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Experts concerned about dip in COVID-19 testing as some states begin to ease restrictions 03/12/2021 05:12pm • Some experts are raising concerns that a decline in coronavirus testing being seen nationwide could put public health officials behind in detecting new waves or variants of the virus. “Now is the time, really, to go looking for cases, to look for unusual trends, so that we aren't blindsided whe Data Doctors: An update on anti-robocall technology 03/12/2021 11:20am • Q: I’m fed up with robocalls; wasn’t there supposed to be a new system to take care of this annoying problem? A: The technology used to make robocalls and texts is cheap and easy to use, which is why the problem persists despite all the efforts to fight them. Last year actually saw a drop The Hunt: Removing terrorists from mainstream social media makes them harder to track 03/11/2021 06:10pm • Kicking terrorists off of mainstream social media has a downside. On this week's episode of "The Hunt with WTOP National Security Correspondent J.J. Green," retired FBI Special Agent Tom O'Connor said the encrypted platforms they've gone to has significantly complicated efforts to find them. Student Loan Contests and Promotions: What to Know 03/10/2021 12:00am • Have you ever thought about winning the lottery to pay off student loan debt? If so, you might be unaware that there are contests and promotions specifically designed for student loan borrowers. While you don't want to make it your repayment strategy and the odds are not in your favor, it can't hurt What Are NFTs? NBA Top Shot and 6 Blockchain Projects to Watch 03/09/2021 12:00am • NFTs can be hard to navigate, but these projects are worth a look.Over the last few years, investors have looked toward the security of hard assets as vehicles to build their wealth. Artwork, whiskey and, more recently, sneakers have all evolved from collectibles to investments, sometimes to the tun How to Find the Best Tax Professional 03/08/2021 12:00am • With tax season underway, you don't want to delay looking for a tax professional. However, selecting the first preparer you find isn't a smart move either. "It's important to connect with the right tax professional from the beginning," says Steven Janssen, tax director with financial firm CBIZ MHM i How to Minimize Social Security Taxes 03/08/2021 12:00am • Most workers pay into the Social Security program throughout their career. Many people also pay taxes on part of their Social Security payments in retirement. Is Social Security Income Taxable?Retirees with low incomes or whose only source of income is Social Security generally don't pay income tax One woman's desperation for the vaccine leads to weeks of searching 03/07/2021 01:28pm • Getting vaccinated has been a long and complicated process for many, including Sue Ducat, a Montgomery County resident who spent weeks trying to secure an appointment after becoming eligible in January. "It took a village to get there," Ducat said. "It was quite a complicated journey." She fir Timeline: 1 year into the COVID-19 pandemic in DC, Maryland and Virginia 03/05/2021 03:07pm • More than a year ago, reports began circulating about a mysterious new illness in the central Chinese city of Wuhan. It seemed like a world away, and it was — at first. That all changed March 5, 2020, when Maryland authorities announced the first confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the Should You Reduce Your Stake in Chinese Stocks? 03/04/2021 12:00am • Chinese stocks and exchange-traded funds have been in high demand in past years, as emerging-markets investors have sought to tap into China's growing middle class. Now, however, many investors are wondering if China is where they want to put their money. There are several reasons for this shift in Best Retirement Planning Tools and Software 03/03/2021 12:00am • If you're looking for ways to track your savings and financially map out your retirement years, there are many digital options available. However, not all retirement planning tools and software are easy to follow. "There are many different types of calculators, including ones designed specifically 14 Tips for an Effective College Visit 03/02/2021 12:00am • Finding the right fit.For high school students in the process of researching a variety of colleges and universities, admissions professionals recommend scheduling campus visits to get a better feel for the schools. Considering how the coronavirus pandemic has upended the daily operations of colleges How Medical School Applicants Can Overcome VITA Interview Challenges 03/02/2021 12:00am • Along with other changes to the medical school application process -- including virtual interview days in lieu of in-person visits at many programs -- the Association of American Medical Colleges introduced the Video Interview Tool for Admissions, or VITA, in August. The tool allows medical schools Data Doctors: How hackers crack passwords 02/26/2021 05:34pm • Q: How can hackers try millions of passwords at a time when I will get locked out after three failed attempts? Passwords continue to be the primary target of cybercriminals because they represent the "keys to your kingdom," especially when it comes to your email account. Online security tools 15 Legal Secrets to Reducing Your Taxes 02/26/2021 12:00am • The current federal income tax brackets range from 10% to 37%, but you can get away with paying less in taxes if you're smart about claiming deductions and credits. "There's more opportunities in general for self-employed workers and business owners," says Luke Sotir, a financial professional with