If you are a potential victim of the foreclosure crisis, check out the Hope for Homeowners program, recently signed into law. Keep in mind, however, that this program does not begin until October 1, 2008, so try to keep your head above water until then!

If, on the other hand, you are concerned about the recent bank failures, ease your mind by checking the Failed Bank List here. If you have an account in a failed bank, you can check to see whether your account is fully insured by the FDIC here.

It's hard to believe it's already Back-to-School time! The federal government has some excellent resources for parents to help prepare their children for scholastic success. Check it out!

Helping Your Child Succeed in School -- Helping Your Child Series

Consumer Focus: Back to School

First Day of Preschool/Kindergarten

You may be eligible for additional unemployment compensation above and beyond the usual 13 weeks. Check out the Agency for Workforce Innovation's article to find out more, or visit their website at www.fluidnow.com.

You've probably all heard by now that tomatoes are no longer believed to be the culprit in the recent Salmonella outbreak. The FDA is currently recommending that individuals who may be at increased risk of infection (including the elderly, infants, and those with suppressed immune systems) should avoid eating jalapeno and serrano peppers.

Read all about it on the FDA's webpage.

If you want to vote in the August 26 primary election or if you want to change your party affiliation for this election, you must do so on or before the book closing date of July 28.

Pasco County FL Supervisor of Elections - Complete an Application

If you are not interested in voting in the August Primary, you have until October 6, 2008 to register to vote or to change your party affiliation for the November 4 General Election.

The FDA recently notified the manufacturers of fluoroquinolone antimicrobial drugs such as Cipro, Factive, Levaquin, Avelox, Noroxin and Floxin of the need to add a boxed warning to their medications advising of the increased risk of developing tendinitis and tendon rupture in patients taking these drugs. For complete information, please refer to the FDA Alert below:

Information for Healthcare Professionals: Fluoroquinolone Antimicrobial Drugs

I am pleased to announce that the Pasco County Clerk of Courts is now offering searchable Criminal Court records on their website! This replaces a very outdated system known as CJIS, which was only available to subscribers via a dial-up modem or through an MS-DOS terminal at the clerk's office.

You can reach the disclaimer here. Scroll down and click on "I Agree" to access the search form.