WASHINGTON — As part of ongoing efforts to provide additional help 
for people during this period, the IRS announced today the suspension of
 more than a dozen additional letters, including the mailing of 
automated collection notices normally issued when a taxpayer owes 
additional tax, and the IRS has no record of a taxpayer filing a tax 
return.

These mailings include balance due notices and unfiled tax return 
notices. The IRS entered this filing season with several million 
original and amended returns filed by individuals and businesses that 
have not been processed due to challenges of the historic pandemic and 
is taking this step to help avoid confusion for taxpayers and tax 
professionals.

“IRS employees are committed to doing everything possible with our 
limited resources to help people during this period,” said IRS 
Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “We are working hard, long hours pushing 
creative paths forward in an effort to be part of the solution, rather 
than the problem. Our employees continue to expend every effort to 
balance a confluence of multiple, unprecedented demands − including 
successfully starting the filing season, working our inventory of 
unprocessed tax returns as well as looking for additional ways to 
minimize burden for taxpayers, tax professionals and businesses.

“Our efforts are not limited to suspension of these additional 
letters and the possibility of similar actions going forward. We have 
redeployed and reallocated resources throughout the IRS and have 
implemented innovative strategies in an ongoing effort to provide a 
meaningful reduction in our inventories,” Rettig said.

These automatic notices have been temporarily stopped until the 
backlog is worked through. The IRS will continue to assess the inventory
 of prior year returns to determine the appropriate time to resume the 
notices.

Some taxpayers and tax professionals may still receive these notices 
during the next few weeks. Generally, there is no need to call or 
respond to the notice as the IRS continues to process prior year tax 
returns as quickly as possible.

However, if a taxpayer or tax professional believes a notice is 
accurate, they should act to rectify the situation for the well-being of
 the taxpayer. For example, the IRS cautions people with a balance due 
that interest and penalties can continue to accrue. In addition, IRS 
employees may in select circumstances issue notices to particular 
taxpayers to resolve specific compliance issues.

The IRS does not have the authority to stop all notices as many are 
legally required to be issued within a certain timeframe. The IRS will 
continue to assess other changes and system modifications that the IRS 
may be able to implement to assist taxpayers on an array of issues. The 
IRS will continue to make information available to taxpayers throughout 
the filing season.

The IRS encourages those who have a filing requirement and have yet 
to file a prior year tax return or to pay any tax due to promptly do so 
as interest and penalties will continue to accrue. Visit IRS.gov for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">payment options</a>.

Click <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-continues-work-to-help-taxpayers-suspends-mailing-of-additional-letters">HERE</a> for more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — As part of ongoing efforts to provide additional help 
for people during this period, the IRS announced today the suspension of
 more than a dozen additional letters, including the mailing of 
automated collection notices normally issued when a taxpayer owes 
additional tax, and the IRS has no record of a taxpayer filing a tax 
return.These mailings include balance due notices and unfiled tax return 
notices. The IRS entered this filing season with several million 
original and amended returns filed by individuals and businesses that 
have not been processed due to challenges of the historic pandemic and 
is taking this step to help avoid confusion for taxpayers and tax 
professionals.“IRS employees are committed to doing everything possible with our 
limited resources to help people during this period,” said IRS 
Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “We are working hard, long hours pushing 
creative paths forward in an effort to be part of the solution, rather 
than the problem. Our employees continue to expend every effort to 
balance a confluence of multiple, unprecedented demands − including 
successfully starting the filing season, working our inventory of 
unprocessed tax returns as well as looking for additional ways to 
minimize burden for taxpayers, tax professionals and businesses.“Our efforts are not limited to suspension of these additional 
letters and the possibility of similar actions going forward. We have 
redeployed and reallocated resources throughout the IRS and have 
implemented innovative strategies in an ongoing effort to provide a 
meaningful reduction in our inventories,” Rettig said.These automatic notices have been temporarily stopped until the 
backlog is worked through. The IRS will continue to assess the inventory
 of prior year returns to determine the appropriate time to resume the 
notices.Some taxpayers and tax professionals may still receive these notices 
during the next few weeks. Generally, there is no need to call or 
respond to the notice as the IRS continues to process prior year tax 
returns as quickly as possible.However, if a taxpayer or tax professional believes a notice is 
accurate, they should act to rectify the situation for the well-being of
 the taxpayer. For example, the IRS cautions people with a balance due 
that interest and penalties can continue to accrue. In addition, IRS 
employees may in select circumstances issue notices to particular 
taxpayers to resolve specific compliance issues.The IRS does not have the authority to stop all notices as many are 
legally required to be issued within a certain timeframe. The IRS will 
continue to assess other changes and system modifications that the IRS 
may be able to implement to assist taxpayers on an array of issues. The 
IRS will continue to make information available to taxpayers throughout 
the filing season.The IRS encourages those who have a filing requirement and have yet 
to file a prior year tax return or to pay any tax due to promptly do so 
as interest and penalties will continue to accrue. Visit IRS.gov for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">payment options</a>.Click <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-continues-work-to-help-taxpayers-suspends-mailing-of-additional-letters">HERE</a> for more.

IRS suspends mailing of some notices due to backlogs

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Mask mandates have been extended in Nebraska's two largest cities because virus cases and hospitalizations remain higher than health officials want to see even though they are falling. 

Omaha officials announced their decision Wednesday — a day after Lancaster County officials extended their mask requirement through Feb. 25. 

Douglas County Health Director Lindsay Huse said the number of new COVID-19 cases remains too high to drop Omaha's mask mandate. 

But the latest virus numbers are encouraging. 

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska fell dramatically over the past two weeks, going from 4,088.57 new cases per day on Jan. 24 to 1,036.14 new cases per day on Monday.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Mask mandates have been extended in Nebraska's two largest cities because virus cases and hospitalizations remain higher than health officials want to see even though they are falling. Omaha officials announced their decision Wednesday — a day after Lancaster County officials extended their mask requirement through Feb. 25. Douglas County Health Director Lindsay Huse said the number of new COVID-19 cases remains too high to drop Omaha's mask mandate. But the latest virus numbers are encouraging. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska fell dramatically over the past two weeks, going from 4,088.57 new cases per day on Jan. 24 to 1,036.14 new cases per day on Monday.

Mask mandates extended in Omaha, Lincoln even as cases fall

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A teen charged in the December shooting death of a 14-year-old girl in Omaha will stand trial as an adult.

 A judge on Tuesday ordered 16-year-old Christian Hernandez, of Omaha, to stand trial on first-degree murder and three firearms counts. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that a police detective at Hernandez's arraignment Tuesday testified that several witnesses identified Hernandez as the shooter in the Dec. 22 killing of Isabella Santiago.

 Police have said Santiago was in the back of a car driven by her stepbrother when another car pulled up and someone inside started shooting at them. 

Santiago, who was hit, was driven to a nearby fire station, then taken by paramedics to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A teen charged in the December shooting death of a 14-year-old girl in Omaha will stand trial as an adult. A judge on Tuesday ordered 16-year-old Christian Hernandez, of Omaha, to stand trial on first-degree murder and three firearms counts. The Omaha World-Herald reports that a police detective at Hernandez's arraignment Tuesday testified that several witnesses identified Hernandez as the shooter in the Dec. 22 killing of Isabella Santiago. Police have said Santiago was in the back of a car driven by her stepbrother when another car pulled up and someone inside started shooting at them. Santiago, who was hit, was driven to a nearby fire station, then taken by paramedics to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Teen to face murder trial in shooting death of 14-year-old

YORK, Neb. (AP) — Authorities in southeastern Nebraska say a man who stole a sheriff's vehicle and led authorities on a pursuit in rural York County caused a crash that killed the suspect, another driver and a police dog.

 Television station KETV reports that the fatal crash happened Tuesday night, following a police chase in which the suspect reportedly jumped into a sheriff's vehicle carrying a police dog and fled. Authorities say the man later sped toward a moving train and crashed into the back of another vehicle that was stopped for the train. 

The crash pushed that vehicle into the train, killing its driver. 

The suspect and police dog also died in the crash. Police have not yet released the names of those killed.

YORK, Neb. (AP) — Authorities in southeastern Nebraska say a man who stole a sheriff's vehicle and led authorities on a pursuit in rural York County caused a crash that killed the suspect, another driver and a police dog. Television station KETV reports that the fatal crash happened Tuesday night, following a police chase in which the suspect reportedly jumped into a sheriff's vehicle carrying a police dog and fled. Authorities say the man later sped toward a moving train and crashed into the back of another vehicle that was stopped for the train. The crash pushed that vehicle into the train, killing its driver. The suspect and police dog also died in the crash. Police have not yet released the names of those killed.

2 people, police dog killed in crash after chase in Nebraska

BY JARED STRONG <a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/carroll-superintendent-no-litter-boxes-schools">States Newsroom</a>

CARROLL, Iowa — There are no litter boxes in the restrooms of the Carroll Community 
School District, its superintendent stressed, despite internet rumors 
that some schools are installing them for children who “identify” as 
cats.

“Staff members are not encouraging or accommodating anyone behaving 
or identifying as a cat or any other animal,” Superintendent Casey 
Berlau said Tuesday in a note to parents in the western Iowa district. 
“It is very unfortunate that this rumor has been spread over the last 
several weeks.”

His exasperated note came amid a heightened scrutiny of schools across the nation, where <a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2021/06/08/iowa-bans-divisive-concepts-from-diversity-trainings-school-curriculum/">curriculum about race</a> is being questioned and the recommendations of certain books might lead to <a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/briefs/bill-would-charge-teachers-administrators-with-serious-misdemeanor-for-obscene-content/">criminal prosecution</a>. Iowa lawmakers are also considering a requirement to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=89&amp;ba=HF2177">surveil teachers with cameras</a>.

The latest notion that schools would supply litter boxes for students
 who consider themselves cats is apparently rooted in an increasingly 
tolerant student culture for those that openly question their sexual 
identities and gender preferences.

“WARNING RANT!!!!” wrote Carroll resident Shelly Loew on Facebook, in
 a now-deleted Monday post of which Iowa Capital Dispatch obtained 
screenshots. “So 2 middle school kids are allowed to identify as cats 
and go to school? &amp; Now some schools are also allowing litter 
boxes??!!”

Loew did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article.

Her post elicited comments from a former Carroll school board 
president, Jen Munson, that “I warned people during the election about 
this type of stuff” and from an area resident, Tristan Hinners, who 
claimed that Des Moines has students who say they are a dog and a 
falcon.

“The one that identifies as a dog has to be taken outside to use the 
bathroom by a teacher..,” she wrote, “and the falcon screeches up and 
down the hallways.”

Phil Roeder, a spokesperson for Des Moines Public Schools, is aware 
of the swirling claims but said: “We have real education issues to deal 
with here. Litter box rumor control isn’t one of them.”

Berlau wrote that Carroll is not alone in Iowa in dispelling rumors of litter boxes in bathrooms. Indeed, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/23/us/politics/michigan-litter-box-school.html">schools in other states</a> have been forced to grapple with the perplexing notions.

“This issue gains negative attention because of its outrageousness,” Berlau wrote in his note to parents.

He did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article.

<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/02/09/carroll-superintendent-no-litter-boxes-in-schools/">Courtesy Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644438968621.png" alt="Unfounded rumors of cat litter boxes in school restrooms prompted a note to parents from one Iowa superintendent. (Photo by Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch)" />
 <figcaption>Unfounded rumors of cat litter boxes in school restrooms prompted a note to parents from one Iowa superintendent. (Photo by Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY JARED STRONG <a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/carroll-superintendent-no-litter-boxes-schools">States Newsroom</a>CARROLL, Iowa — There are no litter boxes in the restrooms of the Carroll Community 
School District, its superintendent stressed, despite internet rumors 
that some schools are installing them for children who “identify” as 
cats.“Staff members are not encouraging or accommodating anyone behaving 
or identifying as a cat or any other animal,” Superintendent Casey 
Berlau said Tuesday in a note to parents in the western Iowa district. 
“It is very unfortunate that this rumor has been spread over the last 
several weeks.”His exasperated note came amid a heightened scrutiny of schools across the nation, where <a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2021/06/08/iowa-bans-divisive-concepts-from-diversity-trainings-school-curriculum/">curriculum about race</a> is being questioned and the recommendations of certain books might lead to <a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/briefs/bill-would-charge-teachers-administrators-with-serious-misdemeanor-for-obscene-content/">criminal prosecution</a>. Iowa lawmakers are also considering a requirement to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=89&amp;ba=HF2177">surveil teachers with cameras</a>.The latest notion that schools would supply litter boxes for students
 who consider themselves cats is apparently rooted in an increasingly 
tolerant student culture for those that openly question their sexual 
identities and gender preferences.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644439063249.png" alt="A screenshot of a now-deleted Facebook post." />
 <figcaption>A screenshot of a now-deleted Facebook post.</figcaption>
 </figure>“WARNING RANT!!!!” wrote Carroll resident Shelly Loew on Facebook, in
 a now-deleted Monday post of which Iowa Capital Dispatch obtained 
screenshots. “So 2 middle school kids are allowed to identify as cats 
and go to school? &amp; Now some schools are also allowing litter 
boxes??!!”Loew did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article.Her post elicited comments from a former Carroll school board 
president, Jen Munson, that “I warned people during the election about 
this type of stuff” and from an area resident, Tristan Hinners, who 
claimed that Des Moines has students who say they are a dog and a 
falcon.“The one that identifies as a dog has to be taken outside to use the 
bathroom by a teacher..,” she wrote, “and the falcon screeches up and 
down the hallways.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644439096211.png" alt="A screenshot of a now-deleted Facebook post." />
 <figcaption>A screenshot of a now-deleted Facebook post.</figcaption>
 </figure>Phil Roeder, a spokesperson for Des Moines Public Schools, is aware 
of the swirling claims but said: “We have real education issues to deal 
with here. Litter box rumor control isn’t one of them.”Berlau wrote that Carroll is not alone in Iowa in dispelling rumors of litter boxes in bathrooms. Indeed, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/23/us/politics/michigan-litter-box-school.html">schools in other states</a> have been forced to grapple with the perplexing notions.“This issue gains negative attention because of its outrageousness,” Berlau wrote in his note to parents.He did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article.<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/02/09/carroll-superintendent-no-litter-boxes-in-schools/">Courtesy Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>

No, there are no litter boxes in Iowa schools for students identifying as cats

WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of Americans who have never filed a tax return will need to do so this year in order to claim what's coming to them under the enhanced child tax credit.

Previously, only people who earned enough money to owe income taxes could qualify for the full credit.

But as part of the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, President Joe Biden expanded the program, increasing the payments to up to $3,600 annually for each child aged 5 or under and $3,000 for those who are ages 6 to 17.

The monthly payments have amounted to $300 for each child 5 and younger and $250 for those between 5 and 17.

The government began to send the payments out — an overall $93 billion — on a monthly basis starting last July. Now, there are an additional six months' worth of payments waiting to be claimed. And some families haven't collected any of the benefits they're due yet. In all, an estimated $193 billion is yet to be claimed.

The only way to receive that money is to file a tax return.

Some questions and answers about who's eligible for the credit and how to get it:

More than 36 million families received the advanced payments in December alone, which marked the last month that advanced monthly payments were sent to households. Families qualify for the full credit if their 2021 adjusted gross income was at or below $150,000 for married couples filing a joint return, or $75,000 for single-filer parents.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I QUALIFY AND WHAT IF I DON'T OWE TAXES?

Whether or not a family owes tax money or has filed taxes before, they will need to file a return to get all or the rest of their money.

Eligible families that didn’t receive any advance child tax credit payments during 2021 can still claim the full amount of the child tax credit on their federal tax return. Those families that are unsure of whether they've received payments, or potentially received paper checks that went uncashed, can visit the Child Tax Credit Update Portal, to see how much of the credit they should have received.

Additionally, families that received payments should have received a "Letter 6419, 2021 advance CTC" notice, which includes information on the amount of advance payments families have received and tax information for filing purposes.

However, the IRS has said that some people may have received incorrect information on their forms. The portal can help people who want to confirm the correct amount they should have received. Despite any inconsistencies in documentation, the IRS advises that taxpayers should keep the letter, and any other IRS communications about advance payments, with their tax records.

The IRS urges individuals to file their taxes electronically to process forms quicker, and provides links on the agency website to free filing sites like GetYourRefund.org, which helps families earning less than about $66,000 a year file their taxes for free. The organization partners with IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, and provides free help in English and Spanish. Another option is MyFreeTaxes.com, which provides virtual assistance to people who make $58,000 or less to file their federal and state taxes for free. That service is offered through the United Way.

The IRS also has a tool to help individuals identify other free file sites that offer tax filing help.

While the coronavirus relief package included child tax credit benefits for residents of Puerto Rico, they were not eligible to receive the advance monthly payments. Instead, Puerto Rican residents can receive the full amount of child tax credit that they are eligible for by filing a federal income tax return this year. Additionally, residents of American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands may be eligible for the full child tax credit payments, but they will need to contact their local U.S. territory tax agency.

The IRS has launched a website, called ChildTaxCredit.gov, which lists criteria that filers must meet in order to receive the full credit. Additionally, the federal agency will begin offering walk-in assistance with IRS volunteers in limited locations for individuals who need help filing their taxes, beginning Feb. 12.

Thirty-five tax assistance centers around the country will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second Saturday of the next four months.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644421639295.png" alt="Vice President Kamala Harris during a virtual child tax credit event Tuesday-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Vice President Kamala Harris during a virtual child tax credit event Tuesday-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of Americans who have never filed a tax return will need to do so this year in order to claim what's coming to them under the enhanced child tax credit.Previously, only people who earned enough money to owe income taxes could qualify for the full credit.But as part of the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, President Joe Biden expanded the program, increasing the payments to up to $3,600 annually for each child aged 5 or under and $3,000 for those who are ages 6 to 17.The monthly payments have amounted to $300 for each child 5 and younger and $250 for those between 5 and 17.The government began to send the payments out — an overall $93 billion — on a monthly basis starting last July. Now, there are an additional six months' worth of payments waiting to be claimed. And some families haven't collected any of the benefits they're due yet. In all, an estimated $193 billion is yet to be claimed.The only way to receive that money is to file a tax return.Some questions and answers about who's eligible for the credit and how to get it:WHO GETS THE CHILD TAX CREDIT?More than 36 million families received the advanced payments in December alone, which marked the last month that advanced monthly payments were sent to households. Families qualify for the full credit if their 2021 adjusted gross income was at or below $150,000 for married couples filing a joint return, or $75,000 for single-filer parents.HOW DO I KNOW IF I QUALIFY AND WHAT IF I DON'T OWE TAXES?Whether or not a family owes tax money or has filed taxes before, they will need to file a return to get all or the rest of their money.Eligible families that didn’t receive any advance child tax credit payments during 2021 can still claim the full amount of the child tax credit on their federal tax return. Those families that are unsure of whether they've received payments, or potentially received paper checks that went uncashed, can visit the Child Tax Credit Update Portal, to see how much of the credit they should have received.Additionally, families that received payments should have received a "Letter 6419, 2021 advance CTC" notice, which includes information on the amount of advance payments families have received and tax information for filing purposes.However, the IRS has said that some people may have received incorrect information on their forms. The portal can help people who want to confirm the correct amount they should have received. Despite any inconsistencies in documentation, the IRS advises that taxpayers should keep the letter, and any other IRS communications about advance payments, with their tax records.WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO FILE?The IRS urges individuals to file their taxes electronically to process forms quicker, and provides links on the agency website to free filing sites like GetYourRefund.org, which helps families earning less than about $66,000 a year file their taxes for free. The organization partners with IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, and provides free help in English and Spanish. Another option is MyFreeTaxes.com, which provides virtual assistance to people who make $58,000 or less to file their federal and state taxes for free. That service is offered through the United Way.The IRS also has a tool to help individuals identify other free file sites that offer tax filing help.WHAT IF I LIVE OUTSIDE THE 50 STATES?While the coronavirus relief package included child tax credit benefits for residents of Puerto Rico, they were not eligible to receive the advance monthly payments. Instead, Puerto Rican residents can receive the full amount of child tax credit that they are eligible for by filing a federal income tax return this year. Additionally, residents of American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands may be eligible for the full child tax credit payments, but they will need to contact their local U.S. territory tax agency.WHO CAN HELP ME SORT THIS OUT?The IRS has launched a website, called ChildTaxCredit.gov, which lists criteria that filers must meet in order to receive the full credit. Additionally, the federal agency will begin offering walk-in assistance with IRS volunteers in limited locations for individuals who need help filing their taxes, beginning Feb. 12.Thirty-five tax assistance centers around the country will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second Saturday of the next four months.The tax filing deadline is April 18.

White House explains how to get up to $3,600 per child in tax credit

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is looking for an agricultural tenant to graze at East Willow Island Wildlife Management Area, south of Cozad.

The lease will be for a two-month period for at least 20 cow and calf pairs, feeders or replacement heifers.

Bids will be accepted to graze at East Willow Island Wildlife Management Area until 11:59 p.m. Feb. 17, 2022, and grazing will be May 1 through June 30, 2022.

Game and Parks uses grazing to help manage noxious weeds and other invasive plants at wildlife management areas, which provides better habitat for wildlife species.

Information about bidding was included in the Tri-City Tribune on Feb. 3. Interested parties can also contact Scott Aden, wildlife biologist at the North Platte Game and Parks district office, at 308-535-8025 for more information.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is looking for an agricultural tenant to graze at East Willow Island Wildlife Management Area, south of Cozad.The lease will be for a two-month period for at least 20 cow and calf pairs, feeders or replacement heifers.Bids will be accepted to graze at East Willow Island Wildlife Management Area until 11:59 p.m. Feb. 17, 2022, and grazing will be May 1 through June 30, 2022.Game and Parks uses grazing to help manage noxious weeds and other invasive plants at wildlife management areas, which provides better habitat for wildlife species.Information about bidding was included in the Tri-City Tribune on Feb. 3. Interested parties can also contact Scott Aden, wildlife biologist at the North Platte Game and Parks district office, at 308-535-8025 for more information.

Game and Parks seeks grazing tenant near Cozad

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — Hall County authorities say a Grand Island man died when he fell into a baler at work.

Sheriff’s Captain T.J. Arends said deputies were called to Mid-Nebraska Disposal Monday afternoon. 

KSNB reports that when deputies arrived at the plant about three miles west of Grand Island they found an employee seriously injured after he fell into a baler machine and became stuck. 

The man died later at a Grand Island hospital. 

The sheriff’s office said the investigation is ongoing, but foul play is not suspected.

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — Hall County authorities say a Grand Island man died when he fell into a baler at work.Sheriff’s Captain T.J. Arends said deputies were called to Mid-Nebraska Disposal Monday afternoon. KSNB reports that when deputies arrived at the plant about three miles west of Grand Island they found an employee seriously injured after he fell into a baler machine and became stuck. The man died later at a Grand Island hospital. His name has not been released. The sheriff’s office said the investigation is ongoing, but foul play is not suspected.

Grand Island man dies after falling into baler at work

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Air Force became the second military service to approve religious exemptions to the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine, granting requests from nine airmen to avoid the shots, officials said Tuesday.

The nine approved so far represent just a tiny fraction of the more than 6,400 requested by Air Force troops, and they come as other service members are challenging the lack of religious exemptions in court cases. The Marine Corps is the only other military service to grant any religious accommodations, allowing three so far. The Army and Navy have not approved any.

The services have come under criticism for their failure to grant religious exemptions, with members of Congress, the military and the public questioning if the review processes have been fair. All together, the services have received more than 14,000 requests for religious exemptions.

Military leaders have argued that religious exemptions to any of the many vaccines troops are required to get have been very rare over the years. Service members are required to get as many as 17 different vaccines, depending on where they deploy.

A federal judge in Texas granted a preliminary injunction last month, stopping the Navy from acting against 35 sailors for refusing on religious grounds to comply with an order to get the COVID vaccine.

Eight of the Air Force approvals came during the initial review process, and one was granted on appeal to senior Air Force leaders. So far, religious exemption requests from more than 3,200 airmen were denied, and another 3,200 are pending.

“The Department of the Air Force determined the service members’ accommodations could be supported with no impact to mission readiness,” the statement Tuesday said.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and military leaders have argued that the vaccine is critical to maintaining military readiness and the health of the force. And all of the services have now either discharged personnel for refusing the vaccine, or put a system in place to do so.

The Marine Corps has discharged 469, the Air Force has discharged 179 and the Navy has discharged 118, according to data released in the last week. The number include active-duty personnel and entry-level recruits who were still in boot camp. The Army has issued more than 3,000 formal letters of reprimand, and fired six soldiers, but has not discharged anyone yet.

All the military services have said the exemption decisions are based not only on the individual request, but also on its impact on the unit, its mission and readiness, and the health and safety of other troops.

Those who get an exemption and are allowed to stay in the service may, however, see an impact on their jobs.

The Navy and the Marine Corps have said unvaccinated service members are not allowed to deploy out to sea on ships, where infections can more easily spread. Those who have approved exemptions — either medical, administrative or religious — are assigned to shore duties.

At least 97% of the troops in each service have gotten at least one shot.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Air Force became the second military service to approve religious exemptions to the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine, granting requests from nine airmen to avoid the shots, officials said Tuesday.The nine approved so far represent just a tiny fraction of the more than 6,400 requested by Air Force troops, and they come as other service members are challenging the lack of religious exemptions in court cases. The Marine Corps is the only other military service to grant any religious accommodations, allowing three so far. The Army and Navy have not approved any.The services have come under criticism for their failure to grant religious exemptions, with members of Congress, the military and the public questioning if the review processes have been fair. All together, the services have received more than 14,000 requests for religious exemptions.Military leaders have argued that religious exemptions to any of the many vaccines troops are required to get have been very rare over the years. Service members are required to get as many as 17 different vaccines, depending on where they deploy.A federal judge in Texas granted a preliminary injunction last month, stopping the Navy from acting against 35 sailors for refusing on religious grounds to comply with an order to get the COVID vaccine.Eight of the Air Force approvals came during the initial review process, and one was granted on appeal to senior Air Force leaders. So far, religious exemption requests from more than 3,200 airmen were denied, and another 3,200 are pending.“The Department of the Air Force determined the service members’ accommodations could be supported with no impact to mission readiness,” the statement Tuesday said.Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and military leaders have argued that the vaccine is critical to maintaining military readiness and the health of the force. And all of the services have now either discharged personnel for refusing the vaccine, or put a system in place to do so.The Marine Corps has discharged 469, the Air Force has discharged 179 and the Navy has discharged 118, according to data released in the last week. The number include active-duty personnel and entry-level recruits who were still in boot camp. The Army has issued more than 3,000 formal letters of reprimand, and fired six soldiers, but has not discharged anyone yet.All the military services have said the exemption decisions are based not only on the individual request, but also on its impact on the unit, its mission and readiness, and the health and safety of other troops.Those who get an exemption and are allowed to stay in the service may, however, see an impact on their jobs.The Navy and the Marine Corps have said unvaccinated service members are not allowed to deploy out to sea on ships, where infections can more easily spread. Those who have approved exemptions — either medical, administrative or religious — are assigned to shore duties.At least 97% of the troops in each service have gotten at least one shot.

Air Force approves religious exemptions for COVID vaccine

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A 22-year-old Omaha man is now charged with second-degree murder in the death of an Oklahoma man. 

Omaha police say charges were upgraded Tuesday against Nolan King in the death of 41-year-old Rodney Pettit, of Lawton, Oklahoma. 

Police say Pettit was assaulted late Saturday at the Parliament Pub in Omaha's Old Market district. He died on Monday.

 King is also charged with use of a weapon that is not a firearm. 

Police have not said what caused the assault.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644377096755.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A 22-year-old Omaha man is now charged with second-degree murder in the death of an Oklahoma man. Omaha police say charges were upgraded Tuesday against Nolan King in the death of 41-year-old Rodney Pettit, of Lawton, Oklahoma. Police say Pettit was assaulted late Saturday at the Parliament Pub in Omaha's Old Market district. He died on Monday. King is also charged with use of a weapon that is not a firearm. Police have not said what caused the assault.

Charges upgraded in Oklahoma man's death in Omaha

By VICKIE MOSS <a href="https://www.iolaregister.com/news/local-news/iolan-dies-after-19-month-battle-with-covid">Iola Register</a>

Kansas man Roger Collins, Iola, has died following a 19-month battle with COVID-19.

Wife Billie announced her husband’s passing in a Facebook post Monday.

“I thought today I would be whooping and hollering about the strides 
we had made,” Billie wrote. “Well, sadly or happily, today was the day 
my plan did not come to pass but a much better, more amazing plan took 
place as God called Roger home.”

Collins tested positive for COVID-19 on July 13, 2020.

By that evening, he experienced trouble breathing and was taken via 
ambulance to the hospital, first to Allen County Regional Hospital, then
 to Kansas City, and finally to a long-term care facility in Dallas as 
his symptoms worsened.

“The last 19 months were tough but they were ours,” Billie wrote. “We
 shared the good, bad and the ugly. My heart is broken for our loss but 
it is soaring knowing Roger is no longer in pain. He can walk and talk …
 and if you know Roger he can talk and talk and talk.”

The Collins family shared their story with regular updates for 
Register readers, most recently about 18 months of hospitalization and 
rehabilitation efforts.&nbsp;

Billie praised her husband’s strength and determination. She said the
 family’s faith helped them through the difficult times, including at 
the end.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644368440755.png" alt="Roger Collins / courtesy the Iola Register" />
 <figcaption>Roger Collins / courtesy the Iola Register</figcaption>
 </figure>By VICKIE MOSS <a href="https://www.iolaregister.com/news/local-news/iolan-dies-after-19-month-battle-with-covid">Iola Register</a>Kansas man Roger Collins, Iola, has died following a 19-month battle with COVID-19.Wife Billie announced her husband’s passing in a Facebook post Monday.“I thought today I would be whooping and hollering about the strides 
we had made,” Billie wrote. “Well, sadly or happily, today was the day 
my plan did not come to pass but a much better, more amazing plan took 
place as God called Roger home.”Collins tested positive for COVID-19 on July 13, 2020.By that evening, he experienced trouble breathing and was taken via 
ambulance to the hospital, first to Allen County Regional Hospital, then
 to Kansas City, and finally to a long-term care facility in Dallas as 
his symptoms worsened.“The last 19 months were tough but they were ours,” Billie wrote. “We
 shared the good, bad and the ugly. My heart is broken for our loss but 
it is soaring knowing Roger is no longer in pain. He can walk and talk …
 and if you know Roger he can talk and talk and talk.”The Collins family shared their story with regular updates for 
Register readers, most recently about 18 months of hospitalization and 
rehabilitation efforts.&nbsp;Billie praised her husband’s strength and determination. She said the
 family’s faith helped them through the difficult times, including at 
the end.Republished with permission

Kansas man dies after 19-month battle with COVID-19

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/filibuster-blocks-bill-to-limit-property-tax-increases-by-k-12-schools/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A multi-day filibuster has blocked a bill that would have imposed new taxing limitations on K-12 schools.

On
 a 28-21 vote, Legislative Bill 986 fell five votes short of halting the
 filibuster Tuesday and allowing a vote to advance the proposal from 
first-round debate.

The bill, entitled the “School
 District Property Tax Limitation Act,” sought to prohibit school 
districts from increasing property taxes by no more than 2.5% or 
inflation, whichever is greater. LB 986 would have allowed those limits 
to be exceeded with a vote of 75% of a school board’s members or 60% of 
registered voters at an election.

State
 Sen. Tom Briese of Albion, who made the bill his personal priority, 
said it was a way to ensure that property tax credits provided by the 
Nebraska Legislature translate into reductions in local property taxes, 
not just slowing increases.

It
 marked the second year in a row that a legislative attempt to impose 
more fiscal caps on K-12 school districts failed. Briese expressed 
frustration that the education lobby wasn’t willing to seek a middle 
ground, but instead adopted a “just say no” attitude.

“Our failure to act really tees it up for folks who want to put a cap proposal on the ballot,” he said.

Opponents
 of the bill, led by Lincoln Sen. Matt Hansen, argued that the new cap 
would hurt large and growing school districts, like those in Lincoln and
 Bennington. Other critics said that school spending has not been 
irresponsible and that local school boards are best able to decide local
 budgets.

Hansen said he is normally willing to seek compromises, but LB 986 was “just flat-out bad policy.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644360162910.png" alt="State senators debate on the floor of the Nebraska Legislature at the Nebraska State Capitol Building on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, in Lincoln. (Rebecca S. Gratz for Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>State senators debate on the floor of the Nebraska Legislature at the Nebraska State Capitol Building on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, in Lincoln. (Rebecca S. Gratz for Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/filibuster-blocks-bill-to-limit-property-tax-increases-by-k-12-schools/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A multi-day filibuster has blocked a bill that would have imposed new taxing limitations on K-12 schools.On
 a 28-21 vote, Legislative Bill 986 fell five votes short of halting the
 filibuster Tuesday and allowing a vote to advance the proposal from 
first-round debate.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644360220988.jpeg" alt="Sen. Tom Briese (Rebecca S. Gratz for the Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Tom Briese (Rebecca S. Gratz for the Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>The bill, entitled the “School
 District Property Tax Limitation Act,” sought to prohibit school 
districts from increasing property taxes by no more than 2.5% or 
inflation, whichever is greater. LB 986 would have allowed those limits 
to be exceeded with a vote of 75% of a school board’s members or 60% of 
registered voters at an election.State
 Sen. Tom Briese of Albion, who made the bill his personal priority, 
said it was a way to ensure that property tax credits provided by the 
Nebraska Legislature translate into reductions in local property taxes, 
not just slowing increases.It
 marked the second year in a row that a legislative attempt to impose 
more fiscal caps on K-12 school districts failed. Briese expressed 
frustration that the education lobby wasn’t willing to seek a middle 
ground, but instead adopted a “just say no” attitude.“Our failure to act really tees it up for folks who want to put a cap proposal on the ballot,” he said.Opponents
 of the bill, led by Lincoln Sen. Matt Hansen, argued that the new cap 
would hurt large and growing school districts, like those in Lincoln and
 Bennington. Other critics said that school spending has not been 
irresponsible and that local school boards are best able to decide local
 budgets.Hansen said he is normally willing to seek compromises, but LB 986 was “just flat-out bad policy.”

Filibuster blocks bill to limit property tax increases by K-12 schools

By AARON SANDERFORD <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/08/herbster-says-pillen-insincere-in-critical-race-theory-fight/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

Hog farmer Jim Pillen’s latest television ad takes aim at critical race theory. He says he knows slop when he sees it.

Charles
 Herbster, Pillen’s top opponent in Nebraska’s Republican primary for 
governor, questioned Pillen’s sincerity. He said he should have done 
more to protect university students from critical race theory.&nbsp;

Herbster
 pointed to Pillen’s 2018 vote, as a University of Nebraska regent, in 
support of hiring a leader to create a new Office of Diversity and 
Inclusion at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.&nbsp;The office was 
created after being studied for four years following race-related 
incidents on UNL’s campus. Pillen has been an NU regent since 2013.

“Jim
 Pillen’s lack of action and courage on critical race theory when 
Nebraska students needed him the most is shocking,” Herbster said. “His 
sudden reversal in a paid ad for political purposes is too little, too 
late.”

Herbster
 said that, if elected governor, he would work with local school boards 
and the NU system to “make sure students are taught to love, not hate, 
America.”&nbsp;

Pillen’s
 campaign said that he was the first elected university regent in the 
U.S. to stand up against critical race theory and that he is a 
recognized leader in higher ed on the issue.

“Jim
 will always fight to ensure our schools educate, not indoctrinate, our 
students,” said Kenny Zoeller, Pillen’s campaign manager.&nbsp;

The campaigns disagreed Tuesday over who opposed critical race theory first.&nbsp;

Herbster’s
 campaign press release said he signed the “1776 Action Pledge” against 
critical race theory on June 8. Pillen’s campaign provided an email 
confirming Pillen had signed the pledge a day earlier, on June 7. 
Herbster’s campaign then provided a document showing Herbster had signed
 on June 2.&nbsp;

Critical
 race theorists essentially believe that race in America must be viewed 
through a lens that is conscious of color, not blind to it.

UNL officials did not immediately return messages seeking comment, nor did its Office of Diversity and Inclusion.&nbsp;

The
 office’s website says it aims to “create a more equitable, and 
inclusive campus culture.” In interviews, diversity office leaders have 
previously said it is designed to make sure that UNL is welcoming to all
 of its students. University leaders have said the office is vital to 
helping recruit the next generation of students.&nbsp;

Herbster’s
 attack on Tuesday followed criticism Pillen leveled against him on 
Friday. Pillen had criticized Herbster for locating Conklin Co. out of 
state. Herbster responded by criticizing Pillen’s business, 
Columbus-based Pillen Family Farms.

Pillen and Herbster are the top two fundraisers in the governor’s race.&nbsp;Eight GOP candidates are vying to see who will face Democratic State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue in November.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644359935815.png" alt="Nebraska Republican Charles Herbster announces his run for governor in April 2021. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Republican Charles Herbster announces his run for governor in April 2021. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By AARON SANDERFORD <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/08/herbster-says-pillen-insincere-in-critical-race-theory-fight/">Nebraska Examiner</a>Hog farmer Jim Pillen’s latest television ad takes aim at critical race theory. He says he knows slop when he sees it.Charles
 Herbster, Pillen’s top opponent in Nebraska’s Republican primary for 
governor, questioned Pillen’s sincerity. He said he should have done 
more to protect university students from critical race theory.&nbsp;Herbster
 pointed to Pillen’s 2018 vote, as a University of Nebraska regent, in 
support of hiring a leader to create a new Office of Diversity and 
Inclusion at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.&nbsp;The office was 
created after being studied for four years following race-related 
incidents on UNL’s campus. Pillen has been an NU regent since 2013.“Jim
 Pillen’s lack of action and courage on critical race theory when 
Nebraska students needed him the most is shocking,” Herbster said. “His 
sudden reversal in a paid ad for political purposes is too little, too 
late.”Herbster
 said that, if elected governor, he would work with local school boards 
and the NU system to “make sure students are taught to love, not hate, 
America.”&nbsp;Pillen’s
 campaign said that he was the first elected university regent in the 
U.S. to stand up against critical race theory and that he is a 
recognized leader in higher ed on the issue.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644360051660.jpeg" alt="Nebraska Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Pillen (Rebecca S. Gratz for the Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Pillen (Rebecca S. Gratz for the Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>“Jim
 will always fight to ensure our schools educate, not indoctrinate, our 
students,” said Kenny Zoeller, Pillen’s campaign manager.&nbsp;The campaigns disagreed Tuesday over who opposed critical race theory first.&nbsp;Herbster’s
 campaign press release said he signed the “1776 Action Pledge” against 
critical race theory on June 8. Pillen’s campaign provided an email 
confirming Pillen had signed the pledge a day earlier, on June 7. 
Herbster’s campaign then provided a document showing Herbster had signed
 on June 2.&nbsp;Critical
 race theorists essentially believe that race in America must be viewed 
through a lens that is conscious of color, not blind to it.UNL officials did not immediately return messages seeking comment, nor did its Office of Diversity and Inclusion.&nbsp;The
 office’s website says it aims to “create a more equitable, and 
inclusive campus culture.” In interviews, diversity office leaders have 
previously said it is designed to make sure that UNL is welcoming to all
 of its students. University leaders have said the office is vital to 
helping recruit the next generation of students.&nbsp;Herbster’s
 attack on Tuesday followed criticism Pillen leveled against him on 
Friday. Pillen had criticized Herbster for locating Conklin Co. out of 
state. Herbster responded by criticizing Pillen’s business, 
Columbus-based Pillen Family Farms.Pillen and Herbster are the top two fundraisers in the governor’s race.&nbsp;Eight GOP candidates are vying to see who will face Democratic State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue in November.

Neb. governor candidates squabble over critical race theory

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska inmate serving a 2- to 10-year prison term for robbery will spend more than a dozen additional years in prison for sexual assault, weapons and arson counts. 

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that 21-year-old Puom Gach was sentenced Monday to 26 to 40 years in prison after pleading no contest to the counts. 

Prosecutors say Gach used a shiv made from a piece of fencing to sexually assault another inmate in 2020. 

Months later in June, Gach set a fire at the Lincoln Correctional Center, causing inmates to be evacuated from adjacent cells and damaging a mattress.

 Gach now is housed at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution. He must serve at least 13 years before he’s eligible for parole.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska inmate serving a 2- to 10-year prison term for robbery will spend more than a dozen additional years in prison for sexual assault, weapons and arson counts. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that 21-year-old Puom Gach was sentenced Monday to 26 to 40 years in prison after pleading no contest to the counts. Prosecutors say Gach used a shiv made from a piece of fencing to sexually assault another inmate in 2020. Months later in June, Gach set a fire at the Lincoln Correctional Center, causing inmates to be evacuated from adjacent cells and damaging a mattress. Gach now is housed at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution. He must serve at least 13 years before he’s eligible for parole.

Nebraska inmate sentenced to more time for assault, fire

PACIFIC JUNCTION, Iowa (AP) — Census data shows that in the three years since devastating 2019 spring floods submerged Pacific Junction in southwest Iowa, the town’s population has shrunk from 475 to less than 100.

 Now the question is whether it will remain a town. 

Pacific Junction Mayor Andy Young recently told Omaha, Nebraska, television station KETV that he’s hopeful the town will see families coming back. 

Dozens of empty lots around the town are the result of federal buyouts, which stipulate a new home cannot be built on the property once the old one comes down.

PACIFIC JUNCTION, Iowa (AP) — Census data shows that in the three years since devastating 2019 spring floods submerged Pacific Junction in southwest Iowa, the town’s population has shrunk from 475 to less than 100. Now the question is whether it will remain a town. Pacific Junction Mayor Andy Young recently told Omaha, Nebraska, television station KETV that he’s hopeful the town will see families coming back. Dozens of empty lots around the town are the result of federal buyouts, which stipulate a new home cannot be built on the property once the old one comes down.

Iowa town faces uncertain future in wake of 2019 flooding

BENNINGTON, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska State Fire Marshal says a 32-year-old man died from smoke inhalation in a fire at a Bennington horse barn. 

The fire marshal's office said Monday that Nathan Dietrich, of Bennington, died in the fire early Thursday at Heartland Farms. 

Dietrich was an employee at the barn. The fire has been ruled accidental. Nine horses were killed in the fire.

 Two of 10 horses who were rescued from the barn have since died.

 Waterloo Fire Chief Travis Harlow said last week that the barn housed three apartments and an office.

 Heartland Farms, owned by Blair and Karen Cudmore, breeds, sells and trains horses.

BENNINGTON, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska State Fire Marshal says a 32-year-old man died from smoke inhalation in a fire at a Bennington horse barn. The fire marshal's office said Monday that Nathan Dietrich, of Bennington, died in the fire early Thursday at Heartland Farms. Dietrich was an employee at the barn. The fire has been ruled accidental. Nine horses were killed in the fire. Two of 10 horses who were rescued from the barn have since died. Waterloo Fire Chief Travis Harlow said last week that the barn housed three apartments and an office. Heartland Farms, owned by Blair and Karen Cudmore, breeds, sells and trains horses.

Authorities ID man who died in Bennington horse barn fire

By JARED STRONG <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/07/usda-pledges-1b-for-climate-smart-ag-products/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>

The U.S.
 Department of Agriculture plans to spend up to $1 billion to foster the
 creation of climate-friendly agricultural and forestry products by 
offering grants to facilitate their production and the markets to sell 
them.

The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or sequester carbon in those industries.

“Agriculture is such an exciting but 
challenging, critical but dynamic space. It’s easy to make the case to 
young people to get engaged in this,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom 
Vilsack said Monday in announcing the program at Missouri’s Lincoln 
University, a historically Black university with a robust agricultural 
program. “It’s at the heart of our fight against climate change.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 
estimates that about 10% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions — 
which are key drivers of a warming climate — come from agriculture, 
especially livestock production. Cattle are agriculture’s primary 
emitters of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

The USDA’s new Partnerships for 
Climate-Smart Commodities program will provide up to $100 million for 
individual pilot projects to plan and implement emission-reducing 
practices, create new markets to sell the products that result from 
those practices and quantify the effectiveness of the practices.

Measuring livestock emissions has long been a
 tricky proposition for federal regulators. An example: The U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency suspended its enforcement of the Clean 
Air Act as it might pertain to animal confinements about 16 years ago as
 it seeks to develop a reliable way to measure the buildings’ emissions.

Beef production is potentially a bigger 
quandary because the animals are often raised in open-air lots. However,
 researchers have been able to estimate the average annual methane 
production from cows and how much it can be reduced with <a href="https://www.unh.edu/unhtoday/2020/01/unh-scientists-expand-seaweed-research-benefit-regions-dairy-farmers" target="_blank">specialized diets</a>.

The <a href="https://www.usda.gov/climate-solutions/climate-smart-commodities" target="_blank">new USDA grant program</a>
 is open to a wide variety of entities: businesses, nonprofit 
organizations, governments, Native American tribal governments and 
organizations, and colleges and universities.

The department has set an April 8 deadline 
for proposals that range from $5 million to $100 million and a May 27 
deadline for those that would cost less than $5 million, according to 
the department’s <a href="https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/climate-smart-nfo-usda-nrcs-comm-22-nofo0001139-02062022-web-final.pdf" target="_blank">public Notice</a><a href="https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/climate-smart-nfo-usda-nrcs-comm-22-nofo0001139-02062022-web-final.pdf" target="_blank"> of Funding Opportunity.</a>
 Small and “historically underserved” agricultural producers and 
“minority-serving institutions” will get priority, the notice says.

“This might look, for example, like a group 
of small farmers working with a nonprofit to implement and quantify 
climate-smart practices in partnership with a retailer,” Vilsack said. 
“Or it could be a network of commodity organizations recruiting 
specialty crop farmers to quantify reduced emissions and market the 
resulting products. It may be a farmer-partner organization working with
 universities to test innovative approaches to monitor and verify 
climate benefits to aid in marketing. It could be all of that or any of 
it, along with a lot of other ideas and concepts.”

Vilsack did not say whether the products 
would bear a “climate smart” label that is subject to USDA 
certification, similar to organic foods.

This article first appeared in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>, a sister site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom&nbsp;network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644333577889.png" alt="U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced a $1 billion grant program to boost agricultural and forestry products that are made with reduced greenhouse gas emissions. (Screenshot from USDA video)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced a $1 billion grant program to boost agricultural and forestry products that are made with reduced greenhouse gas emissions. (Screenshot from USDA video)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JARED STRONG <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/07/usda-pledges-1b-for-climate-smart-ag-products/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>The U.S.
 Department of Agriculture plans to spend up to $1 billion to foster the
 creation of climate-friendly agricultural and forestry products by 
offering grants to facilitate their production and the markets to sell 
them.The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or sequester carbon in those industries.“Agriculture is such an exciting but 
challenging, critical but dynamic space. It’s easy to make the case to 
young people to get engaged in this,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom 
Vilsack said Monday in announcing the program at Missouri’s Lincoln 
University, a historically Black university with a robust agricultural 
program. “It’s at the heart of our fight against climate change.”The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 
estimates that about 10% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions — 
which are key drivers of a warming climate — come from agriculture, 
especially livestock production. Cattle are agriculture’s primary 
emitters of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.The USDA’s new Partnerships for 
Climate-Smart Commodities program will provide up to $100 million for 
individual pilot projects to plan and implement emission-reducing 
practices, create new markets to sell the products that result from 
those practices and quantify the effectiveness of the practices.Measuring livestock emissions has long been a
 tricky proposition for federal regulators. An example: The U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency suspended its enforcement of the Clean 
Air Act as it might pertain to animal confinements about 16 years ago as
 it seeks to develop a reliable way to measure the buildings’ emissions.Beef production is potentially a bigger 
quandary because the animals are often raised in open-air lots. However,
 researchers have been able to estimate the average annual methane 
production from cows and how much it can be reduced with <a href="https://www.unh.edu/unhtoday/2020/01/unh-scientists-expand-seaweed-research-benefit-regions-dairy-farmers" target="_blank">specialized diets</a>.The <a href="https://www.usda.gov/climate-solutions/climate-smart-commodities" target="_blank">new USDA grant program</a>
 is open to a wide variety of entities: businesses, nonprofit 
organizations, governments, Native American tribal governments and 
organizations, and colleges and universities.The department has set an April 8 deadline 
for proposals that range from $5 million to $100 million and a May 27 
deadline for those that would cost less than $5 million, according to 
the department’s <a href="https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/climate-smart-nfo-usda-nrcs-comm-22-nofo0001139-02062022-web-final.pdf" target="_blank">public Notice</a><a href="https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/climate-smart-nfo-usda-nrcs-comm-22-nofo0001139-02062022-web-final.pdf" target="_blank"> of Funding Opportunity.</a>
 Small and “historically underserved” agricultural producers and 
“minority-serving institutions” will get priority, the notice says.“This might look, for example, like a group 
of small farmers working with a nonprofit to implement and quantify 
climate-smart practices in partnership with a retailer,” Vilsack said. 
“Or it could be a network of commodity organizations recruiting 
specialty crop farmers to quantify reduced emissions and market the 
resulting products. It may be a farmer-partner organization working with
 universities to test innovative approaches to monitor and verify 
climate benefits to aid in marketing. It could be all of that or any of 
it, along with a lot of other ideas and concepts.”Vilsack did not say whether the products 
would bear a “climate smart” label that is subject to USDA 
certification, similar to organic foods.This article first appeared in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>, a sister site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom&nbsp;network.

USDA pledges $1B for ‘climate smart’ ag products

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A suspect is in custody after a 41-year-old Oklahoma man died from injuries he suffered in an assault in Omaha.

 Police said Rodney Pettit, of Oklahoma City, died Monday at an Omaha hospital. 

He was found unconscious Saturday night inside the Parliament Pub in Omaha's Old Market district. 

Earlier Monday, police said they arrested 22-year-old Nolan King of Omaha on suspicion of first-degree assault with a weapon in connection with the assault in the bar.

 Officials have not said what prompted the assault.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A suspect is in custody after a 41-year-old Oklahoma man died from injuries he suffered in an assault in Omaha. Police said Rodney Pettit, of Oklahoma City, died Monday at an Omaha hospital. He was found unconscious Saturday night inside the Parliament Pub in Omaha's Old Market district. Earlier Monday, police said they arrested 22-year-old Nolan King of Omaha on suspicion of first-degree assault with a weapon in connection with the assault in the bar. Officials have not said what prompted the assault.

Suspect arrested after Oklahoma man dies from Omaha assault

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — The former owner of a failed multistate chain of nursing homes has pleaded not guilty to tax charges. 

Joseph Schwartz appeared via videoconference before a federal judge in Newark on Monday. 

Last month, Schwartz was charged with multiple counts of failing to pay nearly $30 million in payroll and unemployment taxes for about 15,000 employees. 

The Suffern, New York resident's New Jersey-based company, Skyline Health Care, at one time operated more than 100 health care and rehabilitation facilities in at least 10 states. 

He also faces Medicaid fraud charges in Arkansas and Nebraska.

 Schwartz has relinquished most of his nursing homes because of financial insolvency.

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — The former owner of a failed multistate chain of nursing homes has pleaded not guilty to tax charges. Joseph Schwartz appeared via videoconference before a federal judge in Newark on Monday. Last month, Schwartz was charged with multiple counts of failing to pay nearly $30 million in payroll and unemployment taxes for about 15,000 employees. The Suffern, New York resident's New Jersey-based company, Skyline Health Care, at one time operated more than 100 health care and rehabilitation facilities in at least 10 states. He also faces Medicaid fraud charges in Arkansas and Nebraska. Schwartz has relinquished most of his nursing homes because of financial insolvency.

Former nursing homes operator pleads not guilty in tax case

ROME (AP) — Retired Pope Benedict XVI asked forgiveness Tuesday for any “grievous faults” in his handling of clergy sex abuse cases, but denied any personal or specific wrongdoing after an independent report criticized his actions in four cases while he was archbishop of Munich, Germany.

“I have had great responsibilities in the Catholic Church. All the greater is my pain for the abuses and the errors that occurred in those different places during the time of my mandate,” the retired pope said.

But Benedict’s lack of a personal apology or any admission of guilt was likely to rile survivors and further complicate efforts by German bishops re-establish credibility with the faithful. Demands for accountability have only increased as the church has come to terms with decades of sexual abuse by priests and cover-up by their bishops.

Benedict, 94, was responding to a Jan. 20 report from a German law firm that had been commissioned by the German Catholic Church to look into how cases of sexual abuse were handled in the Munich archdiocese between 1945 and 2019. Benedict, the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, headed the archdiocese from 1977 to 1982.

The report&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-pope-benedict-xvi-reinhard-marx-germany-europe-c75f721f469f969d05348703c093e53d">faulted Benedict’s handling of four cases</a>&nbsp;during his time as archbishop, accusing him of misconduct for having failed to restrict the ministry of the priests in the cases even after they had been convicted criminally. The report also faulted his predecessors and successors, estimating there had been at least 497 abuse victims over the decades and at least 235 suspected perpetrators.

The Vatican on Tuesday released a letter that Benedict wrote to respond to the allegations, alongside a more technical reply from his lawyers who had provided an initial 82-page response to the law firm about his nearly five-year tenure in Munich.

The conclusion of Benedict’s lawyers was resolute: “As an archbishop, Cardinal Ratzinger was not involved in any cover-up of acts of abuse,” they wrote. They criticized the report’s authors for misinterpreting their submission, and asserted that they provided no evidence that Benedict was aware of the criminal history of any of the four priests in question.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644330098529.png" alt="Pope Benedict on a 2008 trip to the United State-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Pope Benedict on a 2008 trip to the United State-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>ROME (AP) — Retired Pope Benedict XVI asked forgiveness Tuesday for any “grievous faults” in his handling of clergy sex abuse cases, but denied any personal or specific wrongdoing after an independent report criticized his actions in four cases while he was archbishop of Munich, Germany.“I have had great responsibilities in the Catholic Church. All the greater is my pain for the abuses and the errors that occurred in those different places during the time of my mandate,” the retired pope said.But Benedict’s lack of a personal apology or any admission of guilt was likely to rile survivors and further complicate efforts by German bishops re-establish credibility with the faithful. Demands for accountability have only increased as the church has come to terms with decades of sexual abuse by priests and cover-up by their bishops.Benedict, 94, was responding to a Jan. 20 report from a German law firm that had been commissioned by the German Catholic Church to look into how cases of sexual abuse were handled in the Munich archdiocese between 1945 and 2019. Benedict, the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, headed the archdiocese from 1977 to 1982.The report&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-pope-benedict-xvi-reinhard-marx-germany-europe-c75f721f469f969d05348703c093e53d">faulted Benedict’s handling of four cases</a>&nbsp;during his time as archbishop, accusing him of misconduct for having failed to restrict the ministry of the priests in the cases even after they had been convicted criminally. The report also faulted his predecessors and successors, estimating there had been at least 497 abuse victims over the decades and at least 235 suspected perpetrators.The Vatican on Tuesday released a letter that Benedict wrote to respond to the allegations, alongside a more technical reply from his lawyers who had provided an initial 82-page response to the law firm about his nearly five-year tenure in Munich.The conclusion of Benedict’s lawyers was resolute: “As an archbishop, Cardinal Ratzinger was not involved in any cover-up of acts of abuse,” they wrote. They criticized the report’s authors for misinterpreting their submission, and asserted that they provided no evidence that Benedict was aware of the criminal history of any of the four priests in question.Benedict’s response was far more nuanced and spiritual, though he went on at length to thank his legal team before even addressing the allegations or the victims of abuse.In the letter, Benedict issued what he called a “confession,” recalling that daily Mass begins with believers confessing their sins and asking forgiveness for their faults and even their “grievous faults.” Benedict noted that in his meetings with abuse victims while he was pope, “I have seen at first hand the effects of a most grievous fault.“And I have come to understand that we ourselves are drawn into this grievous fault whenever we neglect it or fail to confront it with the necessary decisiveness and responsibility, as too often happened and continues to happen,” he wrote. “As in those meetings, once again I can only express to all the victims of sexual abuse my profound shame, my deep sorrow and my heartfelt request for forgiveness.”The law firm report identified four cases in which Ratzinger was accused of misconduct in failing to act against abusers.Two cases involved priests who offended while Ratzinger was archbishop and were punished by the German legal system but were kept in pastoral ministry without any limits on their ministry. A third case involved a cleric who was convicted by a court outside Germany but was put into service in Munich. The fourth case involved a convicted pedophile priest who was allowed to transfer to Munich in 1980, and was later put into ministry. In 1986, that priest received a suspended sentence for molesting a boy.Benedict’s team had earlier&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-religion-germany-munich-pope-benedict-xvi-fb76c2f33bdb2ea08a0dcfb75f785dbf">clarified an initial “error”&nbsp;</a>in their submission to the law firm that had insisted Ratzinger was not present at the 1980 meeting in which the priest’s transfer to Munich was discussed. Ratzinger was there, but his return to ministry was not discussed, they said.Benedict said he was deeply hurt that the “oversight” about his presence at the meeting had been used to “cast doubt on my truthfulness, and even to label me a liar.” But he said he had been heartened by the letters and gestures of support he had received, including from his successor.“I am particularly grateful for the confidence, support and prayer that Pope Francis personally expressed to me,” he said.The Vatican had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-religion-crime-germany-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-a7926c80e9af1a6c7688e3529231de82">already strongly defended Benedict’s record</a>&nbsp;in the aftermath of the law firm report, recalling that Benedict was the first pope to meet with victims of abuse, that he had issued strong norms to punish priests who raped children and had directed the church to pursue a path of humility in seeking forgiveness for the crimes of its clerics.The Vatican’s defense, however, focused primarily on Benedict’s tenure as head of the Holy See’s doctrine office, from 1982 until he was elected pope in 2005.Benedict reflected on his legacy at the end of his letter, noting that he is at the end of his life and will soon be judged by God.“Quite soon, I shall find myself before the final judge of my life,” he wrote. “Even though, as I look back on my long life, I can have great reason for fear and trembling, I am nonetheless of good cheer. For I trust firmly that the Lord is not only the just judge, but also the friend and brother who himself has already suffered for my shortcomings.”The head of the German bishops conference, Limburg Bishop Georg Baetzing, had previously said that Benedict needed to respond to the report by distancing himself from his lawyers and advisers.“He must talk, and he must override his advisers and essentially say the simple sentence: ’I incurred guilt, I made mistakes and I apologize to those affected,” Baetzing said. ”It won’t work any other way.”Baetzing didn’t immediately comment Tuesday on Benedict’s response.