DENVER (AP) — Mudslides that ripped through western Colorado last month marked the latest in a string of closures over the last two years for Interstate 70, a major transportation corridor between the Rocky Mountains and the West Coast. 

The debris forces long detours for semitrailers that deliver fuel and food, and the closures inflict economic pain on businesses that cater to tourists in the popular summer destination of Glenwood Springs. 

Scientists have long warned of the dangers of wildfires made worse by climate change, including perilous mudslides caused by rain in burn-scarred terrain.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628337776784.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Mudslides that ripped through western Colorado last month marked the latest in a string of closures over the last two years for Interstate 70, a major transportation corridor between the Rocky Mountains and the West Coast. The debris forces long detours for semitrailers that deliver fuel and food, and the closures inflict economic pain on businesses that cater to tourists in the popular summer destination of Glenwood Springs. Scientists have long warned of the dangers of wildfires made worse by climate change, including perilous mudslides caused by rain in burn-scarred terrain.

Colorado mudslides wreak havoc on major transportation route

ANAMOSA, Iowa (AP) — One of two inmates accused of killing a prison nurse and correctional officer during an escape attempt has pleaded guilty to murder and other counts and confessed in court to fatally beating both with a hammer. 

Thomas Woodard Jr. pleaded guilty Friday in Jones County to two counts of first-degree murder, one count of kidnapping and one count of attempted murder. 

The 38-year-old Woodard and his co-defendant, 29-year-old Michael Dutcher, had each pleaded not guilty in April to the counts in the March 23 deaths of nurse Lorena Schulte and correctional officer Robert McFarland. 

Investigators have said the pair used hammers to beat Schulte and McFarland to death and to seriously injure an inmate who tried to stop the attack at the Anamosa State Penitentiary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628337581306.png" alt="Woodward, Jr." />
 <figcaption>Woodward, Jr.</figcaption>
 </figure>ANAMOSA, Iowa (AP) — One of two inmates accused of killing a prison nurse and correctional officer during an escape attempt has pleaded guilty to murder and other counts and confessed in court to fatally beating both with a hammer. Thomas Woodard Jr. pleaded guilty Friday in Jones County to two counts of first-degree murder, one count of kidnapping and one count of attempted murder. The 38-year-old Woodard and his co-defendant, 29-year-old Michael Dutcher, had each pleaded not guilty in April to the counts in the March 23 deaths of nurse Lorena Schulte and correctional officer Robert McFarland. Investigators have said the pair used hammers to beat Schulte and McFarland to death and to seriously injure an inmate who tried to stop the attack at the Anamosa State Penitentiary.

Man charged in killing of Iowa prison staffers pleads guilty

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Supreme Court has largely upheld an arbitrator’s decision that allows an Omaha fire union leader to reclaim his job after the city fired him. 

Firefighter Steve LeClair was terminated after a Black woman alleged that he made sexually suggestive comments to her at Tiger Tom’s Pub in Omaha in November 2018, and elbowed her in the back and muttered the phrase “white power.” 

LeClair later pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor assault charge. 

He disputed the woman’s characterization of his comments, contending that he said, “what white power?” while trying to make a negative comment about white nationalist groups that he had been discussing with his colleagues earlier that night. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1563195645201.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Supreme Court has largely upheld an arbitrator’s decision that allows an Omaha fire union leader to reclaim his job after the city fired him. Firefighter Steve LeClair was terminated after a Black woman alleged that he made sexually suggestive comments to her at Tiger Tom’s Pub in Omaha in November 2018, and elbowed her in the back and muttered the phrase “white power.” LeClair later pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor assault charge. He disputed the woman’s characterization of his comments, contending that he said, “what white power?” while trying to make a negative comment about white nationalist groups that he had been discussing with his colleagues earlier that night. He denied making sexual advances.

Nebraska court upholds reinstatement of Omaha firefighter

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Biden administration on Friday issued what it says will be the final extension to a student loan moratorium that has allowed millions of Americans to put off debt payments during the pandemic.

Under the action, payments on federal student loans will remain paused through Jan. 31, 2022. Interest rates will remain at 0% during that period, and debt collection efforts will be suspended. Those measures have been in place since early in the pandemic but were set to expire Sept. 30.

In announcing the decision, President Joe Biden said the economy is recovering “at a record rate.” But he said the road to recovery will be longer for some Americans, especially those with student loans.

“This will give the Department of Education and borrowers more time and more certainty as they prepare to restart student loan payments,” Biden said in a statement. “It will also ensure a smoother transition that minimizes loan defaults and delinquencies that hurt families and undermine our economic recovery.”

The policy applies to more than 36 million Americans who have student loans that are held by the federal government. Their collective debt totals more than $1.3 trillion, according to the latest Education Department data.

Questions about the moratorium had been swirling in recent weeks as its expiration date approached. Even as the economy improves, there have been concerns that borrowers are not ready to start payments again. Once the moratorium ends, those who were already behind on payments could have wages and benefits taken away as part of debt collection efforts.

Several Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, N.Y., and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Mass., urged Biden to extend the moratorium through at least March 2022. In a June letter, they said restarting payments now would “drag down the pace of our economic recovery.”

Schumer, Warren and Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., applauded the extension in a joint statement Friday, saying it provides relief to millions of borrowers facing a “disastrous financial cliff.”

“The payment pause has saved the average borrower hundreds of dollars per month, allowing them to invest in their futures and support their families’ needs,” the Democrats said.

The Trump administration initially suspended federal student loan payments in March 2020 and later extended it through January 2021. Biden moved to continue it through Sept. 30 soon after taking office.

The Education Department itself has raised concerns about administrative hurdles around suddenly restarting loan payments. In a November 2020 report, the department said it would be a “heavy burden” to reactivate millions of loans at the same time. It warned that some borrowers would likely fall behind on their payments, “at least initially.”

On Friday, the Education Department said the final extension provides enough time to restart the process smoothly, and it gives borrowers a “definitive end date” to plan for.

“As our nation’s economy continues to recover from a deep hole, this final extension will give students and borrowers the time they need to plan for restart and ensure a smooth pathway back to repayment,” Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement.

Student advocates welcomed the extension, saying it’s a victory for borrowers who have suffered financial hardship during the pandemic. But Republicans criticized the move, saying the economy has rebounded strongly enough to resume payments.

“Students and families faced immense challenges last year, but the American economy continues to recover and there is no rational excuse for continued extensions of non-payment on student loans,” said Sen. Richard Burr, the top Republican on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

The Biden administration announced the relief as it faces mounting pressure from some Democrats to erase huge swaths of student debt. Schumer and Warren have urged Biden to use his authority to cancel $50,000 in student debt for all borrowers, saying it would jumpstart the economy and help families hit hard by the pandemic.

They repeated that call in their statement on Friday, saying debt cancellation is “one of the most significant actions that President Biden can take right now to build a more just economy and address racial inequity.”

But Biden has questioned whether he has the authority for that kind of mass cancellation, and legal scholars have come to differing conclusions. Earlier this year, Biden asked the Education and Justice departments to study the issue. Officials have said that work is still underway.

Biden has previously said he supports canceling up to $10,000 in student debt, but he has argued it should be done by Congress.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628289949449.png" alt="“As our nation’s economy continues to recover from a deep hole, this final extension will give students and borrowers the time they need to plan for restart and ensure a&nbsp;smooth pathway back to repayment,” Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement.- Photo courtesy White House&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>“As our nation’s economy continues to recover from a deep hole, this final extension will give students and borrowers the time they need to plan for restart and ensure a&nbsp;smooth pathway back to repayment,” Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement.- Photo courtesy White House&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The Biden administration on Friday issued what it says will be the final extension to a student loan moratorium that has allowed millions of Americans to put off debt payments during the pandemic.Under the action, payments on federal student loans will remain paused through Jan. 31, 2022. Interest rates will remain at 0% during that period, and debt collection efforts will be suspended. Those measures have been in place since early in the pandemic but were set to expire Sept. 30.In announcing the decision, President Joe Biden said the economy is recovering “at a record rate.” But he said the road to recovery will be longer for some Americans, especially those with student loans.“This will give the Department of Education and borrowers more time and more certainty as they prepare to restart student loan payments,” Biden said in a statement. “It will also ensure a smoother transition that minimizes loan defaults and delinquencies that hurt families and undermine our economic recovery.”The policy applies to more than 36 million Americans who have student loans that are held by the federal government. Their collective debt totals more than $1.3 trillion, according to the latest Education Department data.Questions about the moratorium had been swirling in recent weeks as its expiration date approached. Even as the economy improves, there have been concerns that borrowers are not ready to start payments again. Once the moratorium ends, those who were already behind on payments could have wages and benefits taken away as part of debt collection efforts.Several Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, N.Y., and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Mass., urged Biden to extend the moratorium through at least March 2022. In a June letter, they said restarting payments now would “drag down the pace of our economic recovery.”Schumer, Warren and Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., applauded the extension in a joint statement Friday, saying it provides relief to millions of borrowers facing a “disastrous financial cliff.”“The payment pause has saved the average borrower hundreds of dollars per month, allowing them to invest in their futures and support their families’ needs,” the Democrats said.The Trump administration initially suspended federal student loan payments in March 2020 and later extended it through January 2021. Biden moved to continue it through Sept. 30 soon after taking office.The Education Department itself has raised concerns about administrative hurdles around suddenly restarting loan payments. In a November 2020 report, the department said it would be a “heavy burden” to reactivate millions of loans at the same time. It warned that some borrowers would likely fall behind on their payments, “at least initially.”On Friday, the Education Department said the final extension provides enough time to restart the process smoothly, and it gives borrowers a “definitive end date” to plan for.“As our nation’s economy continues to recover from a deep hole, this final extension will give students and borrowers the time they need to plan for restart and ensure a smooth pathway back to repayment,” Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement.Student advocates welcomed the extension, saying it’s a victory for borrowers who have suffered financial hardship during the pandemic. But Republicans criticized the move, saying the economy has rebounded strongly enough to resume payments.“Students and families faced immense challenges last year, but the American economy continues to recover and there is no rational excuse for continued extensions of non-payment on student loans,” said Sen. Richard Burr, the top Republican on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.The Biden administration announced the relief as it faces mounting pressure from some Democrats to erase huge swaths of student debt. Schumer and Warren have urged Biden to use his authority to cancel $50,000 in student debt for all borrowers, saying it would jumpstart the economy and help families hit hard by the pandemic.They repeated that call in their statement on Friday, saying debt cancellation is “one of the most significant actions that President Biden can take right now to build a more just economy and address racial inequity.”But Biden has questioned whether he has the authority for that kind of mass cancellation, and legal scholars have come to differing conclusions. Earlier this year, Biden asked the Education and Justice departments to study the issue. Officials have said that work is still underway.Biden has previously said he supports canceling up to $10,000 in student debt, but he has argued it should be done by Congress.

Biden admin. extends pause on student loan payments again

OCALA, Fla. (AP) — A man accused of fleeing a drug conspiracy charge in Nebraska more than three decades ago and living under a false identity in Florida has been sentenced to four years in prison. 

Court records show Howard Farley Jr., 72, was sentenced Friday in Ocala federal court He pleaded guilty in April to passport fraud, aggravated identity theft and operating as a pilot without a license. 

According to a criminal complaint, Farley applied for a passport in February 2020 using a false identity. In 1985, Farley and 73 others were indicted by a federal grand jury in Nebraska. 

Records show that Farley was the only defendant not apprehended in the case. The charges were dismissed in 2014.

OCALA, Fla. (AP) — A man accused of fleeing a drug conspiracy charge in Nebraska more than three decades ago and living under a false identity in Florida has been sentenced to four years in prison. Court records show Howard Farley Jr., 72, was sentenced Friday in Ocala federal court He pleaded guilty in April to passport fraud, aggravated identity theft and operating as a pilot without a license. According to a criminal complaint, Farley applied for a passport in February 2020 using a false identity. In 1985, Farley and 73 others were indicted by a federal grand jury in Nebraska. Records show that Farley was the only defendant not apprehended in the case. The charges were dismissed in 2014.

Nebraska fugitive gets 4 years for ID theft in Florida

News Release Nebraska State Patrol

The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating an in-custody death in Howard County.

The incident occurred at approximately 3:40 p.m. Thursday, when the Howard County Sheriff’s Office received a phone call from a subject. The Sheriff’s Office was conducting a welfare check and located the subject near Denton Road and 7th&nbsp;Avenue, north of St. Libory. As deputies attempted to make contact, the subject suffered an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Deputies attempted to render medical aid, but the subject died a short time later. The subject has been identified as Anthony Sabin, 53, of St. Libory.

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office has requested that the Nebraska State Patrol conduct the investigation into the incident. In accordance with Nebraska State Statute, the investigation is being conducted as an in-custody death. No law enforcement officers fired a weapon during the incident and no officers were injured.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627047114795.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Nebraska State PatrolThe Nebraska State Patrol is investigating an in-custody death in Howard County.The incident occurred at approximately 3:40 p.m. Thursday, when the Howard County Sheriff’s Office received a phone call from a subject. The Sheriff’s Office was conducting a welfare check and located the subject near Denton Road and 7th&nbsp;Avenue, north of St. Libory. As deputies attempted to make contact, the subject suffered an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.Deputies attempted to render medical aid, but the subject died a short time later. The subject has been identified as Anthony Sabin, 53, of St. Libory.The Howard County Sheriff’s Office has requested that the Nebraska State Patrol conduct the investigation into the incident. In accordance with Nebraska State Statute, the investigation is being conducted as an in-custody death. No law enforcement officers fired a weapon during the incident and no officers were injured.

Nebraska patrol investigating in-custody death in Howard County

By Scott Carlson North Platte Post

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A three day search for a missing Omaha boy came to a tragic end on Thursday.

Abi Gurung, 7, was playing with family at NP Dodge Park in North Omaha when he disappeared on Tuesday.

Family members and witnesses told authorities that Abi had last been seen playing in the water.

Authorities immediately began searching the area but were unable to locate Abi on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Crews resumed the search on Thursday and were just about to conclude for the day when law enforcement was approached by a fisherman.

Omaha Police Department Public Information Officer Phil Anson said the fisherman told authorities he had seen a child's toy floating in the water.

Anson said the team followed up on the lead and located Abi's body.

Authorities said the death appears to be accidental, but an investigation is ongoing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628243878154.png" alt="Abi Gurung" />
 <figcaption>Abi Gurung</figcaption>
 </figure>By Scott Carlson North Platte PostNORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A three day search for a missing Omaha boy came to a tragic end on Thursday.Abi Gurung, 7, was playing with family at NP Dodge Park in North Omaha when he disappeared on Tuesday.Family members and witnesses told authorities that Abi had last been seen playing in the water.Authorities immediately began searching the area but were unable to locate Abi on Tuesday or Wednesday.Crews resumed the search on Thursday and were just about to conclude for the day when law enforcement was approached by a fisherman.Omaha Police Department Public Information Officer Phil Anson said the fisherman told authorities he had seen a child's toy floating in the water.Anson said the team followed up on the lead and located Abi's body.Authorities said the death appears to be accidental, but an investigation is ongoing.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FOmahaPoliceDepartment%2Fvideos%2F250895099990418%2F&show_text=true&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="591" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

Body of 7-year-old Omaha boy recovered from river

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearing decision time, senators are wrapping up work on the bipartisan infrastructure plan and talks were underway Thursday to expedite consideration of the nearly $1 trillion proposal, with votes expected in the days ahead.

A much anticipated analysis of the bill from the Congressional Budget Office concluded that the legislation would increase deficits by about $256 billion over the next decade. Senators wanted that information before votes on the package, which could start soon and push into Saturday.

It's unclear if the budget office's assessment could peel away support, particularly from Republican senators who have been wary of using what some view as gimmicks to pay for the package. But the bill's backers sprang to defend the overall package, and said it included additional savings and would boost economic growth in ways the CBO does not measure.

The top negotiators, Sens. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., and Rob Portman, R-<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/ohio">Ohio</a>, said the package is “a historic investment in our nation’s core infrastructure needs.” In a statement, they said the package is a long-term investment that will “improve economic efficiency and productivity, increase GDP, generate additional revenue, and will not increase inflation.”

The package had been on track for Senate passage, a rare accord between Republicans and Democrats joining on a shared priority that also is essential to President Joe Biden’s agenda. The Senate has processed nearly two dozen amendments to the 2,700-page bill, an unusual legislative undertaking, with more on tap. None has substantially changed the framework of the public works package, which would send money for roads, bridges, water works, broadband and other projects to virtually every corner of the nation.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said earlier Thursday, “We can bring this bill to a close very shortly.”

Once the bill clears the Senate, lawmakers will turn to the much more partisan undertaking on the next phase of Biden's agenda: a $3.5 trillion proposal for what the White House calls human infrastructure — child care support, home health care, education and other expenditures that are Democratic priorities that Republicans have pledged to reject. Debate will extend into the fall.

Schumer wants the Senate to pass both the bipartisan package and a budget blueprint for the bigger proposal before senators depart for an August recess.

Dividing lines set, senators are eager to wrap up.

“I don’t think anybody’s looking to extend this out any longer than necessary,” Sen. John Cornyn, R-<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/texas">Texas</a>, told reporters.

The budget office analysis comes as critics of the bill have voiced concerns about the impact the infrastructure spending would have on the national debt, and criticized the pay-fors cited by supporters as “squishy” or “fake.”

That’s because supporters in some cases counted savings that would have occurred regardless of whether the infrastructure bill passes.

For example, the CBO did not count the $53 billion that is expected to be saved because more than two dozen states cut off expanded unemployment compensation before the benefit was set to expire. The bipartisan negotiators had also claimed $56 billion in savings through economic growth, while the CBO did not take that into account.

Key to watch will be how many Republicans join what's expected to be all Democrats in supporting the bipartisan package as it heads toward votes.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kentucky">Kentucky</a>&nbsp;had promised to be “100% focused” on stopping Biden’s agenda, but when it comes to the bipartisan infrastructure plan, he's sounding like a go.

Republicans are almost certain to split over that bill, and McConnell's eventual vote will carry weight.

McConnell has been acting and voting like a lawmaker ready to set aside — for a few days, anyway — his reputation as a roadblock for one of the Democratic president's chief legislative priorities, opening the door to potentially giving his support for final passage.

“There’s an excellent chance it will be a success story for the country,” McConnell said Tuesday.

The package has much for senators to support, as they tap federal dollars for big-ticket public works projects that their states and cities are typically unable to support on their own.

In days of debate, senators backing the bipartisan package have risen to speak about it on the Senate floor.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/alaska">Alaska</a>, has spoken of the dire need to bring running water to rural parts of her state, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., has focused on money to curb coastal erosion in his state and elsewhere.

Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., talked about how $110 billion in new money for roads and bridges would mean access to markets for farms in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/montana">Montana</a>&nbsp;such as his own.

McConnell’s vote could make or break the package, serving up a victory for Biden with passage or delivering another failure by Washington to address the nation’s infrastructure needs. The Trump administration was unable to follow through on President Donald Trump's call for investing trillions of dollars in infrastructure.

Republican strategist Scott Jennings, a longtime McConnell ally, said it’s easy to see how McConnell could get to “yes” on this first part of Biden's infrastructure priorities.

“Just listen to what he said,” Jennings said. “He always said it should be a smaller package focused on roads bridges airports and broadband.”

Politically, the votes ahead could be a win-win for McConnell and Republicans to show some bipartisanship on this first package while launching into a strictly partisan broadside against the larger plan.

“I do think it gives Republicans senators a chance to say, ‘Look, they always claim we’re going to stop everything,’” Jennings said.

“It does give the Republicans a chance to say, `We're for the stuff that makes sense and we’re against the stuff that doesn't.'”

The Senate was expected to be quiet on Friday as many lawmakers attend funeral services for former Sen. Mike Enzi in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/wyoming">Wyoming</a>. But senators are bracing for another weekend session as they push ahead on both pieces of legislation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628204297918.png" alt="It's unclear if the budget office's assessment could peel away support, particularly from Republican senators who have been wary of using what some view as gimmicks to pay for the package.President Biden during a White House Rose Garden ceremony Thursday afternoon-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>It's unclear if the budget office's assessment could peel away support, particularly from Republican senators who have been wary of using what some view as gimmicks to pay for the package.President Biden during a White House Rose Garden ceremony Thursday afternoon-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearing decision time, senators are wrapping up work on the bipartisan infrastructure plan and talks were underway Thursday to expedite consideration of the nearly $1 trillion proposal, with votes expected in the days ahead.A much anticipated analysis of the bill from the Congressional Budget Office concluded that the legislation would increase deficits by about $256 billion over the next decade. Senators wanted that information before votes on the package, which could start soon and push into Saturday.It's unclear if the budget office's assessment could peel away support, particularly from Republican senators who have been wary of using what some view as gimmicks to pay for the package. But the bill's backers sprang to defend the overall package, and said it included additional savings and would boost economic growth in ways the CBO does not measure.The top negotiators, Sens. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., and Rob Portman, R-<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/ohio">Ohio</a>, said the package is “a historic investment in our nation’s core infrastructure needs.” In a statement, they said the package is a long-term investment that will “improve economic efficiency and productivity, increase GDP, generate additional revenue, and will not increase inflation.”The package had been on track for Senate passage, a rare accord between Republicans and Democrats joining on a shared priority that also is essential to President Joe Biden’s agenda. The Senate has processed nearly two dozen amendments to the 2,700-page bill, an unusual legislative undertaking, with more on tap. None has substantially changed the framework of the public works package, which would send money for roads, bridges, water works, broadband and other projects to virtually every corner of the nation.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said earlier Thursday, “We can bring this bill to a close very shortly.”Once the bill clears the Senate, lawmakers will turn to the much more partisan undertaking on the next phase of Biden's agenda: a $3.5 trillion proposal for what the White House calls human infrastructure — child care support, home health care, education and other expenditures that are Democratic priorities that Republicans have pledged to reject. Debate will extend into the fall.Schumer wants the Senate to pass both the bipartisan package and a budget blueprint for the bigger proposal before senators depart for an August recess.Dividing lines set, senators are eager to wrap up.“I don’t think anybody’s looking to extend this out any longer than necessary,” Sen. John Cornyn, R-<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/texas">Texas</a>, told reporters.The budget office analysis comes as critics of the bill have voiced concerns about the impact the infrastructure spending would have on the national debt, and criticized the pay-fors cited by supporters as “squishy” or “fake.”That’s because supporters in some cases counted savings that would have occurred regardless of whether the infrastructure bill passes.For example, the CBO did not count the $53 billion that is expected to be saved because more than two dozen states cut off expanded unemployment compensation before the benefit was set to expire. The bipartisan negotiators had also claimed $56 billion in savings through economic growth, while the CBO did not take that into account.Key to watch will be how many Republicans join what's expected to be all Democrats in supporting the bipartisan package as it heads toward votes.Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kentucky">Kentucky</a>&nbsp;had promised to be “100% focused” on stopping Biden’s agenda, but when it comes to the bipartisan infrastructure plan, he's sounding like a go.Republicans are almost certain to split over that bill, and McConnell's eventual vote will carry weight.McConnell has been acting and voting like a lawmaker ready to set aside — for a few days, anyway — his reputation as a roadblock for one of the Democratic president's chief legislative priorities, opening the door to potentially giving his support for final passage.“There’s an excellent chance it will be a success story for the country,” McConnell said Tuesday.The package has much for senators to support, as they tap federal dollars for big-ticket public works projects that their states and cities are typically unable to support on their own.In days of debate, senators backing the bipartisan package have risen to speak about it on the Senate floor.Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/alaska">Alaska</a>, has spoken of the dire need to bring running water to rural parts of her state, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis.Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., has focused on money to curb coastal erosion in his state and elsewhere.Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., talked about how $110 billion in new money for roads and bridges would mean access to markets for farms in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/montana">Montana</a>&nbsp;such as his own.McConnell’s vote could make or break the package, serving up a victory for Biden with passage or delivering another failure by Washington to address the nation’s infrastructure needs. The Trump administration was unable to follow through on President Donald Trump's call for investing trillions of dollars in infrastructure.Republican strategist Scott Jennings, a longtime McConnell ally, said it’s easy to see how McConnell could get to “yes” on this first part of Biden's infrastructure priorities.“Just listen to what he said,” Jennings said. “He always said it should be a smaller package focused on roads bridges airports and broadband.”Politically, the votes ahead could be a win-win for McConnell and Republicans to show some bipartisanship on this first package while launching into a strictly partisan broadside against the larger plan.“I do think it gives Republicans senators a chance to say, ‘Look, they always claim we’re going to stop everything,’” Jennings said.“It does give the Republicans a chance to say, `We're for the stuff that makes sense and we’re against the stuff that doesn't.'”The Senate was expected to be quiet on Friday as many lawmakers attend funeral services for former Sen. Mike Enzi in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/wyoming">Wyoming</a>. But senators are bracing for another weekend session as they push ahead on both pieces of legislation.

Budget office: Infrastructure bill adds $256B to deficits

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman was sentenced to prison Wednesday for the shooting death of a man who she dated and who worked for her at an illegal gambling business.

 District Court Judge Bruce Brown sentenced Stacey Peters, 47 of Wichita, to nearly ten years&nbsp; in prison for killing 41-year-old&nbsp; Robert Duvaul.

In June, Peters pleaded guilty to second degree murder and one count of commercial gambling.

In the early morning of November 19, 2019, police responded to the business at 3072 S. Hillside in Wichita after Peters called 911 to report that she shot “someone intruding.” 

Officers found Duvaul with a fatal gunshot wound to his torso. Officers noted that Duvaul had been deceased for some time before Peters made the 911 call.

At an evidentiary hearing in the case prior to the entry of the plea, witnesses testified Peters called a friend after the shooting and said “I shot Bob.” Those witnesses testified that when they arrived, Peters said she had not called the police because she did not know what to tell them.

Investigators searched the premises and found evidence of numerous illegal commercial gambling devices in a back room. Surveillance video recovered from the scene showed Peters operating a commercial gambling establishment. 

The video showed Peters and Duvaul working at the business earlier in the evening of the shooting. In a portion of the video, Duvual is seen with his hands up, then staggers backwards and collapses. 

Witnesses testified Peters was known to carry a pistol on her hip while she worked at the business.

Testimony presented at the hearing indicated Peters and Duvaul had been in an on-again, offagain dating relationship for around five years. As part of the plea agreement, Judge Brown found the homicide was a domestic violence offense.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628108146357.png" alt="Peters photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Peters photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman was sentenced to prison Wednesday for the shooting death of a man who she dated and who worked for her at an illegal gambling business. District Court Judge Bruce Brown sentenced Stacey Peters, 47 of Wichita, to nearly ten years&nbsp; in prison for killing 41-year-old&nbsp; Robert Duvaul.In June, Peters pleaded guilty to second degree murder and one count of commercial gambling.In the early morning of November 19, 2019, police responded to the business at 3072 S. Hillside in Wichita after Peters called 911 to report that she shot “someone intruding.” Officers found Duvaul with a fatal gunshot wound to his torso. Officers noted that Duvaul had been deceased for some time before Peters made the 911 call.At an evidentiary hearing in the case prior to the entry of the plea, witnesses testified Peters called a friend after the shooting and said “I shot Bob.” Those witnesses testified that when they arrived, Peters said she had not called the police because she did not know what to tell them.Investigators searched the premises and found evidence of numerous illegal commercial gambling devices in a back room. Surveillance video recovered from the scene showed Peters operating a commercial gambling establishment. The video showed Peters and Duvaul working at the business earlier in the evening of the shooting. In a portion of the video, Duvual is seen with his hands up, then staggers backwards and collapses. Witnesses testified Peters was known to carry a pistol on her hip while she worked at the business.Testimony presented at the hearing indicated Peters and Duvaul had been in an on-again, offagain dating relationship for around five years. As part of the plea agreement, Judge Brown found the homicide was a domestic violence offense.

Kan. woman killed boyfriend at illegal gambling hall

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California will require all of its roughly 2.2 million health care and long-term care workers to be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus by Sept. 30.

Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom said last month he would require health care workers to either be vaccinated or submit to weekly testing.

But the new order issued Thursday by the California Department of Public Health does not give health care workers a choice. It says all must be fully vaccinated by the end of September.

Newsom tweeted about the new rule on Thursday, but has not said why he decided to change it.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Order-of-the-State-Public-Health-Officer-Health-Care-Worker-Vaccine-Requirement.aspx" target="_blank">The order</a>&nbsp;from the Department of Public Health references the delta variant, a new version of the virus that is more contagious and can “cause more severe illness.”

California is averaging 18.3 new coronavirus cases per 100,000 people a day, with the delta variant causing most of the new infections. About 63% of Californians 12 and older have been fully vaccinated. Another 10% have been partially vaccinated.

“Increasing numbers of health care workers are among the new positive cases, despite vaccinations being prioritized for this group when vaccines initially became available,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, California’s public health officer.

Hospitals and other health facilities will also be required to verify that visitors are fully vaccinated or have tested negative for COVID-19.

The department said that since January, the most common settings for virus outbreaks were in residential care facilities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627688144182.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California will require all of its roughly 2.2 million health care and long-term care workers to be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus by Sept. 30.Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom said last month he would require health care workers to either be vaccinated or submit to weekly testing.But the new order issued Thursday by the California Department of Public Health does not give health care workers a choice. It says all must be fully vaccinated by the end of September.Newsom tweeted about the new rule on Thursday, but has not said why he decided to change it.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Order-of-the-State-Public-Health-Officer-Health-Care-Worker-Vaccine-Requirement.aspx" target="_blank">The order</a>&nbsp;from the Department of Public Health references the delta variant, a new version of the virus that is more contagious and can “cause more severe illness.”California is averaging 18.3 new coronavirus cases per 100,000 people a day, with the delta variant causing most of the new infections. About 63% of Californians 12 and older have been fully vaccinated. Another 10% have been partially vaccinated.“Increasing numbers of health care workers are among the new positive cases, despite vaccinations being prioritized for this group when vaccines initially became available,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, California’s public health officer.Hospitals and other health facilities will also be required to verify that visitors are fully vaccinated or have tested negative for COVID-19.The department said that since January, the most common settings for virus outbreaks were in residential care facilities.

California to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for health workers

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Ravenna sheep farmer faces the possibility of decades in prison after being indicted on six federal counts of bank fraud. 

The Kearney Hub reports that Brooks Duester, 43, of Ravenna, was charged last week in a six-count indictment for actions he's accused of taking between February 2017 and September 2018. 

Federal prosecutors say Duester obtained lines of credit, promissory notes and loans from Ashton State Bank for purchasing livestock by falsely reporting the number of livestock he already had and failing to report his income from the sale of livestock and wool to the bank. 

Prosecutors say Duester wouldn't allow bank inspectors or the Farm Services Agency access his pastures to verify the number of livestock.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628188535389.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Ravenna sheep farmer faces the possibility of decades in prison after being indicted on six federal counts of bank fraud. The Kearney Hub reports that Brooks Duester, 43, of Ravenna, was charged last week in a six-count indictment for actions he's accused of taking between February 2017 and September 2018. Federal prosecutors say Duester obtained lines of credit, promissory notes and loans from Ashton State Bank for purchasing livestock by falsely reporting the number of livestock he already had and failing to report his income from the sale of livestock and wool to the bank. Prosecutors say Duester wouldn't allow bank inspectors or the Farm Services Agency access his pastures to verify the number of livestock.

Nebraska sheep farmer indicted on federal bank fraud counts

SEWARD, Neb. (AP) — A former southeastern Nebraska school superintendent has been sentenced to a year in prison for abusing a student. 

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that 57-year-old Timothy DeWaard was sentenced Monday in Seward County District Court after pleading no contest to felony attempted child abuse. 

He had originally been charged with felony child abuse after investigators say a teenage student at Centennial Public Schools reported that DeWaard had the student sit in his lap during locked-door meetings in DeWaard's office and that DeWaard touched the teen's inner thigh. 

The teen said DeWaard also asked for a shirtless photo of the student. 

The teen told investigators he had to comply with DeWaard's abuse or he would fail school. DeWaard resigned in July 2020.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628188422527.png" alt="DeWaard" />
 <figcaption>DeWaard</figcaption>
 </figure>SEWARD, Neb. (AP) — A former southeastern Nebraska school superintendent has been sentenced to a year in prison for abusing a student. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that 57-year-old Timothy DeWaard was sentenced Monday in Seward County District Court after pleading no contest to felony attempted child abuse. He had originally been charged with felony child abuse after investigators say a teenage student at Centennial Public Schools reported that DeWaard had the student sit in his lap during locked-door meetings in DeWaard's office and that DeWaard touched the teen's inner thigh. The teen said DeWaard also asked for a shirtless photo of the student. The teen told investigators he had to comply with DeWaard's abuse or he would fail school. DeWaard resigned in July 2020.

Ex-Nebraska school superintendent gets prison for attempted abuse

KANSAS CITY (AP) — After a federal eviction moratorium was allowed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-d6bfbe4aff82bbcf7586a3936ea98731">lapse</a>&nbsp;last weekend, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new moratorium Tuesday on evictions that would last until Oct. 3.

The new moratorium aims to keep millions in their homes and prevent the spread of the coronavirus’ delta variant. The order cites the fact that there are lower vaccination rates in areas most at risk for eviction.

The moratorium also give states additional time to get out nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eviction-moratorium-rental-assistance-coronavirus-bd0947fe93b72c88305629a6608602ee">$47 billion in rental assistance</a>, most of which has yet to be distributed to tenants and landlords.

Most&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-58f318ba0fb988fdcfaf184c33d4257a">tenants facing eviction</a>&nbsp;and who counted on the CDC moratorium in the past should be protected. The new ban would temporarily halt evictions in&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view" target="_blank">counties</a>&nbsp;with “substantial and high levels” of virus transmission and is expected to cover areas where 90% of the U.S. population lives.

The number of tenants protected is likely to change, however, since it would stop being applicable in counties that go 14 days without seeing substantial or high levels of coronavirus transmission. Counties that are not covered now, but later experience spikes, would also fall under the moratorium when that happens.

There are concerns among advocates that judges, especially in rural areas, may ignore the CDC moratorium as some did earlier in the pandemic. Already, a lawyer in North Carolina said Wednesday that a judge refused to accept it as a defense because the Administrative Office of the Courts has not provided any guidance on it.

HOW CAN A TENANT USE THE MORATORIUM TO PREVENT AN EVICTION?

Just like the original CDC moratorium, a tenant facing eviction for nonpayment of rent must fill out a form and present it to their landlord or the owner of the property.

The new order makes clear that someone protected by the original CDC order would still be protected. It also says that anyone in court for nonpayment of rent but whose case has not yet been completed would be protected by the order.

But as was the case previously, the order would not protect someone who engaged in criminal activities, damaged their apartment or threatened the health and safety of other residents among other violations

WILL THIS ORDER SURVIVE LEGAL CHALLENGES?

After pushing the CDC to reconsider its options, President Joe Biden acknowledged Tuesday that he wasn’t sure the new moratorium could withstand lawsuits about its constitutionality. Landlords had successfully challenge the original order in court.

When the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the eviction ban to remain in place through the end of July by a 5-4 vote, one justice in the majority, Brett Kavanaugh, wrote that Congress would have to act to extend it further.

Landlords groups reacted to the new order as they did the old one, criticizing it as an unfunded government mandate. They have yet to detail their legal strategy, though most housing advocates are counting on more lawsuits. Even if the order is overturned in court, advocates are hopeful it gives states enough time to get rental assistance out.

Housing advocates have called the extension the best option given the current situation. Most would have liked Congress to take up the issue and pass a comprehensive eviction moratorium. But that is unlikely in the current political climate.

The other option is for states and cities to pass their own moratoriums, as many did during the pandemic. California, New York and New Jersey are among a handful of states that still have moratoriums in place.

But it’s unlikely that states or cities will enact their own, especially with the CDC extension in place. For most advocates, the focus remains on getting states to speed up the distribution of rental assistance — seen as the best long-term option to keeping tenants housed over the long-term and making landlords whole.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628034052731.png" alt="Protesters at the U.S. Capitol over the weekend-photo courtesy Senator Cori Bush" />
 <figcaption>Protesters at the U.S. Capitol over the weekend-photo courtesy Senator Cori Bush</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — After a federal eviction moratorium was allowed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-d6bfbe4aff82bbcf7586a3936ea98731">lapse</a>&nbsp;last weekend, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new moratorium Tuesday on evictions that would last until Oct. 3.The new moratorium aims to keep millions in their homes and prevent the spread of the coronavirus’ delta variant. The order cites the fact that there are lower vaccination rates in areas most at risk for eviction.The moratorium also give states additional time to get out nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eviction-moratorium-rental-assistance-coronavirus-bd0947fe93b72c88305629a6608602ee">$47 billion in rental assistance</a>, most of which has yet to be distributed to tenants and landlords.WHO BENEFITS FROM THE NEW MORATORIUM?Most&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-58f318ba0fb988fdcfaf184c33d4257a">tenants facing eviction</a>&nbsp;and who counted on the CDC moratorium in the past should be protected. The new ban would temporarily halt evictions in&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view" target="_blank">counties</a>&nbsp;with “substantial and high levels” of virus transmission and is expected to cover areas where 90% of the U.S. population lives.The number of tenants protected is likely to change, however, since it would stop being applicable in counties that go 14 days without seeing substantial or high levels of coronavirus transmission. Counties that are not covered now, but later experience spikes, would also fall under the moratorium when that happens.There are concerns among advocates that judges, especially in rural areas, may ignore the CDC moratorium as some did earlier in the pandemic. Already, a lawyer in North Carolina said Wednesday that a judge refused to accept it as a defense because the Administrative Office of the Courts has not provided any guidance on it.HOW CAN A TENANT USE THE MORATORIUM TO PREVENT AN EVICTION?Just like the original CDC moratorium, a tenant facing eviction for nonpayment of rent must fill out a form and present it to their landlord or the owner of the property.The new order makes clear that someone protected by the original CDC order would still be protected. It also says that anyone in court for nonpayment of rent but whose case has not yet been completed would be protected by the order.But as was the case previously, the order would not protect someone who engaged in criminal activities, damaged their apartment or threatened the health and safety of other residents among other violationsWILL THIS ORDER SURVIVE LEGAL CHALLENGES?After pushing the CDC to reconsider its options, President Joe Biden acknowledged Tuesday that he wasn’t sure the new moratorium could withstand lawsuits about its constitutionality. Landlords had successfully challenge the original order in court.When the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the eviction ban to remain in place through the end of July by a 5-4 vote, one justice in the majority, Brett Kavanaugh, wrote that Congress would have to act to extend it further.Landlords groups reacted to the new order as they did the old one, criticizing it as an unfunded government mandate. They have yet to detail their legal strategy, though most housing advocates are counting on more lawsuits. Even if the order is overturned in court, advocates are hopeful it gives states enough time to get rental assistance out.WHAT MORE COULD BE DONE FOR TENANTS?Housing advocates have called the extension the best option given the current situation. Most would have liked Congress to take up the issue and pass a comprehensive eviction moratorium. But that is unlikely in the current political climate.The other option is for states and cities to pass their own moratoriums, as many did during the pandemic. California, New York and New Jersey are among a handful of states that still have moratoriums in place.But it’s unlikely that states or cities will enact their own, especially with the CDC extension in place. For most advocates, the focus remains on getting states to speed up the distribution of rental assistance — seen as the best long-term option to keeping tenants housed over the long-term and making landlords whole.

Not all tenants benefit from new eviction moratorium 

CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois dispensaries sold a record $127.8 million in recreational marijuana in July, with a big boost coming from out-of-state fans who converged on Chicago for the Lollapalooza music festival. 

The month’s sales were 10% higher than May’s record of $116.4 million, which were slightly higher than June’s $115.6 million, according to a monthly report by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. 

Business boomed at Chicago-area dispensaries during the four-day Lollapalooza festival, which ended Sunday. 

Operators told the Chicago Tribune that the large crowds at Grant Park boosted sales by as much as 50% at nearby dispensaries in River North and the West Loop. 

Statewide sales to out-of-state customers were 16% higher in July than in June.

CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois dispensaries sold a record $127.8 million in recreational marijuana in July, with a big boost coming from out-of-state fans who converged on Chicago for the Lollapalooza music festival. The month’s sales were 10% higher than May’s record of $116.4 million, which were slightly higher than June’s $115.6 million, according to a monthly report by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Business boomed at Chicago-area dispensaries during the four-day Lollapalooza festival, which ended Sunday. Operators told the Chicago Tribune that the large crowds at Grant Park boosted sales by as much as 50% at nearby dispensaries in River North and the West Loop. Statewide sales to out-of-state customers were 16% higher in July than in June.

Illinois sees record pot sales, with boost from Lollapalooza

WASHINGTON—The Federal Communications Commission today approved a proposal seeking comment on how to modify its policies to reduce access to phone numbers by perpetrators of illegal robocalls.  The proposed rules are part of ongoing Commission efforts to protect Americans from unwanted and illegal robocalls.  

The FCC is proposing to update its rules governing interconnected VoIP providers’ direct access to phone numbers to address problems that have arisen from the growth of widely available VoIP software that can allow bad actors to make spoofed robocalls with minimal technical experience and cost.  Following Congress’s directive in the Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act (TRACED Act), the proposed rules would require VoIP providers applying for direct access to numbers to comply with anti-robocalling obligations.  In addition, the proposal would establish guardrails to safeguard finite numbering resources, protect against national security risks, reduce the opportunity for regulatory arbitrage, and further promote public safety.

This proceeding proposes updates to FCC rules to require Executive Branch review before entities based outside the United States gain access to numbering resources, and would require that applicants for direct access to numbers disclose foreign ownership information.  The Commission also seeks comment on requiring applicants to use numbering resources lawfully; not to encourage or assist and facilitate illegal robocalls, illegal spoofing, or fraud; and to take steps to cease originating, terminating, and/or transmitting illegal robocalls.    

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977952684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FCCWASHINGTON—The Federal Communications Commission today approved a proposal seeking comment on how to modify its policies to reduce access to phone numbers by perpetrators of illegal robocalls. The proposed rules are part of ongoing Commission efforts to protect Americans from unwanted and illegal robocalls. The FCC is proposing to update its rules governing interconnected VoIP providers’ direct access to phone numbers to address problems that have arisen from the growth of widely available VoIP software that can allow bad actors to make spoofed robocalls with minimal technical experience and cost. Following Congress’s directive in the Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act (TRACED Act), the proposed rules would require VoIP providers applying for direct access to numbers to comply with anti-robocalling obligations. In addition, the proposal would establish guardrails to safeguard finite numbering resources, protect against national security risks, reduce the opportunity for regulatory arbitrage, and further promote public safety.This proceeding proposes updates to FCC rules to require Executive Branch review before entities based outside the United States gain access to numbering resources, and would require that applicants for direct access to numbers disclose foreign ownership information. The Commission also seeks comment on requiring applicants to use numbering resources lawfully; not to encourage or assist and facilitate illegal robocalls, illegal spoofing, or fraud; and to take steps to cease originating, terminating, and/or transmitting illegal robocalls.

FCC proposal would deter 'spoofed' numbers by robocallers

SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa (AP) — Sheriff's officials in northwestern Iowa say an Omaha, Nebraska, man drowned after rescuing his son from a weed-infested section of East Lake Okoboji. 

The Sioux City Journal reports that the incident happened late Wednesday morning, when Brandon Urban, 41, swam into the lake to rescue his son, who had fallen off a paddleboard and become entangled in the weeds. 

The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office says Urban was able to free the boy from the weeds, but became entangled himself and was unable to get his head above water. 

Investigators say Urban's friends brought him to shore and started CPR until medics arrived. 

Urban was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa (AP) — Sheriff's officials in northwestern Iowa say an Omaha, Nebraska, man drowned after rescuing his son from a weed-infested section of East Lake Okoboji. The Sioux City Journal reports that the incident happened late Wednesday morning, when Brandon Urban, 41, swam into the lake to rescue his son, who had fallen off a paddleboard and become entangled in the weeds. The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office says Urban was able to free the boy from the weeds, but became entangled himself and was unable to get his head above water. Investigators say Urban's friends brought him to shore and started CPR until medics arrived. Urban was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Sheriff: Omaha man drowns after rescuing son from Iowa lake

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell last week by 14,000 to 385,000 more evidence that the economy and the job market are rebounding briskly from the coronavirus recession.

The Labor Department reported Thursday that unemployment claims — a proxy for layoffs — dropped last week from a revised 399,000 the week before. The applications have mostly fallen steadily since topping 900,000 in early January. Still, they remain high by historic levels: Before the pandemic slammed the United States in March 2020, they were coming in at around 220,000 a week.

Since cratering in the spring of 2020, the U.S. economy has bounced back as the rollout of vaccines encourages businesses to reopen or return to normal operating hours and consumers to return to shops, restaurants and bars. The United States has been adding more than 540,000 jobs a month this year, and the Labor Department’s July jobs report out Friday is expected to show it tacked on nearly 863,000 more last month, according to a survey of economists by the data firm FactSet.

The U.S. economy is still 6.8 million jobs short of where it stood in February 2020.

Companies are posting job openings — a record 9.2 million in May — faster than applicants are showing up to fill them. Many states have responded to business complaints of a labor shortage by ending expanded federal unemployment benefits meant to ease financial strains from the health crisis, including an extra $300 a week on top of traditional state benefits. The federal benefits are scheduled to expire nationwide Sept. 6.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628167591905.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell last week by 14,000 to 385,000 more evidence that the economy and the job market are rebounding briskly from the coronavirus recession.The Labor Department reported Thursday that unemployment claims — a proxy for layoffs — dropped last week from a revised 399,000 the week before. The applications have mostly fallen steadily since topping 900,000 in early January. Still, they remain high by historic levels: Before the pandemic slammed the United States in March 2020, they were coming in at around 220,000 a week.Since cratering in the spring of 2020, the U.S. economy has bounced back as the rollout of vaccines encourages businesses to reopen or return to normal operating hours and consumers to return to shops, restaurants and bars. The United States has been adding more than 540,000 jobs a month this year, and the Labor Department’s July jobs report out Friday is expected to show it tacked on nearly 863,000 more last month, according to a survey of economists by the data firm FactSet.The U.S. economy is still 6.8 million jobs short of where it stood in February 2020.Companies are posting job openings — a record 9.2 million in May — faster than applicants are showing up to fill them. Many states have responded to business complaints of a labor shortage by ending expanded federal unemployment benefits meant to ease financial strains from the health crisis, including an extra $300 a week on top of traditional state benefits. The federal benefits are scheduled to expire nationwide Sept. 6.

US jobless claims drop by 14,000 to 385,000

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is taking the first steps toward requiring nearly all foreign visitors to the U.S. to be vaccinated for the coronavirus, a White House official said Wednesday.

The requirement would come as part of the administration’s phased approach to easing travel restrictions for foreign citizens to the country. No timeline has yet been determined, as interagency working groups study how and when to safely move toward resuming normal travel. Eventually all foreign citizens entering the country, with some limited exceptions, are expected to need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the U.S.

The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the policy under development.

The Biden administration has kept in place travel restrictions that have severely curtailed international trips to the U.S., citing the spread of the delta variant of the virus. Under the rules, non-U.S. residents who have been to China, the European Schengen area, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Brazil, South Africa and India in the prior 14 days are prohibited from entering the U.S.

All travelers to the U.S., regardless of vaccination status, are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of air travel to the country.

The Biden administration has faced pressure to lift some restrictions from affected allies, the air travel industry and families who have been kept separated from loved ones by the rules. Many have complained that the travel restrictions don’t reflect the current virus situation — particularly as caseloads in the U.S. are worse than in many of the prohibited nations.

Airlines for America, a trade group for major U.S. airlines, said it was pleased by reports that the administration plans to make it easier for more foreign travelers to enter the country if they have been vaccinated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628118293778.png" alt="President Biden at the Plumbers and Gasfitters Local 5 Training Facility Wednesday afternoon -photo courtesy&nbsp; White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden at the Plumbers and Gasfitters Local 5 Training Facility Wednesday afternoon -photo courtesy&nbsp; White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is taking the first steps toward requiring nearly all foreign visitors to the U.S. to be vaccinated for the coronavirus, a White House official said Wednesday.The requirement would come as part of the administration’s phased approach to easing travel restrictions for foreign citizens to the country. No timeline has yet been determined, as interagency working groups study how and when to safely move toward resuming normal travel. Eventually all foreign citizens entering the country, with some limited exceptions, are expected to need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the U.S.The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the policy under development.The Biden administration has kept in place travel restrictions that have severely curtailed international trips to the U.S., citing the spread of the delta variant of the virus. Under the rules, non-U.S. residents who have been to China, the European Schengen area, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Brazil, South Africa and India in the prior 14 days are prohibited from entering the U.S.All travelers to the U.S., regardless of vaccination status, are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of air travel to the country.The Biden administration has faced pressure to lift some restrictions from affected allies, the air travel industry and families who have been kept separated from loved ones by the rules. Many have complained that the travel restrictions don’t reflect the current virus situation — particularly as caseloads in the U.S. are worse than in many of the prohibited nations.Airlines for America, a trade group for major U.S. airlines, said it was pleased by reports that the administration plans to make it easier for more foreign travelers to enter the country if they have been vaccinated.

US to require COVID vaccinations for foreign travelers

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Pennington County authorities say a months-long investigation has turned up large quantities of drugs, including 72 pounds of methamphetamine worth as much as $2.5 million.

 Narcotics task force officials say three search warrants also turned up approximately 10 pounds of cocaine, 6 pounds of heroin, 6,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills, $150,000 in cash and 13 guns. 

Sgt. Casey Kenrick of the Unified Narcotics Task Force calls it a “big win” for Pennington County and says it's important to hold dealers "responsible for the violence and addiction they perpetuate in our community.” 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1571398574177.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Pennington County authorities say a months-long investigation has turned up large quantities of drugs, including 72 pounds of methamphetamine worth as much as $2.5 million. Narcotics task force officials say three search warrants also turned up approximately 10 pounds of cocaine, 6 pounds of heroin, 6,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills, $150,000 in cash and 13 guns. Sgt. Casey Kenrick of the Unified Narcotics Task Force calls it a “big win” for Pennington County and says it's important to hold dealers "responsible for the violence and addiction they perpetuate in our community.” No further information was released.

Pennington County drug bust nets up to $2.5 million in meth

HARVEY COUNTY —Authorities are investigating an animal attack that sent a boy to the hospital.

Just before 8p.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp; responded to help boy who was bitten by several dogs while he was riding a bicycle in the 400 block of W. 6th Street in Newton, according to a media release.

&nbsp;A Newton Police officer assisted the boy and treated the wounds at the scene before the child was transported to&nbsp;Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. 

The dogs were taken to Caring Hands Humane Society for observation. Police released no additional information about the boy.

HARVEY COUNTY —Authorities are investigating an animal attack that sent a boy to the hospital.Just before 8p.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp; responded to help boy who was bitten by several dogs while he was riding a bicycle in the 400 block of W. 6th Street in Newton, according to a media release.&nbsp;A Newton Police officer assisted the boy and treated the wounds at the scene before the child was transported to&nbsp;Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. The dogs were taken to Caring Hands Humane Society for observation. Police released no additional information about the boy.

Police: Kan. boy hospitalized after bitten by dogs 

KILGORE, Neb. (AP) — Authorities in northwestern Nebraska say a South Dakota woman died in a crash near the village of Kilgore over the weekend. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that the crash happened Saturday, when the woman's vehicle left a county road, rolled and landed in a ditch. 

Investigators say the driver, 48-year-old Jacqueline Frances Kills In Sight, of the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota, was thrown from the vehicle and died from her injuries. 

Kilgore is about 21 miles south of Rosebud and about the same distance west of Valentine, Nebraska.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628095049876.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KILGORE, Neb. (AP) — Authorities in northwestern Nebraska say a South Dakota woman died in a crash near the village of Kilgore over the weekend. The Omaha World-Herald reports that the crash happened Saturday, when the woman's vehicle left a county road, rolled and landed in a ditch. Investigators say the driver, 48-year-old Jacqueline Frances Kills In Sight, of the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota, was thrown from the vehicle and died from her injuries. Kilgore is about 21 miles south of Rosebud and about the same distance west of Valentine, Nebraska.

South Dakota woman killed in northwest Nebraska crash

NEW YORK (AP) — Nursing and professional bowling aren’t usually found on the same resume. In fact, Erin McCarthy is just one of a few to claim that territory. 

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 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Nursing and professional bowling aren’t usually found on the same resume. In fact, Erin McCarthy is just one of a few to claim that territory. The 31-year-old McCarthy has weathered the pandemic as a critical care nurse in Omaha, where she lives. During the darkest days of the coronavirus crisis, she toiled without her usual release valve — competing on the Professional Women’s Bowling Association circuit. Now back on the tour, McCarthy is splitting her time between hospital work and traveling to meets to regain her momentum on the lanes.