The Federal Trade Commission is sending full refunds totaling more than $11 million to consumers who lost money to a bogus credit card interest rate reduction scheme operated by E.M. Systems &amp; Services.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUdbOg1oyC3s1BFESJfv1yTTLTfeDJ-2BarGF0Qh0X8jdkfv9AX6pdQUbPwOIbxNJ3lkQL-2FSRM73p7sdjPQ-2Fa2RhuxcOc7r95y5dkNU0bW1RnvieQzA6jbTbK4HZYiW-2FoMYYQ-3D-3Dw2O3_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lGsZ6LVtPCJH4PgnOZrrTlucqQDHtcRpLi0WBwQJnF17kyiNbMbkJLUImClLNWXo7DAeMn3JzMWxefIB5LtfKekboS18zd4J7v1CEnb8xTEw0XhLQn0NP3I4cVJ1enQyMVEvPUaFu84h0-2FWq-2BkwXd5mjeIHVoxQoRnSxiqtARtrjbE33JMV-2B-2FHFPIVUNtI5wvr-2F35r3Iic8jH2LP6g0NBmDXjq1PTifMr7F59ZsaMSpf1C4tzT5TQxu88IrPg4tL0bAXWL02ygrAGBEX8jDFKWB53ln-2BdXzvszcKyanFW1yQ69K1ZPHjGA1GR-2BaGpJ8Y0g-3D">FTC and the State of Florida alleged</a>&nbsp;that the company’s owners, Steven D. Short and Karissa L. Dyar, used a variety of phony business names with associated websites, cold-called consumers with credit card debt and falsely promised to save them thousands of dollars by reducing their credit card interest rates. The FTC says that the defendants charged an up-front fee between $695 and $1,495, and falsely promised to provide refunds to consumers if they failed to reduce the interest rates.

According to the complaint, the telemarketers identified themselves as “card services,” “credit services,” and “card member services,” or used one of the defendants’ phony business names. To win consumers’ trust, they said they knew the amount of consumers’ credit card debt, provided the caller’s license or badge number, mentioned the Internet domain name of the phony business, and falsely claimed they had a business relationship with consumers’ lenders.

More than 11,000 consumers are receiving full refunds, averaging $995 each. Consumers who receive checks should deposit or cash their checks within 90 days, as indicated on the check.&nbsp;The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide account information to cash a refund check.

Recipients who have questions about the redress payments, or who did not receive a payment but believe they are eligible should contact the refund administrator, Epiq, at 800-239-6082.

The funds for this refund program come from the FTC’s&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUdbOg1oyC3s1BFESJfv1yTTLTfeDJ-2BarGF0Qh0X8jdkfBxL2XL4hOPBqaNkXOJ4pesUvE8SZNtd7XwaHuxAIkPv8IYCmhzMlhHONY2ByONo7hVV38AsLUXEC1oYkCIinnuiXCi1fHONu-2F1YqMx3acJA-3DkKDD_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lGsZ6LVtPCJH4PgnOZrrTlucqQDHtcRpLi0WBwQJnF17kyiNbMbkJLUImClLNWXo7DAeMn3JzMWxefIB5LtfKekboS18zd4J7v1CEnb8xTEw0XhLQn0NP3I4cVJ1enQyMVEvPUaFu84h0-2FWq-2BkwXd5mjeIHVoxQoRnSxiqtARtrjQDvxrSfMk7S8TNFv56hahyTLIv2A2cd1jbE8MH-2BMFH2AvZ8m0ROwBCellwDOoYFZsO8kyHFMjmm7omesnLIjR-2BnLyy25t6Q1CKm-2FuNDAjZ0dFXFiXMXMOJUhmvRMo7yS6XqAC9XW1C46HDEN1QeuK4-3D">case against First Data Merchant Services</a>, the company that processed credit card payments for the defendants in this case. According to the FTC, First Data allegedly ignored repeated warnings from employees, banks, and others that they were processing payments for companies that were breaking the law. First Data agreed to pay $40 million to settle the FTC’s charges. The FTC plans to use the remaining money to provide additional refunds to consumers in two other related cases.

The FTC’s&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUcUmZLSH0xJ2WtBwbqiniakaGlt4YIn0B6CxtRLKddhzP4GoZfisp1lGzNgGgqlRzTDuaaeFlUh8frMSmtxmdTk-2FXAdpnv6Nw6UkQu7dC5YkuPz41qsllLLO5JBfQT1Q8mGVx1W8QCVNHzFqPi9meq4-3D3PTL_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lGsZ6LVtPCJH4PgnOZrrTlucqQDHtcRpLi0WBwQJnF17kyiNbMbkJLUImClLNWXo7DAeMn3JzMWxefIB5LtfKekboS18zd4J7v1CEnb8xTEw0XhLQn0NP3I4cVJ1enQyMVEvPUaFu84h0-2FWq-2BkwXd5mjeIHVoxQoRnSxiqtARtrjV2Kfb2tlRFzbvL5FNVBwN-2FQK5PTY7VYwRItNq-2B0xlXRMDvTMe4XEIyL-2Fi7mhchI4OesebOALZy-2BWuEERUGoQDM-2BJgWZbiFvJzwUm4l6JFQC2GvQURRSLDy7GXHcv1aRKIwudMeatc-2F-2B6L9jmnQVgvg-3D">interactive dashboards for refund data(link is external)</a>&nbsp;provide a state-by-state breakdown of FTC refunds.&nbsp;FTC actions led to more than $483 million in refunds to consumers across the country in 2020.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe Federal Trade Commission is sending full refunds totaling more than $11 million to consumers who lost money to a bogus credit card interest rate reduction scheme operated by E.M. Systems &amp; Services.The&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUdbOg1oyC3s1BFESJfv1yTTLTfeDJ-2BarGF0Qh0X8jdkfv9AX6pdQUbPwOIbxNJ3lkQL-2FSRM73p7sdjPQ-2Fa2RhuxcOc7r95y5dkNU0bW1RnvieQzA6jbTbK4HZYiW-2FoMYYQ-3D-3Dw2O3_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lGsZ6LVtPCJH4PgnOZrrTlucqQDHtcRpLi0WBwQJnF17kyiNbMbkJLUImClLNWXo7DAeMn3JzMWxefIB5LtfKekboS18zd4J7v1CEnb8xTEw0XhLQn0NP3I4cVJ1enQyMVEvPUaFu84h0-2FWq-2BkwXd5mjeIHVoxQoRnSxiqtARtrjbE33JMV-2B-2FHFPIVUNtI5wvr-2F35r3Iic8jH2LP6g0NBmDXjq1PTifMr7F59ZsaMSpf1C4tzT5TQxu88IrPg4tL0bAXWL02ygrAGBEX8jDFKWB53ln-2BdXzvszcKyanFW1yQ69K1ZPHjGA1GR-2BaGpJ8Y0g-3D">FTC and the State of Florida alleged</a>&nbsp;that the company’s owners, Steven D. Short and Karissa L. Dyar, used a variety of phony business names with associated websites, cold-called consumers with credit card debt and falsely promised to save them thousands of dollars by reducing their credit card interest rates. The FTC says that the defendants charged an up-front fee between $695 and $1,495, and falsely promised to provide refunds to consumers if they failed to reduce the interest rates.According to the complaint, the telemarketers identified themselves as “card services,” “credit services,” and “card member services,” or used one of the defendants’ phony business names. To win consumers’ trust, they said they knew the amount of consumers’ credit card debt, provided the caller’s license or badge number, mentioned the Internet domain name of the phony business, and falsely claimed they had a business relationship with consumers’ lenders.More than 11,000 consumers are receiving full refunds, averaging $995 each. Consumers who receive checks should deposit or cash their checks within 90 days, as indicated on the check.&nbsp;The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide account information to cash a refund check.Recipients who have questions about the redress payments, or who did not receive a payment but believe they are eligible should contact the refund administrator, Epiq, at 800-239-6082.The funds for this refund program come from the FTC’s&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUdbOg1oyC3s1BFESJfv1yTTLTfeDJ-2BarGF0Qh0X8jdkfBxL2XL4hOPBqaNkXOJ4pesUvE8SZNtd7XwaHuxAIkPv8IYCmhzMlhHONY2ByONo7hVV38AsLUXEC1oYkCIinnuiXCi1fHONu-2F1YqMx3acJA-3DkKDD_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lGsZ6LVtPCJH4PgnOZrrTlucqQDHtcRpLi0WBwQJnF17kyiNbMbkJLUImClLNWXo7DAeMn3JzMWxefIB5LtfKekboS18zd4J7v1CEnb8xTEw0XhLQn0NP3I4cVJ1enQyMVEvPUaFu84h0-2FWq-2BkwXd5mjeIHVoxQoRnSxiqtARtrjQDvxrSfMk7S8TNFv56hahyTLIv2A2cd1jbE8MH-2BMFH2AvZ8m0ROwBCellwDOoYFZsO8kyHFMjmm7omesnLIjR-2BnLyy25t6Q1CKm-2FuNDAjZ0dFXFiXMXMOJUhmvRMo7yS6XqAC9XW1C46HDEN1QeuK4-3D">case against First Data Merchant Services</a>, the company that processed credit card payments for the defendants in this case. According to the FTC, First Data allegedly ignored repeated warnings from employees, banks, and others that they were processing payments for companies that were breaking the law. First Data agreed to pay $40 million to settle the FTC’s charges. The FTC plans to use the remaining money to provide additional refunds to consumers in two other related cases.The FTC’s&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUcUmZLSH0xJ2WtBwbqiniakaGlt4YIn0B6CxtRLKddhzP4GoZfisp1lGzNgGgqlRzTDuaaeFlUh8frMSmtxmdTk-2FXAdpnv6Nw6UkQu7dC5YkuPz41qsllLLO5JBfQT1Q8mGVx1W8QCVNHzFqPi9meq4-3D3PTL_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lGsZ6LVtPCJH4PgnOZrrTlucqQDHtcRpLi0WBwQJnF17kyiNbMbkJLUImClLNWXo7DAeMn3JzMWxefIB5LtfKekboS18zd4J7v1CEnb8xTEw0XhLQn0NP3I4cVJ1enQyMVEvPUaFu84h0-2FWq-2BkwXd5mjeIHVoxQoRnSxiqtARtrjV2Kfb2tlRFzbvL5FNVBwN-2FQK5PTY7VYwRItNq-2B0xlXRMDvTMe4XEIyL-2Fi7mhchI4OesebOALZy-2BWuEERUGoQDM-2BJgWZbiFvJzwUm4l6JFQC2GvQURRSLDy7GXHcv1aRKIwudMeatc-2F-2B6L9jmnQVgvg-3D">interactive dashboards for refund data(link is external)</a>&nbsp;provide a state-by-state breakdown of FTC refunds.&nbsp;FTC actions led to more than $483 million in refunds to consumers across the country in 2020.

FTC sends $11M+ in refunds to consumers affected by credit card interest rate scam

The first batch of once-every-decade&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-health-census-2020-business-government-and-politics-7a9a1cb38b0cfeca8b3e9b3bc42ce383">data from the U.S. Census Bureau</a>&nbsp;shows a United States that is growing less quickly but still seeing its population shift to the South and the West.

The data released Monday was relatively basic — containing national and state-level population figures and details of how they affect states’ representation in Congress. Still, it contained some surprises and pointed to some consequential trends.

The U.S. population grew to 331 million, a 7.4% growth rate from the last time the Census Bureau counted every person in the country, in 2010. Those may sound like big numbers, but it’s actually the second slowest rate of population growth the census has ever recorded, just behind the 7.3% growth in the 1930s.

That decade’s slowed growth was rooted in the Great Depression. Our past decade’s sluggish rate had similar beginnings in the long shadow of the Great Recession. The drawn-out recovery saw many young adults struggling to enter the job market, delaying marriage and starting a family. That dealt a blow to the nation’s birthrate. Then the pandemic hit last year and made matters worse.

But while U.S. population growth recovered after the Great Depression, demographers are not optimistic it will pick up anytime soon. Most forecast even slower population growth in the decades to come. Americans are getting older — the median age in the U.S. is 38, up one year from 37 in 2010. Immigration had been dropping even before the pandemic effectively shut it down. And many Republicans have largely turned against the idea of immigration, legal or illegal, a new political barrier to the country adding more population quickly.

“Unlike the Great Depression, it’s part of a process where we’re likely to keep having slow growth,” said William Frey, a demographer at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C.

That has potentially grim consequences for the nation’s future. “The big demographic advantage the U.S. once enjoyed over other rich nations has evaporated,” John Lettieri, president of the Economic Innovation Group, tweeted after the census data release. “Now there are more Americans 80 and older than 2 or younger.”

The U.S. population may be growing more slowly, but it continued its 80-year-long trend of shifting to the South and the West.

Florida, Montana and North Carolina each saw enough growth to add a congressional seat, while booming Texas gained two. Colorado and Oregon also gained new seats, while Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania lost seats.

The snapshot tells a familiar story: Americans have moved out of the industrial Midwest and Northeast, chasing jobs, more affordable housing, growing new suburbs and vibrant cities.

But, strikingly, the longtime symbol of Americans’ search for the new and the next wasn’t part of that story. California’s growth rate wasn’t enough to retain its 53-seat delegation in the House. The nation’s most populous state lost a congressional seat for the first time in its history, a fact that is already forcing debate over whether Democrats’ control of state government is to blame.

Those population changes will be quickly translated into political shifts. The census data officially kicked off the redistricting process, in which states will redraw congressional and statehouse districts to adjust for the new headcounts.

The news Monday was generally good for Republicans. They control the redistricting process in Florida, North Carolina and Texas, which account for four of the seven new seats.

The two Democratic states that gain seats — Colorado and Oregon — won’t give that power to their Democratically controlled legislatures. In Oregon, Democrats have agreed to give GOP lawmakers equal say in exchange for a pledge not to hold up other legislation. And Colorado’s voters took the drawing of district lines away from state lawmakers and gave it to a nonpartisan commission.

The new seats are only part of the often cutthroat redistricting fight. As soon as August, the Census Bureau is expected to release detailed information showing, down to the block, where almost every person lives. New legislative maps will be redrawn in each state to ensure equal representation. But one party can gain advantage by packing rivals into a single district, or spreading them out so that they can never win an election.

Right now, the GOP controls more statehouses overall and has an edge in growing states. Republicans only need to net a handful of seats to win control of the U.S. House.

“I think Republicans, when all this is done, will be in great shape to retake the House majority in 2022,” said Adam Kincaid, executive director of the National Republican Redistricting Trust, which is coordinating the GOP redistricting push.

But there will be limits. Many of the new residents of those states are young and voters of color, groups that lean strongly Democratic. It may be hard for Republicans to maintain their edge for much of the decade, regardless of how they draw their lines.

In fact, the process was expected to go even better for the GOP. Texas had been predicted to gain three seats, Florida two and Arizona one. Those shortfalls were a shocker for demographers, and there were so few details in the data it was hard to understand what happened.

One possibility is that Latinos weren’t properly counted. Latinos make up a large segment of the population in the three states that didn’t gain expected seats. Trump unsuccessfully pushed to add a citizenship question to the census, sparking allegations that he hoped to intimidate immigrants or people in the country illegally from participating in the process. The actual count started during the coronavirus pandemic when it was especially hard to reach certain populations.

It may be that the gap between expected gains and actual ones is the first sign of a Hispanic undercount. But it’s too soon to tell without the more detailed data due out in the fall.

“The initial results are surprising enough that once more details are released, we will be able to better determine to what extent the Latino population was fairly and accurately counted,” said Arturo Vargas, president of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials.

Thomas Saenz, president of the Mexican-American Legal Defense and Education Fund, said he wasn’t ready to “sound the alarm” about an undercount yet, noting that growth among Latinos may have helped New York avoid losing a second House seat.

This census count was a tough one for New York. Growth has been slowing for years and there’s been a particular exodus of people from its upstate region north and west of New York City. But, during a Monday news conference, Census Bureau officials revealed the state was 89 people short of dodging the demographic bullet of losing a congressional seat.

Congressional reapportionment is a zero-sum game, with states divvying up the 435 House seats based on population. Minnesota barely edged out New York to avoid being the last state to lose a seat. If New York had counted 89 more residents, and all other states stayed the same, the state would have kept its seat and Minnesota would have lost one.

Minnesota, which had the nation’s highest self-response rate, also secured the last House seat in 2010.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. population growth has slowed to the lowest rate since the Great Depression, the Census Bureau said, as Americans continued their march to the South and West and one-time engines of growth, New York and California, lost political influence.

Altogether, the U.S. population rose to 331,449,281 last year, the Census Bureau said Monday, a 7.4% increase over the previous decade that was the second slowest ever. Experts say that paltry pace reflects the combination of an aging population, slowing immigration and the scars of the Great Recession more than a decade ago, which led many young adults to delay marriage and families.

The new allocation of congressional seats comes in the first release of data from last year’s headcount. The numbers generally chart familiar American migration patterns: Texas and Florida, two Republican Sunbelt giants, added enough population to gain congressional seats as chillier climes like New York and Ohio saw slow growth and lost political muscle.

The report also confirms one historic marker: For the first time in 170 years of statehood,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-census-2020-government-and-politics-5d518db43b3d53cb9241789628c88521">California is losing a congressional seat</a>, a result of slowed migration to the nation’s most populous state, which was once a symbol of the country’s expansive frontier.

The state population figures, known as the apportionment count, determine distribution of $1.5 trillion in federal spending each year. They also mark the official beginning of once-a-decade redistricting battles. The numbers released Monday, along with more detailed data expected later this year, will be used by state legislatures or independent commissions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/electoral-college-census-2020-government-and-politics-politics-86e1a31aeeea02004a3c71abd58097ee">to redraw political maps to account for shifts in population</a>.

It’s been a bumpy road getting this far. The 2020 census faced a once-in-a-century coronavirus pandemic, wildfires, hurricanes, allegations of political interference with the Trump administration’s failed effort to add a citizenship question, fluctuating deadlines and lawsuits.

Texas was the biggest winner — the second-most populous state added two congressional seats, while Florida and North Carolina each gained one. Colorado, Montana and Oregon all added residents and gained a seat each. States losing seats included Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

The new numbers contain some surprises. Though Texas and Florida grew, the final census count had them each gaining one fewer seat than expected. Arizona, another fast-growing state that demographers considered a sure bet to pick up a new seat, failed to get one. All three states have large Latino populations that represent about half their growth, and this could be an early sign that Hispanics shied away from the Trump administration’s count.

Still, Thomas Saenz, president of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, said he wasn’t ready to “sound the alarm” over the underperformance of states with large Hispanic populations. He noted that he believes Hispanic growth helped states like Colorado and Oregon each gain seats and prevented states like New York and Illinois from losing more.

Congressional reapportionment is a zero sum game, with states divvying up the 435 House seats based on population advantages that can be strikingly small. If New York had counted 89 more residents, the state would have kept its seat and Minnesota would have lost one, officials said. Minnesota, which had the nation’s highest self-response rate, also secured the last House seat in 2010.

The reshuffling of the congressional map moved seats from blue states to red ones, giving Republicans a clear, immediate advantage. The party will have complete control of drawing the congressional maps in Texas, Florida and North Carolina — states that are adding four seats.

In contrast, though Democrats control the process in Oregon, Democratic lawmakers there have agreed to give Republicans an equal say in redistricting in exchange for a commitment to stop blocking bills. In Democratic Colorado, a nonpartisan commission will draw the lines, meaning the party won’t have total control in a single expanding state’s redistricting.

The overall numbers confirm what demographers have long warned — that the country’s growth is stalling. Many had expected growth to come in even below the 1930s levels given the long hangover of the Great Recession and the drying up of immigration, which came to a virtual halt during last year’s pandemic.

William Frey, a demographer at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., warned that even a recovering economy may not change the trend with the population aging rapidly and immigration contentious. “Unlike the Great Depression, it’s part of a process where we’re likely to keep having slow growth,” Frey said.

Meanwhile, Americans continue to move to GOP-run states. For now, that shift provides the Republicans with the opportunity to shape new congressional districts to maximize the influence of their voters and have a major advantage in upcoming elections — possibly enough to win back control of the U.S. House.

But in the long term, it’s not clear the migration is good news for Republicans. Many of the fastest growing states are increasingly competitive political battlegrounds where the new arrivals —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-census-2020-business-government-and-politics-immigration-cbc10b35e47a331515cce18abc9dcddc">including many young people</a>&nbsp;and people of color — could at some point give Democrats an edge.

“What’s happening is growth in Sunbelt states that are trending Democratic or will soon trend Democratic,” Frey said.

That means Republicans may be limited in how many favorable seats they can draw as Democrats move to their territory.

“It’s going to be harder and harder for the Texas Legislature to gerrymander advantageous congressional districts” for Republicans, said William Fulton, director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University in Houston. “Texas hasn’t flipped blue yet as a state, but the blue population centers are growing really fast.”

Fulton, who moved to Texas from California, said his new home has become “the new California — the big state that’s adding a lot of population.” He believes California risks becoming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-redistricting-andrew-cuomo-wrestling-elections-f13d214732a948d88418b005dd9131de">the new Northeast — which he characterized as a stagnant, crowded area</a>&nbsp;that retains wealth and intellectual clout but loses innovators to more promising places.

Despite California’s slow growth, the state still has 10 million more residents than Texas.

North Carolina and Texas, Fulton said, are positioned to become the intellectual powerhouses of the new economy, as the South has snatched away major manufacturing industries like automobiles from the Rust Belt. “We are 10-20 years away from the South and the West being truly dominant in American culture and American society,” Fulton said.

But population booms also bring new burdens, like increased traffic, rising home prices and strains on an infrastructure already grappling with climate change — vividly illustrated when the Texas power grid failed in the winter storms of February.

The pattern outlined in the the Census data was one started in the 1930s with the development of modern air-conditioning and has been steady since then. The change in the pattern this time was California.

Home prices have soared in California, contributing to a stream of residents leaving for other Western states. Those relocations helped turn Colorado and Nevada into Democratic states and made Arizona competitive.

“That’s the California exodus, blue state immigrants,” Frey said. “Californians are taking their votes and moving to other places.”

The power shift is also being driven by Hispanics. Over the decade, Hispanics accounted for around half of the growth in Arizona, Florida and Texas, according to figures from the American Community Survey, a Census Bureau program separate from the decennial census.

The legal deadline for turning in the apportionment numbers was Dec. 31, but the Census Bureau pushed back that date to April because of challenges caused by the pandemic and the need for more time to correct not-unexpected irregularities.

More detailed figures will be released later this year showing populations by race, Hispanic origin, gender and housing at geographic levels as small as neighborhoods. This redistricting data will be used for redrawing precise congressional and legislative districts.

President Joe Biden sent Monday’s numbers to the Capitol, where the House clerk has 15 days to notify governors.

TEXAS — The Longhorn State is the big winner, adding two congressional seats courtesy of 4 million new residents. Demographers say people moving from other states like California have contributed a significant chunk of the growth. The nation’s second most populous state will now have 38 congressional representatives, behind only California.

FLORIDA — The nation’s third most populous state adds one congressional seat because of a population gain of more than 2.7 million. This boosts its House delegation to 28 and Electoral College votes to 30, furthering the Sunshine State’s importance in presidential elections.

COLORADO — Population growth around Denver helped Colorado gain an extra seat, its first new House seat in 20 years. The mostly college-educated transplants have helped Colorado go from being a solidly Republican state to a competitive swing state to, now, a solidly Democratic one — though the state’s districts will be drawn by a nonpartisan commission.

MONTANA — By gaining a congressional seat, Montana goes from having a single House representative to having two. The gain marks a rebound for Montana, which had two congressional seats for most of the 20th century but lost one after the 1990 census.

NORTH CAROLINA — Fueled by retirees and job seekers, North Carolina’s population boom is earning it an extra seat, raising its House count to 14. The gains have been concentrated in the Charlotte and Raleigh areas.

OREGON — Oregon is getting a new congressional seat for the first time in 40 years, going from five House members to six. Although Democrats control state government, they have agreed to give up their advantage in redrawing the state’s political districts for the next 10 years in exchange for a commitment from Republicans to stop blocking bills.

CALIFORNIA — While California is still the nation’s most populous state, its stagnant growth over the past decade causes it to lose a single seat for the first time in 170 years of statehood. Its number of House members goes from 53 to 52 for a state that has been a symbol of limitless growth and endless possibilities since the Gold Rush of the 1800s.

ILLINOIS — Illinois goes from 18 to 17 House members, continuing a 40-year streak of losing congressional seats.

MICHIGAN — The number of House members representing Michigan drops from 14 to 13, particularly because of population losses in the Upper Peninsula.

NEW YORK — There was no question New York was going to lose a congressional seat, but the suspense lay in whether it would be one or two seats. The Census Bureau says New York lost its seat by a mere 89 people. The loss of one seat reduces its House delegation from 27 to 26 members.

OHIO — Sluggish population growth over the past decade causes Ohio to lose a single congressional seat, continuing its streak of losses every decade since 1960. The adjustment reduces the Buckeye State’s House seats from 16 to 15.

PENNSYLVANIA — Although Pennsylvania remains an important presidential battleground, its influence will be diminished by the loss of one Electoral College vote. Its House delegation drops from 18 to 17 members.

WEST VIRGINIA — A decadeslong exodus of residents finally causes West Virginia to lose a congressional seat, reducing its representation in the House from three to two members.

Census: What's behind the slowest US population growth since the Depression

NEW YORK (AP) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eased its guidelines Tuesday on the wearing of masks outdoors, saying fully vaccinated Americans don’t need to cover their faces anymore unless they are in a big crowd of strangers.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?511290-1/president-biden-delivers-remarks-covid-19-pandemic-response&amp;live">Click here to watch</a> President Biden's remarks

And those who are unvaccinated can go outside without masks in some situations, too.

The new guidance represents another carefully calibrated step on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-health-joe-biden-business-government-and-politics-3d38206bc38f012b9598154b59d27d1f">the road back to normal</a>&nbsp;from the coronavirus outbreak that has killed over 570,000 people in U.S.

For most of the past year, the CDC had been advising Americans to wear masks outdoors if they are within 6 feet of one another.

“Today, I hope, is a day when we can take another step back to the normalcy of before,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said. “Over the past year, we have spent a lot of time telling Americans what you can’t do. Today, I am going to tell you some of the things you can do, if you are fully vaccinated.”

The change comes as more than half of U.S. adults have gotten at least one dose of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-long-covid-19-vaccine-protection-last-49340b077e271a750ad804128dbb5f53">coronavirus vaccine</a>, and more than a third have been fully vaccinated.

Walensky said the decision was driven by rising vaccination numbers; declines in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths; and research showing that less than 10% of documented instances of transmission of the virus happened outdoors.

Dr. Mike Saag, an infectious disease expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, welcomed the change in guidance.

“It’s the return of freedom,” Saag said. “It’s the return of us being able to do normal activities again. We’re not there yet, but we’re on the exit ramp. And that’s a beautiful thing.”

More people need to be vaccinated, and concerns persist about variants and other possible shifts in the epidemic. But Saag said the new guidance is a sensible reward following the development and distribution of effective vaccines and about 140 million Americans stepping forward to get their shots.

The CDC, which has been cautious in its guidance during the crisis, essentially endorsed what many Americans have already been doing over the past several weeks.

The CDC says that fully vaccinated or not, people do not have to wear masks outdoors when they walk, bike or run alone or with members of their household. They can also go maskless in small outdoor gatherings with fully vaccinated people.

But from there, the CDC has differing guidance for people who are fully vaccinated and those who are not.

Unvaccinated people — defined by the CDC as those who have yet to receive both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the one-shot Johnson &amp; Johnson formula — should wear masks at outdoor gatherings that include other unvaccinated people. They also should keep using masks at outdoor restaurants.

Fully vaccinated people do not need to cover up in those situations, the CDC says.

However, everyone should keep wearing masks at crowded outdoor events such as concerts or sporting events, the CDC says.

And the agency continues to recommend masks at indoor public places, such as hair salons, restaurants, shopping centers, gyms, museums and movie theaters, saying that is still the safer course even for vaccinated people.

“Right now it’s very hard to tease apart who is vaccinated,” Walensky explained.

She said the CDC guidance should be a model for states in setting their mask-wearing requirements.

Dr. Babak Javid, a physician-scientist at the University of California, San Francisco, said the new CDC guidance is sensible.

“In the vast majority of outdoor scenarios, transmission risk is low,” Javid said.

Javid has favored outdoor mask-wearing requirements because he believes they increase indoor mask-wearing, but he said Americans can understand the relative risks and make good decisions.

He added: “I’m looking forward to mask-free existence.”

“The timing is right because we now have a fair amount of data about the scenarios where transmission occurs,” said Mercedes Carnethon, a professor and vice chair of preventive medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

What’s more, she said, “the additional freedoms may serve as a motivator” for people to get vaccinated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619546632702.png" alt="President Biden delivered remarks on masks and vaccinations Tuesday afternoon-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden delivered remarks on masks and vaccinations Tuesday afternoon-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eased its guidelines Tuesday on the wearing of masks outdoors, saying fully vaccinated Americans don’t need to cover their faces anymore unless they are in a big crowd of strangers.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?511290-1/president-biden-delivers-remarks-covid-19-pandemic-response&amp;live">Click here to watch</a> President Biden's remarksAnd those who are unvaccinated can go outside without masks in some situations, too.The new guidance represents another carefully calibrated step on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-health-joe-biden-business-government-and-politics-3d38206bc38f012b9598154b59d27d1f">the road back to normal</a>&nbsp;from the coronavirus outbreak that has killed over 570,000 people in U.S.For most of the past year, the CDC had been advising Americans to wear masks outdoors if they are within 6 feet of one another.“Today, I hope, is a day when we can take another step back to the normalcy of before,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said. “Over the past year, we have spent a lot of time telling Americans what you can’t do. Today, I am going to tell you some of the things you can do, if you are fully vaccinated.”The change comes as more than half of U.S. adults have gotten at least one dose of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-long-covid-19-vaccine-protection-last-49340b077e271a750ad804128dbb5f53">coronavirus vaccine</a>, and more than a third have been fully vaccinated.Walensky said the decision was driven by rising vaccination numbers; declines in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths; and research showing that less than 10% of documented instances of transmission of the virus happened outdoors.Dr. Mike Saag, an infectious disease expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, welcomed the change in guidance.“It’s the return of freedom,” Saag said. “It’s the return of us being able to do normal activities again. We’re not there yet, but we’re on the exit ramp. And that’s a beautiful thing.”More people need to be vaccinated, and concerns persist about variants and other possible shifts in the epidemic. But Saag said the new guidance is a sensible reward following the development and distribution of effective vaccines and about 140 million Americans stepping forward to get their shots.The CDC, which has been cautious in its guidance during the crisis, essentially endorsed what many Americans have already been doing over the past several weeks.The CDC says that fully vaccinated or not, people do not have to wear masks outdoors when they walk, bike or run alone or with members of their household. They can also go maskless in small outdoor gatherings with fully vaccinated people.But from there, the CDC has differing guidance for people who are fully vaccinated and those who are not.Unvaccinated people — defined by the CDC as those who have yet to receive both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the one-shot Johnson &amp; Johnson formula — should wear masks at outdoor gatherings that include other unvaccinated people. They also should keep using masks at outdoor restaurants.Fully vaccinated people do not need to cover up in those situations, the CDC says.However, everyone should keep wearing masks at crowded outdoor events such as concerts or sporting events, the CDC says.And the agency continues to recommend masks at indoor public places, such as hair salons, restaurants, shopping centers, gyms, museums and movie theaters, saying that is still the safer course even for vaccinated people.“Right now it’s very hard to tease apart who is vaccinated,” Walensky explained.She said the CDC guidance should be a model for states in setting their mask-wearing requirements.Dr. Babak Javid, a physician-scientist at the University of California, San Francisco, said the new CDC guidance is sensible.“In the vast majority of outdoor scenarios, transmission risk is low,” Javid said.Javid has favored outdoor mask-wearing requirements because he believes they increase indoor mask-wearing, but he said Americans can understand the relative risks and make good decisions.He added: “I’m looking forward to mask-free existence.”“The timing is right because we now have a fair amount of data about the scenarios where transmission occurs,” said Mercedes Carnethon, a professor and vice chair of preventive medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.What’s more, she said, “the additional freedoms may serve as a motivator” for people to get vaccinated.

🎥 Biden: Many Americans can now go outside without a mask

SOUTH SIOUX CITY, Neb. (AP) — A former South Sioux City High School assistant football coach accused of sexually assaulted a student has waived his right to a preliminary trial and has been bound over to a trial court for arraignment. 

The Sioux City Journal reports that Nathan Rogers, 25, of South Sioux City, agreed on Monday to be arraigned on the charges in district court. 

Rogers was arrested in March and charged with first-degree sexual assault of a child and child abuse. 

The charges stem from allegations by a 15-year-old girl that Rogers grabbed and sexually assaulted her at his home last December. She told investigators she had gone to his home because Rogers promised her a vape pen, used to inhale nicotine and flavorings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619542538181.png" alt="Rogers" />
 <figcaption>Rogers</figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH SIOUX CITY, Neb. (AP) — A former South Sioux City High School assistant football coach accused of sexually assaulted a student has waived his right to a preliminary trial and has been bound over to a trial court for arraignment. The Sioux City Journal reports that Nathan Rogers, 25, of South Sioux City, agreed on Monday to be arraigned on the charges in district court. Rogers was arrested in March and charged with first-degree sexual assault of a child and child abuse. The charges stem from allegations by a 15-year-old girl that Rogers grabbed and sexually assaulted her at his home last December. She told investigators she had gone to his home because Rogers promised her a vape pen, used to inhale nicotine and flavorings.

Former South Sioux City coach bound over for arraignment

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the suspicious weekend death 46-year-old&nbsp; Hester Workman of Topeka in her home have made an arrest.

As a result of the investigation, Workman's death is now classified as a homicide and a 16-year-old Topeka juvenile has been arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections requested charges of First degree murder, Felony murder, Aggravated burglary, Theft and Obstruction, according to Lt. Kelvin Johnson.

Just after&nbsp; 7p.m. Saturday, police responded to a home in the 2800 block of SW James in Topeka after a 911 call requesting medical personnel, according to police Lt. Kelvin Johnson.

At the scene first responders located Workman who was deceased. Police released no additional details early Tuesday including the gender of the teen in custody.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspicious weekend death and have identified the victim as Hester Workman, 46, of Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

At the scene first responders located Workman who was deceased.

Officers and Detectives were working to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are a suspicious death.

At the scene first responders located a woman who was deceased.

Officers and Detectives were working to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident.&nbsp; Police did not release the victim's name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619363984890.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation Saturday photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation Saturday photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the suspicious weekend death 46-year-old&nbsp; Hester Workman of Topeka in her home have made an arrest.As a result of the investigation, Workman's death is now classified as a homicide and a 16-year-old Topeka juvenile has been arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections requested charges of First degree murder, Felony murder, Aggravated burglary, Theft and Obstruction, according to Lt. Kelvin Johnson.Just after&nbsp; 7p.m. Saturday, police responded to a home in the 2800 block of SW James in Topeka after a 911 call requesting medical personnel, according to police Lt. Kelvin Johnson.At the scene first responders located Workman who was deceased. Police released no additional details early Tuesday including the gender of the teen in custody.---------------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspicious weekend death and have identified the victim as Hester Workman, 46, of Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.Just after&nbsp; 7p.m. Saturday, police responded to a home in the 2800 block of SW James in Topeka after a 911 call requesting medical personnel, according to police Lt. Kelvin Johnson.At the scene first responders located Workman who was deceased.Officers and Detectives were working to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.------------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are a suspicious death.Just after&nbsp; 7p.m. Saturday, police responded to a home in the 2800 block of SW James in Topeka after a 911 call requesting medical personnel, according to police Lt. Kelvin Johnson.At the scene first responders located a woman who was deceased.Officers and Detectives were working to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident.&nbsp; Police did not release the victim's name.

Homicide: 16-year-old arrested for death of Kansas woman 

WASHINGTON —U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. along with a group of Republican doctors and other health care providers in Congress launched a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7PB1-66ues" target="_blank">public service campaign</a>&nbsp;Tuesday to boost COVID-19 vaccine participation saying in part, “Operation Warp Speed brought us safe and effective vaccines in record time.

The FDA did not skip any steps. Instead, they cut bureaucratic red tape – not corners – and they got the job done in record time… So it’s obvious to me from a medical standpoint, the only way to protect yourself and your loved ones, and to end the government’s restrictions on our freedoms is to take action and get the vaccine. 

The beauty of living in this great nation is however, that we have the option to choose whether or not we get vaccinated. When the time comes for you to make that decision, talk it over with your doctor or your pharmacist and consider their recommendation.

I hope you’ll join me, along with over 100 million Americans, in choosing to receive the vaccine so we can throw away our masks and live life as free as we did before.”

Members participating include Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (KS), John Barrasso, M.D. (WY), John Boozman, O.D. (AR), and Representatives Brian Babin, D.D.S (TX), Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN), Michael Burgess, M.D. (TX), Buddy Carter RPh (GA), Andy Harris, M.D. (MD), John Joyce, M.D. (PA), and Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC).

WASHINGTON —U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. along with a group of Republican doctors and other health care providers in Congress launched a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7PB1-66ues" target="_blank">public service campaign</a>&nbsp;Tuesday to boost COVID-19 vaccine participation saying in part, “Operation Warp Speed brought us safe and effective vaccines in record time. <div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h7PB1-66ues" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The FDA did not skip any steps. Instead, they cut bureaucratic red tape – not corners – and they got the job done in record time… So it’s obvious to me from a medical standpoint, the only way to protect yourself and your loved ones, and to end the government’s restrictions on our freedoms is to take action and get the vaccine. The beauty of living in this great nation is however, that we have the option to choose whether or not we get vaccinated. When the time comes for you to make that decision, talk it over with your doctor or your pharmacist and consider their recommendation.I hope you’ll join me, along with over 100 million Americans, in choosing to receive the vaccine so we can throw away our masks and live life as free as we did before.”Members participating include Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (KS), John Barrasso, M.D. (WY), John Boozman, O.D. (AR), and Representatives Brian Babin, D.D.S (TX), Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN), Michael Burgess, M.D. (TX), Buddy Carter RPh (GA), Andy Harris, M.D. (MD), John Joyce, M.D. (PA), and Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC).

🎥 Doctors in Congress launch campaign encouraging vaccines 

MARSHALL, Minn. (AP) — A young child from southwestern Minnesota has died of COVID-19 complications, according to the state Department of Health.

Marshall Public Schools Superintendent Jeremy Williams says the child, who died Sunday, was a first grader at Park Side Elementary.

While coronavirus deaths in children are rare, they can occur in otherwise healthy children, health officials said. “Since the start of the pandemic, three Minnesota children under age 18 have died due to COVID-19,” the health department said.

Gov. Tim Walz released a statement Monday in response to the death, calling it “heartbreaking.” Walz’s office said the child did not have underlying health conditions.

According to the school district, 22 students and staff are in quarantine at the elementary school, which will continue in-person instruction.

Department of Health officials say children under 16 years old are not yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. They say the best approach is making sure others are vaccinated, along with testing, social distancing, wearing face masks and frequent hand washing.

MARSHALL, Minn. (AP) — A young child from southwestern Minnesota has died of COVID-19 complications, according to the state Department of Health.Marshall Public Schools Superintendent Jeremy Williams says the child, who died Sunday, was a first grader at Park Side Elementary.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I’m heartbroken to hear COVID has taken the life of a first grader. My thoughts are with the Minnesota family grieving the loss of their beloved child. As vaccines help us turn the page on COVID-19, we can’t forget that this deadly disease is still present in our communities.&mdash; Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovTimWalz/status/1386820846967087107?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>While coronavirus deaths in children are rare, they can occur in otherwise healthy children, health officials said. “Since the start of the pandemic, three Minnesota children under age 18 have died due to COVID-19,” the health department said.Gov. Tim Walz released a statement Monday in response to the death, calling it “heartbreaking.” Walz’s office said the child did not have underlying health conditions.According to the school district, 22 students and staff are in quarantine at the elementary school, which will continue in-person instruction.Department of Health officials say children under 16 years old are not yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. They say the best approach is making sure others are vaccinated, along with testing, social distancing, wearing face masks and frequent hand washing.

Officials: First grader in Minnesota dies of COVID complications

U.S. Small Business Administration

WASHINGTON — SBA Administrator&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zYmEuZ292L3BlcnNvbi9pc2FiZWxsYS1jYXNpbGxhcy1ndXptYW4_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.glBYHK-T08jCIPcXgmR46OM5HHQ1gNhp613lDd_MbDc/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l" target="_blank">Isabella Casillas Guzman</a>&nbsp;today announced the U.S. Small Business Administration will&nbsp;begin&nbsp;registrations&nbsp;on Friday, April 30, 2021, at 9 a.m. EDT&nbsp;and open applications on&nbsp;Monday, May 3, 2021, at noon&nbsp;EDT&nbsp;for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The online application will&nbsp;remain&nbsp;open to any eligible&nbsp;establishment until all funds are exhausted.&nbsp;

“Restaurants are the core of our neighborhoods and propel economic activity on main streets across the nation. They are among the businesses that have been hardest hit and need support to survive this pandemic. We want restaurants to know that help is here,” said Administrator Guzman. “The SBA has focused on the marketplace realities of our food and beverage businesses in designing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund to meet businesses where they are. And we are committed to equity to ensure our smaller and underserved businesses, which have suffered the most, can access this critical relief, recover, and grow more resilient.”

Established under the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jb25ncmVzcy5nb3YvMTE3L2JpbGxzL2hyMTMxOS9CSUxMUy0xMTdocjEzMTllbnIucGRmP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.0cWzQUxT7GqVitn862UlKe8YOyyUDIyZemD_Gq-Kgig/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">American Rescue Plan,</a>&nbsp;and signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund provides a total of $28.6 billion in direct relief funds to restaurants and other hard-hit food establishments that have experienced economic distress and significant operational losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Funds must be used for allowable expenses by March 11, 2023.&nbsp;

“Recognizing the great urgency to help restaurants keep their doors open – and with a clear mandate from Congress – the SBA worked at a breakneck speed and is excited to launch this program,” said Patrick Kelley, SBA Associate Administrator, Office of Capital Access. “From day one, we engaged with diverse stakeholders in the food industry community to make sure we built and delivered the program equitably, quickly, and efficiently.”

In preparation, the SBA recommends qualifying applicants familiarize themselves with the application process in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient application experience, specifically by:

For the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will prioritize funding applications from businesses owned and controlled by women, veterans, and socially and&nbsp;economically disadvantaged&nbsp;individuals. All eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications as soon as the portal opens.&nbsp;Following the 21 days,&nbsp;all eligible applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Consistent with the legislation and the intent of Congress, the SBA continues to take steps to ensure the equitable distribution of relief, particularly for the smallest businesses, by creating a $9.5 billion set-aside:&nbsp;$5 billion for applicants with 2019 gross receipts of not more than $500,000; $4 billion is set aside for applicants with 2019 gross receipts from $500,001 to $1,500,000; and $500 million for applicants with 2019 gross receipts not more than $50,000.

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnNiYS5nb3YvcmVzdGF1cmFudHM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.Kz8Ft9euq43_qwG06Mv9LyPPHg979ikfDAbiLfAaviw/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">sba.gov/restaurants</a>&nbsp;or in Spanish at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnNiYS5nb3YvcmVzdGF1cmFudGVzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.7IJ3aqEFCp_nudWvRpROF-dtLKybuEDpAlVCMWYV7Gk/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">sba.gov/restaurantes</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584386106306.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. Small Business AdministrationWASHINGTON — SBA Administrator&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zYmEuZ292L3BlcnNvbi9pc2FiZWxsYS1jYXNpbGxhcy1ndXptYW4_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.glBYHK-T08jCIPcXgmR46OM5HHQ1gNhp613lDd_MbDc/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l" target="_blank">Isabella Casillas Guzman</a>&nbsp;today announced the U.S. Small Business Administration will&nbsp;begin&nbsp;registrations&nbsp;on Friday, April 30, 2021, at 9 a.m. EDT&nbsp;and open applications on&nbsp;Monday, May 3, 2021, at noon&nbsp;EDT&nbsp;for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The online application will&nbsp;remain&nbsp;open to any eligible&nbsp;establishment until all funds are exhausted.&nbsp;“Restaurants are the core of our neighborhoods and propel economic activity on main streets across the nation. They are among the businesses that have been hardest hit and need support to survive this pandemic. We want restaurants to know that help is here,” said Administrator Guzman. “The SBA has focused on the marketplace realities of our food and beverage businesses in designing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund to meet businesses where they are. And we are committed to equity to ensure our smaller and underserved businesses, which have suffered the most, can access this critical relief, recover, and grow more resilient.”Established under the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jb25ncmVzcy5nb3YvMTE3L2JpbGxzL2hyMTMxOS9CSUxMUy0xMTdocjEzMTllbnIucGRmP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.0cWzQUxT7GqVitn862UlKe8YOyyUDIyZemD_Gq-Kgig/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">American Rescue Plan,</a>&nbsp;and signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund provides a total of $28.6 billion in direct relief funds to restaurants and other hard-hit food establishments that have experienced economic distress and significant operational losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Funds must be used for allowable expenses by March 11, 2023.&nbsp;“Recognizing the great urgency to help restaurants keep their doors open – and with a clear mandate from Congress – the SBA worked at a breakneck speed and is excited to launch this program,” said Patrick Kelley, SBA Associate Administrator, Office of Capital Access. “From day one, we engaged with diverse stakeholders in the food industry community to make sure we built and delivered the program equitably, quickly, and efficiently.”In preparation, the SBA recommends qualifying applicants familiarize themselves with the application process in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient application experience, specifically by:<ul>
 <li>Registering for an account in advance at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3Jlc3RhdXJhbnRzLnNiYS5nb3YvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.-8HFHFPLI4sszNt0o6AXFhjDKFeMZi8-kvgNVrY4oXU/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">sba.gov</a>&nbsp;starting Friday, April 30, 2021, at 9 a.m. EDT.</li><li>Reviewing the official guidance, including program guide, frequently asked questions, and application sample.</li><li>Preparing the required documentation.</li><li>Working with a point-of-sale vendor or visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3Jlc3RhdXJhbnRzLnNiYS5nb3YvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.CxDbrjntmF_Fr9YzaiH1eNYoeHZVa2f2kB9heaSrQYg/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">sba.gov</a>&nbsp;to submit an application when the application portal opens. [Note: If an applicant is working with a point-of-sale vendor, they do not need to register beforehand on the site.]</li><li>Attending a live recorded virtual training webinar.Tuesday, April 27 | 2:30 p.m. EDT&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3NiYXJlc3RhdXJhbnRzdHJhaW5pbmcuZXZlbnRicml0ZS5jb20vP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.k7lUONDm07tMTi-nuQBm3NON8a0jxzAl0iJRZlIjNAc/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">Register here</a>Wednesday, April 28 | 1 p.m. EDT |&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NvbnRlbnQuZ292ZGVsaXZlcnkuY29tL2FjY291bnRzL1VTU0JBL2J1bGxldGlucy8yZDFlMmI4In0.aeSUzm5mw14iG1UvY_Wl4IzFC4JpBbYdpdquwa5R-TI/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">Register here</a>Wednesday, April 28 | 2:30 p.m. EDT&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3NiYXJlc3RhdXJhbnRzdHJhaW5pbmd0d28uZXZlbnRicml0ZS5jb20vP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.mi7ibhaF6238PM0FwhSKFrF9SrVPyYdAQQ7AocHjpjM/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">Register here</a></li><li>Tuesday, April 27 | 2:30 p.m. EDT&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3NiYXJlc3RhdXJhbnRzdHJhaW5pbmcuZXZlbnRicml0ZS5jb20vP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.k7lUONDm07tMTi-nuQBm3NON8a0jxzAl0iJRZlIjNAc/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">Register here</a></li><li>Wednesday, April 28 | 1 p.m. EDT |&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NvbnRlbnQuZ292ZGVsaXZlcnkuY29tL2FjY291bnRzL1VTU0JBL2J1bGxldGlucy8yZDFlMmI4In0.aeSUzm5mw14iG1UvY_Wl4IzFC4JpBbYdpdquwa5R-TI/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">Register here</a></li><li>Wednesday, April 28 | 2:30 p.m. EDT&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3NiYXJlc3RhdXJhbnRzdHJhaW5pbmd0d28uZXZlbnRicml0ZS5jb20vP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.mi7ibhaF6238PM0FwhSKFrF9SrVPyYdAQQ7AocHjpjM/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">Register here</a></li>
 </ul>For the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will prioritize funding applications from businesses owned and controlled by women, veterans, and socially and&nbsp;economically disadvantaged&nbsp;individuals. All eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications as soon as the portal opens.&nbsp;Following the 21 days,&nbsp;all eligible applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis.Consistent with the legislation and the intent of Congress, the SBA continues to take steps to ensure the equitable distribution of relief, particularly for the smallest businesses, by creating a $9.5 billion set-aside:&nbsp;$5 billion for applicants with 2019 gross receipts of not more than $500,000; $4 billion is set aside for applicants with 2019 gross receipts from $500,001 to $1,500,000; and $500 million for applicants with 2019 gross receipts not more than $50,000.For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnNiYS5nb3YvcmVzdGF1cmFudHM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.Kz8Ft9euq43_qwG06Mv9LyPPHg979ikfDAbiLfAaviw/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">sba.gov/restaurants</a>&nbsp;or in Spanish at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjcuMzk1MzIxMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnNiYS5nb3YvcmVzdGF1cmFudGVzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.7IJ3aqEFCp_nudWvRpROF-dtLKybuEDpAlVCMWYV7Gk/s/202716367/br/105442716790-l">sba.gov/restaurantes</a>.

SBA announces application opening for $28.6B restaurant revitalization fund

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today urged taxpayers and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals">tax professionals</a> to continue using electronic options to speed the processing of tax returns, refunds and payments. IRS.gov showcases many <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/tools">task-based tools</a> and features to help people navigate their taxes. All are available 24/7/365.

Timely processing of tax returns and refund issuance is especially important during the pandemic. To speed <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">refunds</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc303">avoid delays</a> in processing, the IRS strongly advises taxpayers to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">file electronically</a> with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a> as soon as they have the information they need.

Free options for the military and some veterans

<a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/tax-resource-center/miltax-military-tax-services">MilTax</a>,
 Military OneSource's tax service, provides online software for eligible
 individuals to electronically file a federal return and up to three 
state returns for free.

Military OneSource is a program funded by the Department of Defense 
that provides a range of free resources for military members, veterans 
and their families. More information about OneSource is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/">MilitaryOneSource.mil</a>.

Although the tax filing deadline has been <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-extends-additional-tax-deadlines-for-individuals-to-may-17">extended to May 17, 2021</a>,
 from April 15, the IRS continues to process electronic tax returns, 
issue direct deposit refunds and accept electronic payments. As of April
 16, the IRS received over 110 million tax returns and issued over $210 
billion in refunds.

Overall, the IRS anticipates nine out of 10 taxpayers will receive 
their refund within 21 days of when they file electronically with direct
 deposit if there are no issues with their tax return.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today urged taxpayers and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals">tax professionals</a> to continue using electronic options to speed the processing of tax returns, refunds and payments. IRS.gov showcases many <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/tools">task-based tools</a> and features to help people navigate their taxes. All are available 24/7/365.Timely processing of tax returns and refund issuance is especially important during the pandemic. To speed <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">refunds</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc303">avoid delays</a> in processing, the IRS strongly advises taxpayers to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">file electronically</a> with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a> as soon as they have the information they need.<h2>Simple options to make filing easier</h2><ul>
 <li>Check IRS.gov for the latest tax information, including the latest on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/third-economic-impact-payment">Economic Impact Payments</a> and <a href="https://sa.www4.irs.gov/irfof/lang/en/irfofgetstatus.jsp">tax refund status</a>. There is no need to call. 
	&nbsp;</li><li>Consider <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>.
 Taxpayers who want to prepare and file their tax returns electronically
 for free can use IRS Free File. This program offers brand-name tax 
software for taxpayers with an income of $72,000 or less in 2020. Those 
who earned more can use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">Free File Fillable Forms</a>,
 the electronic version of IRS paper forms. Some people will need to 
file a return to get a third Economic Impact Payment and Free File gives
 people the ability to do that for free. 
	&nbsp;</li><li>Check <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">payment options</a>
 on IRS.gov. Several electronic payment options are available to 
taxpayers. View an account and learn about other ways to pay such as an 
online installment agreement. 
	&nbsp;</li><li>Find answers to many tax questions using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a>. The ITA is a tool that provides answers to several tax law questions specific to an individual's circumstances. 
	&nbsp;</li><li>Online tools for tax professionals. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-services">e-Services</a>
 is a suite of web-based tools that allow tax professionals, reporting 
agents, mortgage industry, payers and others to complete transactions 
online with the IRS.</li>
 </ul><h2>Other useful tools and features</h2><ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>.
 People can find out when their third Economic Impact Payment is 
scheduled to be sent, or when and how IRS sent it with the Get My 
Payment application. Get My Payment updates once a day, usually 
overnight. 
	&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing">Filing options</a>.
 Find complete tax filing information for individuals, business and 
self-employed taxpayers, charities and non-profits, International 
taxpayers and government entities. 
	&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin">Get an Identity Protection PIN</a>.
 IP PINs are available to all taxpayers. An IP PIN is a six-digit number
 that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using another 
taxpayers' Social Security number. The IP PIN is known only to the 
taxpayer and the IRS and helps the IRS verify the identity of a taxpayer
 when filing an electronic or paper tax return. 
	&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account">View an account</a>.
 Online account is an online system that allows people to securely 
access their individual account information. Taxpayers can view taxes 
owed, balance details, information on a most recent tax return, payment 
plan details and more. 
	&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript">Get a tax record</a>.
 Request a copy of a tax return online. The Get Transcript Service is 
for individual taxpayers to retrieve their own transcripts for their own
 purposes. 
	&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions">Download tax forms and instructions</a>.
 Current and prior years' forms are available. Other online options 
include IRS e-Books and accessible versions for people with 
disabilities. 
	&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/tax-withholding">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>.
 Use of this tool can help people bring their taxes paid closer to what 
is owed. The IRS encourages everyone to perform a "paycheck checkup" to 
be sure the right amount of tax is withheld based on their personal 
situation.</li>
 </ul><h2>Free options for the military and some veterans</h2><a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/tax-resource-center/miltax-military-tax-services">MilTax</a>,
 Military OneSource's tax service, provides online software for eligible
 individuals to electronically file a federal return and up to three 
state returns for free.Military OneSource is a program funded by the Department of Defense 
that provides a range of free resources for military members, veterans 
and their families. More information about OneSource is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/">MilitaryOneSource.mil</a>.<h2>Tax deadline is May 17</h2>Although the tax filing deadline has been <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-extends-additional-tax-deadlines-for-individuals-to-may-17">extended to May 17, 2021</a>,
 from April 15, the IRS continues to process electronic tax returns, 
issue direct deposit refunds and accept electronic payments. As of April
 16, the IRS received over 110 million tax returns and issued over $210 
billion in refunds.Overall, the IRS anticipates nine out of 10 taxpayers will receive 
their refund within 21 days of when they file electronically with direct
 deposit if there are no issues with their tax return.

IRS online: Tips on filing tax return electronically

WASHINGTON — The&nbsp;U.S. Department of Labor on Wednesday announced <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2021-08927/tip-regulations-under-the-fair-labor-standards-act-delay-of-effective-date" target="_blank">a final rule</a> delaying portions of the 2020 Tip final rule until Dec. 31, 2021.

The remainder of the 2020 Tip final rule will become effective April 30, 2021, including the rules addressing:

The eight-month extension of the effective 
date for specific portions of the 2020 tip rule allows the department 
time to address additional questions of law, policy and fact and 
complete separate rulemaking related to the assessment of civil money 
penalties, and the application of the <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa">Fair Labor Standards Act</a>’s tip credit provision to tipped employees who also perform non-tipped work.

“Tipped workers are among those hardest hit 
amid the pandemic, making these essential frontline workers a priority 
for the Wage and Hour Division,” said Wage and Hour Division Deputy 
Administrator Jessica Looman. “The final rule announced today ensures 
that we have time to consider – fully and thoughtfully – all of the 
circumstances in today’s rapidly changing workplace, while allowing 
several portions of the 2020 rule beneficial to essential workers to 
take effect. Those workers deserve our careful and thoughtful 
consideration as we craft and implement rules that affect their 
well-being.”

For more information on protections for tipped workers and others under the FLSA, or <a href="http://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd">learn more about the Wage and Hour Division</a>, visit <a href="http://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd">www.dol.gov/agencies/whd</a>.
 You may also call toll-free 1-866-4US-WAGE to speak directly and 
confidentially to a trained Wage and Hour Division professional. The 
division protects workers regardless of immigration status, and can 
communicate with workers in more than 200 languages.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615920467817.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. Department of LaborWASHINGTON — The&nbsp;U.S. Department of Labor on Wednesday announced <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2021-08927/tip-regulations-under-the-fair-labor-standards-act-delay-of-effective-date" target="_blank">a final rule</a> delaying portions of the 2020 Tip final rule until Dec. 31, 2021. The remainder of the 2020 Tip final rule will become effective April 30, 2021, including the rules addressing:<ul>
 <li>A prohibition on employers, including 
supervisors and managers, keeping tips received by workers, regardless 
of whether the employer takes a credit for workers’ tips toward their 
obligation to pay those workers minimum wage. </li><li>The recordkeeping requirements for an 
employer that does not take a tip credit to include non-tipped workers, 
such as cooks and dishwashers, in nontraditional tip-sharing 
arrangements. </li><li>An employer that collects tips for tip 
pools must distribute tips fully no later than the regular payday for 
the workweek or pay period in which the establishment collected the 
tips.</li>
 </ul>The eight-month extension of the effective 
date for specific portions of the 2020 tip rule allows the department 
time to address additional questions of law, policy and fact and 
complete separate rulemaking related to the assessment of civil money 
penalties, and the application of the <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa">Fair Labor Standards Act</a>’s tip credit provision to tipped employees who also perform non-tipped work. “Tipped workers are among those hardest hit 
amid the pandemic, making these essential frontline workers a priority 
for the Wage and Hour Division,” said Wage and Hour Division Deputy 
Administrator Jessica Looman. “The final rule announced today ensures 
that we have time to consider – fully and thoughtfully – all of the 
circumstances in today’s rapidly changing workplace, while allowing 
several portions of the 2020 rule beneficial to essential workers to 
take effect. Those workers deserve our careful and thoughtful 
consideration as we craft and implement rules that affect their 
well-being.”For more information on protections for tipped workers and others under the FLSA, or <a href="http://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd">learn more about the Wage and Hour Division</a>, visit <a href="http://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd">www.dol.gov/agencies/whd</a>.
 You may also call toll-free 1-866-4US-WAGE to speak directly and 
confidentially to a trained Wage and Hour Division professional. The 
division protects workers regardless of immigration status, and can 
communicate with workers in more than 200 languages.

U.S. Dept. of Labor delays rule on workers' tips

News Release US Attorney's Office-Omaha

Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Zhijun Xia, age 30, of China, entered a plea of guilty on April 23 in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Coercion and Enticement of a Minor before United States Magistrate Judge Cheryl R. Zwart. 

Xia’s sentencing hearing was scheduled for July 23 at 1:30 pm in front of Chief United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard. Coercion and Enticement of a Minor is punishable by a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, both imprisonment and a fine, a special assessment of $5,000, and a term of supervised release of no less than 5 years up to a lifetime term of supervised release.

Between June 1, 2018 to February 28, 2020, Xia was a graduate student at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Xia is a Chinese national. Xia met Victim 1’s mother and Victim 1’s mother hired Xia to tutor Victim 1 in the Chinese language. Xia began tutoring Victim 1 in June of 2018. Xia met Victim 1 in person for the tutoring sessions and began communicating with Victim 1 over the social media application WeChat. Xia began inquiring over WeChat about Victim 1’s sexual history.

On July 10, 2018, Victim 1 attended a summer camp at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Xia messaged Victim 1 over the Internet using WeChat about his plan to visit her in Lincoln on July 11. During this conversation, Xia discussed various forms of birth control with Victim 1 in response to Victim 1 relaying her fears of becoming pregnant while in high school. Xia reserved a room at the Red Roof Inn and Suites in Lincoln for the night of July 11. Xia picked up Victim 1 from the University of Nebraska campus and took Victim 1 to the Red Roof Inn, where he subjected Victim 1 to sexual penetration. Xia was 27 years of age and Victim 1 was 15 years of age. It is a crime under Nebraska State law for someone over the age of 25 to subject someone between the ages of 12 and 16 to sexual penetration. Immediately following this incident, Xia continued to message Victim 1 on WeChat regarding the July 11 incident.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Omaha Police Department, the University of Nebraska-Omaha Police Department, and&nbsp;the Lincoln Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1567093537444.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release US Attorney's Office-OmahaActing United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Zhijun Xia, age 30, of China, entered a plea of guilty on April 23 in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Coercion and Enticement of a Minor before United States Magistrate Judge Cheryl R. Zwart. Xia’s sentencing hearing was scheduled for July 23 at 1:30 pm in front of Chief United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard. Coercion and Enticement of a Minor is punishable by a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, both imprisonment and a fine, a special assessment of $5,000, and a term of supervised release of no less than 5 years up to a lifetime term of supervised release.Between June 1, 2018 to February 28, 2020, Xia was a graduate student at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Xia is a Chinese national. Xia met Victim 1’s mother and Victim 1’s mother hired Xia to tutor Victim 1 in the Chinese language. Xia began tutoring Victim 1 in June of 2018. Xia met Victim 1 in person for the tutoring sessions and began communicating with Victim 1 over the social media application WeChat. Xia began inquiring over WeChat about Victim 1’s sexual history.On July 10, 2018, Victim 1 attended a summer camp at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Xia messaged Victim 1 over the Internet using WeChat about his plan to visit her in Lincoln on July 11. During this conversation, Xia discussed various forms of birth control with Victim 1 in response to Victim 1 relaying her fears of becoming pregnant while in high school. Xia reserved a room at the Red Roof Inn and Suites in Lincoln for the night of July 11. Xia picked up Victim 1 from the University of Nebraska campus and took Victim 1 to the Red Roof Inn, where he subjected Victim 1 to sexual penetration. Xia was 27 years of age and Victim 1 was 15 years of age. It is a crime under Nebraska State law for someone over the age of 25 to subject someone between the ages of 12 and 16 to sexual penetration. Immediately following this incident, Xia continued to message Victim 1 on WeChat regarding the July 11 incident.This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Omaha Police Department, the University of Nebraska-Omaha Police Department, and&nbsp;the Lincoln Police Department.

Univ. of Nebraska-Omaha graduate student pleads guilty to child enticement

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska prison officials say a man who spent decades in prison for brutally killing an 8-year-old boy nearly 50 years ago has died in prison. 

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said in a news release that Patrick Russell,64, died Sunday at the Lincoln Correctional Center where he was serving a more than a 100-year sentence for the 1973 killing of Joseph Matthew Edmonds. 

Officials have said Russell was a teenager on probation for the sexual assault of a 7-year-old boy when he lured 8-year-old Joseph to a vacant apartment and strangled the boy with a telephone cord. 

Prosecutors at the time said they believed he molested the boy after killing him.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619474892903.png" alt="Russell" />
 <figcaption>Russell</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska prison officials say a man who spent decades in prison for brutally killing an 8-year-old boy nearly 50 years ago has died in prison. The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said in a news release that Patrick Russell,64, died Sunday at the Lincoln Correctional Center where he was serving a more than a 100-year sentence for the 1973 killing of Joseph Matthew Edmonds. Officials have said Russell was a teenager on probation for the sexual assault of a 7-year-old boy when he lured 8-year-old Joseph to a vacant apartment and strangled the boy with a telephone cord. Prosecutors at the time said they believed he molested the boy after killing him.

Man convicted of killing 8-year-old Omaha boy dies in prison

WASHINGTON (AP)—The Biden administration is expanding a program to feed as many as 34 million schoolchildren during the summer months, using funds from the coronavirus relief package approved in March.

The Agriculture Department is announcing that it will continue through the summer a payments program that replaced school meals because the pandemic left many children with virtual classes. Families of eligible children would receive $6.82 per child for each weekday. That adds up to $375 per child over the summer months.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack called the summer benefits a “first-of-its-kind, game-changing intervention to reduce child hunger in the United States.”

The program reflects the Biden administration's attempts to nearly stamp out child poverty — an unprecedented push with money for parents, child care centers and schools that could revamp the social safety net. Conservative critics have warned that the spending, if made permanent, could undermine the willingness of poorer Americans to work.

Stacy Dean, deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services at Agriculture, said that Congress previously approved limited funding for pilot programs to test the effectiveness of the payments. But the coronavirus relief package allowed it to be rolled out nationwide.

Besides the food aid, parents will receive roughly $250 a month starting in July for each child between the ages of 6 and 17. Qualifying families with a child under 6 would receive $300 monthly. The payments are part of an enhanced child tax credit that would expire at the end of this year, according to the terms of the most recent coronavirus relief package.

President Joe Biden plans to extend the monthly payments through 2025. The extension would be part of a multitrillion-dollar plan that he intends to announce Wednesday in a joint address to Congress.

Democratic lawmakers have called for making the enhanced tax credit permanent, with Sens. Michael Bennet of Colorado, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Cory Booker of New Jersey and Reps. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, Suzan DelBene of Washington state and Ritchie Torres of New York issuing a statement last week.

“Expansion of the child tax credit is the most significant policy to come out of Washington in generations, and Congress has an historic opportunity to provide a lifeline to the middle class and to cut child poverty in half on a permanent basis," the April 20 statement said.

When the school year ends, children have traditionally shifted to other forms of food aid such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP. Yet administration officials said that summer feeding programs tend to reach less than 20% of the number served during the school year.

Children could qualify for the new summer benefit if they are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year or if they are under age 6 and live in a SNAP household. Children already on SNAP would get the benefits as a supplement to what they already receive.

WASHINGTON (AP)—The Biden administration is expanding a program to feed as many as 34 million schoolchildren during the summer months, using funds from the coronavirus relief package approved in March.The Agriculture Department is announcing that it will continue through the summer a payments program that replaced school meals because the pandemic left many children with virtual classes. Families of eligible children would receive $6.82 per child for each weekday. That adds up to $375 per child over the summer months.Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack called the summer benefits a “first-of-its-kind, game-changing intervention to reduce child hunger in the United States.”The program reflects the Biden administration's attempts to nearly stamp out child poverty — an unprecedented push with money for parents, child care centers and schools that could revamp the social safety net. Conservative critics have warned that the spending, if made permanent, could undermine the willingness of poorer Americans to work.Stacy Dean, deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services at Agriculture, said that Congress previously approved limited funding for pilot programs to test the effectiveness of the payments. But the coronavirus relief package allowed it to be rolled out nationwide.Besides the food aid, parents will receive roughly $250 a month starting in July for each child between the ages of 6 and 17. Qualifying families with a child under 6 would receive $300 monthly. The payments are part of an enhanced child tax credit that would expire at the end of this year, according to the terms of the most recent coronavirus relief package.President Joe Biden plans to extend the monthly payments through 2025. The extension would be part of a multitrillion-dollar plan that he intends to announce Wednesday in a joint address to Congress.Democratic lawmakers have called for making the enhanced tax credit permanent, with Sens. Michael Bennet of Colorado, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Cory Booker of New Jersey and Reps. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, Suzan DelBene of Washington state and Ritchie Torres of New York issuing a statement last week.“Expansion of the child tax credit is the most significant policy to come out of Washington in generations, and Congress has an historic opportunity to provide a lifeline to the middle class and to cut child poverty in half on a permanent basis," the April 20 statement said.When the school year ends, children have traditionally shifted to other forms of food aid such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP. Yet administration officials said that summer feeding programs tend to reach less than 20% of the number served during the school year.Children could qualify for the new summer benefit if they are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year or if they are under age 6 and live in a SNAP household. Children already on SNAP would get the benefits as a supplement to what they already receive.

Biden expanding summer food program for 34M schoolchildren

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Hundreds of 17-year-olds who could not cast ballots in the 2020 election because of their age are among 294,000 registered Iowa voters recently marked as inactive.

Being marked as inactive in the state's voter registration database does not immediately affect anyone’s ability to vote in any way, according to the Iowa Secretary of State’s office. 

But under state law, it’s the first step in a process that would result in the cancellation of one’s registration after four more years of inactivity.

A new law rewriting election rules, signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds last month, requires the Iowa Secretary of State to move all voters who did not cast ballots in the most recent general election to inactive status. Previously, they had to miss two.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Hundreds of 17-year-olds who could not cast ballots in the 2020 election because of their age are among 294,000 registered Iowa voters recently marked as inactive.Being marked as inactive in the state's voter registration database does not immediately affect anyone’s ability to vote in any way, according to the Iowa Secretary of State’s office. But under state law, it’s the first step in a process that would result in the cancellation of one’s registration after four more years of inactivity.A new law rewriting election rules, signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds last month, requires the Iowa Secretary of State to move all voters who did not cast ballots in the most recent general election to inactive status. Previously, they had to miss two.

Iowa moves 294,000 registered voters to 'inactive' status

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — As deal talks begin, Canadian National railroad says it is receiving broad support for its $33.7 billion bid to buy Kansas City Southern. 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — As deal talks begin, Canadian National railroad says it is receiving broad support for its $33.7 billion bid to buy Kansas City Southern. Canadian National said Monday that more than 400 shippers and other stakeholders have submitted letters supporting its offer, including some who previously supported Canadian Pacific’s $25 billion bid to buy Kansas City Southern. That’s similar to the level of support Canadian Pacific says it has received for its offer. On Friday, Kansas City Southern said it would negotiate with CN about its unsolicited offer because it “could reasonably be expected” to be considered a superior proposal although KCS’ board hasn’t yet determined that it is.