| Volume 143 Number 24 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
If you live with chronic and severe pain, over-the-counter devices that promise powerful, drug-free relief can be tempting, even if they’re costly. But, before you invest in products that promise life-changing results, read about the FTC’s $4 million settlement with the marketers of a device known as Quell. Click here for more.
Trump approves $8.3 billion to tackle coronavirus
Congress’ proposed $8.3 billion spending plan to combat coronavirus (COVID-19) is now official. President Trump approved the plan on Friday, and the checks are in the mail to federal, state, and local agencies, plus a supplemental $500 million in waivers for Medicare telehealth restrictions.
The measure includes $2.2 billion earmarked for health agencies and some $3 billion for vaccine research in hopes of combatting the virus. Click here for more.
Your Money
Many students borrow money or accept grants and scholarships to help pay for higher education. Luckily, you don't report student loans, grants and scholarships as income on your tax return, unlike settled or forgiven student loan debt and some employer education benefits.Filing taxes as a student can be confusing, especially if you're using several ways to pay for school. If the IRS considers these taxable, you could end up with a large tax bill. Here's what you need to know about how student loans can affect your taxes. Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Fifth Circuit finds CFB structure is constitutional. A Fifth Circuit panel affirmed on Tuesday the special tenure protections enjoyed by the director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as "valid and constitutional" in a 2-1 split, siding with other circuit courts that have ruled on the agency's constitutionality. The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments recently on a similar case, but seemed to be leaning toward stripping the agency's director of those special job protections. CFPB v. All American Check Cashing Inc. et al., case number 18-60302, in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Click here for more.