LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The company that’s building casinos in Nebraska after voters legalized them has announced plans for another facility in Norfolk. 

WarHorse Gaming, LLC says it will pitch a horse-racing track and eventual casino at the DeVent Center. 

The company, a subsidiary of Ho-Chunk, Inc., which financed the casino legalization campaign, will present its plans Friday to the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. 

WarHorse Gaming is seeking a racing license before the company breaks ground for construction of the new track and an overhaul of existing buildings. 

WarHorse Gaming also plans to manage casinos in South Sioux City, Lincoln and Omaha. 

The Omaha and Lincoln properties are a partnership with the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1569530951374.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The company that’s building casinos in Nebraska after voters legalized them has announced plans for another facility in Norfolk. WarHorse Gaming, LLC says it will pitch a horse-racing track and eventual casino at the DeVent Center. The company, a subsidiary of Ho-Chunk, Inc., which financed the casino legalization campaign, will present its plans Friday to the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. WarHorse Gaming is seeking a racing license before the company breaks ground for construction of the new track and an overhaul of existing buildings. WarHorse Gaming also plans to manage casinos in South Sioux City, Lincoln and Omaha. The Omaha and Lincoln properties are a partnership with the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.

Casino and track developer to pitch project in Norfolk

WASHINGTON (AP) —U.S. Surgeon General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-opioids-coronavirus-pandemic-vivek-murthy-barack-obama-2e1643c5f69e2f64ef04a46db60e95d7">Vivek Murthy</a>&nbsp;on Thursday called for a national effort to fight&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-entertainment-coronavirus-pandemic-health-8c8345f474db874b1d27806e8d1f5ca1">misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines</a>, urging tech companies, health care workers, journalists and everyday Americans to do more to address an “urgent threat” to public health.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21010078-surgeon-general-confronting-health-misinformation" target="_blank">a 22-page advisory</a>, his first as President Joe Biden’s surgeon general, Murthy wrote that bogus claims have led people to reject vaccines and public health advice on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-health-understanding-the-outbreak-a87da6ce7831863152f0d904b9d1abe1">masks and social distancing</a>, undermining efforts to end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;and putting lives at risk.

The warning comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-62342c09ad0a50f77739846fd25850e7">the pace of COVID-19 vaccinations has slowed</a>&nbsp;throughout the U.S., in part because of vaccine opposition fueled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-checking-869249289558">unsubstantiated claims</a>&nbsp;about the safety of immunizations and despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-600k-deaths-us-1ef14a0b998e6ce99281edf6e996dfbe">the U.S. death toll recently passing 600,000</a>.

Murthy, who also served as surgeon general under President Barack Obama, noted that surgeon general advisories have typically focused on physical threats to health, such as tobacco. Misinformation about COVID-19, deemed an “infodemic” by the World Health Organization, can be just as deadly, he said.

“Misinformation poses an imminent and insidious threat to our nation’s health,” Murthy said during remarks to reporters Thursday at the White House. “We must confront misinformation as a nation. Lives are depending on it.”

Given the role the internet plays in spreading health misinformation, Murthy said technology companies and social media platforms must make meaningful changes to their products and software to reduce the spread of misinformation while increasing access to authoritative, fact-based sources.

Too often, he said, the platforms are built to encourage, not counter, the spread of misinformation.

“We are asking them to step up,” Murthy said. “We can’t wait longer for them to take aggressive action.”

The criticism is not new, and Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and other platforms have defended their work to stem the tide of misinformation. In a response to Murthy, Twitter noted that it has removed more than 40,000 pieces of content that violated its COVID-19 misinformation rules.

“We agree with the surgeon general,” Twitter said in a statement. “Tackling health misinformation takes a whole-of-society approach.”

Murthy’s recommendations went beyond tech firms. Teachers, he said, should expand lessons on media literacy and critical thinking. Journalists, he suggested, should work to responsibly debunk health misinformation without inadvertently spreading it further. And public health professionals, he added, should do a better job answering questions and explaining why public health guidelines sometimes change based on new information.

As for everyday Americans, Murthy urged them to verify questionable health information with trusted sources like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and to exercise critical thinking when exposed to unverified claims. If people have loved ones or friends who believe or spread misinformation, he said, it’s best to engage by listening and asking questions rather than by confronting them.

While some groups that push health misinformation do so for profit or other motives, many Americans may be spreading false information without realizing it, according to the advisory.

“Misinformation hasn’t just harmed our physical health — it has also divided our families, friends, and communities,” Murthy wrote in the advisory. “The only way to address health misinformation is to recognize that all of us, in every sector of society, have a responsibility to act.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626432035246.png" alt="U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy&nbsp; said misinformation about COVID-19, deemed an “infodemic” by the World Health Organization, can be deadly.-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy&nbsp; said misinformation about COVID-19, deemed an “infodemic” by the World Health Organization, can be deadly.-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —U.S. Surgeon General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-opioids-coronavirus-pandemic-vivek-murthy-barack-obama-2e1643c5f69e2f64ef04a46db60e95d7">Vivek Murthy</a>&nbsp;on Thursday called for a national effort to fight&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-entertainment-coronavirus-pandemic-health-8c8345f474db874b1d27806e8d1f5ca1">misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines</a>, urging tech companies, health care workers, journalists and everyday Americans to do more to address an “urgent threat” to public health.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today I issued a Surgeon General’s Advisory to call our country’s attention to health misinformation – an urgent threat to our health that requires an all-of-society response. <a href="https://t.co/hqJdkLV6RK">https://t.co/hqJdkLV6RK</a> <a href="https://t.co/OyX9vlyTdZ">pic.twitter.com/OyX9vlyTdZ</a>&mdash; Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General (@Surgeon_General) <a href="https://twitter.com/Surgeon_General/status/1415628833970085889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21010078-surgeon-general-confronting-health-misinformation" target="_blank">a 22-page advisory</a>, his first as President Joe Biden’s surgeon general, Murthy wrote that bogus claims have led people to reject vaccines and public health advice on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-health-understanding-the-outbreak-a87da6ce7831863152f0d904b9d1abe1">masks and social distancing</a>, undermining efforts to end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;and putting lives at risk.The warning comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-62342c09ad0a50f77739846fd25850e7">the pace of COVID-19 vaccinations has slowed</a>&nbsp;throughout the U.S., in part because of vaccine opposition fueled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-checking-869249289558">unsubstantiated claims</a>&nbsp;about the safety of immunizations and despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-600k-deaths-us-1ef14a0b998e6ce99281edf6e996dfbe">the U.S. death toll recently passing 600,000</a>.Murthy, who also served as surgeon general under President Barack Obama, noted that surgeon general advisories have typically focused on physical threats to health, such as tobacco. Misinformation about COVID-19, deemed an “infodemic” by the World Health Organization, can be just as deadly, he said.“Misinformation poses an imminent and insidious threat to our nation’s health,” Murthy said during remarks to reporters Thursday at the White House. “We must confront misinformation as a nation. Lives are depending on it.”Given the role the internet plays in spreading health misinformation, Murthy said technology companies and social media platforms must make meaningful changes to their products and software to reduce the spread of misinformation while increasing access to authoritative, fact-based sources.Too often, he said, the platforms are built to encourage, not counter, the spread of misinformation.“We are asking them to step up,” Murthy said. “We can’t wait longer for them to take aggressive action.”The criticism is not new, and Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and other platforms have defended their work to stem the tide of misinformation. In a response to Murthy, Twitter noted that it has removed more than 40,000 pieces of content that violated its COVID-19 misinformation rules.“We agree with the surgeon general,” Twitter said in a statement. “Tackling health misinformation takes a whole-of-society approach.”Murthy’s recommendations went beyond tech firms. Teachers, he said, should expand lessons on media literacy and critical thinking. Journalists, he suggested, should work to responsibly debunk health misinformation without inadvertently spreading it further. And public health professionals, he added, should do a better job answering questions and explaining why public health guidelines sometimes change based on new information.As for everyday Americans, Murthy urged them to verify questionable health information with trusted sources like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and to exercise critical thinking when exposed to unverified claims. If people have loved ones or friends who believe or spread misinformation, he said, it’s best to engage by listening and asking questions rather than by confronting them.While some groups that push health misinformation do so for profit or other motives, many Americans may be spreading false information without realizing it, according to the advisory.“Misinformation hasn’t just harmed our physical health — it has also divided our families, friends, and communities,” Murthy wrote in the advisory. “The only way to address health misinformation is to recognize that all of us, in every sector of society, have a responsibility to act.”

Surgeon general urges US fight against COVID misinformation

LANE COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Thursday in Lane County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a John Deere 4440 Tractor&nbsp;towing a 569 Premium round baler and driven by Everette R.&nbsp;Redburn Jr., 59, Dighton, was eastbound on Road 200, just west of Scout Road in Lane County. 

The tractor left the roadway to the south and the driver was ejected from the vehicle while going through the ditch. 

The tractor continued driving uncontrollably through the field, moving in a circular motion just south of the roadway. The tractor came near to the area where the driver was ejected, possibly running over the driver, according to the KHP.

 A witness identified as Aaron R. Dohm, 47, Grainfield, in a 2021 Dodge Ram attempted to stop the unmanned tractor by using his vehicle. The tractor collided with the pickup and continued to the north and then came to rest in the ditch.

EMS transported Redburn Jr. to a Wichita Hospital. Dohm was not injured.

LANE COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Thursday in Lane County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a John Deere 4440 Tractor&nbsp;towing a 569 Premium round baler and driven by Everette R.&nbsp;Redburn Jr., 59, Dighton, was eastbound on Road 200, just west of Scout Road in Lane County. The tractor left the roadway to the south and the driver was ejected from the vehicle while going through the ditch. The tractor continued driving uncontrollably through the field, moving in a circular motion just south of the roadway. The tractor came near to the area where the driver was ejected, possibly running over the driver, according to the KHP. A witness identified as Aaron R. Dohm, 47, Grainfield, in a 2021 Dodge Ram attempted to stop the unmanned tractor by using his vehicle. The tractor collided with the pickup and continued to the north and then came to rest in the ditch.EMS transported Redburn Jr. to a Wichita Hospital. Dohm was not injured.

Kansas man critically injured in farming accident

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accidental shooting involving a 3-year-old girl and her father at a residence in the 2300 Block of East Macarthur in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Captain Jason Stephens.

Just after 7p.m. Wednesday, police responded to home and found a 30-year-old man who woke up in bed with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his leg. The girl had injured her hand, according to Stephens.

Police are still working to learn how and where the man stored the firearm and how the child gained access to it. He was the only adult in the home at the time of the incident, according to Stephens.

The three other children in the home have been placed into protective custody pending the outcome of the investigation. Stephens did not have details on whether the child was still in the hospital.

If there was any negligence, police will report it to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626365008633.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the accidental shooting Wednesday- photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the accidental shooting Wednesday- photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accidental shooting involving a 3-year-old girl and her father at a residence in the 2300 Block of East Macarthur in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Captain Jason Stephens.Just after 7p.m. Wednesday, police responded to home and found a 30-year-old man who woke up in bed with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his leg. The girl had injured her hand, according to Stephens.Police are still working to learn how and where the man stored the firearm and how the child gained access to it. He was the only adult in the home at the time of the incident, according to Stephens.The three other children in the home have been placed into protective custody pending the outcome of the investigation. Stephens did not have details on whether the child was still in the hospital.If there was any negligence, police will report it to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

Children in protective custody after dad accidentally shot

Johnson &amp; Johnson announced that <a href="https://www.neutrogena.com/sunscreen-recall.html">it is recalling five </a>of its sunscreen products after some samples were found to contain low levels of benzene, a chemical that can cause cancer with repeated exposure.

The affected products, packaged in aerosol cans, are Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen, and four Neutrogena sunscreen versions: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen and UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen.

The recall includes all can sizes and all levels of sun protection factor, or SPF. The products were distributed nationwide through retailers.

The health care giant said the benzene was found after testing by the company and an independent laboratory. It is investigating how the chemical got into the products.

J&amp;J said it’s working to get all lots of the five products removed from store shelves. It urged consumers to stop using the sunscreens immediately and said customers can get a refund by calling J&amp;J’s Consumer Care Center at 1-800-458-1673. More information is available at the websites for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.neutrogena.com/sun" target="_blank">Neutrogena</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aveeno.com/sun" target="_blank">Aveeno</a>.

J&amp;J said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jnj.com/johnson-johnson-consumer-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-of-specific-neutrogena-and-aveeno-aerosol-sunscreen-products-due-to-the-presence-of-benzene" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;that “use of these products would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences” and that it voluntarily decided to recall them “out of an abundance of caution.” The statement added that people should use an alternate sunscreen to protect themselves from the skin cancer melanoma.

Benzene is a highly flammable, widely used chemical that’s present throughout the environment. It can cause cancer with repeated exposure at high enough levels. It also can damage the immune system and prevent cells from functioning properly, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/benzene/basics/facts.asp" target="_blank">U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>.

The chemical’s effects vary by whether a person accidentally inhales or ingests it or gets it on skin and clothing. Symptoms range from dizziness and irregular heartbeat to convulsions and, at very high levels, death.

J&amp;J, which is based in New Brunswick, New Jersey, said it has notified the Food and Drug Administration of the recall.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626370924607.png" alt="The affected products, packaged in aerosol cans, are Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen, and four Neutrogena sunscreen versions: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen and UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen.-photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson" />
 <figcaption>The affected products, packaged in aerosol cans, are Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen, and four Neutrogena sunscreen versions: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen and UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen.-photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>Johnson &amp; Johnson announced that <a href="https://www.neutrogena.com/sunscreen-recall.html">it is recalling five </a>of its sunscreen products after some samples were found to contain low levels of benzene, a chemical that can cause cancer with repeated exposure.The affected products, packaged in aerosol cans, are Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen, and four Neutrogena sunscreen versions: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen and UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen.The recall includes all can sizes and all levels of sun protection factor, or SPF. The products were distributed nationwide through retailers.The health care giant said the benzene was found after testing by the company and an independent laboratory. It is investigating how the chemical got into the products.J&amp;J said it’s working to get all lots of the five products removed from store shelves. It urged consumers to stop using the sunscreens immediately and said customers can get a refund by calling J&amp;J’s Consumer Care Center at 1-800-458-1673. More information is available at the websites for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.neutrogena.com/sun" target="_blank">Neutrogena</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aveeno.com/sun" target="_blank">Aveeno</a>.J&amp;J said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jnj.com/johnson-johnson-consumer-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-of-specific-neutrogena-and-aveeno-aerosol-sunscreen-products-due-to-the-presence-of-benzene" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;that “use of these products would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences” and that it voluntarily decided to recall them “out of an abundance of caution.” The statement added that people should use an alternate sunscreen to protect themselves from the skin cancer melanoma.Benzene is a highly flammable, widely used chemical that’s present throughout the environment. It can cause cancer with repeated exposure at high enough levels. It also can damage the immune system and prevent cells from functioning properly, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/benzene/basics/facts.asp" target="_blank">U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>.The chemical’s effects vary by whether a person accidentally inhales or ingests it or gets it on skin and clothing. Symptoms range from dizziness and irregular heartbeat to convulsions and, at very high levels, death.J&amp;J, which is based in New Brunswick, New Jersey, said it has notified the Food and Drug Administration of the recall.Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.<ul>
 <li>Complete and submit the report&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program/reporting-serious-problems-fda">Online</a></li><li>Regular Mail or Fax:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/medical-product-safety-information/medwatch-forms-fda-safety-reporting">Download form</a>&nbsp;or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178</li>
 </ul>This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.___

5 sunscreens recalled due to benzene traces

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department
 announced today that millions of American families have started 
receiving monthly Child Tax Credit payments as direct deposits begin 
posting in bank accounts and checks arrive in mailboxes.

This first batch of advance monthly payments worth roughly $15 
billion reached about 35 million families today across the 
country.&nbsp;About 86% were sent by direct deposit.

The payments will continue each month. The IRS urged people who 
normally aren't required to file a tax return to explore the tools 
available on IRS.gov. These tools can help determine eligibility for the
 advance Child Tax Credit or help people file a simplified tax return to
 sign up for these payments as well as Economic Impact Payments, and 
other credits you may be eligible to receive.

Under the American Rescue Plan, each&nbsp;payment is up to $300 per month 
for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child ages 6
 through 17. Normally, anyone who receives a payment this month will 
also receive a payment each month for the rest of 2021 unless they 
unenroll. Besides the July 15 payment, payment dates are: Aug. 13, Sept.
 15, Oct. 15, Nov. 15 and Dec. 15.

Here are further details on these payments:

Additional information is available on a special <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">Advance Child Tax Credit 2021 page</a>, designed to provide the most up-to-date information about the credit and the advance payments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department
 announced today that millions of American families have started 
receiving monthly Child Tax Credit payments as direct deposits begin 
posting in bank accounts and checks arrive in mailboxes.This first batch of advance monthly payments worth roughly $15 
billion reached about 35 million families today across the 
country.&nbsp;About 86% were sent by direct deposit.The payments will continue each month. The IRS urged people who 
normally aren't required to file a tax return to explore the tools 
available on IRS.gov. These tools can help determine eligibility for the
 advance Child Tax Credit or help people file a simplified tax return to
 sign up for these payments as well as Economic Impact Payments, and 
other credits you may be eligible to receive.Under the American Rescue Plan, each&nbsp;payment is up to $300 per month 
for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child ages 6
 through 17. Normally, anyone who receives a payment this month will 
also receive a payment each month for the rest of 2021 unless they 
unenroll. Besides the July 15 payment, payment dates are: Aug. 13, Sept.
 15, Oct. 15, Nov. 15 and Dec. 15.Here are further details on these payments:<ul>
 <li>Families will see the direct deposit payments in their accounts 
starting today, July 15. For those receiving payment by paper check, 
they should remember to take into consideration the time it takes to 
receive it by mail.</li><li>Payments went to eligible families who filed 2019 or 2020 income tax returns.</li><li>Tax returns&nbsp;processed by June 28 are reflected in these payments. 
This includes people who don't typically file a return, but during 2020 
successfully registered for Economic Impact Payments using the IRS 
Non-Filers tool or in 2021 successfully used the Non-filer Sign-up Tool 
for Advance CTC, also on IRS.gov.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Payments are automatic. Aside from filing a tax return, 
including a simplified return from the Non-Filer Sign-Up tool, families 
don't have to do anything if they are eligible to receive monthly 
payments.</li>
 </ul>Additional information is available on a special <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">Advance Child Tax Credit 2021 page</a>, designed to provide the most up-to-date information about the credit and the advance payments.

IRS: Monthly Child Tax Credit payments begin for millions of US families

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate's top Democrat is backing a bill that would strike down a longstanding federal prohibition on marijuana, embracing a proposal that has slim chance of becoming law yet demonstrates growing public support for decriminalizing the drug.

Proposals to legalize marijuana are nothing new. But Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is a sponsor of the effort unveiled Wednesday, underscoring how a once-fringe idea is increasingly mainstream. The measure would erode a central pillar of the decades-long war on drugs, which has disproportionately affected communities of color in the United States.

“I will use my clout as majority leader to make this a priority in the Senate,” said Schumer, of New York, who is the first Senate leader to support such an effort. “It's not just an idea whose time has come, it's long overdue.”

The bill would treat marijuana much like alcohol or tobacco, allowing it to be taxed and regulated. States could still outlaw its use. And those under the age of 21 couldn't purchase it. It would remain illegal to sell significant quantities without proper licensing and authorization, much like bootlegging alcohol. It would also clear the path for additional cannabis medical research.

But besides clearing obstacles to recreational use, advocates say the bill would help the poor and those from communities of color who have disproportionately been arrested, charged and jailed for marijuana crimes.

The bill would expunge federal nonviolent convictions and allow for records of them to be sealed. Those currently serving nonviolent marijuana-related sentences could also seek a review hearing and receive an expungement.

“We have our precious resources being used to lock up ... Black and brown people for doing things that presidents, Congress people and senators have done,” said Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, who is also a cosponsor of the bill, along with Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden.

A similar bill has passed the House. But the measure faces a virtually nonexistent path in a narrowly divided Senate, where 60 votes are needed to pass most legislation.

Schumer acknowledged that not all Democrats support the bill. That includes President Joe Biden, who has said he supports decriminalizing marijuana but believes the federal prohibition should remain.

“I’ve spoken in the past about the president’s views on marijuana. Nothing has changed and there’s no new endorsements of legislation today,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday.

Republicans and influential law enforcement groups are certain to oppose it, as well.

“I don't understand how Republicans who say they are for ‘states rights’ won't support what my colleagues are talking about," said Wyden. ”What this bill does is we decriminalize at the federal level, but we don't require states to legalize."

Schumer and the other sponsors of the bill say their proposal is a “discussion draft" that's intended to get the conversation started.

Though 18 states have legalized recreational use and 37 allow for some sort of medical marijuana, the remaining federal prohibition has created headaches for the industry in states where it is legal, making it hard for businesses to get banking services and loans.

Those in the marijuana industry called Schumer's support a significant advance.

“It is a big ask and I’m a realist,” said Joe Caltabiano, CEO of Choice Consolidation Corp. and the cofounder of Cresco Labs. “It will take a lot to get this bill through Congress.”

Maritza Perez, of the Drug Policy Alliance, said Congress is finally catching up with where the general public has long been. Meanwhile, those who are convicted of marijuana-related offenses face life-altering consequences, making it hard to get a job or receive public benefits.

Earlier this month, American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson was left off the U.S. team's Olympic roster following a positive test for marijuana, costing her a chance at running on the relay team in Tokyo, in addition to her spot in the 100-meter individual race.

“Today is a historic day in the sense that we have the Senate majority leader introducing a bill to regulate and legalize marijuana. That's huge,” said Perez, who is a director in the office of national affairs for the organization. “For the public, marijuana has become culturally acceptable. But people forget that more than a half-million people are arrested for marijuana possession each year.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626346133308.png" alt="Senator Cory Booker and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer during a Wednesday news conference. Though 18 states have legalized recreational use and 37 allow for some sort of medical marijuana, the remaining federal prohibition has created headaches for the industry in states where it is legal, making it hard for businesses to get banking services and loans.-photo courtesy office of Senator Booker" />
 <figcaption>Senator Cory Booker and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer during a Wednesday news conference. Though 18 states have legalized recreational use and 37 allow for some sort of medical marijuana, the remaining federal prohibition has created headaches for the industry in states where it is legal, making it hard for businesses to get banking services and loans.-photo courtesy office of Senator Booker</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate's top Democrat is backing a bill that would strike down a longstanding federal prohibition on marijuana, embracing a proposal that has slim chance of becoming law yet demonstrates growing public support for decriminalizing the drug.Proposals to legalize marijuana are nothing new. But Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is a sponsor of the effort unveiled Wednesday, underscoring how a once-fringe idea is increasingly mainstream. The measure would erode a central pillar of the decades-long war on drugs, which has disproportionately affected communities of color in the United States.“I will use my clout as majority leader to make this a priority in the Senate,” said Schumer, of New York, who is the first Senate leader to support such an effort. “It's not just an idea whose time has come, it's long overdue.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626345994624.png" alt="photo courtesy office of Senator Cory Booker" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy office of Senator Cory Booker</figcaption>
 </figure>The bill would treat marijuana much like alcohol or tobacco, allowing it to be taxed and regulated. States could still outlaw its use. And those under the age of 21 couldn't purchase it. It would remain illegal to sell significant quantities without proper licensing and authorization, much like bootlegging alcohol. It would also clear the path for additional cannabis medical research.But besides clearing obstacles to recreational use, advocates say the bill would help the poor and those from communities of color who have disproportionately been arrested, charged and jailed for marijuana crimes.The bill would expunge federal nonviolent convictions and allow for records of them to be sealed. Those currently serving nonviolent marijuana-related sentences could also seek a review hearing and receive an expungement.“We have our precious resources being used to lock up ... Black and brown people for doing things that presidents, Congress people and senators have done,” said Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, who is also a cosponsor of the bill, along with Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden.A similar bill has passed the House. But the measure faces a virtually nonexistent path in a narrowly divided Senate, where 60 votes are needed to pass most legislation.Schumer acknowledged that not all Democrats support the bill. That includes President Joe Biden, who has said he supports decriminalizing marijuana but believes the federal prohibition should remain.“I’ve spoken in the past about the president’s views on marijuana. Nothing has changed and there’s no new endorsements of legislation today,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday.Republicans and influential law enforcement groups are certain to oppose it, as well.“I don't understand how Republicans who say they are for ‘states rights’ won't support what my colleagues are talking about," said Wyden. ”What this bill does is we decriminalize at the federal level, but we don't require states to legalize."Schumer and the other sponsors of the bill say their proposal is a “discussion draft" that's intended to get the conversation started.Though 18 states have legalized recreational use and 37 allow for some sort of medical marijuana, the remaining federal prohibition has created headaches for the industry in states where it is legal, making it hard for businesses to get banking services and loans.Those in the marijuana industry called Schumer's support a significant advance.“It is a big ask and I’m a realist,” said Joe Caltabiano, CEO of Choice Consolidation Corp. and the cofounder of Cresco Labs. “It will take a lot to get this bill through Congress.”Maritza Perez, of the Drug Policy Alliance, said Congress is finally catching up with where the general public has long been. Meanwhile, those who are convicted of marijuana-related offenses face life-altering consequences, making it hard to get a job or receive public benefits.Earlier this month, American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson was left off the U.S. team's Olympic roster following a positive test for marijuana, costing her a chance at running on the relay team in Tokyo, in addition to her spot in the 100-meter individual race.“Today is a historic day in the sense that we have the Senate majority leader introducing a bill to regulate and legalize marijuana. That's huge,” said Perez, who is a director in the office of national affairs for the organization. “For the public, marijuana has become culturally acceptable. But people forget that more than a half-million people are arrested for marijuana possession each year.”

Senators unveil plan to end federal ban on marijuana

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A 44-year-old Omaha man who police say was “hunting” sex offenders when he fatally shot a man last year in a vigilante killing has been sentenced to up to 70 years in prison.

 James Fairbanks was sentenced Wednesday to 40 to 70 years in prison for the May 14, 2020, shooting death of Mattieo Condoluci, 64, in Omaha. 

Fairbanks pleaded no contest in April to second-degree murder and a gun charge in the case. 

Prosecutors say Fairbanks showed up at Condoluci’s door with a rifle and fired seven shots into Condoluci, a convicted sex offender. 

Authorities say Fairbanks didn’t know Condoluci, but had found him in an internet search for registered sex offenders.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626369755878.png" alt="Fairbanks" />
 <figcaption>Fairbanks</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A 44-year-old Omaha man who police say was “hunting” sex offenders when he fatally shot a man last year in a vigilante killing has been sentenced to up to 70 years in prison. James Fairbanks was sentenced Wednesday to 40 to 70 years in prison for the May 14, 2020, shooting death of Mattieo Condoluci, 64, in Omaha. Fairbanks pleaded no contest in April to second-degree murder and a gun charge in the case. Prosecutors say Fairbanks showed up at Condoluci’s door with a rifle and fired seven shots into Condoluci, a convicted sex offender. Authorities say Fairbanks didn’t know Condoluci, but had found him in an internet search for registered sex offenders.

Omaha man gets prison for fatal shooting of sex offender

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans hoping to travel abroad this summer may have to delay their plans if they need new or renewed passports.

The State Department said Wednesday that the wait for a passport is now between 12 weeks and 18 weeks, even if you pay for expedited processing. That’s because of ripple effects from the coronavirus pandemic that caused extreme disruptions to the process at domestic issuance facilities and overseas embassies and consulates.

A department official says a backlog of 1.5 million to 2 million passport requests means that applications submitted now probably will not be processed until the fall.

Rachel Arndt, deputy assistant secretary of state for passport services, said the department is increasing COVID-19-reduced staffing throughout the United States as pandemic restrictions are eased. But she said Americans needing to apply for or renew a passport should do so at least six months ahead of when they plan to travel.

“We really encourage folks to apply for or renew their passport at least six months ahead of when you’ll need one to avoid any of those last-minute problems,” she told reporters.

The State Department and Department of Homeland Security have already taken steps&nbsp;to ease issues related to Americans abroad with expired passports who are seeking to return home.

The departments announced in May that U.S. citizens who are currently overseas and whose passports expired on or after Jan. 1, 2020, would be able to use their documents to reenter the United States until Dec. 31, 2021. That provision does not apply to travel between third countries unless it is a transit stop.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626352739126.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans hoping to travel abroad this summer may have to delay their plans if they need new or renewed passports.The State Department said Wednesday that the wait for a passport is now between 12 weeks and 18 weeks, even if you pay for expedited processing. That’s because of ripple effects from the coronavirus pandemic that caused extreme disruptions to the process at domestic issuance facilities and overseas embassies and consulates.A department official says a backlog of 1.5 million to 2 million passport requests means that applications submitted now probably will not be processed until the fall.Rachel Arndt, deputy assistant secretary of state for passport services, said the department is increasing COVID-19-reduced staffing throughout the United States as pandemic restrictions are eased. But she said Americans needing to apply for or renew a passport should do so at least six months ahead of when they plan to travel.“We really encourage folks to apply for or renew their passport at least six months ahead of when you’ll need one to avoid any of those last-minute problems,” she told reporters.The State Department and Department of Homeland Security have already taken steps&nbsp;to ease issues related to Americans abroad with expired passports who are seeking to return home.The departments announced in May that U.S. citizens who are currently overseas and whose passports expired on or after Jan. 1, 2020, would be able to use their documents to reenter the United States until Dec. 31, 2021. That provision does not apply to travel between third countries unless it is a transit stop.

Going abroad? US government says passport waits top 3 months

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Biden administration is beginning to distribute&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-joe-biden-business-health-government-and-politics-24023ed3ffba98e4a65dd6006518da7a">expanded child tax credit payments</a>, giving parents on average $423 this month, with payments continuing through the end of the year.

President Joe Biden increased the size of the tax credit as part of his $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, as well as making it fully available to families without any tax obligations. The benefit is set to expire after a year, but Biden is pushing for it to be extended through 2025 and ultimately made permanent.

A closer look at how the payments work and who can receive them:

The credit is $3,600 annually for children under age 6 and $3,000 for children ages 6 to 17. But six months of payments will be advanced on a monthly basis through the end of the year. This means eligible families will receive $300 monthly for each child under 6 and $250 per child older than that.

This is a change from last year, when the credit totaled $2,000 per child. Families who did not owe the government income taxes were also unable to claim the credit, a restriction that Biden and Congress lifted.

The payments begin to phase out at incomes of $75,000 for individuals, $112,500 for heads of household and $150,000 for married couples. Higher-income families with incomes of $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for married couples can still receive the previous $2,000 credit.

If you filed taxes and the IRS already has your bank account information, the payments should be deposited directly into your account on the 15th of each month. The Treasury Department estimates that 35.2 million families will receive payments in July. But even if you haven’t filed taxes in 2019 or 2020, you might still be eligible for the credit and can apply here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool" target="_blank">https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool</a>.

Advocates say the monthly payments can help smooth out an impoverished family’s income, making it easier for them to budget and less dependent on high-interest lenders.

Yes. Some people are used to the child tax credit enabling them to get a refund on their taxes. They might not want the monthly advance and about 1 million people have opted out, according to administration officials. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-update-portal">Click here to unenroll</a> in the program.

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Biden administration is beginning to distribute&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-joe-biden-business-health-government-and-politics-24023ed3ffba98e4a65dd6006518da7a">expanded child tax credit payments</a>, giving parents on average $423 this month, with payments continuing through the end of the year.President Joe Biden increased the size of the tax credit as part of his $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, as well as making it fully available to families without any tax obligations. The benefit is set to expire after a year, but Biden is pushing for it to be extended through 2025 and ultimately made permanent.A closer look at how the payments work and who can receive them:HOW BIG ARE THE CREDITS?The credit is $3,600 annually for children under age 6 and $3,000 for children ages 6 to 17. But six months of payments will be advanced on a monthly basis through the end of the year. This means eligible families will receive $300 monthly for each child under 6 and $250 per child older than that.This is a change from last year, when the credit totaled $2,000 per child. Families who did not owe the government income taxes were also unable to claim the credit, a restriction that Biden and Congress lifted.ARE THERE LIMITS ON WHO CAN QUALIFY?The payments begin to phase out at incomes of $75,000 for individuals, $112,500 for heads of household and $150,000 for married couples. Higher-income families with incomes of $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for married couples can still receive the previous $2,000 credit.HOW CAN YOU APPLY?If you filed taxes and the IRS already has your bank account information, the payments should be deposited directly into your account on the 15th of each month. The Treasury Department estimates that 35.2 million families will receive payments in July. But even if you haven’t filed taxes in 2019 or 2020, you might still be eligible for the credit and can apply here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool" target="_blank">https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool</a>.WHY ARE THE PAYMENTS MONTHLYAdvocates say the monthly payments can help smooth out an impoverished family’s income, making it easier for them to budget and less dependent on high-interest lenders.CAN THE MONTHLY PAYMENTS BE STOPPED?Yes. Some people are used to the child tax credit enabling them to get a refund on their taxes. They might not want the monthly advance and about 1 million people have opted out, according to administration officials. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-update-portal">Click here to unenroll</a> in the program.

Payday: How the expanded child tax credit payments work

Agency charged the company with deceiving loan applicants about hidden fees

Online lender<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/x180028_-_lendingclub_corporation_-_stipulated_order_for_permanent_injunction_and_judgment.pdf"> LendingClub Corporation agreed to pay</a>
 $18 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that the company
 deceived consumers about hidden fees that it charged and about whether 
their loan applications were approved.

In
 addition, the settlement bars LendingClub from making 
misrepresentations to loan applicants and requires that the company 
clearly and conspicuously disclose the amount of any prepaid, up-front, 
or origination fee and the total amount of funds that borrowers will 
receive.

“Companies that profit by 
preying on consumers don’t just harm the families they cheated — they 
also harm their competitors that play by the rules. LendingClub fleeced 
consumers looking for a loan online, and will pay $18 million for its 
alleged misconduct,” said Samuel Levine, Acting Director of the FTC’s 
Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Moving forward, when it comes to 
misconduct in the financial services arena, the FTC will bring joint 
actions with state and federal partners to seek penalties that deter 
wrongdoing market-wide, before it can harm consumers.”

The FTC <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2018/04/ftc-charges-lending-club-deceiving-consumers-0">sued LendingClub in April 2018</a>,
 charging that the company falsely promised loan applicants that they 
would receive a specific loan amount with “no hidden fees,” when in 
reality the company deducted hundreds or even thousands of dollars in 
hidden up-front fees from the loans. The FTC also alleged that 
LendingClub told consumers they were approved for loans when they were 
not, and took money from consumers’ bank accounts without authorization.

In
 an earlier ruling, the court found that LendingClub falsely told loan 
applicants that their loans were “on the way” and “100% Backed” while 
knowing that many of them would never get a loan. And according to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/lending_club_complaint.pdf">the FTC’s complaint</a>,
 the company also withdrew double payments from consumers’ accounts and 
charged those who cancelled automatic payments or paid off their loan, 
which led to overdraft fees and prevented borrowers from making other 
payments.

The Commission vote approving the stipulated
 final order was 4-0-1, with Chair Khan not participating. It was filed 
in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, San 
Francisco Division.

NOTE: Stipulated final orders or injunctions, etc. have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Like the FTC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/federaltradecommission">Facebook(link is external)</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/FTC">Twitter(link is external)</a>, get <a href="http://ftc.gov/subscribe">consumer alerts</a>, read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>, and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> for the latest FTC news and resources.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Agency charged the company with deceiving loan applicants about hidden fees</h2>FTCOnline lender<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/x180028_-_lendingclub_corporation_-_stipulated_order_for_permanent_injunction_and_judgment.pdf"> LendingClub Corporation agreed to pay</a>
 $18 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that the company
 deceived consumers about hidden fees that it charged and about whether 
their loan applications were approved.In
 addition, the settlement bars LendingClub from making 
misrepresentations to loan applicants and requires that the company 
clearly and conspicuously disclose the amount of any prepaid, up-front, 
or origination fee and the total amount of funds that borrowers will 
receive.“Companies that profit by 
preying on consumers don’t just harm the families they cheated — they 
also harm their competitors that play by the rules. LendingClub fleeced 
consumers looking for a loan online, and will pay $18 million for its 
alleged misconduct,” said Samuel Levine, Acting Director of the FTC’s 
Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Moving forward, when it comes to 
misconduct in the financial services arena, the FTC will bring joint 
actions with state and federal partners to seek penalties that deter 
wrongdoing market-wide, before it can harm consumers.”The FTC <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2018/04/ftc-charges-lending-club-deceiving-consumers-0">sued LendingClub in April 2018</a>,
 charging that the company falsely promised loan applicants that they 
would receive a specific loan amount with “no hidden fees,” when in 
reality the company deducted hundreds or even thousands of dollars in 
hidden up-front fees from the loans. The FTC also alleged that 
LendingClub told consumers they were approved for loans when they were 
not, and took money from consumers’ bank accounts without authorization.In
 an earlier ruling, the court found that LendingClub falsely told loan 
applicants that their loans were “on the way” and “100% Backed” while 
knowing that many of them would never get a loan. And according to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/lending_club_complaint.pdf">the FTC’s complaint</a>,
 the company also withdrew double payments from consumers’ accounts and 
charged those who cancelled automatic payments or paid off their loan, 
which led to overdraft fees and prevented borrowers from making other 
payments.The Commission vote approving the stipulated
 final order was 4-0-1, with Chair Khan not participating. It was filed 
in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, San 
Francisco Division.NOTE: Stipulated final orders or injunctions, etc. have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Like the FTC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/federaltradecommission">Facebook(link is external)</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/FTC">Twitter(link is external)</a>, get <a href="http://ftc.gov/subscribe">consumer alerts</a>, read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>, and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> for the latest FTC news and resources.

LendingClub agrees to pay $18 million to settle FTC charges

DENVER (AP) — A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that “Tiger King” Joe Exotic should get a shorter prison sentence for his role in a murder-for-hire plot and violating federal wildlife laws.

Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f3d40f4a4134f4e903da8c5ed2a0878f">was sentenced in January 2020</a>&nbsp;to 22 years in federal prison after being convicted of trying to hire two different men to kill&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/volunteer-bitten-carole-baskin-sanctuary-66a3a67eae93955dcb1fd6409bce1743">animal rights activist Carole Baskin</a>. A three-judge panel for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit in Denver found that the trial court wrongly treated those two convictions separately in calculating his prison term under sentencing guidelines.

The blond mullet-wearing zookeeper, known for his expletive-laden rants on YouTube and a failed 2018 Oklahoma gubernatorial campaign, was prominently featured in the popular Netflix documentary “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness.”

The panel agreed with Maldonado-Passage that the court should have treated them as one conviction at sentencing because they both involved the same goal of killing Baskin, who runs a rescue sanctuary for big cats in Florida. According to the ruling, the court should have calculated his advisory sentencing range to be between 17 1/2 years and just under 22 years in prison, rather than between just under 22 years and 27 years in prison. The court ordered the trial court to re-sentence Maldonado-Passage.

It’s possible that Maldonado-Passage could receive an even lower sentence than the range cited in the ruling because the court has to consider other factors too, his appeals attorney, Brandon Sample, said.

Meanwhile, another attorney representing Maldonado-Passage, John M. Phillips, hinted at the possibility of seeking a new trial, saying in a statement he would be filing motions citing previously undisclosed and newly discovered evidence in the case as well as examples of government misconduct.

“People should know what they saw on television isn’t the full truth. It isn’t even the tip of the iceberg. It was snowflakes on the tip of the iceberg, largely manufactured by those who wanted to see Joe Exotic in jail for their own benefit,” he said.

Maldonado-Passage, who has maintained his innocence, was also sentenced for killing five tigers, selling tiger cubs and falsifying wildlife records.

His supporters were disappointed that former President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/no-trump-pardon-tiger-king-joe-exotic-77df2360159f247b81a293ae1a15ee25">failed to issue him a pardon before leaving office.</a>&nbsp;They were so confident in his chances that they had readied a celebratory limousine and a hair and wardrobe team to whisk him away from prison.

In his pardon application, Maldonado-Passage’s attorneys argued that he was “railroaded and betrayed” by others and said “he will likely die in prison” because of health concerns. He is serving his sentence at a medical prison in Fort Worth, Texas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626350261828.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that “Tiger King” Joe Exotic should get a shorter prison sentence for his role in a murder-for-hire plot and violating federal wildlife laws.Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f3d40f4a4134f4e903da8c5ed2a0878f">was sentenced in January 2020</a>&nbsp;to 22 years in federal prison after being convicted of trying to hire two different men to kill&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/volunteer-bitten-carole-baskin-sanctuary-66a3a67eae93955dcb1fd6409bce1743">animal rights activist Carole Baskin</a>. A three-judge panel for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit in Denver found that the trial court wrongly treated those two convictions separately in calculating his prison term under sentencing guidelines.The blond mullet-wearing zookeeper, known for his expletive-laden rants on YouTube and a failed 2018 Oklahoma gubernatorial campaign, was prominently featured in the popular Netflix documentary “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness.”The panel agreed with Maldonado-Passage that the court should have treated them as one conviction at sentencing because they both involved the same goal of killing Baskin, who runs a rescue sanctuary for big cats in Florida. According to the ruling, the court should have calculated his advisory sentencing range to be between 17 1/2 years and just under 22 years in prison, rather than between just under 22 years and 27 years in prison. The court ordered the trial court to re-sentence Maldonado-Passage.It’s possible that Maldonado-Passage could receive an even lower sentence than the range cited in the ruling because the court has to consider other factors too, his appeals attorney, Brandon Sample, said.Meanwhile, another attorney representing Maldonado-Passage, John M. Phillips, hinted at the possibility of seeking a new trial, saying in a statement he would be filing motions citing previously undisclosed and newly discovered evidence in the case as well as examples of government misconduct.“People should know what they saw on television isn’t the full truth. It isn’t even the tip of the iceberg. It was snowflakes on the tip of the iceberg, largely manufactured by those who wanted to see Joe Exotic in jail for their own benefit,” he said.Maldonado-Passage, who has maintained his innocence, was also sentenced for killing five tigers, selling tiger cubs and falsifying wildlife records.His supporters were disappointed that former President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/no-trump-pardon-tiger-king-joe-exotic-77df2360159f247b81a293ae1a15ee25">failed to issue him a pardon before leaving office.</a>&nbsp;They were so confident in his chances that they had readied a celebratory limousine and a hair and wardrobe team to whisk him away from prison.In his pardon application, Maldonado-Passage’s attorneys argued that he was “railroaded and betrayed” by others and said “he will likely die in prison” because of health concerns. He is serving his sentence at a medical prison in Fort Worth, Texas.

Court orders shorter sentence for 'Tiger King' Joe Exotic

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Danish toymaker Lego said Wednesday it had asked a Utah-based gun company to stop producing a product that makes a pistol look like it is covered with the famous multi-colored building brick.

“We have contacted the company and they have agreed to remove the product from their website and not make or sell anything like this in the future,” Lego said in a brief statement.

The design creates a customized semi-automatic Glock weapon that has a strong resemblance to a Lego toy.

On its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CRR4VDErTjL/" target="_blank">Instagram account</a>, Provo-based Culper Precision said had made the Block 19 “to create an opportunity to talk about the enjoyment of the shooting sports and the joy that can only be found in marksmanship practice and training.”

“We here at Culper Precision are grateful for the attention that Block19 is currently getting across the globe,” they said. They also insisted people have the right to customize their property, but also noted that responsible gun owners take measures to secure their firearms.

The company did not immediately return messages seeking further comment. The product page for the Block19 had been taken down as of Wednesday.

Shannon Watts, founder of the gun-control group Moms Demand Action, drew attention to the product on Twitter last week, and on Wednesday called the it “a recipe for disaster.”

“We have already seen tragedies happen when unsecured firearms are around children and they don’t look like toys,” she said in a statement. Unintentional shooting deaths by children of themselves or others rose more than 30% between March and December of 2020 as compared to the same time frame the year before, the group’s research found.

That increase comes during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/philanthropy-sports-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-8450c7b642c9fccdd1031842898cfcd9">record-breaking surge in U.S. gun sales</a>&nbsp;that began as the coronavirus pandemic took hold last year. Gun rights are politically important in conservative states such as Utah, which joined several other states in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gun-politics-bills-utah-90eee7b4d2198963b4a9c46bded6e76b">loosening gun laws</a>&nbsp;this year by rolling back requirements for people to get permits to carry guns in public.

Lego was founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen. The name is derived from the two Danish words LEg GOdt, which mean “Play Well.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616598041817.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Danish toymaker Lego said Wednesday it had asked a Utah-based gun company to stop producing a product that makes a pistol look like it is covered with the famous multi-colored building brick.“We have contacted the company and they have agreed to remove the product from their website and not make or sell anything like this in the future,” Lego said in a brief statement.The design creates a customized semi-automatic Glock weapon that has a strong resemblance to a Lego toy.On its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CRR4VDErTjL/" target="_blank">Instagram account</a>, Provo-based Culper Precision said had made the Block 19 “to create an opportunity to talk about the enjoyment of the shooting sports and the joy that can only be found in marksmanship practice and training.”“We here at Culper Precision are grateful for the attention that Block19 is currently getting across the globe,” they said. They also insisted people have the right to customize their property, but also noted that responsible gun owners take measures to secure their firearms.The company did not immediately return messages seeking further comment. The product page for the Block19 had been taken down as of Wednesday.Shannon Watts, founder of the gun-control group Moms Demand Action, drew attention to the product on Twitter last week, and on Wednesday called the it “a recipe for disaster.”“We have already seen tragedies happen when unsecured firearms are around children and they don’t look like toys,” she said in a statement. Unintentional shooting deaths by children of themselves or others rose more than 30% between March and December of 2020 as compared to the same time frame the year before, the group’s research found.That increase comes during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/philanthropy-sports-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-8450c7b642c9fccdd1031842898cfcd9">record-breaking surge in U.S. gun sales</a>&nbsp;that began as the coronavirus pandemic took hold last year. Gun rights are politically important in conservative states such as Utah, which joined several other states in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gun-politics-bills-utah-90eee7b4d2198963b4a9c46bded6e76b">loosening gun laws</a>&nbsp;this year by rolling back requirements for people to get permits to carry guns in public.Lego was founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen. The name is derived from the two Danish words LEg GOdt, which mean “Play Well.”

Lego tells US company to stop making guns look like its toys

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Twenty states including Nebraska Kansas and Missouri are supporting&nbsp;South Carolina's defense of a new abortion law, arguing in an amicus brief that a federal judge was wrong to pause the entire measure instead of just the provision facing a court challenge.

In a filing Tuesday with the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of the states,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/alabama">Alabama</a>&nbsp;Attorney General Steve Marshall argued that U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis overstepped her authority when she put the entire abortion law on hold, rather than just the portion being challenged.

The judge's ruling, Marshall wrote, “treads on South Carolina’s sovereign ability to decide for itself the purposes of its legislation” and “aggrandizes the judicial power by treating the court’s injunction of the challenged provision as erasing it entirely so the whole Act collapses.”

The arguments mirror those of South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican who signed the measure into law earlier this year. The state's attorneys wrote in an appellate filing earlier this month that Lewis’ decision to halt the entire measure during litigation “oversteps the bounds of federal judicial power.”

McMaster’s brief asked the appellate judges to lift a lower court’s injunction on the “ South Carolina Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act.”

The law requires doctors to perform ultrasounds to check for a heartbeat in the fetus, which can typically be detected about six weeks after conception. If cardiac activity is detected, the abortion can only be performed if the pregnancy was caused by rape or incest, or the mother’s life was in danger.

Planned Parenthood attorneys sued immediately, and the entire law has been blocked from taking effect during the lawsuit.

The states filing in support of South Carolina all “have in place laws similar to the South Carolina laws the district court enjoined,” Marshall wrote.

In halting the whole law, Lewis presumed that the sole purpose of other provisions in the law — like requiring an ultrasound to be performed before an abortion — “was to ban abortions of unborn children with heartbeats,” Marshall wrote.

That, he continued, “would be news not only to the South Carolina General Assembly, but to many other state legislatures that have enacted similar ultrasound requirements without South Carolina’s additional regulation.”

The states that signed onto the amicus brief are: Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Alabama,&nbsp;Alaska,&nbsp;Arkansas,&nbsp;Georgia,&nbsp;Idaho,&nbsp;Indiana,&nbsp; Kentucky,&nbsp;Louisiana,&nbsp;Mississippi, Montana,&nbsp;North Dakota,&nbsp;Ohio,&nbsp;Oklahoma,&nbsp;Tennessee,&nbsp;Texas,&nbsp;Utah&nbsp;and West&nbsp;Virginia. All but three have Republican governors.

Several other groups have submitted filings in support of South Carolina, including the Southern Baptist Convention and an anti-abortion group of obstetricians and gynecologists.

Attorneys for Planned Parenthood have not responded in court.

Actions by an even higher court could also dictate outcomes in this case. Lewis has said she’s inclined to stay further motions following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to take a case from Mississippi — which wants to enforce an abortion ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The court will likely hear that case in the fall, with a decision likely in 2022.

About a dozen other states have passed similar or more restrictive abortion bans, which could take effect if the U.S. Supreme Court were to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 court decision supporting abortion rights. Federal law supersedes state law.

More than 90% of abortions take place in the first 13 weeks of a woman’s pregnancy, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Opponents have argued many women do not know they are pregnant at six weeks, especially if they are not trying to conceive. And, they argue, with such an early deadline, the law gives women little time to consider whether to have an abortion.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Twenty states including Nebraska Kansas and Missouri are supporting&nbsp;South Carolina's defense of a new abortion law, arguing in an amicus brief that a federal judge was wrong to pause the entire measure instead of just the provision facing a court challenge.In a filing Tuesday with the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of the states,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/alabama">Alabama</a>&nbsp;Attorney General Steve Marshall argued that U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis overstepped her authority when she put the entire abortion law on hold, rather than just the portion being challenged.The judge's ruling, Marshall wrote, “treads on South Carolina’s sovereign ability to decide for itself the purposes of its legislation” and “aggrandizes the judicial power by treating the court’s injunction of the challenged provision as erasing it entirely so the whole Act collapses.”The arguments mirror those of South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican who signed the measure into law earlier this year. The state's attorneys wrote in an appellate filing earlier this month that Lewis’ decision to halt the entire measure during litigation “oversteps the bounds of federal judicial power.”McMaster’s brief asked the appellate judges to lift a lower court’s injunction on the “ South Carolina Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act.”The law requires doctors to perform ultrasounds to check for a heartbeat in the fetus, which can typically be detected about six weeks after conception. If cardiac activity is detected, the abortion can only be performed if the pregnancy was caused by rape or incest, or the mother’s life was in danger.Planned Parenthood attorneys sued immediately, and the entire law has been blocked from taking effect during the lawsuit.The states filing in support of South Carolina all “have in place laws similar to the South Carolina laws the district court enjoined,” Marshall wrote.In halting the whole law, Lewis presumed that the sole purpose of other provisions in the law — like requiring an ultrasound to be performed before an abortion — “was to ban abortions of unborn children with heartbeats,” Marshall wrote.That, he continued, “would be news not only to the South Carolina General Assembly, but to many other state legislatures that have enacted similar ultrasound requirements without South Carolina’s additional regulation.”The states that signed onto the amicus brief are: Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Alabama,&nbsp;Alaska,&nbsp;Arkansas,&nbsp;Georgia,&nbsp;Idaho,&nbsp;Indiana,&nbsp; Kentucky,&nbsp;Louisiana,&nbsp;Mississippi, Montana,&nbsp;North Dakota,&nbsp;Ohio,&nbsp;Oklahoma,&nbsp;Tennessee,&nbsp;Texas,&nbsp;Utah&nbsp;and West&nbsp;Virginia. All but three have Republican governors.Several other groups have submitted filings in support of South Carolina, including the Southern Baptist Convention and an anti-abortion group of obstetricians and gynecologists.Attorneys for Planned Parenthood have not responded in court.Actions by an even higher court could also dictate outcomes in this case. Lewis has said she’s inclined to stay further motions following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to take a case from Mississippi — which wants to enforce an abortion ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The court will likely hear that case in the fall, with a decision likely in 2022.About a dozen other states have passed similar or more restrictive abortion bans, which could take effect if the U.S. Supreme Court were to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 court decision supporting abortion rights. Federal law supersedes state law.More than 90% of abortions take place in the first 13 weeks of a woman’s pregnancy, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Opponents have argued many women do not know they are pregnant at six weeks, especially if they are not trying to conceive. And, they argue, with such an early deadline, the law gives women little time to consider whether to have an abortion.___

Nebraska supports South Carolina in abortion lawsuit

According to the FBI,&nbsp;John Doe 44 has been identified and located.  He is currently in custody. 

He was not located in the FBI Omaha field office's area of responsibility. 

Officials said no further information can be released at this time. 

WASHINGTON-The
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking the public’s
assistance with obtaining identifying information regarding an
unknown male who may have critical information pertaining to the
identity of a child victim in an ongoing sexual exploitation
investigation. Photographs and an informational poster depicting the
unknown individual, known only as John Doe 44, are being disseminated
to the public and can be found online at the FBI website at
https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/ecap


Initial
video of the unidentified male, John Doe 44, shown with a child were
first recorded by the National Center for Missing and Exploited
Children in February of 2021. The EXIF data embedded within the video
files indicated that the files were produced prior to November of
2018.


John
Doe 44 is described as a White male with light brown hair and wearing
a navy-blue t-shirt. He is heard speaking English in the video. Due
to the age of the images, it is possible that the individual’s
appearance may have changed over the years.

Anyone
with information to provide should submit a tip online at
<a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/">https://tips.fbi.gov/,
</a>or
call the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI
(1-800-225-5324). The public is reminded no charges have been filed
in this case and the pictured individual is presumed innocent unless
and until proven guilty in a court of law.


This
individual is being sought as part of the FBI’s Operation Rescue Me
and Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) initiatives, both of which
represent strategic partnerships between the FBI and the National
Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Operation Rescue Me
focuses on utilizing clues obtained through in-depth image analysis
to identify the child victims depicted in child exploitation
material, while ECAP seeks national and international media exposure
of unknown adults (referred to as John/Jane Does) who visibly display
their faces and/or other distinguishing characteristics in
association with child pornography images.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626279277179.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release FBIUPDATEAccording to the FBI,&nbsp;John Doe 44 has been identified and located. He is currently in custody. He was not located in the FBI Omaha field office's area of responsibility. Officials said no further information can be released at this time. WASHINGTON-The
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking the public’s
assistance with obtaining identifying information regarding an
unknown male who may have critical information pertaining to the
identity of a child victim in an ongoing sexual exploitation
investigation. Photographs and an informational poster depicting the
unknown individual, known only as John Doe 44, are being disseminated
to the public and can be found online at the FBI website at
https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/ecap
Initial
video of the unidentified male, John Doe 44, shown with a child were
first recorded by the National Center for Missing and Exploited
Children in February of 2021. The EXIF data embedded within the video
files indicated that the files were produced prior to November of
2018.
John
Doe 44 is described as a White male with light brown hair and wearing
a navy-blue t-shirt. He is heard speaking English in the video. Due
to the age of the images, it is possible that the individual’s
appearance may have changed over the years.
Anyone
with information to provide should submit a tip online at
<a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/">https://tips.fbi.gov/,
</a>or
call the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI
(1-800-225-5324). The public is reminded no charges have been filed
in this case and the pictured individual is presumed innocent unless
and until proven guilty in a court of law.
This
individual is being sought as part of the FBI’s Operation Rescue Me
and Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) initiatives, both of which
represent strategic partnerships between the FBI and the National
Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Operation Rescue Me
focuses on utilizing clues obtained through in-depth image analysis
to identify the child victims depicted in child exploitation
material, while ECAP seeks national and international media exposure
of unknown adults (referred to as John/Jane Does) who visibly display
their faces and/or other distinguishing characteristics in
association with child pornography images.

UPDATED FBI: John Doe 44 is in custody

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska railcar-cleaning company and its two owners have pleaded guilty to violating environmental and worker safety laws related to a fatal explosion in a railcar in 2015. 

A tanker car exploded in Omaha while workers from Nebraska Railcar Cleaning Services were inside cleaning it. 

The blast killed Adrian LaPour, 44, and Dallas Foulk, 40. 

Prosecutors said the tanker was not tested for benzene or monitored for explosive levels of gases. 

The company's owner, Steven Braithwaite, and his brother, Adam Braithwaite, pleaded guilty Monday to two counts of violating worker safety standards and violating an environmental law. 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska railcar-cleaning company and its two owners have pleaded guilty to violating environmental and worker safety laws related to a fatal explosion in a railcar in 2015. A tanker car exploded in Omaha while workers from Nebraska Railcar Cleaning Services were inside cleaning it. The blast killed Adrian LaPour, 44, and Dallas Foulk, 40. Prosecutors said the tanker was not tested for benzene or monitored for explosive levels of gases. The company's owner, Steven Braithwaite, and his brother, Adam Braithwaite, pleaded guilty Monday to two counts of violating worker safety standards and violating an environmental law. They will be sentenced Oct. 25.

Company, owners plead guilty in fatal 2015 Nebraska railcar explosion

HARTINGTON, Neb. (AP) — Officials in the northeastern corner of Nebraska are recounting ballots in a local school bond election after a single vote separated those for and against the proposal. 

The Norfolk Daily News reports that Cedar County election workers tallying the Tuesday vote Laurel-Concord-Coleridge Public Schools bond issue election counted 596 votes in favor of the bond and 595 votes against it. A recount was being conducted Wednesday. 

The $18.5 bond issue and $6.5 million lease-purchase proposal would go toward a $25 million project to replace the district's high school and upgrade the attached elementary school. 

The project was previously rejected by 50 votes in November 2020 when it was proposed in the form of a $23 million bond issue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625585719063.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HARTINGTON, Neb. (AP) — Officials in the northeastern corner of Nebraska are recounting ballots in a local school bond election after a single vote separated those for and against the proposal. The Norfolk Daily News reports that Cedar County election workers tallying the Tuesday vote Laurel-Concord-Coleridge Public Schools bond issue election counted 596 votes in favor of the bond and 595 votes against it. A recount was being conducted Wednesday. The $18.5 bond issue and $6.5 million lease-purchase proposal would go toward a $25 million project to replace the district's high school and upgrade the attached elementary school. The project was previously rejected by 50 votes in November 2020 when it was proposed in the form of a $23 million bond issue.

Recount in Nebraska school bond planned after 1-vote margin

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats announced late Tuesday that they’d reached a budget agreement envisioning spending an enormous $3.5 trillion over the coming decade, paving the way for their drive to pour federal resources into climate change, health care and family-service programs sought by President Joe Biden.

The accord marks a major step in the party’s push to meet Biden’s goal of bolstering an economy that was ravaged by the pandemic and setting it on course for long-term growth — and includes a Medicare expansion of vision, hearing and dental benefits for older Americans, a goal of progressives.

But Democrats behind the agreement face possible objections from their rival moderate and progressive factions, and will have to work hard to convert their plans into legislation they can push through the closely divided Congress over what could be unanimous Republican opposition.

“We are very proud of this plan,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., told reporters. “We know we have a long road to go. We’re going to get this done for the sake of making average Americans’ lives a whole lot better.”

Biden was set to attend a closed-door lunch at the Capitol on Wednesday with all Senate Democrats “to lead us on to getting this wonderful plan” enacted, Schumer said.

All told, the ambitious proposal reflects Biden’s vision for making the most substantive potential investments in the nation in years, some say on par with the New Deal of the 1930s. Together with a slimmer, $1 trillion bipartisan effort of traditional road, highway and public works also being negotiated, they represent close to the president’s initial $4 trillion-plus effort that could reach almost every corner of the country.

The Democrats’ goal is to push a budget resolution reflecting Tuesday’s agreement through the House and Senate before lawmakers leave for their August recess. The resolution sets only broad spending and revenue parameters, leaving the actual funding and specific decisions about which programs are affected — and by exactly how much — for later legislation.

Nonetheless, approving a budget will be a major boon for the Democrats’ effort to enact their subsequent funding bill. That’s because the budget contains language that would let Democrats move the follow-up spending measure through the 50-50 Senate with just a simple majority, not the 60 votes Republicans could demand by using a bill-killing filibuster.

The later spending legislation will likely not start moving through Congress until the fall.

Separately Tuesday, a bipartisan group of senators continued working on a third measure that would spend around $1 trillion on roads, water systems and other infrastructure projects, another Biden priority. Biden and 10 senators — five from each party — had agreed to an outline of that compromise measure last month, and bargainers have worked ever since to flesh it out.

In discussing the budget agreement, Schumer and other lawmakers did not respond when asked if they had the support of all 50 Democratic senators, which they will need to succeed. They also have virtually no margin for error in the House, where they will be able to lose no more than three Democratic votes and still prevail.

Moderates like Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., might still demand further changes to reduce the plan’s price tag and impact on already huge federal deficits. Progressives in both chambers might insist on beefing it up or other changes.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., the Budget Committee chairman, and other progressives pushed initially for a $6 trillion budget top line while party moderates insisted on a far lower price tag. Biden had proposed around $4.5 trillion.

The Democrats’ announcement Tuesday left many questions about their budget accord unanswered. These included how much it would raise through tax increases on the wealthy and corporations and other revenue to pay for its costs; how much would be spent on specific programs; and how Biden’s proposals would be curtailed or eliminated to fit into the legislation.

Schumer said the proposal would call for financing Biden’s budget priorities “in a robust way.” He also said it would include a priority of Sanders and other progressives: an expansion of Medicare, the federal health insurance program for older people, to cover dental, vision and hearing services.

Sanders said the agreement would end an era in which, he said, rich people and big companies weren’t bearing enough of the burden of financing government programs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626283910947.png" alt="President Joe Biden is stepping up his bid to push his multitrillion-dollar domestic agenda through Congress. He had lunch with Senate Democrats at the Capitol on Wednesday. The gathering comes a day after party leaders announced a compromise for pouring federal resources into climate change, health care and family service programs.-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden is stepping up his bid to push his multitrillion-dollar domestic agenda through Congress. He had lunch with Senate Democrats at the Capitol on Wednesday. The gathering comes a day after party leaders announced a compromise for pouring federal resources into climate change, health care and family service programs.-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats announced late Tuesday that they’d reached a budget agreement envisioning spending an enormous $3.5 trillion over the coming decade, paving the way for their drive to pour federal resources into climate change, health care and family-service programs sought by President Joe Biden.The accord marks a major step in the party’s push to meet Biden’s goal of bolstering an economy that was ravaged by the pandemic and setting it on course for long-term growth — and includes a Medicare expansion of vision, hearing and dental benefits for older Americans, a goal of progressives.But Democrats behind the agreement face possible objections from their rival moderate and progressive factions, and will have to work hard to convert their plans into legislation they can push through the closely divided Congress over what could be unanimous Republican opposition.“We are very proud of this plan,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., told reporters. “We know we have a long road to go. We’re going to get this done for the sake of making average Americans’ lives a whole lot better.”Biden was set to attend a closed-door lunch at the Capitol on Wednesday with all Senate Democrats “to lead us on to getting this wonderful plan” enacted, Schumer said.All told, the ambitious proposal reflects Biden’s vision for making the most substantive potential investments in the nation in years, some say on par with the New Deal of the 1930s. Together with a slimmer, $1 trillion bipartisan effort of traditional road, highway and public works also being negotiated, they represent close to the president’s initial $4 trillion-plus effort that could reach almost every corner of the country.The Democrats’ goal is to push a budget resolution reflecting Tuesday’s agreement through the House and Senate before lawmakers leave for their August recess. The resolution sets only broad spending and revenue parameters, leaving the actual funding and specific decisions about which programs are affected — and by exactly how much — for later legislation.Nonetheless, approving a budget will be a major boon for the Democrats’ effort to enact their subsequent funding bill. That’s because the budget contains language that would let Democrats move the follow-up spending measure through the 50-50 Senate with just a simple majority, not the 60 votes Republicans could demand by using a bill-killing filibuster.The later spending legislation will likely not start moving through Congress until the fall.Separately Tuesday, a bipartisan group of senators continued working on a third measure that would spend around $1 trillion on roads, water systems and other infrastructure projects, another Biden priority. Biden and 10 senators — five from each party — had agreed to an outline of that compromise measure last month, and bargainers have worked ever since to flesh it out.In discussing the budget agreement, Schumer and other lawmakers did not respond when asked if they had the support of all 50 Democratic senators, which they will need to succeed. They also have virtually no margin for error in the House, where they will be able to lose no more than three Democratic votes and still prevail.Moderates like Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., might still demand further changes to reduce the plan’s price tag and impact on already huge federal deficits. Progressives in both chambers might insist on beefing it up or other changes.Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., the Budget Committee chairman, and other progressives pushed initially for a $6 trillion budget top line while party moderates insisted on a far lower price tag. Biden had proposed around $4.5 trillion.The Democrats’ announcement Tuesday left many questions about their budget accord unanswered. These included how much it would raise through tax increases on the wealthy and corporations and other revenue to pay for its costs; how much would be spent on specific programs; and how Biden’s proposals would be curtailed or eliminated to fit into the legislation.Schumer said the proposal would call for financing Biden’s budget priorities “in a robust way.” He also said it would include a priority of Sanders and other progressives: an expansion of Medicare, the federal health insurance program for older people, to cover dental, vision and hearing services.Sanders said the agreement would end an era in which, he said, rich people and big companies weren’t bearing enough of the burden of financing government programs.“Those days are gone,” he said. “The wealthy and large corporations are going to start paying their fair share of taxes, so that we can protect the working families of this country.”Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., a leading moderate who helped shape the budget package, said the measure would be fully paid for with offsetting revenue but provided no detail. Biden has proposed financing the measure with higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations and beefing up the IRS’s budget so it can collect more revenue from scofflaws.The budget will include language calling for no tax increases on people making less than $400,000 a year, a Biden demand, or on small businesses. The provision was described by a Democratic aide who requested anonymity to discuss the negotiations.On infrastructure, senators from both parties met Tuesday evening and their bipartisan deal appeared back on track, after days of disputes. Lawmakers said they were aiming for a new Thursday deadline to wrap up the details despite opposition from business leaders, outside activists and some GOP senators over how to pay for it.The bipartisan infrastructure effort was thrown into doubt earlier Tuesday when Republicans said it was unlikely it would be ready for a vote next week, as hoped.But senators exiting the meeting suggested they hadn’t so much resolved the questions over how to pay for the package but moved past them — apparently accepting that some of the proposed revenue streams may not pass muster in formal assessments by the Congressional Budget Office, the lawmakers’ nonpartisan fiscal scorekeeper.Manchin said he hoped that the CBO’s score, as it is called, would show that “everything’s paid for. If not, we’ll have to make some adjustments.”Even if the bipartisan group can meet its new deadline for agreement, it’s still a long shot the bill would be ready for a vote next week.Senators have struggled to agree to revenue streams to fund the $1 trillion plan, which includes about $579 billion in new spending beyond regular expenditures already funded by gas taxes and other sources.At least 10 Republican senators would be needed to back the infrastructure bill, joining with all 50 Democrats to reach the 60-vote threshold because it would still be vulnerable to a filibuster.___