HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY
DEPAUL STUDENTS SUE FOR COVID REFUND
Claiming that they entered into a contract with the University, backed by statements in the student handbook, they maintained that DePaul agreed to give them in-person classes & experiences for their fees & tuition. On March 11, 2020, the school announced that winter exams & spring classes would be held remotely, as the rest of the country shut down. A Federal Judge recently pitched the case, saying that the handbooks, rather than making promises, was an “aspirational statement “, instead of a “… statement aimed at obligating the University to particular actions”. (A similar lawsuit was dismissed against Loyola University.)
YOUR STIMULUS CHECK–TAXABLE ??
In short, the answer is “no”; neither last year nor this year are taxable. Both are considered to be an advance on something called your Recovery Rebate Credit, which your CPA will calculate to see if you are owed even more as a tax refund.
A VACCINE PASSPORT ??
Recently the United Kingdom announced that it was going to push forward with plans to establish a vaccine passport that would be recognized on an international level, thus allowing citizens to travel more freely by proving that they don’t have the coronavirus. Acknowledging that it brings up legal & ethical issues, the UK nonetheless plans to work with the World Health Organization, the G7, and others toward a “framework with standards that provide consistency for passengers & industry alike.” Looking to use a phone app for display, they also hope such could be used by large events, employers, & other venues.
ANIMAL CRUELTY- A VISIT TO THE PEN
A Chicago police officer, after seeing a dog chained to a pole in 15-degree weather, received a search warrant for the house. Inside he found 4 dogs living without water or heat and in awful filth. The Appeals Court cited precedent that keeping animals in inhumane conditions is indeed abuse and upheld the prison sentence of 2 years.
THEY SAID IT
The first part of our marriage was very happy. But then, on the way back from the ceremony… Henny Youngman
I don’t get no respect. The time I got hurt, on the way to the hospital the ambulance stopped for gas… Rodney Dangerfield
I had a cholesterol test. They found bacon… Bob Zany
Did you ever walk into a room and forget why you walked in? I think that’s how dogs spend their lives… Sue Murphy