WASHINGTON (AP) — Top Democrats plan House votes next week on a budget resolution that could clear a path for future passage of a $3.5 trillion, 10-year social and environment package, suggesting a showdown ahead with rebellious party moderates.

Nine centrists have threatened to vote against their own party’s budget blueprint, enough to defeat it in the closely divided House. They want the chamber to first approve a separate $1 trillion bill financing highway, water supply and other infrastructure projects, their top priority.

House leaders made clear Tuesday that’s not their plan.

Instead, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said in a conference call among House Democrats that he’d like the chamber to approve the budget resolution next Tuesday, according to a participant in the call who spoke on condition of anonymity. The House returns the previous day for what lawmakers hope will be an abbreviated interruption of their August recess.

If all Republicans oppose the budget as expected, Democrats could lose no more than three of their own votes and prevail. The budget’s congressional approval would prevent Republicans from killing the subsequent $3.5 trillion bill, probably this fall, from bill-killing Senate filibusters.

“Remember the psychology of consensus. We are in this together, we have the leader of our party and we are pursuing the attainment” of our agenda, Hoyer said, according to the person on the call.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., also made clear that a final vote on the public works bill would wait until the larger $3.5 trillion measure progresses. In a letter to fellow Democrats late Tuesday, she said the House must pass the budget blueprint “immediately” or endanger “the once-in-a-generation opportunity we face to enact initiatives that meet the needs of working families at this crucial time.”

Together, the two bills embody President Joe Biden’s and Democrats’ aspirations for bracing the economy, supporting families and combating climate change. Leaders hope moving both measures together — rather than quickly approving the infrastructure bill — would pressure moderates to also back the $3.5 trillion package, which they consider too expensive.

“These bills are critical for us maintaining our majority, and that must reign supreme,” said No. 3 House Democratic leader James Clyburn of South Carolina, a reference to next year’s congressional elections. “A lot of us need to hold hands, we need to be protecting each other and march together.”

In a statement, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., one of the maverick moderates, said Congress “cannot afford to wait months” to approve the infrastructure measure and added, “I’m confident we can sit down together and work this out.”

The House plans to vote Monday evening on a procedural measure setting up future debate for the budget resolution, the infrastructure legislation and another Democratic priority restoring federal authority over states’ voting procedures that were curbed by the Supreme Court.

“All three are critical elements of the president’s agenda, and we hope that every Democratic member supports this effort,” said White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates.

Hoyer said he also wants the House to approve the voting rights measure on Tuesday and wrap up business. That proposed schedule could pressure moderates to support the budget, since sticking to their planned opposition could extend the House’s stay in Washington until the standoff is resolved.

Some moderates hope the chaotic U.S. flight from Afghanistan might prompt Biden to seek a quick accomplishment by reversing course and asking the House to quickly send him the infrastructure legislation. The Senate approved the infrastructure measure last week in a bipartisan vote.

“I think more than ever, if the White House would play this smart, they would get a domestic win right now. And that is, bring up the bipartisan infrastructure bill,” Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, one of the nine unhappy moderates, said in an interview.

Rep. Katie Porter, D-Calif., a leader of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said a majority of its nearly 100 members have said in two surveys that they’d oppose the infrastructure measure if it came before the $3.5 trillion measure has progressed.

“Nobody’s budged,” she said. That suggests the moderates lack the votes to force Pelosi to change her plans.

ADVERTISEMENTTrending on AP News<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-robbery-cb655df75d9904429f27ef7e65541772">84-year-old gets 21 years in prison for Arizona bank robbery</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-marriage-6babc1a99d6861e1b7221a279eb60468">Proposal to raise North Carolina marriage age to 16 gets OK</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-arizona-coronavirus-pandemic-f4c807150376d4a1dc1ea88b3aecce7c">Ducey blocks virus relief cash from schools mandating masks</a><a href="https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&amp;utm_source=associatedpress-apnews&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=organic-thumbnails-rr:Right%20Rail%20Thumbnails:" target="_blank">by Taboola</a>ADVERTISEMENT

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629238745296.png" alt="In a letter to fellow Democrats late Tuesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House must pass the budget blueprint “immediately” or endanger “the once-in-a-generation opportunity we face to enact initiatives that meet the needs of working families at this crucial time.”&nbsp;Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer at a ceremony for the American Rescue Plan in March-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>In a letter to fellow Democrats late Tuesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House must pass the budget blueprint “immediately” or endanger “the once-in-a-generation opportunity we face to enact initiatives that meet the needs of working families at this crucial time.”&nbsp;Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer at a ceremony for the American Rescue Plan in March-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Top Democrats plan House votes next week on a budget resolution that could clear a path for future passage of a $3.5 trillion, 10-year social and environment package, suggesting a showdown ahead with rebellious party moderates.Nine centrists have threatened to vote against their own party’s budget blueprint, enough to defeat it in the closely divided House. They want the chamber to first approve a separate $1 trillion bill financing highway, water supply and other infrastructure projects, their top priority.House leaders made clear Tuesday that’s not their plan.Instead, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said in a conference call among House Democrats that he’d like the chamber to approve the budget resolution next Tuesday, according to a participant in the call who spoke on condition of anonymity. The House returns the previous day for what lawmakers hope will be an abbreviated interruption of their August recess.If all Republicans oppose the budget as expected, Democrats could lose no more than three of their own votes and prevail. The budget’s congressional approval would prevent Republicans from killing the subsequent $3.5 trillion bill, probably this fall, from bill-killing Senate filibusters.“Remember the psychology of consensus. We are in this together, we have the leader of our party and we are pursuing the attainment” of our agenda, Hoyer said, according to the person on the call.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., also made clear that a final vote on the public works bill would wait until the larger $3.5 trillion measure progresses. In a letter to fellow Democrats late Tuesday, she said the House must pass the budget blueprint “immediately” or endanger “the once-in-a-generation opportunity we face to enact initiatives that meet the needs of working families at this crucial time.”Together, the two bills embody President Joe Biden’s and Democrats’ aspirations for bracing the economy, supporting families and combating climate change. Leaders hope moving both measures together — rather than quickly approving the infrastructure bill — would pressure moderates to also back the $3.5 trillion package, which they consider too expensive.“These bills are critical for us maintaining our majority, and that must reign supreme,” said No. 3 House Democratic leader James Clyburn of South Carolina, a reference to next year’s congressional elections. “A lot of us need to hold hands, we need to be protecting each other and march together.”In a statement, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., one of the maverick moderates, said Congress “cannot afford to wait months” to approve the infrastructure measure and added, “I’m confident we can sit down together and work this out.”The House plans to vote Monday evening on a procedural measure setting up future debate for the budget resolution, the infrastructure legislation and another Democratic priority restoring federal authority over states’ voting procedures that were curbed by the Supreme Court.“All three are critical elements of the president’s agenda, and we hope that every Democratic member supports this effort,” said White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates.Hoyer said he also wants the House to approve the voting rights measure on Tuesday and wrap up business. That proposed schedule could pressure moderates to support the budget, since sticking to their planned opposition could extend the House’s stay in Washington until the standoff is resolved.Some moderates hope the chaotic U.S. flight from Afghanistan might prompt Biden to seek a quick accomplishment by reversing course and asking the House to quickly send him the infrastructure legislation. The Senate approved the infrastructure measure last week in a bipartisan vote.“I think more than ever, if the White House would play this smart, they would get a domestic win right now. And that is, bring up the bipartisan infrastructure bill,” Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, one of the nine unhappy moderates, said in an interview.Rep. Katie Porter, D-Calif., a leader of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said a majority of its nearly 100 members have said in two surveys that they’d oppose the infrastructure measure if it came before the $3.5 trillion measure has progressed.“Nobody’s budged,” she said. That suggests the moderates lack the votes to force Pelosi to change her plans.ADVERTISEMENTTrending on AP News<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-robbery-cb655df75d9904429f27ef7e65541772">84-year-old gets 21 years in prison for Arizona bank robbery</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-marriage-6babc1a99d6861e1b7221a279eb60468">Proposal to raise North Carolina marriage age to 16 gets OK</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-arizona-coronavirus-pandemic-f4c807150376d4a1dc1ea88b3aecce7c">Ducey blocks virus relief cash from schools mandating masks</a><a href="https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&amp;utm_source=associatedpress-apnews&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=organic-thumbnails-rr:Right%20Rail%20Thumbnails:" target="_blank">by Taboola</a>ADVERTISEMENT

House Dems have plan to pass $3.5 trillion budget deal

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand’s government has taken drastic action by putting the entire nation into a strict lockdown after finding a single case of coronavirus infection in the community. 

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern invoked some of the stirring rhetoric she used early in the pandemic by urging the whole population to go hard and early in trying to eliminate the outbreak. 

She said Auckland and Coromandel would go into a full lockdown for seven days and the remainder of the country for three days while health experts tried to find the source of the infection.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand’s government has taken drastic action by putting the entire nation into a strict lockdown after finding a single case of coronavirus infection in the community. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern invoked some of the stirring rhetoric she used early in the pandemic by urging the whole population to go hard and early in trying to eliminate the outbreak. She said Auckland and Coromandel would go into a full lockdown for seven days and the remainder of the country for three days while health experts tried to find the source of the infection.

New Zealand to enter lockdown after single virus case found

News Release Federal Bureau of Investigation

Dr. Javaid Perwaiz knew exactly how to scare and manipulate his patients—by telling them they had cancer or were at serious risk for it. The scary news, combined with his authority as a doctor, meant the women in his care were the perfect victims for his crimes.

The Virginia obstetrician/gynecologist convinced women their health was in imminent danger.

He then pressured them into having immediate, invasive surgeries that they didn’t need, including hysterectomies and dilation and curettage (D&amp;C) surgeries, a procedure typically used for clearing uterine lining after a miscarriage or as a treatment for heavy bleeding. In some cases, he falsified pregnant patients’ due dates so he could induce labor early on his own schedule.

Perwaiz’s motivation was simple greed. The more surgeries he did, no matter how unnecessary, the more money he collected from Medicaid, Medicare, Tricare, and private insurance. Perwaiz lived a lavish lifestyle at the expense of his patients’ physical and mental health. He shopped at high-end stores and owned five luxury cars.

More than $20 million was billed over 10 years in fraudulent claims, but the human toll is incalculable. Perwaiz’s actions left many patients traumatized. Some experienced serious harm like incontinence or the inability to have sex.

Following the news of Perwaiz’s arrest, more than 500 former patients contacted the FBI tip line.

“Many women who were subjected to this did not know what surgeries they had or why,” said Special Agent Desiree Maxwell, who investigated this case out of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office. “The patients were afraid, and he manipulated them.”

There were warning signs over Perwaiz’s decades in medical practice. Investigators found at least eight malpractice suits. His medical license had been censured in the 1980s. Perwaiz’s license was briefly suspended in the 1990s after he was convicted of federal tax fraud.

But no one put together the pieces of Perwaiz’s longstanding, abusive treatment of women until a tipster told the FBI that women were coming into the hospital for surgery unaware of why they were there.

That’s when investigators started looking into him and found alarming signs. For one, 40% of his Medicaid patients wound up having surgery. Of those, 42% had multiple surgeries—a very high number.

“The patients were afraid, and he manipulated them.”

Desiree Maxwell, special agent, FBI Norfolk

A search warrant and cooperation from inside the practice showed more evidence. But investigators needed proof Perwaiz was willfully lying to his patients.

They found it when a young woman in her early 20s went to Perwaiz for care in 2019. He told her she had uterine fibroids that needed to be removed immediately. But the staff in Perwaiz’s practice knew the woman’s ultrasound was normal.

So, investigators from the FBI and Defense Criminal Investigative Service approached the patient. Would she be willing to record her next phone call with Perwaiz?

While secretly being taped, Perwaiz boldly lied to his patient, telling her she had “big” tumors that needed to come out through abdominal surgery.

“He was great at exploiting patients,” Maxwell said. “He used fear of cancer, or, in other cases, fear of infertility to convince them to go through with surgery.”

Maxwell noted that Perwaiz often exploited the same woman multiple times, telling her something was concerning in her first surgery, and he needed to do more surgeries.

One helpful aspect of a health care fraud investigation is that insurance providers require paperwork to reimburse medical providers. To get reimbursed, Perwaiz created duplicate records. One was a patient’s actual medical record, and the other was a false one claiming the need for surgery—essentially, a detailed paper trail of the crime. In one case, Perwaiz forgot to shred the real medical record, another strong piece of evidence.

A jury found Perwaiz guilty on 52 counts of health care fraud in November 2020. In May 2021, he was sentenced to 59 years in prison. Prosecutors proved his crimes happened at least between 2010 and 2019, but women came forward from decades ago claiming victimization by Perwaiz. Numerous victims testified at trial to the harm Perwaiz had caused them.

The case was a rewarding one for the investigative team, knowing that Perwaiz did physical and emotional harm to dozens of women.

“It’s impossible not to get emotional when you hear these women’s stories. It’s horrible what he did to them,” Maxwell said. “It’s a shame he got away with this for so long, but knowing he will never touch another woman is a huge sense of accomplishment.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1559820547211.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Federal Bureau of InvestigationDr. Javaid Perwaiz knew exactly how to scare and manipulate his patients—by telling them they had cancer or were at serious risk for it. The scary news, combined with his authority as a doctor, meant the women in his care were the perfect victims for his crimes.The Virginia obstetrician/gynecologist convinced women their health was in imminent danger.He then pressured them into having immediate, invasive surgeries that they didn’t need, including hysterectomies and dilation and curettage (D&amp;C) surgeries, a procedure typically used for clearing uterine lining after a miscarriage or as a treatment for heavy bleeding. In some cases, he falsified pregnant patients’ due dates so he could induce labor early on his own schedule.Perwaiz’s motivation was simple greed. The more surgeries he did, no matter how unnecessary, the more money he collected from Medicaid, Medicare, Tricare, and private insurance. Perwaiz lived a lavish lifestyle at the expense of his patients’ physical and mental health. He shopped at high-end stores and owned five luxury cars.More than $20 million was billed over 10 years in fraudulent claims, but the human toll is incalculable. Perwaiz’s actions left many patients traumatized. Some experienced serious harm like incontinence or the inability to have sex.Following the news of Perwaiz’s arrest, more than 500 former patients contacted the FBI tip line.“Many women who were subjected to this did not know what surgeries they had or why,” said Special Agent Desiree Maxwell, who investigated this case out of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office. “The patients were afraid, and he manipulated them.”There were warning signs over Perwaiz’s decades in medical practice. Investigators found at least eight malpractice suits. His medical license had been censured in the 1980s. Perwaiz’s license was briefly suspended in the 1990s after he was convicted of federal tax fraud.But no one put together the pieces of Perwaiz’s longstanding, abusive treatment of women until a tipster told the FBI that women were coming into the hospital for surgery unaware of why they were there.That’s when investigators started looking into him and found alarming signs. For one, 40% of his Medicaid patients wound up having surgery. Of those, 42% had multiple surgeries—a very high number.<h2>“The patients were afraid, and he manipulated them.”</h2><h2>Desiree Maxwell, special agent, FBI Norfolk</h2>A search warrant and cooperation from inside the practice showed more evidence. But investigators needed proof Perwaiz was willfully lying to his patients.They found it when a young woman in her early 20s went to Perwaiz for care in 2019. He told her she had uterine fibroids that needed to be removed immediately. But the staff in Perwaiz’s practice knew the woman’s ultrasound was normal.So, investigators from the FBI and Defense Criminal Investigative Service approached the patient. Would she be willing to record her next phone call with Perwaiz?While secretly being taped, Perwaiz boldly lied to his patient, telling her she had “big” tumors that needed to come out through abdominal surgery.“He was great at exploiting patients,” Maxwell said. “He used fear of cancer, or, in other cases, fear of infertility to convince them to go through with surgery.”Maxwell noted that Perwaiz often exploited the same woman multiple times, telling her something was concerning in her first surgery, and he needed to do more surgeries.One helpful aspect of a health care fraud investigation is that insurance providers require paperwork to reimburse medical providers. To get reimbursed, Perwaiz created duplicate records. One was a patient’s actual medical record, and the other was a false one claiming the need for surgery—essentially, a detailed paper trail of the crime. In one case, Perwaiz forgot to shred the real medical record, another strong piece of evidence.A jury found Perwaiz guilty on 52 counts of health care fraud in November 2020. In May 2021, he was sentenced to 59 years in prison. Prosecutors proved his crimes happened at least between 2010 and 2019, but women came forward from decades ago claiming victimization by Perwaiz. Numerous victims testified at trial to the harm Perwaiz had caused them.The case was a rewarding one for the investigative team, knowing that Perwaiz did physical and emotional harm to dozens of women.“It’s impossible not to get emotional when you hear these women’s stories. It’s horrible what he did to them,” Maxwell said. “It’s a shame he got away with this for so long, but knowing he will never touch another woman is a huge sense of accomplishment.”

Virginia surgeon gets 59 years for unnecessary surgeries, cancer diagnoses  

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The parents of a 3-year-old Scott City boy who died after a dental procedure in Wichita have filed a wrongful death lawsuit. 

Angel Zapata and Nancy Valenzuela filed the lawsuit Tuesday, alleging their son Abiel did not receive proper care during a procedure to remove teeth on July 6. 

The suit names dentist Scott White, nurse-anesthetist Jeremy Salsbury, Tiny Teeth Dentistry and Special Anesthesia Services. The lawsuit says that shortly after the boy received  anesthetics, he showed signs of an irregular heart rhythm and inadequate patient ventilation. Emergency responders were called but the boy died at a hospital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629237118698.png" alt="Abiel Angel Zapata courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Abiel Angel Zapata courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The parents of a 3-year-old Scott City boy who died after a dental procedure in Wichita have filed a wrongful death lawsuit. Angel Zapata and Nancy Valenzuela filed the lawsuit Tuesday, alleging their son Abiel did not receive proper care during a procedure to remove teeth on July 6. The suit names dentist Scott White, nurse-anesthetist Jeremy Salsbury, Tiny Teeth Dentistry and Special Anesthesia Services. The lawsuit says that shortly after the boy received anesthetics, he showed signs of an irregular heart rhythm and inadequate patient ventilation. Emergency responders were called but the boy died at a hospital.

Parents of 3-year-old Kan. boy who died at dentist office sue

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) — A 35-year-old Nebraska man has pleaded not guilty in the death of an Iowa pedestrian. 

Christopher George Smith Rathfon, of Omaha, is charged with homicide by vehicle after police say his vehicle struck 62-year-old Dawn Merrick in Mason City, Iowa, on June 8. 

Merrick, of Mason City, was hospitalized until she died on June 10. 

Rathfon was initially charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, reckless driving and serious injury by vehicle. 

After the homicide by vehicle charge was added, the OWI charge was dismissed. 

A trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 21 at the Cerro Gordo County Courthouse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629239836809.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) — A 35-year-old Nebraska man has pleaded not guilty in the death of an Iowa pedestrian. Christopher George Smith Rathfon, of Omaha, is charged with homicide by vehicle after police say his vehicle struck 62-year-old Dawn Merrick in Mason City, Iowa, on June 8. Merrick, of Mason City, was hospitalized until she died on June 10. Rathfon was initially charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, reckless driving and serious injury by vehicle. After the homicide by vehicle charge was added, the OWI charge was dismissed. A trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 21 at the Cerro Gordo County Courthouse.

Nebraska man pleads not guilty in death of Iowa pedestrian

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a child sex crime suspect after a nearly ten hour search.

Sheriff Tim Morse reports that a Topeka man is now in custody following the report of a sex crime alleged to have occurred at Banner Lake early this morning. 

Just after 2 a.m. Monday the Jackson County Sheriff's office responded to report of an incident involving a minor child at Banner Lake, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The suspect identified as&nbsp;Tanner Allen Daugherty, 19, of Topeka, fled the area on foot prior to law enforcements arrival. 

 Deputies were unable to locate the suspect in the immediate area. 

 Shortly after 8 a.m., deputies received a tip that Daugherty may be in the 16,000 block of I Road and fled into a large wooded area west of the location. 

Deputies, detectives, and K-9 units soon arrived.  Additional help from KHP and Prairie Band Pottawatomie Nation Police arrived and formed a perimeter. 

A KHP helicopter and the JASO Drone searched the area.  A K-9 team located the suspect south of 166th Road east of H. Road in a corn field. 

 The suspect surrendered to law enforcement without incident at 11:50 a.m. 

Deputies booked Daugherty into the Jackson County Jail where he will be booked on a Jackson County District Court warrant on requested charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.&nbsp; Daugherty is believed to have been staying in the Banner Creek Reservoir campground west of Holton, according to Morse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629230251109.png" alt="Daugherty" />
 <figcaption>Daugherty</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a child sex crime suspect after a nearly ten hour search.Sheriff Tim Morse reports that a Topeka man is now in custody following the report of a sex crime alleged to have occurred at Banner Lake early this morning. Just after 2 a.m. Monday the Jackson County Sheriff's office responded to report of an incident involving a minor child at Banner Lake, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The suspect identified as&nbsp;Tanner Allen Daugherty, 19, of Topeka, fled the area on foot prior to law enforcements arrival. Deputies were unable to locate the suspect in the immediate area. Shortly after 8 a.m., deputies received a tip that Daugherty may be in the 16,000 block of I Road and fled into a large wooded area west of the location. Deputies, detectives, and K-9 units soon arrived. Additional help from KHP and Prairie Band Pottawatomie Nation Police arrived and formed a perimeter. A KHP helicopter and the JASO Drone searched the area. A K-9 team located the suspect south of 166th Road east of H. Road in a corn field. The suspect surrendered to law enforcement without incident at 11:50 a.m. Deputies booked Daugherty into the Jackson County Jail where he will be booked on a Jackson County District Court warrant on requested charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.&nbsp; Daugherty is believed to have been staying in the Banner Creek Reservoir campground west of Holton, according to Morse.

Sex crime suspect found hiding in Kan. corn field

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City is asking restaurants, gyms, museums and many other indoor venues to have patrons show proof of vaccination against COVID-19. 

The new rules is part of the city's latest campaign to control a pandemic that had crippled the city's economy. 

The rapid spread of the delta variant has caused infections and hospitalizations to soar in recent weeks and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio hopes the new rules will persuade more people to get vaccinated. 

If not, the mayor says they risk being shut out from partaking of much of the city’s amenities, including restaurants, bars, gyms, public performances, museums and other cultural venues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618940922609.png" alt="Photo: EJ Hersom/U.S. Department of Defense" />
 <figcaption>Photo: EJ Hersom/U.S. Department of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — New York City is asking restaurants, gyms, museums and many other indoor venues to have patrons show proof of vaccination against COVID-19. The new rules is part of the city's latest campaign to control a pandemic that had crippled the city's economy. The rapid spread of the delta variant has caused infections and hospitalizations to soar in recent weeks and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio hopes the new rules will persuade more people to get vaccinated. If not, the mayor says they risk being shut out from partaking of much of the city’s amenities, including restaurants, bars, gyms, public performances, museums and other cultural venues.

NYC begins requiring proof of vaccination at eateries, gyms

WASHINGTON — With identity thieves continuing to target the tax community, Internal Revenue Service <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit">Security Summit</a> partners today urged tax professionals to learn the signs of data theft so they can react quickly to protect clients.

The IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry – working together 
as the Security Summit – reminded tax professionals that they should 
contact the IRS immediately when there's an identity theft issue while 
also contacting insurance or cybersecurity experts to assist them with 
determining the cause and extent of the loss.

"There are tell-tale signs of identity theft that tax pros can easily
 miss," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Identity thieves continue 
to look for ways to slip into the systems of tax pros to steal data. We 
urge practitioners to take simple steps and remain on the lookout for 
signs of data and identity theft. They are a critical first line of 
defense against identity theft."

Knowing the signs of identity theft is the final part of a five-part 
series sponsored by the Summit partners to highlight critical steps tax 
professionals can take to protect client data. This year's theme "<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/boost-security-immunity-fight-against-identity-theft">Boost Security Immunity: Fight Against Identity Theft</a>,"
 focused on urging tax professionals to try harder to secure their 
systems and protect client data during this pandemic and its aftermath.

This summer-time Summit series, now in its sixth year, highlighted 
the protections offered by multi-factor authentication and key security 
steps, the use of the Identity Protection PIN for clients, scams to 
steal unemployment benefits and the dangers of phishing email/text 
scams.

One common refrain the IRS hears from tax professionals reporting 
data thefts is that they did not immediately recognize its signs.

Summit partners urged tax professionals to watch out for these critical signs:

Tax professionals should also watch for warning signs when clients report they've received:

These are just a few common examples. Tax pros should ensure 
they have the highest security possible and contact these sources if 
they sense or see something amiss.

If you or your firm are the victim of data theft,&nbsp;immediately:

Find more information at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/data-theft-information-for-tax-professionals">Data Theft Information for Tax Professionals</a>.

Tax professionals can also get help with security recommendations by reviewing the recently revised IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4557.pdf">Publication 4557, Safeguarding Taxpayer Data&nbsp;PDF</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/ir/2016/NIST.IR.7621r1.pdf">Small Business Information Security: The Fundamentals&nbsp;PDF</a>&nbsp;by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central">Identity Theft Central</a> pages for tax pros, individuals and businesses have important details as well.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5293.pdf">Publication 5293, Data Security Resource Guide for Tax Professionals&nbsp;PDF</a>,
 provides a compilation of data theft information available on IRS.gov. 
Also, tax professionals should stay connected to the IRS through 
subscriptions to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/join-e-news-for-tax-professionals">e-News for Tax Professionals</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-new-media-1">Social Media</a>.

For more information, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/boost-security-immunity-fight-against-identity-theft">Boost Security Immunity: Fight Against Identity Theft.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — With identity thieves continuing to target the tax community, Internal Revenue Service <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit">Security Summit</a> partners today urged tax professionals to learn the signs of data theft so they can react quickly to protect clients.The IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry – working together 
as the Security Summit – reminded tax professionals that they should 
contact the IRS immediately when there's an identity theft issue while 
also contacting insurance or cybersecurity experts to assist them with 
determining the cause and extent of the loss."There are tell-tale signs of identity theft that tax pros can easily
 miss," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Identity thieves continue 
to look for ways to slip into the systems of tax pros to steal data. We 
urge practitioners to take simple steps and remain on the lookout for 
signs of data and identity theft. They are a critical first line of 
defense against identity theft."Knowing the signs of identity theft is the final part of a five-part 
series sponsored by the Summit partners to highlight critical steps tax 
professionals can take to protect client data. This year's theme "<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/boost-security-immunity-fight-against-identity-theft">Boost Security Immunity: Fight Against Identity Theft</a>,"
 focused on urging tax professionals to try harder to secure their 
systems and protect client data during this pandemic and its aftermath.This summer-time Summit series, now in its sixth year, highlighted 
the protections offered by multi-factor authentication and key security 
steps, the use of the Identity Protection PIN for clients, scams to 
steal unemployment benefits and the dangers of phishing email/text 
scams.One common refrain the IRS hears from tax professionals reporting 
data thefts is that they did not immediately recognize its signs.<h2>Summit partners urged tax professionals to watch out for these critical signs:</h2><ul>
 <li>Client e-filed returns rejected because client's Social Security number was already used on another return.</li><li>More e-file acknowledgements received than returns the tax pro filed.</li><li>Clients responded to emails the tax pro didn't send.</li><li>Slow or unexpected computer or network responsiveness such as:
	Software or actions take longer to process than usual,Computer cursor moves or changes numbers without touching the mouse or keyboard,Unexpectedly locked out of a network or computer.</li><li>Software or actions take longer to process than usual,</li><li>Computer cursor moves or changes numbers without touching the mouse or keyboard,</li><li>Unexpectedly locked out of a network or computer.</li>
 </ul><h2>Tax professionals should also watch for warning signs when clients report they've received:</h2><ul>
 <li>IRS Authentication letters (5071C, 4883C, 5747C) even though they haven't filed a return.</li><li>A refund even though they haven't filed a return.</li><li>A tax transcript they didn't request.</li><li>Emails or calls from the tax pro that they didn't initiate.</li><li>A notice that someone created an IRS online account for the taxpayer without their consent.</li><li>A notice the taxpayer wasn't expecting that:
	Someone accessed their IRS online account,The IRS disabled their online account.</li><li>Someone accessed their IRS online account,</li><li>The IRS disabled their online account.</li>
 </ul>These are just a few common examples. Tax pros should ensure 
they have the highest security possible and contact these sources if 
they sense or see something amiss.If you or your firm are the victim of data theft,&nbsp;immediately:<ul>
 <li>Report it to your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/stakeholder-liaison-local-contacts">local IRS Stakeholder Liaison</a>Liaisons will notify IRS Criminal Investigation and others within 
the agency on the practitioner's behalf. Speed is critical. If reported 
quickly, the IRS can take steps to block fraudulent returns in the 
clients' names and will assist tax pros through the process.
	</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Email the Federation of Tax Administrators at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:statealert@taxadmin.org">statealert@taxadmin.org</a>Get information on how to report victim information to the states. 
Most states require that the state attorney general be notified of data 
breaches. This notification process may involve multiple offices.
	</li>
 </ul>Find more information at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/data-theft-information-for-tax-professionals">Data Theft Information for Tax Professionals</a>.<h2>Additional resources</h2>Tax professionals can also get help with security recommendations by reviewing the recently revised IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4557.pdf">Publication 4557, Safeguarding Taxpayer Data&nbsp;PDF</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/ir/2016/NIST.IR.7621r1.pdf">Small Business Information Security: The Fundamentals&nbsp;PDF</a>&nbsp;by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central">Identity Theft Central</a> pages for tax pros, individuals and businesses have important details as well.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5293.pdf">Publication 5293, Data Security Resource Guide for Tax Professionals&nbsp;PDF</a>,
 provides a compilation of data theft information available on IRS.gov. 
Also, tax professionals should stay connected to the IRS through 
subscriptions to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/join-e-news-for-tax-professionals">e-News for Tax Professionals</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-new-media-1">Social Media</a>.For more information, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/boost-security-immunity-fight-against-identity-theft">Boost Security Immunity: Fight Against Identity Theft.</a>

IRS Security Summit: Tell-tale signs of identity theft

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Billionaire Warren Buffett’s company has again increased the size of its bet on grocery giant Kroger, while scaling back several of its health care industry investments. 

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. said in a quarterly update with regulators Monday that it picked up nearly 11 million shares of Kroger stock during the second quarter, raising its holdings to 61.8 million shares. 

Buffett's company also sold off investments in biotechnology firm Biogen and paint maker Axalta Coating Systems and reduced its stake in General Motors. 

Many investors follow Berkshire Hathaway’s investments closely because of Buffett’s remarkably successful track record.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1562016004593.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Billionaire Warren Buffett’s company has again increased the size of its bet on grocery giant Kroger, while scaling back several of its health care industry investments. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. said in a quarterly update with regulators Monday that it picked up nearly 11 million shares of Kroger stock during the second quarter, raising its holdings to 61.8 million shares. Buffett's company also sold off investments in biotechnology firm Biogen and paint maker Axalta Coating Systems and reduced its stake in General Motors. Many investors follow Berkshire Hathaway’s investments closely because of Buffett’s remarkably successful track record.

Buffett's firm ups Kroger stake while trimming drug holdings

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. experts are expected to recommend COVID-19 vaccine boosters for all Americans, regardless of age, eight months after they received their second dose of the shot, to ensure lasting protection against the coronavirus as the delta variant spreads across the country.

Federal health officials have been actively looking at whether extra shots for the vaccinated would be needed as early as this fall, reviewing case numbers in the U.S. as well as the situation in other countries such as Israel, where preliminary studies suggest the vaccine’s protection against serious illness dropped among those vaccinated in January.

An announcement on the U.S. booster recommendation was expected as soon as this week, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

Doses would only begin to be administered widely once the Food and Drug Administration formally approves the vaccines. That action is expected for the Pfizer shot in the coming weeks.

Last week, U.S. health officials recommended boosters for some with weakened immune systems, citing their higher risk of catching the virus and evidence that the vaccines’ effectiveness waned over time.

The director of the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Francis Collins, said Sunday the U.S. could decide in the next couple weeks whether to offer coronavirus booster shots to Americans this fall.

Among the first to receive them could be health care workers, nursing home residents and other older Americans, who were some of the first Americans to be vaccinated once the shots received emergency use authorization last December.

Since then, more than 198 million Americans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with more than 168 million fully vaccinated. Still, the country is experiencing a fourth surge of virus cases due to the more transmissible delta variant, which is spreading aggressively through unvaccinated communities but is also responsible for an increasing number of so-called “breakthrough infections” of fully vaccinated people.

Israel, which exclusively administered the Pfizer shot, has been offering a coronavirus booster to people over 60 who were already vaccinated more than five months ago in an effort to control its own surge in cases from the delta variant.

For months, officials had said data still indicated that people remain highly protected from COVID-19, including the delta variant, after receiving the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna regimen or the one-shot Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine. But U.S. health officials made clear Sunday they are preparing for the possibility that the time for boosters may come sooner than later.

“There is a concern that the vaccine may start to wane in its effectiveness,” Collins said. “And delta is a nasty one for us to try to deal with. The combination of those two means we may need boosters, maybe beginning first with health care providers, as well as people in nursing homes, and then gradually moving forward” with others, such as older Americans who were among the first to get vaccinations.

He said because the delta variant only started hitting the U.S. hard in July, the “next couple of weeks” of case data will help the U.S. make a decision.

Officials were continuing to collect information as well about the J&amp;J vaccine, which was only approved in the U.S. in late February, to determine when to recommend boosters, one of the officials said.

The White House has said that even though the U.S. has begun sharing more than 110 million vaccine doses with the world, the nation has enough domestic supply to deliver boosters to Americans should they be recommended by health officials.

Global health officials, including the World Health Organization, have called on wealthier and more-vaccinated countries to hold off on booster shots to ensure the supply of first doses for people in the developing world.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. experts are expected to recommend COVID-19 vaccine boosters for all Americans, regardless of age, eight months after they received their second dose of the shot, to ensure lasting protection against the coronavirus as the delta variant spreads across the country.Federal health officials have been actively looking at whether extra shots for the vaccinated would be needed as early as this fall, reviewing case numbers in the U.S. as well as the situation in other countries such as Israel, where preliminary studies suggest the vaccine’s protection against serious illness dropped among those vaccinated in January.An announcement on the U.S. booster recommendation was expected as soon as this week, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.Doses would only begin to be administered widely once the Food and Drug Administration formally approves the vaccines. That action is expected for the Pfizer shot in the coming weeks.Last week, U.S. health officials recommended boosters for some with weakened immune systems, citing their higher risk of catching the virus and evidence that the vaccines’ effectiveness waned over time.The director of the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Francis Collins, said Sunday the U.S. could decide in the next couple weeks whether to offer coronavirus booster shots to Americans this fall.Among the first to receive them could be health care workers, nursing home residents and other older Americans, who were some of the first Americans to be vaccinated once the shots received emergency use authorization last December.Since then, more than 198 million Americans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with more than 168 million fully vaccinated. Still, the country is experiencing a fourth surge of virus cases due to the more transmissible delta variant, which is spreading aggressively through unvaccinated communities but is also responsible for an increasing number of so-called “breakthrough infections” of fully vaccinated people.Israel, which exclusively administered the Pfizer shot, has been offering a coronavirus booster to people over 60 who were already vaccinated more than five months ago in an effort to control its own surge in cases from the delta variant.For months, officials had said data still indicated that people remain highly protected from COVID-19, including the delta variant, after receiving the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna regimen or the one-shot Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine. But U.S. health officials made clear Sunday they are preparing for the possibility that the time for boosters may come sooner than later.“There is a concern that the vaccine may start to wane in its effectiveness,” Collins said. “And delta is a nasty one for us to try to deal with. The combination of those two means we may need boosters, maybe beginning first with health care providers, as well as people in nursing homes, and then gradually moving forward” with others, such as older Americans who were among the first to get vaccinations.He said because the delta variant only started hitting the U.S. hard in July, the “next couple of weeks” of case data will help the U.S. make a decision.Officials were continuing to collect information as well about the J&amp;J vaccine, which was only approved in the U.S. in late February, to determine when to recommend boosters, one of the officials said.The White House has said that even though the U.S. has begun sharing more than 110 million vaccine doses with the world, the nation has enough domestic supply to deliver boosters to Americans should they be recommended by health officials.Global health officials, including the World Health Organization, have called on wealthier and more-vaccinated countries to hold off on booster shots to ensure the supply of first doses for people in the developing world.

US to recommend COVID vaccine boosters for all 

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — President Joe Biden's administration is appealing a federal judge's order that blocked Biden's suspension of new oil and gas leases on federal land and waters. 

A Louisiana-based federal judge issued the ruling in June, siding with Louisiana's attorney general and officials in 12 other states. 

Those states said the administration bypassed bureaucratic steps required before such delays can be undertaken and that the moratorium would cost the states money and jobs. 

The administration said Monday the pause is needed because the leasing programs are responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions. 

However, the statement said leasing would continue in accordance with the judge's order during the appeal.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — President Joe Biden's administration is appealing a federal judge's order that blocked Biden's suspension of new oil and gas leases on federal land and waters. A Louisiana-based federal judge issued the ruling in June, siding with Louisiana's attorney general and officials in 12 other states. Those states said the administration bypassed bureaucratic steps required before such delays can be undertaken and that the moratorium would cost the states money and jobs. The administration said Monday the pause is needed because the leasing programs are responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions. However, the statement said leasing would continue in accordance with the judge's order during the appeal.

Biden admin to appeal order blocking oil, gas lease pause

MORTON COUNTY —Authorities are investigating after a southwest Kansas firefighter died from being shocked by power lines while working at the scene of a traffic crash. 

Just before 6p.m. Sunday, the firefighter and a sheriff's deputy were the first to arrive at the accident scene just south of Rolla, according to Morton County Emergency Management.

In the process of searching for victims of the rollover crash, the first responding firefighter received an electrical shock from damaged power lines. CPR was initiated by responders on scene with assistance from Morton County EMS who arrived on scene.

The firefighter was transported to Morton County Hospital where he later died.&nbsp;The firefighter's name has not been released.

MORTON COUNTY —Authorities are investigating after a southwest Kansas firefighter died from being shocked by power lines while working at the scene of a traffic crash. Just before 6p.m. Sunday, the firefighter and a sheriff's deputy were the first to arrive at the accident scene just south of Rolla, according to Morton County Emergency Management.In the process of searching for victims of the rollover crash, the first responding firefighter received an electrical shock from damaged power lines. CPR was initiated by responders on scene with assistance from Morton County EMS who arrived on scene.The firefighter was transported to Morton County Hospital where he later died.&nbsp;The firefighter's name has not been released.

Kan. firefighter dies after shocked by power lines

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says he stands “squarely behind” his decision for the U.S. to leave Afghanistan.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?514113-1/president-biden-remarks-afghanistan">Click here to watch the</a>&nbsp;President's comments&nbsp;

Speaking about the chaotic situation in Afghanistan, Biden says he faced a choice between following an agreement to withdraw or sending thousands more U.S. troops for a “third decade” of war. 

Biden spoke Monday after the planned withdrawal of American forces turned deadly at Kabul’s airport as thousands tried to flee following the Taliban’s swift takeover of the country. Biden returned to the White House from the Camp David presidential retreat to deliver his first public remarks on the situation in nearly a week.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is to address the nation on the U.S. evacuation from Afghanistan.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?514113-1/president-biden-remarks-afghanistan">Click here to watch the</a> President's comments approximately 2:45p.m. CDT

Biden's remarks Monday come as the planned withdrawal of American forces turned deadly at Kabul’s airport Monday as thousands tried to flee Afghanistan a day after the Taliban’s takeover of the country.

Biden traveled back to Washington from the Camp David presidential retreat to speak to the nation. It will be his first public remarks on the Afghanistan situation in nearly a week. Senior U.S. military officials say the chaos at the airport left seven people dead Monday, including some who fell from a departing American military transport jet.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629144618362.png" alt="&nbsp;President Biden said scenes in Afghanistan are 'gutwrenching,' US will continue to speak out for rights of Afghan people." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;President Biden said scenes in Afghanistan are 'gutwrenching,' US will continue to speak out for rights of Afghan people.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says he stands “squarely behind” his decision for the U.S. to leave Afghanistan.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?514113-1/president-biden-remarks-afghanistan">Click here to watch the</a>&nbsp;President's comments&nbsp;Speaking about the chaotic situation in Afghanistan, Biden says he faced a choice between following an agreement to withdraw or sending thousands more U.S. troops for a “third decade” of war. Biden spoke Monday after the planned withdrawal of American forces turned deadly at Kabul’s airport as thousands tried to flee following the Taliban’s swift takeover of the country. Biden returned to the White House from the Camp David presidential retreat to deliver his first public remarks on the situation in nearly a week.----------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629135976846.png" alt="President Biden returned to the White House Monday from what was supposed to be a long Camp David vacation-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Biden returned to the White House Monday from what was supposed to be a long Camp David vacation-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is to address the nation on the U.S. evacuation from Afghanistan.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?514113-1/president-biden-remarks-afghanistan">Click here to watch the</a> President's comments approximately 2:45p.m. CDTBiden's remarks Monday come as the planned withdrawal of American forces turned deadly at Kabul’s airport Monday as thousands tried to flee Afghanistan a day after the Taliban’s takeover of the country.Biden traveled back to Washington from the Camp David presidential retreat to speak to the nation. It will be his first public remarks on the Afghanistan situation in nearly a week. Senior U.S. military officials say the chaos at the airport left seven people dead Monday, including some who fell from a departing American military transport jet.

 🎥 Pres. Biden on deadly chaos in Afghanistan

The
 Federal Trade Commission and the Georgia Attorney General’s Office 
today sued the co-founders of the Stem Cell Institute of America for 
marketing stem cell therapy to seniors nationwide using bogus claims 
that it is effective in treating arthritis, joint pain, and a range of 
other orthopedic ailments.

The agencies’
 complaint also alleges that the Canton, Georgia-based defendants 
promoted the false or unsubstantiated claim that stem cell therapy is 
comparable or superior to surgery, steroid injections, and painkillers, 
and that they provided chiropractors and other healthcare practitioners 
with the means of deceiving consumers about such treatments.

“These
 defendants advertised expensive stem cell injections with baseless 
pain-relief claims, and provided marketing materials and training to 
chiropractors to do the same,” said Samuel Levine, Acting Director of 
the Bureau of Consumer Protection. “With our partner, the Georgia 
Attorney General, we aim to ensure they can’t keep preying on older 
adults and others who need real medical help.”

“At
 best, the use of unproven products or therapies can cost consumers 
thousands of dollars without affording them any results,” said Georgia 
Attorney General Chris Carr. “At worst, it can be harmful to their 
health. Our office will continue to hold accountable businesses that 
make unsubstantiated claims and violate the law – especially those that 
target our older or at-risk adults.”

The joint agency <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/1._complaint.pdf">complaint</a>,
 names as defendants Steven D. Peyroux and Brent J. Detelich, 
Regenerative Medicine Institute of America, LLC, doing business as Stem 
Cell Institute of America, LLC (SCIA); Physicians Business Solutions, 
LLC (PBS); and Superior Healthcare, LLC (SHC).

Peyroux,
 a chiropractor, owned and managed SHC, a clinic that provided patients 
with a range of healthcare-related services, including, between 2015 and
 mid-2019, stem cell therapy. While running SHC, Peyroux founded PBS, a 
consulting firm that advises and trains chiropractors and other 
healthcare practitioners on how to expand their businesses. Detelich, a 
former chiropractor and longtime business associate of Peyroux’s, 
started working with PBS as a coach and speaker, and has managed some of
 the company’s business operations. 

&nbsp;In
 2015, Peyroux and Detelich co-founded SCIA, a company that trained 
chiropractors and other healthcare practitioners on how to add stem cell
 therapy to their practices. The complaint states SCIA trained its 
client clinics on how to recruit patients through advertising, host free
 educational seminars, and conduct consultations. SCIA also provided its
 clients access to a “vault” of sample advertisements, including 
newspaper ads, fact sheets, and PowerPoint slides and provided client 
clinics with the appearance of being part of a large nationwide network 
under the SCIA name and logo.

The 
agencies contend the defendants also hosted their own free “educational 
seminars” for consumers, where they marketed SHC as an SCIA clinic and 
pitched stem cell therapy as an effective treatment for joint pain and 
other orthopedic conditions. They allegedly targeted seniors and 
retirement communities, and at the end of the seminars would attempt to 
schedule attendees for consultations at SHC’s clinic. SHC charged 
approximately $5,000 per joint injection, with many patients receiving 
more than one injection as part of their treatment.

In
 2018, the complaint alleges, the defendants began offering a stem cell 
therapy program through PBS similar to SCIA’s services. PBS trains its 
clients on setting up and marketing a regenerative medicine program 
through seminars, conferences, one-on-one consultations, and access to 
“PBS University,” an online platform with training videos. PBS has also 
provided demonstrations at the SHC clinic on how to administer stem cell
 injections.

In addition to making false
 and unsubstantiated claims, the complaint alleges that the defendants 
violated Georgia’s Fair Business Practices Act related to the 
distribution of false or misleading information through the use of a 
computer or computer network.

The 
Commission vote authorizing the staff to file the complaint was 5-0. The
 complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern 
District of Georgia. The FTC appreciates the partnership of the Georgia 
Attorney General’s Office in bringing the action announced today.

NOTE: The
 Commission files a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the 
named defendants are violating or are about to violate the law and it 
appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. 
The case will be decided by the court.

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 report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Like the FTC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/federaltradecommission">Facebook(link is external)</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/FTC">Twitter(link is external)</a>, get <a href="http://ftc.gov/subscribe">consumer alerts</a>, read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>, and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> for the latest FTC news and resources.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe
 Federal Trade Commission and the Georgia Attorney General’s Office 
today sued the co-founders of the Stem Cell Institute of America for 
marketing stem cell therapy to seniors nationwide using bogus claims 
that it is effective in treating arthritis, joint pain, and a range of 
other orthopedic ailments.The agencies’
 complaint also alleges that the Canton, Georgia-based defendants 
promoted the false or unsubstantiated claim that stem cell therapy is 
comparable or superior to surgery, steroid injections, and painkillers, 
and that they provided chiropractors and other healthcare practitioners 
with the means of deceiving consumers about such treatments.“These
 defendants advertised expensive stem cell injections with baseless 
pain-relief claims, and provided marketing materials and training to 
chiropractors to do the same,” said Samuel Levine, Acting Director of 
the Bureau of Consumer Protection. “With our partner, the Georgia 
Attorney General, we aim to ensure they can’t keep preying on older 
adults and others who need real medical help.”“At
 best, the use of unproven products or therapies can cost consumers 
thousands of dollars without affording them any results,” said Georgia 
Attorney General Chris Carr. “At worst, it can be harmful to their 
health. Our office will continue to hold accountable businesses that 
make unsubstantiated claims and violate the law – especially those that 
target our older or at-risk adults.”The joint agency <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/1._complaint.pdf">complaint</a>,
 names as defendants Steven D. Peyroux and Brent J. Detelich, 
Regenerative Medicine Institute of America, LLC, doing business as Stem 
Cell Institute of America, LLC (SCIA); Physicians Business Solutions, 
LLC (PBS); and Superior Healthcare, LLC (SHC).Peyroux,
 a chiropractor, owned and managed SHC, a clinic that provided patients 
with a range of healthcare-related services, including, between 2015 and
 mid-2019, stem cell therapy. While running SHC, Peyroux founded PBS, a 
consulting firm that advises and trains chiropractors and other 
healthcare practitioners on how to expand their businesses. Detelich, a 
former chiropractor and longtime business associate of Peyroux’s, 
started working with PBS as a coach and speaker, and has managed some of
 the company’s business operations. &nbsp;In
 2015, Peyroux and Detelich co-founded SCIA, a company that trained 
chiropractors and other healthcare practitioners on how to add stem cell
 therapy to their practices. The complaint states SCIA trained its 
client clinics on how to recruit patients through advertising, host free
 educational seminars, and conduct consultations. SCIA also provided its
 clients access to a “vault” of sample advertisements, including 
newspaper ads, fact sheets, and PowerPoint slides and provided client 
clinics with the appearance of being part of a large nationwide network 
under the SCIA name and logo.The 
agencies contend the defendants also hosted their own free “educational 
seminars” for consumers, where they marketed SHC as an SCIA clinic and 
pitched stem cell therapy as an effective treatment for joint pain and 
other orthopedic conditions. They allegedly targeted seniors and 
retirement communities, and at the end of the seminars would attempt to 
schedule attendees for consultations at SHC’s clinic. SHC charged 
approximately $5,000 per joint injection, with many patients receiving 
more than one injection as part of their treatment.In
 2018, the complaint alleges, the defendants began offering a stem cell 
therapy program through PBS similar to SCIA’s services. PBS trains its 
clients on setting up and marketing a regenerative medicine program 
through seminars, conferences, one-on-one consultations, and access to 
“PBS University,” an online platform with training videos. PBS has also 
provided demonstrations at the SHC clinic on how to administer stem cell
 injections.In addition to making false
 and unsubstantiated claims, the complaint alleges that the defendants 
violated Georgia’s Fair Business Practices Act related to the 
distribution of false or misleading information through the use of a 
computer or computer network.The 
Commission vote authorizing the staff to file the complaint was 5-0. The
 complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern 
District of Georgia. The FTC appreciates the partnership of the Georgia 
Attorney General’s Office in bringing the action announced today.NOTE: The
 Commission files a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the 
named defendants are violating or are about to violate the law and it 
appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. 
The case will be decided by the court.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 report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Like the FTC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/federaltradecommission">Facebook(link is external)</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/FTC">Twitter(link is external)</a>, get <a href="http://ftc.gov/subscribe">consumer alerts</a>, read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>, and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> for the latest FTC news and resources.

FTC: Stem cell institute made bogus claims, targeted seniors

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has approved a significant and permanent increase in the levels of food stamp assistance available to needy families—the largest single increase in the program’s history. 

Starting in October, average benefits for food stamps — officially known as the SNAP program — will rise more than 25 percent above pre-pandemic levels. 

The increased assistance will be available indefinitely to all 42 million SNAP beneficiaries.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has approved a significant and permanent increase in the levels of food stamp assistance available to needy families—the largest single increase in the program’s history. Starting in October, average benefits for food stamps — officially known as the SNAP program — will rise more than 25 percent above pre-pandemic levels. The increased assistance will be available indefinitely to all 42 million SNAP beneficiaries.

USDA to permanently boost food stamp benefits by 25 percent

DETROIT (AP) — The U.S. government has opened a formal investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot partially automated driving system, saying it has trouble spotting parked emergency vehicles. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the action Monday in a posting on its website. 

The agency says it has identified 11 crashes since 2018 in which Teslas on Autopilot or Traffic Aware Cruise Control have hit vehicles with flashing lights, flares, an illuminated arrow board or cones warning of hazards. 

The probe covers 765,000 vehicles from the 2014 through 2021 model years. 

Autopilot has frequently been misused by Tesla drivers, who have been caught driving drunk or even riding in the back seat while a car rolled down a California highway.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629117749150.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — The U.S. government has opened a formal investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot partially automated driving system, saying it has trouble spotting parked emergency vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the action Monday in a posting on its website. The agency says it has identified 11 crashes since 2018 in which Teslas on Autopilot or Traffic Aware Cruise Control have hit vehicles with flashing lights, flares, an illuminated arrow board or cones warning of hazards. The probe covers 765,000 vehicles from the 2014 through 2021 model years. Autopilot has frequently been misused by Tesla drivers, who have been caught driving drunk or even riding in the back seat while a car rolled down a California highway.

US agency opens formal probe into Tesla Autopilot system

WASHINGTON (AP) — The upcoming 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks as well as approaching religious holidays could inspire extremist attacks, the Department of Homeland Security said in a terrorism alert issued Friday.

DHS did not cite any specific threats in the National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin. But it noted that the U.S. is in a “heightened threat environment,” fueled by factors that include violent extremists motivated by racial and ethnic hatred and resentment of restrictions imposed during the pandemic.

DHS issues the warnings to alert the public as well as state and local authorities. They reflect intelligence gathered from other law enforcement agencies.

The bulletin is an extension of a similar one issued in May that expired on the day the new one was issued. DHS says domestic extremists remain a national threat priority for U.S. law enforcement and will for at least the remainder of the year.

The agency noted that al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula recently released the first English-language edition of its Inspire magazine in four years, apparently to mark the upcoming anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The anniversary and the approaching holidays “could serve as a catalyst for acts of targeted violence,” it said.

DHS also noted that domestic extremists motivated by religious and ethnic hatred have in the past attacked houses of worships and other gatherings, but it said there aren’t any “credible or imminent threats identified to these locations.”

As in previous bulletins, DHS expressed concern about both domestic extremists, motivated by “personal grievances and extremist ideological beliefs,” and foreign influences.

The agency said Russian, Chinese and Iranian government-linked media outlets have helped spread conspiracy theories about the origins of COVID-19 and the effectiveness of vaccines and have in some cases amplified calls for violence against people of Asian descent.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629076784407.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The upcoming 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks as well as approaching religious holidays could inspire extremist attacks, the Department of Homeland Security said in a terrorism alert issued Friday.DHS did not cite any specific threats in the National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin. But it noted that the U.S. is in a “heightened threat environment,” fueled by factors that include violent extremists motivated by racial and ethnic hatred and resentment of restrictions imposed during the pandemic.DHS issues the warnings to alert the public as well as state and local authorities. They reflect intelligence gathered from other law enforcement agencies.The bulletin is an extension of a similar one issued in May that expired on the day the new one was issued. DHS says domestic extremists remain a national threat priority for U.S. law enforcement and will for at least the remainder of the year.The agency noted that al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula recently released the first English-language edition of its Inspire magazine in four years, apparently to mark the upcoming anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.The anniversary and the approaching holidays “could serve as a catalyst for acts of targeted violence,” it said.DHS also noted that domestic extremists motivated by religious and ethnic hatred have in the past attacked houses of worships and other gatherings, but it said there aren’t any “credible or imminent threats identified to these locations.”As in previous bulletins, DHS expressed concern about both domestic extremists, motivated by “personal grievances and extremist ideological beliefs,” and foreign influences.The agency said Russian, Chinese and Iranian government-linked media outlets have helped spread conspiracy theories about the origins of COVID-19 and the effectiveness of vaccines and have in some cases amplified calls for violence against people of Asian descent.

US warns 9/11 anniversary could inspire attacks

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A former Oak Grove High School teacher <a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/1794/EGrumke_Redacted">has been charged</a> with sending pornographic videos to female students and attempting to persuade one student to have sex with him, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office announced Friday.

Ethan C. Grumke, 27, taught math and coached football and track at Oak Grove. He was arrested Friday in Colorado.

Grumke was charged with attempting to make sexual contact with a student, misdemeanor stalking and two counts of furnishing pornographic material.

School and police officials in Oak Grove began investigating Grumke in May after being alerted by the Missouri Children's Division about allegations that he had furnished pornographic videos to female students, prosecutors said.

The stalking charge alleges he sent inappropriate pictures and videos to one student on his social media accounts. Court documents indicate Grumke admitted to Oak Grove officials that he sent the videos.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629113793900.png" alt="Grumke" />
 <figcaption>Grumke</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A former Oak Grove High School teacher <a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/1794/EGrumke_Redacted">has been charged</a> with sending pornographic videos to female students and attempting to persuade one student to have sex with him, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office announced Friday.Ethan C. Grumke, 27, taught math and coached football and track at Oak Grove. He was arrested Friday in Colorado.Grumke was charged with attempting to make sexual contact with a student, misdemeanor stalking and two counts of furnishing pornographic material.School and police officials in Oak Grove began investigating Grumke in May after being alerted by the Missouri Children's Division about allegations that he had furnished pornographic videos to female students, prosecutors said.The stalking charge alleges he sent inappropriate pictures and videos to one student on his social media accounts. Court documents indicate Grumke admitted to Oak Grove officials that he sent the videos.

Former KC-area high school teacher accused of sex crimes

News Release US Attorney's Office-Omaha

Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced on August 11, 2021, Ethan M. Vesely, age 24 of York Nebraska, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, after having pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Vesely to 94 months’ imprisonment. After completing his term of imprisonment, Vesely will be required to serve a four year term of supervised release as there is no parole in the federal system.

On April 22, 2019, a Merrick County Deputy Sheriff made a traffic stop after observing a vehicle traveling in Merrick County with a headlight out. The driver was identified as Ethan Vesely who appeared overly nervous. The deputy noticed several indicators during the stop that made him suspect Vesely was involved in criminal activity. Vesely denied consent when asked for permission to search his car.

A drug detecting canine was called to the scene and alerted to the odor of narcotics coming from within the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 46 grams of actual methamphetamine in the center console along with a drug scale and other drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This case was investigated by the Merrick County Sheriff’s Department.&nbsp;

News Release US Attorney's Office-OmahaActing United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced on August 11, 2021, Ethan M. Vesely, age 24 of York Nebraska, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, after having pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Vesely to 94 months’ imprisonment. After completing his term of imprisonment, Vesely will be required to serve a four year term of supervised release as there is no parole in the federal system.On April 22, 2019, a Merrick County Deputy Sheriff made a traffic stop after observing a vehicle traveling in Merrick County with a headlight out. The driver was identified as Ethan Vesely who appeared overly nervous. The deputy noticed several indicators during the stop that made him suspect Vesely was involved in criminal activity. Vesely denied consent when asked for permission to search his car.A drug detecting canine was called to the scene and alerted to the odor of narcotics coming from within the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 46 grams of actual methamphetamine in the center console along with a drug scale and other drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;&nbsp;This case was investigated by the Merrick County Sheriff’s Department.&nbsp;

York man gets nearly 8 years for child pornagraphy

Still time for low-income families to sign up

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department
 announced Friday that millions of American families are now receiving 
their advance Child Tax Credit payment for the month of August as 
direct deposits begin posting in bank accounts and checks arrive in 
mailboxes.

This second batch of advance monthly payments, worth about $15 
billion, are reaching about 36 million families today across the 
country.&nbsp;The majority will be issued by direct deposit.

Under the American Rescue Plan, most eligible families received the 
first payment on July 15, and payments will continue each month for the 
rest of 2021. For these families, each&nbsp;payment is up to $300 per month 
for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child ages 6
 through 17.

Besides the July 15 and Aug. 13 payments, payment dates are September&nbsp;15, October&nbsp;15, November&nbsp;15 and December&nbsp;15.

Here are further details on these payments:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Still time for low-income families to sign up</h2>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department
 announced Friday that millions of American families are now receiving 
their advance Child Tax Credit payment for the month of August as 
direct deposits begin posting in bank accounts and checks arrive in 
mailboxes.This second batch of advance monthly payments, worth about $15 
billion, are reaching about 36 million families today across the 
country.&nbsp;The majority will be issued by direct deposit.Under the American Rescue Plan, most eligible families received the 
first payment on July 15, and payments will continue each month for the 
rest of 2021. For these families, each&nbsp;payment is up to $300 per month 
for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child ages 6
 through 17.Besides the July 15 and Aug. 13 payments, payment dates are September&nbsp;15, October&nbsp;15, November&nbsp;15 and December&nbsp;15.Here are further details on these payments:<ul>
 <li>Families will see the direct deposit payments in their accounts 
starting today, August&nbsp;13. Like the first payments, the vast majority of
 families will receive these payments by direct deposit.</li><li>The IRS wants to alert some recipients who received direct deposits
 in July that they will receive the August payments by mail. Due to an 
issue expected to be resolved by the September payments, a percentage of
 these recipients – less than 15% – who received payments by direct 
deposit in July will be mailed paper checks for the August payment. For 
those affected, no additional action is needed for the September payment
 to be issued by direct deposit. Families can visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-update-portal">Child Tax Credit Update Portal</a> to see if they're receiving a direct deposit or paper check this month.</li><li>For those receiving their payments by paper check, be sure to allow
 extra time for delivery by mail through the end of August. Those 
wishing to receive future payments by direct deposit can make this 
change using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-update-portal">Child Tax Credit Update Portal</a>,&nbsp;available only on IRS.gov. To access the portal or to get a new step-by-step guide for using it, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>. A change made by 11:59 p.m. ET on Aug. 30 will apply starting with the September payment.</li><li>Payments went to eligible families who filed a 2019 or 2020 income 
tax return. Returns processed by August&nbsp;2 are reflected in these 
payments. This includes people who don't typically file a return but 
during 2020 successfully registered for Economic Impact Payments using 
the IRS Non-Filers tool on IRS.gov or in 2021 successfully used the 
Non-filer Sign-up Tool for advance CTC, also available only on IRS.gov.</li><li>Payments are automatic. Aside from filing a tax return, including a
 simplified return from the Non-filer Sign-up Tool, families don't have 
to do anything if they are eligible to receive monthly payments. The 
Non-Filer Sign-Up tool is available until October 15, 2021.&nbsp;</li><li>Families who did not get a July payment and are getting their first
 monthly payment in August will still receive their total advance 
payment for the year. This means that the total payment will be spread 
over five months, rather than six, making each monthly payment larger. 
For these families, each&nbsp;payment is up to $360 per month for each child 
under age 6 and up to $300 per month for each child ages 6 through 17</li><li>Additionally, the IRS is correcting an issue regarding the advance 
CTC payments for families where the parent(s) have an Individual 
Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and the qualifying children have a
 Social Security number. Such families who did not receive a July 
payment are receiving a monthly payment in August, which also includes a
 portion of the July payment. They will receive the remainder of the 
July payment in late August.</li>
 </ul><h2>Low-income families can still sign up</h2>It's not too late for low-income families to sign up for advance CTC 
payments. The IRS urged anyone who normally isn't required to file a tax
 return to explore the tools available on IRS.gov. These tools can help 
determine eligibility for the advance CTC or help people file a 
simplified tax return to sign up for these payments as well as Economic 
Impact Payments and the Recovery Rebate Credit. People can get these 
benefits, even if they don't work and even if they receive no income.The IRS continues to raise awareness of the expanded Child Tax 
Credit. The IRS encourages partners and community groups to share 
information and use available <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-resources-and-guidance">online tools and toolkits</a>
 to help non-filers, low-income families and other underserved groups 
sign up to receive the advance Child Tax Credits as well as Economic 
Impact Payments. People can check their eligibility for the advance 
payments by using the new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-eligibility-assistant">advance Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant</a>.<h2>Families can stop payments anytime</h2>Families can stop payments anytime, even after payments begin. They 
do that by using the unenroll feature in the Child Tax Credit Update 
Portal. Eligible families who make this choice will still receive the 
rest of their Child Tax Credit as a lump sum when they file their 2021 
federal income tax return next year. To stop all payments starting in 
September and the rest of 2021, they must unenroll by 11:59 p.m. ET on 
August&nbsp;30, 2021.For married couples, each spouse must unenroll separately. If they 
each choose to unenroll, they will receive no monthly payments. If only 
one spouse unenrolls, they will still receive monthly payments, but they
 will be half the normal amount.The unenroll feature can also be helpful to any family that no longer
 qualifies for the CTC or believes they will not qualify when they file 
their 2021 return. This could happen if, for example, someone else, such
 as an ex-spouse or another family member, qualifies to claim their 
child or children as dependents in 2021.Links to these tools, a step-by-step guide to using the Non-filer 
Sign-up Tool, answers to frequently asked questions and other helpful 
resources are available on the tax agency's special advance CTC 2021 
page. It's at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>.