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One would think that there would be special recognition for our country’s military.  Recognition of the sacrifices made.  Recognition of the protection of our Constitution and our country.  Unfortunately, the special recognition often comes in the way of scams.  Impersonators will pretend to be someone you trust.  They may claim to be from the government, your bank, a charity, or a business.  They will approach you by email, text, telephone, snail mail, or in person.  Scammers will contact service members and military families pretending to be from a military-focused financial institution.  They may ask for your Social Security number, bank account number, or credit or debit card number, or your password.  The scammer may tell you that there is a problem with your debit card.  They may say they’ve detected fraudulent activity.  They may tell you your Social Security Number has been compromised.  Do you recognize the name listed on your caller ID?  You can’t trust caller ID.  Scammers fake the number they call from. Scammers might clone your loved one’s voice and tell you about a fake emergency, saying they need money now.  Scammers can access audio clips of peoples’ voices and with voice-cloning program, they can sound just like your loved one.  If this happens, hang up.  Call your loved one and their family to check on your loved one.  If you’re not comfortable hanging up, try asking the caller a question only the real person would know the answer to or have a code phrase. The Federal Trade Commission recommends that military consumers brush up on their scam-detection skills. The MilitaryConsumer.gov blog will keep you informed about the latest on scams with information sent to your inbox. VSAFE.gov will help veterans learn about specific military fraud types and how to deal with them. More information can be found on identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov. You can order free materials fromftc.gov/bulkorder.   Sharing written materials can help people spotscams.  Order information onscams or identity theft. If a service member (or anyone!) tells you they’ve been scammed, encourage them to report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.    Scams and scammers are getting more sophisticated. Artificial Intelligence has created more opportunities.  It’s getting harder to distinguish between real and fake.  Stay alert! Don’t trust the person on the other end of the communication.  They are not your friend.  They do not care about your personal circumstances.  They don’t care what service members and veterans have done.  They care about money and ways to take advantage of people.  Don’t let it be you! STOP!!!   THINK!!! Stay safe! Read the full article

Wheeling Miners Set to Host AAL Championship as 95 South Headlines Game-Day Entertainment at WesBanco Arena WHEELING, W.Va. — There are championship games… and then there are championship events. On Saturday, July 11, the spotlight shines on WesBanco Arena as the Wheeling Miners host the American Arena League Championship, welcoming the Columbus Lions in a winner-take-all showdown for league supremacy. Adding to the spectacle, legendary hip-hop pioneers 95 South will deliver live in-game entertainment, transforming the championship into one of the region’s premier sporting events of the summer. For one night, professional football collides with the soundtrack of the 1990s. Best known for iconic hits including “Whoot! There It Is,” “Rodeo,” and “C’Mon N’ Ride It (The Train),” 95 South helped define an era of music that still fills arenas and stadiums across America. Their energy, combined with championship football and thousands of passionate fans, promises an atmosphere unlike anything the Ohio Valley has experienced this season. “This is what championship sports are supposed to feel like,” said Timothy “Uncle Tim” McCormick, Director of Entertainment for the Wheeling Miners. “We wanted to create more than a football game. We wanted an experience. The best players in the American Arena League competing for a championship, one of the most recognizable groups of the 90s performing throughout the night, and the best fans in the league creating an atmosphere that people will remember for years.” The Miners have battled through one of the most challenging seasons in franchise history, overcoming adversity, schedule changes, and narrow defeats before earning the right to play for the American Arena League Championship on their home floor. Now, with the championship trophy within reach, the organization is calling on Miners Nation to fill WesBanco Arena and become the difference. Fans can expect a full-scale entertainment experience featuring: The 2026 American Arena League Championship Live performances and in-game entertainment by "95 South" A special 90's Night celebration Interactive contests and fan experiences High-energy production throughout the evening The opportunity to witness history as the Wheeling Miners compete for an AAL Championship in front of their home crowd For the players, it’s sixty minutes to earn a championship, and for the fans, it’s an opportunity to be part of one of the biggest nights in franchise history. The lights will be brighter. The crowd will be louder, and the stakes have never been higher. Tickets are on sale now - www.gowvminers.com. Fans are encouraged to secure seats early and help create one of the most electric home-field advantages in American Arena League history. Read the full article

Hope Scholarship Board Disqualifies School, Places Another on Probation CHARLESTON, W.Va. – State Treasurer Larry Pack, who serves as Chairman of the Hope Scholarship Board, announced the Board has authorized the expansion of various qualifying expenses, including the ability for families to purchase lifetime digital curriculum subscriptions, as well as a Quarterly Funding Policy, an updated Military Member Service Policy, and actions against schools involved with fraud. “It is vital that we continue to provide flexibility and additional options to parents so they can best meet the needs of their children,” Treasurer Pack said following last week’s Board meeting. “West Virginia has a proud history of military service and I am honored to help extend opportunities to families that have dedicated their lives defending our freedoms.” The Board also adopted a Quarterly Funding Policy in response to legislation signed into law modifying scholarship disbursements from biannual to quarterly. The new policy will help to streamline the funding process and ensure timely payments to participating families. To receive a quarterly funding distribution in August, students must have turned in all required documentation and be in Approved status by no later than August 1. Students not meeting that criteria will have to wait until the October quarter to receive funding.  The Military Service Member Policy that was adopted in November 2024 was also updated to permit active duty military service members that are required to relocate with permanent military orders to remain eligible and participate in the Hope Scholarship Program. Additionally, the Board acted to permanently disqualify Tygart Valley Christian Academy from participation in the Hope Scholarship Program for financial misconduct.  “We want to make clear that while there is very little fraud and misconduct in the Hope Scholarship Program, we want to take swift and decisive action when our investigations warrant it,” Treasurer Pack said. Furthermore, the Board placed Laurel Academy on probation due to violations of program rules. The school will be required to come into compliance with all program requirements during the probationary period. The Treasurer’s Office continues to gather evidence and additional information regarding these ongoing investigations. For more information on the Hope Scholarship, visit www.HopeScholarshipWV.gov. Read the full article