DENVER — Running back <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChA6lXqvkMX/?hl=en">Ronnie Hillman</a>, who was part of the Denver Broncos team that won Super Bowl 50, has died, his family said in a statement. He was 31.

Hillman's
 family posted on his Instagram account Wednesday that he was diagnosed 
in August with a rare form of kidney cancer called renal medullary 
carcinoma and was under hospice care. The family wrote <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CmdWs5hsGBA/?hl=en">hours later that he died surrounded</a> by family and close friends.

The Broncos expressed their condolences on <a href="https://twitter.com/jdberger27/status/1605937226914836481/photo/1">social media Thursday morning</a>.

After
 a standout career at San Diego State, Hillman was picked by the Broncos
 in the third round of the 2012 draft. He ran for 1,976 yards and 12 
touchdowns over his 56-game career, which included stints with the 
Minnesota Vikings and the Chargers while they were in San Diego.

Hillman
 led the Broncos in rushing with 863 yards during the 2015 regular 
season. It was a season that culminated with the Broncos beating Cam 
Newton and Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium in
 Santa Clara, California. Hillman had five carries for no yards in the 
game.

In their statement, the Broncos described Hillman as 
“soft-spoken with a warm smile and quiet intensity.” They added he “grew
 into a dynamic player and well-respected teammate.”

Hillman rushed for 3,243 yards and 36 TDs in two seasons at San Diego State.

“Our
 deepest condolences go out to Ronnie’s family. Although I only got to 
coach him one season, I’ll remember him as a great teammate and hard 
worker,” San Diego State coach Brady Hoke <a href="https://goaztecs.com/news/2022/12/21/football-statements-from-brady-hoke-and-john-david-wicker.aspx">said in a statement.</a>
 "Ronnie always came to practice with a smile on this face and his 
passion for the game was contagious. He’ll always be an Aztec for life.”

Added
 athletic director John David Wicker: “Ronnie helped resurrect San Diego
 State football in his two seasons in 2010 and 2011 and has recently 
been around the program offering wisdom and insight.”

Hillman's 
family explained in its initial post that his form of cancer affects 
“young African Americans with sickle cell trait. Unfortunately treatment
 has not been successful.”

Hours later, the family posted that he 
“quietly and peacefully transitioned today in the company of his family 
and close friends."

Associated PressDENVER — Running back <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChA6lXqvkMX/?hl=en">Ronnie Hillman</a>, who was part of the Denver Broncos team that won Super Bowl 50, has died, his family said in a statement. He was 31.Hillman's
 family posted on his Instagram account Wednesday that he was diagnosed 
in August with a rare form of kidney cancer called renal medullary 
carcinoma and was under hospice care. The family wrote <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CmdWs5hsGBA/?hl=en">hours later that he died surrounded</a> by family and close friends.The Broncos expressed their condolences on <a href="https://twitter.com/jdberger27/status/1605937226914836481/photo/1">social media Thursday morning</a>.After
 a standout career at San Diego State, Hillman was picked by the Broncos
 in the third round of the 2012 draft. He ran for 1,976 yards and 12 
touchdowns over his 56-game career, which included stints with the 
Minnesota Vikings and the Chargers while they were in San Diego.Hillman
 led the Broncos in rushing with 863 yards during the 2015 regular 
season. It was a season that culminated with the Broncos beating Cam 
Newton and Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium in
 Santa Clara, California. Hillman had five carries for no yards in the 
game.In their statement, the Broncos described Hillman as 
“soft-spoken with a warm smile and quiet intensity.” They added he “grew
 into a dynamic player and well-respected teammate.”Hillman rushed for 3,243 yards and 36 TDs in two seasons at San Diego State.“Our
 deepest condolences go out to Ronnie’s family. Although I only got to 
coach him one season, I’ll remember him as a great teammate and hard 
worker,” San Diego State coach Brady Hoke <a href="https://goaztecs.com/news/2022/12/21/football-statements-from-brady-hoke-and-john-david-wicker.aspx">said in a statement.</a>
 "Ronnie always came to practice with a smile on this face and his 
passion for the game was contagious. He’ll always be an Aztec for life.”Added
 athletic director John David Wicker: “Ronnie helped resurrect San Diego
 State football in his two seasons in 2010 and 2011 and has recently 
been around the program offering wisdom and insight.”Hillman's 
family explained in its initial post that his form of cancer affects 
“young African Americans with sickle cell trait. Unfortunately treatment
 has not been successful.”Hours later, the family posted that he 
“quietly and peacefully transitioned today in the company of his family 
and close friends."

Former Bronco, Super Bowl champ Hillman dies at 31

By JOE REEDY AP Sports Writer

Fans will have to Google it beginning next season if they want to access the NFL's “Sunday Ticket” package.

The
 NFL announced an agreement on Thursday for Google to distribute the 
package of out-of-market Sunday afternoon games on YouTube TV and 
YouTube Primetime Channels.

The seven-year deal is worth a little 
more than $2 billion per season. The package has been on DirecTV since 
1994. The satellite provider has paid $1.5 billion per year on an 
eight-year contract that expires at the end of this season.

The 
NFL had been seeking $2.5 billion per season for the package. It could 
still reach that total since the league retains commercial rights to 
bars and restaurants and is in the midst of selling those rights.

Commissioner
 Roger Goodell said during an interview with CNBC over the summer that 
the next move for “Sunday Ticket” would be to a streaming service 
because that would be the best option for fans.

Goodell reiterated that with Thursday's announcement.

“For
 a number of years we have been focused on increased digital 
distribution of our games and this partnership is yet another example of
 us looking towards the future and building the next generation of NFL 
fans," he said in a statement.

It is the second time in less than 
two years that the NFL has partnered with a streaming service to air 
games. The league’s 11-year contract with Amazon Prime Video for 
Thursday night games started this season.

Besides Amazon, Apple and ESPN also expressed interest in “NFL Sunday Ticket.”

“As
 the ways fans enjoy NFL football evolve in a changing media landscape, 
partnerships with innovators like YouTube will ensure that more games 
are available to more fans," said New England Patriots owner Robert 
Kraft, who is also chairman of the NFL’s media committee. “This 
partnership will grow our game for future generations and allow them to 
follow their favorite sport.”

The NFL has had a presence on 
YouTube since 2015, when it launched its official NFL channel. That has 
increased to include channels for all 32 teams and 10 official league 
channels, including NFL Films, NFL Network and Mundo NFL.

NFL Network and NFL RedZone have been available to subscribers of YouTube TV since 2020.

“Through
 this expanded partnership with the NFL, viewers will now also be able 
to experience the game they love in compelling and innovative ways 
through YouTube TV or YouTube Primetime Channels," YouTube CEO Susan 
Wojcicki said in a statement. "We’re excited to continue our work with 
the NFL to make YouTube a great place for sports lovers everywhere.”

Starting
 next season, “NFL Sunday Ticket” will be available as an add-on package
 on YouTube TV and standalone a la carte on YouTube Primetime Channels.

Google
 said in June that YouTube TV, which was launched in 2017, had surpassed
 5 million accounts and was the biggest internet-based pay TV service in
 the U.S. That number includes users on free promotional trials.

YouTube
 Primetime Channels, which launched in November, is a service that 
allows users to subscribe and watch content from streaming services on 
the YouTube app.

Even with “Sunday Ticket” moving to YouTube, the 
price is not expected to substantially decrease due to contracts with 
CBS and Fox, which carry the Sunday afternoon games.

Viewers pay around $300-$400 a season for the package, which averages 2 million subscribers.

By JOE REEDY AP Sports WriterFans will have to Google it beginning next season if they want to access the NFL's “Sunday Ticket” package.The
 NFL announced an agreement on Thursday for Google to distribute the 
package of out-of-market Sunday afternoon games on YouTube TV and 
YouTube Primetime Channels.The seven-year deal is worth a little 
more than $2 billion per season. The package has been on DirecTV since 
1994. The satellite provider has paid $1.5 billion per year on an 
eight-year contract that expires at the end of this season.The 
NFL had been seeking $2.5 billion per season for the package. It could 
still reach that total since the league retains commercial rights to 
bars and restaurants and is in the midst of selling those rights.Commissioner
 Roger Goodell said during an interview with CNBC over the summer that 
the next move for “Sunday Ticket” would be to a streaming service 
because that would be the best option for fans.Goodell reiterated that with Thursday's announcement.“For
 a number of years we have been focused on increased digital 
distribution of our games and this partnership is yet another example of
 us looking towards the future and building the next generation of NFL 
fans," he said in a statement.It is the second time in less than 
two years that the NFL has partnered with a streaming service to air 
games. The league’s 11-year contract with Amazon Prime Video for 
Thursday night games started this season.Besides Amazon, Apple and ESPN also expressed interest in “NFL Sunday Ticket.”“As
 the ways fans enjoy NFL football evolve in a changing media landscape, 
partnerships with innovators like YouTube will ensure that more games 
are available to more fans," said New England Patriots owner Robert 
Kraft, who is also chairman of the NFL’s media committee. “This 
partnership will grow our game for future generations and allow them to 
follow their favorite sport.”The NFL has had a presence on 
YouTube since 2015, when it launched its official NFL channel. That has 
increased to include channels for all 32 teams and 10 official league 
channels, including NFL Films, NFL Network and Mundo NFL.NFL Network and NFL RedZone have been available to subscribers of YouTube TV since 2020.“Through
 this expanded partnership with the NFL, viewers will now also be able 
to experience the game they love in compelling and innovative ways 
through YouTube TV or YouTube Primetime Channels," YouTube CEO Susan 
Wojcicki said in a statement. "We’re excited to continue our work with 
the NFL to make YouTube a great place for sports lovers everywhere.”Starting
 next season, “NFL Sunday Ticket” will be available as an add-on package
 on YouTube TV and standalone a la carte on YouTube Primetime Channels.Google
 said in June that YouTube TV, which was launched in 2017, had surpassed
 5 million accounts and was the biggest internet-based pay TV service in
 the U.S. That number includes users on free promotional trials.YouTube
 Primetime Channels, which launched in November, is a service that 
allows users to subscribe and watch content from streaming services on 
the YouTube app.Even with “Sunday Ticket” moving to YouTube, the 
price is not expected to substantially decrease due to contracts with 
CBS and Fox, which carry the Sunday afternoon games.Viewers pay around $300-$400 a season for the package, which averages 2 million subscribers.

NFL 'Sunday Ticket' headed to YouTube beginning next season

By NICOLE WINFIELD Associated Press

VATICAN
 CITY — Pope Francis warned Vatican bureaucrats on Thursday to 
beware the devil that lurks among them, saying it is an “elegant demon” 
that works in people who have a rigid, holier-than-thou way of living 
the Catholic faith.

Francis used his annual Christmas greeting to 
the Roman Curia to again put the cardinals, bishops and priests who work
 in the Holy See on notice that they are by no means beyond reproach and
 are, in fact, particularly vulnerable to evil.

Francis told them 
that by living in the heart of the Catholic Church, “we could easily 
fall into the temptation of thinking we are safe, better than others, no
 longer in need of conversion.”

“Yet we are in greater danger than
 all others, because we are beset by the 'elegant demon,' who does not 
make a loud entrance, but comes with flowers in his hand,” Francis told 
the churchmen in the Hall of Blessings of the Apostolic Palace.

Francis has long used his Christmas address for an <a href="https://apnews.com/article/df9797036912440697b2126bf76e6c60">annual dressing down</a> of Vatican bureaucrats, taking them through a typical Jesuit-style <a href="https://apnews.com/article/d30d376888254729aea65099fdceb9f2">“examination of conscience” to help them repent</a> in the run-up to Christmas.

His
 most blistering critique came in 2014, when he listed the “15 ailments 
of the Curia” that some suffered, including the “terrorism of gossip,” 
″spiritual Alzheimer’s” and of living “hypocritical” double lives. The 
following year, Francis offered an antidote to the sins by listing the 
“catalog of virtues” he hoped they would instead follow, including 
honesty, humility and sobriety.

This year was similar in tone, and
 Francis reprised his critique of forms of abuse that even religious 
people use against one another.

"There isn't only the violence of 
weapons, there is verbal violence, psychological violence, the violence 
of abuse of power, the hidden violence of gossip," Francis said, in <a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-religion-scandals-27203a01c46a7f0e5d54616b8c30a7f9">a possible reference to a new case of abuse of authority that is roiling his own Jesuit order</a>. “Don't take advantage of your own position and role to mortify the other."

Beyond
 that, Francis appeared to also want to take broader aim at 
arch-conservatives and traditionalists who have become the pope's 
biggest critics. Francis blasted their way of living the faith, 
insisting that being Catholic doesn't mean following a never-changing 
set of dicta but is rather a “process of understanding Christ’s message 
that never ends, but constantly challenges us."

“True heresy 
consists not only in preaching another gospel, as Saint Paul told us, 
but also in ceasing to translate its message into today’s languages and 
ways of thinking,” Francis said.

Traditionalist Catholics have 
denounced Francis’ emphasis on mercy and openness to doctrinal wiggle 
room on issues such as sacraments for divorced and civilly remarried 
Catholics. Some have even gone so far as to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-city-ap-top-news-pope-francis-international-news-europe-feb3193a715d44cb852f853b907b65e0">accuse him of heresy</a> for some of his gestures and preaching, including allowing “pagan” statues in the Vatican.

Francis
 dedicated the bulk of his speech this year to the need to be vigilant 
about the work of the devil, picking up a theme he recently discussed 
during his weekly catechism lessons with the general public.

He 
told the Vatican bureaucrats it’s not enough to merely condemn evil or 
root it out, since it often comes back in different guises, stronger 
than before. Francis used the term “we” repeatedly, suggesting he 
includes himself among those in the Vatican who must remain mindful of 
the devil in their midst.

“Before, it appeared rough and violent, 
now it shows up as elegant and refined,” he warned. “We need to realize 
that and once again to unmask it. That is how these ‘elegant demons’ 
are: they enter smoothly, without our even being conscious of them," he 
said.

Francis told the story of a 17th century convent in Port 
Royal, France, where the superior, Mother Angelique, had charismatically
 reformed herself and her monastery after evil crept in, but the devil 
came back in the form of a rigid faith.

“They had cast out the 
demon, but he had returned seven times stronger, and under the guise of 
austerity and rigor, he had introduced rigidity and the presumption that
 they were better than others,” Francis warned.

Some of Francis' 
critics themselves were in the audience along with his supporters. 
Returning to the annual Christmas ceremony was Cardinal Angelo Becciu, 
whom Francis fired in 2020 and stripped of his rights as a cardinal 
after the pope accused him of financial misconduct.

Becciu is 
currently on trial, along with nine other people, in the Vatican 
criminal court and denies wrongdoing. Francis recently allowed him to 
resume participating in Vatican ceremonies, a sign the pope thinks he 
perhaps jumped the gun in sanctioning Becciu before a court ruled on his
 guilt or innocence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661652969163.png" alt="Pope Francis prays in front of new Cardinals during consistory inside St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. Pope Francis has chosen 20 men to become the Catholic Church's newest cardinals. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)" />
 <figcaption>Pope Francis prays in front of new Cardinals during consistory inside St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. Pope Francis has chosen 20 men to become the Catholic Church's newest cardinals. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NICOLE WINFIELD Associated PressVATICAN
 CITY — Pope Francis warned Vatican bureaucrats on Thursday to 
beware the devil that lurks among them, saying it is an “elegant demon” 
that works in people who have a rigid, holier-than-thou way of living 
the Catholic faith.Francis used his annual Christmas greeting to 
the Roman Curia to again put the cardinals, bishops and priests who work
 in the Holy See on notice that they are by no means beyond reproach and
 are, in fact, particularly vulnerable to evil.Francis told them 
that by living in the heart of the Catholic Church, “we could easily 
fall into the temptation of thinking we are safe, better than others, no
 longer in need of conversion.”“Yet we are in greater danger than
 all others, because we are beset by the 'elegant demon,' who does not 
make a loud entrance, but comes with flowers in his hand,” Francis told 
the churchmen in the Hall of Blessings of the Apostolic Palace.Francis has long used his Christmas address for an <a href="https://apnews.com/article/df9797036912440697b2126bf76e6c60">annual dressing down</a> of Vatican bureaucrats, taking them through a typical Jesuit-style <a href="https://apnews.com/article/d30d376888254729aea65099fdceb9f2">“examination of conscience” to help them repent</a> in the run-up to Christmas.His
 most blistering critique came in 2014, when he listed the “15 ailments 
of the Curia” that some suffered, including the “terrorism of gossip,” 
″spiritual Alzheimer’s” and of living “hypocritical” double lives. The 
following year, Francis offered an antidote to the sins by listing the 
“catalog of virtues” he hoped they would instead follow, including 
honesty, humility and sobriety.This year was similar in tone, and
 Francis reprised his critique of forms of abuse that even religious 
people use against one another."There isn't only the violence of 
weapons, there is verbal violence, psychological violence, the violence 
of abuse of power, the hidden violence of gossip," Francis said, in <a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-religion-scandals-27203a01c46a7f0e5d54616b8c30a7f9">a possible reference to a new case of abuse of authority that is roiling his own Jesuit order</a>. “Don't take advantage of your own position and role to mortify the other."Beyond
 that, Francis appeared to also want to take broader aim at 
arch-conservatives and traditionalists who have become the pope's 
biggest critics. Francis blasted their way of living the faith, 
insisting that being Catholic doesn't mean following a never-changing 
set of dicta but is rather a “process of understanding Christ’s message 
that never ends, but constantly challenges us."“True heresy 
consists not only in preaching another gospel, as Saint Paul told us, 
but also in ceasing to translate its message into today’s languages and 
ways of thinking,” Francis said.Traditionalist Catholics have 
denounced Francis’ emphasis on mercy and openness to doctrinal wiggle 
room on issues such as sacraments for divorced and civilly remarried 
Catholics. Some have even gone so far as to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-city-ap-top-news-pope-francis-international-news-europe-feb3193a715d44cb852f853b907b65e0">accuse him of heresy</a> for some of his gestures and preaching, including allowing “pagan” statues in the Vatican.Francis
 dedicated the bulk of his speech this year to the need to be vigilant 
about the work of the devil, picking up a theme he recently discussed 
during his weekly catechism lessons with the general public.He 
told the Vatican bureaucrats it’s not enough to merely condemn evil or 
root it out, since it often comes back in different guises, stronger 
than before. Francis used the term “we” repeatedly, suggesting he 
includes himself among those in the Vatican who must remain mindful of 
the devil in their midst.“Before, it appeared rough and violent, 
now it shows up as elegant and refined,” he warned. “We need to realize 
that and once again to unmask it. That is how these ‘elegant demons’ 
are: they enter smoothly, without our even being conscious of them," he 
said.Francis told the story of a 17th century convent in Port 
Royal, France, where the superior, Mother Angelique, had charismatically
 reformed herself and her monastery after evil crept in, but the devil 
came back in the form of a rigid faith.“They had cast out the 
demon, but he had returned seven times stronger, and under the guise of 
austerity and rigor, he had introduced rigidity and the presumption that
 they were better than others,” Francis warned.Some of Francis' 
critics themselves were in the audience along with his supporters. 
Returning to the annual Christmas ceremony was Cardinal Angelo Becciu, 
whom Francis fired in 2020 and stripped of his rights as a cardinal 
after the pope accused him of financial misconduct.Becciu is 
currently on trial, along with nine other people, in the Vatican 
criminal court and denies wrongdoing. Francis recently allowed him to 
resume participating in Vatican ceremonies, a sign the pope thinks he 
perhaps jumped the gun in sanctioning Becciu before a court ruled on his
 guilt or innocence.

Pope warns Vatican staff an 'elegant demon' lurks among them

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission this week proposed a record-breaking $299,997,000 fine against an auto warranty scam robocall campaign, the largest robocall operation the FCC has ever investigated.  The operation run by Roy Cox, Jr. and Michael Aaron Jones made billions of apparently illegal robocalls via their Sumco Panama company, other domestic and foreign entities, and a host of international cohorts located in Panama and Hungary (Cox/Jones Enterprise).  These robocalls apparently violated federal anti-robocalling and spoofing laws.  This robocall scheme made more than 5 billion robocalls to more than half a billion phone numbers during a three-month span in 2021, using pre-recorded voice calls to press consumers to speak to a “warranty specialist” about extending or reinstating their car’s warranty.

In July of this year, the FCC took initial action against the operation by issuing the FCC’s first-ever “K4 Notice” and “N2 Order” – actions that directed all U.S.-based voice service providers to cease carrying specified traffic related to the auto warranty scam robocalls.  This resulted in a massive, 99% drop in the volume of such calls since June, according to RoboKiller.  Today, those responsible for making the calls face additional consequences for their apparent violations.  “We will be relentless in pursing the groups behind these schemes by limiting their access to U.S. communications networks and holding them to account for their conduct,” said Enforcement Bureau Chief Loyaan A. Egal.  “This latest action by the Commission further exemplifies the benefits of our working relationships with federal and state law enforcement partners, including the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, to combat illegal robocalls.” 

Since at least 2018, the Cox/Jones Enterprise ran a complex robocall sales lead generation scheme, which was designed to sell vehicle service contracts that were deceptively marketed as car warranties.  The FCC Enforcement Bureau’s investigation found that the Cox/Jones Enterprise apparently placed approximately 5,187,677,000 calls to 550,138,650 wireless and residential phones from January to March 2021, using 1,051,461 unique caller ID numbers – enough calls to have called each person in the United States 15 times during just those three months.  

Today’s proposed fine is the largest such action in the FCC’s history largely because the FCC found that the robocallers met the agency’s criteria for egregious violations and thus deserved a substantially escalated proposed fine.  Consumers used the terms “incessant” and “harassment” to describe the calls.  The  called health care workers during a pandemic and spoofed the phone numbers of hospitals which resulted in confused consumers calling the hospitals to complain – tying up the phone lines of vital public safety institutions.  In addition, Cox and Jones were prohibited from making telemarketing calls pursuant to Federal Trade Commission actions.

The robocalling operation apparently violated both spoofing and robocalling provisions.  Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, robocalls – defined in part as calls using pre-recorded voice messages – to mobile phones require prior express consent from the called party – and such calls that also include telemarketing require that express consent in writing.  The TCPA also requires prerecorded messages to identify the caller at the start of the message, and requires telemarketers to include a call-back number that allows consumers to opt out of future calls.  This robocall scheme involved the placement of prerecorded telemarketing calls to consumers, including to mobile phones, apparently without their prior consent and without including requisite disclosures.  

Under the Truth in Caller ID Act, spoofing is prohibited when it is done to cause harm – including tricking consumers or defrauding them.  In this case, while many of the robocalls originated from foreign dialing entities, the calls apparently used the “neighbor spoofing” tactic to make the caller ID appear local to American consumers.  The calls then misrepresented the product or service being offered and made false or misleading statements to induce call recipients to purchase goods or services.  In addition, the TRACED Act raised the per-violation maximum penalty amount and removed the previous requirement that possible TCPA-violators get a warning first before becoming liable for penalties.

The proposed action, formally called a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture, or NAL, contains only allegations that advise a party (in this case Sumco Panama SA, Sumco Panama USA, Virtual Telecom kft, Virtual Telecom Inc., Davis Telecom Inc., Geist Telecom LLC, Fugle Telecom LLC, Tech Direct LLC, Mobi Telecom LLC, and Posting Express Inc.) on how it has apparently violated the law and may set forth a proposed monetary penalty.  The Commission may not impose a greater monetary penalty in this case than the amount proposed in the NAL.  Neither the allegations nor the proposed sanctions in the NAL are final Commission actions.  The party will be given an opportunity to respond and the Commission will consider the party’s submission of evidence and legal arguments before acting further to resolve the matter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977952684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FCCWASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission this week proposed a record-breaking $299,997,000 fine against an auto warranty scam robocall campaign, the largest robocall operation the FCC has ever investigated. The operation run by Roy Cox, Jr. and Michael Aaron Jones made billions of apparently illegal robocalls via their Sumco Panama company, other domestic and foreign entities, and a host of international cohorts located in Panama and Hungary (Cox/Jones Enterprise). These robocalls apparently violated federal anti-robocalling and spoofing laws. This robocall scheme made more than 5 billion robocalls to more than half a billion phone numbers during a three-month span in 2021, using pre-recorded voice calls to press consumers to speak to a “warranty specialist” about extending or reinstating their car’s warranty.In July of this year, the FCC took initial action against the operation by issuing the FCC’s first-ever “K4 Notice” and “N2 Order” – actions that directed all U.S.-based voice service providers to cease carrying specified traffic related to the auto warranty scam robocalls. This resulted in a massive, 99% drop in the volume of such calls since June, according to RoboKiller. Today, those responsible for making the calls face additional consequences for their apparent violations. “We will be relentless in pursing the groups behind these schemes by limiting their access to U.S. communications networks and holding them to account for their conduct,” said Enforcement Bureau Chief Loyaan A. Egal. “This latest action by the Commission further exemplifies the benefits of our working relationships with federal and state law enforcement partners, including the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, to combat illegal robocalls.” Since at least 2018, the Cox/Jones Enterprise ran a complex robocall sales lead generation scheme, which was designed to sell vehicle service contracts that were deceptively marketed as car warranties. The FCC Enforcement Bureau’s investigation found that the Cox/Jones Enterprise apparently placed approximately 5,187,677,000 calls to 550,138,650 wireless and residential phones from January to March 2021, using 1,051,461 unique caller ID numbers – enough calls to have called each person in the United States 15 times during just those three months. Today’s proposed fine is the largest such action in the FCC’s history largely because the FCC found that the robocallers met the agency’s criteria for egregious violations and thus deserved a substantially escalated proposed fine. Consumers used the terms “incessant” and “harassment” to describe the calls. The called health care workers during a pandemic and spoofed the phone numbers of hospitals which resulted in confused consumers calling the hospitals to complain – tying up the phone lines of vital public safety institutions. In addition, Cox and Jones were prohibited from making telemarketing calls pursuant to Federal Trade Commission actions.The robocalling operation apparently violated both spoofing and robocalling provisions. Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, robocalls – defined in part as calls using pre-recorded voice messages – to mobile phones require prior express consent from the called party – and such calls that also include telemarketing require that express consent in writing. The TCPA also requires prerecorded messages to identify the caller at the start of the message, and requires telemarketers to include a call-back number that allows consumers to opt out of future calls. This robocall scheme involved the placement of prerecorded telemarketing calls to consumers, including to mobile phones, apparently without their prior consent and without including requisite disclosures. Under the Truth in Caller ID Act, spoofing is prohibited when it is done to cause harm – including tricking consumers or defrauding them. In this case, while many of the robocalls originated from foreign dialing entities, the calls apparently used the “neighbor spoofing” tactic to make the caller ID appear local to American consumers. The calls then misrepresented the product or service being offered and made false or misleading statements to induce call recipients to purchase goods or services. In addition, the TRACED Act raised the per-violation maximum penalty amount and removed the previous requirement that possible TCPA-violators get a warning first before becoming liable for penalties.The proposed action, formally called a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture, or NAL, contains only allegations that advise a party (in this case Sumco Panama SA, Sumco Panama USA, Virtual Telecom kft, Virtual Telecom Inc., Davis Telecom Inc., Geist Telecom LLC, Fugle Telecom LLC, Tech Direct LLC, Mobi Telecom LLC, and Posting Express Inc.) on how it has apparently violated the law and may set forth a proposed monetary penalty. The Commission may not impose a greater monetary penalty in this case than the amount proposed in the NAL. Neither the allegations nor the proposed sanctions in the NAL are final Commission actions. The party will be given an opportunity to respond and the Commission will consider the party’s submission of evidence and legal arguments before acting further to resolve the matter.

Car warranty scam? FCC proposes largest-ever fine against robocaller

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds low- and 
moderate-income workers that they can save for retirement now and 
possibly earn a special tax credit in 2022 and years ahead.

The Retirement Savings Contributions Credit, also known as the 
Saver's Credit, helps offset part of the first $2,000 workers 
voluntarily contribute to Individual Retirement Arrangements, 401(k) 
plans and similar workplace retirement programs. The credit also helps 
any eligible person with a disability who is the designated beneficiary 
of an Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account, contribute to 
that account. For more information about ABLE accounts, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-907">Publication 907</a>, available on IRS.gov.

The Saver's Credit is available in addition to any other tax savings that apply.

Eligible workers still have time to make qualifying retirement 
contributions and get the Saver's Credit on their 2022 tax return. 
People have until April 18, 2023 - the due date for filing their 2022 
return - to set up a new IRA or add money to an existing IRA for 2022. 
Both Roth and traditional IRAs qualify.

On the other hand, those participating in workplace retirement plans 
must take action by the end of 2022 for contributions to count for this 
year. This means elective deferrals (contributions) must be made by 
December 31 to a:

Contributions to certain other workplace retirement plans also qualify. See the instructions to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8880">Form 8880</a> for details.

Employees unable to set aside money this year may want to schedule 
their 2023 contributions soon so their employer can begin withholding 
them in January.

Income limits, based on a taxpayer's adjusted gross income and marital or filing status, apply to the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-savings-contributions-savers-credit">Saver's Credit</a>. But due to inflation, the limits will increase markedly in 2023.

As a result, the Saver's Credit can be claimed by:

Like other tax credits, the Saver's Credit can increase a 
taxpayer's refund or reduce the tax owed. Though the maximum Saver's 
Credit is $1,000 ($2,000 for married couples), the IRS cautioned that it
 is often much less and, due in part to the impact of other deductions 
and credits, may, in fact, be zero for some taxpayers.

A taxpayer's credit amount is based on their filing status, adjusted 
gross income, tax liability and amount contributed to qualifying 
retirement programs or ABLE accounts.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8880">Form 8880</a>&nbsp;is used to claim the Saver's Credit, and its instructions have details on figuring the credit correctly.

In tax year 2020, the most recent year for which complete figures are
 available, Saver's Credits totaling more than $1.7 billion were claimed
 on about 9.4 million individual income tax returns. That's an average 
of about $186 per eligible return.

The Saver's Credit supplements other tax benefits available to people
 who set money aside for retirement. For example, most workers may 
deduct their contributions to a traditional IRA. Though Roth IRA 
contributions are not deductible, qualifying withdrawals, usually after 
retirement, are tax-free. Normally, contributions to 401(k) and similar 
workplace plans are not taxed until withdrawn.

Other special rules that apply to the Saver's Credit include:

Any distributions from a retirement plan or ABLE account reduce 
the contribution amount used to figure the credit. For 2022, this rule 
applies to distributions received after 2019 and before the due date, 
including extensions, of the 2022 return. Form 8880 and its instructions
 have details on making this computation.

To learn more about other ways to get ready for the tax season ahead, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">IRS.gov/getready</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds low- and 
moderate-income workers that they can save for retirement now and 
possibly earn a special tax credit in 2022 and years ahead.The Retirement Savings Contributions Credit, also known as the 
Saver's Credit, helps offset part of the first $2,000 workers 
voluntarily contribute to Individual Retirement Arrangements, 401(k) 
plans and similar workplace retirement programs. The credit also helps 
any eligible person with a disability who is the designated beneficiary 
of an Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account, contribute to 
that account. For more information about ABLE accounts, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-907">Publication 907</a>, available on IRS.gov.The Saver's Credit is available in addition to any other tax savings that apply.<h2>Still time to take action</h2>Eligible workers still have time to make qualifying retirement 
contributions and get the Saver's Credit on their 2022 tax return. 
People have until April 18, 2023 - the due date for filing their 2022 
return - to set up a new IRA or add money to an existing IRA for 2022. 
Both Roth and traditional IRAs qualify.On the other hand, those participating in workplace retirement plans 
must take action by the end of 2022 for contributions to count for this 
year. This means elective deferrals (contributions) must be made by 
December 31 to a:<ul>
 <li>401(k) plan.</li><li>403(b) plan for employees of public schools and certain tax-exempt organizations.</li><li>Governmental 457 plan for state or local government employees.</li><li>Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for federal employees.</li>
 </ul>Contributions to certain other workplace retirement plans also qualify. See the instructions to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8880">Form 8880</a> for details.Employees unable to set aside money this year may want to schedule 
their 2023 contributions soon so their employer can begin withholding 
them in January.<h2>Who qualifies</h2>Income limits, based on a taxpayer's adjusted gross income and marital or filing status, apply to the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-savings-contributions-savers-credit">Saver's Credit</a>. But due to inflation, the limits will increase markedly in 2023.As a result, the Saver's Credit can be claimed by:<ul>
 <li>Married couples filing jointly with incomes up to $68,000 in 2022 or $73,000 in 2023.</li><li>Heads of household with incomes up to $51,000 in 2022 or $54,750 in 2023.</li><li>Married individuals filing separately and singles with incomes up to $34,000 in 2022 or $36,500 in 2023.</li>
 </ul>Like other tax credits, the Saver's Credit can increase a 
taxpayer's refund or reduce the tax owed. Though the maximum Saver's 
Credit is $1,000 ($2,000 for married couples), the IRS cautioned that it
 is often much less and, due in part to the impact of other deductions 
and credits, may, in fact, be zero for some taxpayers.A taxpayer's credit amount is based on their filing status, adjusted 
gross income, tax liability and amount contributed to qualifying 
retirement programs or ABLE accounts.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8880">Form 8880</a>&nbsp;is used to claim the Saver's Credit, and its instructions have details on figuring the credit correctly.In tax year 2020, the most recent year for which complete figures are
 available, Saver's Credits totaling more than $1.7 billion were claimed
 on about 9.4 million individual income tax returns. That's an average 
of about $186 per eligible return.The Saver's Credit supplements other tax benefits available to people
 who set money aside for retirement. For example, most workers may 
deduct their contributions to a traditional IRA. Though Roth IRA 
contributions are not deductible, qualifying withdrawals, usually after 
retirement, are tax-free. Normally, contributions to 401(k) and similar 
workplace plans are not taxed until withdrawn.<h2>Some restrictions apply</h2>Other special rules that apply to the Saver's Credit include:<ul>
 <li>Eligible taxpayers must be at least 18 years of age.</li><li>Anyone claimed as a dependent on someone else's return cannot take the credit.</li><li>A student cannot take the credit. A person enrolled as a full-time 
student during any part of 5 calendar months during the year is 
considered a student.</li>
 </ul>Any distributions from a retirement plan or ABLE account reduce 
the contribution amount used to figure the credit. For 2022, this rule 
applies to distributions received after 2019 and before the due date, 
including extensions, of the 2022 return. Form 8880 and its instructions
 have details on making this computation.To learn more about other ways to get ready for the tax season ahead, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">IRS.gov/getready</a>.

Saver’s Credit can help low-, moderate-income workers save more in 2023

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the death of a man whose body was found in rural Sumner County have&nbsp; suspects in custody. A tip from CrimeStoppers helped officer make a second arrest Thursday afternoon, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

On November 29, police were contacted by a 69-year-old man who reported 41-year-old Brent Boone, of Wichita, missing under unusual circumstances.

Boone was last seen on November 24, 2022, at 9:30 pm at his residence in the 1300 block of N. Pershing in Wichita before leaving in a vehicle with two individuals – identified as Valenciana and 19- year-old Tehya Turner, both of Wichita.

It is believed that an altercation occurred inside the car, during which Boone was killed.

On Wednesday, November 30, follow-up investigation led officers to a crime scene in the 9300 block of S. Pattie in Haysville, where they began processing evidence. Police located the vehicle on December 1, near 21st and Ridge, abandoned, according to Ditch.

Further investigation led officers to a rural area Southwest of Clearwater, one mile west of N Clearwater Road and 140th Ave N, where a body was located. Investigators with WPD and members of the Sumner County Sheriff's Office are working to confirm the body's identity, but at this time, it is believed to be Boone.

Police took Turner into custody Dec. 2 and she is being held on a $1 million dollar bond charged with first degree murder, burglary and possession of marijuana, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On Thursday, a Crime Stoppers tip identified a possible vehicle associated with Valenciana. Just after noon Thursday, police located the car near Wilma and Bluffview in Wichita, according to Macy. Officers attempted a traffic stop, resulting in a short pursuit. The pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed near Harry and Pinecrest, and the driver, 35-year-old Jeremy Moen of Wichita, was arrested and booked for traffic charges and a state parole warrant.

Further investigation revealed that Saul Valenciana was possibly inside a residence in the 1600 block of S. Parkwood. Units established a perimeter, made contact with Valenciana via phone, and began negotiations for his surrender.

Neighboring homes were evacuated as a precaution, and the WPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and WPD crisis negotiators were called to the scene to assist. They made contact with another male inside the residence, and he was able to exit safely. Valenciana exited the home at approximately 3:23 p.m. and was taken into custody without incident.

During negotiations, information was received about potential explosive devices inside the residence. As a precaution, the WPD Bomb Squad was called in to assess the situation. The scene was deemed safe, and released to investigators.

Valenciana <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=366093">was booked into the</a> Sedgwick county jail and has been charged with murder, burglary, and theft, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671195110870.png" alt="Valenciana-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Valenciana-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the death of a man whose body was found in rural Sumner County have&nbsp; suspects in custody. A tip from CrimeStoppers helped officer make a second arrest Thursday afternoon, according to Officer Trevor Macy.On November 29, police were contacted by a 69-year-old man who reported 41-year-old Brent Boone, of Wichita, missing under unusual circumstances.Boone was last seen on November 24, 2022, at 9:30 pm at his residence in the 1300 block of N. Pershing in Wichita before leaving in a vehicle with two individuals – identified as Valenciana and 19- year-old Tehya Turner, both of Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670173983028.png" alt="-Turner-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>-Turner-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>It is believed that an altercation occurred inside the car, during which Boone was killed.On Wednesday, November 30, follow-up investigation led officers to a crime scene in the 9300 block of S. Pattie in Haysville, where they began processing evidence. Police located the vehicle on December 1, near 21st and Ridge, abandoned, according to Ditch.Further investigation led officers to a rural area Southwest of Clearwater, one mile west of N Clearwater Road and 140th Ave N, where a body was located. Investigators with WPD and members of the Sumner County Sheriff's Office are working to confirm the body's identity, but at this time, it is believed to be Boone.Police took Turner into custody Dec. 2 and she is being held on a $1 million dollar bond charged with first degree murder, burglary and possession of marijuana, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671201025906.png" alt="Moen-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Moen-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On Thursday, a Crime Stoppers tip identified a possible vehicle associated with Valenciana. Just after noon Thursday, police located the car near Wilma and Bluffview in Wichita, according to Macy. Officers attempted a traffic stop, resulting in a short pursuit. The pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed near Harry and Pinecrest, and the driver, 35-year-old Jeremy Moen of Wichita, was arrested and booked for traffic charges and a state parole warrant.Further investigation revealed that Saul Valenciana was possibly inside a residence in the 1600 block of S. Parkwood. Units established a perimeter, made contact with Valenciana via phone, and began negotiations for his surrender.Neighboring homes were evacuated as a precaution, and the WPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and WPD crisis negotiators were called to the scene to assist. They made contact with another male inside the residence, and he was able to exit safely. Valenciana exited the home at approximately 3:23 p.m. and was taken into custody without incident.During negotiations, information was received about potential explosive devices inside the residence. As a precaution, the WPD Bomb Squad was called in to assess the situation. The scene was deemed safe, and released to investigators.Valenciana <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=366093">was booked into the</a> Sedgwick county jail and has been charged with murder, burglary, and theft, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney.

Crime Stoppers tip helped police catch Kansas murder suspect

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is temporarily blocking an order that would lift pandemic-era restrictions on asylum seekers. But it is leaving open the prospect of lifting the restrictions by Wednesday.

The order Monday by Chief Justice John Roberts comes as conservative states are pushing to keep limits on asylum seekers that were put in place during the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. They are appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court in a last-ditch effort before the limits are set to expire.

In the one-page order, Roberts granted a stay pending further order and asked the government to respond by 5 p.m. Tuesday. That is just hours before the restrictions are slated to expire on Wednesday.

The order by Roberts means the high-profile case that has drawn intense scrutiny will go down to the wire.

The immigration restrictions, often referred to as Title 42, were put in place under then-President Donald Trump in March 2020 and have prevented hundreds of thousands of migrants from seeking asylum in the U.S. in recent years. But as they’re set to expire, thousands more migrants are packed in shelters on Mexico’s border with the U.S.

Immigration advocates sued to stop the use of Title 42 to limit who can apply for asylum, saying that the policy goes against American and international obligations to people fleeing to the U.S. to escape persecution. And they’ve argued that things like vaccines and treatments for the coronavirus have made the policy outdated.

Conservative-leaning states have argued that lifting of Title 42 will lead to a surge of migrants into their states and take a toll on government services like health care or law enforcement. They also charge that the federal government has no plan to deal with an increase in migrants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632317742720.png" alt="In the one-page order, Chief Justice Roberts granted a stay pending further order and asked the government to respond by 5 p.m. Tuesday- photo Rep. Tony Gonzales" />
 <figcaption>In the one-page order, Chief Justice Roberts granted a stay pending further order and asked the government to respond by 5 p.m. Tuesday- photo Rep. Tony Gonzales</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is temporarily blocking an order that would lift pandemic-era restrictions on asylum seekers. But it is leaving open the prospect of lifting the restrictions by Wednesday.The order Monday by Chief Justice John Roberts comes as conservative states are pushing to keep limits on asylum seekers that were put in place during the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. They are appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court in a last-ditch effort before the limits are set to expire.In the one-page order, Roberts granted a stay pending further order and asked the government to respond by 5 p.m. Tuesday. That is just hours before the restrictions are slated to expire on Wednesday.The order by Roberts means the high-profile case that has drawn intense scrutiny will go down to the wire.The immigration restrictions, often referred to as Title 42, were put in place under then-President Donald Trump in March 2020 and have prevented hundreds of thousands of migrants from seeking asylum in the U.S. in recent years. But as they’re set to expire, thousands more migrants are packed in shelters on Mexico’s border with the U.S.Immigration advocates sued to stop the use of Title 42 to limit who can apply for asylum, saying that the policy goes against American and international obligations to people fleeing to the U.S. to escape persecution. And they’ve argued that things like vaccines and treatments for the coronavirus have made the policy outdated.Conservative-leaning states have argued that lifting of Title 42 will lead to a surge of migrants into their states and take a toll on government services like health care or law enforcement. They also charge that the federal government has no plan to deal with an increase in migrants.

Supreme Court temporarily blocks lifting of asylum restrictions

WASHINGTON (AP)— The Air Force has grounded its entire fleet of B-2 stealth 
bombers following an emergency landing and fire earlier this month, and 
none of the strategic aircraft will perform flyovers at this years' 
college bowl games.

A bomber experienced an in-flight malfunction 
on Dec. 10, forcing it to make an emergency landing at Whiteman Air 
Force Base in St. Louis, Mo., where it caught fire. The fire was 
extinguished and there were no injuries.

The standdown is 
significant in that there are fewer than 20 stealth bombers in the 
entire fleet and the aircraft provides, along with the B-52 
Stratofortress, the air leg of the nation's nuclear triad. The B-2 has 
been regularly deployed to the Indo-Pacific and more recently to Europe 
as a show of force. During the standdown the entire fleet will be 
inspected, 509th Bomb Wing spokeswoman Air Force Master Sgt. Beth Del 
Vecchio said.

The B-2 was scheduled to fly over the 2023 Rose 
Parade and Rose Bowl Game but it will be replaced by the B-1 Lancer, the
 509th Bomb Wing said in a statement.

The B-2 stealth bomber took 
its first flight in 1989 and its flying-wing design formed the base of 
its eventual replacement, the B-21 Raider, which was <a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-china-business-air-force-palmdale-761db1dae42616181a2cc63966f43554">introduced this month</a>. The B-21 is scheduled to make its first flight next year.

In Sept. 2021 another B-2 at Whiteman had to make an <a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-air-force-933115dce727bbf8ed21ef0884c184b8">emergency landing</a>
 after the hydraulics system failed, resulting in the bomber's landing 
gear collapsing. The bomber's left wing dragged for about a mile before 
the aircraft came to a halt, resulting in at least $10 million in damage
 to the aircraft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631196455746.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP)— The Air Force has grounded its entire fleet of B-2 stealth 
bombers following an emergency landing and fire earlier this month, and 
none of the strategic aircraft will perform flyovers at this years' 
college bowl games.A bomber experienced an in-flight malfunction 
on Dec. 10, forcing it to make an emergency landing at Whiteman Air 
Force Base in St. Louis, Mo., where it caught fire. The fire was 
extinguished and there were no injuries.The standdown is 
significant in that there are fewer than 20 stealth bombers in the 
entire fleet and the aircraft provides, along with the B-52 
Stratofortress, the air leg of the nation's nuclear triad. The B-2 has 
been regularly deployed to the Indo-Pacific and more recently to Europe 
as a show of force. During the standdown the entire fleet will be 
inspected, 509th Bomb Wing spokeswoman Air Force Master Sgt. Beth Del 
Vecchio said.The B-2 was scheduled to fly over the 2023 Rose 
Parade and Rose Bowl Game but it will be replaced by the B-1 Lancer, the
 509th Bomb Wing said in a statement.The B-2 stealth bomber took 
its first flight in 1989 and its flying-wing design formed the base of 
its eventual replacement, the B-21 Raider, which was <a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-china-business-air-force-palmdale-761db1dae42616181a2cc63966f43554">introduced this month</a>. The B-21 is scheduled to make its first flight next year.In Sept. 2021 another B-2 at Whiteman had to make an <a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-air-force-933115dce727bbf8ed21ef0884c184b8">emergency landing</a>
 after the hydraulics system failed, resulting in the bomber's landing 
gear collapsing. The bomber's left wing dragged for about a mile before 
the aircraft came to a halt, resulting in at least $10 million in damage
 to the aircraft.

Air Force grounds entire B-2 fleet after emergency landing

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded employers 
and self-employed individuals that chose to defer paying part of their 
2020 Social Security tax liability that their second annual installment 
of the deferred amount is due on December 31, 2022.

As part of the COVID relief provided during 2020, employers could 
choose to put off paying the employer's share of their Social Security 
tax liability, which is 6.2% of wages. Self-employed individuals could 
also choose to defer a similar amount of their self-employment tax. 
Generally, half of that deferral was due on December 31, 2021. The other
 half is due on December 31, 2022.

Earlier this fall, the IRS sent reminder notices to affected 
employers and self-employed individuals. The agency noted, however, that
 those affected are still required to make the payment on time, even if 
they did not receive a notice.

Employers and individuals have several options for making this payment. Deferral payments can made through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>, by <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card">debit card, credit card or digital wallet</a>, or with a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-by-check-or-money-order">check or money order</a>.
 No matter which payment option is chosen, it must be made separately 
from other tax payments and deposits. This will ensure that it is 
credited properly and will help avoid follow-up bills or notices.

Employers and individuals can make the deferral payments through enrollment in the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System</a>, a free service available from the Treasury Department. On the Tax Type Selection screen, choose Deferred Social Security Tax and then change the date to the applicable tax period (the calendar quarter in 2020 for which tax was deferred). Visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">EFTPS.gov</a>&nbsp;or call <a href="tel:800-555-4477">800-555-4477</a> or <a href="tel:800-733-4829">800-733-4829</a> for details.

Alternatively, self-employed individual taxpayers can choose Direct 
Pay to pay directly from a checking or savings account. This service is 
available free only on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay With Bank Account</a>.
 Select the "Balance Due" reason for payment and apply the payment to 
the 2020 tax year where the payment was deferred. Direct Pay is not 
available to pay employment taxes.

Debit card, credit card or digital wallet

If paying with a credit card, debit card or digital wallet, select 
"installment agreement." Apply the payment to the 2020 tax year where 
the payment was deferred. Note that the IRS does not charge a fee for 
this service, but the authorized third-party payment processors do. 
Visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a> for details.

Make any check or money order payable to United States Treasury, not IRS. For more information on where to mail payments see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i941#en_US_202206_publink100065907">Instructions for Form 941</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded employers 
and self-employed individuals that chose to defer paying part of their 
2020 Social Security tax liability that their second annual installment 
of the deferred amount is due on December 31, 2022.As part of the COVID relief provided during 2020, employers could 
choose to put off paying the employer's share of their Social Security 
tax liability, which is 6.2% of wages. Self-employed individuals could 
also choose to defer a similar amount of their self-employment tax. 
Generally, half of that deferral was due on December 31, 2021. The other
 half is due on December 31, 2022.Earlier this fall, the IRS sent reminder notices to affected 
employers and self-employed individuals. The agency noted, however, that
 those affected are still required to make the payment on time, even if 
they did not receive a notice.<h2>How to repay the deferred taxes</h2>Employers and individuals have several options for making this payment. Deferral payments can made through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>, by <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card">debit card, credit card or digital wallet</a>, or with a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-by-check-or-money-order">check or money order</a>.
 No matter which payment option is chosen, it must be made separately 
from other tax payments and deposits. This will ensure that it is 
credited properly and will help avoid follow-up bills or notices.<h2>EFTPS</h2>Employers and individuals can make the deferral payments through enrollment in the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System</a>, a free service available from the Treasury Department. On the Tax Type Selection screen, choose Deferred Social Security Tax and then change the date to the applicable tax period (the calendar quarter in 2020 for which tax was deferred). Visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">EFTPS.gov</a>&nbsp;or call <a href="tel:800-555-4477">800-555-4477</a> or <a href="tel:800-733-4829">800-733-4829</a> for details.<h2>Direct Pay</h2>Alternatively, self-employed individual taxpayers can choose Direct 
Pay to pay directly from a checking or savings account. This service is 
available free only on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay With Bank Account</a>.
 Select the "Balance Due" reason for payment and apply the payment to 
the 2020 tax year where the payment was deferred. Direct Pay is not 
available to pay employment taxes.<h2>Debit card, credit card or digital wallet</h2>If paying with a credit card, debit card or digital wallet, select 
"installment agreement." Apply the payment to the 2020 tax year where 
the payment was deferred. Note that the IRS does not charge a fee for 
this service, but the authorized third-party payment processors do. 
Visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a> for details.<h2>Check or money order</h2>Make any check or money order payable to United States Treasury, not IRS. For more information on where to mail payments see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i941#en_US_202206_publink100065907">Instructions for Form 941</a>.

IRS deadline looms for many employers, self-employed people

The rise of <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/online-shopping">online marketplaces</a> and expedited delivery services is a convenient service for many consumers across the nation, allowing <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/23348-shop-safe">holiday purchasers</a>
 to search for the perfect gift for friends and family. Unfortunately, 
purchasing and having the item delivered to the proper address does not 
guarantee you will receive it. According to market research firm <a href="https://www.crresearch.com/blog/2022-package-theft-statistics-report" target="_blank">C+R Research</a>,
 package theft continues to be an issue for many Americans, with 
approximately 14% of consumers experiencing package theft in 2022.

Package thieves, also known as “porch pirates,” often take advantage 
of an opportunity and may frequent a neighborhood or community multiple 
times before moving on to another. They will often target houses that 
provide a quick in-and-out route, especially if the porch or area where <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/14276-bbb-safe-delivery-tips-for-holiday-shipping">packages are delivered</a>
 is within 25 feet of the street and are easily visible. Over the past 
five years, internet searches using the keywords “package stolen” nearly
 doubled <a href="https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=today%205-y&amp;geo=US&amp;q=package%20stolen" target="_blank">during December</a>, demonstrating the impact of this crime on households across the nation.

As a crime of opportunity, preventing or discouraging package theft 
can be accomplished in several ways, depending on the location of your 
residence, type, and community. For instance, preventing package theft 
at an apartment complex in the middle of the city differs from a 
suburban residential community. However, consumers can use specific 
strategies to discourage the act no matter where they live.

BBB provides the following tips to prevent package thieves from affecting your holiday plans (and the rest of the year):

If you fear that your package has been stolen, file a report with 
your local police department and the delivery company. Depending on 
which delivery service you use, they may offer insurance or other 
policies to reimburse you for your losses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBThe rise of <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/online-shopping">online marketplaces</a> and expedited delivery services is a convenient service for many consumers across the nation, allowing <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/23348-shop-safe">holiday purchasers</a>
 to search for the perfect gift for friends and family. Unfortunately, 
purchasing and having the item delivered to the proper address does not 
guarantee you will receive it. According to market research firm <a href="https://www.crresearch.com/blog/2022-package-theft-statistics-report" target="_blank">C+R Research</a>,
 package theft continues to be an issue for many Americans, with 
approximately 14% of consumers experiencing package theft in 2022.Package thieves, also known as “porch pirates,” often take advantage 
of an opportunity and may frequent a neighborhood or community multiple 
times before moving on to another. They will often target houses that 
provide a quick in-and-out route, especially if the porch or area where <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/14276-bbb-safe-delivery-tips-for-holiday-shipping">packages are delivered</a>
 is within 25 feet of the street and are easily visible. Over the past 
five years, internet searches using the keywords “package stolen” nearly
 doubled <a href="https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=today%205-y&amp;geo=US&amp;q=package%20stolen" target="_blank">during December</a>, demonstrating the impact of this crime on households across the nation.As a crime of opportunity, preventing or discouraging package theft 
can be accomplished in several ways, depending on the location of your 
residence, type, and community. For instance, preventing package theft 
at an apartment complex in the middle of the city differs from a 
suburban residential community. However, consumers can use specific 
strategies to discourage the act no matter where they live.BBB provides the following tips to prevent package thieves from affecting your holiday plans (and the rest of the year):<ul>
 <li>Check with neighbors.&nbsp;Sometimes, your package may 
not be stolen, just simply at the wrong address. Before filing a report 
or contacting the sender, check with your neighbors and see if the 
delivery service may have dropped off your package at the wrong address.
 Many delivery companies will take pictures of your package in the 
designated location – be sure to check for the photo and verify it is at
 the right spot.</li><li>Don’t leave unattended packages.&nbsp;When possible, do 
not leave delivered packages unattended for long periods. If you are 
expecting a package, attempt to schedule its delivery when you know you 
will be home. Ask your neighbors if they would mind holding on to 
packages delivered if you plan to be gone for an extended time during 
the holidays.</li><li>Ship to store.&nbsp;If purchasing an item from a 
retailer that has a physical location near your home, consider shipping 
it there instead. Retailers will require proof of purchase or 
identification before releasing packages they have received, and this is
 a sure way to avoid porch pirates.</li><li>Use a security camera.&nbsp;Installing a <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/2270-bbb-tip-buying-a-home-security-system">home security system</a> with cameras or simply a <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/26369-bbb-tip-your-guide-to-purchasing-a-smart-doorbell">camera-enabled doorbell</a>
 is a great way to deter package theft, especially when highly visible. 
Consider including a sign that specifically states that the residence is
 under surveillance. Even if a package is stolen from your porch, the 
video evidence will help law enforcement track down the thieves (but be 
wary of the risk of <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20827-dont-let-these-scary-cyber-safety-risks-creep-up-on-you">internet-connected devices</a> and research before you purchase).</li><li>Require a signature.&nbsp;Many delivery companies 
include the option to require a signature before leaving a package, 
letting you take physical possession of the item as soon as it is 
delivered. While this option works well for those who are often at home,
 especially for expensive items, it may create difficulties in receiving
 packages if your schedule and the delivery service are different. Be 
sure to check with the delivery company on their policy for packages 
that are not signed for; they may return it to the sender after a 
certain number of attempts.</li><li>Consider a package receiving service.&nbsp;Some major 
retailers, such as Amazon, offer secure package receiving locations away
 from your home that you can access with a key or code. Some independent
 businesses also specialize in this service, allowing you to designate a
 different delivery location for your packages and the ability to pick 
them up on your way home.</li>
 </ul>If you fear that your package has been stolen, file a report with 
your local police department and the delivery company. Depending on 
which delivery service you use, they may offer insurance or other 
policies to reimburse you for your losses.

6 steps to stop porch pirates this holiday season

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission ahs announced it is committing nearly $54 million in a new funding round through the Emergency Connectivity Program, which provides digital services for students in communities across the country.  The funding commitments support applications from all three application windows, benefiting approximately 150,000 students across the country, including students in Florida, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Washington, and West Virginia.

“We need to make sure all our kids have the digital tools they need to connect with teachers and online homework,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel.  “This latest round of funding brings us closer to our goal of closing the Homework Gap.”

To date, the Commission has committed over $6.4 billion to schools and libraries across the country as part of the Emergency Connectivity Program, which launched last year.  The program has provided schools and libraries three different “application windows” for schools and libraries to apply for support.  Today’s announcement will support approximately 100 schools, 10 libraries, and 2 consortia.

The funding can be used to support off-campus learning, such as nightly homework, to ensure

students across the country have the necessary support to keep up with their education.  To date, the program has provided support to approximately 10,000 schools, 900 libraries, and 100  consortia, and providing approximately 12 million connected devices and 8 million broadband connections.  Of the over $6.4 billion in funding commitments approved to date, approximately $4.14 billion is supporting applications from Window 1; $833 million from Window 2; and $1.43 billion from Window 3.  

More details about which schools and libraries have received funding commitments can be found <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-connectivity-fund">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977952684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission ahs announced it is committing nearly $54 million in a new funding round through the Emergency Connectivity Program, which provides digital services for students in communities across the country. The funding commitments support applications from all three application windows, benefiting approximately 150,000 students across the country, including students in Florida, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Washington, and West Virginia.“We need to make sure all our kids have the digital tools they need to connect with teachers and online homework,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “This latest round of funding brings us closer to our goal of closing the Homework Gap.”To date, the Commission has committed over $6.4 billion to schools and libraries across the country as part of the Emergency Connectivity Program, which launched last year. The program has provided schools and libraries three different “application windows” for schools and libraries to apply for support. Today’s announcement will support approximately 100 schools, 10 libraries, and 2 consortia.The funding can be used to support off-campus learning, such as nightly homework, to ensurestudents across the country have the necessary support to keep up with their education. To date, the program has provided support to approximately 10,000 schools, 900 libraries, and 100 consortia, and providing approximately 12 million connected devices and 8 million broadband connections. Of the over $6.4 billion in funding commitments approved to date, approximately $4.14 billion is supporting applications from Window 1; $833 million from Window 2; and $1.43 billion from Window 3. More details about which schools and libraries have received funding commitments can be found <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-connectivity-fund">HERE</a>.

FCC: Another $54M for emergency broadband connectivity

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded those who 
were born in 1950 or earlier that funds in their retirement plans and 
individual retirement arrangements face important upcoming deadlines for
 required minimum distributions to avoid penalties.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-required-minimum-distributions-rmds">Required minimum distributions</a>,
 or RMDs, are minimum amounts that many retirement plan and IRA account 
owners must generally withdraw annually after they reach age 72. Account
 owners can delay taking their first RMD until April 1 following the 
later of the calendar year they reach age 72 or, in a workplace 
retirement plan, retire. RMDs are taxable income and may be subject to 
penalities if not timely taken.

IRAs: The RMD rules require <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/individual-retirement-arrangements-iras">traditional IRA</a>,
 and SEP, SARSEP, and SIMPLE IRA account holders to begin taking 
distributions at age 72, even if they're still working. Account holders 
reaching age 72 in 2022 must take their first RMD by April 1, 2023, and 
the second RMD by December 31, 2023, and each year thereafter.

Retirement Plans: In 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) 
plans; profit-sharing and other defined contribution plans; and defined 
benefit plans, the first RMD is due by April 1 of the later of the year 
they reach age 72, or the participant is no longer employed (if allowed 
by the plan). A 5% owner of the employer must begin taking RMDs at age 
72.

RMDs may not be rolled over to another IRA or retirement plan. See the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/rmd-comparison-chart-iras-vs-defined-contribution-plans">RMD Comparison Chart</a> that highlights some of the basic RMD rules that apply to IRAs and defined contribution plans. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/roth-iras">Roth IRAs</a> do not require distributions while the original owner is alive.

RMD Calculations and 50% tax on missed distributions

An IRA trustee, or plan administrator, must either report the amount 
of the RMD to the IRA owner or offer to calculate it. An IRA owner, or 
trustee, must calculate the RMD separately for each IRA owned. They may 
be able to withdraw the total amount from one or more of the IRAs. 
However, RMDs from workplace retirement plans must be taken separately 
from each plan.

Not taking a required distribution, or not withdrawing enough, could 
mean a 50% excise tax on the amount not distributed. The IRS has <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/required-minimum-distribution-worksheets">worksheets</a> to calculate the RMD and payout periods.

An RMD may be required for an IRA, retirement plan account or Roth IRA inherited from the original owner. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-beneficiary">Retirement Topics - Beneficiary</a>
 has information on taking RMDs from an inherited IRA or retirement 
account and reporting taxable distributions as part of gross income. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p559">Publication 559, Survivors, Executors and Administrators</a>,
 can help those in charge of the estate complete and file federal income
 tax returns, and explains their responsibility to pay any taxes due on 
behalf of the decedent or person who has died.

Since 2020 RMDs were waived, an account owner or beneficiary who 
received an RMD in 2020 had the option of returning it to their IRA or 
other qualified plan to avoid paying taxes on that distribution. A 2020 
RMD that qualified as a coronavirus-related distribution may be repaid 
over a 3-year period or have the taxes due on the distribution spread 
over three years.

A 2020 withdrawal from an inherited IRA could not be repaid to the 
inherited IRA but may be spread over three years for income inclusion. 
For more information see the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/coronavirus-relief-for-retirement-plans-and-iras">Coronavirus Relief for Retirement Plans and IRAs</a> page.

Taxpayers can find forms, instructions, publications, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plans-faqs-regarding-required-minimum-distributions">Frequently Asked Questions regarding Required Minimum Distributions</a> and other easy-to-use tools at IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="IRS" />
 <figcaption>IRS</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded those who 
were born in 1950 or earlier that funds in their retirement plans and 
individual retirement arrangements face important upcoming deadlines for
 required minimum distributions to avoid penalties.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-required-minimum-distributions-rmds">Required minimum distributions</a>,
 or RMDs, are minimum amounts that many retirement plan and IRA account 
owners must generally withdraw annually after they reach age 72. Account
 owners can delay taking their first RMD until April 1 following the 
later of the calendar year they reach age 72 or, in a workplace 
retirement plan, retire. RMDs are taxable income and may be subject to 
penalities if not timely taken.IRAs: The RMD rules require <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/individual-retirement-arrangements-iras">traditional IRA</a>,
 and SEP, SARSEP, and SIMPLE IRA account holders to begin taking 
distributions at age 72, even if they're still working. Account holders 
reaching age 72 in 2022 must take their first RMD by April 1, 2023, and 
the second RMD by December 31, 2023, and each year thereafter.Retirement Plans: In 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) 
plans; profit-sharing and other defined contribution plans; and defined 
benefit plans, the first RMD is due by April 1 of the later of the year 
they reach age 72, or the participant is no longer employed (if allowed 
by the plan). A 5% owner of the employer must begin taking RMDs at age 
72.RMDs may not be rolled over to another IRA or retirement plan. See the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/rmd-comparison-chart-iras-vs-defined-contribution-plans">RMD Comparison Chart</a> that highlights some of the basic RMD rules that apply to IRAs and defined contribution plans. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/roth-iras">Roth IRAs</a> do not require distributions while the original owner is alive.<h2>RMD Calculations and 50% tax on missed distributions</h2>An IRA trustee, or plan administrator, must either report the amount 
of the RMD to the IRA owner or offer to calculate it. An IRA owner, or 
trustee, must calculate the RMD separately for each IRA owned. They may 
be able to withdraw the total amount from one or more of the IRAs. 
However, RMDs from workplace retirement plans must be taken separately 
from each plan.Not taking a required distribution, or not withdrawing enough, could 
mean a 50% excise tax on the amount not distributed. The IRS has <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/required-minimum-distribution-worksheets">worksheets</a> to calculate the RMD and payout periods.<h2>Inherited IRAs</h2>An RMD may be required for an IRA, retirement plan account or Roth IRA inherited from the original owner. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-beneficiary">Retirement Topics - Beneficiary</a>
 has information on taking RMDs from an inherited IRA or retirement 
account and reporting taxable distributions as part of gross income. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p559">Publication 559, Survivors, Executors and Administrators</a>,
 can help those in charge of the estate complete and file federal income
 tax returns, and explains their responsibility to pay any taxes due on 
behalf of the decedent or person who has died.<h2>2020 coronavirus-related distribution</h2>Since 2020 RMDs were waived, an account owner or beneficiary who 
received an RMD in 2020 had the option of returning it to their IRA or 
other qualified plan to avoid paying taxes on that distribution. A 2020 
RMD that qualified as a coronavirus-related distribution may be repaid 
over a 3-year period or have the taxes due on the distribution spread 
over three years.A 2020 withdrawal from an inherited IRA could not be repaid to the 
inherited IRA but may be spread over three years for income inclusion. 
For more information see the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/coronavirus-relief-for-retirement-plans-and-iras">Coronavirus Relief for Retirement Plans and IRAs</a> page.Taxpayers can find forms, instructions, publications, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plans-faqs-regarding-required-minimum-distributions">Frequently Asked Questions regarding Required Minimum Distributions</a> and other easy-to-use tools at IRS.gov.

Over age 72? Tips on avoiding IRA, retirement plan penalties

Newswire, courtesy Associated Press

As the end of the year approaches, people start looking forward to 
their tax refunds. Many use these refunds to restock their emergency 
savings, invest, make big purchases, and travel. But the IRS can take a 
long time to get your refund to you, even if you sign up for direct 
deposit. If you need the money faster, you may have considered a tax 
refund loan. This article will explain how <a href="https://www.advanceamerica.net/money-saving-tips/money-management/pros-and-cons-of-a-tax-refund-loan">tax refund loans</a> work and their benefits and drawbacks. Then, we'll dive into a few tax refund loan alternatives for your consideration.

Tax
 refund loans let taxpayers who qualify for a tax refund borrow against 
that refund. After filing your taxes with a tax preparer, you can apply 
for one of these loans with no credit check. If approved, they're 
typically disbursed to you via prepaid card or check within 24 hours of 
filing your return.

You don't repay these — instead, the lender 
opens a temporary bank account and tells the IRS to deposit the refund 
into it. They then take the loan amount plus fees and tax prep costs out
 of the refund before paying you the remainder. These loans are often 
interest-free. However, you may owe a fee, depending on the lender or 
tax filing service you work with.

Tax
 refund loans can be hard to compare since you can often only get one 
from your tax preparer. They're also fairly costly in some cases. Plus, 
there's always the chance your tax return has an error that, when 
corrected, reduces your refund. You may owe money if you borrowed more 
than your correct refund. So, if you need your refund fast but don't 
want a tax refund loan, consider these alternatives:

Cash
 advances are fast, small-dollar loans that you can use to cover 
expenses until your next payday. Many lenders have less strict 
requirements and will consider factors like your income and current 
debts in addition to your credit score. This means you can still get 
this type of loan with poor or fair credit.

If approved for a cash
 advance, you can often get the funds as soon as the same day you apply.
 Then, you'll repay what you owe plus interest in two to four weeks. You
 can also roll over the loan for an additional fee if you can't repay.

Installment
 loans let you borrow large lump sums and repay them in fixed monthly 
principal and interest payments. These tend to offer better interest 
rates and are easy to budget for, thanks to their predictable payments.

Plus,
 installment loans have longer timelines. This lets you borrow more and 
spread it out over a longer amount of time in case you need more than 
your tax refund amount. There are installment loans available to 
borrowers with a wide variety of credit scores and histories.

If
 you own your car outright, a title loan lets you borrow against your 
vehicle's title for a quick loan. Lenders appraise your vehicle, verify 
your income, and then offer you a loan worth 25% to 50% of your car's 
value. You can then get your funds that same day and continue driving 
your vehicle during repayment.

Consider a loan while you wait for your tax refund

Tax
 refund loans make it easy to access your money ASAP if you need it 
quickly. However, they can come with fees, and it's hard to compare 
options. Luckily, if you don't want a tax refund loan, there are plenty 
of alternatives.

Cash advances are one of the fastest short-term 
options for anyone, whereas title loans could be more suited for people 
who own vehicles outright. Installment loans may work well for people 
with larger refunds or who need to borrow more and want fixed payments. 
Whichever option you choose, make sure you budget for the loan. This 
will help you minimize costs and financial stress while allowing you to 
take advantage of the extra funds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Newswire, courtesy Associated PressAs the end of the year approaches, people start looking forward to 
their tax refunds. Many use these refunds to restock their emergency 
savings, invest, make big purchases, and travel. But the IRS can take a 
long time to get your refund to you, even if you sign up for direct 
deposit. If you need the money faster, you may have considered a tax 
refund loan. This article will explain how <a href="https://www.advanceamerica.net/money-saving-tips/money-management/pros-and-cons-of-a-tax-refund-loan">tax refund loans</a> work and their benefits and drawbacks. Then, we'll dive into a few tax refund loan alternatives for your consideration.How does a tax refund loan work?Tax
 refund loans let taxpayers who qualify for a tax refund borrow against 
that refund. After filing your taxes with a tax preparer, you can apply 
for one of these loans with no credit check. If approved, they're 
typically disbursed to you via prepaid card or check within 24 hours of 
filing your return.You don't repay these — instead, the lender 
opens a temporary bank account and tells the IRS to deposit the refund 
into it. They then take the loan amount plus fees and tax prep costs out
 of the refund before paying you the remainder. These loans are often 
interest-free. However, you may owe a fee, depending on the lender or 
tax filing service you work with.Tax refund loan alternativesTax
 refund loans can be hard to compare since you can often only get one 
from your tax preparer. They're also fairly costly in some cases. Plus, 
there's always the chance your tax return has an error that, when 
corrected, reduces your refund. You may owe money if you borrowed more 
than your correct refund. So, if you need your refund fast but don't 
want a tax refund loan, consider these alternatives:1. Cash advancesCash
 advances are fast, small-dollar loans that you can use to cover 
expenses until your next payday. Many lenders have less strict 
requirements and will consider factors like your income and current 
debts in addition to your credit score. This means you can still get 
this type of loan with poor or fair credit.If approved for a cash
 advance, you can often get the funds as soon as the same day you apply.
 Then, you'll repay what you owe plus interest in two to four weeks. You
 can also roll over the loan for an additional fee if you can't repay.2. Installment loansInstallment
 loans let you borrow large lump sums and repay them in fixed monthly 
principal and interest payments. These tend to offer better interest 
rates and are easy to budget for, thanks to their predictable payments.Plus,
 installment loans have longer timelines. This lets you borrow more and 
spread it out over a longer amount of time in case you need more than 
your tax refund amount. There are installment loans available to 
borrowers with a wide variety of credit scores and histories.3. Title loansIf
 you own your car outright, a title loan lets you borrow against your 
vehicle's title for a quick loan. Lenders appraise your vehicle, verify 
your income, and then offer you a loan worth 25% to 50% of your car's 
value. You can then get your funds that same day and continue driving 
your vehicle during repayment.Consider a loan while you wait for your tax refundTax
 refund loans make it easy to access your money ASAP if you need it 
quickly. However, they can come with fees, and it's hard to compare 
options. Luckily, if you don't want a tax refund loan, there are plenty 
of alternatives.Cash advances are one of the fastest short-term 
options for anyone, whereas title loans could be more suited for people 
who own vehicles outright. Installment loans may work well for people 
with larger refunds or who need to borrow more and want fixed payments. 
Whichever option you choose, make sure you budget for the loan. This 
will help you minimize costs and financial stress while allowing you to 
take advantage of the extra funds.

Risk and reward: How fast can I get a tax refund loan?

A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, even though they were shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked them out. Here are the facts:

All votes counted in Maricopa County, despite online claims

CLAIM: Uncounted ballots that got mixed with counted ballots at voting sites in Arizona’s Maricopa County were not included in the final midterm election results.

THE FACTS: While such ballots were mixed at two separate voting centers on Election Day, they were properly vetted and accurately tabulated, officials said. During November’s midterm elections, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-arizona-4e15278b82452878d6f6aa45b2984579">printing malfunction</a>&nbsp;caused tabulation machines at dozens of voting sites in Maricopa County to reject ballots on Election Day. Poll workers advised voters whose ballots were rejected to put them in a secure drop box referred to as “door 3” or “box 3” to be counted later at the county’s central tabulation facility. And while poll workers were trained to keep such yet-to-be-counted votes separate from those tabulated on-site, the ballots were “returned together,” Megan Gilbertson, a spokesperson for the Maricopa County Elections Department, wrote in an email to The Associated Press. As the state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-arizona-biden-cabinet-phoenix-government-and-politics-29f0883bf2a47743d55d1b45ec43cbbf">certified its results</a>&nbsp;this week, posts continued to circulate on social media falsely claiming that those ballots were never counted in the final results, with users citing a video of a self-described poll observer speaking at a Nov. 28 Maricopa County Board of Supervisors meeting. The woman in the video said that such ballots were combined at her voting site located “off of Camelback and 7th street.” “They commingled the un-tabulated ballots of drawer 3 with the tabulated ballots,” the woman says in the clip, referring to box 3. “There is no way to ever sort that and track that. Those are lost votes. Those are lost voices.” But, as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-space-exploration-science-arizona-7037da2cf999f54587b59319a5a4a3ae">the county explained</a>&nbsp;in the days after the election, there is a way to sort and track such ballots, and the votes were counted in the final results. Additionally, such ballot mixing only occurred at two voting locations: Desert Hills Community Church in North Phoenix and the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS in Gilbert, according to Gilbertson. There is no record of such ballot mixing occurring at other voting centers, and the county never received a report of the issue occurring at the voting site described by the woman, Gilbertson told the AP by phone on Wednesday. An attempt to reach the woman who made the claim during the Nov. 28 meeting was unsuccessful. At the sites where mixing did occur, affected ballots were isolated and audited to make sure no votes were missed or double counted, Gilbertson wrote in an email this week. That process, called audit reconciliation, involves checking that the total number of ballots from a given vote center matches with the number of voters who checked-in at the site. Observers from both political parties were present. All Election Day ballots are required to undergo the process. “We have redundancies in place that help us ensure each legal ballot is only counted once,” Gilbertson wrote. “This process ensures that no ballot was double counted and that all ballots cast at the Vote Center were counted.” In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/80026/Maricopa-County-Response-11-27-2022">November report</a>&nbsp;responding to questions from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, the Maricopa County Elections Department similarly asserted it “retabulated the entire batch of ballots” from the two affected voting centers to ensure the accuracy of the count. Gilbertson said in the days after the election that similar mistakes have been made before, and the process to address it has been in place for decades,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-space-exploration-science-arizona-7037da2cf999f54587b59319a5a4a3ae">the AP reported</a>. “Every single polling location in Maricopa County has a reconciliation audit that’s completed for every single election,” said Tammy Patrick, a former federal compliance officer for the county election department. “It’s been that way literally for 30 years or more.”

— Associated Press writer Josh Kelety in Phoenix contributed this report.

Patent application doesn’t show COVID test was developed in 2015

CLAIM: A COVID-19 test patent application is dated 2020 but was actually filed in 2015.

THE FACTS: The patent application, for a system to determine if someone has a viral infection such as COVID-19, notes that a related provisional patent application was filed in 2015. But while the earlier provisional application is related to the technology in the 2020 application, it made no mention of COVID-19. Social media users are sharing the inaccurate claim through a meme, which implies that COVID-19 was actually known years before it emerged in late 2019. The meme also suggests such information is being censored on social media. “The patent of the covid testkit is hold by Richard A. Rothchild,” a meme shared on Instagram reads, incorrectly spelling the last name of the inventor, Rothschild. “It’s dated in 2020 but was filled 10/13/2015 and it’s called US2020279585(A1).” But the&nbsp;<a href="https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/61/a3/0d/3d91325d909386/US20200279585A1.pdf">patent application</a>&nbsp;in question was filed in May 2020 and describes a method of using biometric data to “to determine whether the user is suffering from a viral infection, such as COVID-19.” Under a section titled “Related U.S. Application Data,” the application makes note of a provisional application filed on Oct. 13, 2015. What that means, though, is that the patent is related to the provisional application that was filed years ago. They are not one in the same. A provisional application is essentially a placeholder for an intention to file a formal patent application, said Jonathan D’Silva, an assistant professor of clinical law and director of the Intellectual Property Law Clinic at Penn State University. Inventors may file a provisional application for different reasons, such as raising money or publicly disclosing their idea as they work on it, he said. The&nbsp;<a href="https://patentcenter.uspto.gov/applications/62240783/ifw/docs">provisional application</a>&nbsp;in 2015 was for a “System and Method for Using, Processing, and Displaying Biometric Data.” The 2020 patent application, meanwhile, was a “continuation-in-part” of a previous patent application, which means that new material was added, D’Silva said. In this case, the new material included the references to COVID-19. “Generally, you don’t have to guess what was in these other patent applications,” he said, since they’re publicly available. And in the earlier parent applications, “there was no mention of COVID-19.”

— Associated Press writer Angelo Fichera in Philadelphia contributed this report.

Post distorts facts on registered voters in Arizona

CLAIM: Arizona has 9,871,525 registered voters but its population is 7,270,000.

THE FACTS: The state had about 4 million registered voters, which is millions less than its population of about 7 million people. A popular Instagram post is using the erroneous claim to suggest potential election fraud in the state, which has been home to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-arizona-biden-cabinet-phoenix-government-and-politics-29f0883bf2a47743d55d1b45ec43cbbf">midterm election controversy</a>. “9,871,525 is the number of registered voters in AZ according to FB,” the post reads, “AZ population is 7,270,000.” A caption with the post reads, “ballot harvesting?” — the pejorative term for ballot collection. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-government-and-politics-8eaf001732ac25976f0560a3e49ed500">laws around dropping off ballots</a>&nbsp;for other voters varies by state and in Arizona, only caregivers, family members or household members can drop off a ballot for someone else. But the post’s claim about registered voters in Arizona is false. Arizona actually logged 4,143,929 voters for the Nov. 8 midterm elections, according to data from the Arizona Secretary of State’s office. The total population in Arizona was 7,276,316, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/AZ">July 2021 estimate</a>&nbsp;by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Fabricated tweets originated from account impersonating Hallie Biden

CLAIM: President Joe Biden’s daughter-in-law Hallie Biden tweeted that former President Donald Trump won the 2020 election. She also tweeted that on election night, first lady Jill Biden phoned election workers to stop counting ballots and “rush in fake ballots.”

THE FACTS: The account that made these tweets is “fraudulent,” said the Beau Biden Foundation for the Protection of Children, whose board Hallie Biden chairs.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/top-officials-elections-most-secure-66f9361084ccbc461e3bbf42861057a5">President Joe Biden defeated Trump</a>&nbsp;in the 2020 presidential election,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-270-electoral-college-vote-d429ef97af2bf574d16463384dc7cc1e">earning 306 electoral votes to Trump’s 232</a>, and there was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voter-fraud-election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-7fcb6f134e528fee8237c7601db3328f">no evidence of widespread fraud</a>. The fabricated tweets attributed to Hallie Biden — the widow of the president’s deceased son Beau Biden — resurfaced after circulating in past months. The fake tweets claim that on election night in 2020, Jill Biden was on the phone with “state legislators and the people who tabulate the vote” to stop the count and execute a deal to “rush in fake ballots.” "President Trump won that election and my entire family knows it,” one of the fabricated tweets reads. “Ms. Hallie Biden does not have a Twitter account,” the foundation said in an emailed statement. “Any account bearing her name is fraudulent.” An internet archive search for the Twitter account that posted the tweets, @HallieBiden, shows that it was suspended for violating the platform’s rules between&nbsp;<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20220831070720/https://twitter.com/HallieBiden">late August</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20220902113558/https://twitter.com/halliebiden">early September</a>&nbsp;2022. The platform had a policy against impersonation, which it has continued to prioritize under new ownership. Archived versions of the account show that it posted numerous false and unverified claims about the election being stolen and about Presidents Biden and Obama and their families.

— Associated Press writer Ali Swenson in New York contributed this report.

Traffic plan in Oxfordshire, England, isn’t a ‘climate lockdown’

CLAIM: The county of Oxfordshire, England, which includes the city of Oxford, is imposing a “climate lockdown” that will confine residents to their neighborhoods.

THE FACTS: Oxfordshire has approved a plan to put “traffic filters” on some main roads, restricting drivers’ access during daytime hours and freeing up space for buses, cyclists and pedestrians. But car owners can apply for daylong permits to bypass the new rules, and many other vehicles are exempt. All parts of the county will remain accessible by car, officials said. Last week, local leaders in Oxfordshire voted to try a&nbsp;<a href="https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/traffic-filters-2022">new traffic reduction system</a>&nbsp;in an effort to reduce congestion in the county’s namesake city. Some on social media have since likened the scheme to stringent government COVID-19 containment policies. “UK. - Oxfordshire Council, part of the 15 minute city club, has passed a plan to trial a Climate lockdown,” tweeted one user, alongside a screenshot of an article warning that “residents will be confined to their local neighbourhood.” The plan “would control movements in a gated city, allowing only 100 car journeys in &amp; out per car &amp; monitoring all movements,” the tweet continued. But Oxfordshire’s “traffic filters” will not block access to any part of the city of Oxford or the rest of the county, let alone lock people in their neighborhoods, the county government told The Associated Press. “Everywhere in the city will still be accessible by car,” Paul Smith, spokesperson for the Oxfordshire County Council, wrote in an email. “Nobody will need permission from the county council to drive or leave their home.” The “traffic filters” are license plate recognition cameras, not physical barriers. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., drivers in private cars will be automatically fined if they cross through the filters without a permit. Motorists who live in Oxford will be able to apply for 100 daylong permits to drive through the filters per year. The “15 minute city club” referenced by one of the misleading tweets is an unrelated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.15minutecity.com/">urban planning framework</a>&nbsp;under which city residents would ideally be able to reach essential services within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their home. Officials with the city of Oxford have&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/OxfordCity/status/1582295424768962560">separately proposed</a>&nbsp;pursuing these goals. But some on social media have incorrectly linked the two, suggesting the traffic rules will also bar residents from leaving their neighborhoods. The city and county emphasized in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oxford.gov.uk/news/article/2332/joint_statement_from_oxfordshire_county_council_and_oxford_city_council_on_oxford_s_traffic_filters">joint statement</a>&nbsp;that the traffic restrictions will not “be used to confine people” to a given area. “Everyone can go through all the filters at any time by bus, bike, taxi, scooter or walking,” the statement added. Many vehicles, like vans and motorcycles, are exempt from the new rules. Disabled drivers and first responders will likewise not be affected. Drivers who lack a permit will also still be able to access all of the city without being fined. They “might just need to use a different route or drive through the ring road to avoid the traffic filters,” Smith wrote.

— Associated Press writer Graph Massara in San Francisco contributed this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1572956883313.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Associated PressA roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, even though they were shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked them out. Here are the facts:All votes counted in Maricopa County, despite online claimsCLAIM: Uncounted ballots that got mixed with counted ballots at voting sites in Arizona’s Maricopa County were not included in the final midterm election results.THE FACTS: While such ballots were mixed at two separate voting centers on Election Day, they were properly vetted and accurately tabulated, officials said. During November’s midterm elections, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-arizona-4e15278b82452878d6f6aa45b2984579">printing malfunction</a>&nbsp;caused tabulation machines at dozens of voting sites in Maricopa County to reject ballots on Election Day. Poll workers advised voters whose ballots were rejected to put them in a secure drop box referred to as “door 3” or “box 3” to be counted later at the county’s central tabulation facility. And while poll workers were trained to keep such yet-to-be-counted votes separate from those tabulated on-site, the ballots were “returned together,” Megan Gilbertson, a spokesperson for the Maricopa County Elections Department, wrote in an email to The Associated Press. As the state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-arizona-biden-cabinet-phoenix-government-and-politics-29f0883bf2a47743d55d1b45ec43cbbf">certified its results</a>&nbsp;this week, posts continued to circulate on social media falsely claiming that those ballots were never counted in the final results, with users citing a video of a self-described poll observer speaking at a Nov. 28 Maricopa County Board of Supervisors meeting. The woman in the video said that such ballots were combined at her voting site located “off of Camelback and 7th street.” “They commingled the un-tabulated ballots of drawer 3 with the tabulated ballots,” the woman says in the clip, referring to box 3. “There is no way to ever sort that and track that. Those are lost votes. Those are lost voices.” But, as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-space-exploration-science-arizona-7037da2cf999f54587b59319a5a4a3ae">the county explained</a>&nbsp;in the days after the election, there is a way to sort and track such ballots, and the votes were counted in the final results. Additionally, such ballot mixing only occurred at two voting locations: Desert Hills Community Church in North Phoenix and the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS in Gilbert, according to Gilbertson. There is no record of such ballot mixing occurring at other voting centers, and the county never received a report of the issue occurring at the voting site described by the woman, Gilbertson told the AP by phone on Wednesday. An attempt to reach the woman who made the claim during the Nov. 28 meeting was unsuccessful. At the sites where mixing did occur, affected ballots were isolated and audited to make sure no votes were missed or double counted, Gilbertson wrote in an email this week. That process, called audit reconciliation, involves checking that the total number of ballots from a given vote center matches with the number of voters who checked-in at the site. Observers from both political parties were present. All Election Day ballots are required to undergo the process. “We have redundancies in place that help us ensure each legal ballot is only counted once,” Gilbertson wrote. “This process ensures that no ballot was double counted and that all ballots cast at the Vote Center were counted.” In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/80026/Maricopa-County-Response-11-27-2022">November report</a>&nbsp;responding to questions from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, the Maricopa County Elections Department similarly asserted it “retabulated the entire batch of ballots” from the two affected voting centers to ensure the accuracy of the count. Gilbertson said in the days after the election that similar mistakes have been made before, and the process to address it has been in place for decades,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-space-exploration-science-arizona-7037da2cf999f54587b59319a5a4a3ae">the AP reported</a>. “Every single polling location in Maricopa County has a reconciliation audit that’s completed for every single election,” said Tammy Patrick, a former federal compliance officer for the county election department. “It’s been that way literally for 30 years or more.”— Associated Press writer Josh Kelety in Phoenix contributed this report.___Patent application doesn’t show COVID test was developed in 2015CLAIM: A COVID-19 test patent application is dated 2020 but was actually filed in 2015.THE FACTS: The patent application, for a system to determine if someone has a viral infection such as COVID-19, notes that a related provisional patent application was filed in 2015. But while the earlier provisional application is related to the technology in the 2020 application, it made no mention of COVID-19. Social media users are sharing the inaccurate claim through a meme, which implies that COVID-19 was actually known years before it emerged in late 2019. The meme also suggests such information is being censored on social media. “The patent of the covid testkit is hold by Richard A. Rothchild,” a meme shared on Instagram reads, incorrectly spelling the last name of the inventor, Rothschild. “It’s dated in 2020 but was filled 10/13/2015 and it’s called US2020279585(A1).” But the&nbsp;<a href="https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/61/a3/0d/3d91325d909386/US20200279585A1.pdf">patent application</a>&nbsp;in question was filed in May 2020 and describes a method of using biometric data to “to determine whether the user is suffering from a viral infection, such as COVID-19.” Under a section titled “Related U.S. Application Data,” the application makes note of a provisional application filed on Oct. 13, 2015. What that means, though, is that the patent is related to the provisional application that was filed years ago. They are not one in the same. A provisional application is essentially a placeholder for an intention to file a formal patent application, said Jonathan D’Silva, an assistant professor of clinical law and director of the Intellectual Property Law Clinic at Penn State University. Inventors may file a provisional application for different reasons, such as raising money or publicly disclosing their idea as they work on it, he said. The&nbsp;<a href="https://patentcenter.uspto.gov/applications/62240783/ifw/docs">provisional application</a>&nbsp;in 2015 was for a “System and Method for Using, Processing, and Displaying Biometric Data.” The 2020 patent application, meanwhile, was a “continuation-in-part” of a previous patent application, which means that new material was added, D’Silva said. In this case, the new material included the references to COVID-19. “Generally, you don’t have to guess what was in these other patent applications,” he said, since they’re publicly available. And in the earlier parent applications, “there was no mention of COVID-19.”— Associated Press writer Angelo Fichera in Philadelphia contributed this report.___Post distorts facts on registered voters in ArizonaCLAIM: Arizona has 9,871,525 registered voters but its population is 7,270,000.THE FACTS: The state had about 4 million registered voters, which is millions less than its population of about 7 million people. A popular Instagram post is using the erroneous claim to suggest potential election fraud in the state, which has been home to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-arizona-biden-cabinet-phoenix-government-and-politics-29f0883bf2a47743d55d1b45ec43cbbf">midterm election controversy</a>. “9,871,525 is the number of registered voters in AZ according to FB,” the post reads, “AZ population is 7,270,000.” A caption with the post reads, “ballot harvesting?” — the pejorative term for ballot collection. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-government-and-politics-8eaf001732ac25976f0560a3e49ed500">laws around dropping off ballots</a>&nbsp;for other voters varies by state and in Arizona, only caregivers, family members or household members can drop off a ballot for someone else. But the post’s claim about registered voters in Arizona is false. Arizona actually logged 4,143,929 voters for the Nov. 8 midterm elections, according to data from the Arizona Secretary of State’s office. The total population in Arizona was 7,276,316, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/AZ">July 2021 estimate</a>&nbsp;by the U.S. Census Bureau.— Angelo Fichera___Fabricated tweets originated from account impersonating Hallie BidenCLAIM: President Joe Biden’s daughter-in-law Hallie Biden tweeted that former President Donald Trump won the 2020 election. She also tweeted that on election night, first lady Jill Biden phoned election workers to stop counting ballots and “rush in fake ballots.”THE FACTS: The account that made these tweets is “fraudulent,” said the Beau Biden Foundation for the Protection of Children, whose board Hallie Biden chairs.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/top-officials-elections-most-secure-66f9361084ccbc461e3bbf42861057a5">President Joe Biden defeated Trump</a>&nbsp;in the 2020 presidential election,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-270-electoral-college-vote-d429ef97af2bf574d16463384dc7cc1e">earning 306 electoral votes to Trump’s 232</a>, and there was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voter-fraud-election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-7fcb6f134e528fee8237c7601db3328f">no evidence of widespread fraud</a>. The fabricated tweets attributed to Hallie Biden — the widow of the president’s deceased son Beau Biden — resurfaced after circulating in past months. The fake tweets claim that on election night in 2020, Jill Biden was on the phone with “state legislators and the people who tabulate the vote” to stop the count and execute a deal to “rush in fake ballots.” "President Trump won that election and my entire family knows it,” one of the fabricated tweets reads. “Ms. Hallie Biden does not have a Twitter account,” the foundation said in an emailed statement. “Any account bearing her name is fraudulent.” An internet archive search for the Twitter account that posted the tweets, @HallieBiden, shows that it was suspended for violating the platform’s rules between&nbsp;<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20220831070720/https://twitter.com/HallieBiden">late August</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20220902113558/https://twitter.com/halliebiden">early September</a>&nbsp;2022. The platform had a policy against impersonation, which it has continued to prioritize under new ownership. Archived versions of the account show that it posted numerous false and unverified claims about the election being stolen and about Presidents Biden and Obama and their families.— Associated Press writer Ali Swenson in New York contributed this report.___Traffic plan in Oxfordshire, England, isn’t a ‘climate lockdown’CLAIM: The county of Oxfordshire, England, which includes the city of Oxford, is imposing a “climate lockdown” that will confine residents to their neighborhoods.THE FACTS: Oxfordshire has approved a plan to put “traffic filters” on some main roads, restricting drivers’ access during daytime hours and freeing up space for buses, cyclists and pedestrians. But car owners can apply for daylong permits to bypass the new rules, and many other vehicles are exempt. All parts of the county will remain accessible by car, officials said. Last week, local leaders in Oxfordshire voted to try a&nbsp;<a href="https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/traffic-filters-2022">new traffic reduction system</a>&nbsp;in an effort to reduce congestion in the county’s namesake city. Some on social media have since likened the scheme to stringent government COVID-19 containment policies. “UK. - Oxfordshire Council, part of the 15 minute city club, has passed a plan to trial a Climate lockdown,” tweeted one user, alongside a screenshot of an article warning that “residents will be confined to their local neighbourhood.” The plan “would control movements in a gated city, allowing only 100 car journeys in &amp; out per car &amp; monitoring all movements,” the tweet continued. But Oxfordshire’s “traffic filters” will not block access to any part of the city of Oxford or the rest of the county, let alone lock people in their neighborhoods, the county government told The Associated Press. “Everywhere in the city will still be accessible by car,” Paul Smith, spokesperson for the Oxfordshire County Council, wrote in an email. “Nobody will need permission from the county council to drive or leave their home.” The “traffic filters” are license plate recognition cameras, not physical barriers. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., drivers in private cars will be automatically fined if they cross through the filters without a permit. Motorists who live in Oxford will be able to apply for 100 daylong permits to drive through the filters per year. The “15 minute city club” referenced by one of the misleading tweets is an unrelated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.15minutecity.com/">urban planning framework</a>&nbsp;under which city residents would ideally be able to reach essential services within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their home. Officials with the city of Oxford have&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/OxfordCity/status/1582295424768962560">separately proposed</a>&nbsp;pursuing these goals. But some on social media have incorrectly linked the two, suggesting the traffic rules will also bar residents from leaving their neighborhoods. The city and county emphasized in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oxford.gov.uk/news/article/2332/joint_statement_from_oxfordshire_county_council_and_oxford_city_council_on_oxford_s_traffic_filters">joint statement</a>&nbsp;that the traffic restrictions will not “be used to confine people” to a given area. “Everyone can go through all the filters at any time by bus, bike, taxi, scooter or walking,” the statement added. Many vehicles, like vans and motorcycles, are exempt from the new rules. Disabled drivers and first responders will likewise not be affected. Drivers who lack a permit will also still be able to access all of the city without being fined. They “might just need to use a different route or drive through the ring road to avoid the traffic filters,” Smith wrote.— Associated Press writer Graph Massara in San Francisco contributed this report.

NOT REAL NEWS: A look at what didn't happen this week

By LINDSEY TOOMER <a href="https://coloradonewsline.com/">Colorado Newsline</a>

Now that Colorado voters passed the <a target="_blank" href="https://coloradonewsline.com/2022/10/17/proposition-122-colorado-voters-mushrooms/">Natural Medicine Health Act</a>, the state has several steps to get through before Colorado will actually see a regulated industry for psychedelic mushrooms.

The measure allows for licensed “healing centers” to provide access 
to psilocybin and psilocyn, the psychoactive compounds found in many 
species of fungi, for therapeutic purposes. It also decriminalizes the 
“personal use” of the substances, allowing people to possess and grow 
psychedelic mushrooms in their own homes.

The first step on the itinerary is developing an advisory board, 
which will include appointees from Gov. Jared Polis tasked with helping 
the Department of Regulatory Agencies implement the new program.

According to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/filings/2021-2022/58Final.pdf">act’s text</a>,
 the board will include 15 members: At least seven are expected to have 
expertise and experience in topics including but not limited to natural 
medicine therapy and research, emergency medical services, health care 
insurance and policy, or harm reduction. At least eight members are 
expected to have experience with religious and traditional indigenous 
uses of natural medicines, issues impacting veterans, disparities in 
health care access, or criminal justice reform in Colorado.

“We will follow the will of the voters and will be appointing a 15 
member advisory board to oversee the regulatory process around this new 
voter-approved measure,” Melissa Dworkin, a spokesperson with the 
governor’s office, said in an email.

Josh Kappel, an attorney who chaired Natural Medicine Colorado’s 
campaign committee and helped draft Proposition 122, said he trusts that
 the governor will appoint a board that’s inclusive of all relevant 
stakeholders. He said the board’s initial purpose is to provide DORA 
with recommendations around implementing the program.

“We are excited to work with all relevant stakeholders and the state 
government to implement Prop 122 in a safe, responsible and equitable 
manner that provides access to this much needed tool to address our 
state’s mental health crisis,” Kappel said.

After working with DORA to develop the program, the board will make 
annual recommendations regarding public health approaches for natural 
medicine, educational campaigns, research on efficacy and regulation, 
training programs, equitable and culturally responsible access, and data
 collection and reporting. Kappel added that the board will likely 
create regular reports analyzing the effectiveness of the program.

Advocates of the ballot measure point to research showing that 
psychedelic substances can be effective in treating depression, anxiety,
 post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions. The 
federal Food and Drug Administration has <a target="_blank" href="https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/921789#:~:text=The%20US%20Food%20and%20Drug,ingredient%20in%20%22magic%20mushrooms.%22">designated psilocybin</a> as a “breakthrough therapy” for the treatment of major depressive disorder.

Coloradans can start applying for center licenses in September 2024

By LINDSEY TOOMER <a href="https://coloradonewsline.com/">Colorado Newsline</a>Now that Colorado voters passed the <a target="_blank" href="https://coloradonewsline.com/2022/10/17/proposition-122-colorado-voters-mushrooms/">Natural Medicine Health Act</a>, the state has several steps to get through before Colorado will actually see a regulated industry for psychedelic mushrooms.The measure allows for licensed “healing centers” to provide access 
to psilocybin and psilocyn, the psychoactive compounds found in many 
species of fungi, for therapeutic purposes. It also decriminalizes the 
“personal use” of the substances, allowing people to possess and grow 
psychedelic mushrooms in their own homes.The first step on the itinerary is developing an advisory board, 
which will include appointees from Gov. Jared Polis tasked with helping 
the Department of Regulatory Agencies implement the new program.According to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/filings/2021-2022/58Final.pdf">act’s text</a>,
 the board will include 15 members: At least seven are expected to have 
expertise and experience in topics including but not limited to natural 
medicine therapy and research, emergency medical services, health care 
insurance and policy, or harm reduction. At least eight members are 
expected to have experience with religious and traditional indigenous 
uses of natural medicines, issues impacting veterans, disparities in 
health care access, or criminal justice reform in Colorado.“We will follow the will of the voters and will be appointing a 15 
member advisory board to oversee the regulatory process around this new 
voter-approved measure,” Melissa Dworkin, a spokesperson with the 
governor’s office, said in an email.Josh Kappel, an attorney who chaired Natural Medicine Colorado’s 
campaign committee and helped draft Proposition 122, said he trusts that
 the governor will appoint a board that’s inclusive of all relevant 
stakeholders. He said the board’s initial purpose is to provide DORA 
with recommendations around implementing the program.“We are excited to work with all relevant stakeholders and the state 
government to implement Prop 122 in a safe, responsible and equitable 
manner that provides access to this much needed tool to address our 
state’s mental health crisis,” Kappel said.After working with DORA to develop the program, the board will make 
annual recommendations regarding public health approaches for natural 
medicine, educational campaigns, research on efficacy and regulation, 
training programs, equitable and culturally responsible access, and data
 collection and reporting. Kappel added that the board will likely 
create regular reports analyzing the effectiveness of the program.Advocates of the ballot measure point to research showing that 
psychedelic substances can be effective in treating depression, anxiety,
 post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions. The 
federal Food and Drug Administration has <a target="_blank" href="https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/921789#:~:text=The%20US%20Food%20and%20Drug,ingredient%20in%20%22magic%20mushrooms.%22">designated psilocybin</a> as a “breakthrough therapy” for the treatment of major depressive disorder.<h2>Coloradans can start applying for center licenses in September 2024</h2>Ben Unger, who works with New Approach, an organization involved in passing both <a target="_blank" href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2022/08/08/many-oregon-voters-will-have-to-decide-again-on-a-psilocybin-program/">Oregon’s Measure 109</a>
 and Colorado’s Proposition 122, said in an email his greatest hope for 
the advisory board is that “it’s filled with experts that can guide a 
regulatory process that maximizes safety and promotes equitable access 
for all that can benefit.”For initial appointments that need to be made by Jan. 31, 2023, seven
 members will be appointed to a two-year term while eight will be 
appointed to a four-year term. After that initial board, all members 
will be appointed to four-year terms and can serve two consecutive 
terms.After appointees are named, the board will kick off an 18-month 
rulemaking process to develop regulations around facilitator licensing, 
training and the operation of healing centers, Kappel said. He said 
Natural Medicine Colorado will continue to be a resource for the state 
as it looks to implement Proposition 122 in a “responsible, equitable 
and safe manner.”“We hope to be able to work with everyone — the government 
stakeholders, even those who opposed us — to help create a program that 
is both safe, but also provides the mental health treatment and options 
that Coloradans are expecting after passing Prop 122,” Kappel said.Unger noted that the proposition language says Coloradans can start 
applying for healing center licenses in September 2024, meaning licensed
 therapeutic services would likely start six or seven months after that.
 Over the next year or so, he said interested stakeholders should keep 
their eyes open for development of regulations for facilitators and 
safety rules for clients.“It’s reasonable to expect that services could begin in the summer of
 2025,” Unger said in an email. “It’s important that the state work with
 experts to develop processes that promote safety while protecting 
access for people that can benefit.”

Misc