President Joe Biden released his 2024 budget proposal, which focuses on taxing the rich, expanding Medicaid services and more. And, we're sending Senate Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell our best after being hospitalized.

👋 It's Kristin Bausch, back again with the news. It's Thursday! Let's get into it. 

🐾 But first: "He's ugly." Harvey the husky was rejected from his family. He sat in a San Diego shelter for months with no one showing any interest in adopting him. Until a Facebook post won over a Seattle family. They drove 3,000 miles to save him.

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Biden's 2024 budget is out

Boost taxes on the rich? Cuts to the national deficit? It's all in President Joe Biden's 2024 budget proposal he released Thursday. What's to come is months of intense negotiations with congressional Republicans over the nation’s pocketbook. Congress is in charge of writing the federal budget, and Republicans — who now control the House — have said they have no intention of going along with any plan to raise taxes. The budget negotiations come amid a battle over raising the limit on how much money the federal government can borrow. See more of Biden's proposals. 

• Higher taxes: Biden's budget proposal will include tax increases. What are they?

Mexican cartel apologizes for kidnapping of Americans

The Mexican drug cartel claiming its members were behind the brazen kidnapping of four Americans last week handed over five of its members and left a note of apology, a report said Thursday. Photos circulating on social media show five men on the pavement with their hands tied – four of them shirtless – in front of a pickup truck, which has a handwritten letter of apology on the windshield. Authorities have said cartel members likely mistook them for drug smugglers and abducted them after shooting their van.

• Is Mexico travel safe?: What to know about visiting Cabo, Cancun and more.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell hospitalized after fall

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is being treated for a concussion after falling at a hotel in Washington on Wednesday. The longtime Kentucky lawmaker tripped at a dinner event and was admitted to a hospital, spokesman David Popp told USA TODAY on Thursday. "He is expected to remain in the hospital for a few days of observation and treatment," Popp said. More updates here.

• 'A mistake': McConnell calls out Tucker Carlson's downplaying of Jan. 6.

What everyone's talking about

• Kansas coach to miss Big 12 tournament opener, hospitalized with illness.

• Prince Harry's kids: Why weren't they born with royal titles? 

• 'Shut your mouth': GOP Sen. Mullin tangles with union boss at Senate hearing.

• He was told he might be in a wheelchair by 30. Then he hiked the Appalachian Trail.

🌤 What's the weather up to in your neck of the woods? Check your local forecast here.

Russian missiles and drones hit Kyiv, Ukraine, one of the biggest attacks this year

Ukraine had "a difficult night" after Russian missiles, and drones pounded Kyiv and multiple other cities Thursday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. A wave of Russian "retaliation" missiles and drones killed at least six people and knocked out power to hundreds of thousands in one of the biggest attacks on the besieged country this year. Russia launched 81 missiles and eight exploding Shahed drones, Ukraine military officials said. The U.S. is also seizing a $25M Boeing 737. More updates.

• Mental health in Ukraine: A first-of-its-kind center aims to heal as 'part of our survival.'

Norfolk Southern CEO is 'deeply sorry' for Ohio train derailment

Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw faced a U.S. Senate panel Thursday as his company contends with increased scrutiny over a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, last month. “I am deeply sorry for the impact this derailment has had on the people of East Palestine ... I am determined to make it right,” he said Wednesday. Shaw also expressed remorse over the spilled toxic chemicals. While officials have said the air and village water system are now safe, residents remain worried about their community and have reported various health issues. More about Shaw's testimony.

• Second Norfolk Southern derailment: Incident shines congressional spotlight on rail industry.

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A break from the news

• 💖 It's National Barbie Day! The 64-year-old doll was born to 'show girls they could be anything.'

• 🪑 Out with old, save on the new? How to easily paint furniture like a pro.

• 🔒 Safety comes first. 7 home security mistakes you’re making — and how to fix them

This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Want this news roundup in your inbox every night? Subscribe to the newsletter here.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden budget, Mitch McConnell, Russian missiles hit Kyiv: Thursday's news