OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A man sentenced to up to 10 years in the shooting death of a teenager at an Omaha hotel could be out of prison in less than a year. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that 22-year-old Mason Beaverson, of Omaha, was sentenced Thursday after pleading no contest in March to manslaughter and possession of a stolen gun in the September 2020 death of 17-year-old Evan Latto. 

Beaverson was sentenced to 5 to 10 years on the manslaughter count and 2 to 4 years on the gun count. 

But the judge ordered the sentences served at the same time and gave him credit for 586 days already served. 

Police say Beaverson was high on drugs at a party when he pointed a gun at Latto and pulled the trigger.

By Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A man sentenced to up to 10 years in the shooting death of a teenager at an Omaha hotel could be out of prison in less than a year. The Omaha World-Herald reports that 22-year-old Mason Beaverson, of Omaha, was sentenced Thursday after pleading no contest in March to manslaughter and possession of a stolen gun in the September 2020 death of 17-year-old Evan Latto. Beaverson was sentenced to 5 to 10 years on the manslaughter count and 2 to 4 years on the gun count. But the judge ordered the sentences served at the same time and gave him credit for 586 days already served. Police say Beaverson was high on drugs at a party when he pointed a gun at Latto and pulled the trigger.

Man sentenced to prison for Omaha teen's 2020 shooting death

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ricketts-family-other-investors-drop-bid-for-english-soccer-club-owned-by-russian-oligarch/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN
 — A group led by the Ricketts family has dropped its effort to buy an 
English professional soccer club that is currently &nbsp;owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, the Chicago Tribune and other media outlets reported Friday.

The effort to buy the Chelsea club had spawned protests in England over Islamophobic comments made by Joe Ricketts in emails leaked to the news media in 2019.

Ricketts, whose family owns the Chicago Cubs, apologized for the emails, which included a comment that “Islam is a cult and not a religion.”

In the emails, one of Joe Ricketts’ sons, Gov. Pete Ricketts, attempted to warn his father about the comment.

Pete
 Ricketts left the board of directors of the Cubs three years ago. He 
has said he left management of the family-owned ball club to focus on 
his work as governor.&nbsp;

The group seeking the Chelsea purchase was led by Tom Ricketts, chairman of the board of the Chicago Cubs, but also included investors Ken Griffin, owner of Citadel LLC, and Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, an NBA franchise.

In a statement issued Friday, the group stated it had decided, “after careful consideration,” to not pursue a final bid for the Chelsea club.

“In
 the process of finalizing their proposal, it became increasingly clear 
that certain issues could not be addressed given the unusual dynamics 
around the sales process,” the statement read. “We have great admiration
 for Chelsea and its fans, and we wish the new owners well.”

Abramovich
 took over Chelsea in 2003 but had his assets frozen by the British 
government in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Abramovich had 
put the Premiere League club up for sale just prior to the government’s 
move.

According to Forbes, the Chelsea club was purchased for about $190 million in 2003 and is now valued at $3.2 billion.

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ricketts-family-other-investors-drop-bid-for-english-soccer-club-owned-by-russian-oligarch/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN
 — A group led by the Ricketts family has dropped its effort to buy an 
English professional soccer club that is currently &nbsp;owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, the Chicago Tribune and other media outlets reported Friday.The effort to buy the Chelsea club had spawned protests in England over Islamophobic comments made by Joe Ricketts in emails leaked to the news media in 2019.Ricketts, whose family owns the Chicago Cubs, apologized for the emails, which included a comment that “Islam is a cult and not a religion.”<h2>Emails leaked</h2>In the emails, one of Joe Ricketts’ sons, Gov. Pete Ricketts, attempted to warn his father about the comment.Pete
 Ricketts left the board of directors of the Cubs three years ago. He 
has said he left management of the family-owned ball club to focus on 
his work as governor.&nbsp;The group seeking the Chelsea purchase was led by Tom Ricketts, chairman of the board of the Chicago Cubs, but also included investors Ken Griffin, owner of Citadel LLC, and Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, an NBA franchise.In a statement issued Friday, the group stated it had decided, “after careful consideration,” to not pursue a final bid for the Chelsea club.<h2>‘Unusual dynamics’</h2>“In
 the process of finalizing their proposal, it became increasingly clear 
that certain issues could not be addressed given the unusual dynamics 
around the sales process,” the statement read. “We have great admiration
 for Chelsea and its fans, and we wish the new owners well.”Abramovich
 took over Chelsea in 2003 but had his assets frozen by the British 
government in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Abramovich had 
put the Premiere League club up for sale just prior to the government’s 
move.According to Forbes, the Chelsea club was purchased for about $190 million in 2003 and is now valued at $3.2 billion.

Investors drop bid for English soccer club owned by Russian oligarch

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal July 2021 accident have made an arrest.

On Thursday, police arrested 81-year-old Russell Peterson of Randolph, on a Riley County District Court Warrant on requested charges of&nbsp; Murder in the 2nd Degree; unintentional but reckless, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that just after 8:30a.m. Sunday July 25, a 2006 Volvo semi driven by Russell Peterson, 81, Randolph was eastbound on Greet Randolph Road one half mile north of Randolph.

&nbsp;The driver failed to stop at the stop sign at U.S. 77.&nbsp; The semi struck a northbound Acura driven by Adam Samuelson, 38, Randolph.&nbsp;

EMS transported Samuelson to Stormont Vail where he died.&nbsp;Peterson was not injured.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Thursday Peterson was issued a total bond of $100,000 and is not confined in the Riley County Jail, according to the RCPD.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal July 2021 accident have made an arrest.On Thursday, police arrested 81-year-old Russell Peterson of Randolph, on a Riley County District Court Warrant on requested charges of&nbsp; Murder in the 2nd Degree; unintentional but reckless, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that just after 8:30a.m. Sunday July 25, a 2006 Volvo semi driven by Russell Peterson, 81, Randolph was eastbound on Greet Randolph Road one half mile north of Randolph.&nbsp;The driver failed to stop at the stop sign at U.S. 77.&nbsp; The semi struck a northbound Acura driven by Adam Samuelson, 38, Randolph.&nbsp;EMS transported Samuelson to Stormont Vail where he died.&nbsp;Peterson was not injured.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Thursday Peterson was issued a total bond of $100,000 and is not confined in the Riley County Jail, according to the RCPD.

Police: 81-year-old arrested for crash that killed Kansas man

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Newspaper publisher Lee Enterprises is facing renewed pressure from a hedge fund to speed up its transition to digital publishing and consider adding new digital-savvy leaders to its board.

 This after successfully fighting off a hostile takeover from a different hedge fund. 

Lee’s largest shareholder, Cannell Capital, this week disclosed buying nearly 20,000 more of the company’s shares, giving it a 9.1% stake. 

The fund’s head, Carlo Cannell, said he thinks Lee needs new board members and executives with experience running a digital publishing business.

By Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Newspaper publisher Lee Enterprises is facing renewed pressure from a hedge fund to speed up its transition to digital publishing and consider adding new digital-savvy leaders to its board. This after successfully fighting off a hostile takeover from a different hedge fund. Lee’s largest shareholder, Cannell Capital, this week disclosed buying nearly 20,000 more of the company’s shares, giving it a 9.1% stake. The fund’s head, Carlo Cannell, said he thinks Lee needs new board members and executives with experience running a digital publishing business.

News publisher Lee faces renewed pressure from hedge funds

DETROIT (AP) — A former University of Michigan violin professor has been sentenced to five years in prison after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arts-and-entertainment-education-michigan-ann-arbor-university-of-michigan-d385d3b749c5159cde4fd8bc53257a8f">pleading guilty</a>&nbsp;to transporting a girl across states lines for sex.

A federal judge who sentenced Stephen Shipps, 69, on Thursday also ordered the Ann Arbor man to pay $120,000 in restitution to his victim, federal prosecutors said. Shipps offered an apology and his lawyer had asked for no prison time.

Shipps pleaded guilty in November to one count of transporting a girl across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual conduct. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-ann-arbor-michigan-music-ba8f2b4bb9ee23e76c94eb32f1ab0507">charges allege that he took the girl across state lines</a>&nbsp;several times between February and July of 2002 with the intention of having sex with her.

The girl was born in 1985, according to court documents.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/music-michigan-indictments-detroit-ann-arbor-08a5dbdad8c0e8d267c99fb8d68513b0">Shipps’ indictment in October 2020</a>&nbsp;and arrest in Ann Arbor came two years after the university placed the longtime professor on paid leave after former students accused him of sexual misconduct while he taught them in the 1970s and 1980s in Nebraska and North Carolina.

James C. Harris, III, acting special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Detroit, said he hopes Shipps’ sentence “sends a powerful message to others in positions of trust that if you prey on the vulnerable you will be held accountable for your actions.”

The University of Michigan has faced intense scrutiny over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2ff7e15137a7d857709a30760d2a1c5a">how it protects people on the campus from sexual misconduct</a>. The school was rocked by allegations that began to publicly surface in 2020 from hundreds of men who said they were sexually assaulted by the late&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-sports-education-18150340738f5e7937500f7707ba28df">Robert Anderson</a>, who was a campus doctor for nearly 40 years. He died in 2008. In January, the school announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-of-michigan-robert-anderson-accusers-settlement-a419d760f8390f5e43d40601c1d806ef">a $490 million settlement</a>&nbsp;with Anderson’s accusers.

Shipps taught at the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance from 1989 until his retirement in 2019. He also directed a preparatory program that offered musical instruction to children.

Shipps also served on the faculties of Indiana University, the North Carolina School of the Arts, the University of Nebraska–Omaha, and the Banff Centre in Canada, federal authorities said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650031860764.png" alt="Shipps" />
 <figcaption>Shipps</figcaption>
 </figure>By ASSOCIATED PRESSDETROIT (AP) — A former University of Michigan violin professor has been sentenced to five years in prison after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arts-and-entertainment-education-michigan-ann-arbor-university-of-michigan-d385d3b749c5159cde4fd8bc53257a8f">pleading guilty</a>&nbsp;to transporting a girl across states lines for sex.A federal judge who sentenced Stephen Shipps, 69, on Thursday also ordered the Ann Arbor man to pay $120,000 in restitution to his victim, federal prosecutors said. Shipps offered an apology and his lawyer had asked for no prison time.Shipps pleaded guilty in November to one count of transporting a girl across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual conduct. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-ann-arbor-michigan-music-ba8f2b4bb9ee23e76c94eb32f1ab0507">charges allege that he took the girl across state lines</a>&nbsp;several times between February and July of 2002 with the intention of having sex with her.The girl was born in 1985, according to court documents.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/music-michigan-indictments-detroit-ann-arbor-08a5dbdad8c0e8d267c99fb8d68513b0">Shipps’ indictment in October 2020</a>&nbsp;and arrest in Ann Arbor came two years after the university placed the longtime professor on paid leave after former students accused him of sexual misconduct while he taught them in the 1970s and 1980s in Nebraska and North Carolina.James C. Harris, III, acting special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Detroit, said he hopes Shipps’ sentence “sends a powerful message to others in positions of trust that if you prey on the vulnerable you will be held accountable for your actions.”The University of Michigan has faced intense scrutiny over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2ff7e15137a7d857709a30760d2a1c5a">how it protects people on the campus from sexual misconduct</a>. The school was rocked by allegations that began to publicly surface in 2020 from hundreds of men who said they were sexually assaulted by the late&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-sports-education-18150340738f5e7937500f7707ba28df">Robert Anderson</a>, who was a campus doctor for nearly 40 years. He died in 2008. In January, the school announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-of-michigan-robert-anderson-accusers-settlement-a419d760f8390f5e43d40601c1d806ef">a $490 million settlement</a>&nbsp;with Anderson’s accusers.Shipps taught at the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance from 1989 until his retirement in 2019. He also directed a preparatory program that offered musical instruction to children.Shipps also served on the faculties of Indiana University, the North Carolina School of the Arts, the University of Nebraska–Omaha, and the Banff Centre in Canada, federal authorities said.

Ex-Michigan, UNO music professor gets prison on child sex charges

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers the 
deadline to file and pay tax owed for most individual income tax returns
 is Monday, April 18. The agency wants last-minute filers to know tax 
help is available to file a tax return, request an extension or make a 
payment, 24 hours a day on IRS.gov.

The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically because tax 
software does the calculations, flags common errors and reduces tax 
return errors by prompting taxpayers for missing information. The fastest way to receive a refund is to file electronically and use <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>.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>
 is available to any person or family with an adjusted gross income 
(AGI) of $73,000 or less in 2021. Leading tax software providers make 
their online products available for free. Taxpayers can use IRS Free 
File to claim the remaining amount of their Child Tax Credit, the Earned
 Income Tax Credit and other important credits. IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-fillable-forms/free-file-fillable-forms-is-closed">Free File Fillable Forms</a> is available to anyone who is comfortable preparing their own tax return - so there is a free option for everyone.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>
 provides information to help file an accurate return, including Advance
 Child Tax Credit and Economic Impact Payment amounts, Adjusted Gross 
Income amounts from last year's tax return, estimated tax payment 
amounts and refunds applied as a credit.

The IRS estimates 15 million taxpayers will request an extension of 
time to file and the easiest way to request an extension to file is 
using IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>. In a matter of minutes, anyone can request an extension until October 17, using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868">Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return</a>.
 An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay, 
however, and taxpayers must estimate their tax liability on this form 
and pay any amount due by the April 18 filing deadline to avoid 
penalties and interest.

Taxpayers can also request more time by paying all or part of their 
estimated income tax due and indicate that the payment is for an 
extension. They can do this using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>, or a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-taxes-by-credit-or-debit-card">debit, credit card or digital wallet</a>. This way they don't have to file a separate extension form and will receive a confirmation number for their records.

IRS Form 4868 can also be downloaded from <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions">Forms, Instructions &amp; Publications</a>, completed and addressed to the correct IRS office, and must be postmarked by the filing deadline.

The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any 
taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in areas covered by 
Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster declarations. Deadlines to 
file tax returns and make tax payments are extended for affected 
taxpayers in certain areas of <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-arkansas">Arkansas</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-colorado">Colorado</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-kentucky">Kentucky</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-tennessee">Tennessee</a> until May 16, 2022, and for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-tax-relief-for-puerto-rico-severe-storms-flooding-and-landslides">Puerto Rico</a> until June 15, 2022. For details on all available relief, visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation">Around the Nation</a> page on IRS.gov.

Special rules may apply for some military personnel <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/extension-of-deadlines-combat-zone-service">serving in a combat zone or a qualified hazardous duty area</a>.
 This also applies to individuals serving in the combat zone in support 
of the U.S. Armed Forces. A complete list of designated combat zone 
localities can be found in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-3">Publication 3, Armed Forces' Tax Guide</a>, available on IRS.gov. U.S. citizens and resident aliens <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p54">living outside the United States</a> have until June 15, 2022, to file their 2021 tax returns and pay any tax due.

The IRS estimates 1.5 million taxpayers did not file a 2018 tax 
return to claim tax refunds worth more than $1.5 billion. The three-year
 window of opportunity to claim a 2018 tax refund closes April 18, 2022,
 for most taxpayers. If they do not file a 2018 tax return by April 18, 
2022, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury. The law 
requires taxpayers to properly address, mail and ensure the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/prior-year">2018 tax return</a> is postmarked by that date.

April 18 is also the deadline to make 2021 contributions to 
Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs). Contributions can be made to a
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/traditional-iras">traditional</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/roth-iras">Roth</a>
 IRA until the filing due date, April 18, but must be designated for 
2021 to the financial institution. For more information, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plans-faqs-regarding-iras">Retirement Plans FAQs Regarding IRAs</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p590a">Publication 590-A, Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)</a>.

Employment taxes are due April 18 for household employees including 
housekeepers, maids, babysitters, gardeners and others who work in or 
around a private residence as an employee if they were paid $2,300. For 
more information, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-926">Publication 926, Household Employer's Tax Guide</a>.

The deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or an extension to file and 
pay tax owed this year falls on April 18, instead of April 15, because 
of the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia. Taxpayers 
in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 19, 2022, to file their 
returns due to the Patriots' Day holiday in those states.

The first quarter <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes">estimated tax payment</a> for 2022 is also due on April 18. Taxpayers are encouraged to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">check their withholding for 2022</a>
 after they've filed their 2021 tax return. It can protect against 
having too little tax withheld and facing an unexpected tax bill or 
penalty at tax time next year. It can also help taxpayers adjust their 
tax withheld up front, so taxpayers receive a bigger paycheck and 
smaller refund at tax time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers the 
deadline to file and pay tax owed for most individual income tax returns
 is Monday, April 18. The agency wants last-minute filers to know tax 
help is available to file a tax return, request an extension or make a 
payment, 24 hours a day on IRS.gov.The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically because tax 
software does the calculations, flags common errors and reduces tax 
return errors by prompting taxpayers for missing information. The fastest way to receive a refund is to file electronically and use <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>.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>
 is available to any person or family with an adjusted gross income 
(AGI) of $73,000 or less in 2021. Leading tax software providers make 
their online products available for free. Taxpayers can use IRS Free 
File to claim the remaining amount of their Child Tax Credit, the Earned
 Income Tax Credit and other important credits. IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-fillable-forms/free-file-fillable-forms-is-closed">Free File Fillable Forms</a> is available to anyone who is comfortable preparing their own tax return - so there is a free option for everyone.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>
 provides information to help file an accurate return, including Advance
 Child Tax Credit and Economic Impact Payment amounts, Adjusted Gross 
Income amounts from last year's tax return, estimated tax payment 
amounts and refunds applied as a credit.<h2>Get a 6-month extension to file</h2>The IRS estimates 15 million taxpayers will request an extension of 
time to file and the easiest way to request an extension to file is 
using IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>. In a matter of minutes, anyone can request an extension until October 17, using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868">Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return</a>.
 An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay, 
however, and taxpayers must estimate their tax liability on this form 
and pay any amount due by the April 18 filing deadline to avoid 
penalties and interest.Taxpayers can also request more time by paying all or part of their 
estimated income tax due and indicate that the payment is for an 
extension. They can do this using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>, or a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-taxes-by-credit-or-debit-card">debit, credit card or digital wallet</a>. This way they don't have to file a separate extension form and will receive a confirmation number for their records.IRS Form 4868 can also be downloaded from <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions">Forms, Instructions &amp; Publications</a>, completed and addressed to the correct IRS office, and must be postmarked by the filing deadline.<h2>Who automatically has more time to file?</h2>The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any 
taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in areas covered by 
Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster declarations. Deadlines to 
file tax returns and make tax payments are extended for affected 
taxpayers in certain areas of <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-arkansas">Arkansas</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-colorado">Colorado</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-kentucky">Kentucky</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-tennessee">Tennessee</a> until May 16, 2022, and for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-tax-relief-for-puerto-rico-severe-storms-flooding-and-landslides">Puerto Rico</a> until June 15, 2022. For details on all available relief, visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation">Around the Nation</a> page on IRS.gov.Special rules may apply for some military personnel <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/extension-of-deadlines-combat-zone-service">serving in a combat zone or a qualified hazardous duty area</a>.
 This also applies to individuals serving in the combat zone in support 
of the U.S. Armed Forces. A complete list of designated combat zone 
localities can be found in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-3">Publication 3, Armed Forces' Tax Guide</a>, available on IRS.gov. U.S. citizens and resident aliens <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p54">living outside the United States</a> have until June 15, 2022, to file their 2021 tax returns and pay any tax due.<h2>$1.5 billion in unclaimed 2018 refunds</h2>The IRS estimates 1.5 million taxpayers did not file a 2018 tax 
return to claim tax refunds worth more than $1.5 billion. The three-year
 window of opportunity to claim a 2018 tax refund closes April 18, 2022,
 for most taxpayers. If they do not file a 2018 tax return by April 18, 
2022, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury. The law 
requires taxpayers to properly address, mail and ensure the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/prior-year">2018 tax return</a> is postmarked by that date.<h2>Other April 18 deadlines</h2>April 18 is also the deadline to make 2021 contributions to 
Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs). Contributions can be made to a
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/traditional-iras">traditional</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/roth-iras">Roth</a>
 IRA until the filing due date, April 18, but must be designated for 
2021 to the financial institution. For more information, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plans-faqs-regarding-iras">Retirement Plans FAQs Regarding IRAs</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p590a">Publication 590-A, Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)</a>.Employment taxes are due April 18 for household employees including 
housekeepers, maids, babysitters, gardeners and others who work in or 
around a private residence as an employee if they were paid $2,300. For 
more information, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-926">Publication 926, Household Employer's Tax Guide</a>.The deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or an extension to file and 
pay tax owed this year falls on April 18, instead of April 15, because 
of the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia. Taxpayers 
in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 19, 2022, to file their 
returns due to the Patriots' Day holiday in those states.The first quarter <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes">estimated tax payment</a> for 2022 is also due on April 18. Taxpayers are encouraged to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">check their withholding for 2022</a>
 after they've filed their 2021 tax return. It can protect against 
having too little tax withheld and facing an unexpected tax bill or 
penalty at tax time next year. It can also help taxpayers adjust their 
tax withheld up front, so taxpayers receive a bigger paycheck and 
smaller refund at tax time.

IRS offers deadline reminders for last-minute tax filers

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday issued an emergency use authorization for what it said i<a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-first-covid-19-diagnostic-test-using-breath-samples">s the first device</a> that can detect COVID-19 in breath samples.

The InspectIR COVID-19 Breathalyzer is about the size of a piece of carry-on luggage, the FDA said, and can be used in doctor’s offices, hospitals and mobile testing sites. The test, which can provide results in less than three minutes, must be carried out under the supervision of a licensed health care provider.

Dr. Jeff Shuren, director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, called the device “yet another example of the rapid innovation occurring with diagnostic tests for COVID-19.”

The FDA said the device was 91.2% accurate at identifying positive test samples and 99.3% accurate at identifying negative test samples.

“InspectIR expects to be able to produce approximately 100 instruments per week, which can each be used to evaluate approximately 160 samples per day,” the agency said. “At this level of production, testing capacity using the InspectIR COVID-19 Breathalyzer is expected to increase by approximately 64,000 samples per month.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday issued an emergency use authorization for what it said i<a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-first-covid-19-diagnostic-test-using-breath-samples">s the first device</a> that can detect COVID-19 in breath samples.The InspectIR COVID-19 Breathalyzer is about the size of a piece of carry-on luggage, the FDA said, and can be used in doctor’s offices, hospitals and mobile testing sites. The test, which can provide results in less than three minutes, must be carried out under the supervision of a licensed health care provider.Dr. Jeff Shuren, director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, called the device “yet another example of the rapid innovation occurring with diagnostic tests for COVID-19.”The FDA said the device was 91.2% accurate at identifying positive test samples and 99.3% accurate at identifying negative test samples.“InspectIR expects to be able to produce approximately 100 instruments per week, which can each be used to evaluate approximately 160 samples per day,” the agency said. “At this level of production, testing capacity using the InspectIR COVID-19 Breathalyzer is expected to increase by approximately 64,000 samples per month.”

1st breath test for COVID-19 infection gets FDA approval

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Two cases of bird flu have been confirmed in U.S. zoos, but officials said they won’t order widespread euthanasia of zoo birds the way they have on farms.

 Agriculture Department spokesman Mike Stepien declined to release any details about the zoo cases Thursday. 

Many zoos across the country have closed down their aviaries and moved birds inside whenever possible to help protect them from bird flu that officials believe is primarily being spread by the droppings of wild birds.

 Nearly 27 million chickens and turkeys have been slaughtered in 26 states to limit the spread of bird flu during this year’s outbreak. 

Officials order entire flocks to be killed when the disease is found on farms.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Two cases of bird flu have been confirmed in U.S. zoos, but officials said they won’t order widespread euthanasia of zoo birds the way they have on farms. Agriculture Department spokesman Mike Stepien declined to release any details about the zoo cases Thursday. Many zoos across the country have closed down their aviaries and moved birds inside whenever possible to help protect them from bird flu that officials believe is primarily being spread by the droppings of wild birds. Nearly 27 million chickens and turkeys have been slaughtered in 26 states to limit the spread of bird flu during this year’s outbreak. Officials order entire flocks to be killed when the disease is found on farms.

2 bird flu cases confirmed in US zoos as virus spreads

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — An investigation in Nebraska has concluded that a state lawmaker who resigned after admitting that he took photos of a female subordinate without her permission acted in a “boorish, brainless and bizarre” manner but did not commit illegal sexual discrimination or harassment. 

Lincoln attorney Tara Paulson wrote in her report that was released Wednesday that former state Sen. Mike Groene’s behavior was “wholly unprofessional and inappropriate” and that he would have faced disciplinary action in a private-sector job. 

Groene resigned in February after admitting that he took the photos of a female staffer. 

Groene, a blunt-spoken, often abrasive Republican who clashed with Democratic colleagues, also ended his candidacy to become a University of Nebraska Regent.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — An investigation in Nebraska has concluded that a state lawmaker who resigned after admitting that he took photos of a female subordinate without her permission acted in a “boorish, brainless and bizarre” manner but did not commit illegal sexual discrimination or harassment. Lincoln attorney Tara Paulson wrote in her report that was released Wednesday that former state Sen. Mike Groene’s behavior was “wholly unprofessional and inappropriate” and that he would have faced disciplinary action in a private-sector job. Groene resigned in February after admitting that he took the photos of a female staffer. Groene, a blunt-spoken, often abrasive Republican who clashed with Democratic colleagues, also ended his candidacy to become a University of Nebraska Regent.

Probe: Nebraska lawmaker's behavior wasn't sexual harassment

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/14/armored-car-company-stopped-for-hauling-legal-weed-funds-across-kansas-settles-federal-suit/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The U.S. Department of 
Justice agreed Wednesday to return all cash seized from an armored car 
company used by legal marijuana dispensaries during several traffic 
stops in California last year.

The California seizures occurred based on what authorities learned in
 Kansas during a May traffic stop of an Empyreal Logistics car. 
Conversations between state and federal law enforcement agencies 
stemming from <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/06/how-a-kansas-traffic-stop-led-to-a-federal-lawsuit-over-1-2m-in-seized-marijuana-profits/">this stop resulted in a series of events</a> in which Kansas and California officers seized more than $1.2 million.

Soon after, the company filed a federal lawsuit detailing how a 
sheriff’s deputy in Dickinson County stopped one of their vehicles 
transporting cash from licensed marijuana dispensaries to banks and 
credit unions, seizing more than $165,000 on Interstate 70. In response,
 the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Kansas filed a civil forfeiture action 
against Empyreal, asserting that the cash was connected to sales in 
violation of the Controlled Substances Act.

A firm representing Empyreal announced Wednesday the DOJ had agreed 
to return all funds seized by the San Bernardino County Sheriff 
—approximately $1.1 million — in exchange for dropping the lawsuit. &nbsp;However,
 according to the firm representing Empyreal in the federal suit, the 
settlement does not address the San Bernardino sheriff or the case in 
Kansas.

“Empyreal has always viewed ourselves as a partner to financial 
institutions and law enforcement,” said Empyreal CEO Deirdra O’Gorman. 
“Our service increases transparency and makes communities safer. 
Empyreal is committed to continuing our mission of working with 
financial institutions and their state-legal business customers.”

Empyreal operates in 28 states and provides cash logistics solutions,
 including secure delivery between businesses such as state-licensed 
cannabis operations and financial institutions. The company never 
transports cannabis products.

The lawsuit alleged Dickinson County Sheriff’s Deputy Kalen Robinson 
pulled over a transit van heading east on the interstate because the 
license plate tag was partially obscured. After a conversation with a 
Drug Enforcement Administration agent, Robinson told the Empyreal driver
 she was free to go.

As the van headed back to Colorado the next day after picking up cash
 from Missouri dispensaries, Robinson pulled over the van. During the 
three-hour stop, the sheriff’s office seized five bags of cash that 
totaled $165,855, according to the offense report filed in connection 
with the case.

Empyreal said no traffic citations were issued to their drivers 
during any of the five stops mentioned in its complaint. However, in the
 lawsuit, the company said it has been forced to stop transporting cash 
through Kansas because of the seizures.

Their attorneys argued the stop occurring in Kansas was of no 
consequence, even if the state has not legalized any form of marijuana 
use, because it harms legally operating cannabis businesses.

“Empyreal was operating legally under California law, but with 
current federal civil forfeiture laws, even compliant businesses can be 
targeted,” said IJ Senior Attorney Dan Alban of the now settled federal 
case. “Returning this money is the right thing to do.”

Federal law prohibits the U.S. Department of Justice from spending 
money to prevent states from “implementing their own state laws that 
authorize the use, distribution, possession or cultivation of medical 
marijuana.”

The prohibition, known as the Rohrabacher–Farr Amendment, became law 
in 2014 and must be renewed every year. It remains in effect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649954022691.png" alt="Empyreal’s armored vehicle, which was carrying $165,000 in cash from marijuana dispensaries in Missouri, was stopped May 18, 2021, at this exit on I-70 as it headed for Colorado. The company settled a federal suit but litigation relating to Kansas remains ongoing according. (Duane Schrag for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Empyreal’s armored vehicle, which was carrying $165,000 in cash from marijuana dispensaries in Missouri, was stopped May 18, 2021, at this exit on I-70 as it headed for Colorado. The company settled a federal suit but litigation relating to Kansas remains ongoing according. (Duane Schrag for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/14/armored-car-company-stopped-for-hauling-legal-weed-funds-across-kansas-settles-federal-suit/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The U.S. Department of 
Justice agreed Wednesday to return all cash seized from an armored car 
company used by legal marijuana dispensaries during several traffic 
stops in California last year.The California seizures occurred based on what authorities learned in
 Kansas during a May traffic stop of an Empyreal Logistics car. 
Conversations between state and federal law enforcement agencies 
stemming from <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/06/how-a-kansas-traffic-stop-led-to-a-federal-lawsuit-over-1-2m-in-seized-marijuana-profits/">this stop resulted in a series of events</a> in which Kansas and California officers seized more than $1.2 million.Soon after, the company filed a federal lawsuit detailing how a 
sheriff’s deputy in Dickinson County stopped one of their vehicles 
transporting cash from licensed marijuana dispensaries to banks and 
credit unions, seizing more than $165,000 on Interstate 70. In response,
 the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Kansas filed a civil forfeiture action 
against Empyreal, asserting that the cash was connected to sales in 
violation of the Controlled Substances Act.A firm representing Empyreal announced Wednesday the DOJ had agreed 
to return all funds seized by the San Bernardino County Sheriff 
—approximately $1.1 million — in exchange for dropping the lawsuit. &nbsp;However,
 according to the firm representing Empyreal in the federal suit, the 
settlement does not address the San Bernardino sheriff or the case in 
Kansas.“Empyreal has always viewed ourselves as a partner to financial 
institutions and law enforcement,” said Empyreal CEO Deirdra O’Gorman. 
“Our service increases transparency and makes communities safer. 
Empyreal is committed to continuing our mission of working with 
financial institutions and their state-legal business customers.”Empyreal operates in 28 states and provides cash logistics solutions,
 including secure delivery between businesses such as state-licensed 
cannabis operations and financial institutions. The company never 
transports cannabis products.The lawsuit alleged Dickinson County Sheriff’s Deputy Kalen Robinson 
pulled over a transit van heading east on the interstate because the 
license plate tag was partially obscured. After a conversation with a 
Drug Enforcement Administration agent, Robinson told the Empyreal driver
 she was free to go.As the van headed back to Colorado the next day after picking up cash
 from Missouri dispensaries, Robinson pulled over the van. During the 
three-hour stop, the sheriff’s office seized five bags of cash that 
totaled $165,855, according to the offense report filed in connection 
with the case.Empyreal said no traffic citations were issued to their drivers 
during any of the five stops mentioned in its complaint. However, in the
 lawsuit, the company said it has been forced to stop transporting cash 
through Kansas because of the seizures.Their attorneys argued the stop occurring in Kansas was of no 
consequence, even if the state has not legalized any form of marijuana 
use, because it harms legally operating cannabis businesses.“Empyreal was operating legally under California law, but with 
current federal civil forfeiture laws, even compliant businesses can be 
targeted,” said IJ Senior Attorney Dan Alban of the now settled federal 
case. “Returning this money is the right thing to do.”Federal law prohibits the U.S. Department of Justice from spending 
money to prevent states from “implementing their own state laws that 
authorize the use, distribution, possession or cultivation of medical 
marijuana.”The prohibition, known as the Rohrabacher–Farr Amendment, became law 
in 2014 and must be renewed every year. It remains in effect.

Armored car company stopped for hauling legal weed settles federal suit

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/school-janitor-in-nebraskas-weeping-water-gets-a-national-spotlight-and-prize/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

A
 school janitor in Weeping Water, Nebraska, has been selected as a 
finalist in a national “Custodians Are Key” contest that will gift a 
$15,000 grand prize to the champion and their respective K-12 school.

Already,
 though, Laurie Yard is a winner. She rose to the top three of nearly 
1,000 people nominated for the competition that rewards work that 
custodians do in schools across North America, according to a news 
release from the company sponsoring the contest.

Yard,
 who hails from a Nebraska town of about 1,100 people, and the other two
 finalists, from California and Florida, will get a $500 gift card and 
the chance to claim the grand prize package. The No. 1 winner is to be 
announced in May and will walk away with a prize valued at $5,000. The 
winner’s school is to reap $10,000.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.tennantco.com/content/tennant/en_us/home/campaigns/custodians-are-key.html">The contest</a>
 is sponsored by Tennant Company of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, a leader in
 designing, manufacturing and marketing solutions to reinvent how the 
world cleans.&nbsp;

“Custodians
 play a vital role in our communities and our third ‘Custodians Are Key’
 campaign has shown us just how important each custodian is to their 
community, school, students and staff,” said marketing manager Amanda 
Herbert.

Yard maintains the single K-12 public school building in Weeping Water.

The
 news release says that she has made an “incredible impact” on students,
 faculty and the community over the past 14 years. She is known for 
greeting everyone with a smile and a compliment each day and for 
creating relationships that last a lifetime. Students remain in contact 
with Yard long after graduation, and many call her “Grandma” because she
 listens and offers kind words and advice, the release states.

Several
 years ago, Yard initiated a program for second-graders known as “The 
Good Citizen Award,” where she rewards the standout citizen with a piece
 of candy.&nbsp;

John
 Yard, her husband and the maintenance director for Weeping Water Public
 School,&nbsp;nominated her for the contest. He said in the nomination: 
“Laurie is so much more than just a custodian at Weeping Water School.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649957057015.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/school-janitor-in-nebraskas-weeping-water-gets-a-national-spotlight-and-prize/">Nebraska Examiner</a>A
 school janitor in Weeping Water, Nebraska, has been selected as a 
finalist in a national “Custodians Are Key” contest that will gift a 
$15,000 grand prize to the champion and their respective K-12 school.Already,
 though, Laurie Yard is a winner. She rose to the top three of nearly 
1,000 people nominated for the competition that rewards work that 
custodians do in schools across North America, according to a news 
release from the company sponsoring the contest.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649957152153.jpeg" alt="Laurie Yard of Weeping Water, Neb." />
 <figcaption>Laurie Yard of Weeping Water, Neb.</figcaption>
 </figure>Yard,
 who hails from a Nebraska town of about 1,100 people, and the other two
 finalists, from California and Florida, will get a $500 gift card and 
the chance to claim the grand prize package. The No. 1 winner is to be 
announced in May and will walk away with a prize valued at $5,000. The 
winner’s school is to reap $10,000.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.tennantco.com/content/tennant/en_us/home/campaigns/custodians-are-key.html">The contest</a>
 is sponsored by Tennant Company of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, a leader in
 designing, manufacturing and marketing solutions to reinvent how the 
world cleans.&nbsp;“Custodians
 play a vital role in our communities and our third ‘Custodians Are Key’
 campaign has shown us just how important each custodian is to their 
community, school, students and staff,” said marketing manager Amanda 
Herbert.Yard maintains the single K-12 public school building in Weeping Water.The
 news release says that she has made an “incredible impact” on students,
 faculty and the community over the past 14 years. She is known for 
greeting everyone with a smile and a compliment each day and for 
creating relationships that last a lifetime. Students remain in contact 
with Yard long after graduation, and many call her “Grandma” because she
 listens and offers kind words and advice, the release states.Several
 years ago, Yard initiated a program for second-graders known as “The 
Good Citizen Award,” where she rewards the standout citizen with a piece
 of candy.&nbsp;John
 Yard, her husband and the maintenance director for Weeping Water Public
 School,&nbsp;nominated her for the contest. He said in the nomination: 
“Laurie is so much more than just a custodian at Weeping Water School.”

Nebraska school janitor gets a national spotlight — and prize

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/deadly-bird-flu-hits-nebraska-commercial-farm-of-1-7-million-egg-laying-hens/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

Nebraska
 is reporting another confirmed case of a highly contagious and deadly 
bird flu in a commercial flock — this time in a Dixon County farm 
operation of some 1.75 million egg-laying hens.

According to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/ai">U.S. Department</a>
 of Agriculture, the latest case brings Nebraska to six affected 
domestic flocks, three of them commercial operations. A total of about 
2.7 million birds are involved.

In Iowa, this year’s outbreak has affected 16 flocks involving about 13.3 million birds.

It all has contributed to rising prices of egg and poultry as the egg-centric Easter weekend draws near.

Roger
 Dudley, veterinarian for Nebraska’s Department of Agriculture, said in a
 media release that the Dixon County farm has been quarantined since the
 confirmation Tuesday.

“The
 birds will be humanely depopulated and disposed of in an approved 
manner,” he said in a statement released in partnership with the USDA’s 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Additionally,
 Nebraska officials will establish a 6.2-mile control zone around the 
affected Dixon County area, as is national policy. Those in the area are
 advised of the signs and symptoms of HPAI, or highly pathogenic avian 
influenza, and the need to notify the state of sick or dying poultry.

The
 HPAI is a virus that spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye 
secretions, as well as manure. It can spread in different ways from 
flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected 
poultry, equipment or clothing and shoes of caretakers.

Wild birds can carry the virus without getting sick, while domesticated birds can become very sickly, said state experts.

The
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the risk of the flu 
transmitting from birds to people is low and that no U.S. human cases of
 avian flu have been detected.

For more information and <a target="_blank" href="https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/index.html">to report</a> sick birds call (402) 471-2351. Early detection is vital in preventing the spread of the disease.

On
 Wednesday, Dudley also announced the end of surveillance and 
incineration processes of the bird flocks that had been reported in 
Merrick and Holt Counties.

Before this year, Nebraska hadn’t seen a confirmed HPAI case since 2015.&nbsp;

National
 news organizations have reported that some 23 million birds have been 
killed across the country to limit the spread of what has become the 
deadliest U.S. outbreak of this bird flu strain since 2015.&nbsp;

Nebraska’s first case was reported March 7 in a wild goose at Holmes Lake, near Lincoln.

In addition to the Dixon County farm, other Nebraska domestic flock cases, according to the USDA:

March 15: A mixed backyard flock of fewer than 100 chickens and waterfowl in Merrick County.

March 22: A commercial flock of 570,000 broiler chickens in Butler County. (Broilers are raised for meat production.)

March 24: A commercial flock of about 417,000 broilers in Butler County.

March 26: A backyard flock of 50 or fewer chickens and waterfowl in Holt County.

April 5: About 30 birds, a mix of chickens and waterfowl, in a backyard flock in Scotts Bluff County.

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/deadly-bird-flu-hits-nebraska-commercial-farm-of-1-7-million-egg-laying-hens/">Nebraska Examiner</a>Nebraska
 is reporting another confirmed case of a highly contagious and deadly 
bird flu in a commercial flock — this time in a Dixon County farm 
operation of some 1.75 million egg-laying hens.According to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/ai">U.S. Department</a>
 of Agriculture, the latest case brings Nebraska to six affected 
domestic flocks, three of them commercial operations. A total of about 
2.7 million birds are involved.In Iowa, this year’s outbreak has affected 16 flocks involving about 13.3 million birds.It all has contributed to rising prices of egg and poultry as the egg-centric Easter weekend draws near.Roger
 Dudley, veterinarian for Nebraska’s Department of Agriculture, said in a
 media release that the Dixon County farm has been quarantined since the
 confirmation Tuesday.<h2>To be disposed of humanely</h2>“The
 birds will be humanely depopulated and disposed of in an approved 
manner,” he said in a statement released in partnership with the USDA’s 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.Additionally,
 Nebraska officials will establish a 6.2-mile control zone around the 
affected Dixon County area, as is national policy. Those in the area are
 advised of the signs and symptoms of HPAI, or highly pathogenic avian 
influenza, and the need to notify the state of sick or dying poultry.The
 HPAI is a virus that spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye 
secretions, as well as manure. It can spread in different ways from 
flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected 
poultry, equipment or clothing and shoes of caretakers.Wild birds can carry the virus without getting sick, while domesticated birds can become very sickly, said state experts.The
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the risk of the flu 
transmitting from birds to people is low and that no U.S. human cases of
 avian flu have been detected.For more information and <a target="_blank" href="https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/index.html">to report</a> sick birds call (402) 471-2351. Early detection is vital in preventing the spread of the disease.<h2>Broilers, egg layers, waterfowl</h2>On
 Wednesday, Dudley also announced the end of surveillance and 
incineration processes of the bird flocks that had been reported in 
Merrick and Holt Counties.Before this year, Nebraska hadn’t seen a confirmed HPAI case since 2015.&nbsp;National
 news organizations have reported that some 23 million birds have been 
killed across the country to limit the spread of what has become the 
deadliest U.S. outbreak of this bird flu strain since 2015.&nbsp;Nebraska’s first case was reported March 7 in a wild goose at Holmes Lake, near Lincoln.In addition to the Dixon County farm, other Nebraska domestic flock cases, according to the USDA:March 15: A mixed backyard flock of fewer than 100 chickens and waterfowl in Merrick County.March 22: A commercial flock of 570,000 broiler chickens in Butler County. (Broilers are raised for meat production.)March 24: A commercial flock of about 417,000 broilers in Butler County.March 26: A backyard flock of 50 or fewer chickens and waterfowl in Holt County.April 5: About 30 birds, a mix of chickens and waterfowl, in a backyard flock in Scotts Bluff County.

Deadly bird flu hits Neb. commercial farm of 1.7M egg-laying hens

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Lancaster County jury has found a Lincoln man guilty in the shooting death more than two years ago of a Lincoln teenager.

Majdal Elias, 26, was found guilty Wednesday of second-degree murder and several gun counts in the September 2019 death of 15-year-old Ali Al-Burkat,&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/jury-finds-lincoln-man-guilty-of-teens-murder/article_d09a6dbd-1d60-5bd5-9d16-17d752577733.html#tracking-source=most-popular-homepage" target="_blank">the Lincoln Journal Star reported</a>.

Police have said Elias shot into a car full of people, hitting Al-Burkat who was in the backseat. The teen died later at a Lincoln hospital.

Elias is already serving 19 to 33 years in prison on drug and gun charges. He faces another 33 years to life in prison for Al-Burkat’s killing when he’s sentenced in May.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649944228744.png" alt="Elias" />
 <figcaption>Elias</figcaption>
 </figure>By ASSOCIATED PRESSLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Lancaster County jury has found a Lincoln man guilty in the shooting death more than two years ago of a Lincoln teenager.Majdal Elias, 26, was found guilty Wednesday of second-degree murder and several gun counts in the September 2019 death of 15-year-old Ali Al-Burkat,&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/jury-finds-lincoln-man-guilty-of-teens-murder/article_d09a6dbd-1d60-5bd5-9d16-17d752577733.html#tracking-source=most-popular-homepage" target="_blank">the Lincoln Journal Star reported</a>.Police have said Elias shot into a car full of people, hitting Al-Burkat who was in the backseat. The teen died later at a Lincoln hospital.Elias is already serving 19 to 33 years in prison on drug and gun charges. He faces another 33 years to life in prison for Al-Burkat’s killing when he’s sentenced in May.

Jury finds man guilty in shooting death of Lincoln teen

Firefighters scouted the drought-stricken mountainsides around a New Mexico village as they looked for opportunities to slow a wind-driven wildfire that a day earlier had burned at least 150 homes and other structures while displacing thousands of residents and forcing the evacuation of two schools.

Homes were among the structures that had burned, but officials on Wednesday did not have a count of how many were destroyed in the blaze that torched at least 6.4 square miles (16.6 square kilometers) of forest, brush and grass on the east side of the community of Ruidoso, said Laura Rabon, spokesperson for the Lincoln National Forest.

Rabon announced emergency evacuations of a more densely populated area during a briefing Wednesday afternoon as the fire jumped a road where crews were trying to hold the line. She told people to get in their cars and go.

New Mexico State Police released a statement late Wednesday saying two people have been found dead in a residence. Their identities will not be released until the Office of the Medical Examiner can positively identify them.

Strong winds prevented forced a suspension of the aerial attack on the flames and kept authorities from getting a better estimate of how large the fire has grown. But some planes returned to the air as winds subsided late in the day, and seven airtankers and two helicopters have now been assigned to the fire, Forest Service officials said Wednesday evening.

While the cause of the blaze was under investigation, fire officials and forecasters warned Wednesday that persistent dry and windy conditions had prompted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/" target="_blank">red flag warnings</a>&nbsp;for a wide swath that included almost all of New Mexico, half of Texas and parts of Colorado and the Midwest.

Five new large fires were reported Tuesday, and nearly 1,600 wildland firefighters and support personnel were assigned to large fires in the southwestern, southern and Rocky Mountain areas, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Hotter and drier weather coupled with decades of fire suppression have contributed to an increase in the number of acres burned by wildfires, fire scientists say. And the problem is exacerbated by a more than 20-year Western megadrought that studies link to human-caused climate change. The fire season has become year-round given changing conditions that include earlier snowmelt and rain coming later in the fall.

In Ruidoso, officials declared a state of emergency and said school classes were canceled Wednesday as the village — about 140 miles (225 kilometers) northeast of El Paso, Texas — coped with power outages due to down power lines.

The residences that burned were mostly a mix of trailers and single-family homes, and close to 4,000 people were displaced by evacuations that were ordered Tuesday. That number was expected to grow with the latest call for residents to leave.

Village spokeswoman Kerry Gladden said authorities spent part of Wednesday surveying as much damage as possible before the winds kicked up again. Air tankers also were able to drop a few loads of slurry, and more air support was expected Thursday.

“Right now, everybody is just rallying around those who had to be evacuated,” Gladden said. “We’re just trying to reach out to make sure everyone has places to stay.”

Donations were pouring in from other communities in southern New Mexico. State officials said emergency grants have been approved that will provide resources to firefighters and for other emergency efforts.

Ruidoso in 2012 was hit by one of the most destructive wildfires in New Mexico history, when a lightning-sparked blaze destroyed more than 240 homes and burned nearly 70 square miles (181 square kilometers).

Rabon said Wednesday that no precipitation was in the forecast and humidity levels remained in the single digits, which would make stopping the flames more difficult.

“Those extremely dry conditions are not in our favor,” she said.

Another wildfire in the Lincoln National Forest northwest of Ruidoso burned at least 400 acres (1.6 square kilometers) after it was sparked Tuesday by power lines downed by high winds. Crews confirmed Wednesday that 10 structures there were lost.

Elsewhere in New Mexico, wildfires were burning along the Rio Grande south of Albuquerque, in mountains northwest of the community of Las Vegas and in grasslands along the Pecos River near the town of Roswell.

In Colorado, crews were battling wind-whipped grass fires that had destroyed two homes and forced temporary evacuations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649871339235.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ASSOCIATED PRESSFirefighters scouted the drought-stricken mountainsides around a New Mexico village as they looked for opportunities to slow a wind-driven wildfire that a day earlier had burned at least 150 homes and other structures while displacing thousands of residents and forcing the evacuation of two schools.Homes were among the structures that had burned, but officials on Wednesday did not have a count of how many were destroyed in the blaze that torched at least 6.4 square miles (16.6 square kilometers) of forest, brush and grass on the east side of the community of Ruidoso, said Laura Rabon, spokesperson for the Lincoln National Forest.Rabon announced emergency evacuations of a more densely populated area during a briefing Wednesday afternoon as the fire jumped a road where crews were trying to hold the line. She told people to get in their cars and go.New Mexico State Police released a statement late Wednesday saying two people have been found dead in a residence. Their identities will not be released until the Office of the Medical Examiner can positively identify them.Strong winds prevented forced a suspension of the aerial attack on the flames and kept authorities from getting a better estimate of how large the fire has grown. But some planes returned to the air as winds subsided late in the day, and seven airtankers and two helicopters have now been assigned to the fire, Forest Service officials said Wednesday evening.While the cause of the blaze was under investigation, fire officials and forecasters warned Wednesday that persistent dry and windy conditions had prompted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/" target="_blank">red flag warnings</a>&nbsp;for a wide swath that included almost all of New Mexico, half of Texas and parts of Colorado and the Midwest.Five new large fires were reported Tuesday, and nearly 1,600 wildland firefighters and support personnel were assigned to large fires in the southwestern, southern and Rocky Mountain areas, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.Hotter and drier weather coupled with decades of fire suppression have contributed to an increase in the number of acres burned by wildfires, fire scientists say. And the problem is exacerbated by a more than 20-year Western megadrought that studies link to human-caused climate change. The fire season has become year-round given changing conditions that include earlier snowmelt and rain coming later in the fall.In Ruidoso, officials declared a state of emergency and said school classes were canceled Wednesday as the village — about 140 miles (225 kilometers) northeast of El Paso, Texas — coped with power outages due to down power lines.The residences that burned were mostly a mix of trailers and single-family homes, and close to 4,000 people were displaced by evacuations that were ordered Tuesday. That number was expected to grow with the latest call for residents to leave.Village spokeswoman Kerry Gladden said authorities spent part of Wednesday surveying as much damage as possible before the winds kicked up again. Air tankers also were able to drop a few loads of slurry, and more air support was expected Thursday.“Right now, everybody is just rallying around those who had to be evacuated,” Gladden said. “We’re just trying to reach out to make sure everyone has places to stay.”Donations were pouring in from other communities in southern New Mexico. State officials said emergency grants have been approved that will provide resources to firefighters and for other emergency efforts.Ruidoso in 2012 was hit by one of the most destructive wildfires in New Mexico history, when a lightning-sparked blaze destroyed more than 240 homes and burned nearly 70 square miles (181 square kilometers).Rabon said Wednesday that no precipitation was in the forecast and humidity levels remained in the single digits, which would make stopping the flames more difficult.“Those extremely dry conditions are not in our favor,” she said.Another wildfire in the Lincoln National Forest northwest of Ruidoso burned at least 400 acres (1.6 square kilometers) after it was sparked Tuesday by power lines downed by high winds. Crews confirmed Wednesday that 10 structures there were lost.Elsewhere in New Mexico, wildfires were burning along the Rio Grande south of Albuquerque, in mountains northwest of the community of Las Vegas and in grasslands along the Pecos River near the town of Roswell.In Colorado, crews were battling wind-whipped grass fires that had destroyed two homes and forced temporary evacuations.

Destructive wildfires rage in New Mexico, Colorado

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — State and federal agriculture officials have confirmed an outbreak of bird flu in a flock of 1.7 million laying hens in northeast Nebraska.

The Nebraska and U.S. departments of agriculture said the outbreak in Dixon County is the largest outbreak of the highly contagious virus in the state, the Lincoln Journal Star&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska/bird-flu-found-in-flock-of-1-7-million-laying-hens-in-dixon-county/article_43f66e84-b31a-59ab-955f-4be097b1a623.html#tracking-source=home-top-story" target="_blank">reported</a>.

State Veterinarian Roger Dudley said the farm has been quarantined and the birds will be euthanized.

Post Holdings said in a news release that the farm is owned by its Michael Foods subsidiary, which has several egg farms in the area. The company said the 1.7 million birds represent about 4% of its total egg-laying supply.

During a bird flu outbreak in 2015, nearly 5 million birds had to be destroyed in Dixon County.

Including the new outbreak, nearly 2.7 million bird have been affected by bird flu in Nebraska this year.

More than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-bird-flu-flu-animals-189a7c08d848047f00b3f7b5bec39e67">25 million birds nationwide&nbsp;</a>have had to be destroyed because of the disease, which officials say does not pose a threat to humans.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647513636843.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ASSOCIATED PRESSLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — State and federal agriculture officials have confirmed an outbreak of bird flu in a flock of 1.7 million laying hens in northeast Nebraska.The Nebraska and U.S. departments of agriculture said the outbreak in Dixon County is the largest outbreak of the highly contagious virus in the state, the Lincoln Journal Star&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska/bird-flu-found-in-flock-of-1-7-million-laying-hens-in-dixon-county/article_43f66e84-b31a-59ab-955f-4be097b1a623.html#tracking-source=home-top-story" target="_blank">reported</a>.State Veterinarian Roger Dudley said the farm has been quarantined and the birds will be euthanized.Post Holdings said in a news release that the farm is owned by its Michael Foods subsidiary, which has several egg farms in the area. The company said the 1.7 million birds represent about 4% of its total egg-laying supply.During a bird flu outbreak in 2015, nearly 5 million birds had to be destroyed in Dixon County.Including the new outbreak, nearly 2.7 million bird have been affected by bird flu in Nebraska this year.More than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-bird-flu-flu-animals-189a7c08d848047f00b3f7b5bec39e67">25 million birds nationwide&nbsp;</a>have had to be destroyed because of the disease, which officials say does not pose a threat to humans.

Bird flu found in flock of 1.7 million hens in Dixon County

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s office has refiled involuntary manslaughter charges against three men in connection with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boat-accidents-us-news-ap-top-news-storms-north-america-60b99441d63a48428b5dd79bbc37c75a">sinking of a tourist boat&nbsp;</a>that killed 17 people in 2018.

The vehicle, known as a duck boat, sank during a storm shortly after it entered Table Rock Lake near Branson on July 19, 2018. Riders from Missouri, Indiana, Illinois and Arkansas were killed. Fourteen people survived.

On April 5, Stone County Judge Alan Blankenship&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/storms-missouri-kansas-arkansas-branson-bc04f7acce185ba2ad9e57aeee4caffd">dismissed first-degree involuntary manslaughter charges</a>&nbsp;against Kenneth Scott McKee, 54, the captain of the boat; Curtis P. Lanham, 39, the general manager at Ride the Ducks in Branson; and Charles V. Baltzell, 79, the operations supervisor who was a manager on duty when the boat sank.

Two days later, Schmitt refiled 17 involuntary manslaughter charges against each of the men. McKee also faces 12 counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

“As I’ve said previously, my Office is committed to fighting for justice on behalf of the 17 people that were tragically killed in 2018 — that’s why we re-filed the charges in this case,” Schmitt said in a statement Wednesday.

Prosecutors said the tourist boat went into the lake despite warnings of storms in the area. The boat sank after it was swamped by waves caused by the winds.

Attorneys for the three defendants have argued that the men were not aware of the severity of the storm and did not intentionally put their passengers in danger. When he dismissed the charges, Blankenship said there was no evidence the men knew about the strong winds associated with the storm.

When the criminal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-duck-boat-accident-charges-9be4b42462ab8c878cd35cc7f3bbf809">charges were filed last year</a>, an affidavit from an investigator said McKee ignored concerns about an approaching storm when he took the boat onto the lake. Lanham and Baltzell were accused of failing to communicate weather conditions and to stop operations after a severe thunderstorm warning was issued.

The duck boats, which operate on land and water, were a longtime popular attraction in the tourist town of Branson. The ride closed down after the tragedy and the boats have not returned to the lake.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573695624494.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ASSOCIATED PRESSMissouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s office has refiled involuntary manslaughter charges against three men in connection with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boat-accidents-us-news-ap-top-news-storms-north-america-60b99441d63a48428b5dd79bbc37c75a">sinking of a tourist boat&nbsp;</a>that killed 17 people in 2018.The vehicle, known as a duck boat, sank during a storm shortly after it entered Table Rock Lake near Branson on July 19, 2018. Riders from Missouri, Indiana, Illinois and Arkansas were killed. Fourteen people survived.On April 5, Stone County Judge Alan Blankenship&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/storms-missouri-kansas-arkansas-branson-bc04f7acce185ba2ad9e57aeee4caffd">dismissed first-degree involuntary manslaughter charges</a>&nbsp;against Kenneth Scott McKee, 54, the captain of the boat; Curtis P. Lanham, 39, the general manager at Ride the Ducks in Branson; and Charles V. Baltzell, 79, the operations supervisor who was a manager on duty when the boat sank.Two days later, Schmitt refiled 17 involuntary manslaughter charges against each of the men. McKee also faces 12 counts of endangering the welfare of a child.“As I’ve said previously, my Office is committed to fighting for justice on behalf of the 17 people that were tragically killed in 2018 — that’s why we re-filed the charges in this case,” Schmitt said in a statement Wednesday.Prosecutors said the tourist boat went into the lake despite warnings of storms in the area. The boat sank after it was swamped by waves caused by the winds.Attorneys for the three defendants have argued that the men were not aware of the severity of the storm and did not intentionally put their passengers in danger. When he dismissed the charges, Blankenship said there was no evidence the men knew about the strong winds associated with the storm.When the criminal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-duck-boat-accident-charges-9be4b42462ab8c878cd35cc7f3bbf809">charges were filed last year</a>, an affidavit from an investigator said McKee ignored concerns about an approaching storm when he took the boat onto the lake. Lanham and Baltzell were accused of failing to communicate weather conditions and to stop operations after a severe thunderstorm warning was issued.The duck boats, which operate on land and water, were a longtime popular attraction in the tourist town of Branson. The ride closed down after the tragedy and the boats have not returned to the lake.

Charges refiled in Missouri boat sinking that killed 17

WASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service today urged any taxpayer, now finishing up their 2021 tax return, to use the IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a> to make sure they're having the right amount of tax taken out of their pay during 2022.

This <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/tools">online tool</a>
 offers workers, self-employed individuals and retirees who have wage 
income a user-friendly resource for effectively tailoring the amount of 
income tax withheld from wages.

2021 refund too big? Too small? Surprise tax bill? If any of these 
apply, the Tax Withholding Estimator can help anyone make sure it 
doesn't happen again by having the right amount of taxes taken out for 
2022.

For employees, withholding is the amount of federal income tax taken 
out of their paycheck. Taxpayers can use the results from the Tax 
Withholding Estimator to determine if they should complete a new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-4">Form W-4</a> and submit it to their employer. For example, checking withholding can:

The IRS recommends checking withholding at least once a year. For 
anyone who has just finished filling out their 2021 return, now is a 
particularly good time to do it. It's also a good idea to use this tool 
right after a major life change, such as marriage, divorce, home 
purchase or the birth or adoption of a child.

The Tax Withholding Estimator's results are only as accurate as the 
information entered. To help prepare, the IRS recommends that taxpayers 
gather:

While the Tax Withholding Estimator works for most taxpayers, 
people with more complex tax situations should instead use the 
instructions in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-505">Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax</a>.
 This includes taxpayers who owe alternative minimum tax or certain 
other taxes, and people with long-term capital gains or qualified 
dividends.

The IRS urges anyone still working on their 2021 return to make sure 
they have all their year-end statements in hand before filing. Besides 
all W-2s and 1099s, this includes two new letters issued by the IRS.

People who received advance payments of the Child Tax Credit will 
need to reconcile, or compare, the total received in advance with the 
amount they're eligible to claim. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-letter-6419">Letter 6419</a> shows their total advance Child Tax Credit payments to help taxpayers reconcile and receive the full amount of the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-h-reconciling-your-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-on-your-2021-tax-return">2021 Child Tax Credit</a>.

While most eligible people already received their stimulus payments, 
people who are missing a third stimulus payment or got less than the 
full amount may be eligible to claim a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a> on their 2021 federal tax return. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-letter-6475">Letter 6475</a> shows their total third round of Economic Impact Payments.

Alternatively, anyone can securely sign in to their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a> to access information on their advance Child Tax Credit payments and Economic Impact Payments.

Taxpayers should also <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">e-file</a> and choose <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> to avoid processing delays and help with faster delivery of their refund.

For most Americans, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/what-is-the-due-date-of-my-federal-tax-return-or-am-i-eligible-to-request-an-extension">tax-filing deadline</a>
 is April 18, 2022. For residents of Maine and Massachusetts, the 
deadline is April 19, 2022. Americans who live and work abroad have 
until June 15, 2022. Those who need more time to file can get an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/extension-of-time-to-file-your-tax-return">automatic extension</a> to file until Oct. 17, 2022. These extensions don't change the April 18 payment deadline. It is not an extension to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">pay</a>. More information is available at IRS.gov.

Then, after they file, taxpayers can use the Tax Withholding Estimator to help them update their withholding for 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service today urged any taxpayer, now finishing up their 2021 tax return, to use the IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a> to make sure they're having the right amount of tax taken out of their pay during 2022.This <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/tools">online tool</a>
 offers workers, self-employed individuals and retirees who have wage 
income a user-friendly resource for effectively tailoring the amount of 
income tax withheld from wages.2021 refund too big? Too small? Surprise tax bill? If any of these 
apply, the Tax Withholding Estimator can help anyone make sure it 
doesn't happen again by having the right amount of taxes taken out for 
2022.<h2>Benefits of using the Estimator</h2>For employees, withholding is the amount of federal income tax taken 
out of their paycheck. Taxpayers can use the results from the Tax 
Withholding Estimator to determine if they should complete a new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-4">Form W-4</a> and submit it to their employer. For example, checking withholding can:<ul>
 <li>Ensure the right amount of tax is withheld and prevent an unexpected tax bill or penalty at tax time and</li><li>Determine whether to have less tax withheld up front, thereby boosting take-home pay and reducing any refund at tax time.</li>
 </ul><h2>When should taxpayers use this tool?</h2>The IRS recommends checking withholding at least once a year. For 
anyone who has just finished filling out their 2021 return, now is a 
particularly good time to do it. It's also a good idea to use this tool 
right after a major life change, such as marriage, divorce, home 
purchase or the birth or adoption of a child.<h2>What records are needed?</h2>The Tax Withholding Estimator's results are only as accurate as the 
information entered. To help prepare, the IRS recommends that taxpayers 
gather:<ul>
 <li>Their most recent pay statements and if married, for their spouse,</li><li>Information for other sources of income and</li><li>Their most recent income tax return, 2021, if possible.</li>
 </ul>While the Tax Withholding Estimator works for most taxpayers, 
people with more complex tax situations should instead use the 
instructions in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-505">Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax</a>.
 This includes taxpayers who owe alternative minimum tax or certain 
other taxes, and people with long-term capital gains or qualified 
dividends.<h2>Still working on a 2021 return?</h2>The IRS urges anyone still working on their 2021 return to make sure 
they have all their year-end statements in hand before filing. Besides 
all W-2s and 1099s, this includes two new letters issued by the IRS.People who received advance payments of the Child Tax Credit will 
need to reconcile, or compare, the total received in advance with the 
amount they're eligible to claim. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-letter-6419">Letter 6419</a> shows their total advance Child Tax Credit payments to help taxpayers reconcile and receive the full amount of the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-h-reconciling-your-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-on-your-2021-tax-return">2021 Child Tax Credit</a>.While most eligible people already received their stimulus payments, 
people who are missing a third stimulus payment or got less than the 
full amount may be eligible to claim a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a> on their 2021 federal tax return. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-letter-6475">Letter 6475</a> shows their total third round of Economic Impact Payments.Alternatively, anyone can securely sign in to their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a> to access information on their advance Child Tax Credit payments and Economic Impact Payments.Taxpayers should also <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">e-file</a> and choose <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> to avoid processing delays and help with faster delivery of their refund.For most Americans, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/what-is-the-due-date-of-my-federal-tax-return-or-am-i-eligible-to-request-an-extension">tax-filing deadline</a>
 is April 18, 2022. For residents of Maine and Massachusetts, the 
deadline is April 19, 2022. Americans who live and work abroad have 
until June 15, 2022. Those who need more time to file can get an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/extension-of-time-to-file-your-tax-return">automatic extension</a> to file until Oct. 17, 2022. These extensions don't change the April 18 payment deadline. It is not an extension to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">pay</a>. More information is available at IRS.gov.Then, after they file, taxpayers can use the Tax Withholding Estimator to help them update their withholding for 2022.<h2>Additional information</h2><ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator-faqs">Tax Withholding Estimator FAQs</a></li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/paycheck-checkup">Paycheck Checkup</a></li>
 </ul>

IRS calculator helps ensure 2022 tax withholding correct

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A shooting at a house party early Wednesday in Kansas City left one person dead and two others injured, police said, capping a violent 24 hours in the city that saw four people killed in separate incidents.

Officers who were in the Ivanhoe Northeast neighborhood around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday to investigate a car crash heard several gunshots coming from a home nearby, police said in a news release.

The officers found three victims at the home. One person was pronounced dead at the scene, and another person was taken to a hospital in critical condition. A third person suffered minor injuries and declined medical treatment. Police did not release the names of those killed and hurt and were seeking suspects, as well as potential witnesses who fled the scene to protect their own safety.

The death marked the fourth homicide in Kansas City in a 24-hour period, including the stabbing death Tuesday of a middle school student at his school. Police were also investigating the separate shooting deaths of a woman outside an apartment complex and a man inside a vehicle in a store parking lot.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649868769831.png" alt="Officers who were in the Ivanhoe Northeast neighborhood around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday to investigate a car crash heard several gunshots coming from a home nearby-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Officers who were in the Ivanhoe Northeast neighborhood around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday to investigate a car crash heard several gunshots coming from a home nearby-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A shooting at a house party early Wednesday in Kansas City left one person dead and two others injured, police said, capping a violent 24 hours in the city that saw four people killed in separate incidents.Officers who were in the Ivanhoe Northeast neighborhood around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday to investigate a car crash heard several gunshots coming from a home nearby, police said in a news release.The officers found three victims at the home. One person was pronounced dead at the scene, and another person was taken to a hospital in critical condition. A third person suffered minor injuries and declined medical treatment. Police did not release the names of those killed and hurt and were seeking suspects, as well as potential witnesses who fled the scene to protect their own safety.The death marked the fourth homicide in Kansas City in a 24-hour period, including the stabbing death Tuesday of a middle school student at his school. Police were also investigating the separate shooting deaths of a woman outside an apartment complex and a man inside a vehicle in a store parking lot.