PAPILLION, Neb. (AP) — An 18-year-old man pleaded no contest to misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide in the death of a concrete truck driver last year. 

Garrett Bragg, of Murdock, was charged in a crash on Oct. 7, 2020, on Nebraska 370. 

The Sarpy County Attorney's office said Bragg turned left when a concrete truck driven by 58-year-old Gregory Brennan, of Omaha, was coming through the intersection. Bragg had a flashing yellow light while Brennan had a green light. Brennan swerved to avoid a direct collision and clipped the back of Bragg's car. 

The concrete truck overturned, killing Brennan. Prosecutors said without Brennan's “heroic” actions, Bragg could have been killed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1563361166533.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PAPILLION, Neb. (AP) — An 18-year-old man pleaded no contest to misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide in the death of a concrete truck driver last year. Garrett Bragg, of Murdock, was charged in a crash on Oct. 7, 2020, on Nebraska 370. The Sarpy County Attorney's office said Bragg turned left when a concrete truck driven by 58-year-old Gregory Brennan, of Omaha, was coming through the intersection. Bragg had a flashing yellow light while Brennan had a green light. Brennan swerved to avoid a direct collision and clipped the back of Bragg's car. The concrete truck overturned, killing Brennan. Prosecutors said without Brennan's “heroic” actions, Bragg could have been killed.

Nebraska man pleads no contest in crash that killed truck driver

News Release US Attorney's Office-Omaha

Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Anthony Wayne Hall, 65, was found guilty today, following a three-day jury trial in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for Aggravated Bank Robbery. The Honorable Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., scheduled Hall’s sentencing for July 9, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Hall faces the potential for life in prison under the federal “three strikes” law, with a mandatory minimum of ten years.

On November 21, 2019, Hall, armed with a realistic-looking replica revolver, robbed the First State Bank in Fremont, Nebraska. Hall left town with approximately $10,000 in cash after walking one bank employee to his vehicle under threat of being shot. A customer who attempted to enter the bank during the robbery was the first to call 911. On November 22, 2019, officers in Saint Joseph, Missouri attempted to stop Hall’s blue Chevrolet Camaro, but the vehicle fled and then crashed into a pole. Hall fled on foot and could not be located. Hall then purchased a white Chevrolet Impala. On November 30, 2019, officers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol attempted to stop the Impala after noticing that the license plates did not match the vehicle. A high-speed pursuit ensued before the Impala crashed into a tree. Hall again fled on foot. Law enforcement located replica firearms, knives, and other items near the crash scene. The next day, on December 1, 2019, a trooper encountered Hall at a nearby gas station and Hall indicated that he was the driver who had fled the night before. Among the cash found on Hall’s person were five bills known to have been taken in the First State Bank robbery.

Hall, who had relocated to Fremont from Indiana approximately two months prior to the First State Bank robbery, has previously been convicted of murder, rape, and at least seven prior robberies. Hall had been released from prison on his prior convictions in 2018.

This case was investigated by the FBI Great Plains Robbery Task Force, the Fremont Police Department, Saint Joseph Police Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1559617734930.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release US Attorney's Office-OmahaActing United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Anthony Wayne Hall, 65, was found guilty today, following a three-day jury trial in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for Aggravated Bank Robbery. The Honorable Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., scheduled Hall’s sentencing for July 9, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Hall faces the potential for life in prison under the federal “three strikes” law, with a mandatory minimum of ten years.On November 21, 2019, Hall, armed with a realistic-looking replica revolver, robbed the First State Bank in Fremont, Nebraska. Hall left town with approximately $10,000 in cash after walking one bank employee to his vehicle under threat of being shot. A customer who attempted to enter the bank during the robbery was the first to call 911. On November 22, 2019, officers in Saint Joseph, Missouri attempted to stop Hall’s blue Chevrolet Camaro, but the vehicle fled and then crashed into a pole. Hall fled on foot and could not be located. Hall then purchased a white Chevrolet Impala. On November 30, 2019, officers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol attempted to stop the Impala after noticing that the license plates did not match the vehicle. A high-speed pursuit ensued before the Impala crashed into a tree. Hall again fled on foot. Law enforcement located replica firearms, knives, and other items near the crash scene. The next day, on December 1, 2019, a trooper encountered Hall at a nearby gas station and Hall indicated that he was the driver who had fled the night before. Among the cash found on Hall’s person were five bills known to have been taken in the First State Bank robbery.Hall, who had relocated to Fremont from Indiana approximately two months prior to the First State Bank robbery, has previously been convicted of murder, rape, and at least seven prior robberies. Hall had been released from prison on his prior convictions in 2018.This case was investigated by the FBI Great Plains Robbery Task Force, the Fremont Police Department, Saint Joseph Police Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Fremont man convicted of aggravated bank robbery

OMAHA, Neb.-Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance of the Omaha Police Department, have arrested a suspect following a pursuit in west Omaha.

At approximately 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, a trooper observed a Buick Regal driving with no license plates near 132nd&nbsp;Street and West Center Road. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle refused to stop and fled northbound on 132nd&nbsp;Street. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

The vehicle then fled eastbound on Dodge, with speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. As the vehicle approached 90th&nbsp;Street, it turned around and began traveling westbound on Dodge. The vehicle then exited Dodge at 132nd&nbsp;Street. It attempted to perform another U-turn and struck a curbed median, disabling the vehicle.

The lone occupant of the vehicle then fled on foot into a business park northwest of 132nd&nbsp;and Dodge but was quickly apprehended by an Omaha Police Officer. The suspect was found to be in possession of methamphetamine.

The suspect, Devlin Phillips, 42, of Omaha, was arrested for willful reckless driving, flight to avoid arrest, possession of a controlled substance, driving during revocation, and no valid registration. He was transported to Bergan Mercy Hospital for medical clearance and then lodged in Douglas County Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575482296996.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb.-Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance of the Omaha Police Department, have arrested a suspect following a pursuit in west Omaha.At approximately 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, a trooper observed a Buick Regal driving with no license plates near 132nd&nbsp;Street and West Center Road. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle refused to stop and fled northbound on 132nd&nbsp;Street. The trooper initiated a pursuit.The vehicle then fled eastbound on Dodge, with speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. As the vehicle approached 90th&nbsp;Street, it turned around and began traveling westbound on Dodge. The vehicle then exited Dodge at 132nd&nbsp;Street. It attempted to perform another U-turn and struck a curbed median, disabling the vehicle.The lone occupant of the vehicle then fled on foot into a business park northwest of 132nd&nbsp;and Dodge but was quickly apprehended by an Omaha Police Officer. The suspect was found to be in possession of methamphetamine.The suspect, Devlin Phillips, 42, of Omaha, was arrested for willful reckless driving, flight to avoid arrest, possession of a controlled substance, driving during revocation, and no valid registration. He was transported to Bergan Mercy Hospital for medical clearance and then lodged in Douglas County Corrections.

Troopers arrest 1 following pursuit in west Omaha

An economic relief program approved by Congress that has been popular with small business owners also can be used by farmers.

Congress has extended the deadline to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program to the end of May.

“It’s important for people to know that despite the name of it, you do not have to have employees in order to apply and farmers can apply,” according to Regional Director Rebecca Lobina with the Northwest Missouri State University Small Business Development Center during an appearance on the KFEQ Hotline.

The Paycheck Protection Program, known as PPP, has been one of the most popular of the programs initiated by Congress in response to the recession triggered by the coronavirus pandemic. Congress renewed PPP in the latest coronavirus relief and economic stimulus package it approved, extending the program to the end of May.

Lobina says while small business owners have accessed the program, farmers have been more hesitant to tap it.

Lobina recalls talking to a farmer about using the program.

“They were worried that they couldn’t because of some other concerns that they had,” Lobina says. “They were worried about, like, what if our credit is not good. It doesn’t matter. With the PPP, it doesn’t matter.”

Lobina points out PPP is based on gross receipts, not net. She says farmers should use the Schedule F filed with their 2019 income taxes, Line 9 for their gross income.

“So, it does not matter if you had employees. It does not matter how well or bad you did in 2020,” Lobina says. “All that matters is that there is a number on Line 9 that says you are operating, essentially, in 2019 and that’s it.”

Lobina says too many farmers believe they do not qualify for federal COVID-19 economic assistance. She says they qualify, even if they do not have employees.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn economic relief program approved by Congress that has been popular with small business owners also can be used by farmers.Congress has extended the deadline to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program to the end of May.“It’s important for people to know that despite the name of it, you do not have to have employees in order to apply and farmers can apply,” according to Regional Director Rebecca Lobina with the Northwest Missouri State University Small Business Development Center during an appearance on the KFEQ Hotline.The Paycheck Protection Program, known as PPP, has been one of the most popular of the programs initiated by Congress in response to the recession triggered by the coronavirus pandemic. Congress renewed PPP in the latest coronavirus relief and economic stimulus package it approved, extending the program to the end of May.Lobina says while small business owners have accessed the program, farmers have been more hesitant to tap it.Lobina recalls talking to a farmer about using the program.“They were worried that they couldn’t because of some other concerns that they had,” Lobina says. “They were worried about, like, what if our credit is not good. It doesn’t matter. With the PPP, it doesn’t matter.”Lobina points out PPP is based on gross receipts, not net. She says farmers should use the Schedule F filed with their 2019 income taxes, Line 9 for their gross income.“So, it does not matter if you had employees. It does not matter how well or bad you did in 2020,” Lobina says. “All that matters is that there is a number on Line 9 that says you are operating, essentially, in 2019 and that’s it.”Lobina says too many farmers believe they do not qualify for federal COVID-19 economic assistance. She says they qualify, even if they do not have employees.

Popular COVID relief program can help farmers as well as business owners

WASHINGTON
 — Today, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of the 
Treasury and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service announced they are 
disbursing nearly 2 million payments in the fifth batch of Economic 
Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan.

Today's announcement brings the total disbursed so far to 
approximately 159 million payments, with a total value of more than $376
 billion, since these payments began rolling out to Americans in batches
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-begins-delivering-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments-to-americans">as announced</a> on March 12.

The fifth batch of payments began processing on Friday, April 9, with
 an official payment date of April 14, with some people receiving direct
 payments in their accounts earlier as provisional or pending deposits. 
Here is additional information on this batch of payments:

Additional information is available on the first four batches of
 Economic Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan, which began 
processing on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-25-million-more-economic-impact-payments-under-the-american-rescue-plan">April 2</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-more-economic-impact-payments-under-the-american-rescue-plan-total-tops-130-million-with-more-to-come">March 26</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-another-37-million-economic-impact-payments-from-the-american-rescue-plan">March 19</a> and <a href="https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0063">March 12</a>.

A larger percentage of payments was made electronically during this 
round of payments than during previous rounds. This accelerated the 
delivery of payments to millions of American families whose payments 
would otherwise have been sent by mail. Over 95% of all Social Security 
beneficiaries have been paid electronically during this round of 
payments, compared to 70% in the first round and 72% in the second 
round.

The IRS will continue to make Economic Impact Payments on a weekly 
basis. Ongoing payments will be sent to eligible individuals for whom 
the IRS previously did not have information to issue a payment but who 
recently filed a tax return, as well to people who qualify for "plus-up"
 payments.

Special reminder for those who don't normally file a tax return

Although payments are automatic for most people, the IRS continues to
 urge people who don't normally file a tax return and haven't received 
Economic Impact Payments to file a 2020 tax return to get all the 
benefits they're entitled to under the law, including tax credits such 
as the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>,
 the Child Tax Credit, and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Filing a 2020 
tax return will also assist the IRS in determining whether someone is 
eligible for an advance payment of the 2021 Child Tax Credit, which will
 begin to be disbursed this summer.

For example, some federal benefits recipients may need to file a 2020
 tax return – even if they don't usually file – to provide information 
the IRS needs to send payments for a qualifying dependent. Eligible 
individuals in this group should file a 2020 tax return as quickly as 
possible to be considered for an additional payment for their qualifying
 dependents.

People who don't normally file a tax return and don't receive federal
 benefits may qualify for these Economic Impact Payments. This includes 
those experiencing homelessness, the rural poor, and others. Individuals
 who didn't get a first or second round Economic Impact Payment or got 
less than the full amounts may be eligible for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>, but they'll need to file a 2020 tax return. See the special section on IRS.gov: <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit-topic-a-claiming-the-recovery-rebate-credit-if-you-arent-required-to-file-a-tax-return">Claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren't required to file a tax return</a>.

Free <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">tax return preparation</a> is available for qualifying people.

The IRS reminds taxpayers that the income levels in this new round of
 Economic Impact Payments have changed. This means that some people 
won't be eligible for the third payment even if they received a first or
 second Economic Impact Payment or claimed a 2020 Recovery Rebate 
Credit. Payments will begin to be reduced for individuals making $75,000
 or above in Adjusted Gross Income ($150,000 for married filing 
jointly). The payments end at $80,000 for individuals ($160,000 for 
married filing jointly); people with Adjusted Gross Incomes above these 
levels are ineligible for a payment.

Individuals can check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov to see the payment status of these payments. Additional information on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments">Economic Impact Payments</a> is available on IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON
 — Today, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of the 
Treasury and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service announced they are 
disbursing nearly 2 million payments in the fifth batch of Economic 
Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan.Today's announcement brings the total disbursed so far to 
approximately 159 million payments, with a total value of more than $376
 billion, since these payments began rolling out to Americans in batches
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-begins-delivering-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments-to-americans">as announced</a> on March 12.The fifth batch of payments began processing on Friday, April 9, with
 an official payment date of April 14, with some people receiving direct
 payments in their accounts earlier as provisional or pending deposits. 
Here is additional information on this batch of payments:<ul>
 <li>In total, this batch includes nearly 2 million payments with a value of more than $3.4 billion.</li><li>More than 320,000 payments, with a total value of $450 million, 
went to Veterans Affairs (VA) beneficiaries who receive Compensation and
 Pension (C&amp;P) benefit payments but who don't normally file a tax 
return and didn't use the Non-Filers tool last year.</li><li>Nearly 850,000 payments, with a total value of nearly $1.6 billion,
 went to eligible individuals for whom the IRS previously did not have 
information to issue an Economic Impact Payment but who recently filed a
 tax return.&nbsp;</li><li>This batch also includes additional ongoing supplemental payments 
for people who earlier this year received payments based on their 2019 
tax returns but are eligible for a new or larger payment based on their 
recently processed 2020 tax returns. This batch included more than 
700,000&nbsp;of these "plus-up" payments, with a total value of more than 
$1.2 billion.</li><li>Another 72,000 payments went to Social Security beneficiaries who 
didn't file a 2020 or 2019 tax return and didn't use the Non-Filers tool
 last year.</li><li>Overall, this fifth batch of payments contains nearly 1.2 million 
direct deposit payments (with a total value of just under $2 billion) 
and nearly 800,000 paper check payments (with a total value of over $1.4
 billion).</li>
 </ul>Additional information is available on the first four batches of
 Economic Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan, which began 
processing on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-25-million-more-economic-impact-payments-under-the-american-rescue-plan">April 2</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-more-economic-impact-payments-under-the-american-rescue-plan-total-tops-130-million-with-more-to-come">March 26</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-another-37-million-economic-impact-payments-from-the-american-rescue-plan">March 19</a> and <a href="https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0063">March 12</a>.A larger percentage of payments was made electronically during this 
round of payments than during previous rounds. This accelerated the 
delivery of payments to millions of American families whose payments 
would otherwise have been sent by mail. Over 95% of all Social Security 
beneficiaries have been paid electronically during this round of 
payments, compared to 70% in the first round and 72% in the second 
round.The IRS will continue to make Economic Impact Payments on a weekly 
basis. Ongoing payments will be sent to eligible individuals for whom 
the IRS previously did not have information to issue a payment but who 
recently filed a tax return, as well to people who qualify for "plus-up"
 payments.<h2>Special reminder for those who don't normally file a tax return</h2>Although payments are automatic for most people, the IRS continues to
 urge people who don't normally file a tax return and haven't received 
Economic Impact Payments to file a 2020 tax return to get all the 
benefits they're entitled to under the law, including tax credits such 
as the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>,
 the Child Tax Credit, and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Filing a 2020 
tax return will also assist the IRS in determining whether someone is 
eligible for an advance payment of the 2021 Child Tax Credit, which will
 begin to be disbursed this summer.For example, some federal benefits recipients may need to file a 2020
 tax return – even if they don't usually file – to provide information 
the IRS needs to send payments for a qualifying dependent. Eligible 
individuals in this group should file a 2020 tax return as quickly as 
possible to be considered for an additional payment for their qualifying
 dependents.People who don't normally file a tax return and don't receive federal
 benefits may qualify for these Economic Impact Payments. This includes 
those experiencing homelessness, the rural poor, and others. Individuals
 who didn't get a first or second round Economic Impact Payment or got 
less than the full amounts may be eligible for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>, but they'll need to file a 2020 tax return. See the special section on IRS.gov: <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit-topic-a-claiming-the-recovery-rebate-credit-if-you-arent-required-to-file-a-tax-return">Claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren't required to file a tax return</a>.Free <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">tax return preparation</a> is available for qualifying people.The IRS reminds taxpayers that the income levels in this new round of
 Economic Impact Payments have changed. This means that some people 
won't be eligible for the third payment even if they received a first or
 second Economic Impact Payment or claimed a 2020 Recovery Rebate 
Credit. Payments will begin to be reduced for individuals making $75,000
 or above in Adjusted Gross Income ($150,000 for married filing 
jointly). The payments end at $80,000 for individuals ($160,000 for 
married filing jointly); people with Adjusted Gross Incomes above these 
levels are ineligible for a payment.Individuals can check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov to see the payment status of these payments. Additional information on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments">Economic Impact Payments</a> is available on IRS.gov.

IRS: Fifth batch of stimulus checks sent to Veterans Affairs beneficiaries

BYRNES MILL, Mo. (AP) — And eastern Missouri man was charged Wednesday with driving while intoxicated after a crash that killed a young couple and their infant son, authorities said.

David Goss Thurby, 26, of Fenton, was being held without bond Wednesday in the Jefferson County jail.

The crash Tuesday night on Highway 30 near Byrnes Mill killed 25-year-old Lacey Newton; her fiance, Cordell Williams, 30; and their 4-month-old son, Cordell Shawn Michael Williams. They lived in Bonne Terre.

Newton and Williams also had 2- and 4-year-old sons, who were staying with relatives at the time of the crash.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said Thurby’s vehicle rear-ended the couple’s car, forcing it off the road and into a tree, where it caught fire, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/driver-charged-with-dwi-after-three-people-including-infant-die-in-jefferson-county-crash/article_c91a3914-0da1-5418-8188-63dbab070be8.html#tncms-source=login" target="_blank">reported</a>.

A preliminary test revealed that Thurby had a blood-alcohol level of 0.192, more than twice the legal limit, a trooper said in a probable cause statement.

Thurby, who suffered minor injuries in the crash, was also charged with four misdemeanors, including possession of marijuana and driving in a reckless manner.

BYRNES MILL, Mo. (AP) — And eastern Missouri man was charged Wednesday with driving while intoxicated after a crash that killed a young couple and their infant son, authorities said.David Goss Thurby, 26, of Fenton, was being held without bond Wednesday in the Jefferson County jail.The crash Tuesday night on Highway 30 near Byrnes Mill killed 25-year-old Lacey Newton; her fiance, Cordell Williams, 30; and their 4-month-old son, Cordell Shawn Michael Williams. They lived in Bonne Terre.Newton and Williams also had 2- and 4-year-old sons, who were staying with relatives at the time of the crash.The Missouri State Highway Patrol said Thurby’s vehicle rear-ended the couple’s car, forcing it off the road and into a tree, where it caught fire, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/driver-charged-with-dwi-after-three-people-including-infant-die-in-jefferson-county-crash/article_c91a3914-0da1-5418-8188-63dbab070be8.html#tncms-source=login" target="_blank">reported</a>.A preliminary test revealed that Thurby had a blood-alcohol level of 0.192, more than twice the legal limit, a trooper said in a probable cause statement.Thurby, who suffered minor injuries in the crash, was also charged with four misdemeanors, including possession of marijuana and driving in a reckless manner.

3 killed including infant in Missouri crash

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A former U.S. Postal Service employee in Omaha has admitted that he stole gift cards and cash from the mail. 

Thirty-year-old Austin Thomas faces up to five years in prison after pleading guilty to mail theft when he is sentenced in July. 

Prosecutors said 216 victims lost a total of at least $5,829 in the thefts, which occurred at the West Omaha Post Office while Thomas worked there between September 2019 to January 2020. 

The investigation began when a city employee notified police that he found several bags of mail in a trash can. The mail was not processed but had been opened.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A former U.S. Postal Service employee in Omaha has admitted that he stole gift cards and cash from the mail. Thirty-year-old Austin Thomas faces up to five years in prison after pleading guilty to mail theft when he is sentenced in July. Prosecutors said 216 victims lost a total of at least $5,829 in the thefts, which occurred at the West Omaha Post Office while Thomas worked there between September 2019 to January 2020. The investigation began when a city employee notified police that he found several bags of mail in a trash can. The mail was not processed but had been opened.

Postal employee in Omaha pleads guilty to stealing mail

PAPILLION, Neb. (AP) — The Sarpy County Board has voted to remove the county's embattled treasurer from office. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that the board voted unanimously Tuesday to remove Brian Zuger from the elected post. 

That followed a state auditor's report earlier this year citing missteps by Zuger’s office that caused Millard Public Schools to miss out on a nearly $2.4 million tax payment, while Bellevue’s school district was overpaid by $2.3 million. 

In all, the audit identified multiple issues that affected more than $12.5 million in public funds. Zuger’s removal took effect immediately. 

The board will install a permanent replacement within 45 days. 

Zuger has defended his work, saying his office has been trying to correct years-long problems.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618430007940.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PAPILLION, Neb. (AP) — The Sarpy County Board has voted to remove the county's embattled treasurer from office. The Omaha World-Herald reports that the board voted unanimously Tuesday to remove Brian Zuger from the elected post. That followed a state auditor's report earlier this year citing missteps by Zuger’s office that caused Millard Public Schools to miss out on a nearly $2.4 million tax payment, while Bellevue’s school district was overpaid by $2.3 million. In all, the audit identified multiple issues that affected more than $12.5 million in public funds. Zuger’s removal took effect immediately. The board will install a permanent replacement within 45 days. Zuger has defended his work, saying his office has been trying to correct years-long problems.

Sarpy County Board removes county treasurer from office

By TOMMY REZAC <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>

Savannah will still be called the Savages, but the school's mascot imagery will be changing, starting next school year.

The
 Savannah Board of Education voted 4-3 Tuesday night to retain the 
"Savage" nickname, but phase out the Native American imagery and 
symbolism associated with the mascot.

The board also motioned to 
expand curriculum and expand its relationship with the Andrew County 
Museum and Historical Society to educate students on the history of the 
mascot, and to honor that history as well.

It's a decision that qualms a 10-month long debate amongst the board and community.

"This
 has been a long work-in-progress," outgoing school board president 
Stancy Bond said. "It's something the board has really very diligently 
tried to be thorough in our evaluation. We received a lot of criticism 
for taking so long. But in the end, I think it proved that we did our 
homework, we read through all public comment, we listened to everyone's 
concern and we made a decision. That's ultimately what we're here for - 
to make decisions for our district."

Board member Dyann Duncan motioned to put the mascot issue before voters on the August ballot - a motion that Bond opposed.

"We
 were elected to make decisions and I think we are fully capable and 
educated," Bond said. "And I don't think that we should put this on the 
ballot."

Duncan's motion failed narrowly, 4-3. Bond, 
vice-president Rebecca Bledsoe, Linda Kozminski and newly elected 
president Joseph Barbosa voted against putting the issue on the August 
ballot.

Barbosa then suggested keeping the name "Savage," but 
removing the Native American imagery from uniforms, playing surfaces and
 other places on the school's campus.

"This debate has gone on for
 the last 10 months," Barbosa said. "Not only in our community, but 
abroad and I think we need to move toward some sort of resolution."

Barbosa
 simply offered the idea up for discussion. Bond made it into a motion, 
while adding the amendment to, "expand the curriculum of course 
offerings to include Native American history, culture, genealogy and 
current events and instruct the administration to develop a relationship
 with Native American groups for educational opportunities" starting in 
the 2022-23 school year.

The amendment also instructed 
administration to "expand the district relationship with the Andrew 
County Museum and Historical Society and Savannah Alumni Association 
Foundation to preserve and maintain school artifacts and history 
including Savage memorabilia.

Barbosa notes this amendment was key in Tuesday's decision.

"The
 one thing I kept hearing from constituents," Barbosa said, "they felt 
that this was an attack on their identity. I did not want that to be the
 case. This is a moment where we preserve who we are and preserve our 
history. This preserves a big piece of our town."

A mascot 
committee was formed last July to do research on the history of the 
mascot and to explore alternatives to the current name and imagery.

That committee voted 4-4 last month on a mascot change, ultimately leaving the decision up to the board.

"I'm ready to be done," said Bond. "I think most of the community was ready for us to make a decision and move forward."

There
 was no public comment at Tuesday's meeting, but 348 comments from 
community members were submitted to the board beforehand.

"Five of
 those were 'no change' comments," Bond revealed. "So, that means that 
340 plus were for change, and I think that was expressed through those 
comments."

Bond, Barbosa, Bledsoe and Kozminski voted in favor of 
the mascot image change. Duncan, along with board members Jamin Sybert 
and Than Wagers, voted against.

It's been a divisive issue since 
the beginning, but Bond is relieved to see her time as school board 
president end with such an impactful decision.

"It's not really 
been a fun discussion," she admitted. "Both sides are very passionate 
about their opinion and both sides make great points, but ultimately, we
 made a great compromise and that's what it's all about."

The 
discussion does not end with Tuesday's vote. The estimated cost of 
phasing out all of the Native American imagery on Savannah's campus and 
uniforms could be in the neighborhood of $500,000.

Bond made it clear that not a cent of that expense would come from the school district's budget.

"As
 we do routine maintenance, that's when we'll look at images and what 
needs to be replaced and how we go forward," Bond said. "At a decent 
pace, but fiscally responsible. So, we won't use any district money to 
replace the gym floor. We just had it replaced two years ago."

There's
 a lot of work ahead for Barbosa, as he takes over as the board's new 
president. But as a lifelong area resident, Barbosa is excited to move 
forward and fully resolve the matter.

"It is somewhat resolved, 
but with anything in our system and anything in America, there's going 
to debate and there's going to be discussion," he said. "But, I am 
looking forward to focusing on what's best for our students."

The 
next big question is - what will the new mascot imagery be? That won't 
be answered overnight, but Bond hopes that the Savannah student body has
 a big say in the decision.

"While this is a community issue, the 
mascot belongs to our students," she said. "So, we'd like our student 
input to be the strongest voice in that conversation."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618430526482.png" alt="The Savannah school board meets in the high school gym Tuesday to discuss the changes to the Savannah Savages mascot and imagery./ Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>The Savannah school board meets in the high school gym Tuesday to discuss the changes to the Savannah Savages mascot and imagery./ Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZAC <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>Savannah will still be called the Savages, but the school's mascot imagery will be changing, starting next school year.The
 Savannah Board of Education voted 4-3 Tuesday night to retain the 
"Savage" nickname, but phase out the Native American imagery and 
symbolism associated with the mascot.The board also motioned to 
expand curriculum and expand its relationship with the Andrew County 
Museum and Historical Society to educate students on the history of the 
mascot, and to honor that history as well.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618430580582.png" alt="Replacing all of the Native American imagery within the Savannah school district could take years, according to newly elected board president Joseph Barbosa. /Photo by Tommy Rezac" />
 <figcaption>Replacing all of the Native American imagery within the Savannah school district could take years, according to newly elected board president Joseph Barbosa. /Photo by Tommy Rezac</figcaption>
 </figure>It's a decision that qualms a 10-month long debate amongst the board and community."This
 has been a long work-in-progress," outgoing school board president 
Stancy Bond said. "It's something the board has really very diligently 
tried to be thorough in our evaluation. We received a lot of criticism 
for taking so long. But in the end, I think it proved that we did our 
homework, we read through all public comment, we listened to everyone's 
concern and we made a decision. That's ultimately what we're here for - 
to make decisions for our district."Board member Dyann Duncan motioned to put the mascot issue before voters on the August ballot - a motion that Bond opposed."We
 were elected to make decisions and I think we are fully capable and 
educated," Bond said. "And I don't think that we should put this on the 
ballot."Duncan's motion failed narrowly, 4-3. Bond, 
vice-president Rebecca Bledsoe, Linda Kozminski and newly elected 
president Joseph Barbosa voted against putting the issue on the August 
ballot.Barbosa then suggested keeping the name "Savage," but 
removing the Native American imagery from uniforms, playing surfaces and
 other places on the school's campus."This debate has gone on for
 the last 10 months," Barbosa said. "Not only in our community, but 
abroad and I think we need to move toward some sort of resolution."Barbosa
 simply offered the idea up for discussion. Bond made it into a motion, 
while adding the amendment to, "expand the curriculum of course 
offerings to include Native American history, culture, genealogy and 
current events and instruct the administration to develop a relationship
 with Native American groups for educational opportunities" starting in 
the 2022-23 school year.The amendment also instructed 
administration to "expand the district relationship with the Andrew 
County Museum and Historical Society and Savannah Alumni Association 
Foundation to preserve and maintain school artifacts and history 
including Savage memorabilia.Barbosa notes this amendment was key in Tuesday's decision."The
 one thing I kept hearing from constituents," Barbosa said, "they felt 
that this was an attack on their identity. I did not want that to be the
 case. This is a moment where we preserve who we are and preserve our 
history. This preserves a big piece of our town."A mascot 
committee was formed last July to do research on the history of the 
mascot and to explore alternatives to the current name and imagery.That committee voted 4-4 last month on a mascot change, ultimately leaving the decision up to the board."I'm ready to be done," said Bond. "I think most of the community was ready for us to make a decision and move forward."There
 was no public comment at Tuesday's meeting, but 348 comments from 
community members were submitted to the board beforehand."Five of
 those were 'no change' comments," Bond revealed. "So, that means that 
340 plus were for change, and I think that was expressed through those 
comments."Bond, Barbosa, Bledsoe and Kozminski voted in favor of 
the mascot image change. Duncan, along with board members Jamin Sybert 
and Than Wagers, voted against.It's been a divisive issue since 
the beginning, but Bond is relieved to see her time as school board 
president end with such an impactful decision."It's not really 
been a fun discussion," she admitted. "Both sides are very passionate 
about their opinion and both sides make great points, but ultimately, we
 made a great compromise and that's what it's all about."The 
discussion does not end with Tuesday's vote. The estimated cost of 
phasing out all of the Native American imagery on Savannah's campus and 
uniforms could be in the neighborhood of $500,000.Bond made it clear that not a cent of that expense would come from the school district's budget."As
 we do routine maintenance, that's when we'll look at images and what 
needs to be replaced and how we go forward," Bond said. "At a decent 
pace, but fiscally responsible. So, we won't use any district money to 
replace the gym floor. We just had it replaced two years ago."There's
 a lot of work ahead for Barbosa, as he takes over as the board's new 
president. But as a lifelong area resident, Barbosa is excited to move 
forward and fully resolve the matter."It is somewhat resolved, 
but with anything in our system and anything in America, there's going 
to debate and there's going to be discussion," he said. "But, I am 
looking forward to focusing on what's best for our students."The 
next big question is - what will the new mascot imagery be? That won't 
be answered overnight, but Bond hopes that the Savannah student body has
 a big say in the decision."While this is a community issue, the 
mascot belongs to our students," she said. "So, we'd like our student 
input to be the strongest voice in that conversation."

Mo. school to retain 'Savage' name, change Native American image

CARTER LAKE, Iowa (AP) — Police in Omaha, Nebraska, have found the body of a woman inside a car that was submerged in a far western Iowa lake. 

Police say officers patrolling the area found the submerged car in Carter Lake just before 1 a.m. Wednesday. Police say the car's headlights and taillights were still on when the officers found it in the water. 

The Omaha Fire Department was called to pull the car from the water, and the body of 22-year-old Nyahon Thuok of Omaha was found inside it. 

Police are investigating to determine how the vehicle ended up in the lake.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1562428322923.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CARTER LAKE, Iowa (AP) — Police in Omaha, Nebraska, have found the body of a woman inside a car that was submerged in a far western Iowa lake. Police say officers patrolling the area found the submerged car in Carter Lake just before 1 a.m. Wednesday. Police say the car's headlights and taillights were still on when the officers found it in the water. The Omaha Fire Department was called to pull the car from the water, and the body of 22-year-old Nyahon Thuok of Omaha was found inside it. Police are investigating to determine how the vehicle ended up in the lake.

Omaha woman dead inside submerged car in Iowa town

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Wednesday he will withdraw remaining U.S. troops from Afghanistan, declaring that the Sept. 11 attacks “cannot explain” why American forces should still be there 20 years after the deadliest terror assault on the United States.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?510842-1/president-biden-time-bring-us-troops-home-afghanistan">Click here to watch</a> a replay of the President's comments

His plan is to pull out all American forces — numbering 2,500 now — by this Sept. 11, the anniversary of the attacks, which were coordinated from Afghanistan.

The U.S. cannot continue to pour resources into an intractable war and expect different results, Biden said.

The drawdown would begin rather than conclude by May 1, which has been the deadline for full withdrawal under a peace agreement the Trump administration reached with the Taliban last year.

“It is time to end America’s longest war,” Biden said, but he added that the U.S. will “not conduct a hasty rush to the exit.”

“We cannot continue the cycle of extending or expanding our military presence in Afghanistan hoping to create the ideal conditions for our withdrawal, expecting a different result,” Biden said. “I am now the fourth United States president to preside over an American troop presence in Afghanistan. Two Republicans. Two Democrats. I will not pass this responsibility to a fifth.”

The decision marks perhaps the most significant foreign policy decision for Biden in the early going of his presidency.

He’s long been skeptical about the U.S. presence in Afghanistan. As Barack Obama’s vice president, Biden was a lonely voice in the administration who advised the 44th president to tilt towards a smaller counterterrorism role in the country while military advisers were urging a troop buildup to counter Taliban gains. Biden has also made clear he wants to recalibrate U.S. foreign policy to face bigger challenges posed by China and Russia.

Withdrawing all U.S. troops comes with clear risks. It could boost the Taliban’s effort to claw back power and undo gains toward democracy and women’s rights made over the past two decades. It also opens Biden to criticism, mostly Republicans and some Democrats, even though former President Donald Trump had also wanted a full withdrawal.

“This administration has decided to abandon U.S. efforts in Afghanistan which have helped keep radical Islamic terrorism in check,” said Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell. “And bizarrely, they have decided to do so by September 11th.”

While Biden’s decision keeps U.S. forces in Afghanistan four months longer than initially planned, it sets a firm end to two decades of war that killed more than 2,200 U.S. troops, wounded 20,000, and cost as much as $1 trillion.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani said he spoke on Wednesday with Biden ahead of the U.S. president’s speech.

“The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan respects the U.S. decision, and we will work with our U.S. partners to ensure a smooth transition,” Ghani said in a Twitter posting.

Biden consulted with allies, military leaders, lawmakers and Vice President Kamala Harris to help make his decision. White House press secretary Jen Psaki added that Biden also spoke to “some of his predecessors” in the White House and administration officials contacted 44 officials from other countries, NATO, the European Union and United Nations in recent days.

He is emphasizing that his administration will continue to support peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban and assist international efforts to train the Afghan military.

After his speech, Biden was to visit Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery to honor those who died in recent American conflicts.

CIA Director William Burns acknowledged at a hearing Wednesday that America’s ability to contain the terrorist threat from Afghanistan has benefited from the military presence there, and that when that presence is withdrawn, “the U.S. government’s ability to collect and act on threats will diminish.”

“That’s simply a fact,” Burns said. “It is also a fact, however, that after withdrawal, whenever that time comes, the CIA and all of our partners in the U.S. government will retain a suite of capabilities, some of it remaining in place, some of them that we will generate, that can help us to anticipate and contest any rebuilding effort.”

A senior administration official said the September withdrawal date was an absolute deadline that won’t be affected by security conditions in Afghanistan.

The long conflict has largely crippled al-Qaida and led to the death of Osama bin Laden, the architect of the Sept. 11 attacks. But an American withdrawal also risks many of the gains made in democracy, women’s rights and governance, while ensuring that the Taliban, who provided al-Qaida’s haven, remain strong and in control of large swaths of the country.

As Biden announced his decision, his top national security aides were consulting on Wednesday in Brussels to coordinate the alliance’s withdrawal from Afghanistan with the planned pullout of American troops.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin were meeting senior officials from the alliance’s 30 members to discuss NATO’s future presence in Afghanistan in light of the announcement of the U.S. withdrawal that Biden was to make later in the day.

Blinken said that he expected the allies to withdraw together but maintained that neither the U.S. nor NATO would abandon the country despite the impending pullout. There are roughly 7,000 NATO forces still in Afghanistan in addition to the remaining 2,500 U.S. troops.

“Together, we went into Afghanistan to deal with those who attacked us and to make sure that Afghanistan would not again become a haven for terrorists who might attack any of us,” Blinken said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will withdraw all U.S. troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America that were coordinated from that country, several U.S. officials said Tuesday.

The decision defies a May 1 deadline for full withdrawal under a peace agreement the Trump administration reached with the Taliban last year, but leaves no room for additional extensions. A senior administration official called the September date an absolute deadline that won’t be affected by security conditions in the country.

While Biden’s decision keeps U.S. troops in Afghanistan four months longer than initially planned, it sets a firm end to two decades of war that killed more than 2,200 U.S. troops, wounded 20,000, and cost as much as $1 trillion. The conflict largely crippled al-Qaida and led to the death of Osama bin Laden, the architect of the Sept. 11 attacks. But an American withdrawal also risks many of the gains made in democracy, women’s rights and governance, while ensuring that the Taliban, who provided al-Qaida’s safe haven, remain strong and in control of large swaths of the country.

Biden has been hinting for weeks that he was going to let the May deadline lapse, and as the days went by it became clear that an orderly withdrawal of the roughly 2,500 remaining troops would be difficult and was unlikely. The administration official said the drawdown would begin by May 1.

Biden’s choice of the 9/11 date underscores the reason that American troops were in Afghanistan to begin with — to prevent extremist groups like al-Qaida from establishing a foothold again that could be used to launch attacks against the U.S.

The administration official said Biden decided that the withdrawal deadline had to be absolute, rather than based on conditions on the ground. “We’re committing today to going to zero” U.S. forces by Sept. 11, and possibly well before, the official said, adding that Biden concluded that a conditioned withdrawal would be “a recipe for staying in Afghanistan forever.”

Defense officials and commanders had argued against the May 1 deadline, saying the U.S. troop withdrawal should be based on security conditions in Afghanistan, including Taliban attacks and violence.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden will deliver remarks Wednesday “on the way forward in Afghanistan, including his plans and timeline for withdrawing U.S. troops.” She didn’t provide details, but said during a White House briefing that Biden “has been consistent in his view that there is not a military solution to Afghanistan, that we have been there for far too long.”

Psaki tweeted later Tuesday that Biden would also visit Arlington National Cemetery “to pay his respects to the brave men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan.”

Several U.S. officials confirmed Biden’s withdrawal decision to The Associated Press, and an administration official provided details to reporters on condition of anonymity, speaking ahead of the announcement.

According to the administration official, the only U.S. forces remaining in Afghanistan will be those needed to protect diplomats there. No exact number was provided, but American troop totals in Afghanistan have been understated by U.S. administrations for years. Officials have quietly acknowledged that there are hundreds more in Afghanistan than the official 2,500 number, and likely would include special operations forces conducting covert or counterterrorism missions, often working with intelligence agency personnel.

Biden’s new, extended timeline will allow a safe and orderly withdrawal of American troops in coordination with NATO allies, the administration official added.

The president’s decision, however, risks retaliation by the Taliban on U.S. and Afghan forces, possibly escalating the 20-year war. And it will reignite political division over America’s involvement in what many have called the endless war.

An intelligence community report issued Tuesday about global challenges for the next year said prospects for a peace deal in Afghanistan are “low” and warned that “the Taliban is likely to make gains on the battlefield. If the coalition withdraws support, the report says, the Afghan government will struggle to control the Taliban.

Congressional reaction to the new deadline was mixed.

“Precipitously withdrawing U.S. forces from Afghanistan is a grave mistake,” said Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. “It is retreat in the face of an enemy that has not yet been vanquished and abdication of American leadership.

Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, slammed it as a “reckless and dangerous decision.” He said any withdrawal should be conditions-based, adding that arbitrary deadlines could put troops in danger, create a breeding ground for terrorists and lead to civil war in Afghanistan.

Democrats were generally more supportive. Sen. Jack Reed, chairman of the Armed Services Committee, said Trump’s May 1 deadline limited Biden’s options. “We still have vital interests in protecting against terrorist attacks that could be emanating from that part of the world, but there are other areas, too, we have to be conscious of,” Reed said.

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said troops should come home, and the U.S. must refocus American national security on more pressing challenges.

But at least one senior Democrat expressed disappointment. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire said in a tweet that the U.S. “has sacrificed too much to bring stability to Afghanistan to leave w/o verifiable assurances of a secure future.”

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahed told The Associated Press that the religious militia is waiting for a formal announcement to issue its reaction. The Taliban previously warned the U.S. of “consequences” if it reneged on the May 1 deadline.

In a February 2020 agreement with the administration of President Donald Trump, the Taliban agreed to halt attacks and hold peace talks with the Afghan government, in exchange for a U.S. commitment to a complete withdrawal by May 2021.

Over the past year, U.S. military commanders and defense officials have said that attacks on U.S. troops have largely paused, but that Taliban attacks on the Afghans increased. Commanders have argued that the Taliban have failed to meet the conditions of the peace agreement by continuing attacks on the Afghans and failing to totally cut ties with al-Qaida and other extremist groups.

When Biden entered the White House in January, he was keenly aware of the looming deadline and had time to meet it if he had chosen to do so. He began a review of the February 2020 agreement shortly after taking office, and has been consulting at length with his defense advisers and allies.

In recent weeks, it became increasingly clear that he was leaning toward defying the deadline.

“It’s going to be hard to meet the May 1 deadline,” Biden said in March. “Just in terms of tactical reasons, it’s hard to get those troops out.” He added, “And if we leave, we’re going to do so in a safe and orderly way.”

___ Knickmeyer reported from Oklahoma City. Associated Press writers Kathy Gannon in Islamabad, Eric Tucker and broadcast correspondent Sagar Meghani contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618425650365.png" alt="“It is time to end America’s longest war,” Biden said, but he added that the U.S. will “not conduct a hasty rush to the exit.” -image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>“It is time to end America’s longest war,” Biden said, but he added that the U.S. will “not conduct a hasty rush to the exit.” -image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Wednesday he will withdraw remaining U.S. troops from Afghanistan, declaring that the Sept. 11 attacks “cannot explain” why American forces should still be there 20 years after the deadliest terror assault on the United States.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?510842-1/president-biden-time-bring-us-troops-home-afghanistan">Click here to watch</a> a replay of the President's commentsHis plan is to pull out all American forces — numbering 2,500 now — by this Sept. 11, the anniversary of the attacks, which were coordinated from Afghanistan.The U.S. cannot continue to pour resources into an intractable war and expect different results, Biden said.The drawdown would begin rather than conclude by May 1, which has been the deadline for full withdrawal under a peace agreement the Trump administration reached with the Taliban last year.“It is time to end America’s longest war,” Biden said, but he added that the U.S. will “not conduct a hasty rush to the exit.”“We cannot continue the cycle of extending or expanding our military presence in Afghanistan hoping to create the ideal conditions for our withdrawal, expecting a different result,” Biden said. “I am now the fourth United States president to preside over an American troop presence in Afghanistan. Two Republicans. Two Democrats. I will not pass this responsibility to a fifth.”The decision marks perhaps the most significant foreign policy decision for Biden in the early going of his presidency.He’s long been skeptical about the U.S. presence in Afghanistan. As Barack Obama’s vice president, Biden was a lonely voice in the administration who advised the 44th president to tilt towards a smaller counterterrorism role in the country while military advisers were urging a troop buildup to counter Taliban gains. Biden has also made clear he wants to recalibrate U.S. foreign policy to face bigger challenges posed by China and Russia.Withdrawing all U.S. troops comes with clear risks. It could boost the Taliban’s effort to claw back power and undo gains toward democracy and women’s rights made over the past two decades. It also opens Biden to criticism, mostly Republicans and some Democrats, even though former President Donald Trump had also wanted a full withdrawal.“This administration has decided to abandon U.S. efforts in Afghanistan which have helped keep radical Islamic terrorism in check,” said Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell. “And bizarrely, they have decided to do so by September 11th.”While Biden’s decision keeps U.S. forces in Afghanistan four months longer than initially planned, it sets a firm end to two decades of war that killed more than 2,200 U.S. troops, wounded 20,000, and cost as much as $1 trillion.Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani said he spoke on Wednesday with Biden ahead of the U.S. president’s speech.“The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan respects the U.S. decision, and we will work with our U.S. partners to ensure a smooth transition,” Ghani said in a Twitter posting.Biden consulted with allies, military leaders, lawmakers and Vice President Kamala Harris to help make his decision. White House press secretary Jen Psaki added that Biden also spoke to “some of his predecessors” in the White House and administration officials contacted 44 officials from other countries, NATO, the European Union and United Nations in recent days.He is emphasizing that his administration will continue to support peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban and assist international efforts to train the Afghan military.After his speech, Biden was to visit Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery to honor those who died in recent American conflicts.CIA Director William Burns acknowledged at a hearing Wednesday that America’s ability to contain the terrorist threat from Afghanistan has benefited from the military presence there, and that when that presence is withdrawn, “the U.S. government’s ability to collect and act on threats will diminish.”“That’s simply a fact,” Burns said. “It is also a fact, however, that after withdrawal, whenever that time comes, the CIA and all of our partners in the U.S. government will retain a suite of capabilities, some of it remaining in place, some of them that we will generate, that can help us to anticipate and contest any rebuilding effort.”A senior administration official said the September withdrawal date was an absolute deadline that won’t be affected by security conditions in Afghanistan.The long conflict has largely crippled al-Qaida and led to the death of Osama bin Laden, the architect of the Sept. 11 attacks. But an American withdrawal also risks many of the gains made in democracy, women’s rights and governance, while ensuring that the Taliban, who provided al-Qaida’s haven, remain strong and in control of large swaths of the country.As Biden announced his decision, his top national security aides were consulting on Wednesday in Brussels to coordinate the alliance’s withdrawal from Afghanistan with the planned pullout of American troops.Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin were meeting senior officials from the alliance’s 30 members to discuss NATO’s future presence in Afghanistan in light of the announcement of the U.S. withdrawal that Biden was to make later in the day.Blinken said that he expected the allies to withdraw together but maintained that neither the U.S. nor NATO would abandon the country despite the impending pullout. There are roughly 7,000 NATO forces still in Afghanistan in addition to the remaining 2,500 U.S. troops.“Together, we went into Afghanistan to deal with those who attacked us and to make sure that Afghanistan would not again become a haven for terrorists who might attack any of us,” Blinken said.---------WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will withdraw all U.S. troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America that were coordinated from that country, several U.S. officials said Tuesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618363361783.png" alt="President Biden during a memorial service for Capitol Police Officer William “Billy” Evans on Tuesday.&nbsp; The President has been hinting for weeks that he was going to let the May deadline to bring troops home lapse.-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden during a memorial service for Capitol Police Officer William “Billy” Evans on Tuesday.&nbsp; The President has been hinting for weeks that he was going to let the May deadline to bring troops home lapse.-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>The decision defies a May 1 deadline for full withdrawal under a peace agreement the Trump administration reached with the Taliban last year, but leaves no room for additional extensions. A senior administration official called the September date an absolute deadline that won’t be affected by security conditions in the country.While Biden’s decision keeps U.S. troops in Afghanistan four months longer than initially planned, it sets a firm end to two decades of war that killed more than 2,200 U.S. troops, wounded 20,000, and cost as much as $1 trillion. The conflict largely crippled al-Qaida and led to the death of Osama bin Laden, the architect of the Sept. 11 attacks. But an American withdrawal also risks many of the gains made in democracy, women’s rights and governance, while ensuring that the Taliban, who provided al-Qaida’s safe haven, remain strong and in control of large swaths of the country.Biden has been hinting for weeks that he was going to let the May deadline lapse, and as the days went by it became clear that an orderly withdrawal of the roughly 2,500 remaining troops would be difficult and was unlikely. The administration official said the drawdown would begin by May 1.Biden’s choice of the 9/11 date underscores the reason that American troops were in Afghanistan to begin with — to prevent extremist groups like al-Qaida from establishing a foothold again that could be used to launch attacks against the U.S.The administration official said Biden decided that the withdrawal deadline had to be absolute, rather than based on conditions on the ground. “We’re committing today to going to zero” U.S. forces by Sept. 11, and possibly well before, the official said, adding that Biden concluded that a conditioned withdrawal would be “a recipe for staying in Afghanistan forever.”Defense officials and commanders had argued against the May 1 deadline, saying the U.S. troop withdrawal should be based on security conditions in Afghanistan, including Taliban attacks and violence.White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden will deliver remarks Wednesday “on the way forward in Afghanistan, including his plans and timeline for withdrawing U.S. troops.” She didn’t provide details, but said during a White House briefing that Biden “has been consistent in his view that there is not a military solution to Afghanistan, that we have been there for far too long.”Psaki tweeted later Tuesday that Biden would also visit Arlington National Cemetery “to pay his respects to the brave men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan.”Several U.S. officials confirmed Biden’s withdrawal decision to The Associated Press, and an administration official provided details to reporters on condition of anonymity, speaking ahead of the announcement.According to the administration official, the only U.S. forces remaining in Afghanistan will be those needed to protect diplomats there. No exact number was provided, but American troop totals in Afghanistan have been understated by U.S. administrations for years. Officials have quietly acknowledged that there are hundreds more in Afghanistan than the official 2,500 number, and likely would include special operations forces conducting covert or counterterrorism missions, often working with intelligence agency personnel.Biden’s new, extended timeline will allow a safe and orderly withdrawal of American troops in coordination with NATO allies, the administration official added.The president’s decision, however, risks retaliation by the Taliban on U.S. and Afghan forces, possibly escalating the 20-year war. And it will reignite political division over America’s involvement in what many have called the endless war.An intelligence community report issued Tuesday about global challenges for the next year said prospects for a peace deal in Afghanistan are “low” and warned that “the Taliban is likely to make gains on the battlefield. If the coalition withdraws support, the report says, the Afghan government will struggle to control the Taliban.Congressional reaction to the new deadline was mixed.“Precipitously withdrawing U.S. forces from Afghanistan is a grave mistake,” said Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. “It is retreat in the face of an enemy that has not yet been vanquished and abdication of American leadership.Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, slammed it as a “reckless and dangerous decision.” He said any withdrawal should be conditions-based, adding that arbitrary deadlines could put troops in danger, create a breeding ground for terrorists and lead to civil war in Afghanistan.Democrats were generally more supportive. Sen. Jack Reed, chairman of the Armed Services Committee, said Trump’s May 1 deadline limited Biden’s options. “We still have vital interests in protecting against terrorist attacks that could be emanating from that part of the world, but there are other areas, too, we have to be conscious of,” Reed said.Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said troops should come home, and the U.S. must refocus American national security on more pressing challenges.But at least one senior Democrat expressed disappointment. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire said in a tweet that the U.S. “has sacrificed too much to bring stability to Afghanistan to leave w/o verifiable assurances of a secure future.”Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahed told The Associated Press that the religious militia is waiting for a formal announcement to issue its reaction. The Taliban previously warned the U.S. of “consequences” if it reneged on the May 1 deadline.In a February 2020 agreement with the administration of President Donald Trump, the Taliban agreed to halt attacks and hold peace talks with the Afghan government, in exchange for a U.S. commitment to a complete withdrawal by May 2021.Over the past year, U.S. military commanders and defense officials have said that attacks on U.S. troops have largely paused, but that Taliban attacks on the Afghans increased. Commanders have argued that the Taliban have failed to meet the conditions of the peace agreement by continuing attacks on the Afghans and failing to totally cut ties with al-Qaida and other extremist groups.When Biden entered the White House in January, he was keenly aware of the looming deadline and had time to meet it if he had chosen to do so. He began a review of the February 2020 agreement shortly after taking office, and has been consulting at length with his defense advisers and allies.In recent weeks, it became increasingly clear that he was leaning toward defying the deadline.“It’s going to be hard to meet the May 1 deadline,” Biden said in March. “Just in terms of tactical reasons, it’s hard to get those troops out.” He added, “And if we leave, we’re going to do so in a safe and orderly way.”___ Knickmeyer reported from Oklahoma City. Associated Press writers Kathy Gannon in Islamabad, Eric Tucker and broadcast correspondent Sagar Meghani contributed to this report.

🎥 Pres. Biden to pull troops from Afghanistan, end longest US war

SHERIDAN, Wyo. (AP) — A judge has sentenced a Wyoming man to life in prison after he pleaded guilty in February to killing three family members in March 2020. 

The Sheridan Press reported Tuesday that Judge John Fenn sentenced 55-year-old Dana Beartusk to three consecutive sentences of 45 years to life in prison after he was convicted of second-degree murder. 

Beartusk told Fenn in February that he was intoxicated when he killed them. 

Defense attorney Marty Scott argued in court that Beartusk was too drunk to remember what happened. 

Beartusk said he doesn’t know why he committed the murders.

SHERIDAN, Wyo. (AP) — A judge has sentenced a Wyoming man to life in prison after he pleaded guilty in February to killing three family members in March 2020. The Sheridan Press reported Tuesday that Judge John Fenn sentenced 55-year-old Dana Beartusk to three consecutive sentences of 45 years to life in prison after he was convicted of second-degree murder. Beartusk told Fenn in February that he was intoxicated when he killed them. Defense attorney Marty Scott argued in court that Beartusk was too drunk to remember what happened. Beartusk said he doesn’t know why he committed the murders.

Wyoming man sentenced to life in prison after killing 3

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Department of Public Safety says 141 people died in traffic crashes in 2020, increasing 38% from a year earlier. 

The number of crashes in which the fatalities occurred was 132 last year according to statistics released by the department Wednesday. 

In 2019, 102 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes, the lowest in state history since records have been kept beginning in 1947. 

The number of fatal crashes in 2019 was 88, also a record low. 

DPS Secretary Craig Price says the 2020 total is the state’s highest since 2007. He says the department plans to increase its safety and enforcement efforts.

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Department of Public Safety says 141 people died in traffic crashes in 2020, increasing 38% from a year earlier. The number of crashes in which the fatalities occurred was 132 last year according to statistics released by the department Wednesday. In 2019, 102 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes, the lowest in state history since records have been kept beginning in 1947. The number of fatal crashes in 2019 was 88, also a record low. DPS Secretary Craig Price says the 2020 total is the state’s highest since 2007. He says the department plans to increase its safety and enforcement efforts.

Deaths in vehicle crashes up 38% in South Dakota last year

News Release Nebraska Game and Parks

LINCOLN, Neb. — Genetic testing results recently confirmed a large canine killed January 28, 2021, near Ueling, was a gray wolf.

The female wolf had been legally shot by coyote hunters, who contacted the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Genetic testing showed the animal originated from a population of wolves found in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.

“This is the third confirmed instance of wolf presence in Nebraska since the early 1900's," said Sam Wilson, Game and Parks Furbearer and Carnivore program manager. “Wolves can disperse great distances from their nearest populations in the northern Rocky Mountains or Upper Great Lakes. While we don’t have any evidence of resident wolves or reproduction in Nebraska, we can expect young wolves in search of new territory to cover long distances and make it to Nebraska from time to time.”

The first modern confirmation of a wolf occurred near Spaulding in 2002. The second occurred south of Bassett in 2020. All three confirmed wolves in modern times were genetically linked to the population in the upper Great Lakes.

For more information about wolves, their history and range, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTQuMzg3NTE4OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9ncmF5d29sZi8ifQ.eaEhZIZBgESsUlWHVGkR_jHkDKXvUzqzNgpUl0ox8sA/s/1372948182/br/102037608269-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/graywolf</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618417315344.png" alt="Photo: Gary Kramer-USFWS" />
 <figcaption>Photo: Gary Kramer-USFWS</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Nebraska Game and ParksLINCOLN, Neb. — Genetic testing results recently confirmed a large canine killed January 28, 2021, near Ueling, was a gray wolf.The female wolf had been legally shot by coyote hunters, who contacted the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Genetic testing showed the animal originated from a population of wolves found in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.“This is the third confirmed instance of wolf presence in Nebraska since the early 1900's," said Sam Wilson, Game and Parks Furbearer and Carnivore program manager. “Wolves can disperse great distances from their nearest populations in the northern Rocky Mountains or Upper Great Lakes. While we don’t have any evidence of resident wolves or reproduction in Nebraska, we can expect young wolves in search of new territory to cover long distances and make it to Nebraska from time to time.”The first modern confirmation of a wolf occurred near Spaulding in 2002. The second occurred south of Bassett in 2020. All three confirmed wolves in modern times were genetically linked to the population in the upper Great Lakes.For more information about wolves, their history and range, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTQuMzg3NTE4OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9ncmF5d29sZi8ifQ.eaEhZIZBgESsUlWHVGkR_jHkDKXvUzqzNgpUl0ox8sA/s/1372948182/br/102037608269-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/graywolf</a>.

Game and Parks: Gray wolf confirmed in Nebraska

(AP)-A pushback against new voting bills and laws in numerous states is gaining momentum with dozens of the nation’s largest corporations and business leaders signing a new statement objecting to “any discriminatory legislation.” 

Signatories to the letter, published Wednesday in The New York Times, include Amazon, American Airlines, Bank of America, Google and Best Buy, as well as hundreds of business and civic leaders such as Warren Buffett and Michael Bloomberg. 

More than 350 different voting bills are under consideration in dozens of states. On Tuesday Arkansas was among the latest to approve changes to its election laws, including restrictions on outside polling places and on absentee ballots.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1562016004593.png" alt="Warren Buffett" />
 <figcaption>Warren Buffett</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE CHAPMAN&nbsp;&nbsp;(AP)-A pushback against new voting bills and laws in numerous states is gaining momentum with dozens of the nation’s largest corporations and business leaders signing a new statement objecting to “any discriminatory legislation.” Signatories to the letter, published Wednesday in The New York Times, include Amazon, American Airlines, Bank of America, Google and Best Buy, as well as hundreds of business and civic leaders such as Warren Buffett and Michael Bloomberg. More than 350 different voting bills are under consideration in dozens of states. On Tuesday Arkansas was among the latest to approve changes to its election laws, including restrictions on outside polling places and on absentee ballots.

Pushback against restrictive voting measures gains momentum

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Anyone who has ever negotiated the line of vehicles at a school drop-off zone knows how frustrating the daily process can be. But police in Kansas City, Kansas, say one mom took matters too far when she used a gun to threaten another mother in a school drop-off line.

The incident happened Tuesday morning at Junction Elementary School, television station KSHB&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/crime/woman-arrested-after-incident-with-gun-at-junction-elementary-school" target="_blank">reported</a>. Police say in reports that a mother was dropping off her children in the line when another car sped around hers. As the line was stopped, the mother got out of her car and confronted the other driver — a woman who also was dropping off students.

That’s when the woman who was confronted displayed a handgun and made threatening statements to the first mother, police said. School officials reported the incident to police, and officers arrested the woman who displayed the gun a short time later.

The woman is being held at the Wyandotte County Detention Center for two days as prosecutors decide what charges she might face, officials said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618416103206.png" alt="The woman is being held at the Wyandotte County Detention Center after the incident at Junction Elementary google image" />
 <figcaption>The woman is being held at the Wyandotte County Detention Center after the incident at Junction Elementary google image</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Anyone who has ever negotiated the line of vehicles at a school drop-off zone knows how frustrating the daily process can be. But police in Kansas City, Kansas, say one mom took matters too far when she used a gun to threaten another mother in a school drop-off line.The incident happened Tuesday morning at Junction Elementary School, television station KSHB&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/crime/woman-arrested-after-incident-with-gun-at-junction-elementary-school" target="_blank">reported</a>. Police say in reports that a mother was dropping off her children in the line when another car sped around hers. As the line was stopped, the mother got out of her car and confronted the other driver — a woman who also was dropping off students.That’s when the woman who was confronted displayed a handgun and made threatening statements to the first mother, police said. School officials reported the incident to police, and officers arrested the woman who displayed the gun a short time later.The woman is being held at the Wyandotte County Detention Center for two days as prosecutors decide what charges she might face, officials said.

Police: Mom threatens another with gun at Kan. school drop-off

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Law enforcement officials are hoping a $15,000 reward will lead to a crack in the 1992 slaying of a Yankton teenager. 

Yankton police Cmdr. Todd Brandt says he is hoping “someone who knows something is ready to do the right thing.” 

Nineteen-year-old Tammy Haas disappeared after attending Yankton’s homecoming and then going to a party on a farm just across the Nebraska border. Her case is among South Dakota’s most notorious unsolved mysteries. 

Haas’ body was found by a golfer in Cedar County, Nebraska at the bottom of a ravine. 

In 1996, Haas’ boyfriend Eric Stukel was tried and acquitted of manslaughter in her death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618407894608.png" alt="Tammy Haas (Photo: Yankton PD)" />
 <figcaption>Tammy Haas (Photo: Yankton PD)</figcaption>
 </figure>SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Law enforcement officials are hoping a $15,000 reward will lead to a crack in the 1992 slaying of a Yankton teenager. Yankton police Cmdr. Todd Brandt says he is hoping “someone who knows something is ready to do the right thing.” Nineteen-year-old Tammy Haas disappeared after attending Yankton’s homecoming and then going to a party on a farm just across the Nebraska border. Her case is among South Dakota’s most notorious unsolved mysteries. Haas’ body was found by a golfer in Cedar County, Nebraska at the bottom of a ravine. In 1996, Haas’ boyfriend Eric Stukel was tried and acquitted of manslaughter in her death.