GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — Authorities are investigating the deadly shooting of a 28-year-old man in Grand Island. 

The Grand Island Independent reports that police responded just after 3 a.m. Thursday and found Tesloach Kek Yiel wounded. 

He was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

 An autopsy has been ordered, and police are encouraging anyone with security or doorbell cameras to call.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631628877082.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — Authorities are investigating the deadly shooting of a 28-year-old man in Grand Island. The Grand Island Independent reports that police responded just after 3 a.m. Thursday and found Tesloach Kek Yiel wounded. He was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy has been ordered, and police are encouraging anyone with security or doorbell cameras to call.

28-year-old shot, killed in Grand Island

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. —A Nebraska man was transported to the hospital after the SUV he was driving struck the back of a tractor-trailer rig hauling metal just north of the Interstate 135/Interstate 70 interchange just after 12:30a.m. Thursday.

Jeffery Wolfe, 37, of Stanton, Neb., was northbound in the left-hand lane of Interstate 135 in a 2004 Lincoln Aviator when the SUV drifted into the right-hand lane and struck the back left corner of the tractor-trailer rig that was merging from Interstate 70 onto Interstate 35/U.S. Highway 81, according to Saline County Sheriff's Lieutenant Michael Ascher.

The rig was being driven by David Mitchell, 51, of Wyoming was driving the semi.nThere was no evidence of braking or skid marks prior to impact, Ascher said.&nbsp; The crash caved in the passenger side of the SUV. 

Wolfe, who had to be extracated from the SUV, suffered a possible broken bone and other minor injuries, and was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center, Ascher said. Mitchell was not injured. 

Additionally, a yellow Labrador, who was in the back seat of the SUV, was not injured, Ascher said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636042149291.jpeg" alt="The inside of the SUV on the driver's side. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>The inside of the SUV on the driver's side. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY, Kan. —A Nebraska man was transported to the hospital after the SUV he was driving struck the back of a tractor-trailer rig hauling metal just north of the Interstate 135/Interstate 70 interchange just after 12:30a.m. Thursday.Jeffery Wolfe, 37, of Stanton, Neb., was northbound in the left-hand lane of Interstate 135 in a 2004 Lincoln Aviator when the SUV drifted into the right-hand lane and struck the back left corner of the tractor-trailer rig that was merging from Interstate 70 onto Interstate 35/U.S. Highway 81, according to Saline County Sheriff's Lieutenant Michael Ascher.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636041980005.jpeg" alt="The SUV struck the back left of the the tractor-trailer rig." />
 <figcaption>The SUV struck the back left of the the tractor-trailer rig.</figcaption>
 </figure>The rig was being driven by David Mitchell, 51, of Wyoming was driving the semi.nThere was no evidence of braking or skid marks prior to impact, Ascher said.&nbsp; The crash caved in the passenger side of the SUV. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636041870776.jpeg" alt="The front passenger side of the SUV." />
 <figcaption>The front passenger side of the SUV.</figcaption>
 </figure>Wolfe, who had to be extracated from the SUV, suffered a possible broken bone and other minor injuries, and was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center, Ascher said. Mitchell was not injured. Additionally, a yellow Labrador, who was in the back seat of the SUV, was not injured, Ascher said.

Nebraska man injured after SUV, semi crash in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) —Tens of millions of Americans who work at companies with 100 or more employees will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Jan. 4 or get tested for the virus weekly under government rules issued Thursday.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said companies that fail to comply could face penalties of nearly $14,000 per violation.

The new requirements, which were first previewed by President Joe Biden in September, will apply to about 84 million workers at medium and large businesses, although it is not clear how many of those employees are unvaccinated.

Tougher rules will apply to another 17 million people who work in nursing homes, hospitals and other facilities that receive money from Medicare and Medicaid. Those workers will not have an option for testing and will need to be vaccinated.

It was unclear how OSHA planned to enforce the rules. A senior administration official said the agency would target companies if it gets complaints.

Workers will be able to ask for exemptions on medical or religious grounds.

The release of the rules followed weeks of regulatory review and meetings with business groups, labor unions and others. The regulations form the cornerstone of Biden’s most aggressive effort yet to combat the spread of COVID-19, which has killed more than 740,000 people in the U.S.

OSHA drafted the rules under emergency authority meant to protect workers from an imminent health hazard. Senior administration officials said the rules preempt conflicting state laws or orders, including those that ban employers from requiring vaccinations, testing or the wearing of face masks.

The administration will face an immediate challenge from Republican state officials who are eager to fight Biden in court. More than two dozen Republicans serving as state attorneys general have indicated they plan to sue, arguing that only Congress can enact such sweeping requirements under emergency authority.

Last week, 19 states sued to stop Biden’s narrower mandate that employees of federal contractors be vaccinated. That requirement was scheduled to take effect Dec. 8, but the administration said Thursday it will be delayed until Jan. 4 to match the requirements on other large employers and health care providers.

Workers will need to receive either two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one dose of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine by Jan. 4. Unvaccinated employees must submit a verified negative test to the company at least once a week and wear face masks on the job.

Employees who test positive must be removed from the workplace.

OSHA will require businesses to provide paid time off for employees to get vaccines and sick leave to recover from side effects that prevent them from working. The requirements for masks and paid time off for shots will take effect Dec. 5.

Because vaccines are free, OSHA said, companies do not have to provide or pay for tests.

The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services issued a rule requiring vaccination for workers in 76,000 health facilities and home health care providers that get funding from the government health programs. A senior administration official said that several large private health care organizations imposed their own mandates and achieved high vaccination rates — 96% or higher — without widespread resignations.

The White House sees the new requirements as a potent tool to winnow down the ranks of the tens of millions of Americans who have thus far refused to get a shot.

For weeks, Biden has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-6e758dc5e24320677e48f58cbfca37bf">encouraged businesses not to wait&nbsp;</a>for the OSHA rule to take effect. He has touted businesses that have already announced their own vaccine mandates and urged other companies to follow their lead.

Administration officials say those efforts are paying off, with about 70% of the nation’s adults now fully vaccinated.

Walmart, the nation’s largest private employer, said in late July it was requiring all workers at its headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, as well as its managers who travel within the U.S., to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 4. But the company had stopped short of requiring shots for its frontline workers.

United Airlines required U.S. employees to get vaccinated or face termination. Only a very small number of its 67,000 workers refused to do so.

In August, Tyson Foods told its 120,000 U.S. workers that they must be vaccinated by Nov. 1. A week before that deadline, the company said 96% of its workforce was fully vaccinated.

However, some companies have expressed fear that some vaccine-hesitant workers might quit, leaving their workforces even thinner in what is already a tight labor market.

Several large business groups complained about the timing of the mandate. Retail groups worried that the requirement could disrupt their operations during the critical Christmas shopping period. Retailers and others also said it could worsen supply chain disruptions.

The mandate on federal contractors led to demonstrations by opponents, including workers at a NASA rocket engine test site in Mississippi. Some said they are immune because they contracted COVID-19. Others said vaccines violated their religious beliefs and constitutional rights.

“No one should be forced to take a medical treatment just to keep their job,” said Nyla Trumbach, an engineer at the site. “There’s years and years of experience and skill out here, and I just want anyone who’s watching to see what we stand to lose here if these people don’t keep their jobs.”

Dozens of groups sought meetings with administration officials to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-college-football-sports-business-29461bc697d9e7e4b9f5227d50693038">air their concerns</a>&nbsp;and objections to likely provisions of the OSHA rule, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, the AFL-CIO and anti-vaccine organizations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631817363595.png" alt="President Biden says,"just get the shot."&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>President Biden says,"just get the shot."&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Tens of millions of Americans who work at companies with 100 or more employees will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Jan. 4 or get tested for the virus weekly under government rules issued Thursday.The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said companies that fail to comply could face penalties of nearly $14,000 per violation.The new requirements, which were first previewed by President Joe Biden in September, will apply to about 84 million workers at medium and large businesses, although it is not clear how many of those employees are unvaccinated.Tougher rules will apply to another 17 million people who work in nursing homes, hospitals and other facilities that receive money from Medicare and Medicaid. Those workers will not have an option for testing and will need to be vaccinated.It was unclear how OSHA planned to enforce the rules. A senior administration official said the agency would target companies if it gets complaints.Workers will be able to ask for exemptions on medical or religious grounds.The release of the rules followed weeks of regulatory review and meetings with business groups, labor unions and others. The regulations form the cornerstone of Biden’s most aggressive effort yet to combat the spread of COVID-19, which has killed more than 740,000 people in the U.S.OSHA drafted the rules under emergency authority meant to protect workers from an imminent health hazard. Senior administration officials said the rules preempt conflicting state laws or orders, including those that ban employers from requiring vaccinations, testing or the wearing of face masks.The administration will face an immediate challenge from Republican state officials who are eager to fight Biden in court. More than two dozen Republicans serving as state attorneys general have indicated they plan to sue, arguing that only Congress can enact such sweeping requirements under emergency authority.Last week, 19 states sued to stop Biden’s narrower mandate that employees of federal contractors be vaccinated. That requirement was scheduled to take effect Dec. 8, but the administration said Thursday it will be delayed until Jan. 4 to match the requirements on other large employers and health care providers.Workers will need to receive either two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one dose of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine by Jan. 4. Unvaccinated employees must submit a verified negative test to the company at least once a week and wear face masks on the job.Employees who test positive must be removed from the workplace.OSHA will require businesses to provide paid time off for employees to get vaccines and sick leave to recover from side effects that prevent them from working. The requirements for masks and paid time off for shots will take effect Dec. 5.Because vaccines are free, OSHA said, companies do not have to provide or pay for tests.The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services issued a rule requiring vaccination for workers in 76,000 health facilities and home health care providers that get funding from the government health programs. A senior administration official said that several large private health care organizations imposed their own mandates and achieved high vaccination rates — 96% or higher — without widespread resignations.The White House sees the new requirements as a potent tool to winnow down the ranks of the tens of millions of Americans who have thus far refused to get a shot.For weeks, Biden has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-6e758dc5e24320677e48f58cbfca37bf">encouraged businesses not to wait&nbsp;</a>for the OSHA rule to take effect. He has touted businesses that have already announced their own vaccine mandates and urged other companies to follow their lead.Administration officials say those efforts are paying off, with about 70% of the nation’s adults now fully vaccinated.Walmart, the nation’s largest private employer, said in late July it was requiring all workers at its headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, as well as its managers who travel within the U.S., to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 4. But the company had stopped short of requiring shots for its frontline workers.United Airlines required U.S. employees to get vaccinated or face termination. Only a very small number of its 67,000 workers refused to do so.In August, Tyson Foods told its 120,000 U.S. workers that they must be vaccinated by Nov. 1. A week before that deadline, the company said 96% of its workforce was fully vaccinated.However, some companies have expressed fear that some vaccine-hesitant workers might quit, leaving their workforces even thinner in what is already a tight labor market.Several large business groups complained about the timing of the mandate. Retail groups worried that the requirement could disrupt their operations during the critical Christmas shopping period. Retailers and others also said it could worsen supply chain disruptions.The mandate on federal contractors led to demonstrations by opponents, including workers at a NASA rocket engine test site in Mississippi. Some said they are immune because they contracted COVID-19. Others said vaccines violated their religious beliefs and constitutional rights.“No one should be forced to take a medical treatment just to keep their job,” said Nyla Trumbach, an engineer at the site. “There’s years and years of experience and skill out here, and I just want anyone who’s watching to see what we stand to lose here if these people don’t keep their jobs.”Dozens of groups sought meetings with administration officials to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-college-football-sports-business-29461bc697d9e7e4b9f5227d50693038">air their concerns</a>&nbsp;and objections to likely provisions of the OSHA rule, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, the AFL-CIO and anti-vaccine organizations.___

Biden vaccine mandate rules: Shots or weekly tests by Jan. 4

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An 18-year-old man who had been sought in a fatal shooting last month in Omaha is now in custody. 

Omaha police said Wednesday that the Metro Area Fugitive Task Force found Elijah Robinson and booked him into Douglas County Corrections. He is accused of first-degree murder and a weapons charge for allegedly killing 18-year-old KorVanta Hill. 

Hill was found wounded on a sidewalk on Oct. 18, and died at a hospital. Robinson is the second man accused in the crime, along with 19-year-old Justyn Wagner.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An 18-year-old man who had been sought in a fatal shooting last month in Omaha is now in custody. Omaha police said Wednesday that the Metro Area Fugitive Task Force found Elijah Robinson and booked him into Douglas County Corrections. He is accused of first-degree murder and a weapons charge for allegedly killing 18-year-old KorVanta Hill. Hill was found wounded on a sidewalk on Oct. 18, and died at a hospital. Robinson is the second man accused in the crime, along with 19-year-old Justyn Wagner.

Man who had been sought in fatal shooting now in custody

KANSAS CITY, Kan. —Authorities investigating the death of three people who lived in separate apartments at the same building in 900 Block of Washington Blvd. in Kansas City, Kansas, reported preliminary autopsy results Wednesday.

On Monday building staff found the body of 35-year-old Damon Irvin. The following day staff found the body of 25-year-old Dau'Daja Fairrow. Both of their deaths have been ruled as homicides, according to a release from KCPD. Officials also found the body of 66-year-old Roy Wright Tuesday. His death has been ruled as a natural death.

The two homicides remain under investigation.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Kansas City, Kansas, police say they are investigating the deaths of three people who lived in separate apartments at the same building. 

The two men and a woman were found dead at the Wyandotte Towers during the last two days. 

Police say the deaths are being investigated as homicides but they did not say how the residents died. Police spokeswoman Nancy Chartrand said officers found the first man dead on Monday. 

Building management notified police on Tuesday of the other two deaths. The Wyandotte Towers is a 15-story building with 302 units near downtown Kansas City, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635889753469.png" alt="The Wyandotte Towers is a 15-story building with 302 units near downtown Kansas City, Kansas. photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>The Wyandotte Towers is a 15-story building with 302 units near downtown Kansas City, Kansas. photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. —Authorities investigating the death of three people who lived in separate apartments at the same building in 900 Block of Washington Blvd. in Kansas City, Kansas, reported preliminary autopsy results Wednesday.On Monday building staff found the body of 35-year-old Damon Irvin. The following day staff found the body of 25-year-old Dau'Daja Fairrow. Both of their deaths have been ruled as homicides, according to a release from KCPD. Officials also found the body of 66-year-old Roy Wright Tuesday. His death has been ruled as a natural death.The two homicides remain under investigation.-----KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Kansas City, Kansas, police say they are investigating the deaths of three people who lived in separate apartments at the same building. The two men and a woman were found dead at the Wyandotte Towers during the last two days. Police say the deaths are being investigated as homicides but they did not say how the residents died. Police spokeswoman Nancy Chartrand said officers found the first man dead on Monday. Building management notified police on Tuesday of the other two deaths. The Wyandotte Towers is a 15-story building with 302 units near downtown Kansas City, Kansas.

Homicide: Police ID 3 who died in separate apartments at Kan. complex

MOLINE, IL.&nbsp; (AP) —Deere executives said Wednesday that the company wouldn’t return to the bargaining table with striking workers because it wouldn’t offer a better contract than one they rejected that included immediate 10% raises.

Marc Howze, the chief administrative officer of Deere &amp; Co., said the deal the United Auto Workers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-strikes-united-auto-workers-7124f0d5f729c0a722e62c87c94fc14a">union rejected</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday represented the most it could offer and still keep its costs competitive.

Howze declined to discuss how much the ongoing strike is costing Deere, which will release its next earnings report later this month. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-illinois-moline-united-auto-workers-7e85b3d6aa34955f7c0be633e201c87f">disputed contract</a>&nbsp;would cover more than 10,000 Deere workers at 12 facilities in Iowa, Illinois and Kansas, who make the company’s iconic John Deere green tractors and other equipment.

The company plans to reach out to employees directly now to stress the virtues of its offer while it tries to keep its plants running with salaried employees and other workers to meet customer commitments. Other Deere plants globally are also working to pick up the slack.

“We want to make sure they understand the value of the agreement, to make sure they understand that there is nothing to be gained by continuing to hold out,” Howze said. “To some degree, because we were able to come to a resolution as quickly as we were, I think there’s some folks who believe there must be some more available.”

In addition to the initial raises, this week’s offer included 5% raises in the third and fifth years of the six-year deal, and it would have provided an $8,500 ratification bonus, preserved a pension option for new employees, made workers eligible for health insurance sooner and maintained their no-premium health insurance coverage.

UAW spokesman Brian Rothenberg said union leaders were meeting to discuss their next moves. With a majority of workers voting against the latest offer, union officials face demands to deliver more but that might be difficult given the Moline, Illinois-based company’s stance. And pressure to reach a settlement will mount the longer workers go without pay.

The vote Tuesday was much closer than when 90% of the workers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-united-auto-workers-moline-strikes-447c2d911c1314c247011522e30f9bd2">rejected the company’s first offer</a>&nbsp;last month, but 55% of the workers still rejected the latest offer. Workers have been encouraged to seek more now because of the current worker shortages and Deere’s strong profits.

“It seems general membership feels emboldened by this current political moment of labor power. They’re pushing things further than the union leadership apparently wants to go,” said Victor Chen, a sociologist at Virginia Commonwealth University who studies labor. “It’s a gamble, but the economic wind is against their backs, given widespread supply chain problems and the current worker shortage.”

Deere officials, who have predicted that the company will report record profits of between $5.7 billion and $5.9 billion this fiscal year, don’t want to miss out on sales to farmers who are ready to buy thanks to strong crop prices. The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts that farmers’ net income will increase by nearly 20% this year, to $113 billion.

Observers say the rejection of the deal shows pent-up anger among Deere workers over how much of its profits the company has been willing to share with workers.

“Although the proposed contract was a significant improvement over the previous offer, the Deere workers evidently felt that the company could afford more,” Fordham University sociologist Chris Rhomberg said. “For decades, wages across the economy have lagged behind productivity growth, and workers may be tired of seeing the gains from their efforts go predominantly to corporations making record-breaking earnings.”

Now the challenge for the UAW and Deere will be finding a way to resolve their differences in a way that workers will accept, said Todd Vachon, a former member of a carpenter’s union who now teaches about labor relations at Rutgers University.

“There is always the risk of overplaying one’s hand — on both sides, really,” Vachon said. “It appears the final mile will likely involve some changes to work rules and working conditions in addition to just wage increases.”

The longer the strike continues, the more painful it will become for everyone, Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said.

“During the dragging on, both sides lose,” Goss said. “Workers are looking at lost income. John Deere is looking at lost sales. So they both have sort of guns pointing at each other’s heads, economically speaking.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634596496067.png" alt="The strike began Oct. 14 after union members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract that would have delivered only 5% raises to some workers and 6% raises to others depending on their positions in the factory.-Photo courtesy WQAD TV" />
 <figcaption>The strike began Oct. 14 after union members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract that would have delivered only 5% raises to some workers and 6% raises to others depending on their positions in the factory.-Photo courtesy WQAD TV</figcaption>
 </figure>MOLINE, IL.&nbsp; (AP) —Deere executives said Wednesday that the company wouldn’t return to the bargaining table with striking workers because it wouldn’t offer a better contract than one they rejected that included immediate 10% raises.Marc Howze, the chief administrative officer of Deere &amp; Co., said the deal the United Auto Workers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-strikes-united-auto-workers-7124f0d5f729c0a722e62c87c94fc14a">union rejected</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday represented the most it could offer and still keep its costs competitive.Howze declined to discuss how much the ongoing strike is costing Deere, which will release its next earnings report later this month. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-illinois-moline-united-auto-workers-7e85b3d6aa34955f7c0be633e201c87f">disputed contract</a>&nbsp;would cover more than 10,000 Deere workers at 12 facilities in Iowa, Illinois and Kansas, who make the company’s iconic John Deere green tractors and other equipment.The company plans to reach out to employees directly now to stress the virtues of its offer while it tries to keep its plants running with salaried employees and other workers to meet customer commitments. Other Deere plants globally are also working to pick up the slack.“We want to make sure they understand the value of the agreement, to make sure they understand that there is nothing to be gained by continuing to hold out,” Howze said. “To some degree, because we were able to come to a resolution as quickly as we were, I think there’s some folks who believe there must be some more available.”In addition to the initial raises, this week’s offer included 5% raises in the third and fifth years of the six-year deal, and it would have provided an $8,500 ratification bonus, preserved a pension option for new employees, made workers eligible for health insurance sooner and maintained their no-premium health insurance coverage.UAW spokesman Brian Rothenberg said union leaders were meeting to discuss their next moves. With a majority of workers voting against the latest offer, union officials face demands to deliver more but that might be difficult given the Moline, Illinois-based company’s stance. And pressure to reach a settlement will mount the longer workers go without pay.The vote Tuesday was much closer than when 90% of the workers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-united-auto-workers-moline-strikes-447c2d911c1314c247011522e30f9bd2">rejected the company’s first offer</a>&nbsp;last month, but 55% of the workers still rejected the latest offer. Workers have been encouraged to seek more now because of the current worker shortages and Deere’s strong profits.“It seems general membership feels emboldened by this current political moment of labor power. They’re pushing things further than the union leadership apparently wants to go,” said Victor Chen, a sociologist at Virginia Commonwealth University who studies labor. “It’s a gamble, but the economic wind is against their backs, given widespread supply chain problems and the current worker shortage.”ADVERTISEMENTDeere officials, who have predicted that the company will report record profits of between $5.7 billion and $5.9 billion this fiscal year, don’t want to miss out on sales to farmers who are ready to buy thanks to strong crop prices. The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts that farmers’ net income will increase by nearly 20% this year, to $113 billion.Observers say the rejection of the deal shows pent-up anger among Deere workers over how much of its profits the company has been willing to share with workers.“Although the proposed contract was a significant improvement over the previous offer, the Deere workers evidently felt that the company could afford more,” Fordham University sociologist Chris Rhomberg said. “For decades, wages across the economy have lagged behind productivity growth, and workers may be tired of seeing the gains from their efforts go predominantly to corporations making record-breaking earnings.”Now the challenge for the UAW and Deere will be finding a way to resolve their differences in a way that workers will accept, said Todd Vachon, a former member of a carpenter’s union who now teaches about labor relations at Rutgers University.“There is always the risk of overplaying one’s hand — on both sides, really,” Vachon said. “It appears the final mile will likely involve some changes to work rules and working conditions in addition to just wage increases.”The longer the strike continues, the more painful it will become for everyone, Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said.“During the dragging on, both sides lose,” Goss said. “Workers are looking at lost income. John Deere is looking at lost sales. So they both have sort of guns pointing at each other’s heads, economically speaking.”

Deere warns striking workers as walkout moves into 4th week

Reports to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>&nbsp;indicate
 scammers are still using Powerball Winner Manuel Franco’s name to send 
out text messages, social media messages, phone calls or emails 
informing people they’ve “been chosen” to receive free money from 
Franco.

Lottery scams like this make it seem as if you are about to receive a
 sudden financial windfall. But, instead, the people sending the 
messages are just phishing for your personal information or may even be 
after&nbsp;your&nbsp;money.

You may recall, Wisconsin resident Manuel Franco came forward in 
April 2019 to claim a $768 million lottery jackpot. Prior to winning the
 lottery, he was working at a Target store. After winning, he was known 
to personally hand out some gift cards to random shoppers.

“This scam involves impersonators attempting to lure in victims to 
steal their personal information”, said Jim Temmer, BBB Serving 
Wisconsin CEO/president. “This is dangerous. We’ve seen this before, and
 it will likely continue because con artists do what works for them.”

There has been an uptick in this scam being reported;&nbsp;188 reports 
have been submitted to BBB Scam Tracker from consumers across the United
 States since 2019. In 2021 alone, there have been 175 submissions to 
date, an increase from the previous year (2020) of 733%. Total losses 
reported in this scam are more than $13,000.

L.M. of New Berlin reported to BBB Scam Tracker, “I was sent a 
message saying I was to receive $50,000 from Manuel Franco. I was 
tricked into giving my driver’s license number and SSN. I fell for this 
and I am really worried about what they might do.”

P.S. of Alabama reported, “I received a text saying ‘I’m Mr. Manuel 
Franco, the Powerball winner in the Powerball Millions Jackpot. Click 
here to see my winning interview. I’m donating to 1000 random 
individuals. If you get this message then your number was selected’…To 
verify your winners send a text to this number…and fill out some 
information so we can proceed immediately.”

A consumer from Colorado informed BBB that he lost $3,200 when he 
sent $200 to “activate his winnings”, and $3000 for the I.R.S” as 
instructed in order to collect his winnings. He said he believed it, 
“Because of COVID I was desperate for money.”

BBB reminds people to protect themselves from impostor scams:

For more information or further inquiries, contact <a href="https://www.bbb.org/wisconsin" target="_blank">BBB Serving Wisconsin</a>, 414-847-6000&nbsp;or 1-800-273-1002.&nbsp;Consumers also can find more information about how to protect themselves from scams by following BBB Serving Wisconsin on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WisconsinBBB" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twitter.com/WisconsinBBB" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/bbbwisconsin" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCABiH4MFtftfPtYiN8X1sUg" target="_blank">YouTube</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Better Business BureauReports to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>&nbsp;indicate
 scammers are still using Powerball Winner Manuel Franco’s name to send 
out text messages, social media messages, phone calls or emails 
informing people they’ve “been chosen” to receive free money from 
Franco.Lottery scams like this make it seem as if you are about to receive a
 sudden financial windfall. But, instead, the people sending the 
messages are just phishing for your personal information or may even be 
after&nbsp;your&nbsp;money.You may recall, Wisconsin resident Manuel Franco came forward in 
April 2019 to claim a $768 million lottery jackpot. Prior to winning the
 lottery, he was working at a Target store. After winning, he was known 
to personally hand out some gift cards to random shoppers.“This scam involves impersonators attempting to lure in victims to 
steal their personal information”, said Jim Temmer, BBB Serving 
Wisconsin CEO/president. “This is dangerous. We’ve seen this before, and
 it will likely continue because con artists do what works for them.”There has been an uptick in this scam being reported;&nbsp;188 reports 
have been submitted to BBB Scam Tracker from consumers across the United
 States since 2019. In 2021 alone, there have been 175 submissions to 
date, an increase from the previous year (2020) of 733%. Total losses 
reported in this scam are more than $13,000.L.M. of New Berlin reported to BBB Scam Tracker, “I was sent a 
message saying I was to receive $50,000 from Manuel Franco. I was 
tricked into giving my driver’s license number and SSN. I fell for this 
and I am really worried about what they might do.”P.S. of Alabama reported, “I received a text saying ‘I’m Mr. Manuel 
Franco, the Powerball winner in the Powerball Millions Jackpot. Click 
here to see my winning interview. I’m donating to 1000 random 
individuals. If you get this message then your number was selected’…To 
verify your winners send a text to this number…and fill out some 
information so we can proceed immediately.”A consumer from Colorado informed BBB that he lost $3,200 when he 
sent $200 to “activate his winnings”, and $3000 for the I.R.S” as 
instructed in order to collect his winnings. He said he believed it, 
“Because of COVID I was desperate for money.”BBB reminds people to protect themselves from impostor scams:<ul>
 <li>Be suspicious of irregular communications, especially via text, email or phone.</li><li>Don’t provide money or information to people that you don’t know or 
that promise you money in exchange. You will never have to pay upfront 
fees to claim a prize.</li><li>If you are asked to prove your identity, it’s a scam.</li><li>Always report scams to law enforcement or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>.</li>
 </ul>For more information or further inquiries, contact <a href="https://www.bbb.org/wisconsin" target="_blank">BBB Serving Wisconsin</a>, 414-847-6000&nbsp;or 1-800-273-1002.&nbsp;Consumers also can find more information about how to protect themselves from scams by following BBB Serving Wisconsin on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WisconsinBBB" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twitter.com/WisconsinBBB" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/bbbwisconsin" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCABiH4MFtftfPtYiN8X1sUg" target="_blank">YouTube</a>.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

It's not free money: Powerball scam continues to dupe victims

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday approved an application from The Boeing Company for a license to construct, deploy, and operate a satellite constellation.  As detailed in its FCC application, Boeing plans to provide broadband and communications services for residential, commercial, institutional, governmental, and professional users in the United States and globally.  

“Advanced satellite broadband services have an important role to play in connecting hard-to-serve communities,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.  “We are committed to a careful and detailed review of all such applications and I thank the International Bureau team for their work completing this first round of NGSO applications.”

Today’s Order approves Boeing’s application for non-geostationary orbit fixed-satellite service system using frequencies in portions of the V-band (the 37.5-40, 40-42, 47.2-50.2 and 50.4-51.4 GHz bands), and to operate inter-satellite links (ISLs) using frequencies in portions of the V-band (65-71 GHz band).  It also dismisses Boeing’s request to operate ISLs in certain frequency bands that are not allocated internationally for operations of the FSS in the space-to-space direction in the ITU Radio Regulations.

Click <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-authorizes-boeing-broadband-satellite-constellation">HERE</a> for more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977952684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday approved an application from The Boeing Company for a license to construct, deploy, and operate a satellite constellation. As detailed in its FCC application, Boeing plans to provide broadband and communications services for residential, commercial, institutional, governmental, and professional users in the United States and globally. “Advanced satellite broadband services have an important role to play in connecting hard-to-serve communities,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “We are committed to a careful and detailed review of all such applications and I thank the International Bureau team for their work completing this first round of NGSO applications.”Today’s Order approves Boeing’s application for non-geostationary orbit fixed-satellite service system using frequencies in portions of the V-band (the 37.5-40, 40-42, 47.2-50.2 and 50.4-51.4 GHz bands), and to operate inter-satellite links (ISLs) using frequencies in portions of the V-band (65-71 GHz band). It also dismisses Boeing’s request to operate ISLs in certain frequency bands that are not allocated internationally for operations of the FSS in the space-to-space direction in the ITU Radio Regulations.Click <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-authorizes-boeing-broadband-satellite-constellation">HERE</a> for more.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

FCC gives OK to Boeing satellite broadband constellation

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An 18-year-old suspect has been ordered held without bond in the killing of a woman in Omaha. KETV-TV reports that Daniel Dejaynes-Beaman was in court Wednesday.

 He is charged with first-degree murder and a weapons charge. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 14.

 Police found 61-year-old Jolene Harshbarger dead just before 8 a.m. Sunday inside a home. 

Prosecutors say she was sexually assaulted and stabbed at least 12 times. 

According to an arrest affidavit, Dejaynes-Beaman admitted to the stabbing.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An 18-year-old suspect has been ordered held without bond in the killing of a woman in Omaha. KETV-TV reports that Daniel Dejaynes-Beaman was in court Wednesday. He is charged with first-degree murder and a weapons charge. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 14. Police found 61-year-old Jolene Harshbarger dead just before 8 a.m. Sunday inside a home. Prosecutors say she was sexually assaulted and stabbed at least 12 times. According to an arrest affidavit, Dejaynes-Beaman admitted to the stabbing.

Man held without bond in stabbing death of Omaha woman

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is declining to wade into a case involving transgender rights and leaving in place a lower court decision against a Catholic hospital that wouldn’t allow a transgender man to have a hysterectomy there.

The high court turned away the case without comment, as is typical. Three conservative justices — Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch — said they would have heard the case.

Mercy San Juan Medical Center near Sacramento declined to allow the procedure to be performed at its facility saying it was an “elective sterilization” that violated the hospital’s ethical and religious obligations.

The patient, Evan Minton, got the surgery three days later at a different hospital. He sued under a California law that bars discrimination. A trial court agreed with the hospital that a three-day delay in the procedure did not involve a denial of “full and equal” access to health care under California law. An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-lawsuits-california-san-francisco-10b981b960be4a1284af3b66ebe1cab6">appeals court reversed that decision</a>.

The high court’s decision not to step in is the latest win recently for transgender rights groups at the court. In June, the justices declined to weigh in on a different case involving transgender rights.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-courts-supreme-courts-government-and-politics-9b4cabc4e026d96d8f5492e03260985a">In that case,</a>&nbsp;the justices rejected a Virginia school board’s appeal to reinstate its transgender bathroom ban. Transgender rights groups and a former high school student had fought in court for six years to overturn the ban.

In 2020, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/courts-supreme-courts-mi-state-wire-neil-gorsuch-ap-top-news-5a7b0e41a47a3c571dda69194758e7b1">high court ruled that a landmark civil rights law protects gay, lesbian and transgender people from discrimination in employment.</a>&nbsp;The 6-3 decision was a resounding victory for LGBT rights from a conservative court. The court said a key provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 known as Title VII that bars job discrimination because of sex, among other reasons, encompasses bias against people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is declining to wade into a case involving transgender rights and leaving in place a lower court decision against a Catholic hospital that wouldn’t allow a transgender man to have a hysterectomy there.The high court turned away the case without comment, as is typical. Three conservative justices — Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch — said they would have heard the case.Mercy San Juan Medical Center near Sacramento declined to allow the procedure to be performed at its facility saying it was an “elective sterilization” that violated the hospital’s ethical and religious obligations.The patient, Evan Minton, got the surgery three days later at a different hospital. He sued under a California law that bars discrimination. A trial court agreed with the hospital that a three-day delay in the procedure did not involve a denial of “full and equal” access to health care under California law. An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-lawsuits-california-san-francisco-10b981b960be4a1284af3b66ebe1cab6">appeals court reversed that decision</a>.The high court’s decision not to step in is the latest win recently for transgender rights groups at the court. In June, the justices declined to weigh in on a different case involving transgender rights.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-courts-supreme-courts-government-and-politics-9b4cabc4e026d96d8f5492e03260985a">In that case,</a>&nbsp;the justices rejected a Virginia school board’s appeal to reinstate its transgender bathroom ban. Transgender rights groups and a former high school student had fought in court for six years to overturn the ban.In 2020, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/courts-supreme-courts-mi-state-wire-neil-gorsuch-ap-top-news-5a7b0e41a47a3c571dda69194758e7b1">high court ruled that a landmark civil rights law protects gay, lesbian and transgender people from discrimination in employment.</a>&nbsp;The 6-3 decision was a resounding victory for LGBT rights from a conservative court. The court said a key provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 known as Title VII that bars job discrimination because of sex, among other reasons, encompasses bias against people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Supreme Court won't hear case of trans man wanting hysterectomy

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A 60-year-old Omaha man has been cited for misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide for an accident last month that killed a motorcyclist. 

Police on Wednesday announced that the driver of the pickup truck involved in the crash has been cited. It wasn’t immediately clear if he has been formally charged. 

The accident happened just before 6 a.m. Oct. 21. Police say the pickup truck was stopped at a stop sign and pulled out, striking the motorcycle and killing 34-year-old Pedro Flores. 

The driver of the pickup was not injured.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A 60-year-old Omaha man has been cited for misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide for an accident last month that killed a motorcyclist. Police on Wednesday announced that the driver of the pickup truck involved in the crash has been cited. It wasn’t immediately clear if he has been formally charged. The accident happened just before 6 a.m. Oct. 21. Police say the pickup truck was stopped at a stop sign and pulled out, striking the motorcycle and killing 34-year-old Pedro Flores. The driver of the pickup was not injured.

Man cited in accident that killed motorcyclist in Omaha

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Now that children ages 5 and older will soon be able to get COVID-19 vaccines, public school officials in Omaha plan to revisit the district’s mask policy in January.

The Omaha World-Herald reports that Omaha Public Schools Superintendent Cheryl Logan said the review will be made in consultation with the Douglas County Health Department, Children’s Hospital &amp; Medical Center and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. 

OPS has required all students and staff to wear masks while inside the district’s school buildings since the start of the school year.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Now that children ages 5 and older will soon be able to get COVID-19 vaccines, public school officials in Omaha plan to revisit the district’s mask policy in January.The Omaha World-Herald reports that Omaha Public Schools Superintendent Cheryl Logan said the review will be made in consultation with the Douglas County Health Department, Children’s Hospital &amp; Medical Center and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. OPS has required all students and staff to wear masks while inside the district’s school buildings since the start of the school year.

Omaha schools to review mask policy in January

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Monday shooting have identified the victim as 22-year-old Braekwon Bennett of Wichita.

At approximately 5:30 p.m, police were dispatched to a shooting call in the 300 block of W. 10th St. North in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macey. 

After arriving on scene, they located Bennett with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Officers learned that two male suspects, an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old arrived at the apartment and confronted Bennett. There was an altercation that led to multiple shots being fired. The 18-year-old male was also shot during the altercation, and both suspects then left the apartment.

The suspects later arrived at an area hospital, where the 18-year-old was admitted for treatment. The 17-year-old was contacted at the hospital and attempted to run from police but was taken into custody. The 17-year-old was booked into the Juvenile Detention Facility for First-Degree Murder. The 18-year-old remains hospitalized and will be booked upon release, according to Macey.

At this time, there are no suspects/persons of interest outstanding, and it’s believed that the victim and suspects were known to each other. The investigation is ongoing and will be presented to the District Attorney’s office.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635868894294.png" alt="Police on the scene of the fatal shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the fatal shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Monday shooting have identified the victim as 22-year-old Braekwon Bennett of Wichita.At approximately 5:30 p.m, police were dispatched to a shooting call in the 300 block of W. 10th St. North in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macey. After arriving on scene, they located Bennett with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.Officers learned that two male suspects, an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old arrived at the apartment and confronted Bennett. There was an altercation that led to multiple shots being fired. The 18-year-old male was also shot during the altercation, and both suspects then left the apartment.The suspects later arrived at an area hospital, where the 18-year-old was admitted for treatment. The 17-year-old was contacted at the hospital and attempted to run from police but was taken into custody. The 17-year-old was booked into the Juvenile Detention Facility for First-Degree Murder. The 18-year-old remains hospitalized and will be booked upon release, according to Macey.At this time, there are no suspects/persons of interest outstanding, and it’s believed that the victim and suspects were known to each other. The investigation is ongoing and will be presented to the District Attorney’s office.&nbsp;

Kansas teen ran from police at the hospital, accused of murder

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Several high-profile school board candidates who fought COVID-19 restrictions and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-elections-education-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-f3e0a8198edae71980f942f2eb5ea172">anti-racism classes</a>&nbsp;lost their election bids Tuesday, while the Republican candidate for Virginia governor won after making education a key part of his campaign.

The defeats in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Connecticut came as voters weighed in on dozens of races that were dominated by debates over masks, vaccines, race and history. Their choices will help decide not just local policies but also whether the education battle has staying power and becomes a rallying issue for Republicans in the 2022 midterms.

Conservatives have eagerly taken up the cause as they look to move past&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;and to reframe the discussion on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/racial-injustice">racial injustice in America</a>&nbsp;as a rewriting of history.

The political tracking website Ballotpedia identified 76 school districts in 22 states where candidates took a stance on race in education or critical race theory, which holds that racism is systemic in America’s institutions. The National School Boards Association says it is not taught in K-12 public schools.

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, accused the right wing of orchestrating protests to “turn schools into battlegrounds.” She cited&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-day-2021-mcauliffe-youngkin-biden-trump-a84bf1d7f2113c77197bca103fd0e81b">Republican Glenn Youngkin, who won the Virginia governor’s race after&nbsp;</a>seizing on conservatives’ frustrations with schools, as an example.

“Families drained by COVID and its effect on their kids were at the center of a political firestorm meant to distract from our shared goals of creating good jobs and an economy that works for all,” she said.

But Tina Descovich, a co-founder of Moms for Liberty, a Melbourne, Florida-based group, whose 142 chapters in 35 states have fought vaccine and mask mandates, said the power of parents was on full display in the race.

“We anticipate seeing the same effects throughout the 2022 midterm cycle,” Descovich said. “Parents are engaged and are seeking elected officials at all levels of government who respect their right to direct the education, upbringing and care of their children.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-michael-pence-virginia-a5100eb9c96250d914e8091d7bc51592">Former Vice President Mike Pence also got into the game</a>, taking a moment during a campaign rally Saturday in Ohio to urge voters to support conservative school board candidates. But conservative-backed candidates for a dozen suburban Cleveland school boards were generally falling behind, unofficial results showed.

In pockets across the country, other school board challenges failed.

In Wisconsin, four members of the Mequon-Thiensville School Board held off a recall challenge that cost anti-critical race theory backers nearly $50,000.

In Minnesota, three conservative candidates failed to win a seat on the board in Wayzata. They ran on a “Vote for Three!” platform that denounces “harmful ideologies like CRT,” political indoctrination and “controversial medical mandates.”

In Connecticut, a slate of five five candidates opposed to critical race theory lost the board of education race in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-elections-education-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-f3e0a8198edae71980f942f2eb5ea172">Guilford school system</a>, where a racial reckoning began years ago, first with an episode in which a student wore blackface to a home football game, followed by a fraught debate over the elimination of its mascot, the Indians.

Parents for Guilford Students, which backed the losing candidates, posted on Facebook: “Our five republican candidates lost the BOE election.” But, the post said, “those that lost the most are the dear children of Guilford.”

In Colorado, early results showed anti-mask candidate Schumé Navarro trailing in her bid for a seat on the Cherry Creek School District. The mother of three went to court last month to win the right to attend a district candidate event without a face mask, arguing that she cannot wear one because of abuse she suffered as a child.

“The environment and the culture that it’s creating is just stealing from our kids,” she said of masks.

However, the fight against diversity education resonated in the school board race in the Carroll Independent School District in Southlake, Texas, where Andrew Yeager won on Tuesday night. He was backed by a political action committee that opposes a diversity and equality plan created after a video of students chanting a racial slur began circulating online three years ago. A temporary restraining order has blocked the plan.

1776 Action, a group inspired by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-media-slavery-cultures-donald-trump-afdfa0b3454d5a7fdf544158ee1f5e1f">former President Donald Trump’s now-disbanded 1776 Commission</a>&nbsp;that played down America’s role in slavery, urged candidates to sign a pledge calling for the restoration of “honest, patriotic education.” At least 300 candidates and elected officials did so, said Adam Waldeck, the group’s president.

Waldeck said his group also sent out mailers and targeted text messages in races in Johnston, Iowa, where three candidates have signed the pledge, and in West Chester, Pennsylvania, where law enforcement was called to investigate threats against school board President Chris McCune.

The backlash stems from his ordering the removal from a July meeting of a parent who kept demanding information about critical race theory after her two-minute time limit had ended. McCune, who is on track to retain his seat, wrote in a letter to the Daily Local News newspaper in Pennsylvania that it is his duty to “maintain order” and insisted that the district doesn’t even teach critical race theory.

“National and local political forces continue to urge residents to rally against local school boards and CRT, even when board members and administrators have offered to meet to share the district’s curriculum to demonstrate that it is simply not what we teach,” McCune said.

In Iowa, masking opponent Sarah Barthole won election to the Ankeny School Board in suburban Des Moines after receiving a high-profile endorsement from Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds. Barthole worked with Reynolds last year to reopen schools and is credited with inspiring the state’s now-blocked law prohibiting mask mandates in schools.

Laura Zorc, who leads the Washington, D.C.-based conservative group Freedom Works’ education initiative, said she was heartened by the showing in Douglas County, Colorado, where a conservative slate of four candidates appeared poised to unseat incumbents. The board has been under fire for suing the county health department to uphold the district’s mask mandate.

“School board races, for way too long, have been overlooked,” Zorc said, adding that the pandemic changed everything. “It really brought a lot of attention to these races, and that’s why I think we’re seeing the sweep that we have.”

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Several high-profile school board candidates who fought COVID-19 restrictions and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-elections-education-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-f3e0a8198edae71980f942f2eb5ea172">anti-racism classes</a>&nbsp;lost their election bids Tuesday, while the Republican candidate for Virginia governor won after making education a key part of his campaign.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Andover, thank you for re-electing <a href="https://twitter.com/jawellstrio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jawellstrio</a> to the School Board. Who sits on our local boards impacts our lives, and you are in good hands with Josh.&mdash; Mike Pompeo (@mikepompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikepompeo/status/1455736812580843522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The defeats in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Connecticut came as voters weighed in on dozens of races that were dominated by debates over masks, vaccines, race and history. Their choices will help decide not just local policies but also whether the education battle has staying power and becomes a rallying issue for Republicans in the 2022 midterms.Conservatives have eagerly taken up the cause as they look to move past&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;and to reframe the discussion on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/racial-injustice">racial injustice in America</a>&nbsp;as a rewriting of history.The political tracking website Ballotpedia identified 76 school districts in 22 states where candidates took a stance on race in education or critical race theory, which holds that racism is systemic in America’s institutions. The National School Boards Association says it is not taught in K-12 public schools.Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, accused the right wing of orchestrating protests to “turn schools into battlegrounds.” She cited&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-day-2021-mcauliffe-youngkin-biden-trump-a84bf1d7f2113c77197bca103fd0e81b">Republican Glenn Youngkin, who won the Virginia governor’s race after&nbsp;</a>seizing on conservatives’ frustrations with schools, as an example.“Families drained by COVID and its effect on their kids were at the center of a political firestorm meant to distract from our shared goals of creating good jobs and an economy that works for all,” she said.But Tina Descovich, a co-founder of Moms for Liberty, a Melbourne, Florida-based group, whose 142 chapters in 35 states have fought vaccine and mask mandates, said the power of parents was on full display in the race.“We anticipate seeing the same effects throughout the 2022 midterm cycle,” Descovich said. “Parents are engaged and are seeking elected officials at all levels of government who respect their right to direct the education, upbringing and care of their children.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-michael-pence-virginia-a5100eb9c96250d914e8091d7bc51592">Former Vice President Mike Pence also got into the game</a>, taking a moment during a campaign rally Saturday in Ohio to urge voters to support conservative school board candidates. But conservative-backed candidates for a dozen suburban Cleveland school boards were generally falling behind, unofficial results showed.In pockets across the country, other school board challenges failed.In Wisconsin, four members of the Mequon-Thiensville School Board held off a recall challenge that cost anti-critical race theory backers nearly $50,000.In Minnesota, three conservative candidates failed to win a seat on the board in Wayzata. They ran on a “Vote for Three!” platform that denounces “harmful ideologies like CRT,” political indoctrination and “controversial medical mandates.”In Connecticut, a slate of five five candidates opposed to critical race theory lost the board of education race in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-elections-education-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-f3e0a8198edae71980f942f2eb5ea172">Guilford school system</a>, where a racial reckoning began years ago, first with an episode in which a student wore blackface to a home football game, followed by a fraught debate over the elimination of its mascot, the Indians.Parents for Guilford Students, which backed the losing candidates, posted on Facebook: “Our five republican candidates lost the BOE election.” But, the post said, “those that lost the most are the dear children of Guilford.”In Colorado, early results showed anti-mask candidate Schumé Navarro trailing in her bid for a seat on the Cherry Creek School District. The mother of three went to court last month to win the right to attend a district candidate event without a face mask, arguing that she cannot wear one because of abuse she suffered as a child.“The environment and the culture that it’s creating is just stealing from our kids,” she said of masks.However, the fight against diversity education resonated in the school board race in the Carroll Independent School District in Southlake, Texas, where Andrew Yeager won on Tuesday night. He was backed by a political action committee that opposes a diversity and equality plan created after a video of students chanting a racial slur began circulating online three years ago. A temporary restraining order has blocked the plan.1776 Action, a group inspired by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-media-slavery-cultures-donald-trump-afdfa0b3454d5a7fdf544158ee1f5e1f">former President Donald Trump’s now-disbanded 1776 Commission</a>&nbsp;that played down America’s role in slavery, urged candidates to sign a pledge calling for the restoration of “honest, patriotic education.” At least 300 candidates and elected officials did so, said Adam Waldeck, the group’s president.Waldeck said his group also sent out mailers and targeted text messages in races in Johnston, Iowa, where three candidates have signed the pledge, and in West Chester, Pennsylvania, where law enforcement was called to investigate threats against school board President Chris McCune.The backlash stems from his ordering the removal from a July meeting of a parent who kept demanding information about critical race theory after her two-minute time limit had ended. McCune, who is on track to retain his seat, wrote in a letter to the Daily Local News newspaper in Pennsylvania that it is his duty to “maintain order” and insisted that the district doesn’t even teach critical race theory.“National and local political forces continue to urge residents to rally against local school boards and CRT, even when board members and administrators have offered to meet to share the district’s curriculum to demonstrate that it is simply not what we teach,” McCune said.In Iowa, masking opponent Sarah Barthole won election to the Ankeny School Board in suburban Des Moines after receiving a high-profile endorsement from Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds. Barthole worked with Reynolds last year to reopen schools and is credited with inspiring the state’s now-blocked law prohibiting mask mandates in schools.Laura Zorc, who leads the Washington, D.C.-based conservative group Freedom Works’ education initiative, said she was heartened by the showing in Douglas County, Colorado, where a conservative slate of four candidates appeared poised to unseat incumbents. The board has been under fire for suing the county health department to uphold the district’s mask mandate.“School board races, for way too long, have been overlooked,” Zorc said, adding that the pandemic changed everything. “It really brought a lot of attention to these races, and that’s why I think we’re seeing the sweep that we have.”

Education fight a winning message in Va., but not everywhere

MOLINE, IL (AP) —Most workers at Deere &amp; Co. rejected a contract offer Tuesday that would have given them 10% raises and decided to remain on strike in the hopes of securing a better deal.

The raises in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-illinois-moline-united-auto-workers-7e85b3d6aa34955f7c0be633e201c87f">new agreement</a>&nbsp;reached over the weekend were twice as big as the ones in the original offer United Auto Workers union members rejected last month, but those raises and improved benefits weren’t enough to end the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-united-auto-workers-moline-strikes-447c2d911c1314c247011522e30f9bd2">strike that began</a>&nbsp;on Oct. 14. The new agreement also would have provided an $8,500 ratification bonus, preserved a pension option for new employees, made workers eligible for health insurance sooner and maintained their no-premium health insurance coverage.

The disputed contract covers more than 10,000 Deere workers at 12 facilities in Iowa, Illinois and Kansas. A smaller group of about 100 workers at two Deere facilities in Colorado and Georgia voted to accept an identical deal.

The union said 55% of its members at the 12 main plants voted against this latest contract offer Tuesday.

Last month, 90% of union members also rejected a proposed contract that included immediate 5% raises for some workers and 6% for others, and 3% raises in 2023 and 2025.

Deere officials said they were disappointed the agreement was voted down.

“Through the agreements reached with the UAW, John Deere would have invested an additional $3.5 billion in our employees, and by extension, our communities, to significantly enhance wages and benefits that were already the best and most comprehensive in our industries,” said Marc A. Howze, Deere’s chief administrative officer. “This investment was the right one for Deere, our employees, and everyone we serve together.”

Tuesday’s vote means that the first major strike since 1986 will continue at the maker of agriculture and construction equipment. Currently, many companies are dealing with worker shortages, making workers feel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-4895e84ab6ed4bb61e9cb8d6c0bcfad5">emboldened&nbsp;</a>to demand more.

Forklift operator Irving Griffin, who has been with Deere for 11 years, told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/business/2021/11/02/john-deere-strikers-uaw-told-nation-watching-afl-cio-president-liz-shuler/6180383001/" target="_blank">the Des Moines Register</a>&nbsp;Monday that he planned to vote against the contract because he believed the company can offer even more.

Griffin said he thought workers should hold out for a better offer even though workers are receiving only $275 a week from the union while they’re on strike.

“Now is the best time to strike and take a stand for what we’re really worth,” he said to the newspaper.

Sales have been strong at the Moline, Illinois-based company this year as the economy continued to recover from the pandemic. Deere has predicted it will report record profits this year between $5.7 billion and $5.9 billion.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634596496067.png" alt="The strike began Oct. 14 after union members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract that would have delivered 5% raises to some workers and 6% raises to others depending on their positions in the factory.-Photo courtesy WQAD TV" />
 <figcaption>The strike began Oct. 14 after union members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract that would have delivered 5% raises to some workers and 6% raises to others depending on their positions in the factory.-Photo courtesy WQAD TV</figcaption>
 </figure>MOLINE, IL (AP) —Most workers at Deere &amp; Co. rejected a contract offer Tuesday that would have given them 10% raises and decided to remain on strike in the hopes of securing a better deal.The raises in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-illinois-moline-united-auto-workers-7e85b3d6aa34955f7c0be633e201c87f">new agreement</a>&nbsp;reached over the weekend were twice as big as the ones in the original offer United Auto Workers union members rejected last month, but those raises and improved benefits weren’t enough to end the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-united-auto-workers-moline-strikes-447c2d911c1314c247011522e30f9bd2">strike that began</a>&nbsp;on Oct. 14. The new agreement also would have provided an $8,500 ratification bonus, preserved a pension option for new employees, made workers eligible for health insurance sooner and maintained their no-premium health insurance coverage.The disputed contract covers more than 10,000 Deere workers at 12 facilities in Iowa, Illinois and Kansas. A smaller group of about 100 workers at two Deere facilities in Colorado and Georgia voted to accept an identical deal.The union said 55% of its members at the 12 main plants voted against this latest contract offer Tuesday.Last month, 90% of union members also rejected a proposed contract that included immediate 5% raises for some workers and 6% for others, and 3% raises in 2023 and 2025.Deere officials said they were disappointed the agreement was voted down.“Through the agreements reached with the UAW, John Deere would have invested an additional $3.5 billion in our employees, and by extension, our communities, to significantly enhance wages and benefits that were already the best and most comprehensive in our industries,” said Marc A. Howze, Deere’s chief administrative officer. “This investment was the right one for Deere, our employees, and everyone we serve together.”Tuesday’s vote means that the first major strike since 1986 will continue at the maker of agriculture and construction equipment. Currently, many companies are dealing with worker shortages, making workers feel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-4895e84ab6ed4bb61e9cb8d6c0bcfad5">emboldened&nbsp;</a>to demand more.Forklift operator Irving Griffin, who has been with Deere for 11 years, told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/business/2021/11/02/john-deere-strikers-uaw-told-nation-watching-afl-cio-president-liz-shuler/6180383001/" target="_blank">the Des Moines Register</a>&nbsp;Monday that he planned to vote against the contract because he believed the company can offer even more.Griffin said he thought workers should hold out for a better offer even though workers are receiving only $275 a week from the union while they’re on strike.“Now is the best time to strike and take a stand for what we’re really worth,” he said to the newspaper.Sales have been strong at the Moline, Illinois-based company this year as the economy continued to recover from the pandemic. Deere has predicted it will report record profits this year between $5.7 billion and $5.9 billion.

Deere employees reject contract offer, will stay on strike

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers 
that a special tax provision will allow more Americans to easily deduct 
up to $600 in donations to qualifying charities on their 2021 federal 
income tax return.

Ordinarily, people who choose to take the standard deduction cannot 
claim a deduction for their charitable contributions. But a temporary 
law change now permits them to claim a limited deduction on their 2021 
federal income tax returns for cash contributions made to qualifying 
charitable organizations. Nearly nine in 10 taxpayers now take the 
standard deduction and could potentially qualify.

Under this provision, individual tax filers, including married 
individuals filing separate returns, can claim a deduction of up to $300
 for cash contributions made to qualifying charities during 2021. The 
maximum deduction is increased to $600 for married individuals filing 
joint returns.

Included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security 
(CARES) Act, enacted in March 2020, a more limited version of this 
temporary tax benefit originally only applied to tax-year 2020. The 
Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020, enacted last 
December, generally extended it through the end of 2021.

Cash contributions include those made by check, credit card or debit 
card as well as amounts incurred by an individual for unreimbursed 
out-of-pocket expenses in connection with their volunteer services to a 
qualifying charitable organization. Cash contributions don't include the
 value of volunteer services, securities, household items or other 
property.

The IRS reminds taxpayers to make sure they're donating to a 
recognized charity. To receive a deduction, taxpayers must donate to a 
qualified charity. To check the status of a charity, they can use the 
IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/tax-exempt-organization-search">Tax Exempt Organization Search</a> tool.

Cash contributions to most charitable organizations qualify. But 
contributions made either to supporting organizations or to establish or
 maintain a donor advised fund do not. Contributions carried forward 
from prior years do not qualify, nor do contributions to most private 
foundations and most cash contributions to charitable remainder trusts.

In general, a donor-advised fund is a fund or account maintained by a
 charity in which a donor can, because of being a donor, advise the fund
 on how to distribute or invest amounts contributed by the donor and 
held in the fund. A supporting organization is a charity that carries 
out its exempt purposes by supporting other exempt organizations, 
usually other public charities.

Special recordkeeping rules apply to any taxpayer claiming a 
charitable contribution deduction. Usually, this includes obtaining an 
acknowledgment letter from the charity before filing a return and 
retaining a cancelled check or credit card receipt for contributions of 
cash.

For details on the recordkeeping rules for substantiating gifts to charity, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-526">Publication 526, Charitable Contributions</a>, available on IRS.gov.

Remind families about the Child Tax Credit

Besides the special charitable contribution deduction, the IRS also 
encourages employers to help get the word out about the advance payments
 of the Child Tax Credit because they have direct access to many 
employees and individuals who receive this credit. In particular, remind
 low-income workers, especially those who don't normally file returns, 
that the deadline for signing up for these payments is now November 15, 
2021. More information on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">advance Child Tax Credit</a> is available on IRS.gov.

For more information about other coronavirus-related tax relief, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments">IRS.gov/coronavirus</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers 
that a special tax provision will allow more Americans to easily deduct 
up to $600 in donations to qualifying charities on their 2021 federal 
income tax return.Ordinarily, people who choose to take the standard deduction cannot 
claim a deduction for their charitable contributions. But a temporary 
law change now permits them to claim a limited deduction on their 2021 
federal income tax returns for cash contributions made to qualifying 
charitable organizations. Nearly nine in 10 taxpayers now take the 
standard deduction and could potentially qualify.Under this provision, individual tax filers, including married 
individuals filing separate returns, can claim a deduction of up to $300
 for cash contributions made to qualifying charities during 2021. The 
maximum deduction is increased to $600 for married individuals filing 
joint returns.Included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security 
(CARES) Act, enacted in March 2020, a more limited version of this 
temporary tax benefit originally only applied to tax-year 2020. The 
Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020, enacted last 
December, generally extended it through the end of 2021.Cash contributions include those made by check, credit card or debit 
card as well as amounts incurred by an individual for unreimbursed 
out-of-pocket expenses in connection with their volunteer services to a 
qualifying charitable organization. Cash contributions don't include the
 value of volunteer services, securities, household items or other 
property.The IRS reminds taxpayers to make sure they're donating to a 
recognized charity. To receive a deduction, taxpayers must donate to a 
qualified charity. To check the status of a charity, they can use the 
IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/tax-exempt-organization-search">Tax Exempt Organization Search</a> tool.Cash contributions to most charitable organizations qualify. But 
contributions made either to supporting organizations or to establish or
 maintain a donor advised fund do not. Contributions carried forward 
from prior years do not qualify, nor do contributions to most private 
foundations and most cash contributions to charitable remainder trusts.In general, a donor-advised fund is a fund or account maintained by a
 charity in which a donor can, because of being a donor, advise the fund
 on how to distribute or invest amounts contributed by the donor and 
held in the fund. A supporting organization is a charity that carries 
out its exempt purposes by supporting other exempt organizations, 
usually other public charities.<h2>Keep good records</h2>Special recordkeeping rules apply to any taxpayer claiming a 
charitable contribution deduction. Usually, this includes obtaining an 
acknowledgment letter from the charity before filing a return and 
retaining a cancelled check or credit card receipt for contributions of 
cash.For details on the recordkeeping rules for substantiating gifts to charity, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-526">Publication 526, Charitable Contributions</a>, available on IRS.gov.<h2>Remind families about the Child Tax Credit</h2>Besides the special charitable contribution deduction, the IRS also 
encourages employers to help get the word out about the advance payments
 of the Child Tax Credit because they have direct access to many 
employees and individuals who receive this credit. In particular, remind
 low-income workers, especially those who don't normally file returns, 
that the deadline for signing up for these payments is now November 15, 
2021. More information on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">advance Child Tax Credit</a> is available on IRS.gov.For more information about other coronavirus-related tax relief, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments">IRS.gov/coronavirus</a>.

Special tax deduction helps most give up to $600 to charity, even if they don’t itemize

ALVO, Neb. (AP) — A resident of the small village of Alvo in eastern Nebraska is suing the village board for refusing to allow a recall election after a petition drive collected enough signatures to force a recall vote for two village board members, Larry Langer and Robin LaPage. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that Alvo resident Dennis Tempelmeyer is suing, saying the board defied state law when it voted 5-0 on Oct. 5 against calling the election. 

That vote came after the Cass County Election Office certified in September that the recall effort had enough signatures to force a recall election. 

Both Langer and LaPage participated in the vote, even though election officials say they should have recused themselves.

ALVO, Neb. (AP) — A resident of the small village of Alvo in eastern Nebraska is suing the village board for refusing to allow a recall election after a petition drive collected enough signatures to force a recall vote for two village board members, Larry Langer and Robin LaPage. The Omaha World-Herald reports that Alvo resident Dennis Tempelmeyer is suing, saying the board defied state law when it voted 5-0 on Oct. 5 against calling the election. That vote came after the Cass County Election Office certified in September that the recall effort had enough signatures to force a recall election. Both Langer and LaPage participated in the vote, even though election officials say they should have recused themselves.

Nebraska village sued for refusing to allow recall vote

ATLANTA (AP) —U.S. health officials on Tuesday gave the final signoff to Pfizer’s kid-size COVID-19 shot, a major expansion of the nation’s vaccination campaign.

The Food and Drug Administration already authorized the shots for children ages 5 to 11 — doses just a third of the amount given to teens and adults. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends who should receive FDA-cleared vaccines.

The announcement by CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky came only hours after an advisory panel unanimously decided Pfizer’s shots should be opened to the 28 million youngsters in that age group.

Millions of shots made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech have already been shipped to states, doctors’ offices and pharmacies, to be ready for CDC’s decision.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635890433225.png" alt="CDC Director Rochelle Walensky" />
 <figcaption>CDC Director Rochelle Walensky</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) —U.S. health officials on Tuesday gave the final signoff to Pfizer’s kid-size COVID-19 shot, a major expansion of the nation’s vaccination campaign.The Food and Drug Administration already authorized the shots for children ages 5 to 11 — doses just a third of the amount given to teens and adults. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends who should receive FDA-cleared vaccines.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635537216378.png" alt="The vaccine for children has an orange cap-Photo courtesy Pfizer" />
 <figcaption>The vaccine for children has an orange cap-Photo courtesy Pfizer</figcaption>
 </figure>The announcement by CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky came only hours after an advisory panel unanimously decided Pfizer’s shots should be opened to the 28 million youngsters in that age group.Millions of shots made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech have already been shipped to states, doctors’ offices and pharmacies, to be ready for CDC’s decision.___

US gives final clearance to COVID-19 shots for kids 5 to 11

CORRECTED 1:20 p.m. Wednesday: The original version of this story incorrectly listed the wrong pay for workers at the Tyson plant. New workers start at $20 an hour.

This is the second of a two-part series looking at what meatpacking has meant for southwest Kansas. Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/bed159a1-c391-4a17-a84c-31da5504046a">HERE</a> to read the first part.

By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-11-01/kansas-meatpacking-workers-fueled-an-economic-boom-but-many-need-food-pantries-to-get-by">Kansas News Service</a>

GARDEN CITY — Outside an old, white two-story house in
 downtown Garden City, dozens of people stand in a loose row that spills
 out of the driveway and onto the sidewalk.

Many of them show up 
here at Emmaus House — the largest food pantry in southwest Kansas — 
every Wednesday and Friday. And they walk away with free boxes filled 
with everything from frozen bacon to salad kits to frosted cakes that 
sustain their families for another week.

Much of the food in those
 boxes was donated by the area’s largest employer, Tyson Foods. Its 
meatpacking plant has lifted Garden City to new heights of prosperity in
 the four decades since it opened on the outskirts of town.

But for many of the workers who hold down the tough jobs in that giant slaughterhouse, the reality isn’t always so rosy.

Nearly
 half of the people who stand in line at this food pantry on a given 
week come from families employed at Tyson’s meatpacking plant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635860880461.png" alt="A line of people wait for the food pantry to open at Emmaus House. Maria Hernandez, center, cooks for the shelter's soup kitchen in addition to helping pass out groceries. David Condos / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>A line of people wait for the food pantry to open at Emmaus House. Maria Hernandez, center, cooks for the shelter's soup kitchen in addition to helping pass out groceries. David Condos / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>CORRECTED 1:20 p.m. Wednesday: The original version of this story incorrectly listed the wrong pay for workers at the Tyson plant. New workers start at $20 an hour.This is the second of a two-part series looking at what meatpacking has meant for southwest Kansas. Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/bed159a1-c391-4a17-a84c-31da5504046a">HERE</a> to read the first part.By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-11-01/kansas-meatpacking-workers-fueled-an-economic-boom-but-many-need-food-pantries-to-get-by">Kansas News Service</a>GARDEN CITY — Outside an old, white two-story house in
 downtown Garden City, dozens of people stand in a loose row that spills
 out of the driveway and onto the sidewalk.Many of them show up 
here at Emmaus House — the largest food pantry in southwest Kansas — 
every Wednesday and Friday. And they walk away with free boxes filled 
with everything from frozen bacon to salad kits to frosted cakes that 
sustain their families for another week.Much of the food in those
 boxes was donated by the area’s largest employer, Tyson Foods. Its 
meatpacking plant has lifted Garden City to new heights of prosperity in
 the four decades since it opened on the outskirts of town.But for many of the workers who hold down the tough jobs in that giant slaughterhouse, the reality isn’t always so rosy.Nearly
 half of the people who stand in line at this food pantry on a given 
week come from families employed at Tyson’s meatpacking plant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635861051292.png" alt="People check in to receive boxes of groceries at the Emmaus House food pantry. The number of meals served at Emmaus House nearly quadrupled between 2000 and 2010. David Condos" />
 <figcaption>People check in to receive boxes of groceries at the Emmaus House food pantry. The number of meals served at Emmaus House nearly quadrupled between 2000 and 2010. David Condos</figcaption>
 </figure>The scene at <a href="https://emmaushouseks.com/" target="_blank">Emmaus House</a>
 illustrates the ongoing growing pains Garden City has faced during its 
transformation from a small farming community to a meatpacking boom 
town. In the decades since Tyson’s plant opened, the number of jobs in 
Garden City has skyrocketed, but the per capita incomes in town have <a href="http://www.ipsr.ku.edu/conferen/kepc11/HarvestofChange.pdf" target="_blank">lost pace</a> with the rest of Kansas. And the number of people living in poverty and seeking food assistance has <a href="http://www.ipsr.ku.edu/conferen/kepc11/HarvestofChange.pdf" target="_blank">soared</a>.“A
 lot of people think, ‘Well, you're working at Tyson, so you're making 
really good money,’ Robin Marsh, Emmaus House’s executive director, 
said. “By the time you pay your rent, by the time you pay your utilities
 … they don't have enough for food.”Tyson recently raised starting pay at this plant to $20 per hour, but many workers' families still meet the poverty income guidelines that qualify them for food assistance from Emmaus House.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635861252867.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Each family that Emmaus House serves falls below the poverty line in 
order to qualify for assistance. And that group keeps growing.The number of meals Emmaus House served <a href="http://www.ipsr.ku.edu/conferen/kepc11/HarvestofChange.pdf" target="_blank">nearly quadrupled</a>
 between 2000 and 2010. On a single day, roughly 160 families pick up 
grocery boxes from the food bank. When demand peaked earlier in the 
pandemic, that number jumped to 400.And Tyson — which directly provides roughly <a href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/finneycountykansas/PST045219" target="_blank">one of every five jobs</a>
 in the county — sits at the center of what’s both wildly prosperous and
 persistently challenging about life in modern Garden City. Without the 
massive beef processing operation, this small city would likely be 
withering like so many other Great Plains communities.But when 
many workers at the area’s largest employer can’t afford their families’
 basic needs, the question of whether or not Garden City has found 
success grows more complicated.“It's always positive when you see growth,” Marsh said. “But if you look behind the camera, there are issues.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635861292063.png" alt="A woman browses baked goods at the Emmaus House food pantry. The organization provides food for roughly 160 families in Garden City every week. David Condos" />
 <figcaption>A woman browses baked goods at the Emmaus House food pantry. The organization provides food for roughly 160 families in Garden City every week. David Condos</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Boom town</h2>When what was then the world’s largest 
meatpacking plant opened here in 1980, Garden City had a problem: It 
needed thousands of new workers.At the time, the town had roughly
 18,000 residents and virtually no unemployment. So it opened its doors 
to immigrants and refugees, with an assist from the company that 
originally ran the giant slaughterhouse, IBP.IBP recruited many of the <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/3627793" target="_blank">2,000 south Asian refugees</a> who migrated to Garden City around that time. It even broadcast help wanted ads on <a href="http://www.ipsr.ku.edu/conferen/kepc11/HarvestofChange.pdf" target="_blank">border town radio</a> stations to reach potential workers in Mexico.“They
 followed the theory from the movie ‘Field of Dreams’: ‘Build it and 
they will come,’” said Don Stull, a former University of Kansas 
professor. “And they did come.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635861346153.png" alt="Workers cut and package beef in the early days of IBP's Finney County meatpacking plant. Finney County Historical Society" />
 <figcaption>Workers cut and package beef in the early days of IBP's Finney County meatpacking plant. Finney County Historical Society</figcaption>
 </figure>Stull studied the meatpacking industry’s impact on Garden City for three decades as an anthropology professor and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Slaughterhouse-Blues-Poultry-Industry-Contemporary/dp/1111828784" target="_blank">author</a>. He said the plant’s workforce grew faster than the town’s housing market and social service systems could handle.“Jobs come with costs,” Stull said. “And they don't talk about the costs.”And because the meatpacking jobs had an annual turnover rate of nearly <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/07311214211012025" target="_blank">100%</a>, the company had to keep recruiting new waves of workers. Over and over again.In the plant’s first five years, Garden City pulled in <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/07311214211012025" target="_blank">6,000</a> new residents. But the town didn’t have anywhere to put them.The situation became so dire that city leaders held a press conference <a href="http://www.ipsr.ku.edu/conferen/kepc11/HarvestofChange.pdf" target="_blank">imploring residents</a>
 to open their homes to workers who had nowhere else to sleep. A year 
after opening, the plant surveyed its employees and found that one-third
 were paying excessive rent and <a href="http://www.ipsr.ku.edu/conferen/kepc11/HarvestofChange.pdf" target="_blank">one out of 20</a> workers was living in a car or motel.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635861386823.png" alt="This row of mobile homes sits in the part of town commonly known as "IBP trailers." It was developed in the 1980s to house some of the meatpacking plant's early workers. David Condos" />
 <figcaption>This row of mobile homes sits in the part of town commonly known as "IBP trailers." It was developed in the 1980s to house some of the meatpacking plant's early workers. David Condos</figcaption>
 </figure>For the immigrants and refugees who come to town to join the 
meatpacking plant’s 3,000-plus workforce today, the outlook hasn’t 
gotten much sunnier.“Once they get here, they’re like, ‘Where are
 we going to live? Crap, we can't afford a $900 house payment,’” Marsh 
of Emmaus House said. “Those are the struggles that we still deal with 
and always have. … And if you don't believe me, drive out to IBP 
trailers.”That’s a plot with hundreds of mobile homes lined up in
 long rows on the east side of town. IBP pushed the city to rezone the 
land in the 1980s specifically to house some of the plant’s early 
employees.And it’s still there today. Marsh says it's common for a home there to have a hole in the floor. Or no windows.But residents often can’t afford to move to a better place — if they could even find one.City
 manager Matt Allen said the area continues to be about 600 to 700 
housing units short of demand. And that need grows by around 10% each 
year.“The answer is pretty simple. … We need more houses,” Allen said. “It's the ‘How do you get those?’ That's the difficulty.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635861424964.png" alt="Brittney Knoll, director of the Emmaus House food pantry, sorts groceries into the boxes that people will take home. She said nearly half of the people who pick up food here come from families employed at the Tyson meatpacking plant. David Condos" />
 <figcaption>Brittney Knoll, director of the Emmaus House food pantry, sorts groceries into the boxes that people will take home. She said nearly half of the people who pick up food here come from families employed at the Tyson meatpacking plant. David Condos</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Safety nets</h2>Housing is far from the only growing pain that continues to strain Garden City in the wake of the meatpacking plant’s arrival.Law
 enforcement, hospitals and schools have had to bridge language gaps 
between critical services and the dozens of languages residents speak.In
 2000, half the students in Garden City’s public school system received 
free or reduced lunch because of their families’ low incomes. Today, 
that number’s up to two-thirds.The Garden City area also ranks as <a href="https://www.khi.org/assets/uploads/news/15162/finney_county_2021.pdf" target="_blank">among the state’s lowest</a>
 for quality of life and health outcomes — and the social and economic 
factors that drive them. For example, adults in Finney County are about <a href="https://www.rwjf.org/en/cultureofhealth/what-were-learning/sentinel-communities/finney-county-kansas.html" target="_blank">twice as likely</a> to lack a primary care doctor and 50% more likely to be in poor health compared to the state average.And
 without the same resources that big cities have, the extra work to make
 sure people don’t fall through the cracks often falls to regular folks 
who choose to step in and help.People like Dominican Sister Janice Thome.“We don’t have to ever worry about having enough to do,” she said. “There’s always going to be plenty.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635861471808.png" alt="Sister Janice Thome loads boxes of groceries into her car at the Emmaus House food bank. David Condos" />
 <figcaption>Sister Janice Thome loads boxes of groceries into her car at the Emmaus House food bank. David Condos</figcaption>
 </figure>Most every week for the past 25 years, she has pulled her compact car
 up to Emmaus House and filled it with boxes of groceries. Then she 
starts her route, delivering the food to a rotating cast of families 
scattered across Garden City who can’t afford it and aren’t able to come
 to the food bank.Just about the only time she doesn’t do this is
 when she’s busy lending a hand to one of the community’s other many 
needs. The previous week, she drove someone to Kansas City to meet with 
an immigration lawyer.“It’s worth the effort to do all of this,” she said, “because look how we can sustain people’s lives, better people's lives.”Forty
 years after the town debated whether or not to welcome the meatpacking 
plant and its thousands of immigrant and refugee workers, Thome said 
it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t think pushing for the plant was 
the right decision.Pretty much everyone she knows in Garden City 
today values how the steady stream of new arrivals keeps the town alive —
 not just economically, but also with a cultural vibrancy that has made 
the town a richer place for everyone.For Thome, it’s all part of living in a city that boasts the slogan: “The world grows here.”“We're living it,” she said. “And I think it's wonderful.”But as Garden City keeps growing, the patchwork of support that takes care of so many of its vulnerable residents will continue to face strains.Across
 the street from the mobile home park IBP built, for example, another 
food conglomerate is building a new ground beef plant that will add a 
couple hundred more jobs to the city’s meat workforce over the next two 
years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635861511091.png" alt="This sign marks the future site of Empirical Foods' forthcoming ground beef plant. It plans to add at least 250 more jobs to Garden City's meat processing workforce. David Condos" />
 <figcaption>This sign marks the future site of Empirical Foods' forthcoming ground beef plant. It plans to add at least 250 more jobs to Garden City's meat processing workforce. David Condos</figcaption>
 </figure>But as rural towns across the U.S. lose residents, having to find 
ways to deal with the growing pains still beats depopulation and a 
shrinking economy.“Whatever challenges exist, I found that in the
 vast majority of these smaller locations, refugees — and immigrants 
more broadly — were an absolute lifeline,” Pablo Bose, who teaches about
 the geography of race at the University of Vermont, said. “I actually 
heard that particular statement like, ‘These newcomers are a lifeline.’”Bose
 has researched refugee resettlement in America for the past decade. His
 research shows that community-based systems for supporting new 
immigrants in small towns can be highly effective because they get more 
people to buy in.But the downside is that big cities with a 
longer history of immigration tend to have more systems in place to 
support newcomers. In rural areas, makeshift community safety nets can 
fray if they’re missing just one key person. Someone like sister Janice.“When
 that individual gets burnt out, or retires … you have to go through a 
whole process of getting somebody up to speed,” Bose said. “It makes it 
precarious.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635861551855.png" alt="A volunteer helps a woman pick groceries to add to her box at the Emmaus House food pantry. David Condos" />
 <figcaption>A volunteer helps a woman pick groceries to add to her box at the Emmaus House food pantry. David Condos</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>It’s business</h2>Tyson Foods said in a statement that its southwest Kansas employees are "critical to (the company's) success" and touted the plant's recent initiatives aimed at boosting worker satisfaction, such as increased pay and flexible scheduling.But when so much of Garden City’s fortunes ride the whims of a multinational conglomerate headquartered in another state, it puts a lot of what the community has gained at risk.The
 city has tried to bring in different industries, but city manager Matt 
Allen said that meatpacking remains the backbone of the local economy.“We’re
 still largely dependent on Tyson not only being in operation, but being
 in operation near full capacity,” he said. “Everything else sort of 
depends on that.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635861595194.png" alt="Tyson Foods' beef plant directly provides roughly one of every five jobs in Finney County and drives the local economy. David Condos" />
 <figcaption>Tyson Foods' beef plant directly provides roughly one of every five jobs in Finney County and drives the local economy. David Condos</figcaption>
 </figure>And at any point, Tyson could choose to close or relocate this plant if it makes sense for its business.That’s not some far-fetched hypothetical for Garden City — the town has actually been through that before.There
 used to be a second meatpacking plant here run by another giant food 
company, ConAgra. That one suddenly shut down on Christmas Day in 2000 
after a fire put 2,300 people out of work overnight and sent local 
social services agencies scrambling.When Garden City’s leaders 
traveled to ConAgra headquarters the following spring to essentially beg
 the company to come back, its executives <a href="http://www.ipsr.ku.edu/conferen/kepc11/HarvestofChange.pdf" target="_blank">refused</a> to meet with them. The plant never reopened.“They
 didn't really give a damn about Garden City,” Stull, the KU professor, 
said, “and I think that's true of these multinational corporations in 
general.”So whether it’s shoring up the city’s economic future or
 caring for the needs of its residents, Stull said Garden City and other
 meatpacking towns can’t look to the companies that run the plants to 
save the day.“They’re not in the business of providing housing or health care,” he said. “They're in the business of making meat.”David Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/davidcondos" target="_blank">@davidcondos</a>.