RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Asking dogs to follow their noses won't work anymore in states that have legalized marijuana.

As&nbsp;Virginia&nbsp;prepares to legalize adult possession of up to an ounce of marijuana on July 1, drug-sniffing police dogs from around the state are being forced into early retirement, following a trend in other states where legalization has led to K-9s being put out to pasture earlier than planned.

In Virginia, the rush to take marijuana-detecting dogs out of service began even before lawmakers voted last month to accelerate the timetable for legalization. A separate law that went into effect in March prohibits police from stopping or searching anyone based solely on the odor of marijuana.

Virginia state police are retiring 13 K-9s, while many smaller police departments and sheriff’s offices are retiring one or two dogs. Most are in the process of purchasing and training new dogs to detect only illicit drugs, including cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines. Some departments are unable to afford up to $15,000 to buy and train a new dog, so they are disbanding their K-9 units.

The dogs trained on multiple drugs alert in the same way for all of them, so it's impossible to tell whether they are indicating the presence of marijuana or an illicit drug. The dogs also cannot distinguish between a small, legal amount of marijuana or a larger, still-illegal amount of the drug. For police, that means they can no longer be used to establish probable cause for a search.

“We won't use our dogs trained in marijuana because that could be a defense an attorney would raise for a client, to say, 'Which odor did the K-9 alert on — was it marijuana or was it an illegal drug?" said Bedford County Sheriff Mike Miller.

Using a dog that has been trained to detect all drugs except marijuana can help "guarantee he didn’t hit on marijuana, that he found heroin or something else,” Miller said.

Miller's office retired one dog and is now using a second dog for tracking and apprehension duties only, not for drug detection. His office also bought a new dog not trained on the scent of marijuana; that dog will be used to detect other drugs. Miller said he'd like to purchase a second drug-sniffing dog, but isn't sure when he will find the money in his budget.

Other states that legalized marijuana earlier have had to make similar adjustments.

“The trend is everywhere,” said Don Slavik, executive director of the United States Police Canine Association.

“Once you train a behavior in a dog, that never goes away. They don't want any mistakes, so that is why they want to bring in new dogs,” he said.

A 2017 ruling from the&nbsp;Colorado&nbsp;Court of Appeals solidified concerns that using marijuana-trained dogs in places where the drug is legal may not withstand legal challenges.

Kilo, a Moffat County Sheriff's Office dog trained on multiple drugs, alerted on a man's truck during a 2015 traffic stop. Officers found a methamphetamine pipe containing white residue. The court found that Kilo's alert was not a reliable indicator of illegal activity because the dog could not differentiate between marijuana and an illegal drug. The court overturned the man's drug possession conviction, finding that police did not have legal grounds to search his truck. The ruling was later upheld by the Colorado Supreme Court.

In&nbsp;Massachusetts, where recreational marijuana became legal in 2016, the Quincy Police Department shifted two dogs from drug detection to patrol work, then retired them about 18 months later.

Lt. Bob Gillan, the department's K-9 Unit Supervisor, said drug traffickers quickly figured out how to raise doubt about the legality of a search by a dog trained to detect marijuana.

“Usually, when they're delivering their illegal drugs, they will always have marijuana burning in the car. Any defense attorney worth his or her salt will say, ‘Well, your dog hit on a legal substance,’ (not the illegal drugs),” he said.

Sgt. Scott Amos, the canine training coordinator for Virginia State Police, said that with the July 1 legalization date approaching, police are busy training new dogs to detect MDMA, also known as ecstasy; cocaine, heroine and methamphetamines, while also getting 13 dogs ready for retirement. Apollo, Aries, Bandit, Blaze, Jax, Kane, Mater, Nina, Reno, Sarge, Thunder, Zeus and Zoey are being adopted by their handlers, Amos said.

Cumberland County Sheriff Darrell Hodges said his office recently had to retire its drug-detecting K-9, a Belgian Malinois named Mambo. He said his 17-person department doesn't have the money to purchase and train a new dog.

“You work with them day in and day out, and they become part of you, and to just take it away is kind of tough,” he said.

Hodges said all turned out well for Mambo, who was adopted by his handler.

“The dog is actually living a wonderful life,'" he said. “He has his own bedroom in a house and is getting spoiled rotten.”

By DENISE LAVOIE, Associated PressRICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Asking dogs to follow their noses won't work anymore in states that have legalized marijuana.As&nbsp;Virginia&nbsp;prepares to legalize adult possession of up to an ounce of marijuana on July 1, drug-sniffing police dogs from around the state are being forced into early retirement, following a trend in other states where legalization has led to K-9s being put out to pasture earlier than planned.In Virginia, the rush to take marijuana-detecting dogs out of service began even before lawmakers voted last month to accelerate the timetable for legalization. A separate law that went into effect in March prohibits police from stopping or searching anyone based solely on the odor of marijuana.Virginia state police are retiring 13 K-9s, while many smaller police departments and sheriff’s offices are retiring one or two dogs. Most are in the process of purchasing and training new dogs to detect only illicit drugs, including cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines. Some departments are unable to afford up to $15,000 to buy and train a new dog, so they are disbanding their K-9 units.The dogs trained on multiple drugs alert in the same way for all of them, so it's impossible to tell whether they are indicating the presence of marijuana or an illicit drug. The dogs also cannot distinguish between a small, legal amount of marijuana or a larger, still-illegal amount of the drug. For police, that means they can no longer be used to establish probable cause for a search.“We won't use our dogs trained in marijuana because that could be a defense an attorney would raise for a client, to say, 'Which odor did the K-9 alert on — was it marijuana or was it an illegal drug?" said Bedford County Sheriff Mike Miller.Using a dog that has been trained to detect all drugs except marijuana can help "guarantee he didn’t hit on marijuana, that he found heroin or something else,” Miller said.Miller's office retired one dog and is now using a second dog for tracking and apprehension duties only, not for drug detection. His office also bought a new dog not trained on the scent of marijuana; that dog will be used to detect other drugs. Miller said he'd like to purchase a second drug-sniffing dog, but isn't sure when he will find the money in his budget.Other states that legalized marijuana earlier have had to make similar adjustments.“The trend is everywhere,” said Don Slavik, executive director of the United States Police Canine Association.“Once you train a behavior in a dog, that never goes away. They don't want any mistakes, so that is why they want to bring in new dogs,” he said.A 2017 ruling from the&nbsp;Colorado&nbsp;Court of Appeals solidified concerns that using marijuana-trained dogs in places where the drug is legal may not withstand legal challenges.Kilo, a Moffat County Sheriff's Office dog trained on multiple drugs, alerted on a man's truck during a 2015 traffic stop. Officers found a methamphetamine pipe containing white residue. The court found that Kilo's alert was not a reliable indicator of illegal activity because the dog could not differentiate between marijuana and an illegal drug. The court overturned the man's drug possession conviction, finding that police did not have legal grounds to search his truck. The ruling was later upheld by the Colorado Supreme Court.In&nbsp;Massachusetts, where recreational marijuana became legal in 2016, the Quincy Police Department shifted two dogs from drug detection to patrol work, then retired them about 18 months later.Lt. Bob Gillan, the department's K-9 Unit Supervisor, said drug traffickers quickly figured out how to raise doubt about the legality of a search by a dog trained to detect marijuana.“Usually, when they're delivering their illegal drugs, they will always have marijuana burning in the car. Any defense attorney worth his or her salt will say, ‘Well, your dog hit on a legal substance,’ (not the illegal drugs),” he said.Sgt. Scott Amos, the canine training coordinator for Virginia State Police, said that with the July 1 legalization date approaching, police are busy training new dogs to detect MDMA, also known as ecstasy; cocaine, heroine and methamphetamines, while also getting 13 dogs ready for retirement. Apollo, Aries, Bandit, Blaze, Jax, Kane, Mater, Nina, Reno, Sarge, Thunder, Zeus and Zoey are being adopted by their handlers, Amos said.Cumberland County Sheriff Darrell Hodges said his office recently had to retire its drug-detecting K-9, a Belgian Malinois named Mambo. He said his 17-person department doesn't have the money to purchase and train a new dog.“You work with them day in and day out, and they become part of you, and to just take it away is kind of tough,” he said.Hodges said all turned out well for Mambo, who was adopted by his handler.“The dog is actually living a wonderful life,'" he said. “He has his own bedroom in a house and is getting spoiled rotten.”

Marijuana legalization prompting police K-9 retirements

KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — A man has been arrested in Texas, accused of plotting to carry out a mass shooting at a Walmart. 

The Kerr County Sheriff's Office says in a news release Sunday that Coleman Thomas Blevins, 28, is charged with making a terroristic threat. 

Investigators say they intercepted a message from Blevins on Thursday indicating he was “preparing to proceed with a mass shooting,” and that the threat included Walmart. 

Blevins was arrested Friday. Authorities searched his home and found firearms, ammunition, and more, including what officials called “radical ideology paraphernalia” such as books, flags and handwritten documents. 

Jail records didn't list an attorney who could comment on Blevins' behalf.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622467203705.png" alt="Blevins" />
 <figcaption>Blevins</figcaption>
 </figure>KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — A man has been arrested in Texas, accused of plotting to carry out a mass shooting at a Walmart. The Kerr County Sheriff's Office says in a news release Sunday that Coleman Thomas Blevins, 28, is charged with making a terroristic threat. Investigators say they intercepted a message from Blevins on Thursday indicating he was “preparing to proceed with a mass shooting,” and that the threat included Walmart. Blevins was arrested Friday. Authorities searched his home and found firearms, ammunition, and more, including what officials called “radical ideology paraphernalia” such as books, flags and handwritten documents. Jail records didn't list an attorney who could comment on Blevins' behalf.

Man accused of plotting Walmart attack arrested in Texas

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/fauci-effect-inspiring-young-kansans-pursue-health-care-careers">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA, Kansas — Gracie Dean will graduate from Maize South High 
School this month, but she’s already working in a field that drew 
increasing interest during the pandemic.

As a certified nursing 
assistant at a long-term care facility, she’s among a growing number of 
young people pursuing careers in health care because of what they’ve 
witnessed or experienced during COVID-19.

“These nurses have put their lives on the line to help people,” the 17-year-old said. “And that’s just what I aspire to be.”

Some
 are calling it "the Fauci effect": a new generation of health care 
workers on a public health mission inspired by people like Anthony 
Fauci, the face of the White House coronavirus task force.

Medical school applications <a href="https://www.medpagetoday.com/publichealthpolicy/medicaleducation/90581" target="_blank">are up 18% over last year</a>, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm" target="_blank">health educators and community health workers will see a 13% increase in jobs between 2019 and 2029.</a>

Kansas State University recently launched the region’s <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/2020-12/public-health-bachelors12720.html" target="_blank">first bachelor of science in public health</a>,
 and student interest already is high. The program aims to prepare 
people for jobs such as epidemiologist, public health analyst and 
wellness coordinator.

The trend mirrors one after Sept. 11, when 
colleges saw a burst of interest in Middle Eastern studies, Arabic 
language and homeland security. Other young people sought careers in the
 military or public safety. Or post-Watergate, when the work of Bob 
Woodward and Carl Bernstein launched the careers of would-be 
investigative journalists.

Lindsay King knows the feeling. A 
high-schooler during the attacks on 9/11, she joined the U.S. Air Force.
 She later earned her master’s and doctorate in education and now serves
 as principal of <a href="https://www.usd266.com/mca" target="_blank">Maize Career Academy</a>.

She
 said enrollment in high school medical programs is on the rise. This 
year, the academy saw a 20% increase in students interested in certified
 nursing assistant, or CNA, certification. The school also added classes
 in anatomy and physiology, a foundational course for students pursuing 
careers in health care.

“Students are going to see how dangerous 
it is to be on the front lines in health care, but they make the other 
choice — to be brave and to help others,” King said. “They can see 
that’s how you make a difference, how you change the world.”

Dean,
 the Maize South student, earned her CNA certification and works 
part-time in the memory care department of a nursing home. She 
experienced the effects of COVID first-hand, working with patients who 
lost spouses, suffered with isolation or had to go into long-term care 
because of the virus.

“They love to talk, and I love listening to them,” she said. “Their stories are just incredible, and they matter.”

She plans to attend Wichita State University to continue her nursing education. She ultimately wants to become a trauma nurse.

Lindsey Dean, Gracie’s mother, says the career seems a perfect fit for her oldest daughter.

“This
 fits with Gracie so easily and so well,” she said. “She just has such a
 quiet, calm, sweet spirit and I think she’s going to be great at that.”

Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT&nbsp;or email her at perez@kmuw.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622061955493.png" alt="Maize High graduate Gracie Dean is among a growing number of young adults pursuing health careers. Courtesy Maize High" />
 <figcaption>Maize High graduate Gracie Dean is among a growing number of young adults pursuing health careers. Courtesy Maize High</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/fauci-effect-inspiring-young-kansans-pursue-health-care-careers">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA, Kansas — Gracie Dean will graduate from Maize South High 
School this month, but she’s already working in a field that drew 
increasing interest during the pandemic.As a certified nursing 
assistant at a long-term care facility, she’s among a growing number of 
young people pursuing careers in health care because of what they’ve 
witnessed or experienced during COVID-19.“These nurses have put their lives on the line to help people,” the 17-year-old said. “And that’s just what I aspire to be.”Some
 are calling it "the Fauci effect": a new generation of health care 
workers on a public health mission inspired by people like Anthony 
Fauci, the face of the White House coronavirus task force.Medical school applications <a href="https://www.medpagetoday.com/publichealthpolicy/medicaleducation/90581" target="_blank">are up 18% over last year</a>, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm" target="_blank">health educators and community health workers will see a 13% increase in jobs between 2019 and 2029.</a>Kansas State University recently launched the region’s <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/2020-12/public-health-bachelors12720.html" target="_blank">first bachelor of science in public health</a>,
 and student interest already is high. The program aims to prepare 
people for jobs such as epidemiologist, public health analyst and 
wellness coordinator.The trend mirrors one after Sept. 11, when 
colleges saw a burst of interest in Middle Eastern studies, Arabic 
language and homeland security. Other young people sought careers in the
 military or public safety. Or post-Watergate, when the work of Bob 
Woodward and Carl Bernstein launched the careers of would-be 
investigative journalists.Lindsay King knows the feeling. A 
high-schooler during the attacks on 9/11, she joined the U.S. Air Force.
 She later earned her master’s and doctorate in education and now serves
 as principal of <a href="https://www.usd266.com/mca" target="_blank">Maize Career Academy</a>.She
 said enrollment in high school medical programs is on the rise. This 
year, the academy saw a 20% increase in students interested in certified
 nursing assistant, or CNA, certification. The school also added classes
 in anatomy and physiology, a foundational course for students pursuing 
careers in health care.“Students are going to see how dangerous 
it is to be on the front lines in health care, but they make the other 
choice — to be brave and to help others,” King said. “They can see 
that’s how you make a difference, how you change the world.”Dean,
 the Maize South student, earned her CNA certification and works 
part-time in the memory care department of a nursing home. She 
experienced the effects of COVID first-hand, working with patients who 
lost spouses, suffered with isolation or had to go into long-term care 
because of the virus.“They love to talk, and I love listening to them,” she said. “Their stories are just incredible, and they matter.”She plans to attend Wichita State University to continue her nursing education. She ultimately wants to become a trauma nurse.Lindsey Dean, Gracie’s mother, says the career seems a perfect fit for her oldest daughter.“This
 fits with Gracie so easily and so well,” she said. “She just has such a
 quiet, calm, sweet spirit and I think she’s going to be great at that.”Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT&nbsp;or email her at perez@kmuw.org.

'Fauci effect' inspiring young people to pursue health care careers 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A town southwest of Omaha is poised to double in size and add nearly 3,000 people after the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled in its favor in an annexation dispute with its home county. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that the high court ruled Friday that a lower court failed to consider future development plans in the area that Gretna sought to annex. 

Gretna has about 4,400 residents and sought in 2017 to annex nearly 3,000 acres that include housing subdivisions. 

Sarpy County filed a lawsuit challenging the annexation of over 22 parcels of agricultural land. State law says cities can annex only “urban or suburban" land.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622413039891.png" alt="Photo: gretnane.org" />
 <figcaption>Photo: gretnane.org</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A town southwest of Omaha is poised to double in size and add nearly 3,000 people after the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled in its favor in an annexation dispute with its home county. The Omaha World-Herald reports that the high court ruled Friday that a lower court failed to consider future development plans in the area that Gretna sought to annex. Gretna has about 4,400 residents and sought in 2017 to annex nearly 3,000 acres that include housing subdivisions. Sarpy County filed a lawsuit challenging the annexation of over 22 parcels of agricultural land. State law says cities can annex only “urban or suburban" land.

Town set to grow after Nebraska Supreme Court takes its side

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A trial date has been set for the South Dakota attorney general who struck and killed a man along a Hyde County highway. 

Jason Ravnsborg will go on trial Aug. 26 on three misdemeanor charges, including careless driving, operating a vehicle while on an electronic device and driving outside of his lane. 

The state Department of Public Safety says Ravnsborg was distracted the night of Sept. 12, swerved out of his lane near Highmore and struck 55-year-old Joe Boever who was walking on the shoulder with a flashlight.

 Investigators say Boever crashed headfirst through the windshield of Ravnsborg’s car with his glasses landing inside the vehicle. 

Ravnsborg told officials he never saw Boever and thought he struck a deer.

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A trial date has been set for the South Dakota attorney general who struck and killed a man along a Hyde County highway. Jason Ravnsborg will go on trial Aug. 26 on three misdemeanor charges, including careless driving, operating a vehicle while on an electronic device and driving outside of his lane. The state Department of Public Safety says Ravnsborg was distracted the night of Sept. 12, swerved out of his lane near Highmore and struck 55-year-old Joe Boever who was walking on the shoulder with a flashlight. Investigators say Boever crashed headfirst through the windshield of Ravnsborg’s car with his glasses landing inside the vehicle. Ravnsborg told officials he never saw Boever and thought he struck a deer.

Trial date set for SD attorney general in fatal crash

WASHINGTON
 — Last week, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of the 
Treasury, and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service announced they have 
disbursed more than 1.8 million additional Economic Impact Payments 
under the American Rescue Plan.

<a href="https://jcpost.com/posts/9bea2cac-3981-4065-a6c1-fe2715da5fc1">RELATED:&nbsp;Despite May 17 deadline, still time to get refund, cut penalties</a>

Today's announcement covering the most recent two weeks of the effort
 brings the total disbursed so far to nearly 167 million payments. They 
represent a total value of approximately $391 billion since these 
payments began rolling out to Americans in batches <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-begins-delivering-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments-to-americans">on March 12</a>.

Here is additional information on the last two weeks of payments, 
which includes those with official payment dates through May 26:

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

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

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

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

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

Free <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">tax return preparation</a> is available for qualifying people.

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON
 — Last week, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of the 
Treasury, and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service announced they have 
disbursed more than 1.8 million additional Economic Impact Payments 
under the American Rescue Plan.<a href="https://jcpost.com/posts/9bea2cac-3981-4065-a6c1-fe2715da5fc1">RELATED:&nbsp;Despite May 17 deadline, still time to get refund, cut penalties</a>Today's announcement covering the most recent two weeks of the effort
 brings the total disbursed so far to nearly 167 million payments. They 
represent a total value of approximately $391 billion since these 
payments began rolling out to Americans in batches <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-begins-delivering-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments-to-americans">on March 12</a>.Here is additional information on the last two weeks of payments, 
which includes those with official payment dates through May 26:<ul>
 <li>In total, this includes more than 1.8 million payments with a value of more than $3.5 billion.</li><li>More than 900,000 payments, with a value of approximately $1.9 
billion, went to eligible individuals for whom the IRS previously did 
not have information to issue an Economic Impact Payment but who 
recently filed a tax return.&nbsp;</li><li>This also includes additional ongoing supplemental payments for 
people who earlier this year received payments based on their 2019 tax 
returns but are eligible for a new or larger payment based on their 
recently processed 2020 tax returns. In the last two weeks, there were 
more than 900,000 of these "plus-up" payments, with a value of more than
 $1.6 billion. In all, the IRS has made nearly 7 million of these 
supplemental payments this year.</li><li>Overall, the last two weeks of payments contain more than 900,000 
direct deposit payments (with a total value over $1.6 billion) with the 
remainder as paper check payments.</li>
 </ul>The IRS will continue to make Economic Impact Payments on a 
weekly basis. Ongoing payments will be sent to eligible individuals for 
whom the IRS previously did not have information to issue a payment but 
who recently filed a tax return, as well to people who qualify for 
"plus-up" payments.<h2>Special reminder for those who don't normally file a tax return</h2>Although payments are automatic for most people, the IRS continues to
 urge people who don't normally file a tax return and haven't received 
Economic Impact Payments to file a 2020 tax return to get all the 
benefits they're entitled to under the law, including tax credits such 
as the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>,
 the Child Tax Credit, and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Filing a 2020 
tax return will also assist the IRS in determining whether someone is 
eligible for an advance payment of the 2021 Child Tax Credit, which will
 begin to be disbursed this summer.For example, some federal benefits recipients may need to file a 2020
 tax return – even if they don't usually file – to provide information 
the IRS needs to send payments for a qualifying dependent. Eligible 
individuals in this group should file a 2020 tax return as quickly as 
possible to be considered for an additional payment for their qualifying
 dependents.People who don't normally file a tax return and don't receive federal
 benefits may qualify for these Economic Impact Payments. This includes 
those experiencing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/those-experiencing-homelessness-can-get-economic-impact-payments-and-other-tax-benefits-permanent-address-not-required">homelessness</a>,
 the rural poor, and others. Individuals who didn't get a first or 
second round Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amounts 
may be eligible for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>, but they'll need to file a 2020 tax return. See the special section on IRS.gov: <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit-topic-a-claiming-the-recovery-rebate-credit-if-you-arent-required-to-file-a-tax-return">Claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren't required to file a tax return</a>.Free <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">tax return preparation</a> is available for qualifying people.The IRS reminds taxpayers that the income levels in this third round 
of Economic Impact Payments have changed. This means that some people 
won't be eligible for the third payment even if they received a first or
 second Economic Impact Payment or claimed a 2020 Recovery Rebate 
Credit. Payments will begin to be reduced for individuals making $75,000
 or above in Adjusted Gross Income ($150,000 for married filing 
jointly). The payments end at $80,000 for individuals ($160,000 for 
married filing jointly); people with Adjusted Gross Incomes above these 
levels are ineligible for a payment.Individuals can check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov to see the payment status of these payments. Additional information on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments">Economic Impact Payments</a> is available on IRS.gov.

IRS: 1.8M more COVID stimulus payments sent to Americans

ARLINGTON, TX (AP) —B.J. Thomas, the Grammy-winning singer who enjoyed success on the pop, country and gospel charts with such hits as “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” and “Hooked on a Feeling,” has died. He was 78.

Thomas, who announced in March that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer, died from complications of the disease Saturday at his home in Arlington, Texas, his publicist Jeremy Westby said in a statement.

A Hugo, Oklahoma-native who grew up in Houston, Billy Joe Thomas broke through in 1966 with a gospel-styled cover of Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” and went on to sell millions of records and have dozens of hits across genres. He reached No. 1 with pop, adult contemporary and country listeners in 1976 with ″(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song.” The same year, his “Home Where I Belong” became one of the first gospel albums to be certified platinum for selling more than 1 million copies.

Dionne Warwick, who duetted with Thomas, sent out a tweet Saturday with her condolences.

“My sincere condolences to the family of one of my favorite duet partners, BJ Thomas. I will miss him as I know so many others will as well. Rest In Peace my friend,” she said.

Thomas’ signature recording was “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head,” a No. 1 pop hit and an Oscar winner for best original song as part of the soundtrack to one of the biggest movies of 1969, the irreverent Western “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” Thomas wasn’t the first choice to perform the whimsical ballad composed by Burt Bacharach and Hal David; Ray Stevens turned the songwriters down. But his warm, soulful tenor fit the song’s easygoing mood, immortalized on film during the scene when Butch (Paul Newman) shows off his new bicycle to Etta Place (Katharine Ross), the girlfriend of the Sundance Kid (Robert Redford).

“Raindrops” has since been heard everywhere from “The Simpsons” to “Forrest Gump” and was voted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2013. But, at first, not everyone was satisfied. Thomas was recovering from laryngitis while recording the soundtrack version and his vocals are raspier than for the track released on its own. Redford, meanwhile, doubted the song even belonged in “Butch Cassidy.”

“When the film was released, I was highly critical — how did the song fit with the film? There was no rain,” Redford told USA Today in 2019. “At the time, it seemed like a dumb idea. How wrong I was.”

Thomas would later say the phenomenon of “Raindrops” exacerbated an addiction to pills and alcohol which dated back to his teens, when a record producer in Houston suggested he take amphetamines to keep his energy up. He was touring and recording constantly and taking dozens of pills a day. By 1976, while ″(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” was hitting No. 1, he felt like he was “number 1,000.”

“I was at the bottom with my addictions and my problems,” he said in 2020 on “The Debby Campbell Goodtime Show.” He cited a “spiritual awakening,” shared with his wife, Gloria Richardson, with helping him to get clean.

Thomas had few pop hits after the mid-1970s, but he continued to score on the country charts with such No. 1 songs as “Whatever Happened to Old-Fashioned Love” and “New Looks from an Old Lover.” In the late 1970s and early ’80s, he was also a top gospel and inspirational singer, winning two Dove awards and five Grammys, including a Grammy in 1979 for best gospel performance for “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Fans of the 1980s sitcom “Growing Pains” heard him as the singer of the show’s theme song. He also acted in a handful of movies, including “Jory” and “Jake’s Corner” and toured often. Recent recordings included “Living Room Music,” featuring cameos from Lyle Lovett, Vince Gill and Richard Marx. He had planned to record in 2020 in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, but the sessions were delayed because of the pandemic.

Thomas married Richardson in 1968, and had three daughters: Paige, Nora and Erin. He and his wife worked on the 1982 memoir “In Tune: Finding How Good Life Can Be.” His book “Home Where I Belong” came out in 1978 and was co-authored by Jerry B. Jenkins, later famous for the million-selling “Left Behind” religious novels written with Tim LaHaye.

Besides music, Thomas loved baseball as a kid and started calling himself B.J. because so many Little League teammates also were named Billy Joe. By his teens, he was singing in church and had joined a local rock band, the Triumphs, whom he would stay with into his 20s. He enjoyed Ernest Tubbs, Hank Williams and other country performers his parents liked, but on his own he was inspired by the soul and rhythm and blues singers he heard on the radio or saw on stage, notably Jackie Wilson, whose hit ballad “To Be Loved” Thomas later covered and adopted as a kind of guide to his life.

“I was raised in a fairly dysfunctional situation and I went through years of intense alcoholism and drug addiction so the song was always a touchstone for me. When you open yourself up to drugs and alcohol at such a young age it becomes something you have to deal with the rest of your life,” he told the Huffington Post in 2014.

“What a road block and heartbreak and times of failure these addictions have caused me. But I had that little piece of lightning from that song. That’s the essence of the whole thing. To love and be loved. And that takes a lifetime to accomplish. It’s always been an important part of my emotions.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622341060284.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ARLINGTON, TX (AP) —B.J. Thomas, the Grammy-winning singer who enjoyed success on the pop, country and gospel charts with such hits as “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” and “Hooked on a Feeling,” has died. He was 78.Thomas, who announced in March that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer, died from complications of the disease Saturday at his home in Arlington, Texas, his publicist Jeremy Westby said in a statement.A Hugo, Oklahoma-native who grew up in Houston, Billy Joe Thomas broke through in 1966 with a gospel-styled cover of Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” and went on to sell millions of records and have dozens of hits across genres. He reached No. 1 with pop, adult contemporary and country listeners in 1976 with ″(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song.” The same year, his “Home Where I Belong” became one of the first gospel albums to be certified platinum for selling more than 1 million copies.Dionne Warwick, who duetted with Thomas, sent out a tweet Saturday with her condolences.“My sincere condolences to the family of one of my favorite duet partners, BJ Thomas. I will miss him as I know so many others will as well. Rest In Peace my friend,” she said.Thomas’ signature recording was “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head,” a No. 1 pop hit and an Oscar winner for best original song as part of the soundtrack to one of the biggest movies of 1969, the irreverent Western “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” Thomas wasn’t the first choice to perform the whimsical ballad composed by Burt Bacharach and Hal David; Ray Stevens turned the songwriters down. But his warm, soulful tenor fit the song’s easygoing mood, immortalized on film during the scene when Butch (Paul Newman) shows off his new bicycle to Etta Place (Katharine Ross), the girlfriend of the Sundance Kid (Robert Redford).“Raindrops” has since been heard everywhere from “The Simpsons” to “Forrest Gump” and was voted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2013. But, at first, not everyone was satisfied. Thomas was recovering from laryngitis while recording the soundtrack version and his vocals are raspier than for the track released on its own. Redford, meanwhile, doubted the song even belonged in “Butch Cassidy.”“When the film was released, I was highly critical — how did the song fit with the film? There was no rain,” Redford told USA Today in 2019. “At the time, it seemed like a dumb idea. How wrong I was.”Thomas would later say the phenomenon of “Raindrops” exacerbated an addiction to pills and alcohol which dated back to his teens, when a record producer in Houston suggested he take amphetamines to keep his energy up. He was touring and recording constantly and taking dozens of pills a day. By 1976, while ″(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” was hitting No. 1, he felt like he was “number 1,000.”“I was at the bottom with my addictions and my problems,” he said in 2020 on “The Debby Campbell Goodtime Show.” He cited a “spiritual awakening,” shared with his wife, Gloria Richardson, with helping him to get clean.Thomas had few pop hits after the mid-1970s, but he continued to score on the country charts with such No. 1 songs as “Whatever Happened to Old-Fashioned Love” and “New Looks from an Old Lover.” In the late 1970s and early ’80s, he was also a top gospel and inspirational singer, winning two Dove awards and five Grammys, including a Grammy in 1979 for best gospel performance for “The Lord’s Prayer.”Fans of the 1980s sitcom “Growing Pains” heard him as the singer of the show’s theme song. He also acted in a handful of movies, including “Jory” and “Jake’s Corner” and toured often. Recent recordings included “Living Room Music,” featuring cameos from Lyle Lovett, Vince Gill and Richard Marx. He had planned to record in 2020 in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, but the sessions were delayed because of the pandemic.Thomas married Richardson in 1968, and had three daughters: Paige, Nora and Erin. He and his wife worked on the 1982 memoir “In Tune: Finding How Good Life Can Be.” His book “Home Where I Belong” came out in 1978 and was co-authored by Jerry B. Jenkins, later famous for the million-selling “Left Behind” religious novels written with Tim LaHaye.Besides music, Thomas loved baseball as a kid and started calling himself B.J. because so many Little League teammates also were named Billy Joe. By his teens, he was singing in church and had joined a local rock band, the Triumphs, whom he would stay with into his 20s. He enjoyed Ernest Tubbs, Hank Williams and other country performers his parents liked, but on his own he was inspired by the soul and rhythm and blues singers he heard on the radio or saw on stage, notably Jackie Wilson, whose hit ballad “To Be Loved” Thomas later covered and adopted as a kind of guide to his life.“I was raised in a fairly dysfunctional situation and I went through years of intense alcoholism and drug addiction so the song was always a touchstone for me. When you open yourself up to drugs and alcohol at such a young age it becomes something you have to deal with the rest of your life,” he told the Huffington Post in 2014.“What a road block and heartbreak and times of failure these addictions have caused me. But I had that little piece of lightning from that song. That’s the essence of the whole thing. To love and be loved. And that takes a lifetime to accomplish. It’s always been an important part of my emotions.”___

'Hooked on a Feeling' singer B.J. Thomas dies at 78

GREENWOOD COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Saturday in Greenwood County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a John Deere Gator driven by Fred A. Hays, 90, Eureka, was eastbound on 120th Street four miles east and 3 and one half miles south of Eureka.

The driver failed to remain stopped at the stop sign at the U Road intersection and struck a southbound 2004 Jeep Cherokee driven by Sylan W. Gorman, 22, Eureka.

EMS transported Hays to Wesley Medical Center and a passenger 89-year-old Edwina Hays of Eureka to the Greenwood Hospital.&nbsp; Gorman was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident. The occupants of the Gator were not wearing helmets, according to the KHP.

GREENWOOD COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Saturday in Greenwood County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a John Deere Gator driven by Fred A. Hays, 90, Eureka, was eastbound on 120th Street four miles east and 3 and one half miles south of Eureka.The driver failed to remain stopped at the stop sign at the U Road intersection and struck a southbound 2004 Jeep Cherokee driven by Sylan W. Gorman, 22, Eureka.EMS transported Hays to Wesley Medical Center and a passenger 89-year-old Edwina Hays of Eureka to the Greenwood Hospital.&nbsp; Gorman was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident. The occupants of the Gator were not wearing helmets, according to the KHP.

90-year-old Kan. man injured after UTV strikes Jeep

GILLETTE, Wyo. (AP) — A U.S. House candidate in Wyoming who disclosed that he impregnated a 14-year-old girl when he was 18 scoffed at the idea of dropping out of the race and challenged any legislators who might make an issue of his past.

 State Sen. Anthony Bouchard told lawmakers who might be considering a censure to “bring it on" at a news conference Monday. 

He then refused to answer questions about the girl he married after she bore his son and who killed herself at age 20 in 1990, the year after they divorced. 

Bouchard is among at least eight Republicans running against Rep. Liz Cheney.

GILLETTE, Wyo. (AP) — A U.S. House candidate in Wyoming who disclosed that he impregnated a 14-year-old girl when he was 18 scoffed at the idea of dropping out of the race and challenged any legislators who might make an issue of his past. State Sen. Anthony Bouchard told lawmakers who might be considering a censure to “bring it on" at a news conference Monday. He then refused to answer questions about the girl he married after she bore his son and who killed herself at age 20 in 1990, the year after they divorced. Bouchard is among at least eight Republicans running against Rep. Liz Cheney.

Wyoming candidate undeterred after teen pregnancy disclosure

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — High school students in Cheyenne are getting hands-on teaching in farm and ranch work.

 Tommy Cress is the new agriculture teacher at Cheyenne Central High School.

 Cress was an assistant principal in Cheyenne but wanted a more hands-on role with students. 

The Cheyenne school district has a small farm where students learn skills such as caring for livestock. 

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports Cress works with students at the farm and students give him high reviews. 

Cheyenne Central junior Sarah Turner keeps two pigs at the school farm. She says Cress isn't an everyday teacher — he's somebody she can look up to.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — High school students in Cheyenne are getting hands-on teaching in farm and ranch work. Tommy Cress is the new agriculture teacher at Cheyenne Central High School. Cress was an assistant principal in Cheyenne but wanted a more hands-on role with students. The Cheyenne school district has a small farm where students learn skills such as caring for livestock. The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports Cress works with students at the farm and students give him high reviews. Cheyenne Central junior Sarah Turner keeps two pigs at the school farm. She says Cress isn't an everyday teacher — he's somebody she can look up to.

Students look up to Wyoming high school ag program teacher

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Postal Service wants to raise rates on first-class stamps from 55 cents to 58 cents as part of a host of price hikes and service changes designed to reduce debt for the beleaguered agency.

The request for the changes, which would take effect Aug. 29, was filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission. It includes price hikes for first-class mail, magazines and marketing mailers. The price hikes are part of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy's 10-year plan for the agency, which faces an estimated $160 billion in operating losses over the next decade.

DeJoy said the increases are necessary to “achieve financial sustainability and service excellence” and will allow the postal service to "remain viable and competitive and offer reliable postal services that are among the most affordable in the world.”

The Washington Post reported that the price hikes also are being accompanied by hundreds of layoffs of “management-level employees.” An email to postal officials seeking confirmation of the layoffs did not receive an immediate response.

The Post Office has grappled with declining revenues for years; in the past decade, overall mail volume has dropped 28 percent, and first-class letters have declined by 47 percent, according to the agency. It also faces fierce competition in the package delivery business from FedEx, UPS and Amazon.

DeJoy, a major donor to former president Donald Trump, became a figure of national controversy last year when he was publicly accused by Democrats of hampering mail service for political reasons. His attempted service cuts were seen as an extension of Trump's opposition to mail-in voting.

After Trump's defeat, DeJoy's position was considered to be in jeopardy. The Senate has approved three new appointees to the Postal Service's governing board, giving the nine-member board a Democratic majority.

However, DeJoy's dismissal is not certain. Postal Service board Chairman Ron Bloom, a Democrat, told House lawmakers in February that DeJoy "in very difficult circumstances is doing a good job.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Postal Service wants to raise rates on first-class stamps from 55 cents to 58 cents as part of a host of price hikes and service changes designed to reduce debt for the beleaguered agency.The request for the changes, which would take effect Aug. 29, was filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission. It includes price hikes for first-class mail, magazines and marketing mailers. The price hikes are part of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy's 10-year plan for the agency, which faces an estimated $160 billion in operating losses over the next decade.DeJoy said the increases are necessary to “achieve financial sustainability and service excellence” and will allow the postal service to "remain viable and competitive and offer reliable postal services that are among the most affordable in the world.”The Washington Post reported that the price hikes also are being accompanied by hundreds of layoffs of “management-level employees.” An email to postal officials seeking confirmation of the layoffs did not receive an immediate response.The Post Office has grappled with declining revenues for years; in the past decade, overall mail volume has dropped 28 percent, and first-class letters have declined by 47 percent, according to the agency. It also faces fierce competition in the package delivery business from FedEx, UPS and Amazon.DeJoy, a major donor to former president Donald Trump, became a figure of national controversy last year when he was publicly accused by Democrats of hampering mail service for political reasons. His attempted service cuts were seen as an extension of Trump's opposition to mail-in voting.After Trump's defeat, DeJoy's position was considered to be in jeopardy. The Senate has approved three new appointees to the Postal Service's governing board, giving the nine-member board a Democratic majority.However, DeJoy's dismissal is not certain. Postal Service board Chairman Ron Bloom, a Democrat, told House lawmakers in February that DeJoy "in very difficult circumstances is doing a good job.”

Postal Service looks to raise price of first-class stamp again

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A 57-year-old Lincoln man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in a home invasion that resulted in a woman's death in July 2018. 

Federal prosecutors said William Boothe III was sentenced Friday for helping to plan the robbery. 

Jessica Brandon was shot and killed in her north Lincoln home. Evidence at the trial of two co-defendants indicated Boothe pointed out Brandon's home as a target and provided information on the home's residents. 

Prosecutors said three other men broke into the home. 

Children in the home were tied up, and one of the suspects shot Brandon when he encountered her in a stairwell.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622291830329.png" alt="Boothe" />
 <figcaption>Boothe</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A 57-year-old Lincoln man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in a home invasion that resulted in a woman's death in July 2018. Federal prosecutors said William Boothe III was sentenced Friday for helping to plan the robbery. Jessica Brandon was shot and killed in her north Lincoln home. Evidence at the trial of two co-defendants indicated Boothe pointed out Brandon's home as a target and provided information on the home's residents. Prosecutors said three other men broke into the home. Children in the home were tied up, and one of the suspects shot Brandon when he encountered her in a stairwell.

Lincoln man sentenced for role in fatal home invasion

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A grand jury has found no wrongdoing by Nebraska law enforcement officers in the shooting deaths of a Wyoming couple last year. 

The grand jury on Thursday said Lincoln police officers and Nebraska State Patrol troopers acted correctly during a confrontation that led to the deaths of 26-year-old Christian Alexander, of Evansville, Wyoming, and 30-year-old Hailey Stainbrook, of Casper, Wyoming. 

The shooting occurred February 20 in Lincoln after the suspects allegedly robbed a man. 

Lancaster County Attorney Patrick Condon said the suspects pointed weapons at the officers during a pursuit and when their vehicle was stopped, prompting officers to shoot them.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A grand jury has found no wrongdoing by Nebraska law enforcement officers in the shooting deaths of a Wyoming couple last year. The grand jury on Thursday said Lincoln police officers and Nebraska State Patrol troopers acted correctly during a confrontation that led to the deaths of 26-year-old Christian Alexander, of Evansville, Wyoming, and 30-year-old Hailey Stainbrook, of Casper, Wyoming. The shooting occurred February 20 in Lincoln after the suspects allegedly robbed a man. Lancaster County Attorney Patrick Condon said the suspects pointed weapons at the officers during a pursuit and when their vehicle was stopped, prompting officers to shoot them.

Jury clears Nebraska officers in death of Wyoming couple

BELLEVUE, Neb. (AP) — A Bellevue man charged in the deaths of his two young children has been returned to Nebraska and appeared in court Friday for a bond hearing. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that 36-year-old Adam Price was returned to Nebraska from California on Thursday night. On Friday, he was ordered held on $2.5 million bail. 

Price is charged with two counts of negligent child abuse resulting in the deaths of his children, 5-year-old Emily and 3-year-old Theodore. The children had been with Price for a court-ordered visitation when they were found dead May 16 in Price's home. 

Price was nowhere to be found and was arrested hours later in Pacifica, California. Authorities have not yet said how the children died.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622291587144.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BELLEVUE, Neb. (AP) — A Bellevue man charged in the deaths of his two young children has been returned to Nebraska and appeared in court Friday for a bond hearing. The Omaha World-Herald reports that 36-year-old Adam Price was returned to Nebraska from California on Thursday night. On Friday, he was ordered held on $2.5 million bail. Price is charged with two counts of negligent child abuse resulting in the deaths of his children, 5-year-old Emily and 3-year-old Theodore. The children had been with Price for a court-ordered visitation when they were found dead May 16 in Price's home. Price was nowhere to be found and was arrested hours later in Pacifica, California. Authorities have not yet said how the children died.

Man charged in deaths of children returned to Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska prisoner already serving a life sentence for murder has been indicted on a new first-degree murder charge accusing him of killing his cellmate last year at the Nebraska State Penitentiary. 

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that 31-year-old Angelo Bol was indicted this week in the November death of 20-year-old Kevin Carter. 

Authorities have not released details on how Carter was killed. He was serving a 6-to-9-year sentence for taking part in the beating and stabbing of a man in Douglas County in 2019. 

Bol is serving a life sentence for the 2014 shooting death a co-worker at a Gibbon meatpacking plant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622291479728.png" alt="Bol" />
 <figcaption>Bol</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska prisoner already serving a life sentence for murder has been indicted on a new first-degree murder charge accusing him of killing his cellmate last year at the Nebraska State Penitentiary. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that 31-year-old Angelo Bol was indicted this week in the November death of 20-year-old Kevin Carter. Authorities have not released details on how Carter was killed. He was serving a 6-to-9-year sentence for taking part in the beating and stabbing of a man in Douglas County in 2019. Bol is serving a life sentence for the 2014 shooting death a co-worker at a Gibbon meatpacking plant.

Nebraska inmate indicted for murder in death of cellmate

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Friday unveiled a $6 trillion budget for next year that's piled high with new safety net programs for the poor and middle class, but his generosity depends on taxing corporations and the wealthy to keep the nation's spiking debt from spiraling totally out of control.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?512149-1/president-biden-delivers-remarks-economy">Click here to watch</a> the President's comments on his budget plan

Biden has already described, in general terms, major plans on infrastructure and he won a major victory on COVID-19 relief earlier this year. But Friday's rollout tallies up the costs and incorporates them into the government's existing budget framework, including Social Security and Medicare, to provide a fuller view of the administration's fiscal posture.

The whopping deficit projections reflect a government with steadily accumulating debt that has topped $28 trillion after well over $5 trillion in already approved COVID-19 relief, which would require the government to borrow roughly 50 cents of every dollar it spends this year and next. With the government's structural deficit remaining unchecked, Biden would use proposed tax hikes on businesses and high-earning people to power huge new social programs like universal prekindergarten, large subsidies for child care and guaranteed paid leave.

“The best way to grow our economy is not from the top down, but from the bottom up and the middle out," Biden said in his written budget message. “Our prosperity comes from the people who get up every day, work hard, raise their family, pay their taxes, serve their Nation, and volunteer in their communities.”

The budget incorporates the administration's eight-year, $2.3 trillion infrastructure proposal and its $1.8 trillion American Families Plan and adds details on his $1.5 trillion request for annual operating expenditures for the Pentagon and domestic agencies.

“Together, these ... will be transformational: Strengthening our economy, boosting American competitiveness, and delivering shared prosperity and economic security," said acting White House budget chief Shalanda Young. She called the Biden plan a “budget that puts these pieces together and does exactly what the president told the country he would do. Grow the economy, create jobs and do so responsibly by requiring the wealthiest Americans and big corporations to pay their fair share.”

Biden's budget is sure to give Republicans fresh ammunition for their criticisms of the new Democratic administration as bent on a “tax and spend" agenda that would damage the economy and impose a crushing debt burden on younger Americans. And he's facing a very nettlesome fight with Republicans who say he's shorting the military.

Veteran GOP Sen. Richard Shelby, whose help is needed to pass annual agency budget bills, blasted Biden's plan as “a blueprint for the higher taxes, excessive spending, and disproportionate funding priorities." He added that it ”completely disregards our debt of more than $28 trillion, yet somehow still shortchanges our national security."

Biden is a veteran of a long-gone Washington that fought bitterly in the 1980s and 1990s to wrestle the deficit under control. But there hasn't been any real effort to stem the flow of red ink since a tea party-driven moment in 2011 that produced unpopular automatic spending cuts.

Huge deficits have yet to drive up interest rates as many fiscal hawks have feared, however, and genuine anti-deficit sentiment is difficult to find in either political party.

The unusual timing of the budget rollout — the Friday afternoon before Memorial Day weekend — indicates that the White House isn't eager to trumpet the bad deficit news. Typically, lawmakers host an immediate round of hearings on the budget, but those will have to wait until Congress returns from a weeklong recess.

Under Biden’s plan, the debt held by the public would quickly match the size of the economy and soon eclipse record levels of debt relative to gross domestic product that have stood since World War II. That’s despite more than $3 trillion in proposed tax increases over the decade, including an increase in the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%, increased capital gains rates on top earners and returning the top personal income tax bracket to 39.6%.

Like all presidential budgets, Biden’s plan is simply a proposal. It’s up to Congress to implement it through tax and spending legislation and annual agency budget bills. With Democrats in control of Capitol Hill, albeit barely, the president has the ability to implement many of his tax and spending plans, though his hopes for awarding greater increases to domestic agencies than to the Pentagon are sure to hit a roadblock with Republicans.

Some Democrats are already balking at Biden’s full menu of tax increases, imperiling his ability to pay for his ambitious social spending. And his plans to increase spending on domestic Cabinet agencies by 16% while limiting defense to a 1.7% increase is politically impossible in the 50-50 Senate.

On Thursday, a top Senate ally, Appropriations Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., called for bipartisan talks to start the annual appropriations bills. There’s incentive for both GOP defense hawks and liberal Democrats like Leahy to bargain since the alternative is a long-term freeze at current spending levels.

The Biden plan comes as the White House is seeking an agreement with Senate Republicans over infrastructure spending. There are growing expectations that he may have to go it alone and pass his plans by relying on support from his narrow Democratic majorities in both the House and Senate.

The flood of Biden’s spending proposals includes numerous new programs to strengthen the “caring economy” with large programs aimed at child and elder care: $437 billion over 10 years to provide free preschool to all 3- and 4-year-olds and two years of free community college to all Americans. Also, $225 billion would subsidize child care to allow many to pay a maximum of 7% of their income for all children under age 5.

Another $225 billion over the next decade would create a national family and medical leave program, while $200 billion would make recently enacted subsidy increases under the Obama health care law permanent.

Tax hikes, Biden claims, would pay for his initiatives over the next 15 years, including $2 trillion from corporations from curbing overseas tax preferences and raising rates to 28%.

The increases would drive federal spending to about 25% of the entire economy, while the tax boosts would mean revenues approaching 20% of the size of the economy once implemented.

Last year’s $3.1 trillion budget deficit under President Donald Trump was more than double the previous record, as the coronavirus pandemic shrank revenues and sent spending soaring.

Republicans concerns about the deficit are voiced chiefly when Democrats are in power, and the Biden budget gives them ammunition to attack.

Council of Economic Advisers Chair Cecelia Rouse told reporters Friday that the economy is outperforming the budget’s promises of 5.2% economic growth this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622232957258.png" alt="Biden's budget incorporates the administration's eight-year, $2.3 trillion infrastructure proposal and its $1.8 trillion American Families Plan and adds details on his $1.5 trillion request for annual operating expenditures for the Pentagon and domestic agencies. He delivered remarks on the plan at&nbsp;Coyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio Thursday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Biden's budget incorporates the administration's eight-year, $2.3 trillion infrastructure proposal and its $1.8 trillion American Families Plan and adds details on his $1.5 trillion request for annual operating expenditures for the Pentagon and domestic agencies. He delivered remarks on the plan at&nbsp;Coyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio Thursday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Friday unveiled a $6 trillion budget for next year that's piled high with new safety net programs for the poor and middle class, but his generosity depends on taxing corporations and the wealthy to keep the nation's spiking debt from spiraling totally out of control.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?512149-1/president-biden-delivers-remarks-economy">Click here to watch</a> the President's comments on his budget planBiden has already described, in general terms, major plans on infrastructure and he won a major victory on COVID-19 relief earlier this year. But Friday's rollout tallies up the costs and incorporates them into the government's existing budget framework, including Social Security and Medicare, to provide a fuller view of the administration's fiscal posture.The whopping deficit projections reflect a government with steadily accumulating debt that has topped $28 trillion after well over $5 trillion in already approved COVID-19 relief, which would require the government to borrow roughly 50 cents of every dollar it spends this year and next. With the government's structural deficit remaining unchecked, Biden would use proposed tax hikes on businesses and high-earning people to power huge new social programs like universal prekindergarten, large subsidies for child care and guaranteed paid leave.“The best way to grow our economy is not from the top down, but from the bottom up and the middle out," Biden said in his written budget message. “Our prosperity comes from the people who get up every day, work hard, raise their family, pay their taxes, serve their Nation, and volunteer in their communities.”The budget incorporates the administration's eight-year, $2.3 trillion infrastructure proposal and its $1.8 trillion American Families Plan and adds details on his $1.5 trillion request for annual operating expenditures for the Pentagon and domestic agencies.“Together, these ... will be transformational: Strengthening our economy, boosting American competitiveness, and delivering shared prosperity and economic security," said acting White House budget chief Shalanda Young. She called the Biden plan a “budget that puts these pieces together and does exactly what the president told the country he would do. Grow the economy, create jobs and do so responsibly by requiring the wealthiest Americans and big corporations to pay their fair share.”Biden's budget is sure to give Republicans fresh ammunition for their criticisms of the new Democratic administration as bent on a “tax and spend" agenda that would damage the economy and impose a crushing debt burden on younger Americans. And he's facing a very nettlesome fight with Republicans who say he's shorting the military.Veteran GOP Sen. Richard Shelby, whose help is needed to pass annual agency budget bills, blasted Biden's plan as “a blueprint for the higher taxes, excessive spending, and disproportionate funding priorities." He added that it ”completely disregards our debt of more than $28 trillion, yet somehow still shortchanges our national security."Biden is a veteran of a long-gone Washington that fought bitterly in the 1980s and 1990s to wrestle the deficit under control. But there hasn't been any real effort to stem the flow of red ink since a tea party-driven moment in 2011 that produced unpopular automatic spending cuts.Huge deficits have yet to drive up interest rates as many fiscal hawks have feared, however, and genuine anti-deficit sentiment is difficult to find in either political party.The unusual timing of the budget rollout — the Friday afternoon before Memorial Day weekend — indicates that the White House isn't eager to trumpet the bad deficit news. Typically, lawmakers host an immediate round of hearings on the budget, but those will have to wait until Congress returns from a weeklong recess.Under Biden’s plan, the debt held by the public would quickly match the size of the economy and soon eclipse record levels of debt relative to gross domestic product that have stood since World War II. That’s despite more than $3 trillion in proposed tax increases over the decade, including an increase in the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%, increased capital gains rates on top earners and returning the top personal income tax bracket to 39.6%.Like all presidential budgets, Biden’s plan is simply a proposal. It’s up to Congress to implement it through tax and spending legislation and annual agency budget bills. With Democrats in control of Capitol Hill, albeit barely, the president has the ability to implement many of his tax and spending plans, though his hopes for awarding greater increases to domestic agencies than to the Pentagon are sure to hit a roadblock with Republicans.Some Democrats are already balking at Biden’s full menu of tax increases, imperiling his ability to pay for his ambitious social spending. And his plans to increase spending on domestic Cabinet agencies by 16% while limiting defense to a 1.7% increase is politically impossible in the 50-50 Senate.On Thursday, a top Senate ally, Appropriations Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., called for bipartisan talks to start the annual appropriations bills. There’s incentive for both GOP defense hawks and liberal Democrats like Leahy to bargain since the alternative is a long-term freeze at current spending levels.The Biden plan comes as the White House is seeking an agreement with Senate Republicans over infrastructure spending. There are growing expectations that he may have to go it alone and pass his plans by relying on support from his narrow Democratic majorities in both the House and Senate.The flood of Biden’s spending proposals includes numerous new programs to strengthen the “caring economy” with large programs aimed at child and elder care: $437 billion over 10 years to provide free preschool to all 3- and 4-year-olds and two years of free community college to all Americans. Also, $225 billion would subsidize child care to allow many to pay a maximum of 7% of their income for all children under age 5.Another $225 billion over the next decade would create a national family and medical leave program, while $200 billion would make recently enacted subsidy increases under the Obama health care law permanent.Tax hikes, Biden claims, would pay for his initiatives over the next 15 years, including $2 trillion from corporations from curbing overseas tax preferences and raising rates to 28%.The increases would drive federal spending to about 25% of the entire economy, while the tax boosts would mean revenues approaching 20% of the size of the economy once implemented.Last year’s $3.1 trillion budget deficit under President Donald Trump was more than double the previous record, as the coronavirus pandemic shrank revenues and sent spending soaring.Republicans concerns about the deficit are voiced chiefly when Democrats are in power, and the Biden budget gives them ammunition to attack.Council of Economic Advisers Chair Cecelia Rouse told reporters Friday that the economy is outperforming the budget’s promises of 5.2% economic growth this year.

Biden's $6T budget: Social spending, taxes on business

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo. —A Nebraska couple were injured in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Friday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ram pickup driven by Dalton N. Hart, 26, Tarkio, was westbound on U.S. 136 just west of Rock Port.

The driver attempted to make a left turn into a private drive.&nbsp; The pickup traveled into the path of a 1938 Chevy Deluxe driven by Kenneth D. Holmes, 50, Auburn, Nebraska.&nbsp; The vehicles collided head-on.

Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Holmes and a passenger in the Chevy Stephanie D. Holmes, 44, Auburn, to Community Hospital in Fairfax. An air ambulance later transferred them to University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Hart was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Chevy did not have seat belts.

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo. —A Nebraska couple were injured in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Friday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ram pickup driven by Dalton N. Hart, 26, Tarkio, was westbound on U.S. 136 just west of Rock Port.The driver attempted to make a left turn into a private drive.&nbsp; The pickup traveled into the path of a 1938 Chevy Deluxe driven by Kenneth D. Holmes, 50, Auburn, Nebraska.&nbsp; The vehicles collided head-on.Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Holmes and a passenger in the Chevy Stephanie D. Holmes, 44, Auburn, to Community Hospital in Fairfax. An air ambulance later transferred them to University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Hart was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Chevy did not have seat belts.

Neb. couple airlifted to hospital after head-on crash in 1938 Chevy

JACKSON COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in an accident&nbsp; late Thursday following a vehicle pursuit in rural Jackson County.

Just before 11p.m. Thursday, a police officer was in a vehicle pursuit with a Dodge Avenger, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver of the Dodge passenger car failed to stop for the officer and continued northbound out of the city on U.S. Highway 75.&nbsp; The vehicle continue east on 254th&nbsp;Road and then north on W. Road.&nbsp;

Jackson County deputies assisted with the pursuit. The suspect vehicle continued westbound on 286th&nbsp;Road, failed to stop at at a stop sign at U.S. Highway 75 and struck a southbound Jeep Renegade.&nbsp;

Both vehicles left the roadway, with the suspect vehicle landing on its side.&nbsp; EMS transported both occupants of the Jeep and two occupants of the Dodge to a Topeka hospital.

A third occupant of the Dodge identified as Shai Boyd, 26, Topeka, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Morse.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is in charge investigating the accident and incident.&nbsp;Early Friday a portion of Highway 75 remained closed with traffic being detoured north of Holton.

JACKSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident late Thursday following a vehicle pursuit in rural Jackson County.

The driver of the Dodge passenger car failed to stop for the officer and continued northbound out of the city on U.S. Highway 75.&nbsp; The vehicle continue east on 254th&nbsp;Road and then north on W. Road.&nbsp; 

Jackson County deputies assisted with the pursuit. The suspect vehicle continued westbound on 286th&nbsp;Road, failed to stop at U.S. Highway 75 and struck a southbound Jeep Renegade.&nbsp; 

Both vehicles left the roadway, with the suspect vehicle landing on its side.&nbsp; EMS transported both occupants of the Jeep and two occupants of the Dodge to a Topeka hospital. 

A third occupant of the Dodge was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Morse.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is in charge investigating the accident and incident.&nbsp;Early Friday a portion of Highway 75 remaine closed with traffic being detoured north of Holton.

JACKSON COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in an accident&nbsp; late Thursday following a vehicle pursuit in rural Jackson County.Just before 11p.m. Thursday, a police officer was in a vehicle pursuit with a Dodge Avenger, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.The driver of the Dodge passenger car failed to stop for the officer and continued northbound out of the city on U.S. Highway 75.&nbsp; The vehicle continue east on 254th&nbsp;Road and then north on W. Road.&nbsp;Jackson County deputies assisted with the pursuit. The suspect vehicle continued westbound on 286th&nbsp;Road, failed to stop at at a stop sign at U.S. Highway 75 and struck a southbound Jeep Renegade.&nbsp;Both vehicles left the roadway, with the suspect vehicle landing on its side.&nbsp; EMS transported both occupants of the Jeep and two occupants of the Dodge to a Topeka hospital.A third occupant of the Dodge identified as Shai Boyd, 26, Topeka, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Morse.The Kansas Highway Patrol is in charge investigating the accident and incident.&nbsp;Early Friday a portion of Highway 75 remained closed with traffic being detoured north of Holton.--------JACKSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident late Thursday following a vehicle pursuit in rural Jackson County.Just before 11p.m. Thursday, a police officer was in a vehicle pursuit with a Dodge Avenger, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.The driver of the Dodge passenger car failed to stop for the officer and continued northbound out of the city on U.S. Highway 75.&nbsp; The vehicle continue east on 254th&nbsp;Road and then north on W. Road.&nbsp; Jackson County deputies assisted with the pursuit. The suspect vehicle continued westbound on 286th&nbsp;Road, failed to stop at U.S. Highway 75 and struck a southbound Jeep Renegade.&nbsp; Both vehicles left the roadway, with the suspect vehicle landing on its side.&nbsp; EMS transported both occupants of the Jeep and two occupants of the Dodge to a Topeka hospital. A third occupant of the Dodge was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Morse.The Kansas Highway Patrol is in charge investigating the accident and incident.&nbsp;Early Friday a portion of Highway 75 remaine closed with traffic being detoured north of Holton.

Update: Kan. woman dead after crash during police chase

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans on Friday blocked creation of a bipartisan panel to study the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, turning aside the independent investigation in a show of party loyalty to former President Donald Trump and an effort to shift the political focus away from the violent insurrection by his GOP supporters.

The Senate vote was 54-35 — short of the 60 votes needed to take up a House-passed bill that would have formed a 10-member commission evenly split between the two parties.&nbsp;

 It came a day after emotional appeals from police who fought with the rioters and lawmakers who fled Capitol chambers that day.

Six Republicans voted with Democrats to move forward. Eleven senators missed the rare Friday vote.

Though the Jan. 6 commission bill passed the House earlier this month with the support of almost three dozen Republicans, GOP senators said they believe the commission would eventually be used against them politically. And Trump, who still has a firm hold on the party, has called it a “Democrat trap.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622217251264.png" alt="Vote counting on Friday on the floor of the United State's Senate-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Vote counting on Friday on the floor of the United State's Senate-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans on Friday blocked creation of a bipartisan panel to study the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, turning aside the independent investigation in a show of party loyalty to former President Donald Trump and an effort to shift the political focus away from the violent insurrection by his GOP supporters.The Senate vote was 54-35 — short of the 60 votes needed to take up a House-passed bill that would have formed a 10-member commission evenly split between the two parties.&nbsp; It came a day after emotional appeals from police who fought with the rioters and lawmakers who fled Capitol chambers that day.Six Republicans voted with Democrats to move forward. Eleven senators missed the rare Friday vote.Though the Jan. 6 commission bill passed the House earlier this month with the support of almost three dozen Republicans, GOP senators said they believe the commission would eventually be used against them politically. And Trump, who still has a firm hold on the party, has called it a “Democrat trap.”The vote is emblematic of the profound mistrust between the two parties since the siege, especially among Republicans, as some in the party have downplayed the violence and defended the rioters who supported Trump and his false insistence that the election was stolen from him.The attack was the worst on the Capitol in 200 years and interrupted the certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s win over Trump. Four people died that day, and Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick collapsed and died afterward of what authorities said were natural causes. Two police officers took their own lives in the days after the riots.The vote came after Sicknick’s mother, girlfriend and two police officers who fought the rioters went office to office and asked Republicans to support the commission.While initially saying he was open to the idea of the commission, which would be modeled after an investigation of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-republicans-insurrection-commission-e0ffe4990ad8f2634ca83b95a2c2c64c">turned firmly against it</a>&nbsp;in recent days. He has said he believes the panel’s investigation would be partisan despite the even split among party members.McConnell, who once&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-trump-fed-lies-to-mob-36871d68df56a10be1c46ed364ad6de6">said Trump was responsible for provoking the mob attack</a>&nbsp;on the Capitol, said of Democrats, “They’d like to continue to litigate the former president, into the future.”Still, six in his caucus defied him, arguing that an independent look is needed.Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski said Thursday evening that she needs to know more about what happened that day and why.“Truth is hard stuff, but we’ve got a responsibility to it,” she told reporters. “We just can’t pretend that nothing bad happened, or that people just got too excitable. Something bad happened. And it’s important to lay that out.”Of her colleagues opposing the commission, Murkowski said some are concerned that “we don’t want to rock the boat.”GOP opposition to the bipartisan panel has revived Democratic pressure to do away with the filibuster, a time-honored Senate tradition that requires a vote by 60 of the 100 senators to cut off debate and advance a bill. With the Senate evenly split 50-50, Democrats need support of 10 Republicans to move to the commission bill.The Republicans’ political arguments over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-capitol-lockdown-2f56a611445df15fb9640893bb9f7a93">the violent siege</a>&nbsp;— which is still raw for many in the Capitol, almost five months later — have frustrated not only Democrats but also those who fought off the rioters.Michael Fanone, a Metropolitan Police Department officer who responded to the attack, joined Sicknick’s family on Capitol Hill Thursday. In between meetings with Republican senators, he said a commission is “necessary for us to heal as a nation from the trauma that we all experienced that day.” Fanone has described being dragged down the Capitol steps by rioters who shocked him with a stun gun and beat him.Sandra Garza, the partner of Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who collapsed and died after battling the rioters, said of the Republican senators, “You know they are here today and with their families and comfortable because of the actions of law enforcement that day.”“So I don’t understand why they would resist getting to the bottom of what happened that day and fully understanding how to prevent it. Just boggles my mind,” she said.Video of the rioting shows two men spraying Sicknick and another officer with a chemical, but the Washington medical examiner said he suffered a stroke and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-government-and-politics-b497800805aedae48b72bc4837b90042">died from natural causes</a>.Garza attended the meetings with Sicknick’s mother, Gladys Sicknick. In a statement Wednesday, Mrs. Sicknick suggested the opponents of the commission “visit my son’s grave in Arlington National Cemetery and, while there, think about what their hurtful decisions will do to those officers who will be there for them going forward.”Dozens of other police officers were injured as the rioters pushed past them, breaking through windows and doors and hunting for lawmakers. The protesters constructed a mock gallows in front of the Capitol and called for the hanging of Vice President Mike Pence, who was overseeing the certification of the presidential vote.“We have a mob overtake the Capitol, and we can’t get the Republicans to join us in making historic record of that event? That is sad,” said Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the No. 2 Senate Democrat. “That tells you what’s wrong with the Senate and what’s wrong with the filibuster.”Many Democrats are warning that if Republicans are willing to use the filibuster to stop an arguably popular measure, it shows the limits of trying to broker compromises, particularly on bills related to election reforms or other aspects of the Democrats’ agenda.For now, though, Democrats don’t have the votes to change the rule. West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin and Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, both moderate Democrats, have said they want to preserve the filibuster.Biden, asked about the commission at a stop in Cleveland, said Thursday, “I can’t imagine anyone voting against” it.Republican Texas Sen. John Cornyn, who once supported the idea of the commission, said he now believes Democrats are trying to use it as a political tool.“I don’t think this is the only way to get to the bottom of what happened,” Cornyn said, noting that Senate committees are also looking at the siege.