SAN DIEGO (AP) — Authorities say a man who tried to slither past U.S. border agents in California had 52 lizards and snakes hidden in his clothing. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection says the man was driving a truck when he arrived at the San Ysidro border crossing with Mexico on Feb. 25 and was pulled out for additional inspection. 

A CBP statement Tuesday says authorities found 52 live reptiles tied up in small bags “which were concealed in the man’s jacket, pants pockets, and groin area.” 

The critters were seized and the man was arrested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646828531641.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN DIEGO (AP) — Authorities say a man who tried to slither past U.S. border agents in California had 52 lizards and snakes hidden in his clothing. U.S. Customs and Border Protection says the man was driving a truck when he arrived at the San Ysidro border crossing with Mexico on Feb. 25 and was pulled out for additional inspection. A CBP statement Tuesday says authorities found 52 live reptiles tied up in small bags “which were concealed in the man’s jacket, pants pockets, and groin area.” The critters were seized and the man was arrested.

Border authorities find 52 reptiles hidden in man's clothing

News Release Wyoming Highway Patrol

WHEATLAND, Wyo.-A Wyoming teenager is dead following a crash in the southeastern part of the state.

According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, on March 7, troopers responded to an injury accident at milepost three on Wyoming 320 north of Wheatland, Wyoming.  At 7:24 a.m.

A 1994 Mercury Grand Marquis was headed north on Wyoming 320 when the driver lost control of the vehicle and entered the southbound lane colliding with a 2014 Peterbilt commercial vehicle.  The roadways were snow and ice-covered at the time of the crash.  

The driver of the Mercury has been identified as 18-year-old Wheatland, Wyoming resident Karson M. Yorges.  Yorges was not wearing a seatbelt and succumbed to his injuries at the crash scene.

The driver of the Peterbilt has been identified as 44-year-old Fort Laramie, Wyoming resident Russell G. Smith.  Smith was wearing a seatbelt and was not injured in the crash.

The crash is still under investigation for potential contributing factors.

This is the 13th fatality on Wyoming's roadways in 2022 compared to 18 in 2021, 11 in 2020, and 27 in 2019 to date.

News Release Wyoming Highway PatrolWHEATLAND, Wyo.-A Wyoming teenager is dead following a crash in the southeastern part of the state.According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, on March 7, troopers responded to an injury accident at milepost three on Wyoming 320 north of Wheatland, Wyoming. At 7:24 a.m.A 1994 Mercury Grand Marquis was headed north on Wyoming 320 when the driver lost control of the vehicle and entered the southbound lane colliding with a 2014 Peterbilt commercial vehicle. The roadways were snow and ice-covered at the time of the crash. The driver of the Mercury has been identified as 18-year-old Wheatland, Wyoming resident Karson M. Yorges. Yorges was not wearing a seatbelt and succumbed to his injuries at the crash scene.The driver of the Peterbilt has been identified as 44-year-old Fort Laramie, Wyoming resident Russell G. Smith. Smith was wearing a seatbelt and was not injured in the crash.The crash is still under investigation for potential contributing factors.This is the 13th fatality on Wyoming's roadways in 2022 compared to 18 in 2021, 11 in 2020, and 27 in 2019 to date.

Wyoming teen dies in crash with semi

WASHINGTON, March 10, 2022— The Federal Communications Commission today announced that it is ready to authorize more than $640 million through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to fund new broadband deployments in 26 states bringing service to nearly 250,000 locations.  To date, the program has provided $4.7 billion in funding to nearly 300 carriers for new deployments in 47 states to bring broadband to almost 2.7 million locations.  

“Today’s funding will help connect hundreds of thousands of Americans to high-speed, broadband internet service,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel.  “As we approve this funding, we remain committed to making sure that this program serves areas that truly need broadband and funds carriers that can do the job, and our new Rural Broadband Accountability Plan will ensure just that.” 

Earlier this year, Chairwoman Rosenworcel established the Rural Broadband Accountability Plan (RBAP), a new effort to monitor and ensure compliance for universal service high-cost programs including the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund and Connect America Fund Phase II Auction.  The RBAP made a number of changes and enhancements to existing audit and verification procedures, including doubling the number of audits and verifications, conducting the first on-site audits for the programs, and focusing audits and verifications on the largest winning bidders.  

A fact sheet on the RBAP is available here: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-creates-rural-broadband-accountability-plan.

The Commission also announced a number of defaulted bids, making the census blocks in those defaulted bids potentially eligible for other funding programs.  A list of the eligible census blocks covered by defaulted bids is available on the Auction 904 website under the “Results” tab, https://www.fcc.gov/auction/904/round-results.

Other steps to strengthen oversight of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund program include:

· Sending letters to 197 applicants concerning areas where there was evidence of existing service or questions of waste.  Bidders have already chosen not to pursue support in approximately 5,000 census blocks in response to the Commission’s letters.  

· Denying waivers for winning bidders that have not made appropriate efforts to secure state approvals or prosecute their applications.  These bidders would have otherwise received approximately $350 million. 

· Conducting an exhaustive technical, financial, and legal review of all winning bidders. 

A list of the eligible census blocks covered by the winning bids announced today is available under the “Results” tab on this page: https://www.fcc.gov/auction/904/round-results.  For a list of RDOF providers and funding amounts by state, see https://www.fcc.gov/auction/904.

Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov 

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977952684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FCCWASHINGTON, March 10, 2022— The Federal Communications Commission today announced that it is ready to authorize more than $640 million through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to fund new broadband deployments in 26 states bringing service to nearly 250,000 locations. To date, the program has provided $4.7 billion in funding to nearly 300 carriers for new deployments in 47 states to bring broadband to almost 2.7 million locations. “Today’s funding will help connect hundreds of thousands of Americans to high-speed, broadband internet service,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “As we approve this funding, we remain committed to making sure that this program serves areas that truly need broadband and funds carriers that can do the job, and our new Rural Broadband Accountability Plan will ensure just that.” Earlier this year, Chairwoman Rosenworcel established the Rural Broadband Accountability Plan (RBAP), a new effort to monitor and ensure compliance for universal service high-cost programs including the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund and Connect America Fund Phase II Auction. The RBAP made a number of changes and enhancements to existing audit and verification procedures, including doubling the number of audits and verifications, conducting the first on-site audits for the programs, and focusing audits and verifications on the largest winning bidders. A fact sheet on the RBAP is available here: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-creates-rural-broadband-accountability-plan.The Commission also announced a number of defaulted bids, making the census blocks in those defaulted bids potentially eligible for other funding programs. A list of the eligible census blocks covered by defaulted bids is available on the Auction 904 website under the “Results” tab, https://www.fcc.gov/auction/904/round-results.Other steps to strengthen oversight of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund program include:· Sending letters to 197 applicants concerning areas where there was evidence of existing service or questions of waste. Bidders have already chosen not to pursue support in approximately 5,000 census blocks in response to the Commission’s letters. · Denying waivers for winning bidders that have not made appropriate efforts to secure state approvals or prosecute their applications. These bidders would have otherwise received approximately $350 million. · Conducting an exhaustive technical, financial, and legal review of all winning bidders. A list of the eligible census blocks covered by the winning bids announced today is available under the “Results” tab on this page: https://www.fcc.gov/auction/904/round-results. For a list of RDOF providers and funding amounts by state, see https://www.fcc.gov/auction/904.###Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).

FCC: States get another $640M in rural broadband funding from feds

DETROIT (AP) — McDonald’s, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and General Electric all announced Tuesday they were suspending their business in Russia in response to the country’s invasion of Ukraine. 

McDonald's is temporarily closing all of its 850 restaurants in Russia, but will continue paying its 62,000 employees there. 

Starbucks is temporarily closing 130 franchised stores but its franchisee will continue paying 2,000 Russian workers. 

Coca-Cola said it is suspending its business; its bottling partner has 10 plants in Russia. PepsiCo is suspending soda sales but will keep making milk and baby formula. 

And GE said it was suspending its business except for essential medical equipment and electrical service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646791940671.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSDETROIT (AP) — McDonald’s, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and General Electric all announced Tuesday they were suspending their business in Russia in response to the country’s invasion of Ukraine. McDonald's is temporarily closing all of its 850 restaurants in Russia, but will continue paying its 62,000 employees there. Starbucks is temporarily closing 130 franchised stores but its franchisee will continue paying 2,000 Russian workers. Coca-Cola said it is suspending its business; its bottling partner has 10 plants in Russia. PepsiCo is suspending soda sales but will keep making milk and baby formula. And GE said it was suspending its business except for essential medical equipment and electrical service.

McDonald's, Starbucks, Coke, Pepsi join exodus out of Russia

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha woman settled her lawsuit against the city over a violent 2019 arrest on Thanksgiving Day for $22,500.

 The American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska announced the settlement Tuesday. 

City officials didn’t immediately respond to questions about the settlement, but they didn’t admit any wrongdoing as part of the deal. 

In the lawsuit, Makayla Townsell says two officers showed up at her home on Thanksgiving Day 2019 as she was hosting a large family gathering. The officers were there to investigate a report of neglect involving her teenage son. 

The lawsuit said one officer threw Townsell to the ground, handcuffed, and arrested her without probable cause. 

Charges against her were later dismissed, and the neglect report was deemed unfounded.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646791521420.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha woman settled her lawsuit against the city over a violent 2019 arrest on Thanksgiving Day for $22,500. The American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska announced the settlement Tuesday. City officials didn’t immediately respond to questions about the settlement, but they didn’t admit any wrongdoing as part of the deal. In the lawsuit, Makayla Townsell says two officers showed up at her home on Thanksgiving Day 2019 as she was hosting a large family gathering. The officers were there to investigate a report of neglect involving her teenage son. The lawsuit said one officer threw Townsell to the ground, handcuffed, and arrested her without probable cause. Charges against her were later dismissed, and the neglect report was deemed unfounded.

Nebraska woman settles lawsuit over Thanksgiving 2019 arrest

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating an auto theft with a baby in the vehicle have arrested 51-year-old Kevin Robertson of Wichita. Police asked the public for help to locate the Kansas felon in connection with the case.&nbsp;Robertson’s picture was posted on social media with a request for citizens to call.

Just after 3p.m. on March 1, two off-duty Wichita Police officers were working at a business in the 500 block of East Pawnee, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; They were contacted by a woman who reported her grey Pontiac Grand Prix being stolen from the parking lot and her 11-month-old child being in the vehicle.

Officers quickly responded and began circulating.&nbsp; Officers located the vehicle abandoned in a parking lot in the 1400 block of South Emporia.&nbsp; The child was also inside, unharmed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Through the investigation, police learned of Robertson’s involvement in the theft.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On March 4th, officers were conducting extensive follow-up work to locate Robertson. They learned that he was possibly at a residence in the 200 block of S. Poplar.

Robertson was contacted at the residence by officers and taken into custody. A woman identified as 44- year-old Karri Cowling of Wichita, was also contacted at the residence and arrested for obstructing apprehension of a felon.

Robertson is being held on requested charges of aggravated endangering a child and theft.&nbsp;&nbsp;He has over twenty previous convictions that include theft, aggravated burglary, aggravated battery, DUI, criminal threat, obstruction aggravated failure to appear and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646764667930.png" alt="Robertson has over twenty previous convictions that include theft, aggravated burglary, aggravated battery, DUI, criminal threat, obstruction aggravated failure to appear and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Robertson has over twenty previous convictions that include theft, aggravated burglary, aggravated battery, DUI, criminal threat, obstruction aggravated failure to appear and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating an auto theft with a baby in the vehicle have arrested 51-year-old Kevin Robertson of Wichita. Police asked the public for help to locate the Kansas felon in connection with the case.&nbsp;Robertson’s picture was posted on social media with a request for citizens to call.Just after 3p.m. on March 1, two off-duty Wichita Police officers were working at a business in the 500 block of East Pawnee, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; They were contacted by a woman who reported her grey Pontiac Grand Prix being stolen from the parking lot and her 11-month-old child being in the vehicle.Officers quickly responded and began circulating.&nbsp; Officers located the vehicle abandoned in a parking lot in the 1400 block of South Emporia.&nbsp; The child was also inside, unharmed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Through the investigation, police learned of Robertson’s involvement in the theft.&nbsp;&nbsp;On March 4th, officers were conducting extensive follow-up work to locate Robertson. They learned that he was possibly at a residence in the 200 block of S. Poplar.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646766395938.png" alt="Cowling photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Cowling photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Robertson was contacted at the residence by officers and taken into custody. A woman identified as 44- year-old Karri Cowling of Wichita, was also contacted at the residence and arrested for obstructing apprehension of a felon.Robertson is being held on requested charges of aggravated endangering a child and theft.&nbsp;&nbsp;He has over twenty previous convictions that include theft, aggravated burglary, aggravated battery, DUI, criminal threat, obstruction aggravated failure to appear and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Police: Woman hid Kan. felon who stole car with baby inside 

By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte Post

Three people lost their lives in a head-on crash involving two semis on Interstate 80 in Seward County.

The Seward County Sheriff's Office said deputies were dispatched to a multi-vehicle crash at Mile Marker 380 at around 5:45 a.m.

Authorities said a preliminary investigation indicated that an eastbound tractor-trailer crossed the median, entering the westbound lanes and striking another tractor-trailer head-on.

Authorities said a third westbound tractor-trailer swerved to avoid the accident, crossed the median, and rolled onto its side in the eastbound lanes of travel.

Authorities said three people were pronounced dead at the scene, and a fourth victim was transported via helicopter to Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln.

The crash is being investigated by the Seward County Sheriff's Office and Nebraska State Patrol.

The names those who were killed are being withheld pending the notification of family members.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646773403195.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte PostThree people lost their lives in a head-on crash involving two semis on Interstate 80 in Seward County.The Seward County Sheriff's Office said deputies were dispatched to a multi-vehicle crash at Mile Marker 380 at around 5:45 a.m.Authorities said a preliminary investigation indicated that an eastbound tractor-trailer crossed the median, entering the westbound lanes and striking another tractor-trailer head-on.Authorities said a third westbound tractor-trailer swerved to avoid the accident, crossed the median, and rolled onto its side in the eastbound lanes of travel.Authorities said three people were pronounced dead at the scene, and a fourth victim was transported via helicopter to Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln.The crash is being investigated by the Seward County Sheriff's Office and Nebraska State Patrol.The names those who were killed are being withheld pending the notification of family members.

Seward County head-on crash claims 3 lives

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-03-08/derby-district-removes-novel-from-class-materials-and-middle-school-library-after-anonymous-complaint">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA — A critically acclaimed but controversial 
novel told from the perspective of a Native American teenager will no 
longer be taught at Derby High School after a district committee removed
 it from a list of approved classroom materials.

<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/693208.The_Absolutely_True_Diary_of_a_Part_Time_Indian" target="_blank">“The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian”</a>
 by Sherman Alexie — which won the National Book Award for Young 
People’s Literature in 2007 — was challenged by the grandparent of a 
ninth-grade student earlier this year.

A <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XAVJOibScsQZx0MNSl4MER3UDOsIwSKjMzaXGiVqw_0/edit" target="_blank">12-member committee reviewed the challenge</a>
 and decided to no longer allow teachers to use a set of the novels 
approved for classrooms, said Holly Putnam-Jackson, assistant 
superintendent of curriculum for the Derby district.

The district 
also removed the novel from the library at Derby North Middle School. 
The committee recommended adding a “mature” label to copies at the high 
school library, a move that district officials are exploring, 
Putnam-Jackson said.

Committee members objected primarily to 
profanity and sexual content in the novel, she said. The committee 
includes three school administrators, a media specialist, a high school 
English teacher, two other district employees and two community members.

Three
 members of the Derby school board also serve on the library committee —
 Pamela Doyle, Robyn Pearman and Andy Watkins — but the <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EsnCWYMFGQIL0I0ue0CxFij5K5eY13aVOfeXo-lDUVw/edit#heading=h.5ksi3h79tcvp" target="_blank">committee’s actions do not require board approval</a>.

Putnam-Jackson
 said district policy allows parents to opt their children out of 
assignments or material they find inappropriate or offensive.

“Any
 time a parent expresses a concern or a wish for their child to have an 
alternative read, or an alternative assignment, we always accommodate 
that,” she said.

In the case of “The Absolutely True Diary of a 
Part-Time Indian,” committee members “felt like the book was valuable. 
However, the frequency of (obscene) language in there made it a 
challenge as a class read,” Putnam-Jackson said.

The incident is 
part of a nationwide trend that has school districts trying to balance 
parental concerns with students’ access to diverse books. The American 
Library Association said <a href="https://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2021/11/american-library-association-opposes-widespread-efforts-censor-books-us" target="_blank">book challenges are up</a> more than 60% over the same time last year.

Alexie’s novel was included on a list of more than two dozen books that were <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-09/goddard-school-district-orders-29-books-removed-from-circulation" target="_blank">briefly removed from circulation</a>
 at school libraries in Goddard in November. Goddard returned the books 
to circulation, but they’re still under review by a committee of 
principals and librarians, a district spokesman said.

In Derby, 
the challenge was brought by the grandparent of a ninth-grader; the 
student read the book as part of a class assignment.

Calvin Rider,
 an attorney working on behalf of the district, did not release the 
grandparent’s name, citing fears for his or her safety. He also did not 
release the name of a school board member who passed the family member’s
 concern along to Superintendent Heather Bohaty.

As part of a 
request under the Kansas Open Records Act, the district shared a 
nine-page document the grandparent submitted, which included excerpts 
from the novel and objections to much of the material.

“The book 
had a story that could have been presented in a much more appropriate 
manner. I felt like I had to be drug waist deep through horse manure to 
get the opportunity to ride a horse,” the grandparent wrote.

“At a
 time when many parents are questioning the appropriateness of what is 
being taught in schools, it might be better to be proactive rather than 
reactive when using materials that could be very offensive to both 
parents and students,” the grandparent wrote.

“The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” has consistently appeared on an <a href="https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10" target="_blank">annual list of frequently challenged books</a>
 and was the most frequently challenged book from 2010 to 2019. Critics 
point to the novel’s depiction of alcohol, bullying, violence, 
sexuality, profanity and slurs related to homosexuality and mental 
disability.

Cheryl Bannon, a former member of the Derby City 
Council, addressed Derby school board members last week and urged 
against censoring library books or classroom materials.

“These are
 young adults. … These words are not scary to these kids. If they see 
one of these words and they don't know what it is, you know what a kid 
does? They either go look it up, if they're interested, or they just 
skip over it,” Bannon said.

“Do not dumb down our children. This is a slippery slope you are starting down. Derby is better than this,” she said.

Bannon
 filed an official request for Derby’s library committee to review the 
Bible, saying it includes references to murder, masturbation, genocide, 
incest, adultery and other mature topics. If Alexie’s novel belongs in a
 “mature” section of the library, she said, “This shouldn’t be taught 
either.”

Putnam-Jackson, the curriculum director, said she didn’t 
know how many Derby teachers have included Alexie’s novel in their 
lessons. The novel was on an internal list of books approved for 
ninth-grade English classes. It has been part of the district’s 
collection since 2008.

The library committee reviewed another 
novel — “We Are Not From Here” by Jenny Torres Sanchez — which was not 
part of the district’s approved list.

An anonymous person 
complained that the book includes themes of sex, drug use, murder, 
violence, abortion, suicide ideation, inappropriate language and rape 
scenes. The novel tells the story of unaccompanied minors who make the 
trek from Central America to the southern U.S. border.

A Derby 
teacher who received copies of the novel as part of a grant is leaving 
the district this year and taking the books with her, Putnam-Jackson 
said. It is not part of other classroom or library collections.

Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646755393984.png" alt=""The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie has been removed from a list of approved novels for ninth-graders and from library shelves at Derby North Middle School. Suzanne Perez / KMUW" />
 <figcaption>"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie has been removed from a list of approved novels for ninth-graders and from library shelves at Derby North Middle School. Suzanne Perez / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-03-08/derby-district-removes-novel-from-class-materials-and-middle-school-library-after-anonymous-complaint">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA — A critically acclaimed but controversial 
novel told from the perspective of a Native American teenager will no 
longer be taught at Derby High School after a district committee removed
 it from a list of approved classroom materials.<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/693208.The_Absolutely_True_Diary_of_a_Part_Time_Indian" target="_blank">“The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian”</a>
 by Sherman Alexie — which won the National Book Award for Young 
People’s Literature in 2007 — was challenged by the grandparent of a 
ninth-grade student earlier this year.A <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XAVJOibScsQZx0MNSl4MER3UDOsIwSKjMzaXGiVqw_0/edit" target="_blank">12-member committee reviewed the challenge</a>
 and decided to no longer allow teachers to use a set of the novels 
approved for classrooms, said Holly Putnam-Jackson, assistant 
superintendent of curriculum for the Derby district.The district 
also removed the novel from the library at Derby North Middle School. 
The committee recommended adding a “mature” label to copies at the high 
school library, a move that district officials are exploring, 
Putnam-Jackson said.Committee members objected primarily to 
profanity and sexual content in the novel, she said. The committee 
includes three school administrators, a media specialist, a high school 
English teacher, two other district employees and two community members.Three
 members of the Derby school board also serve on the library committee —
 Pamela Doyle, Robyn Pearman and Andy Watkins — but the <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EsnCWYMFGQIL0I0ue0CxFij5K5eY13aVOfeXo-lDUVw/edit#heading=h.5ksi3h79tcvp" target="_blank">committee’s actions do not require board approval</a>.Putnam-Jackson
 said district policy allows parents to opt their children out of 
assignments or material they find inappropriate or offensive.“Any
 time a parent expresses a concern or a wish for their child to have an 
alternative read, or an alternative assignment, we always accommodate 
that,” she said.In the case of “The Absolutely True Diary of a 
Part-Time Indian,” committee members “felt like the book was valuable. 
However, the frequency of (obscene) language in there made it a 
challenge as a class read,” Putnam-Jackson said.The incident is 
part of a nationwide trend that has school districts trying to balance 
parental concerns with students’ access to diverse books. The American 
Library Association said <a href="https://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2021/11/american-library-association-opposes-widespread-efforts-censor-books-us" target="_blank">book challenges are up</a> more than 60% over the same time last year.Alexie’s novel was included on a list of more than two dozen books that were <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-09/goddard-school-district-orders-29-books-removed-from-circulation" target="_blank">briefly removed from circulation</a>
 at school libraries in Goddard in November. Goddard returned the books 
to circulation, but they’re still under review by a committee of 
principals and librarians, a district spokesman said.In Derby, 
the challenge was brought by the grandparent of a ninth-grader; the 
student read the book as part of a class assignment.Calvin Rider,
 an attorney working on behalf of the district, did not release the 
grandparent’s name, citing fears for his or her safety. He also did not 
release the name of a school board member who passed the family member’s
 concern along to Superintendent Heather Bohaty.As part of a 
request under the Kansas Open Records Act, the district shared a 
nine-page document the grandparent submitted, which included excerpts 
from the novel and objections to much of the material.“The book 
had a story that could have been presented in a much more appropriate 
manner. I felt like I had to be drug waist deep through horse manure to 
get the opportunity to ride a horse,” the grandparent wrote.“At a
 time when many parents are questioning the appropriateness of what is 
being taught in schools, it might be better to be proactive rather than 
reactive when using materials that could be very offensive to both 
parents and students,” the grandparent wrote.“The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” has consistently appeared on an <a href="https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10" target="_blank">annual list of frequently challenged books</a>
 and was the most frequently challenged book from 2010 to 2019. Critics 
point to the novel’s depiction of alcohol, bullying, violence, 
sexuality, profanity and slurs related to homosexuality and mental 
disability.Cheryl Bannon, a former member of the Derby City 
Council, addressed Derby school board members last week and urged 
against censoring library books or classroom materials.“These are
 young adults. … These words are not scary to these kids. If they see 
one of these words and they don't know what it is, you know what a kid 
does? They either go look it up, if they're interested, or they just 
skip over it,” Bannon said.“Do not dumb down our children. This is a slippery slope you are starting down. Derby is better than this,” she said.Bannon
 filed an official request for Derby’s library committee to review the 
Bible, saying it includes references to murder, masturbation, genocide, 
incest, adultery and other mature topics. If Alexie’s novel belongs in a
 “mature” section of the library, she said, “This shouldn’t be taught 
either.”Putnam-Jackson, the curriculum director, said she didn’t 
know how many Derby teachers have included Alexie’s novel in their 
lessons. The novel was on an internal list of books approved for 
ninth-grade English classes. It has been part of the district’s 
collection since 2008.The library committee reviewed another 
novel — “We Are Not From Here” by Jenny Torres Sanchez — which was not 
part of the district’s approved list.An anonymous person 
complained that the book includes themes of sex, drug use, murder, 
violence, abortion, suicide ideation, inappropriate language and rape 
scenes. The novel tells the story of unaccompanied minors who make the 
trek from Central America to the southern U.S. border.A Derby 
teacher who received copies of the novel as part of a grant is leaving 
the district this year and taking the books with her, Putnam-Jackson 
said. It is not part of other classroom or library collections.Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.

Kansas district bans book after anonymous grandparent complaint

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Police say a 19-year-old man has died from injuries he sustained in a two-vehicle crash in east Lincoln.

 Police tell the Lincoln Journal Star that the crash happened Monday night at 70th and Holdrege streets when a car crashed into a pickup truck that was waiting to turn left. 

The driver of the car, 19-year-old Kolby Elliott, of Lincoln, was taken to a hospital, where he later died.

 Investigators say Elliott had been speeding when he hit the truck. The 82-year-old driver of the pickup suffered only minor injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1559617385052.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Police say a 19-year-old man has died from injuries he sustained in a two-vehicle crash in east Lincoln. Police tell the Lincoln Journal Star that the crash happened Monday night at 70th and Holdrege streets when a car crashed into a pickup truck that was waiting to turn left. The driver of the car, 19-year-old Kolby Elliott, of Lincoln, was taken to a hospital, where he later died. Investigators say Elliott had been speeding when he hit the truck. The 82-year-old driver of the pickup suffered only minor injuries.

Police say man, 19, killed in Lincoln crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that fatally injured 21-year-old Gabriel Njoroge of Wichita.

Just after 5p.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting call at the apartments in the 700 block of North Broadway in Wichita, according to Office Charley Davidson.

&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located Njorogea who had been shot.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.&nbsp; Also contacted was a 70-year-old man believed to be involved.

The investigation revealed a disturbance occurred between the 70-year-old man and Njoroge outside of the apartments.&nbsp; During the disturbance, Njoroge threatened the man and came towards him armed with a box knife. &nbsp;Being in fear for his safety, the 70-year-old shot Njoroge, according to Davidson. Police released no additional details and did not report an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646754046890.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that fatally injured 21-year-old Gabriel Njoroge of Wichita.Just after 5p.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting call at the apartments in the 700 block of North Broadway in Wichita, according to Office Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located Njorogea who had been shot.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.&nbsp; Also contacted was a 70-year-old man believed to be involved.The investigation revealed a disturbance occurred between the 70-year-old man and Njoroge outside of the apartments.&nbsp; During the disturbance, Njoroge threatened the man and came towards him armed with a box knife. &nbsp;Being in fear for his safety, the 70-year-old shot Njoroge, according to Davidson. Police released no additional details and did not report an arrest.

Police: Kan. man killed after threatening 70-year-old with box knife

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An ex-convict accused of shooting his friend to death in Omaha following an argument over a flat tire will stand trial for first-degree murder in the death. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that 37-year-old William Snoddy was ordered Monday to stand trial on the murder count and three weapons charges in the January death of 46-year-old Daron Hunter of Omaha. 

A police detective testified Monday during a hearing for Snoddy that the two men got into a fight while trying to fix a flat tire.

 Police say when Hunter got in his car to leave, Snoddy fired a gun at Hunter's car four times, hitting Hunter twice in the chest. 

Snoddy's public defender suggested that Snoddy shot Hunter in self-defense.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646763790853.png" alt="Snoddy" />
 <figcaption>Snoddy</figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An ex-convict accused of shooting his friend to death in Omaha following an argument over a flat tire will stand trial for first-degree murder in the death. The Omaha World-Herald reports that 37-year-old William Snoddy was ordered Monday to stand trial on the murder count and three weapons charges in the January death of 46-year-old Daron Hunter of Omaha. A police detective testified Monday during a hearing for Snoddy that the two men got into a fight while trying to fix a flat tire. Police say when Hunter got in his car to leave, Snoddy fired a gun at Hunter's car four times, hitting Hunter twice in the chest. Snoddy's public defender suggested that Snoddy shot Hunter in self-defense.

Man to stand trial in fatal shooting of friend in Omaha

WASHINGTON — President Biden announced Tuesday that the U.S. is “targeting the main artery of Russia’s economy” by banning imports of Russian oil, the latest sanction intended to punish Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.

“We will not be part of subsidizing Putin’s war,” he said in the Roosevelt Room at the White House.

Biden’s announcement came amid rising pressure from Democrats and Republicans, and it reflects a willingness to accept the political risk of rising gas prices to economically retaliate against Russia.

“Defending freedom is going to cost,” Biden said. “It’s going to cost us as well in the United States.”

Although Biden has tried to work in concert with European allies, he acknowledged that many are not announcing a similar ban because they’re more reliant on Moscow for oil and gas.

“So we can take this step when others can not,” he said. “But we’re working closely with Europe and our partners to develop a long term strategy to reduce their dependence on Russian energy as well.”

By ZEKE MILLER, MIKE BALSAMO and JOSH BOAK, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has decided to ban Russian oil imports, toughening the toll on Russia’s economy in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The move follows pleas by Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelenskyy to U.S. and Western officials to cut off the imports, which had been a glaring omission the massive sanctions put in place on Russia over the invasion. Energy exports have kept a steady influx of cash flowing to Russia despite otherwise severe restrictions on its financial sector.

Biden was set to announce the move as soon as Tuesday, the person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the matter before an announcement. The White House said Biden would speak Tuesday morning to announce “actions to continue to hold Russia accountable for its unprovoked and unjustified war on Ukraine.”

The U.S. will be acting alone, but in close consultation with European allies, who are more dependent on Russian energy supplies. Natural gas from Russia accounts for one-third of Europe’s consumption of the fossil fuel. The U.S. does not import Russian natural gas.

Biden had explained his reluctance to impose energy sanctions at the outset of the conflict two weeks ago saying that he was trying “to limit the pain the American people are feeling at the gas pump.”

The news of his decision Tuesday was first reported by Bloomberg.

Before the invasion, Russian oil and gas made up more than a third of government revenues. Global energy prices have surged after the invasion and have continued to rise despite coordinated releases of strategic reserves, making Russian exports even more lucrative.

The U.S. and international partners have sanctioned Russia’s largest banks, its central bank and finance ministry, and moved to block certain financial institutions from the SWIFT messaging system for international payments.

But the rules issued by the Treasury Department allow Russian energy transactions to keep going through non-sanctioned banks that are not based in the U.S. in an effort to minimize any disruptions to the global energy markets.

Inflation, at a 40-year peak and fueled in large part by gas prices, has hurt Biden politically with voters heading into the November elections.

The sanctions created a possible trade-off for the president between his political interests at home and abroad. By invading Ukraine, Russia has potentially fed into the supply chain problems and inflation that have been a crucial weakness for Biden, who now is trying to strike a balance between penalizing Putin and sparing American voters.

Biden specifically highlighted the Russian energy carve-outs as a virtue because they would help to protect U.S. families and businesses from higher prices.

“Our sanctions package we specifically designed to allow energy payments to continue,” he said.

Restricting the world’s largest exporter of natural gas and second-largest exporter of oil, after Saudi Arabia, could hurt the unity that U.S. officials say is key to confronting Putin.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646757607170.png" alt="Biden declared in remarks at the White House that “We will not be part of subsidizing Putin’s war." White House Photo" />
 <figcaption>Biden declared in remarks at the White House that “We will not be part of subsidizing Putin’s war." White House Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — President Biden announced Tuesday that the U.S. is “targeting the main artery of Russia’s economy” by banning imports of Russian oil, the latest sanction intended to punish Moscow for 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%2F298103705755103%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=83" 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>“We will not be part of subsidizing Putin’s war,” he said in the Roosevelt Room at the White House.Biden’s announcement came amid rising pressure from Democrats and Republicans, and it reflects a willingness to accept the political risk of rising gas prices to economically retaliate against Russia.“Defending freedom is going to cost,” Biden said. “It’s going to cost us as well in the United States.”Although Biden has tried to work in concert with European allies, he acknowledged that many are not announcing a similar ban because they’re more reliant on Moscow for oil and gas.“So we can take this step when others can not,” he said. “But we’re working closely with Europe and our partners to develop a long term strategy to reduce their dependence on Russian energy as well.”----------By ZEKE MILLER, MIKE BALSAMO and JOSH BOAK, Associated PressWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has decided to ban Russian oil imports, toughening the toll on Russia’s economy in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine, according to a person familiar with the matter.The move follows pleas by Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelenskyy to U.S. and Western officials to cut off the imports, which had been a glaring omission the massive sanctions put in place on Russia over the invasion. Energy exports have kept a steady influx of cash flowing to Russia despite otherwise severe restrictions on its financial sector.Biden was set to announce the move as soon as Tuesday, the person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the matter before an announcement. The White House said Biden would speak Tuesday morning to announce “actions to continue to hold Russia accountable for its unprovoked and unjustified war on Ukraine.”The U.S. will be acting alone, but in close consultation with European allies, who are more dependent on Russian energy supplies. Natural gas from Russia accounts for one-third of Europe’s consumption of the fossil fuel. The U.S. does not import Russian natural gas.Biden had explained his reluctance to impose energy sanctions at the outset of the conflict two weeks ago saying that he was trying “to limit the pain the American people are feeling at the gas pump.”The news of his decision Tuesday was first reported by Bloomberg.Before the invasion, Russian oil and gas made up more than a third of government revenues. Global energy prices have surged after the invasion and have continued to rise despite coordinated releases of strategic reserves, making Russian exports even more lucrative.The U.S. and international partners have sanctioned Russia’s largest banks, its central bank and finance ministry, and moved to block certain financial institutions from the SWIFT messaging system for international payments.But the rules issued by the Treasury Department allow Russian energy transactions to keep going through non-sanctioned banks that are not based in the U.S. in an effort to minimize any disruptions to the global energy markets.Inflation, at a 40-year peak and fueled in large part by gas prices, has hurt Biden politically with voters heading into the November elections.The sanctions created a possible trade-off for the president between his political interests at home and abroad. By invading Ukraine, Russia has potentially fed into the supply chain problems and inflation that have been a crucial weakness for Biden, who now is trying to strike a balance between penalizing Putin and sparing American voters.Biden specifically highlighted the Russian energy carve-outs as a virtue because they would help to protect U.S. families and businesses from higher prices.“Our sanctions package we specifically designed to allow energy payments to continue,” he said.Restricting the world’s largest exporter of natural gas and second-largest exporter of oil, after Saudi Arabia, could hurt the unity that U.S. officials say is key to confronting Putin.

🎥 Biden bans Russian oil imports; 'it will cost you at the gas pump'

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Authorities arrested six teenagers, including a 14-year-old, in a shooting outside a school that killed a 15-year-old boy and seriously wounded two teenage girls, Des Moines police said Tuesday.

The suspects are each charged with first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder in the Monday afternoon shooting on the grounds of East High School, near Des Moines’ downtown, about a half-mile (0.8 kilometers) from the Capitol. Police said gunshots fired outside the school came from several shooters from multiple vehicles.

Police named the suspects as Octavio Lopez, 17; Henry Valladares-Amaya, 17; Manuel Buezo, 16; Romero Perdomo, 16; Alex Perdomo, 15; and Nyang Chamdual, 14. All are from Des Moines.

Police said in a Facebook post that the 15-year-old killed, who was not a student at the school, was the intended target of the drive-by shooting. The other two shot were females aged 16 and 18, who both attend East, and were simply bystanders caught in the shooting, police said. Police had not released the victims’ names by Tuesday morning.

Police said the 16-year-old girl remained hospitalized Tuesday in serious condition, while the 18-year-old remained hospitalized in critical condition.

“While this incident occurred outside of a school, it could have occurred in any one of our neighborhoods,” police said. “The school is where the suspects found their target.”

Police said search warrants were conducted at five Des Moines homes and six vehicles in the hours after the shooting. Investigators seized six guns during those searches, police said.

On the day of the shooting, calls started pouring in around 2:50 p.m. Monday, shortly before classes were scheduled to dismiss for the day, police spokesman, Sgt. Paul Parizek said.

The district said in a news release that the school was immediately put into lockdown and students were kept inside while police investigated. They were dismissed around 3:30 p.m. after law enforcement gave an all clear.

Principal Jill Versteeg described what happened as “everyone’s worst nightmare” and urged parents to “hug your students and love them.”

Officials had already suspended classes districtwide Tuesday so juniors could take the ACT college admissions test. The ACT exams and parent-teacher conferences were canceled Tuesday at East High School. The district also was making grief counselors available.

Superintendent Thomas Ahart said school shootings have “become too common” and said that “real change to gun laws and access would go a long way to help us.”

“Our staff and students,” he said, “are forced to train for these incidents and the trauma associated with the repeated drills and incidents will remain with them for years to come. It’s unfortunate that our state and our country have become a place where firearms are far too easily accessible.”

Police said they do not believe there is a continued threat to the public. A motive was not immediately known. Authorities have recovered shell casings from the scene as they investigate what happened.

Des Moines Police Chief Dana Wingert went to the school after the shooting and expressed frustration at the violence.

“Unfortunately what happened here today was just another pointless tragedy in our community,” Wingert told TV station WOI-TV. “People using firearms to settle their differences.”

Police said it was the fourth homicide in Des Moines this year.

This report includes contributions from Margery A. Beck, reporting from Omaha, Nebraska. Hollingsworth reported from Mission, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646757558867.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Authorities arrested six teenagers, including a 14-year-old, in a shooting outside a school that killed a 15-year-old boy and seriously wounded two teenage girls, Des Moines police said Tuesday.The suspects are each charged with first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder in the Monday afternoon shooting on the grounds of East High School, near Des Moines’ downtown, about a half-mile (0.8 kilometers) from the Capitol. Police said gunshots fired outside the school came from several shooters from multiple vehicles.Police named the suspects as Octavio Lopez, 17; Henry Valladares-Amaya, 17; Manuel Buezo, 16; Romero Perdomo, 16; Alex Perdomo, 15; and Nyang Chamdual, 14. All are from Des Moines.Police said in a Facebook post that the 15-year-old killed, who was not a student at the school, was the intended target of the drive-by shooting. The other two shot were females aged 16 and 18, who both attend East, and were simply bystanders caught in the shooting, police said. Police had not released the victims’ names by Tuesday morning.Police said the 16-year-old girl remained hospitalized Tuesday in serious condition, while the 18-year-old remained hospitalized in critical condition.“While this incident occurred outside of a school, it could have occurred in any one of our neighborhoods,” police said. “The school is where the suspects found their target.”Police said search warrants were conducted at five Des Moines homes and six vehicles in the hours after the shooting. Investigators seized six guns during those searches, police said.On the day of the shooting, calls started pouring in around 2:50 p.m. Monday, shortly before classes were scheduled to dismiss for the day, police spokesman, Sgt. Paul Parizek said.The district said in a news release that the school was immediately put into lockdown and students were kept inside while police investigated. They were dismissed around 3:30 p.m. after law enforcement gave an all clear.Principal Jill Versteeg described what happened as “everyone’s worst nightmare” and urged parents to “hug your students and love them.”Officials had already suspended classes districtwide Tuesday so juniors could take the ACT college admissions test. The ACT exams and parent-teacher conferences were canceled Tuesday at East High School. The district also was making grief counselors available.Superintendent Thomas Ahart said school shootings have “become too common” and said that “real change to gun laws and access would go a long way to help us.”“Our staff and students,” he said, “are forced to train for these incidents and the trauma associated with the repeated drills and incidents will remain with them for years to come. It’s unfortunate that our state and our country have become a place where firearms are far too easily accessible.”Police said they do not believe there is a continued threat to the public. A motive was not immediately known. Authorities have recovered shell casings from the scene as they investigate what happened.Des Moines Police Chief Dana Wingert went to the school after the shooting and expressed frustration at the violence.“Unfortunately what happened here today was just another pointless tragedy in our community,” Wingert told TV station WOI-TV. “People using firearms to settle their differences.”Police said it was the fourth homicide in Des Moines this year.___This report includes contributions from Margery A. Beck, reporting from Omaha, Nebraska. Hollingsworth reported from Mission, Kansas.

6 teens arrested in Iowa school shooting that killed 1

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service issued a filing season 
reminder today that those taxpayers who pay expenses for the care of a 
qualifying person while working or looking for work may qualify for an 
important tax credit.

The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc602">Child and Dependent Care Credit</a>
 is expanded for tax year 2021. This means that more taxpayers will 
qualify this year than ever before, and the credit will be worth more. 
Taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of more than $438,000 are not 
eligible for this credit.

"There are many important tax credits available for families, and we 
don't want anyone to overlook the Child and Dependent Care Credit," said
 IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "We encourage families and others who 
may qualify for this credit to carefully review the criteria to make 
sure they receive the maximum amount they're entitled to. We also 
encourage the tax professional communities and others to share this 
important information."

Depending on their income, taxpayers can get a credit worth 50% of their qualifying <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-503">childcare expenses</a>.
 For tax year 2021, the maximum eligible expense for this credit is 
$8,000 for one qualifying person and $16,000 for two or more.

For the purposes of this credit, the IRS defines a qualifying person as:

Taxpayers can use the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/am-i-eligible-to-claim-the-child-and-dependent-care-credit">Interactive Tax Assistant</a>&nbsp;or see the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/child-and-dependent-care-credit-faqs">Frequently Asked Questions</a> on IRS.gov to determine if they can claim this credit. For IRS partners, there's a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5585.pdf">special promotional flyer available</a>&nbsp;PDF.

The IRS has been highlighting this credit in a number of ways, including <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/understanding-the-child-and-dependent-care-credit">Tax Tips</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-expanded-credits-for-families-highlight-tax-changes-for-2021-many-people-who-dont-normally-file-should-file-this-year">fact sheets</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-time-guide-use-the-wheres-my-refund-tool-or-irs2go-app-to-conveniently-check-tax-refund-status">news releases</a> as well as through Twitter and other IRS social media and outreach channels. It's also featured in a special IRS <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mSgo5qgOeY">YouTube video</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service issued a filing season 
reminder today that those taxpayers who pay expenses for the care of a 
qualifying person while working or looking for work may qualify for an 
important tax credit.The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc602">Child and Dependent Care Credit</a>
 is expanded for tax year 2021. This means that more taxpayers will 
qualify this year than ever before, and the credit will be worth more. 
Taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of more than $438,000 are not 
eligible for this credit."There are many important tax credits available for families, and we 
don't want anyone to overlook the Child and Dependent Care Credit," said
 IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "We encourage families and others who 
may qualify for this credit to carefully review the criteria to make 
sure they receive the maximum amount they're entitled to. We also 
encourage the tax professional communities and others to share this 
important information."Depending on their income, taxpayers can get a credit worth 50% of their qualifying <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-503">childcare expenses</a>.
 For tax year 2021, the maximum eligible expense for this credit is 
$8,000 for one qualifying person and $16,000 for two or more.<h2>For the purposes of this credit, the IRS defines a qualifying person as:</h2><ul>
 <li>A taxpayer's dependent who is 12 or younger (no age limit if incapacitated) when the care is provided. 
	&nbsp;</li><li>A taxpayer's spouse who is physically or mentally unable to care 
for themselves and lived with the taxpayer for more than half the year. 
	&nbsp;</li><li>Someone who is physically or mentally unable to take care of 
themselves and lived with the taxpayer for six months and is either: the taxpayer's dependent orwould have been the taxpayer's dependent except for one of the following: The qualifying person received gross income of $4,300 or moreThe qualifying person filed a joint returnThe taxpayer or spouse, if filing jointly, could be claimed as a dependent on someone else's return</li><li>the taxpayer's dependent or</li><li>would have been the taxpayer's dependent except for one of the following: The qualifying person received gross income of $4,300 or moreThe qualifying person filed a joint returnThe taxpayer or spouse, if filing jointly, could be claimed as a dependent on someone else's return</li><li>The qualifying person received gross income of $4,300 or more</li><li>The qualifying person filed a joint return</li><li>The taxpayer or spouse, if filing jointly, could be claimed as a dependent on someone else's return</li>
 </ul>Taxpayers can use the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/am-i-eligible-to-claim-the-child-and-dependent-care-credit">Interactive Tax Assistant</a>&nbsp;or see the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/child-and-dependent-care-credit-faqs">Frequently Asked Questions</a> on IRS.gov to determine if they can claim this credit. For IRS partners, there's a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5585.pdf">special promotional flyer available</a>&nbsp;PDF.The IRS has been highlighting this credit in a number of ways, including <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/understanding-the-child-and-dependent-care-credit">Tax Tips</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-expanded-credits-for-families-highlight-tax-changes-for-2021-many-people-who-dont-normally-file-should-file-this-year">fact sheets</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-time-guide-use-the-wheres-my-refund-tool-or-irs2go-app-to-conveniently-check-tax-refund-status">news releases</a> as well as through Twitter and other IRS social media and outreach channels. It's also featured in a special IRS <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mSgo5qgOeY">YouTube video</a>.

IRS: Child and Dependent Care Credit can help families, others

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. regulators on Monday cleared the way for the sale of beef from gene-edited cattle in coming years after the Food and Drug Administration concluded the animals do not raise any safety concerns.

The cattle by Recombinetics are the third genetically altered animals given the green light for human consumption in the U.S. after salmon and pigs. Many other foods already are made with genetically modified ingredients from crops like soybeans and corn.

The cattle reviewed by the FDA had genes altered with a technology called CRISPR to have short, slick coats that let them more easily withstand hot weather. Cattle that aren’t stressed by heat might pack on weight more easily, making for more efficient meat production.

The company did not say when home cooks or restaurants might be able to buy the beef, but the FDA said it could reach the market in as early as two years.

Unlike the salmon and pigs, the cattle did not have to go through a yearslong approval process. The FDA said the cattle were exempt from that because their genetic makeup is similar to other existing cattle and the trait can be found naturally in some breeds.

Dr. Steven Solomon, director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, said the agency’s review of Recombinetics' cattle took several months. He said there’s no reason meat from the animals or their offspring would need to be labeled differently.

Solomon said a genetically altered animal marketed as having a special advantage — such a higher than normal ability to withstand heat — might need to go through the full approval process.

“This opens up a completely different pathway,” he said, noting the decision could be encouraging for other biotech companies, many of which are small startups.

The gene-edited trait in the Recombinetics cattle can be passed down so semen and embryos from them could be used to produce offspring with the same shorter coats.

The trait will make beef production more sustainable and to improve animal welfare in warmer climates, Recombinetics said in a statement without providing further details.

Greg Jaffe, who specializes in biotechnology at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said the FDA’s announcement made clear it wasn't exempting all gene-edited animals from the longer approval process.

“They reinforce the idea that this is a case-by-case review,” Jaffe said.

He said the agency should be more transparent about the review process so people know what's in the works. That could lead to better public acceptance and minimize any potential economic disruptions from global trade, since other countries might consider the animals genetically modified foods that need to be labeled, he said.

Jaydee Hanson, of the Center for Food Safety, said the agency should keep track of the animals for several generations to ensure there aren’t any unintended issues.

The genetically modified pig is intended mainly for medical purposes, not meat, according to the company that developed it. The firm recently provided a pig heart that was transplanted into a dying man in an experimental surgery.

The company behind the modified salmon said the fish are being sold to distributors in the Midwest and Northeast.

Alison Van Eenennaam, an animal geneticist at University of California, Davis who has worked with Recombinetics, said requiring all companies to go through the lengthy approval process could end the possibility of commercializing gene-edited animals in the U.S.

For the gene-edited cattle cleared by the FDA, she said it could take about two years for beef from the offspring to reach the market.

Once the semen is used to create embryos, she said gestation would take about nine months and the resulting calves might be slaughtered after about 10 months. She noted the market isn’t limited to the U.S., given the way cattle are bred.

“Let’s face it, bull semen goes all over the world,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590681306227.jpeg" alt="Image from Pixabay&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Image from Pixabay&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By CANDICE CHOI, Associated PressNEW YORK (AP) — U.S. regulators on Monday cleared the way for the sale of beef from gene-edited cattle in coming years after the Food and Drug Administration concluded the animals do not raise any safety concerns.The cattle by Recombinetics are the third genetically altered animals given the green light for human consumption in the U.S. after salmon and pigs. Many other foods already are made with genetically modified ingredients from crops like soybeans and corn.The cattle reviewed by the FDA had genes altered with a technology called CRISPR to have short, slick coats that let them more easily withstand hot weather. Cattle that aren’t stressed by heat might pack on weight more easily, making for more efficient meat production.The company did not say when home cooks or restaurants might be able to buy the beef, but the FDA said it could reach the market in as early as two years.Unlike the salmon and pigs, the cattle did not have to go through a yearslong approval process. The FDA said the cattle were exempt from that because their genetic makeup is similar to other existing cattle and the trait can be found naturally in some breeds.Dr. Steven Solomon, director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, said the agency’s review of Recombinetics' cattle took several months. He said there’s no reason meat from the animals or their offspring would need to be labeled differently.Solomon said a genetically altered animal marketed as having a special advantage — such a higher than normal ability to withstand heat — might need to go through the full approval process.“This opens up a completely different pathway,” he said, noting the decision could be encouraging for other biotech companies, many of which are small startups.The gene-edited trait in the Recombinetics cattle can be passed down so semen and embryos from them could be used to produce offspring with the same shorter coats.The trait will make beef production more sustainable and to improve animal welfare in warmer climates, Recombinetics said in a statement without providing further details.Greg Jaffe, who specializes in biotechnology at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said the FDA’s announcement made clear it wasn't exempting all gene-edited animals from the longer approval process.“They reinforce the idea that this is a case-by-case review,” Jaffe said.He said the agency should be more transparent about the review process so people know what's in the works. That could lead to better public acceptance and minimize any potential economic disruptions from global trade, since other countries might consider the animals genetically modified foods that need to be labeled, he said.Jaydee Hanson, of the Center for Food Safety, said the agency should keep track of the animals for several generations to ensure there aren’t any unintended issues.The genetically modified pig is intended mainly for medical purposes, not meat, according to the company that developed it. The firm recently provided a pig heart that was transplanted into a dying man in an experimental surgery.The company behind the modified salmon said the fish are being sold to distributors in the Midwest and Northeast.Alison Van Eenennaam, an animal geneticist at University of California, Davis who has worked with Recombinetics, said requiring all companies to go through the lengthy approval process could end the possibility of commercializing gene-edited animals in the U.S.For the gene-edited cattle cleared by the FDA, she said it could take about two years for beef from the offspring to reach the market.Once the semen is used to create embryos, she said gestation would take about nine months and the resulting calves might be slaughtered after about 10 months. She noted the market isn’t limited to the U.S., given the way cattle are bred.“Let’s face it, bull semen goes all over the world,” she said.

Gene-edited beef cattle get regulatory clearance in US

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A judge has named a former Kansas attorney general to represent an 18-year-old high school football player who is charged in a shooting that wounded an administrator and school resource officer at a suburban Kansas City high school. 

Jaylon Desean Elmore was charged Saturday with attempted capital murder in Friday’s shooting at Olathe East High School. The charge carries a sentence of life in prison, with no possibility of parole for 25 years.

 Johnson County Judge Dan Vokins said during a Zoom hearing Monday that his attorney will be Paul Morrison, also the former district attorney for the county. Elmore, who was wounded when the school resource officer returned fire, was unable to attend the hearing because he remains hospitalized.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646530374745.png" alt="Elmore photo courtesy Olathe East Varsity Football " />
 <figcaption>Elmore photo courtesy Olathe East Varsity Football </figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A judge has named a former Kansas attorney general to represent an 18-year-old high school football player who is charged in a shooting that wounded an administrator and school resource officer at a suburban Kansas City high school. Jaylon Desean Elmore was charged Saturday with attempted capital murder in Friday’s shooting at Olathe East High School. The charge carries a sentence of life in prison, with no possibility of parole for 25 years. Johnson County Judge Dan Vokins said during a Zoom hearing Monday that his attorney will be Paul Morrison, also the former district attorney for the county. Elmore, who was wounded when the school resource officer returned fire, was unable to attend the hearing because he remains hospitalized.

Teen charged in Kansas high school shooting remains hospitalized

Gasoline prices are pushing even farther above $4 a gallon, the highest price that American motorists have faced since July 2008, as calls grow to ban imports of Russian oil.

Prices at the pump were rising long before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-europe-evacuations-kharkiv-01693b3373cf8bcf2400ae29af992bbe">Russia invaded Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and have spiraled faster since the start of the war. The U.S. national average for a gallon of gasoline has soared 45 cents a gallon in the past week and topped $4.06 on Monday, according to auto club AAA.

“I am looking at the possibility of walking to work,” said Asiya Joseph, who had just paid $4.29 a gallon at a BP station in Brooklyn, New York. “This is the first time that I am filling up my tank in like, 10 days.”

In Huntington Beach, California, Julian Mesa earns $15 an hour cleaning offices. On Monday, he paid $92 to fill his pickup at $5.79 a gallon.

“It’s very expensive, high for people who are earning the minimum,” Mesa said. His family had already scaled back on eating out to cut their spending during the pandemic.

The price of regular broke $4 a gallon on Sunday for the first time in nearly 14 years and is now up nearly 50% from a year ago.

The price is even higher in Europe, averaging 1.75 euros per liter last week, according to the European Commission, the equivalent of $7.21 per gallon.

GasBuddy, which tracks prices down to the service-station level, said Monday that the U.S. was likely to break its record price of $4.10 a gallon, but that does not account for inflation. In today’s terms, the record price would be equal to about $5.24 after accounting for inflation.

“Forget the $4 per gallon mark, the nation will soon set new all-time record highs and we could push closer to a national average of $4.50,” said GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan. “We’ve never been in this situation before, with this level of uncertainty. ... Americans will be feeling the pain of the rise in prices for quite some time.”

Energy prices are contributing to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-long-beach-inflation-prices-consumer-prices-d412bcce554693de469765b34351773d">worst inflation that Americans have seen in 40 years</a>, far outpacing higher wages. Consumer prices jumped 7.5% in January, compared with a year earlier, and analysts predict a 7.9% increase when the government reports February figures later this week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637673365192.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID KOENIG, Associated PressGasoline prices are pushing even farther above $4 a gallon, the highest price that American motorists have faced since July 2008, as calls grow to ban imports of Russian oil.Prices at the pump were rising long before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-europe-evacuations-kharkiv-01693b3373cf8bcf2400ae29af992bbe">Russia invaded Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and have spiraled faster since the start of the war. The U.S. national average for a gallon of gasoline has soared 45 cents a gallon in the past week and topped $4.06 on Monday, according to auto club AAA.“I am looking at the possibility of walking to work,” said Asiya Joseph, who had just paid $4.29 a gallon at a BP station in Brooklyn, New York. “This is the first time that I am filling up my tank in like, 10 days.”In Huntington Beach, California, Julian Mesa earns $15 an hour cleaning offices. On Monday, he paid $92 to fill his pickup at $5.79 a gallon.“It’s very expensive, high for people who are earning the minimum,” Mesa said. His family had already scaled back on eating out to cut their spending during the pandemic.The price of regular broke $4 a gallon on Sunday for the first time in nearly 14 years and is now up nearly 50% from a year ago.The price is even higher in Europe, averaging 1.75 euros per liter last week, according to the European Commission, the equivalent of $7.21 per gallon.GasBuddy, which tracks prices down to the service-station level, said Monday that the U.S. was likely to break its record price of $4.10 a gallon, but that does not account for inflation. In today’s terms, the record price would be equal to about $5.24 after accounting for inflation.“Forget the $4 per gallon mark, the nation will soon set new all-time record highs and we could push closer to a national average of $4.50,” said GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan. “We’ve never been in this situation before, with this level of uncertainty. ... Americans will be feeling the pain of the rise in prices for quite some time.”Energy prices are contributing to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-long-beach-inflation-prices-consumer-prices-d412bcce554693de469765b34351773d">worst inflation that Americans have seen in 40 years</a>, far outpacing higher wages. Consumer prices jumped 7.5% in January, compared with a year earlier, and analysts predict a 7.9% increase when the government reports February figures later this week.Oil prices soared early Monday before retreating. Benchmark U.S. crude surged to $130 a barrel overnight, then moderated to around $119, a 3% gain, in afternoon trading. The international price skyrocketed to $139 before falling back to about $123 a barrel. U.S. stocks tumbled, with the S&amp;P 500 falling 3%, its biggest drop in 16 months.Crude prices plummeted in early 2020 as economies around the world shut down because of COVID-19 — the price of futures even turned negative, meaning some sellers were paying buyers to take oil. Prices rebounded, however, as demand recovered faster than producers pulled oil out of the ground and inventories dried up.Still, few forecasters saw this week’s surge coming. Just a month ago, the Energy Department predicted oil would average around $80 a barrel this year. That was before Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24.The United States is the world’s largest oil producer — ahead of Saudi Arabia and Russia — but it is also the biggest oil consumer, and it can’t meet that staggering demand with domestic crude alone.The U.S. imported&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/pet_move_impcus_a2_nus_ep00_im0_mbbl_m.htm" target="_blank">245 million barrels of oil from Russia last year</a>&nbsp;— about 8% of all U.S. oil imports — up from 198 million barrels in 2020. That’s less than the U.S. gets from Canada or Mexico but more than it imported last year from Saudi Arabia.The increasingly violent Russian attack on Ukraine has raised calls to cut off Russia from the money it gets from oil and natural gas exports. Europe is heavily dependent on Russian gas.President Joe Biden has been reluctant to ban Russian oil, fearing it could further fuel inflation heading into the midterm elections this November.Many Republicans and a growing number of Democrats in the House and Senate, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-joe-biden-business-europe-d30c144383033e2fc9bce6f3d5cfeb0b">endorsed banning Russian crude</a>&nbsp;as a way to put more pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the shelling of Ukraine. On Monday, a bipartisan group of committee chairmen reached agreement on legislation to ban Russian oil imports and suspend normal trade relations status with Russia and its ally, Belarus — the latter move could lead to steep tariffs on other goods from the two countries.The White House hasn’t ruled out a ban, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Sunday that the United States and its allies were discussing a ban “while making sure that there is still an appropriate supply of oil” on the world market.Talk of a ban on Russian oil has led U.S. officials to consider other sources that are currently limited.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-business-europe-venezuela-cbe04e87fca44ed3815aba8dd2b65945">In what was supposed to be a secret trip</a>, senior U.S. officials traveled to Venezuela over the weekend to discuss the chance of easing oil sanctions on the major crude-exporting country.Ronnie James, an Uber driver in Brooklyn, wants the government to do something to bring prices down — get oil from Venezuela or tap more from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.“The folks who are every day building the wealth of this nation could use a break,” he said.