Minority farmers who for decades have faced systemic discrimination will begin to receive debt relief beginning in this month under what Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack called one of the most significant pieces of civil rights legislation in decades.

In an op-ed piece published in USA Today, Vilsack also called the debt relief a “major civil rights victory,” saying it responds to systemic discrimination perpetrated against farmers and ranchers of color by the Agriculture Department.

“It is a historic move that will symbolize that USDA actually cares and that the Biden administration is doing whatever they can to mend fences and show the minority farmers that they do care about them during his administration,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-race-and-ethnicity-tom-vilsack-agriculture-barack-obama-669c46ed87d24d3d14692c4b89eb04de">Abraham Carpenter</a>, a 59-year-old Black farmer whose family grows fruits and vegetables on about 1,500 acres near Grady, Arkansas.

Carpenter expects the debt relief will pay off about $200,000 in farm loans, freeing up money that can now be put toward farm operations like buying seed and equipment instead of making loan payments.

“I know they have said it about a thousand times that they wanted to bring everybody together to make sure everybody was treated fairly. You can say it a million times., but until you show it nobody really believes it,” he said. “But this action of paying off debts for the minority farmers shows they actually do care about treating everybody fairly.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency has published the first notice of funding availability under the American Rescue Plan Act for borrowers with qualifying direct farm loans. A subsequent notice for farmers with government-guaranteed agricultural loans held by private lenders will be published within 120 days.

A provision in the pandemic relief law directs USDA to pay off the farm loans of nearly 16,000 minority farmers and begin to address racial equity challenges. It authorizes the Agriculture Department to pay up to 120% of direct and guaranteed loan outstanding balances for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

“I’m feeling really good,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-discrimination-kansas-cultures-agriculture-871f463bcf1e1e4fac8aa3492f7c8264">Rod Bradshaw</a>, a 68-year-old Black farmer who raises wheat, cattle and milo on 2,000 acres near Jetmore, Kansas. “We knew it was coming, we didn’t know when.”

Bradshaw, who has been farming since buying his first ground in 1976, has made several discrimination complaints with Agriculture Department over the years. He said he has four direct loans totaling more than $300,000 with USDA that he anticipates will be paid off under the debt relief plan.

“It’s going to free us up and let us halfway conduct business as usual,” Bradshaw said upon learning of Friday’s announcement. “This has been going on for so long, this is the first step of getting Black farmers and farmers of color back to where they need to be.”

The Agriculture Department said in its news release that for much of its history, socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers have faced discrimination, sometimes overt and sometimes through deeply embedded rules and policies.

“USDA is recommitting itself to gaining the trust and confidence of America’s farmers and ranchers using a new set of tools provided in the American Rescue Plan to increase opportunity, advance equity and address systemic discrimination in USDA programs,” Vilsack said.

By ROXANA HEGEMAN, Associated PressMinority farmers who for decades have faced systemic discrimination will begin to receive debt relief beginning in this month under what Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack called one of the most significant pieces of civil rights legislation in decades.In an op-ed piece published in USA Today, Vilsack also called the debt relief a “major civil rights victory,” saying it responds to systemic discrimination perpetrated against farmers and ranchers of color by the Agriculture Department.“It is a historic move that will symbolize that USDA actually cares and that the Biden administration is doing whatever they can to mend fences and show the minority farmers that they do care about them during his administration,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-race-and-ethnicity-tom-vilsack-agriculture-barack-obama-669c46ed87d24d3d14692c4b89eb04de">Abraham Carpenter</a>, a 59-year-old Black farmer whose family grows fruits and vegetables on about 1,500 acres near Grady, Arkansas.Carpenter expects the debt relief will pay off about $200,000 in farm loans, freeing up money that can now be put toward farm operations like buying seed and equipment instead of making loan payments.“I know they have said it about a thousand times that they wanted to bring everybody together to make sure everybody was treated fairly. You can say it a million times., but until you show it nobody really believes it,” he said. “But this action of paying off debts for the minority farmers shows they actually do care about treating everybody fairly.”The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency has published the first notice of funding availability under the American Rescue Plan Act for borrowers with qualifying direct farm loans. A subsequent notice for farmers with government-guaranteed agricultural loans held by private lenders will be published within 120 days.A provision in the pandemic relief law directs USDA to pay off the farm loans of nearly 16,000 minority farmers and begin to address racial equity challenges. It authorizes the Agriculture Department to pay up to 120% of direct and guaranteed loan outstanding balances for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.“I’m feeling really good,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-discrimination-kansas-cultures-agriculture-871f463bcf1e1e4fac8aa3492f7c8264">Rod Bradshaw</a>, a 68-year-old Black farmer who raises wheat, cattle and milo on 2,000 acres near Jetmore, Kansas. “We knew it was coming, we didn’t know when.”Bradshaw, who has been farming since buying his first ground in 1976, has made several discrimination complaints with Agriculture Department over the years. He said he has four direct loans totaling more than $300,000 with USDA that he anticipates will be paid off under the debt relief plan.“It’s going to free us up and let us halfway conduct business as usual,” Bradshaw said upon learning of Friday’s announcement. “This has been going on for so long, this is the first step of getting Black farmers and farmers of color back to where they need to be.”The Agriculture Department said in its news release that for much of its history, socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers have faced discrimination, sometimes overt and sometimes through deeply embedded rules and policies.“USDA is recommitting itself to gaining the trust and confidence of America’s farmers and ranchers using a new set of tools provided in the American Rescue Plan to increase opportunity, advance equity and address systemic discrimination in USDA programs,” Vilsack said.

USDA begins paying off loans of minority farmers 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A Wyoming sheriff’s corporal facing a wrongful death lawsuit in the killing of an unarmed mentally ill man in 2018 has resigned.

 Albany County sheriff's officials say Derek Colling left his job Wednesday. He was a patrol deputy when he shot and killed 39-year-old Robert “Robbie” Ramirez after a traffic stop in Laramie in 2018. 

A grand jury found Colling didn’t commit involuntary manslaughter. 

In court documents, Colling denies allegations in the lawsuit, though he acknowledges shooting Ramirez.

 The lawsuit says the sheriff's office hired Colling in 2012 after he shot two people in the line of duty and was fired from the police department in Las Vegas.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A Wyoming sheriff’s corporal facing a wrongful death lawsuit in the killing of an unarmed mentally ill man in 2018 has resigned. Albany County sheriff's officials say Derek Colling left his job Wednesday. He was a patrol deputy when he shot and killed 39-year-old Robert “Robbie” Ramirez after a traffic stop in Laramie in 2018. A grand jury found Colling didn’t commit involuntary manslaughter. In court documents, Colling denies allegations in the lawsuit, though he acknowledges shooting Ramirez. The lawsuit says the sheriff's office hired Colling in 2012 after he shot two people in the line of duty and was fired from the police department in Las Vegas.

Wyoming sheriff's official resigns amid wrongful death suit

Acting United States Attorney Bob Murray announced today that&nbsp;JACOB Nathaniel Hopkins Trigg, 19, of Colorado, and&nbsp;Oscar Alfredo Ortiz,&nbsp;20, of Cheyenne, WY, were convicted and sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Nancy Freudenthal related to their involvement in a violent carjacking of a Cheyenne resident that occurred in southwest Cheyenne on April 21, 2020. Trigg was sentenced to nine years with five years supervised release. Ortiz was sentenced to 15 years with five years of supervised release. They were each ordered to pay $5,089 in restitution and $200 in special assessment fees.

The victim encountered the defendants standing on the roadway while driving in southwest Cheyenne. After the victim stopped to offer assistance, Ortiz brandished a rifle and demanded the victim turn over control of the vehicle. Trigg pointed a handgun at the victim and demanded he empty his pockets. Ortiz and Trigg then ordered the victim out at gun point and fled in the vehicle.&nbsp; The next day, the vehicle was located in Longmont, Colorado. Witnesses and video cameras captured the defendants and a female dump the vehicle and cover it with a tarp. Meanwhile, officers in Longmont were tracking the duo on social media and found several posts related to the crime spree that also included a high-speed chase on I-70 near Evergreen, Colorado. The Colorado State Patrol ultimately disengaged from pursuing the vehicle after speeds reached in excess of 96 mph in a heavy traffic area. The FBI arrested the Ortiz and Trigg following a search warrant of Ortiz’s residence in Cheyenne where the firearms were located. Both firearm purchases were tracked back to the defendants.

“I want to send a clear message to would-be carjackers: Committing a senseless act&nbsp;of violence like carjacking will earn you a home in federal prison for a long time,” said Acting United States Attorney Bob Murray. &nbsp;“This office and our law enforcement partners will always fight for crime victims and do our job to hold accountable violent criminals.”

“Today’s sentence highlights the successful collaboration between the FBI’s Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force (RMSSTF), Cheyenne Police Department (CPD), Longmont Police Department, Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The CPD’s integration into the RMSSTF directly impacted the efficiency of the investigation,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider. “We work diligently with our partners to identify, investigate, and prosecute violent criminals such as Trigg and Ortiz to protect the public and keep our communities safe. FBI Denver is grateful for all our task force participants as these strong partnerships continue to bring justice to those who commit violent crimes.”

The case was investigated by the Cheyenne Police Department, F.B.I., the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and Longmont Police Department in Colorado. The charges were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy J. Forwood.

“This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.&nbsp; PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.&nbsp; Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.&nbsp; As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.”

News Release FBIActing United States Attorney Bob Murray announced today that&nbsp;JACOB Nathaniel Hopkins Trigg, 19, of Colorado, and&nbsp;Oscar Alfredo Ortiz,&nbsp;20, of Cheyenne, WY, were convicted and sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Nancy Freudenthal related to their involvement in a violent carjacking of a Cheyenne resident that occurred in southwest Cheyenne on April 21, 2020. Trigg was sentenced to nine years with five years supervised release. Ortiz was sentenced to 15 years with five years of supervised release. They were each ordered to pay $5,089 in restitution and $200 in special assessment fees.The victim encountered the defendants standing on the roadway while driving in southwest Cheyenne. After the victim stopped to offer assistance, Ortiz brandished a rifle and demanded the victim turn over control of the vehicle. Trigg pointed a handgun at the victim and demanded he empty his pockets. Ortiz and Trigg then ordered the victim out at gun point and fled in the vehicle.&nbsp; The next day, the vehicle was located in Longmont, Colorado. Witnesses and video cameras captured the defendants and a female dump the vehicle and cover it with a tarp. Meanwhile, officers in Longmont were tracking the duo on social media and found several posts related to the crime spree that also included a high-speed chase on I-70 near Evergreen, Colorado. The Colorado State Patrol ultimately disengaged from pursuing the vehicle after speeds reached in excess of 96 mph in a heavy traffic area. The FBI arrested the Ortiz and Trigg following a search warrant of Ortiz’s residence in Cheyenne where the firearms were located. Both firearm purchases were tracked back to the defendants.“I want to send a clear message to would-be carjackers: Committing a senseless act&nbsp;of violence like carjacking will earn you a home in federal prison for a long time,” said Acting United States Attorney Bob Murray. &nbsp;“This office and our law enforcement partners will always fight for crime victims and do our job to hold accountable violent criminals.”“Today’s sentence highlights the successful collaboration between the FBI’s Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force (RMSSTF), Cheyenne Police Department (CPD), Longmont Police Department, Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The CPD’s integration into the RMSSTF directly impacted the efficiency of the investigation,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider. “We work diligently with our partners to identify, investigate, and prosecute violent criminals such as Trigg and Ortiz to protect the public and keep our communities safe. FBI Denver is grateful for all our task force participants as these strong partnerships continue to bring justice to those who commit violent crimes.”The case was investigated by the Cheyenne Police Department, F.B.I., the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and Longmont Police Department in Colorado. The charges were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy J. Forwood.“This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.&nbsp; PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.&nbsp; Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.&nbsp; As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.”

Cheyenne carjacking suspects get lengthy prison terms

WASHINGTON
 — The Internal Revenue Service is sending more than 2.8 million refunds
 this week to taxpayers who paid taxes on unemployment compensation that
 new legislation now excludes as income.

IRS efforts to correct unemployment compensation overpayments will 
help most affected taxpayers avoid filing an amended tax return. So far,
 the IRS has identified 13 million taxpayers that may be eligible for 
the adjustment. Some will receive refunds, which will be issued 
periodically, and some will have the overpayment applied to taxes due or
 other debts. For some there will be no change.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) excluded up to $10,200 in
 unemployment compensation per taxpayer paid in 2020. The $10,200 is the
 maximum amount that can be excluded when calculating taxable income; it
 is not the amount of refunds.

Earlier this month, the IRS began its programming review of tax 
returns filed prior to the enactment of ARPA to identify the excludible 
unemployment compensation. The IRS also is making corrections for the 
Earned Income Tax Credit, Premium Tax Credit and Recovery Rebate Credit 
affected by the exclusion.

Taxpayers who have qualifying children and who become eligible for 
EITC after the exclusion is calculated may have to file an amended 
return to claim any new benefits. The IRS can adjust tax returns for 
those who are single with no children and who become eligible for EITC. 
The IRS also can adjust tax returns where EITC was claimed and 
qualifying children identified.

To date, the IRS has reviewed over 3.1 million returns, with more than 2.8 million receiving refunds.

The IRS plans to issue the next set of refunds in mid-June. The 
review of returns and processing corrections will continue during the 
summer as the IRS continues to review the simplest returns and then 
turns to more complex returns.

Taxpayers will receive letters from the IRS, generally within 30 days
 of the adjustment, informing them of what kind of adjustment was made 
(such as refund, payment of IRS debt payment or payment offset for other
 authorized debts) and the amount of the adjustment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON
 — The Internal Revenue Service is sending more than 2.8 million refunds
 this week to taxpayers who paid taxes on unemployment compensation that
 new legislation now excludes as income.IRS efforts to correct unemployment compensation overpayments will 
help most affected taxpayers avoid filing an amended tax return. So far,
 the IRS has identified 13 million taxpayers that may be eligible for 
the adjustment. Some will receive refunds, which will be issued 
periodically, and some will have the overpayment applied to taxes due or
 other debts. For some there will be no change.The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) excluded up to $10,200 in
 unemployment compensation per taxpayer paid in 2020. The $10,200 is the
 maximum amount that can be excluded when calculating taxable income; it
 is not the amount of refunds.Earlier this month, the IRS began its programming review of tax 
returns filed prior to the enactment of ARPA to identify the excludible 
unemployment compensation. The IRS also is making corrections for the 
Earned Income Tax Credit, Premium Tax Credit and Recovery Rebate Credit 
affected by the exclusion.Taxpayers who have qualifying children and who become eligible for 
EITC after the exclusion is calculated may have to file an amended 
return to claim any new benefits. The IRS can adjust tax returns for 
those who are single with no children and who become eligible for EITC. 
The IRS also can adjust tax returns where EITC was claimed and 
qualifying children identified.To date, the IRS has reviewed over 3.1 million returns, with more than 2.8 million receiving refunds.The IRS plans to issue the next set of refunds in mid-June. The 
review of returns and processing corrections will continue during the 
summer as the IRS continues to review the simplest returns and then 
turns to more complex returns.Taxpayers will receive letters from the IRS, generally within 30 days
 of the adjustment, informing them of what kind of adjustment was made 
(such as refund, payment of IRS debt payment or payment offset for other
 authorized debts) and the amount of the adjustment.

More than 2.8 million refunds sent those who paid taxes on 2020 unemployment compensation

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans on Friday panned President Joe Biden’s latest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-coronavirus-pandemic-pittsburgh-jen-psaki-8865ffc8f5ad3142155a5bd3c3a3e6d3">infrastructure proposal&nbsp;</a>and were expected to make a revised offer as talks grind toward next week’s slipping deadline for progress on a bipartisan deal.

Speaking after the release of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-business-bb295afe6ec8d8b88b1b944f3eba7931">modest May jobs report</a>, Biden made the case for his robust investment package to push the economy past the COVID-19 crisis and downturn, and into a new era.

“Now is the time to build on the progress we’ve made,” Biden told reporters in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. “We need to make those investments today to continue to succeed tomorrow.”

Biden was talking again Friday with the lead GOP negotiator, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, in what the White House characterized as a discussion rather than an exchange of formal proposals.

Capito’s office released a statement with few details except to say the two spoke by telephone on a bipartisan infrastructure package and “agreed to connect again on Monday.”

The White House had been eyeing a deadline early next week as Congress returns from its Memorial Day break to see progress toward a deal and Democrats are setting ground work for a go-it-alone approach. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has indicated that Biden will look to act without Republican support if there is no consensus.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki downplayed any hard-set deadline Friday and said the administration continues to talk to lawmakers from both parties, giving a nod to a group of bipartisan senators who are privately working on possible areas of compromise with the White House.

“There’s runway left,” Psaki told reporters at the White House. “We’re going to keep a range of pathways open.”

For weeks, the president has been engaged in talks with GOP senators trying to strike a compromise on Biden’s top legislative a priority, the big infrastructure investment package. While the two sides appear to have narrowed the price gap between his initial $2.3 trillion proposal and the GOP’s $568 billion opening bid, they remain far apart on how to pay for what could be a compromise $1 trillion investment.

Republicans are showing no interest in Biden’s latest proposal for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-donald-trump-business-government-and-politics-767504f2366617e89a35375a0786e59a">15% corporate minimum tax rate&nbsp;</a>that would ensure all companies pay something in taxes, rather than allowing so many write-offs or deductions that they contribute zero to the treasury.

A Republican familiar with the talks and granted anonymity to discuss the private assessment said the GOP senators view Biden’s latest idea as an unnecessary tax hike.

Instead, Republicans were poised to submit a revised offer when Capito spoke with Biden again Friday, the person said. They will insist on using untapped COVID-19 relief funds to pay for the infrastructure investments, the Republican said. Biden’s team has rejected that approach.

Still, neither Biden nor the GOP senators appear ready to call off talks, even as Democrats prepare to use budget rules to pass any big package on their own, without Republican votes.

On Friday, House Democrats released a plan for spending $547 billion over the next five years on road, mass transit and rail projects, a blueprint of their priorities and a potential building block for Biden’s broader package.

The proposal from Oregon Rep. Peter DeFazio, the Democratic chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, continues existing programs set to expire and adds key pieces of the larger measure Biden is negotiating with Republicans.

DeFazio’s legislation, a reauthorization of surface transportation programs set to expire Sept. 30, doesn’t address how to pay for the projects. He called the effort a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to move our transportation planning out of the 1950s and toward our clean energy future.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-donald-trump-business-government-and-politics-767504f2366617e89a35375a0786e59a">In addition to Biden’s proposed 15% minimum tax on corporations</a>&nbsp;— there’s no minimum tax now on corporate profits — he envisions additional revenues from increased IRS enforcement. He is seeking roughly $1 trillion in new infrastructure spending. Senate Republicans have countered with only $257 billion in additional spending.

The House bill would authorize up to $343 billion for roads, bridges and safety improvements. Another $109 billion would go to public transit programs and $95 billion would go to freight and passenger rail system, including a tripling of funding for Amtrak.

DeFazio’s bill is not expected to attract much GOP support, as Republicans unveiled their own legislation recently that would authorize about $400 billion over five years for road, bridge and transit programs.

Republicans on the House panel panned the bill in a statement. “Instead of working with Republicans to find common ground on a bill that could earn strong bipartisan support – something our Senate counterparts did successfully last month – this bill moves even further to the left to appease the most progressive members in the Majority’s party.”

A Senate panel recently passed its version of the highway bill unanimously, but the lawmakers didn’t have to vote yet on how they would pay for it, a focal point of negotiations between GOP senators and the White House.

Business groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Business Roundtable have called on lawmakers to continue negotiations and work toward a bipartisan compromise.

But some Democrats have questioned the merits of that approach and are already unhappy with some of the compromises that Biden has offered. They support using a process that would allow Democrats to pass an infrastructure boost with a simple majority, which they did through a COVID-19 relief measure that delivered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/retail-sales-economy-2f20ee18d72ed056412fde0fe94f9fae">$1,400 payments</a>&nbsp;to most Americans.

“Getting Republicans on board is not necessary. Getting the American people back on their feet is,” Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622232957258.png" alt="&nbsp;President Biden dismissed a fresh Republican infrastructure proposal offering modestly more spending. White House press secretary Jen Psaki says the $50 billion increase the GOP offered fell short of the president's objectives for growing the economy.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;President Biden dismissed a fresh Republican infrastructure proposal offering modestly more spending. White House press secretary Jen Psaki says the $50 billion increase the GOP offered fell short of the president's objectives for growing the economy.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans on Friday panned President Joe Biden’s latest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-coronavirus-pandemic-pittsburgh-jen-psaki-8865ffc8f5ad3142155a5bd3c3a3e6d3">infrastructure proposal&nbsp;</a>and were expected to make a revised offer as talks grind toward next week’s slipping deadline for progress on a bipartisan deal.Speaking after the release of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-business-bb295afe6ec8d8b88b1b944f3eba7931">modest May jobs report</a>, Biden made the case for his robust investment package to push the economy past the COVID-19 crisis and downturn, and into a new era.“Now is the time to build on the progress we’ve made,” Biden told reporters in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. “We need to make those investments today to continue to succeed tomorrow.”Biden was talking again Friday with the lead GOP negotiator, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, in what the White House characterized as a discussion rather than an exchange of formal proposals.Capito’s office released a statement with few details except to say the two spoke by telephone on a bipartisan infrastructure package and “agreed to connect again on Monday.”The White House had been eyeing a deadline early next week as Congress returns from its Memorial Day break to see progress toward a deal and Democrats are setting ground work for a go-it-alone approach. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has indicated that Biden will look to act without Republican support if there is no consensus.White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki downplayed any hard-set deadline Friday and said the administration continues to talk to lawmakers from both parties, giving a nod to a group of bipartisan senators who are privately working on possible areas of compromise with the White House.“There’s runway left,” Psaki told reporters at the White House. “We’re going to keep a range of pathways open.”For weeks, the president has been engaged in talks with GOP senators trying to strike a compromise on Biden’s top legislative a priority, the big infrastructure investment package. While the two sides appear to have narrowed the price gap between his initial $2.3 trillion proposal and the GOP’s $568 billion opening bid, they remain far apart on how to pay for what could be a compromise $1 trillion investment.Republicans are showing no interest in Biden’s latest proposal for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-donald-trump-business-government-and-politics-767504f2366617e89a35375a0786e59a">15% corporate minimum tax rate&nbsp;</a>that would ensure all companies pay something in taxes, rather than allowing so many write-offs or deductions that they contribute zero to the treasury.A Republican familiar with the talks and granted anonymity to discuss the private assessment said the GOP senators view Biden’s latest idea as an unnecessary tax hike.Instead, Republicans were poised to submit a revised offer when Capito spoke with Biden again Friday, the person said. They will insist on using untapped COVID-19 relief funds to pay for the infrastructure investments, the Republican said. Biden’s team has rejected that approach.Still, neither Biden nor the GOP senators appear ready to call off talks, even as Democrats prepare to use budget rules to pass any big package on their own, without Republican votes.On Friday, House Democrats released a plan for spending $547 billion over the next five years on road, mass transit and rail projects, a blueprint of their priorities and a potential building block for Biden’s broader package.The proposal from Oregon Rep. Peter DeFazio, the Democratic chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, continues existing programs set to expire and adds key pieces of the larger measure Biden is negotiating with Republicans.DeFazio’s legislation, a reauthorization of surface transportation programs set to expire Sept. 30, doesn’t address how to pay for the projects. He called the effort a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to move our transportation planning out of the 1950s and toward our clean energy future.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-donald-trump-business-government-and-politics-767504f2366617e89a35375a0786e59a">In addition to Biden’s proposed 15% minimum tax on corporations</a>&nbsp;— there’s no minimum tax now on corporate profits — he envisions additional revenues from increased IRS enforcement. He is seeking roughly $1 trillion in new infrastructure spending. Senate Republicans have countered with only $257 billion in additional spending.The House bill would authorize up to $343 billion for roads, bridges and safety improvements. Another $109 billion would go to public transit programs and $95 billion would go to freight and passenger rail system, including a tripling of funding for Amtrak.DeFazio’s bill is not expected to attract much GOP support, as Republicans unveiled their own legislation recently that would authorize about $400 billion over five years for road, bridge and transit programs.Republicans on the House panel panned the bill in a statement. “Instead of working with Republicans to find common ground on a bill that could earn strong bipartisan support – something our Senate counterparts did successfully last month – this bill moves even further to the left to appease the most progressive members in the Majority’s party.”A Senate panel recently passed its version of the highway bill unanimously, but the lawmakers didn’t have to vote yet on how they would pay for it, a focal point of negotiations between GOP senators and the White House.Business groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Business Roundtable have called on lawmakers to continue negotiations and work toward a bipartisan compromise.But some Democrats have questioned the merits of that approach and are already unhappy with some of the compromises that Biden has offered. They support using a process that would allow Democrats to pass an infrastructure boost with a simple majority, which they did through a COVID-19 relief measure that delivered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/retail-sales-economy-2f20ee18d72ed056412fde0fe94f9fae">$1,400 payments</a>&nbsp;to most Americans.“Getting Republicans on board is not necessary. Getting the American people back on their feet is,” Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., said.

Battle growing over Biden's $1 Trillion infrastructure plan 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. government cannot give a definitive explanation of aerial phenomena spotted by military pilots but has found no evidence that they are linked to aliens, according to two officials briefed on an intelligence report examining the issue.

<a href="https://www.navair.navy.mil/foia/sites/g/files/jejdrs566/files/2020-04/1%20-%20FLIR.mp4">Click here to watch </a>the video

The report due to Congress later this month examines multiple unexplained sightings from recent years that in some cases have been captured on video of pilots exclaiming about objects flying in front of them. The two people briefed on the report said it found no proof of an extraterrestrial link and does not rule out that what pilots have seen may be new technologies developed by other countries. One of the officials said there is no indication that the unexplained phenomena are from secret U.S. programs.

The two officials were not authorized to discuss the information publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Findings of the report were first published Thursday by The New York Times.

Congress in December required the Director of National Intelligence to summarize and report on the U.S. government’s knowledge of unidentified aerial phenomena, or UAPs — better known to the public as unidentified flying objects or UFOs. The effort has included officials on a Defense Department UAP task force established last year. The expected public release of an unclassified version of the report this month will amount to a status report, not the final word, according to one official.

A Pentagon spokeswoman, Sue Gough, declined Friday to comment on news reports about the intelligence report. She said the Pentagon’s UAP task force is “actively working with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on the report, and DNI will provide the findings to Congress.”

The Pentagon and Central Intelligence Agency have for decades looked into reports of aircraft or other objects in the sky flying at inexplicable speeds or trajectories.

The U.S. government takes unidentified aerial phenomena seriously given the potential national security risk of an adversary flying novel technology over a military base or another sensitive site, or the prospect of Russian or Chinese development exceeding current U.S. capabilities. It also is seen by the U.S. military as a security and safety issue, given that in many cases the pilots who reported seeing unexplained aerial phenomena were conducting combat training flights.

The report’s lack of firm conclusions will likely disappoint people anticipating the report given many Americans’ long-standing fascination with UFOs and the prospect of aliens having reached humankind. A recent story on CBS’ “60 Minutes” further bolstered interest in the government report.

But skeptics caution that the videos and reported sightings have plausible Earth-bound explanations. Mick West, an author, investigator, and longtime skeptic of UFO sightings, said he supported the military looking into any possible incursion of U.S. airspace, especially by an adversary.

“People are conflating this issue with the idea that these UFOs demonstrate amazing physics and possibly even aliens,” West said. He added, “The idea that this is some kind of secret warp drive or it’s defying physics as we know it, there really isn’t any good evidence for that.”

The Pentagon last year announced a task force to investigate the issue and the Navy in recent years created a protocol for its pilots to report any possible sightings. And lawmakers in recent years have pushed for more public disclosure.

“There’s a stigma on Capitol Hill,” Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, told “60 Minutes” in May. “I mean, some of my colleagues are very interested in this topic and some kind of, you know, giggle when you bring it up. But I don’t think we can allow the stigma to keep us from having an answer to a very fundamental question.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622822273014.png" alt="UFO image courtesy U.S. Department of Defense Naval Air System Command" />
 <figcaption>UFO image courtesy U.S. Department of Defense Naval Air System Command</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. government cannot give a definitive explanation of aerial phenomena spotted by military pilots but has found no evidence that they are linked to aliens, according to two officials briefed on an intelligence report examining the issue.<a href="https://www.navair.navy.mil/foia/sites/g/files/jejdrs566/files/2020-04/1%20-%20FLIR.mp4">Click here to watch </a>the videoThe report due to Congress later this month examines multiple unexplained sightings from recent years that in some cases have been captured on video of pilots exclaiming about objects flying in front of them. The two people briefed on the report said it found no proof of an extraterrestrial link and does not rule out that what pilots have seen may be new technologies developed by other countries. One of the officials said there is no indication that the unexplained phenomena are from secret U.S. programs.The two officials were not authorized to discuss the information publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Findings of the report were first published Thursday by The New York Times.Congress in December required the Director of National Intelligence to summarize and report on the U.S. government’s knowledge of unidentified aerial phenomena, or UAPs — better known to the public as unidentified flying objects or UFOs. The effort has included officials on a Defense Department UAP task force established last year. The expected public release of an unclassified version of the report this month will amount to a status report, not the final word, according to one official.A Pentagon spokeswoman, Sue Gough, declined Friday to comment on news reports about the intelligence report. She said the Pentagon’s UAP task force is “actively working with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on the report, and DNI will provide the findings to Congress.”The Pentagon and Central Intelligence Agency have for decades looked into reports of aircraft or other objects in the sky flying at inexplicable speeds or trajectories.The U.S. government takes unidentified aerial phenomena seriously given the potential national security risk of an adversary flying novel technology over a military base or another sensitive site, or the prospect of Russian or Chinese development exceeding current U.S. capabilities. It also is seen by the U.S. military as a security and safety issue, given that in many cases the pilots who reported seeing unexplained aerial phenomena were conducting combat training flights.The report’s lack of firm conclusions will likely disappoint people anticipating the report given many Americans’ long-standing fascination with UFOs and the prospect of aliens having reached humankind. A recent story on CBS’ “60 Minutes” further bolstered interest in the government report.But skeptics caution that the videos and reported sightings have plausible Earth-bound explanations. Mick West, an author, investigator, and longtime skeptic of UFO sightings, said he supported the military looking into any possible incursion of U.S. airspace, especially by an adversary.“People are conflating this issue with the idea that these UFOs demonstrate amazing physics and possibly even aliens,” West said. He added, “The idea that this is some kind of secret warp drive or it’s defying physics as we know it, there really isn’t any good evidence for that.”The Pentagon last year announced a task force to investigate the issue and the Navy in recent years created a protocol for its pilots to report any possible sightings. And lawmakers in recent years have pushed for more public disclosure.“There’s a stigma on Capitol Hill,” Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, told “60 Minutes” in May. “I mean, some of my colleagues are very interested in this topic and some kind of, you know, giggle when you bring it up. But I don’t think we can allow the stigma to keep us from having an answer to a very fundamental question.”

🎥 US report makes no definitive finding about UFOs

LINCOLN&nbsp; — Troopers have arrested one person after multiple pursuits early Friday morning in Saunders County.

At approximately 12:30 a.m. Friday, a trooper observed a northbound Chevrolet Impala with a defective light on Highway 77 near Wahoo. The trooper then observed that the Impala was traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled. The trooper initiated a pursuit. After a short pursuit, the trooper discontinued the pursuit for safety reasons.

Troopers learned that the vehicle was registered to a home in Prague and began searching the area. Another trooper located the vehicle just west of Prague and attempted another traffic stop. The Impala again fled, and the trooper initiated another pursuit.

After a short pursuit, the suspect vehicle drove into a field and came to a stop, near the intersection of Highway 79 and County Road X. The driver then fled on foot into the field. The first trooper to arrive noticed that the Impala was now on fire and attempted to extinguish the fire. The driver was apprehended shortly thereafter by another trooper on the other side of the field.

The driver, Jeffrey Oreskovich, 38, of Prague, was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, driving under suspension, and numerous traffic violations. He was lodged in Saunders County Jail.

LINCOLN&nbsp; — Troopers have arrested one person after multiple pursuits early Friday morning in Saunders County.At approximately 12:30 a.m. Friday, a trooper observed a northbound Chevrolet Impala with a defective light on Highway 77 near Wahoo. The trooper then observed that the Impala was traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled. The trooper initiated a pursuit. After a short pursuit, the trooper discontinued the pursuit for safety reasons.Troopers learned that the vehicle was registered to a home in Prague and began searching the area. Another trooper located the vehicle just west of Prague and attempted another traffic stop. The Impala again fled, and the trooper initiated another pursuit.After a short pursuit, the suspect vehicle drove into a field and came to a stop, near the intersection of Highway 79 and County Road X. The driver then fled on foot into the field. The first trooper to arrive noticed that the Impala was now on fire and attempted to extinguish the fire. The driver was apprehended shortly thereafter by another trooper on the other side of the field.The driver, Jeffrey Oreskovich, 38, of Prague, was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, driving under suspension, and numerous traffic violations. He was lodged in Saunders County Jail.

Prague man arrested following multiple pursuits

NORTH PLATTE&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested an Arizona man following the discovery of 55 pounds of cocaine in a vehicle in Cozad.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:00 p.m. Thursday, when a trooper contacted a motorist at the Cozad interchange of Interstate 80. During the encounter, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity.

Troopers searched the vehicle and found 55 pounds of cocaine hidden in floor compartments of the vehicle. There was also a small amount of marijuana in the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was accompanied by an adult female passenger and a small child.

The driver, Donovan Grange, 31, of Scottsdale, Arizona, was arrested for possession of more than 140 grams of cocaine, possession with intent to deliver, possession of less than one ounce of marijuana, child abuse/neglect, and no drug tax stamp. 

He was lodged in Dawson County Jail. The female passenger was released with the child.&nbsp;

NORTH PLATTE&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested an Arizona man following the discovery of 55 pounds of cocaine in a vehicle in Cozad.The incident occurred at approximately 1:00 p.m. Thursday, when a trooper contacted a motorist at the Cozad interchange of Interstate 80. During the encounter, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity.Troopers searched the vehicle and found 55 pounds of cocaine hidden in floor compartments of the vehicle. There was also a small amount of marijuana in the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was accompanied by an adult female passenger and a small child.The driver, Donovan Grange, 31, of Scottsdale, Arizona, was arrested for possession of more than 140 grams of cocaine, possession with intent to deliver, possession of less than one ounce of marijuana, child abuse/neglect, and no drug tax stamp. He was lodged in Dawson County Jail. The female passenger was released with the child.&nbsp;

Troopers find 55 LBs of cocaine in Cozad

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A prosecutor and a defense attorney in Nebraska have been reprimanded for a scheme reminiscent of the Wild West in which they told two convicted criminals to get out of town and never return. 

The Nebraska Supreme Court issued public reprimands Friday for Custer County Attorney Steven Bowers and Broken Bow defense attorney Christopher Wickham for carrying out the “banishment plan." 

The high court says the two violated rules of professional conduct by scheming to have two men plead guilty to felony charges, then secure a low bail with the understanding that the men would leave the county before their sentencing hearings, never to return.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A prosecutor and a defense attorney in Nebraska have been reprimanded for a scheme reminiscent of the Wild West in which they told two convicted criminals to get out of town and never return. The Nebraska Supreme Court issued public reprimands Friday for Custer County Attorney Steven Bowers and Broken Bow defense attorney Christopher Wickham for carrying out the “banishment plan." The high court says the two violated rules of professional conduct by scheming to have two men plead guilty to felony charges, then secure a low bail with the understanding that the men would leave the county before their sentencing hearings, never to return.

Prosecutor, attorney reprimanded for 'banishment' scheme

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Lincoln officials have announced the names of four finalists who want to serve as the city’s next police chief. 

The finalists are retired Lincoln Police Capt. Genelle Moore, former Mesa, Arizona Police Chief Ramon Batista, San Francisco Police Department Commander Teresa Ewins, and Darryl McSwain, the police chief for the Maryland-National Capital Park Police-Montgomery County Division.

 The finalists were among 31 people who applied for the job. 

Everyone’s application went to a consulting firm hired by the city, which worked with the mayor’s office to narrow the lists to eight finalists. 

The search committee interviewed the eight last week and narrowed the list to four.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Lincoln officials have announced the names of four finalists who want to serve as the city’s next police chief. The finalists are retired Lincoln Police Capt. Genelle Moore, former Mesa, Arizona Police Chief Ramon Batista, San Francisco Police Department Commander Teresa Ewins, and Darryl McSwain, the police chief for the Maryland-National Capital Park Police-Montgomery County Division. The finalists were among 31 people who applied for the job. Everyone’s application went to a consulting firm hired by the city, which worked with the mayor’s office to narrow the lists to eight finalists. The search committee interviewed the eight last week and narrowed the list to four.

4 finalists identified for Lincoln police chief job

NORFOLK&nbsp; — Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested two people during an investigation in Plainview.

Thursday, June 3, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence at 108 S. 2nd&nbsp;Street in Plainview. During the search, investigators located a package containing one pound of suspected methamphetamine. Smaller amounts of methamphetamine were also located in other areas of the home.

Two subjects were in the home at the time of the search and were both arrested. Bryan Gloe, 43, and Alan Sharples, 63, were lodged in Pierce County Jail for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver.

The NSP SWAT Team assisted in this operation.

NORFOLK&nbsp; — Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested two people during an investigation in Plainview.Thursday, June 3, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence at 108 S. 2nd&nbsp;Street in Plainview. During the search, investigators located a package containing one pound of suspected methamphetamine. Smaller amounts of methamphetamine were also located in other areas of the home.Two subjects were in the home at the time of the search and were both arrested. Bryan Gloe, 43, and Alan Sharples, 63, were lodged in Pierce County Jail for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver.The NSP SWAT Team assisted in this operation.

Methamphetamine located in Plainview drug investigation

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police say one 17-year-old has died and a second one was injured Thursday in a shooting in north Omaha. 

Police say they were called to a home around 8 p.m. 

There they found Jiaquan Williams and Javondre McIntosh with gunshot injuries. 

Both victims were taken to the Nebraska Medical Center, where Williams died. McIntosh’s injuries are considered life threatening, and he's listed in critical condition. Police say they’re still investigating. 

Anyone with information is urged to call Omaha Crime Stoppers anonymously at 402-444-7867, or at <a href="http://www.p3tips.com">www.p3tips.com</a>.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police say one 17-year-old has died and a second one was injured Thursday in a shooting in north Omaha. Police say they were called to a home around 8 p.m. There they found Jiaquan Williams and Javondre McIntosh with gunshot injuries. Both victims were taken to the Nebraska Medical Center, where Williams died. McIntosh’s injuries are considered life threatening, and he's listed in critical condition. Police say they’re still investigating. Anyone with information is urged to call Omaha Crime Stoppers anonymously at 402-444-7867, or at <a href="http://www.p3tips.com">www.p3tips.com</a>.

Omaha shooting leaves 1 teen dead, 1 in critical condition

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. employers added 559,000 jobs in May, an improvement from April’s sluggish gain but still evidence that many companies are struggling to find enough workers as the economy rapidly recovers from the pandemic recession.

Last month’s job gain was above April’s revised total of 278,000, the Labor Department said Friday. The unemployment rate fell to 5.8% from 6.1%.

The speed of the rebound from the pandemic recession has caught employers off guard and touched off a scramble to hire. The reopening of the economy, fueled by substantial federal aid and rising vaccinations, has released pent-up demand among consumers to eat out, travel, shop, attend public events and visit with friends and relatives.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-business-5eb1432c117e217fea65bfaa138002e9" target="_blank">Many large chains</a>, including Amazon, Walmart, Costco, and Chipotle, have raised starting pay to better attract applicants. Yet so far, those efforts aren’t bearing much fruit. The number of people working or looking for work last month slipped slightly in May after three months of gains.

The economy expanded last quarter at a robust 6.4% annual rate, and economists envision growth in the current quarter reaching a sizzling pace of 9% or more. All that growth, driven by higher spending, has raised inflation fears. But for now, it has mainly propelled demand for labor.

Job postings in late May were nearly 26% above pre-pandemic levels, according to the employment website Indeed. Government data shows that posted jobs are at the highest level on records dating back to 2000.

And consumers are opening their wallets. In April, they increased their spending after a huge gain in March that was fueled by the distribution of $1,400 stimulus checks. With more Americans feeling comfortable about staying in hotels and visiting entertainment venues, spending on services jumped.

In fact, service industries, including banking, retail, and shipping,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-business-959a1a97847ec7a1dc18d96ade834a8d" target="_blank">expanded at the fastest pace</a>&nbsp;on record in May. The evidence suggests that consumers have begun to embark on a long-anticipated shift away from the sizable goods purchases that many of them had made while hunkered down at home to spending on services, from haircuts to sporting events to vacation trips.

The number of people seeking unemployment aid has fallen for five straight weeks to its lowest level since the pandemic began, a sign that layoffs are dwindling. There are still 15 million people receiving either federal or state jobless aid, though that number has also declined from roughly 20 million in February.

The fading of the pandemic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-82aa4f9fddcea22918d010c55b5e55b3" target="_blank">produced a disconnect</a>&nbsp;between companies and the unemployed. While businesses are rushing to add workers immediately, many of the unemployed are either seeking better jobs than they had before the pandemic, still lack affordable child care, worry about contracting COVID-19 or have decided to retire early.

That mismatch resulted in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-business-5dc338627748f7c75ba7e9a040a894d7" target="_blank">sharp slowdown in hiring in April</a>, when employers added far fewer jobs than economists had forecast and many fewer than had been hired in March.

Though the economy still has 8.2 million fewer jobs than it did before the pandemic struck, job postings in late May were nearly 26% above pre-pandemic levels, according to the employment website Indeed. Government data shows that posted jobs have reached their highest level on record dating back to 2000.

Many businesses blame a $300-a-week federal unemployment benefit for discouraging some of the jobless from taking work. Republican governors in 25 states have responded by cutting off that benefit prematurely, starting this month, before the benefits are scheduled to end nationally on Sept. 6.

Becky Frankiewicz, president of the temporary staffing firm Manpower Group’s North American division, said many of the firm’s clients are raising pay and benefits to try to attract more applicants. Some of these companies, particularly in manufacturing and warehousing, are also trying other tactics, like paying their workers weekly or even daily, rather than every two weeks. Manpower is also encouraging its clients to make job offers the same day as an interview rather than waiting.

About 60% of Manpower’s temporary placements are leaving their jobs before a temporary assignment ends, Frankiewicz said, mostly because they are receiving better offers.

“People have options,” she said. “Companies have to offer speed in cash, speed to hire and a lot of flexibility in how they work.”

For now, though, there are signs that many of the unemployed remain cautious about seeking jobs.

On Thursday, Tony Sarsam, CEO of SpartanNash, a grocery distributor and retailer, said on a conference call with investors that the company took part last month in a job fair with 60 companies that had 500 jobs to fill.

“Only four candidates showed up,” Sarsam said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. employers added 559,000 jobs in May, an improvement from April’s sluggish gain but still evidence that many companies are struggling to find enough workers as the economy rapidly recovers from the pandemic recession.Last month’s job gain was above April’s revised total of 278,000, the Labor Department said Friday. The unemployment rate fell to 5.8% from 6.1%.The speed of the rebound from the pandemic recession has caught employers off guard and touched off a scramble to hire. The reopening of the economy, fueled by substantial federal aid and rising vaccinations, has released pent-up demand among consumers to eat out, travel, shop, attend public events and visit with friends and relatives.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-business-5eb1432c117e217fea65bfaa138002e9" target="_blank">Many large chains</a>, including Amazon, Walmart, Costco, and Chipotle, have raised starting pay to better attract applicants. Yet so far, those efforts aren’t bearing much fruit. The number of people working or looking for work last month slipped slightly in May after three months of gains.The economy expanded last quarter at a robust 6.4% annual rate, and economists envision growth in the current quarter reaching a sizzling pace of 9% or more. All that growth, driven by higher spending, has raised inflation fears. But for now, it has mainly propelled demand for labor.Job postings in late May were nearly 26% above pre-pandemic levels, according to the employment website Indeed. Government data shows that posted jobs are at the highest level on records dating back to 2000.And consumers are opening their wallets. In April, they increased their spending after a huge gain in March that was fueled by the distribution of $1,400 stimulus checks. With more Americans feeling comfortable about staying in hotels and visiting entertainment venues, spending on services jumped.In fact, service industries, including banking, retail, and shipping,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-business-959a1a97847ec7a1dc18d96ade834a8d" target="_blank">expanded at the fastest pace</a>&nbsp;on record in May. The evidence suggests that consumers have begun to embark on a long-anticipated shift away from the sizable goods purchases that many of them had made while hunkered down at home to spending on services, from haircuts to sporting events to vacation trips.The number of people seeking unemployment aid has fallen for five straight weeks to its lowest level since the pandemic began, a sign that layoffs are dwindling. There are still 15 million people receiving either federal or state jobless aid, though that number has also declined from roughly 20 million in February.The fading of the pandemic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-82aa4f9fddcea22918d010c55b5e55b3" target="_blank">produced a disconnect</a>&nbsp;between companies and the unemployed. While businesses are rushing to add workers immediately, many of the unemployed are either seeking better jobs than they had before the pandemic, still lack affordable child care, worry about contracting COVID-19 or have decided to retire early.That mismatch resulted in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-business-5dc338627748f7c75ba7e9a040a894d7" target="_blank">sharp slowdown in hiring in April</a>, when employers added far fewer jobs than economists had forecast and many fewer than had been hired in March.Though the economy still has 8.2 million fewer jobs than it did before the pandemic struck, job postings in late May were nearly 26% above pre-pandemic levels, according to the employment website Indeed. Government data shows that posted jobs have reached their highest level on record dating back to 2000.Many businesses blame a $300-a-week federal unemployment benefit for discouraging some of the jobless from taking work. Republican governors in 25 states have responded by cutting off that benefit prematurely, starting this month, before the benefits are scheduled to end nationally on Sept. 6.Becky Frankiewicz, president of the temporary staffing firm Manpower Group’s North American division, said many of the firm’s clients are raising pay and benefits to try to attract more applicants. Some of these companies, particularly in manufacturing and warehousing, are also trying other tactics, like paying their workers weekly or even daily, rather than every two weeks. Manpower is also encouraging its clients to make job offers the same day as an interview rather than waiting.About 60% of Manpower’s temporary placements are leaving their jobs before a temporary assignment ends, Frankiewicz said, mostly because they are receiving better offers.“People have options,” she said. “Companies have to offer speed in cash, speed to hire and a lot of flexibility in how they work.”For now, though, there are signs that many of the unemployed remain cautious about seeking jobs.On Thursday, Tony Sarsam, CEO of SpartanNash, a grocery distributor and retailer, said on a conference call with investors that the company took part last month in a job fair with 60 companies that had 500 jobs to fill.“Only four candidates showed up,” Sarsam said.

Another weak U.S. jobs report, a sign of more hiring struggles

News Release US Attorney's Office-Omaha

Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Taeh Mitchell, 27, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal&nbsp;court in Lincoln for possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Mitchell to 63 months in prison followed by a 4-year term of supervised release.&nbsp; There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp;

On August 4, 2019, law enforcement was dispatched to investigate a suspicious vehicle in Lincoln.&nbsp; Law enforcement encountered Mitchell in a van with another individual.&nbsp; Mitchell’s purse was seized from the van and searched.&nbsp; Inside was 97.65 grams of lab-confirmed methamphetamine, of which at least 93 grams was actual methamphetamine, a digital scale, and number of unused baggies.&nbsp;

This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department and Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.

News Release US Attorney's Office-OmahaActing United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Taeh Mitchell, 27, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal&nbsp;court in Lincoln for possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Mitchell to 63 months in prison followed by a 4-year term of supervised release.&nbsp; There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp;On August 4, 2019, law enforcement was dispatched to investigate a suspicious vehicle in Lincoln.&nbsp; Law enforcement encountered Mitchell in a van with another individual.&nbsp; Mitchell’s purse was seized from the van and searched.&nbsp; Inside was 97.65 grams of lab-confirmed methamphetamine, of which at least 93 grams was actual methamphetamine, a digital scale, and number of unused baggies.&nbsp;This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department and Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.

Lincoln woman sentenced to federal prison for selling meth

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Joe Biden is trying to break a logjam with Republicans on how to pay for infrastructure improvements, proposing a 15% minimum tax on corporations and the possibility of revenues from increased IRS enforcement as a possible compromise.

The offer was made Wednesday to Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia as part of the bipartisan negotiations and did not reflect a change in Biden’s overall vision for funding infrastructure.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden examined possible tax code changes from his plans that Republicans might support. The president concluded that a minimum corporate tax could provide some common ground.

“He looked to see what could be a path forward with his Republican colleagues on this specific negotiation,” Psaki told reporters at a Thursday briefing. “This is a component of what he’s proposed for a pay-for that he’s lifting up as a question as to whether they could agree to that.”

Biden has proposed increasing the corporate tax rate to 28% from 21% to help fund his plans for roads, bridges, electric vehicles and broadband internet, and that remains one of his preferred approaches. But the rate hike is a nonstarter with Republicans because it would undo the 2017 tax cuts signed into law by President Donald Trump.

By floating an alternative — there is no minimum corporate tax now on profits — Biden was trying to give Republicans a way to back infrastructure without violating their own red line of keeping corporate tax rates at their current level. The Washington Post first reported the offer.

On Thursday, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said he spoke with Capito after the session and is “still hoping” to reach a deal with the administration. But he prefers the GOP approach that is eyeing a scaled-down package, paid for by tapping unspent COVID-19 relief funds, rather than taxes.

“Let’s reach an agreement on infrastructure that’s smaller but still significant, and fully paid for,” he said in Paducah, Kentucky.

The president is essentially staking out the principle that profitable corporations should pay income taxes. Many companies can avoid taxes or minimize their bills through a series of credits, deductions and other ways of structuring their income and expenses.

The president has insisted that the middle class should not bear the cost of greater infrastructure spending. Yet a chasm exists in negotiations because Republicans say that corporate tax increases will hinder economic growth.

The idea of imposing a minimum corporate tax is not new for Biden, who proposed the policy during the presidential campaign last year, and that could turn off some Republicans. The center-right&nbsp;<a href="https://taxfoundation.org/joe-biden-tax-plan-2020/#Key" target="_blank">Tax Foundation</a>&nbsp;estimated that a minimum tax would subtract 0.21% from long-run U.S. gross domestic product.

“He’s been pushing it since the primaries over a year ago,” said George Callas, managing director of government affairs for the law firm Steptoe and a former tax counsel to House Republicans. Callas said that the minimum tax would mostly hit firms such as electric utilities and telecoms that make substantial capital investments as well as companies that rely on paying their employees with stock.

At the same time, both Democrats and Republicans have eyed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/personal-taxes-business-government-and-politics-e6151149b8fdba343a9053e5942c0679">revenues that could come from stepped-up IRS enforcement of unpaid taxes</a>. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has suggested it could amount to some $1 trillion, but others say the estimate is far lower.

Biden is seeking roughly $1 trillion in infrastructure spending, down from an initial pitch of $2.3 trillion. Republicans, so far, have countered with only $257 billion in additional spending on infrastructure as part of a $928 billion package. The GOP’s new spending on infrastructure would be a fraction of what the president says is necessary to compete globally and boost economic growth.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said during a Thursday visit to Memphis, Tennessee, that both sides appeared to embrace “the principle that something on the order of $1 trillion around the transportation side of things was appropriate.”

Talks over Biden’s top legislative priority have been moving slowly, a daunting undertaking given the massive infrastructure investment, and time for a deal is running out. The administration has set a Monday deadline to see clear direction and signs of progress.

Biden and Capito are set to meet again on Friday, though it’s not clear if the meeting will be in-person.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622762916262.png" alt="Missouri Senator Roy Blunt speaks at a news conference along with from left Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., the GOP's lead negotiator on a counteroffer to President Joe Biden's infrastructure plan,&nbsp; Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., chairman of the Senate Republican Conference at the Capitol in Washington. -image courtesy Senate GOP" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Senator Roy Blunt speaks at a news conference along with from left Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., the GOP's lead negotiator on a counteroffer to President Joe Biden's infrastructure plan,&nbsp; Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., chairman of the Senate Republican Conference at the Capitol in Washington. -image courtesy Senate GOP</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —President Joe Biden is trying to break a logjam with Republicans on how to pay for infrastructure improvements, proposing a 15% minimum tax on corporations and the possibility of revenues from increased IRS enforcement as a possible compromise.The offer was made Wednesday to Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia as part of the bipartisan negotiations and did not reflect a change in Biden’s overall vision for funding infrastructure.White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden examined possible tax code changes from his plans that Republicans might support. The president concluded that a minimum corporate tax could provide some common ground.“He looked to see what could be a path forward with his Republican colleagues on this specific negotiation,” Psaki told reporters at a Thursday briefing. “This is a component of what he’s proposed for a pay-for that he’s lifting up as a question as to whether they could agree to that.”Biden has proposed increasing the corporate tax rate to 28% from 21% to help fund his plans for roads, bridges, electric vehicles and broadband internet, and that remains one of his preferred approaches. But the rate hike is a nonstarter with Republicans because it would undo the 2017 tax cuts signed into law by President Donald Trump.By floating an alternative — there is no minimum corporate tax now on profits — Biden was trying to give Republicans a way to back infrastructure without violating their own red line of keeping corporate tax rates at their current level. The Washington Post first reported the offer.On Thursday, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said he spoke with Capito after the session and is “still hoping” to reach a deal with the administration. But he prefers the GOP approach that is eyeing a scaled-down package, paid for by tapping unspent COVID-19 relief funds, rather than taxes.“Let’s reach an agreement on infrastructure that’s smaller but still significant, and fully paid for,” he said in Paducah, Kentucky.The president is essentially staking out the principle that profitable corporations should pay income taxes. Many companies can avoid taxes or minimize their bills through a series of credits, deductions and other ways of structuring their income and expenses.The president has insisted that the middle class should not bear the cost of greater infrastructure spending. Yet a chasm exists in negotiations because Republicans say that corporate tax increases will hinder economic growth.The idea of imposing a minimum corporate tax is not new for Biden, who proposed the policy during the presidential campaign last year, and that could turn off some Republicans. The center-right&nbsp;<a href="https://taxfoundation.org/joe-biden-tax-plan-2020/#Key" target="_blank">Tax Foundation</a>&nbsp;estimated that a minimum tax would subtract 0.21% from long-run U.S. gross domestic product.“He’s been pushing it since the primaries over a year ago,” said George Callas, managing director of government affairs for the law firm Steptoe and a former tax counsel to House Republicans. Callas said that the minimum tax would mostly hit firms such as electric utilities and telecoms that make substantial capital investments as well as companies that rely on paying their employees with stock.At the same time, both Democrats and Republicans have eyed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/personal-taxes-business-government-and-politics-e6151149b8fdba343a9053e5942c0679">revenues that could come from stepped-up IRS enforcement of unpaid taxes</a>. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has suggested it could amount to some $1 trillion, but others say the estimate is far lower.Biden is seeking roughly $1 trillion in infrastructure spending, down from an initial pitch of $2.3 trillion. Republicans, so far, have countered with only $257 billion in additional spending on infrastructure as part of a $928 billion package. The GOP’s new spending on infrastructure would be a fraction of what the president says is necessary to compete globally and boost economic growth.Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said during a Thursday visit to Memphis, Tennessee, that both sides appeared to embrace “the principle that something on the order of $1 trillion around the transportation side of things was appropriate.”Talks over Biden’s top legislative priority have been moving slowly, a daunting undertaking given the massive infrastructure investment, and time for a deal is running out. The administration has set a Monday deadline to see clear direction and signs of progress.Biden and Capito are set to meet again on Friday, though it’s not clear if the meeting will be in-person.___

Biden offers tax deal on $1 trillion infrastructure plan

Consumers
 who lost money to fraudsters and paid through MoneyGram between 2013 
and 2017 can now file a claim to get their money back. This claims process is the result of <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2018/11/moneygram-agrees-pay-125-million-settle-allegations-company">settlements with the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice charging</a> that MoneyGram violated previous agreements with the government to crack down on fraudulent money transfers.

“MoneyGram
 profited by making it easy for con-artists to get away with people’s 
hard earned money. Today, people can begin to recover, and we urge 
anyone who lost money to a scammer via MoneyGram to file a claim and get
 their check,” said Daniel Kaufman, Acting Director of the FTC’s Bureau 
of Consumer Protection. “We’re also committed to ensuring that MoneyGram
 lives up to its promises in the future to crack down on fraud in its 
system.”

In February 2021, prefilled forms 
were mailed to victims who had already been identified.&nbsp; Beginning June 
1, 2021, people who did not receive prefilled forms, but were victimized
 through MoneyGram, may file claims online or obtain a paper claim form 
(referred to as a petition) at the website: <a href="http://www.moneygramremission.com">www.moneygramremission.com(link is external)</a>. These claims must be submitted by August 31, 2021. The claims process is being overseen by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Money
 transfers are a preferred method of payment for fraudsters because 
money sent through money transfer systems can be picked up quickly at 
locations all over the world, and once the money is paid out, it is all 
but impossible for consumers to get their money back. The systems also 
often allow scam artists to remain anonymous when receiving money from 
their victims.

In <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/moneygram_unopposed_motion_11-8-18.pdf">a 2018 court filing</a>,
 the FTC alleged that MoneyGram violated the FTC’s 2009 order by failing
 to implement the comprehensive fraud prevention program mandated by 
that order. That order required MoneyGram to promptly investigate, 
restrict, suspend, and terminate high-fraud agents.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCConsumers
 who lost money to fraudsters and paid through MoneyGram between 2013 
and 2017 can now file a claim to get their money back. This claims process is the result of <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2018/11/moneygram-agrees-pay-125-million-settle-allegations-company">settlements with the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice charging</a> that MoneyGram violated previous agreements with the government to crack down on fraudulent money transfers.“MoneyGram
 profited by making it easy for con-artists to get away with people’s 
hard earned money. Today, people can begin to recover, and we urge 
anyone who lost money to a scammer via MoneyGram to file a claim and get
 their check,” said Daniel Kaufman, Acting Director of the FTC’s Bureau 
of Consumer Protection. “We’re also committed to ensuring that MoneyGram
 lives up to its promises in the future to crack down on fraud in its 
system.”In February 2021, prefilled forms 
were mailed to victims who had already been identified.&nbsp; Beginning June 
1, 2021, people who did not receive prefilled forms, but were victimized
 through MoneyGram, may file claims online or obtain a paper claim form 
(referred to as a petition) at the website: <a href="http://www.moneygramremission.com">www.moneygramremission.com(link is external)</a>. These claims must be submitted by August 31, 2021. The claims process is being overseen by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.Money
 transfers are a preferred method of payment for fraudsters because 
money sent through money transfer systems can be picked up quickly at 
locations all over the world, and once the money is paid out, it is all 
but impossible for consumers to get their money back. The systems also 
often allow scam artists to remain anonymous when receiving money from 
their victims.In <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/moneygram_unopposed_motion_11-8-18.pdf">a 2018 court filing</a>,
 the FTC alleged that MoneyGram violated the FTC’s 2009 order by failing
 to implement the comprehensive fraud prevention program mandated by 
that order. That order required MoneyGram to promptly investigate, 
restrict, suspend, and terminate high-fraud agents.The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Like the FTC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/federaltradecommission">Facebook(link is external)</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/FTC">Twitter(link is external)</a>, get <a href="http://ftc.gov/subscribe">consumer alerts</a>, read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>, and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> for the latest FTC news and resources.

FTC: Victims of fraudulent MoneyGram transfers can recoup lost money

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha police officer is facing felony charges after he detained two juveniles who had been pounding on doors in his neighborhood during the early morning hours.

 The Omaha World-Herald reports that 43-year-old Ja’Price Spears is charged with two counts of terroristic threats and one count of use of a firearm to commit a felony.

 Sarpy County Attorney Lee Polikov said Thursday that in early April, three juveniles were pounding on doors in the town of Gretna, then got into a vehicle. 

Polikov said Spears drove after them and got them to pull over, then detained two of the three and handcuffed them until sheriff’s deputies arrived.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha police officer is facing felony charges after he detained two juveniles who had been pounding on doors in his neighborhood during the early morning hours. The Omaha World-Herald reports that 43-year-old Ja’Price Spears is charged with two counts of terroristic threats and one count of use of a firearm to commit a felony. Sarpy County Attorney Lee Polikov said Thursday that in early April, three juveniles were pounding on doors in the town of Gretna, then got into a vehicle. Polikov said Spears drove after them and got them to pull over, then detained two of the three and handcuffed them until sheriff’s deputies arrived.

Omaha officer faces felony charges for detaining youths

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Only two years after historic flooding along the Missouri River ravaged parts of Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri, officials are now dealing with what's shaping up to be one of river's driest years. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Thursday that the forecast from last month hasn't changed: Significantly less water is expected to flow into the river this year because conditions remain so dry and snowpack is below normal levels. 

Officials say only about 69% of the normal amount of water is expected to flow into the Missouri River this year, which would be the 22nd driest year in the upper basin since 1898.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Only two years after historic flooding along the Missouri River ravaged parts of Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri, officials are now dealing with what's shaping up to be one of river's driest years. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Thursday that the forecast from last month hasn't changed: Significantly less water is expected to flow into the river this year because conditions remain so dry and snowpack is below normal levels. Officials say only about 69% of the normal amount of water is expected to flow into the Missouri River this year, which would be the 22nd driest year in the upper basin since 1898.

Missouri River winter water release expected to be minimum

GRAND ISLAND&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested two people after an incident at the Wood River interchange of Interstate 80.

At approximately 7:40 p.m. Wednesday, troopers responded to a report of a fight at a truck stop at the Wood River interchange, at mile marker 300 on I-80. Upon arrival, troopers located the people believed to be involved in the incident. During the investigation, an NSP K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance coming from inside one subject’s vehicle.

During a search of the vehicle, troopers located suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a machete. A search of another vehicle involved in the incident led to the location of additional methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Troopers arrested Steve Williams, 42, of Pueblo, Colorado for possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person. Troopers also arrested Jennifer Jones, 34, of Pueblo, Colorado for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were lodged in Hall County Jail.

GRAND ISLAND&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested two people after an incident at the Wood River interchange of Interstate 80.At approximately 7:40 p.m. Wednesday, troopers responded to a report of a fight at a truck stop at the Wood River interchange, at mile marker 300 on I-80. Upon arrival, troopers located the people believed to be involved in the incident. During the investigation, an NSP K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance coming from inside one subject’s vehicle.During a search of the vehicle, troopers located suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a machete. A search of another vehicle involved in the incident led to the location of additional methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.Troopers arrested Steve Williams, 42, of Pueblo, Colorado for possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person. Troopers also arrested Jennifer Jones, 34, of Pueblo, Colorado for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were lodged in Hall County Jail.

2 arrested after incident at Wood River interchange

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A player on Omaha's pro soccer team has been indicted on federal charges accusing him of defrauding people in internet romance scams. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that 24-year-old Abdul Osumanu, of Ghana, is charged with two counts of mail fraud, two counts of wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy and receipt of stolen money in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. 

Osumanu is a starting defender for the Union Omaha professional soccer team, starting in the team's first five matches until he was arrested May 27. 

Authorities say Osumanu and another man created a fake online profile in 2017, pretending to be a woman and convinced two people to send them more than $200,000 in the years since.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A player on Omaha's pro soccer team has been indicted on federal charges accusing him of defrauding people in internet romance scams. The Omaha World-Herald reports that 24-year-old Abdul Osumanu, of Ghana, is charged with two counts of mail fraud, two counts of wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy and receipt of stolen money in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. Osumanu is a starting defender for the Union Omaha professional soccer team, starting in the team's first five matches until he was arrested May 27. Authorities say Osumanu and another man created a fake online profile in 2017, pretending to be a woman and convinced two people to send them more than $200,000 in the years since.

Omaha pro soccer player charged in 'romance scam' fraud case

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association has filed a nearly $2.4 million building permit for work that will transform the simulcast building at Lincoln Race Course into a temporary casino floor with more than 300 slot machines.

 The Lincoln Journal Star reports that the developers of the planned WarHorse Casino on the same site expect the temporary slots casino to be up and running within six months. 

Opening of the full WarHorse Casino, which will include more than 1,200 gaming stations, a 196-room hotel, event space, five or six restaurants, will take up to two years once construction begins.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association has filed a nearly $2.4 million building permit for work that will transform the simulcast building at Lincoln Race Course into a temporary casino floor with more than 300 slot machines. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that the developers of the planned WarHorse Casino on the same site expect the temporary slots casino to be up and running within six months. Opening of the full WarHorse Casino, which will include more than 1,200 gaming stations, a 196-room hotel, event space, five or six restaurants, will take up to two years once construction begins.