News Release Nebraska Library Commission

Nebraska student’s competed for the twenty-second year in the annual&nbsp;Letters About Literature&nbsp;competition. They wrote to tell an author about how books can make a difference in a young person’s life. Young Nebraska writers who wrote winning letters in the&nbsp;Letters About Literature&nbsp;competition will receive award certificates signed by&nbsp;Gov. Pete Ricketts.&nbsp;Letters About Literature&nbsp;is a state-wide reading and writing promotion program. The competition encourages young people to read, be inspired, and write back to the author (living or dead) who had an impact on their lives.

This annual contest is coordinated and sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book, Nebraska Library Commission, Houchen Bindery Ltd., Humanities Nebraska, and Chapters Bookstore in Seward.

Young Nebraska writers to be honored are:

Winners Oslo Gregg, of Lincoln, who wrote to Homer Hickman Annika Srivastav, of Lincoln, for her letter to Michelle Obama Anna Dailey, of Omaha, for her letter to Ray Bradbury

Runners-up Alondra Ramos Figueroa, of Grand Island, who wrote to Alan Gratz Lina Dvorak, of Lincoln, for her letter to Melissa Bashardoust Kaydence LaPuzza, of Valley, for her letter to John Green

The students wrote personal letters to authors explaining how his or her work changed their view of themselves or the world. They selected authors from any genre, fiction or nonfiction, contemporary or classic. Winners were chosen from three competition levels: upper elementary, middle, and secondary school.

The Nebraska winners receive cash prizes and gift certificates, and will be honored at a virtual event on May 12th. Their winning letters are placed in the Jane Pope Geske Heritage Room of Nebraska Authors at Bennett Martin Public Library in Lincoln. For more information about the competition see&nbsp;<a href="http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/programs/LAL.html" target="_blank">http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/programs/LAL.html</a>.

The Nebraska Center for the Book is housed at the Nebraska Library Commission and brings together the state’s readers, writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, printers, educators, and scholars to build the community of the book, supporting programs to celebrate and stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. The Nebraska Center for the Book is supported by the Nebraska Library Commission.

As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, “bringing together people and information.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620229482247.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Nebraska Library CommissionNebraska student’s competed for the twenty-second year in the annual&nbsp;Letters About Literature&nbsp;competition. They wrote to tell an author about how books can make a difference in a young person’s life. Young Nebraska writers who wrote winning letters in the&nbsp;Letters About Literature&nbsp;competition will receive award certificates signed by&nbsp;Gov. Pete Ricketts.&nbsp;Letters About Literature&nbsp;is a state-wide reading and writing promotion program. The competition encourages young people to read, be inspired, and write back to the author (living or dead) who had an impact on their lives.This annual contest is coordinated and sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book, Nebraska Library Commission, Houchen Bindery Ltd., Humanities Nebraska, and Chapters Bookstore in Seward.Young Nebraska writers to be honored are:Winners Oslo Gregg, of Lincoln, who wrote to Homer Hickman Annika Srivastav, of Lincoln, for her letter to Michelle Obama Anna Dailey, of Omaha, for her letter to Ray BradburyRunners-up Alondra Ramos Figueroa, of Grand Island, who wrote to Alan Gratz Lina Dvorak, of Lincoln, for her letter to Melissa Bashardoust Kaydence LaPuzza, of Valley, for her letter to John GreenThe students wrote personal letters to authors explaining how his or her work changed their view of themselves or the world. They selected authors from any genre, fiction or nonfiction, contemporary or classic. Winners were chosen from three competition levels: upper elementary, middle, and secondary school.The Nebraska winners receive cash prizes and gift certificates, and will be honored at a virtual event on May 12th. Their winning letters are placed in the Jane Pope Geske Heritage Room of Nebraska Authors at Bennett Martin Public Library in Lincoln. For more information about the competition see&nbsp;<a href="http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/programs/LAL.html" target="_blank">http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/programs/LAL.html</a>.The Nebraska Center for the Book is housed at the Nebraska Library Commission and brings together the state’s readers, writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, printers, educators, and scholars to build the community of the book, supporting programs to celebrate and stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. The Nebraska Center for the Book is supported by the Nebraska Library Commission.As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, “bringing together people and information.”

Winners of Nebraska young writers competition announced

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) —&nbsp;Former President Donald Trump won’t return to Facebook — at least not yet. Four months after Facebook suspended Trump’s accounts for inciting violence that led to the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol riot, the company’s quasi-independent oversight board upheld the bans. But it told Facebook to specify how long they would last, saying that its “indefinite” ban on the former president was unreasonable. The ruling, which gives Facebook six months to comply, effectively postpones any possible Trump reinstatement and puts the onus for that decision squarely back on the company.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Former President Donald Trump won’t return to Facebook. The social network’s quasi-independent Oversight Board has voted to permanently ban his account after it was suspended four months ago for inciting violence that led to the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol riot. 

But the board said Facebook must reassess the penalty because it imposed it “indefinitely.” 

Trump has also been permanently banned from Twitter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565281780877.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SAN FRANCISCO (AP) —&nbsp;Former President Donald Trump won’t return to Facebook — at least not yet. Four months after Facebook suspended Trump’s accounts for inciting violence that led to the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol riot, the company’s quasi-independent oversight board upheld the bans. But it told Facebook to specify how long they would last, saying that its “indefinite” ban on the former president was unreasonable. The ruling, which gives Facebook six months to comply, effectively postpones any possible Trump reinstatement and puts the onus for that decision squarely back on the company.------SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Former President Donald Trump won’t return to Facebook. The social network’s quasi-independent Oversight Board has voted to permanently ban his account after it was suspended four months ago for inciting violence that led to the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol riot. But the board said Facebook must reassess the penalty because it imposed it “indefinitely.” Trump has also been permanently banned from Twitter.

Facebook board: Trump permanently banned, for now

FINNEY COUNTY —14 month-old Sebastian located in abandoned Tahoe in Finney County, according to the KBI. The Child is unharmed. No suspect located at this time.&nbsp;

FINNEY COUNTY —The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has issued an amber alert for a missing toddler in southwest Kansas.

At 5:00 a.m. Wednesday, the mother of 14 month-old Sebastian Bautista placed him in her 2011 white Chevrolet Tahoe (Kansas License plate 336FWK) at 4101 East US-50, Garden City, to take him to the babysitter. 

She went back into her residence briefly, and then saw the vehicle leaving her driveway with an unknown suspect driving. The vehicle departed the area southbound. 

The KBI believes that the child is in imminent danger and is requesting the assistance of the public. Call 911 immediately if you have seen a missing child, suspect, or suspect's vehicle. If you have other information, call 911 or the Garden City Police Department at 620-276-1300.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620217372421.png" alt="&nbsp;Sebastian Bautista was wearing a grey shirt and grey shorts, and has notably long black hair." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Sebastian Bautista was wearing a grey shirt and grey shorts, and has notably long black hair.</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —14 month-old Sebastian located in abandoned Tahoe in Finney County, according to the KBI. The Child is unharmed. No suspect located at this time.&nbsp;---------FINNEY COUNTY —The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has issued an amber alert for a missing toddler in southwest Kansas.At 5:00 a.m. Wednesday, the mother of 14 month-old Sebastian Bautista placed him in her 2011 white Chevrolet Tahoe (Kansas License plate 336FWK) at 4101 East US-50, Garden City, to take him to the babysitter. She went back into her residence briefly, and then saw the vehicle leaving her driveway with an unknown suspect driving. The vehicle departed the area southbound. The KBI believes that the child is in imminent danger and is requesting the assistance of the public. Call 911 immediately if you have seen a missing child, suspect, or suspect's vehicle. If you have other information, call 911 or the Garden City Police Department at 620-276-1300.

Amber Alert update: Missing toddler found safe 

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The defense attorney for the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of killing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-floyd-profile-66163bbd94239afa16d706bd6479c613">George Floyd</a>&nbsp;has requested a new trial, saying the court abused its discretion, and he wants a hearing to have the verdict impeached because of what he says is jury misconduct, according to a court document filed Tuesday.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/american-protests-us-news-ap-top-news-police-mn-state-wire-8b486c2622de5504f1e65a606b0eac7f">Derek Chauvin</a>, who is white,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-convicted-george-floyd-killing-d93d1f9fc61a5261e179240dc16924dc">was convicted last month</a>&nbsp;of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the May 25 death of Floyd. Evidence at trial showed Chauvin pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck for 9 1/2 minutes as the Black man said he couldn’t breathe and went motionless.

Defense attorney Eric Nelson said he is requesting a new trial in the interests of justice. He said there were abuses of discretion that deprived Chauvin of a fair trial, prosecutorial and jury misconduct and that the verdict was contrary to law.

A request for a new trial is routine following a guilty verdict and often mirrors issues that will be raised on appeal, said Mike Brandt, a Minneapolis defense attorney who has been closely following the case. If this request is denied, it can add another layer of decisions for Nelson to appeal. Brandt and others have said Chauvin’s convictions are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/can-derek-chauvin-get-convinction-tossed-f6c8a442127cf264caa9cecddb1c1d23">unlikely to be overturned.</a>

Nelson cited many reasons in his request for a new trial. He said Judge Peter Cahill abused the discretion of the court and violated Chauvin’s right to due process and a fair trial when he denied Nelson’s request to move the trial to another county due to pretrial publicity.

He also said Cahill abused his discretion when he denied an earlier request for a new trial based on publicity during the proceedings, which Nelson said threatened the fairness of the trial. Nelson said that publicity included “intimidation” of the defense expert witness, which he said could have a “far-reaching chilling effect” on the ability of defendants to get expert witnesses in high-profile cases, including the upcoming cases of the three other former officers charged in Floyd’s death.

“The publicity here was so pervasive and so prejudicial before and during this trial that it amounted to a structural defect in the proceedings,” Nelson wrote.

Nelson also took issue with Cahill’s refusal to sequester the jury for the trial or warn them to avoid all media, and with his refusal to allow a man who was with Floyd at the time of his arrest to testify.

Nelson said Cahill also abused his discretion when he submitted jury instructions that Nelson said failed to accurately reflect the law on the murder charges and use of force, permitted the state to present cumulative evidence on use of force, and ordered the state to lead witnesses on direct examination, among other things.

Nelson also asked the judge for a hearing to impeach the verdict on the grounds that the jury committed misconduct, felt race-based pressure, felt intimidated or threatened, and/or failed to adhere to jury instructions, though the filing did not include details about that assertion. To impeach a verdict is to question its validity.

The brief did not mention recent reports that one of the jurors participated in an Aug. 28 march in Washington, D.C., to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.

That juror, Brandon Mitchell,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chauvin-jurors-george-floyd-c35cff601d97deb328c0fcafe121367b">has defended his actions,&nbsp;</a>saying the event was to commemorate the 1963 March on Washington and was not a protest over Floyd’s death. Floyd’s brother and sister, Philonise and Bridgett Floyd, and relatives of others who had been shot by police addressed the crowd at the march last summer.

Nelson did not immediately return a message seeking details about his allegation of juror misconduct.

Brandt said Nelson will likely file more detailed written arguments on these issues. The purpose of holding a hearing to impeach the verdict would be to develop a factual record and present evidence that could determine whether the verdict was compromised. If a hearing is granted, it’s likely Mitchell would be called in to answer questions, Brandt said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618842022960.png" alt="Defense attorney Eric Nelson and Derek Chauvin during closing arguments in the trial-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Defense attorney Eric Nelson and Derek Chauvin during closing arguments in the trial-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The defense attorney for the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of killing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-floyd-profile-66163bbd94239afa16d706bd6479c613">George Floyd</a>&nbsp;has requested a new trial, saying the court abused its discretion, and he wants a hearing to have the verdict impeached because of what he says is jury misconduct, according to a court document filed Tuesday.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/american-protests-us-news-ap-top-news-police-mn-state-wire-8b486c2622de5504f1e65a606b0eac7f">Derek Chauvin</a>, who is white,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-convicted-george-floyd-killing-d93d1f9fc61a5261e179240dc16924dc">was convicted last month</a>&nbsp;of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the May 25 death of Floyd. Evidence at trial showed Chauvin pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck for 9 1/2 minutes as the Black man said he couldn’t breathe and went motionless.Defense attorney Eric Nelson said he is requesting a new trial in the interests of justice. He said there were abuses of discretion that deprived Chauvin of a fair trial, prosecutorial and jury misconduct and that the verdict was contrary to law.A request for a new trial is routine following a guilty verdict and often mirrors issues that will be raised on appeal, said Mike Brandt, a Minneapolis defense attorney who has been closely following the case. If this request is denied, it can add another layer of decisions for Nelson to appeal. Brandt and others have said Chauvin’s convictions are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/can-derek-chauvin-get-convinction-tossed-f6c8a442127cf264caa9cecddb1c1d23">unlikely to be overturned.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619012623324.png" alt="Chauvin booking photo following the April guilty verdict -photo Minnesota Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Chauvin booking photo following the April guilty verdict -photo Minnesota Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>Nelson cited many reasons in his request for a new trial. He said Judge Peter Cahill abused the discretion of the court and violated Chauvin’s right to due process and a fair trial when he denied Nelson’s request to move the trial to another county due to pretrial publicity.He also said Cahill abused his discretion when he denied an earlier request for a new trial based on publicity during the proceedings, which Nelson said threatened the fairness of the trial. Nelson said that publicity included “intimidation” of the defense expert witness, which he said could have a “far-reaching chilling effect” on the ability of defendants to get expert witnesses in high-profile cases, including the upcoming cases of the three other former officers charged in Floyd’s death.“The publicity here was so pervasive and so prejudicial before and during this trial that it amounted to a structural defect in the proceedings,” Nelson wrote.Nelson also took issue with Cahill’s refusal to sequester the jury for the trial or warn them to avoid all media, and with his refusal to allow a man who was with Floyd at the time of his arrest to testify.Nelson said Cahill also abused his discretion when he submitted jury instructions that Nelson said failed to accurately reflect the law on the murder charges and use of force, permitted the state to present cumulative evidence on use of force, and ordered the state to lead witnesses on direct examination, among other things.Nelson also asked the judge for a hearing to impeach the verdict on the grounds that the jury committed misconduct, felt race-based pressure, felt intimidated or threatened, and/or failed to adhere to jury instructions, though the filing did not include details about that assertion. To impeach a verdict is to question its validity.The brief did not mention recent reports that one of the jurors participated in an Aug. 28 march in Washington, D.C., to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.That juror, Brandon Mitchell,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chauvin-jurors-george-floyd-c35cff601d97deb328c0fcafe121367b">has defended his actions,&nbsp;</a>saying the event was to commemorate the 1963 March on Washington and was not a protest over Floyd’s death. Floyd’s brother and sister, Philonise and Bridgett Floyd, and relatives of others who had been shot by police addressed the crowd at the march last summer.Nelson did not immediately return a message seeking details about his allegation of juror misconduct.Brandt said Nelson will likely file more detailed written arguments on these issues. The purpose of holding a hearing to impeach the verdict would be to develop a factual record and present evidence that could determine whether the verdict was compromised. If a hearing is granted, it’s likely Mitchell would be called in to answer questions, Brandt said.___

George Floyd killing: Lawyer seeks hearing to impeach verdict

By Scott Carlson-North Platte Post

CENTRAL CITY, Neb.-Authorities in Merrick County say no one was injured in a plane crash yesterday because there were no souls aboard the plane.

Merrick County deputies responded to the report of a crash in the area of 13th and M Roads near Central City at around 7:33 p.m.

Authorities said an investigation revealed the aircraft had been undergoing maintenance when it suddenly began to travel down the runway.

The craft gained an estimated elevation of 200 feet and traveled approximately 1.5 miles before crashing into a cornfield.

No one was on board the plane at the time.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board were both contacted and the scene was cleared.

By Scott Carlson-North Platte PostCENTRAL CITY, Neb.-Authorities in Merrick County say no one was injured in a plane crash yesterday because there were no souls aboard the plane.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620211286730.png" alt="Photo: Merrick County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Photo: Merrick County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Merrick County deputies responded to the report of a crash in the area of 13th and M Roads near Central City at around 7:33 p.m.Authorities said an investigation revealed the aircraft had been undergoing maintenance when it suddenly began to travel down the runway.The craft gained an estimated elevation of 200 feet and traveled approximately 1.5 miles before crashing into a cornfield.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620211320475.png" alt="Photo: Merrick County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Photo: Merrick County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>No one was on board the plane at the time.The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board were both contacted and the scene was cleared.

Empty plane crashes during maintenance near Central City

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Monday night shooting have identified the victim as 18-year-old Fernando Recio of Wichita.

Shortly before midnight on Monday, police were dispatched to the 2100 block of South Meridian in Wichita for a shooting that was reported at a car wash in that area, according to Officer Trevor Macey.

 Upon arrival, police located Recio with a single gunshot wound. They began emergency lifesaving measures and EMS tranported Recio to an area hospital in critical condition. He was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Investigators are working to determine the circumstances of the shooting and are asking the public for help with information in the case.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police say a teen has died after being shot at a south Wichita car wash. The shooting happened just before midnight Monday, when police were called to the area for a report of a shooting. Officers who arrived on the scene found the teen with a gunshot wound to his neck.

Police say the teen was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. His name was not immediately released. Homicide detectives are investigating and say they don't believe the shooting was random. No arrests had been reported or suspects named by Tuesday morning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620125603847.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation early Tuesday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation early Tuesday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Monday night shooting have identified the victim as 18-year-old Fernando Recio of Wichita.Shortly before midnight on Monday, police were dispatched to the 2100 block of South Meridian in Wichita for a shooting that was reported at a car wash in that area, according to Officer Trevor Macey. Upon arrival, police located Recio with a single gunshot wound. They began emergency lifesaving measures and EMS tranported Recio to an area hospital in critical condition. He was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.Investigators are working to determine the circumstances of the shooting and are asking the public for help with information in the case.-----------WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police say a teen has died after being shot at a south Wichita car wash. The shooting happened just before midnight Monday, when police were called to the area for a report of a shooting. Officers who arrived on the scene found the teen with a gunshot wound to his neck.Police say the teen was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. His name was not immediately released. Homicide detectives are investigating and say they don't believe the shooting was random. No arrests had been reported or suspects named by Tuesday morning.

Homicide: Police ID Kansas teen killed near car wash

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday set a new vaccination goal to deliver at least one shot to 70% of adult Americans by July Fourth as he tackles the vexing problem of winning over the “doubters” and those unmotivated to get inoculated.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?511468-1/president-biden-remarks-covid-19-response-vaccine-program">Click here to watch </a>the President's announcement

Demand for vaccines has dropped off markedly nationwide, with some states leaving more than half their available doses unordered. Aiming to make it easier to get shots, Biden called for states to make vaccines available on a walk-in basis and he will direct many pharmacies to do likewise.

His administration for the first time also is moving to shift doses from states with weaker demand to areas with stronger interest in the shots.

“You do need to get vaccinated,” Biden said from the White House. “Even if your chance of getting seriously ill is low, why take the risk? It could save your life or the lives of somebody you love.”

Biden’s goal equates to delivering at least the first shot to 181 million adults and fully vaccinating 160 million. It’s a tacit acknowledgment of the declining interest in shots.

Already more than 56% of American adults have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and nearly 105 million are fully vaccinated. The U.S. is currently administering first doses at a rate of about 965,000 per day — half the rate of three weeks ago, but almost twice as fast as needed to meet Biden’s target.

“I’d like to get it 100%, but I think realistically we can get to that place between now and July Fourth,” Biden said of his new goal.

He said the administration would focus on three areas as it tries to ramp up the pace of vaccinations:

—Adults who need more convincing to take the vaccine.

—Those who have struggled or are in no hurry to obtain a shot.

—Adolescents aged 12-15, once federal authorities approve vaccination for that age group.

Acknowledging that “the pace of vaccination is slowing,” Biden predicted the inoculation effort is “going to be harder” when it comes to convincing “doubters” of the need to get their shots.

He said the most effective argument to those people would be to protect those they love. “This is your choice: It’s life and death.”

Biden’s push comes as his administration has shifted away from setting a target for the U.S. to reach “herd immunity,” instead focusing on delivering as many shots into arms as possible. Officials said Biden’s vaccination target would result in a significant reduction in COVID-19 cases heading into the summer.

To that end, the Biden administration is shifting the government’s focus toward expanding smaller and mobile vaccination clinics to deliver doses to harder-to-reach communities. It is also spending hundreds of millions of dollars to try to boost interest in vaccines through education campaigns and greater access to shots through community organizations that can help bring people to clinics.

Biden touted creative efforts to make it “easier and more fun” to get vaccinated, such as grocery stores offering discounts to shoppers who come to get shots and sports leagues that hold promotions to gets shots for their fans.

Ahead of the Food and Drug Administration’s expected authorization of the Pfizer vaccine for kids aged 12-15, the White House is developing plans to speed vaccinations for that age group. Biden urged states to administer at least one dose to adolescents by July Fourth and work to deliver doses to pediatricians’ offices and other trusted locations, with the aim of getting many of them fully vaccinated by the start of the next school year.

While younger people are at dramatically lower risk of serious complications from COVID-19, they have made up a larger share of new virus cases as a majority of U.S. adults have been at least partially vaccinated and as higher-risk activities like indoor dining and contact sports have resumed in most of the country.

Officials hope that extending vaccinations to teens — who could get the first dose in one location and the second elsewhere, if necessary — will further accelerate the nation’s reduced virus caseload and allow schools to reopen with minimal disruptions this fall.

The urgency to expand the pool of those getting the shots is rooted in hopes of stamping out the development of new variants that could emerge from unchecked outbreaks and helping the country further reopen by the symbolic moment of Independence Day, exactly two months away. Though White House officials privately acknowledge the steep challenge, Biden sounded an optimistic note.

“The light at the end of the tunnel is actually growing brighter and brighter,” Biden said.

Biden’s speech comes as the White House announced a shift away from a strict allocation of vaccines by state population. The administration says that when states decline to take all the vaccine they have been allocated, that surplus will shift to states still awaiting doses to meet demand.

Governors were informed of the change by the White House on Tuesday morning.

This week, Iowa&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-health-coronavirus-bed1e61831c0485d967ca3687bc84377">turned down</a>&nbsp;nearly three quarters of the vaccine doses available to the state for next week from the federal government because demand for the shots remains weak. Louisiana, meanwhile, hasn’t drawn down its full vaccine allocation from the federal government for the last few weeks.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows Louisiana’s coronavirus vaccination rate is well behind most states. About 27% of state residents are fully vaccinated while 32% have received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to the state health department.

The White House previously resisted efforts to distribute vaccine by metrics other than population. Biden rebuffed Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last month when she requested more doses as her state was experiencing a surge in virus cases. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said at the time nearly all states were ordering at or near their population allocations, which is no longer the case.

Individual states have made similar shifts internally to account for changing demand. Last week, Washington state changed the way it allocates coronavirus vaccine to its counties. Previously the state doled out supplies to counties proportionate to their populations. But now amounts will be based on requests from health care providers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620167937175.png" alt="“You do need to get vaccinated,” Biden said from the White House. “Even if your chance of getting seriously ill is low, why take the risk? It could save your life or the lives of somebody you love.”-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>“You do need to get vaccinated,” Biden said from the White House. “Even if your chance of getting seriously ill is low, why take the risk? It could save your life or the lives of somebody you love.”-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday set a new vaccination goal to deliver at least one shot to 70% of adult Americans by July Fourth as he tackles the vexing problem of winning over the “doubters” and those unmotivated to get inoculated.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?511468-1/president-biden-remarks-covid-19-response-vaccine-program">Click here to watch </a>the President's announcementDemand for vaccines has dropped off markedly nationwide, with some states leaving more than half their available doses unordered. Aiming to make it easier to get shots, Biden called for states to make vaccines available on a walk-in basis and he will direct many pharmacies to do likewise.His administration for the first time also is moving to shift doses from states with weaker demand to areas with stronger interest in the shots.“You do need to get vaccinated,” Biden said from the White House. “Even if your chance of getting seriously ill is low, why take the risk? It could save your life or the lives of somebody you love.”Biden’s goal equates to delivering at least the first shot to 181 million adults and fully vaccinating 160 million. It’s a tacit acknowledgment of the declining interest in shots.Already more than 56% of American adults have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and nearly 105 million are fully vaccinated. The U.S. is currently administering first doses at a rate of about 965,000 per day — half the rate of three weeks ago, but almost twice as fast as needed to meet Biden’s target.“I’d like to get it 100%, but I think realistically we can get to that place between now and July Fourth,” Biden said of his new goal.He said the administration would focus on three areas as it tries to ramp up the pace of vaccinations:—Adults who need more convincing to take the vaccine.—Those who have struggled or are in no hurry to obtain a shot.—Adolescents aged 12-15, once federal authorities approve vaccination for that age group.Acknowledging that “the pace of vaccination is slowing,” Biden predicted the inoculation effort is “going to be harder” when it comes to convincing “doubters” of the need to get their shots.He said the most effective argument to those people would be to protect those they love. “This is your choice: It’s life and death.”Biden’s push comes as his administration has shifted away from setting a target for the U.S. to reach “herd immunity,” instead focusing on delivering as many shots into arms as possible. Officials said Biden’s vaccination target would result in a significant reduction in COVID-19 cases heading into the summer.To that end, the Biden administration is shifting the government’s focus toward expanding smaller and mobile vaccination clinics to deliver doses to harder-to-reach communities. It is also spending hundreds of millions of dollars to try to boost interest in vaccines through education campaigns and greater access to shots through community organizations that can help bring people to clinics.Biden touted creative efforts to make it “easier and more fun” to get vaccinated, such as grocery stores offering discounts to shoppers who come to get shots and sports leagues that hold promotions to gets shots for their fans.Ahead of the Food and Drug Administration’s expected authorization of the Pfizer vaccine for kids aged 12-15, the White House is developing plans to speed vaccinations for that age group. Biden urged states to administer at least one dose to adolescents by July Fourth and work to deliver doses to pediatricians’ offices and other trusted locations, with the aim of getting many of them fully vaccinated by the start of the next school year.While younger people are at dramatically lower risk of serious complications from COVID-19, they have made up a larger share of new virus cases as a majority of U.S. adults have been at least partially vaccinated and as higher-risk activities like indoor dining and contact sports have resumed in most of the country.Officials hope that extending vaccinations to teens — who could get the first dose in one location and the second elsewhere, if necessary — will further accelerate the nation’s reduced virus caseload and allow schools to reopen with minimal disruptions this fall.The urgency to expand the pool of those getting the shots is rooted in hopes of stamping out the development of new variants that could emerge from unchecked outbreaks and helping the country further reopen by the symbolic moment of Independence Day, exactly two months away. Though White House officials privately acknowledge the steep challenge, Biden sounded an optimistic note.“The light at the end of the tunnel is actually growing brighter and brighter,” Biden said.Biden’s speech comes as the White House announced a shift away from a strict allocation of vaccines by state population. The administration says that when states decline to take all the vaccine they have been allocated, that surplus will shift to states still awaiting doses to meet demand.Governors were informed of the change by the White House on Tuesday morning.This week, Iowa&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-health-coronavirus-bed1e61831c0485d967ca3687bc84377">turned down</a>&nbsp;nearly three quarters of the vaccine doses available to the state for next week from the federal government because demand for the shots remains weak. Louisiana, meanwhile, hasn’t drawn down its full vaccine allocation from the federal government for the last few weeks.Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows Louisiana’s coronavirus vaccination rate is well behind most states. About 27% of state residents are fully vaccinated while 32% have received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to the state health department.The White House previously resisted efforts to distribute vaccine by metrics other than population. Biden rebuffed Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last month when she requested more doses as her state was experiencing a surge in virus cases. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said at the time nearly all states were ordering at or near their population allocations, which is no longer the case.Individual states have made similar shifts internally to account for changing demand. Last week, Washington state changed the way it allocates coronavirus vaccine to its counties. Previously the state doled out supplies to counties proportionate to their populations. But now amounts will be based on requests from health care providers.___

🎥 President Biden sets new vaccination goal for America

There have been important changes to the Child Tax Credit that will 
help many families receive advance payments starting this summer. The 
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 expands the Child Tax Credit 
(CTC) for tax year 2021 only.

For tax year 2021, families claiming the CTC for tax year 2021 will 
receive up to $3,000 per qualifying child between the ages of 6 and 17 
at the end of 2021. They will receive $3,600 per qualifying child under 
age 6 at the end of 2021. Under the prior law, the amount of the CTC was
 up to $2,000 per qualifying child under the age of 17 at the end of the
 year.

The increased amounts are reduced (phased out), for incomes over 
$150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return and qualifying 
widows or widowers, $112,500 for heads of household, and $75,000 for all
 other taxpayers.

Advance payments of the 2021 Child Tax Credit will be made regularly 
from July through December to eligible taxpayers who have a main home in
 the United States for more than half the year. The total of the advance
 payments will be up to 50 percent of the Child Tax Credit. Advance 
payments will be estimated from information included in eligible 
taxpayers' 2020 tax returns (or their 2019 returns if the 2020 returns 
are not filed and processed yet).

The IRS urges people with children to file their 2020 tax returns as 
soon as possible to make sure they're eligible for the appropriate 
amount of the CTC as well as any other tax credits they're eligible for,
 including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Filing electronically 
with direct deposit also can speed refunds and future advance CTC 
payments.

Eligible taxpayers do not need to take any action now other than to file their 2020 tax return if they have not done so.

Eligible taxpayers who do not want to receive advance payment of the 
2021 Child Tax Credit will have the opportunity to decline receiving 
advance payments. Taxpayers will also have the opportunity to update 
information about changes in their income, filing status or the number 
of qualifying children. More details on how to take these steps will be 
announced soon.

The IRS also urges community groups, non-profits, associations, 
education groups and anyone else with connections to people with 
children to share this critical information about the CTC. The IRS will 
be providing additional materials and information that can be easily 
shared by social media, email and other methods.

The IRS will provide more information about advance payments soon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSThere have been important changes to the Child Tax Credit that will 
help many families receive advance payments starting this summer. The 
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 expands the Child Tax Credit 
(CTC) for tax year 2021 only.The expanded credit means:<ul>
 <li>The credit amounts will increase for many taxpayers.</li><li>The credit for qualifying children is fully refundable, which means
 that taxpayers can benefit from the credit even if they don't have 
earned income or don't owe any income taxes.</li><li>The credit will include children who turn age 17 in 2021.</li><li>Taxpayers may receive part of their credit in 2021 before filing their 2021 tax return.</li>
 </ul>For tax year 2021, families claiming the CTC for tax year 2021 will 
receive up to $3,000 per qualifying child between the ages of 6 and 17 
at the end of 2021. They will receive $3,600 per qualifying child under 
age 6 at the end of 2021. Under the prior law, the amount of the CTC was
 up to $2,000 per qualifying child under the age of 17 at the end of the
 year.The increased amounts are reduced (phased out), for incomes over 
$150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return and qualifying 
widows or widowers, $112,500 for heads of household, and $75,000 for all
 other taxpayers.Advance payments of the 2021 Child Tax Credit will be made regularly 
from July through December to eligible taxpayers who have a main home in
 the United States for more than half the year. The total of the advance
 payments will be up to 50 percent of the Child Tax Credit. Advance 
payments will be estimated from information included in eligible 
taxpayers' 2020 tax returns (or their 2019 returns if the 2020 returns 
are not filed and processed yet).The IRS urges people with children to file their 2020 tax returns as 
soon as possible to make sure they're eligible for the appropriate 
amount of the CTC as well as any other tax credits they're eligible for,
 including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Filing electronically 
with direct deposit also can speed refunds and future advance CTC 
payments.Eligible taxpayers do not need to take any action now other than to file their 2020 tax return if they have not done so.Eligible taxpayers who do not want to receive advance payment of the 
2021 Child Tax Credit will have the opportunity to decline receiving 
advance payments. Taxpayers will also have the opportunity to update 
information about changes in their income, filing status or the number 
of qualifying children. More details on how to take these steps will be 
announced soon.The IRS also urges community groups, non-profits, associations, 
education groups and anyone else with connections to people with 
children to share this critical information about the CTC. The IRS will 
be providing additional materials and information that can be easily 
shared by social media, email and other methods.The IRS will provide more information about advance payments soon.

IRS: Advance Child Tax Credit payments may be available this summer

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The owner of two pit bull-mixed breed dogs accused of violently attacking an Omaha couple and their miniature poodle now faces several citations. 

Those include having no proof of vaccinations, no proof of licenses, no proof of insurance, allowing the pit bulls to be unmuzzled in public and damage to property. 

Police and Nebraska Humane Society officials say the woman's dogs attacked a husband and wife who were walking their dog in the neighborhood Sunday evening, sending the woman to a hospital with bites to her face and hands and requiring surgery for the poodle. 

The owner of the pit bulls tells the Omaha World-Herald that she has proof of vaccination and intends to retrieve the dogs from impound on Tuesday.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The owner of two pit bull-mixed breed dogs accused of violently attacking an Omaha couple and their miniature poodle now faces several citations. Those include having no proof of vaccinations, no proof of licenses, no proof of insurance, allowing the pit bulls to be unmuzzled in public and damage to property. Police and Nebraska Humane Society officials say the woman's dogs attacked a husband and wife who were walking their dog in the neighborhood Sunday evening, sending the woman to a hospital with bites to her face and hands and requiring surgery for the poodle. The owner of the pit bulls tells the Omaha World-Herald that she has proof of vaccination and intends to retrieve the dogs from impound on Tuesday.

Omaha dog owner cited following attack by pit bulls

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Police have identified a Lincoln man killed when the motorcycle he was driving crashed into a sport utility vehicle. 

The Lincoln Journal Star reports the crash happened Sunday afternoon at the intersection of 38th Street and Pine Lake Road in Lincoln, killing 20-year-old Garet Darnall. 

Investigators said Darnall was traveling west on Pike Lake Road when he hit the rear passenger side of the eastbound SUV that turned left in front of him. 

Investigators said the driver of the SUV told police he was already turning when the motorcycle appeared over a hill crest and hit him. Police are investigating whether the motorcycle's speed was a factor in the crash.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Police have identified a Lincoln man killed when the motorcycle he was driving crashed into a sport utility vehicle. The Lincoln Journal Star reports the crash happened Sunday afternoon at the intersection of 38th Street and Pine Lake Road in Lincoln, killing 20-year-old Garet Darnall. Investigators said Darnall was traveling west on Pike Lake Road when he hit the rear passenger side of the eastbound SUV that turned left in front of him. Investigators said the driver of the SUV told police he was already turning when the motorcycle appeared over a hill crest and hit him. Police are investigating whether the motorcycle's speed was a factor in the crash.

Police ID motorcyclist killed in Lincoln crash over weekend

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Environmentalists have filed a new legal challenge against a U.S. government program that allows oil and gas pipelines to be built across wetlands, rivers and other bodies of water. 

The lawsuit filed Monday in U.S. District Court alleges the program has let companies skirt environmental reviews of potential spills. 

The Sierra Club, Center for Biological Diversity and other groups won a court order last year that blocked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers program. 

The agency authorized a new permit in January, but environmentalists say officials again failed to consider how that work could affect imperiled wildlife.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620162813829.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Environmentalists have filed a new legal challenge against a U.S. government program that allows oil and gas pipelines to be built across wetlands, rivers and other bodies of water. The lawsuit filed Monday in U.S. District Court alleges the program has let companies skirt environmental reviews of potential spills. The Sierra Club, Center for Biological Diversity and other groups won a court order last year that blocked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers program. The agency authorized a new permit in January, but environmentalists say officials again failed to consider how that work could affect imperiled wildlife.

Groups sue over US program allowing pipelines on wetlands

SEWARD, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say the body of a 70-year-old rural Seward man was found in a burned-down shed over the weekend in what officials believe stemmed from a tractor accident. 

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that area firefighters were called to the property about 5 miles east of Seward on Saturday afternoon for the fire. 

Deputies from the Seward County Sheriff's Office also were called. 

Sheriff Michael Vance says once deputies arrived at the scene, they learned that William Peters was missing from a home on the property. 

Following a search, they found Peters' body in the burned shed. Investigators believe Peters had been involved in a tractor accident that ultimately caused the fire.

SEWARD, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say the body of a 70-year-old rural Seward man was found in a burned-down shed over the weekend in what officials believe stemmed from a tractor accident. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that area firefighters were called to the property about 5 miles east of Seward on Saturday afternoon for the fire. Deputies from the Seward County Sheriff's Office also were called. Sheriff Michael Vance says once deputies arrived at the scene, they learned that William Peters was missing from a home on the property. Following a search, they found Peters' body in the burned shed. Investigators believe Peters had been involved in a tractor accident that ultimately caused the fire.

Nebraska man's body found in burned shed following tractor accident

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A former eastern Nebraska county prosecutor has been sentenced to probation and avoided being charged with a second-offense drunken driving charge, with the prosecutor blaming that decision on a botched investigation by police. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that former Dodge County Attorney Oliver Glass was sentenced Monday to 18 months of probation, to run concurrently with an earlier sentence he received for violating his probation from a March 2020 DUI conviction. 

The probation violation stemmed from a second drunken-driving incident in January, in which Fremont police said a preliminary breath test showed Glass was drunk. 

But prosecutor Brenda Beadle says police failed to follow up with more advanced testing that is admissible in court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620147945223.png" alt="Glass" />
 <figcaption>Glass</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A former eastern Nebraska county prosecutor has been sentenced to probation and avoided being charged with a second-offense drunken driving charge, with the prosecutor blaming that decision on a botched investigation by police. The Omaha World-Herald reports that former Dodge County Attorney Oliver Glass was sentenced Monday to 18 months of probation, to run concurrently with an earlier sentence he received for violating his probation from a March 2020 DUI conviction. The probation violation stemmed from a second drunken-driving incident in January, in which Fremont police said a preliminary breath test showed Glass was drunk. But prosecutor Brenda Beadle says police failed to follow up with more advanced testing that is admissible in court.

Ex-Dodge County attorney gets probation in deal on DUI case

DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai is recalling more than 390,000 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada for two problems that can cause engine fires. In one recall, owners are being told to park their vehicles outdoors until repairs are made.

The largest recall covers more than 203,000 Santa Fe Sport SUVs from 2013 through 2015. Some are being recalled a second time. Brake fluid can leak into the anti-lock brake computer, causing an electrical short that can lead to fires. Owners should park outdoors and away from structures until the problem is fixed, according to documents posted Tuesday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Dealers will replace a fuse and replace the computer if necessary. Owners will be notified in June.

The brake computer problem has caused 18 fires in the U.S., but no injuries, according to documents.

Hyundai says the recall “enhances the remedy” from one issued in September of 2020. The company says it kept investigating after the September recall and found that replacing the fuse would reduce the safety risk. “Hyundai is conducting this new recall to ensure the safety of its customers,” the company said in a statement.

The other recall covers nearly 187,000 2019 and 2020 Elantras, and 2019 through 2021 Konas and Velosters. All have 2-liter engines.

The piston rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause engine damage, oil leaks and possible fires. Hyundai says the rings can be too hard and can be chipped, scuffing the engine cylinder. The piston problem has caused five fires but no injuries, according to documents.

Dealers will inspect and replace the engine if necessary. They’ll also install piston noise sensing software. Owners will be notified in late June.

Engine failure and fire problems at Hyundai and affiliated Korean automaker Kia have plagued the companies for more than five years, affecting the owners of more than 8 million vehicles.

DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai is recalling more than 390,000 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada for two problems that can cause engine fires. In one recall, owners are being told to park their vehicles outdoors until repairs are made.The largest recall covers more than 203,000 Santa Fe Sport SUVs from 2013 through 2015. Some are being recalled a second time. Brake fluid can leak into the anti-lock brake computer, causing an electrical short that can lead to fires. Owners should park outdoors and away from structures until the problem is fixed, according to documents posted Tuesday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.Dealers will replace a fuse and replace the computer if necessary. Owners will be notified in June.The brake computer problem has caused 18 fires in the U.S., but no injuries, according to documents.Hyundai says the recall “enhances the remedy” from one issued in September of 2020. The company says it kept investigating after the September recall and found that replacing the fuse would reduce the safety risk. “Hyundai is conducting this new recall to ensure the safety of its customers,” the company said in a statement.The other recall covers nearly 187,000 2019 and 2020 Elantras, and 2019 through 2021 Konas and Velosters. All have 2-liter engines.The piston rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause engine damage, oil leaks and possible fires. Hyundai says the rings can be too hard and can be chipped, scuffing the engine cylinder. The piston problem has caused five fires but no injuries, according to documents.Dealers will inspect and replace the engine if necessary. They’ll also install piston noise sensing software. Owners will be notified in late June.Engine failure and fire problems at Hyundai and affiliated Korean automaker Kia have plagued the companies for more than five years, affecting the owners of more than 8 million vehicles.

Hyundai recalls over 390K vehicles for possible engine fires

News Release Nebraska State Patrol

Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested an 18-year-old following a brief pursuit and crash in south Lincoln.

At approximately 2:15 a.m. Tuesday, a trooper observed a westbound Chevrolet Blazer speeding on Highway 2 between 56th&nbsp;and 48th&nbsp;streets. The vehicle then turned northbound onto 48th&nbsp;street. The trooper attempted a traffic stop and observed that the vehicle had no license plates. The vehicle refused to yield and accelerated. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

Approximately 30 seconds later, the Blazer attempted to run a red light at 48th&nbsp;and Pioneers. It struck a Pontiac Grand Prix that was traveling eastbound on Pioneers. Both drivers sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to Bryan Health West Campus for treatment.

Following his release from the hospital, the suspect, an 18-year-old male, will be lodged in Lancaster County Jail for felony flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving with a suspended license, possession of marijuana – less than one ounce, and traffic violations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611161236522.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Nebraska State PatrolTroopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested an 18-year-old following a brief pursuit and crash in south Lincoln.At approximately 2:15 a.m. Tuesday, a trooper observed a westbound Chevrolet Blazer speeding on Highway 2 between 56th&nbsp;and 48th&nbsp;streets. The vehicle then turned northbound onto 48th&nbsp;street. The trooper attempted a traffic stop and observed that the vehicle had no license plates. The vehicle refused to yield and accelerated. The trooper initiated a pursuit.Approximately 30 seconds later, the Blazer attempted to run a red light at 48th&nbsp;and Pioneers. It struck a Pontiac Grand Prix that was traveling eastbound on Pioneers. Both drivers sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to Bryan Health West Campus for treatment.Following his release from the hospital, the suspect, an 18-year-old male, will be lodged in Lancaster County Jail for felony flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving with a suspended license, possession of marijuana – less than one ounce, and traffic violations.

Nebraska troopers arrest teen following pursuit, crash in Lincoln

By ALLISON WINTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/02/new-funding-to-curb-wildfires-pushed-in-congress-as-another-fire-season-looms/">Kansas Reflector</a>

WASHINGTON — As wildfires 
across the United States grow in size, intensity and duration each 
summer, members of Congress from the West are pushing for massive new 
investments in ecosystem management and wildfire mitigation.

With dry conditions across
 the country, 2021 could see significant fires. Currently Florida and 
parts of Kansas, Arizona, Minnesota and Montana are at high risk for 
“significant wildland fire potential,” according to a <a href="https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/maps">forecast</a> from the National Interagency Fire Center.

Western states are in a period of moderate to “exceptional” drought, according to the <a href="https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/">U.S. Drought Monitor</a>. In Montana, over 60 percent of the state is facing drought conditions, according to a <a href="http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/water/management/docs/montana-water-supply-drought-outlook-report-spring-2021.pdf">report</a> Gov. Greg Gianforte released this week.

House lawmakers called for
 more attention to wildfire management and support for wildland 
firefighters at a hearing Thursday before a House Natural Resources 
Committee panel. It was just the second hearing this year for the 
Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, and 
Subcommittee Chairman Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) said that early attention 
exemplifies the importance of the issue.

“For those of us that live
 in the West, wildfires are one of the most immediate and obvious 
impacts of climate change. Wildfires today are nearly a year-round risk,
 burning larger areas at a higher intensity. This is only projected to 
increase as the climate continues to warm,” Neguse said.

Neguse has an ambitious 
plan to create a Civilian Climate Corps, dedicated to bolstering 
wildfire prevention and managing forests. The Biden administration 
included $10 billion for the jobs plan in its massive infrastructure 
proposal, the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/31/fact-sheet-the-american-jobs-plan/">American Jobs Plan</a>.

Natural Resources 
Committee Chairman Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) said climate change and the 
higher risk of wildfire from drought is changing the decades-old debate 
on whether to manage wildfire risk with forest thinning.

“One of the issues in this
 committee has been it was always an either-or proposition when it comes
 to dealing with fire: Either you cut your way out of the problem or the
 other issue is that it is a phenomenon that cannot be controlled,” 
Grijalva said. “Climate change has changed that whole debate entirely.”

Grijalva said the Biden 
administration’s goals to reduce carbon emissions and create jobs offer 
new opportunities to move on legislation to support forest management 
and firefighters.

“Having this hearing is 
important as we address the Biden administration’s American Jobs Plan 
and what resources we can use to match the need,” Grijalva told 
lawmakers at the virtual hearing.

The issue is close to home
 for Neguse and other Westerners. The two largest wildfires in Colorado 
history both blazed through Neguse’s district last summer.

Wildfires provoked a year 
of devastating losses in 2020. More acres burned in Arizona in 2020 than
 the previous two years combined. Montana lost more structures to fire 
last year than it had since 2012.

Nevada had fewer fires than in recent summers but still issued air quality advisories due to California fires.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In total, wildfires burned about 10.3 million acres in the United States last year, according to <a href="https://www.nifc.gov/fireInfo/nfn.htm">the National Interagency Fire Center</a>, a government group dedicated to fire management. That was just a few thousand acres short of the record set in 2015.

It added to the 
significant toll of wildfires over the past 15 years. Since NIFC started
 its modern record-keeping of wildfires in 1983, there have been 10 
years when 8 million acres or more burned. All of those records occurred
 since 2004.

Riva Duncan, a retired 
fire staff officer for the Forest Service who now advocates for 
firefighters, said the firefighting season changed drastically in her 
years in federal service

“Over 30 years ago, when I
 started, the fire season was July and August … and it was not every 
year. There were some years with no big fires,” Duncan said. “The 
wildfire season today is closer to what we are starting to call a ‘fire 
year.’”

Wildfires are now beginning as early as March and continue until November.

Scientists say climate 
change amplifies the risk from wildfire, with less snowpack, changing 
precipitation patterns and plants that dry up during record heat waves.

Democrats and Republicans 
in Congress are in general agreement on the threat of wildfires and the 
need for better forest management.

But while Grijalva and 
other Democrats see an opportunity to move more aggressively because of 
climate change, that approach doesn’t sit well with some Republicans.

“Too frequently many of my
 friends on the other side of the aisle have blamed climate change for 
an ever-growing multitude of sins, including wildfires, while ignoring 
the real culprit of our present disaster,”&nbsp; Idaho Republican Russ 
Fulcher said at the hearing. “Decades of insufficient forest management,
 not climate change, have led to overgrown, diseased and dying forests.”

Fulcher and other 
Republicans blame the National Forest Service for the 68 million acres 
of high-risk forest in its care. They think the federal government 
should more actively manage its land and allow more timber companies to 
selectively harvest trees before they catch on fire.

The conflict comes with 
how much logging or “fuel reduction” the federal government should allow
 and for what types of trees. Larger trees are more valuable for timber 
companies. But environmental scientists favor selective thinning of 
small trees, seedlings and underbrush to manage for fire — a slow and 
more expensive process.

“Broadscale thinning of 
forest to manage for fire conflicts with climate goals, because the 
amount of carbon removed by thinning is much larger than that saved,” 
said Beverly Law, a professor emeritus at Oregon State University who 
studies carbon and forests. She recommended targeted removal of 
seedlings and saplings on high-risk land.

Earlier this year, Neguse and Utah Republican Rep. John Curtis <a href="https://www.nevadacurrent.com/blog/bipartisan-members-of-congress-launch-wildfire-caucus/">formed a bipartisan wildfire caucus</a> to try to reach consensus on the issue. Their press release did not mention climate change.

“I do think there are 
bipartisan solutions that can address the wildfire problems that are 
becoming so pervasive across the United States,” Neguse told colleagues 
at the hearing, after some Republican pushback on climate change. “I 
pledge to approach these questions in good faith, and we ought not to 
focus simply on what we need to do from a suppression standpoint.”

“Climate change, drought, 
we have to consider these as part of the larger equation and the impetus
 for why this is happening with such intensity,” Neguse said.

Lawmakers have floated numerous other bills dealing with wildfires.

For instance, a targeted <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/938/text">proposal</a>
 from Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) would create an official job title of
 “wildland firefighter,” a distinction from the current practice of 
hiring people as “forest technicians” to fight fires for as little as 
$14 an hour.

LaMalfa said the bill, 
which he introduced in February with only three cosponsors, is a first 
step to getting more benefits for firefighters.

“Once we remedy that, we can get to the pay schedule. It’s one step at a time around here,” LaMalfa told the committee.

Allison Winter is a Washington, D.C., correspondent for States Newsroom, a network of state-based nonprofit news outlets that includes Kansas Reflector.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620062733694.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLISON WINTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/02/new-funding-to-curb-wildfires-pushed-in-congress-as-another-fire-season-looms/">Kansas Reflector</a>WASHINGTON — As wildfires 
across the United States grow in size, intensity and duration each 
summer, members of Congress from the West are pushing for massive new 
investments in ecosystem management and wildfire mitigation.With dry conditions across
 the country, 2021 could see significant fires. Currently Florida and 
parts of Kansas, Arizona, Minnesota and Montana are at high risk for 
“significant wildland fire potential,” according to a <a href="https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/maps">forecast</a> from the National Interagency Fire Center.Western states are in a period of moderate to “exceptional” drought, according to the <a href="https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/">U.S. Drought Monitor</a>. In Montana, over 60 percent of the state is facing drought conditions, according to a <a href="http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/water/management/docs/montana-water-supply-drought-outlook-report-spring-2021.pdf">report</a> Gov. Greg Gianforte released this week.House lawmakers called for
 more attention to wildfire management and support for wildland 
firefighters at a hearing Thursday before a House Natural Resources 
Committee panel. It was just the second hearing this year for the 
Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, and 
Subcommittee Chairman Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) said that early attention 
exemplifies the importance of the issue.“For those of us that live
 in the West, wildfires are one of the most immediate and obvious 
impacts of climate change. Wildfires today are nearly a year-round risk,
 burning larger areas at a higher intensity. This is only projected to 
increase as the climate continues to warm,” Neguse said.Neguse has an ambitious 
plan to create a Civilian Climate Corps, dedicated to bolstering 
wildfire prevention and managing forests. The Biden administration 
included $10 billion for the jobs plan in its massive infrastructure 
proposal, the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/31/fact-sheet-the-american-jobs-plan/">American Jobs Plan</a>.Natural Resources 
Committee Chairman Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) said climate change and the 
higher risk of wildfire from drought is changing the decades-old debate 
on whether to manage wildfire risk with forest thinning.“One of the issues in this
 committee has been it was always an either-or proposition when it comes
 to dealing with fire: Either you cut your way out of the problem or the
 other issue is that it is a phenomenon that cannot be controlled,” 
Grijalva said. “Climate change has changed that whole debate entirely.”Grijalva said the Biden 
administration’s goals to reduce carbon emissions and create jobs offer 
new opportunities to move on legislation to support forest management 
and firefighters.“Having this hearing is 
important as we address the Biden administration’s American Jobs Plan 
and what resources we can use to match the need,” Grijalva told 
lawmakers at the virtual hearing.<h2>Dry, flammable conditions</h2>The issue is close to home
 for Neguse and other Westerners. The two largest wildfires in Colorado 
history both blazed through Neguse’s district last summer.Wildfires provoked a year 
of devastating losses in 2020. More acres burned in Arizona in 2020 than
 the previous two years combined. Montana lost more structures to fire 
last year than it had since 2012.Nevada had fewer fires than in recent summers but still issued air quality advisories due to California fires.&nbsp;&nbsp;In total, wildfires burned about 10.3 million acres in the United States last year, according to <a href="https://www.nifc.gov/fireInfo/nfn.htm">the National Interagency Fire Center</a>, a government group dedicated to fire management. That was just a few thousand acres short of the record set in 2015.It added to the 
significant toll of wildfires over the past 15 years. Since NIFC started
 its modern record-keeping of wildfires in 1983, there have been 10 
years when 8 million acres or more burned. All of those records occurred
 since 2004.Riva Duncan, a retired 
fire staff officer for the Forest Service who now advocates for 
firefighters, said the firefighting season changed drastically in her 
years in federal service“Over 30 years ago, when I
 started, the fire season was July and August … and it was not every 
year. There were some years with no big fires,” Duncan said. “The 
wildfire season today is closer to what we are starting to call a ‘fire 
year.’”Wildfires are now beginning as early as March and continue until November.Scientists say climate 
change amplifies the risk from wildfire, with less snowpack, changing 
precipitation patterns and plants that dry up during record heat waves.<h2>A conflict over climate change</h2>Democrats and Republicans 
in Congress are in general agreement on the threat of wildfires and the 
need for better forest management.But while Grijalva and 
other Democrats see an opportunity to move more aggressively because of 
climate change, that approach doesn’t sit well with some Republicans.“Too frequently many of my
 friends on the other side of the aisle have blamed climate change for 
an ever-growing multitude of sins, including wildfires, while ignoring 
the real culprit of our present disaster,”&nbsp; Idaho Republican Russ 
Fulcher said at the hearing. “Decades of insufficient forest management,
 not climate change, have led to overgrown, diseased and dying forests.”Fulcher and other 
Republicans blame the National Forest Service for the 68 million acres 
of high-risk forest in its care. They think the federal government 
should more actively manage its land and allow more timber companies to 
selectively harvest trees before they catch on fire.The conflict comes with 
how much logging or “fuel reduction” the federal government should allow
 and for what types of trees. Larger trees are more valuable for timber 
companies. But environmental scientists favor selective thinning of 
small trees, seedlings and underbrush to manage for fire — a slow and 
more expensive process.“Broadscale thinning of 
forest to manage for fire conflicts with climate goals, because the 
amount of carbon removed by thinning is much larger than that saved,” 
said Beverly Law, a professor emeritus at Oregon State University who 
studies carbon and forests. She recommended targeted removal of 
seedlings and saplings on high-risk land.Earlier this year, Neguse and Utah Republican Rep. John Curtis <a href="https://www.nevadacurrent.com/blog/bipartisan-members-of-congress-launch-wildfire-caucus/">formed a bipartisan wildfire caucus</a> to try to reach consensus on the issue. Their press release did not mention climate change.“I do think there are 
bipartisan solutions that can address the wildfire problems that are 
becoming so pervasive across the United States,” Neguse told colleagues 
at the hearing, after some Republican pushback on climate change. “I 
pledge to approach these questions in good faith, and we ought not to 
focus simply on what we need to do from a suppression standpoint.”“Climate change, drought, 
we have to consider these as part of the larger equation and the impetus
 for why this is happening with such intensity,” Neguse said.Lawmakers have floated numerous other bills dealing with wildfires.For instance, a targeted <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/938/text">proposal</a>
 from Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) would create an official job title of
 “wildland firefighter,” a distinction from the current practice of 
hiring people as “forest technicians” to fight fires for as little as 
$14 an hour.LaMalfa said the bill, 
which he introduced in February with only three cosponsors, is a first 
step to getting more benefits for firefighters.“Once we remedy that, we can get to the pay schedule. It’s one step at a time around here,” LaMalfa told the committee.Allison Winter is a Washington, D.C., correspondent for States Newsroom, a network of state-based nonprofit news outlets that includes Kansas Reflector.

New funding to curb wildfires pushed in Congress, as fire season looms

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Vaccinations to protect the public from COVID-19 slowed last month in Kansas, even as more contagious variants of the coronavirus surged and hospitalizations from the disease rose in the state, according Kansas health officials.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment numbers show about 91,000 fewer people received first doses of the available vaccines in April than in March.

 There were 520 new hospitalizations and 157 new ICU admissions in April, compared with 438 new hospitalizations and 150 new ICU admissions in March, officials said.

“Almost exclusively, the answer is those needing hospitalized are un-vaccinated,” Dr. David Wild with the University of Kansas Health System said Friday.

Statewide, children account for a growing share of the new cases. Of the more than 6,750 new cases in April, more than 1 in 5 were patients younger than 18, according to health department numbers. Children accounted for about 12% of all cases in March.

Meanwhile, confirmed variant cases nearly tripled over the last three weeks of April, officials said.

Officials did see a decrease in deaths from COVID-19 in April, at 69, compared with 170 deaths in March.

Since the beginning of the pandemic last year, Kansas has seen more than 309,000 coronavirus cases and nearly 5,000 deaths. By April 30, there were more than 1.9 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered out of nearly 2.58 million doses distributed to the state, state figures showed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620073236885.png" alt="hCOV-19 tracking of variants. As of Monday Kansas reported 408 and there were 436 in Missouri -image courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>hCOV-19 tracking of variants. As of Monday Kansas reported 408 and there were 436 in Missouri -image courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Vaccinations to protect the public from COVID-19 slowed last month in Kansas, even as more contagious variants of the coronavirus surged and hospitalizations from the disease rose in the state, according Kansas health officials.Kansas Department of Health and Environment numbers show about 91,000 fewer people received first doses of the available vaccines in April than in March. There were 520 new hospitalizations and 157 new ICU admissions in April, compared with 438 new hospitalizations and 150 new ICU admissions in March, officials said.“Almost exclusively, the answer is those needing hospitalized are un-vaccinated,” Dr. David Wild with the University of Kansas Health System said Friday.Statewide, children account for a growing share of the new cases. Of the more than 6,750 new cases in April, more than 1 in 5 were patients younger than 18, according to health department numbers. Children accounted for about 12% of all cases in March.Meanwhile, confirmed variant cases nearly tripled over the last three weeks of April, officials said.Officials did see a decrease in deaths from COVID-19 in April, at 69, compared with 170 deaths in March.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620061406952.png" alt="Monday May 3, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday May 3, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Since the beginning of the pandemic last year, Kansas has seen more than 309,000 coronavirus cases and nearly 5,000 deaths. By April 30, there were more than 1.9 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered out of nearly 2.58 million doses distributed to the state, state figures showed.

Coronavirus variants surge, vaccines slow in Kansas

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — One of the jurors who convicted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chauvin-jurors-george-floyd-c35cff601d97deb328c0fcafe121367b">Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;is&nbsp;defending his participation in a protest last summer in Washington, D.C., following online speculation about his motives for serving on the jury and whether it might be grounds for appeal.

A photo, posted on social media, shows Brandon Mitchell, who is Black, attending the Aug. 28 event to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-race-and-ethnicity-ny-state-wire-dc-wire-ahmaud-arbery-e99f9bfcca9cb388054486fa41192194">commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech</a>&nbsp;during the 1963 March on Washington. Floyd’s brother and sister, Philonise and Bridgett Floyd, and relatives of others who have been shot by police addressed the crowd.

It shows Mitchell standing with two cousins and wearing a T-shirt with a picture of King and the words, “GET YOUR KNEE OFF OUR NECKS” and “BLM,” for Black Lives Matter. Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes, 29 seconds last May as Floyd said repeatedly that he couldn’t breathe.

Mitchell, 31, acknowledged being at the event and that his uncle posted the photo, but said he doesn’t recall wearing or owning the shirt.

Mitchell was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-convicted-george-floyd-killing-d93d1f9fc61a5261e179240dc16924dc">one of 12 jurors who convicted Chauvin&nbsp;</a>of second- and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Mitchell, the first juror to go public, spoke to several media outlets last week,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chauvin-jurors-george-floyd-c35cff601d97deb328c0fcafe121367b">including The Associated Press</a>.

“I’d never been to D.C.,” Mitchell said of his reasons for attending the event. “The opportunity to go to D.C., the opportunity to be around thousands and thousands of Black people; I just thought it was a good opportunity to be a part of something.”

Mitchell and Chauvin’s attorney, Eric Nelson, have not returned messages from The Associated Press seeking comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618953264612.png" alt="Ex-officer Derek Chauvin is handcuffed moments after the judge read the guilty verdict&nbsp; on April 20-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Ex-officer Derek Chauvin is handcuffed moments after the judge read the guilty verdict&nbsp; on April 20-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — One of the jurors who convicted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chauvin-jurors-george-floyd-c35cff601d97deb328c0fcafe121367b">Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;is&nbsp;defending his participation in a protest last summer in Washington, D.C., following online speculation about his motives for serving on the jury and whether it might be grounds for appeal.A photo, posted on social media, shows Brandon Mitchell, who is Black, attending the Aug. 28 event to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-race-and-ethnicity-ny-state-wire-dc-wire-ahmaud-arbery-e99f9bfcca9cb388054486fa41192194">commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech</a>&nbsp;during the 1963 March on Washington. Floyd’s brother and sister, Philonise and Bridgett Floyd, and relatives of others who have been shot by police addressed the crowd.That photo recently recirculated online.It shows Mitchell standing with two cousins and wearing a T-shirt with a picture of King and the words, “GET YOUR KNEE OFF OUR NECKS” and “BLM,” for Black Lives Matter. Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes, 29 seconds last May as Floyd said repeatedly that he couldn’t breathe.Mitchell, 31, acknowledged being at the event and that his uncle posted the photo, but said he doesn’t recall wearing or owning the shirt.Mitchell was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-convicted-george-floyd-killing-d93d1f9fc61a5261e179240dc16924dc">one of 12 jurors who convicted Chauvin&nbsp;</a>of second- and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Mitchell, the first juror to go public, spoke to several media outlets last week,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chauvin-jurors-george-floyd-c35cff601d97deb328c0fcafe121367b">including The Associated Press</a>.“I’d never been to D.C.,” Mitchell said of his reasons for attending the event. “The opportunity to go to D.C., the opportunity to be around thousands and thousands of Black people; I just thought it was a good opportunity to be a part of something.”Mitchell and Chauvin’s attorney, Eric Nelson, have not returned messages from The Associated Press seeking comment.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619012623324.png" alt="Chauvin booking photo following the verdict-photo Minnesota Dpt. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Chauvin booking photo following the verdict-photo Minnesota Dpt. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>Mike Brandt, a Minneapolis defense attorney not involved in the case, told the AP the revelation alone wasn’t nearly enough to overturn Chauvin’s conviction, but it could be combined with other issues — the announcement of a massive civil settlement to Floyd’s family during jury selection, the shooting of Daunte Wright, the judge’s refusal to move the trial — in an appeal to say Chauvin was denied a fair trial.Ted Sampsell-Jones, a professor at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law, told the AP that the photo of Mitchell was “evidence that Chauvin can point to in order to establish that his right to an impartial jury was denied.”He added: “Speaking frankly, Chauvin did not have a fully impartial jury in the sense we usually give criminal defendants. That wasn’t the fault of the judge or the prosecutors, it was simply a function of the incredible publicity and public pressure” surrounding the trial.Mitchell said he answered “no” to two questions about demonstrations on the questionnaire sent out before jury selection.The first question asked: “Did you, or someone close to you, participate in any of the demonstrations or marches against police brutality that took place in Minneapolis after George Floyd’s death?” The second asked: “Other than what you have already described above, have you, or anyone close to you, participated in protests about police use of force or police brutality?”Mitchell told Nelson during jury selection that he had a “very favorable” opinion of Black Lives Matter, that he knew some police officers at his gym who are “great guys,” and that he felt neutral about Blue Lives Matter, a pro-police group. He also said he had watched clips of bystander video of Floyd being pinned and had wondered why three other officers at the scene didn’t intervene.He said he could be neutral at trial.Mitchell told the Star Tribune that last summer’s protest was “100% not” a march for Floyd.“It was directly related to MLK’s March on Washington from the ’60s … The date of the March on Washington is the date … It was literally called the anniversary of the March on Washington,” he said.