Washington, DC - Last night, Vice President Joe Biden sent a message to the White House email list, letting readers know that the very best place to watch the State of the Union is at:

Washington, DC - Two payday lending companies have settled Federal Trade Commission charges that they violated the law by charging consumers undisclosed and inflated fees. Under the proposed settlement, AMG Services, Inc. and MNE Services, Inc. will pay $21 million – the largest FTC recovery in a payday lending case – and will waive another $285 million in charges that were assessed but not collected.

Washington, DC - The Association of Mature American Citizens is actively encouraging Congress to act on Social Security in a timely and comprehensive manner.

Washington, DC - The Federal Trade Commission has revised the thresholds that determine whether companies are required to notify federal antitrust authorities about a transaction under Section 7A of the Clayton Act. The FTC also revised the thresholds that trigger prohibitions on certain interlocking directorates under Section 8 of the Clayton Act.

Washington, DC - For most people, January offers a lull after the holidays. But if you’re a tax professional, the busy season just started. Now that figures are flying, the FTC reminds tax preparers, accountants, and others in the industry about the role they can play in fighting back against tax identity theft. Participate in events scheduled for January 26th through 30th – Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week – and consider five timely tips from the FTC.

Washington, DC - The Federal Trade Commission has approved a modified final order settling charges that grocery store operator Bi-Lo Holdings, LLC’s $265 million acquisition of 154 stores from Delhaize America would harm competition in markets in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Bi-Lo Holdings is the parent of the BI-LO, Harvey’s, and Winn Dixie grocery store chains.