DETROIT (AP) — U.S. highway safety regulators have opened an investigation into about a half-million semis with brakes that can catch fire.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says in documents posted on its website this week that it has 11 complaints about brakes made by Haldex Commercial Vehicle Systems, including seven fires. No injuries were reported. Haldex has its U.S. headquarters in Kansas City.

The complaints say problems occurred mostly on Kenworth and Peterbilt semis. The agency is investigating brakes from the 2015 through 2020 model years.

NHTSA says the investigation covers certain Haldex Gold Seal brake chambers, which convert compressed air into a mechanical force that stops the trucks. It says a spring can fracture, puncturing a diaphragm and causing air loss. That can make the brakes drag without warning to the driver and eventually cause fires.

The fires caused extensive damage to the trucks and in some cases the cargo, the agency says. NHTSA says it has learned that multiple truck fleets were having issues with the brake chambers. It says Haldex has replaced brake chambers on some vehicles in the fleets.

NHTSA says it will determine how often the problem happens and what models it affects. An investigation can lead to a recall.

Messages were left seeking comment from Haldex.

DETROIT (AP) — U.S. highway safety regulators have opened an investigation into about a half-million semis with brakes that can catch fire.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says in documents posted on its website this week that it has 11 complaints about brakes made by Haldex Commercial Vehicle Systems, including seven fires. No injuries were reported. Haldex has its U.S. headquarters in Kansas City.The complaints say problems occurred mostly on Kenworth and Peterbilt semis. The agency is investigating brakes from the 2015 through 2020 model years.NHTSA says the investigation covers certain Haldex Gold Seal brake chambers, which convert compressed air into a mechanical force that stops the trucks. It says a spring can fracture, puncturing a diaphragm and causing air loss. That can make the brakes drag without warning to the driver and eventually cause fires.The fires caused extensive damage to the trucks and in some cases the cargo, the agency says. NHTSA says it has learned that multiple truck fleets were having issues with the brake chambers. It says Haldex has replaced brake chambers on some vehicles in the fleets.NHTSA says it will determine how often the problem happens and what models it affects. An investigation can lead to a recall.Messages were left seeking comment from Haldex.

US probes overheating brakes that cause fires in 500K semis

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. life expectancy fell by a year and a half in 2020, the largest one-year decline since World War II, public health officials said Wednesday. The decrease for both Black Americans and Hispanic Americans was even worse: three years.

The drop <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsrr/vsrr015-508.pdf">spelled out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention </a>is due mainly to the COVID-19 pandemic, which health officials said is responsible for close to 74% of the overall life expectancy decline. More than 3.3 million Americans died last year, far more than any other year in U.S. history, with COVID-19 accounting for about 11% of those deaths.

Black life expectancy has not fallen so much in one year since the mid-1930s, during the Great Depression. Health officials have not tracked Hispanic life expectancy for nearly as long, but the 2020 decline was the largest recorded one-year drop.

The abrupt fall is “basically catastrophic,” said Mark Hayward, a University of Texas sociology professor who studies changes in U.S. mortality.

Killers other than COVID-19 played a role. Drug overdoses pushed life expectancy down, particularly for whites. And rising homicides were a small but significant reason for the decline for Black Americans, said Elizabeth Arias, the report’s lead author.

Other problems affected Black and Hispanic people, including lack of access to quality health care, more crowded living conditions, and a greater share of the population in lower-paying jobs that required them to keep working when the pandemic was at its worst, experts said.

Life expectancy is an estimate of the average number of years a baby born in a given year might expect to live. It’s an important statistical snapshot of a country’s health that can be influenced both by sustained trends such as obesity as well as more temporary threats like pandemics or war that might not endanger those newborns in their lifetimes.

For decades, U.S. life expectancy was on the upswing. But that trend stalled in 2015, for several years, before hitting 78 years, 10 months in 2019. Last year, the CDC said, it dropped to about 77 years, 4 months.

—Hispanic Americans have longer life expectancy than white or Black Americans, but had the largest decline in 2020. The three-year drop was the largest since the CDC started tracking Hispanic life expectancy 15 years ago.

—Black life expectancy dropped nearly three years, to 71 years, 10 months. It has not been that low since 2000.

—White life expectancy fell by roughly 14 months to about 77 years, 7 months. That was the lowest the lowest life expectancy for that population since 2002.

—COVID-19′s role varied by race and ethnicity. The coronavirus was responsible for 90% of the decline in life expectancy among Hispanics, 68% among white people and 59% among Black Americans.

—Life expectancy fell nearly two years for men, but about one year for women, widening a longstanding gap. The CDC estimated life expectancy of 74 years, 6 months for boys vs. 80 years, 2 months for girls.

More than 80% of last year’s COVID deaths were people 65 and older, CDC data shows. That actually diminished the pandemic’s toll on life expectancy at birth, which is swayed more by deaths of younger adults and children than those among seniors.

That’s why last year’s decline was just half as much as the three-year drop between 1942 and 1943, when young soldiers were dying in World War II. And it was just a fraction of the drop between 1917 and 1918, when World War I and a Spanish flu pandemic devastated younger generations.

Life expectancy bounced back after those drops, and experts believe it will this time, too. But some said it could take years.

Too many people have already died from COVID-19 this year, while variants of the coronavirus are spreading among unvaccinated Americans — many of them younger adults, some experts said.

“We can’t. In 2021, we can’t get back to pre-pandemic” life expectancy, said Noreen Goldman, a Princeton University researcher.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. life expectancy fell by a year and a half in 2020, the largest one-year decline since World War II, public health officials said Wednesday. The decrease for both Black Americans and Hispanic Americans was even worse: three years.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">U.S. life expectancy declined by 1.5 years from 2019 to 2020 – the lowest level since 2003, according to new provisional data. Among the causes of death that contributed to the decline, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> contributed 73.8%. See more from <a href="https://twitter.com/NCHStats?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NCHStats</a>.<a href="https://t.co/pmiYVtmY4f">https://t.co/pmiYVtmY4f</a> <a href="https://t.co/BQFayQ174p">pic.twitter.com/BQFayQ174p</a>&mdash; CDC (@CDCgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/CDCgov/status/1417874526310965248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The drop <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsrr/vsrr015-508.pdf">spelled out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention </a>is due mainly to the COVID-19 pandemic, which health officials said is responsible for close to 74% of the overall life expectancy decline. More than 3.3 million Americans died last year, far more than any other year in U.S. history, with COVID-19 accounting for about 11% of those deaths.Black life expectancy has not fallen so much in one year since the mid-1930s, during the Great Depression. Health officials have not tracked Hispanic life expectancy for nearly as long, but the 2020 decline was the largest recorded one-year drop.The abrupt fall is “basically catastrophic,” said Mark Hayward, a University of Texas sociology professor who studies changes in U.S. mortality.Killers other than COVID-19 played a role. Drug overdoses pushed life expectancy down, particularly for whites. And rising homicides were a small but significant reason for the decline for Black Americans, said Elizabeth Arias, the report’s lead author.Other problems affected Black and Hispanic people, including lack of access to quality health care, more crowded living conditions, and a greater share of the population in lower-paying jobs that required them to keep working when the pandemic was at its worst, experts said.Life expectancy is an estimate of the average number of years a baby born in a given year might expect to live. It’s an important statistical snapshot of a country’s health that can be influenced both by sustained trends such as obesity as well as more temporary threats like pandemics or war that might not endanger those newborns in their lifetimes.For decades, U.S. life expectancy was on the upswing. But that trend stalled in 2015, for several years, before hitting 78 years, 10 months in 2019. Last year, the CDC said, it dropped to about 77 years, 4 months.Other findings in the new CDC report:—Hispanic Americans have longer life expectancy than white or Black Americans, but had the largest decline in 2020. The three-year drop was the largest since the CDC started tracking Hispanic life expectancy 15 years ago.—Black life expectancy dropped nearly three years, to 71 years, 10 months. It has not been that low since 2000.—White life expectancy fell by roughly 14 months to about 77 years, 7 months. That was the lowest the lowest life expectancy for that population since 2002.—COVID-19′s role varied by race and ethnicity. The coronavirus was responsible for 90% of the decline in life expectancy among Hispanics, 68% among white people and 59% among Black Americans.—Life expectancy fell nearly two years for men, but about one year for women, widening a longstanding gap. The CDC estimated life expectancy of 74 years, 6 months for boys vs. 80 years, 2 months for girls.More than 80% of last year’s COVID deaths were people 65 and older, CDC data shows. That actually diminished the pandemic’s toll on life expectancy at birth, which is swayed more by deaths of younger adults and children than those among seniors.That’s why last year’s decline was just half as much as the three-year drop between 1942 and 1943, when young soldiers were dying in World War II. And it was just a fraction of the drop between 1917 and 1918, when World War I and a Spanish flu pandemic devastated younger generations.Life expectancy bounced back after those drops, and experts believe it will this time, too. But some said it could take years.Too many people have already died from COVID-19 this year, while variants of the coronavirus are spreading among unvaccinated Americans — many of them younger adults, some experts said.“We can’t. In 2021, we can’t get back to pre-pandemic” life expectancy, said Noreen Goldman, a Princeton University researcher.

Why US life expectancy saw biggest drop in 70 years

News Release Nebraska State Patrol

The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) has been able to identify a third vehicle that was at the intersection of Highway 77 and Highway 109 at the time of the crash that claimed the lives of three siblings Tuesday evening.

After NSP requested assistance from the public in locating the driver of a third vehicle, several citizens called with information, including the driver of the third vehicle, which was a Ford Escape.

Following interviews, including those with other witnesses, investigators believe the eastbound Escape had not stopped at the intersection, but had slowed down after noticing the southbound Pontiac Grand Am proceed into the intersection after stopping at the stop sign on Highway 109. The Escape was able to stop in time to avoid a collision, but an eastbound Dodge Ram 3500, traveling in the right lane, collided with the Grand Am. All three occupants of the Grand Am, 18, 11, and 7-year-old siblings from Wahoo, were killed in the crash.

The driver of the Escape then noticed several witnesses stop to assist and made sure 911 had been called before departing the scene. The Escape is not believed to be a contributing factor in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.

LINCOLN, Neb.-The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) is investigating a crash that claimed the lives of three minors Tuesday evening near Wahoo.

At approximately 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, Saunders County Sheriff’s Deputies requested assistance from NSP at the scene of the two-vehicle crash with multiple fatalities. The crash occurred at the intersection of Highway 77 and Highway 109, north of Wahoo.

After a preliminary investigation, investigators believe that a Pontiac Grand Am, driven by Monica Chohon, 18, of Wahoo, was traveling southbound on Highway 109 and stopped at a stop sign at the intersection. An unknown, eastbound vehicle then stopped in the left lane of Highway 77. Highway 77 traffic has the right of way at that intersection. At that time, the Pontiac attempted to proceed through the intersection but was struck by an eastbound Dodge Ram 3500, that was traveling in the right lane of Highway 77.

The collision caused the Pontiac to roll into the south ditch of the intersection. All three occupants of the Pontiac, Monica Chohon, 18, James Chohon, 11, and Andrew Chohon, 7, all of Wahoo, were pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Ram, Tobias Hartung, 40, of Fremont, was not injured in the crash.

The third vehicle, the unidentified vehicle that stopped in the left lane of Highway 77, then left the scene. Investigators are seeking to speak with the driver of that vehicle, as a witness to the crash. Anyone with information about the third, unknown vehicle present at the intersection of Highway 77 and Highway 109 at the time of the crash is urged to call the Nebraska State Patrol at 402-479-4921.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626880463282.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Nebraska State PatrolUpdate July 22, 2021The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) has been able to identify a third vehicle that was at the intersection of Highway 77 and Highway 109 at the time of the crash that claimed the lives of three siblings Tuesday evening.After NSP requested assistance from the public in locating the driver of a third vehicle, several citizens called with information, including the driver of the third vehicle, which was a Ford Escape.Following interviews, including those with other witnesses, investigators believe the eastbound Escape had not stopped at the intersection, but had slowed down after noticing the southbound Pontiac Grand Am proceed into the intersection after stopping at the stop sign on Highway 109. The Escape was able to stop in time to avoid a collision, but an eastbound Dodge Ram 3500, traveling in the right lane, collided with the Grand Am. All three occupants of the Grand Am, 18, 11, and 7-year-old siblings from Wahoo, were killed in the crash.The driver of the Escape then noticed several witnesses stop to assist and made sure 911 had been called before departing the scene. The Escape is not believed to be a contributing factor in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.LINCOLN, Neb.-The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) is investigating a crash that claimed the lives of three minors Tuesday evening near Wahoo.At approximately 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, Saunders County Sheriff’s Deputies requested assistance from NSP at the scene of the two-vehicle crash with multiple fatalities. The crash occurred at the intersection of Highway 77 and Highway 109, north of Wahoo.After a preliminary investigation, investigators believe that a Pontiac Grand Am, driven by Monica Chohon, 18, of Wahoo, was traveling southbound on Highway 109 and stopped at a stop sign at the intersection. An unknown, eastbound vehicle then stopped in the left lane of Highway 77. Highway 77 traffic has the right of way at that intersection. At that time, the Pontiac attempted to proceed through the intersection but was struck by an eastbound Dodge Ram 3500, that was traveling in the right lane of Highway 77.The collision caused the Pontiac to roll into the south ditch of the intersection. All three occupants of the Pontiac, Monica Chohon, 18, James Chohon, 11, and Andrew Chohon, 7, all of Wahoo, were pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Ram, Tobias Hartung, 40, of Fremont, was not injured in the crash.The third vehicle, the unidentified vehicle that stopped in the left lane of Highway 77, then left the scene. Investigators are seeking to speak with the driver of that vehicle, as a witness to the crash. Anyone with information about the third, unknown vehicle present at the intersection of Highway 77 and Highway 109 at the time of the crash is urged to call the Nebraska State Patrol at 402-479-4921.The crash remains under investigation.

Police release more details on crash that killed 3 Wahoo children

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A 34-year-old Kansas man has been convicted in the deaths of a woman and her cousin in Topeka. 

Richard Showalter, of Greenleaf in Washington County, was convicted Tuesday for his role in the beating and stabbing deaths of 28-year-old Lisa Sportsman and her 17-year-old cousin, Jesse Polinskey in July 2018. 

Showalter was the third man convicted in the case. Lisa Sportsman was the estranged wife of 43-year-old Bradley Sportsman, of Hollenberg, who pleaded guilty in October to two counts of second-degree murder and was sentenced to almost 46 years in prison.

The third suspect, 22-year-old Matthew Hutto, of Clay Center, was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574611652984.png" alt="Richard Showalter photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Richard Showalter photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A 34-year-old Kansas man has been convicted in the deaths of a woman and her cousin in Topeka. Richard Showalter, of Greenleaf in Washington County, was convicted Tuesday for his role in the beating and stabbing deaths of 28-year-old Lisa Sportsman and her 17-year-old cousin, Jesse Polinskey in July 2018. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574350781439.png" alt="Sportsman photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Sportsman photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>Showalter was the third man convicted in the case. Lisa Sportsman was the estranged wife of 43-year-old Bradley Sportsman, of Hollenberg, who pleaded guilty in October to two counts of second-degree murder and was sentenced to almost 46 years in prison.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625951183808.png" alt="Matthew Hutto photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Matthew Hutto photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>The third suspect, 22-year-old Matthew Hutto, of Clay Center, was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences.

Man convicted in murder of Kan. woman, her teen cousin

SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged accidental shooting and have made an arrest.

Just after 8 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting call at the apartment complex in the 500 block of North Nims in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson. 

Upon arrival, officers located 19-year-old Jyrez Ricks of Wichita in the parking lot who had been shot. Ricks was pronounced deceased on the scene, according to Davidson.

The investigation revealed 21-year-old Jordan Williams was handling a handgun inside the apartment occupied by Ricks and three other adult friends. The gun accidentally discharged, striking Ricks.

Police contacted Williams on the scene and arrested without incident on a requested charge of involuntary manslaughter.

Davidson reminded the importance of practicing gun safety.

• Always store guns unloaded and security locked;

• Use a gun case, gun safe, or lockbox for safer storage;

• Store ammunition in a separate location; and

• Talk to your children about gun safety.

If you find a gun, leave it alone and tell an adult;

• Ask your parents about proper gun safety.

Practice gun safety to protect yourself and your family.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626901485577.png" alt="Williams" />
 <figcaption>Williams</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged accidental shooting and have made an arrest.Just after 8 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting call at the apartment complex in the 500 block of North Nims in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson. Upon arrival, officers located 19-year-old Jyrez Ricks of Wichita in the parking lot who had been shot. Ricks was pronounced deceased on the scene, according to Davidson.The investigation revealed 21-year-old Jordan Williams was handling a handgun inside the apartment occupied by Ricks and three other adult friends. The gun accidentally discharged, striking Ricks.Police contacted Williams on the scene and arrested without incident on a requested charge of involuntary manslaughter.Davidson reminded the importance of practicing gun safety.If you own a gun:• Always store guns unloaded and security locked;• Use a gun case, gun safe, or lockbox for safer storage;• Store ammunition in a separate location; and• Talk to your children about gun safety.If you find a gun, leave it alone and tell an adult;• Always assume a gun is loaded;• Never point a gun at anyone; and• Ask your parents about proper gun safety.Practice gun safety to protect yourself and your family.

Police: 19-year-old Kansas man dies after gun accident 

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — A woman has died in a boating accident on a river in western Wyoming. 

The 67-year-old was on a guided fishing trip on the Snake River when the drift boat she and two others were in tipped, took on water and overturned Tuesday. 

Teton County Search and Rescue chief advisor Cody Lockhart says a guide and another tourist in the boat were able to swim to shore and were unhurt. 

The Jackson Hole News &amp; Guide reports rescuers reached the woman on the river about 5 miles southwest of Jackson within 45 minutes but couldn't revive her. 

The woman's identity hasn't been released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626900805040.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — A woman has died in a boating accident on a river in western Wyoming. The 67-year-old was on a guided fishing trip on the Snake River when the drift boat she and two others were in tipped, took on water and overturned Tuesday. Teton County Search and Rescue chief advisor Cody Lockhart says a guide and another tourist in the boat were able to swim to shore and were unhurt. The Jackson Hole News &amp; Guide reports rescuers reached the woman on the river about 5 miles southwest of Jackson within 45 minutes but couldn't revive her. The woman's identity hasn't been released.

Wyoming river boat fishing accident kills woman

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Department of the 
Treasury, and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service announced today they have
 disbursed more than 2.2 million additional Economic Impact Payments 
under the American Rescue Plan.

Today's announcement covering the most recent six weeks of the effort
 brings the total disbursed so far under the American Rescue Plan to 
more than 171 million payments. They represent a total value of more 
than $400 billion since these payments began rolling out to Americans in
 batches <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-begins-delivering-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments-to-americans">on March 12</a>.

Here is additional information on the last six weeks of payments, 
which includes those with official payment dates through July 21:

The IRS will continue to disburse Economic Impact Payments on a 
weekly basis. Ongoing payments will be sent to eligible individuals for 
whom the IRS previously did not have information to issue a payment but 
who recently filed a tax return, as well to people who qualify for 
"plus-up" payments.

Special reminder for those who don't normally file a tax return

Although payments are automatic for most people, the IRS continues to
 urge people who don't normally file a tax return and haven't received 
Economic Impact Payments to file a 2020 tax return to get all the 
benefits they're entitled to under the law, including tax credits such 
as the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">Child Tax Credit</a>, and the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc">Earned Income Tax Credit</a>.
 Filing a 2020 tax return will also assist the IRS in determining 
whether someone is eligible for monthly advance payments of the 2021 
Child Tax Credit, which began earlier this month.

For example, some federal benefits recipients may need to file a 2020
 tax return – even if they don't usually file – to provide information 
the IRS needs to send payments for a qualifying dependent. Eligible 
individuals in this group should file a 2020 tax return as quickly as 
possible to be considered for an additional payment for their qualifying
 dependents.

People who don't normally have an obligation to file a tax return and
 don't receive federal benefits may qualify for these Economic Impact 
Payments. This includes those experiencing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/those-experiencing-homelessness-can-get-economic-impact-payments-and-other-tax-benefits-permanent-address-not-required">homelessness</a>,
 the rural poor, and other historically under-served groups. Individuals
 who didn't get a first or second round Economic Impact Payment or got 
less than the full amounts may be eligible for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>, but they'll need to file a 2020 tax return. See the special section on IRS.gov: <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit-topic-a-claiming-the-recovery-rebate-credit-if-you-arent-required-to-file-a-tax-return">Claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren't required to file a tax return</a>.

The IRS has provided an online&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool">Non-Filer tool</a>&nbsp;to
 allow individuals who weren't required to file (and have not filed) a 
tax return for 2020 to file a simplified tax return.&nbsp;This simplified tax
 return allows eligible individuals to register for advance Child Tax 
Credit payments and the third Economic Impact Payment, as well as claim 
the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit.&nbsp;Free <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">tax return preparation</a> is also available for qualifying people.

The IRS reminds taxpayers that the income levels in this third round 
of Economic Impact Payments have changed. This means that some people 
won't be eligible for the third payment even if they received a first or
 second Economic Impact Payment or claimed a 2020 Recovery Rebate 
Credit. Payments will begin to be reduced for individuals making $75,000
 or above in Adjusted Gross Income ($150,000 for married filing 
jointly). The payments end at $80,000 for individuals ($160,000 for 
married filing jointly); people with Adjusted Gross Incomes above these 
levels are ineligible for a payment.

Individuals can check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov to see the payment status of these payments. Additional information on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments">Economic Impact Payments</a> is available on IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Department of the 
Treasury, and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service announced today they have
 disbursed more than 2.2 million additional Economic Impact Payments 
under the American Rescue Plan.Today's announcement covering the most recent six weeks of the effort
 brings the total disbursed so far under the American Rescue Plan to 
more than 171 million payments. They represent a total value of more 
than $400 billion since these payments began rolling out to Americans in
 batches <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-begins-delivering-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments-to-americans">on March 12</a>.Here is additional information on the last six weeks of payments, 
which includes those with official payment dates through July 21:<ul>
 <li>In total, this includes about 2.2 million payments with a value of more than $4 billion.</li><li>About 1.3 million payments, with a value of approximately $2.6 
billion, went to eligible individuals for whom the IRS previously did 
not have information to issue an Economic Impact Payment but who 
recently filed a tax return.&nbsp;</li><li>This also includes additional ongoing supplemental payments for 
people who earlier this year received payments based on their 2019 tax 
returns but are eligible for a new or larger payment based on their 
recently processed 2020 tax returns. In the last six weeks, there were 
more than 900,000 of these "plus-up" payments, with a value of more than
 $1.6 billion. In all, the IRS has made more than 9 million of these 
supplemental payments this year worth approximately $18.5 billion.</li>
 </ul>The IRS will continue to disburse Economic Impact Payments on a 
weekly basis. Ongoing payments will be sent to eligible individuals for 
whom the IRS previously did not have information to issue a payment but 
who recently filed a tax return, as well to people who qualify for 
"plus-up" payments.<h2>Special reminder for those who don't normally file a tax return</h2>Although payments are automatic for most people, the IRS continues to
 urge people who don't normally file a tax return and haven't received 
Economic Impact Payments to file a 2020 tax return to get all the 
benefits they're entitled to under the law, including tax credits such 
as the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">Child Tax Credit</a>, and the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc">Earned Income Tax Credit</a>.
 Filing a 2020 tax return will also assist the IRS in determining 
whether someone is eligible for monthly advance payments of the 2021 
Child Tax Credit, which began earlier this month.For example, some federal benefits recipients may need to file a 2020
 tax return – even if they don't usually file – to provide information 
the IRS needs to send payments for a qualifying dependent. Eligible 
individuals in this group should file a 2020 tax return as quickly as 
possible to be considered for an additional payment for their qualifying
 dependents.People who don't normally have an obligation to file a tax return and
 don't receive federal benefits may qualify for these Economic Impact 
Payments. This includes those experiencing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/those-experiencing-homelessness-can-get-economic-impact-payments-and-other-tax-benefits-permanent-address-not-required">homelessness</a>,
 the rural poor, and other historically under-served groups. Individuals
 who didn't get a first or second round Economic Impact Payment or got 
less than the full amounts may be eligible for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>, but they'll need to file a 2020 tax return. See the special section on IRS.gov: <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit-topic-a-claiming-the-recovery-rebate-credit-if-you-arent-required-to-file-a-tax-return">Claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren't required to file a tax return</a>.The IRS has provided an online&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool">Non-Filer tool</a>&nbsp;to
 allow individuals who weren't required to file (and have not filed) a 
tax return for 2020 to file a simplified tax return.&nbsp;This simplified tax
 return allows eligible individuals to register for advance Child Tax 
Credit payments and the third Economic Impact Payment, as well as claim 
the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit.&nbsp;Free <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">tax return preparation</a> is also available for qualifying people.The IRS reminds taxpayers that the income levels in this third round 
of Economic Impact Payments have changed. This means that some people 
won't be eligible for the third payment even if they received a first or
 second Economic Impact Payment or claimed a 2020 Recovery Rebate 
Credit. Payments will begin to be reduced for individuals making $75,000
 or above in Adjusted Gross Income ($150,000 for married filing 
jointly). The payments end at $80,000 for individuals ($160,000 for 
married filing jointly); people with Adjusted Gross Incomes above these 
levels are ineligible for a payment.Individuals can check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov to see the payment status of these payments. Additional information on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments">Economic Impact Payments</a> is available on IRS.gov.

IRS: 2.2M more COVID stimulus checks sent to Americans

BEIJING (AP) — China rejected an accusation by the Biden administration and Western allies this week that Beijing is to blame for a hack of the Microsoft Exchange email system and complained Chinese entities are victims of damaging U.S. cyberattacks.

A foreign ministry spokesman demanded Washington drop charges announced Monday against four Chinese nationals accused of working with the Ministry of State Security to try to steal U.S. trade secrets, technology and disease research.

The announcement that the Biden administration and European allies formally blame Chinese government-linked hackers for ransomware attacks increased pressure over long-running complaints against Beijing but included no sanctions.

“The United States ganged up with its allies to make unwarranted accusations against Chinese cybersecurity,” said the spokesman, Zhao Lijian. “This was made up out of thin air and confused right and wrong. It is purely a smear and suppression with political motives.”

“China will never accept this,” Zhao said, though he gave no indication of possible retaliation.

China is a leader in cyberwarfare research along with the United States and Russia, but Beijing denies accusations that Chinese hackers steal trade secrets and technology. Security experts say the military and security ministry also sponsor hackers outside the government.

On Monday, U.S. authorities said government-affiliated hackers targeted American and other victims with demands for millions of dollars. Officials alleged contract hackers associated with the MSS engaged in extortion schemes and theft for their own profit.

Microsoft Corp. blamed Chinese spies for the Microsoft Exchange attack that compromised tens of thousands of computers around the world. The British foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, on Monday called that “a reckless but familiar pattern of behavior.”

Also Monday, the<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/four-chinese-nationals-working-ministry-state-security-charged-global-computer-intrusion"> Justice Department announced charges</a> against four Chinese nationals who prosecutors said worked with the MSS to target computers at companies, universities and government entities. The defendants are accused of targeting trade secrets, scientific technologies and infectious-disease research.

“China firmly opposes and combats any form of cyberattacks, and will not encourage, support or condone any cyberattacks,” Zhao said.

Citing what he said was Chinese cybersecurity research, Zhao accused the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency of carrying out hacking attacks on China’s aerospace research facilities, oil industry, internet companies and government agencies over an 11-year period.

Those attacks “severely compromised” national and economic security, Zhao said.

“China once again strongly demands that the United States and its allies stop cyber theft and attacks against China, stop throwing mud at China on cybersecurity issues and withdraw the so-called prosecution,” he said. “China will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard China’s cybersecurity and interests.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration and Western allies formally blamed China on Monday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-politics-national-security-hacking-email-4813d462835dcf54cd1397adb94d468b">for a massive hack of Microsoft Exchange email server software</a>&nbsp;and asserted that criminal hackers associated with the Chinese government have carried out ransomware and other illicit cyber operations.

The announcements, though not accompanied by sanctions against the Chinese government, were intended as a forceful condemnation of activities a senior Biden administration official described as part of a “pattern of irresponsible behavior in cyberspace.” They highlighted the ongoing threat from Chinese hackers even as the administration remains consumed with trying to curb ransomware attacks from Russia-based syndicates that have targeted critical infrastructure.

The broad range of cyberthreats from Beijing disclosed on Monday included a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-joe-biden-europe-business-government-and-politics-cd21d84b5fd070421f871610b40e91d0">ransomware attack</a>&nbsp;from government-affiliated hackers that has targeted victims — including in the U.S. — with demands for millions of dollars. U.S officials also alleged that criminal contract hackers associated with China’s Ministry of State Security have engaged in cyber extortion schemes and theft for their own profit.

Meanwhile, the Justice Department on Monday announced charges against four Chinese nationals who prosecutors said were working with the MSS in a hacking campaign that targeted dozens of computer systems, including companies, universities and government entities. The defendants are accused of stealing trade secrets and confidential business information.

Unlike in April,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ap-top-news-moscow-coronavirus-pandemic-elections-4c368f4734d5d1c5938645aa09641c79">when public finger-pointing of Russian hacking&nbsp;</a>was paired with a raft of sanctions against Moscow, the Biden administration did not announce any actions against Beijing. Nonetheless, a senior administration official who briefed reporters said that the U.S. has confronted senior Chinese officials and that the White House regards the multination shaming as sending an important message.

President Joe Biden told reporters “the investigation’s not finished,” and White House press secretary Jen Psaki did not rule out consequences for China, saying, “This is not the conclusion of our efforts as it relates to cyber activities with China or Russia.”

Even without fresh sanctions, Monday’s actions are likely to exacerbate tensions with China at a delicate time. Just last week, the U.S. issued separate stark warnings against transactions with entities that operate in China’s western Xinjiang region, where China is accused of repressing Uyghur Muslims and other minorities.

Then on Friday, the administration advised American firms of the deteriorating investment and commercial environment in Hong Kong, where China has been cracking down on democratic freedoms it had pledged to respect in the former British colony.

The European Union and Britain also called out China. The EU said malicious cyber activities with “significant effects” that targeted government institutions, political organizations and key industries in the bloc’s 27 member states could be linked to Chinese hacking groups. The U.K.’s National Cyber Security Centre said the groups targeted maritime industries and naval defense contractors in the U.S. and Europe and the Finnish parliament.

In a statement, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the hacking was “conducted from the territory of China for the purpose of intellectual property theft and espionage.”

The Microsoft Exchange cyberattack “by Chinese state-backed groups was a reckless but familiar pattern of behaviour,” U.K. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said.

NATO, in its first public condemnation of China for hacking activities, called on Beijing to uphold its international commitments and obligations “and to act responsibly in the international system, including in cyberspace.” The alliance said it was determined to “actively deter, defend against and counter the full spectrum of cyber threats.”

That hackers affiliated with the Ministry of State Security were engaged in ransomware was surprising and concerning to the U.S. government, the senior administration official said. But the attack, in which an unidentified American company received a high-dollar ransom demand, also gave U.S. officials new insight into what the official said was “the kind of aggressive behavior that we’re seeing coming out of China.”

The majority of the most damaging and high-profile recent ransomware attacks have involved Russian criminal gangs. Though the U.S. has sometimes seen connections between Russian intelligence agencies and individual hackers, the use of criminal contract hackers by the Chinese government “to conduct unsanctioned cyber operations globally is distinct,” the official said.

Dmitri Alperovitch, the former chief technology officer of the cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike, said the announcement makes clear that MSS contractors who for years have worked for the government and conducted operations on their behalf have over time decided — either with the approval or the “blind eye of their bosses” — to ”start moonlighting and engaging in other activities that could put money in their pockets.”

The Microsoft Exchange hack that months ago compromised tens of thousands of computers around the world was swiftly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-email-89a61f711e14e51dc9f5b74ffe9c2ebf">attributed to Chinese cyber spies</a>&nbsp;by private sector groups. An administration official said the government’s attribution to hackers affiliated with the Ministry of State Security took until now in part because of the discovery of the ransomware and for-profit hacking operations and because the administration wanted to pair the announcement with guidance for businesses about tactics that the Chinese have been using.

Given the scope of the attack, Alperovitch said it was “puzzling” that the U.S. avoided sanctions.

“They certainly deserve it, and at this point, it’s becoming a glaring standout that we have not,” he said.

He added, in a reference to a large Russian cyberespionage operation discovered late last year, “There’s no question that the Exchange hacks have been more reckless, more dangerous and more disruptive than anything the Russians have done in SolarWinds.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately return an email seeking comment Monday. But a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson has previously deflected blame for the Microsoft Exchange hack, saying that China “firmly opposes and combats cyber attacks and cyber theft in all forms” and cautioning that attribution of cyberattacks should be based on evidence and not “groundless accusations.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626782148821.png" alt="The<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/four-chinese-nationals-working-ministry-state-security-charged-global-computer-intrusion">&nbsp;Justice Department announced charges</a>&nbsp;against four Chinese nationals who prosecutors said worked with the MSS to target computers at companies, universities and government entities. The defendants are accused of targeting trade secrets, scientific technologies and infectious-disease research. Image U.S. Department of Justice, FBI" />
 <figcaption>The<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/four-chinese-nationals-working-ministry-state-security-charged-global-computer-intrusion">&nbsp;Justice Department announced charges</a>&nbsp;against four Chinese nationals who prosecutors said worked with the MSS to target computers at companies, universities and government entities. The defendants are accused of targeting trade secrets, scientific technologies and infectious-disease research. Image U.S. Department of Justice, FBI</figcaption>
 </figure>BEIJING (AP) — China rejected an accusation by the Biden administration and Western allies this week that Beijing is to blame for a hack of the Microsoft Exchange email system and complained Chinese entities are victims of damaging U.S. cyberattacks.A foreign ministry spokesman demanded Washington drop charges announced Monday against four Chinese nationals accused of working with the Ministry of State Security to try to steal U.S. trade secrets, technology and disease research.The announcement that the Biden administration and European allies formally blame Chinese government-linked hackers for ransomware attacks increased pressure over long-running complaints against Beijing but included no sanctions.“The United States ganged up with its allies to make unwarranted accusations against Chinese cybersecurity,” said the spokesman, Zhao Lijian. “This was made up out of thin air and confused right and wrong. It is purely a smear and suppression with political motives.”“China will never accept this,” Zhao said, though he gave no indication of possible retaliation.China is a leader in cyberwarfare research along with the United States and Russia, but Beijing denies accusations that Chinese hackers steal trade secrets and technology. Security experts say the military and security ministry also sponsor hackers outside the government.On Monday, U.S. authorities said government-affiliated hackers targeted American and other victims with demands for millions of dollars. Officials alleged contract hackers associated with the MSS engaged in extortion schemes and theft for their own profit.Microsoft Corp. blamed Chinese spies for the Microsoft Exchange attack that compromised tens of thousands of computers around the world. The British foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, on Monday called that “a reckless but familiar pattern of behavior.”Also Monday, the<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/four-chinese-nationals-working-ministry-state-security-charged-global-computer-intrusion"> Justice Department announced charges</a> against four Chinese nationals who prosecutors said worked with the MSS to target computers at companies, universities and government entities. The defendants are accused of targeting trade secrets, scientific technologies and infectious-disease research.“China firmly opposes and combats any form of cyberattacks, and will not encourage, support or condone any cyberattacks,” Zhao said.Citing what he said was Chinese cybersecurity research, Zhao accused the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency of carrying out hacking attacks on China’s aerospace research facilities, oil industry, internet companies and government agencies over an 11-year period.Those attacks “severely compromised” national and economic security, Zhao said.“China once again strongly demands that the United States and its allies stop cyber theft and attacks against China, stop throwing mud at China on cybersecurity issues and withdraw the so-called prosecution,” he said. “China will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard China’s cybersecurity and interests.”-------WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration and Western allies formally blamed China on Monday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-politics-national-security-hacking-email-4813d462835dcf54cd1397adb94d468b">for a massive hack of Microsoft Exchange email server software</a>&nbsp;and asserted that criminal hackers associated with the Chinese government have carried out ransomware and other illicit cyber operations.The announcements, though not accompanied by sanctions against the Chinese government, were intended as a forceful condemnation of activities a senior Biden administration official described as part of a “pattern of irresponsible behavior in cyberspace.” They highlighted the ongoing threat from Chinese hackers even as the administration remains consumed with trying to curb ransomware attacks from Russia-based syndicates that have targeted critical infrastructure.The broad range of cyberthreats from Beijing disclosed on Monday included a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-joe-biden-europe-business-government-and-politics-cd21d84b5fd070421f871610b40e91d0">ransomware attack</a>&nbsp;from government-affiliated hackers that has targeted victims — including in the U.S. — with demands for millions of dollars. U.S officials also alleged that criminal contract hackers associated with China’s Ministry of State Security have engaged in cyber extortion schemes and theft for their own profit.Meanwhile, the Justice Department on Monday announced charges against four Chinese nationals who prosecutors said were working with the MSS in a hacking campaign that targeted dozens of computer systems, including companies, universities and government entities. The defendants are accused of stealing trade secrets and confidential business information.Unlike in April,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ap-top-news-moscow-coronavirus-pandemic-elections-4c368f4734d5d1c5938645aa09641c79">when public finger-pointing of Russian hacking&nbsp;</a>was paired with a raft of sanctions against Moscow, the Biden administration did not announce any actions against Beijing. Nonetheless, a senior administration official who briefed reporters said that the U.S. has confronted senior Chinese officials and that the White House regards the multination shaming as sending an important message.President Joe Biden told reporters “the investigation’s not finished,” and White House press secretary Jen Psaki did not rule out consequences for China, saying, “This is not the conclusion of our efforts as it relates to cyber activities with China or Russia.”Even without fresh sanctions, Monday’s actions are likely to exacerbate tensions with China at a delicate time. Just last week, the U.S. issued separate stark warnings against transactions with entities that operate in China’s western Xinjiang region, where China is accused of repressing Uyghur Muslims and other minorities.Then on Friday, the administration advised American firms of the deteriorating investment and commercial environment in Hong Kong, where China has been cracking down on democratic freedoms it had pledged to respect in the former British colony.The European Union and Britain also called out China. The EU said malicious cyber activities with “significant effects” that targeted government institutions, political organizations and key industries in the bloc’s 27 member states could be linked to Chinese hacking groups. The U.K.’s National Cyber Security Centre said the groups targeted maritime industries and naval defense contractors in the U.S. and Europe and the Finnish parliament.In a statement, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the hacking was “conducted from the territory of China for the purpose of intellectual property theft and espionage.”The Microsoft Exchange cyberattack “by Chinese state-backed groups was a reckless but familiar pattern of behaviour,” U.K. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said.NATO, in its first public condemnation of China for hacking activities, called on Beijing to uphold its international commitments and obligations “and to act responsibly in the international system, including in cyberspace.” The alliance said it was determined to “actively deter, defend against and counter the full spectrum of cyber threats.”That hackers affiliated with the Ministry of State Security were engaged in ransomware was surprising and concerning to the U.S. government, the senior administration official said. But the attack, in which an unidentified American company received a high-dollar ransom demand, also gave U.S. officials new insight into what the official said was “the kind of aggressive behavior that we’re seeing coming out of China.”The majority of the most damaging and high-profile recent ransomware attacks have involved Russian criminal gangs. Though the U.S. has sometimes seen connections between Russian intelligence agencies and individual hackers, the use of criminal contract hackers by the Chinese government “to conduct unsanctioned cyber operations globally is distinct,” the official said.Dmitri Alperovitch, the former chief technology officer of the cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike, said the announcement makes clear that MSS contractors who for years have worked for the government and conducted operations on their behalf have over time decided — either with the approval or the “blind eye of their bosses” — to ”start moonlighting and engaging in other activities that could put money in their pockets.”The Microsoft Exchange hack that months ago compromised tens of thousands of computers around the world was swiftly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-email-89a61f711e14e51dc9f5b74ffe9c2ebf">attributed to Chinese cyber spies</a>&nbsp;by private sector groups. An administration official said the government’s attribution to hackers affiliated with the Ministry of State Security took until now in part because of the discovery of the ransomware and for-profit hacking operations and because the administration wanted to pair the announcement with guidance for businesses about tactics that the Chinese have been using.Given the scope of the attack, Alperovitch said it was “puzzling” that the U.S. avoided sanctions.“They certainly deserve it, and at this point, it’s becoming a glaring standout that we have not,” he said.He added, in a reference to a large Russian cyberespionage operation discovered late last year, “There’s no question that the Exchange hacks have been more reckless, more dangerous and more disruptive than anything the Russians have done in SolarWinds.A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately return an email seeking comment Monday. But a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson has previously deflected blame for the Microsoft Exchange hack, saying that China “firmly opposes and combats cyber attacks and cyber theft in all forms” and cautioning that attribution of cyberattacks should be based on evidence and not “groundless accusations.”

US, China battle over hack of Microsoft Exchange email

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINA —Multiple charges have been requested for a Salina teen, including battery of a law enforcement officer, after an alleged incident Tuesday afternoon.

Just before 3p.m., an officer was dispatched to Saint Francis Ministries, 509 E. Elm in Salina for the report of a 15-year-old girl damaging cars there, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

 When the officer arrived, she saw the teen throwing rocks at a silver 2021 Chevrolet Impala owned by Saint Francis Ministries.

The officer told the girl to stop, but instead, the girl ran. After a short distance, the officer caught up with the girl, who then allegedly hit the officer in the chest, knocking off her body camera, Forrester said. The girl then allegedly stomped on the body camera.

The girl was taken into custody and transported to Salina Regional Health Center, where she was admitted, Forrester said. The girl allegedly spit on an officer and a nurse at the hospital, he added. The teen faces charges of Felony damage to property, Two counts of battery of a law enforcement officer, Battery, Interference with a law enforcement officer

The Impala sustained more than $1,000 in damage, including a broken window and dents, Forrester said

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626365294084.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINA —Multiple charges have been requested for a Salina teen, including battery of a law enforcement officer, after an alleged incident Tuesday afternoon.Just before 3p.m., an officer was dispatched to Saint Francis Ministries, 509 E. Elm in Salina for the report of a 15-year-old girl damaging cars there, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. When the officer arrived, she saw the teen throwing rocks at a silver 2021 Chevrolet Impala owned by Saint Francis Ministries.The officer told the girl to stop, but instead, the girl ran. After a short distance, the officer caught up with the girl, who then allegedly hit the officer in the chest, knocking off her body camera, Forrester said. The girl then allegedly stomped on the body camera.The girl was taken into custody and transported to Salina Regional Health Center, where she was admitted, Forrester said. The girl allegedly spit on an officer and a nurse at the hospital, he added. The teen faces charges of Felony damage to property, Two counts of battery of a law enforcement officer, Battery, Interference with a law enforcement officerThe Impala sustained more than $1,000 in damage, including a broken window and dents, Forrester said

Police: Kan. teen hits officer, stomps on body camera

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and partners in non-profit 
organizations, churches, community groups and others will host 
additional events in several cities this weekend to help eligible 
families register for the monthly Advance Child Tax Credit (AdvCTC) 
payments.

The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/advance-child-tax-credit-free-tax-prep-days">special events</a>
 on July 23-24, 2021, will be hosted by IRS and partner groups to help 
people file income tax returns and register for the advance payments. 
Events will be held in Birmingham, Alabama; Bronx, New York; Charlotte, 
North Carolina; Chicago, Illinois; Cleveland, Ohio; Dallas, Texas; 
Indianapolis, Indiana; Memphis, Tennessee; Minneapolis/St. Paul, 
Minnesota; Newark, New Jersey; New Haven, Connecticut; Oklahoma City, 
Oklahoma; Paterson, New Jersey; Riverside, California; Seattle, 
Washington; and Tampa, Florida.

With the help of a new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool">Non-filer Sign-up Tool</a>
 on the IRS website, volunteers and IRS employees will assist eligible 
individuals and families get these important tax credits and benefits. 
This tool, an update of last year's IRS Non-Filers tool, is also 
designed to help individuals register for the $1,400 third round of 
Economic Impact Payments (also known as stimulus checks) and claim the 
Recovery Rebate Credit for any amount of the first two rounds of 
Economic Impact Payments they may have missed. Individuals do not need 
to have children to attend these events and sign up for Economic Impact 
Payments.

This is part of a larger effort underway at the IRS to reach people 
eligible for the payments and other credits. The IRS also continues 
working with partner groups across the country, both inside and outside 
of the tax community, to share information and raise awareness. These 
activities and events are in addition to this special weekend of 
activities.

This is part of a wider effort to raise awareness of the expanded 
Child Tax Credit. The IRS also encourages its partners to use available <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">online tools and toolkits</a>
 to help non-filers, low-income families and other underserved groups 
sign up to receive the AdvCTC. 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>.

For this weekend's events, people are encouraged to have the 
following information when they come to one of these events: (1) Social 
Security numbers for their children, (2) Social Security numbers or Tax 
Identification Numbers for themselves and their spouse, (3) a reliable 
mailing address, (4) an e-mail address, and (5) their bank account 
information if they want to receive their payment by direct deposit.

Some tax credits, such as the Child Tax Credit (CTC), are 
"refundable," meaning that even if taxpayers don't owe income tax, the 
IRS will issue them a refund if they're eligible; but they must file a 
tax return or register with the new Non-filer Sign-up Tool to receive 
it. Some people who haven't filed a 2020 tax return yet are also 
eligible for the $1,400 per person Economic Impact Payments and the 
Recovery Rebate Credit.

The first monthly payments of the expanded and newly-advanceable CTC 
from the American Rescue Plan were made on July 15, and will be sent 
monthly through Dec 15. Most families began receiving monthly payments 
without any additional action. Eligible families will receive a payment 
of up to $300 per month for each child under age 6, and up to $250 per 
month for each child ages 6 to 17.

People who need to file a 2020 federal income tax return, but are 
unable to attend one of these events, may be able to prepare and file 
their own federal income tax online using IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> if their income is $72,000 or less.

People who don't need to file a 2020 federal tax return can also use the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool">Non-filer Sign-up Tool</a> to register to receive the advance CTC payments, the third round of the Economic Impact Payment and the Recovery Rebate Credit.

The IRS encourages people to request payments via direct deposit, 
which is faster and more secure than other payment methods. People who 
don't have a bank account should visit the <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/about/initiatives/getbanked/index.html">Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation</a> website for details on opening an account online. They can also use the FDIC's <a href="https://banks.data.fdic.gov/bankfind-suite/bankfind">BankFind</a> tool to locate an FDIC-insured bank.

Finally, <a href="https://covidbanking.joinbankon.org/">BankOn</a>, <a href="https://www.aba.com/advocacy/community-programs/consumer-resources/manage-your-money/choosing-safe-affordable-account">American Bankers Association</a>, <a href="https://www.icba.org/about/find-a-community-bank/open-a-bank-account-remotely">Independent Community Bankers of America</a> and <a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">National Credit Union Administration</a> have lists of banks and credit unions that can open an account online. Veterans can see the <a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/banking.asp">Veterans Benefits Banking Program</a> for financial services at participating banks.

The expanded and newly-advanceable Child Tax Credit was authorized by
 the American Rescue Plan Act, enacted in March. Normally, the IRS will 
calculate the payment based on a family's 2020 tax return, including 
those who use the Non-filer Sign-up Tool. If that return is not 
available because it has not yet been filed or is still being processed,
 the IRS will instead determine the initial payment amounts using the 
2019 return or the information entered using the Non-filers tool that 
was available in 2020.

To make sure families have easy access to their money, the IRS is 
issuing these payments by direct deposit, as long as correct banking 
information has previously been provided to the IRS. Otherwise, people 
should watch their mail for their mailed payment.

To learn more about advance CTC payments, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a> or see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-frequently-asked-questions">FAQs on the 2021 Child Tax Credit and Advance Child Tax Credit Payments</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and partners in non-profit 
organizations, churches, community groups and others will host 
additional events in several cities this weekend to help eligible 
families register for the monthly Advance Child Tax Credit (AdvCTC) 
payments.The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/advance-child-tax-credit-free-tax-prep-days">special events</a>
 on July 23-24, 2021, will be hosted by IRS and partner groups to help 
people file income tax returns and register for the advance payments. 
Events will be held in Birmingham, Alabama; Bronx, New York; Charlotte, 
North Carolina; Chicago, Illinois; Cleveland, Ohio; Dallas, Texas; 
Indianapolis, Indiana; Memphis, Tennessee; Minneapolis/St. Paul, 
Minnesota; Newark, New Jersey; New Haven, Connecticut; Oklahoma City, 
Oklahoma; Paterson, New Jersey; Riverside, California; Seattle, 
Washington; and Tampa, Florida.With the help of a new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool">Non-filer Sign-up Tool</a>
 on the IRS website, volunteers and IRS employees will assist eligible 
individuals and families get these important tax credits and benefits. 
This tool, an update of last year's IRS Non-Filers tool, is also 
designed to help individuals register for the $1,400 third round of 
Economic Impact Payments (also known as stimulus checks) and claim the 
Recovery Rebate Credit for any amount of the first two rounds of 
Economic Impact Payments they may have missed. Individuals do not need 
to have children to attend these events and sign up for Economic Impact 
Payments.This is part of a larger effort underway at the IRS to reach people 
eligible for the payments and other credits. The IRS also continues 
working with partner groups across the country, both inside and outside 
of the tax community, to share information and raise awareness. These 
activities and events are in addition to this special weekend of 
activities.This is part of a wider effort to raise awareness of the expanded 
Child Tax Credit. The IRS also encourages its partners to use available <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">online tools and toolkits</a>
 to help non-filers, low-income families and other underserved groups 
sign up to receive the AdvCTC. 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>.For this weekend's events, people are encouraged to have the 
following information when they come to one of these events: (1) Social 
Security numbers for their children, (2) Social Security numbers or Tax 
Identification Numbers for themselves and their spouse, (3) a reliable 
mailing address, (4) an e-mail address, and (5) their bank account 
information if they want to receive their payment by direct deposit.Some tax credits, such as the Child Tax Credit (CTC), are 
"refundable," meaning that even if taxpayers don't owe income tax, the 
IRS will issue them a refund if they're eligible; but they must file a 
tax return or register with the new Non-filer Sign-up Tool to receive 
it. Some people who haven't filed a 2020 tax return yet are also 
eligible for the $1,400 per person Economic Impact Payments and the 
Recovery Rebate Credit.The first monthly payments of the expanded and newly-advanceable CTC 
from the American Rescue Plan were made on July 15, and will be sent 
monthly through Dec 15. Most families began receiving monthly payments 
without any additional action. Eligible families will receive a payment 
of up to $300 per month for each child under age 6, and up to $250 per 
month for each child ages 6 to 17.People who need to file a 2020 federal income tax return, but are 
unable to attend one of these events, may be able to prepare and file 
their own federal income tax online using IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> if their income is $72,000 or less.People who don't need to file a 2020 federal tax return can also use the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool">Non-filer Sign-up Tool</a> to register to receive the advance CTC payments, the third round of the Economic Impact Payment and the Recovery Rebate Credit.The IRS encourages people to request payments via direct deposit, 
which is faster and more secure than other payment methods. People who 
don't have a bank account should visit the <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/about/initiatives/getbanked/index.html">Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation</a> website for details on opening an account online. They can also use the FDIC's <a href="https://banks.data.fdic.gov/bankfind-suite/bankfind">BankFind</a> tool to locate an FDIC-insured bank.Finally, <a href="https://covidbanking.joinbankon.org/">BankOn</a>, <a href="https://www.aba.com/advocacy/community-programs/consumer-resources/manage-your-money/choosing-safe-affordable-account">American Bankers Association</a>, <a href="https://www.icba.org/about/find-a-community-bank/open-a-bank-account-remotely">Independent Community Bankers of America</a> and <a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">National Credit Union Administration</a> have lists of banks and credit unions that can open an account online. Veterans can see the <a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/banking.asp">Veterans Benefits Banking Program</a> for financial services at participating banks.<h2>About the advance Child Tax Credit</h2>The expanded and newly-advanceable Child Tax Credit was authorized by
 the American Rescue Plan Act, enacted in March. Normally, the IRS will 
calculate the payment based on a family's 2020 tax return, including 
those who use the Non-filer Sign-up Tool. If that return is not 
available because it has not yet been filed or is still being processed,
 the IRS will instead determine the initial payment amounts using the 
2019 return or the information entered using the Non-filers tool that 
was available in 2020.To make sure families have easy access to their money, the IRS is 
issuing these payments by direct deposit, as long as correct banking 
information has previously been provided to the IRS. Otherwise, people 
should watch their mail for their mailed payment.To learn more about advance CTC payments, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a> or see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-frequently-asked-questions">FAQs on the 2021 Child Tax Credit and Advance Child Tax Credit Payments</a>.

Events throughout US to help families get COVID stimulus, Child Tax Credit payments

News Release Department of Justice

BROOKLYN, NY – A seven-count indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Thomas Joseph Barrack, Matthew Grimes, and Rashid Sultan Rashid Al Malik Alshahhi, also known as “Rashid Al Malik” and “Rashid Al‑Malik,” a citizen of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with acting and conspiring to act as agents of the UAE between April 2016 and April 2018.&nbsp; The indictment charges conduct relating to the defendants’ unlawful efforts to advance the interests of the UAE in the United States at the direction of senior UAE officials by influencing the foreign policy positions of the campaign of a candidate (the “Candidate”) in the 2016 United States Presidential Election (the “Campaign”) and, subsequently, the foreign policy positions of the United States government in the incoming administration, as well as seeking to influence public opinion in favor of UAE interests.&nbsp; The indictment also charges Barrack with obstruction of justice and making multiple false statements during a June 20, 2019 interview with federal law enforcement agents.

Barrack and Grimes were arrested this morning in California and are scheduled to make their initial appearances this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Patricia Donahue at the federal courthouse in Los Angeles.&nbsp; Alshahhi remains at large.

Jacquelyn M. Kasulis, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Mark J. Lesko, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrests and indictment.

“As alleged, the defendants, using their positions of power and influence in a presidential election year, engaged in a conspiracy to illegally advance and promote the interests of the United Arab Emirates in this country, in flagrant violation of their obligation to notify the Attorney General of their activities and in derogation of the American people’s right to know when a foreign government seeks to influence the policies of our government and our public opinion,” stated Acting United States Attorney Kasulis.&nbsp; “These arrests serve as a warning to those who act at the direction of foreign governments without disclosing their actions, as well as those who seek to mislead investigators about their actions, that they will be brought to justice and face the consequences.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ms. Kasulis expressed her appreciation to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado and the FBI’s Los Angeles and Denver Field Offices for their assistance.

“The defendants repeatedly capitalized on Barrack’s friendships and access to a candidate who was eventually elected President, high-ranking campaign and government officials, and the American media to advance the policy goals of a foreign government without disclosing their true allegiances,” stated Acting Assistant Attorney General Lesko.&nbsp; “The conduct alleged in the indictment is nothing short of a betrayal of those officials in the United States, including the former President.&nbsp; Through this indictment, we are putting everyone—regardless of their wealth or perceived political power—on notice that the Department of Justice will enforce the prohibition of this sort of undisclosed foreign influence.”&nbsp;

“American citizens have a right to know when foreign governments, or their agents, are attempting to exert influence on our government.&nbsp; This is especially important to Americans during a Presidential election year, and the laws on the books were created to protect our nation from such untoward influence.&nbsp; This case is about secret attempts to influence our highest officials, and when that corrupt behavior was discovered, we allege Mr. Barrack went even further, obstructing and lying to FBI special agents. In case it needs repeating, each of those bad choices is a federal felony, and each now comes with significant consequences - the first being today's indictment,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.&nbsp;

Between April 2016 and November 2016, Barrack served as an informal advisor to the Campaign of the Candidate in the 2016 United States Presidential Election.&nbsp; Between November 2016 and January 2017, Barrack served as Chairman of the Presidential Inaugural Committee.&nbsp; Beginning in January 2017, Barrack informally advised senior United States government officials on issues related to United States foreign policy in the Middle East.&nbsp; Barrack also sought appointment to a senior role in the United States government, including the role of Special Envoy to the Middle East.&nbsp; Barrack served as the Executive Chairman of a global investment management firm headquartered in Los Angeles, and Grimes was employed at the firm and reported directly to Barrack.&nbsp;During the relevant time period, Alshahhi worked as an agent of the UAE and was in frequent contact with Barrack and Grimes, including numerous in-person meetings in the United States and the UAE.&nbsp;

As alleged in the indictment, the defendants used Barrack’s status as a senior outside advisor to the Campaign and, subsequently, to senior United States government officials, to advance the interests of and provide intelligence to the UAE while simultaneously failing to notify the Attorney General that their actions were taken at the direction of senior UAE officials.&nbsp; Barrack – directly and through Alshahhi and Grimes – was regularly and repeatedly in contact with the senior leadership of the UAE government.&nbsp; On multiple occasions, Barrack referred to Alshahhi as the UAE’s “secret weapon” to advance its foreign policy agenda in the United States.

Barrack, Alshahhi and Grimes allegedly took numerous steps in the United States to advance the interests of the UAE.&nbsp; For example, in May 2016, Barrack inserted language praising the UAE into a Campaign speech to be delivered by the Candidate about United States energy policy in May 2016 and emailed an advance draft of the speech to Alshahhi for delivery to senior UAE officials.&nbsp; Similarly, throughout 2016 and 2017, the defendants sought and received direction and feedback, including talking points, from senior UAE officials in connection with national press appearances Barrack used to promote the interests of the UAE.&nbsp; After one appearance in which Barrack repeatedly praised the United Arab Emirates, Barrack emailed Alshahhi, “I nailed it. . . for the home team,” referring to the UAE.&nbsp; Barrack and Grimes also solicited direction from senior UAE officials in advance of the publication of an Op-Ed authored by Barrack and published in a national magazine in October 2016 and removed certain language at the direction of senior UAE officials, as relayed by Alshahhi.

Following the 2016 United States Presidential Election, the defendants repeatedly acted at the direction of UAE officials to influence the foreign policy positions of the incoming administration in favor of UAE interests.&nbsp; For example, in December 2016, Barrack met with Grimes, Alshahhi and senior UAE government officials, during which he advised them to create a “wish list” of U.S. foreign policy items that the UAE wanted accomplished in the first 100 days, six months, year and four years of the incoming administration of the United States President-Elect.

In March 2017, Barrack and his co-defendants agreed to promote the candidacy of an individual favored by senior UAE officials for the position of United States Ambassador to the UAE.&nbsp; In May 2017, Barrack agreed to provide Alshahhi with non-public information about the views and reactions of senior United States government officials following a White House meeting between senior United States officials and senior UAE officials.&nbsp;

In September 2017, Alshahhi communicated with Barrack about the opposition of the UAE to a proposed summit at Camp David to address an ongoing dispute between the State of Qatar, the UAE and other Middle Eastern governments, after which Barrack sought to advise the President of the United States against holding the Camp David summit.&nbsp; The summit never happened.

In furtherance of the alleged criminal conspiracy and conduct, Barrack and Grimes, with the assistance of Alshahhi, acquired a dedicated cellular telephone and installed a secure messaging application to facilitate Barrack’s communications with senior UAE officials.

Neither Alshahhi, nor Barrack nor Grimes provided the required notification to the United States Attorney General that they were acting in the United States as agents of a foreign government.

On June 20, 2019, Barrack voluntarily met with FBI special agents.&nbsp; During the interview, Barrack allegedly made numerous false statements, including falsely denying that Alshahhi had ever requested that he take any actions on behalf of the UAE.

The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section.&nbsp; Assistant United States Attorneys Nathan Reilly, Ryan Harris, Samuel Nitze and Hiral Mehta of the Eastern District of New York and Trial Attorney Matthew McKenzie from the Justice Department’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are in charge of the prosecution.

RASHID SULTAN RASHID AL MALIK ALSHAHHI (also known as “Rashid Al Malik” and “Rashid Al‑Malik”) Age:&nbsp; 43 United Arab Emirates

THOMAS JOSEPH BARRACK Age:&nbsp; 74 Santa Monica, California

MATTHEW GRIMES Age:&nbsp; 27 Aspen, Colorado

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573580132637.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Department of JusticeBROOKLYN, NY – A seven-count indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Thomas Joseph Barrack, Matthew Grimes, and Rashid Sultan Rashid Al Malik Alshahhi, also known as “Rashid Al Malik” and “Rashid Al‑Malik,” a citizen of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with acting and conspiring to act as agents of the UAE between April 2016 and April 2018.&nbsp; The indictment charges conduct relating to the defendants’ unlawful efforts to advance the interests of the UAE in the United States at the direction of senior UAE officials by influencing the foreign policy positions of the campaign of a candidate (the “Candidate”) in the 2016 United States Presidential Election (the “Campaign”) and, subsequently, the foreign policy positions of the United States government in the incoming administration, as well as seeking to influence public opinion in favor of UAE interests.&nbsp; The indictment also charges Barrack with obstruction of justice and making multiple false statements during a June 20, 2019 interview with federal law enforcement agents.Barrack and Grimes were arrested this morning in California and are scheduled to make their initial appearances this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Patricia Donahue at the federal courthouse in Los Angeles.&nbsp; Alshahhi remains at large.Jacquelyn M. Kasulis, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Mark J. Lesko, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrests and indictment.“As alleged, the defendants, using their positions of power and influence in a presidential election year, engaged in a conspiracy to illegally advance and promote the interests of the United Arab Emirates in this country, in flagrant violation of their obligation to notify the Attorney General of their activities and in derogation of the American people’s right to know when a foreign government seeks to influence the policies of our government and our public opinion,” stated Acting United States Attorney Kasulis.&nbsp; “These arrests serve as a warning to those who act at the direction of foreign governments without disclosing their actions, as well as those who seek to mislead investigators about their actions, that they will be brought to justice and face the consequences.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Ms. Kasulis expressed her appreciation to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado and the FBI’s Los Angeles and Denver Field Offices for their assistance.“The defendants repeatedly capitalized on Barrack’s friendships and access to a candidate who was eventually elected President, high-ranking campaign and government officials, and the American media to advance the policy goals of a foreign government without disclosing their true allegiances,” stated Acting Assistant Attorney General Lesko.&nbsp; “The conduct alleged in the indictment is nothing short of a betrayal of those officials in the United States, including the former President.&nbsp; Through this indictment, we are putting everyone—regardless of their wealth or perceived political power—on notice that the Department of Justice will enforce the prohibition of this sort of undisclosed foreign influence.”&nbsp;“American citizens have a right to know when foreign governments, or their agents, are attempting to exert influence on our government.&nbsp; This is especially important to Americans during a Presidential election year, and the laws on the books were created to protect our nation from such untoward influence.&nbsp; This case is about secret attempts to influence our highest officials, and when that corrupt behavior was discovered, we allege Mr. Barrack went even further, obstructing and lying to FBI special agents. In case it needs repeating, each of those bad choices is a federal felony, and each now comes with significant consequences - the first being today's indictment,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.&nbsp;Between April 2016 and November 2016, Barrack served as an informal advisor to the Campaign of the Candidate in the 2016 United States Presidential Election.&nbsp; Between November 2016 and January 2017, Barrack served as Chairman of the Presidential Inaugural Committee.&nbsp; Beginning in January 2017, Barrack informally advised senior United States government officials on issues related to United States foreign policy in the Middle East.&nbsp; Barrack also sought appointment to a senior role in the United States government, including the role of Special Envoy to the Middle East.&nbsp; Barrack served as the Executive Chairman of a global investment management firm headquartered in Los Angeles, and Grimes was employed at the firm and reported directly to Barrack.&nbsp;During the relevant time period, Alshahhi worked as an agent of the UAE and was in frequent contact with Barrack and Grimes, including numerous in-person meetings in the United States and the UAE.&nbsp;As alleged in the indictment, the defendants used Barrack’s status as a senior outside advisor to the Campaign and, subsequently, to senior United States government officials, to advance the interests of and provide intelligence to the UAE while simultaneously failing to notify the Attorney General that their actions were taken at the direction of senior UAE officials.&nbsp; Barrack – directly and through Alshahhi and Grimes – was regularly and repeatedly in contact with the senior leadership of the UAE government.&nbsp; On multiple occasions, Barrack referred to Alshahhi as the UAE’s “secret weapon” to advance its foreign policy agenda in the United States.Barrack, Alshahhi and Grimes allegedly took numerous steps in the United States to advance the interests of the UAE.&nbsp; For example, in May 2016, Barrack inserted language praising the UAE into a Campaign speech to be delivered by the Candidate about United States energy policy in May 2016 and emailed an advance draft of the speech to Alshahhi for delivery to senior UAE officials.&nbsp; Similarly, throughout 2016 and 2017, the defendants sought and received direction and feedback, including talking points, from senior UAE officials in connection with national press appearances Barrack used to promote the interests of the UAE.&nbsp; After one appearance in which Barrack repeatedly praised the United Arab Emirates, Barrack emailed Alshahhi, “I nailed it. . . for the home team,” referring to the UAE.&nbsp; Barrack and Grimes also solicited direction from senior UAE officials in advance of the publication of an Op-Ed authored by Barrack and published in a national magazine in October 2016 and removed certain language at the direction of senior UAE officials, as relayed by Alshahhi.Following the 2016 United States Presidential Election, the defendants repeatedly acted at the direction of UAE officials to influence the foreign policy positions of the incoming administration in favor of UAE interests.&nbsp; For example, in December 2016, Barrack met with Grimes, Alshahhi and senior UAE government officials, during which he advised them to create a “wish list” of U.S. foreign policy items that the UAE wanted accomplished in the first 100 days, six months, year and four years of the incoming administration of the United States President-Elect.In March 2017, Barrack and his co-defendants agreed to promote the candidacy of an individual favored by senior UAE officials for the position of United States Ambassador to the UAE.&nbsp; In May 2017, Barrack agreed to provide Alshahhi with non-public information about the views and reactions of senior United States government officials following a White House meeting between senior United States officials and senior UAE officials.&nbsp;In September 2017, Alshahhi communicated with Barrack about the opposition of the UAE to a proposed summit at Camp David to address an ongoing dispute between the State of Qatar, the UAE and other Middle Eastern governments, after which Barrack sought to advise the President of the United States against holding the Camp David summit.&nbsp; The summit never happened.In furtherance of the alleged criminal conspiracy and conduct, Barrack and Grimes, with the assistance of Alshahhi, acquired a dedicated cellular telephone and installed a secure messaging application to facilitate Barrack’s communications with senior UAE officials.Neither Alshahhi, nor Barrack nor Grimes provided the required notification to the United States Attorney General that they were acting in the United States as agents of a foreign government.On June 20, 2019, Barrack voluntarily met with FBI special agents.&nbsp; During the interview, Barrack allegedly made numerous false statements, including falsely denying that Alshahhi had ever requested that he take any actions on behalf of the UAE.The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section.&nbsp; Assistant United States Attorneys Nathan Reilly, Ryan Harris, Samuel Nitze and Hiral Mehta of the Eastern District of New York and Trial Attorney Matthew McKenzie from the Justice Department’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are in charge of the prosecution.The Defendants:RASHID SULTAN RASHID AL MALIK ALSHAHHI (also known as “Rashid Al Malik” and “Rashid Al‑Malik”) Age:&nbsp; 43 United Arab EmiratesTHOMAS JOSEPH BARRACK Age:&nbsp; 74 Santa Monica, CaliforniaMATTHEW GRIMES Age:&nbsp; 27 Aspen, Colorado

3 former Trump advisors accused of conspiring with United Arab Emirates

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Officials say nearly two dozen people, including several young children, living in a northwest Omaha home were treated for carbon monoxide poisoning. 

The incident happened late Tuesday night when 22 people — all members of the same family — walked into an Omaha emergency room displaying symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Among them were at least seven children under the age of 12. 

Firefighters were then sent to the home in the Irvington neighborhood, where they found toxic levels of carbon monoxide. 

Several Omaha-area fire departments and EMTs also helped transport various family members to nearby hospitals for treatment. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626882827814.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Officials say nearly two dozen people, including several young children, living in a northwest Omaha home were treated for carbon monoxide poisoning. The incident happened late Tuesday night when 22 people — all members of the same family — walked into an Omaha emergency room displaying symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Among them were at least seven children under the age of 12. Firefighters were then sent to the home in the Irvington neighborhood, where they found toxic levels of carbon monoxide. Several Omaha-area fire departments and EMTs also helped transport various family members to nearby hospitals for treatment. All are expected to recover.

22 in Omaha home treated for carbon monoxide poisoning

Former Cpl. Walton checks off Kansas on 50-state ‘No Regrets’ tour

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/07/20/kansas-officials-honor-102-year-old-world-war-ii-vet-raising-money-for-frontline-health-workers/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Sidney Walton regretted 
missing an opportunity to personally meet some of the last surviving 
Civil War veterans at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York City.

Walton, 102, is in the final stage of a 50-state “No Regrets” tour to
 offer people a chance to visit with a veteran of World War II and to 
raise money for charity. The former U.S. Army corporal started the 
nationwide mission in 2018. Kansas was his 39th state on the U.S. road 
trip.

During a visit to the Kansas Capitol, Gov. Laura Kelly presented 
Walton a state flag as well as a coin decorated with an image of ruby 
red slippers worn by Dorothy in the film “Wizard of the Oz.” In 
response, Walton gave the governor a cap commemorating his whistle-stop 
visits of the state capitols.

Maj. Gen. David Weishaar, of the Kansas Air National guard, shared 
appreciation for Walton’s decision to join the U.S. Army eight months 
before Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Walton became a medical 
technician in the 34th Infantry, 8th Division and was posted in India 
during the war. He remained in the Army for five years until the war’s 
end.

“Thank you very much for your continued service to the nation and 
remarkable service in World War II. May you continue that service to the
 nation throughout the rest of your life,” Weishaar said.

Walton, who was born in 1919 and lives in San Diego, said his World 
War II assignment took him far away from his preferred objective: “I 
joined the Army to fight Hitler.”

His current quest has assumed outlines of&nbsp; the campaign launched by 
Capt. Tom Moore, who was in the British Army during World War II and 
fought in Burma. Moore turned his 100th birthday into a project to raise
 contributions for charity, eventually generating $46 million for 
healthcare workers in England. He died in February.

Walton’s son, Paul, accompanies Walton on touring now dedicated to 
generating support for U.S. nurses engaged in responding to the COVID-19
 pandemic.

“Three and a half years ago,” said Paul Walton, “we set upon this 
magnificent tour called the ‘No Regrets’ tour. Because all my dad’s life
 I always heard that he regretted one thing. He had one regret.”

Turning to his dad, he asked: “You regret you did not meet Civil War 
veterans when you were young? If you could go back in time could you 
meet them?”

“Yes, right,” said Walton, who planned to spend the night in Wichita 
before heading to Oklahoma City to meet Friday with Oklahoma’s governor.

In February 2020, Walton was among four surviving World War II 
veterans who participated in the coin flip for Super Bowl LIV, a game 
won by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Paul Walton said his father was more frail than when they embarked on
 the 50-state journey, but each day of the tour was a blessing. The 
COVID-19 pandemic reduced opportunities to fly to state capitol cities, 
compelling them to travel in a vehicle elaborately decorated with 
signage noting their task.

“We are going to accomplish this mission,” he said. “Delaware, known as the first state, is going to be our last state.”

Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626871232440.png" alt="World War II veteran Sidney Walton, 102, met Tuesday with Gov. Laura Kelly at the Capitol during a 50-state tour to raise awareness and financial support for veterans and frontline nurses. Kelly presented him with a Kansas flag. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>World War II veteran Sidney Walton, 102, met Tuesday with Gov. Laura Kelly at the Capitol during a 50-state tour to raise awareness and financial support for veterans and frontline nurses. Kelly presented him with a Kansas flag. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Former Cpl. Walton checks off Kansas on 50-state ‘No Regrets’ tour</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/07/20/kansas-officials-honor-102-year-old-world-war-ii-vet-raising-money-for-frontline-health-workers/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Sidney Walton regretted 
missing an opportunity to personally meet some of the last surviving 
Civil War veterans at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York City.Walton, 102, is in the final stage of a 50-state “No Regrets” tour to
 offer people a chance to visit with a veteran of World War II and to 
raise money for charity. The former U.S. Army corporal started the 
nationwide mission in 2018. Kansas was his 39th state on the U.S. road 
trip.During a visit to the Kansas Capitol, Gov. Laura Kelly presented 
Walton a state flag as well as a coin decorated with an image of ruby 
red slippers worn by Dorothy in the film “Wizard of the Oz.” In 
response, Walton gave the governor a cap commemorating his whistle-stop 
visits of the state capitols.Maj. Gen. David Weishaar, of the Kansas Air National guard, shared 
appreciation for Walton’s decision to join the U.S. Army eight months 
before Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Walton became a medical 
technician in the 34th Infantry, 8th Division and was posted in India 
during the war. He remained in the Army for five years until the war’s 
end.“Thank you very much for your continued service to the nation and 
remarkable service in World War II. May you continue that service to the
 nation throughout the rest of your life,” Weishaar said.Walton, who was born in 1919 and lives in San Diego, said his World 
War II assignment took him far away from his preferred objective: “I 
joined the Army to fight Hitler.”His current quest has assumed outlines of&nbsp; the campaign launched by 
Capt. Tom Moore, who was in the British Army during World War II and 
fought in Burma. Moore turned his 100th birthday into a project to raise
 contributions for charity, eventually generating $46 million for 
healthcare workers in England. He died in February.Walton’s son, Paul, accompanies Walton on touring now dedicated to 
generating support for U.S. nurses engaged in responding to the COVID-19
 pandemic.“Three and a half years ago,” said Paul Walton, “we set upon this 
magnificent tour called the ‘No Regrets’ tour. Because all my dad’s life
 I always heard that he regretted one thing. He had one regret.”Turning to his dad, he asked: “You regret you did not meet Civil War 
veterans when you were young? If you could go back in time could you 
meet them?”“Yes, right,” said Walton, who planned to spend the night in Wichita 
before heading to Oklahoma City to meet Friday with Oklahoma’s governor.In February 2020, Walton was among four surviving World War II 
veterans who participated in the coin flip for Super Bowl LIV, a game 
won by the Kansas City Chiefs.Paul Walton said his father was more frail than when they embarked on
 the 50-state journey, but each day of the tour was a blessing. The 
COVID-19 pandemic reduced opportunities to fly to state capitol cities, 
compelling them to travel in a vehicle elaborately decorated with 
signage noting their task.“We are going to accomplish this mission,” he said. “Delaware, known as the first state, is going to be our last state.”Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.

Kan. officials honor 102-year-old WWII vet raising money for health workers

The drop spelled out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is due mainly to the COVID-19 pandemic, which health officials said is responsible for close to 74% of the overall life expectancy decline. More than 3.3 million Americans died last year, far more than any other year in U.S. history, with COVID-19 accounting for about 11% of those deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626868529360.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. life expectancy fell by a year and a half in 2020, the largest one-year decline since World War II, public health officials said Wednesday. The decrease for both Black Americans and Hispanic Americans was even worse: three years.The drop spelled out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is due mainly to the COVID-19 pandemic, which health officials said is responsible for close to 74% of the overall life expectancy decline. More than 3.3 million Americans died last year, far more than any other year in U.S. history, with COVID-19 accounting for about 11% of those deaths.Black life expectancy has not fallen so much in one year since the mid-1930s, during the Great Depression. Health officials have not tracked Hispanic life expectancy for nearly as long, but the 2020 decline was the largest recorded one-year drop.The abrupt fall is “basically catastrophic,” said Mark Hayward, a University of Texas sociology professor who studies changes in U.S. mortality.Killers other than COVID-19 played a role. Drug overdoses pushed life expectancy down, particularly for whites. And rising homicides were a small but significant reason for the decline for Black Americans, said Elizabeth Arias, the report’s lead author.Other problems affected Black and Hispanic people, including lack of access to quality health care, more crowded living conditions, and a greater share of the population in lower-paying jobs that required them to keep working when the pandemic was at its worst, experts said.Life expectancy is an estimate of the average number of years a baby born in a given year might expect to live. It’s an important statistical snapshot of a country’s health that can be influenced both by sustained trends such as obesity as well as more temporary threats like pandemics or war that might not endanger those newborns in their lifetimes.For decades, U.S. life expectancy was on the upswing. But that trend stalled in 2015, for several years, before hitting 78 years, 10 months in 2019. Last year, the CDC said, it dropped to about 77 years, 4 months.Other findings in the new CDC report:—Hispanic Americans have longer life expectancy than white or Black Americans, but had the largest decline in 2020. The three-year drop was the largest since the CDC started tracking Hispanic life expectancy 15 years ago.—Black life expectancy dropped nearly three years, to 71 years, 10 months. It has not been that low since 2000.—White life expectancy fell by roughly 14 months to about 77 years, 7 months. That was the lowest the lowest life expectancy for that population since 2002.—COVID-19′s role varied by race and ethnicity. The coronavirus was responsible for 90% of the decline in life expectancy among Hispanics, 68% among white people and 59% among Black Americans.—Life expectancy fell nearly two years for men, but about one year for women, widening a longstanding gap. The CDC estimated life expectancy of 74 years, 6 months for boys vs. 80 years, 2 months for girls.More than 80% of last year’s COVID deaths were people 65 and older, CDC data shows. That actually diminished the pandemic’s toll on life expectancy at birth, which is swayed more by deaths of younger adults and children than those among seniors.That’s why last year’s decline was just half as much as the three-year drop between 1942 and 1943, when young soldiers were dying in World War II. And it was just a fraction of the drop between 1917 and 1918, when World War I and a Spanish flu pandemic devastated younger generations.Life expectancy bounced back after those drops, and experts believe it will this time, too. But some said it could take years.Too many people have already died from COVID-19 this year, while variants of the coronavirus are spreading among unvaccinated Americans — many of them younger adults, some experts said.“We can’t. In 2021, we can’t get back to pre-pandemic” life expectancy, said Noreen Goldman, a Princeton University researcher.

US life expectancy in 2020 saw biggest drop since WWII

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell implored&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-health-government-and-politics-pandemics-coronavirus-pandemic-8318e3f406278f3ebf09871128cc91de">unvaccinated Americans</a>&nbsp;Tuesday to take the COVID-19 shot, issuing a stark and grave warning of a repeat of last year’s rising caseloads and shutdowns if people refuse to protect themselves from the coronavirus.

McConnell urged Americans to ignore the “demonstrably bad advice” coming from pundits and others against the vaccines. As cases&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-pandemics-coronavirus-pandemic-c053fae3d462705c39e3ffcd612d8a50">skyrocket</a>, he noted that nearly all the new virus hospitalizations in the U.S. are among people who have not been vaccinated.

“If there is anybody out there willing to listen: Get vaccinated,” McConnell, R-Ky., said at his weekly press conference at the Capitol.

“These shots need to get in everybody’s arms as rapidly as possible or we’re going to be back in a situation in the fall that we don’t yearn for — that we went through last year,” he said. “This is not complicated.”

McConnell has been one of the most outspoken members of his party in urging vaccinations to stop the virus spread, speaking often in his home state of Kentucky of the need for people to get the shot.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell implored&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-health-government-and-politics-pandemics-coronavirus-pandemic-8318e3f406278f3ebf09871128cc91de">unvaccinated Americans</a>&nbsp;Tuesday to take the COVID-19 shot, issuing a stark and grave warning of a repeat of last year’s rising caseloads and shutdowns if people refuse to protect themselves from the coronavirus.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Get vaccinated! These shots need to get into arms as rapidly as possible, or else we&#39;re gonna be back in a situation this fall like what we went through last year. <a href="https://t.co/J4o6yL5cn4">pic.twitter.com/J4o6yL5cn4</a>&mdash; Leader McConnell (@LeaderMcConnell) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeaderMcConnell/status/1417577257296666626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>McConnell urged Americans to ignore the “demonstrably bad advice” coming from pundits and others against the vaccines. As cases&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-pandemics-coronavirus-pandemic-c053fae3d462705c39e3ffcd612d8a50">skyrocket</a>, he noted that nearly all the new virus hospitalizations in the U.S. are among people who have not been vaccinated.“If there is anybody out there willing to listen: Get vaccinated,” McConnell, R-Ky., said at his weekly press conference at the Capitol.“These shots need to get in everybody’s arms as rapidly as possible or we’re going to be back in a situation in the fall that we don’t yearn for — that we went through last year,” he said. “This is not complicated.”McConnell has been one of the most outspoken members of his party in urging vaccinations to stop the virus spread, speaking often in his home state of Kentucky of the need for people to get the shot.Without criticizing prominent Republicans who refuse the vaccine or mock the severity of the virus, including members of Congress, he has expressed dismay at those who choose to go unvaccinated.As a survivor of childhood polio,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-ap-top-news-mitch-mcconnell-politics-ky-state-wire-f696c0bff070b46f9c62e03be50bd187">McConnell often draws on his own experience&nbsp;</a>of having endured that disease and he has spoken publicly of the relief that eventually came with the development of vaccines.On Tuesday he said “it never occurred to me” that after the COVID-19 vaccines that were quickly developed for use in the U.S., “we’d have difficulty getting Americans to get the shot.”