WASHINGTON (AP) — It's nowhere near the $4 trillion proposal President Joe Biden first launched to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-coronavirus-pandemic-pittsburgh-jen-psaki-8865ffc8f5ad3142155a5bd3c3a3e6d3">rebuild America's public infrastructure</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-preschool-community-college-tax-rate-9e352e3dea44997725edb279751abab3">family support systems</a>&nbsp;but the compromise package of inflation-fighting health care, climate change and deficit reduction strategies appears on track&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-congress-government-and-politics-c8e87f1c559a09114355330e1af21143">toward Senate votes this weekend</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-manchin-budget-agreement-7b0ee6e3e0b70357288fd69f44473b9b">The estimated $740 billion proposal,</a>&nbsp;struck by two top negotiators, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and holdout Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-manchin">Joe Manchin</a>, the conservative West Virginia Democrat, includes some hard-fought party priorities. But the final touches came this week from Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., who put her handiwork on the latest revisions.

What's in, and out, of the Democrats' “Inflation Reduction Act of 2022” as it stands now:

Launching a long-sought goal, the bill would allow&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/medicare">the Medicare program</a>&nbsp;to negotiate prescription drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, saving the federal government some $288 billion over the 10-year budget window.

Those new revenues would be put back into lower costs for seniors on medications, including a $2,000 out-of-pocket cap for older adults buying prescriptions from pharmacies.

The money would also be used to provide free vaccinations for seniors, who now are among the few not guaranteed free access, according to a summary document.

The bill would extend the subsidies provided during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the COVID-19 pandemic</a>&nbsp;to help some Americans who buy health insurance on their own.

Under earlier pandemic relief, the extra help was set to expire this year. But the bill would allow the assistance to keep going for three more years, lowering insurance premiums for people who are purchasing their own health care policies.

‘SINGLE BIGGEST INVESTMENT IN CLIMATE CHANGE IN U.S. HISTORY'

The bill would invest nearly $374 billion over the decade in climate change-fighting strategies including investments in renewable energy production and tax rebates for consumers to buy new or used&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/electric-vehicles">electric vehicles</a>.

It's broken down to include $60 billion for a clean energy manufacturing tax credit and $30 billion for a production tax credit for wind and solar, seen as ways to boost and support the industries that can help curb the country's dependence on fossil fuels. The bill also gives tax credits for nuclear power and carbon capture technology that oil companies such as Exxon Mobil have invested millions of dollars to advance.

The bill would impose a new fee on excess methane emissions from oil and gas drilling while giving fossil fuel companies access to more leases on federal lands and waters.

A late addition pushed by Sinema and other Democrats in Arizona, Nevada and Colorado would designate $4 billion to combat a mega-drought in the West, including conservation efforts in the Colorado River Basin, which nearly 40 million American rely on for drinking water.

For consumers, there are tax breaks as incentives to go green. One is a 10-year consumer tax credit for renewable energy investments in wind and solar. There are tax breaks for buying electric vehicles, including a $4,000 tax credit for purchase of used electric vehicles and $7,500 for new ones.

In all, Democrats believe the strategy could put the country on a path to cut greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030, and “would represent the single biggest climate investment in U.S. history, by far.”

The biggest revenue-raiser in the bill is a new 15% minimum tax on corporations that earn more than $1 billion in annual profits.

It's a way to clamp down on some 200 U.S. companies that avoid paying the standard 21% corporate tax rate, including some that end up paying no taxes at all.

The new corporate minimum tax would kick in after the 2022 tax year and raise some $258 billion over the decade.

The revenue would have been $313 billion, but Sinema insisted on one change to the 15% corporate minimum, allowing a depreciation deduction used by manufacturing industries. That shaves about $55 billion off the total revenue.

Money is also raised by boosting the IRS to go after tax cheats. The bill proposes an $80 billion investment in taxpayer services, enforcement and modernization, which is projected to raise $203 billion in new revenue — a net gain of $124 billion over the decade.

The bill sticks with Biden's original pledge not to raise taxes on families or businesses making less than $400,000 a year.

The lower drug prices for seniors are paid for with savings from Medicare's negotiations with the drug companies.

To win over Sinema, Democrats dropped plans to close a tax loophole long enjoyed by wealthier Americans — the so-called “carried interest,” which under current law taxes wealthy hedge fund managers and others at a 20% rate.

The left has for years sought to boost the carried interest tax rate, hiked to 37% in the original bill, more in line with upper-income earners. Sinema wouldn't allow it.

Keeping the tax break for the wealthy deprives the party of $14 billion in revenue they were counting on to help pay for the package.

In its place, Democrats, with Sinema's nod, will impose a 1% excise tax on stock buybacks, raising some $74 billion over the decade.

With some $740 billion in new revenue and around $433 billion in new investments, the bill promises to put the difference toward deficit reduction.

Federal deficits spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic when federal spending soared and tax revenues fell as the nation's economy churned through shutdowns, closed offices and other massive changes.

The nation has seen deficits rise and fall in recent years. But overall federal budgeting is on an unsustainable path,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-economic-growth-government-finance-gross-domestic-product-a8e2856c81e717f922bd0bc2808a5c08">according to the Congressional Budget Office</a>, which put out a new report this week on long-term projections.

This latest package after 18 months of start-stop negotiations leaves behind many of Biden's more ambitious goals.

While Congress did pass&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-congress-infrastructure-bill-signing-b5b8cca843133de060778f049861b144">a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill</a>&nbsp;for highways, broadband and other investments that Biden signed into law last year, the president's and the party's other key priorities have slipped away.

Among them is a continuation of a $300 monthly child tax credit that was sending money directly to families during the pandemic and is believed to have widely reduced child poverty.

Also gone, for now, are plans for free pre-kindergarten and community college, as well as the nation's first paid family leave program that would have provided up to $4,000 a month for births, deaths and other pivotal needs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659790911065.png" alt="The Senate is expected to pass the legislation this weekend-photo Senate Majority Leader's office" />
 <figcaption>The Senate is expected to pass the legislation this weekend-photo Senate Majority Leader's office</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — It's nowhere near the $4 trillion proposal President Joe Biden first launched to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-coronavirus-pandemic-pittsburgh-jen-psaki-8865ffc8f5ad3142155a5bd3c3a3e6d3">rebuild America's public infrastructure</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-preschool-community-college-tax-rate-9e352e3dea44997725edb279751abab3">family support systems</a>&nbsp;but the compromise package of inflation-fighting health care, climate change and deficit reduction strategies appears on track&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-congress-government-and-politics-c8e87f1c559a09114355330e1af21143">toward Senate votes this weekend</a>.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-manchin-budget-agreement-7b0ee6e3e0b70357288fd69f44473b9b">The estimated $740 billion proposal,</a>&nbsp;struck by two top negotiators, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and holdout Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-manchin">Joe Manchin</a>, the conservative West Virginia Democrat, includes some hard-fought party priorities. But the final touches came this week from Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., who put her handiwork on the latest revisions.What's in, and out, of the Democrats' “Inflation Reduction Act of 2022” as it stands now:LOWER PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTSLaunching a long-sought goal, the bill would allow&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/medicare">the Medicare program</a>&nbsp;to negotiate prescription drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, saving the federal government some $288 billion over the 10-year budget window.Those new revenues would be put back into lower costs for seniors on medications, including a $2,000 out-of-pocket cap for older adults buying prescriptions from pharmacies.The money would also be used to provide free vaccinations for seniors, who now are among the few not guaranteed free access, according to a summary document.HELP PAY FOR HEALTH INSURANCEThe bill would extend the subsidies provided during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the COVID-19 pandemic</a>&nbsp;to help some Americans who buy health insurance on their own.Under earlier pandemic relief, the extra help was set to expire this year. But the bill would allow the assistance to keep going for three more years, lowering insurance premiums for people who are purchasing their own health care policies.‘SINGLE BIGGEST INVESTMENT IN CLIMATE CHANGE IN U.S. HISTORY'The bill would invest nearly $374 billion over the decade in climate change-fighting strategies including investments in renewable energy production and tax rebates for consumers to buy new or used&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/electric-vehicles">electric vehicles</a>.It's broken down to include $60 billion for a clean energy manufacturing tax credit and $30 billion for a production tax credit for wind and solar, seen as ways to boost and support the industries that can help curb the country's dependence on fossil fuels. The bill also gives tax credits for nuclear power and carbon capture technology that oil companies such as Exxon Mobil have invested millions of dollars to advance.The bill would impose a new fee on excess methane emissions from oil and gas drilling while giving fossil fuel companies access to more leases on federal lands and waters.A late addition pushed by Sinema and other Democrats in Arizona, Nevada and Colorado would designate $4 billion to combat a mega-drought in the West, including conservation efforts in the Colorado River Basin, which nearly 40 million American rely on for drinking water.For consumers, there are tax breaks as incentives to go green. One is a 10-year consumer tax credit for renewable energy investments in wind and solar. There are tax breaks for buying electric vehicles, including a $4,000 tax credit for purchase of used electric vehicles and $7,500 for new ones.In all, Democrats believe the strategy could put the country on a path to cut greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030, and “would represent the single biggest climate investment in U.S. history, by far.”HOW TO PAY FOR ALL OF THIS?The biggest revenue-raiser in the bill is a new 15% minimum tax on corporations that earn more than $1 billion in annual profits.It's a way to clamp down on some 200 U.S. companies that avoid paying the standard 21% corporate tax rate, including some that end up paying no taxes at all.The new corporate minimum tax would kick in after the 2022 tax year and raise some $258 billion over the decade.The revenue would have been $313 billion, but Sinema insisted on one change to the 15% corporate minimum, allowing a depreciation deduction used by manufacturing industries. That shaves about $55 billion off the total revenue.Money is also raised by boosting the IRS to go after tax cheats. The bill proposes an $80 billion investment in taxpayer services, enforcement and modernization, which is projected to raise $203 billion in new revenue — a net gain of $124 billion over the decade.The bill sticks with Biden's original pledge not to raise taxes on families or businesses making less than $400,000 a year.The lower drug prices for seniors are paid for with savings from Medicare's negotiations with the drug companies.WHAT'S CHANGED IN RECENT DAYS?To win over Sinema, Democrats dropped plans to close a tax loophole long enjoyed by wealthier Americans — the so-called “carried interest,” which under current law taxes wealthy hedge fund managers and others at a 20% rate.The left has for years sought to boost the carried interest tax rate, hiked to 37% in the original bill, more in line with upper-income earners. Sinema wouldn't allow it.Keeping the tax break for the wealthy deprives the party of $14 billion in revenue they were counting on to help pay for the package.In its place, Democrats, with Sinema's nod, will impose a 1% excise tax on stock buybacks, raising some $74 billion over the decade.EXTRA MONEY TO PAY DOWN DEFICITSWith some $740 billion in new revenue and around $433 billion in new investments, the bill promises to put the difference toward deficit reduction.Federal deficits spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic when federal spending soared and tax revenues fell as the nation's economy churned through shutdowns, closed offices and other massive changes.The nation has seen deficits rise and fall in recent years. But overall federal budgeting is on an unsustainable path,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-economic-growth-government-finance-gross-domestic-product-a8e2856c81e717f922bd0bc2808a5c08">according to the Congressional Budget Office</a>, which put out a new report this week on long-term projections.WHAT'S LEFT BEHINDThis latest package after 18 months of start-stop negotiations leaves behind many of Biden's more ambitious goals.While Congress did pass&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-congress-infrastructure-bill-signing-b5b8cca843133de060778f049861b144">a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill</a>&nbsp;for highways, broadband and other investments that Biden signed into law last year, the president's and the party's other key priorities have slipped away.Among them is a continuation of a $300 monthly child tax credit that was sending money directly to families during the pandemic and is believed to have widely reduced child poverty.Also gone, for now, are plans for free pre-kindergarten and community college, as well as the nation's first paid family leave program that would have provided up to $4,000 a month for births, deaths and other pivotal needs.___

Democrats' $740 billion package: What included, what's out?

LAUREL, Neb. (AP) — Police on Friday arrested a man in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fires-nebraska-omaha-57aa8ea4c3cfb05715f2693211172a54">killings of four people</a>&nbsp;in a small northeast Nebraska town where it had been more than 100 years since it last saw such violence.

Around 2:30 a.m. Friday, a police team surrounded the Laurel home of 42-year-old Jason Jones and barged inside, with guns drawn and using flash bangs. Jones' home is just off the main downtown street in the town of 1,000 people and directly across the street from one of two houses where occupants were shot before the homes were set ablaze, police said.

Jones was so badly burned that he had to be flown to a hospital in Lincoln instead of being booked into jail, Nebraska State Patrol Col. John Bolduc said. Jones was charged later Friday with 10 felonies, including four counts of first-degree murder.

The Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy — which often handles capital murder cases — was appointed to represent Jones and declined to comment on the case.

Police allege that Jones killed 53-year-old Michele Ebeling early Thursday morning before causing some type of explosion and fire in her home that's across the street from him. According to police, Jones then went about three blocks south, broke into another home and killed Gene Twiford, 86; his wife, Janet Twiford, 85; and their daughter, Dana Twiford, 55.

Charging documents allege Jones carried out some of the killings in the course of a burglary, but Bolduc declined to give a possible motive for the slayings or say if Jones knew the victims.

Several people in Laurel said they knew little about Jones, other than he had moved into the home within the last few years. Court records say Jones had lived in the Elm Street house since at least 2019. Receipts and a gun left at the scene of the killings were linked to him.

The killings came as a shock to the community that's about 100 miles northwest of Omaha. Despite its small size, Laurel is home to five churches and the Knuckleheadz bar that also serves as the town’s cafe. The last criminal homicide in Laurel happened in 2005, when a man died following a bar fight — and that case was deemed to be manslaughter, not murder.

To find the town’s last known multiple murder, one would have to go back more than 100 years to 1918, when Dr. C.C. Sackett and Harold Crownover were shot and killed by suspected burglars they had been chasing, according to town historian Roger Tryon. Tryon writes a column titled “Pages of History” for the weekly Laurel Advocate.

“People still talk about it. That was the crime of the 20th century for Laurel,” Tryon said. “I suspect what’s happened here this week will be the crime of the 21st century.”

Michele Ebeling’s daughter, Richele Ebeling, 31, of Oklahoma City, told The Associated Press that her mother moved to Laurel about two years ago with her boyfriend, who travels for his job and was not home when she was attacked.

“Honestly, this is so bizarre and so surreal that I cannot even wrap my head around this,” she said, noting she had last talked with her mom around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday by phone.

She said it is not clear whether her mother knew Jones or whether she knew the Twiford family down the street.

The Twifords were lifelong Laurel residents, and almost everyone there knew them.

Their next-door neighbors, Doug and Lynette Krie, said they didn't hear anything like gunshots before dawn Thursday. They were alerted to trouble around 9:30 a.m., when they spotted the town's lone law enforcement officer in their driveway, who said a passerby had noticed smoke coming from the Twifords' home. The officer and the Kries then went over to the Twiford home together to check the doors.

“They were all secure — and then I saw one of the doors in the back cracked open,” Lynette Krie said.

Firefighters from the town's volunteer department then went in to find the source of the smoke. When they emerged, they fell to their knees. “That's when I knew they were gone," Krie said, fighting back tears.

But the Kries and many others in town didn't find out about the shootings until later.

“We just assumed they had died of smoke inhalation or something,” Doug Krie said. “Nobody expected this.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659785522991.jpeg" alt="A small memorial sits outside the home of Gene Twiford, 86, Janet Twiford, 85, and Dana Twiford, 55, Friday, Aug. 5, 2022, in Laurel, Neb. The three were among four people found dead Thursday in two burning homes in this small community in northeastern Nebraska, authorities said. Police investigating the killings have arrested a neighbor of the victims, the Nebraska State Patrol said Friday. (AP Photo/Margery A. Beck)" />
 <figcaption>A small memorial sits outside the home of Gene Twiford, 86, Janet Twiford, 85, and Dana Twiford, 55, Friday, Aug. 5, 2022, in Laurel, Neb. The three were among four people found dead Thursday in two burning homes in this small community in northeastern Nebraska, authorities said. Police investigating the killings have arrested a neighbor of the victims, the Nebraska State Patrol said Friday. (AP Photo/Margery A. Beck)</figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSLAUREL, Neb. (AP) — Police on Friday arrested a man in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fires-nebraska-omaha-57aa8ea4c3cfb05715f2693211172a54">killings of four people</a>&nbsp;in a small northeast Nebraska town where it had been more than 100 years since it last saw such violence.Around 2:30 a.m. Friday, a police team surrounded the Laurel home of 42-year-old Jason Jones and barged inside, with guns drawn and using flash bangs. Jones' home is just off the main downtown street in the town of 1,000 people and directly across the street from one of two houses where occupants were shot before the homes were set ablaze, police said.Jones was so badly burned that he had to be flown to a hospital in Lincoln instead of being booked into jail, Nebraska State Patrol Col. John Bolduc said. Jones was charged later Friday with 10 felonies, including four counts of first-degree murder.The Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy — which often handles capital murder cases — was appointed to represent Jones and declined to comment on the case.Police allege that Jones killed 53-year-old Michele Ebeling early Thursday morning before causing some type of explosion and fire in her home that's across the street from him. According to police, Jones then went about three blocks south, broke into another home and killed Gene Twiford, 86; his wife, Janet Twiford, 85; and their daughter, Dana Twiford, 55.Charging documents allege Jones carried out some of the killings in the course of a burglary, but Bolduc declined to give a possible motive for the slayings or say if Jones knew the victims.Several people in Laurel said they knew little about Jones, other than he had moved into the home within the last few years. Court records say Jones had lived in the Elm Street house since at least 2019. Receipts and a gun left at the scene of the killings were linked to him.The killings came as a shock to the community that's about 100 miles northwest of Omaha. Despite its small size, Laurel is home to five churches and the Knuckleheadz bar that also serves as the town’s cafe. The last criminal homicide in Laurel happened in 2005, when a man died following a bar fight — and that case was deemed to be manslaughter, not murder.To find the town’s last known multiple murder, one would have to go back more than 100 years to 1918, when Dr. C.C. Sackett and Harold Crownover were shot and killed by suspected burglars they had been chasing, according to town historian Roger Tryon. Tryon writes a column titled “Pages of History” for the weekly Laurel Advocate.“People still talk about it. That was the crime of the 20th century for Laurel,” Tryon said. “I suspect what’s happened here this week will be the crime of the 21st century.”Michele Ebeling’s daughter, Richele Ebeling, 31, of Oklahoma City, told The Associated Press that her mother moved to Laurel about two years ago with her boyfriend, who travels for his job and was not home when she was attacked.“Honestly, this is so bizarre and so surreal that I cannot even wrap my head around this,” she said, noting she had last talked with her mom around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday by phone.She said it is not clear whether her mother knew Jones or whether she knew the Twiford family down the street.The Twifords were lifelong Laurel residents, and almost everyone there knew them.Their next-door neighbors, Doug and Lynette Krie, said they didn't hear anything like gunshots before dawn Thursday. They were alerted to trouble around 9:30 a.m., when they spotted the town's lone law enforcement officer in their driveway, who said a passerby had noticed smoke coming from the Twifords' home. The officer and the Kries then went over to the Twiford home together to check the doors.“They were all secure — and then I saw one of the doors in the back cracked open,” Lynette Krie said.Firefighters from the town's volunteer department then went in to find the source of the smoke. When they emerged, they fell to their knees. “That's when I knew they were gone," Krie said, fighting back tears.But the Kries and many others in town didn't find out about the shootings until later.“We just assumed they had died of smoke inhalation or something,” Doug Krie said. “Nobody expected this.”

4 killings end century of calm in small Nebraska town

OMAHA, Neb.-Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Matt Tibbels, 59, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for production of child pornography. Tibbels was sentenced to 21 1/2 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Tibbels was additionally ordered to pay $29,000 which will contribute to funds established for victims of these types of cases.

This case began as a part of a Freenet peer-to-peer investigation by the FBI concerning a Freenet user who was receiving child pornography. The FBI traced IP addresses associated with the investigation to Tibbels’s residence. The residence was also operated as an in-home daycare. On October 5, 2021, a search warrant was executed where multiple devices were seized. A forensic examination of the devices revealed a total of 887 child pornography image files and 147 child pornography video files. While reviewing other electronic devices seized, FBI agents observed a video and seven images that depicted a child changing clothes in the main bedroom of the Tibbels’ family home. This child was positively identified as a child who had attended that daycare.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov/" target="_blank">www.projectsafechildhood.gov</a>.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1559820547211.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By UNITED STATES ATTORNEY-OMAHAOMAHA, Neb.-Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Matt Tibbels, 59, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for production of child pornography. Tibbels was sentenced to 21 1/2 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Tibbels was additionally ordered to pay $29,000 which will contribute to funds established for victims of these types of cases.This case began as a part of a Freenet peer-to-peer investigation by the FBI concerning a Freenet user who was receiving child pornography. The FBI traced IP addresses associated with the investigation to Tibbels’s residence. The residence was also operated as an in-home daycare. On October 5, 2021, a search warrant was executed where multiple devices were seized. A forensic examination of the devices revealed a total of 887 child pornography image files and 147 child pornography video files. While reviewing other electronic devices seized, FBI agents observed a video and seven images that depicted a child changing clothes in the main bedroom of the Tibbels’ family home. This child was positively identified as a child who had attended that daycare.This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov/" target="_blank">www.projectsafechildhood.gov</a>.This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Lincoln man gets over 21 years in prison for producing child pornography

Eagle Radio's Derek Beck visits twice a month with the Nebraska Cattleman's Brenda Masek about happenings within the Cattleman organization and upcoming meetings and events.

Eagle Radio's Derek Beck visits twice a month with the Nebraska Cattleman's Brenda Masek about happenings within the Cattleman organization and upcoming meetings and events.<div><iframe title="Podcast: Nebraska Cattlemen Report August (Part 1)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=wr3m3-128f680-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00"></iframe></div>(Paid For By Western Nebraska Bank)<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634840161022.png" alt="WNB Cattleman Report" />
 <figcaption>WNB Cattleman Report</figcaption>
 </figure>

Podcast: Nebraska Cattlemen Report August (Part 1)

By PAUL WISEMAN Associated Press

WASHINGTON — U.S. employers added an astonishing 528,000 jobs last month 
despite flashing warning signs of an economic downturn, easing fears of a
 recession and handing President Joe Biden some good news heading into 
the midterm elections.

(Click below to watch the&nbsp; President's comments on the jobs report)

Unemployment dropped another notch, from 
3.6% to 3.5%, matching the more than 50-year low reached just before the
 pandemic took hold.

The economy has now recovered all 22 million jobs lost in March and April 2020 when COVID-19 slammed the U.S.

The
 red-hot numbers reported Friday by the Labor Department are certain to 
intensify the debate over whether the U.S. is in a recession.

“Recession
 — what recession?’’ wrote Brian Coulton, chief economist at Fitch 
Ratings. “The U.S. economy is creating new jobs at an annual rate of 6 
million — that’s three times faster than what we normally see 
historically in a good year."

Economists had expected only 250,000
 new jobs last month, in a drop-off from June’s revised 398,000. 
Instead, July proved to be the best month since February.

The 
strong figures are welcome news for the Biden administration and the 
Democrats at a time when many voters are worried about the economy.

Inflation
 is raging at its highest level in more than 40 years, and the economy 
has contracted for two quarters in a row, which is the common — but 
informal — definition of a recession and does not take into account a 
host of other factors economists consider, such as the job picture.

At
 the White House, Biden credited the job growth to his policies, even as
 he acknowledged the pain being inflicted by inflation. He emphasized 
the addition of 642,000 manufacturing jobs during his watch.

“Instead
 of workers begging employers for work, we’re seeing employers have to 
compete for American workers," the president said.

Biden has 
boosted job growth through his $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package 
and $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law last year. Republican 
lawmakers and some leading economists, however, say the administration's
 spending has contributed to high inflation.

The president has 
received some other good economic news in recent weeks, as gasoline 
prices have steadily fallen after averaging slightly more than $5 a 
gallon in June.

On Wall Street, stocks dropped after the 
employment report came out. While a strong job market is a good thing, 
it also makes it more likely that the Federal Reserve will continue 
raising interest rates to cool the economy.

“The strength of the 
labor market in the face of ... rate-tightening from the Fed already 
this year clearly shows that the Fed has more work to do,” said Charlie 
Ripley, senior investment strategist at Allianz Investment Management. 
“Overall, today’s report should put the notion of a near-term recession 
on the back burner for now.″

The Labor Department also reported 
that hourly earnings posted a healthy 0.5% gain last month and are up 
5.2% over the past year. But that is not enough to keep up with 
inflation, and many Americans are having to scrimp to pay for groceries,
 gasoline, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-health-prices-shopping-f0b630ffa0143399181e518be521e9d5">even school supplies</a>.

Job growth was especially strong last month in the health care industry and at hotels and restaurants.

The
 number of Americans saying they had jobs rose by 179,000, while the 
number saying they were unemployed fell by 242,000. But 61,000 Americans
 dropped out of the labor force in July, trimming the share of those 
working or looking for work to 62.1% from 62.2% in June.

New Yorker Karen Smalls, 46, started looking for work three weeks ago as a member of the support staff for social workers.

“I
 didn’t realize how good the job market is right now,’’ she said after 
finishing her fifth interview this week. “You look at the news and see 
all these bad reports ... but the job market is amazing right now.’’

A
 single mother, she is weighing several offers, looking for one that is 
close to home and pays enough to let her take care of her two children.

Two
 years ago, the pandemic brought economic life to a near standstill as 
companies shut down and millions of people stayed home or were thrown 
out of work. The U.S. plunged into a deep, two-month recession.

But
 massive government aid — and the Fed's decision to slash interest rates
 and pour money into financial markets — fueled a surprisingly quick 
recovery. Caught off guard by the strength of the rebound, factories, 
shops, ports and freight yards were <a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-los-angeles-health-48ff262b882a37308e4a3f15934b2ee4">overwhelmed with orders</a> and scrambled to bring back the workers they furloughed when COVID-19 hit.

The
 result has been shortages of employees and supplies, delayed shipments 
and high inflation. In June, consumer prices were up 9.1% from a year 
earlier, the biggest increase since 1981.

The Fed has raised its 
benchmark short-term interest rate four times this year in a bid to tame
 inflation, with more increases ahead.

Labor Secretary Marty Walsh
 conceded that businesses and consumers are worried about inflation but 
added: “Companies are still growing, and they’re looking for employees. 
And that’s a good sign.’’

In a report filled with mostly good 
news, the Labor Department did note that 3.9 million people were working
 part time for economic reasons in July, up by 303,000 from June. 
Department economists said that reflected an increase in the number of 
people whose hours were cut because of slack business.

Some employers are also reporting signs of slack in the job market.

Aaron
 Sanandres, CEO and co-founder Untuckit, an online clothing company with
 nearly 90 stores, noticed that in the past few weeks that it has been a
 bit easier filling jobs at the corporate headquarters in New York and 
part-time roles at the stores.

“We have had a plethora of 
candidates,” Sanandres said. He also said the labor market has been 
loosening up for engineers, probably as a result of some layoffs at 
technology companies.

Simona Mocuta, chief economist at State 
Street Global Advisors, was among those stunned by the strong hiring 
numbers when other indicators show an economy losing momentum.

Mocuta
 said it is possible that hiring rose so sharply last month because job 
candidates, seeing signs of an impending slowdown, are now more willing 
to accept jobs they would have balked at earlier in the year. Conditions
 may now be “shifting in employers’ favor,’’ she said.

Whatever the reason for it, the employment data released Friday shows an astonishingly strong and resilient job market.

”Underestimate
 the U.S. labor market at your own peril,'' said Nick Bunker, head of 
economic research at the Indeed Hiring Lab. “Yes, output growth might be
 slowing and the economic outlook has some clouds on the horizon. But 
employers are still champing at the bit to hire more workers. That 
demand may fade, but it’s still red-hot right now.''

Josh Boak in Washington, Anne D'Innocenzio in New York and Courtney Bonnell in London contributed to this story.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659729356814.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Unsplash&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Unsplash&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL WISEMAN Associated PressWASHINGTON — U.S. employers added an astonishing 528,000 jobs last month 
despite flashing warning signs of an economic downturn, easing fears of a
 recession and handing President Joe Biden some good news heading into 
the midterm elections.(Click below to watch the&nbsp; President's comments on the jobs report)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F457415589324342%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Unemployment dropped another notch, from 
3.6% to 3.5%, matching the more than 50-year low reached just before the
 pandemic took hold.The economy has now recovered all 22 million jobs lost in March and April 2020 when COVID-19 slammed the U.S.The
 red-hot numbers reported Friday by the Labor Department are certain to 
intensify the debate over whether the U.S. is in a recession.“Recession
 — what recession?’’ wrote Brian Coulton, chief economist at Fitch 
Ratings. “The U.S. economy is creating new jobs at an annual rate of 6 
million — that’s three times faster than what we normally see 
historically in a good year."Economists had expected only 250,000
 new jobs last month, in a drop-off from June’s revised 398,000. 
Instead, July proved to be the best month since February.The 
strong figures are welcome news for the Biden administration and the 
Democrats at a time when many voters are worried about the economy.Inflation
 is raging at its highest level in more than 40 years, and the economy 
has contracted for two quarters in a row, which is the common — but 
informal — definition of a recession and does not take into account a 
host of other factors economists consider, such as the job picture.At
 the White House, Biden credited the job growth to his policies, even as
 he acknowledged the pain being inflicted by inflation. He emphasized 
the addition of 642,000 manufacturing jobs during his watch.“Instead
 of workers begging employers for work, we’re seeing employers have to 
compete for American workers," the president said.Biden has 
boosted job growth through his $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package 
and $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law last year. Republican 
lawmakers and some leading economists, however, say the administration's
 spending has contributed to high inflation.The president has 
received some other good economic news in recent weeks, as gasoline 
prices have steadily fallen after averaging slightly more than $5 a 
gallon in June.On Wall Street, stocks dropped after the 
employment report came out. While a strong job market is a good thing, 
it also makes it more likely that the Federal Reserve will continue 
raising interest rates to cool the economy.“The strength of the 
labor market in the face of ... rate-tightening from the Fed already 
this year clearly shows that the Fed has more work to do,” said Charlie 
Ripley, senior investment strategist at Allianz Investment Management. 
“Overall, today’s report should put the notion of a near-term recession 
on the back burner for now.″The Labor Department also reported 
that hourly earnings posted a healthy 0.5% gain last month and are up 
5.2% over the past year. But that is not enough to keep up with 
inflation, and many Americans are having to scrimp to pay for groceries,
 gasoline, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-health-prices-shopping-f0b630ffa0143399181e518be521e9d5">even school supplies</a>.Job growth was especially strong last month in the health care industry and at hotels and restaurants.The
 number of Americans saying they had jobs rose by 179,000, while the 
number saying they were unemployed fell by 242,000. But 61,000 Americans
 dropped out of the labor force in July, trimming the share of those 
working or looking for work to 62.1% from 62.2% in June.New Yorker Karen Smalls, 46, started looking for work three weeks ago as a member of the support staff for social workers.“I
 didn’t realize how good the job market is right now,’’ she said after 
finishing her fifth interview this week. “You look at the news and see 
all these bad reports ... but the job market is amazing right now.’’A
 single mother, she is weighing several offers, looking for one that is 
close to home and pays enough to let her take care of her two children.Two
 years ago, the pandemic brought economic life to a near standstill as 
companies shut down and millions of people stayed home or were thrown 
out of work. The U.S. plunged into a deep, two-month recession.But
 massive government aid — and the Fed's decision to slash interest rates
 and pour money into financial markets — fueled a surprisingly quick 
recovery. Caught off guard by the strength of the rebound, factories, 
shops, ports and freight yards were <a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-los-angeles-health-48ff262b882a37308e4a3f15934b2ee4">overwhelmed with orders</a> and scrambled to bring back the workers they furloughed when COVID-19 hit.The
 result has been shortages of employees and supplies, delayed shipments 
and high inflation. In June, consumer prices were up 9.1% from a year 
earlier, the biggest increase since 1981.The Fed has raised its 
benchmark short-term interest rate four times this year in a bid to tame
 inflation, with more increases ahead.Labor Secretary Marty Walsh
 conceded that businesses and consumers are worried about inflation but 
added: “Companies are still growing, and they’re looking for employees. 
And that’s a good sign.’’In a report filled with mostly good 
news, the Labor Department did note that 3.9 million people were working
 part time for economic reasons in July, up by 303,000 from June. 
Department economists said that reflected an increase in the number of 
people whose hours were cut because of slack business.Some employers are also reporting signs of slack in the job market.Aaron
 Sanandres, CEO and co-founder Untuckit, an online clothing company with
 nearly 90 stores, noticed that in the past few weeks that it has been a
 bit easier filling jobs at the corporate headquarters in New York and 
part-time roles at the stores.“We have had a plethora of 
candidates,” Sanandres said. He also said the labor market has been 
loosening up for engineers, probably as a result of some layoffs at 
technology companies.Simona Mocuta, chief economist at State 
Street Global Advisors, was among those stunned by the strong hiring 
numbers when other indicators show an economy losing momentum.Mocuta
 said it is possible that hiring rose so sharply last month because job 
candidates, seeing signs of an impending slowdown, are now more willing 
to accept jobs they would have balked at earlier in the year. Conditions
 may now be “shifting in employers’ favor,’’ she said.Whatever the reason for it, the employment data released Friday shows an astonishingly strong and resilient job market.”Underestimate
 the U.S. labor market at your own peril,'' said Nick Bunker, head of 
economic research at the Indeed Hiring Lab. “Yes, output growth might be
 slowing and the economic outlook has some clouds on the horizon. But 
employers are still champing at the bit to hire more workers. That 
demand may fade, but it’s still red-hot right now.''Josh Boak in Washington, Anne D'Innocenzio in New York and Courtney Bonnell in London contributed to this story.

🎥'What recession?': US employers add 528,000 jobs in July

The Nebraska State Patrol has arrested a suspect in connection with four homicides that occurred in Laurel early Thursday morning. The investigation included two scenes on Elm Street in Laurel. Each scene included a residence with a fire.&nbsp;

Once fire suppression efforts were complete at a residence at 503 Elm Street, NSP Crime Scene Investigators were able to examine the scene. Investigators located three deceased victims at that location, each with suspected gunshot wounds. The victims have been identified as Gene Twiford, 86, Janet Twiford, 85, and Dana Twiford, 55. All three were residents of the home.

One deceased victim was located at 209 Elm Street, also with suspected gunshot wounds. That victim has been identified as Michele Ebeling, 53. She was a resident at that home.&nbsp;

Physical evidence located at both scenes led investigators to identify a suspect as Jason Jones, 42, who is a resident of Laurel. Investigators developed information to believe that Jones was inside his home at 206 Elm Street in Laurel. The NSP SWAT Team was activated, and an arrest warrant was obtained for Jones. Following repeated attempts to have Jones exit the home voluntarily, the SWAT Team made entry into the home and located Jones in a bedroom, with severe burns.

Jones was flown to St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Lincoln for treatment of his burn injuries. He is in custody at the hospital.

The investigation remains ongoing. Several agencies have been involved in the response and investigation, including the volunteer fire departments of Laurel, Wayne, and Beldon, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Cedar County Attorney, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, as well as the Laurel Police Department, Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nebraska State Patrol.

The Nebraska State Patrol said an arrest has been made in connection to the four homicides in Laurel. A news conference will be held later this morning to release additional information.

The Nebraska State Patrol can release new information and urges public vigilance as the investigation into four deaths in Laurel continues.

After fire suppression efforts were successful this afternoon at the scene in the 500 block of Elm Street in Laurel, investigators have been able to examine the crime scene and now identify that gunfire is suspected of having played a part in the incidents at both homes. Fire investigators also believe that the fire in the 500 block of Elm Street may have started around the same time as the reported explosion in the 200 block of Elm Street. However, indications of that fire weren’t visible outside the home for hours. Both incidents are now believed to have occurred shortly after 3:00 a.m. Thursday.

Based on that time frame, NSP is requesting anyone that may have seen anything out-of-the-ordinary in Laurel between midnight and 4:00 a.m. to report it immediately. Tips can be reported to 402-479-4921.

Additionally, based on this focused time frame of the fires, investigators now believe the previously sought silver sedan reported by a member of the public may have left Laurel much later after the incidents than previously thought.

The Nebraska State Patrol, Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, and Laurel Police Department urge vigilance for members of the Laurel and nearby communities. Anyone who sees out-of-the-ordinary activity should call 911 immediately.

This is an active investigation. Additional details will be released when possible.

Four people were found dead Thursday in two burning homes in a small community in northeastern Nebraska, authorities said.

Nebraska State Patrol Col. John Bolduc said at a news conference that a man was seen driving away from the city of Laurel before the bodies were discovered and that investigators would like to speak to him.

Firefighters responding to a call Thursday morning about an explosion and fire at one of the homes found the body of a person inside, Bolduc said.

A short time later, firefighters were called to a second burning home a few blocks away, where the bodies of three people were found inside.

Authorities didn't release the names of the dead or say how they died, but they said witnesses reported seeing a man leaving Laurel in a silver car. Bolduc referred to the man as a suspect in the deaths and said he may have picked up a passenger on the way out of town.

Investigators believe whoever set the fires may have suffered burns, Bolduc added.

He would not say how or whether the victims were related and declined to speculate on the circumstances leading to the killings.

“We’re not categorizing it as anything right now,” Bolduc said.

Laurel is home to fewer than 1,000 people and is located about 100 miles northwest of Omaha.

“Laurel is a very safe community,” said Cedar County Sheriff Larry Koranda. “It shakes everybody up.”

Most businesses, a senior center and schools in the community voluntarily went on lockdown around the time the bodies were discovered. That came at the recommendation of the city's lone police officer, said Lori Hansen, a clerical assistant at the Laurel City Hall. But even community officials were scrambling for information about what was unfolding in the normally quiet town, she said.

“We’ve been listening to TV to try to find out what’s going on,” Hansen said.

<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/2ddcec21-000f-4ace-b19e-4250120d6629">&nbsp;&nbsp;Download The Post app for iOs or Android</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659643660427.png" alt="Investigators on the scene Thursday photo courtesy KCAU TV" />
 <figcaption>Investigators on the scene Thursday photo courtesy KCAU TV</figcaption>
 </figure>By NEBRASKA STATE PATROLThe Nebraska State Patrol has arrested a suspect in connection with four homicides that occurred in Laurel early Thursday morning. The investigation included two scenes on Elm Street in Laurel. Each scene included a residence with a fire.&nbsp;Once fire suppression efforts were complete at a residence at 503 Elm Street, NSP Crime Scene Investigators were able to examine the scene. Investigators located three deceased victims at that location, each with suspected gunshot wounds. The victims have been identified as Gene Twiford, 86, Janet Twiford, 85, and Dana Twiford, 55. All three were residents of the home.One deceased victim was located at 209 Elm Street, also with suspected gunshot wounds. That victim has been identified as Michele Ebeling, 53. She was a resident at that home.&nbsp;Physical evidence located at both scenes led investigators to identify a suspect as Jason Jones, 42, who is a resident of Laurel. Investigators developed information to believe that Jones was inside his home at 206 Elm Street in Laurel. The NSP SWAT Team was activated, and an arrest warrant was obtained for Jones. Following repeated attempts to have Jones exit the home voluntarily, the SWAT Team made entry into the home and located Jones in a bedroom, with severe burns.Jones was flown to St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Lincoln for treatment of his burn injuries. He is in custody at the hospital.The investigation remains ongoing. Several agencies have been involved in the response and investigation, including the volunteer fire departments of Laurel, Wayne, and Beldon, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Cedar County Attorney, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, as well as the Laurel Police Department, Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nebraska State Patrol.UPDATE 8/5/22 7:10 a.m.The Nebraska State Patrol said an arrest has been made in connection to the four homicides in Laurel. A news conference will be held later this morning to release additional information.UPDATE 8/5/22 4:25 a.m.The Nebraska State Patrol can release new information and urges public vigilance as the investigation into four deaths in Laurel continues.After fire suppression efforts were successful this afternoon at the scene in the 500 block of Elm Street in Laurel, investigators have been able to examine the crime scene and now identify that gunfire is suspected of having played a part in the incidents at both homes. Fire investigators also believe that the fire in the 500 block of Elm Street may have started around the same time as the reported explosion in the 200 block of Elm Street. However, indications of that fire weren’t visible outside the home for hours. Both incidents are now believed to have occurred shortly after 3:00 a.m. Thursday.Based on that time frame, NSP is requesting anyone that may have seen anything out-of-the-ordinary in Laurel between midnight and 4:00 a.m. to report it immediately. Tips can be reported to 402-479-4921.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659640316445.png" alt="Google Maps" />
 <figcaption>Google Maps</figcaption>
 </figure>Additionally, based on this focused time frame of the fires, investigators now believe the previously sought silver sedan reported by a member of the public may have left Laurel much later after the incidents than previously thought.The Nebraska State Patrol, Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, and Laurel Police Department urge vigilance for members of the Laurel and nearby communities. Anyone who sees out-of-the-ordinary activity should call 911 immediately.This is an active investigation. Additional details will be released when possible.By ASSOCIATED PRESSFour people were found dead Thursday in two burning homes in a small community in northeastern Nebraska, authorities said.Nebraska State Patrol Col. John Bolduc said at a news conference that a man was seen driving away from the city of Laurel before the bodies were discovered and that investigators would like to speak to him.Firefighters responding to a call Thursday morning about an explosion and fire at one of the homes found the body of a person inside, Bolduc said.A short time later, firefighters were called to a second burning home a few blocks away, where the bodies of three people were found inside.Authorities didn't release the names of the dead or say how they died, but they said witnesses reported seeing a man leaving Laurel in a silver car. Bolduc referred to the man as a suspect in the deaths and said he may have picked up a passenger on the way out of town.Investigators believe whoever set the fires may have suffered burns, Bolduc added.He would not say how or whether the victims were related and declined to speculate on the circumstances leading to the killings.“We’re not categorizing it as anything right now,” Bolduc said.Laurel is home to fewer than 1,000 people and is located about 100 miles northwest of Omaha.“Laurel is a very safe community,” said Cedar County Sheriff Larry Koranda. “It shakes everybody up.”Most businesses, a senior center and schools in the community voluntarily went on lockdown around the time the bodies were discovered. That came at the recommendation of the city's lone police officer, said Lori Hansen, a clerical assistant at the Laurel City Hall. But even community officials were scrambling for information about what was unfolding in the normally quiet town, she said.“We’ve been listening to TV to try to find out what’s going on,” Hansen said.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/30aJ9FThCKk" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/2ddcec21-000f-4ace-b19e-4250120d6629">&nbsp;&nbsp;Download The Post app for iOs or Android</a><figure>
 <img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/hC0_-w9kb8y8_gfK4ZxnU3P1Ccs4YptMoUDc3Bf3zSvVQoHvm91ncFx_neGVT181aKtfuIDj8V0FiyP6RD7U-A58g_tJw_f74-gEO8MJPNJxmjFGxk1kl2ZgJrSfj4Zi2d1MX6Zqm8FeRCkJdBZTsQ" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

UPDATED Arrest made in Laurel homicide investigation

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 again Friday in his battle against a rare case of “rebound” following treatment with an anti-viral drug. The White House reported the rebound case on July 30.

White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor says in a letter Friday that the president “feels well and his cough has almost completely resolved."

Biden is working from the executive residence and&nbsp;signed two bills Friday that will hold those who commit fraud under COVID-19 small business relief programs accountable. After Biden tested positive on Saturday, he canceled plans to travel and hold in-person events.

&nbsp;The 79-year-old Biden originally tested positive on July 21. He was treated with the anti-viral drug Paxlovid and he had ended his isolation on July 27 before the rebound last Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659721899991.png" alt="President Biden spoke before signing two bills that will hold those who commit fraud under COVID-19 small business relief programs accountable.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden spoke before signing two bills that will hold those who commit fraud under COVID-19 small business relief programs accountable.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 again Friday in his battle against a rare case of “rebound” following treatment with an anti-viral drug. The White House reported the rebound case on July 30.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659721525511.png" alt="Biden " />
 <figcaption>Biden </figcaption>
 </figure>White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor says in a letter Friday that the president “feels well and his cough has almost completely resolved."Biden is working from the executive residence and&nbsp;signed two bills Friday that will hold those who commit fraud under COVID-19 small business relief programs accountable. After Biden tested positive on Saturday, he canceled plans to travel and hold in-person events.&nbsp;The 79-year-old Biden originally tested positive on July 21. He was treated with the anti-viral drug Paxlovid and he had ended his isolation on July 27 before the rebound last Saturday.

Doctor: Biden tests positive for COVID for 7th day in a row

CEDAR COUNTY, NE —The Nebraska State Patrol has arrested a suspect in connection with four homicides that occurred in Laurel early Thursday morning. The investigation included two scenes on Elm Street in Laurel. Each scene included a residence with a fire, according to a media release from the patrol.

One deceased victim was located at 209 Elm Street, also with suspected gunshot wounds. That victim has been identified as Michele Ebeling, 53. She was a resident at that home.

CEDAR COUNTY, NE —The Nebraska State Patrol, working with several public safety partners, is investigating the deaths of four people, at two different scenes in Laurel, Nebraska, according to a release from the patrol.

The first incident occurred shortly after 3:00 a.m. Thursday, when an explosion was reported at a residence in the 200 block of&nbsp;Elm Street in Laurel. Local volunteer firefighters responded and located an individual inside the home. That victim was found to be deceased. At that point, the Laurel Police Department and Cedar County Sheriff’s Office responded and requested assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol.

As investigators were on scene at the first residence, a second fire was reported a few blocks away, at a residence in the 500 block of Elm Street.&nbsp;Fire crews and law enforcement responded immediately. Three individuals were located deceased inside the residence.

At this time there are no identified suspects, however, NSP is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a vehicle that was seen leaving Laurel shortly after the second fire. That vehicle is described as a silver sedan that was seen traveling westbound out of Laurel on Highway 20. According to a witness report, the vehicle was driven by a black male, and may have picked up a passenger before leaving Laurel. Fire investigators believe that anyone inside either residence at the time of the fires may have suffered burns.

Anyone with information about either incident, or about the vehicle, is urged to contact the Nebraska State Patrol at 402-479-4921. This is an active investigation. Additional details will be released when possible.

CEDAR COUNTY, NE —The Nebraska State Patrol is able to release new information and urges public vigilance as the investigation into four deaths in Laurel continues, according to a media release from the patrol.

After fire suppression efforts were successful this afternoon at the scene in the 500 block of Elm Street in Laurel, investigators have been able to examine the crime scene and now identify that gunfire is suspected to have played a part in the incidents at both homes. Fire investigators also believe that the fire in the 500 block of Elm Street may have started around the same time as the reported explosion in the 200 block of Elm Street. However, indications of that fire weren’t visible outside the home for hours. Both incidents are now believed to have occurred shortly after 3:00 a.m. Thursday.

LAUREL, Neb. (AP) — An unknown number of people were found dead Thursday in two homes in a small community in northeastern Nebraska, and schools and most businesses went on lockdown as a precaution at the recommendation of police, officials said.

Cody Thomas, a spokesman for the Nebraska State Patrol, said he didn't know how many people were found dead or how anyone died, but that fire “was involved” at both houses. He said state investigators were headed to Laurel and would likely take the lead in investigating what happened.

Most businesses, a senior center and schools voluntarily went on lockdown at the recommendation of police, said Lori Hansen, a clerical assistant at the Laurel City Hall. She said she had no other information about what was happening at the police scenes.

“We've been listening to TV to try to find out what's going on," she said.

A woman who answered the phone at the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office said she had no information about the deaths and that she was the only person in the office.

The patrol plans to hold a news conference later Thursday to discuss its findings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659643660427.png" alt="Investigators on the scene Thursday photo courtesy KCAU TV" />
 <figcaption>Investigators on the scene Thursday photo courtesy KCAU TV</figcaption>
 </figure>CEDAR COUNTY, NE —The Nebraska State Patrol has arrested a suspect in connection with four homicides that occurred in Laurel early Thursday morning. The investigation included two scenes on Elm Street in Laurel. Each scene included a residence with a fire, according to a media release from the patrol.Once fire suppression efforts were complete at a residence at 503 Elm Street, NSP Crime Scene Investigators were able to examine the scene. Investigators located three deceased victims at that location, each with suspected gunshot wounds. The victims have been identified as Gene Twiford, 86, Janet Twiford, 85, and Dana Twiford, 55. All three were residents of the home.One deceased victim was located at 209 Elm Street, also with suspected gunshot wounds. That victim has been identified as Michele Ebeling, 53. She was a resident at that home.Physical evidence located at both scenes led investigators to identify a suspect as Jason Jones, 42, who is a resident of Laurel. Investigators developed information to believe that Jones was inside his home at 206 Elm Street in Laurel. The NSP SWAT Team was activated, and an arrest warrant was obtained for Jones. Following repeated attempts to have Jones exit the home voluntarily, the SWAT Team made entry into the home and located Jones in a bedroom, with severe burns.Jones was flown to St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Lincoln for treatment of his burn injuries. He is in custody at the hospital.The investigation remains ongoing. Several agencies have been involved in the response and investigation, including the volunteer fire departments of Laurel, Wayne, and Beldon, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Cedar County Attorney, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, as well as the Laurel Police Department, Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nebraska State Patrol.----------CEDAR COUNTY, NE —The Nebraska State Patrol, working with several public safety partners, is investigating the deaths of four people, at two different scenes in Laurel, Nebraska, according to a release from the patrol.The first incident occurred shortly after 3:00 a.m. Thursday, when an explosion was reported at a residence in the 200 block of&nbsp;Elm Street in Laurel. Local volunteer firefighters responded and located an individual inside the home. That victim was found to be deceased. At that point, the Laurel Police Department and Cedar County Sheriff’s Office responded and requested assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol.As investigators were on scene at the first residence, a second fire was reported a few blocks away, at a residence in the 500 block of Elm Street.&nbsp;Fire crews and law enforcement responded immediately. Three individuals were located deceased inside the residence.At this time there are no identified suspects, however, NSP is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a vehicle that was seen leaving Laurel shortly after the second fire. That vehicle is described as a silver sedan that was seen traveling westbound out of Laurel on Highway 20. According to a witness report, the vehicle was driven by a black male, and may have picked up a passenger before leaving Laurel. Fire investigators believe that anyone inside either residence at the time of the fires may have suffered burns.Anyone with information about either incident, or about the vehicle, is urged to contact the Nebraska State Patrol at 402-479-4921. This is an active investigation. Additional details will be released when possible.------CEDAR COUNTY, NE —The Nebraska State Patrol is able to release new information and urges public vigilance as the investigation into four deaths in Laurel continues, according to a media release from the patrol.After fire suppression efforts were successful this afternoon at the scene in the 500 block of Elm Street in Laurel, investigators have been able to examine the crime scene and now identify that gunfire is suspected to have played a part in the incidents at both homes. Fire investigators also believe that the fire in the 500 block of Elm Street may have started around the same time as the reported explosion in the 200 block of Elm Street. However, indications of that fire weren’t visible outside the home for hours. Both incidents are now believed to have occurred shortly after 3:00 a.m. Thursday.Based on that time frame, NSP is requesting anyone that may have seen anything out-of-the-ordinary in Laurel between midnight and 4:00 a.m. to report it immediately. Tips can be reported to 402-479-4921.Additionally, based on this focused time frame of the fires, investigators now believe the previously sought silver sedan reported by a member of the public may have left Laurel much later after the incidents than previously thought.---------LAUREL, Neb. (AP) — An unknown number of people were found dead Thursday in two homes in a small community in northeastern Nebraska, and schools and most businesses went on lockdown as a precaution at the recommendation of police, officials said.Cody Thomas, a spokesman for the Nebraska State Patrol, said he didn't know how many people were found dead or how anyone died, but that fire “was involved” at both houses. He said state investigators were headed to Laurel and would likely take the lead in investigating what happened.Most businesses, a senior center and schools voluntarily went on lockdown at the recommendation of police, said Lori Hansen, a clerical assistant at the Laurel City Hall. She said she had no other information about what was happening at the police scenes.“We've been listening to TV to try to find out what's going on," she said.A woman who answered the phone at the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office said she had no information about the deaths and that she was the only person in the office.Laurel is home to fewer than 1,000 people and is located about 100 miles northwest of Omaha.The patrol plans to hold a news conference later Thursday to discuss its findings.

Patrol: Suspect arrested after multiple deaths in small Nebraska city

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A Florida woman has sued Equifax claiming she was denied a car loan because of a 130-point mistake in her credit report that she says was part of a larger group of credit score errors the ratings agency made this spring due to a coding problem.

The class action lawsuit was filed in federal court in Atlanta on behalf of Nydia Jenkins and potentially millions of others who applied for credit during a three-week period earlier this year. The Jacksonville, Florida woman was forced to accept another, less favorable loan that was $150 per month more than the one she was turned down for because of the error, according to the lawsuit.

Credit scores provide lenders with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.finra.org/investors/personal-finance/how-your-credit-score-impacts-your-financial-future#:~:text=A%20credit%20score%20is%20usually,the%20time%20of%20your%20application.">a picture</a>&nbsp;of how a big a risk a borrower is, and they typically range from 300 to 850 points, with a higher score usually resulting in better terms for people applying for mortgages, auto loans or mortgages. The lawsuit says the errors violated federal law that governs credit reporting agencies.

“In the modern economy, millions of Americans rely on credit to make the most important purchases of their lives, from homes to cars to appliances and everything in between," John Morgan and John Yanchunis, the attorneys representing Jenkins, said in a statement. “We believe that many of the people impacted – some of whom may still be unaware of what happened – suffered severe financial consequences."

The errors occurred over three weeks from mid-March to early April. An analysis Equifax conducted shows that there was no shift in a majority of credit scores, and for those who did experience a change, only a small number would have received a different credit decision, Equifax said in an emailed statement on Thursday.

“While the score may have shifted, a score shift does not necessarily mean that a consumer’s credit decision was negatively impacted," the Equifax statement said.

Equifax said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.equifax.com/newsroom/all-news/-/story/equifax-statement-on-recent-coding-issue/">another statement</a>&nbsp;earlier this week that the problems stemmed from a coding issue that “resulted in the potential miscalculation of certain attributes used in model calculations." In that statement, the firm said less than 300,000 consumers had a score shift of 25 points or more.

“Again, we do not take this issue lightly," Equifax said.

Besides seeking an undisclosed amount of damages “to the fullest extent allowable by law," the lawsuit is asking for an audit to identify which customers' credit scores were affected; money for credit repair services; and the establishment of a fund to reimburse customers for any out-of-pocket expenses they incurred from the errors.

In 2017, hackers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-3e135a3f5b1941a48a9cb9692950d11e">broke into</a>&nbsp;Equifax in a breach that exposed the financial information of 147 million Americans. A federal court in 2020 approved&nbsp;<a href="https://www.equifaxbreachsettlement.com/admin/services/connectedapps.cms.extensions/1.0.0.0/927686a8-4491-4976-bc7b-83cccaa34de0_1033_EFX_Final_Approval_Order_(1.13.2020).pdf">a $380 million settlement</a>&nbsp;of class actions lawsuits, with no finding or judgment of wrongdoing made. The settlement required Equifax to invest a minimum $1 billion over five years on data security.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617904996533.jpeg" alt="Image FTC" />
 <figcaption>Image FTC</figcaption>
 </figure>ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A Florida woman has sued Equifax claiming she was denied a car loan because of a 130-point mistake in her credit report that she says was part of a larger group of credit score errors the ratings agency made this spring due to a coding problem.The class action lawsuit was filed in federal court in Atlanta on behalf of Nydia Jenkins and potentially millions of others who applied for credit during a three-week period earlier this year. The Jacksonville, Florida woman was forced to accept another, less favorable loan that was $150 per month more than the one she was turned down for because of the error, according to the lawsuit.Credit scores provide lenders with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.finra.org/investors/personal-finance/how-your-credit-score-impacts-your-financial-future#:~:text=A%20credit%20score%20is%20usually,the%20time%20of%20your%20application.">a picture</a>&nbsp;of how a big a risk a borrower is, and they typically range from 300 to 850 points, with a higher score usually resulting in better terms for people applying for mortgages, auto loans or mortgages. The lawsuit says the errors violated federal law that governs credit reporting agencies.“In the modern economy, millions of Americans rely on credit to make the most important purchases of their lives, from homes to cars to appliances and everything in between," John Morgan and John Yanchunis, the attorneys representing Jenkins, said in a statement. “We believe that many of the people impacted – some of whom may still be unaware of what happened – suffered severe financial consequences."The errors occurred over three weeks from mid-March to early April. An analysis Equifax conducted shows that there was no shift in a majority of credit scores, and for those who did experience a change, only a small number would have received a different credit decision, Equifax said in an emailed statement on Thursday.“While the score may have shifted, a score shift does not necessarily mean that a consumer’s credit decision was negatively impacted," the Equifax statement said.Equifax said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.equifax.com/newsroom/all-news/-/story/equifax-statement-on-recent-coding-issue/">another statement</a>&nbsp;earlier this week that the problems stemmed from a coding issue that “resulted in the potential miscalculation of certain attributes used in model calculations." In that statement, the firm said less than 300,000 consumers had a score shift of 25 points or more.“Again, we do not take this issue lightly," Equifax said.Besides seeking an undisclosed amount of damages “to the fullest extent allowable by law," the lawsuit is asking for an audit to identify which customers' credit scores were affected; money for credit repair services; and the establishment of a fund to reimburse customers for any out-of-pocket expenses they incurred from the errors.In 2017, hackers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-3e135a3f5b1941a48a9cb9692950d11e">broke into</a>&nbsp;Equifax in a breach that exposed the financial information of 147 million Americans. A federal court in 2020 approved&nbsp;<a href="https://www.equifaxbreachsettlement.com/admin/services/connectedapps.cms.extensions/1.0.0.0/927686a8-4491-4976-bc7b-83cccaa34de0_1033_EFX_Final_Approval_Order_(1.13.2020).pdf">a $380 million settlement</a>&nbsp;of class actions lawsuits, with no finding or judgment of wrongdoing made. The settlement required Equifax to invest a minimum $1 billion over five years on data security.___

Equifax issued wrong credit scores for millions of consumers

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal authorities have charged a man accused of taking a weapon with him to the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Jerod Thomas Bargar, 36, of Centralia, Missouri, was arrested Wednesday in Osage Beach, Missouri, the U.S. Justice Department said. He was charged with entering a restricted building or grounds with a weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm on Capitol grounds or buildings, along with related misdemeanors.

Bargar is the 23rd Missourian charged in connection to the Jan. 6 insurrection, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article264157891.html">reported</a>. He is not accused of entering the Capitol building.

Federal documents allege Bargar took a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol with him to a rally and then to the Capitol. Bargar did not have a license to carry a weapon in the District of Columbia.

A police officer found the weapon on the ground a few minutes after protesters broke through police lines on the west side of the Capitol, according to court documents.

Authorities traced the pistol to Bargar, who said he lost it after protesters were sprayed with tear gas and he tried to help a woman who had fallen.

It was not immediately clear if Bargar has an attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659648140354.png" alt="Bargar photo Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Bargar photo Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal authorities have charged a man accused of taking a weapon with him to the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.Jerod Thomas Bargar, 36, of Centralia, Missouri, was arrested Wednesday in Osage Beach, Missouri, the U.S. Justice Department said. He was charged with entering a restricted building or grounds with a weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm on Capitol grounds or buildings, along with related misdemeanors.Bargar is the 23rd Missourian charged in connection to the Jan. 6 insurrection, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article264157891.html">reported</a>. He is not accused of entering the Capitol building.Federal documents allege Bargar took a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol with him to a rally and then to the Capitol. Bargar did not have a license to carry a weapon in the District of Columbia.A police officer found the weapon on the ground a few minutes after protesters broke through police lines on the west side of the Capitol, according to court documents.Authorities traced the pistol to Bargar, who said he lost it after protesters were sprayed with tear gas and he tried to help a woman who had fallen.It was not immediately clear if Bargar has an attorney.

Man charged with bringing gun to the Capitol on Jan. 6

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged aggravated battery and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 2:30a.m. Thursday, police filed a report for aggravated battery in the 500 block of Leavenworth Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity rep ort.

A 42-year-old woman reported a 41-year-old male suspect later identified as Nicholas Mainville of Manhattan hit her in the face with a baseball bat. 

EMS transported the victim to Via Christi for treatment of her injuries. Police arrested Mainville on a requested charge of aggravated battery. He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Mainville has previous convictions for making a false writing, attempted trafficking contraband into a correctional facility and for unlawful manufacture of a controlled substance, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659537643478.jpeg" alt="Mainville has previous convictions for making a false writing, attempted trafficking contraband into a correctional facility and for unlawful manufacture of a controlled substance, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Mainville has previous convictions for making a false writing, attempted trafficking contraband into a correctional facility and for unlawful manufacture of a controlled substance, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged aggravated battery and have a suspect in custody.Just after 2:30a.m. Thursday, police filed a report for aggravated battery in the 500 block of Leavenworth Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity rep ort.A 42-year-old woman reported a 41-year-old male suspect later identified as Nicholas Mainville of Manhattan hit her in the face with a baseball bat. EMS transported the victim to Via Christi for treatment of her injuries. Police arrested Mainville on a requested charge of aggravated battery. He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.Mainville has previous convictions for making a false writing, attempted trafficking contraband into a correctional facility and for unlawful manufacture of a controlled substance, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.&nbsp;

Police: Man allegedly struck woman in face with baseball bat

WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government declared a public health emergency Thursday to bolster the response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/monkeypox">monkeypox</a><a href="https://apnews.com/hub/monkeypox">outbreak</a>&nbsp;that has infected more <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/us-map.html">than 6,600 Americans.</a>

The announcement will free up money and other resources to fight the virus, which may cause fever, body aches, chills, fatigue and pimple-like bumps on many parts of the body.

“We are prepared to take our response to the next level in addressing this virus, and we urge every American to take monkeypox seriously,” said Xavier Becerra, head of the Department of Health and Human Services.

The declaration by HHS comes as the Biden administration has faced criticism over monkeypox vaccine availability. Clinics in major cities such as New York and San Francisco say they haven’t received enough of the two-shot vaccine to meet demand, and some have had to stop offering the second dose to ensure supply of first doses.

The White House said it has made more than 1.1 million doses available and has helped to boost domestic diagnostic capacity to 80,000 tests per week.

The monkeypox virus spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, including hugging, cuddling and kissing, as well as sharing bedding, towels and clothing. The people who have gotten sick so far have been primarily men who have sex with men. But health officials emphasize that the virus can infect anyone.

Earlier this week, the Biden administration named top officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to serve as the White House coordinators to combat monkeypox.

Thursday's declaration is an important — and overdue — step, said Lawrence Gostin, a public health law expert at Georgetown University.

“It signals the U.S. government’s seriousness and purpose, and sounds a global alarm,” he said.

Under the declaration, HHS can draw from emergency funds, hire or reassign staff to deal with the outbreak and take other steps to control the virus.

For example, the announcement should help the federal government to seek more information from state and local health officials about who is becoming infected and who is being vaccinated. That information can be used to better understand how the outbreak is unfolding and how well the vaccine works.

Gostin said the U.S. government has been too cautious and should have declared a nationwide emergency earlier. Public health measures to control outbreaks have increasingly faced legal challenges in recent years, but Gostin didn’t expect that to happen with monkeypox.

“It is a textbook case of a public health emergency,” Gostin said. “It’s not a red or a blue state issue. There is no political opposition to fighting monkeypox.”

A public health emergency can be extended, similar to what happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted.

The urgency in the current response stems from the rapid spread of the virus coupled with the limited availability of the two-dose vaccine called Jynneos, which is considered the main medical weapon against the disease.

The doses, given 28 days apart, are currently being given to people soon after they think they were exposed, as a measure to prevent symptoms.

Becerra announced the emergency declaration during a call with reporters. During the call, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf said regulators are reviewing an approach that would stretch supplies by allowing health professionals to vaccinate up to five people — instead of one — with each vial of Jynneos.

Under this so-called “dose-sparing” approach, physicians and others would use a shallower injection under the skin, instead of the subcutaneous injection currently recommended in the vaccine’s labeling.

Califf said a decision authorizing that approach could come “within days.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655678482994.png" alt="Monkeypox Photo Credit: NHS England High Consequence Infectious Diseases Network-CDC" />
 <figcaption>Monkeypox Photo Credit: NHS England High Consequence Infectious Diseases Network-CDC</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government declared a public health emergency Thursday to bolster the response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/monkeypox">monkeypox</a><a href="https://apnews.com/hub/monkeypox">outbreak</a>&nbsp;that has infected more <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/us-map.html">than 6,600 Americans.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659646384899.png" alt="Monkeypox cases by state-August 3, 2022 CDC image" />
 <figcaption>Monkeypox cases by state-August 3, 2022 CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659646434549.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The announcement will free up money and other resources to fight the virus, which may cause fever, body aches, chills, fatigue and pimple-like bumps on many parts of the body.“We are prepared to take our response to the next level in addressing this virus, and we urge every American to take monkeypox seriously,” said Xavier Becerra, head of the Department of Health and Human Services.The declaration by HHS comes as the Biden administration has faced criticism over monkeypox vaccine availability. Clinics in major cities such as New York and San Francisco say they haven’t received enough of the two-shot vaccine to meet demand, and some have had to stop offering the second dose to ensure supply of first doses.The White House said it has made more than 1.1 million doses available and has helped to boost domestic diagnostic capacity to 80,000 tests per week.The monkeypox virus spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, including hugging, cuddling and kissing, as well as sharing bedding, towels and clothing. The people who have gotten sick so far have been primarily men who have sex with men. But health officials emphasize that the virus can infect anyone.Earlier this week, the Biden administration named top officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to serve as the White House coordinators to combat monkeypox.Thursday's declaration is an important — and overdue — step, said Lawrence Gostin, a public health law expert at Georgetown University.“It signals the U.S. government’s seriousness and purpose, and sounds a global alarm,” he said.Under the declaration, HHS can draw from emergency funds, hire or reassign staff to deal with the outbreak and take other steps to control the virus.For example, the announcement should help the federal government to seek more information from state and local health officials about who is becoming infected and who is being vaccinated. That information can be used to better understand how the outbreak is unfolding and how well the vaccine works.Gostin said the U.S. government has been too cautious and should have declared a nationwide emergency earlier. Public health measures to control outbreaks have increasingly faced legal challenges in recent years, but Gostin didn’t expect that to happen with monkeypox.“It is a textbook case of a public health emergency,” Gostin said. “It’s not a red or a blue state issue. There is no political opposition to fighting monkeypox.”A public health emergency can be extended, similar to what happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted.The urgency in the current response stems from the rapid spread of the virus coupled with the limited availability of the two-dose vaccine called Jynneos, which is considered the main medical weapon against the disease.The doses, given 28 days apart, are currently being given to people soon after they think they were exposed, as a measure to prevent symptoms.Becerra announced the emergency declaration during a call with reporters. During the call, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf said regulators are reviewing an approach that would stretch supplies by allowing health professionals to vaccinate up to five people — instead of one — with each vial of Jynneos.Under this so-called “dose-sparing” approach, physicians and others would use a shallower injection under the skin, instead of the subcutaneous injection currently recommended in the vaccine’s labeling.Califf said a decision authorizing that approach could come “within days.”That would require another declaration, to allow the government to alter its guidelines on how to administer the vaccine, officials said.Health officials pointed to a study published in 2015 that found that Jynneos vaccine administered that way was as effective at stimulating the immune system as when the needle plunger deeper into other tissue.But experts also have acknowledged they are still gathering information on how well the conventional administration of one or two full doses works against the outbreak.Others health organizations have made similar declarations.Last week, the World Health Organization called monkeypox a public health emergency, with cases in more than 70 countries. A global emergency is WHO’s highest level of alert, but the designation does not necessarily mean a disease is particularly transmissible or lethal.California, Illinois and New York have all made declarations in the last week, as have New York City, San Francisco and San Diego County.The declaration of a national public health emergency and the naming of a monkeypox czar are “symbolic actions,” said Gregg Gonsalves, a Yale University infectious diseases expert.What’s important is that the government is taking the necessary steps to control the outbreak and — if it comes to that — to have a plan for how to deal with monkeypox if it becomes endemic, he said.