There’s a brand new gimmick everyday: The local chapter of the Better Business Bureau issued a warning today to Capital Region businesses about a new email scam in which a message informs them that “your accreditation aborted.” The BBB also says the “poorly worded” emails may refer to “complains” (sic) filed against an individual or company, as well as a “termination report.” The signature is from Hayden Gray, Dispute Counselor. “There is no such employee and no such title,” the BBB says. If you receive one of the emails, the BBB asks you contact it at 346-5222.
Rollin’ on the river: The Coast Guard says it has deployed boom, and is monitoring the spot where a towing vessel sank and a sheen has been spotted in the Mississippi River near New Orleans. The Coast Guard was notified Thursday around 2 a.m. that the 56-foot towing vessel Justice sank. Three people aboard the boat were able to get off before it sank. No injuries were reported. Vessel traffic on the river has not been affected, and the Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the incident. The boat had 5,336 gallons of diesel fuel and 100 gallons of lube oil aboard, but the amount of fuel discharged into the river is not known.
Under further review: More than two years ago, in the aftermath of the massive Macondo oil spill, BP signed an unusual agreement with Louisiana’s lieutenant governor, The Lens reports. Under terms of the arrangement, the oil giant agreed to shell out $60 million to promote the state’s damaged tourism and seafood industries. But rather than funnel the money to the state treasury for allocation by the state Legislature, the deal allowed BP to hand off the funds to two nonprofits, making the donation tax-deductible. The attorney general blessed the deal. Now, Louisiana’s legislative auditor is questioning the arrangement, calling it an end-run around the state Legislature. Read the full story here.
