ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Il. (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday championed COVID-19 vaccination requirements, determined that the roughly 67 million&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-941fcf43d9731c76c16e7354f5d5e187">unvaccinated American adults</a>&nbsp;must get the shot even as he acknowledged that mandates weren’t his “first instinct.”

Biden had ruled out such requirements before taking office in January, but they now are a tactic he feels forced into using by a stubborn slice of the public that has refused to be inoculated and has jeopardized the lives of others and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-economy-economic-growth-a35a482985d6c4b2046ba884a99319a8">the nation’s economic recovery</a>.

“There is no other way to beat the pandemic than to get the vast majority of the American people vaccinated,” Biden said in suburban Chicago at an event promoting the mandates. “While I didn’t race to do it right away, that’s why I’ve had to move toward requirements.”

In the coming weeks, more than 100 million Americans will be subject to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-executive-branch-18fb12993f05be13bf760946a6fb89be">vaccine requirements ordered by Biden</a>. And his administration is encouraging employers to take additional steps voluntarily that would push vaccines on people or subject them to onerous testing requirements.

Forcing people to do something they do not want to do is rarely a winning political strategy. Yet with the majority of the country already vaccinated and with industry on his side, Biden has emerged as an unlikely advocate of browbeating tactics to drive vaccinations.

“Look, I know that vaccination requirements are a tough medicine — unpopular to some, politics for others — but they’re lifesaving, they’re game-changing for our country,” Biden said.

But the requirements have drawn widespread public support. People are hoping to put behind a pandemic that has taken the lives of more than 700,000 in the United States, and businesses see vaccinations as a road map toward a revitalized economic.

Biden took that message to a construction site run by Clayco, a large building firm that announced a new vaccinate-or-test requirement for its workforce in conjunction with Biden’s visit. The company is taking action weeks before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-henry-mcmaster-f33acd986ad5045e48088a832c6f9903">a forthcoming rule by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration</a>&nbsp;that will require all employers with more than 100 employees to require that their staffs be vaccinated or face weekly testing for the coronavirus.

“You’re setting an example and a powerful example,” Biden told company officials. “I’m calling on more employers to act.”

Biden encouraged other businesses to follow suit by taking action before the OSHA rule and to go even further by requiring shots for their employees without offering a test-out option.

Biden also met with the CEO of United Airlines, Scott Kirby, whose company&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-de26955d518a498c5ffb26160d9c623d">successfully implemented a vaccine mandate</a>, with no option for workers to be tested instead. Less than 1% have failed to comply and risk termination.

Biden’s mandates have “worked spectacularly well,” said Lawrence Gostin, a public health expert at Georgetown University’s law school. He added that the president’s rules have also had a “modeling effect” for cities, states and businesses. That’s what the White House intended.

U.S. officials began anticipating the need for a more forceful vaccination campaign by April, when the nation’s supply of shots began to outpace demand. Political conditions meant immediate steps to require shots would have likely proved counterproductive.

The idea of mandatory vaccination faced pushback from critics who argue it smacks of government overreach and takes away people’s rights to make their own medical decisions.

So first, officials engaged in a monthslong and multibillion-dollar education and incentives effort to persuade people to get the vaccines of their own accord.

By midsummer,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-coronavirus-pandemic-ac6ef8534bffeec97e9dc771b7990fe6">the more transmissible delta variant</a>&nbsp;of the virus was eroding months of health and economic progress and the rate of new vaccinations had slowed to a trickle. Biden’s strategy shifted from inducement to compulsion, with a slow, and deliberate heightening of vaccination restrictions.

“It’s a good political strategy, but it also is a good public health strategy, because once you have a lot of people that have already been vaccinated. then mandates become more acceptable,” Gostin said.

It started with a vaccination requirement for federal frontline health workers serving veterans in VA hospitals. Then the military, followed in steady succession by all healthcare workers reimbursed by the government, all federal workers, and then the more than 80 million Americans who work at mid- and large-size companies.

Nearly 100 million adult Americans were unvaccinated in July. That figure has been cut by one-third since federal, state and private-sector mandates have been imposed.

“Here’s the deal: These requirements are already proving that they work,” Biden said Thursday.

In conjunction with the president’s trip to Chicago, the White House was releasing a report that outlines the early successes of vaccine mandates at driving up vaccination rates and tries to make the economic case for businesses and local governments to put mandates in place. It points to everything from reduced employee hours to diminished restaurant reservations in areas with fewer vaccinations, not to mention markedly reduced instances of serious illness and death from the virus in areas with higher vaccination rates.

Millions of workers, the White House notes, say they are still unable to work due to pandemic-related effects, because their workplaces have been shuttered or reduced service, or because they’re afraid to work or can’t get child care.

“The evidence has been overwhelmingly clear that these vaccine mandates work,” said Charlie Anderson, director of economic policy and budget for the White House COVID-19 response team. “And so now, I think it’s a good time to lift up and say, ‘Now’s the time to move, if you haven’t yet.’”

While mandates are the ultimate tool to press Americans to get vaccinated, Biden has resisted, at least thus far, requiring shots or tests for interstate or international air travel, a move that legal experts say is within his powers. Officials said it was under consideration.

“We have a track record, and I think it’s clear, that shows that we’re pulling available levers to require vaccinations,” said Jeff Zients, the White House COVID-19 coordinator. “And we’re not taking anything off the table.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633699117760.png" alt="“There is no other way to beat the pandemic than to get the vast majority of the American people vaccinated,” Biden said in suburban Chicago at an event promoting the mandates.-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>“There is no other way to beat the pandemic than to get the vast majority of the American people vaccinated,” Biden said in suburban Chicago at an event promoting the mandates.-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Il. (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday championed COVID-19 vaccination requirements, determined that the roughly 67 million&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-941fcf43d9731c76c16e7354f5d5e187">unvaccinated American adults</a>&nbsp;must get the shot even as he acknowledged that mandates weren’t his “first instinct.”Biden had ruled out such requirements before taking office in January, but they now are a tactic he feels forced into using by a stubborn slice of the public that has refused to be inoculated and has jeopardized the lives of others and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-economy-economic-growth-a35a482985d6c4b2046ba884a99319a8">the nation’s economic recovery</a>.“There is no other way to beat the pandemic than to get the vast majority of the American people vaccinated,” Biden said in suburban Chicago at an event promoting the mandates. “While I didn’t race to do it right away, that’s why I’ve had to move toward requirements.”In the coming weeks, more than 100 million Americans will be subject to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-executive-branch-18fb12993f05be13bf760946a6fb89be">vaccine requirements ordered by Biden</a>. And his administration is encouraging employers to take additional steps voluntarily that would push vaccines on people or subject them to onerous testing requirements.Forcing people to do something they do not want to do is rarely a winning political strategy. Yet with the majority of the country already vaccinated and with industry on his side, Biden has emerged as an unlikely advocate of browbeating tactics to drive vaccinations.“Look, I know that vaccination requirements are a tough medicine — unpopular to some, politics for others — but they’re lifesaving, they’re game-changing for our country,” Biden said.But the requirements have drawn widespread public support. People are hoping to put behind a pandemic that has taken the lives of more than 700,000 in the United States, and businesses see vaccinations as a road map toward a revitalized economic.Biden took that message to a construction site run by Clayco, a large building firm that announced a new vaccinate-or-test requirement for its workforce in conjunction with Biden’s visit. The company is taking action weeks before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-henry-mcmaster-f33acd986ad5045e48088a832c6f9903">a forthcoming rule by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration</a>&nbsp;that will require all employers with more than 100 employees to require that their staffs be vaccinated or face weekly testing for the coronavirus.“You’re setting an example and a powerful example,” Biden told company officials. “I’m calling on more employers to act.”Biden encouraged other businesses to follow suit by taking action before the OSHA rule and to go even further by requiring shots for their employees without offering a test-out option.Biden also met with the CEO of United Airlines, Scott Kirby, whose company&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-de26955d518a498c5ffb26160d9c623d">successfully implemented a vaccine mandate</a>, with no option for workers to be tested instead. Less than 1% have failed to comply and risk termination.Biden’s mandates have “worked spectacularly well,” said Lawrence Gostin, a public health expert at Georgetown University’s law school. He added that the president’s rules have also had a “modeling effect” for cities, states and businesses. That’s what the White House intended.U.S. officials began anticipating the need for a more forceful vaccination campaign by April, when the nation’s supply of shots began to outpace demand. Political conditions meant immediate steps to require shots would have likely proved counterproductive.The idea of mandatory vaccination faced pushback from critics who argue it smacks of government overreach and takes away people’s rights to make their own medical decisions.So first, officials engaged in a monthslong and multibillion-dollar education and incentives effort to persuade people to get the vaccines of their own accord.It wasn’t enough.By midsummer,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-coronavirus-pandemic-ac6ef8534bffeec97e9dc771b7990fe6">the more transmissible delta variant</a>&nbsp;of the virus was eroding months of health and economic progress and the rate of new vaccinations had slowed to a trickle. Biden’s strategy shifted from inducement to compulsion, with a slow, and deliberate heightening of vaccination restrictions.“It’s a good political strategy, but it also is a good public health strategy, because once you have a lot of people that have already been vaccinated. then mandates become more acceptable,” Gostin said.It started with a vaccination requirement for federal frontline health workers serving veterans in VA hospitals. Then the military, followed in steady succession by all healthcare workers reimbursed by the government, all federal workers, and then the more than 80 million Americans who work at mid- and large-size companies.Nearly 100 million adult Americans were unvaccinated in July. That figure has been cut by one-third since federal, state and private-sector mandates have been imposed.“Here’s the deal: These requirements are already proving that they work,” Biden said Thursday.In conjunction with the president’s trip to Chicago, the White House was releasing a report that outlines the early successes of vaccine mandates at driving up vaccination rates and tries to make the economic case for businesses and local governments to put mandates in place. It points to everything from reduced employee hours to diminished restaurant reservations in areas with fewer vaccinations, not to mention markedly reduced instances of serious illness and death from the virus in areas with higher vaccination rates.Millions of workers, the White House notes, say they are still unable to work due to pandemic-related effects, because their workplaces have been shuttered or reduced service, or because they’re afraid to work or can’t get child care.“The evidence has been overwhelmingly clear that these vaccine mandates work,” said Charlie Anderson, director of economic policy and budget for the White House COVID-19 response team. “And so now, I think it’s a good time to lift up and say, ‘Now’s the time to move, if you haven’t yet.’”While mandates are the ultimate tool to press Americans to get vaccinated, Biden has resisted, at least thus far, requiring shots or tests for interstate or international air travel, a move that legal experts say is within his powers. Officials said it was under consideration.“We have a track record, and I think it’s clear, that shows that we’re pulling available levers to require vaccinations,” said Jeff Zients, the White House COVID-19 coordinator. “And we’re not taking anything off the table.”

President Biden makes economic case for vaccine mandates

BEIJING (AP) — In a relationship as fraught as America’s and China’s, just an agreement that talks were productive was a sign of progress.

Nine months into Joe Biden's presidency, the two sides finally appear to be trying to ease tensions that date from the Trump administration — though U.S. complaints about Chinese policies on trade, Taiwan and other issues are little diminished.

A closed-door meeting in Zurich on Wednesday between senior Chinese foreign policy adviser Yang Jiechi and White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan was not accompanied by the public acrimony on display at earlier meetings.

After the six-hour talks, the U.S. disclosed an agreement in principle for a virtual summit between Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping by the end of the year. The two have talked by phone twice since Biden became president in January but not held a formal meeting.

Major differences divide what are by many measures the world’s two most powerful nations as they jostle for what each sees as its rightful place in the world order. Some differences over regional security and trade and technology may be irreconcilable, but successful talks could manage them and prevent any spillover that impedes cooperation in other areas such as climate change.

“I don’t think this marks the turnaround and somehow we’ll have a golden era, but maybe we’ve found the floor, or a floor, in which the relationships won’t sink any deeper,” said Drew Thompson, a former U.S. defense official who managed military-to-military relations with China, Taiwan and Mongolia.

Thompson, a visiting fellow at the National University of Singapore, said the meeting in Zurich went “spectacularly well” compared with a March meeting in Alaska that Yang and Sullivan attended and other U.S.-China meetings in the last three years.

Zhao Kejin, a professor of international relations at Tsinghua University in Beijing, described the current direction as an attempt to ease tensions and said a Xi-Biden meeting could cap those efforts.

“Compared to the tense relations during the Trump administration, the current relationship is moving toward mitigation,” he said. “As far as how far it will move, we will wait and see.”

One thorn in the relationship was removed two weeks ago when U.S. prosecutors reached a deal with a Chinese telecom executive that brought an end to prolonged extradition proceedings in Canada and allowed her to return to China.

Shortly after, two Canadians held by China for more than two years were released, and two Americans who had been blocked from leaving China were allowed to return to the United States.

And earlier this week, Chinese state media highlighted remarks by Biden's top trade official, Katherine Tai, that she plans frank conversations with her Chinese counterparts on resolving a tariff war. The U.S. administration, though, has not said whether it will accede to Chinese demands to roll back the tariffs, which were levied under former President Donald Trump.

There is little sign of any easing up in regional security, where China's territorial and strategic ambitions in the western Pacific are running into pushback from the U.S. military and its allies.

China flew a record number of military planes south of Taiwan over a four-day period in the past week, which the U.S. called risky and destabilizing. The flights came as the U.S. and five other countries carried out joint naval maneuvers with three aircraft carriers northeast of Taiwan. China describes such exercises as a provocation.

The U.S. defense relationship with Taiwan is sensitive, and while the U.S. has no military bases on the island, American special operations forces have been training with the Taiwan military for more than a year, including maritime operations with Marine commandos in recent weeks, U.S. officials said Thursday.

The training, which first surfaced publicly last year, hasn’t been officially acknowledged by the Defense Department. But in a statement, Pentagon spokesman John Supple said Thursday that U.S. military support for Taiwan is “based on an assessment of Taiwan’s defense needs and the threat posed by” China.

U.S. officials said the number of American special operations forces doing the training has fluctuated over time, but has been very small and recently was about two dozen. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations. The issue came to the forefront on Thursday when it was described in a story by The Wall Street Journal.

Supple said China “has stepped up efforts to intimidate and pressure Taiwan and other allies and partners, including increasing military activities conducted in the vicinity of Taiwan, East China Sea, and South China Sea which we believe are destabilizing and increase the risk of miscalculation.”

Biden is also under pressure from human rights activists and Republicans to maintain a firm line on China even as his administration seeks cooperation on climate change and on getting North Korea to end its nuclear weapons program.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican and frequent critic, tweeted Wednesday that Biden is “dangerously delusional” if he thinks he can get a climate deal by playing down “great-power competition” with China.

Beijing residents were cautious about the future of relations, but some said it is better for the two sides to be talking than not. They blamed a hostile U.S. stance for the state of relations, echoing the position of the Chinese government.

“I don’t have a good impression of the U.S.," said He Taiqin. "I feel the country is overbearing and aggressive.”

By KEN MORITSUGU, Associated PressBEIJING (AP) — In a relationship as fraught as America’s and China’s, just an agreement that talks were productive was a sign of progress.Nine months into Joe Biden's presidency, the two sides finally appear to be trying to ease tensions that date from the Trump administration — though U.S. complaints about Chinese policies on trade, Taiwan and other issues are little diminished.A closed-door meeting in Zurich on Wednesday between senior Chinese foreign policy adviser Yang Jiechi and White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan was not accompanied by the public acrimony on display at earlier meetings.After the six-hour talks, the U.S. disclosed an agreement in principle for a virtual summit between Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping by the end of the year. The two have talked by phone twice since Biden became president in January but not held a formal meeting.Major differences divide what are by many measures the world’s two most powerful nations as they jostle for what each sees as its rightful place in the world order. Some differences over regional security and trade and technology may be irreconcilable, but successful talks could manage them and prevent any spillover that impedes cooperation in other areas such as climate change.“I don’t think this marks the turnaround and somehow we’ll have a golden era, but maybe we’ve found the floor, or a floor, in which the relationships won’t sink any deeper,” said Drew Thompson, a former U.S. defense official who managed military-to-military relations with China, Taiwan and Mongolia.Thompson, a visiting fellow at the National University of Singapore, said the meeting in Zurich went “spectacularly well” compared with a March meeting in Alaska that Yang and Sullivan attended and other U.S.-China meetings in the last three years.Zhao Kejin, a professor of international relations at Tsinghua University in Beijing, described the current direction as an attempt to ease tensions and said a Xi-Biden meeting could cap those efforts.“Compared to the tense relations during the Trump administration, the current relationship is moving toward mitigation,” he said. “As far as how far it will move, we will wait and see.”One thorn in the relationship was removed two weeks ago when U.S. prosecutors reached a deal with a Chinese telecom executive that brought an end to prolonged extradition proceedings in Canada and allowed her to return to China.Shortly after, two Canadians held by China for more than two years were released, and two Americans who had been blocked from leaving China were allowed to return to the United States.And earlier this week, Chinese state media highlighted remarks by Biden's top trade official, Katherine Tai, that she plans frank conversations with her Chinese counterparts on resolving a tariff war. The U.S. administration, though, has not said whether it will accede to Chinese demands to roll back the tariffs, which were levied under former President Donald Trump.There is little sign of any easing up in regional security, where China's territorial and strategic ambitions in the western Pacific are running into pushback from the U.S. military and its allies.China flew a record number of military planes south of Taiwan over a four-day period in the past week, which the U.S. called risky and destabilizing. The flights came as the U.S. and five other countries carried out joint naval maneuvers with three aircraft carriers northeast of Taiwan. China describes such exercises as a provocation.The U.S. defense relationship with Taiwan is sensitive, and while the U.S. has no military bases on the island, American special operations forces have been training with the Taiwan military for more than a year, including maritime operations with Marine commandos in recent weeks, U.S. officials said Thursday.The training, which first surfaced publicly last year, hasn’t been officially acknowledged by the Defense Department. But in a statement, Pentagon spokesman John Supple said Thursday that U.S. military support for Taiwan is “based on an assessment of Taiwan’s defense needs and the threat posed by” China.U.S. officials said the number of American special operations forces doing the training has fluctuated over time, but has been very small and recently was about two dozen. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations. The issue came to the forefront on Thursday when it was described in a story by The Wall Street Journal.Supple said China “has stepped up efforts to intimidate and pressure Taiwan and other allies and partners, including increasing military activities conducted in the vicinity of Taiwan, East China Sea, and South China Sea which we believe are destabilizing and increase the risk of miscalculation.”Biden is also under pressure from human rights activists and Republicans to maintain a firm line on China even as his administration seeks cooperation on climate change and on getting North Korea to end its nuclear weapons program.U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican and frequent critic, tweeted Wednesday that Biden is “dangerously delusional” if he thinks he can get a climate deal by playing down “great-power competition” with China.Beijing residents were cautious about the future of relations, but some said it is better for the two sides to be talking than not. They blamed a hostile U.S. stance for the state of relations, echoing the position of the Chinese government.“I don’t have a good impression of the U.S.," said He Taiqin. "I feel the country is overbearing and aggressive.”___

U.S. Marine commandos in Taiwan as tensions flare with China

Identity theft is stressful, and it can do tremendous damage to 
your finances. It’s important to recognize the signs early. The earlier 
you notice something is amiss, the faster you can take action to 
minimize the damage. BBB recommends the following tips to help you 
recognize the signs of identity theft as soon as possible.

If you suspect you are the victim of identity theft, visit <a href="https://www.identitytheft.gov" target="_blank">identitytheft.gov</a> to report the matter and get a personalized recovery plan.

Find out more about protecting your child’s identity by reading the <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/18393-bbb-tip-preventing-child-identity-theft" target="_blank">BBB Tip: Preventing Child Identity Theft</a>.

Report scams to <a href="https://www.BBB.org/ScamTracker">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBIdentity theft is stressful, and it can do tremendous damage to 
your finances. It’s important to recognize the signs early. The earlier 
you notice something is amiss, the faster you can take action to 
minimize the damage. BBB recommends the following tips to help you 
recognize the signs of identity theft as soon as possible.Common Signs of Identity Theft<ul>
 <li>You receive statements or bills in the mail for accounts you never opened. If you get a bill for <a href="https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-do-you-check-for-identity-theft/" target="_blank">an account you didn’t authorize</a>,
 someone may have gotten a hold of your personal information and opened 
an account in your name. Contact the company immediately to find out if 
there’s been a mistake and check your credit report for unusual 
activity. </li><li>You are surprised by being denied a loan or credit. You
 may think you have great credit, but if you apply for a credit card or 
loan and are shocked to find that you’ve been rejected, you may be the 
victim of identity theft. Thieves can open accounts in your name, run up
 the bill, and then default on payments, ruining your credit before you 
know what they’ve been up to. Check your credit report a few times a 
year to make sure no one has opened any credit accounts in your name. </li><li>Your regular bills stop showing up in the mail. If you haven’t signed up to go paperless and your <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-identity-theft#know" target="_blank">bills stop showing up in the mail</a>,
 it could be a sign that someone has changed your billing address. 
Contact your creditors and inquire if they sent the bill and if the 
address they have on file is correct. </li><li>You notice suspicious activity in your bank account. Unfamiliar charges, new accounts, and withdrawals you didn’t make are all <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/16951-bbb-tip-identity-theft" target="_blank">signs of identity theft</a>. Review your bank account regularly to make sure no one has access to your funds. </li><li>You notice suspicious charges on your credit card. Scammers
 may make a small charge on your account first to test out their 
information, hoping you won’t notice. If you notice any strange charges 
on your credit card bill, report them immediately. Even a small 
inconsistency can be a sign of fraud. </li><li>You get authentication messages for accounts you didn’t set up. Scammers
 could be trying to set up a new account in your name. If you receive 
unexpected authentication messages, don’t reply. Review your bank 
accounts, credit card statements, and credit report to make sure no one 
has succeeded in making transactions in your name. </li><li>The IRS rejects your tax return. If your tax return gets rejected, someone may have filed in your name and made off with your tax refund. Contact the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/" target="_blank">IRS</a> if you suspect your tax identity has been compromised. </li><li>The IRS informs you a tax return has been filed on your behalf. Sometimes
 the IRS catches a fraudulent tax return before the fake filer succeeds 
in getting your return. When this happens, you may receive a letter from
 the IRS with instructions on how you can verify your identity and 
prevent identity thieves from using your social security number for tax 
fraud in the future. </li><li>Your credit score inexplicably improves or deteriorates. If your credit score is <a href="https://www.consumeraffairs.com/finance/how-to-check-for-identity-theft.html" target="_blank">suddenly very low</a>,
 a fraudster may have maxed out your credit without paying the bill. On 
the other hand, if your credit is improving when you haven’t done 
anything to earn it, an identity thief may be building up your credit so
 they can run through it later. </li><li>You are suddenly denied medical coverage. Scammers 
can steal your identity to use your health benefits too. If you get 
medical bills in the mail, but you haven’t been to the doctor, someone 
may be using up your benefits in your name. The same is true if you are 
unexpectedly denied coverage. Contact your insurance company to find out
 if you’ve been the victim of <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-medical-identity-theft" target="_blank">medical identity theft</a>. </li><li>Debt collectors call about debts you are unaware of. If
 you receive calls from debt collectors about money owed in you name for
 charges you never made, someone may be using your personal information.
 In some cases, con artists may even use <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/22921-bbb-scam-alert-synthetic-id-theft" target="_blank">your child’s name or social security number</a>
 to rack up debts. Get as much information as you can from the debt 
collector so you can investigate the supposed charges and take action to
 correct the matter. </li>
 </ul>For More InformationIf you suspect you are the victim of identity theft, visit <a href="https://www.identitytheft.gov" target="_blank">identitytheft.gov</a> to report the matter and get a personalized recovery plan.Find out more about protecting your child’s identity by reading the <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/18393-bbb-tip-preventing-child-identity-theft" target="_blank">BBB Tip: Preventing Child Identity Theft</a>.Report scams to <a href="https://www.BBB.org/ScamTracker">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

How do you know if someone stole your identity?

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The death of a 23-year-old woman whose body was found four months ago at a lake near Lincoln has been ruled a homicide. 

The Lincoln Journal-Star reports that the death certificate issued Thursday described the immediate cause of Carly Schaaf’s death as asphyxia due to smothering, combined with a narcotics overdose. 

Schaff’s mother reported her missing on May 19 after she hadn’t heard from her for two days. It wasn’t until June 10 that investigators with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office discovered her remains in a wooded area near the southwest side of Pawnee Lake. 

No suspects have been named publicly, and no arrests have been linked to Schaaf’s death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633653265443.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The death of a 23-year-old woman whose body was found four months ago at a lake near Lincoln has been ruled a homicide. The Lincoln Journal-Star reports that the death certificate issued Thursday described the immediate cause of Carly Schaaf’s death as asphyxia due to smothering, combined with a narcotics overdose. Schaff’s mother reported her missing on May 19 after she hadn’t heard from her for two days. It wasn’t until June 10 that investigators with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office discovered her remains in a wooded area near the southwest side of Pawnee Lake. No suspects have been named publicly, and no arrests have been linked to Schaaf’s death.

Death of woman found near Lincoln area lake ruled a homicide

WISNER, Neb. (AP) — Sheriff's officials in northeastern Nebraska say two people have died in a fiery head-on crash on U.S. Highway 275 east of Wisner. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that the crash happened Wednesday night when a minivan driven by 56-year-old Lance Arthaloney, of Lincoln, collided head-on with a car driven by a 51-year-old West Point man.

 The Cuming County Sheriff’s Office says both vehicles erupted in flames after the crash. The crash killed Arthaloney and a passenger in the car, 60-year-old Martha Rodriguez, of West Point. 

The car’s driver was flown by a medical helicopter to a hospital in Sioux City, Iowa. 

Investigators say they have not determined which vehicle crossed the center line.

WISNER, Neb. (AP) — Sheriff's officials in northeastern Nebraska say two people have died in a fiery head-on crash on U.S. Highway 275 east of Wisner. The Omaha World-Herald reports that the crash happened Wednesday night when a minivan driven by 56-year-old Lance Arthaloney, of Lincoln, collided head-on with a car driven by a 51-year-old West Point man. The Cuming County Sheriff’s Office says both vehicles erupted in flames after the crash. The crash killed Arthaloney and a passenger in the car, 60-year-old Martha Rodriguez, of West Point. The car’s driver was flown by a medical helicopter to a hospital in Sioux City, Iowa. Investigators say they have not determined which vehicle crossed the center line.

Officials say 2 people killed in head-on crash near Wisner

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska man accused of participating in the storming of the U.S. Capitol has pleaded guilty to a single count of disorderly conduct. 

Brandon Straka, of Omaha, entered the plea Wednesday. In exchange, a felony count of impeding a law enforcement officer during civil disorder was dropped. 

In court documents outlining Straka's plea, prosecutors say he entered the Capitol with a mob on Jan. 6. 

In a video Straka recorded, he's heard yelling, “Go! Go! go!” to encourage others to storm the Capitol. He later chimed in with a crowd chanting, “Take it! Take it!” as others tried to take a Capitol police officer's shield.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska man accused of participating in the storming of the U.S. Capitol has pleaded guilty to a single count of disorderly conduct. Brandon Straka, of Omaha, entered the plea Wednesday. In exchange, a felony count of impeding a law enforcement officer during civil disorder was dropped. In court documents outlining Straka's plea, prosecutors say he entered the Capitol with a mob on Jan. 6. In a video Straka recorded, he's heard yelling, “Go! Go! go!” to encourage others to storm the Capitol. He later chimed in with a crowd chanting, “Take it! Take it!” as others tried to take a Capitol police officer's shield.

Nebraska man pleads guilty to charge in U.S. Capitol riot

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A federal judge ordered Texas to suspend the most restrictive abortion law in the U.S., calling it an “offensive deprivation” of a constitutional right by banning most abortions in the nation’s second-most populous state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-courts-us-supreme-court-32ee7ae7eeec9bdfd1471a848c163321">since September</a>.

<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21079947-pitman-order" target="_blank">The order</a>&nbsp;Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman is the first legal blow to the Texas law known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-abortion-business-lawsuits-laws-8690c15ea5de5c6ed695003b7a533cb1">Senate Bill 8,</a>&nbsp;which until now had withstood a wave of early challenges. In the weeks since the restrictions took effect, Texas abortion providers say the impact has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-courts-laws-e456aeea9fcd2dd86723cf915429e594">“exactly what we feared.”</a>

In a 113-page opinion, Pitman took Texas to task over the law, saying Republican lawmakers had “contrived an unprecedented and transparent statutory scheme” by leaving enforcement solely in the hands of private citizens, who are entitled to collect $10,000 in damages if they bring successful lawsuits against abortion providers who violate the restrictions.

The law,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-health-abortion-government-and-politics-ba02cd7c3f02b1eb5c87094257ee4db2">signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in May</a>, prohibits abortions once&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-laws-government-and-politics-health-77c9ba98c4f4ab46fdbd5bcc47b5b938">cardiac activity</a>&nbsp;is detected, which is usually around six weeks,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-texas-courts-dallas-ac56b654f88471753b22e19587956c29">before some women even know they are pregnant</a>.

“From the moment S.B. 8 went into effect, women have been unlawfully prevented from exercising control over their lives in ways that are protected by the Constitution,” wrote Pitman, who was appointed to the bench by former President Barack Obama.

“That other courts may find a way to avoid this conclusion is theirs to decide; this Court will not sanction one more day of this offensive deprivation of such an important right.”

But even with the law on hold, abortion services in Texas may not instantly resume because doctors still fear that they could be sued without a more permanent legal decision. Planned Parenthood said it was hopeful the order would allow clinics to resume abortion services as soon as possible.

Texas officials swiftly told the court of their intention to seek a reversal from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which previously allowed the restrictions to take effect.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-abortion-law-court-a7961b629e913e1008f8e929c99fb310">lawsuit was brought by the Biden administration</a>, which has said the restrictions were enacted in defiance of the U.S. Constitution. Attorney General Merrick Garland called the order “a victory for women in Texas and for the rule of law.”

The law had been in effect since Sept. 1.

“For more than a month now, Texans have been deprived of abortion access because of an unconstitutional law that never should have gone into effect. The relief granted by the court today is overdue, and we are grateful that the Department of Justice moved quickly to seek it,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Texas Right to Life, the state’s largest anti-abortion group, said the order was not unexpected.

“This is ultimately the legacy of Roe v. Wade, that you have activist judges bending over backwards, bending precedent, bending the law, in order to cater to the abortion industry,” said Kimberlyn Schwartz, a spokeswoman for the group. “These activist judges will create their conclusion first: that abortion is a so-called constitutional right and then work backwards from there.”

Abortion providers say their fears have become reality in the short time the law has been in effect. Planned Parenthood says the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-lifestyle-health-travel-texas-fbc505c3db4a08af51ba409a91ea161c">number of patients</a>&nbsp;from Texas at its clinics in the state decreased by nearly 80% in the two weeks after the law took effect.

Some providers have said that Texas clinics are now in danger of closing while neighboring states struggle to keep up with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/in-state-wire-abortion-or-state-wire-il-state-wire-mo-state-wire-4ced42150e3348328296e28559c2143b">surge of patients</a>&nbsp;who must drive hundreds of miles. Other women, they say, are being forced to carry pregnancies to term.

Other states, mostly in the South, have passed similar laws that ban abortion within the early weeks of pregnancy, all of which judges have blocked. A 1992 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court prevented states from banning abortion before viability, the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb, around 24 weeks of pregnancy.

But Texas’ version had so far outmaneuvered the courts because it leaves enforcement to private citizens to file suits, not prosecutors, which critics say amounts to a bounty.

“This is not some kind of vigilante scheme,” said Will Thompson, counsel for the Texas Attorney General’s Office, while defending the law to Pitman last week. “This is a scheme that uses the normal, lawful process of justice in Texas.”

The Texas law is just one that has set up the biggest test of abortion rights in the U.S. in decades, and it is part of a broader push by Republicans nationwide to impose new restrictions on abortion.

On Monday, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21053670-whole-womans-health-v-jackson" target="_blank">U.S. Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;began a new term, which in December will include arguments&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-courts-coronavirus-pandemic-us-supreme-court-b2399021aa925d655be3942c8e2edd2b">in Mississippi’s bid to overturn</a>&nbsp;1973’s landmark Roe v. Wade decision guaranteeing a woman’s right to an abortion.

Last month, the court did not rule on the constitutionality of the Texas law in allowing it to remain in place. But abortion providers took that 5-4 vote as an ominous sign about where the court might be heading on abortion after its conservative majority was fortified with three appointees of former President Donald Trump.

Ahead of the new Supreme Court term, Planned Parenthood on Friday released a report saying that if Roe v. Wade were overturned, 26 states are primed to ban abortion. This year alone, nearly 600 abortion restrictions have been introduced in statehouses nationwide, with more than 90 becoming law, according to Planned Parenthood.

Texas officials argued in court filings that even if the law were put on hold temporarily, providers could still face the threat of litigation over violations that might occur in the time between a permanent ruling.

At least one Texas abortion provider has admitted to violating the law and been sued — but not by abortion opponents. Former attorneys in Illinois and Arkansas say they sued a San Antonio doctor in hopes of getting a judge who would invalidate the law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631271480870.png" alt="Abortion-rights protest rally last month in Kansas City photo courtesy ACLU&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Abortion-rights protest rally last month in Kansas City photo courtesy ACLU&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A federal judge ordered Texas to suspend the most restrictive abortion law in the U.S., calling it an “offensive deprivation” of a constitutional right by banning most abortions in the nation’s second-most populous state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-courts-us-supreme-court-32ee7ae7eeec9bdfd1471a848c163321">since September</a>.<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21079947-pitman-order" target="_blank">The order</a>&nbsp;Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman is the first legal blow to the Texas law known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-abortion-business-lawsuits-laws-8690c15ea5de5c6ed695003b7a533cb1">Senate Bill 8,</a>&nbsp;which until now had withstood a wave of early challenges. In the weeks since the restrictions took effect, Texas abortion providers say the impact has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-courts-laws-e456aeea9fcd2dd86723cf915429e594">“exactly what we feared.”</a>In a 113-page opinion, Pitman took Texas to task over the law, saying Republican lawmakers had “contrived an unprecedented and transparent statutory scheme” by leaving enforcement solely in the hands of private citizens, who are entitled to collect $10,000 in damages if they bring successful lawsuits against abortion providers who violate the restrictions.The law,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-health-abortion-government-and-politics-ba02cd7c3f02b1eb5c87094257ee4db2">signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in May</a>, prohibits abortions once&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-laws-government-and-politics-health-77c9ba98c4f4ab46fdbd5bcc47b5b938">cardiac activity</a>&nbsp;is detected, which is usually around six weeks,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-texas-courts-dallas-ac56b654f88471753b22e19587956c29">before some women even know they are pregnant</a>.“From the moment S.B. 8 went into effect, women have been unlawfully prevented from exercising control over their lives in ways that are protected by the Constitution,” wrote Pitman, who was appointed to the bench by former President Barack Obama.“That other courts may find a way to avoid this conclusion is theirs to decide; this Court will not sanction one more day of this offensive deprivation of such an important right.”But even with the law on hold, abortion services in Texas may not instantly resume because doctors still fear that they could be sued without a more permanent legal decision. Planned Parenthood said it was hopeful the order would allow clinics to resume abortion services as soon as possible.Texas officials swiftly told the court of their intention to seek a reversal from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which previously allowed the restrictions to take effect.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-abortion-law-court-a7961b629e913e1008f8e929c99fb310">lawsuit was brought by the Biden administration</a>, which has said the restrictions were enacted in defiance of the U.S. Constitution. Attorney General Merrick Garland called the order “a victory for women in Texas and for the rule of law.”The law had been in effect since Sept. 1.“For more than a month now, Texans have been deprived of abortion access because of an unconstitutional law that never should have gone into effect. The relief granted by the court today is overdue, and we are grateful that the Department of Justice moved quickly to seek it,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.Texas Right to Life, the state’s largest anti-abortion group, said the order was not unexpected.“This is ultimately the legacy of Roe v. Wade, that you have activist judges bending over backwards, bending precedent, bending the law, in order to cater to the abortion industry,” said Kimberlyn Schwartz, a spokeswoman for the group. “These activist judges will create their conclusion first: that abortion is a so-called constitutional right and then work backwards from there.”Abortion providers say their fears have become reality in the short time the law has been in effect. Planned Parenthood says the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-lifestyle-health-travel-texas-fbc505c3db4a08af51ba409a91ea161c">number of patients</a>&nbsp;from Texas at its clinics in the state decreased by nearly 80% in the two weeks after the law took effect.Some providers have said that Texas clinics are now in danger of closing while neighboring states struggle to keep up with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/in-state-wire-abortion-or-state-wire-il-state-wire-mo-state-wire-4ced42150e3348328296e28559c2143b">surge of patients</a>&nbsp;who must drive hundreds of miles. Other women, they say, are being forced to carry pregnancies to term.Other states, mostly in the South, have passed similar laws that ban abortion within the early weeks of pregnancy, all of which judges have blocked. A 1992 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court prevented states from banning abortion before viability, the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb, around 24 weeks of pregnancy.But Texas’ version had so far outmaneuvered the courts because it leaves enforcement to private citizens to file suits, not prosecutors, which critics say amounts to a bounty.“This is not some kind of vigilante scheme,” said Will Thompson, counsel for the Texas Attorney General’s Office, while defending the law to Pitman last week. “This is a scheme that uses the normal, lawful process of justice in Texas.”The Texas law is just one that has set up the biggest test of abortion rights in the U.S. in decades, and it is part of a broader push by Republicans nationwide to impose new restrictions on abortion.On Monday, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21053670-whole-womans-health-v-jackson" target="_blank">U.S. Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;began a new term, which in December will include arguments&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-courts-coronavirus-pandemic-us-supreme-court-b2399021aa925d655be3942c8e2edd2b">in Mississippi’s bid to overturn</a>&nbsp;1973’s landmark Roe v. Wade decision guaranteeing a woman’s right to an abortion.Last month, the court did not rule on the constitutionality of the Texas law in allowing it to remain in place. But abortion providers took that 5-4 vote as an ominous sign about where the court might be heading on abortion after its conservative majority was fortified with three appointees of former President Donald Trump.Ahead of the new Supreme Court term, Planned Parenthood on Friday released a report saying that if Roe v. Wade were overturned, 26 states are primed to ban abortion. This year alone, nearly 600 abortion restrictions have been introduced in statehouses nationwide, with more than 90 becoming law, according to Planned Parenthood.Texas officials argued in court filings that even if the law were put on hold temporarily, providers could still face the threat of litigation over violations that might occur in the time between a permanent ruling.At least one Texas abortion provider has admitted to violating the law and been sued — but not by abortion opponents. Former attorneys in Illinois and Arkansas say they sued a San Antonio doctor in hopes of getting a judge who would invalidate the law.

Federal Judge ramps up battle over abortion rights 

Pfizer asked the U.S. government Thursday to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11 -- and if regulators agree, shots could begin within a matter of weeks.

Many parents and pediatricians are clamoring for protection for children younger than 12, today’s age cutoff for the vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech. Not only can youngsters sometimes get seriously ill, but keeping them in school can be a challenge with the coronavirus still raging in poorly vaccinated communities.

Pfizer announced in a tweet that it had formally filed its application with the Food and Drug Administration.

Now the FDA will have to decide if there’s enough evidence that the shots are safe and will work for younger children like they do for teens and adults. An independent expert panel will publicly debate the evidence on Oct. 26.

One big change: Pfizer says its research shows the younger kids should get a third of the dose now given to everyone else. After their second dose, the 5- to 11-year-olds developed virus-fighting antibody levels just as strong as teens and young adults get from regular-strength shots.

While kids are at lower risk of severe illness or death than older people, COVID-19 does sometimes kill children and cases in youngsters have skyrocketed as the extra-contagious delta variant has swept through the country

“It makes me very happy that I am helping other kids get the vaccine,” said Sebastian Prybol, 8, of Raleigh, North Carolina. He is enrolled in Pfizer’s study at Duke University and doesn’t yet know if he received the vaccine or dummy shots.

“We do want to make sure that it is absolutely safe for them,” said Sebastian’s mother, Britni Prybol. But she said she will be “overjoyed” if the FDA clears the vaccine.

Pfizer studied the lower dose in 2,268 volunteers ages 5 to 11, and has said there were no serious side effects. The study isn’t large enough to detect any extremely rare side effects, such as the heart inflammation that sometimes occurs after the second dose of the regular-strength vaccine, mostly in young men.

If the FDA authorizes emergency use of the kid-sized doses, there’s another hurdle before vaccinations in this age group can begin. Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will decide whether to recommend the shots for youngsters, and the CDC will make a final decision.

By LAURAN NEERGAARD, Associated PressPfizer asked the U.S. government Thursday to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11 -- and if regulators agree, shots could begin within a matter of weeks.Many parents and pediatricians are clamoring for protection for children younger than 12, today’s age cutoff for the vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech. Not only can youngsters sometimes get seriously ill, but keeping them in school can be a challenge with the coronavirus still raging in poorly vaccinated communities.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">UPDATE: We and <a href="https://twitter.com/BioNTech_Group?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BioNTech_Group</a> officially submitted our request to <a href="https://twitter.com/US_FDA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@US_FDA</a> for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccine in children 5 to &lt;12. <a href="https://t.co/72Z2HXlkOx">pic.twitter.com/72Z2HXlkOx</a>&mdash; Pfizer Inc. (@pfizer) <a href="https://twitter.com/pfizer/status/1446082946335715334?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Pfizer announced in a tweet that it had formally filed its application with the Food and Drug Administration.Now the FDA will have to decide if there’s enough evidence that the shots are safe and will work for younger children like they do for teens and adults. An independent expert panel will publicly debate the evidence on Oct. 26.One big change: Pfizer says its research shows the younger kids should get a third of the dose now given to everyone else. After their second dose, the 5- to 11-year-olds developed virus-fighting antibody levels just as strong as teens and young adults get from regular-strength shots.While kids are at lower risk of severe illness or death than older people, COVID-19 does sometimes kill children and cases in youngsters have skyrocketed as the extra-contagious delta variant has swept through the country“It makes me very happy that I am helping other kids get the vaccine,” said Sebastian Prybol, 8, of Raleigh, North Carolina. He is enrolled in Pfizer’s study at Duke University and doesn’t yet know if he received the vaccine or dummy shots.“We do want to make sure that it is absolutely safe for them,” said Sebastian’s mother, Britni Prybol. But she said she will be “overjoyed” if the FDA clears the vaccine.Pfizer studied the lower dose in 2,268 volunteers ages 5 to 11, and has said there were no serious side effects. The study isn’t large enough to detect any extremely rare side effects, such as the heart inflammation that sometimes occurs after the second dose of the regular-strength vaccine, mostly in young men.If the FDA authorizes emergency use of the kid-sized doses, there’s another hurdle before vaccinations in this age group can begin. Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will decide whether to recommend the shots for youngsters, and the CDC will make a final decision.___

Pfizer asks US to allow COVID shots for kids ages 5 to 11

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican and Democratic leaders edged back from a perilous standoff over lifting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-explained-8c9cbcd3d0c4a8fe989a0110f5159f7c">the nation’s borrowing cap</a>, with Democratic senators signaling they were receptive to an offer from Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell that would allow an emergency extension into December.

McConnell made the offer late Wednesday shortly before Republicans were prepared to block legislation to suspend the debt limit until December of next year and as President Joe Biden and business leaders ramped up their concerns that an unprecedented federal default would disrupt government payments to millions of people and throw the nation into recession.

The emerging agreement sets the stage for a sequel of sorts in December, when Congress will again face pressing deadlines to fund the government and raise the debt limit before heading home for the holidays.

A procedural vote — on the longer extension the Republicans were going to block — was abruptly delayed late Wednesday and the Senate recessed so lawmakers could discuss next steps. Democrats emerged from their meeting more optimistic that a crisis would be averted.

“Basically, I’m glad that Mitch McConnell finally saw the light,” said Bernie Sanders, the independent senator from Vermont. The Republicans “have finally done the right thing and at least we now have another couple months in order to get a permanent solution.”

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., added that, assuming final details in the emergency legislation are in order, “for the next three months, we’ll continue to make it clear that we are ready to continue to vote to pay our bills and Republicans aren’t.”

Unsurprisingly, McConnell portrayed it very differently.

“This will moot Democrats’ excuses about the time crunch they created and give the unified Democratic government more than enough time to pass standalone debt limit legislation through reconciliation,” he said.

Congress has just days to act before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-bills-janet-yellen-9d5327bcc4f18bd2cf3349fdbe6d246b">the Oct. 18 deadline</a>&nbsp;when the Treasury Department has warned it would quickly run short of funds to handle the nation’s already accrued debt load.

McConnell and Senate Republicans have insisted that Democrats would have to go it alone to raise the debt ceiling and allow the Treasury to renew its borrowing so that the country could meet its financial obligations. Further, McConnell has insisted that Democrats use the same cumbersome legislative process called reconciliation that they used to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-vote-coronavirus-relief-package-33f4902ca9a2aed4e76274af6bb2ea5c">a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill</a>&nbsp;and have been employing to try to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-politics-business-us-news-ap-top-news-a6e8ed2379857b7aa9c64f6d608bb938">Biden’s $3.5 trillion measure</a>&nbsp;to boost safety net, health and environmental programs.

McConnell said in his offer Wednesday that Republicans would still insist that Democrats use the reconciliation process for a long-term debt limit extension. However, he said Republicans are willing to “assist in expediting” that process, and in the meantime Democrats may use the normal legislative process to pass a short-term debt limit extension with a fixed dollar amount to cover current spending levels into December.

While he continued to blame Democrats, his offer will also allow Republicans to avoid the condemnation they would have gotten from some quarters if a financial crisis were to occur.

Earlier Wednesday, Biden enlisted top business leaders to push for immediately suspending the debt limit, saying the approaching deadline created the risk of a historic default that would be like a “meteor” that could crush the economy and financial markets.

At a White House event, the president shamed Republican senators for threatening to filibuster any suspension of the $28.4 trillion cap on the government’s borrowing authority. He leaned into the credibility of corporate America — a group that has traditionally been aligned with the GOP on tax and regulatory issues — to drive home his point as the heads of Citi, JP Morgan Chase and Nasdaq gathered in person and virtually to say the debt limit must be lifted.

“It’s not right and it’s dangerous,” Biden said of the resistance by Senate Republicans.

His moves came amid talk that Democrats might try to change Senate filibuster rules to get around Republicans. But Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., reiterated his opposition to such a change Wednesday, likely taking it off the table for Democrats.

The business leaders echoed Biden’s points about needing to end the stalemate as soon as possible, though they sidestepped the partisan tensions in doing so. Each portrayed the debt limit as an avoidable crisis.

“We just can’t wait to the last minute to resolve this,” said Jane Fraser, CEO of the bank Citi. “We are, simply put, playing with fire right now, and our country has suffered so greatly over the last few years. The human and the economic cost of the pandemic has been wrenching, and we don’t need a catastrophe of our own making.”

The financial markets have yet to fully register the drama in Washington, though there are signs that they are getting jittery, said Adena Friedman, CEO of the Nasdaq stock exchange.

Stock prices rose after news of McConnell’s offer came out.

Ahead of the White House meeting, the administration warned that if the borrowing limit isn’t extended, it could set off an international financial crisis the United States might not be able to manage.

“A default would send shock waves through global financial markets and would likely cause credit markets worldwide to freeze up and stock markets to plunge,” the White House Council of Economic Advisers said in a new report. “Employers around the world would likely have to begin laying off workers.”

The recession that could be triggered could be worse than the 2008 financial crisis because it would come as many nations are still struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, the report said. It was first obtained by The New York Times.

To get around the standoff taking place in the Senate, Biden indicated in off-the-cuff comments Tuesday Democrats were weighing a change to Senate rules.

“It’s a real possibility,” Biden told reporters outside the White House.

But Manchin, who has for months resisted pressure from liberal activists to change the filibuster so that Democrats can advance legislation on other issues such as voting rights, appeared unmoved.

“I think I’ve been very clear,” Manchin told reporters. “Nothing changes.” He implored Schumer and McConnell to work together to resolve the impasse.

Getting rid of the filibuster rule would lower the typical 60-vote threshold for passage to 50. In the split 50-50 Senate, Vice President Kamala Harris could then break a tie, allowing Democrats to push past Republicans. But to succeed in changing the rules, all Democratic senators would need to be on board.

Once a routine matter, raising the debt limit has become politically treacherous over the past decade or more, used by Republicans, in particular, to rail against government spending and the rising debt load.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633363477999.png" alt="On Wednesday, President Biden enlisted top business leaders to push for immediately suspending the debt limit, saying the approaching deadline created the risk of a historic default that would be like a “meteor” that could crush the economy and financial markets.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>On Wednesday, President Biden enlisted top business leaders to push for immediately suspending the debt limit, saying the approaching deadline created the risk of a historic default that would be like a “meteor” that could crush the economy and financial markets.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican and Democratic leaders edged back from a perilous standoff over lifting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-explained-8c9cbcd3d0c4a8fe989a0110f5159f7c">the nation’s borrowing cap</a>, with Democratic senators signaling they were receptive to an offer from Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell that would allow an emergency extension into December.McConnell made the offer late Wednesday shortly before Republicans were prepared to block legislation to suspend the debt limit until December of next year and as President Joe Biden and business leaders ramped up their concerns that an unprecedented federal default would disrupt government payments to millions of people and throw the nation into recession.The emerging agreement sets the stage for a sequel of sorts in December, when Congress will again face pressing deadlines to fund the government and raise the debt limit before heading home for the holidays.A procedural vote — on the longer extension the Republicans were going to block — was abruptly delayed late Wednesday and the Senate recessed so lawmakers could discuss next steps. Democrats emerged from their meeting more optimistic that a crisis would be averted.“Basically, I’m glad that Mitch McConnell finally saw the light,” said Bernie Sanders, the independent senator from Vermont. The Republicans “have finally done the right thing and at least we now have another couple months in order to get a permanent solution.”Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., added that, assuming final details in the emergency legislation are in order, “for the next three months, we’ll continue to make it clear that we are ready to continue to vote to pay our bills and Republicans aren’t.”Unsurprisingly, McConnell portrayed it very differently.“This will moot Democrats’ excuses about the time crunch they created and give the unified Democratic government more than enough time to pass standalone debt limit legislation through reconciliation,” he said.Congress has just days to act before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-bills-janet-yellen-9d5327bcc4f18bd2cf3349fdbe6d246b">the Oct. 18 deadline</a>&nbsp;when the Treasury Department has warned it would quickly run short of funds to handle the nation’s already accrued debt load.McConnell and Senate Republicans have insisted that Democrats would have to go it alone to raise the debt ceiling and allow the Treasury to renew its borrowing so that the country could meet its financial obligations. Further, McConnell has insisted that Democrats use the same cumbersome legislative process called reconciliation that they used to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-vote-coronavirus-relief-package-33f4902ca9a2aed4e76274af6bb2ea5c">a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill</a>&nbsp;and have been employing to try to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-politics-business-us-news-ap-top-news-a6e8ed2379857b7aa9c64f6d608bb938">Biden’s $3.5 trillion measure</a>&nbsp;to boost safety net, health and environmental programs.McConnell said in his offer Wednesday that Republicans would still insist that Democrats use the reconciliation process for a long-term debt limit extension. However, he said Republicans are willing to “assist in expediting” that process, and in the meantime Democrats may use the normal legislative process to pass a short-term debt limit extension with a fixed dollar amount to cover current spending levels into December.While he continued to blame Democrats, his offer will also allow Republicans to avoid the condemnation they would have gotten from some quarters if a financial crisis were to occur.Earlier Wednesday, Biden enlisted top business leaders to push for immediately suspending the debt limit, saying the approaching deadline created the risk of a historic default that would be like a “meteor” that could crush the economy and financial markets.At a White House event, the president shamed Republican senators for threatening to filibuster any suspension of the $28.4 trillion cap on the government’s borrowing authority. He leaned into the credibility of corporate America — a group that has traditionally been aligned with the GOP on tax and regulatory issues — to drive home his point as the heads of Citi, JP Morgan Chase and Nasdaq gathered in person and virtually to say the debt limit must be lifted.“It’s not right and it’s dangerous,” Biden said of the resistance by Senate Republicans.His moves came amid talk that Democrats might try to change Senate filibuster rules to get around Republicans. But Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., reiterated his opposition to such a change Wednesday, likely taking it off the table for Democrats.The business leaders echoed Biden’s points about needing to end the stalemate as soon as possible, though they sidestepped the partisan tensions in doing so. Each portrayed the debt limit as an avoidable crisis.“We just can’t wait to the last minute to resolve this,” said Jane Fraser, CEO of the bank Citi. “We are, simply put, playing with fire right now, and our country has suffered so greatly over the last few years. The human and the economic cost of the pandemic has been wrenching, and we don’t need a catastrophe of our own making.”The financial markets have yet to fully register the drama in Washington, though there are signs that they are getting jittery, said Adena Friedman, CEO of the Nasdaq stock exchange.Stock prices rose after news of McConnell’s offer came out.Ahead of the White House meeting, the administration warned that if the borrowing limit isn’t extended, it could set off an international financial crisis the United States might not be able to manage.“A default would send shock waves through global financial markets and would likely cause credit markets worldwide to freeze up and stock markets to plunge,” the White House Council of Economic Advisers said in a new report. “Employers around the world would likely have to begin laying off workers.”The recession that could be triggered could be worse than the 2008 financial crisis because it would come as many nations are still struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, the report said. It was first obtained by The New York Times.To get around the standoff taking place in the Senate, Biden indicated in off-the-cuff comments Tuesday Democrats were weighing a change to Senate rules.“It’s a real possibility,” Biden told reporters outside the White House.But Manchin, who has for months resisted pressure from liberal activists to change the filibuster so that Democrats can advance legislation on other issues such as voting rights, appeared unmoved.“I think I’ve been very clear,” Manchin told reporters. “Nothing changes.” He implored Schumer and McConnell to work together to resolve the impasse.Getting rid of the filibuster rule would lower the typical 60-vote threshold for passage to 50. In the split 50-50 Senate, Vice President Kamala Harris could then break a tie, allowing Democrats to push past Republicans. But to succeed in changing the rules, all Democratic senators would need to be on board.Once a routine matter, raising the debt limit has become politically treacherous over the past decade or more, used by Republicans, in particular, to rail against government spending and the rising debt load.

 Debt limit standoff: Congress considering another short-term fix 

The
 Federal Trade Commission is returning $772,512 to consumers who were 
targeted by a debt collector who unlawfully brokered and collected fake 
debts that the consumers did not owe.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase"></a>

According to the complaint filed by the FTC and the New York Attorney General, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/07/phantom-debt-brokers-collectors-settle-ftc-new-york-ag-charges">Hylan Asset Management, LLC, and its owners, Andrew Shaevel and Jon E. Purizhansky</a>,
 bought, placed for collection, and sold lists of phantom debts, 
including debts that were fake or imposed on consumers without their 
knowledge or consent.

Hylan referred the fake debts to several collection agencies, 
including Worldwide Processing Group, LLC, which then illegally 
collected on them. Hylan continued to buy the portfolios and distribute 
them to third parties for collection even though it was repeatedly 
notified that consumers did not owe many of the debts, the FTC alleged.

The defendants agreed to settle the case in 2019. As part of the 
settlement, they agreed to be banned permanently from the debt 
collection industry and surrendered funds to the FTC. The agency is 
using that money to send checks averaging $539 to 1,432 consumers.

People who receive checks should deposit or cash them within 90 days,
 as indicated on the check. Recipients who have questions about their 
checks should call the refund administrator, JND Legal Administration at
 1-888-691-3554. The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide 
account information to cash a refund check.

The FTC’s <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/federal.trade.commission#!/vizhome/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase">interactive dashboards for refund data(link is external)</a>
 provide a state-by-state breakdown of FTC refunds. In 2020, FTC actions
 led to more than $483 million in refunds to consumers across the 
country, but the United States Supreme Court ruled earlier this year 
that the FTC lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief
 in federal court going forward. The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a>to restore the FTC’s ability to get money back for consumers.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and file a <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/complaint">consumer complaint online</a> or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).&nbsp;For the latest news and resources, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/social-media">follow the FTC on social media</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> and read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe
 Federal Trade Commission is returning $772,512 to consumers who were 
targeted by a debt collector who unlawfully brokered and collected fake 
debts that the consumers did not owe.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase"></a>According to the complaint filed by the FTC and the New York Attorney General, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/07/phantom-debt-brokers-collectors-settle-ftc-new-york-ag-charges">Hylan Asset Management, LLC, and its owners, Andrew Shaevel and Jon E. Purizhansky</a>,
 bought, placed for collection, and sold lists of phantom debts, 
including debts that were fake or imposed on consumers without their 
knowledge or consent.Hylan referred the fake debts to several collection agencies, 
including Worldwide Processing Group, LLC, which then illegally 
collected on them. Hylan continued to buy the portfolios and distribute 
them to third parties for collection even though it was repeatedly 
notified that consumers did not owe many of the debts, the FTC alleged.The defendants agreed to settle the case in 2019. As part of the 
settlement, they agreed to be banned permanently from the debt 
collection industry and surrendered funds to the FTC. The agency is 
using that money to send checks averaging $539 to 1,432 consumers.People who receive checks should deposit or cash them within 90 days,
 as indicated on the check. Recipients who have questions about their 
checks should call the refund administrator, JND Legal Administration at
 1-888-691-3554. The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide 
account information to cash a refund check.The FTC’s <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/federal.trade.commission#!/vizhome/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase">interactive dashboards for refund data(link is external)</a>
 provide a state-by-state breakdown of FTC refunds. In 2020, FTC actions
 led to more than $483 million in refunds to consumers across the 
country, but the United States Supreme Court ruled earlier this year 
that the FTC lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief
 in federal court going forward. The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a>to restore the FTC’s ability to get money back for consumers.The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and file a <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/complaint">consumer complaint online</a> or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).&nbsp;For the latest news and resources, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/social-media">follow the FTC on social media</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> and read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>.

FTC returns money to consumers duped by 'phantom debt collector'

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of illegal drug and explosive manufacturing at a Kansas home.

Just after 1:00 a.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police responded to a shooting call in the 2500 block of S. Roosevelt in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

 At the scene, officers located a 31-year-old man with a severe injury to his hand. Officers learned that the injury occurred due to a butane lighter explosion inside the home. He remains hospitalized, according to Macy.

Officers were allowed inside the residence where the explosion occurred, and they discovered evidence of illegal drug manufacturing and possible homemade explosive manufacturing. 

The home was secured, nearby homes were evacuated, and the WPD Bomb Squad was activated.

The Wichita Police Department and several partner agencies worked&nbsp; to safely remove illegal and illicit substances and energetic materials from the residence.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not released the man's name.

 At the scene, officers located a 31-year-old man with a severe injury to his hand. Officers learned that the injury occurred due to a butane lighter explosion inside the home.

The Wichita Police Department and several partner agencies worked&nbsp; to safely remove illegal and illicit substances and energetic materials from the residence.&nbsp; Police have not reported an update to the 31-year-old man's condition or any possible arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633543320562.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the investigation Wednesday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the investigation Wednesday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of illegal drug and explosive manufacturing at a Kansas home.Just after 1:00 a.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police responded to a shooting call in the 2500 block of S. Roosevelt in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy. At the scene, officers located a 31-year-old man with a severe injury to his hand. Officers learned that the injury occurred due to a butane lighter explosion inside the home. He remains hospitalized, according to Macy.Officers were allowed inside the residence where the explosion occurred, and they discovered evidence of illegal drug manufacturing and possible homemade explosive manufacturing. The home was secured, nearby homes were evacuated, and the WPD Bomb Squad was activated.The Wichita Police Department and several partner agencies worked&nbsp; to safely remove illegal and illicit substances and energetic materials from the residence.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not released the man's name.-------------SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of illegal drug and explosive manufacturing at a Kansas home.Just after 1:00 a.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police responded to a shooting call in the 2500 block of S. Roosevelt in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy. At the scene, officers located a 31-year-old man with a severe injury to his hand. Officers learned that the injury occurred due to a butane lighter explosion inside the home.Officers were allowed inside the residence where the explosion occurred, and they discovered evidence of illegal drug manufacturing and possible homemade explosive manufacturing. The home was secured, nearby homes were evacuated, and the WPD Bomb Squad was activated.The Wichita Police Department and several partner agencies worked&nbsp; to safely remove illegal and illicit substances and energetic materials from the residence.&nbsp; Police have not reported an update to the 31-year-old man's condition or any possible arrest.

Drug lab: Bomb squad called after Kan. man injured in butane explosion

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A 29-year-old Omaha man who fled to Nicaragua after being charged with dozens of felony counts of child pornography and enticement has pleaded no contest to seven of the counts.

 The Omaha World-Herald reports that Adam Hawhee faces up to 88 years in prison when he's sentenced in December. 

Hawhee was originally charged last year with two counts of child enticement and 26 counts of child pornography possession. He was accused of trying to entice two 7-year-old girls at an Omaha park in March 2020 but was freed after posting bond. He was jailed again months later after allegedly exposing himself to a young boy. 

Hawhee was freed again after posting bond and fled to Nicaragua, missing a December court appearance before being returned earlier this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633539262535.png" alt="Hawhee" />
 <figcaption>Hawhee</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A 29-year-old Omaha man who fled to Nicaragua after being charged with dozens of felony counts of child pornography and enticement has pleaded no contest to seven of the counts. The Omaha World-Herald reports that Adam Hawhee faces up to 88 years in prison when he's sentenced in December. Hawhee was originally charged last year with two counts of child enticement and 26 counts of child pornography possession. He was accused of trying to entice two 7-year-old girls at an Omaha park in March 2020 but was freed after posting bond. He was jailed again months later after allegedly exposing himself to a young boy. Hawhee was freed again after posting bond and fled to Nicaragua, missing a December court appearance before being returned earlier this year.

Omaha man who fled to Nicaragua pleads to child enticement

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police in Omaha say a 16-year-old girl asleep in her bed was grazed by a bullet shot into her house. 

Investigators say it happened shortly after 4 a.m. Monday in north Omaha when someone fired a gun at a home east of Seymour Smith Park. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that the girl's father told police she heard “what sounded like an explosion” as a bullet grazed the back of her leg. 

Police say the family found damage from gunfire throughout the house. 

Police are asking the public's help in identifying the shooter.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police in Omaha say a 16-year-old girl asleep in her bed was grazed by a bullet shot into her house. Investigators say it happened shortly after 4 a.m. Monday in north Omaha when someone fired a gun at a home east of Seymour Smith Park. The Omaha World-Herald reports that the girl's father told police she heard “what sounded like an explosion” as a bullet grazed the back of her leg. Police say the family found damage from gunfire throughout the house. Police are asking the public's help in identifying the shooter.

Omaha girl asleep in bed grazed by bullet shot into house

WASHINGTON (AP) — With just weeks remaining before federal workers must be vaccinated against COVID-19, the federal government outlined procedures for employees to request medical or religious exemptions from President Joe Biden’s mandate.

The Office of Management and Budget released the new guidance Monday afternoon ahead of the Nov. 22 deadline for workers to be fully vaccinated, outlining specific medical conditions that would warrant an exemption. Under the guidelines, agencies are to direct workers to get their first shot within two weeks of an exemption request being denied, or the resolution of a medical condition. They also make clear that federal agencies may deny medical or religious exemptions if they determine that no other safety protocol is adequate.

The Biden administration is drawing on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance to determine approved medical exemptions, including a history of allergic reaction to the vaccines. Other conditions, including being treated with monoclonal antibodies or having a history of multisystem inflammatory syndrome, warrant a 90-day delay in vaccination, in accordance with CDC advice.

While the CDC recommends that women who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant get vaccinated against COVID-19, the federal government will consider requests to delay vaccination while pregnant depending on the worker’s particular medical circumstances.

Senior administration officials provided The Associated Press with a preview of the new guidance Monday before it was posted by OMB.

Federal workers seeking exemptions will engage in what officials called an “interactive process” with their agencies, which will include being asked to provide documentation to support the exemption and potential accommodations. In the event an exemption request is rejected, workers will have two weeks to get a first shot, or be subject to disciplinary proceedings in accordance with Biden’s order.

Unvaccinated workers are required to wear masks and maintain social distancing and will have their ability to travel for work curtailed. New testing guidance for those who are granted exemptions is expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.

In some cases, agencies may deny even legitimate exemption requests if they determine “that no safety protocol other than vaccination is adequate” given the nature of the employee’s job.

Under CDC guidelines, people are only considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose of two-shot mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna or the one-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson shot — meaning most federal workers have until Nov. 8, at the latest, to roll up their sleeves to comply with Biden’s order.

According to the new federal guidance, neither past COVID-19 infection nor an antibody test can be substituted for vaccination.

Meanwhile, private companies with more than 100 employees will be subject to a forthcoming rule from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requiring all employees to be vaccinated or get tested weekly. Biden announced the regulation weeks ago, but the agency is still drafting the particulars.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631816336784.png" alt="The Biden administration is drawing on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance to determine approved medical exemptions-White House Photo" />
 <figcaption>The Biden administration is drawing on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance to determine approved medical exemptions-White House Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — With just weeks remaining before federal workers must be vaccinated against COVID-19, the federal government outlined procedures for employees to request medical or religious exemptions from President Joe Biden’s mandate.The Office of Management and Budget released the new guidance Monday afternoon ahead of the Nov. 22 deadline for workers to be fully vaccinated, outlining specific medical conditions that would warrant an exemption. Under the guidelines, agencies are to direct workers to get their first shot within two weeks of an exemption request being denied, or the resolution of a medical condition. They also make clear that federal agencies may deny medical or religious exemptions if they determine that no other safety protocol is adequate.The Biden administration is drawing on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance to determine approved medical exemptions, including a history of allergic reaction to the vaccines. Other conditions, including being treated with monoclonal antibodies or having a history of multisystem inflammatory syndrome, warrant a 90-day delay in vaccination, in accordance with CDC advice.While the CDC recommends that women who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant get vaccinated against COVID-19, the federal government will consider requests to delay vaccination while pregnant depending on the worker’s particular medical circumstances.Senior administration officials provided The Associated Press with a preview of the new guidance Monday before it was posted by OMB.Federal workers seeking exemptions will engage in what officials called an “interactive process” with their agencies, which will include being asked to provide documentation to support the exemption and potential accommodations. In the event an exemption request is rejected, workers will have two weeks to get a first shot, or be subject to disciplinary proceedings in accordance with Biden’s order.Unvaccinated workers are required to wear masks and maintain social distancing and will have their ability to travel for work curtailed. New testing guidance for those who are granted exemptions is expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.In some cases, agencies may deny even legitimate exemption requests if they determine “that no safety protocol other than vaccination is adequate” given the nature of the employee’s job.Under CDC guidelines, people are only considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose of two-shot mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna or the one-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson shot — meaning most federal workers have until Nov. 8, at the latest, to roll up their sleeves to comply with Biden’s order.According to the new federal guidance, neither past COVID-19 infection nor an antibody test can be substituted for vaccination.Meanwhile, private companies with more than 100 employees will be subject to a forthcoming rule from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requiring all employees to be vaccinated or get tested weekly. Biden announced the regulation weeks ago, but the agency is still drafting the particulars.

US unveils guidance for federal vaccine mandate, exemptions

HOWELL, Mich. (AP) — Calling opponents of his plans “complicit in America’s decline,” President Joe Biden made the case Tuesday that his ambitious social spending proposal is key to America’s global competitiveness — even as he acknowledged the current $3.5 trillion price tag will shrink.

With his plans in jeopardy on Capitol Hill, Biden journeyed to Michigan, declaring he wanted to “set some things straight” about his agenda and cut through what he dismissed as “noise” in Washington.

“America’s still the largest economy in the world, we still have the most productive workers and the most innovative minds in the world, but we’re at risk of losing our edge as a nation,” he said at a union training center, surrounded by bulldozers and other heavy equipment.

The president went on to spell out his plans in greater detail than he has in some time, after spending the past week deep in the details of negotiations on Capitol Hill. He highlighted popular individual parts of the plan, including funding for early childhood education and investments to combat climate change, rather than the expensive topline. And he emphasized that the trillions in spending would be drawn out over a decade and paid for by tax increases on corporations and the wealthiest Americans.

Speaking briefly to reporters afterward, Biden acknowledged that the overall $3.5 trillion number for his social spending bill will decline, but he insisted that he and Democrats in Congress will “get it done.”

And in a signal of how much still may change by the time the bill makes it to his desk, Biden later suggested he’d sign a bill that included the controversial Hyde Amendment, which blocks federal funds from being used for abortions in most cases. Moderate Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin wants it in the final bill, while progressive Democrats oppose it — but Biden told reporters, “I’d sign it either way.”

On Capitol Hill, strong signs were emerging that Democrats were coalescing around Biden’s push for a slimmed-down package in the $2 trillion range, a figure that seemed potentially acceptable to Manchin, D-W.Va., and other centrists with reservations. With all Republicans opposed, Biden can’t spare a single Democratic senator.

Polling suggests that elements in the social spending bill and a related $1 trillion infrastructure bill — such as expanded child care opportunities and roads-and-bridges infrastructure projects — are popular with large parts of the public. But even some of the White House’s closest allies have worried that the West Wing has not done enough to sell the spending. That brought Biden back on the road Tuesday, hitting the red-leaning district of Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin to sell his policies.

“These bills are not about left versus right or moderate vs progressive,” Biden said. “These bills are about competitiveness versus complacency.”

Back in Washington, a more immediate problem was mounting as Senate Republicans are putting up hurdles to raising the nation’s debt limit, a routine vote that’s needed to allow more borrowing and prevent a devastating credit default. Biden said Democrats are considering changing the chamber’s filibuster rules, which would lower the typical 60-vote threshold to 50, to do it.

“It’s a real possibility,” Biden told reporters at the White House.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633464761565.png" alt="And in a signal of how much still may change by the time the bill makes it to his desk, Biden later suggested he’d sign a bill that included the controversial Hyde Amendment, which blocks federal funds from being used for abortions in most cases. Moderate Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin wants it in the final bill, while progressive Democrats oppose it — but Biden told reporters, “I’d sign it either way.”-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>And in a signal of how much still may change by the time the bill makes it to his desk, Biden later suggested he’d sign a bill that included the controversial Hyde Amendment, which blocks federal funds from being used for abortions in most cases. Moderate Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin wants it in the final bill, while progressive Democrats oppose it — but Biden told reporters, “I’d sign it either way.”-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>HOWELL, Mich. (AP) — Calling opponents of his plans “complicit in America’s decline,” President Joe Biden made the case Tuesday that his ambitious social spending proposal is key to America’s global competitiveness — even as he acknowledged the current $3.5 trillion price tag will shrink.With his plans in jeopardy on Capitol Hill, Biden journeyed to Michigan, declaring he wanted to “set some things straight” about his agenda and cut through what he dismissed as “noise” in Washington.“America’s still the largest economy in the world, we still have the most productive workers and the most innovative minds in the world, but we’re at risk of losing our edge as a nation,” he said at a union training center, surrounded by bulldozers and other heavy equipment.The president went on to spell out his plans in greater detail than he has in some time, after spending the past week deep in the details of negotiations on Capitol Hill. He highlighted popular individual parts of the plan, including funding for early childhood education and investments to combat climate change, rather than the expensive topline. And he emphasized that the trillions in spending would be drawn out over a decade and paid for by tax increases on corporations and the wealthiest Americans.Speaking briefly to reporters afterward, Biden acknowledged that the overall $3.5 trillion number for his social spending bill will decline, but he insisted that he and Democrats in Congress will “get it done.”And in a signal of how much still may change by the time the bill makes it to his desk, Biden later suggested he’d sign a bill that included the controversial Hyde Amendment, which blocks federal funds from being used for abortions in most cases. Moderate Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin wants it in the final bill, while progressive Democrats oppose it — but Biden told reporters, “I’d sign it either way.”On Capitol Hill, strong signs were emerging that Democrats were coalescing around Biden’s push for a slimmed-down package in the $2 trillion range, a figure that seemed potentially acceptable to Manchin, D-W.Va., and other centrists with reservations. With all Republicans opposed, Biden can’t spare a single Democratic senator.Polling suggests that elements in the social spending bill and a related $1 trillion infrastructure bill — such as expanded child care opportunities and roads-and-bridges infrastructure projects — are popular with large parts of the public. But even some of the White House’s closest allies have worried that the West Wing has not done enough to sell the spending. That brought Biden back on the road Tuesday, hitting the red-leaning district of Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin to sell his policies.“These bills are not about left versus right or moderate vs progressive,” Biden said. “These bills are about competitiveness versus complacency.”Back in Washington, a more immediate problem was mounting as Senate Republicans are putting up hurdles to raising the nation’s debt limit, a routine vote that’s needed to allow more borrowing and prevent a devastating credit default. Biden said Democrats are considering changing the chamber’s filibuster rules, which would lower the typical 60-vote threshold to 50, to do it.“It’s a real possibility,” Biden told reporters at the White House.Meanwhile, negotiations continued on the pair of bills to boost spending on safety net, health and environmental programs and infrastructure projects. The $3.5 trillion price tag on the social services portion of Biden’s agenda has long been the sticking point, with progressives demanding the funding for their priorities and moderates balking at the eye-popping number. But there’s a growing consensus — which Biden has expressed privately to lawmakers, and acknowledged publicly Tuesday — that the topline number will eventually shrink.In multiple private meetings, Biden has now floated $2 trillion as a figure for his signature package, including in a call late Monday with progressive House lawmakers, who still advocated for a higher amount, according to a person granted anonymity to discuss the private meeting.While there is cautious optimism about recent progress, no deal has been struck to bridge stark divides between moderates and progressives in Biden’s Democratic Party on the size and scope of the social spending package. In recent weeks, as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has worked unsuccessfully to secure passage of the bills, Biden has stayed in Washington to cajole lawmakers.Now, he’s trying to put the public focus on popular components of the bills rather than the inside-the-Beltway debate over the price tag.Next to Biden, the Democrats with the most on the line over the shape and success of his spending plans are House members from swing districts whose reelections are essential if his party is to retain control of Congress.Many of those targeted moderates — including Arizona Rep. Tom O’Halleran, Virginia Rep. Abigail Spanberger and nine other vulnerable Democrats — joined Biden for a virtual meeting Tuesday. He held a similar session the previous day with a dozen progressives.And his Tuesday visit to Slotkin’s district, which President Donald Trump narrowly won in 2020, was aimed at giving moderates like her cover to support his spending package.While Slotkin backs the smaller, bipartisan $1 trillion infrastructure bill that has passed the Senate, she prefers passing it in the House before negotiating the broader package of social programs.“To be honest, it was hard for me to understand why leadership decided in the first place to tie the two bills together,” Slotkin recently told The Detroit News. “That’s not how we normally operate. It’s not my preference.”Washington was gripped with the drama last week as lawmakers grappled with the massive Democrats-only social spending bill that has been linked with the infrastructure bill. Progressives have balked at voting for the infrastructure bill if the other bill shrinks.Yet even as talk of that shrinkage increased, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., a leader of the progressives, said Tuesday, “There’s a lot of discussion going on, but I’m confident at the end of the day it’s going to be a good agreement.”At the same time, new battle lines are being formed as Democrats decide which of the many programs that they want to expand — health, education, childcare, climate change — will remain in the final proposal or be reduced or left behind.“This cannot ultimately be a bill that does 18 new things, but it could do four or five or six big bold new things,” said Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, an ally of the president.Lawmakers are considering cutting back some programs or limiting others to only people who qualify based on need.Biden’s team huddled with the Democratic leaders late Monday at the Capitol as they rush to finish the latest draft — in “days, not weeks,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said.One senator was moved to compare it all to dancing.“The best image I know is a square dance: You come together, but then you go apart; you come together, but then you go apart,” said Sen. John Hickenlooper of Colorado, describing his fellow Democrats. “There’s a rhythm there, we just got to make sure we stay in rhythm. That’s the challenge.”