WASHINGTON
 — The IRS is aware of a third-party software issue affecting qualifying
 farmers and fishermen attempting to electronically file Forms 7203.

Qualifying farmers and fishermen are those who are not subject to an 
addition to tax for failing to pay the required estimated tax 
installment payment by January 15, 2022, if they file their returns and 
pay the full amount of tax reported on the return as payable by March 1,
 2022.

The IRS has been working closely with software providers to ease the 
impact on qualifying farmers and fishermen caused by electronic filing 
challenges in connection with Form 7203.

Due to these challenges, the Treasury Department and the IRS intend 
to issue a notice providing penalty relief for qualifying farmers and 
fishermen filing Forms 7203 if they electronically file their 2021 tax 
return and pay in full any tax due by April 18, 2022, or by April 19, 
2022, for those qualifying farmers and fishermen who live in Maine or 
Massachusetts.

Farmers and fishermen who filed their returns by the March 1 deadline are unaffected by this news release.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON
 — The IRS is aware of a third-party software issue affecting qualifying
 farmers and fishermen attempting to electronically file Forms 7203.Qualifying farmers and fishermen are those who are not subject to an 
addition to tax for failing to pay the required estimated tax 
installment payment by January 15, 2022, if they file their returns and 
pay the full amount of tax reported on the return as payable by March 1,
 2022.The IRS has been working closely with software providers to ease the 
impact on qualifying farmers and fishermen caused by electronic filing 
challenges in connection with Form 7203.Due to these challenges, the Treasury Department and the IRS intend 
to issue a notice providing penalty relief for qualifying farmers and 
fishermen filing Forms 7203 if they electronically file their 2021 tax 
return and pay in full any tax due by April 18, 2022, or by April 19, 
2022, for those qualifying farmers and fishermen who live in Maine or 
Massachusetts.Farmers and fishermen who filed their returns by the March 1 deadline are unaffected by this news release.

IRS extends one filing deadline for some farmers due to software error

WATERLOO, Neb. (AP) — The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says one person has died in the crash of a sport utility vehicle with a semitrailer hauling grain in eastern Nebraska. 

The crash happened Thursday morning at an intersection just west of Waterloo, between the Elkhorn and Platte rivers.

 Investigators say the SUV did not stop before entering the intersection and crashed into the grain truck. 

Officials say the driver of the SUV died in the crash. 

The driver of the semi suffered minor injuries.

 Authorities have not released the name of the person killed.

WATERLOO, Neb. (AP) — The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says one person has died in the crash of a sport utility vehicle with a semitrailer hauling grain in eastern Nebraska. The crash happened Thursday morning at an intersection just west of Waterloo, between the Elkhorn and Platte rivers. Investigators say the SUV did not stop before entering the intersection and crashed into the grain truck. Officials say the driver of the SUV died in the crash. The driver of the semi suffered minor injuries. Authorities have not released the name of the person killed.

Driver of SUV killed in crash with grain truck near Waterloo

KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) — Police say a Kearney business owner died after being run over by a runaway bulldozer at a Kearney auto engine manufacturing business. 

The Kearney Hub reports that police were called Wednesday morning to BluePrint Engines on the eastern edge of Kearney for reports of an injury accident. 

Arriving first responders found Ron Blessing injured and learned he had been run over by the bulldozer he had been driving. 

Blessing was taken by ambulance to a Kearney hospital, where he died.

 Blessing was the owner of Blessing Construction of Kearney. 

Police say the bulldozer continued on unmanned after the accident and was found a quarter-mile from the accident site in a ditch. 

KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) — Police say a Kearney business owner died after being run over by a runaway bulldozer at a Kearney auto engine manufacturing business. The Kearney Hub reports that police were called Wednesday morning to BluePrint Engines on the eastern edge of Kearney for reports of an injury accident. Arriving first responders found Ron Blessing injured and learned he had been run over by the bulldozer he had been driving. Blessing was taken by ambulance to a Kearney hospital, where he died. Blessing was the owner of Blessing Construction of Kearney. Police say the bulldozer continued on unmanned after the accident and was found a quarter-mile from the accident site in a ditch. No one else was injured.

Kearney business owner killed by runaway bulldozer

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/on-to-the-ballot-say-foes-of-lincolns-fairness-ordinance/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

Opponents
 of the “fairness ordinance” approved recently by the Lincoln City 
Council announced Tuesday they gathered more than enough signatures to 
have the measure rescinded or placed on the ballot for a vote of the 
people.

The
 Nebraska Family Alliance held a news conference to say its volunteers 
had collected 18,501 names in 15 days. That’s more than four times the 
necessary 4,137 signatures that equates to 4% of Lincoln residents who 
voted in the last gubernatorial election.

“We want Lincoln to be a fair and welcoming place for all people,” the <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/lincoln-group-wants-to-force-ballot-vote-on-citys-gender-identity-ordinance/">“Let Us Vote”</a> Family Alliance campaign said in a statement.&nbsp;

The
 ordinance that passed a couple of weeks ago on a 5-0 City Council vote 
prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender 
identity. It also broadens the city’s municipal code to add military 
personnel and veterans as a protected class, and updates several other 
definitions.

The Family Alliance took aim at the sexual orientation and gender identity portion of the ordinance.

The
 Alliance contends that the ordinance “means that businesses, churches 
and private schools must allow men to use women’s restrooms, locker 
rooms and showers if they identify as women, and citizens could be 
liable for tens of thousands of dollars in fines simply for expressing 
their beliefs if it has the ‘effect’ of creating an ‘offensive’ 
environment.”

In
 2012, the Lincoln City Council and Omaha City Council approved 
ordinances prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and 
gender identity. But a petition drive launched in Lincoln afterward 
gathered enough signatures to put the matter on the ballot or see it 
rescinded by the council, and the ordinance stalled.

The Lincoln city attorney was unavailable Tuesday when contacted about a city response on what happens next.

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/on-to-the-ballot-say-foes-of-lincolns-fairness-ordinance/">Nebraska Examiner</a>Opponents
 of the “fairness ordinance” approved recently by the Lincoln City 
Council announced Tuesday they gathered more than enough signatures to 
have the measure rescinded or placed on the ballot for a vote of the 
people.The
 Nebraska Family Alliance held a news conference to say its volunteers 
had collected 18,501 names in 15 days. That’s more than four times the 
necessary 4,137 signatures that equates to 4% of Lincoln residents who 
voted in the last gubernatorial election.“We want Lincoln to be a fair and welcoming place for all people,” the <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/lincoln-group-wants-to-force-ballot-vote-on-citys-gender-identity-ordinance/">“Let Us Vote”</a> Family Alliance campaign said in a statement.&nbsp;The
 ordinance that passed a couple of weeks ago on a 5-0 City Council vote 
prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender 
identity. It also broadens the city’s municipal code to add military 
personnel and veterans as a protected class, and updates several other 
definitions.The Family Alliance took aim at the sexual orientation and gender identity portion of the ordinance.The
 Alliance contends that the ordinance “means that businesses, churches 
and private schools must allow men to use women’s restrooms, locker 
rooms and showers if they identify as women, and citizens could be 
liable for tens of thousands of dollars in fines simply for expressing 
their beliefs if it has the ‘effect’ of creating an ‘offensive’ 
environment.”In
 2012, the Lincoln City Council and Omaha City Council approved 
ordinances prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and 
gender identity. But a petition drive launched in Lincoln afterward 
gathered enough signatures to put the matter on the ballot or see it 
rescinded by the council, and the ordinance stalled.The Lincoln city attorney was unavailable Tuesday when contacted about a city response on what happens next.

On to the ballot, say foes of Lincoln’s ‘fairness ordinance’

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/03/02/homeless-and-food-bank-programs-vie-for-piece-of-pandemic-recovery-pie/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

Earlier
 this year, a Sarpy County team fanned out to get a “point in time” 
count of homeless people in Nebraska’s fastest-growing county.

Tanya
 Gifford told the Nebraska Legislature’s Appropriations Committee on 
Wednesday that in just the slice she saw, 13 families had landed at a 
hotel because of problems including evictions.

Three
 more families, she said, were living out of their car in the Gretna 
Walmart parking lot; seven others were at a local truck stop.

“Sarpy
 County, where everyone takes care of their own and money is no object, 
does not seem to be true anymore,” the director of Lift Up Sarpy County 
said with sarcasm.

Gifford
 was among those testifying in support of a proposal that would earmark 
$40 million of Nebraska’s share of pandemic recovery funds to state 
homeless assistance programs.

Introduced by Omaha State Sen. John Cavanaugh, Legislative Bill 1052&nbsp;would provide grants to temporary housing and eviction diversion services as well as to programs that administer individual-level assistance.

The
 Appropriations Committee took no action on that or other bills aired 
Wednesday that are competing for roughly $1 billion in federal COVID-19 
recovery funds.&nbsp;

Legislative
 Bill 1201, introduced by Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha, would appropriate 
$40 million for grants to nonprofits providing food assistance. Half the
 funding would go to the two Nebraska food banks and the other half 
would be awarded during a competitive process to innovative food 
supply-chain projects.

Legislative
 Bill 1141, introduced by Omaha Sen. Tony Vargas, would direct $3 
million to the Commission on Public Advocacy to help provide legal 
representation to indigent people hurt by the pandemic.

Cavanaugh,
 in his appeal, said the number of people living on the streets dipped 
due to “herculean efforts” of local agencies (buoyed with federal 
coronavirus financial aid) that connected homeless people with shelter 
and other assistance.

But, he said, much will be needed to stave off a rise in homelessness.

He
 said that as the “stitch in time saves nine” idiom attests, investing 
in support prior to someone becoming homeless benefits the labor market 
and reduces costs of health care and corrections.

Tina
 Rockenbach of Community Action of Nebraska, which covers all&nbsp; the 
state’s 93 counties, said her network hasn’t seen a drop in demand 
related to affordable housing.&nbsp;

She said the bulk of requests for help come from households with at least one working adult.

“Nebraskans want to work, yet are still reeling from the effects of the pandemic,” Rockenbach said.

Mike
 Hornacek of Together Omaha said that since COVID hit, his nonprofit has
 hired nearly 50 people, purchased three buildings and distributed 
record amounts of financial assistance “to prevent a housing crisis.”

He said he’s concerned about the ability to sustain the pace and meet the need.

Scott
 Mertz of Legal Aid Nebraska said the Cavanaugh bill also could help 
hire more lawyers to provide services for the increase in 
landlord-tenant dispute cases. He said attorney representation for 
low-income residents holds off eviction 90% of the time.&nbsp;

“It
 is imperative that there is funding available to ensure all Nebraskans 
all across the state have … the same access to justice as any landlord,”
 he said.

Lift
 Up Sarpy County’s Gifford said it is a misconception that homelessness 
is relegated to certain areas. She said her county lost residents after 
the 2019 floods because of a shortage of affordable relocation options.

She urged lawmakers to funnel assistance so that the “boots on the ground can help families still working but struggling.”

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/03/02/homeless-and-food-bank-programs-vie-for-piece-of-pandemic-recovery-pie/">Nebraska Examiner</a>Earlier
 this year, a Sarpy County team fanned out to get a “point in time” 
count of homeless people in Nebraska’s fastest-growing county.Tanya
 Gifford told the Nebraska Legislature’s Appropriations Committee on 
Wednesday that in just the slice she saw, 13 families had landed at a 
hotel because of problems including evictions.Three
 more families, she said, were living out of their car in the Gretna 
Walmart parking lot; seven others were at a local truck stop.“Sarpy
 County, where everyone takes care of their own and money is no object, 
does not seem to be true anymore,” the director of Lift Up Sarpy County 
said with sarcasm.<h2>$40 million </h2>Gifford
 was among those testifying in support of a proposal that would earmark 
$40 million of Nebraska’s share of pandemic recovery funds to state 
homeless assistance programs.Introduced by Omaha State Sen. John Cavanaugh, Legislative Bill 1052&nbsp;would provide grants to temporary housing and eviction diversion services as well as to programs that administer individual-level assistance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645040514616.jpeg" alt="Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha (Rebecca S. Gratz for the Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha (Rebecca S. Gratz for the Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>The
 Appropriations Committee took no action on that or other bills aired 
Wednesday that are competing for roughly $1 billion in federal COVID-19 
recovery funds.&nbsp;Among the others:&nbsp;Legislative
 Bill 1201, introduced by Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha, would appropriate 
$40 million for grants to nonprofits providing food assistance. Half the
 funding would go to the two Nebraska food banks and the other half 
would be awarded during a competitive process to innovative food 
supply-chain projects.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646320475427.jpeg" alt="Sen. Wendy DeBoer (Courtesy of the Unicameral Information Office)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Wendy DeBoer (Courtesy of the Unicameral Information Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>Legislative
 Bill 1141, introduced by Omaha Sen. Tony Vargas, would direct $3 
million to the Commission on Public Advocacy to help provide legal 
representation to indigent people hurt by the pandemic.<h2>‘Stitch in time’</h2>Cavanaugh,
 in his appeal, said the number of people living on the streets dipped 
due to “herculean efforts” of local agencies (buoyed with federal 
coronavirus financial aid) that connected homeless people with shelter 
and other assistance.But, he said, much will be needed to stave off a rise in homelessness.He
 said that as the “stitch in time saves nine” idiom attests, investing 
in support prior to someone becoming homeless benefits the labor market 
and reduces costs of health care and corrections.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646320507687.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Tony Vargas (Courtesy of the Unicameral Information Office)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Tony Vargas (Courtesy of the Unicameral Information Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>Tina
 Rockenbach of Community Action of Nebraska, which covers all&nbsp; the 
state’s 93 counties, said her network hasn’t seen a drop in demand 
related to affordable housing.&nbsp;She said the bulk of requests for help come from households with at least one working adult.“Nebraskans want to work, yet are still reeling from the effects of the pandemic,” Rockenbach said.<h2>Access to justice for all</h2>Mike
 Hornacek of Together Omaha said that since COVID hit, his nonprofit has
 hired nearly 50 people, purchased three buildings and distributed 
record amounts of financial assistance “to prevent a housing crisis.”He said he’s concerned about the ability to sustain the pace and meet the need.Scott
 Mertz of Legal Aid Nebraska said the Cavanaugh bill also could help 
hire more lawyers to provide services for the increase in 
landlord-tenant dispute cases. He said attorney representation for 
low-income residents holds off eviction 90% of the time.&nbsp;“It
 is imperative that there is funding available to ensure all Nebraskans 
all across the state have … the same access to justice as any landlord,”
 he said.Lift
 Up Sarpy County’s Gifford said it is a misconception that homelessness 
is relegated to certain areas. She said her county lost residents after 
the 2019 floods because of a shortage of affordable relocation options.She urged lawmakers to funnel assistance so that the “boots on the ground can help families still working but struggling.”Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Homeless, food bank programs vie for piece of pandemic recovery pie

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/03/02/evnen-no-credible-evidence-that-vote-counting-machines-have-been-mistaken/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN
 — Nebraska Secretary of State Robert Evnen, in often emphatic terms, 
rejected allegations Wednesday that the state’s ballot-counting machines
 could be hacked by “foreign adversaries.”

Evnen,
 testifying toward the end of an afternoon-long public hearing, said 
Nebraska’s ballot-counting machines are never connected to the internet 
and are designed so they cannot be connected to the internet, so they 
cannot be “hacked.”

He said the machines were recently certified by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, an independent
 U.S. government agency created by the Help America Vote Act of 2002. 
Beyond that, Evnen said each machine is subject to three runs of “test 
decks” of ballots before each election, to ensure their accuracy.

“There
 is no credible evidence to show our ballot counting machines have 
rendered a false result,” said the secretary, whose office conducts the 
state elections.

Evnen
 testified before the Legislature’s Government, Military and Veterans 
Affairs against a bill that would require extensive testing of each 
ballot-counting machine prior to an election to assure that it could not
 be somehow connected to the internet.&nbsp;

Evnen,
 a conservative Republican seeking re-election this year, said 
Legislative Bill 1121 was unnecessary and would be an “astronomical” 
waste of taxpayer money.

“I believe in the rule of law. I have dedicated my entire life and career to the rule of law,” Evnen said.

But
 those assurances were waved aside by a long line of testifiers who 
maintained that modern technology had advanced to the point that chip 
manufacturers in China or “malicious software updates” could implant 
ways to allow the machines to connect to the internet, leading to 
changing results of an election.

“That’s my concern. Where does the hardware come from?” said State Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings, a member of the committee.

Evnen
 said Nebraska’s ballot counting machines are designed in Omaha, by 
engineers with Election Systems and Software. He encouraged Halloran and
 others who had doubts to visit the company and decide for themselves.

The
 exchange was the latest attempt by the secretary of state to address 
allegations — which Evnen said he has investigated and refuted — that 
there was widespread voter fraud in the 2020 elections in Nebraska and 
nationally.

Evnen
 produced a PowerPoint to shoot down the claims, one by one, earlier 
this year, and the assistant secretary of state for elections, Wayne 
Bena, met with members of a voter accuracy group and some state 
legislators Tuesday night to again address their claims.

But
 while Evnen and Nebraska’s election system had several defenders during
 Wednesday’s legislative hearing, others testified that they did not 
believe him or the assurances of ES&amp;S or the “propaganda” given by 
national election and Homeland Security officials.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;“Of
 course he (Evnen) doesn’t think there’s any credible evidence,” said 
Jennivery Hicks, one of the critics. “Why does he trust the machines 
more than he trusts the people he represents?”

She
 was among those who suggested that the state return to hand counting 
ballots cast at elections, which numbered about 966,000 in 2020.

Kearney Sen. John Lowe said it could be done by two-person teams, counting at the precinct level.

While
 Evnen said it was up to the Legislature if it wanted to approve such a 
“massive” change, he opposed the hand counting idea. He doubted that 
enough poll workers would volunteer for such a task, meaning the state 
would have to pay them. And he questioned how much longer it would take.

Evnen
 also suggested that human-counted elections would be more susceptible 
to fraud because low-paid workers could be easily bribed to “transpose a
 couple of numbers.”

“I am opposed to putting someone in that situation,” he said.

Three bills were considered by the committee on Wednesday:

None of the three bills were prioritized, meaning that they are unlikely to see floor debate this year.

Gordon
 Sen. Tom Brewer, who chairs the Government Committee, said the 
committee will likely hold an interim study on the subject of election 
security.

Brewer,
 who brokered the meeting between election critics and Evnen’s office, 
said he’s concerned that the secretary is “pooh-poohing” the complaint, 
when he should be addressing critics face to face.

“He may not like what they say, but he needs to hear them out,” Brewer said, or else the complaints may grow.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644245366799.jpeg" alt="Secretary of State Robert Evnen (Courtesy of Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office)" />
 <figcaption>Secretary of State Robert Evnen (Courtesy of Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/03/02/evnen-no-credible-evidence-that-vote-counting-machines-have-been-mistaken/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN
 — Nebraska Secretary of State Robert Evnen, in often emphatic terms, 
rejected allegations Wednesday that the state’s ballot-counting machines
 could be hacked by “foreign adversaries.”Evnen,
 testifying toward the end of an afternoon-long public hearing, said 
Nebraska’s ballot-counting machines are never connected to the internet 
and are designed so they cannot be connected to the internet, so they 
cannot be “hacked.”He said the machines were recently certified by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, an independent
 U.S. government agency created by the Help America Vote Act of 2002. 
Beyond that, Evnen said each machine is subject to three runs of “test 
decks” of ballots before each election, to ensure their accuracy.<h2>No evidence</h2>“There
 is no credible evidence to show our ballot counting machines have 
rendered a false result,” said the secretary, whose office conducts the 
state elections.Evnen
 testified before the Legislature’s Government, Military and Veterans 
Affairs against a bill that would require extensive testing of each 
ballot-counting machine prior to an election to assure that it could not
 be somehow connected to the internet.&nbsp;Evnen,
 a conservative Republican seeking re-election this year, said 
Legislative Bill 1121 was unnecessary and would be an “astronomical” 
waste of taxpayer money.“I believe in the rule of law. I have dedicated my entire life and career to the rule of law,” Evnen said.But
 those assurances were waved aside by a long line of testifiers who 
maintained that modern technology had advanced to the point that chip 
manufacturers in China or “malicious software updates” could implant 
ways to allow the machines to connect to the internet, leading to 
changing results of an election.<h2>‘Where does the hardware come from?'</h2>“That’s my concern. Where does the hardware come from?” said State Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings, a member of the committee.Evnen
 said Nebraska’s ballot counting machines are designed in Omaha, by 
engineers with Election Systems and Software. He encouraged Halloran and
 others who had doubts to visit the company and decide for themselves.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646320125608.jpeg" alt=" State Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings (Courtesy of Unicameral Information Office)" />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings (Courtesy of Unicameral Information Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>The
 exchange was the latest attempt by the secretary of state to address 
allegations — which Evnen said he has investigated and refuted — that 
there was widespread voter fraud in the 2020 elections in Nebraska and 
nationally.Evnen
 produced a PowerPoint to shoot down the claims, one by one, earlier 
this year, and the assistant secretary of state for elections, Wayne 
Bena, met with members of a voter accuracy group and some state 
legislators Tuesday night to again address their claims.<h2>‘Propaganda’</h2>But
 while Evnen and Nebraska’s election system had several defenders during
 Wednesday’s legislative hearing, others testified that they did not 
believe him or the assurances of ES&amp;S or the “propaganda” given by 
national election and Homeland Security officials.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Of
 course he (Evnen) doesn’t think there’s any credible evidence,” said 
Jennivery Hicks, one of the critics. “Why does he trust the machines 
more than he trusts the people he represents?”She
 was among those who suggested that the state return to hand counting 
ballots cast at elections, which numbered about 966,000 in 2020.<h2>‘Massive change’</h2>Kearney Sen. John Lowe said it could be done by two-person teams, counting at the precinct level.While
 Evnen said it was up to the Legislature if it wanted to approve such a 
“massive” change, he opposed the hand counting idea. He doubted that 
enough poll workers would volunteer for such a task, meaning the state 
would have to pay them. And he questioned how much longer it would take.Evnen
 also suggested that human-counted elections would be more susceptible 
to fraud because low-paid workers could be easily bribed to “transpose a
 couple of numbers.”“I am opposed to putting someone in that situation,” he said.<h2>Three bills, none prioritized</h2>Three bills were considered by the committee on Wednesday:<ul>
 <li>LB 1121, from 
Thurston Sen. Joni Albrecht, which would require inspections of machines
 to ensure they couldn’t be hacked via the internet.&nbsp;</li><li>LB 1181, a bill 
introduced by recently resigned Sen. Mike Groene but picked up by Lowe. 
It would require showing a photo ID or a bank statement or utility bill 
dated within 60 days to vote at an election. It would also require a 
copy of an ID to be sent along with a mail-in ballot in a special, 
separate compartment so the name and address can be compared.</li><li>LB 1123 from Bayard
 Sen. Steve Erdman, which would prohibit ballots from being counted 
until the polling places have closed on election night. That would 
prevent some early counting of ballots, which allows for posting of 
early returns when the polling places close.</li>
 </ul>None of the three bills were prioritized, meaning that they are unlikely to see floor debate this year.<h2>Interim study</h2>Gordon
 Sen. Tom Brewer, who chairs the Government Committee, said the 
committee will likely hold an interim study on the subject of election 
security.Brewer,
 who brokered the meeting between election critics and Evnen’s office, 
said he’s concerned that the secretary is “pooh-poohing” the complaint, 
when he should be addressing critics face to face.“He may not like what they say, but he needs to hear them out,” Brewer said, or else the complaints may grow.

Evnen: ‘No credible evidence’ that voting machines have been mistaken

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Police say a motorcyclist has died in a crash in southeastern Lincoln. Investigators say the crash happened Tuesday afternoon when one of two motorcyclists travelling together north on 70th Street lost control, hit a curb and then a fence. 

Police say the driver of the motorcycle died at the scene, and the other motorcyclist was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

 The Lincoln Journal Star reports that it was not clear how the second motorcycle was involved in the crash.

 The name of the motorcyclist killed has not yet been released.

By Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Police say a motorcyclist has died in a crash in southeastern Lincoln. Investigators say the crash happened Tuesday afternoon when one of two motorcyclists travelling together north on 70th Street lost control, hit a curb and then a fence. Police say the driver of the motorcycle died at the scene, and the other motorcyclist was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that it was not clear how the second motorcycle was involved in the crash. The name of the motorcyclist killed has not yet been released.

Police say motorcyclist killed in crash in Lincoln

TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen for alleged threat to her school.

Just after 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, USD 501-Topeka school administration place Chase Middle School, 2250 NE State Street, into a lock down due to receiving a credible threat to the school, according to police Lt. Manuel Munoz.

School officials contacted the Topeka Police Department who worked with Campus Police and USD 501 Administrators to investigate further. 

Detectives took a 14-year-old student into custody from Chase Middle School and transported her to LEC for further questioning.

At the conclusion of the investigation, police transported the girl to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Criminal Threat, according to Munoz.

TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen for alleged threat to her school.Just after 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, USD 501-Topeka school administration place Chase Middle School, 2250 NE State Street, into a lock down due to receiving a credible threat to the school, according to police Lt. Manuel Munoz.School officials contacted the Topeka Police Department who worked with Campus Police and USD 501 Administrators to investigate further. Detectives took a 14-year-old student into custody from Chase Middle School and transported her to LEC for further questioning.At the conclusion of the investigation, police transported the girl to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Criminal Threat, according to Munoz.

Kan. middle school placed on lockdown after 14-year-old girl's threat 

WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s time for America to stop letting the coronavirus “dictate how we live,” President Joe Biden’s White House declared Wednesday, outlining a strategy to allow people to return to many normal activities safely after two years of pandemic disruptions.

One highlight is a new “test to treat” plan to provide free antiviral pills at pharmacies to people who test positive for the virus.

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/National-COVID-19-Preparedness-Plan.pdf" target="_blank">The 90-page National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan</a>&nbsp;spells out initiatives and investments to continue to drive down serious illness and deaths from the virus, while preparing for potential new variants and providing employers and schools the resources to remain open.

“We know how to keep our businesses and our schools open with the tools that we have at our disposal,” said White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients.

Meanwhile, 140 million Americans, or 43% have now had COVID, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#national-lab" target="_blank">new assessment from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>. That estimate comes from a surveillance program that tested nearly 72,000 blood samples that were sent to commercial labs from late December to late January. The samples were checked for antibodies from infection, and were distinguishable from antibodies that came from vaccination.

More than 947,000 people in the U.S. have died from the virus according to the CDC.

Wednesday’s White House announcement follows Biden’s Tuesday night&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-state-of-the-union-4d6eb9fed9a46bb4efb63ea4e015725c">State of the Union speech</a>, in which he pointed to progress against the pandemic since last year, with a dramatic reduction in cases, along with readily available vaccines and the likelihood of new tests and therapeutics soon becoming more accessible.

“This plan lays out the roadmap to help us fight COVID-19 in the future as we move America from crisis to a time when COVID-19 does not disrupt our daily lives and is something we prevent, protect against, and treat,” the White House said. “We are not going to just ‘live with COVID.’ Because of our work, we are no longer going to let COVID-19 dictate how we live.”

That tracked Biden’s speech statement, “Tonight, I can say we are moving forward safely, back to more normal routines. It’s time for Americans to get back to work and fill our great downtowns again.”

COVID-19 cases have fallen to their lowest level since last summer in recent weeks, after a winter spike from the highly transmissible omicron variant. Deaths, though, which lag cases by weeks, are still elevated, with an average of nearly 1,700 people dying in the U.S. each day. Officials emphasize that most instances of serious illnesses and death in the U.S. occur among those who are unvaccinated or who have not received a booster dose of vaccine.

The White House’s strategy comes days after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-87d7bdc811ba6521e32017072d5ea180">the CDC loosened its guidance for when face masks should be worn&nbsp;</a>in public indoor settings, placing more emphasis on local capacity to treat serious disease than overall case counts. Now more than 70% of the country can safely remove masks indoors, the CDC says, and the percentage is expected to grow as cases continue to decline.

While most states and localities moved to relax their mask requirements even before the CDC change, many have kept mandates in place for schools, and the federal government continues to require face masks on public transportation, including airplanes. The federal mandate is to expire on March 18, and health officials did not provide any indication whether it would be extended.

Meanwhile, businesses across the country are struggling to navigate employees’ lingering concerns about COVID-19 and desire for the flexibility of working from home. Many companies’ would like to get workers back into offices.

A key component of the administration’s plan to convince American that it is safe to resume normal activities is the increasing availability of an antiviral pill from Pfizer that has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization from COVID-19 by 90%. By the end of the month, the administration says, 1 million pills will be available, with double that ready for use in April.

A White House official said the “test-to-treat” plan would initially roll out in hundreds of pharmacies across the country, including CVS, Walgreens, and Kroger locations, and would soon expand beyond that. Those who test positive at the sites would be able to obtain the antiviral pills for quick use, dramatically reducing the risk of bad outcomes.

One possible problem: The test-to-treat plan drew early concern from some pharmacists. Anne Burns, a vice president with the American Pharmacists Association, said pharmacies across the country have struggled with staffing issues in recent months. Pharmacists already doling out vaccines, prescriptions and health advice are worried about the extra time needed if they add more COVID-19 testing and treating.

“There’s just a lot of considerations that go into this,” she said. “It takes far longer than it takes to dispense most normal prescriptions.”

The administration said it also stands ready to rapidly administer millions of vaccine doses for children under 5 once the vaccines are approved by federal regulators. While there had been hope for the first shots to be authorized last month, Pfizer is now waiting on the results of a study including a third dose of the vaccine for that age group, and that will likely delay approval until April.

As part of the new strategy, the administration is calling on Congress to reinstitute tax credits for businesses that provide paid sick leave for employees who are sick with COVID-19. The White House is also asking Congress for additional funding to invest in new COVID-19 drugs, including research into the development of pan-coronavirus vaccines that would prevent against multiple strains and even several different types of viruses.

Meanwhile, federal officials emphasized they have greatly improved the public health system’s capacity to identify and track any potential new variants, with new investments in surveillance testing and genomic sequencing. Zients said the administration believes that if needed, it can authorize, produce and deliver new vaccines and treatments “in just 100 days rather than in many months or years.”

Biden, in his remarks Tuesday night, said that in addition to starting the new antiviral initiative, his administration would allow people in the U.S. to order another round of free tests from the government. He said that starting next week, the administration would make available four more free tests to U.S. households through COVIDTests.gov, which has sent more than 270 million to nearly 70 million households since it launched in mid-January.

Juan Gallego, a 58-year-old resident of Chelsea, Massachusetts, a majority Latino city north of Boston that was one of the state’s hardest hit during the pandemic, says Biden’s comments were appropriate, given how far the nation has come over the plast two years.

“Before, we didn’t know how to treat it. We were all paranoid, we didn’t know what to do,” he said of the virus. “Now we know, with all the experience, all we’ve done with the vaccines and new treatments.”

Gallego, a real estate agent who during the worst of the pandemic helped make face masks and deliver groceries and other essentials to quarantined families throughout Chelsea, said safety habits won’t quickly fade, especially in cities like his that took the brunt of the pain.

Many along Chelsea’s bustling main street and even children in local schools have continued to mask up, although a statewide mask mandate in classrooms was lifted this week, he said.

“He sent a message of hope, not desperation,” Gallego said of Biden. “We are in a much better place. And he’s right.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646306920285.png" alt="President Biden in Wisconsin on Wednesday-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden in Wisconsin on Wednesday-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s time for America to stop letting the coronavirus “dictate how we live,” President Joe Biden’s White House declared Wednesday, outlining a strategy to allow people to return to many normal activities safely after two years of pandemic disruptions.One highlight is a new “test to treat” plan to provide free antiviral pills at pharmacies to people who test positive for the virus.<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/National-COVID-19-Preparedness-Plan.pdf" target="_blank">The 90-page National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan</a>&nbsp;spells out initiatives and investments to continue to drive down serious illness and deaths from the virus, while preparing for potential new variants and providing employers and schools the resources to remain open.“We know how to keep our businesses and our schools open with the tools that we have at our disposal,” said White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients.Meanwhile, 140 million Americans, or 43% have now had COVID, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#national-lab" target="_blank">new assessment from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>. That estimate comes from a surveillance program that tested nearly 72,000 blood samples that were sent to commercial labs from late December to late January. The samples were checked for antibodies from infection, and were distinguishable from antibodies that came from vaccination.More than 947,000 people in the U.S. have died from the virus according to the CDC.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Even if you already ordered free tests, tonight, I am announcing that you can order more from <a href="https://t.co/12LzJrqFsC">https://t.co/12LzJrqFsC</a> starting next week. <a href="https://t.co/ZJkbdlwyFX">pic.twitter.com/ZJkbdlwyFX</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1498852745830440963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Wednesday’s White House announcement follows Biden’s Tuesday night&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-state-of-the-union-4d6eb9fed9a46bb4efb63ea4e015725c">State of the Union speech</a>, in which he pointed to progress against the pandemic since last year, with a dramatic reduction in cases, along with readily available vaccines and the likelihood of new tests and therapeutics soon becoming more accessible.“This plan lays out the roadmap to help us fight COVID-19 in the future as we move America from crisis to a time when COVID-19 does not disrupt our daily lives and is something we prevent, protect against, and treat,” the White House said. “We are not going to just ‘live with COVID.’ Because of our work, we are no longer going to let COVID-19 dictate how we live.”That tracked Biden’s speech statement, “Tonight, I can say we are moving forward safely, back to more normal routines. It’s time for Americans to get back to work and fill our great downtowns again.”COVID-19 cases have fallen to their lowest level since last summer in recent weeks, after a winter spike from the highly transmissible omicron variant. Deaths, though, which lag cases by weeks, are still elevated, with an average of nearly 1,700 people dying in the U.S. each day. Officials emphasize that most instances of serious illnesses and death in the U.S. occur among those who are unvaccinated or who have not received a booster dose of vaccine.The White House’s strategy comes days after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-87d7bdc811ba6521e32017072d5ea180">the CDC loosened its guidance for when face masks should be worn&nbsp;</a>in public indoor settings, placing more emphasis on local capacity to treat serious disease than overall case counts. Now more than 70% of the country can safely remove masks indoors, the CDC says, and the percentage is expected to grow as cases continue to decline.While most states and localities moved to relax their mask requirements even before the CDC change, many have kept mandates in place for schools, and the federal government continues to require face masks on public transportation, including airplanes. The federal mandate is to expire on March 18, and health officials did not provide any indication whether it would be extended.Meanwhile, businesses across the country are struggling to navigate employees’ lingering concerns about COVID-19 and desire for the flexibility of working from home. Many companies’ would like to get workers back into offices.A key component of the administration’s plan to convince American that it is safe to resume normal activities is the increasing availability of an antiviral pill from Pfizer that has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization from COVID-19 by 90%. By the end of the month, the administration says, 1 million pills will be available, with double that ready for use in April.A White House official said the “test-to-treat” plan would initially roll out in hundreds of pharmacies across the country, including CVS, Walgreens, and Kroger locations, and would soon expand beyond that. Those who test positive at the sites would be able to obtain the antiviral pills for quick use, dramatically reducing the risk of bad outcomes.One possible problem: The test-to-treat plan drew early concern from some pharmacists. Anne Burns, a vice president with the American Pharmacists Association, said pharmacies across the country have struggled with staffing issues in recent months. Pharmacists already doling out vaccines, prescriptions and health advice are worried about the extra time needed if they add more COVID-19 testing and treating.“There’s just a lot of considerations that go into this,” she said. “It takes far longer than it takes to dispense most normal prescriptions.”The administration said it also stands ready to rapidly administer millions of vaccine doses for children under 5 once the vaccines are approved by federal regulators. While there had been hope for the first shots to be authorized last month, Pfizer is now waiting on the results of a study including a third dose of the vaccine for that age group, and that will likely delay approval until April.As part of the new strategy, the administration is calling on Congress to reinstitute tax credits for businesses that provide paid sick leave for employees who are sick with COVID-19. The White House is also asking Congress for additional funding to invest in new COVID-19 drugs, including research into the development of pan-coronavirus vaccines that would prevent against multiple strains and even several different types of viruses.Meanwhile, federal officials emphasized they have greatly improved the public health system’s capacity to identify and track any potential new variants, with new investments in surveillance testing and genomic sequencing. Zients said the administration believes that if needed, it can authorize, produce and deliver new vaccines and treatments “in just 100 days rather than in many months or years.”Biden, in his remarks Tuesday night, said that in addition to starting the new antiviral initiative, his administration would allow people in the U.S. to order another round of free tests from the government. He said that starting next week, the administration would make available four more free tests to U.S. households through COVIDTests.gov, which has sent more than 270 million to nearly 70 million households since it launched in mid-January.Juan Gallego, a 58-year-old resident of Chelsea, Massachusetts, a majority Latino city north of Boston that was one of the state’s hardest hit during the pandemic, says Biden’s comments were appropriate, given how far the nation has come over the plast two years.“Before, we didn’t know how to treat it. We were all paranoid, we didn’t know what to do,” he said of the virus. “Now we know, with all the experience, all we’ve done with the vaccines and new treatments.”Gallego, a real estate agent who during the worst of the pandemic helped make face masks and deliver groceries and other essentials to quarantined families throughout Chelsea, said safety habits won’t quickly fade, especially in cities like his that took the brunt of the pain.Many along Chelsea’s bustling main street and even children in local schools have continued to mask up, although a statewide mask mandate in classrooms was lifted this week, he said.“He sent a message of hope, not desperation,” Gallego said of Biden. “We are in a much better place. And he’s right.”___

White House unveils new 'test to treat' COVID-19 plan

he Federal Trade Commission, jointly with the Department of Justice 
and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, have sued a New York-based 
marketer of herbal tea, seeking to permanently block deceptive ads that 
claim its Earth Tea is clinically proven to treat, cure, and prevent 
COVID-19. The FTC also is seeking to impose civil penalties on the 
defendants behind Earth Tea under the COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act.

The complaint announced today names as defendants Brooklyn-based B4B 
Earth Tea LLC, B4B Corp., and its owner, Andrew Martin (“Busta”) 
Sinclair.

“Without any scientific evidence, the defendants claimed that 
drinking their herbal tea is more effective in preventing COVID-19 than 
approved vaccines, and cures anyone who has gotten ill within 24 hours,”
 said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer 
Protection. “In bringing this matter with our partners at the Department
 of Justice and the Food and Drug Administration, the Commission 
continues its commitment to using every tool available to stop and deter
 those who would treat the pandemic as opportunity to peddle bogus 
treatments.”

“The Department of Justice will not tolerate individuals or companies
 seeking to profit from the COVID-19 public health emergency by 
unlawfully advertising unproven products,” said Principal Deputy 
Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Department of 
Justice’s Civil Division. “The Department is committed to protecting 
consumers and enforcing the COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act and the 
FDCA against those who unlawfully market unproven COVID-19 treatments.”

“Products like this may delay patients from seeking proven treatments
 from their health care provider. Preying on patients’ vulnerabilities 
during the COVID-19 pandemic is unacceptable,” said Judy McMeekin, 
Pharm.D., FDA’s Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs. “The FDA 
will continue to actively monitor the U.S. market for any companies or 
individuals falsely marketing products with claims it prevents or treats
 COVID-19, and will take actions against those who violate the law and 
endanger patients.”

“COVID-19 has tragically claimed nearly one million lives in this 
country and close to six million lives worldwide,” stated United States 
Attorney Breon Peace. “Unfortunately, there are too many people who are 
taking advantage of this crisis by pushing alleged treatment products 
that are nothing more than snake oil. We will not tolerate attempts to 
make a dishonest dollar while putting our communities at risk during a 
pandemic.”

According to the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/us_v._b4b_earth_tea_complaint_22cv1159.pdf">joint agency complaint</a>,
 Sinclair and the two companies he owns and operates sell Earth Tea for 
$60 per 16-ounce bottle to consumers nationwide via social media and the
 Internet. Since at least April 2020, the complaint alleges, on their 
own websites and through social media posts and videos on Facebook, 
Instagram, Twitter TikTok, and YouTube, Sinclair, and his companies have
 misrepresented that Earth Tea prevents or treats COVID-19 and falsely 
claimed to have evidence of its efficacy. The defendants say they have 
anecdotal evidence from customers to support the claims, but there are 
currently no published reports or any well-controlled scientific studies
 or research indicating that Earth Tea can either prevent or treat 
COVID-19.

Among other things, the ads for Earth Tea claim:

Earth Tea’s ads also include unsupported claims such as: 1) 
“Vaccines trial shows preventing hospitalization is 85%-96% while so far
 Earth Tea Extra Strength is 100% we have helped people who are 
vaccinated;” 2) “No one who was positive and used Earth Tea went to the 
hospital;” and 3) comparing a vial of vaccine with a bottle of Earth 
Tea, “Which one is 100% effective with 0 side effects…#COVID19 Trial 
Report Is The Answer Not What Leaders Want…Compare Both.” The ads also 
falsely claim the Earth Tea is clinically proven to cure COVID-19 in 48 
hours. In at least one tweet, the defendants claimed the cure would only
 take 24 hours.

The defendants behind Earth Tea cite one 15-person study conducted in
 India to support their health claims for Earth Tea, but the study has a
 small sample size, no control group, and the results were never 
published in a recognized scientific journal. The results do not rise to
 the level of providing “competent and reliable scientific evidence” to 
support the health claims, according to the complaint.

The Commission vote to refer the civil penalty complaint to the DOJ 
for filing was 4-0. The Department of Justice filed the complaint on 
behalf of the Commission in the U.S. District Court for
 Eastern District of New York. In addition to the violations alleged by 
the FTC, the complaint includes charges by the FDA alleging violations 
of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTChe Federal Trade Commission, jointly with the Department of Justice 
and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, have sued a New York-based 
marketer of herbal tea, seeking to permanently block deceptive ads that 
claim its Earth Tea is clinically proven to treat, cure, and prevent 
COVID-19. The FTC also is seeking to impose civil penalties on the 
defendants behind Earth Tea under the COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act.The complaint announced today names as defendants Brooklyn-based B4B 
Earth Tea LLC, B4B Corp., and its owner, Andrew Martin (“Busta”) 
Sinclair.“Without any scientific evidence, the defendants claimed that 
drinking their herbal tea is more effective in preventing COVID-19 than 
approved vaccines, and cures anyone who has gotten ill within 24 hours,”
 said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer 
Protection. “In bringing this matter with our partners at the Department
 of Justice and the Food and Drug Administration, the Commission 
continues its commitment to using every tool available to stop and deter
 those who would treat the pandemic as opportunity to peddle bogus 
treatments.”“The Department of Justice will not tolerate individuals or companies
 seeking to profit from the COVID-19 public health emergency by 
unlawfully advertising unproven products,” said Principal Deputy 
Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Department of 
Justice’s Civil Division. “The Department is committed to protecting 
consumers and enforcing the COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act and the 
FDCA against those who unlawfully market unproven COVID-19 treatments.”“Products like this may delay patients from seeking proven treatments
 from their health care provider. Preying on patients’ vulnerabilities 
during the COVID-19 pandemic is unacceptable,” said Judy McMeekin, 
Pharm.D., FDA’s Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs. “The FDA 
will continue to actively monitor the U.S. market for any companies or 
individuals falsely marketing products with claims it prevents or treats
 COVID-19, and will take actions against those who violate the law and 
endanger patients.”“COVID-19 has tragically claimed nearly one million lives in this 
country and close to six million lives worldwide,” stated United States 
Attorney Breon Peace. “Unfortunately, there are too many people who are 
taking advantage of this crisis by pushing alleged treatment products 
that are nothing more than snake oil. We will not tolerate attempts to 
make a dishonest dollar while putting our communities at risk during a 
pandemic.”According to the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/us_v._b4b_earth_tea_complaint_22cv1159.pdf">joint agency complaint</a>,
 Sinclair and the two companies he owns and operates sell Earth Tea for 
$60 per 16-ounce bottle to consumers nationwide via social media and the
 Internet. Since at least April 2020, the complaint alleges, on their 
own websites and through social media posts and videos on Facebook, 
Instagram, Twitter TikTok, and YouTube, Sinclair, and his companies have
 misrepresented that Earth Tea prevents or treats COVID-19 and falsely 
claimed to have evidence of its efficacy. The defendants say they have 
anecdotal evidence from customers to support the claims, but there are 
currently no published reports or any well-controlled scientific studies
 or research indicating that Earth Tea can either prevent or treat 
COVID-19.Among other things, the ads for Earth Tea claim:<ul>
 <li>“B4B Corp is sharing a COVID-19 Update…Earth Tea works!! The all
 natural instant immune booster clinical trails proves its [sic] 
effective against Covid19;” and</li><li>“Our Clinical Trial was successful. So successful we are offering a
 Money Back Guarantee against covid-19 if 2 bottles do not get you 
negative you will get your money back.”</li>
 </ul>Earth Tea’s ads also include unsupported claims such as: 1) 
“Vaccines trial shows preventing hospitalization is 85%-96% while so far
 Earth Tea Extra Strength is 100% we have helped people who are 
vaccinated;” 2) “No one who was positive and used Earth Tea went to the 
hospital;” and 3) comparing a vial of vaccine with a bottle of Earth 
Tea, “Which one is 100% effective with 0 side effects…#COVID19 Trial 
Report Is The Answer Not What Leaders Want…Compare Both.” The ads also 
falsely claim the Earth Tea is clinically proven to cure COVID-19 in 48 
hours. In at least one tweet, the defendants claimed the cure would only
 take 24 hours.The defendants behind Earth Tea cite one 15-person study conducted in
 India to support their health claims for Earth Tea, but the study has a
 small sample size, no control group, and the results were never 
published in a recognized scientific journal. The results do not rise to
 the level of providing “competent and reliable scientific evidence” to 
support the health claims, according to the complaint.The Commission vote to refer the civil penalty complaint to the DOJ 
for filing was 4-0. The Department of Justice filed the complaint on 
behalf of the Commission in the U.S. District Court for
 Eastern District of New York. In addition to the violations alleged by 
the FTC, the complaint includes charges by the FDA alleging violations 
of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Feds take action to stop COVID treatment claims by herbal tea maker

The COVID-19 pandemic had huge impact on the housing industry, and there are <a href="https://fortune.com/2022/01/18/homebuyers-brutal-spring-housing-market-inventory-interest-rates/" target="_blank">few signs that it is slowing</a>.
 Even though rates have ticked back up slightly, buyers are still 
scrambling to capitalize on low rates. Home sales in 2021&nbsp;resulted in <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/08/21/homes-sale-sales-jump-amid-covid-bidding-wars-price-spikes/3407248001/" target="_blank">record-breaking home sales in the U.S.</a> and <a href="https://creastats.crea.ca/en-CA/" target="_blank">Canada</a>, and <a href="https://fortune.com/2022/02/28/spring-housing-market-predictions-2022/" target="_blank">2022 may be even busier</a>.&nbsp;

If you recently purchased a new home, you’ve no doubt found that all that extra space requires upkeep and maintenance. BBB
 recommends the following tips to help you care for your new home, hire 
contractors, and avoid getting scammed in the process.

10 Home Maintenance Tips for New Homeowners 

Beware of home improvement scams. <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/16924-bbb-tip-home-improvement-scams" target="_blank">Home improvement scams</a>
 abound, so watch out for red flags, such as high-pressure sales 
tactics, cash-only deals, and contractors who don’t sign contracts. 
Always check references and ask for recommendations before you agree to 
hire a contractor. To avoid getting scammed, the <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0242-hiring-contractor" target="_blank">Federal Trade Commission</a>&nbsp;recommends getting multiple estimates, asking questions, and getting a written contract before you hire.

Search BBB.org to reputable <a href="https://www.bbb.org/near-me/roofing-contractors" target="_blank">roofers</a>, <a href="https://www.bbb.org/near-me/painting-contractors" target="_blank">painters</a>, <a href="https://www.bbb.org/near-me/plumber" target="_blank">plumbers</a>, <a href="https://www.bbb.org/near-me/lawn-maintenance" target="_blank">lawn maintenance specialists</a>, and <a href="https://www.bbb.org/near-me/security-systems" target="_blank">security system companies</a> in your area.

Visit our <a href="https://www.bbb.org/homehq" target="_blank">Home HQ</a> for more tips and content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBThe COVID-19 pandemic had huge impact on the housing industry, and there are <a href="https://fortune.com/2022/01/18/homebuyers-brutal-spring-housing-market-inventory-interest-rates/" target="_blank">few signs that it is slowing</a>.
 Even though rates have ticked back up slightly, buyers are still 
scrambling to capitalize on low rates. Home sales in 2021&nbsp;resulted in <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/08/21/homes-sale-sales-jump-amid-covid-bidding-wars-price-spikes/3407248001/" target="_blank">record-breaking home sales in the U.S.</a> and <a href="https://creastats.crea.ca/en-CA/" target="_blank">Canada</a>, and <a href="https://fortune.com/2022/02/28/spring-housing-market-predictions-2022/" target="_blank">2022 may be even busier</a>.&nbsp;If you recently purchased a new home, you’ve no doubt found that all that extra space requires upkeep and maintenance. BBB
 recommends the following tips to help you care for your new home, hire 
contractors, and avoid getting scammed in the process.<h2>10 Home Maintenance Tips for New Homeowners </h2><ul>
 <li>Perform home maintenance regularly. The <a href="https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_12334.PDF" target="_blank">Department for Housing and Urban Development</a>
 reminds homeowners that regular home maintenance reduces allergens, 
prevents illness, and reduces injury from accidents. In addition, it can
 help you identify needed repairs before they become too serious, saving
 you time and money in the long run. Many homeowners use <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/23238-bbb-tip-fall-home-maintenance" target="_blank">seasonal checklists</a> to help them stay on top of home maintenance all year long. Another aspect of home maintenance is cleaning your home. Consider <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20552-bbb-tips-seven-tips-for-hiring-a-cleaning-service" target="_blank">hiring a cleaning service</a> if you need help. </li><li>Keep your lawn tidy. Not only will a well-kept lawn
 improve your home’s curb appeal, but it will also make for an enjoyable
 place to spend time outside with your family. Lawn care also keeps 
harmful pests, such as snakes and mice, from making their home too close
 to yours. Lawn care generally falls into three main categories: 
landscaping, lawn maintenance, and sprinkler systems/irrigation. If you 
need help in one or more of these categories, consider <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/14102-bbb-tip-landscaping-and-lawn-care" target="_blank">hiring a lawn care professional</a>. </li><li>Inspect your roof. A leaky roof can cause a 
plethora of problems, so it’s wise to inspect your roof a few times each
 year, and especially after severe weather. Make sure there are no 
missing shingles, leaks, or other kinds of damage. You can prevent 
damage by clearing dead or low hanging branches away from your roof and 
removing debris. If at any point you find that repairs are necessary, <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/14082-bbb-tip-roofing-contractors" target="_blank">roofing contractors</a> can assist with repairing or replacing your roof. </li><li>Keep your air ducts clean. As a general rule, plan 
on having your home’s air ducts cleaned every three to five years. 
However, if you notice mold, vermin, or large amounts of dust clogging 
the air vents, you should get your air ducts cleaned by a trained <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/14091-bbb-tip-heating-and-air-conditioning" target="_blank">HVAC technician</a> as soon as possible. <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/14103-tip-cleaning-your-air-ducts">Clean air ducts</a>
 will improve the efficiency of your heating and air conditioning system
 and extend its life. It may even reduce the cost of your energy bill! </li><li>Watch out for plumbing problems. Take a peek at 
your plumbing and fixtures as you perform regular home maintenance to 
make sure there are no leaks. Ask friends and neighbors to recommend a <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/14084-bbb-tip-plumbers" target="_blank">reputable plumber</a> in the area and keep their number on hand, in case an emergency arises. </li><li>Consider installing an alarm system. An alarm system can make you feel more secure and protect your valuables when you are away. Choose a <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/2270-bbb-tip-buying-a-home-security-system" target="_blank">home security system</a> from a credible, licensed company in your area and compare pricing before you sign up. </li><li>Add a fresh coat of paint. Quality exterior paint 
helps protect your home from insects and weather damage. Quality 
interior paint can protect your home from moisture and increase its 
value too. Both are important parts of regular home maintenance that 
should be evaluated every few years. If painting isn’t your strong suit,
 consider hiring a <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/19933-bbb-tip-hiring-a-painter">professional painter</a> who is equipped with the necessary tools, skills and safety equipment to get the job done efficiently. </li><li>Get professional help with remodeling. Unless you 
have a background in construction, it’s best to leave large remodeling 
projects to professionals. Plan your project and budget ahead of time. 
Then look for a <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/14089-bbb-tip-construction-and-remodeling-services" target="_blank">construction or remodeling contractor</a> who specializes in the kind of remodeling you need. </li><li>Hire reliable contractors. No matter what kind of outside help you need, hiring a reputable contractor is key. Follow <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/14081-bbb-tip-hiring-a-contractor" target="_blank">BBB’s tips on hiring a contractor</a> to make sure your project is in good hands. </li>
 </ul>Beware of home improvement scams. <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/16924-bbb-tip-home-improvement-scams" target="_blank">Home improvement scams</a>
 abound, so watch out for red flags, such as high-pressure sales 
tactics, cash-only deals, and contractors who don’t sign contracts. 
Always check references and ask for recommendations before you agree to 
hire a contractor. To avoid getting scammed, the <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0242-hiring-contractor" target="_blank">Federal Trade Commission</a>&nbsp;recommends getting multiple estimates, asking questions, and getting a written contract before you hire. <h2>For More Information</h2>Search BBB.org to reputable <a href="https://www.bbb.org/near-me/roofing-contractors" target="_blank">roofers</a>, <a href="https://www.bbb.org/near-me/painting-contractors" target="_blank">painters</a>, <a href="https://www.bbb.org/near-me/plumber" target="_blank">plumbers</a>, <a href="https://www.bbb.org/near-me/lawn-maintenance" target="_blank">lawn maintenance specialists</a>, and <a href="https://www.bbb.org/near-me/security-systems" target="_blank">security system companies</a> in your area.Visit our <a href="https://www.bbb.org/homehq" target="_blank">Home HQ</a> for more tips and content.

BBB Tip: 10 things new homeowners should know

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/03/02/front-porch-investments-opens-funding-gate-to-affordable-housing-projects/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

Three
 years ago, nine local philanthropic groups set out to get a better grip
 on affordable housing needs in the Omaha metro area.

The quest produced a 105-page report that identified <a target="_blank" href="https://omahafoundation.org/news/an-assessment-of-the-affordable-housing-landscape-of-omaha-council-bluffs/">gaps and solutions</a>. Fundraising began. A management team was assembled.

Now
 the Front Porch team is announcing its first round of funding to be 
distributed to nonprofits and developers who will help fill the metro 
area’s shortage of affordable places to live.

“We’re excited,” said executive director Meridith Dillon. “We’re looking for innovation.”



	Launching the grant and loan process, she said, is a “pilot” round in 
which Front Porch anticipates awarding up to a total of $6 million to 
qualified and worthy projects.

Applications open in mid-March. Awards are to be announced in May, and eligible projects must be ready to begin yet this year.

That’s
 just the start, though — a precursor designed to get a feel for the 
field and prepare the nascent Front Porch for a bigger and more formal 
funding round this summer.&nbsp;

Dillon
 said the total amount of awards to be distributed will depend on the 
number and quality of project applications. Fundraising is ongoing, but 
the Front Porch housing development and preservation fund designed to 
boost affordable options is anticipated to grow to $200 million.

Preference will go to ventures that create affordable dwellings near job
 and transit centers or that support programs connecting families with 
housing opportunities.

Candidates could include apartments, single-family developments, mixed-income rental projects and other living options.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Backed
 by public and private sector entities, Front Porch’s efforts are guided
 by the study (the 2021 Housing Affordability in the Omaha and Council 
Bluffs Area) commissioned by the nine area philanthropic foundations.

Dillon said the foundations were driven by a barrage of requests and concerns believed to be rooted in housing needs.&nbsp;



	The subsequent assessment found, for instance, 98,500 “housing cost 
burdened” households in an area with fewer than 20,000 dedicated 
affordable dwellings. And the gap was expected to grow.

The
 report said that one in four of the area’s households pay more than 
one-third of their income for housing. (According to the study and 
federal standards, a household is considered housing cost-burdened if 
they pay more than 30% of their income toward housing costs. )&nbsp;

Those families then spend less on essentials like health care, food and education.

The
 report noted also that “dedicated” affordable housing units, those set 
up to serve certain incomes, are reaching the end of compliance 
timelines, and owners could raise rents to cover costs no longer covered
 by a subsidy. They might also choose to convert the properties to 
market rate rents.

Keeping
 available such affordable options is part of the nonprofit Front Porch 
mission. According to the report, the Omaha region stands to lose over 
3,000 units of affordable housing over a decade if preservation and 
reinvestment efforts don’t kick in.

Dillon said the broader community takes a hit when there’s a shortage of safe and accessible housing.



	“We can’t attract businesses,” she said. Youth educational outcomes can
 suffer when a family is burdened by housing costs. Health is affected, 
both physical and mental.

Housing
 challenges can intensify racial inequities steeped in past development 
policies such as redlining, said Naomi Hattaway, director of 
communications and community initiatives. And COVID-19 has had a 
disproportionate impact on people of color.

“Front Porch accepts the obligation to support equity, housing justice and accessibility best practices,” she said.

As the housing study was underway and the pandemic hit, <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/01/nebraska-senators-want-to-create-a-new-state-housing-agency/">home construction expenses</a> jumped, as did costs to rent and buy.&nbsp;

Dillon
 said the attention locally as well as nationally brought Front Porch to
 the forefront. She believes there is now unprecedented interest among 
various entities to address housing gaps.&nbsp;

“We have the data,” she said. “We know where the problem is, so let’s go fix it.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646259458043.png" alt="(Courtesy of Zac Gudakov on Unsplash)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy of Zac Gudakov on Unsplash)</figcaption>
 </figure>By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/03/02/front-porch-investments-opens-funding-gate-to-affordable-housing-projects/">Nebraska Examiner</a>Three
 years ago, nine local philanthropic groups set out to get a better grip
 on affordable housing needs in the Omaha metro area.The quest produced a 105-page report that identified <a target="_blank" href="https://omahafoundation.org/news/an-assessment-of-the-affordable-housing-landscape-of-omaha-council-bluffs/">gaps and solutions</a>. Fundraising began. A management team was assembled.Thus was born Front Porch Investments.Now
 the Front Porch team is announcing its first round of funding to be 
distributed to nonprofits and developers who will help fill the metro 
area’s shortage of affordable places to live.“We’re excited,” said executive director Meridith Dillon. “We’re looking for innovation.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646259552564.jpeg" alt="Meridith Dillon, Front Porch Investments executive director (Courtesy of Kamrin Baker)" />
 <figcaption>Meridith Dillon, Front Porch Investments executive director (Courtesy of Kamrin Baker)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Pilot round</h2>

	Launching the grant and loan process, she said, is a “pilot” round in 
which Front Porch anticipates awarding up to a total of $6 million to 
qualified and worthy projects.Applications open in mid-March. Awards are to be announced in May, and eligible projects must be ready to begin yet this year.That’s
 just the start, though — a precursor designed to get a feel for the 
field and prepare the nascent Front Porch for a bigger and more formal 
funding round this summer.&nbsp;Dillon
 said the total amount of awards to be distributed will depend on the 
number and quality of project applications. Fundraising is ongoing, but 
the Front Porch housing development and preservation fund designed to 
boost affordable options is anticipated to grow to $200 million.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646259579867.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Preference will go to ventures that create affordable dwellings near job
 and transit centers or that support programs connecting families with 
housing opportunities.Candidates could include apartments, single-family developments, mixed-income rental projects and other living options.&nbsp;&nbsp;Backed
 by public and private sector entities, Front Porch’s efforts are guided
 by the study (the 2021 Housing Affordability in the Omaha and Council 
Bluffs Area) commissioned by the nine area philanthropic foundations.Dillon said the foundations were driven by a barrage of requests and concerns believed to be rooted in housing needs.&nbsp;<h2>Growing gap</h2>

	The subsequent assessment found, for instance, 98,500 “housing cost 
burdened” households in an area with fewer than 20,000 dedicated 
affordable dwellings. And the gap was expected to grow.The
 report said that one in four of the area’s households pay more than 
one-third of their income for housing. (According to the study and 
federal standards, a household is considered housing cost-burdened if 
they pay more than 30% of their income toward housing costs. )&nbsp;Those families then spend less on essentials like health care, food and education.The
 report noted also that “dedicated” affordable housing units, those set 
up to serve certain incomes, are reaching the end of compliance 
timelines, and owners could raise rents to cover costs no longer covered
 by a subsidy. They might also choose to convert the properties to 
market rate rents.Keeping
 available such affordable options is part of the nonprofit Front Porch 
mission. According to the report, the Omaha region stands to lose over 
3,000 units of affordable housing over a decade if preservation and 
reinvestment efforts don’t kick in.Dillon said the broader community takes a hit when there’s a shortage of safe and accessible housing.<h2>Pandemic shines a light</h2>

	“We can’t attract businesses,” she said. Youth educational outcomes can
 suffer when a family is burdened by housing costs. Health is affected, 
both physical and mental.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646259616301.jpeg" alt="Naomi Hattaway of Front Porch Investments, director of communications and community initiatives (Courtesy of Kamrin Baker)" />
 <figcaption>Naomi Hattaway of Front Porch Investments, director of communications and community initiatives (Courtesy of Kamrin Baker)</figcaption>
 </figure>Housing
 challenges can intensify racial inequities steeped in past development 
policies such as redlining, said Naomi Hattaway, director of 
communications and community initiatives. And COVID-19 has had a 
disproportionate impact on people of color.“Front Porch accepts the obligation to support equity, housing justice and accessibility best practices,” she said.As the housing study was underway and the pandemic hit, <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/01/nebraska-senators-want-to-create-a-new-state-housing-agency/">home construction expenses</a> jumped, as did costs to rent and buy.&nbsp;Dillon
 said the attention locally as well as nationally brought Front Porch to
 the forefront. She believes there is now unprecedented interest among 
various entities to address housing gaps.&nbsp;“We have the data,” she said. “We know where the problem is, so let’s go fix it.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Omaha-based nonprofit opens funding gate to affordable housing projects

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that many Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) will offer <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/irs-face-to-face-saturday-help">face-to-face Saturday help</a> without an appointment from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 12. Normally TACs are only open weekdays.

"Being open on select Saturdays is offered for people to get the help
 they need when they need it," said IRS Wage and Investment Division 
Commissioner and Taxpayer Experience Officer Ken Corbin. "We know that 
many taxpayers work during the week or have other obligations that make 
it difficult to get away to take care of their taxes during our routine 
business hours. We're here to help, and people don't need an appointment
 during these special Saturday hours."

People can also ask about reconciling <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">advance Child Tax Credit</a>
 payments, receive help resolving a tax problem, a tax bill or an IRS 
audit. If assistance from IRS employees specializing in these services 
is not available, the individual will receive a referral for these 
services. IRS staff will schedule appointments for a later date for Deaf
 or Hard of Hearing individuals who need sign language interpreter 
services. Foreign language interpreters will be available.

The IRS follows <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html">Centers for Disease Control social distancing guidelines</a>
 for COVID-19, and availability may change without notice. People are 
required to wear face masks and social distance at these events.

The IRS urges individuals to bring the following information:

During the visit, IRS staff may also request the following information:

No tax return preparation will be available at any IRS TAC. The IRS.gov webpage, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office">Contact Your Local IRS Office</a>, lists all services provided at specific TACs.

While tax return preparation is not a service offered at IRS TACs 
during regular hours or during these Saturday hours, the following free 
resources are available to help most taxpayers prepare and file their 
2021 federal tax returns anytime:

Any individual or family earning $73,000 or less in 2021 can use tax 
software from providers who make their online products available through
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a> at no cost. There are products in English and Spanish.

Free help preparing tax returns is available at a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Center (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly location (TCE)</a> sites. The income limit for VITA assistance is $58,000. To find the closest free tax return preparation help, use the <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/">VITA Locator Tool</a> or call <a href="tel:800-906-9887">800-906-9887</a>. To find a TCE AARP Tax-Aide site, use the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/locations.html">AARP Site Locator Tool</a> or call <a href="tel:888-227-7669">888-227-7669</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that many Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) will offer <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/irs-face-to-face-saturday-help">face-to-face Saturday help</a> without an appointment from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 12. Normally TACs are only open weekdays."Being open on select Saturdays is offered for people to get the help
 they need when they need it," said IRS Wage and Investment Division 
Commissioner and Taxpayer Experience Officer Ken Corbin. "We know that 
many taxpayers work during the week or have other obligations that make 
it difficult to get away to take care of their taxes during our routine 
business hours. We're here to help, and people don't need an appointment
 during these special Saturday hours."People can also ask about reconciling <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">advance Child Tax Credit</a>
 payments, receive help resolving a tax problem, a tax bill or an IRS 
audit. If assistance from IRS employees specializing in these services 
is not available, the individual will receive a referral for these 
services. IRS staff will schedule appointments for a later date for Deaf
 or Hard of Hearing individuals who need sign language interpreter 
services. Foreign language interpreters will be available.The IRS follows <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html">Centers for Disease Control social distancing guidelines</a>
 for COVID-19, and availability may change without notice. People are 
required to wear face masks and social distance at these events.<h2>Please come prepared</h2>The IRS urges individuals to bring the following information:<ul>
 <li>Current government-issued photo identification</li><li>Social Security cards and/or ITINs for members of their household, including spouse and dependents (if applicable)</li><li>Any IRS letters or notices received and related documents</li>
 </ul>During the visit, IRS staff may also request the following information:<ul>
 <li>A current mailing address, and</li><li>Bank account information, to receive payments or refunds by <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">Direct Deposit</a>.</li>
 </ul>No tax return preparation will be available at any IRS TAC. The IRS.gov webpage, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office">Contact Your Local IRS Office</a>, lists all services provided at specific TACs.<h2>Free tax preparation help</h2>While tax return preparation is not a service offered at IRS TACs 
during regular hours or during these Saturday hours, the following free 
resources are available to help most taxpayers prepare and file their 
2021 federal tax returns anytime:Any individual or family earning $73,000 or less in 2021 can use tax 
software from providers who make their online products available through
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a> at no cost. There are products in English and Spanish.Free help preparing tax returns is available at a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Center (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly location (TCE)</a> sites. The income limit for VITA assistance is $58,000. To find the closest free tax return preparation help, use the <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/">VITA Locator Tool</a> or call <a href="tel:800-906-9887">800-906-9887</a>. To find a TCE AARP Tax-Aide site, use the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/locations.html">AARP Site Locator Tool</a> or call <a href="tel:888-227-7669">888-227-7669</a>.

Face-to-face IRS help available in more than 30 cities this month

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha man who has long been a suspect in the 2018 disappearance of his live-in girlfriend has pleaded no contest to manslaughter and other counts in the woman's presumed death. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that 40-year-old Marvin Young entered the pleas Tuesday and faces up to 33 years in prison for the death of Camisha Hollis, who was also the mother of the couple's three young daughters.

 Hollis was last seen alive in the early-morning house of April 2, 2018, but reported missing later that day when her mother couldn't reach her.

 Police have said Young had a history of abusing Hollis and that the couple's oldest daughter reported hearing a struggle between her parents before her mother disappeared.

By Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha man who has long been a suspect in the 2018 disappearance of his live-in girlfriend has pleaded no contest to manslaughter and other counts in the woman's presumed death. The Omaha World-Herald reports that 40-year-old Marvin Young entered the pleas Tuesday and faces up to 33 years in prison for the death of Camisha Hollis, who was also the mother of the couple's three young daughters. Hollis was last seen alive in the early-morning house of April 2, 2018, but reported missing later that day when her mother couldn't reach her. Police have said Young had a history of abusing Hollis and that the couple's oldest daughter reported hearing a struggle between her parents before her mother disappeared.

Man pleads to manslaughter in presumed death of Omaha woman

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/news/2022-03-02/former-kansas-attorney-general-phill-kline-subpoenaed-by-jan-6-committee">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA — A U.S. House select committee investigating the Jan.
 6 attack on the Capitol has subpoenaed Phill Kline, a former Kansas 
attorney general.

According to the subpoena, Kline convened a 
meeting between then-President Donald Trump and 300 state lawmakers in 
an attempt to “disseminate purported evidence of election fraud” and 
ultimately overturn the 2020 election.

The subpoena says Kline 
encouraged the legislators to sign a letter urging former Vice President
 Mike Pence to delay the electoral certification on Jan. 6, 2021.

Kline, a Republican who served as Kansas attorney general from 2003 to 2007, was one of <a href="https://january6th.house.gov/news/press-releases/select-committee-demands-information-witnesses-who-promoted-unsupported-claims" target="_blank">six people subpoenaed by the committee</a> on Tuesday. The subpoenas seek documents and testimony from attorneys who worked on behalf of Trump.

Kline has until March 15 to produce documents and was ordered to appear for a deposition on March 25.

Kline founded a group called <a href="https://www.theamistadproject.org/" target="_blank">The Amistad Project</a>, which bills itself as “the nation’s leading election integrity watchdog.” Recent news reports reveal that the group was <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-01-24/former-kansas-attorney-general-phill-kline-led-effort-to-promote-fake-trump-electors-in-2020" target="_blank">active in promoting fake slates of pro-Trump electors</a> in 2020.

The
 new subpoenas reflect the Jan. 6 committee’s focus on Trump’s efforts 
to stop President Joe Biden’s certification, including plans to send 
slates of electors to return Trump to office.

“The select 
committee is seeking information about attempts to disrupt or delay the 
certification of electoral votes and any efforts to corruptly change the
 outcome of the 2020 election,” Rep. Bennie Thompson, a Mississippi 
Democrat and chairman of the panel, said in a statement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646248163529.png" alt="Former Kansas attorney general Phill Kline / Kansas News Service photo" />
 <figcaption>Former Kansas attorney general Phill Kline / Kansas News Service photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/news/2022-03-02/former-kansas-attorney-general-phill-kline-subpoenaed-by-jan-6-committee">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA — A U.S. House select committee investigating the Jan.
 6 attack on the Capitol has subpoenaed Phill Kline, a former Kansas 
attorney general.According to the subpoena, Kline convened a 
meeting between then-President Donald Trump and 300 state lawmakers in 
an attempt to “disseminate purported evidence of election fraud” and 
ultimately overturn the 2020 election.The subpoena says Kline 
encouraged the legislators to sign a letter urging former Vice President
 Mike Pence to delay the electoral certification on Jan. 6, 2021.Kline, a Republican who served as Kansas attorney general from 2003 to 2007, was one of <a href="https://january6th.house.gov/news/press-releases/select-committee-demands-information-witnesses-who-promoted-unsupported-claims" target="_blank">six people subpoenaed by the committee</a> on Tuesday. The subpoenas seek documents and testimony from attorneys who worked on behalf of Trump.Kline has until March 15 to produce documents and was ordered to appear for a deposition on March 25.Kline founded a group called <a href="https://www.theamistadproject.org/" target="_blank">The Amistad Project</a>, which bills itself as “the nation’s leading election integrity watchdog.” Recent news reports reveal that the group was <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-01-24/former-kansas-attorney-general-phill-kline-led-effort-to-promote-fake-trump-electors-in-2020" target="_blank">active in promoting fake slates of pro-Trump electors</a> in 2020.The
 new subpoenas reflect the Jan. 6 committee’s focus on Trump’s efforts 
to stop President Joe Biden’s certification, including plans to send 
slates of electors to return Trump to office.“The select 
committee is seeking information about attempts to disrupt or delay the 
certification of electoral votes and any efforts to corruptly change the
 outcome of the 2020 election,” Rep. Bennie Thompson, a Mississippi 
Democrat and chairman of the panel, said in a statement.“The six 
individuals we’ve subpoenaed today all have knowledge related to those 
matters and will help the select committee better understand all the 
various strategies employed to potentially affect the outcome of the 
election,” Thompson said.Suzanne Perez reports for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.