By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-03-28/derby-district-opts-to-keep-the-bible-in-classrooms-and-libraries">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA, Kansas — A Derby school district committee decided 
not to remove the Bible from libraries or classrooms despite a challenge
 that the book contains mature themes.

Cheryl Bannon, a former 
member of the Derby City Council, asked the district’s library committee
 to review the Bible after the group decided to <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-03-08/derby-district-removes-novel-from-class-materials-and-middle-school-library-after-anonymous-complaint" target="_blank">remove an award-winning young-adult novel</a> from its list of approved classroom materials.

Bannon
 said she filed her challenge to illustrate the consequences of 
censorship. The Bible is used as a textbook in Derby High School’s 
“Bible as Literature” course, a one-semester elective.

Pointing to
 verses about murder, masturbation, genocide, incest and other mature 
topics, Bannon argued that the religious text is just as provocative as 
some contemporary works.

Derby’s library committee removed Sherman Alexie’s <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/693208.The_Absolutely_True_Diary_of_a_Part_Time_Indian" target="_blank">“The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian”</a>
 from classrooms and middle-school libraries in February, citing 
profanity, sexual themes and slurs related to mental disabilities.

The 12-member <a href="https://www.derbyschools.com/news/what_s_new/library_committee" target="_blank">library committee</a>
 met for nearly two hours last week and opted not to remove the Biblical
 literature elective or its materials. Officials said various editions 
of the Bible also have been donated to school libraries and remain on 
shelves.

Ed Belsan, who teaches the Bible course and serves on the
 library committee, said the class focuses on the influence of the Bible
 as one of the foundational writings of Western literature. Similarly, 
students in other courses learn about Greek and Roman mythology.

“If
 nothing else, they get exposed to a great book that far too many people
 have very strong opinions about and have never read,” Belsan said. 
“That’s true of so many banned books.”

Belsan said his students 
are assigned to read only 149 of the Bible’s more than 1,100 chapters. 
The course includes some violent passages, such as the story of Cain and
 Abel. He said the majority of verses cited in Bannon’s challenge aren’t
 covered in the course.

“I don’t want to give the impression that there’s nothing controversial in there. That would be a misrepresentation,” he said.

“Even
 ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is controversial because of the suicide. But what I 
tell the kids on Day One is, ‘Don’t follow these guys. They’re a 
terrible example.’ The story is about families and conflict.”

Committee member Kristin Sen said removing the Alexie novel may have been a mistake because lots of books have mature content.

“It
 seems like one person initiated this whole process, and now here we 
are,” she said. “And … it’s a slidey slope. Where does it end?”

Sen,
 who also serves on the Derby Public Library’s board of trustees, said 
the committee should be consistent when reviewing books and should keep 
the whole district in mind.

“We’re kind of heavily leaning on the 
parent that’s objecting, but we’re not thinking about the group of 
parents that are saying, ‘No. … This is a good book and needs to be 
taught in a classroom setting,’” she said. “There are parents who want 
their child to go out in the world with this experience and this 
education.”

Holly Putnam-Jackson, assistant superintendent of 
curriculum, told the committee that the district’s legal team had 
cautioned against labeling books as explicit or asking parents to 
pre-approve them.

District policy allows parents to opt their 
child out of any book or lesson they find objectionable. In such cases, 
students are given an alternate assignment.

Bannon, who submitted the challenge, said she doesn’t plan to appeal the decision.

“I
 just wanted the parents and board members and faculty who make these 
decisions to see that mature themes run through lots of books, including
 the Bible,” she said.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648650614739.png" alt="KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-03-28/derby-district-opts-to-keep-the-bible-in-classrooms-and-libraries">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA, Kansas — A Derby school district committee decided 
not to remove the Bible from libraries or classrooms despite a challenge
 that the book contains mature themes.Cheryl Bannon, a former 
member of the Derby City Council, asked the district’s library committee
 to review the Bible after the group decided to <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-03-08/derby-district-removes-novel-from-class-materials-and-middle-school-library-after-anonymous-complaint" target="_blank">remove an award-winning young-adult novel</a> from its list of approved classroom materials.Bannon
 said she filed her challenge to illustrate the consequences of 
censorship. The Bible is used as a textbook in Derby High School’s 
“Bible as Literature” course, a one-semester elective.Pointing to
 verses about murder, masturbation, genocide, incest and other mature 
topics, Bannon argued that the religious text is just as provocative as 
some contemporary works.Derby’s library committee removed Sherman Alexie’s <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/693208.The_Absolutely_True_Diary_of_a_Part_Time_Indian" target="_blank">“The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian”</a>
 from classrooms and middle-school libraries in February, citing 
profanity, sexual themes and slurs related to mental disabilities.The 12-member <a href="https://www.derbyschools.com/news/what_s_new/library_committee" target="_blank">library committee</a>
 met for nearly two hours last week and opted not to remove the Biblical
 literature elective or its materials. Officials said various editions 
of the Bible also have been donated to school libraries and remain on 
shelves.Ed Belsan, who teaches the Bible course and serves on the
 library committee, said the class focuses on the influence of the Bible
 as one of the foundational writings of Western literature. Similarly, 
students in other courses learn about Greek and Roman mythology.“If
 nothing else, they get exposed to a great book that far too many people
 have very strong opinions about and have never read,” Belsan said. 
“That’s true of so many banned books.”Belsan said his students 
are assigned to read only 149 of the Bible’s more than 1,100 chapters. 
The course includes some violent passages, such as the story of Cain and
 Abel. He said the majority of verses cited in Bannon’s challenge aren’t
 covered in the course.“I don’t want to give the impression that there’s nothing controversial in there. That would be a misrepresentation,” he said.“Even
 ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is controversial because of the suicide. But what I 
tell the kids on Day One is, ‘Don’t follow these guys. They’re a 
terrible example.’ The story is about families and conflict.”Committee member Kristin Sen said removing the Alexie novel may have been a mistake because lots of books have mature content.“It
 seems like one person initiated this whole process, and now here we 
are,” she said. “And … it’s a slidey slope. Where does it end?”Sen,
 who also serves on the Derby Public Library’s board of trustees, said 
the committee should be consistent when reviewing books and should keep 
the whole district in mind.“We’re kind of heavily leaning on the 
parent that’s objecting, but we’re not thinking about the group of 
parents that are saying, ‘No. … This is a good book and needs to be 
taught in a classroom setting,’” she said. “There are parents who want 
their child to go out in the world with this experience and this 
education.”Holly Putnam-Jackson, assistant superintendent of 
curriculum, told the committee that the district’s legal team had 
cautioned against labeling books as explicit or asking parents to 
pre-approve them.District policy allows parents to opt their 
child out of any book or lesson they find objectionable. In such cases, 
students are given an alternate assignment.Bannon, who submitted the challenge, said she doesn’t plan to appeal the decision.“I
 just wanted the parents and board members and faculty who make these 
decisions to see that mature themes run through lots of books, including
 the Bible,” she said.Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.

Despite challenge, Kan. school district won't remove Bible from libraries, classrooms

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The moment nurse RaDonda Vaught realized she had given a patient the wrong medication, she rushed to the doctors working to revive 75-year-old Charlene Murphey and told them what she had done. Within hours, she made a full report of her mistake to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Murphey died the next day, on Dec. 27, 2017. On Friday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-homicide-tennessee-208900696fba7ec95b00b37ac1989dfb">a jury found Vaught guilty</a>&nbsp;of criminally negligent homicide and gross neglect.

That verdict — and the fact that Vaught was charged at all — worries patient safety and nursing groups that have worked for years to move hospital culture away from cover-ups, blame and punishment, and toward the honest reporting of mistakes.

The move to a “Just Culture” seeks to improve safety by analyzing human errors and making systemic changes to prevent their recurrence. And that can’t happen if providers think they could go to prison, they say.

“The criminalization of medical errors is unnerving, and this verdict sets into motion a dangerous precedent,” the American Nurses Association said. “Health care delivery is highly complex. It is inevitable that mistakes will happen. ... It is completely unrealistic to think otherwise.”

Just Culture has been widely adopted in hospitals since a 1999 report by the National Academy of Medicine estimated at least 98,000 people may die each year due to medical errors.

But such bad outcomes remain stubbornly common, with too many hospital staffers convinced that owning up to mistakes will expose them to punishment, according to a 2018 study published in the American Journal of Medical Quality.

More than 46,000 death certificates listed complications of medical and surgical care — a category that includes medical errors — among the causes of death in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.

“Best estimates are 7,000-10,000 fatal medication errors a year. Are we going to lock them up? Who is going to replace them?” said Bruce Lambert, patient safety expert and director of the Center for Communication and Health at Northwestern University.

“If you think RaDonda Vaught is criminally negligent, you just don’t know how health care works,” Lambert said.

Murphey was admitted to the neurological intensive care unit on Dec. 24, 2017, after suffering from a brain bleed. Two days later, doctors ordered a PET scan. Murphey was claustrophobic and was prescribed Versed for her anxiety, according to testimony. When Vaught could not find Versed in an automatic drug dispensing cabinet, she used an override and accidentally grabbed the paralyzing drug vecuronium instead.

Such mistakes often end up in malpractice lawsuits, but criminal prosecutions are rare. After Vaught was charged in 2019, the Institute for Safe Medical Practices issued a statement saying it had “worrisome implications for safety.”

“In an era when we need more transparency, cover-ups will reign due to fear,” the statement read. “Even if errors are reported, effective event investigation and learning cannot occur in a culture of fear or blame.”

Many nurses are “already at their breaking point ... after a physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting two years caring for patients with COVID,” said Liz Stokes, director of the American Nurses Association’s Center for Ethics and Human Rights. Vaught’s prosecution gives them one more reason to quit, she said.

“This could be me. I’m an RN as well,” she said. “This could be any of us.”

Vaught was steeped in the idea of Just Culture and says she has “zero regrets” about telling the truth, but her candor was used against her at trial. Assistant District Attorney Brittani Flatt quoted from her interview with a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agent in closing arguments: “I definitely should have paid more attention. I should have called the pharmacy. I shouldn’t have overridden, because it wasn’t an emergency.”

It is easy to judge Vaught’s actions in retrospect, Lambert said, but overrides and workarounds are an extremely common part of healthcare, he said: “This is typical, not aberrant or bizarre, behavior.”

Meanwhile, Vaught’s honesty about her mistake has already brought about safety improvements, and not just at Vanderbilt. Because vecuronium should only be used on patients who have a breathing tube inserted, some hospitals have moved it and other paralytic drugs out of automatic dispensing cabinets.

“At my hospital, they’ve changed their policy and put paralytics into a rapid intubation kit because of this,” said Janie Harvey Garner, who founded the nurse advocacy organization Show Me Your Stethoscope. She said that because Vaught owned up to the mistake, Murphey’s death “has probably saved lives.”

While Murphey’s death may serve as a cautionary tale for other nurses, Vaught, now awaiting a sentence of up to eight years, told The Associated Press in an interview that she thinks about her patient every day.

Vaught, 37, discovered that she and Murphey lived in the same small community of Bethpage, about an hour northeast of Nashville, and that she and members of Murphey’s family have mutual friends. It would only be a matter of time before she met one of them in person.

“I’ve imagined so many times how I would feel if this were my grandma, my family member, my husband,” she said.

Recently, while buying farm supplies, she was talking with the young man behind the counter when he recognized her, and told her he was Murphey’s grandson. Instead of reproaching her, he ended up comforting her and patting her on the shoulder, she said.

“He was so kind. He was so incredibly kind,” Vaught said. “I took his grandma away, and he just kept telling me to take care of myself. There are good people in this world.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642602653897.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ASSOCIATED PRESSNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The moment nurse RaDonda Vaught realized she had given a patient the wrong medication, she rushed to the doctors working to revive 75-year-old Charlene Murphey and told them what she had done. Within hours, she made a full report of her mistake to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.Murphey died the next day, on Dec. 27, 2017. On Friday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-homicide-tennessee-208900696fba7ec95b00b37ac1989dfb">a jury found Vaught guilty</a>&nbsp;of criminally negligent homicide and gross neglect.That verdict — and the fact that Vaught was charged at all — worries patient safety and nursing groups that have worked for years to move hospital culture away from cover-ups, blame and punishment, and toward the honest reporting of mistakes.The move to a “Just Culture” seeks to improve safety by analyzing human errors and making systemic changes to prevent their recurrence. And that can’t happen if providers think they could go to prison, they say.“The criminalization of medical errors is unnerving, and this verdict sets into motion a dangerous precedent,” the American Nurses Association said. “Health care delivery is highly complex. It is inevitable that mistakes will happen. ... It is completely unrealistic to think otherwise.”Just Culture has been widely adopted in hospitals since a 1999 report by the National Academy of Medicine estimated at least 98,000 people may die each year due to medical errors.But such bad outcomes remain stubbornly common, with too many hospital staffers convinced that owning up to mistakes will expose them to punishment, according to a 2018 study published in the American Journal of Medical Quality.More than 46,000 death certificates listed complications of medical and surgical care — a category that includes medical errors — among the causes of death in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.“Best estimates are 7,000-10,000 fatal medication errors a year. Are we going to lock them up? Who is going to replace them?” said Bruce Lambert, patient safety expert and director of the Center for Communication and Health at Northwestern University.“If you think RaDonda Vaught is criminally negligent, you just don’t know how health care works,” Lambert said.Murphey was admitted to the neurological intensive care unit on Dec. 24, 2017, after suffering from a brain bleed. Two days later, doctors ordered a PET scan. Murphey was claustrophobic and was prescribed Versed for her anxiety, according to testimony. When Vaught could not find Versed in an automatic drug dispensing cabinet, she used an override and accidentally grabbed the paralyzing drug vecuronium instead.Such mistakes often end up in malpractice lawsuits, but criminal prosecutions are rare. After Vaught was charged in 2019, the Institute for Safe Medical Practices issued a statement saying it had “worrisome implications for safety.”“In an era when we need more transparency, cover-ups will reign due to fear,” the statement read. “Even if errors are reported, effective event investigation and learning cannot occur in a culture of fear or blame.”Many nurses are “already at their breaking point ... after a physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting two years caring for patients with COVID,” said Liz Stokes, director of the American Nurses Association’s Center for Ethics and Human Rights. Vaught’s prosecution gives them one more reason to quit, she said.“This could be me. I’m an RN as well,” she said. “This could be any of us.”Vaught was steeped in the idea of Just Culture and says she has “zero regrets” about telling the truth, but her candor was used against her at trial. Assistant District Attorney Brittani Flatt quoted from her interview with a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agent in closing arguments: “I definitely should have paid more attention. I should have called the pharmacy. I shouldn’t have overridden, because it wasn’t an emergency.”It is easy to judge Vaught’s actions in retrospect, Lambert said, but overrides and workarounds are an extremely common part of healthcare, he said: “This is typical, not aberrant or bizarre, behavior.”Meanwhile, Vaught’s honesty about her mistake has already brought about safety improvements, and not just at Vanderbilt. Because vecuronium should only be used on patients who have a breathing tube inserted, some hospitals have moved it and other paralytic drugs out of automatic dispensing cabinets.“At my hospital, they’ve changed their policy and put paralytics into a rapid intubation kit because of this,” said Janie Harvey Garner, who founded the nurse advocacy organization Show Me Your Stethoscope. She said that because Vaught owned up to the mistake, Murphey’s death “has probably saved lives.”While Murphey’s death may serve as a cautionary tale for other nurses, Vaught, now awaiting a sentence of up to eight years, told The Associated Press in an interview that she thinks about her patient every day.Vaught, 37, discovered that she and Murphey lived in the same small community of Bethpage, about an hour northeast of Nashville, and that she and members of Murphey’s family have mutual friends. It would only be a matter of time before she met one of them in person.“I’ve imagined so many times how I would feel if this were my grandma, my family member, my husband,” she said.Recently, while buying farm supplies, she was talking with the young man behind the counter when he recognized her, and told her he was Murphey’s grandson. Instead of reproaching her, he ended up comforting her and patting her on the shoulder, she said.“He was so kind. He was so incredibly kind,” Vaught said. “I took his grandma away, and he just kept telling me to take care of myself. There are good people in this world.”

Nurses: Guilty verdict for dosing mistake could cost lives

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A preliminary report on an Oklahoma plane crash that killed three Nebraskans says the aircraft was “near vertical” when in struck the ground.

 A preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board released Tuesday says a witness account and an examination of the crash scene indicate the plane crashed nose down on March 17. 

Authorities say those killed in the crash near Pond Creek, about 80 miles northwest of Oklahoma City were 58-year-old pilot William Lauber and his wife, 58-year-old Christine Lauber, both of Milford, Nebraska, and their 21-year-old daughter, Regan Lauber, of Lincoln, Nebraska.

By Associated PressOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A preliminary report on an Oklahoma plane crash that killed three Nebraskans says the aircraft was “near vertical” when in struck the ground. A preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board released Tuesday says a witness account and an examination of the crash scene indicate the plane crashed nose down on March 17. Authorities say those killed in the crash near Pond Creek, about 80 miles northwest of Oklahoma City were 58-year-old pilot William Lauber and his wife, 58-year-old Christine Lauber, both of Milford, Nebraska, and their 21-year-old daughter, Regan Lauber, of Lincoln, Nebraska.

Plane crashed in Oklahoma, killing 3, was 'near vertical'

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that if 
they're unable to file their tax return by this year's April 18 
deadline, there's an easy, online option to get more time to complete 
their return.

Taxpayers who need more time to complete their return can request an 
automatic six-month extension to file. An extension allows for extra 
time to gather, prepare and file paperwork with the IRS; however, 
taxpayers should be aware that:

Individual tax filers, regardless of income, can use IRS Free File to
 electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension. The fastest 
and easiest way to get an extension is through <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a> on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can electronically request an extension on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4868.pdf">Form 4868</a>&nbsp;PDF.
 Filing this form gives taxpayers until October 17 to file their tax 
return. To get the extension, taxpayers must estimate their tax 
liability on this form and should timely pay any amount due.

Other fast, free and easy ways to get an extension include using IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System</a> or by paying with a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-taxes-by-credit-or-debit-card">credit or debit card or digital wallet</a>.
 There's no need to file a separate Form 4868 extension request when 
making an electronic payment and indicating it's for an extension. The 
IRS will automatically count it as an extension.

The IRS reminds taxpayers that a request for an extension provides extra time to file a tax return, but not extra time to pay any
 taxes owed. Payments are still due by the original deadline. Taxpayers 
should file even if they can't pay the full amount. By filing either a 
return on time or requesting an extension by the April 18 filing 
deadline, they'll avoid the late-filing penalty, which can be 10 times 
as costly as the penalty for not paying.

Taxpayers who pay as much as they can by the due date, reduce the 
overall amount subject to penalty and interest charges. The interest 
rate is currently four percent per year, compounded daily. The 
late-filing penalty is generally five percent per month and the 
late-payment penalty is normally 0.5 percent per month.

The IRS will work with taxpayers who cannot pay the full amount of 
tax they owe. Other options to pay, such as getting a loan or paying by 
credit card, may help resolve a tax debt. Most people can set up a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application">payment plan</a> on IRS.gov to pay off their balance over time.

Certain eligible taxpayers get more time to file without having to ask for extensions. These include:

The deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or an extension to file 
and pay tax owed this year falls on April 18, instead of April 15, 
because of the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia. 
Taxpayers in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 19, 2022, to file 
their returns due to the Patriots' Day holiday in those states.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that if 
they're unable to file their tax return by this year's April 18 
deadline, there's an easy, online option to get more time to complete 
their return.Taxpayers who need more time to complete their return can request an 
automatic six-month extension to file. An extension allows for extra 
time to gather, prepare and file paperwork with the IRS; however, 
taxpayers should be aware that:<ul>
 <li>An extension to file their return doesn't grant them an extension to pay their taxes,</li><li>They should estimate and pay any owed taxes by their regular deadline to help avoid possible penalties and</li><li>They must file their extension no later than the regular due date of their return.</li>
 </ul><h2>E-file an extension form for free</h2>Individual tax filers, regardless of income, can use IRS Free File to
 electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension. The fastest 
and easiest way to get an extension is through <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a> on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can electronically request an extension on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4868.pdf">Form 4868</a>&nbsp;PDF.
 Filing this form gives taxpayers until October 17 to file their tax 
return. To get the extension, taxpayers must estimate their tax 
liability on this form and should timely pay any amount due.<h2>Get an extension when making a payment</h2>Other fast, free and easy ways to get an extension include using IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System</a> or by paying with a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-taxes-by-credit-or-debit-card">credit or debit card or digital wallet</a>.
 There's no need to file a separate Form 4868 extension request when 
making an electronic payment and indicating it's for an extension. The 
IRS will automatically count it as an extension.<h2>Important reminders on extensions</h2>The IRS reminds taxpayers that a request for an extension provides extra time to file a tax return, but not extra time to pay any
 taxes owed. Payments are still due by the original deadline. Taxpayers 
should file even if they can't pay the full amount. By filing either a 
return on time or requesting an extension by the April 18 filing 
deadline, they'll avoid the late-filing penalty, which can be 10 times 
as costly as the penalty for not paying.Taxpayers who pay as much as they can by the due date, reduce the 
overall amount subject to penalty and interest charges. The interest 
rate is currently four percent per year, compounded daily. The 
late-filing penalty is generally five percent per month and the 
late-payment penalty is normally 0.5 percent per month.The IRS will work with taxpayers who cannot pay the full amount of 
tax they owe. Other options to pay, such as getting a loan or paying by 
credit card, may help resolve a tax debt. Most people can set up a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application">payment plan</a> on IRS.gov to pay off their balance over time.<h2>Other automatic extensions</h2>Certain eligible taxpayers get more time to file without having to ask for extensions. These include:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad">U.S. citizens and resident aliens</a> who live and work outside of the United States and Puerto Rico get an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad-automatic-2-month-extension-of-time-to-file">automatic 2-month</a>
 extension to file their tax returns. They have until June 15 to file. 
However, tax payments are still due April 18 or interest will be 
charged.</li><li>Members of the military on duty outside the United States and 
Puerto Rico also receive an automatic two-month extension to file. Those
 serving in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/combat-zones">combat zones</a> have up to 180 days after they leave the combat zone to file returns and pay any taxes due. Details are available in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3.pdf">Publication 3, Armed Forces' Tax Guide</a>&nbsp;PDF.</li><li>When the President makes a disaster area declaration, the IRS can <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/extension-of-time-to-file-your-tax-return">postpone certain taxpayer deadlines</a> for residents and businesses in the affected area. People can find information on the most recent tax relief for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations">disaster situations</a> on the IRS website.</li>
 </ul>The deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or an extension to file 
and pay tax owed this year falls on April 18, instead of April 15, 
because of the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia. 
Taxpayers in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 19, 2022, to file 
their returns due to the Patriots' Day holiday in those states.

Haven't filed your taxes yet? Here's how to get an extension

LINCOLN(AP) — A bill that would ease Nebraska into new casino development while trying to prevent a surge in new facilities won first-round approval from lawmakers. 

Lawmakers advanced the measure through the first of three required votes. 

It would allow casinos in the six Nebraska counties that already have licensed horseracing tracks. 

Anyone who wants to build a casino in another part of the state would have to wait for the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission to conduct a detailed study looking at the potential impact on the state. 

The commission would approve or deny licenses based on its analysis.

LINCOLN(AP) — A bill that would ease Nebraska into new casino development while trying to prevent a surge in new facilities won first-round approval from lawmakers. Lawmakers advanced the measure through the first of three required votes. It would allow casinos in the six Nebraska counties that already have licensed horseracing tracks. Anyone who wants to build a casino in another part of the state would have to wait for the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission to conduct a detailed study looking at the potential impact on the state. The commission would approve or deny licenses based on its analysis. The study would be due by Jan. 1, 2025.

Nebraska advances bill to ease into new casino development

LINCOLN (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts has vetoed a bill that would force the state to apply for $120 million in federal pandemic rental assistance. 

The Republican governor argued that Nebraska is no longer in a declared state of emergency due to the pandemic and said the extra money would amount to a subsidy that would make recipients reliant on the government. 

Ricketts also says the state still has nearly $30 million in unused rental assistance money from an earlier round of federal aid. 

He says Nebraska only used about 40% of the money from that first round. Supporters have said they’ll attempt to override the governor’s veto, which would require support from 30 state lawmakers.

LINCOLN (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts has vetoed a bill that would force the state to apply for $120 million in federal pandemic rental assistance. The Republican governor argued that Nebraska is no longer in a declared state of emergency due to the pandemic and said the extra money would amount to a subsidy that would make recipients reliant on the government. Ricketts also says the state still has nearly $30 million in unused rental assistance money from an earlier round of federal aid. He says Nebraska only used about 40% of the money from that first round. Supporters have said they’ll attempt to override the governor’s veto, which would require support from 30 state lawmakers.

Nebraska Gov. Ricketts vetoes rental assistance bill

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A preliminary report on an Oklahoma plane crash that killed three Nebraskans says the aircraft was “near vertical” when in struck the ground. 

A preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board released Tuesday says a witness account and an examination of the crash scene indicate the plane crashed nose down on March 17. 

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A preliminary report on an Oklahoma plane crash that killed three Nebraskans says the aircraft was “near vertical” when in struck the ground. A preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board released Tuesday says a witness account and an examination of the crash scene indicate the plane crashed nose down on March 17. Authorities say those killed in the crash near Pond Creek, about 80 miles northwest of Oklahoma City were 58-year-old pilot William Lauber and his wife, 58-year-old Christine Lauber, both of Milford, Nebraska, and their 21-year-old daughter, Regan Lauber, of Lincoln, Nebraska.

Plane crashed in Oklahoma, killing 3 Nebraskans, was 'near vertical'

Omaha (AP) — The next U.S. Olympic swimming team will be decided in a football stadium. 

USA Swimming announced that its trials for the 2024 Paris Games will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium, the massive home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts. 

The decision marks the end of Omaha’s long run as host of the event.

 The last four U.S. trials were held in the Nebraska city’s downtown arena, which seated about 14,500 fans after the temporary pool was installed. 

USA Swimming is going for a much bigger show in Indy, which will have seating for up to 35,000.

Omaha (AP) — The next U.S. Olympic swimming team will be decided in a football stadium. USA Swimming announced that its trials for the 2024 Paris Games will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium, the massive home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts. The decision marks the end of Omaha’s long run as host of the event. The last four U.S. trials were held in the Nebraska city’s downtown arena, which seated about 14,500 fans after the temporary pool was installed. USA Swimming is going for a much bigger show in Indy, which will have seating for up to 35,000.

Indy lands 2024 US Olympic swim trials, ending Omaha's run

News Release Nebraska State Patrol

There’s still time to become a Nebraska State Trooper this year! Candidates can apply until Friday, April 1, at 11:59 p.m., to join the next NSP Basic Recruit Camp, which starts in July and graduates in December.

“We’re looking for the next generation of men and women ready for an exciting and fulfilling career serving our great state,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “With unlimited career opportunities in communities large and small across the entire state, you get to define your career as a Nebraska State Trooper. You bring the desire to serve, and we’ll provide the training to help keep Nebraska safe.”

Recruits of Camp 66 will begin training on July 5 and will receive their badge on December 16, 2022. These troopers will earn a starting annual salary of $51,105 upon graduation, with a pay-step advancement schedule and other pay incentives possible. Recruits earn $21.00 per hour during the academy process. Troopers also receive medical and life insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and full retirement benefits.

At the NSP Training Academy, recruits will undergo 22 weeks of in-depth training to develop all the skills necessary to serve as a Nebraska State Trooper. Recruits will also get the opportunity to interact with troopers and investigators who are experts in numerous specialty positions open to troopers throughout their career. Career paths include Patrol, Investigative Services, Carrier Enforcement, Drone Pilot, SWAT, K9, Community Service, Aviation, and many more.

To apply, you must be a United States citizen and at least 21 years of age by December 16, 2022, when you would take the oath of office. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. To apply, or to get more information about the application and selection process, including physical requirements, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nebraskatroopers.com/" target="_blank">NebraskaTroopers.com</a>.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9F5bgVfrhMI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>News Release Nebraska State PatrolThere’s still time to become a Nebraska State Trooper this year! Candidates can apply until Friday, April 1, at 11:59 p.m., to join the next NSP Basic Recruit Camp, which starts in July and graduates in December.“We’re looking for the next generation of men and women ready for an exciting and fulfilling career serving our great state,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “With unlimited career opportunities in communities large and small across the entire state, you get to define your career as a Nebraska State Trooper. You bring the desire to serve, and we’ll provide the training to help keep Nebraska safe.”Recruits of Camp 66 will begin training on July 5 and will receive their badge on December 16, 2022. These troopers will earn a starting annual salary of $51,105 upon graduation, with a pay-step advancement schedule and other pay incentives possible. Recruits earn $21.00 per hour during the academy process. Troopers also receive medical and life insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and full retirement benefits.At the NSP Training Academy, recruits will undergo 22 weeks of in-depth training to develop all the skills necessary to serve as a Nebraska State Trooper. Recruits will also get the opportunity to interact with troopers and investigators who are experts in numerous specialty positions open to troopers throughout their career. Career paths include Patrol, Investigative Services, Carrier Enforcement, Drone Pilot, SWAT, K9, Community Service, Aviation, and many more.To apply, you must be a United States citizen and at least 21 years of age by December 16, 2022, when you would take the oath of office. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. To apply, or to get more information about the application and selection process, including physical requirements, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nebraskatroopers.com/" target="_blank">NebraskaTroopers.com</a>.

Nebraska State Trooper applications close Friday

By GOV. PETE RICKETTS Governor's Weekly Column

LINCOLN, Neb.-As we approach the final days of the 2022 legislative session, the Nebraska Unicameral has the opportunity to deliver smart criminal justice reforms that will enhance public safety and benefit all Nebraskans.&nbsp; These changes will allow us to better manage our inmate population and provide modern resources to prepare offenders for life after time served—without compromising public safety.

However, there are a small subset of soft-on-crime reforms that would have a large, negative impact.&nbsp; Senator Steve Lathrop, Chair of the Judiciary Committee, is holding reasonable policies hostage to promote four soft-on-crime measures that would jeopardize public safety.&nbsp;

Last year, the Nebraska Criminal Justice Reinvestment Working Group considered ways to better protect public safety and manage Nebraska’s inmate population.&nbsp; The group looked at data collected from Nebraska’s criminal justice system and analyzed by the Crime and Justice Institute (CJI).&nbsp; After many discussions, the group reached consensus around seventeen recommendations. &nbsp;However, there were four other proposals included in the report that did not receive consensus approval.

Senator Lathrop has decided he doesn’t want to work on the 80% of reforms our group agrees upon.&nbsp; Instead, he’s focused on the four non-consensus items.&nbsp; Most of these policies are complete non-starters for anyone looking to serve victims of crime and promote public safety.&nbsp;

One policy item would limit the use of consecutive sentences.&nbsp; This means someone could commit three crimes on the same day, and serve time for just one crime.&nbsp; This would handcuff a judge’s ability to issue a sentence appropriate for the crimes committed.&nbsp; The limitation on consecutive sentences isn’t even tied to overly harsh sentencing. &nbsp;CJI’s own analysis found that judges’ use of consecutive sentences has remained flat over the last decade, and the median time served for those incarcerated on a consecutive sentence has remained unchanged.&nbsp; Furthermore, Nebraska already has a very generous “good time” law which reduces most sentences by half.

Two other policies would soften penalties for drug crimes.&nbsp; One would end mandatory minimum sentences, including for drug dealers, while the other would reclassify all drug possession offenses as misdemeanors.

With our broken Southern border, drugs have been flooding into the U.S. from Mexico during the Biden-Harris Administration.&nbsp; In January, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported a 1,066% increase in the amount of fentanyl confiscated in South Texas in the 2021 fiscal year.&nbsp; We’ve seen a staggering increase in Nebraska, as well.&nbsp; Last year, Omaha DEA seized 26 kilograms of fentanyl.&nbsp; That’s more than ten times the amount seized in 2020, and it’s the equivalent of 13&nbsp;million&nbsp;lethal doses.&nbsp; Lincoln and Omaha have seen a spike in overdoses as our entire nation battles the scourge of fentanyl on our streets.&nbsp; Weakening penalties for drug dealing will only increase the spread of these deadly substances throughout Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For drug possession offenses, incarceration is typically the last resort. &nbsp;It’s common for drug possession offenders to be given the opportunity to attend drug court, a diversion program, plead to a misdemeanor offense, or receive a sentence of probation.&nbsp; The policy Senator Lathrop is pushing would limit a person on their 10th&nbsp;offense for possession of hard drugs to a misdemeanor.&nbsp;

The fourth non-consensus proposal would let elderly criminals out of jail early.&nbsp; Inmates incarcerated for serious and violent crimes—like first degree sexual assault or sexual assault on a child—should not be released from prison after just 15 years simply because of their age.&nbsp;

We have seen many cases in Nebraska over the years where older inmates have been released from prison and gone on to reoffend.&nbsp; For example, Laddie Dittrich was originally convicted of burglary and first-degree murder in 1973 for his involvement in the stabbing death of an Omaha man.&nbsp; He received a life sentence. &nbsp;In April 2013, Dittrich was pardoned, and his sentence was commuted.&nbsp; Dittrich was paroled in May 2014 at the age of 68.&nbsp; Just six months later, Dittrich was arrested for third-degree sexual assault on a child.&nbsp;

Letting violent criminals out of prison early simply because of their age would be a disservice to the victims of crime who deserve justice and would put Nebraskans at risk.&nbsp;

The bulk of these non-consensus proposals should be outright abandoned. &nbsp;As they’re currently written, all of them should be. &nbsp;

Instead, the Legislature should pursue the seventeen reforms that the working group agreed upon.&nbsp; These include measures to improve access to mental healthcare for individuals on parole or probation; provide transitional housing for Nebraskans recently released from prison looking to make a fresh start; and increase the availability of problem-solving courts.&nbsp;

These are a few examples of the many smart criminal justice reforms everyone can unite behind.&nbsp; The 2022 session only has a few weeks remaining.&nbsp; Now is not the time to tie up the Unicameral with divisive proposals that would weaken public safety, especially not at the expense of these common-sense measures.

Now is the time for action, not antics, on public safety.

Nebraska already has the lowest incarceration rate of any surrounding state.&nbsp; Senators can make smart criminal justice reforms this session to further address the capacity of our corrections system.&nbsp; I encourage you to contact your state senator to let them know your thoughts on these soft-on-crime policies. &nbsp;You can find their contact information at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnebraskalegislature.gov%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C38a9e6a489f34c22af6d08da1199df17%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637841649825836949%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=%2BwT1fGf7t6XqLq6U0d2GtJlYhqTnSUTD2kZ%2F0rfDWqA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">nebraskalegislature.gov</a>.

If you have questions about my commitment to public safety, please email me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By GOV. PETE RICKETTS Governor's Weekly ColumnLINCOLN, Neb.-As we approach the final days of the 2022 legislative session, the Nebraska Unicameral has the opportunity to deliver smart criminal justice reforms that will enhance public safety and benefit all Nebraskans.&nbsp; These changes will allow us to better manage our inmate population and provide modern resources to prepare offenders for life after time served—without compromising public safety.However, there are a small subset of soft-on-crime reforms that would have a large, negative impact.&nbsp; Senator Steve Lathrop, Chair of the Judiciary Committee, is holding reasonable policies hostage to promote four soft-on-crime measures that would jeopardize public safety.&nbsp;Last year, the Nebraska Criminal Justice Reinvestment Working Group considered ways to better protect public safety and manage Nebraska’s inmate population.&nbsp; The group looked at data collected from Nebraska’s criminal justice system and analyzed by the Crime and Justice Institute (CJI).&nbsp; After many discussions, the group reached consensus around seventeen recommendations. &nbsp;However, there were four other proposals included in the report that did not receive consensus approval.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1560600869383.png" alt="Governor Ricketts" />
 <figcaption>Governor Ricketts</figcaption>
 </figure>Senator Lathrop has decided he doesn’t want to work on the 80% of reforms our group agrees upon.&nbsp; Instead, he’s focused on the four non-consensus items.&nbsp; Most of these policies are complete non-starters for anyone looking to serve victims of crime and promote public safety.&nbsp;One policy item would limit the use of consecutive sentences.&nbsp; This means someone could commit three crimes on the same day, and serve time for just one crime.&nbsp; This would handcuff a judge’s ability to issue a sentence appropriate for the crimes committed.&nbsp; The limitation on consecutive sentences isn’t even tied to overly harsh sentencing. &nbsp;CJI’s own analysis found that judges’ use of consecutive sentences has remained flat over the last decade, and the median time served for those incarcerated on a consecutive sentence has remained unchanged.&nbsp; Furthermore, Nebraska already has a very generous “good time” law which reduces most sentences by half.Two other policies would soften penalties for drug crimes.&nbsp; One would end mandatory minimum sentences, including for drug dealers, while the other would reclassify all drug possession offenses as misdemeanors.With our broken Southern border, drugs have been flooding into the U.S. from Mexico during the Biden-Harris Administration.&nbsp; In January, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported a 1,066% increase in the amount of fentanyl confiscated in South Texas in the 2021 fiscal year.&nbsp; We’ve seen a staggering increase in Nebraska, as well.&nbsp; Last year, Omaha DEA seized 26 kilograms of fentanyl.&nbsp; That’s more than ten times the amount seized in 2020, and it’s the equivalent of 13&nbsp;million&nbsp;lethal doses.&nbsp; Lincoln and Omaha have seen a spike in overdoses as our entire nation battles the scourge of fentanyl on our streets.&nbsp; Weakening penalties for drug dealing will only increase the spread of these deadly substances throughout Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;For drug possession offenses, incarceration is typically the last resort. &nbsp;It’s common for drug possession offenders to be given the opportunity to attend drug court, a diversion program, plead to a misdemeanor offense, or receive a sentence of probation.&nbsp; The policy Senator Lathrop is pushing would limit a person on their 10th&nbsp;offense for possession of hard drugs to a misdemeanor.&nbsp;The fourth non-consensus proposal would let elderly criminals out of jail early.&nbsp; Inmates incarcerated for serious and violent crimes—like first degree sexual assault or sexual assault on a child—should not be released from prison after just 15 years simply because of their age.&nbsp;We have seen many cases in Nebraska over the years where older inmates have been released from prison and gone on to reoffend.&nbsp; For example, Laddie Dittrich was originally convicted of burglary and first-degree murder in 1973 for his involvement in the stabbing death of an Omaha man.&nbsp; He received a life sentence. &nbsp;In April 2013, Dittrich was pardoned, and his sentence was commuted.&nbsp; Dittrich was paroled in May 2014 at the age of 68.&nbsp; Just six months later, Dittrich was arrested for third-degree sexual assault on a child.&nbsp;Letting violent criminals out of prison early simply because of their age would be a disservice to the victims of crime who deserve justice and would put Nebraskans at risk.&nbsp;The bulk of these non-consensus proposals should be outright abandoned. &nbsp;As they’re currently written, all of them should be. &nbsp;Instead, the Legislature should pursue the seventeen reforms that the working group agreed upon.&nbsp; These include measures to improve access to mental healthcare for individuals on parole or probation; provide transitional housing for Nebraskans recently released from prison looking to make a fresh start; and increase the availability of problem-solving courts.&nbsp;These are a few examples of the many smart criminal justice reforms everyone can unite behind.&nbsp; The 2022 session only has a few weeks remaining.&nbsp; Now is not the time to tie up the Unicameral with divisive proposals that would weaken public safety, especially not at the expense of these common-sense measures.Now is the time for action, not antics, on public safety.Nebraska already has the lowest incarceration rate of any surrounding state.&nbsp; Senators can make smart criminal justice reforms this session to further address the capacity of our corrections system.&nbsp; I encourage you to contact your state senator to let them know your thoughts on these soft-on-crime policies. &nbsp;You can find their contact information at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnebraskalegislature.gov%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C38a9e6a489f34c22af6d08da1199df17%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637841649825836949%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=%2BwT1fGf7t6XqLq6U0d2GtJlYhqTnSUTD2kZ%2F0rfDWqA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">nebraskalegislature.gov</a>.If you have questions about my commitment to public safety, please email me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp;

Gov. Ricketts: Time for action, not antics, on public safety

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House panel investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection has identified a roughly eight-hour gap in official records of then-President Donald Trump’s phone calls as the violence unfolded and his supporters stormed the building. 

That's from a person familiar with the investigation who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday on the condition of anonymity. 

It’s widely known Trump had conversations Jan. 6 with Republican lawmakers. 

House investigators are looking at whether Trump was communicating during that time through other means, possibly through personal cellphones, burner phones or some other type of communication — like a phone passed to him by an aide.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House panel investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection has identified a roughly eight-hour gap in official records of then-President Donald Trump’s phone calls as the violence unfolded and his supporters stormed the building. That's from a person familiar with the investigation who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday on the condition of anonymity. It’s widely known Trump had conversations Jan. 6 with Republican lawmakers. House investigators are looking at whether Trump was communicating during that time through other means, possibly through personal cellphones, burner phones or some other type of communication — like a phone passed to him by an aide.

Jan. 6 panel missing roughly 8 hours of Trump's phone calls

Nielsen is being acquired for $16 billion, including debt, about a week after the media measurement company rejected a $9 billion offer. 

A group of private equity investors led by Evergreen Coast Capital Corp., an affiliate of Elliott Investment Management L.P., and Brookfield Business Partners L.P. together with institutional partners will pay $28 for every outstanding Nielsen share. 

The deal is expected to close in the second half of this year. It still needs approval from Nielsen shareholders and regulators.

Nielsen is being acquired for $16 billion, including debt, about a week after the media measurement company rejected a $9 billion offer. A group of private equity investors led by Evergreen Coast Capital Corp., an affiliate of Elliott Investment Management L.P., and Brookfield Business Partners L.P. together with institutional partners will pay $28 for every outstanding Nielsen share. The deal is expected to close in the second half of this year. It still needs approval from Nielsen shareholders and regulators.

Media measuring company Nielsen to be acquired in $16B deal

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia’s military says it will “fundamentally” cut back operations near Ukraine’s capital and a northern city, as talks brought a possible deal to end a grinding war into view. 

Russia's deputy defense minister said Tuesday that the move was meant to increase trust in the talks after several rounds of failed negotiations to halt the conflict. 

That apparent goodwill gesture comes as Russia’s troops have become bogged down and struggled to make major advances on the ground recently in the face of stiff Ukrainian resistance. 

Ukraine’s military said it had noted withdrawals around Kyiv and Chernihiv, though the Pentagon said it could not corroborate Russia’s claim.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia’s military says it will “fundamentally” cut back operations near Ukraine’s capital and a northern city, as talks brought a possible deal to end a grinding war into view. Russia's deputy defense minister said Tuesday that the move was meant to increase trust in the talks after several rounds of failed negotiations to halt the conflict. That apparent goodwill gesture comes as Russia’s troops have become bogged down and struggled to make major advances on the ground recently in the face of stiff Ukrainian resistance. Ukraine’s military said it had noted withdrawals around Kyiv and Chernihiv, though the Pentagon said it could not corroborate Russia’s claim.

Russia says it will scale back near Kyiv as talks progress

BERLIN (AP) — The head of the International Renewable Energy Agency says “radical action” is needed to shift away from fossil fuels and ensure global warming doesn’t pass dangerous thresholds. 

The agency released a huge report Tuesday that says investments of $5.7 trillion in renewable energy are needed globally each year until 2030 to meet the goals of the Paris climate accord. 

Currently fossil fuel emissions are going up, not down. 

IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera says the energy transition is “far from being on track." 

His organization, which is based in Abu Dhabi, suggests that investments of $700 billion should be diverted away from the fossil fuel sector annually to avoid creating wells, pipelines and power plants that can't be used anymore.

BERLIN (AP) — The head of the International Renewable Energy Agency says “radical action” is needed to shift away from fossil fuels and ensure global warming doesn’t pass dangerous thresholds. The agency released a huge report Tuesday that says investments of $5.7 trillion in renewable energy are needed globally each year until 2030 to meet the goals of the Paris climate accord. Currently fossil fuel emissions are going up, not down. IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera says the energy transition is “far from being on track." His organization, which is based in Abu Dhabi, suggests that investments of $700 billion should be diverted away from the fossil fuel sector annually to avoid creating wells, pipelines and power plants that can't be used anymore.

Energy agency: 'Radical action' needed to hit climate goals

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s $5.8 trillion budget for next year would trim federal deficits and boost taxes on the wealthiest Americans. Both could appeal to Sen. Joe Manchin. 

And Democrats are hoping that could help revive talks with Manchin over the party’s derailed social and environment plan. 

Before Christmas, the West Virginia Democrat sank a House-passed, $2 trillion social and environment bill that was a top party priority. 

Manchin said it would have fueled inflation and deepened deficits. 

Democrats are hoping the more moderate approach that Biden's budget takes this year might help convince Manchin that there's a deal to be had.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s $5.8 trillion budget for next year would trim federal deficits and boost taxes on the wealthiest Americans. Both could appeal to Sen. Joe Manchin. And Democrats are hoping that could help revive talks with Manchin over the party’s derailed social and environment plan. Before Christmas, the West Virginia Democrat sank a House-passed, $2 trillion social and environment bill that was a top party priority. Manchin said it would have fueled inflation and deepened deficits. Democrats are hoping the more moderate approach that Biden's budget takes this year might help convince Manchin that there's a deal to be had.

Biden budget has Manchin priorities: Tax rich, cut deficit

SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP) — U.S. consumer confidence bounced back in March and remains high, though consumers’ short-term outlook is not quite as rosy. 

The Conference Board, a business research group, said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index — which takes into account consumers’ assessment of current conditions and their outlook for the future — rose to 107.2 in March from 105.7 in February. 

However, the expectations index, based on consumers’ six-month outlook for income, business and labor market conditions, declined to 76.6 from 80.8 in February. 

Respondents cited higher prices — particularly gas prices — and the war in Ukraine as the biggest factors.

SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP) — U.S. consumer confidence bounced back in March and remains high, though consumers’ short-term outlook is not quite as rosy. The Conference Board, a business research group, said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index — which takes into account consumers’ assessment of current conditions and their outlook for the future — rose to 107.2 in March from 105.7 in February. However, the expectations index, based on consumers’ six-month outlook for income, business and labor market conditions, declined to 76.6 from 80.8 in February. Respondents cited higher prices — particularly gas prices — and the war in Ukraine as the biggest factors.

US consumers still confident, but outlook not as rosy

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are opening higher on Wall Street Tuesday as talks on ending the war in Ukraine showed signs of progress. 

The S&amp;P 500 rose 1.1% in the early going, as did the Dow Jones Industrial Average. 

Technology companies were doing especially well, sending the Nasdaq composite up 1.4%. 

Energy stocks were lagging behind again as oil prices sank another 6%, sending the price of benchmark U.S. crude back below $100 a barrel. 

The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 2.41%.

 European markets were higher and Asian markets closed mixed overnight.

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are opening higher on Wall Street Tuesday as talks on ending the war in Ukraine showed signs of progress. The S&amp;P 500 rose 1.1% in the early going, as did the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Technology companies were doing especially well, sending the Nasdaq composite up 1.4%. Energy stocks were lagging behind again as oil prices sank another 6%, sending the price of benchmark U.S. crude back below $100 a barrel. Treasury yields edged lower again. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 2.41%. European markets were higher and Asian markets closed mixed overnight.

Wall Street opens higher as talks on Ukraine progress

Relief for Kyiv? Russia vows to scale back near the capital

NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart will no longer sell cigarettes in some of its stores though tobacco sales can be a significant revenue generator.

Wall Street Journal was the first to report the development Monday. It noted some stores in California, Florida, Arkansas and New Mexico were on the list, citing anonymous sources and store visits.

Walmart is not the first national retail chain to cut off cigarette sales even on a trial basis, but it is the largest.

Target ended cigarette sales in 1996 and the drugstore chain CVS Health did the same in 2014.

CVS Health sales in areas outside the pharmacy fell for a few quarters after it pulled tobacco products, and the company had predicted that missing tobacco products would hurt annual earnings by 7 to 8 cents per share.

Overall revenue has grown every year at CVS, however, after a number of acquisitions and changes to its stores bolstered the company’s health care offerings. CVS Health bought the health insurer Aetna in 2017.

Decisions about removing cigarettes at Walmart will be made on a store-by-store basis according to the business and particular market, the company said Monday.

“We are always looking at ways to meet our customers’ needs while still operating an efficient business,” Walmart said in a prepared statement.

Health officials say that cigarette smoking causes about one of every five deaths in the U.S. each year.

Walmart Inc., based in Bentonville, Arkansas, announced in 2019 that it was getting out of the vaping business and would stop selling electronic cigarettes at its stores and also at Sam’s Clubs. It said at the time the decision was based on “growing federal, state and local regulatory complexity.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648489856274.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By ASSOCIATED PRESSNEW YORK (AP) — Walmart will no longer sell cigarettes in some of its stores though tobacco sales can be a significant revenue generator.Wall Street Journal was the first to report the development Monday. It noted some stores in California, Florida, Arkansas and New Mexico were on the list, citing anonymous sources and store visits.Walmart is not the first national retail chain to cut off cigarette sales even on a trial basis, but it is the largest.Target ended cigarette sales in 1996 and the drugstore chain CVS Health did the same in 2014.CVS Health sales in areas outside the pharmacy fell for a few quarters after it pulled tobacco products, and the company had predicted that missing tobacco products would hurt annual earnings by 7 to 8 cents per share.Overall revenue has grown every year at CVS, however, after a number of acquisitions and changes to its stores bolstered the company’s health care offerings. CVS Health bought the health insurer Aetna in 2017.Decisions about removing cigarettes at Walmart will be made on a store-by-store basis according to the business and particular market, the company said Monday.“We are always looking at ways to meet our customers’ needs while still operating an efficient business,” Walmart said in a prepared statement.Health officials say that cigarette smoking causes about one of every five deaths in the U.S. each year.Walmart Inc., based in Bentonville, Arkansas, announced in 2019 that it was getting out of the vaping business and would stop selling electronic cigarettes at its stores and also at Sam’s Clubs. It said at the time the decision was based on “growing federal, state and local regulatory complexity.”

Walmart to end cigarette sales in some stores

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden intends to propose a minimum tax of 20% on households worth more than $100 million and cut projected budget deficits by more than $1 trillion over the next decade, according to a fact sheets released Saturday by the White House budget office.

The introduction of the minimum tax on the wealthiest Americans would represent a significant reorienting of the tax code. It would apply to the top 0.01% of households with half of the expected revenue coming from households worth $1 billion or more. The minimum tax would effectively prevent the wealthiest sliver of America from paying lower rates than families who think of themselves as middle class, while helping to generate revenues to fuel Biden’s domestic ambitions and keep the deficit in check relative to the U.S. economy.

In his proposal expected Monday, the lower deficits also reflect the economy’s resurgence as the United States emerges from the pandemic. It’s a sign that the government’s balance sheet will improve after a historic burst of spending to combat the coronavirus.

The fading of the pandemic and the growth has enabled the deficit to fall from $3.1 trillion in fiscal 2020 to $2.8 trillion last year and a projected $1.4 trillion this year. That deficit spending paid off in the form of the economy expanding at a 5.7% pace last year, the strongest growth since 1984. But inflation at a 40-year high also accompanied those robust gains as high prices have weighed on Biden’s popularity.

For the Biden administration, the proposal for the budget year that begins Oct. 1 shows that the burst of spending helped to fuel growth and put government finances in a more stable place for years to come as a result. One White House official, insisting on anonymity because the budget has yet to be released, said the proposal shows that Democrats can deliver on what Republicans have promised before without much success: faster growth and falling deficits.

Yet the Biden budget would pledge to do so through a kind of wealth tax that many Republicans say would hurt the economy by diminishing private investment in companies that create jobs and cause the wealthy to put their fortunes to work abroad.

Republican lawmakers have said that the Biden administration’s spending over the past year has led to greater economic pain in the form of higher prices. The inflation that came with reopening the U.S. economy as the closures from the pandemic began to end has been amplified by supply chain issues, low interest rates and, now, disruptions in the oil and natural gas markets because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky pinned the blame solely on Biden’s coronavirus relief as well as his push to move away from fossil fuels.

“Washington Democrats’ response to these hardships has been as misguided as the war on American energy and runaway spending that helped create them,” McConnell said last week. “The Biden administration seems to be willing to try anything but walking back their own disastrous economic policies.”

Biden inherited from the Trump administration a budget deficit that was equal in size to 14.9% of the entire U.S. economy. But the deficit starting in the upcoming budget year will be below 5% of the economy, putting the country on a more sustainable path, according to people familiar with the budget proposal who insisted on anonymity to discuss forthcoming details.

The lower deficit totals will also be easier to manage even if interest rates rise.

The expected deficit decrease for fiscal 2022 reflects the solid recovery in hiring that occurred in large part because of Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. The added jobs mean additional tax revenue, with the government likely collecting $300 billion more in revenues compared to fiscal 2021, a 10% increase.

Still, the country will face several uncertainties that could reshape Biden’s proposed budget, which will have figures that don’t include the spending omnibus recently signed into law. Biden and U.S. allies are also providing aid to Ukrainians who are fighting against Russian forces, a war that could possibly reshape spending priorities and the broader economic outlook.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647908095685.png" alt="The introduction of the minimum tax on the wealthiest Americans would represent a significant reorienting of the tax code.-White House photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The introduction of the minimum tax on the wealthiest Americans would represent a significant reorienting of the tax code.-White House photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden intends to propose a minimum tax of 20% on households worth more than $100 million and cut projected budget deficits by more than $1 trillion over the next decade, according to a fact sheets released Saturday by the White House budget office.The introduction of the minimum tax on the wealthiest Americans would represent a significant reorienting of the tax code. It would apply to the top 0.01% of households with half of the expected revenue coming from households worth $1 billion or more. The minimum tax would effectively prevent the wealthiest sliver of America from paying lower rates than families who think of themselves as middle class, while helping to generate revenues to fuel Biden’s domestic ambitions and keep the deficit in check relative to the U.S. economy.In his proposal expected Monday, the lower deficits also reflect the economy’s resurgence as the United States emerges from the pandemic. It’s a sign that the government’s balance sheet will improve after a historic burst of spending to combat the coronavirus.The fading of the pandemic and the growth has enabled the deficit to fall from $3.1 trillion in fiscal 2020 to $2.8 trillion last year and a projected $1.4 trillion this year. That deficit spending paid off in the form of the economy expanding at a 5.7% pace last year, the strongest growth since 1984. But inflation at a 40-year high also accompanied those robust gains as high prices have weighed on Biden’s popularity.For the Biden administration, the proposal for the budget year that begins Oct. 1 shows that the burst of spending helped to fuel growth and put government finances in a more stable place for years to come as a result. One White House official, insisting on anonymity because the budget has yet to be released, said the proposal shows that Democrats can deliver on what Republicans have promised before without much success: faster growth and falling deficits.Yet the Biden budget would pledge to do so through a kind of wealth tax that many Republicans say would hurt the economy by diminishing private investment in companies that create jobs and cause the wealthy to put their fortunes to work abroad.Republican lawmakers have said that the Biden administration’s spending over the past year has led to greater economic pain in the form of higher prices. The inflation that came with reopening the U.S. economy as the closures from the pandemic began to end has been amplified by supply chain issues, low interest rates and, now, disruptions in the oil and natural gas markets because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky pinned the blame solely on Biden’s coronavirus relief as well as his push to move away from fossil fuels.“Washington Democrats’ response to these hardships has been as misguided as the war on American energy and runaway spending that helped create them,” McConnell said last week. “The Biden administration seems to be willing to try anything but walking back their own disastrous economic policies.”Biden inherited from the Trump administration a budget deficit that was equal in size to 14.9% of the entire U.S. economy. But the deficit starting in the upcoming budget year will be below 5% of the economy, putting the country on a more sustainable path, according to people familiar with the budget proposal who insisted on anonymity to discuss forthcoming details.The lower deficit totals will also be easier to manage even if interest rates rise.The expected deficit decrease for fiscal 2022 reflects the solid recovery in hiring that occurred in large part because of Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. The added jobs mean additional tax revenue, with the government likely collecting $300 billion more in revenues compared to fiscal 2021, a 10% increase.Still, the country will face several uncertainties that could reshape Biden’s proposed budget, which will have figures that don’t include the spending omnibus recently signed into law. Biden and U.S. allies are also providing aid to Ukrainians who are fighting against Russian forces, a war that could possibly reshape spending priorities and the broader economic outlook.

Biden budget seeks minimum tax on the wealthiest Americans

LAWRENCE, Kan., Plastikon Healthcare, LLC is voluntarily recalling three (3) lots of Milk of Magnesia 2400 mg/30 mL Oral Suspension, one (1) lot of Acetaminophen 650mg/ 20.3mL, and six (6) lots of Magnesium Hydroxide 1200mg/Aluminum Hydroxide 1200mg/Simethicone 120mg per 30 mL to the hospital, clinic and patient level, according to a statement from the USDA. The products are being recalled due to microbial contamination and failure to properly investigate failed microbial testing.

Risk Statement: This product potentially could result in illness due to intestinal distress, such as diarrhea or abdominal pain.&nbsp; Individuals with a compromised immune system have a higher probability of developing a wide-spread, potentially life-threatening infection when ingesting or otherwise orally exposed to products contaminated by micro-organisms. To date, Plastikon has not received any customer complaints related to microbial concerns or reports of adverse events related to this recall.

Product indication, lot numbers, expiration dates and NDC information <a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/plastikon-healthcare-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-milk-magnesia-oral-suspension-2400-mg30-ml-0#recall-photos">are listed here. </a>The product is packaged for institutional use and is sold to clinics and hospitals nationwide in single use cups with a foil lid.&nbsp; The affected lots were distributed to Major Pharmaceuticals Distribution Center (wholesaler) between 5/1/2020 and 6/28/2021, who shipped to hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics nationwide.&nbsp; The products are private labeled for Major Pharmaceuticals.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Plastikon by phone at 785-330-7109 or email address (<a href="mailto:sdixon@plastikon.com">sdixon@plastikon.com</a>) Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm CST.&nbsp; Patients are advised to contact their doctor or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648462934041.png" alt="Image courtesy FDA" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy FDA</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan., Plastikon Healthcare, LLC is voluntarily recalling three (3) lots of Milk of Magnesia 2400 mg/30 mL Oral Suspension, one (1) lot of Acetaminophen 650mg/ 20.3mL, and six (6) lots of Magnesium Hydroxide 1200mg/Aluminum Hydroxide 1200mg/Simethicone 120mg per 30 mL to the hospital, clinic and patient level, according to a statement from the USDA. The products are being recalled due to microbial contamination and failure to properly investigate failed microbial testing.Risk Statement: This product potentially could result in illness due to intestinal distress, such as diarrhea or abdominal pain.&nbsp; Individuals with a compromised immune system have a higher probability of developing a wide-spread, potentially life-threatening infection when ingesting or otherwise orally exposed to products contaminated by micro-organisms. To date, Plastikon has not received any customer complaints related to microbial concerns or reports of adverse events related to this recall.Product indication, lot numbers, expiration dates and NDC information <a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/plastikon-healthcare-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-milk-magnesia-oral-suspension-2400-mg30-ml-0#recall-photos">are listed here. </a>The product is packaged for institutional use and is sold to clinics and hospitals nationwide in single use cups with a foil lid.&nbsp; The affected lots were distributed to Major Pharmaceuticals Distribution Center (wholesaler) between 5/1/2020 and 6/28/2021, who shipped to hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics nationwide.&nbsp; The products are private labeled for Major Pharmaceuticals.Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Plastikon by phone at 785-330-7109 or email address (<a href="mailto:sdixon@plastikon.com">sdixon@plastikon.com</a>) Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm CST.&nbsp; Patients are advised to contact their doctor or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.<ul>
 <li>Complete and submit the report&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program/reporting-serious-problems-fda">Online</a></li><li>Regular Mail or Fax:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/medical-product-safety-information/medwatch-forms-fda-safety-reporting">Download form</a>&nbsp;or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178</li>
 </ul>This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

FDA: Milk of Magnesia recalled due to bacterial contamination

LVIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused the West of cowardice Sunday while another top official said Russia was trying to split the nation in two, like North and South Korea.

Zelenskyy made an exasperated plea for fighter jets and tanks to sustain a defense as his country continues battling Russia’s invading troops. Russia now says its main focus is on taking control of the eastern Donbas region, an apparent pullback from its earlier, more expansive goals, but one which is raising fears of a divided Ukraine.

Speaking after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-migration-world-war-ii-warsaw-652da1c2ab1c88de3032241089bfa516">U.S. President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;said in a lacerating speech that Russian President Vladimir Putin could not stay in power —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-ketanji-brown-jackson-state-of-the-union-address-2022-midterm-elections-46757d4b4b7d4297245d7e6de8f2b290">words the White House immediately sought to downplay&nbsp;</a>— Zelenskyy lashed out at the West’s “ping-pong about who and how should hand over jets” and other weapons while Russian missile attacks kill and trap civilians.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648213777649.png" alt="Britain’s Defense Ministry said Russia’s troops are trying to encircle Ukrainian forces facing the two separatist-held areas in the country’s east. That would cut the bulk of Ukraine’s military off from the rest of the country.-Photo courtesy NATO" />
 <figcaption>Britain’s Defense Ministry said Russia’s troops are trying to encircle Ukrainian forces facing the two separatist-held areas in the country’s east. That would cut the bulk of Ukraine’s military off from the rest of the country.-Photo courtesy NATO</figcaption>
 </figure>LVIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused the West of cowardice Sunday while another top official said Russia was trying to split the nation in two, like North and South Korea.Zelenskyy made an exasperated plea for fighter jets and tanks to sustain a defense as his country continues battling Russia’s invading troops. Russia now says its main focus is on taking control of the eastern Donbas region, an apparent pullback from its earlier, more expansive goals, but one which is raising fears of a divided Ukraine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647393225414.png" alt="Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy-photo courtesy Ukraine Presidential press office" />
 <figcaption>Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy-photo courtesy Ukraine Presidential press office</figcaption>
 </figure>Speaking after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-migration-world-war-ii-warsaw-652da1c2ab1c88de3032241089bfa516">U.S. President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;said in a lacerating speech that Russian President Vladimir Putin could not stay in power —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-ketanji-brown-jackson-state-of-the-union-address-2022-midterm-elections-46757d4b4b7d4297245d7e6de8f2b290">words the White House immediately sought to downplay&nbsp;</a>— Zelenskyy lashed out at the West’s “ping-pong about who and how should hand over jets” and other weapons while Russian missile attacks kill and trap civilians.“I’ve talked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-edf7240a9d990e7e3e32f82ca351dede">to the defenders of Mariupol&nbsp;</a>today. I’m in constant contact with them. Their determination, heroism and firmness are astonishing,” Zelenskyy said in a video address, referring to the besieged southern city that has suffered some of the war’s greatest deprivations and horrors. “If only those who have been thinking for 31 days on how to hand over dozens of jets and tanks had 1% of their courage.”Zelenskyy also told independent Russian journalists Sunday that his government would consider declaring neutrality and offering security guarantees to Russia, repeating earlier statements. That would include keeping Ukraine nuclear-free, he said.He told the reporters that the issue of neutrality – and agreeing to stay out of NATO – should be put to Ukrainian voters in a referendum after Russian troops withdraw. He said a vote could take place within a few months of the troops leaving.Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has stalled in many areas. Its aim to quickly encircle the capital, Kyiv, and force its surrender has faltered against staunch Ukrainian resistance — bolstered by weapons from the U.S. and other Western allies.Britain’s Defense Ministry said Russia’s troops are trying to encircle Ukrainian forces facing the two separatist-held areas in the country’s east. That would cut the bulk of Ukraine’s military off from the rest of the country.Moscow claims its focus is on wresting the entire eastern Donbas region, which has been partially controlled by Russia-backed separatists since 2014. A high-ranking Russian military official on Friday said that troops were being redirected to the east from other parts of the country.Russia has supported the separatist rebels in Luhansk and neighboring Donetsk since the insurgency erupted there shortly after Moscow annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine. In talks with Ukraine, Moscow has demanded Kyiv acknowledge the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk.Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukrainian military intelligence, accused Russia of seeking to split Ukraine in two, making the comparison to North and South Korea.“The occupiers will try to pull the occupied territories into a single quasi-state structure and pit it against independent Ukraine,” Budanov said in a statement released by the Defense Ministry. He predicted that guerrilla warfare by Ukrainians would derail such plans.A Ukrainian delegate in talks with Russia on ending the war, Davyd Arakhamia, said in a Facebook post the countries would meet in Turkey beginning Monday. However, the Russians then announced the talks would start Tuesday. The sides have met previously with no deal reached.Ukraine’s priorities at the Ukrainian-Russian talks in Turkey this week will be “sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Zelenskyy told his nation Sunday in his nightly address.“We are looking for peace, really, without delay,” he said. “There is an opportunity and a need for a face-to-face meeting in Turkey.”Zelenskyy also signed a law Sunday that bans reporting on troop and equipment movements that haven’t been announced or approved by the military. Journalists who violate the law could face three to eight years in prison. The law does not differentiate between Ukrainian and foreign reporters.Ukraine says that to defeat Russia, the West must provide fighter jets and not just missiles and other military equipment. A proposal to transfer Polish planes to Ukraine via the United States was scrapped amid NATO concerns about being drawn into direct fighting.In his pointed remarks, Zelenskyy accused Western governments of being “afraid to prevent this tragedy. Afraid to simply make a decision.”His plea was echoed Sunday by a priest in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/explosions-in-lviv-ukraine-russia-war-d19574a99afeb4bf964be7c3276c084c">western city of Lviv,&nbsp;</a>which was struck by rockets a day earlier. The aerial assault illustrated that Moscow, despite assertions that it intends to shift the war eastward, is willing to strike anywhere in Ukraine.“When diplomacy doesn’t work, we need military support,” said the Rev. Yuri Vaskiv, who said fearful parishioners were staying away from his Greek Catholic church.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648213754283.png" alt="Russia’s back-to-back airstrikes shook the city that has become a haven for an estimated 200,000 people who have fled bombarded towns and cities.-photo courtesy NATO" />
 <figcaption>Russia’s back-to-back airstrikes shook the city that has become a haven for an estimated 200,000 people who have fled bombarded towns and cities.-photo courtesy NATO</figcaption>
 </figure>On the road to Kyiv, residents of a village combed through the wreckage of Russia’s ongoing attacks. Locals in Byshiv, about 22 miles (35 kilometers) from Kyiv. walked through buildings torn open and destroyed by shelling to salvage what they could, including books, shelving and framed pictures. .Standing in what used to be a kindergarten classroom, teacher Svetlana Grybovska said too many children have fallen victim.“It’s not right” Grybovska told British broadcaster Sky News. “Children are not guilty of anything.”Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov confirmed Russia used air-launched cruise missiles to hit a fuel depot and a defense plant in Lyiv, about 45 miles (75 kilometers) from the Polish border. He said another strike with sea-launched missiles destroyed a depot in Plesetske just west of Kyiv, where Ukraine stored air defense missiles.On Sunday night, a rocket attack hit an oil base in the far northwestern region of Volyn, whose capital, Lutsk, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of Lviv.A chemical smell lingered in Lyiv on Sunday as firefighters trained hoses on flames and black smoke poured from oil storage tanks hit in the attack.Russia’s back-to-back airstrikes shook the city that has become a haven for an estimated 200,000 people who have fled bombarded towns and cities. Lviv, which has largely been spared bombardment, also has been a waystation for most of the 3.8 million refugees who have left Ukraine since Russia invaded on Feb. 24.In a dim, crowded bomb shelter under an apartment block near the first blast site, Olana Ukrainets, a 34-year-old information technology professional, said she couldn’t believe she had to hide again after fleeing from the northeastern city of Kharkiv, one of the most bombarded cities.“We were on one side of the street and saw it on the other side,” she said. “We saw fire. I said to my friend, ‘What’s this?’ Then we heard the sound of an explosion and glass breaking.”Also in Kharkiv, Ukrainian firefighters used axes and chainsaws to dig through concrete and other debris Sunday searching for victims of a Russian military strike on the regional administration building. One body was found Saturday, a firefighter said. At least six people died in the March 1 attack — the first time Russian forces hit the center of Kharkiv, once home to 1.5 million people.In his video address, Zelenskyy angrily warned Moscow that it was sowing a deep hatred for Russia among Ukrainians.“You are doing everything so that our people themselves leave the Russian language, because the Russian language will now be associated only with you, with your explosions and murders, your crimes,” Zelenskyy said.Along with the millions of people who have fled Ukraine, the invasion has driven more than 10 million people from their homes, almost one-quarter of Ukraine’s population. Thousands of civilians are believed to have been killed.___