Mortgage Fraud: Nine Sentenced in Alaska's Largest Mortgage Fraud Investigation

United States Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced that on August 21, 2009, lead defendant was sentenced to 70 months in prison for his leadership of a large-scale mortgage fraud scheme.   Mortgage Fraud: Nine Sentenced in Alaska's Largest Mortgage Fraud Investigation

White House Council on Women and Girls Invitation to discuss Women & Healthcare

This Wednesday is the  89^th Anniversary of women getting the right to vote!  To celebrate Women's Equality Day, we are holding a call to update you on the Council on Women and Girls and discuss health reform's impact on women.

IRS: Top Ten Tips for Taxpayers Deducting Casualty and Theft Losses

Taxpayers who find themselves the victim of a natural disaster or theft this summer should know the rules for deducting their casualty losses next year when they file their federal tax return. Generally, you may deduct losses to your home, household items and vehicles on your federal income tax return. IRS: Top Ten Tips for Taxpayers Deducting Casualty and Theft Losses

IRS: Employee vs. Independent Contractor – Ten Tips for Business Owners

If you are a small business owner, whether you hire people as independent contractors or as employees will impact how much taxes you pay and the amount of taxes you withhold from their paychecks. IRS: Employee vs. Independent Contractor – Ten Tips for Business Owners

Over 1 Million DVD Players Recalled by Wal-Mart Due to Fire Hazard

Wal-Mart has received 12 reports of DVD players overheating, five of which have resulted in fires that caused property damage. No injuries have been reported. Over 1 Million DVD Players Recalled by Wal-Mart Due to Fire Hazard

Phony Job Placement Scam: Guaranteed' Jobs Never Materialized

A U.S. district court has halted a phony job placement operation that allegedly stole money from job seekers by promising them full-time work, with benefits, that never materialized, the Federal Trade Commission announced today.Phony Job Placement Scam: Guaranteed' Jobs Never Materialized

Substance Abuse Grants:Feds Awards $60 Million To 565 Drug-Free Communities

Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, awarded $60 million in Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Continuation Grants to 565 Drug-Free Communities coalitions and five DFC Mentor Continuation coalitions. These grants will assist local community coalitions as they work to prevent and reduce youth substance use. Substance Abuse Grants:Feds Awards $60 Million To 565 Drug-Free Communities

OSHA grantees offer free training on pandemic flu hazards and SHMS design

West Virginia University Safety and Health Extension, an OSHA Susan Harwood Training Grant Program recipient, is offering healthcare professionals and staff at small hospitals and healthcare facilities a free, four-hour pandemic influenza hazard awareness course Aug. 20 in Hagerstown, Md., and Aug. 21 in Lewes, Del.   OSHA grantees offer free training on pandemic flu hazards and SHMS design

IRS: For Many Small Businesses, Fall Filing Deadline Looms for Special Refund Claims

Time is running out for many small businesses wishing to take advantage of the expanded business loss carryback option included in this year'S recovery law, the Internal Revenue Service said today. Eligible individuals have until Oct. 15 to choose this expanded carryback option. Eligible calendar-year corporations have until Sept. 15. For Many Small Businesses, Fall Filing Deadline Looms for Special Refund Claims

Health Professions Training Grants for Health Care Professionals

HHS today announced the availability of $200 million to support grants, loans, loan repayment, and scholarships to expand the training of health care professionals.  The funds are expected to train approximately 8,000 students and credentialed health professionals by the end of fiscal year 2010. Health Professions Training Grants Announced for Health Care Professionals

Tough New Braking Rules For Large Trucks Will Save Hundreds of Lives Annually

The new standard requires that a tractor-trailer traveling at 60 miles per hour come to a complete stop in 250 feet. The old standard required a complete stop within 355 feet. Tough New Braking Rules For Large Trucks Will Save Hundreds of Lives Annually

Minimum Wage Now $7.25

The federal minimum wage for covered nonexempt employees is $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009. Minimum Wage Now $7.25

Operation Lies: Mortgage Foreclosure Rescue and Loan Modification Scams target by Fed & State Agncies

Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz, joined by California Attorney General Jerry Brown, today announced Operation Loan Lies, a coordinated national law enforcement effort to crack down on mortgage modification scams. Operation Lies: Mortgage Foreclosure Rescue and Loan Modification Scams target by Fed & State Agncies

Office Hours Via Twitter:State Schools Chief Jack O'Connell to Hold Office Hours

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today announced that he is now accessible via Twitter and will be holding periodic online office hours using the social networking Web site. Office Hours Via Twitter:State Schools Chief Jack O'Connell to Hold Office Hours

Broadband Grants: USDA and Commerce Announce Broadband Initiative- Deadline Aug 14, 2009

NTIA and RUS will be accepting applications for loans, grants and loan/grant combinations to be awarded by each agency under a single application form. This collaborative approach will ensure that the agencies' activities are complementary and integrated, make the best use of taxpayer funds and make it easier for applicants to apply for funding. This is the first of three rounds of funding the Agriculture and Commerce Departments will provide. Broadband Grants: USDA and Commerce Announce Broadband Initiative- Deadline Aug 14, 2009

Auction Fraud: Don't Let it Happen to You -The FBI report

One in four complaints in 2008 to the Internet Crime Complaint Center involved online auction fraud. Auction Fraud: Don't Let it Happen to You -The FBI report

Prepaid Calling Card Distributor Agrees to Pay $1.3 Million

Settles charges that it delivered fewer calling minutes than advertised, charged consumers hidden fees, and charged for calls that never connected. Prepaid Calling Card Distributor Agrees to Pay $1.3 Million

Online Bogus Computer Scans: Have you been a victim?

Two defendants tricked more than a million consumers into buying "rogue" computer security products, including WinFixer, WinAntivirus, DriveCleaner, ErrorSafe, and XP Antivirus, according to the FTC's complaint. Bogus Computer Scans: Have you been a victim?

Churches at Risk in Bogus Opportunity Scam

Con artists are hawking what they claim is a golden opportunity for churches: Free equipment or services. Often targeting African American churches, these scammers may profess a shared faith, culture, or concern for the community to gain the trust of the church staff. Churches at Risk in Bogus Opportunity Scam

IRS: Prepare for Hurricanes by Safeguarding Tax Records

With the 2009 hurricane season now underway, the Internal Revenue Service encourages individuals and businesses to safeguard themselves by taking a few simple steps. IRS: Prepare for Hurricanes by Safeguarding Tax Records