(AP)-The Southern Baptist Convention has ousted two churches over policies deemed to be too inclusive of LGBTQ people and two more for employing pastors convicted of sex offenses. 

The actions came at an executive committee meeting marked by warnings that the country's largest Protestant denomination was hurting itself with internal divisions. The churches expelled for LGBTQ inclusion were St. Matthews Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, and Towne View Baptist Church, in Kennesaw, Georgia. 

SBC officials said West Side Baptist Church in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, had a pastor who was a registered sex offender, while Antioch Baptist Church in Sevierville, Tennessee, had a pastor who was convicted of statutory rape.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614174456207.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID CRARY-Associated Press(AP)-The Southern Baptist Convention has ousted two churches over policies deemed to be too inclusive of LGBTQ people and two more for employing pastors convicted of sex offenses. The actions came at an executive committee meeting marked by warnings that the country's largest Protestant denomination was hurting itself with internal divisions. The churches expelled for LGBTQ inclusion were St. Matthews Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, and Towne View Baptist Church, in Kennesaw, Georgia. SBC officials said West Side Baptist Church in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, had a pastor who was a registered sex offender, while Antioch Baptist Church in Sevierville, Tennessee, had a pastor who was convicted of statutory rape.

Southern Baptists oust 2 churches over LGBTQ inclusion

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) — The chief of the Cherokee Nation says it's time for auto maker Jeep to stop using the tribe's name on its Cherokee and Grand Cherokee models. 

Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said in a statement he believes corporations and team sports should stop using Native American names, images and mascots on their teams and products. Hoskin's comments were first reported by Car &amp; Driver magazine. 

A spokeswoman for Jeep’s parent company, Stellantis, says the vehicle name was carefully selected to honor Native American people. 

Hoskin says the best way to honor the Tahlequah, Oklahoma-based tribe is to learn more about their sovereign government and its history.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614174224769.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) — The chief of the Cherokee Nation says it's time for auto maker Jeep to stop using the tribe's name on its Cherokee and Grand Cherokee models. Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said in a statement he believes corporations and team sports should stop using Native American names, images and mascots on their teams and products. Hoskin's comments were first reported by Car &amp; Driver magazine. A spokeswoman for Jeep’s parent company, Stellantis, says the vehicle name was carefully selected to honor Native American people. Hoskin says the best way to honor the Tahlequah, Oklahoma-based tribe is to learn more about their sovereign government and its history.

Cherokee chief: Time for Jeep to end use of tribe's name

WASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;During
 this tax season when many people are trying to stay safe at home, the 
Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers about ways to do their taxes 
for free online or with help from volunteers.

Taxpayers who want to prepare and file their tax returns electronically can use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>.
 IRS Free File offers brand-name tax software for taxpayers with an 
income of $72,000 or less in 2020. Taxpayers who earned more can use 
Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic version of IRS paper forms. 
Taxpayers can get started at IRS.gov/FreeFile. IRS Free File also lets 
taxpayers get an automatic extension of time to file if they need it.

Free File is also a way to get a refund fast. Filing electronically and using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>
 is the fastest and most accurate way to file and get a refund. The IRS 
issues nine out of 10 refunds in 21 days or less. Taxpayers filing on 
paper can also choose direct deposit, but paper returns take longer to 
process.

Free File and e-file also help taxpayers who owe. When filing 
electronically, taxpayers can pay with electronic funds withdrawal for 
free. Another option is to pay with their bank account using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>.
 In addition to paying online, taxpayers who owe taxes can pay using the
 IRS2Go mobile app on a smartphone or other mobile device. Information 
about all payment options is available at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.

Free options for the military and some veterans

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

Military OneSource is a program funded by the Department of Defense 
that provides a range of free resources for military members, veterans 
and their families.

More information about OneSource is available at <a href="http://www.militaryonesource.mil/">MilitaryOneSource.mil</a>.

Get free tax help from volunteers in the community

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax 
help to individuals who generally make $57,000 or less, persons with 
disabilities, the elderly and individuals with limited English 
proficiency who need assistance in preparing their taxes. The Tax 
Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program also offers free tax help to 
taxpayers, particularly those age 60 and older.

For over 50 years, volunteers have prepared tax returns in 
communities across the country. Each filing season, tens of thousands of
 dedicated VITA/TCE volunteers prepare millions of federal and state 
returns. Last year, for example, over 70,000 volunteers prepared over 
2.5 million federal tax returns.

And this tax season, due to the ongoing pandemic, some volunteer 
sites will offer virtual help to taxpayers in place of face-to-face 
assistance. This allows volunteers to help taxpayers over the phone or 
online to complete their returns. While virtual tax prep will be an 
option this tax season, some VITA/TCE sites will still offer in-person 
free tax help. However, safety and social distancing will be emphasized.

IRS-certified VITA and TCE volunteers are trained to help taxpayers claim the tax credits they are entitled to such as the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc">Earned Income Tax Credit</a> and the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/does-my-childdependent-qualify-for-the-child-tax-credit-or-the-credit-for-other-dependents">Child Tax Credit and Credit for Other Dependents</a>.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a significant tax credit for 
workers who earned $56,844 or less in 2020. The IRS estimates four out 
of five eligible taxpayers claim and get the EITC. Nationwide in 2020, 
around 25 million taxpayers received over $62 billion in EITC. The 
average EITC amount received was $2,461 per return. The EITC is worth as
 much as $6,660 for a family with three or more children or up to $538 
for taxpayers who do not have a qualifying child.

New this tax season, taxpayers can use their 2019 earned income to figure their 2020 EITC and the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/does-my-childdependent-qualify-for-the-child-tax-credit-or-the-credit-for-other-dependents">Additional Child Tax Credit</a>
 if their 2019 earned income was more than their 2020 earned income. To 
qualify for EITC, people must have earned income, so this option may 
help workers who earned less in 2020, or received unemployment income 
instead of their regular wages, get bigger tax credits and larger 
refunds in the coming year.

Also, any Economic Impact Payments received are not taxable or 
counted as income for purposes of claiming the EITC. Eligible 
individuals who did not receive the full amounts of both Economic Impact
 Payments may claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2020 tax return.
 See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">IRS.gov/rrc</a> for more information.

The VITA and TCE programs can help answer many EITC questions and 
help taxpayers claim the credit if they qualify. Taxpayers may also use 
the IRS.gov <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/use-the-eitc-assistant">EITC Assistant</a> to help them determine their eligibility.

To find the nearest VITA or TCE site, taxpayers can use the VITA and TCE <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">locator tool</a> available on IRS.gov, download the IRS mobile app <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2GO</a>,
 or call 800-906-9887. Help in other languages – Chinese, Cantonese, 
Hindi, Korean, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese – is 
also available at select locations across the country. The locator tool 
indicates where these services are offered. Please note that some 
VITA/TCE sites are not operating at full capacity this year and others 
are not opening. But the locator tool is updated throughout the tax 
season, so taxpayers can check back if they don't see a nearby site 
listed.

Taxpayers can find answers to questions, forms and instructions and 
easy-to-use tools online at IRS.gov. No appointment required and no 
waiting on hold.

This is part of a series called the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-time-guide">Tax Time Guide</a>, focused on helping people file a federal tax return accurately and efficiently. Additional help is available in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-17">Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;During
 this tax season when many people are trying to stay safe at home, the 
Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers about ways to do their taxes 
for free online or with help from volunteers.<h2>Free File is easy, fast, safe and secure</h2>Taxpayers who want to prepare and file their tax returns electronically can use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>.
 IRS Free File offers brand-name tax software for taxpayers with an 
income of $72,000 or less in 2020. Taxpayers who earned more can use 
Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic version of IRS paper forms. 
Taxpayers can get started at IRS.gov/FreeFile. IRS Free File also lets 
taxpayers get an automatic extension of time to file if they need it.Free File is also a way to get a refund fast. Filing electronically and using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>
 is the fastest and most accurate way to file and get a refund. The IRS 
issues nine out of 10 refunds in 21 days or less. Taxpayers filing on 
paper can also choose direct deposit, but paper returns take longer to 
process.Free File and e-file also help taxpayers who owe. When filing 
electronically, taxpayers can pay with electronic funds withdrawal for 
free. Another option is to pay with their bank account using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>.
 In addition to paying online, taxpayers who owe taxes can pay using the
 IRS2Go mobile app on a smartphone or other mobile device. Information 
about all payment options is available at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.<h2>Free options for the military and some veterans</h2><a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/tax-resource-center/miltax-military-tax-services">MilTax</a>,
 Military OneSource's tax service, provides online software for eligible
 individuals to electronically file a federal return and up to three 
state returns for free.Military OneSource is a program funded by the Department of Defense 
that provides a range of free resources for military members, veterans 
and their families.More information about OneSource is available at <a href="http://www.militaryonesource.mil/">MilitaryOneSource.mil</a>. <h2>Get free tax help from volunteers in the community</h2>The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax 
help to individuals who generally make $57,000 or less, persons with 
disabilities, the elderly and individuals with limited English 
proficiency who need assistance in preparing their taxes. The Tax 
Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program also offers free tax help to 
taxpayers, particularly those age 60 and older.For over 50 years, volunteers have prepared tax returns in 
communities across the country. Each filing season, tens of thousands of
 dedicated VITA/TCE volunteers prepare millions of federal and state 
returns. Last year, for example, over 70,000 volunteers prepared over 
2.5 million federal tax returns.And this tax season, due to the ongoing pandemic, some volunteer 
sites will offer virtual help to taxpayers in place of face-to-face 
assistance. This allows volunteers to help taxpayers over the phone or 
online to complete their returns. While virtual tax prep will be an 
option this tax season, some VITA/TCE sites will still offer in-person 
free tax help. However, safety and social distancing will be emphasized.IRS-certified VITA and TCE volunteers are trained to help taxpayers claim the tax credits they are entitled to such as the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc">Earned Income Tax Credit</a> and the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/does-my-childdependent-qualify-for-the-child-tax-credit-or-the-credit-for-other-dependents">Child Tax Credit and Credit for Other Dependents</a>.The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a significant tax credit for 
workers who earned $56,844 or less in 2020. The IRS estimates four out 
of five eligible taxpayers claim and get the EITC. Nationwide in 2020, 
around 25 million taxpayers received over $62 billion in EITC. The 
average EITC amount received was $2,461 per return. The EITC is worth as
 much as $6,660 for a family with three or more children or up to $538 
for taxpayers who do not have a qualifying child.New this tax season, taxpayers can use their 2019 earned income to figure their 2020 EITC and the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/does-my-childdependent-qualify-for-the-child-tax-credit-or-the-credit-for-other-dependents">Additional Child Tax Credit</a>
 if their 2019 earned income was more than their 2020 earned income. To 
qualify for EITC, people must have earned income, so this option may 
help workers who earned less in 2020, or received unemployment income 
instead of their regular wages, get bigger tax credits and larger 
refunds in the coming year.Also, any Economic Impact Payments received are not taxable or 
counted as income for purposes of claiming the EITC. Eligible 
individuals who did not receive the full amounts of both Economic Impact
 Payments may claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2020 tax return.
 See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">IRS.gov/rrc</a> for more information.The VITA and TCE programs can help answer many EITC questions and 
help taxpayers claim the credit if they qualify. Taxpayers may also use 
the IRS.gov <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/use-the-eitc-assistant">EITC Assistant</a> to help them determine their eligibility.To find the nearest VITA or TCE site, taxpayers can use the VITA and TCE <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">locator tool</a> available on IRS.gov, download the IRS mobile app <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2GO</a>,
 or call 800-906-9887. Help in other languages – Chinese, Cantonese, 
Hindi, Korean, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese – is 
also available at select locations across the country. The locator tool 
indicates where these services are offered. Please note that some 
VITA/TCE sites are not operating at full capacity this year and others 
are not opening. But the locator tool is updated throughout the tax 
season, so taxpayers can check back if they don't see a nearby site 
listed.<h2>Get more help</h2>Taxpayers can find answers to questions, forms and instructions and 
easy-to-use tools online at IRS.gov. No appointment required and no 
waiting on hold.This is part of a series called the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-time-guide">Tax Time Guide</a>, focused on helping people file a federal tax return accurately and efficiently. Additional help is available in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-17">Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax</a>.<h2>IRS YouTube Videos:</h2><ul>
 <li>Free Help Preparing Your Tax Return -- <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmUPHj3AvZc">English</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FudHYJ-sHHA">Spanish</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRI30K2uwgc">ASL</a></li><li>Do-It-Yourself Free Tax Preparation -- <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zmzQgWs-YI">English</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBd7vqB13JY&amp;t=3s">Spanish</a></li><li>Do Your Taxes for Free With Free File – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNEXfYT5ev8">English</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&amp;v=ME2BuXZ9bJY&amp;feature=youtu.be">Spanish</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4YPzYF0xLM">ASL</a></li>
 </ul>

IRS: How to do taxes for free and get refunds fast

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A giant vaccination center is opening in Houston to administer 126,000 coronavirus doses in the next three weeks. Nevada health officials are working overtime to distribute delayed shots. And Rhode Island is rescheduling appointments after a vaccine shipment failed to arrive as scheduled earlier in the week.

From coast to coast, states were scrambling Tuesday to catch up on vaccinations a week after winter storms battered a large swath of the U.S. and led to clinic closures, canceled appointments and shipment backlogs nationwide.

But limited supply of the two approved COVID-19 vaccines hampered the pace of vaccinations even before extreme weather delayed the delivery of about 6 million doses.

The White House promised on Tuesday that help is on the way.

States can expect about 14.5 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine this week, an almost 70% increase in distribution over the past month, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday. And White House coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients told governors on Tuesday that the number of doses sent directly to pharmacies will increase by about 100,000 this week, Psaki said.

The stepped-up efforts come as the COVID-19 death toll in the U.S. surpassed 500,000, far more than any other country.

More than 44 million Americans have received at least one dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, and about 1.4 million per day received either a first or second dose over the past seven days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Although average daily deaths and cases have been falling, some experts say not enough Americans have been inoculated for the vaccine to be the reason. The decline instead is attributed to the passing of the holidays, more people staying indoors during the winter and better adherence to mask rules and social distancing.

What’s more, they warn that dangerous variants could cause the trend to reverse itself. States are responding by simultaneously trying to catch up from last week’s pause and gear up to vaccinate more people in coming weeks.

Houston’s federally funded vaccination site will open Wednesday at NRG Park, operating seven days a week for three weeks to distribute 126,000 first doses, before transitioning to second doses, officials said.

Texans are recovering from a devastating winter storm that killed at least 35 people, left millions without power and water, and delayed vaccinations.

“It’s been trauma after trauma, and people deserve some good news, some hope,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, the county’s chief elected official.

In Buda, Texas, retired teachers Donna and Gerald Haschke, both 74, were supposed to get their second doses last week but their appointments were canceled three times because of the storm. They’re scheduled to receive doses on Thursday.

The couple are eager to get completely vaccinated after months of having to scale back all their activities because of the coronavirus. Gerald Haschke has heart stents and Donna Haschke has atrial fibrillation, she said.

“My cardiologists said, ‘You do not want to get COVID,’” Donna Haschke said. “I said, ‘No, I don’t.’ To me that was a warning that I need to stay home.”

In Mississippi, where COVID-19 vaccinations plummeted last week amid freezing temperatures and icy roads, health officials were automatically rescheduling appointments, and planned to schedule more than normal through the weekend.

The state Department of Health said Monday that just 32,540 vaccinations were given in the state last week, down from 106,691 the previous week.

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak said Monday that 46,000 doses of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine that were delayed by weather began arriving in the state. The head of the state’s Bureau of Child, Family and Community Wellness said officials would work overtime to administer those doses along with this week’s regularly scheduled shipment.

President Joe Biden has said that every American who wants a vaccine will be able to get one by the end of July.

But demand continues to outpace limited supplies distributed by the U.S. government.

Executives from five companies with contracts to supply shots to the U.S. — Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson &amp; Johnson, AstraZeneca and Novavax — testified about supply issues Tuesday before Congress’ Energy and Commerce Committee.

Looking ahead to summer, Pfizer and Moderna executives said they expect to complete delivery of 300 million doses each, and J&amp;J aims to provide an additional 100 million doses — more than enough to vaccinate every American adult.

Arizona will increase vaccinations by opening its fourth state-run mass vaccination clinic, state health department officials said. In addition, transportation costs to and from vaccination appointments now will be covered for people enrolled in Arizona’s Medicaid program, Gov. Doug Ducey said.

“This change will make it easier for our most vulnerable Arizonans ... to get vaccinated,” Ducey said.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said 11 mobile clinics will open in California’s vast Central Valley, an agricultural region that’s been hit hard by the coronavirus. They’ll be used mainly to vaccinate farmworkers who don’t have transportation to larger vaccination sites or can’t navigate the state’s online signup portal.

Newsom said the state also is sending 34,000 extra vaccine doses to that area from a pharmacy that wasn’t using them quickly enough.

Meanwhile, Tenessee’s top health official said Tuesday that more than 2,400 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine went to waste over the past month in Shelby County, which encompasses Memphis, while local officials sat on tens of thousands of shots that they thought had already gone into arms.

Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey said a Department of Health investigation over the weekend found issues dating to Feb. 3 that included spoiled doses, an excessive vaccine inventory, insufficient record-keeping and no formal process to manage soon-to-expire vaccines. A federal investigation is also expected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614116068039.png" alt="Vaccination effort Tuesday photo courtesy Missouri Dept. of Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Vaccination effort Tuesday photo courtesy Missouri Dept. of Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A giant vaccination center is opening in Houston to administer 126,000 coronavirus doses in the next three weeks. Nevada health officials are working overtime to distribute delayed shots. And Rhode Island is rescheduling appointments after a vaccine shipment failed to arrive as scheduled earlier in the week.From coast to coast, states were scrambling Tuesday to catch up on vaccinations a week after winter storms battered a large swath of the U.S. and led to clinic closures, canceled appointments and shipment backlogs nationwide.But limited supply of the two approved COVID-19 vaccines hampered the pace of vaccinations even before extreme weather delayed the delivery of about 6 million doses.The White House promised on Tuesday that help is on the way.States can expect about 14.5 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine this week, an almost 70% increase in distribution over the past month, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday. And White House coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients told governors on Tuesday that the number of doses sent directly to pharmacies will increase by about 100,000 this week, Psaki said.The stepped-up efforts come as the COVID-19 death toll in the U.S. surpassed 500,000, far more than any other country.More than 44 million Americans have received at least one dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, and about 1.4 million per day received either a first or second dose over the past seven days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Although average daily deaths and cases have been falling, some experts say not enough Americans have been inoculated for the vaccine to be the reason. The decline instead is attributed to the passing of the holidays, more people staying indoors during the winter and better adherence to mask rules and social distancing.What’s more, they warn that dangerous variants could cause the trend to reverse itself. States are responding by simultaneously trying to catch up from last week’s pause and gear up to vaccinate more people in coming weeks.Houston’s federally funded vaccination site will open Wednesday at NRG Park, operating seven days a week for three weeks to distribute 126,000 first doses, before transitioning to second doses, officials said.Texans are recovering from a devastating winter storm that killed at least 35 people, left millions without power and water, and delayed vaccinations.“It’s been trauma after trauma, and people deserve some good news, some hope,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, the county’s chief elected official.In Buda, Texas, retired teachers Donna and Gerald Haschke, both 74, were supposed to get their second doses last week but their appointments were canceled three times because of the storm. They’re scheduled to receive doses on Thursday.The couple are eager to get completely vaccinated after months of having to scale back all their activities because of the coronavirus. Gerald Haschke has heart stents and Donna Haschke has atrial fibrillation, she said.“My cardiologists said, ‘You do not want to get COVID,’” Donna Haschke said. “I said, ‘No, I don’t.’ To me that was a warning that I need to stay home.”In Mississippi, where COVID-19 vaccinations plummeted last week amid freezing temperatures and icy roads, health officials were automatically rescheduling appointments, and planned to schedule more than normal through the weekend.The state Department of Health said Monday that just 32,540 vaccinations were given in the state last week, down from 106,691 the previous week.Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak said Monday that 46,000 doses of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine that were delayed by weather began arriving in the state. The head of the state’s Bureau of Child, Family and Community Wellness said officials would work overtime to administer those doses along with this week’s regularly scheduled shipment.President Joe Biden has said that every American who wants a vaccine will be able to get one by the end of July.But demand continues to outpace limited supplies distributed by the U.S. government.Executives from five companies with contracts to supply shots to the U.S. — Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson &amp; Johnson, AstraZeneca and Novavax — testified about supply issues Tuesday before Congress’ Energy and Commerce Committee.Looking ahead to summer, Pfizer and Moderna executives said they expect to complete delivery of 300 million doses each, and J&amp;J aims to provide an additional 100 million doses — more than enough to vaccinate every American adult.Arizona will increase vaccinations by opening its fourth state-run mass vaccination clinic, state health department officials said. In addition, transportation costs to and from vaccination appointments now will be covered for people enrolled in Arizona’s Medicaid program, Gov. Doug Ducey said.“This change will make it easier for our most vulnerable Arizonans ... to get vaccinated,” Ducey said.California Gov. Gavin Newsom said 11 mobile clinics will open in California’s vast Central Valley, an agricultural region that’s been hit hard by the coronavirus. They’ll be used mainly to vaccinate farmworkers who don’t have transportation to larger vaccination sites or can’t navigate the state’s online signup portal.Newsom said the state also is sending 34,000 extra vaccine doses to that area from a pharmacy that wasn’t using them quickly enough.Meanwhile, Tenessee’s top health official said Tuesday that more than 2,400 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine went to waste over the past month in Shelby County, which encompasses Memphis, while local officials sat on tens of thousands of shots that they thought had already gone into arms.Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey said a Department of Health investigation over the weekend found issues dating to Feb. 3 that included spoiled doses, an excessive vaccine inventory, insufficient record-keeping and no formal process to manage soon-to-expire vaccines. A federal investigation is also expected.___

White House promises vaccine help as states rush to catch up

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A 31-year-old Iowa man has been sentenced to life in prison for the death of a Nebraska man who was stabbed more than 20 times. 

Raymond T. Davis, of Des Moines, was sentenced Tuesday for first-degree murder in the June 2018 death of 39-year-old Brent Quigley in Bellevue, Nebraska. 

He was also given two sentences of 18 to 20 years on other convictions. Authorities say Davis was part of a group that planned to rob Quigley of money and drugs.

 Christopher Reagan, of Omaha, was previously sentenced to 100 years to life for second-degree murder in Quigley's death.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A 31-year-old Iowa man has been sentenced to life in prison for the death of a Nebraska man who was stabbed more than 20 times. Raymond T. Davis, of Des Moines, was sentenced Tuesday for first-degree murder in the June 2018 death of 39-year-old Brent Quigley in Bellevue, Nebraska. He was also given two sentences of 18 to 20 years on other convictions. Authorities say Davis was part of a group that planned to rob Quigley of money and drugs. Christopher Reagan, of Omaha, was previously sentenced to 100 years to life for second-degree murder in Quigley's death.

Iowa man sentenced to life in Nebraska man's stabbing death

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to confirm Tom Vilsack as agriculture secretary, his second run at the Cabinet post.

The former Iowa governor spent eight years leading the same department for former President Barack Obama's entire administration. He was confirmed Tuesday on a 92-7 vote. Both Senators from Kansas and Missouri voted in favor.

In his testimony, Vilsack, 70, heavily endorsed boosting climate-friendly agricultural industries such as the creation of biofuels, saying, “Agriculture is one of our first and best ways to get some wins" on climate change.

He proposed “building a rural economy based on biomanufacturing” and “turning agricultural waste into a variety of products.” He pledged to work closely with the Environmental Protection Agency to “spur the industry” on biofuels.

With systemic racial inequity now a nationwide talking point, Vilsack also envisioned creating an “equity task force” inside the department. Its job, he said, would be to identify what he called “intentional or unintentional barriers" that prevent or discourage farmers of color from properly accessing federal assistance programs.

Vilsack also heavily backed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — commonly known as food stamps, or SNAP — as a key instrument in helping the country's most vulnerable families survive and recover from the pandemic era. His Trump-era predecessor, Sonny Perdue, had sought to purge hundreds of thousands of people from the SNAP-recipient lists.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614117414218.png" alt="Tom Vilsack during his virtual confirmation hearing" />
 <figcaption>Tom Vilsack during his virtual confirmation hearing</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to confirm Tom Vilsack as agriculture secretary, his second run at the Cabinet post.The former Iowa governor spent eight years leading the same department for former President Barack Obama's entire administration. He was confirmed Tuesday on a 92-7 vote. Both Senators from Kansas and Missouri voted in favor.In his testimony, Vilsack, 70, heavily endorsed boosting climate-friendly agricultural industries such as the creation of biofuels, saying, “Agriculture is one of our first and best ways to get some wins" on climate change.He proposed “building a rural economy based on biomanufacturing” and “turning agricultural waste into a variety of products.” He pledged to work closely with the Environmental Protection Agency to “spur the industry” on biofuels.With systemic racial inequity now a nationwide talking point, Vilsack also envisioned creating an “equity task force” inside the department. Its job, he said, would be to identify what he called “intentional or unintentional barriers" that prevent or discourage farmers of color from properly accessing federal assistance programs.Vilsack also heavily backed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — commonly known as food stamps, or SNAP — as a key instrument in helping the country's most vulnerable families survive and recover from the pandemic era. His Trump-era predecessor, Sonny Perdue, had sought to purge hundreds of thousands of people from the SNAP-recipient lists.

Vilsack confirmed for 2nd stint as US agriculture secretary

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Lincoln City Council has approved a measure banning the discredited practice of conversion therapy for LGBTQ children — making Lincoln the first city in the state to do so. 

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that the City Council voted 5-1 Monday to ban the practice. 

It bars counselors, psychiatrists and therapists from seeking to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of a minor. 

Councilman Roy Christensen cast the lone vote against the measure, saying he questions whether the city should interfere with a profession that is governed by state licensing boards.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Lincoln City Council has approved a measure banning the discredited practice of conversion therapy for LGBTQ children — making Lincoln the first city in the state to do so. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that the City Council voted 5-1 Monday to ban the practice. It bars counselors, psychiatrists and therapists from seeking to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of a minor. Councilman Roy Christensen cast the lone vote against the measure, saying he questions whether the city should interfere with a profession that is governed by state licensing boards.

Lincoln becomes 1st Nebraska city to ban conversion therapy

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tiger Woods was seriously injured Tuesday when his SUV crashed into a median, rolled over and ended up on its side on a steep roadway in suburban Los Angeles known for wrecks, authorities said. The golf superstar had to be pulled out through the windshield, and his agent said he was undergoing leg surgery.

Woods was alone in the SUV when it crashed into a raised median shortly before 7:15 a.m., crossed two oncoming lanes and rolled several times, authorities said at a news conference. No other cars were involved. The 45-year-old was alert and able to communicate as firefighters pried open the front windshield to get him out.

The airbags deployed, and the inside of the car stayed basically intact and that "gave him a cushion to survive the crash," Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said. Both of his legs were seriously injured, county Fire Chief Daryl Osby said.

They said there was no immediate evidence that Woods was impaired. Authorities said they checked for any odor of alcohol or other signs he was under the influence of a substance and did not find any. They did not say how fast he was driving.

The crash happened on a sweeping, downhill stretch of a two-lane road through upscale Los Angeles suburbs. Sheriff's Deputy Carlos Gonzalez, who was the first to arrive at the wreck, told reporters that he sometimes catches people topping 80 mph in the 45 mph zone and has seen fatal crashes there.

"I will say that it's very fortunate that Mr. Woods was able to come out of this alive," Gonzalez said.

Woods was in Los Angeles over the weekend as the tournament host of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club, where he presented the trophy on Sunday. He was to spend Monday and Tuesday filming with Discovery-owned GOLFTV, with whom he has an endorsement. A tweet Monday showed Woods in a cart smiling with comedian David Spade.

According to Golf Digest, also owned by Discovery, the TV shoot was on-course lessons for celebrities, such as Spade and Dwyane Wade, at Rolling Hills Country Club.

Woods, a 15-time major champion who shares with Sam Snead the PGA Tour record of 82 career victories, has been recovering from Dec. 23 surgery on his lower back. It was his fifth back surgery and first since his lower spine was fused in April 2017, allowing him to stage a remarkable comeback that culminated with his fifth Masters title in 2019.

He has carried the sport since his record-setting Masters victory in 1997 when he was 21, winning at the most prolific rate in modern PGA Tour history. He is singularly responsible for TV ratings spiking, which has led to enormous increases in prize money during his career. Even at 45, he remains the biggest draw in the sport.

The SUV he was driving Tuesday had tournament logos on the side door, indicating it was a courtesy car for players at the Genesis Invitational. Tournament director Mike Antolini did not immediately respond to a text message, though it is not unusual for players to keep courtesy cars a few days after the event.

Woods feared he would never play again until the 2017 fusion surgery. He returned to win the Tour Championship to close out the 2018 season and won the Masters in April 2019 for the fifth time.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Golf star&nbsp;Tiger Woods&nbsp;suffered leg injuries Tuesday in a vehicle rollover in suburban Los Angeles and was undergoing surgery, authorities and his manager said.

Woods was alone in the vehicle and had to be extricated from it, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement. No other cars were involved in the wreck that injured the golfer.

An ambulance took Woods to a hospital in serious condition, authorities said.

“Tiger Woods was in a single-car accident this morning in California where he suffered multiple leg injuries,” said his manager, Mark Steinberg. “He is currently in surgery and we thank you for your privacy and support.”

A KABC-TV helicopter over the wreck showed a car on its side, with its front end heavily damaged just off the side of a road near a hillside. The air bags appeared to be deployed.

There was a second crash when a vehicle that had apparently stopped to help Woods got hit, said Christopher Thomas, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. That wreck was very minor, and no one was hurt.

Woods’ crash occurred shortly before 7:15 a.m. about 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of downtown Los Angeles, on the border of the upscale communities of Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes, officials said.

Woods was in Los Angeles over the weekend as the tournament host of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera, where he presented the trophy. He was to spend Monday and Tuesday filming with Discovery-owned GOLFTV, with whom he has an endorsement contract. A tweet Monday showed him in a cart smiling with comedian David Spade.

According to Golf Digest, also owned by Discovery, the TV shoot was on-course lessons to celebrities, such as Spade and Dwyane Wade. He did not play.

The 15-time major champion last played Dec. 20 in the PNC Championship with his 11-year-old son, Charlie. He had a fifth surgery on his back, a microdiscectomy, two days before Christmas and gave no indication when he would return. The Masters is April 8-11 and when asked if he would be there during the CBS telecast, Woods replied, “God, I hope so.”

This is the third time Woods has been involved in a car investigation. The most notorious was the early morning after Thanksgiving in 2009, when his SUV ran over a fire hydrant and hit a tree. That was the start of shocking revelations that he had been cheating on his wife with multiple women. Woods lost major corporate sponsorship, went to a rehabilitation clinic in Mississippi and did not return to golf for five months.

In May 2017, Florida police found him asleep behind the wheel of a car parked awkwardly on the side of the road. He was arrested on a DUI charge and said later he had an unexpected reaction to prescription medicine his back pain. Woods later pleaded guilty to reckless driving and checked into a clinic to get help with prescription medication and a sleep disorder.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Golf star Tiger Woods suffered leg injuries Tuesday in a vehicle rollover in the Los Angeles area and is undergoing surgery, authorities and his manager said. His condition isn’t yet clear.

Woods had to be extricated from the vehicle with the “jaws of life” tools, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement. No other cars were involved in the wreck that injured the golfer.

Woods was taken to the hospital by ambulance. The vehicle sustained major damage, the sheriff’s department said.

“Tiger Woods was in a single-car accident this morning in California where he suffered multiple leg injuries,” his manager, Mark Steinberg, said. He is currently in surgery and we thank you for your privacy and support.”

A KABC-TV helicopter over the scene of Woods’ accident showed a car on its side with the front end heavily damaged. Air bags appeared to be deployed. The wreckage appeared to be just off the side of a road on a hillside.

Woods, whose first name is Eldrick, was the sole occupant of the vehicle, the sheriff’s department said.

The crash occurred shortly before 7:15 a.m. Tuesday, officials said.

Woods was in Los Angeles over the weekend as the tournament host of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera, where he presented the trophy. He was to spend Monday and Tuesday filming with Discovery-owned GOLFTV, with whom he has an endorsement contract. One tweet on Monday showed him in a cart smiling with David Spade.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Authorities say golf star Tiger Woods was injured in a vehicle rollover in Los Angeles County.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department says Woods had to be extricated from the vehicle with the so-called jaws of life tools. Woods was taken to the hospital with what authorities and his manager said were leg injuries and was in surgery. The vehicle sustained major damage.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614112921996.png" alt="View of of Tiger Woods' vehicle after a violent rollover crash on Tuesday morning&nbsp; -photo courtesy KTLA" />
 <figcaption>View of of Tiger Woods' vehicle after a violent rollover crash on Tuesday morning&nbsp; -photo courtesy KTLA</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tiger Woods was seriously injured Tuesday when his SUV crashed into a median, rolled over and ended up on its side on a steep roadway in suburban Los Angeles known for wrecks, authorities said. The golf superstar had to be pulled out through the windshield, and his agent said he was undergoing leg surgery.Woods was alone in the SUV when it crashed into a raised median shortly before 7:15 a.m., crossed two oncoming lanes and rolled several times, authorities said at a news conference. No other cars were involved. The 45-year-old was alert and able to communicate as firefighters pried open the front windshield to get him out.The airbags deployed, and the inside of the car stayed basically intact and that "gave him a cushion to survive the crash," Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said. Both of his legs were seriously injured, county Fire Chief Daryl Osby said.They said there was no immediate evidence that Woods was impaired. Authorities said they checked for any odor of alcohol or other signs he was under the influence of a substance and did not find any. They did not say how fast he was driving.The crash happened on a sweeping, downhill stretch of a two-lane road through upscale Los Angeles suburbs. Sheriff's Deputy Carlos Gonzalez, who was the first to arrive at the wreck, told reporters that he sometimes catches people topping 80 mph in the 45 mph zone and has seen fatal crashes there."I will say that it's very fortunate that Mr. Woods was able to come out of this alive," Gonzalez said.Woods was in Los Angeles over the weekend as the tournament host of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club, where he presented the trophy on Sunday. He was to spend Monday and Tuesday filming with Discovery-owned GOLFTV, with whom he has an endorsement. A tweet Monday showed Woods in a cart smiling with comedian David Spade.According to Golf Digest, also owned by Discovery, the TV shoot was on-course lessons for celebrities, such as Spade and Dwyane Wade, at Rolling Hills Country Club.Woods, a 15-time major champion who shares with Sam Snead the PGA Tour record of 82 career victories, has been recovering from Dec. 23 surgery on his lower back. It was his fifth back surgery and first since his lower spine was fused in April 2017, allowing him to stage a remarkable comeback that culminated with his fifth Masters title in 2019.He has carried the sport since his record-setting Masters victory in 1997 when he was 21, winning at the most prolific rate in modern PGA Tour history. He is singularly responsible for TV ratings spiking, which has led to enormous increases in prize money during his career. Even at 45, he remains the biggest draw in the sport.The SUV he was driving Tuesday had tournament logos on the side door, indicating it was a courtesy car for players at the Genesis Invitational. Tournament director Mike Antolini did not immediately respond to a text message, though it is not unusual for players to keep courtesy cars a few days after the event.Woods feared he would never play again until the 2017 fusion surgery. He returned to win the Tour Championship to close out the 2018 season and won the Masters in April 2019 for the fifth time.--------LOS ANGELES (AP) — Golf star&nbsp;Tiger Woods&nbsp;suffered leg injuries Tuesday in a vehicle rollover in suburban Los Angeles and was undergoing surgery, authorities and his manager said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This morning <a href="https://twitter.com/LMTLASD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LMTLASD</a> responded to a roll-over collision in which <a href="https://twitter.com/TigerWoods?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TigerWoods</a> was injured. Please see our statement... <a href="https://t.co/cSWOxKZC1w">pic.twitter.com/cSWOxKZC1w</a>&mdash; LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/LASDHQ/status/1364295974961573889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Woods was alone in the vehicle and had to be extricated from it, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement. No other cars were involved in the wreck that injured the golfer.An ambulance took Woods to a hospital in serious condition, authorities said.“Tiger Woods was in a single-car accident this morning in California where he suffered multiple leg injuries,” said his manager, Mark Steinberg. “He is currently in surgery and we thank you for your privacy and support.”A KABC-TV helicopter over the wreck showed a car on its side, with its front end heavily damaged just off the side of a road near a hillside. The air bags appeared to be deployed.There was a second crash when a vehicle that had apparently stopped to help Woods got hit, said Christopher Thomas, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. That wreck was very minor, and no one was hurt.Woods’ crash occurred shortly before 7:15 a.m. about 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of downtown Los Angeles, on the border of the upscale communities of Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes, officials said.Woods was in Los Angeles over the weekend as the tournament host of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera, where he presented the trophy. He was to spend Monday and Tuesday filming with Discovery-owned GOLFTV, with whom he has an endorsement contract. A tweet Monday showed him in a cart smiling with comedian David Spade.According to Golf Digest, also owned by Discovery, the TV shoot was on-course lessons to celebrities, such as Spade and Dwyane Wade. He did not play.The 15-time major champion last played Dec. 20 in the PNC Championship with his 11-year-old son, Charlie. He had a fifth surgery on his back, a microdiscectomy, two days before Christmas and gave no indication when he would return. The Masters is April 8-11 and when asked if he would be there during the CBS telecast, Woods replied, “God, I hope so.”This is the third time Woods has been involved in a car investigation. The most notorious was the early morning after Thanksgiving in 2009, when his SUV ran over a fire hydrant and hit a tree. That was the start of shocking revelations that he had been cheating on his wife with multiple women. Woods lost major corporate sponsorship, went to a rehabilitation clinic in Mississippi and did not return to golf for five months.In May 2017, Florida police found him asleep behind the wheel of a car parked awkwardly on the side of the road. He was arrested on a DUI charge and said later he had an unexpected reaction to prescription medicine his back pain. Woods later pleaded guilty to reckless driving and checked into a clinic to get help with prescription medication and a sleep disorder.___LOS ANGELES (AP) — Golf star Tiger Woods suffered leg injuries Tuesday in a vehicle rollover in the Los Angeles area and is undergoing surgery, authorities and his manager said. His condition isn’t yet clear.Woods had to be extricated from the vehicle with the “jaws of life” tools, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement. No other cars were involved in the wreck that injured the golfer.Woods was taken to the hospital by ambulance. The vehicle sustained major damage, the sheriff’s department said.“Tiger Woods was in a single-car accident this morning in California where he suffered multiple leg injuries,” his manager, Mark Steinberg, said. He is currently in surgery and we thank you for your privacy and support.”A KABC-TV helicopter over the scene of Woods’ accident showed a car on its side with the front end heavily damaged. Air bags appeared to be deployed. The wreckage appeared to be just off the side of a road on a hillside.Woods, whose first name is Eldrick, was the sole occupant of the vehicle, the sheriff’s department said.The crash occurred shortly before 7:15 a.m. Tuesday, officials said.Woods was in Los Angeles over the weekend as the tournament host of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera, where he presented the trophy. He was to spend Monday and Tuesday filming with Discovery-owned GOLFTV, with whom he has an endorsement contract. One tweet on Monday showed him in a cart smiling with David Spade.According to Golf Digest, also owned by Discovery, the TV shoot was on-course lessons to celebrities, such as Spade and Dwyane Wade. He did not play.The 15-time major champion last played Dec. 20 in the PNC Championship with his 11-year-old son, Charlie. He had a fifth surgery on his back, a microdiscectomy, two days before Christmas and gave no indication when he would return. The Masters is April 8-11 and when asked if he would be there during the CBS telecast, Woods replied, “God, I hope so.”This is the third time Woods has been involved in a car investigation. The most notorious was the early morning after Thanksgiving in 2009, when his SUV ran over a fire hydrant and hit a tree. That was the start of shocking revelations that he had been cheating on his wife with multiple women. Woods lost major corporate sponsorship, went to a rehabilitation clinic in Mississippi and did not return to golf for five months.In May 2017, Florida police found him asleep behind the wheel of a car parked awkwardly on the side of the road. He was arrested on a DUI charge and said later he had an unexpected reaction to prescription medicine his back pain. Woods later pleaded guilty to reckless driving and checked into a clinic to get help with prescription medication and a sleep disorder.-----------------LOS ANGELES (AP) — Authorities say golf star Tiger Woods was injured in a vehicle rollover in Los Angeles County.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This morning <a href="https://twitter.com/LMTLASD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LMTLASD</a> responded to a roll-over collision in which <a href="https://twitter.com/TigerWoods?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TigerWoods</a> was injured. Please see our statement... <a href="https://t.co/cSWOxKZC1w">pic.twitter.com/cSWOxKZC1w</a>&mdash; LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/LASDHQ/status/1364295974961573889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department says Woods had to be extricated from the vehicle with the so-called jaws of life tools. Woods was taken to the hospital with what authorities and his manager said were leg injuries and was in surgery. The vehicle sustained major damage.Check the Post for additional details as they become available

Authorities: No evidence Tiger Woods was impaired in crash

Lawrence, Kan. (AP) — For Native Americans, Deb Haaland is more than an elected official on track to become the first Indigenous secretary of the Interior Department. She is a sister, an auntie and a fierce pueblo woman whose political stances have been molded by her upbringing.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?509102-1/interior-secretary-nominee-representative-deb-haaland-testifies-confirmation-hearing">Click here </a>to watch her confirmation hearing.

News of her historic nomination electrified Indian Country. Tribal leaders and organizations for weeks have urged people to write and call U.S. senators who will decide if she’ll lead the agency that has broad oversight over Native American affairs and energy development.

Haaland’s confirmation hearing this week is being closely watched in tribal communities across the U.S., with virtual parties amid a pandemic. The hearing started Tuesday and will continue Wednesday.

To mark the event, supporters projected a picture of the New Mexico congresswoman on the side of the Interior building with text that read “Our Ancestors’ Dreams Come True.”

Many Native Americans see Haaland as a reflection of themselves, someone who will elevate their voices and protect the environment and tribes’ rights. Here are stories of her impact:

BRANDI LIBERTY, 42, IOWA TRIBE OF KANSAS AND NEBRASKA

When Liberty saw a picture of Haaland in a traditional ribbon skirt and moccasins for Joe Biden’s inauguration, she cried.

She thought about her grandmother Ethil Simmonds Liberty, who didn’t become a U.S. citizen until she was 9 despite being born in the U.S. on her tribe’s reservation that straddles Kansas and Nebraska. Her grandmother was a powerful advocate for her people, petitioning to turn a pigpen into a playground, writing letters to U.S. presidents and leading the way to get a road paved to the reservation, she said.

Brandi Liberty thought about her own daughter, who she is hopeful will carry on her legacy in working with tribes and embracing their heritage.

She thought about her time in college earning a master’s degree and seeing single mothers bring their children to class, each of them understanding that it wasn’t a burden but a necessity. She later became a single mother like Haaland, who has often spoken about the experience, relying on food stamps and amassing debt working through college.

Liberty also thought about other tribal nations and what Haaland could do in terms of moving them in the right direction and connecting them to Washington, D.C. Essentially, Liberty’s grandmother on a larger scale.

“This is no different than when Obama became the first Black president and what that signified,” said Liberty, who lives in New Orleans. “This is a historical mark for Indian Country as a whole.”

ALETA ‘TWEETY’ SUAZO, 66, LAGUNA AND ACOMA PUEBLOS IN NEW MEXICO

Suazo first met Haaland when they were campaigning for Barack Obama, walking door to door in New Mexico’s pueblos.

When Haaland herself was chosen to represent New Mexico as one of the first two Native American women ever elected to Congress, she turned to Suazo and the state’s Native American Democratic Caucus to make treats to hand out for a reception.

They made hundreds of pueblo pies, or pastelitos, and cookies, froze them and took them to Washington, D.C. Wearing traditional black dresses, they handed out the goodies with a thank-you note from Haaland.

Suazo said she admired Haaland because she is eloquent and smart, “no beating around the bush,” and she is a member of Laguna Pueblo who has returned there to dance as a form of prayer.

When she heard Haaland was nominated as Interior secretary shortly after winning a second term in Congress, Suazo wasn’t overjoyed.

“Oh my gosh, she is going to go there, and who is going to represent us?” said Suazo, who lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. “Who is going to represent New Mexico? There goes our one and only Indian representative.”

She wanted to be assured that Haaland would be replaced by someone just as dynamic, who would work hard to protect the environment, address an epidemic of missing and slain Indigenous women and expand broadband, she said.

“I was happy, but I was afraid. I didn’t want to lose her,” Suazo said.

But she sees the significance and importance, she said, in having a Native American oversee an agency that touches nearly every aspect of Native American life. Suazo said she’ll be watching, ready to yell at the screen if anyone questions Haaland’s qualifications.

And to Haaland, she sends the message: Gumeh, or be a strong woman.

ZACHARIAH RIDES AT THE DOOR, 21, BLACKFEET TRIBE OF MONTANA

Rides At The Door is studying environmental sciences and sustainability, and fire science as a third-year student at the University of Montana in Missoula.

He brings a perspective to his studies that Haaland has been touting as unique from Indian Country — that everything is alive and should be treated with respect and that people should be stewards of the land, rather than have dominion over it.

In high school, he learned about the mining industry and how it has impacted sites that are part of the Blackfeet creation story. He learned about the stances the American Indian Movement has taken to fight for equality and recognition of tribal sovereignty. He’s also recently learned that the United States had a Native American vice president from 1929 to 1933, Charles Curtis.

Seeing Haaland’s political rise is inspiring, he said.

“It’s a great way for younger Natives to say, ‘Alright, our foot is in the door. There’s a chance we could get higher positions,’” he said.

He’s not yet certain what he wants to do when he’s done with college. But he knows he wants to learn the Blackfeet language, and maybe become a firefighter or work on projects that route buffalo to the Blackfeet Reservation.

He plans to catch at least part of Haaland’s confirmation hearing from home, hopeful she’s successful and can challenge Western ideology.

DEBBIE NEZ-MANUEL, 49, NAVAJO NATION IN ARIZONA, NEW MEXICO AND UTAH

During her recent campaign for an Arizona legislative seat, Nez-Manuel sought an endorsement from Haaland. She was looking for someone whose values aligned with hers: grounded in beliefs, connected to the land, a consistent and strong leader unchanged by politics.

After layers of vetting, she got the endorsement and planned to announce it at a get-out-the-vote rally at the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona, featuring Haaland. It also was a chance for the two women to take a picture together.

Then, the event was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Nez-Manuel was devastated.

Days before she was supposed to meet Haaland, Nez-Manuel was sitting at home when her phone rang. She didn’t recognize the number but answered anyway.

“Hey Debbie, this is Deb,” the voice on the phone said.

The caller replied: “Deb Haaland. Good morning. I’m calling from New Mexico. I’m sitting in my kitchen.”

Nez-Manuel’s heart was racing, and she struggled to put all her thoughts she had so carefully scripted for that meeting into words. Haaland, she said, was patient and shared stories about life on and off a reservation — something that resonated with Nez-Manuel — and reaffirmed that Haaland hasn’t forgotten her roots.

“It’s like talking to an auntie,” she said. “She’s very matter of fact.”

Nez-Manuel joked about getting a plane ticket to watch Haaland’s confirmation hearing in person to get that elusive picture.

Instead, she and her husband, Royce, will be watching from home on the Salt-River Pima Maricopa Community northeast of Phoenix. They’ve encouraged their children’s teachers to incorporate the hearing into lesson plans and tribes to help answer questions about the process.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614102832967.png" alt="Deb Haaland is sworn in before her Senate testimony -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Deb Haaland is sworn in before her Senate testimony -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Lawrence, Kan. (AP) — For Native Americans, Deb Haaland is more than an elected official on track to become the first Indigenous secretary of the Interior Department. She is a sister, an auntie and a fierce pueblo woman whose political stances have been molded by her upbringing.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?509102-1/interior-secretary-nominee-representative-deb-haaland-testifies-confirmation-hearing">Click here </a>to watch her confirmation hearing.News of her historic nomination electrified Indian Country. Tribal leaders and organizations for weeks have urged people to write and call U.S. senators who will decide if she’ll lead the agency that has broad oversight over Native American affairs and energy development.Haaland’s confirmation hearing this week is being closely watched in tribal communities across the U.S., with virtual parties amid a pandemic. The hearing started Tuesday and will continue Wednesday.To mark the event, supporters projected a picture of the New Mexico congresswoman on the side of the Interior building with text that read “Our Ancestors’ Dreams Come True.”Many Native Americans see Haaland as a reflection of themselves, someone who will elevate their voices and protect the environment and tribes’ rights. Here are stories of her impact:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614103644196.png" alt="Deb Haaland (left) and Kansas 3rd District Congresswoman Sharice Davids(R) at the inauguration for Joe Biden" />
 <figcaption>Deb Haaland (left) and Kansas 3rd District Congresswoman Sharice Davids(R) at the inauguration for Joe Biden</figcaption>
 </figure>________BRANDI LIBERTY, 42, IOWA TRIBE OF KANSAS AND NEBRASKAWhen Liberty saw a picture of Haaland in a traditional ribbon skirt and moccasins for Joe Biden’s inauguration, she cried.She thought about her grandmother Ethil Simmonds Liberty, who didn’t become a U.S. citizen until she was 9 despite being born in the U.S. on her tribe’s reservation that straddles Kansas and Nebraska. Her grandmother was a powerful advocate for her people, petitioning to turn a pigpen into a playground, writing letters to U.S. presidents and leading the way to get a road paved to the reservation, she said.Brandi Liberty thought about her own daughter, who she is hopeful will carry on her legacy in working with tribes and embracing their heritage.She thought about her time in college earning a master’s degree and seeing single mothers bring their children to class, each of them understanding that it wasn’t a burden but a necessity. She later became a single mother like Haaland, who has often spoken about the experience, relying on food stamps and amassing debt working through college.Liberty also thought about other tribal nations and what Haaland could do in terms of moving them in the right direction and connecting them to Washington, D.C. Essentially, Liberty’s grandmother on a larger scale.“This is no different than when Obama became the first Black president and what that signified,” said Liberty, who lives in New Orleans. “This is a historical mark for Indian Country as a whole.”________ALETA ‘TWEETY’ SUAZO, 66, LAGUNA AND ACOMA PUEBLOS IN NEW MEXICOSuazo first met Haaland when they were campaigning for Barack Obama, walking door to door in New Mexico’s pueblos.When Haaland herself was chosen to represent New Mexico as one of the first two Native American women ever elected to Congress, she turned to Suazo and the state’s Native American Democratic Caucus to make treats to hand out for a reception.They made hundreds of pueblo pies, or pastelitos, and cookies, froze them and took them to Washington, D.C. Wearing traditional black dresses, they handed out the goodies with a thank-you note from Haaland.Suazo said she admired Haaland because she is eloquent and smart, “no beating around the bush,” and she is a member of Laguna Pueblo who has returned there to dance as a form of prayer.When she heard Haaland was nominated as Interior secretary shortly after winning a second term in Congress, Suazo wasn’t overjoyed.“Oh my gosh, she is going to go there, and who is going to represent us?” said Suazo, who lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. “Who is going to represent New Mexico? There goes our one and only Indian representative.”She wanted to be assured that Haaland would be replaced by someone just as dynamic, who would work hard to protect the environment, address an epidemic of missing and slain Indigenous women and expand broadband, she said.“I was happy, but I was afraid. I didn’t want to lose her,” Suazo said.But she sees the significance and importance, she said, in having a Native American oversee an agency that touches nearly every aspect of Native American life. Suazo said she’ll be watching, ready to yell at the screen if anyone questions Haaland’s qualifications.And to Haaland, she sends the message: Gumeh, or be a strong woman.____ZACHARIAH RIDES AT THE DOOR, 21, BLACKFEET TRIBE OF MONTANARides At The Door is studying environmental sciences and sustainability, and fire science as a third-year student at the University of Montana in Missoula.He brings a perspective to his studies that Haaland has been touting as unique from Indian Country — that everything is alive and should be treated with respect and that people should be stewards of the land, rather than have dominion over it.In high school, he learned about the mining industry and how it has impacted sites that are part of the Blackfeet creation story. He learned about the stances the American Indian Movement has taken to fight for equality and recognition of tribal sovereignty. He’s also recently learned that the United States had a Native American vice president from 1929 to 1933, Charles Curtis.Seeing Haaland’s political rise is inspiring, he said.“It’s a great way for younger Natives to say, ‘Alright, our foot is in the door. There’s a chance we could get higher positions,’” he said.He’s not yet certain what he wants to do when he’s done with college. But he knows he wants to learn the Blackfeet language, and maybe become a firefighter or work on projects that route buffalo to the Blackfeet Reservation.He plans to catch at least part of Haaland’s confirmation hearing from home, hopeful she’s successful and can challenge Western ideology.___DEBBIE NEZ-MANUEL, 49, NAVAJO NATION IN ARIZONA, NEW MEXICO AND UTAHDuring her recent campaign for an Arizona legislative seat, Nez-Manuel sought an endorsement from Haaland. She was looking for someone whose values aligned with hers: grounded in beliefs, connected to the land, a consistent and strong leader unchanged by politics.After layers of vetting, she got the endorsement and planned to announce it at a get-out-the-vote rally at the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona, featuring Haaland. It also was a chance for the two women to take a picture together.Then, the event was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Nez-Manuel was devastated.Days before she was supposed to meet Haaland, Nez-Manuel was sitting at home when her phone rang. She didn’t recognize the number but answered anyway.“Hey Debbie, this is Deb,” the voice on the phone said.“Who?” Nez-Manuel asked.The caller replied: “Deb Haaland. Good morning. I’m calling from New Mexico. I’m sitting in my kitchen.”Nez-Manuel’s heart was racing, and she struggled to put all her thoughts she had so carefully scripted for that meeting into words. Haaland, she said, was patient and shared stories about life on and off a reservation — something that resonated with Nez-Manuel — and reaffirmed that Haaland hasn’t forgotten her roots.“It’s like talking to an auntie,” she said. “She’s very matter of fact.”Nez-Manuel joked about getting a plane ticket to watch Haaland’s confirmation hearing in person to get that elusive picture.Instead, she and her husband, Royce, will be watching from home on the Salt-River Pima Maricopa Community northeast of Phoenix. They’ve encouraged their children’s teachers to incorporate the hearing into lesson plans and tribes to help answer questions about the process.___

Indian Country gripped by Haaland hearing for top US post

NORTH PLATTE&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) arrested a California man and seized more than 25 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop in Dawson County.

At approximately 6:15 p.m., Friday, February 19, a trooper observed a Hyundai Azera fail to stop at a stop sign after exiting Interstate 80 at the Overton interchange, at mile marker 248. During the traffic stop, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity.&nbsp;

A search of the vehicle revealed 26 packages inside a duffel bag in the trunk. 25 of the packages contained methamphetamine, with a total weight of 26 pounds. The final package contained .3 pounds of pills, suspected to contain fentanyl.

The driver, Octavio Padilla-Garcia, 35, of Los Angeles, California, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and no drug tax stamp. 

Padilla-Garcia was lodged in Dawson County Jail.

NORTH PLATTE&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) arrested a California man and seized more than 25 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop in Dawson County.At approximately 6:15 p.m., Friday, February 19, a trooper observed a Hyundai Azera fail to stop at a stop sign after exiting Interstate 80 at the Overton interchange, at mile marker 248. During the traffic stop, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity.&nbsp;A search of the vehicle revealed 26 packages inside a duffel bag in the trunk. 25 of the packages contained methamphetamine, with a total weight of 26 pounds. The final package contained .3 pounds of pills, suspected to contain fentanyl.The driver, Octavio Padilla-Garcia, 35, of Los Angeles, California, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and no drug tax stamp. Padilla-Garcia was lodged in Dawson County Jail.

Troopers find 26 LBs of meth, suspected fentanyl in traffic stop

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Police in Wyoming continue to investigate the death of a 2-year-old boy whose body was found in a dumpster at an apartment complex.

 Athian Rivera was found several hours after he was reported missing in Cheyenne around 1 p.m. Friday. 

Police on Monday said they suspect foul play but haven't said how the boy died. 

Dozens of stuffed animals were attached to a fence partially surrounding a dumpster at the apartments. 

The Facebook account of Cheyenne resident Kassy Orona led with “RIP my perfect innocent son, Athian Emmanuel Rivera." 

The account doesn't say how the toddler died. 

Orona didn't immediately return a message seeking comment.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Police in Wyoming continue to investigate the death of a 2-year-old boy whose body was found in a dumpster at an apartment complex. Athian Rivera was found several hours after he was reported missing in Cheyenne around 1 p.m. Friday. Police on Monday said they suspect foul play but haven't said how the boy died. Dozens of stuffed animals were attached to a fence partially surrounding a dumpster at the apartments. The Facebook account of Cheyenne resident Kassy Orona led with “RIP my perfect innocent son, Athian Emmanuel Rivera." The account doesn't say how the toddler died. Orona didn't immediately return a message seeking comment.

Investigation of Wyoming toddler found dead continues

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Supporters of a successful ballot measure to make medical marijuana legal in South Dakota are urging state lawmakers to allow users to avoid criminal charges during any delay in implementing the program. 

Gov. Kristi Noem and Republican legislative leaders are pushing to delay the program for a year, arguing they need the time to study the issue and set up a comprehensive medical pot program. 

Medical marijuana groups called for lawmakers to allow people who are charged with marijuana possession beginning July 1 to avoid convictions by presenting a statement from a medical practitioner showing they have a “debilitating medical condition.”

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Supporters of a successful ballot measure to make medical marijuana legal in South Dakota are urging state lawmakers to allow users to avoid criminal charges during any delay in implementing the program. Gov. Kristi Noem and Republican legislative leaders are pushing to delay the program for a year, arguing they need the time to study the issue and set up a comprehensive medical pot program. Medical marijuana groups called for lawmakers to allow people who are charged with marijuana possession beginning July 1 to avoid convictions by presenting a statement from a medical practitioner showing they have a “debilitating medical condition.”

Medical marijuana advocates ask lawmakers for 'compromise'

ELK CREEK, Neb. (AP) - The Colorado company working to build a mine in southeast Nebraska to extract a rare heat-resistant element says it has purchased a key piece of land the mine would be built on.

NioCorp Developments said Monday that it had purchased the land near Elk Creek where the proposed niobium mine would be built. The company didn't release the price of the land, but the purchase came a week after NioCorp secured $10 million in funding from an investment fund.

The proposed mine is expected to create over 400 jobs and require more than $1 billion in construction costs. NioCorp is working to raise enough money to build the mine. The project previously&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/a7fb80bc9184432aaa323e786b822779" target="_blank">qualified&nbsp;</a>for up to $200 million in state tax incentives.

The U.S. currently imports nearly all the niobium that's used in this country to harden steel and make it more heat-resistant for industrial uses.

NioCorp is based in Centennial, Colorado.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614049687911.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the Associated PressELK CREEK, Neb. (AP) - The Colorado company working to build a mine in southeast Nebraska to extract a rare heat-resistant element says it has purchased a key piece of land the mine would be built on.NioCorp Developments said Monday that it had purchased the land near Elk Creek where the proposed niobium mine would be built. The company didn't release the price of the land, but the purchase came a week after NioCorp secured $10 million in funding from an investment fund.The proposed mine is expected to create over 400 jobs and require more than $1 billion in construction costs. NioCorp is working to raise enough money to build the mine. The project previously&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/a7fb80bc9184432aaa323e786b822779" target="_blank">qualified&nbsp;</a>for up to $200 million in state tax incentives.The U.S. currently imports nearly all the niobium that's used in this country to harden steel and make it more heat-resistant for industrial uses.NioCorp is based in Centennial, Colorado.

Mining firm buys key parcel of land in southeast Nebraska

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden announced changes Monday to target more federal pandemic assistance to the nation’s smallest businesses and ventures owned by women and people of color.

Biden says a lot of these mom and pop businesses “got muscled out of the way” by larger businesses seeking federal money in the early days of the pandemic. He said changes taking effect Wednesday will provide long overdue aid to these smaller enterprises that he says are being “crushed” by the pandemic-driven economic downturn.

“America’s small businesses are hurting, hurting badly and they need help now,” Biden said.

Under the pandemic-era Paycheck Protection Program, the administration is establishing a two-week window, starting Wednesday, in which only businesses with fewer than 20 employees — the overwhelming majority of small businesses — can apply for the forgivable loans.

Biden’s team is also carving out $1 billion to direct toward sole proprietors, such as home contractors and beauticians, the majority of which are owned by women and people of color.

Other efforts will remove a prohibition on lending to a company with at least 20% ownership by a person arrested or convicted for a nonfraud felony in the prior year, as well as allowing those behind on their federal student loans to seek relief through the program. The administration is also clarifying that noncitizen legal residents can apply to the program.

First rolled out in the earliest days of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;and renewed in December, the program was meant to help keep Americans employed during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/31ffad3ea17ef1d07e2724dd8fc25d50">the economic downturn</a>. It allows small and mid-size businesses suffering loss of revenue to access federal loans, which are forgivable if 60% of the loan is spent on payroll and the balance on other qualified expenses.

The Biden effort is aimed at correcting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-small-business-new-york-coronavirus-pandemic-7613e946275f085367b5fc8c9a496aea">disparities in how the program was administered</a>&nbsp;by the Trump administration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588075781384.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden announced changes Monday to target more federal pandemic assistance to the nation’s smallest businesses and ventures owned by women and people of color.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Biden-Harris Administration has made delivering equitable relief to the hardest-hit small businesses a top priority. Today, we’re announcing additional steps to help small businesses survive, reopen, and rebuild. <a href="https://t.co/ZThQ1CpgI9">https://t.co/ZThQ1CpgI9</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1363932712382435330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden says a lot of these mom and pop businesses “got muscled out of the way” by larger businesses seeking federal money in the early days of the pandemic. He said changes taking effect Wednesday will provide long overdue aid to these smaller enterprises that he says are being “crushed” by the pandemic-driven economic downturn.“America’s small businesses are hurting, hurting badly and they need help now,” Biden said.Under the pandemic-era Paycheck Protection Program, the administration is establishing a two-week window, starting Wednesday, in which only businesses with fewer than 20 employees — the overwhelming majority of small businesses — can apply for the forgivable loans.Biden’s team is also carving out $1 billion to direct toward sole proprietors, such as home contractors and beauticians, the majority of which are owned by women and people of color.Other efforts will remove a prohibition on lending to a company with at least 20% ownership by a person arrested or convicted for a nonfraud felony in the prior year, as well as allowing those behind on their federal student loans to seek relief through the program. The administration is also clarifying that noncitizen legal residents can apply to the program.First rolled out in the earliest days of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;and renewed in December, the program was meant to help keep Americans employed during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/31ffad3ea17ef1d07e2724dd8fc25d50">the economic downturn</a>. It allows small and mid-size businesses suffering loss of revenue to access federal loans, which are forgivable if 60% of the loan is spent on payroll and the balance on other qualified expenses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614028127519.png" alt="President Biden announced the program during remarks on Monday-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden announced the program during remarks on Monday-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>The Biden effort is aimed at correcting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-small-business-new-york-coronavirus-pandemic-7613e946275f085367b5fc8c9a496aea">disparities in how the program was administered</a>&nbsp;by the Trump administration.Data from the Paycheck Protection Program released Dec. 1 and analyzed by The Associated Press show that many minority owners desperate for a relief loan didn’t receive one until the PPP’s last few weeks while many more white business owners were able to get loans earlier in the program.The program, which began April 3 and ended Aug. 8 and handed out 5.2 million loans worth $525 billion, helped many businesses stay afloat when government measures to control the coronavirus forced many to shut down or operate at a diminished capacity.The latest PPP, which began Jan. 11 and runs through the end of March, has already paid out $133.5 billion in loans — about half of the $284 billion allocated by Congress — with an average loan under $74,000.A further renewal of the program is not included in Biden’s $1.9 trillion “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-coronavirus-action-plan-3d8d5841bb9098a81ad9452fb2619024">American Rescue Plan</a>,” which he hopes Congress will pass in the coming weeks.