Conservative leaders within the United Methodist Church unveiled plans Monday to form a new denomination, the Global Methodist Church, with a doctrine that does not recognize same-sex marriage.

The move could hasten the long-expected breakup of the UMC over differing approaches to LGBTQ inclusion. For now, the UMC is the largest mainline Protestant church in the U.S. and second only to the Southern Baptist Convention, an evangelical denomination, among all U.S. Protestant churches.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the UMC’s General Conference — at which the schism would be debated — has been postponed for two consecutive years, and is now scheduled to take place in Minneapolis starting in late August of 2022.

The Rev. Keith Boyette, a Methodist elder from Virginia who chairs the Global Methodist initiative, said he and his allies do not want to wait that long to formally leave the UMC. They have asked that the topic of schism be added to the tightly limited agenda of a special one-day General Conference to be conducted online May 8.

“The church is basically stalemated right now,” Boyette said. “We don’t believe an additional year is going to be helpful for anybody.”

However, Louisiana-based Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, who heads the UMC’s Council of Bishops, said debate over a schism would involve “delicate deliberations” and attempting to conduct them online in May “does not seem wise or ethical.”

If the issue is not addressed on May 8, Boyette said he and his allies would be willing to delay until the 2022 General Conference, but only if UMC centrists and progressives remain committed to previous agreements about a breakup. Any lessening of those commitments might prompt the conservatives to bring the new church into existence, Boyette said.

Differences over same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ clergy have simmered for years in the UMC, and came to a head in 2019 at a conference in St. Louis where delegates voted 438-384 to strengthen bans on LGBTQ-inclusive practices. Most U.S.-based delegates opposed that plan and favored LGBTQ-friendly options; they were outvoted by U.S. conservatives teamed with most of the delegates from Methodist strongholds in Africa and the Philippines.

In the aftermath of that meeting, many moderate and liberal clergy made clear they would not abide by the bans, and various groups worked on proposals to let the UMC split along theological lines.

The most prominent plan, the Protocol of Reconciliation &amp; Grace Through Separation, has some high-level support, including from the Council of Bishops and from the Global Methodist group. Under the protocol, conservative congregations and regional bodies would be allowed to separate from the UMC and form a new denomination. They would receive $25 million in UMC funds and be able to keep their properties.

On a new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.globalmethodist.org/" target="_blank">website</a>&nbsp;launched Monday, the Global Methodist organizers said the new denomination would allow women to serve at all levels and seek a membership that is “ethnically and racially diverse.”

Regarding LGBTQ issues, organizers said the denomination would adhere to “the traditional understanding of Christian marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman and as God’s intended setting for human sexual expression.”

Bishop Karen Oliveto of the UMC’s Mountain Sky region — who in 2016 became the UMC’s first openly lesbian bishop — said in an email that “it is heartbreaking when the Body of Christ fragments itself.”

“I pray that those who are called into the Global Methodist Church will find themselves free to be the people whom God calls them to be,” she added.

Formed in a merger in 1968, the United Methodist Church claims about 12.6 million members worldwide, including nearly 7 million in the United States.

The UMC’s demography is illustrated by the apportionment of voting delegates for the 2022 General Conference: About 56% come from the United States, 32% from Africa, 6% from the Philippines and most of the rest from Europe.

By DAVID CRARY, Associated PressConservative leaders within the United Methodist Church unveiled plans Monday to form a new denomination, the Global Methodist Church, with a doctrine that does not recognize same-sex marriage.The move could hasten the long-expected breakup of the UMC over differing approaches to LGBTQ inclusion. For now, the UMC is the largest mainline Protestant church in the U.S. and second only to the Southern Baptist Convention, an evangelical denomination, among all U.S. Protestant churches.Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the UMC’s General Conference — at which the schism would be debated — has been postponed for two consecutive years, and is now scheduled to take place in Minneapolis starting in late August of 2022.The Rev. Keith Boyette, a Methodist elder from Virginia who chairs the Global Methodist initiative, said he and his allies do not want to wait that long to formally leave the UMC. They have asked that the topic of schism be added to the tightly limited agenda of a special one-day General Conference to be conducted online May 8.“The church is basically stalemated right now,” Boyette said. “We don’t believe an additional year is going to be helpful for anybody.”However, Louisiana-based Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, who heads the UMC’s Council of Bishops, said debate over a schism would involve “delicate deliberations” and attempting to conduct them online in May “does not seem wise or ethical.”If the issue is not addressed on May 8, Boyette said he and his allies would be willing to delay until the 2022 General Conference, but only if UMC centrists and progressives remain committed to previous agreements about a breakup. Any lessening of those commitments might prompt the conservatives to bring the new church into existence, Boyette said.Differences over same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ clergy have simmered for years in the UMC, and came to a head in 2019 at a conference in St. Louis where delegates voted 438-384 to strengthen bans on LGBTQ-inclusive practices. Most U.S.-based delegates opposed that plan and favored LGBTQ-friendly options; they were outvoted by U.S. conservatives teamed with most of the delegates from Methodist strongholds in Africa and the Philippines.In the aftermath of that meeting, many moderate and liberal clergy made clear they would not abide by the bans, and various groups worked on proposals to let the UMC split along theological lines.The most prominent plan, the Protocol of Reconciliation &amp; Grace Through Separation, has some high-level support, including from the Council of Bishops and from the Global Methodist group. Under the protocol, conservative congregations and regional bodies would be allowed to separate from the UMC and form a new denomination. They would receive $25 million in UMC funds and be able to keep their properties.On a new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.globalmethodist.org/" target="_blank">website</a>&nbsp;launched Monday, the Global Methodist organizers said the new denomination would allow women to serve at all levels and seek a membership that is “ethnically and racially diverse.”Regarding LGBTQ issues, organizers said the denomination would adhere to “the traditional understanding of Christian marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman and as God’s intended setting for human sexual expression.”Bishop Karen Oliveto of the UMC’s Mountain Sky region — who in 2016 became the UMC’s first openly lesbian bishop — said in an email that “it is heartbreaking when the Body of Christ fragments itself.”“I pray that those who are called into the Global Methodist Church will find themselves free to be the people whom God calls them to be,” she added.Formed in a merger in 1968, the United Methodist Church claims about 12.6 million members worldwide, including nearly 7 million in the United States.The UMC’s demography is illustrated by the apportionment of voting delegates for the 2022 General Conference: About 56% come from the United States, 32% from Africa, 6% from the Philippines and most of the rest from Europe.___

United Methodist conservatives detail plans for a breakaway

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Police in Cheyenne say the cause of death for a 2-year-old boy found in a dumpster at an apartment complex remains uncertain after an autopsy. 

The body of Athian Rivera was found a few hours after he was reported missing Feb. 19. 

His mother’s boyfriend, 27-year-old Wyatt Lamb, was arrested at home that evening on unrelated warrants. 

KGAB Radio reports police have recommended murder and aggravated child abuse charges against Lamb but prosecutors haven’t filed charges in the case. 

Police spokeswoman Alexandra Farxas says the autopsy was inconclusive. 

Lamb remained jailed Tuesday. His attorney didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Police in Cheyenne say the cause of death for a 2-year-old boy found in a dumpster at an apartment complex remains uncertain after an autopsy. The body of Athian Rivera was found a few hours after he was reported missing Feb. 19. His mother’s boyfriend, 27-year-old Wyatt Lamb, was arrested at home that evening on unrelated warrants. KGAB Radio reports police have recommended murder and aggravated child abuse charges against Lamb but prosecutors haven’t filed charges in the case. Police spokeswoman Alexandra Farxas says the autopsy was inconclusive. Lamb remained jailed Tuesday. His attorney didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment.

Cheyenne police: Cause of toddler death still uncertain

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Police are investigating what they've called the suspicious death of a man in his 30s whose body was found inside a Lincoln home. 

Police say officers were called late Monday morning to a house along North 20th Street after someone noticed a door standing open to the house.

 Arriving officers found the body of the man inside. 

Police have not released the man's name or any details about how he may have died. 

Police said there is no known threat to the public, but did not give any information about a suspect in the case or announce any arrests.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Police are investigating what they've called the suspicious death of a man in his 30s whose body was found inside a Lincoln home. Police say officers were called late Monday morning to a house along North 20th Street after someone noticed a door standing open to the house. Arriving officers found the body of the man inside. Police have not released the man's name or any details about how he may have died. Police said there is no known threat to the public, but did not give any information about a suspect in the case or announce any arrests.

Police investigating after man found dead in Lincoln home

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — With the U.S. vaccination drive picking up speed and a third formula on the way, states eager to reopen for business are easing coronavirus restrictions despite warnings from health experts that the outbreak is far from over and that moving too quickly could prolong the misery.

Massachusetts on Monday made it much easier to grab dinner and a show. In Missouri, where individual communities get to make the rules, the two biggest metropolitan areas — St. Louis and Kansas City — are relaxing some measures. Iowa’s governor recently lifted mask requirements and limits on the number of people allowed in bars and restaurants, while the town of Lawrence, home to the University of Kansas, now lets establishments stay open until midnight.

Mike Lee, who owns Trezo Mare Restaurant &amp; Lounge in Kansas City, said he hopes increased vaccine access, combined with warmer weather, will improve business.

“I think that people are excited to put this past them and be able to start to get back to their ways of doing things,” Lee said.

The push to reopen comes as COVID-19 vaccine shipments to the states are ramping up. Nearly 20% of the nation’s adults — or over 50 million people — have received at least one dose of vaccine, and 10% have been fully inoculated 2 1/2 months into the campaign to snuff out the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Johnson &amp; Johnson shipped out nearly 4 million doses of its newly authorized, one-shot COVID-19 vaccine Sunday night to be delivered to states for use starting on Tuesday. The company will deliver about 16 million more doses by the end of March and a total of 100 million by the end of June.

That adds to the supply being distributed by Pfizer and Moderna and should&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/drug-companies-called-share-vaccine-info-22d92afbc3ea9ed519be007f8887bcf6">help the nation</a>&nbsp;amass enough doses by midsummer to vaccinate all adults. The White House is encouraging Americans to take the first dose available to them, regardless of manufacturer.

In New York City, where limited indoor dining has resumed, officials said the J&amp;J vaccine will help the city to inoculate millions more people by summer, including through door-to-door vaccinations of homebound senior citizens.

But the efforts come with strong warnings from health officials against reopening too quickly, as worrisome coronavirus variants spread.

On Monday, the head of the CDC, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, urgently warned state officials and ordinary Americans not to let down their guard, saying she is “really worried about reports that more states are rolling back the exact public health measures that we have recommended.”

“I remain deeply concerned about a potential shift in the trajectory of the pandemic,” she said. “We stand to completely lose the hard-earned ground that we have gained.”

Cases and hospitalizations have plunged since the end of January, and deaths have also dropped sharply, but they are still running at dangerously high levels and have even risen slightly over the past several days.

“We cannot be resigned to 70,000 cases a day and 2,000 daily deaths,” Walensky said.

Overall, the outbreak has killed more than a half-million Americans.

The vaccine already is contributing to a decrease in severe cases and deaths among older people, and is “quickly becoming a bigger contributor” nationally, Justin Lessler, an expert in infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University, said in an email.

“I suspect we will see it overtake natural infection as the biggest driver of immunity late spring earliest, more likely midsummer,” Lessler said.

Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins University, said he believes states and cities have leeway to ease some restrictions because hospitals no longer are at capacity in most communities. But “I do think that masks are likely going to need to be kept in place for some time until we get more of our vulnerable populations vaccinated,” he said.

“It is important for restaurants who are increasing their capacity to remember that we are still in a pandemic and to continue to follow some of those rules,” Adalja said.

The Biden administration wants to see all three vaccines distributed evenly, while also acknowledging that the easy-to-handle J&amp;J vaccine will be used in pop-up mobile sites and locations without freezer storage capacity.

States are hoping that the surging vaccine supply will help tamp down new infections.

In Massachusetts, Gov. Charlie Baker lifted restaurant capacity limits entirely. Theaters can open at 50% capacity, with a maximum of 500 people. And capacity limits across all businesses have been raised to 50%.

Las Vegas on Monday became the latest of the nation’s largest school districts to return children to classrooms. Pre-K children to third graders will go back two days a week, with other grades to be phased in by early April.

And in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-gavin-newsom-california-coronavirus-pandemic-4e4bd535cbc2510077e8c10b32c6c282">reached an agreement</a>&nbsp;aimed at getting most children back in classrooms by the end of March. Under the deal announced Monday, school districts could receive up to $6.6 billion if they reopen by March 31.

The U.S. ranks fourth in the world, behind Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Britain, in the number of doses administered relative to the population, according to data compiled by the University of Oxford.

President Joe Biden fell well short of his goal of setting up 100 new federally operated mass-vaccination sites by the end of February, with just seven up and running.

White House vaccination coordinator Jeff Zients also acknowledged that scheduling of vaccination appointments “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rural-areas-vaccine-distribution-b912b74c4f38bf2ff7abc99d1a9f4d22">remains too difficult in too many places.”</a>&nbsp;But he said the White House is working with states to improve scheduling systems and is exploring federal support for call centers to make it easier for people to get appointments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614626797227.png" alt="Johnson and Johnson began shipping its new COVID-19 vaccine from its McKesson facility in Shepherdsville, Kentucky Monday morning-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Johnson and Johnson began shipping its new COVID-19 vaccine from its McKesson facility in Shepherdsville, Kentucky Monday morning-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — With the U.S. vaccination drive picking up speed and a third formula on the way, states eager to reopen for business are easing coronavirus restrictions despite warnings from health experts that the outbreak is far from over and that moving too quickly could prolong the misery.Massachusetts on Monday made it much easier to grab dinner and a show. In Missouri, where individual communities get to make the rules, the two biggest metropolitan areas — St. Louis and Kansas City — are relaxing some measures. Iowa’s governor recently lifted mask requirements and limits on the number of people allowed in bars and restaurants, while the town of Lawrence, home to the University of Kansas, now lets establishments stay open until midnight.Mike Lee, who owns Trezo Mare Restaurant &amp; Lounge in Kansas City, said he hopes increased vaccine access, combined with warmer weather, will improve business.“I think that people are excited to put this past them and be able to start to get back to their ways of doing things,” Lee said.The push to reopen comes as COVID-19 vaccine shipments to the states are ramping up. Nearly 20% of the nation’s adults — or over 50 million people — have received at least one dose of vaccine, and 10% have been fully inoculated 2 1/2 months into the campaign to snuff out the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Johnson &amp; Johnson shipped out nearly 4 million doses of its newly authorized, one-shot COVID-19 vaccine Sunday night to be delivered to states for use starting on Tuesday. The company will deliver about 16 million more doses by the end of March and a total of 100 million by the end of June.That adds to the supply being distributed by Pfizer and Moderna and should&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/drug-companies-called-share-vaccine-info-22d92afbc3ea9ed519be007f8887bcf6">help the nation</a>&nbsp;amass enough doses by midsummer to vaccinate all adults. The White House is encouraging Americans to take the first dose available to them, regardless of manufacturer.In New York City, where limited indoor dining has resumed, officials said the J&amp;J vaccine will help the city to inoculate millions more people by summer, including through door-to-door vaccinations of homebound senior citizens.But the efforts come with strong warnings from health officials against reopening too quickly, as worrisome coronavirus variants spread.On Monday, the head of the CDC, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, urgently warned state officials and ordinary Americans not to let down their guard, saying she is “really worried about reports that more states are rolling back the exact public health measures that we have recommended.”“I remain deeply concerned about a potential shift in the trajectory of the pandemic,” she said. “We stand to completely lose the hard-earned ground that we have gained.”Cases and hospitalizations have plunged since the end of January, and deaths have also dropped sharply, but they are still running at dangerously high levels and have even risen slightly over the past several days.“We cannot be resigned to 70,000 cases a day and 2,000 daily deaths,” Walensky said.Overall, the outbreak has killed more than a half-million Americans.The vaccine already is contributing to a decrease in severe cases and deaths among older people, and is “quickly becoming a bigger contributor” nationally, Justin Lessler, an expert in infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University, said in an email.“I suspect we will see it overtake natural infection as the biggest driver of immunity late spring earliest, more likely midsummer,” Lessler said.Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins University, said he believes states and cities have leeway to ease some restrictions because hospitals no longer are at capacity in most communities. But “I do think that masks are likely going to need to be kept in place for some time until we get more of our vulnerable populations vaccinated,” he said.“It is important for restaurants who are increasing their capacity to remember that we are still in a pandemic and to continue to follow some of those rules,” Adalja said.The Biden administration wants to see all three vaccines distributed evenly, while also acknowledging that the easy-to-handle J&amp;J vaccine will be used in pop-up mobile sites and locations without freezer storage capacity.States are hoping that the surging vaccine supply will help tamp down new infections.In Massachusetts, Gov. Charlie Baker lifted restaurant capacity limits entirely. Theaters can open at 50% capacity, with a maximum of 500 people. And capacity limits across all businesses have been raised to 50%.Las Vegas on Monday became the latest of the nation’s largest school districts to return children to classrooms. Pre-K children to third graders will go back two days a week, with other grades to be phased in by early April.And in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-gavin-newsom-california-coronavirus-pandemic-4e4bd535cbc2510077e8c10b32c6c282">reached an agreement</a>&nbsp;aimed at getting most children back in classrooms by the end of March. Under the deal announced Monday, school districts could receive up to $6.6 billion if they reopen by March 31.The U.S. ranks fourth in the world, behind Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Britain, in the number of doses administered relative to the population, according to data compiled by the University of Oxford.President Joe Biden fell well short of his goal of setting up 100 new federally operated mass-vaccination sites by the end of February, with just seven up and running.White House vaccination coordinator Jeff Zients also acknowledged that scheduling of vaccination appointments “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rural-areas-vaccine-distribution-b912b74c4f38bf2ff7abc99d1a9f4d22">remains too difficult in too many places.”</a>&nbsp;But he said the White House is working with states to improve scheduling systems and is exploring federal support for call centers to make it easier for people to get appointments.___

States easing virus restrictions despite experts' warnings

LINCOLN – Rainbow trout from four ponds at Schramm Park State Recreation Area will be stocked at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s CenturyLink Lake on March 2.

These trout, which range in length from 12 to 18 inches, will be salvaged from the park’s four canyon ponds. By comparison, trout stocked in annual spring stockings are approximately 10 inches in length.

The ponds are being temporarily drained so they and the spring that supplies them can be evaluated. This is part of periodic maintenance and upkeep to the ponds, where fish are grown for educational programs, such as Trout in the Classroom.

The other fish species in the pond, goldfish and koi, will be held, then returned to the ponds when they are refilled.

LINCOLN – Rainbow trout from four ponds at Schramm Park State Recreation Area will be stocked at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s CenturyLink Lake on March 2.These trout, which range in length from 12 to 18 inches, will be salvaged from the park’s four canyon ponds. By comparison, trout stocked in annual spring stockings are approximately 10 inches in length.The ponds are being temporarily drained so they and the spring that supplies them can be evaluated. This is part of periodic maintenance and upkeep to the ponds, where fish are grown for educational programs, such as Trout in the Classroom.The other fish species in the pond, goldfish and koi, will be held, then returned to the ponds when they are refilled.

Salvaged trout to be stocked at CenturyLink Lake

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) — Police in eastern Oklahoma say two 17-year-old suspects are dead after a short police chase.

 Muskogee Police said in a statement a 17-year-old girl was shot and killed by police and a 17-year-old boy shot and killed himself during the incident Sunday afternoon. 

Police have not released the teens' names. Muskogee Police Chief Johnny Teehee told Oklahoma City TV station KWTV they’re believed to be runaways from Blair, Nebraska. 

After spotting the stolen truck, a short chase ensued until the vehicle crashed. 

Police say the two teens then fled the vehicle and the girl fired at police.

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) — Police in eastern Oklahoma say two 17-year-old suspects are dead after a short police chase. Muskogee Police said in a statement a 17-year-old girl was shot and killed by police and a 17-year-old boy shot and killed himself during the incident Sunday afternoon. Police have not released the teens' names. Muskogee Police Chief Johnny Teehee told Oklahoma City TV station KWTV they’re believed to be runaways from Blair, Nebraska. After spotting the stolen truck, a short chase ensued until the vehicle crashed. Police say the two teens then fled the vehicle and the girl fired at police.

2 teens dead after shootout, short police chase in Oklahoma

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — State regulators have filed a lawsuit accusing a Nebraska ethanol plant of repeatedly failing to comply with their orders to clean up wastewater and old, pesticide-laced seed corn.

 The lawsuit filed Monday comes amid growing complaints about the AltEn plant outside of Mead, a town of less than 600 people about 37 miles west of Omaha. 

Mead residents have complained about a stench coming from the plant since shortly after it opened in 2015.

 They’ve reported bloody noses, headaches and trouble breathing, although no one has studied whether those problems are tied to the plant.

 Officials say the corn waste has been stockpiled at the plant and spread over nearby fields.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — State regulators have filed a lawsuit accusing a Nebraska ethanol plant of repeatedly failing to comply with their orders to clean up wastewater and old, pesticide-laced seed corn. The lawsuit filed Monday comes amid growing complaints about the AltEn plant outside of Mead, a town of less than 600 people about 37 miles west of Omaha. Mead residents have complained about a stench coming from the plant since shortly after it opened in 2015. They’ve reported bloody noses, headaches and trouble breathing, although no one has studied whether those problems are tied to the plant. Officials say the corn waste has been stockpiled at the plant and spread over nearby fields.

Nebraska regulators sue ethanol plant, citing pollution

BOSTON (AP) — Six Dr. Seuss books — including “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street” and “If I Ran the Zoo” — will stop being published because of racist and insensitive imagery, the business that preserves and protects the author’s legacy said Tuesday.

“These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seussville.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Seuss Enterprises</a>&nbsp;told The Associated Press in a statement that coincided with the late author and illustrator’s birthday.

“Ceasing sales of these books is only part of our commitment and our broader plan to ensure Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ catalog represents and supports all communities and families,” it said.

The other books affected are “McElligot’s Pool,” “On Beyond Zebra!,” “Scrambled Eggs Super!,” and “The Cat’s Quizzer.”

The decision to cease publication and sales of the books was made last year after months of discussion, the company told AP.

“Dr. Seuss Enterprises listened and took feedback from our audiences including teachers, academics and specialists in the field as part of our review process. We then worked with a panel of experts, including educators, to review our catalog of titles,” it said.

Books by Dr. Seuss — who was born Theodor Seuss Geisel in Springfield, Massachusetts, on March 2, 1904 —- have been translated into dozens of languages as well as in braille and are sold in more than 100 countries. He died in 1991.

He remains popular, earning an estimated $33 million before taxes in 2020, up from just $9.5 million five years ago, the company said. Forbes listed him No. 2 on its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/maddieberg/2020/11/13/the-highest-paid-dead-celebrities-of-2020/?sh=34ac0ff63b4b" target="_blank">highest-paid dead celebrities</a>&nbsp;of 2020, behind only the late pop star Michael Jackson.

As adored as Dr. Seuss is by millions around the world for the positive values in many of his works, including environmentalism and tolerance, there has been increasing criticism in recent years over the way Blacks, Asians and others are drawn in some of his most beloved children’s books, as well as in his earlier advertising and propaganda illustrations.

The National Education Association, which founded Read Across America Day in 1998 and deliberately aligned it with Geisel’s birthday, has for several years deemphasized Seuss and encouraged a more diverse reading list for children.

School districts across the country have also moved away from Dr. Seuss, prompting Loudoun County, Virginia, schools just outside Washington, D.C., to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lcps.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&amp;ModuleInstanceID=321579&amp;ViewID=7b97f7ed-8e5e-4120-848f-a8b4987d588f&amp;RenderLoc=0&amp;FlexDataID=401331&amp;PageID=235586" target="_blank">douse</a>&nbsp;rumors last month that they were banning the books entirely.

“Research in recent years has revealed strong racial undertones in many books written/illustrated by Dr. Seuss,” the school district said in a statement.

In 2017, a school librarian in Cambridge, Massachusetts,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hbook.com/?detailStory=dear-mrs-trump" target="_blank">criticized</a>&nbsp;a gift of 10 Seuss books from first lady Melania Trump, saying many of his works were “steeped in racist propaganda, caricatures, and harmful stereotypes.”

In 2018, a Dr. Seuss museum in his hometown of Springfield&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/99a4c5d6dd8b4c9f9b91a4c2ab8af54d">removed a mural</a>&nbsp;that included an Asian stereotype.

“The Cat in the Hat,” one of Seuss’ most popular books, has received criticism, too, but will continue to be published for now.

Dr. Seuss Enterprises, however, said it is “committed to listening and learning and will continue to review our entire portfolio.”

Numerous other popular children’s series have been criticized in recent years for alleged racism.

In the 2007 book, “Should We Burn Babar?,” the author and educator Herbert R. Kohl contended that the “Babar the Elephant” books were celebrations of colonialism because of how the title character leaves the jungle and later returns to “civilize” his fellow animals.

One of the books, “Babar’s Travels,” was removed from the shelves of a British library in 2012 because of its alleged stereotypes of Africans. Critics also have faulted the “Curious George” books for their premise of a white man bringing home a monkey from Africa.

And Laura Ingalls Wilder’s portrayals of Native Americans in her “Little House On the Prairie” novels have been faulted so often that the American Library Association removed her name in 2018 from a lifetime achievement award it gives out each year.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614690497408.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>BOSTON (AP) — Six Dr. Seuss books — including “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street” and “If I Ran the Zoo” — will stop being published because of racist and insensitive imagery, the business that preserves and protects the author’s legacy said Tuesday.“These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seussville.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Seuss Enterprises</a>&nbsp;told The Associated Press in a statement that coincided with the late author and illustrator’s birthday.“Ceasing sales of these books is only part of our commitment and our broader plan to ensure Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ catalog represents and supports all communities and families,” it said.The other books affected are “McElligot’s Pool,” “On Beyond Zebra!,” “Scrambled Eggs Super!,” and “The Cat’s Quizzer.”The decision to cease publication and sales of the books was made last year after months of discussion, the company told AP.“Dr. Seuss Enterprises listened and took feedback from our audiences including teachers, academics and specialists in the field as part of our review process. We then worked with a panel of experts, including educators, to review our catalog of titles,” it said.Books by Dr. Seuss — who was born Theodor Seuss Geisel in Springfield, Massachusetts, on March 2, 1904 —- have been translated into dozens of languages as well as in braille and are sold in more than 100 countries. He died in 1991.He remains popular, earning an estimated $33 million before taxes in 2020, up from just $9.5 million five years ago, the company said. Forbes listed him No. 2 on its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/maddieberg/2020/11/13/the-highest-paid-dead-celebrities-of-2020/?sh=34ac0ff63b4b" target="_blank">highest-paid dead celebrities</a>&nbsp;of 2020, behind only the late pop star Michael Jackson.As adored as Dr. Seuss is by millions around the world for the positive values in many of his works, including environmentalism and tolerance, there has been increasing criticism in recent years over the way Blacks, Asians and others are drawn in some of his most beloved children’s books, as well as in his earlier advertising and propaganda illustrations.The National Education Association, which founded Read Across America Day in 1998 and deliberately aligned it with Geisel’s birthday, has for several years deemphasized Seuss and encouraged a more diverse reading list for children.School districts across the country have also moved away from Dr. Seuss, prompting Loudoun County, Virginia, schools just outside Washington, D.C., to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lcps.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&amp;ModuleInstanceID=321579&amp;ViewID=7b97f7ed-8e5e-4120-848f-a8b4987d588f&amp;RenderLoc=0&amp;FlexDataID=401331&amp;PageID=235586" target="_blank">douse</a>&nbsp;rumors last month that they were banning the books entirely.“Research in recent years has revealed strong racial undertones in many books written/illustrated by Dr. Seuss,” the school district said in a statement.In 2017, a school librarian in Cambridge, Massachusetts,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hbook.com/?detailStory=dear-mrs-trump" target="_blank">criticized</a>&nbsp;a gift of 10 Seuss books from first lady Melania Trump, saying many of his works were “steeped in racist propaganda, caricatures, and harmful stereotypes.”In 2018, a Dr. Seuss museum in his hometown of Springfield&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/99a4c5d6dd8b4c9f9b91a4c2ab8af54d">removed a mural</a>&nbsp;that included an Asian stereotype.“The Cat in the Hat,” one of Seuss’ most popular books, has received criticism, too, but will continue to be published for now.Dr. Seuss Enterprises, however, said it is “committed to listening and learning and will continue to review our entire portfolio.”Numerous other popular children’s series have been criticized in recent years for alleged racism.In the 2007 book, “Should We Burn Babar?,” the author and educator Herbert R. Kohl contended that the “Babar the Elephant” books were celebrations of colonialism because of how the title character leaves the jungle and later returns to “civilize” his fellow animals.One of the books, “Babar’s Travels,” was removed from the shelves of a British library in 2012 because of its alleged stereotypes of Africans. Critics also have faulted the “Curious George” books for their premise of a white man bringing home a monkey from Africa.And Laura Ingalls Wilder’s portrayals of Native Americans in her “Little House On the Prairie” novels have been faulted so often that the American Library Association removed her name in 2018 from a lifetime achievement award it gives out each year.___

Racist images: Why Dr. Seuss Enterprises shelved 6 books 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Meatpacking workers across the country have started receiving coronavirus vaccines and thousands more will have a chance to get their shots this week, offering some peace of mind in an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/83ef6383e6a437aae20962e3c9de8855" target="_blank">industry that was ravaged by COVID-19</a>&nbsp;a year ago.

"There's a level of relief to know they are finally getting the vaccination, and maybe we can start taking steps back to normal -- not just at the work site but just in their life in general," said Mark Lauritsen, who was meeting with workers at a Tyson Foods plant in Waterloo, Iowa, Monday about their chance to get the vaccine this week.

Lauritsen, who is the United Food and Commercial Workers union's vice president of food processing and meatpacking, said that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lobbying-coronavirus-pandemic-995fdcf74f5b14026931a77ec0e83b10" target="_blank">interest in the vaccine</a>&nbsp;is high among workers after the industry took such a heavy toll from the virus. He expects - based on a union survey and the experience at the first couple plants where vaccines were offered - that roughly 70% of workers who get the chance to be vaccinated will get a shot.

Last spring,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3245fe475b5552e493cfeb288ce04131" target="_blank">major outbreaks at a number of meatpacking plants&nbsp;</a>- where workers often stand should-to-shoulder on production lines - forced them to close temporarily because of the number of illnesses and to install additional safety measures. Across the industry, production fell as low at 60% of capacity in April at the height of the plant closures before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7cc88f4efe5d162fdba6a9f275a60dff" target="_blank">rebounding to near normal levels</a>&nbsp;over the summer.

The UFCW union, which represents roughly 80% of the nation's beef and pork workers and 33% of its poultry workers, estimates that at least 22,000 meatpacking workers have been infected or exposed, and 132 have died of COVID-19.

The major meatpacking companies - JBS, Cargill, Tyson Foods and Smithfield Foods - say a number of states plan to begin vaccinating meat plant workers this week, including in Iowa, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, North Carolina, Missouri, Kentucky and Michigan. In some of those states, only workers aged 65 or older are able to receive the vaccine at this point but several of those states are conducting mass vaccination events at plants.

Company officials and the union have been encouraging workers to get the shots.

"We have been focused on doing everything we can to prioritize our essential workforce in state vaccination plans across the country," JBS CEO Andre Nogueira said.

Illinois was one of the first places to offer the vaccines to entire plants of workers last month. JBS and Tyson said workers at two of their plants in that state are due to receive their second required shots of the vaccine soon.

Tyson said many of its 13,000 workers in Iowa will have a chance to get vaccinated this week when the shots are delivered in Columbus Junction, Council Bluffs, Independence, Perry, Sioux City, Storm Lake and Waterloo.

JBS and Pilgrim's Pride said roughly 8,500 of their workers in eight states will have the chance to get the vaccine this week. One of the biggest vaccination clinics will be held at the end of this week at a major JBS beef plant near the company's headquarters in Greeley, Colorado, where more than 3,000 people work.

That Greeley plant was one of the early hot spots during the pandemic. Six deaths and nearly 500 cases of COVID-19 have been linked to the plant since last March, according to Kim Cordova, president of the local UFCW union that represents the plant's workers.

"They have been on the front lines since day one and now they will finally have the opportunity to access the vaccine," Cordova said.

Even after the vaccinations, meat companies will have to continue to rely on the safety measures they took since last spring. After the outbreaks began, meat producers tried to protect workers by instituting temperature checks and wellness screening, installing plastic dividers between workstations, increasing plant sanitization, conducting random virus testing, and requiring masks and other protective gear. In some cases, companies upgraded their plant ventilation systems.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608590848237.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Meatpacking workers across the country have started receiving coronavirus vaccines and thousands more will have a chance to get their shots this week, offering some peace of mind in an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/83ef6383e6a437aae20962e3c9de8855" target="_blank">industry that was ravaged by COVID-19</a>&nbsp;a year ago."There's a level of relief to know they are finally getting the vaccination, and maybe we can start taking steps back to normal -- not just at the work site but just in their life in general," said Mark Lauritsen, who was meeting with workers at a Tyson Foods plant in Waterloo, Iowa, Monday about their chance to get the vaccine this week.Lauritsen, who is the United Food and Commercial Workers union's vice president of food processing and meatpacking, said that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lobbying-coronavirus-pandemic-995fdcf74f5b14026931a77ec0e83b10" target="_blank">interest in the vaccine</a>&nbsp;is high among workers after the industry took such a heavy toll from the virus. He expects - based on a union survey and the experience at the first couple plants where vaccines were offered - that roughly 70% of workers who get the chance to be vaccinated will get a shot.Last spring,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3245fe475b5552e493cfeb288ce04131" target="_blank">major outbreaks at a number of meatpacking plants&nbsp;</a>- where workers often stand should-to-shoulder on production lines - forced them to close temporarily because of the number of illnesses and to install additional safety measures. Across the industry, production fell as low at 60% of capacity in April at the height of the plant closures before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7cc88f4efe5d162fdba6a9f275a60dff" target="_blank">rebounding to near normal levels</a>&nbsp;over the summer.The UFCW union, which represents roughly 80% of the nation's beef and pork workers and 33% of its poultry workers, estimates that at least 22,000 meatpacking workers have been infected or exposed, and 132 have died of COVID-19.The major meatpacking companies - JBS, Cargill, Tyson Foods and Smithfield Foods - say a number of states plan to begin vaccinating meat plant workers this week, including in Iowa, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, North Carolina, Missouri, Kentucky and Michigan. In some of those states, only workers aged 65 or older are able to receive the vaccine at this point but several of those states are conducting mass vaccination events at plants.Company officials and the union have been encouraging workers to get the shots."We have been focused on doing everything we can to prioritize our essential workforce in state vaccination plans across the country," JBS CEO Andre Nogueira said.Illinois was one of the first places to offer the vaccines to entire plants of workers last month. JBS and Tyson said workers at two of their plants in that state are due to receive their second required shots of the vaccine soon.Tyson said many of its 13,000 workers in Iowa will have a chance to get vaccinated this week when the shots are delivered in Columbus Junction, Council Bluffs, Independence, Perry, Sioux City, Storm Lake and Waterloo.JBS and Pilgrim's Pride said roughly 8,500 of their workers in eight states will have the chance to get the vaccine this week. One of the biggest vaccination clinics will be held at the end of this week at a major JBS beef plant near the company's headquarters in Greeley, Colorado, where more than 3,000 people work.That Greeley plant was one of the early hot spots during the pandemic. Six deaths and nearly 500 cases of COVID-19 have been linked to the plant since last March, according to Kim Cordova, president of the local UFCW union that represents the plant's workers."They have been on the front lines since day one and now they will finally have the opportunity to access the vaccine," Cordova said.Even after the vaccinations, meat companies will have to continue to rely on the safety measures they took since last spring. After the outbreaks began, meat producers tried to protect workers by instituting temperature checks and wellness screening, installing plastic dividers between workstations, increasing plant sanitization, conducting random virus testing, and requiring masks and other protective gear. In some cases, companies upgraded their plant ventilation systems.

Thousands of meatpacking workers to be vaccinated this week

HASTINGS&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol has filed an arrest warrant in Adams County Court as part its ongoing investigation into an officer-involved shooting that occurred early Saturday morning in Hastings.

The arrest warrant for Seth Burge, 28, of Hastings, includes possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, terroristic threats, use of a firearm to commit a felony, and possession of methamphetamine. All four counts are felonies. Burge remains hospitalized in Lincoln following Saturday’s incident.

The Nebraska State Patrol investigation into the officer-involved shooting remains ongoing.

HASTINGS&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol has filed an arrest warrant in Adams County Court as part its ongoing investigation into an officer-involved shooting that occurred early Saturday morning in Hastings.The arrest warrant for Seth Burge, 28, of Hastings, includes possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, terroristic threats, use of a firearm to commit a felony, and possession of methamphetamine. All four counts are felonies. Burge remains hospitalized in Lincoln following Saturday’s incident.The Nebraska State Patrol investigation into the officer-involved shooting remains ongoing.

Charges filed against suspect in Hastings officer-involved shooting

FAIRBURY, Neb. (AP) — Authorities in southeastern Nebraska say a man has been arrested, accused of killing a 2-year-old boy in a Fairbury home. 

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that Jefferson County Sheriff's deputies were called to a Fairbury apartment Friday after a woman called to say she needed an ambulance for her son. 

Deputies say a man identified as Jake Gonzalez was at the apartment when the call was made, but fled on foot after deputies called for an ambulance. 

Deputies say they found the boy in a closet with severe injuries to his torso and head. He later died at an Omaha hospital. 

Gonzalez was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder, child abuse and other counts.

FAIRBURY, Neb. (AP) — Authorities in southeastern Nebraska say a man has been arrested, accused of killing a 2-year-old boy in a Fairbury home. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that Jefferson County Sheriff's deputies were called to a Fairbury apartment Friday after a woman called to say she needed an ambulance for her son. Deputies say a man identified as Jake Gonzalez was at the apartment when the call was made, but fled on foot after deputies called for an ambulance. Deputies say they found the boy in a closet with severe injuries to his torso and head. He later died at an Omaha hospital. Gonzalez was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder, child abuse and other counts.

Man arrested in killing of 2-year-old Fairbury boy

NORTH PLATTE&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, have arrested a Lexington man following a pursuit and search this morning in Dawson County.

At approximately 2:55 a.m. Monday, a trooper observed a westbound Chrysler 300 speeding on Highway 30 near Lexington. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle refused to yield and fled at a high rate of speed. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

The vehicle turned northbound on Road 428. The vehicle traveled northbound for several miles, reaching speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. The vehicle turned eastbound on Buffalo Road and eventually began driving through a field. The trooper successfully performed a tactical vehicle intervention to bring the vehicle to a stop, but the driver then fled on foot.

Troopers and deputies searched the area for several hours until receiving a report from a local resident that the suspect was in a field several miles north of the original scene. The resident was able to direct troopers to the area and at approximately 8:10 a.m., a trooper located the suspect in a field just west of Highway 21. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

Jose Marquez, 28, of Lexington, was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, failure to obey a lawful order, obstructing a peace officer, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana – less than one ounce, possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal mischief. He was lodged in Dawson County Jail.

NORTH PLATTE&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, have arrested a Lexington man following a pursuit and search this morning in Dawson County.At approximately 2:55 a.m. Monday, a trooper observed a westbound Chrysler 300 speeding on Highway 30 near Lexington. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle refused to yield and fled at a high rate of speed. The trooper initiated a pursuit.The vehicle turned northbound on Road 428. The vehicle traveled northbound for several miles, reaching speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. The vehicle turned eastbound on Buffalo Road and eventually began driving through a field. The trooper successfully performed a tactical vehicle intervention to bring the vehicle to a stop, but the driver then fled on foot.Troopers and deputies searched the area for several hours until receiving a report from a local resident that the suspect was in a field several miles north of the original scene. The resident was able to direct troopers to the area and at approximately 8:10 a.m., a trooper located the suspect in a field just west of Highway 21. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.Jose Marquez, 28, of Lexington, was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, failure to obey a lawful order, obstructing a peace officer, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana – less than one ounce, possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal mischief. He was lodged in Dawson County Jail.

Pursuit, manhunt leads to arrest in Dawson County

News Release Federal Bureau of Investigation

DENVER – A Colorado man was sentenced today in federal court in Denver for plotting to blow up a synagogue.

Richard Holzer, 28, was sentenced to more than 19 years (235 months) in federal prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release.&nbsp; Holzer previously pleaded guilty to federal hate crime and explosives charges for plotting to blow up the Temple Emanuel Synagogue in Pueblo, Colorado, conduct that constituted acts of domestic terrorism.&nbsp; Holzer told undercover FBI agents that he wanted the bombing to send a message to Jewish people that they must leave his town, “otherwise people will die.”

Holzer pleaded guilty to intentionally attempting to obstruct persons in the enjoyment of their free exercise of religious beliefs, through force and the attempted use of explosives and fire, in violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 247, and to attempting to maliciously damage and destroy, by means of fire and explosives, a building used in interstate commerce, in violation of Title 18 U.S. Code, Section 844(i).

“The Department has combatted hate-based violent extremism and domestic terrorism since our inception,” said Acting Deputy Attorney General John Carlin.&nbsp; “Today there is no higher priority. This sentencing serves as a reminder that these crimes will not be tolerated, and we will hold the individuals who engage in them fully accountable. From our Civil Rights Division, our National Security Division, and the FBI, to the Office for Victims of Crime and our Community Relations Service, the Department of Justice will use every tool at its disposal to identify, disrupt, deter, and prevent hate-based, extremist threats to members of the American public.”

“Today’s sentence is another step forward in our on-going fight against extremism,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. &nbsp;“About two-and-a-half years ago, my first day as U.S. Attorney took me to a vigil for victims from the Pittsburgh Tree of Life Synagogue attack.&nbsp; Today, my last day in the office, we have sentenced the extremist responsible for the attempted bombing of the Temple Emanuel Synagogue in Pueblo.&nbsp; We must remain ever vigilant in this battle and I am confident the Department will continue to lead this fight.”&nbsp;

“Protecting our communities from terrorism, both domestic and international, is a top priority for the FBI. Mr. Holzer targeted a place of worship for violence and destruction to drive people of the Jewish faith from our community. Today’s sentence demonstrates the commitment by the FBI and our law enforcement partners to ensure that if a crime is motivated by bias against a religion or any other federally protected status, it will be aggressively investigated, and the perpetrators held responsible for their actions," said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider. "We are grateful for the collaborative efforts of the FBI’s Southern Colorado Joint Terrorism Task Force, Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, Pueblo Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold Mr. Holzer accountable for plotting violent acts of hate.”

Holzer, who self-identifies as a Neo-Nazi and white supremacist, admitted that he planned to destroy Temple Emanuel, a synagogue in Pueblo, Colorado, that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.&nbsp; The planned bombing, which Holzer declared was “a move for our race,” was born from years of Holzer consuming and promoting white supremacist ideology.&nbsp; Holzer regularly used social media to glorify violence and advocate for white supremacy.&nbsp; After an undercover FBI employee contacted Holzer, he sent pictures of himself holding automatic weapons and said he was “getting ready for RAHOWA,” shorthand for a racial holy war.

Holzer talked to associates for months about attacking Temple Emanuel, and he visited the synagogue to observe Jewish congregants.&nbsp; During a meeting with undercover agents to discuss his plans, Holzer repeatedly expressed his hatred of Jewish people and suggested using explosive devices to destroy the Synagogue. Holzer told the undercover agents that he wanted to “get that place off the map.” Holzer further admitted that he coordinated with the undercover agents to obtain explosives, including pipe bombs.

On the evening of Nov. 1, 2019, Holzer met with undercover agents, who provided Holzer with inert explosive devices that had been fabricated by the FBI, including two pipe bombs and 14 sticks of dynamite.&nbsp; Holzer removed a copy of “Mein Kampf” from his bag and told the undercover agents that the explosives looked “absolutely gorgeous.”&nbsp; Holzer admitted that he planned to detonate the explosives several hours later, in the early hours of Saturday morning, Nov. 2, 2019.&nbsp; After his arrest, Holzer explained that “[t]he event planned for tonight would define me as a person who would die for his people.”

The actions Holzer admitted in the plea agreement meet the federal definition of domestic terrorism, as they involved criminal acts dangerous to human life that were intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Martinez and Trial Attorney Michael J. Songer of the Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Pueblo Police Department and Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office.

For more information and resources on the Department’s efforts to combat hate crimes, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes">www.justice.gov/hatecrimes</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614626334991.png" alt="Holzer" />
 <figcaption>Holzer</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Federal Bureau of InvestigationDENVER – A Colorado man was sentenced today in federal court in Denver for plotting to blow up a synagogue.Richard Holzer, 28, was sentenced to more than 19 years (235 months) in federal prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release.&nbsp; Holzer previously pleaded guilty to federal hate crime and explosives charges for plotting to blow up the Temple Emanuel Synagogue in Pueblo, Colorado, conduct that constituted acts of domestic terrorism.&nbsp; Holzer told undercover FBI agents that he wanted the bombing to send a message to Jewish people that they must leave his town, “otherwise people will die.”Holzer pleaded guilty to intentionally attempting to obstruct persons in the enjoyment of their free exercise of religious beliefs, through force and the attempted use of explosives and fire, in violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 247, and to attempting to maliciously damage and destroy, by means of fire and explosives, a building used in interstate commerce, in violation of Title 18 U.S. Code, Section 844(i).“The Department has combatted hate-based violent extremism and domestic terrorism since our inception,” said Acting Deputy Attorney General John Carlin.&nbsp; “Today there is no higher priority. This sentencing serves as a reminder that these crimes will not be tolerated, and we will hold the individuals who engage in them fully accountable. From our Civil Rights Division, our National Security Division, and the FBI, to the Office for Victims of Crime and our Community Relations Service, the Department of Justice will use every tool at its disposal to identify, disrupt, deter, and prevent hate-based, extremist threats to members of the American public.”“Today’s sentence is another step forward in our on-going fight against extremism,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. &nbsp;“About two-and-a-half years ago, my first day as U.S. Attorney took me to a vigil for victims from the Pittsburgh Tree of Life Synagogue attack.&nbsp; Today, my last day in the office, we have sentenced the extremist responsible for the attempted bombing of the Temple Emanuel Synagogue in Pueblo.&nbsp; We must remain ever vigilant in this battle and I am confident the Department will continue to lead this fight.”&nbsp;“Protecting our communities from terrorism, both domestic and international, is a top priority for the FBI. Mr. Holzer targeted a place of worship for violence and destruction to drive people of the Jewish faith from our community. Today’s sentence demonstrates the commitment by the FBI and our law enforcement partners to ensure that if a crime is motivated by bias against a religion or any other federally protected status, it will be aggressively investigated, and the perpetrators held responsible for their actions," said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider. "We are grateful for the collaborative efforts of the FBI’s Southern Colorado Joint Terrorism Task Force, Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, Pueblo Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold Mr. Holzer accountable for plotting violent acts of hate.”Holzer, who self-identifies as a Neo-Nazi and white supremacist, admitted that he planned to destroy Temple Emanuel, a synagogue in Pueblo, Colorado, that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.&nbsp; The planned bombing, which Holzer declared was “a move for our race,” was born from years of Holzer consuming and promoting white supremacist ideology.&nbsp; Holzer regularly used social media to glorify violence and advocate for white supremacy.&nbsp; After an undercover FBI employee contacted Holzer, he sent pictures of himself holding automatic weapons and said he was “getting ready for RAHOWA,” shorthand for a racial holy war.Holzer talked to associates for months about attacking Temple Emanuel, and he visited the synagogue to observe Jewish congregants.&nbsp; During a meeting with undercover agents to discuss his plans, Holzer repeatedly expressed his hatred of Jewish people and suggested using explosive devices to destroy the Synagogue. Holzer told the undercover agents that he wanted to “get that place off the map.” Holzer further admitted that he coordinated with the undercover agents to obtain explosives, including pipe bombs.On the evening of Nov. 1, 2019, Holzer met with undercover agents, who provided Holzer with inert explosive devices that had been fabricated by the FBI, including two pipe bombs and 14 sticks of dynamite.&nbsp; Holzer removed a copy of “Mein Kampf” from his bag and told the undercover agents that the explosives looked “absolutely gorgeous.”&nbsp; Holzer admitted that he planned to detonate the explosives several hours later, in the early hours of Saturday morning, Nov. 2, 2019.&nbsp; After his arrest, Holzer explained that “[t]he event planned for tonight would define me as a person who would die for his people.”The actions Holzer admitted in the plea agreement meet the federal definition of domestic terrorism, as they involved criminal acts dangerous to human life that were intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population.Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Martinez and Trial Attorney Michael J. Songer of the Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Pueblo Police Department and Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office.For more information and resources on the Department’s efforts to combat hate crimes, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes">www.justice.gov/hatecrimes</a>.

Colorado man sentenced to over 19 years for synagogue bomb plot

News Release Gov. Henry McMaster, R-South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Led by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, 22 Governors have released a joint statement opposing the new standard in President Joe Biden’s stimulus bill for how federal funds would be allocated to states: “Unlike all previous federal funding packages, the new stimulus proposal allocates aid based on a state’s unemployed population rather than its actual population, which punishes states that took a measured approach to the pandemic and entered the crisis with healthy state budgets and strong economies. "A state’s ability to keep businesses open and people employed should not be a penalizing factor when distributing funds. If Congress is going to provide aid to states, it should be on an equitable population basis.” Governors who joined the statement include Kay Ivey (R-AL), Mike Dunleavy (R-AK), Doug Ducey (R-AZ), Ron DeSantis (R-FL), Brian Kemp (R-GA), Brad Little (R-ID), Eric Holcomb (R-IN), Kim Reynolds (R-IA), Laura Kelly (D-KS), Tate Reeves (R-MS), Mike Parson (R-MO), Greg Gianforte (R-MT), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Chris Sununu (R-NH), Doug Burgum (R-ND), Mike DeWine (R-OH), Kevin Stitt (R-OK), Henry McMaster (R-SC), Kristi Noem (R-SD), Bill Lee (R-TN), Spencer Cox (R-UT) and Mark Gordon (R-WY). The 33 states expected to lose funding under this proposal, which was adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives this morning, include the following: &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Alabama &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Alaska &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Arkansas &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Delaware &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Florida &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Georgia &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Idaho &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Indiana &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Iowa &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Kansas &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Kentucky &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Maine &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Minnesota &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Mississippi &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Missouri &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Montana &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Nebraska &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; New Hampshire &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; North Carolina &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; North Dakota &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Ohio &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Oklahoma &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Oregon &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; South Carolina &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; South Dakota &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Tennessee &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Utah &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Vermont &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Virginia &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Washington &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; West Virginia &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Wisconsin &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Wyoming

News Release Gov. Henry McMaster, R-South CarolinaCOLUMBIA, S.C. — Led by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, 22 Governors have released a joint statement opposing the new standard in President Joe Biden’s stimulus bill for how federal funds would be allocated to states: “Unlike all previous federal funding packages, the new stimulus proposal allocates aid based on a state’s unemployed population rather than its actual population, which punishes states that took a measured approach to the pandemic and entered the crisis with healthy state budgets and strong economies. "A state’s ability to keep businesses open and people employed should not be a penalizing factor when distributing funds. If Congress is going to provide aid to states, it should be on an equitable population basis.” Governors who joined the statement include Kay Ivey (R-AL), Mike Dunleavy (R-AK), Doug Ducey (R-AZ), Ron DeSantis (R-FL), Brian Kemp (R-GA), Brad Little (R-ID), Eric Holcomb (R-IN), Kim Reynolds (R-IA), Laura Kelly (D-KS), Tate Reeves (R-MS), Mike Parson (R-MO), Greg Gianforte (R-MT), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Chris Sununu (R-NH), Doug Burgum (R-ND), Mike DeWine (R-OH), Kevin Stitt (R-OK), Henry McMaster (R-SC), Kristi Noem (R-SD), Bill Lee (R-TN), Spencer Cox (R-UT) and Mark Gordon (R-WY). The 33 states expected to lose funding under this proposal, which was adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives this morning, include the following: &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Alabama &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Alaska &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Arkansas &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Delaware &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Florida &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Georgia &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Idaho &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Indiana &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Iowa &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Kansas &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Kentucky &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Maine &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Minnesota &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Mississippi &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Missouri &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Montana &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Nebraska &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; New Hampshire &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; North Carolina &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; North Dakota &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Ohio &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Oklahoma &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Oregon &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; South Carolina &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; South Dakota &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Tennessee &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Utah &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Vermont &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Virginia &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Washington &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; West Virginia &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Wisconsin &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; Wyoming

Ricketts, 21 other governors oppose 'biased fund allocation' in stimulus bill

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — The governor of Wyoming has announced plans to lift all coronavirus restrictions on personal care businesses for the first time since the public health orders were introduced early last year. 

The Casper Star-Tribune reported that the Republican Gov. Mark Gordon said Thursday that the changes will go into effect on Monday for hair and nail salons, barber shops, tattoo and massage parlors and other cosmetology businesses. 

Those establishments will no longer have to monitor their customers for symptoms, maintain a record of customers for contact tracing purposes or restrict the number of customers allowed in the facility at one time.

 However, remaining orders must still be followed, including a statewide mask mandate.

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — The governor of Wyoming has announced plans to lift all coronavirus restrictions on personal care businesses for the first time since the public health orders were introduced early last year. The Casper Star-Tribune reported that the Republican Gov. Mark Gordon said Thursday that the changes will go into effect on Monday for hair and nail salons, barber shops, tattoo and massage parlors and other cosmetology businesses. Those establishments will no longer have to monitor their customers for symptoms, maintain a record of customers for contact tracing purposes or restrict the number of customers allowed in the facility at one time. However, remaining orders must still be followed, including a statewide mask mandate.

Wyoming to lift virus safety restrictions on salons, barbers

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials are confirming two new deaths due to the coronavirus and 134 new cases of COVID-19.

 The update release Sunday increased the number of fatalities to 1,888 and the number of overall cases to 112,427 since the start of the pandemic. 

The COVID Tracking Project notes the were about 237 new cases per 100,000 people in South Dakota over the past two weeks, which ranks 31st in the country for new cases per capita. 

One in every 782 people in the state tested positive in the past week.

 Project researchers say the state’s death count is the 41st highest in the country overall and the seventh highest per capita at about 214 deaths per 100,000 people

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials are confirming two new deaths due to the coronavirus and 134 new cases of COVID-19. The update release Sunday increased the number of fatalities to 1,888 and the number of overall cases to 112,427 since the start of the pandemic. The COVID Tracking Project notes the were about 237 new cases per 100,000 people in South Dakota over the past two weeks, which ranks 31st in the country for new cases per capita. One in every 782 people in the state tested positive in the past week. Project researchers say the state’s death count is the 41st highest in the country overall and the seventh highest per capita at about 214 deaths per 100,000 people

South Dakota confirms 134 new positive COVID-19 tests

WASHINGTON (AP) — Just five weeks ago, Los Angeles County was conducting more than 350,000 weekly coronavirus tests, including at a massive drive-thru site at Dodger Stadium, as health workers raced to contain the worst COVID-19 hotspot in the U.S.

Now, county officials say testing has nearly collapsed. More than 180 government-supported sites are operating at only a third of their capacity.

“It’s shocking how quickly we’ve gone from moving at 100 miles an hour to about 25,” said Dr. Clemens Hong, who leads the county’s testing operation.

After a year of struggling to boost testing, communities across the country are seeing plummeting demand, shuttering testing sites or even trying to return supplies.

The drop in screening comes at a significant moment in the outbreak: Experts are cautiously optimistic that COVID-19 is receding after killing more than 500,000 people in the U.S. but concerned that emerging variants could prolong the epidemic.

“Everyone is hopeful for rapid, widespread vaccinations, but I don’t think we’re at a point where we can drop our guard just yet,” said Hong. “We just don’t have enough people who are immune to rule out another surge.”

U.S. testing hit a peak on Jan. 15, when the country was averaging more than 2 million tests per day. Since then, the average number of daily tests has fallen more than 28%. The drop mirrors declines across all major virus measures since January, including new cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

Officials say those encouraging trends, together with harsh winter weather, the end of the holiday travel season, pandemic fatigue and a growing focus on vaccinations are sapping interest in testing.

“When you combine all those together you see this decrease,” said Dr. Richard Pescatore of the health department in Delaware, where daily testing has fallen more than 40% since the January peak. “People just aren’t going to go out to testing sites.”

But testing remains important for tracking and containing the outbreak.

L.A. County is opening more testing options near public transportation, schools and offices to make it more convenient. And officials in Santa Clara County are urging residents to “continue getting tested regularly,” highlighting new mobile testing buses and pop-up sites.

President Joe Biden has promised to revamp the nation’s testing system by investing billions more in supplies and government coordination. But with demand falling fast, the country may soon have a glut of unused supplies. The U.S. will be able to conduct nearly 1 billion monthly tests by June, according to projections from researchers at Arizona State University. That’s more than 25 times the country’s current rate of about 40 million tests reported per month.

With more than 150 million new vaccine doses due for delivery by late March, testing is likely to fall further as local governments shift staff and resources to giving shots.

“You have to pick your battles here,” said Dr. Jeffrey Engel of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. “Everyone would agree that if you have one public health nurse, you’re going to use that person for vaccination, not testing.”

Some experts say the country must double down on testing to avoid flare-ups from coronavirus variants that have taken hold in the U.K., South Africa and other places.

“We need to use testing to continue the downward trend,” said Dr. Jonathan Quick of the Rockefeller Foundation, which has been advising Biden officials. “We need to have it there to catch surges from the variants.”

Last week, Minnesota began urging families to get tested every two weeks through the end of the school year as more students return to the classroom.

“To protect this progress, we need to use all the tools at our disposal,” said Dan Huff, an assistant state health commissioner.

But some of the most vocal testing proponents are less worried about the declines in screening. From a public health viewpoint, testing is effective if it helps to quickly find the infected, trace their contacts and isolate them to stop the spread. In most parts of the U.S., that never happened.

Over the holiday season, many Americans still had to wait days to receive test results, rendering them largely useless. That’s led to testing fatigue and dwindling interest, said Dr. Michael Mina of Harvard University.

“It doesn’t exactly give you a lot of gratifying, immediate feedback,” Mina said. “So people’s willingness or interest in getting tested starts to go down.”

Still, U.S. test manufacturers continue ramping up production, with another 110 million rapid and home-based tests expected to hit the market next month.

Government officials long assumed this growing arsenal of cheap, 15-minute tests would be used to regularly screen millions of students and teachers as in-person classes resume. But recent guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention don’t emphasize testing, describing it as an “additional layer” of protection, behind basic measures like masking and social distancing.

Even without strong federal backing, educational leaders say testing programs will be important for marshaling public confidence needed to fully reopen schools, including in the fall when cases are expected to rise again.

“Schools have asked themselves, justifiably, ‘Is the juice worth the squeeze to set up a big testing effort?’” said Mike Magee, CEO of Chiefs for Change, a nonprofit that advises districts in more than 25 states. “Our message to the school systems we work with is: ‘Yes, you need to stand up comprehensive testing because you’re going to need it.’”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591208066312.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Just five weeks ago, Los Angeles County was conducting more than 350,000 weekly coronavirus tests, including at a massive drive-thru site at Dodger Stadium, as health workers raced to contain the worst COVID-19 hotspot in the U.S.Now, county officials say testing has nearly collapsed. More than 180 government-supported sites are operating at only a third of their capacity.“It’s shocking how quickly we’ve gone from moving at 100 miles an hour to about 25,” said Dr. Clemens Hong, who leads the county’s testing operation.After a year of struggling to boost testing, communities across the country are seeing plummeting demand, shuttering testing sites or even trying to return supplies.The drop in screening comes at a significant moment in the outbreak: Experts are cautiously optimistic that COVID-19 is receding after killing more than 500,000 people in the U.S. but concerned that emerging variants could prolong the epidemic.“Everyone is hopeful for rapid, widespread vaccinations, but I don’t think we’re at a point where we can drop our guard just yet,” said Hong. “We just don’t have enough people who are immune to rule out another surge.”U.S. testing hit a peak on Jan. 15, when the country was averaging more than 2 million tests per day. Since then, the average number of daily tests has fallen more than 28%. The drop mirrors declines across all major virus measures since January, including new cases, hospitalizations and deaths.Officials say those encouraging trends, together with harsh winter weather, the end of the holiday travel season, pandemic fatigue and a growing focus on vaccinations are sapping interest in testing.“When you combine all those together you see this decrease,” said Dr. Richard Pescatore of the health department in Delaware, where daily testing has fallen more than 40% since the January peak. “People just aren’t going to go out to testing sites.”But testing remains important for tracking and containing the outbreak.L.A. County is opening more testing options near public transportation, schools and offices to make it more convenient. And officials in Santa Clara County are urging residents to “continue getting tested regularly,” highlighting new mobile testing buses and pop-up sites.President Joe Biden has promised to revamp the nation’s testing system by investing billions more in supplies and government coordination. But with demand falling fast, the country may soon have a glut of unused supplies. The U.S. will be able to conduct nearly 1 billion monthly tests by June, according to projections from researchers at Arizona State University. That’s more than 25 times the country’s current rate of about 40 million tests reported per month.With more than 150 million new vaccine doses due for delivery by late March, testing is likely to fall further as local governments shift staff and resources to giving shots.“You have to pick your battles here,” said Dr. Jeffrey Engel of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. “Everyone would agree that if you have one public health nurse, you’re going to use that person for vaccination, not testing.”Some experts say the country must double down on testing to avoid flare-ups from coronavirus variants that have taken hold in the U.K., South Africa and other places.“We need to use testing to continue the downward trend,” said Dr. Jonathan Quick of the Rockefeller Foundation, which has been advising Biden officials. “We need to have it there to catch surges from the variants.”Last week, Minnesota began urging families to get tested every two weeks through the end of the school year as more students return to the classroom.“To protect this progress, we need to use all the tools at our disposal,” said Dan Huff, an assistant state health commissioner.But some of the most vocal testing proponents are less worried about the declines in screening. From a public health viewpoint, testing is effective if it helps to quickly find the infected, trace their contacts and isolate them to stop the spread. In most parts of the U.S., that never happened.Over the holiday season, many Americans still had to wait days to receive test results, rendering them largely useless. That’s led to testing fatigue and dwindling interest, said Dr. Michael Mina of Harvard University.“It doesn’t exactly give you a lot of gratifying, immediate feedback,” Mina said. “So people’s willingness or interest in getting tested starts to go down.”Still, U.S. test manufacturers continue ramping up production, with another 110 million rapid and home-based tests expected to hit the market next month.Government officials long assumed this growing arsenal of cheap, 15-minute tests would be used to regularly screen millions of students and teachers as in-person classes resume. But recent guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention don’t emphasize testing, describing it as an “additional layer” of protection, behind basic measures like masking and social distancing.Even without strong federal backing, educational leaders say testing programs will be important for marshaling public confidence needed to fully reopen schools, including in the fall when cases are expected to rise again.“Schools have asked themselves, justifiably, ‘Is the juice worth the squeeze to set up a big testing effort?’” said Mike Magee, CEO of Chiefs for Change, a nonprofit that advises districts in more than 25 states. “Our message to the school systems we work with is: ‘Yes, you need to stand up comprehensive testing because you’re going to need it.’”___

Plunging demand for COVID-19 tests may leave US exposed

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police say a 21-year-old man died after being struck by a vehicle and two other men were wounded by gunfire early Sunday during a disturbance in downtown Omaha. 

Omaha Police said Suaquel Hogan of Omaha was hit by a vehicle near 10th Street and Capitol Avenue around 1:40 a.m. Sunday. 

He was taken to a hospital where he later died. 

Two other Omaha men, 24-year-old Joshua Thielen and 31-year-old Kevin Leslie, were both shot and wounded but their injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police say a 21-year-old man died after being struck by a vehicle and two other men were wounded by gunfire early Sunday during a disturbance in downtown Omaha. Omaha Police said Suaquel Hogan of Omaha was hit by a vehicle near 10th Street and Capitol Avenue around 1:40 a.m. Sunday. He was taken to a hospital where he later died. Two other Omaha men, 24-year-old Joshua Thielen and 31-year-old Kevin Leslie, were both shot and wounded but their injuries are not believed to be life threatening. No arrests were reported immediately on Sunday.