faces $90,500 in OSHA Fines for Asbestos Hazards: "BUFFALO, N.Y. -- An Akron, N.Y., heating contractor's alleged failure to protect employees against asbestos hazards has resulted in a total of $90,500 in fines from the U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)."

NEW 39-CENT FIRST-CLASS STAMPS AVAILABLE THURSDAY FOR JANUARY 8 RATE CHANGE

NEW 39-CENT FIRST-CLASS STAMPS AVAILABLE THURSDAY FOR JANUARY 8 RATE CHANGE: "WASHINGTON - Customers have more options than ever to purchase 39-cent First-Class stamps beginning December 8 to use when the new postage rates go into effect Jan. 8, 2006. Plenty of two-cent stamps will be available for customers to use with their 37-cent stamps."

NEW 39-CENT FIRST-CLASS STAMPS AVAILABLE THURSDAY FOR JANUARY 8 RATE CHANGE

NEW 39-CENT FIRST-CLASS STAMPS AVAILABLE THURSDAY FOR JANUARY 8 RATE CHANGE: "WASHINGTON - Customers have more options than ever to purchase 39-cent First-Class stamps beginning December 8 to use when the new postage rates go into effect Jan. 8, 2006. Plenty of two-cent stamps will be available for customers to use with their 37-cent stamps"

SEVEN WAYS TO GET A JUMP START ON YOUR TAXES

SEVEN WAYS TO GET A JUMP START ON YOUR TAXES: "Earlier is better when it comes to working on your taxes. Taxpayers are encouraged to get a head start on tax preparation, especially since early filers avoid the last minute rush and get their refunds sooner. Here are seven easy ways to get a good jump on your taxes long before the April deadline is here"