News Release Unites States Attorney-Omaha

United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Rufus E. Dennis, 43, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for Attempted Interference with Interstate Commerce by way of Robbery; possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; and felon in possession of a firearm.&nbsp; Dennis has a prior murder conviction for which he was out on parole when he committed the robbery and firearm offenses.

Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Dennis to a term of 270 months of imprisonment.&nbsp; There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp; After completing his term of imprisonment, Dennis will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.&nbsp; Chief Judge Rossiter varied upward from the recommended federal sentence in this case and supported his decision to do so based on the fact that Dennis intended to murder victims during a planned home invasion robbery and was on parole for second degree murder at the time of the instant offenses.&nbsp; The FBI obtained recordings of Dennis describing in detail his plans for the home invasion.&nbsp; Dennis expressed in the recordings that he was not going to be caught or identified and would leave no witnesses behind.

The evidence at trial showed that Dennis “cased” a family’s home on four separate occasions in January, 2020 while he was gathering information about the home and the family’s movements.&nbsp; A single mother of two young children lived in the home. Dennis planned to do physical harm to that woman in the presence of her elderly mother once he gained entry to the residence.&nbsp;&nbsp; Dennis ultimately planned to shoot anyone who saw his face during the home invasion.&nbsp; In furtherance of that plan, Dennis unwittingly attempted to buy handguns from an undercover officer and recruited a confidential informant with the FBI to act as his lookout and getaway driver for the home invasion.&nbsp;

On the morning of the planned home invasion, agents, investigators, and officers with the Greater Omaha Safe Streets Task Force executed search and arrest warrants at Dennis’s residence and recovered a stolen firearm with Dennis’s DNA on it.&nbsp; Dennis hoped to trade the rifle for a handgun with the undercover officer prior to invading the home.

United States Attorney Jan Sharp stated, “Omaha is a better place today following the arrest and conviction of Rufus Dennis.&nbsp; We cannot create a better community when armed predators roam our streets.&nbsp; The lengthy sentenced imposed on Mr. Dennis represents a win for the citizens of Omaha.”&nbsp;

Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “The FBI’s Greater Omaha Safe Streets Task Force arrested Rufus Dennis before he carried out his plan to terrorize a single mother, her two toddler children and their elderly grandmother.&nbsp; At the time of his arrest, Dennis was one of the Omaha Police Department’s most wanted individuals.&nbsp; With today’s sentencing, our community will no longer have to worry about this violent perpetrator hurting or terrorizing anyone else for a very long time.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bellevue Police Department, and the Omaha Police Department.

News Release Unites States Attorney-OmahaUnited States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Rufus E. Dennis, 43, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for Attempted Interference with Interstate Commerce by way of Robbery; possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; and felon in possession of a firearm.&nbsp; Dennis has a prior murder conviction for which he was out on parole when he committed the robbery and firearm offenses.Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Dennis to a term of 270 months of imprisonment.&nbsp; There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp; After completing his term of imprisonment, Dennis will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.&nbsp; Chief Judge Rossiter varied upward from the recommended federal sentence in this case and supported his decision to do so based on the fact that Dennis intended to murder victims during a planned home invasion robbery and was on parole for second degree murder at the time of the instant offenses.&nbsp; The FBI obtained recordings of Dennis describing in detail his plans for the home invasion.&nbsp; Dennis expressed in the recordings that he was not going to be caught or identified and would leave no witnesses behind.The evidence at trial showed that Dennis “cased” a family’s home on four separate occasions in January, 2020 while he was gathering information about the home and the family’s movements.&nbsp; A single mother of two young children lived in the home. Dennis planned to do physical harm to that woman in the presence of her elderly mother once he gained entry to the residence.&nbsp;&nbsp; Dennis ultimately planned to shoot anyone who saw his face during the home invasion.&nbsp; In furtherance of that plan, Dennis unwittingly attempted to buy handguns from an undercover officer and recruited a confidential informant with the FBI to act as his lookout and getaway driver for the home invasion.&nbsp;On the morning of the planned home invasion, agents, investigators, and officers with the Greater Omaha Safe Streets Task Force executed search and arrest warrants at Dennis’s residence and recovered a stolen firearm with Dennis’s DNA on it.&nbsp; Dennis hoped to trade the rifle for a handgun with the undercover officer prior to invading the home.United States Attorney Jan Sharp stated, “Omaha is a better place today following the arrest and conviction of Rufus Dennis.&nbsp; We cannot create a better community when armed predators roam our streets.&nbsp; The lengthy sentenced imposed on Mr. Dennis represents a win for the citizens of Omaha.”&nbsp;Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “The FBI’s Greater Omaha Safe Streets Task Force arrested Rufus Dennis before he carried out his plan to terrorize a single mother, her two toddler children and their elderly grandmother.&nbsp; At the time of his arrest, Dennis was one of the Omaha Police Department’s most wanted individuals.&nbsp; With today’s sentencing, our community will no longer have to worry about this violent perpetrator hurting or terrorizing anyone else for a very long time.”This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bellevue Police Department, and the Omaha Police Department.

Omaha parolee sentenced for attempted home invasion

SEDGWICK COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 8:30p.m. Friday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Kia Forte driven by Shereese D. Brown, 25, Kansas City, Mo., was south bound on Interstate 35&nbsp;near MacArthur.

The car struck a pedestrian identified as 25-year-old Domonic Andrew Gibson who entered the roadway.

Gibson was pronounced dead at the scene. The occupants of the Kia were not injured and properly restrained, according to the KHP.&nbsp; The KHP report only said Gibson was from Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1648901664224.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal pedestrian accident-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal pedestrian accident-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 8:30p.m. Friday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Kia Forte driven by Shereese D. Brown, 25, Kansas City, Mo., was south bound on Interstate 35&nbsp;near MacArthur.The car struck a pedestrian identified as 25-year-old Domonic Andrew Gibson who entered the roadway.Gibson was pronounced dead at the scene. The occupants of the Kia were not injured and properly restrained, according to the KHP.&nbsp; The KHP report only said Gibson was from Kansas.

Kansas man dies after struck by car on Kansas Turnpike

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Florida man was sentenced Friday to 90 days of house arrest and two years of probation for a crash that killed a Nebraska man and his 7-year-old son last year.

Yorkwind Crawford, 50, of North Miami Beach, Florida, was sentenced for two misdemeanor charges for the crash that killed Creighton University assistant professor Mark Kaipust, 41, and his son, Taylor, the Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/state-and-regional/crime-and-courts/driver-who-caused-crash-that-killed-la-vista-father-and-son-sentenced-to-house-arrest/article_b97b02ca-b1ea-11ec-ab2d-d7dca30bf764.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Investigators said Crawford was driving a semi-trailer truck on Sept. 4 when he plowed into a line of vehicles that had slowed on Interstate 80 in Lincoln as fans exited to attend a Nebraska football game.

Five other people were injured in crashes that involved eight vehicles.

Crawford&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-miami-florida-homicide-nebraska-ecf04ecf756783012a524d966247bead">pleaded guilty&nbsp;</a>in February to two counts of misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide.

He was originally charged with two felonies but the charges were reduced when the Lancaster County prosecutor said he couldn’t prove underlying factors required for felony convictions.

Prosecutors said Crawford was not speeding, wasn’t using his phone and wasn’t under the influence of any substance before the crash. They said he was briefly distracted and didn’t realize the line of vehicles had slowed down.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1648867080192.png" alt="Crawford" />
 <figcaption>Crawford</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Florida man was sentenced Friday to 90 days of house arrest and two years of probation for a crash that killed a Nebraska man and his 7-year-old son last year.Yorkwind Crawford, 50, of North Miami Beach, Florida, was sentenced for two misdemeanor charges for the crash that killed Creighton University assistant professor Mark Kaipust, 41, and his son, Taylor, the Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/state-and-regional/crime-and-courts/driver-who-caused-crash-that-killed-la-vista-father-and-son-sentenced-to-house-arrest/article_b97b02ca-b1ea-11ec-ab2d-d7dca30bf764.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest" target="_blank">reported</a>.Investigators said Crawford was driving a semi-trailer truck on Sept. 4 when he plowed into a line of vehicles that had slowed on Interstate 80 in Lincoln as fans exited to attend a Nebraska football game.Five other people were injured in crashes that involved eight vehicles.Crawford&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-miami-florida-homicide-nebraska-ecf04ecf756783012a524d966247bead">pleaded guilty&nbsp;</a>in February to two counts of misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide.He was originally charged with two felonies but the charges were reduced when the Lancaster County prosecutor said he couldn’t prove underlying factors required for felony convictions.Prosecutors said Crawford was not speeding, wasn’t using his phone and wasn’t under the influence of any substance before the crash. They said he was briefly distracted and didn’t realize the line of vehicles had slowed down.

Florida trucker given probation in Nebraska double fatality

GRAND ISLAND, NEB.&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested three people after locating numerous controlled substances during traffic stops in various parts of Nebraska this week.&nbsp;

Tuesday at approximately 11:20 a.m., a trooper contacted the driver of a GMC Sierra at the Kearney Rest Area, at mile marker 269 of I-80. During the encounter, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity. An NSP K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 2 pounds of cocaine, concealed inside the center console. The driver, Dionicio Sandoval Alvarez, 31, of Woodbridge, Virginia, was arrested for possession of cocaine – more than 140 grams, possession with intent to deliver, and no drug tax stamp. He was lodged in Buffalo County Jail.

At approximately 2:40 p.m. Tuesday, a trooper observed a Nissan Quest speeding on I-80 near Waco, at mile marker 360. During the traffic stop, the trooper detected the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed 222 pounds of marijuana, concealed in duffel bags in the cargo area of the van. The driver, Rigoberto Prado Barajas, 23, of Patterson, California, was arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, and no drug tax stamp. He was lodged in York County Jail.

Thursday, at approximately 11:45 a.m., a trooper observed a Chevrolet minivan speeding on Highway 30 in Shelton. During the traffic stop, an NSP K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed 61 pounds of marijuana, over 750 THC vape cartridges, over 100 syringes of suspected ketamine, 2 pounds of marijuana wax, 24 dosage units of LSD, over 380 packages of THC edibles, and smaller amounts of cocaine, ketamine, DMT, ecstasy, psilocybin mushrooms and chocolate bars, amphetamine, unknown pills, and multiple items of drug paraphernalia. The driver, Kelly Scheel, 48, of Salem, Oregon, was arrested for several drug offenses. He was lodged in Buffalo County Jail.

By Nebraska State PatrolGRAND ISLAND, NEB.&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested three people after locating numerous controlled substances during traffic stops in various parts of Nebraska this week.&nbsp;Tuesday at approximately 11:20 a.m., a trooper contacted the driver of a GMC Sierra at the Kearney Rest Area, at mile marker 269 of I-80. During the encounter, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity. An NSP K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 2 pounds of cocaine, concealed inside the center console. The driver, Dionicio Sandoval Alvarez, 31, of Woodbridge, Virginia, was arrested for possession of cocaine – more than 140 grams, possession with intent to deliver, and no drug tax stamp. He was lodged in Buffalo County Jail.At approximately 2:40 p.m. Tuesday, a trooper observed a Nissan Quest speeding on I-80 near Waco, at mile marker 360. During the traffic stop, the trooper detected the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed 222 pounds of marijuana, concealed in duffel bags in the cargo area of the van. The driver, Rigoberto Prado Barajas, 23, of Patterson, California, was arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, and no drug tax stamp. He was lodged in York County Jail.Thursday, at approximately 11:45 a.m., a trooper observed a Chevrolet minivan speeding on Highway 30 in Shelton. During the traffic stop, an NSP K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed 61 pounds of marijuana, over 750 THC vape cartridges, over 100 syringes of suspected ketamine, 2 pounds of marijuana wax, 24 dosage units of LSD, over 380 packages of THC edibles, and smaller amounts of cocaine, ketamine, DMT, ecstasy, psilocybin mushrooms and chocolate bars, amphetamine, unknown pills, and multiple items of drug paraphernalia. The driver, Kelly Scheel, 48, of Salem, Oregon, was arrested for several drug offenses. He was lodged in Buffalo County Jail.

Troopers find several controlled substances in multiple traffic stops

WASHINGTON (AP) — Marijuana would be decriminalized at the federal level under legislation the House approved Friday as Democrats made the case for allowing states to set their own policies on pot.

The bill is unlikely to become law since it is expected to die in the Senate. That would mirror what happened when a similar House-passed measure removing marijuana from the list of federally-controlled substances went nowhere in the Senate two years ago.

The Republicans who voted for the measure included&nbsp;Matt Gaetz and Brian Mast of Florida and Rep. Tom McClintock of California.

Still, Friday's vote gave lawmakers the chance to state their view on a decriminalization push that appears to have broad support with voters across the country.

The 2020 election showed how broadly accepted marijuana has become, with measures to legalize recreational pot breezing to victory in progressive New Jersey, moderate Arizona and conservative Montana and South Dakota.

The House approved the bill Friday with a mostly party-line vote of 220-204. All but two voting Democrats backed the measure, while only three Republicans did.

The measure would require federal courts to expunge prior marijuana convictions and conduct resentencing hearings for those completing their sentences. It also authorizes a 5% sales tax on marijuana and marijuana products that would be used for grant programs focused on job training, substance abuse treatment and loans to help disadvantaged small businesses get into the marijuana industry.

Democrats said the nation's federal prohibition on marijuana has had particularly devastating consequences for minority communities. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., cited statistics that showed Black Americans were four times more likely than white Americans to be arrested for marijuana possession, even though they use it at similar rates.

“Those criminal records can haunt people of color and impact the trajectory of their lives indefinitely," Hoyer said. “I regret that there are some members of our Congress who apparently think that's not worthy of attention."

“Make no mistake, yes, it is a racial justice bill," said Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif.

Republicans who opposed the measure said marijuana is a gateway drug that would lead to greater use of opioids and other dangerous substances. They also said the pot sold today is far more potent than what was sold decades ago, leading to greater impairment for those who use it. They said decriminalization is not the priority that lawmakers should be focused on now, with the war in Ukraine and inflation driving up the cost of gas, food and other essential items.

“Yet the priority of this Congress now turns to expanding access to addictive, behavior-altering recreational drugs at a time when our country is also experiencing increased addiction, depression and suicide," said Rep. Bob Good, R-Va.

Thirty-seven states and District of Columbia allow the medical use of cannabis products while 18 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

“If states are the laboratories of democracy, it is long past time for the federal government to recognize that legalization has been a resounding success and that the conflict with federal law has become untenable," said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

In the Senate, Democrats including Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York asked colleagues in early February for their input on a marijuana decriminalization bill that they would be introducing later this year.

“This is an issue of individual freedom and basic fairness that clearly transcends party lines," the Democrats said in their letter to colleagues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1648839519961.png" alt="Friday's vote gave lawmakers the chance to state their view on a decriminalization push that appears to have broad support with voters across the country-photo courtesy House Speaker Nancy Pelosi" />
 <figcaption>Friday's vote gave lawmakers the chance to state their view on a decriminalization push that appears to have broad support with voters across the country-photo courtesy House Speaker Nancy Pelosi</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Marijuana would be decriminalized at the federal level under legislation the House approved Friday as Democrats made the case for allowing states to set their own policies on pot.The bill is unlikely to become law since it is expected to die in the Senate. That would mirror what happened when a similar House-passed measure removing marijuana from the list of federally-controlled substances went nowhere in the Senate two years ago.The Republicans who voted for the measure included&nbsp;Matt Gaetz and Brian Mast of Florida and Rep. Tom McClintock of California.Still, Friday's vote gave lawmakers the chance to state their view on a decriminalization push that appears to have broad support with voters across the country.The 2020 election showed how broadly accepted marijuana has become, with measures to legalize recreational pot breezing to victory in progressive New Jersey, moderate Arizona and conservative Montana and South Dakota.The House approved the bill Friday with a mostly party-line vote of 220-204. All but two voting Democrats backed the measure, while only three Republicans did.The measure would require federal courts to expunge prior marijuana convictions and conduct resentencing hearings for those completing their sentences. It also authorizes a 5% sales tax on marijuana and marijuana products that would be used for grant programs focused on job training, substance abuse treatment and loans to help disadvantaged small businesses get into the marijuana industry.Democrats said the nation's federal prohibition on marijuana has had particularly devastating consequences for minority communities. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., cited statistics that showed Black Americans were four times more likely than white Americans to be arrested for marijuana possession, even though they use it at similar rates.“Those criminal records can haunt people of color and impact the trajectory of their lives indefinitely," Hoyer said. “I regret that there are some members of our Congress who apparently think that's not worthy of attention."“Make no mistake, yes, it is a racial justice bill," said Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif.Republicans who opposed the measure said marijuana is a gateway drug that would lead to greater use of opioids and other dangerous substances. They also said the pot sold today is far more potent than what was sold decades ago, leading to greater impairment for those who use it. They said decriminalization is not the priority that lawmakers should be focused on now, with the war in Ukraine and inflation driving up the cost of gas, food and other essential items.“Yet the priority of this Congress now turns to expanding access to addictive, behavior-altering recreational drugs at a time when our country is also experiencing increased addiction, depression and suicide," said Rep. Bob Good, R-Va.Thirty-seven states and District of Columbia allow the medical use of cannabis products while 18 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.“If states are the laboratories of democracy, it is long past time for the federal government to recognize that legalization has been a resounding success and that the conflict with federal law has become untenable," said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.In the Senate, Democrats including Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York asked colleagues in early February for their input on a marijuana decriminalization bill that they would be introducing later this year.“This is an issue of individual freedom and basic fairness that clearly transcends party lines," the Democrats said in their letter to colleagues.

3 in GOP vote with Dems in House to legalize marijuana

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Supreme Court has upheld much of a 2019 jury verdict that found the state discriminated against a transgender prison employee by denying him the use of men’s restrooms and locker rooms. However, the court dismissed a portion of the case that centered on sex discrimination. 

The decision means Jesse Vroegh has won his discrimination lawsuit based on gender identity and the jury’s $120,000 damages verdict awarded for emotional distress. Vroegh is a former nurse at the state’s Mitchellville prison for women. 

The decision in which the full court recognized gender identity discrimination for transgender workers under state civil rights law is a significant LGBTQ victory.

By ASSOCIATED PRESSDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Supreme Court has upheld much of a 2019 jury verdict that found the state discriminated against a transgender prison employee by denying him the use of men’s restrooms and locker rooms. However, the court dismissed a portion of the case that centered on sex discrimination. The decision means Jesse Vroegh has won his discrimination lawsuit based on gender identity and the jury’s $120,000 damages verdict awarded for emotional distress. Vroegh is a former nurse at the state’s Mitchellville prison for women. The decision in which the full court recognized gender identity discrimination for transgender workers under state civil rights law is a significant LGBTQ victory.

Iowa court upholds gender identity discrimination case

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The fiery collision of two vehicles at a southwestern Omaha intersection has left two women dead and a man hospitalized with serious injuries, police said.

The crash happened around 11 p.m. Thursday when a pickup truck and sport utility vehicle collided at 192nd and F streets, sending both vehicles into a ditch and causing the SUV to erupt in flames, police said in a news release.

Firefighters eventually put out the flames, and authorities discovered the bodies of the two women inside the SUV. Police said they were not able to immediately identify the women.

A 21-year-old man driving the truck was taken to an Omaha hospital with back and chest fractures, police said. Police closed the roadways around the crash scene for about five hours while detectives and forensics staff investigated.

By ASSOCIATED PRESSOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The fiery collision of two vehicles at a southwestern Omaha intersection has left two women dead and a man hospitalized with serious injuries, police said.The crash happened around 11 p.m. Thursday when a pickup truck and sport utility vehicle collided at 192nd and F streets, sending both vehicles into a ditch and causing the SUV to erupt in flames, police said in a news release.Firefighters eventually put out the flames, and authorities discovered the bodies of the two women inside the SUV. Police said they were not able to immediately identify the women.A 21-year-old man driving the truck was taken to an Omaha hospital with back and chest fractures, police said. Police closed the roadways around the crash scene for about five hours while detectives and forensics staff investigated.

Omaha police: 2 women killed, man injured in fiery crash

America’s employers extended a streak of robust hiring in March, adding 431,000 jobs in a sign of the economy’s resilience in the face of a still-destructive pandemic and the highest inflation in 40 years.

The Labor Department’s report Friday showed that last month’s job growth helped reduce the unemployment rate to 3.6%, the lowest level since the pandemic erupted two years ago.

Despite the inflation surge, persistent supply bottlenecks, the damaging effects of COVID-19 and now a war in Europe, employers have added at least 400,000 jobs for 11 straight months.

Inflation may be starting to weaken consumer spending, the main driver of the economy. Americans increased their spending by just 0.2% in February, down from a much larger gain in January.

Still, the job market has continued to rebound with unexpected speed from the coronavirus recession. Job openings are at a near-record level, and applications for unemployment benefits have dropped to near their lowest point since 1969.

The still-solid U.S. job market reflects a robust rebound from the brief but devastating coronavirus recession, which wiped out 22 million jobs in March and April 2020 as businesses shut down or cut hours and Americans stayed home to avoid infection.

But the recovery has been swift. Fueled by generous federal aid, savings amassed during the pandemic and ultra-low borrowing rates engineered by the Federal Reserve, U.S. consumers have spent so fast that many factories, warehouses, shipping companies and ports have failed to keep pace with their customer demand. Supply chains have snarled, forcing up prices.

As the pandemic has eased, consumers have been broadening their spending beyond goods to services, such as health care, travel and entertainment, which they had long avoided during the worst of the pandemic. The result: Chronically high inflation is causing hardships for many lower-income households that face sharp price increases for such necessities as food, gasoline and rent.

It’s unclear whether the economy can maintain its momentum of the past year. The government relief checks are gone. The Fed raised its benchmark short-term interest rate two weeks ago and will likely keep raising it well into next year. Those rate hikes will result in more expensive loans for many consumers and businesses.

Inflation has also eroded consumers’ spending power: Hourly pay, adjusted for higher consumer prices, fell 2.6% in February from a year earlier — the 11th straight month in which inflation has outpaced year-over-year wage growth. According to AAA, average gasoline prices, at $4.23 a gallon, are up a dizzying 47% from a year ago.

Squeezed by inflation, some consumers are paring their spending. The Commerce Department reported Thursday that consumer spending rose just 0.2%% in February — and fell 0.4% when adjusted for inflation — down from a 2.7% increase in January.

Still, the job market has kept hurtling ahead. Employers posted a near-record 11.3 million positions in February. Nearly 4.4 million Americans quit their jobs, a sign of confidence that they could find something better.

Even so, so many jobs were lost in 2020 that the economy still remains more than 2 million shy of the number it had just before the pandemic struck. Over the past year, employers have added an average of 556,000 jobs a month. At that pace — no guarantee to continue — the nation would recover all the jobs lost to the pandemic by June. (That still wouldn’t include all the additional hiring that would have been done over the past two years under normal circumstances.)

Brighter job prospects are beginning to draw back into the labor force people who had remained on the sidelines because of health concerns, difficulty finding or affording daycare, generous unemployment benefits that have now expired or other reasons.

Over the past year, 3.6 million people have joined the U.S. labor force, meaning they now either have a job or are looking for one. But their ranks are still nearly 600,000 short of where they stood in February 2020, just before the pandemic slammed into the economy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1648818336100.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By ASSOCIATED PRESSAmerica’s employers extended a streak of robust hiring in March, adding 431,000 jobs in a sign of the economy’s resilience in the face of a still-destructive pandemic and the highest inflation in 40 years.The Labor Department’s report Friday showed that last month’s job growth helped reduce the unemployment rate to 3.6%, the lowest level since the pandemic erupted two years ago.Despite the inflation surge, persistent supply bottlenecks, the damaging effects of COVID-19 and now a war in Europe, employers have added at least 400,000 jobs for 11 straight months.Inflation may be starting to weaken consumer spending, the main driver of the economy. Americans increased their spending by just 0.2% in February, down from a much larger gain in January.Still, the job market has continued to rebound with unexpected speed from the coronavirus recession. Job openings are at a near-record level, and applications for unemployment benefits have dropped to near their lowest point since 1969.The still-solid U.S. job market reflects a robust rebound from the brief but devastating coronavirus recession, which wiped out 22 million jobs in March and April 2020 as businesses shut down or cut hours and Americans stayed home to avoid infection.But the recovery has been swift. Fueled by generous federal aid, savings amassed during the pandemic and ultra-low borrowing rates engineered by the Federal Reserve, U.S. consumers have spent so fast that many factories, warehouses, shipping companies and ports have failed to keep pace with their customer demand. Supply chains have snarled, forcing up prices.As the pandemic has eased, consumers have been broadening their spending beyond goods to services, such as health care, travel and entertainment, which they had long avoided during the worst of the pandemic. The result: Chronically high inflation is causing hardships for many lower-income households that face sharp price increases for such necessities as food, gasoline and rent.It’s unclear whether the economy can maintain its momentum of the past year. The government relief checks are gone. The Fed raised its benchmark short-term interest rate two weeks ago and will likely keep raising it well into next year. Those rate hikes will result in more expensive loans for many consumers and businesses.Inflation has also eroded consumers’ spending power: Hourly pay, adjusted for higher consumer prices, fell 2.6% in February from a year earlier — the 11th straight month in which inflation has outpaced year-over-year wage growth. According to AAA, average gasoline prices, at $4.23 a gallon, are up a dizzying 47% from a year ago.Squeezed by inflation, some consumers are paring their spending. The Commerce Department reported Thursday that consumer spending rose just 0.2%% in February — and fell 0.4% when adjusted for inflation — down from a 2.7% increase in January.Still, the job market has kept hurtling ahead. Employers posted a near-record 11.3 million positions in February. Nearly 4.4 million Americans quit their jobs, a sign of confidence that they could find something better.Even so, so many jobs were lost in 2020 that the economy still remains more than 2 million shy of the number it had just before the pandemic struck. Over the past year, employers have added an average of 556,000 jobs a month. At that pace — no guarantee to continue — the nation would recover all the jobs lost to the pandemic by June. (That still wouldn’t include all the additional hiring that would have been done over the past two years under normal circumstances.)Brighter job prospects are beginning to draw back into the labor force people who had remained on the sidelines because of health concerns, difficulty finding or affording daycare, generous unemployment benefits that have now expired or other reasons.Over the past year, 3.6 million people have joined the U.S. labor force, meaning they now either have a job or are looking for one. But their ranks are still nearly 600,000 short of where they stood in February 2020, just before the pandemic slammed into the economy.

US added 431,000 jobs in March in sign of economic health

GRAND ISLAND, Neb.-Beginning Friday, April 1 the general quarantine of the entire Fonner Park stable area will be removed.

On March 12, 2022, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture issued a quarantine restricting any horses from leaving the Fonner Park stable area after two confirmed cases of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) were confirmed. Since March 12 there have been zero reported EHM symptoms from any horses outside of barn R and therefore the quarantine was dropped.

A second quarantine was also issued specifically for barn R that restricted any of nearly 100 horses from participating in racing and limited their range of exercise to the walking wheels and the training track only, not the main track. Those horses remain under quarantine restrictions. “Some horses in quarantine are still testing positive (for EHM) at a very low number but are on the improve,” said Dr. David Redechel DVM, the Nebraska Racing &amp; Gaming Commission veterinarian.

“I am hopeful in a week’s time that the barn R quarantine will also be dropped.”

Since the first horse began to show symptoms of EHM, barn R was put under precautionary quarantine and emergency biosecurity measures were put in place to stop the virus spread. A product produced and sold by Anicell Biotech has

been used with much success to arrest the spread and assist horses that tested positive for the disease.

“I am very proud of the horsemen at Fonner Park who engaged in a sudden change of policy to help prevent any spread of the EHM virus,” said Fonner Park CEO Chris Kotulak. “It is bad that some horses will remain in quarantine a bit longer. But it is outstanding that most horses are now free to leave the stable area and even better that we can now receive horses so that trainers and owners can resume their livelihood and interests. I truly believe that without the Anicell Biotech treatment many horses and horsemen would still be in a dire setting.” Kotulak finalized with, “even better, we are wide open for nominations to the $75,000 Bosselman Gus Fonner Stakes on Saturday, April 30th.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1648811211435.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Fonner ParkGRAND ISLAND, Neb.-Beginning Friday, April 1 the general quarantine of the entire Fonner Park stable area will be removed.On March 12, 2022, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture issued a quarantine restricting any horses from leaving the Fonner Park stable area after two confirmed cases of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) were confirmed. Since March 12 there have been zero reported EHM symptoms from any horses outside of barn R and therefore the quarantine was dropped.A second quarantine was also issued specifically for barn R that restricted any of nearly 100 horses from participating in racing and limited their range of exercise to the walking wheels and the training track only, not the main track. Those horses remain under quarantine restrictions. “Some horses in quarantine are still testing positive (for EHM) at a very low number but are on the improve,” said Dr. David Redechel DVM, the Nebraska Racing &amp; Gaming Commission veterinarian.“I am hopeful in a week’s time that the barn R quarantine will also be dropped.”Since the first horse began to show symptoms of EHM, barn R was put under precautionary quarantine and emergency biosecurity measures were put in place to stop the virus spread. A product produced and sold by Anicell Biotech hasbeen used with much success to arrest the spread and assist horses that tested positive for the disease.“I am very proud of the horsemen at Fonner Park who engaged in a sudden change of policy to help prevent any spread of the EHM virus,” said Fonner Park CEO Chris Kotulak. “It is bad that some horses will remain in quarantine a bit longer. But it is outstanding that most horses are now free to leave the stable area and even better that we can now receive horses so that trainers and owners can resume their livelihood and interests. I truly believe that without the Anicell Biotech treatment many horses and horsemen would still be in a dire setting.” Kotulak finalized with, “even better, we are wide open for nominations to the $75,000 Bosselman Gus Fonner Stakes on Saturday, April 30th.”

Quarantine at Fonner Park stable dropped

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. airport security procedures will become more gender-neutral, with changes to scanners used for screening and the use of an “X” for travelers going through Precheck who do not identify as male or female, the Biden administration said Thursday.

Transportation Security Administration officers will also receive new instructions on screening intended to make procedures less invasive, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.

They are among a series of travel-security measures announced by the department in conjunction with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-travel-lifestyle-ac02c7bc5646f451d8cc49b05a22be80">Transgender Day of Visibility</a>. President Joe Biden marked the day by advocating against what his administration terms “dangerous anti-transgender legislative attacks” that have passed in statehouses across the country.

“DHS is committed to protecting the traveling public while ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender identity, is treated with respect,” Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in the statement.

The use of the “X” pronoun in the TSA Precheck advanced security program will begin April 11 and is intended to keep pace with identity documents that already include that option, DHS said. A new “X” gender marker on U.S. passport applications also begins April 11.

Later this year, TSA will begin using scanners with new technology that will replace gender-based systems and are intended to “advance civil rights and improve the customer experience.”

The TSA will work with airlines to promote the acceptance of the “X” gender marker and will also update the guidance for airport security screening officers to remove gender considerations when validating documents, DHS said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. airport security procedures will become more gender-neutral, with changes to scanners used for screening and the use of an “X” for travelers going through Precheck who do not identify as male or female, the Biden administration said Thursday.Transportation Security Administration officers will also receive new instructions on screening intended to make procedures less invasive, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">To transgender Americans of all ages, I want you to know that you are so brave. You belong. I have your back. <a href="https://t.co/mD4F0m3rU1">pic.twitter.com/mD4F0m3rU1</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1509532210495254528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>They are among a series of travel-security measures announced by the department in conjunction with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-travel-lifestyle-ac02c7bc5646f451d8cc49b05a22be80">Transgender Day of Visibility</a>. President Joe Biden marked the day by advocating against what his administration terms “dangerous anti-transgender legislative attacks” that have passed in statehouses across the country.“DHS is committed to protecting the traveling public while ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender identity, is treated with respect,” Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in the statement.The use of the “X” pronoun in the TSA Precheck advanced security program will begin April 11 and is intended to keep pace with identity documents that already include that option, DHS said. A new “X” gender marker on U.S. passport applications also begins April 11.Later this year, TSA will begin using scanners with new technology that will replace gender-based systems and are intended to “advance civil rights and improve the customer experience.”The TSA will work with airlines to promote the acceptance of the “X” gender marker and will also update the guidance for airport security screening officers to remove gender considerations when validating documents, DHS said.

🎥 USA to issue gender-neutral 'X' passports

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

After a multi-month investigation, police arrested a Kansas man&nbsp; Monday in connection with the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl.

In January, it was alleged that Raymond L. Isom, 41, of Salina, sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

Upon completion of the investigation, the Salina Police Department sought an arrest warrant for Isom on a requested charge of rape. Police arrested him at a residence in the 100 block of W. Republic Avenue in Salina. 

Isom was booked into the Saline County Jail Monday afternoon, according to the jail booking report. He has previous convictions for theft, aggravated battery, criminal damage to property and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648564287119.png" alt="&nbsp;Isom has previous convictions for theft, aggravated battery, criminal damage to property and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections&nbsp;-Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Isom has previous convictions for theft, aggravated battery, criminal damage to property and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections&nbsp;-Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostAfter a multi-month investigation, police arrested a Kansas man&nbsp; Monday in connection with the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl.In January, it was alleged that Raymond L. Isom, 41, of Salina, sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.Upon completion of the investigation, the Salina Police Department sought an arrest warrant for Isom on a requested charge of rape. Police arrested him at a residence in the 100 block of W. Republic Avenue in Salina. Isom was booked into the Saline County Jail Monday afternoon, according to the jail booking report. He has previous convictions for theft, aggravated battery, criminal damage to property and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections

Police: 41-year-old Kan. felon accused of sex with 14-year-old

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska could spend up to $1 million to study the long-term health and environmental consequences of a troubled ethanol plant under a bill that lawmakers advanced Thursday.

Lawmakers gave the measure first-round approval on a 34-4 vote.

The proposal by state Sen. Carol Blood, of Bellevue, would allow University of Nebraska researchers to continue existing work around the AltEn plant near Mead, about 37 miles west of Omaha.

The plant has a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-ricketts-omaha-lawsuits-nebraska-wastewater-ec2d563b0b8a64ad2bd88de63bba3ef3">long history</a>&nbsp;of environmental problems and has drawn complaints from Mead residents since shortly after it opened in 2015.

The plant was created to process old, pesticide-laced seed corn that is unsuitable for use as an animal feed supplement. State regulators say the facility failed numerous times to clean up polluted wastewater and follow other environmental orders.

The bill was folded into a package aimed at recruiting more behavioral health professionals to parts of the state that need them.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645735406535.png" alt="The AltEn Ethanol plant south of Mead, Nebraska, is now closed. It is subject to a clean-up order from state environmental regulators. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>The AltEn Ethanol plant south of Mead, Nebraska, is now closed. It is subject to a clean-up order from state environmental regulators. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ASSOCIATED PRESSLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska could spend up to $1 million to study the long-term health and environmental consequences of a troubled ethanol plant under a bill that lawmakers advanced Thursday.Lawmakers gave the measure first-round approval on a 34-4 vote.The proposal by state Sen. Carol Blood, of Bellevue, would allow University of Nebraska researchers to continue existing work around the AltEn plant near Mead, about 37 miles west of Omaha.The plant has a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-ricketts-omaha-lawsuits-nebraska-wastewater-ec2d563b0b8a64ad2bd88de63bba3ef3">long history</a>&nbsp;of environmental problems and has drawn complaints from Mead residents since shortly after it opened in 2015.The plant was created to process old, pesticide-laced seed corn that is unsuitable for use as an animal feed supplement. State regulators say the facility failed numerous times to clean up polluted wastewater and follow other environmental orders.The bill was folded into a package aimed at recruiting more behavioral health professionals to parts of the state that need them.

Nebraska advances $1M for study of troubled ethanol plant

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday ordered the release of 1 million barrels of oil per day from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-prices-ae5200310e3d3c0390d9e1cbb3c5a964">the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve</a>&nbsp;for six months, a bid to control energy prices that have spiked after the United States and allies imposed steep sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

The president said it was not known how much gasoline prices could decline as a result of his move, but he suggested it might be “anything from 10 cents to 35 cents a gallon.” Gas is averaging about $4.23 a gallon, compared with $2.87 a year ago, according to AAA.

“The bottom line is if we want lower gas prices we need to have more oil supply right now,” Biden said. “This is a moment of consequence and peril for the world, and pain at the pump for American families.”

(click below to listen to Pres. Biden's statement to producers)

The president also wants Congress to impose financial penalties on oil and gas companies that lease public lands but are not producing. He said he will invoke the Defense Production Act to encourage the mining of critical minerals for batteries in electric vehicles, part of a broader push to shift toward cleaner energy sources and reduce the use of fossil fuels.

The actions show that oil remains a vulnerability for the U.S. Higher prices have hurt Biden’s approval domestically and added billions of oil-export dollars to the Russian government as it wages war on Ukraine.

Tapping the stockpile would create pressures that could reduce oil prices, though Biden has twice ordered releases from the reserves without causing a meaningful shift in oil markets. Biden said Thursday he expects gasoline prices could drop “fairly significantly.”

Part of Biden’s concern is that high prices have not so far coaxed a meaningful jump in oil production. The planned release is a way to increase supplies as a bridge until&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-covid-health-business-da75f38d60c1e820b5147fa9e25feca2">oil companies ramp up their own production,</a>&nbsp;with administration officials estimating that domestic production will grow by 1 million barrels daily this year and an additional 700,000 barrels daily in 2023.

The markets reacted quickly with crude oil prices dropping about 4% in Thursday trading to under $104 a barrel. Still, oil is up from roughly $60 a year ago, with supplies failing to keep up with demand as the world economy has begun to rebound from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>. That inflationary problem was compounded by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, which created new uncertainties about oil and natural gas supplies and led to retaliatory sanctions from the U.S. and its allies.

Stewart Glickman, an oil analyst for CFRA Research, said the release would bring short-term relief on prices and would be akin to “taking some Advil for a headache.” But markets would ultimately look to see whether, after the releases stop, the underlying problems that led to Biden’s decisions remain.

“The root cause of the headache is probably still going to be there after the medicine wears off,” Glickman said.

Biden has been in talks with allies and partners to join in additional releases of oil, such that the world market will get more than the 180 million barrels total being pledged by the U.S.

Americans on average use about 21 million barrels of oil daily, with about 40% of that devoted to gasoline, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That total accounts for about one-fifth of total global consumption of oil.

Domestic oil production is equal to more than half of U.S. usage, but high prices have not led companies to return to their pre-pandemic levels of output. The U.S. is producing on average 11.7 million barrels daily, down from 13 million barrels in early 2020.

Republican lawmakers have said the problem results from the administration being hostile to oil permits and the construction of new pipelines such as the Keystone XL. Democrats say the country needs to move to renewable energy such as wind and solar that could reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and Putin’s leverage.

Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., blasted Biden’s action to tap the reserve without first taking steps to increase American energy production, calling it “a Band-Aid on a bullet wound.″

Daines called Biden’s actions “desperate moves″ that avoid what he called the real solution: ”investing in American energy production,″ and getting “oil and gas leases going again.”

The administration says increasing oil output is a gradual process and the release would provide time to ramp up production. It also wants to incentivize greater production by putting fees on unused leases on government lands, something that would require congressional approval.

Oil producers have been more focused on meeting the needs of investors than consumers, according to a survey released last week by the Dallas Federal Reserve. About 59% of the executives surveyed said investor pressure to preserve “capital discipline” amid high prices was the reason they weren’t pumping more, while fewer than 10% blamed government regulation.

In his remarks Thursday, Biden tried to shame oil companies that he said are focused on profits instead of putting out more barrels, saying that adding to the oil supply was a patriotic obligation.

“This is not the time to sit on record profits: It’s time to step up for the good of your country,” the president said.

The steady release from the reserves would be a meaningful sum and come near to closing the domestic production gap relative to February 2020, before the coronavirus caused a steep decline in oil output.

Still, the politics of oil are complicated with industry advocates and environmentalists both criticizing the planned release. Groups such as the American Petroleum Institute want to make drilling easier, while environmental organizations say energy companies should be forced to pay a special tax on windfall profits instead.

The administration in November announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-oil-strategic-reserve-gas-prices-a7e0802b299cd627c7ffdeeb0e50bd2c">the release of 50 million barrels</a>&nbsp;from the strategic reserve in coordination with other countries. And after the Russia-Ukraine war began, the U.S. and 30 other countries agreed to an additional release of 60 million barrels from reserves, with half of the total coming from the U.S.

According to the Department of Energy, which manages it, more than 568 million barrels of oil were held in the reserve as of March 25. After the release, the government would begin to replenish the reserve once prices have sufficiently fallen.

News of the administration’s planning was first reported by Bloomberg.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648749907890.png" alt="The president also wants Congress to impose financial penalties on oil and gas companies that lease public lands but are not producing-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>The president also wants Congress to impose financial penalties on oil and gas companies that lease public lands but are not producing-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday ordered the release of 1 million barrels of oil per day from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-prices-ae5200310e3d3c0390d9e1cbb3c5a964">the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve</a>&nbsp;for six months, a bid to control energy prices that have spiked after the United States and allies imposed steep sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F300434728721015%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=36" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The president said it was not known how much gasoline prices could decline as a result of his move, but he suggested it might be “anything from 10 cents to 35 cents a gallon.” Gas is averaging about $4.23 a gallon, compared with $2.87 a year ago, according to AAA.“The bottom line is if we want lower gas prices we need to have more oil supply right now,” Biden said. “This is a moment of consequence and peril for the world, and pain at the pump for American families.”(click below to listen to Pres. Biden's statement to producers)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F300434728721015%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=246" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The president also wants Congress to impose financial penalties on oil and gas companies that lease public lands but are not producing. He said he will invoke the Defense Production Act to encourage the mining of critical minerals for batteries in electric vehicles, part of a broader push to shift toward cleaner energy sources and reduce the use of fossil fuels.The actions show that oil remains a vulnerability for the U.S. Higher prices have hurt Biden’s approval domestically and added billions of oil-export dollars to the Russian government as it wages war on Ukraine.Tapping the stockpile would create pressures that could reduce oil prices, though Biden has twice ordered releases from the reserves without causing a meaningful shift in oil markets. Biden said Thursday he expects gasoline prices could drop “fairly significantly.”Part of Biden’s concern is that high prices have not so far coaxed a meaningful jump in oil production. The planned release is a way to increase supplies as a bridge until&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-covid-health-business-da75f38d60c1e820b5147fa9e25feca2">oil companies ramp up their own production,</a>&nbsp;with administration officials estimating that domestic production will grow by 1 million barrels daily this year and an additional 700,000 barrels daily in 2023.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648751491285.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The markets reacted quickly with crude oil prices dropping about 4% in Thursday trading to under $104 a barrel. Still, oil is up from roughly $60 a year ago, with supplies failing to keep up with demand as the world economy has begun to rebound from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>. That inflationary problem was compounded by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, which created new uncertainties about oil and natural gas supplies and led to retaliatory sanctions from the U.S. and its allies.Stewart Glickman, an oil analyst for CFRA Research, said the release would bring short-term relief on prices and would be akin to “taking some Advil for a headache.” But markets would ultimately look to see whether, after the releases stop, the underlying problems that led to Biden’s decisions remain.“The root cause of the headache is probably still going to be there after the medicine wears off,” Glickman said.Biden has been in talks with allies and partners to join in additional releases of oil, such that the world market will get more than the 180 million barrels total being pledged by the U.S.Americans on average use about 21 million barrels of oil daily, with about 40% of that devoted to gasoline, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That total accounts for about one-fifth of total global consumption of oil.Domestic oil production is equal to more than half of U.S. usage, but high prices have not led companies to return to their pre-pandemic levels of output. The U.S. is producing on average 11.7 million barrels daily, down from 13 million barrels in early 2020.Republican lawmakers have said the problem results from the administration being hostile to oil permits and the construction of new pipelines such as the Keystone XL. Democrats say the country needs to move to renewable energy such as wind and solar that could reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and Putin’s leverage.Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., blasted Biden’s action to tap the reserve without first taking steps to increase American energy production, calling it “a Band-Aid on a bullet wound.″Daines called Biden’s actions “desperate moves″ that avoid what he called the real solution: ”investing in American energy production,″ and getting “oil and gas leases going again.”The administration says increasing oil output is a gradual process and the release would provide time to ramp up production. It also wants to incentivize greater production by putting fees on unused leases on government lands, something that would require congressional approval.Oil producers have been more focused on meeting the needs of investors than consumers, according to a survey released last week by the Dallas Federal Reserve. About 59% of the executives surveyed said investor pressure to preserve “capital discipline” amid high prices was the reason they weren’t pumping more, while fewer than 10% blamed government regulation.In his remarks Thursday, Biden tried to shame oil companies that he said are focused on profits instead of putting out more barrels, saying that adding to the oil supply was a patriotic obligation.“This is not the time to sit on record profits: It’s time to step up for the good of your country,” the president said.The steady release from the reserves would be a meaningful sum and come near to closing the domestic production gap relative to February 2020, before the coronavirus caused a steep decline in oil output.Still, the politics of oil are complicated with industry advocates and environmentalists both criticizing the planned release. Groups such as the American Petroleum Institute want to make drilling easier, while environmental organizations say energy companies should be forced to pay a special tax on windfall profits instead.The administration in November announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-oil-strategic-reserve-gas-prices-a7e0802b299cd627c7ffdeeb0e50bd2c">the release of 50 million barrels</a>&nbsp;from the strategic reserve in coordination with other countries. And after the Russia-Ukraine war began, the U.S. and 30 other countries agreed to an additional release of 60 million barrels from reserves, with half of the total coming from the U.S.According to the Department of Energy, which manages it, more than 568 million barrels of oil were held in the reserve as of March 25. After the release, the government would begin to replenish the reserve once prices have sufficiently fallen.News of the administration’s planning was first reported by Bloomberg.___

🎥Biden threatens some oil, gas producers in plan to lower gas prices

MILFORD, Neb. (AP) — Two people died early Thursday when the semitrailer they were in crashed along Interstate 80 in southeastern Nebraska, officials there said.

The Seward County Sheriff’s Office said the crash happened shortly after 3 a.m. Thursday when a westbound semi left the road and crashed near Milford,&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/state-and-regional/two-people-die-in-semi-crash-on-interstate-80-near-milford/article_51a289e6-b10b-11ec-bca3-8baf344a17d2.html#tncms-source=login" target="_blank">the Omaha World-Herald reported</a>. Two occupants in the truck were pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff’s office said. Their names were not immediately released.

Investigators believe wet road conditions likely contributed to the crash.

Milford is about 19 miles west of Lincoln.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1559617385052.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ASSOCIATED PRESSMILFORD, Neb. (AP) — Two people died early Thursday when the semitrailer they were in crashed along Interstate 80 in southeastern Nebraska, officials there said.The Seward County Sheriff’s Office said the crash happened shortly after 3 a.m. Thursday when a westbound semi left the road and crashed near Milford,&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/state-and-regional/two-people-die-in-semi-crash-on-interstate-80-near-milford/article_51a289e6-b10b-11ec-bca3-8baf344a17d2.html#tncms-source=login" target="_blank">the Omaha World-Herald reported</a>. Two occupants in the truck were pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff’s office said. Their names were not immediately released.Investigators believe wet road conditions likely contributed to the crash.Milford is about 19 miles west of Lincoln.

Officials: 2 killed when semi crashes on I-80 in Nebraska

Eagle Radio's Derek Beck visits twice a month with the Nebraska Cattleman's Brenda Masek about happenings within the Cattleman organization and upcoming meetings and events.

&nbsp; This Podcast is sponsored by Western Nebraska Bank, Member FDIC with locations in North Platte, Curtis, Paxton and in Thedford. Visit them online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wnb.com">https://www.westernnebraskabank.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634840161022.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle Radio's Derek Beck visits twice a month with the Nebraska Cattleman's Brenda Masek about happenings within the Cattleman organization and upcoming meetings and events.<div><iframe title="Nebraska Cattlemen Report - March 31, 2022" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=phj29-11e82fd-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00"></iframe></div>&nbsp; This Podcast is sponsored by Western Nebraska Bank, Member FDIC with locations in North Platte, Curtis, Paxton and in Thedford. Visit them online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wnb.com">https://www.westernnebraskabank.com</a>

Nebraska Cattleman Report - March 31, 2022

WASHINGTON (AP) — When the end of the COVID-19 pandemic comes, it could create major disruptions for a cumbersome U.S. health care system made more generous, flexible and up-to-date technologically through a raft of temporary emergency measures.

Winding down those policies could begin as early as the summer. That could force an estimated 15 million Medicaid recipients to find new sources of coverage, require congressional action to preserve broad telehealth access for Medicare enrollees, and scramble special COVID-19 rules and payment policies for hospitals, doctors and insurers. There are also questions about how emergency use approvals for COVID-19 treatments will be handled.

The array of issues is tied to the coronavirus public health emergency first declared more than two years ago and periodically renewed since then. It’s set to end April 16 and the expectation is that the Biden administration will extend it through mid-July. Some would like a longer off-ramp.

Transitions don’t bode well for the complex U.S. health care system, with its mix of private and government insurance and its labyrinth of policies and procedures. Health care chaos, if it breaks out, could create midterm election headaches for Democrats and Republicans alike.

“The flexibilities granted through the public health emergency have helped people stay covered and get access to care, so moving forward the key question is how to build on what has been a success and not lose ground,” said Juliette Cubanski, a Medicare expert with the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation, who has been researching potential consequences of winding down the pandemic emergency.

Medicaid, the state-federal health insurance program for low-income people, is covering about 79 million people, a record partly due to the pandemic.

But the nonpartisan Urban Institute think tank estimates that about 15 million people could lose Medicaid when the public health emergency ends, at a rate of at least 1 million per month.

Congress increased federal Medicaid payments to states because of COVID-19, but it also required states to keep people on the rolls during the health emergency. In normal times states routinely disenroll Medicaid recipients whose incomes rise beyond certain levels, or for other life changes affecting eligibility. That process will switch on again when the emergency ends, and some states are eager to move forward.

Virtually all of those losing Medicaid are expected to be eligible for some other source of coverage, either through employers, the Affordable Care Act or — for kids — the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

But that’s not going to happen automatically, said Matthew Buettgens, lead researcher on the Urban Institute study. Cost and lack of awareness about options could get in the way.

People dropped from Medicaid may not realize they can pick up taxpayer-subsidized ACA coverage. Medicaid is usually free, so people offered workplace insurance could find the premiums too high.

“This is an unprecedented situation,” said Buettgens. “The uncertainty is real.”

The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, is advising states to take it slow and connect Medicaid recipients who are disenrolled with other potential coverage. The agency will keep an eye on states’ accuracy in making eligibility decisions. Biden officials want coverage shifts, not losses.

“We are focused making sure we hold on to the gains in coverage we have made under the Biden-Harris administration,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “We are at the strongest point in our history and we are going make sure that we hold on to the coverage gains.”

ACA coverage — or “Obamacare” — is an option for many who would lose Medicaid. But it will be less affordable if congressional Democrats fail to extend generous financial assistance called for in President Joe Biden’s social legislation. Democrats stalling the bill would face blame.

Republicans in mostly Southern states that have refused to expand Medicaid are also vulnerable. In those states, it can be very difficult for low-income adults to get coverage and more people could wind up uninsured.

State Medicaid officials don’t want to be the scapegoats. “Medicaid has done its job,” said Matt Salo, head of the National Association of Medicaid Directors. “We have looked out for physical, mental and behavioral health needs. As we come out of this emergency, we are supposed to right-size the program.”

Millions of Americans discovered telehealth in 2020 when coronavirus shutdowns led to the suspension of routine medical consultations. In-person visits are again the norm, but telehealth has shown its usefulness and gained broader acceptance.

The end of the public health emergency would jeopardize telehealth access for millions enrolled in traditional Medicare. Restrictions predating COVID-19 limit telehealth mainly to rural residents, in part to mitigate against health care fraud. Congress has given itself 151 days after the end of the public health emergency to come up with new rules.

“If there are no changes to the law after that, most Medicare beneficiaries will lose access to coverage for telehealth,” the Kaiser Foundation’s Cubanski said.

A major exception applies to enrollees in private Medicare Advantage plans, which generally do cover telehealth. However, nearly 6 in 10 Medicare enrollees are in the traditional fee-for-service program.

TESTS, VACCINES, TREATMENTS, PAYMENTS &amp; PROCEDURES

Widespread access to COVID-19 vaccines, tests and treatments rests on legal authority connected to the public health emergency.

One example is the Biden administration’s requirement for insurers to cover up to eight free at-home COVID-19 tests per month.

An area that’s particularly murky is what happens to tests, treatments and vaccines covered under emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration.

Some experts say emergency use approvals last only through the duration of the public health emergency. Others say it’s not as simple as that, because a different federal emergency statute also applies to vaccines, tests and treatments. There’s no clear direction yet from health officials.

The FDA has granted full approval to Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine for those 16 and older and Moderna’s for those 18 and older, so their continued use would not be affected.

But hospitals could take a financial hit. Currently they’re paid 20% more for the care of COVID-19 patients. That added payment is only for the duration of the emergency.

And Medicare enrollees would have more hoops to jump through to be approved for rehab in a nursing home. A suspended Medicare rule requiring a prior three-day hospital stay would come back into effect.

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra recently told The Associated Press that his department is committed to giving “ample notice” when it ends the public health emergency.

“We want to make sure we’re not putting in a detrimental position Americans who still need our help,” Becerra said. “The one that people are really worried about is Medicaid.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648736260102.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By ASSOCIATED PRESSWASHINGTON (AP) — When the end of the COVID-19 pandemic comes, it could create major disruptions for a cumbersome U.S. health care system made more generous, flexible and up-to-date technologically through a raft of temporary emergency measures.Winding down those policies could begin as early as the summer. That could force an estimated 15 million Medicaid recipients to find new sources of coverage, require congressional action to preserve broad telehealth access for Medicare enrollees, and scramble special COVID-19 rules and payment policies for hospitals, doctors and insurers. There are also questions about how emergency use approvals for COVID-19 treatments will be handled.The array of issues is tied to the coronavirus public health emergency first declared more than two years ago and periodically renewed since then. It’s set to end April 16 and the expectation is that the Biden administration will extend it through mid-July. Some would like a longer off-ramp.Transitions don’t bode well for the complex U.S. health care system, with its mix of private and government insurance and its labyrinth of policies and procedures. Health care chaos, if it breaks out, could create midterm election headaches for Democrats and Republicans alike.“The flexibilities granted through the public health emergency have helped people stay covered and get access to care, so moving forward the key question is how to build on what has been a success and not lose ground,” said Juliette Cubanski, a Medicare expert with the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation, who has been researching potential consequences of winding down the pandemic emergency.MEDICAID CHURNMedicaid, the state-federal health insurance program for low-income people, is covering about 79 million people, a record partly due to the pandemic.But the nonpartisan Urban Institute think tank estimates that about 15 million people could lose Medicaid when the public health emergency ends, at a rate of at least 1 million per month.Congress increased federal Medicaid payments to states because of COVID-19, but it also required states to keep people on the rolls during the health emergency. In normal times states routinely disenroll Medicaid recipients whose incomes rise beyond certain levels, or for other life changes affecting eligibility. That process will switch on again when the emergency ends, and some states are eager to move forward.Virtually all of those losing Medicaid are expected to be eligible for some other source of coverage, either through employers, the Affordable Care Act or — for kids — the Children’s Health Insurance Program.But that’s not going to happen automatically, said Matthew Buettgens, lead researcher on the Urban Institute study. Cost and lack of awareness about options could get in the way.People dropped from Medicaid may not realize they can pick up taxpayer-subsidized ACA coverage. Medicaid is usually free, so people offered workplace insurance could find the premiums too high.“This is an unprecedented situation,” said Buettgens. “The uncertainty is real.”The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, is advising states to take it slow and connect Medicaid recipients who are disenrolled with other potential coverage. The agency will keep an eye on states’ accuracy in making eligibility decisions. Biden officials want coverage shifts, not losses.“We are focused making sure we hold on to the gains in coverage we have made under the Biden-Harris administration,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “We are at the strongest point in our history and we are going make sure that we hold on to the coverage gains.”ACA coverage — or “Obamacare” — is an option for many who would lose Medicaid. But it will be less affordable if congressional Democrats fail to extend generous financial assistance called for in President Joe Biden’s social legislation. Democrats stalling the bill would face blame.Republicans in mostly Southern states that have refused to expand Medicaid are also vulnerable. In those states, it can be very difficult for low-income adults to get coverage and more people could wind up uninsured.State Medicaid officials don’t want to be the scapegoats. “Medicaid has done its job,” said Matt Salo, head of the National Association of Medicaid Directors. “We have looked out for physical, mental and behavioral health needs. As we come out of this emergency, we are supposed to right-size the program.”TELEHEALTH STATICMillions of Americans discovered telehealth in 2020 when coronavirus shutdowns led to the suspension of routine medical consultations. In-person visits are again the norm, but telehealth has shown its usefulness and gained broader acceptance.The end of the public health emergency would jeopardize telehealth access for millions enrolled in traditional Medicare. Restrictions predating COVID-19 limit telehealth mainly to rural residents, in part to mitigate against health care fraud. Congress has given itself 151 days after the end of the public health emergency to come up with new rules.“If there are no changes to the law after that, most Medicare beneficiaries will lose access to coverage for telehealth,” the Kaiser Foundation’s Cubanski said.A major exception applies to enrollees in private Medicare Advantage plans, which generally do cover telehealth. However, nearly 6 in 10 Medicare enrollees are in the traditional fee-for-service program.TESTS, VACCINES, TREATMENTS, PAYMENTS &amp; PROCEDURESWidespread access to COVID-19 vaccines, tests and treatments rests on legal authority connected to the public health emergency.One example is the Biden administration’s requirement for insurers to cover up to eight free at-home COVID-19 tests per month.An area that’s particularly murky is what happens to tests, treatments and vaccines covered under emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration.Some experts say emergency use approvals last only through the duration of the public health emergency. Others say it’s not as simple as that, because a different federal emergency statute also applies to vaccines, tests and treatments. There’s no clear direction yet from health officials.The FDA has granted full approval to Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine for those 16 and older and Moderna’s for those 18 and older, so their continued use would not be affected.But hospitals could take a financial hit. Currently they’re paid 20% more for the care of COVID-19 patients. That added payment is only for the duration of the emergency.And Medicare enrollees would have more hoops to jump through to be approved for rehab in a nursing home. A suspended Medicare rule requiring a prior three-day hospital stay would come back into effect.Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra recently told The Associated Press that his department is committed to giving “ample notice” when it ends the public health emergency.“We want to make sure we’re not putting in a detrimental position Americans who still need our help,” Becerra said. “The one that people are really worried about is Medicaid.”

End of COVID may bring major turbulence for US health care

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a child sex crime and have made an arrest.

Just after 7:p.m. Tuesday., police were dispatched to the north part of Garden City, where a man was reported to be exposing himself to small children, according to a media release.

Upon arrival, Officers spoke with the reporting party, who told Officers that an 11-year-old child said a man was showing them his&nbsp;genitalia.

The investigation revealed the child was walking in a parking lot when a man sitting in a vehicle revved the engine to get the child’s attention. As the child approached the vehicle, the man was allegedly exposing himself and tried soliciting the child. The child ran from the area looking for help before finding the reporting party. 

Through further investigation, police identified 19-year-old Robert Lozano of Garden City, as the suspect and took him into custody. 

Lozano was booked on requested charges of Aggravated Indecent Solicitation of a Child and Lewd and Lascivious Behavior. He is no longer in custody, according to online records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648687471138.png" alt="Lozano photo Finney Col" />
 <figcaption>Lozano photo Finney Col</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a child sex crime and have made an arrest.Just after 7:p.m. Tuesday., police were dispatched to the north part of Garden City, where a man was reported to be exposing himself to small children, according to a media release.Upon arrival, Officers spoke with the reporting party, who told Officers that an 11-year-old child said a man was showing them his&nbsp;genitalia.The investigation revealed the child was walking in a parking lot when a man sitting in a vehicle revved the engine to get the child’s attention. As the child approached the vehicle, the man was allegedly exposing himself and tried soliciting the child. The child ran from the area looking for help before finding the reporting party. Through further investigation, police identified 19-year-old Robert Lozano of Garden City, as the suspect and took him into custody. Lozano was booked on requested charges of Aggravated Indecent Solicitation of a Child and Lewd and Lascivious Behavior. He is no longer in custody, according to online records.

Man accused of exposing himself to child in SW Kansas

Tehama Shrine Temple and the Central Nebraska Shrine Club announced the Shrine Circus is returning to the Heartland Events Center April 26th and April 27th.  There will be a 6:30 PM performance on Tuesday (26th) and two performances, 4:00 PM &amp; 7:30 PM, on Wednesday (27th). The Circus will also provide “animal rides” for children one hour prior to the starting time for each performance.  

The Florida-based Circus Spectacular presented by Cindy Migley is making a return appearance to the Heartland Events Center.  The Circus performed at Fonner Park in 2019 but the Covid Pandemic forced the cancellation of the event in 2020 and 2021. 

Circus tickets may be purchased online at www.etix.com, the Heartland Events Center Box Office Monday-Friday from 8:00-4:30 or by calling the Box Office at 308-398-1480.  Tickets are $7.00 ages 3-10, $12.00 11-18 and $22.00 for adults. 

The 22 Shrine Hospitals are a network of non-profit medical facilities located throughout North America providing the highest quality care to children with orthopedic conditions, burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, cleft lip and palate and other special healthcare needs.  The Hospitals provide a family-centered and collaborative care environment, regardless of the patients ability to pay.  Care is usually provided until age 18, although in some cases, it may be extended to age 21.  There are 150 children currently in the central Nebraska region receiving care through the Shrine Hospital system. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648732239710.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Fonner ParkGRAND ISLAND, Neb.-&nbsp; &nbsp;Tehama Shrine Temple and the Central Nebraska Shrine Club announced the Shrine Circus is returning to the Heartland Events Center April 26th and April 27th. There will be a 6:30 PM performance on Tuesday (26th) and two performances, 4:00 PM &amp; 7:30 PM, on Wednesday (27th). The Circus will also provide “animal rides” for children one hour prior to the starting time for each performance. The Florida-based Circus Spectacular presented by Cindy Migley is making a return appearance to the Heartland Events Center. The Circus performed at Fonner Park in 2019 but the Covid Pandemic forced the cancellation of the event in 2020 and 2021. Circus tickets may be purchased online at www.etix.com, the Heartland Events Center Box Office Monday-Friday from 8:00-4:30 or by calling the Box Office at 308-398-1480. Tickets are $7.00 ages 3-10, $12.00 11-18 and $22.00 for adults. The 22 Shrine Hospitals are a network of non-profit medical facilities located throughout North America providing the highest quality care to children with orthopedic conditions, burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, cleft lip and palate and other special healthcare needs. The Hospitals provide a family-centered and collaborative care environment, regardless of the patients ability to pay. Care is usually provided until age 18, although in some cases, it may be extended to age 21. There are 150 children currently in the central Nebraska region receiving care through the Shrine Hospital system.

Shrine Circus returns to Grand Island's Fonner Park

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Details surrounding South Dakota&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/criminal-investigations-south-dakota-kristi-noem-archive-099221fe33535669087175535d1f625a">Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg’s</a>&nbsp;fatal crash with a pedestrian in 2020 were revealed publicly Wednesday as the Legislature released unredacted parts of the crash investigation, providing a fresh look at the minutes surrounding the crash but leaving unanswered how Ravnsborg could not have seen the man he struck.

Nearly 200 files in the crash and impeachment investigations were posted online Wednesday, allowing a public examination of the investigation for the first time since the September 2020 fatal crash. Parts of the crash investigation, including messages on Ravnsborg’s phones and photos of the body of the pedestrian, Joseph Boever, were redacted by the House committee.

Lawmakers on Monday concluded a monthslong investigation by voting on party lines t&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-south-dakota-impeachments-a96e9ce3892a96623b11043a4ec009f3">o recommend that Ravnsborg not be impeached</a>. The House will convene on April 12 to consider the committee’s report.

The Republican attorney general&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-dakota-0ec1a028f08df4b63718cf12c9d232da">last year pleaded no contest</a>&nbsp;to a pair of misdemeanors in the crash and was required to pay fines. He has cast the crash as a tragic accident, insisting he did not realize he killed a man until he returned to the scene the next day and found his body.

The crash investigation files revealed Ravnsborg has been pulled over 25 times for traffic violations, including eight times since he took office in 2019. Ravnsborg told investigators, “I never go more than four over,” even though he had been pulled over for speeding five times since 2019.

The House impeachment committee also found that Ravnsborg in law enforcement interviews “underplayed or omitted, and at worst, misrepresented” how he had been scrolling through his cell phone during his drive from a GOP fundraiser the night of the crash. However,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-dakota-impeachments-c5b5b4ced1445e9fa94659f12999d7d5">Republican lawmakers argued</a>&nbsp;that did not rise to the level of an impeachable offense because it was not part of his official duties “in office” as attorney general.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648721642006.png" alt="Ravnsborg" />
 <figcaption>Ravnsborg</figcaption>
 </figure>By ASSOCIATED PRESSSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Details surrounding South Dakota&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/criminal-investigations-south-dakota-kristi-noem-archive-099221fe33535669087175535d1f625a">Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg’s</a>&nbsp;fatal crash with a pedestrian in 2020 were revealed publicly Wednesday as the Legislature released unredacted parts of the crash investigation, providing a fresh look at the minutes surrounding the crash but leaving unanswered how Ravnsborg could not have seen the man he struck.Nearly 200 files in the crash and impeachment investigations were posted online Wednesday, allowing a public examination of the investigation for the first time since the September 2020 fatal crash. Parts of the crash investigation, including messages on Ravnsborg’s phones and photos of the body of the pedestrian, Joseph Boever, were redacted by the House committee.Lawmakers on Monday concluded a monthslong investigation by voting on party lines t&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-south-dakota-impeachments-a96e9ce3892a96623b11043a4ec009f3">o recommend that Ravnsborg not be impeached</a>. The House will convene on April 12 to consider the committee’s report.The Republican attorney general&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-dakota-0ec1a028f08df4b63718cf12c9d232da">last year pleaded no contest</a>&nbsp;to a pair of misdemeanors in the crash and was required to pay fines. He has cast the crash as a tragic accident, insisting he did not realize he killed a man until he returned to the scene the next day and found his body.The crash investigation files revealed Ravnsborg has been pulled over 25 times for traffic violations, including eight times since he took office in 2019. Ravnsborg told investigators, “I never go more than four over,” even though he had been pulled over for speeding five times since 2019.The House impeachment committee also found that Ravnsborg in law enforcement interviews “underplayed or omitted, and at worst, misrepresented” how he had been scrolling through his cell phone during his drive from a GOP fundraiser the night of the crash. However,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-dakota-impeachments-c5b5b4ced1445e9fa94659f12999d7d5">Republican lawmakers argued</a>&nbsp;that did not rise to the level of an impeachable offense because it was not part of his official duties “in office” as attorney general.Ravnsborg told investigators that the last thing he remembered was looking at his speedometer “and then wham.” He hit Boever.Boever’s body suffered ”multiple traumatic injuries,” according to an autopsy. A toxicology report also found Boever had taken a high amount of Lorazepam, an anxiety medication, but not enough to be fatal.Crash investigators found that Ravnborg’s car had crossed fully onto the shoulder of the highway when he struck Boever. It then took 44 seconds for Ravnsborg to halt his car and dial 911, investigators found after examining his cell phone.Ravnsborg searched the area of the crash, cell phone data showed, and came within feet of Boever’s body. But the attorney general has insisted he did not see his body or a small flashlight he had been carrying.“Still not sure what fully happened as I was just driving along,” Ravnsborg texted his top aides about 30 minutes after the crash.Hyde County Sheriff Mike Volek, who responded to the scene, also reported he didn’t see the body. After assuming that Ravnsborg hit a deer, Volek sent the attorney general on his way home, lending him a personal vehicle.However, as Volek waited for a tow truck to show up, he was bothered that no deer had been found and took another look around the scene. He saw Boever’s flashlight shining in the grass, he told investigators, but did not take a close look because he thought it was a lightbulb from Ravnsborg’s car.Ravnsborg reported Boever’s death to Volek the next day after returning to the crash scene and finding Boever’s body.By that evening, Gov. Kristi Noem was preparing to give a news conference on the crash, and her chief of staff at the time was coordinating with the attorney general’s office to release a statement saying he would cooperate with the investigation, text messages show.But days later Noem, a fellow Republican, would push for Ravnsborg to step down.Three days after the crash and with the investigation underway, Ravnsborg was at the Division of Criminal Investigation headquarters in Pierre when he approached an agent, Brent Gromer, who had expertise in cell phone forensic examinations and asked him about what investigators could find on his phones. The crash investigation states that a detective was told the interaction had made Gromer “uncomfortable,” but does not detail who told the detective that.The same day, the governor’s chief of staff, Tony Venhuizen, texted Ravnsborg: “Given what is happening, the Governor is going to ask you to take a leave of absence, at least until the conclusion of the investigation.”As the investigation concluded last year, Noem publicly called for Ravnsborg to resign, and after he avoided jail time for the crash, she would push harder for his impeachment.So far, she has been thwarted. Ravnsborg has refused to step down. He also enlisted Ross Garber, a professor at Tulane Law School, to send a letter to the House impeachment committee arguing against impeachment because his actions “were unrelated to his office.”Republicans on the committee agreed in a majority report that argues anything Ravnsborg did wrong was not part of his work in office.