U.S.A.'s interesting latest news

Follow the Federal Government's Budget Process

You may have seen recent news about Congress developing the fiscal year 2018 budget for the federal government. Every year, Congress must pass a budget to fund the government. Learn the steps of how this process works and how it affects you. Flu Season is Here - Get Your Shot! The flu season is underway, but it isn't too late to get your vaccination. It's important to continue flu vaccinations into the holiday season for everyone six months or older. As long as flu viruses are spreading, prevention should continue in order to protect as many people as possible. The FBI is Hiring Have you considered the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for your next career move? The FBI is hiring now for positions around the country in many fields including foreign languages, accounting, technology, and more. Explore a great career with the FBI.  Smithsonian Science How: Geologist Dr. Ben Andrews Check out this free Science How webcast with Smithsonian Geologist Dr. Ben Andrews. Register here for the December 14 event at 11 AM and 2 PM ET where he will set up radio-triggered cameras along the mouth of a Guatemalan volcano and capture a time-series of volcanic activity live!  "Remembering WWI" App  Explore and collaborate with the National Archives' extensive collection of World War I films and photographs through their new "Remembering WWI" app. Use the app to teach students how to work with the newly digitized WWI-era primary sources. Prep for a Government Budget Lecture Every fiscal year, Congress must create and pass numerous funding bills to keep the federal government open. Use this infographic to explain the process to your students. FTC Obtains Court Order Banning Debt Collectors from Debt Collection Business Defendants allegedly posed as attorneys to take consumers’ money for phantom debts Three defendants who allegedly posed as lawyers and falsely threatened to sue people or have them arrested for failing to pay on debts they did not owe are banned from the debt collection business under a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission. The settlement resolves an FTC complaint filed in July 2017, alleging that the defendants told consumers they were attorneys or calling from a law firm and that a lawsuit or criminal action had been filed or soon would be filed against them. The FTC also alleged that, to coerce some people into paying the phantom debts, the defendants threatened them with prison time or claimed police would come to their house to arrest them. The court halted the operation and froze its assets pending litigation. Under the settlement order, Hardco Holding Group LLC, S&H Financial Group Inc. and Daryl M. Hall (all doing business as Alliance Law Group) are banned from participating in debt collection activities, buying or selling consumer or commercial debt, and trading in consumer information related to a debt. They are also prohibited from making misrepresentations about any product or service, profiting from consumers’ personal information obtained from any debt collection activities, and failing to dispose of consumers’ information properly. The order imposes a $702,059 judgment that will be partially suspended upon the surrender of certain assets. The full judgment will become due immediately if the defendants are found to have misrepresented their financial condition. Litigation continues against the remaining defendant, Dequan M. Sicard. The Commission vote approving the proposed stipulated order was 2-0. The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division entered the order on December 5, 2017. NOTE: Stipulated final orders have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge. The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources. Apply Now for Summer and Fall Posts Are you considering giving back through public service in the Peace Corps? The deadline to apply for posts leaving in July, August, or September 2018 is January 1, 2018. If you need help with your application, many campuses offer assistance and workshops.