BENNINGTON, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say one person and nine horses died in a fire at a horse barn near Bennington. 

The fire was reported early Thursday at Heartland Farms. 

Waterloo Fire Chief Travis Harlow said one firefighter suffered serious injuries while battling the blaze and was taken to Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy in Omaha. 

Harlow said several other horses were injured in the fire. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

The name of the person who died has not been released.

BENNINGTON, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say one person and nine horses died in a fire at a horse barn near Bennington. The fire was reported early Thursday at Heartland Farms. Waterloo Fire Chief Travis Harlow said one firefighter suffered serious injuries while battling the blaze and was taken to Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy in Omaha. Harlow said several other horses were injured in the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The name of the person who died has not been released.

1 person, 9 horses die in barn fire near Bennington

NEW YORK (AP) — Running through a grim tally of recent gun deaths, President Joe Biden pledged to New Yorkers and the nation on Thursday that the federal government would step up its fight against gun violence by working more closely with police and communities to stop the surging bloodshed.

“It’s enough. Enough is enough,” Biden told police, law enforcement officials and lawmakers gathered at the city’s police headquarters. “We can do something about this.”

But Biden’s crimefighting strategy relies heavily on buy-in from state and local officials as he suggests ways to spend federal dollars and expands on initiatives already under way. The modest initiatives demonstrate the limits to what he can do when there is no appetite in Congress to pass gun legislation.

Biden came to New York a day after the funeral for the second of two New York City cops shot and killed during a domestic violence call on Jan. 21. Officials wrapped up the event to get to the hospital, where another officer was being released after an injury in yet another shooting.

The visit gave the president a chance to push back against Republicans who claim he’s soft on crime, and to distance himself from those in the left flank of his Democratic Party who want to shift funding away from police departments to social spending programs.

“The answer is not to defund the police,” Biden said. “It is to give you the tools, the training, the funding to be partners, to be protectors and know the community.”

Biden ticked through how 316 people are shot every day and 106 killed, including 26 children who died in gun violence so far this year.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kathy-hochul-new-york-violence-police-new-york-city-a15d5986b309ef0721deed74fabd08eb">In New York last month</a>, an 11-month-old girl was wounded by a stray bullet and a teenage fast-food cashier was shot to death. Thirty-two officers have been shot in the line of duty so far this year nationwide, seven of them killed.

Biden is navigating complex politics: He’s working to find ways to combat crime while also pushing for greater accountability after high-profile killings of Black people by police.

“The answer is not to abandon our streets,” Biden said. “The answer is to come together, policing communities, building trust and making us all safer.”

Most of the talk Thursday was centered on better policing. Efforts to take stronger legislative action in recent years have failed, even after 20 children and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sandy-hook-elementary-school-shooting">six adults were killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.</a>

Like Democratic presidents before him, Biden called on Congress to pass a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. But he also spoke of the powerful gun lobby that has been effective at curbing any effort to rein in guns and that points to the Second Amendment right to bear arms.

“There’s no amendment that’s absolute,” Biden insisted. “When the amendment was passed, it didn’t say anybody can own a gun — any kind of gun — and any kind of weapon.”

The president was joined by New York lawmakers, Attorney General Merrick Garland, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams, a former police captain. Once an outspoken critic of his own department and someone who was beaten by police as a teenager, Adams portrayed himself during his campaign as someone who could bridge the divide between the New York Police Department and activists pushing for major change.

“We understand how serious this moment is,” Adams said, telling Biden, “Mayor Adams, reporting for duty, ready to serve.”

Biden listened in on a gun violence strategic partnership meeting, a daily get-together for local, state and federal leaders who share intelligence and information on specific cases. He then headed to a school in Queens to hear firsthand from a frontline violence intervention community group about efforts to prevent violence.

Guns are at the center of the debate as the nation grapples with homicides that spiked nationally in 2020, the final year of the Trump administration. Even before the spike, 75% of all homicides in the U.S. were due to firearm injuries and guns were responsible for 91% of youth homicides, according to a January report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control on gun violence and suicides over 2018-19.

This comes as Americans purchased a record number of firearms in 2020. Law enforcement officers recovered historically high numbers of firearms last year and are coming across more firearms stripped of serial numbers, making them impossible to trace. And early data suggests that the period between when a gun was purchased and used in a crime and recovered by police has shortened, compared with earlier years.

To combat this, the Biden administration is clamping down more on traders of “ghost guns,” homemade firearms that lack serial numbers used to trace them and that are often purchased without a background check.

The Justice Department is working to stop the movement of guns north along the “iron pipeline” on the Interstate 95 corridor from Southern states with lax gun laws. Federal prosecutors will prioritize cases of those who sell or transfer guns used in violent crime and, if Biden’s budget is enacted, get specific agents dedicated to the effort.

Federal strike forces are deployed to New York and other cities, aimed at cracking down on gun trafficking. Federal agents are embedded in homicide units in police departments around the country, and the U.S. Marshals Service regularly conducts fugitive sweeps to arrest people with outstanding state or federal warrants.

In May, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will host police executives from across the country to collaborate on solutions to gun violence. But the agency has been without a permanent leader since 2013. Biden’s first nominee, a former ATF agent who had advocated for stricter gun control, was withdrawn in September amid opposition from Republicans and some moderate Democrats. There’s no sign of a new nominee.

Biden has also proposed a large increase in dollars for local community policing programs, and if his social spending agenda were to pass, even more funds would be made available — but that effort is stalled in Congress, too.

And he encouraged cities to invest some of their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-vote-coronavirus-relief-package-33f4902ca9a2aed4e76274af6bb2ea5c">COVID-19 relief money</a>&nbsp;into policing and pushed alternative crime reduction steps such as increased community support and summer jobs for teenagers, and better resources for those coming out of prison.

“When someone finishes their time in prison ... you can’t give them $25 bucks and a bus ticket,” he said. “They need to be able to train for and get a job, find stable housing, reenter society and have a second chance at life.”

NEW YORK (AP) — Running through a grim tally of recent gun deaths, President Joe Biden pledged to New Yorkers and the nation on Thursday that the federal government would step up its fight against gun violence by working more closely with police and communities to stop the surging bloodshed.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F310719364350322%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=37" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>“It’s enough. Enough is enough,” Biden told police, law enforcement officials and lawmakers gathered at the city’s police headquarters. “We can do something about this.”But Biden’s crimefighting strategy relies heavily on buy-in from state and local officials as he suggests ways to spend federal dollars and expands on initiatives already under way. The modest initiatives demonstrate the limits to what he can do when there is no appetite in Congress to pass gun legislation.Biden came to New York a day after the funeral for the second of two New York City cops shot and killed during a domestic violence call on Jan. 21. Officials wrapped up the event to get to the hospital, where another officer was being released after an injury in yet another shooting.The visit gave the president a chance to push back against Republicans who claim he’s soft on crime, and to distance himself from those in the left flank of his Democratic Party who want to shift funding away from police departments to social spending programs.“The answer is not to defund the police,” Biden said. “It is to give you the tools, the training, the funding to be partners, to be protectors and know the community.”Biden ticked through how 316 people are shot every day and 106 killed, including 26 children who died in gun violence so far this year.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kathy-hochul-new-york-violence-police-new-york-city-a15d5986b309ef0721deed74fabd08eb">In New York last month</a>, an 11-month-old girl was wounded by a stray bullet and a teenage fast-food cashier was shot to death. Thirty-two officers have been shot in the line of duty so far this year nationwide, seven of them killed.Biden is navigating complex politics: He’s working to find ways to combat crime while also pushing for greater accountability after high-profile killings of Black people by police.“The answer is not to abandon our streets,” Biden said. “The answer is to come together, policing communities, building trust and making us all safer.”Most of the talk Thursday was centered on better policing. Efforts to take stronger legislative action in recent years have failed, even after 20 children and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sandy-hook-elementary-school-shooting">six adults were killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.</a>Like Democratic presidents before him, Biden called on Congress to pass a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. But he also spoke of the powerful gun lobby that has been effective at curbing any effort to rein in guns and that points to the Second Amendment right to bear arms.“There’s no amendment that’s absolute,” Biden insisted. “When the amendment was passed, it didn’t say anybody can own a gun — any kind of gun — and any kind of weapon.”The president was joined by New York lawmakers, Attorney General Merrick Garland, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams, a former police captain. Once an outspoken critic of his own department and someone who was beaten by police as a teenager, Adams portrayed himself during his campaign as someone who could bridge the divide between the New York Police Department and activists pushing for major change.“We understand how serious this moment is,” Adams said, telling Biden, “Mayor Adams, reporting for duty, ready to serve.”Biden listened in on a gun violence strategic partnership meeting, a daily get-together for local, state and federal leaders who share intelligence and information on specific cases. He then headed to a school in Queens to hear firsthand from a frontline violence intervention community group about efforts to prevent violence.Guns are at the center of the debate as the nation grapples with homicides that spiked nationally in 2020, the final year of the Trump administration. Even before the spike, 75% of all homicides in the U.S. were due to firearm injuries and guns were responsible for 91% of youth homicides, according to a January report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control on gun violence and suicides over 2018-19.This comes as Americans purchased a record number of firearms in 2020. Law enforcement officers recovered historically high numbers of firearms last year and are coming across more firearms stripped of serial numbers, making them impossible to trace. And early data suggests that the period between when a gun was purchased and used in a crime and recovered by police has shortened, compared with earlier years.To combat this, the Biden administration is clamping down more on traders of “ghost guns,” homemade firearms that lack serial numbers used to trace them and that are often purchased without a background check.The Justice Department is working to stop the movement of guns north along the “iron pipeline” on the Interstate 95 corridor from Southern states with lax gun laws. Federal prosecutors will prioritize cases of those who sell or transfer guns used in violent crime and, if Biden’s budget is enacted, get specific agents dedicated to the effort.Federal strike forces are deployed to New York and other cities, aimed at cracking down on gun trafficking. Federal agents are embedded in homicide units in police departments around the country, and the U.S. Marshals Service regularly conducts fugitive sweeps to arrest people with outstanding state or federal warrants.In May, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will host police executives from across the country to collaborate on solutions to gun violence. But the agency has been without a permanent leader since 2013. Biden’s first nominee, a former ATF agent who had advocated for stricter gun control, was withdrawn in September amid opposition from Republicans and some moderate Democrats. There’s no sign of a new nominee.Biden has also proposed a large increase in dollars for local community policing programs, and if his social spending agenda were to pass, even more funds would be made available — but that effort is stalled in Congress, too.And he encouraged cities to invest some of their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-vote-coronavirus-relief-package-33f4902ca9a2aed4e76274af6bb2ea5c">COVID-19 relief money</a>&nbsp;into policing and pushed alternative crime reduction steps such as increased community support and summer jobs for teenagers, and better resources for those coming out of prison.“When someone finishes their time in prison ... you can’t give them $25 bucks and a bus ticket,” he said. “They need to be able to train for and get a job, find stable housing, reenter society and have a second chance at life.”__

🎥 Biden: Nation must come together to end gun violence

HASKELL COUNTY—Two Kansas men were injured in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Thursday in Haskell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Polaris ATV driven by&nbsp; Claudy R.&nbsp;Reynolds, 88, Sublette, was eastbound in the 900 Block Edelle Avenue in Sublette.

 The ATV became unstable, crossed the center line, entered the north ditch and overturned.

EMS transported&nbsp;Reynolds and a passenger James H Barton, 69, Sublette, to Satanta District Hospital. Reynolds was later flown to a hospital in Wichita.

HASKELL COUNTY—Two Kansas men were injured in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Thursday in Haskell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Polaris ATV driven by&nbsp; Claudy R.&nbsp;Reynolds, 88, Sublette, was eastbound in the 900 Block Edelle Avenue in Sublette. The ATV became unstable, crossed the center line, entered the north ditch and overturned.EMS transported&nbsp;Reynolds and a passenger James H Barton, 69, Sublette, to Satanta District Hospital. Reynolds was later flown to a hospital in Wichita.

88-year-old Kan. man airlifted to hospital after ATV accident

WASHINGTON – As part of a larger effort to help people during this 
year's filing season, the Internal Revenue Service today announced 
special Saturday hours at many Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) across
 the country.

TACs provide taxpayers with in-person help. Select TACs are open from
 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., February 12, March 12, April 9 and May 14. Normally, 
these centers are not open on Saturdays. No appointments are required.

"The IRS continues to do everything we can to help people during this
 unprecedented period," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Opening 
these assistance centers for special Saturday hours is designed to 
provide yet another way for people to get the help they need. We 
encourage people to review the details on these special Saturday hours 
so we can help serve them. I'm also extremely grateful to our employees 
who have stepped up to provide this special assistance."

People can receive walk-in help on all services, however, the TACs 
will not accept cash payments on these Saturdays. During the extra 
operating 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 and receive other help.

To see which TACs will be open, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/irs-face-to-face-saturday-help">IRS.gov/saturdayhours</a>.

To arrive prepared, individuals should bring the following information:

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

"We encourage people to receive payments and their tax refunds 
via direct deposit, which is faster and more secure than other payment 
methods," said IRS Wage &amp; Investment Commissioner and Taxpayer 
Experience Officer Ken Corbin. "People who don't have a bank account 
should visit the <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/about/initiatives/getbanked/index.html">Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation</a> website for details on opening an account online. They can also use the FDIC's <a href="https://banks.data.fdic.gov/bankfind-suite/bankfind">BankFind</a> tool to find an FDIC-insured bank."

<a href="https://covidbanking.joinbankon.org/">BankOn</a>, <a href="https://www.aba.com/advocacy/community-programs/consumer-resources/manage-your-money/choosing-safe-affordable-account">American Bankers Association</a>, <a href="https://www.icba.org/about/find-a-community-bank/open-a-bank-account-remotely">Independent Community Bankers of America</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">National Credit Union Administration</a> have lists of banks and credit unions that allow opening an account online. Veterans can use the <a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/banking.asp">Veterans Benefits Banking Program</a> to learn about financial services at participating banks.

The IRS's <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office">Contact Your Local Office</a> site lists all services provided at specific TACs.

If someone has a question(s) about a tax bill or an IRS audit, or 
needs help resolving a tax problem, they will receive assistance from 
IRS employees specializing in these services. If these employees are not
 available, the individual will receive a referral for these services. 
Taxpayer Advocate Service employees may also be available to assist with
 issues that meet certain criteria.

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 also 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.

People who need assistance preparing tax returns can visit 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</a>. VITA sites offer free tax help to qualified individuals who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:

People who need to pay their federal taxes with cash can visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a> to get information on several payment options.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON – As part of a larger effort to help people during this 
year's filing season, the Internal Revenue Service today announced 
special Saturday hours at many Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) across
 the country.TACs provide taxpayers with in-person help. Select TACs are open from
 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., February 12, March 12, April 9 and May 14. Normally, 
these centers are not open on Saturdays. No appointments are required."The IRS continues to do everything we can to help people during this
 unprecedented period," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Opening 
these assistance centers for special Saturday hours is designed to 
provide yet another way for people to get the help they need. We 
encourage people to review the details on these special Saturday hours 
so we can help serve them. I'm also extremely grateful to our employees 
who have stepped up to provide this special assistance."People can receive walk-in help on all services, however, the TACs 
will not accept cash payments on these Saturdays. During the extra 
operating 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 and receive other help.To see which TACs will be open, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/irs-face-to-face-saturday-help">IRS.gov/saturdayhours</a>.<h2>Come prepared</h2>To arrive prepared, individuals should bring the following information:<ul>
 <li>Current government-issued photo identification,</li><li>Social Security cards for members of their household, including spouse and dependents (if applicable) and</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,</li><li>An email address and</li><li>Bank account information, to receive payments or refunds by direct deposit.</li>
 </ul>"We encourage people to receive payments and their tax refunds 
via direct deposit, which is faster and more secure than other payment 
methods," said IRS Wage &amp; Investment Commissioner and Taxpayer 
Experience Officer Ken Corbin. "People who don't have a bank account 
should visit the <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/about/initiatives/getbanked/index.html">Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation</a> website for details on opening an account online. They can also use the FDIC's <a href="https://banks.data.fdic.gov/bankfind-suite/bankfind">BankFind</a> tool to find an FDIC-insured bank."<a href="https://covidbanking.joinbankon.org/">BankOn</a>, <a href="https://www.aba.com/advocacy/community-programs/consumer-resources/manage-your-money/choosing-safe-affordable-account">American Bankers Association</a>, <a href="https://www.icba.org/about/find-a-community-bank/open-a-bank-account-remotely">Independent Community Bankers of America</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">National Credit Union Administration</a> have lists of banks and credit unions that allow opening an account online. Veterans can use the <a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/banking.asp">Veterans Benefits Banking Program</a> to learn about financial services at participating banks.<h2>Services provided</h2>The IRS's <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office">Contact Your Local Office</a> site lists all services provided at specific TACs.If someone has a question(s) about a tax bill or an IRS audit, or 
needs help resolving a tax problem, they will receive assistance from 
IRS employees specializing in these services. If these employees are not
 available, the individual will receive a referral for these services. 
Taxpayer Advocate Service employees may also be available to assist with
 issues that meet certain criteria.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 also 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.People who need assistance preparing tax returns can visit 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</a>. VITA sites offer free tax help to qualified individuals who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:<ul>
 <li>People who earn $58,000 or less,</li><li>Persons with disabilities and</li><li>Limited English-speaking taxpayers.</li>
 </ul>People who need to pay their federal taxes with cash can visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a> to get information on several payment options.<h2>More information:</h2><ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/secure-access-how-to-register-for-certain-online-self-help-tools">How to Register for Certain Online Self-Help Tools</a></li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-h-reconciling-your-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-on-your-2021-tax-return">Reconciling Your Advance Child Tax Credit Payments on Your 2021 Tax Return</a></li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">IRS.gov/rrc</a> to learn about filing requirements for the Recovery Rebate Credit</li>
 </ul>

Some IRS centers open on special Saturdays for face-to-face help

Lawmakers wondered aloud Thursday how a showdown between two federal agencies over the rollout of new high-speed wireless service reached crisis proportions last month, but they were short on answers to a dispute that raised concerns about interference with key equipment on some planes.

Some flights have been canceled since Verizon and AT&amp;T turned on their new networks last month, but predictions of widespread cancellations turned out to be wrong. The Federal Aviation Administration has cleared 90% of the nation’s airline fleet to land during poor visibility at airports near 5G cell towers.

Those approvals are being made each month, plane by plane, based on the model of radio altimeter that they use to measure their height above the ground. Some “lower-performing” planes are still restricted, and a permanent fix for the entire fleet is likely at least a year away, FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson said during a hearing of the House aviation subcommittee.

The CEOs of American Airlines and United Airlines have said they don’t expect any more disruptions. However, more than half of the planes operated by regional airlines remain restricted during bad weather, said Faye Malarkey Black, president of a trade group for the smaller carriers, some of which operate flights for American Eagle, United Express and Delta Connection.

Black said cancellations are still occurring, and more than one-fourth of flights at the three major airports in the New York City areas are operated by smaller planes that can’t land there during bad weather because of restrictions related to 5G.

Verizon and AT&amp;T agreed to two delays before launching most of their planned new 5G service on Jan. 19 except near airports, where they agreed not to turn on new cell towers for the time being.

Dozens of flights were canceled because of 5G concerns after the services went live, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-travel-lifestyle-business-air-travel-2e94c5d153ad6dd756196e9b1577dcd3">widespread cancellations were avoided</a>.

The current, temporary fix came&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-business-federal-aviation-administration-658c00d4d281bf11772b7ce457c3e244">after the White House stepped&nbsp;</a>in to settle a lack of cooperation between the FAA and the Federal Communications Commission that threatened to create massive disruptions for airlines and passengers.

Rep. John Katko, R-N.Y., told Dickson that FAA’s last-minute directives about operating around 5G indicates “that you really didn’t have a plan and didn’t understand the gravity of the situation ahead of time.”

Dickson said FAA couldn’t authorize low-visibility flights near the new signals until it got information from the telecom companies about the location, height and power of their 5G towers.

The FAA chief said regulators and experts from both industries are now working together. Last week, the FAA said that new data from the companies cleared the way for activating more towers close to airports.

House Transportation Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., blamed the clash on the FCC, which approved plans by Verizon and AT&amp;T to launch faster and more reliable 5G service using the C-Band part of the radio spectrum that is close to the range used by airplane altimeters, which are critical for landing in poor visibility.

DeFazio said he and aviation interests raised concerns about possible interference for several years, but the FCC ignored them and auctioned off 5G spectrum without ensuring there would be no interference with aviation.

“Having a dropped call is way less serious than having a dropped airplane,” he said.

The FCC has said it provided enough buffer between C-Band and radio altimeters to prevent interference.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel was invited to testify but had a conflict, according to an agency spokesman, who declined to describe the conflict. He said that Rosenworcel spoke separately on Wednesday with DeFazio and the chairman of the aviation subcommittee, Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash.

The FCC and the telecom companies say that 40 other countries have rolled out C-Band 5G service without any reports of radio interference with planes. Aviation groups say those countries have lower-power 5G signals or impose other restrictions on the service to prevent interference, a claim that is disputed by the telecom industry.

Meredith Baker, president of the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, said that an aviation group’s 2020 study that raised serious concern about interference was flawed and distorted by presenting worst-case scenarios.

DeFazio and Larsen countered that aviation safety requires considering even implausible events.

“That’s what we plan for — the worst case,” DeFazio said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643918987411.png" alt="Missouri 6th District Rep. Sam Graves, the Ranking Member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in the U.S. House of Representatives, during his opening statement Thursday-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Missouri 6th District Rep. Sam Graves, the Ranking Member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in the U.S. House of Representatives, during his opening statement Thursday-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID KOENIG, AP Airlines WriterLawmakers wondered aloud Thursday how a showdown between two federal agencies over the rollout of new high-speed wireless service reached crisis proportions last month, but they were short on answers to a dispute that raised concerns about interference with key equipment on some planes.Some flights have been canceled since Verizon and AT&amp;T turned on their new networks last month, but predictions of widespread cancellations turned out to be wrong. The Federal Aviation Administration has cleared 90% of the nation’s airline fleet to land during poor visibility at airports near 5G cell towers.Those approvals are being made each month, plane by plane, based on the model of radio altimeter that they use to measure their height above the ground. Some “lower-performing” planes are still restricted, and a permanent fix for the entire fleet is likely at least a year away, FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson said during a hearing of the House aviation subcommittee.The CEOs of American Airlines and United Airlines have said they don’t expect any more disruptions. However, more than half of the planes operated by regional airlines remain restricted during bad weather, said Faye Malarkey Black, president of a trade group for the smaller carriers, some of which operate flights for American Eagle, United Express and Delta Connection.Black said cancellations are still occurring, and more than one-fourth of flights at the three major airports in the New York City areas are operated by smaller planes that can’t land there during bad weather because of restrictions related to 5G.Verizon and AT&amp;T agreed to two delays before launching most of their planned new 5G service on Jan. 19 except near airports, where they agreed not to turn on new cell towers for the time being.Dozens of flights were canceled because of 5G concerns after the services went live, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-travel-lifestyle-business-air-travel-2e94c5d153ad6dd756196e9b1577dcd3">widespread cancellations were avoided</a>.The current, temporary fix came&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-business-federal-aviation-administration-658c00d4d281bf11772b7ce457c3e244">after the White House stepped&nbsp;</a>in to settle a lack of cooperation between the FAA and the Federal Communications Commission that threatened to create massive disruptions for airlines and passengers.Rep. John Katko, R-N.Y., told Dickson that FAA’s last-minute directives about operating around 5G indicates “that you really didn’t have a plan and didn’t understand the gravity of the situation ahead of time.”Dickson said FAA couldn’t authorize low-visibility flights near the new signals until it got information from the telecom companies about the location, height and power of their 5G towers.The FAA chief said regulators and experts from both industries are now working together. Last week, the FAA said that new data from the companies cleared the way for activating more towers close to airports.House Transportation Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., blamed the clash on the FCC, which approved plans by Verizon and AT&amp;T to launch faster and more reliable 5G service using the C-Band part of the radio spectrum that is close to the range used by airplane altimeters, which are critical for landing in poor visibility.DeFazio said he and aviation interests raised concerns about possible interference for several years, but the FCC ignored them and auctioned off 5G spectrum without ensuring there would be no interference with aviation.“Having a dropped call is way less serious than having a dropped airplane,” he said.The FCC has said it provided enough buffer between C-Band and radio altimeters to prevent interference.FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel was invited to testify but had a conflict, according to an agency spokesman, who declined to describe the conflict. He said that Rosenworcel spoke separately on Wednesday with DeFazio and the chairman of the aviation subcommittee, Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash.The FCC and the telecom companies say that 40 other countries have rolled out C-Band 5G service without any reports of radio interference with planes. Aviation groups say those countries have lower-power 5G signals or impose other restrictions on the service to prevent interference, a claim that is disputed by the telecom industry.Meredith Baker, president of the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, said that an aviation group’s 2020 study that raised serious concern about interference was flawed and distorted by presenting worst-case scenarios.DeFazio and Larsen countered that aviation safety requires considering even implausible events.“That’s what we plan for — the worst case,” DeFazio said.___

Congress takes up controversy over 5G service near airports

NEW YORK (AP) — Meta is putting a lot of virtual eggs — and billions of dollars — into the metaverse basket, and Wall Street is pretty anxious about it.

Shares of the company formerly known as Facebook saw a historic plunge Thursday after the social media giant reported a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/facebook-meta-shares-plunge-mark-zuckerberg-d01a0a4c12dc24fa2150a1a3ea2ac836">rare profit decline</a>&nbsp;due to a sharp rise in expenses, shaky ad revenue growth, competition from TikTok and fewer daily U.S. users on its flagship platform.

At the same time, it invested more than $10 billion in CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s ambitious plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/facebook-meta-mark-zuckerberg-technology-business-5ad543ab7780caae435935f0aca9fac6">transform Meta Platforms Inc.</a>&nbsp;into a virtual reality — actually, make that “metaverse-based” — company.

Meta’s shares fell more than 23% to $246.76 in afternoon trading Thursday, lopping more than $215 billion off the company’s overall value, known as its market capitalization. A drop that big would be the largest ever for a single company on a single day.

“Meta is sacrificing its core business model for its fascination with the metaverse,” said Rachel Jones, an analyst with the research firm GlobalData. “Betting big on the metaverse isn’t a bad thing — the technology is set to be huge and provide a multitude of opportunities — but it will take at least another decade to really get going.”

While tech companies are accustomed to making big bets on futuristic-sounding ideas that sometimes become reality — and come with a huge payoff — Wall Street doesn’t like uncertainty. There’s also the inconvenient fact of Facebook’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/the-facebook-papers-covid-vaccine-misinformation-c8bbc569be7cc2ca583dadb4236a0613">continued difficulty</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/facebook-haugen-congress-testimony-1daac7a76ca7bf0b0802cc46e732b51b">dealing with toxic real-world effects</a>&nbsp;on its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/the-facebook-papers-whistleblower-misinfo-trafficking-64f11ccae637cdfb7a89e049c5095dca">existing platform</a>.

There’s “continued concern that Facebook’s past challenges will follow Meta into the metaverse,” said Mike Proulx, research director at Forrester Research. “The company has work to do to convince consumers that Meta’s expression of the metaverse is a good thing,”

Since Meta took on its new name last fall, the company has been shifting resources and hiring engineers — including from competitors like Apple and Google — who can help Zuckerberg realize his vision.

Think of the metaverse as the internet brought to life, or at least rendered in 3D. Zuckerberg has described it as a “virtual environment” in which you can immerse yourself instead of just staring at a screen. Theoretically, the metaverse would be a place where people can meet, work and play using virtual reality headsets, augmented reality glasses, smartphone apps or other devices.

It might sound like science fiction, but then again, not long ago so were computers that fit in your pocket, driverless cars and microwaves that talk to you. Technology barrels ahead whether we like it or not and, to quote a vintage Facebook motivational poster in the company’s headquarters, “fortune favors the bold.” Despite an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/the-facebook-papers">enormous backlash&nbsp;</a>to Facebook’s problems ranging from misinformation and privacy mishaps to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/facebook-knows-instagram-is-toxic-for-teen-girls-company-documents-show-11631620739?mod=article_inline" target="_blank">teen mental health</a>&nbsp;and hate speech, Zuckerberg continues to believe that bold bets to steer the company in new directions have generally paid off.

In a Wednesday conference call, Zuckerberg said the company’s investments this year will focus on Reels — a TikTok-esque short form video service on Instagram — as well as messaging, ads, commerce, privacy, artificial intelligence “and, of course, the metaverse.”

“Making meaningful progress across all seven of these areas is going to improve the services we offer today and will help power a social, intuitive, and entertaining metaverse,” he said. But he acknowledged that “this fully realized vision is still a ways off, and although the direction is clear, our path ahead is not perfectly defined.”

But while Wall Street’s metaverse optimism appears to fall well short off Zuckerberg’s, Meta’s rivals are ramping up their own metaverse projects. This includes Apple, Google and Microsoft, which recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/microsoft-activision-blizzard-acquisition-call-of-duty-7a9e2bcc8f0b7b9049e4f93fe3e0a4dd">bought the video game company</a>&nbsp;Activision Blizzard with the hopes of accelerating its ambitions for the metaverse.

But it’s not just the big companies. According to app analytics company SensorTower, 86 apps added “metaverse” to their title or description from November 2021 through January of this year. To date, 552 mobile apps include the term “metaverse” in their title or description.

Stifel analyst Mark Kelley sought to calm investors, noting that Zuckerberg outlined not one but seven investment priorities for the company this year. He said he doesn’t think Meta’s initial goal of reaching 1 billion metaverse users is a stretch — and importantly, he believes only 40% would be gamers, signaling its broader appeal.

Meta’s stock plunge doesn’t discourage metaverse enthusiast and venture capitalist Matthew Ball, who months before Facebook’s renaming started an index fund of metaverse-related companies. Meta the company is one of the 45 stocks in Ball’s index.

“Mark’s focus on the next-generation internet is actually justified by the fact they can see in their core business that growth is slowing, that users are shifting elsewhere, and in particular, young users are shifting to these virtual and immersive worlds where they’re a small participant and where their investments are focused,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643910542552.png" alt="Facebook Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Facebook Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Meta is putting a lot of virtual eggs — and billions of dollars — into the metaverse basket, and Wall Street is pretty anxious about it.Shares of the company formerly known as Facebook saw a historic plunge Thursday after the social media giant reported a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/facebook-meta-shares-plunge-mark-zuckerberg-d01a0a4c12dc24fa2150a1a3ea2ac836">rare profit decline</a>&nbsp;due to a sharp rise in expenses, shaky ad revenue growth, competition from TikTok and fewer daily U.S. users on its flagship platform.At the same time, it invested more than $10 billion in CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s ambitious plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/facebook-meta-mark-zuckerberg-technology-business-5ad543ab7780caae435935f0aca9fac6">transform Meta Platforms Inc.</a>&nbsp;into a virtual reality — actually, make that “metaverse-based” — company.Meta’s shares fell more than 23% to $246.76 in afternoon trading Thursday, lopping more than $215 billion off the company’s overall value, known as its market capitalization. A drop that big would be the largest ever for a single company on a single day.“Meta is sacrificing its core business model for its fascination with the metaverse,” said Rachel Jones, an analyst with the research firm GlobalData. “Betting big on the metaverse isn’t a bad thing — the technology is set to be huge and provide a multitude of opportunities — but it will take at least another decade to really get going.”While tech companies are accustomed to making big bets on futuristic-sounding ideas that sometimes become reality — and come with a huge payoff — Wall Street doesn’t like uncertainty. There’s also the inconvenient fact of Facebook’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/the-facebook-papers-covid-vaccine-misinformation-c8bbc569be7cc2ca583dadb4236a0613">continued difficulty</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/facebook-haugen-congress-testimony-1daac7a76ca7bf0b0802cc46e732b51b">dealing with toxic real-world effects</a>&nbsp;on its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/the-facebook-papers-whistleblower-misinfo-trafficking-64f11ccae637cdfb7a89e049c5095dca">existing platform</a>.There’s “continued concern that Facebook’s past challenges will follow Meta into the metaverse,” said Mike Proulx, research director at Forrester Research. “The company has work to do to convince consumers that Meta’s expression of the metaverse is a good thing,”Since Meta took on its new name last fall, the company has been shifting resources and hiring engineers — including from competitors like Apple and Google — who can help Zuckerberg realize his vision.Think of the metaverse as the internet brought to life, or at least rendered in 3D. Zuckerberg has described it as a “virtual environment” in which you can immerse yourself instead of just staring at a screen. Theoretically, the metaverse would be a place where people can meet, work and play using virtual reality headsets, augmented reality glasses, smartphone apps or other devices.It might sound like science fiction, but then again, not long ago so were computers that fit in your pocket, driverless cars and microwaves that talk to you. Technology barrels ahead whether we like it or not and, to quote a vintage Facebook motivational poster in the company’s headquarters, “fortune favors the bold.” Despite an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/the-facebook-papers">enormous backlash&nbsp;</a>to Facebook’s problems ranging from misinformation and privacy mishaps to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/facebook-knows-instagram-is-toxic-for-teen-girls-company-documents-show-11631620739?mod=article_inline" target="_blank">teen mental health</a>&nbsp;and hate speech, Zuckerberg continues to believe that bold bets to steer the company in new directions have generally paid off.In a Wednesday conference call, Zuckerberg said the company’s investments this year will focus on Reels — a TikTok-esque short form video service on Instagram — as well as messaging, ads, commerce, privacy, artificial intelligence “and, of course, the metaverse.”“Making meaningful progress across all seven of these areas is going to improve the services we offer today and will help power a social, intuitive, and entertaining metaverse,” he said. But he acknowledged that “this fully realized vision is still a ways off, and although the direction is clear, our path ahead is not perfectly defined.”But while Wall Street’s metaverse optimism appears to fall well short off Zuckerberg’s, Meta’s rivals are ramping up their own metaverse projects. This includes Apple, Google and Microsoft, which recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/microsoft-activision-blizzard-acquisition-call-of-duty-7a9e2bcc8f0b7b9049e4f93fe3e0a4dd">bought the video game company</a>&nbsp;Activision Blizzard with the hopes of accelerating its ambitions for the metaverse.But it’s not just the big companies. According to app analytics company SensorTower, 86 apps added “metaverse” to their title or description from November 2021 through January of this year. To date, 552 mobile apps include the term “metaverse” in their title or description.Stifel analyst Mark Kelley sought to calm investors, noting that Zuckerberg outlined not one but seven investment priorities for the company this year. He said he doesn’t think Meta’s initial goal of reaching 1 billion metaverse users is a stretch — and importantly, he believes only 40% would be gamers, signaling its broader appeal.Meta’s stock plunge doesn’t discourage metaverse enthusiast and venture capitalist Matthew Ball, who months before Facebook’s renaming started an index fund of metaverse-related companies. Meta the company is one of the 45 stocks in Ball’s index.“Mark’s focus on the next-generation internet is actually justified by the fact they can see in their core business that growth is slowing, that users are shifting elsewhere, and in particular, young users are shifting to these virtual and immersive worlds where they’re a small participant and where their investments are focused,” he said.___

TikTok hurting Facebook: Historic loss of $215 billion in value

MILLER, S.D. (AP) — Classes are canceled for the rest of the week at Miller High School where an explosion and fire caused heavy damage to the agriculture workshop. 

All students and staff evacuated to nearby churches Wednesday morning.

 Authorities say six students and a staff member were in the shop at the time, but were not hurt.

 Officials say there is smoke damage throughout the entire school.

 Superintendent Charlene Crosswait says administrators are working on a plan for the students' return. 

An investigation into what caused the explosion and fire continues.

MILLER, S.D. (AP) — Classes are canceled for the rest of the week at Miller High School where an explosion and fire caused heavy damage to the agriculture workshop. All students and staff evacuated to nearby churches Wednesday morning. Authorities say six students and a staff member were in the shop at the time, but were not hurt. Officials say there is smoke damage throughout the entire school. Superintendent Charlene Crosswait says administrators are working on a plan for the students' return. An investigation into what caused the explosion and fire continues.

Cause of SD explosion, fire investigated at Miller High School

KANSAS CITY (AP) —With teacher absences mounting and substitutes in short supply, parents may be wondering: Who’s teaching the kids?

The answer around the U.S. could be a local police officer, National Guard soldier, state budget analyst, parent or recent high school graduate — nearly anyone willing to help keep schools’ doors open through the omicron-driven staffing crunch.

States have been loosening teaching requirements to give schools more flexibility on hiring as coronavirus exposures, illness and quarantines add to strains on schools that also have been tapping librarians, custodians and support staff to help cover classrooms during the pandemic.

Brian McKinney, a parent with students in second and 10th grade in Hays County, Texas, spent part of this week as a substitute, helping sixth graders through a social studies assignment that had them writing essays about the Soviet Union. A former teacher, he decided he could help as he waited out a cold snap that has slowed business at the World War II-themed miniature golf course he and his wife now own.

“There was no down time today; I was heavily involved with the kids,” he said after school Tuesday.

The measures have kept schools from having to revert to the waves of remote learning that disrupted homes and left many students behind earlier in the pandemic. Supporters say it’s better to have students in school, where they are supervised and have access to food and services, even if the solutions fall short academically.

Still, the lowering of the bar for teachers raises some concerns about whether schools are just treading water. In some cases when possible, virtual school taught by students’ regular teachers could be a better alternative, said Richard Ingersoll, an expert on the teaching profession at the University of Pennsylvania.

“Remote sometimes might be much more preferable to getting some substitute in there who’s basically babysitting,” he said.

Governors have been issuing executive orders to make more people eligible to work in schools. In states including California, Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, governors have taken action to give schools more flexibility to bring back retired teachers for short-term assignments.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox have made it possible for schools to dip into the states’ workforces.

Cox’s executive order allows state workers, including budget analysts, social workers and highway patrol officers, to take up to 30 hours of administrative leave to work as substitute teachers or in other school jobs. Oklahoma’s initiative lets state workers volunteer as substitute teachers and continue to receive their state salary.

“We know that kids learn best in the classroom, so we want to do what we can to help schools stay open. Our teachers and our children deserve our support during this difficult phase of the pandemic,” Cox said in a statement.

In Kansas, the state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-education-covid-19-pandemic-kansas-93137a2c94692b2cfdf5f878d1e9daca">Board of Education has begun allowing districts to hire substitute teachers as young as 18&nbsp;</a>and with little more than a high school diploma after waiving requirements they have at least 60 college credits, the equivalent of at least two years, to receive a temporary license. The changes will last only until June 1, when the more stringent requirements will return.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-education-nevada-bccaa7cd49e59d875b78081342d01d06">State officials in Nevada will consider a similar change</a>&nbsp;for emergencies for the state’s two most populous counties later this month. Currently, substitute teachers must have at least 60 college credits — or an associate degree or higher — to obtain a license.

In addition to asking state workers to step up,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-new-mexico-michelle-lujan-grisham-teaching-eaa5e804bc4f3c98efc0c8b14f2fb94e">New Mexico has called in the National Guard</a>&nbsp;to work as substitute teachers, an unprecedented move that has troops drawing their usual pay for serving on active duty.

At least some schools are choosing to prioritize time with professional teachers, even if it means students don’t keep a full schedule.

In Millville Public Schools in New Jersey, administrators were so concerned about the toll on learning after months of staffing challenges that they moved middle and high school students to a half-day schedule — with teachers -- for the month of February.

“After an analysis of our staffing over the past 5 months, we determined instruction at the secondary level has been severely impacted due to students’ lack of access to direct instruction on a daily basis. Moving to an early dismissal schedule will address our staffing shortages by utilizing our current employees so that we are delivering consistent instruction from teaching professionals,” a notice on the district’s website said.

In the Hays Consolidated Independent School District in Texas, where McKinney filled in as a sub this week, at one point in January the district needed 455 subs in a single day, well over the usual 185, and could fill only 40% of the need, district spokesperson Tim Savoy said.

The district raised the pay to an average of $120 a day, up from about $90, and invited parents to join the ranks of substitutes, waiving for some a requirement they have 30 hours of college. About half of the 60 new subs hired in January were parents, Savoy said.

After an orientation that included refreshers on things like classroom management and discipline, along with a background check that included fingerprinting, there are days McKinney has his pick from a long list of assignments but gravitates first to his specialties of history and physical education.

He said remote learning was hard on families like his that had to juggle kids and jobs, and he praised the district for working to stay open, even if it meant making exceptions for those running the classrooms.

“That’s a huge emotional and physiological burden on families,” he said of virtual school, “so I think Hays is just trying to figure out every possible option to not have to do that to families.”

KANSAS CITY (AP) —With teacher absences mounting and substitutes in short supply, parents may be wondering: Who’s teaching the kids?The answer around the U.S. could be a local police officer, National Guard soldier, state budget analyst, parent or recent high school graduate — nearly anyone willing to help keep schools’ doors open through the omicron-driven staffing crunch.States have been loosening teaching requirements to give schools more flexibility on hiring as coronavirus exposures, illness and quarantines add to strains on schools that also have been tapping librarians, custodians and support staff to help cover classrooms during the pandemic.Brian McKinney, a parent with students in second and 10th grade in Hays County, Texas, spent part of this week as a substitute, helping sixth graders through a social studies assignment that had them writing essays about the Soviet Union. A former teacher, he decided he could help as he waited out a cold snap that has slowed business at the World War II-themed miniature golf course he and his wife now own.“There was no down time today; I was heavily involved with the kids,” he said after school Tuesday.The measures have kept schools from having to revert to the waves of remote learning that disrupted homes and left many students behind earlier in the pandemic. Supporters say it’s better to have students in school, where they are supervised and have access to food and services, even if the solutions fall short academically.Still, the lowering of the bar for teachers raises some concerns about whether schools are just treading water. In some cases when possible, virtual school taught by students’ regular teachers could be a better alternative, said Richard Ingersoll, an expert on the teaching profession at the University of Pennsylvania.“Remote sometimes might be much more preferable to getting some substitute in there who’s basically babysitting,” he said.Governors have been issuing executive orders to make more people eligible to work in schools. In states including California, Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, governors have taken action to give schools more flexibility to bring back retired teachers for short-term assignments.Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox have made it possible for schools to dip into the states’ workforces.Cox’s executive order allows state workers, including budget analysts, social workers and highway patrol officers, to take up to 30 hours of administrative leave to work as substitute teachers or in other school jobs. Oklahoma’s initiative lets state workers volunteer as substitute teachers and continue to receive their state salary.“We know that kids learn best in the classroom, so we want to do what we can to help schools stay open. Our teachers and our children deserve our support during this difficult phase of the pandemic,” Cox said in a statement.In Kansas, the state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-education-covid-19-pandemic-kansas-93137a2c94692b2cfdf5f878d1e9daca">Board of Education has begun allowing districts to hire substitute teachers as young as 18&nbsp;</a>and with little more than a high school diploma after waiving requirements they have at least 60 college credits, the equivalent of at least two years, to receive a temporary license. The changes will last only until June 1, when the more stringent requirements will return.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-education-nevada-bccaa7cd49e59d875b78081342d01d06">State officials in Nevada will consider a similar change</a>&nbsp;for emergencies for the state’s two most populous counties later this month. Currently, substitute teachers must have at least 60 college credits — or an associate degree or higher — to obtain a license.In addition to asking state workers to step up,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-new-mexico-michelle-lujan-grisham-teaching-eaa5e804bc4f3c98efc0c8b14f2fb94e">New Mexico has called in the National Guard</a>&nbsp;to work as substitute teachers, an unprecedented move that has troops drawing their usual pay for serving on active duty.At least some schools are choosing to prioritize time with professional teachers, even if it means students don’t keep a full schedule.In Millville Public Schools in New Jersey, administrators were so concerned about the toll on learning after months of staffing challenges that they moved middle and high school students to a half-day schedule — with teachers -- for the month of February.“After an analysis of our staffing over the past 5 months, we determined instruction at the secondary level has been severely impacted due to students’ lack of access to direct instruction on a daily basis. Moving to an early dismissal schedule will address our staffing shortages by utilizing our current employees so that we are delivering consistent instruction from teaching professionals,” a notice on the district’s website said.In the Hays Consolidated Independent School District in Texas, where McKinney filled in as a sub this week, at one point in January the district needed 455 subs in a single day, well over the usual 185, and could fill only 40% of the need, district spokesperson Tim Savoy said.The district raised the pay to an average of $120 a day, up from about $90, and invited parents to join the ranks of substitutes, waiving for some a requirement they have 30 hours of college. About half of the 60 new subs hired in January were parents, Savoy said.After an orientation that included refreshers on things like classroom management and discipline, along with a background check that included fingerprinting, there are days McKinney has his pick from a long list of assignments but gravitates first to his specialties of history and physical education.He said remote learning was hard on families like his that had to juggle kids and jobs, and he praised the district for working to stay open, even if it meant making exceptions for those running the classrooms.“That’s a huge emotional and physiological burden on families,” he said of virtual school, “so I think Hays is just trying to figure out every possible option to not have to do that to families.”

Schools seek volunteer teachers amid COVID staffing crunch

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Meatpacking giant JBS has agreed to a $52.5 million settlement in a beef price-fixing lawsuit that some say supports their concerns about how the lack of competition in the industry affects prices.

 Colorado-based JBS didn’t admit any wrongdoing as part of the settlement and a spokeswoman said the company will continue to defend itself. 

The giant beef processors have argued that supply and demand factors, not anticompetitive behavior, drive the price of beef and the amount ranchers receive for cattle, but the industry’s practices have been questioned by the White House and Congress. 

And the Justice Department has been investigating possible price fixing in the industry at least since 2020.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Meatpacking giant JBS has agreed to a $52.5 million settlement in a beef price-fixing lawsuit that some say supports their concerns about how the lack of competition in the industry affects prices. Colorado-based JBS didn’t admit any wrongdoing as part of the settlement and a spokeswoman said the company will continue to defend itself. The giant beef processors have argued that supply and demand factors, not anticompetitive behavior, drive the price of beef and the amount ranchers receive for cattle, but the industry’s practices have been questioned by the White House and Congress. And the Justice Department has been investigating possible price fixing in the industry at least since 2020.

Beef giant JBS to pay $52.5M to settle price-fixing lawsuit

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/booze-at-big-red-nu-regents-will-discuss-next-week/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN
 — The long-standing ban on alcohol at University of Nebraska athletic 
events is to be reconsidered Feb. 11 by the University of Nebraska Board
 of Regents.&nbsp;

Under
 a proposed policy change, the university president and chancellors 
would be allowed to authorize the sale and consumption of alcohol at 
athletic events at their respective campuses.

A
 university press release issued Thursday noted that while a 1999 
resolution prohibits alcohol at athletic events on university property, 
the Regents have approved exceptions on a contract-by-contract basis on 
multiple campuses and sites.&nbsp;

NU
 President Ted Carter said the policy reversal could create consistency 
across the NU system at a time when alcohol sales have been a frequent 
topic.

“Opening
 any university event to alcohol is a question that we will always 
approach with diligence and care,” Carter said. “Our Board and 
Administration have thoughtfully explored these issues for years, 
together with our athletics colleagues, business teams and others. This 
proposed policy change is a common-sense first step if we ultimately 
decide to consider alcohol at any additional athletic events.”

The
 change also would allow alcohol advertising and sponsorships on 
university property, if given approval by the respective chancellor.

The
 Feb. 11 meeting agenda calls for consideration of an amendment to its 
agreement with the City of Lincoln for Pinnacle Bank Arena to allow 
alcohol sales at the Big Ten Wrestling Championships March 5-6.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643916688925.png" alt="Fans cheer on the Huskers at Memorial Stadium. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Fans cheer on the Huskers at Memorial Stadium. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/booze-at-big-red-nu-regents-will-discuss-next-week/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN
 — The long-standing ban on alcohol at University of Nebraska athletic 
events is to be reconsidered Feb. 11 by the University of Nebraska Board
 of Regents.&nbsp;Under
 a proposed policy change, the university president and chancellors 
would be allowed to authorize the sale and consumption of alcohol at 
athletic events at their respective campuses.A
 university press release issued Thursday noted that while a 1999 
resolution prohibits alcohol at athletic events on university property, 
the Regents have approved exceptions on a contract-by-contract basis on 
multiple campuses and sites.&nbsp;NU
 President Ted Carter said the policy reversal could create consistency 
across the NU system at a time when alcohol sales have been a frequent 
topic.“Opening
 any university event to alcohol is a question that we will always 
approach with diligence and care,” Carter said. “Our Board and 
Administration have thoughtfully explored these issues for years, 
together with our athletics colleagues, business teams and others. This 
proposed policy change is a common-sense first step if we ultimately 
decide to consider alcohol at any additional athletic events.”The
 change also would allow alcohol advertising and sponsorships on 
university property, if given approval by the respective chancellor.The
 Feb. 11 meeting agenda calls for consideration of an amendment to its 
agreement with the City of Lincoln for Pinnacle Bank Arena to allow 
alcohol sales at the Big Ten Wrestling Championships March 5-6.

Booze at Big Red? Nebraska Regents will discuss next week

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/03/legislators-urged-to-invest-in-completing-recreation-trails-across-nebraska/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN
 — Nebraska should capitalize on plentiful state and local funds by 
completing two major hike-bike trails that cross the state, a panel of 
state lawmakers were told Tuesday.

State
 Sen. Robert Hilkemann of Omaha, an avid biker who’s pedaled across the 
U.S., said that $18 million would be required to finish the Mo-Pac Trail
 between Omaha and Lincoln, and complete the Cowboy Trail that spans 
northern Nebraska.

The
 work would help complete the proposed Great American Rail Trail, a 
3,700-mile-long collection of trails linking Washington, D.C. and 
Washington State, Hilkemann said. That trail is about 53% completed.

“The trail is an iconic piece of American infrastructure,” the senator told the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee.

Trails
 like the Mickelson Trail in South Dakota and the Katy Trail in Missouri
 attract tourists to taverns, cafes and bed-and-breakfast inns, boosting
 spending in small towns along such routes, Hilkemann said.

The
 pandemic caused a surge in bicycling, he said, and the advent of 
electric-powered “e-bikes” is going to increase such recreation even 
more.

Developing recreational trails was the top request of respondents in a recent survey by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

“This is low-hanging fruit. Nebraskans want trails,” said Julie Harris of Bike Walk Nebraska.

At
 least four other states have used millions in federal American Rescue 
Plan Act (ARPA) funds to launch trail projects, advocates said. They 
include Indiana, Arizona, Virginia and Vermont, according to the 
National Conference of State Legislatures.

An
 8-mile gap remains in Cass County between trails that originate in 
Omaha and Lincoln. But Harris said that the Cass County Board has given 
its approval to a new route that would link the two trails in the South 
Bend area. A previous route had been opposed by landowners in that area.

The
 Cass County gap, because it would require building some bridges, adding
 some culverts and constructing a pathway from scratch, would cost about
 $8 million, an expense that led to questions from one senator, Steve 
Erdman of Bayard.

Jason
 Buss, a representative of the Nebraska Trails Foundation, said that 
hike-bike trails built on old railroad beds are relatively easy because 
they are flat and already graded. They cost only about $185,000 per 
mile.

The
 Cass County trail will be much more expensive, Buss said, because it 
will be built along country roads, across a couple streams and require 
improvements to a minimum maintenance road.

“It’s just not flat,” said Sen. Robert Clements, who lives only a couple of blocks from the Wabash Trail in Elmwood.

The
 Cowboy Trail, a 321-mile-long former railroad line, was obtained by the
 state in 1993. But about 93 miles are yet to be built, from Valentine 
to Gordon, and Rushville to the Wyoming State Line.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Michelle
 Stryker of the State Game and Parks Commission said that it would cost 
about $6 million to complete the Cowboy Trail. She added that the trail 
also needs about $8 million in repairs due to floods in recent years.&nbsp;

Hilkemann
 did not identify a funding source for the trail work in his proposal, 
Legislative Bill 813. But during the hearing, he said funds could come 
from ARPA, or any other federal or state source. Thanks to robust tax 
collections, the state has a record amount in its cash reserve fund.

The Appropriations Committee, which is reviewing budget proposals, took no action on LB 813 after a public hearing Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643903494479.png" alt="The Cowboy Trail at Long Pine, Nebraska features a long bridge over a scenic canyon. (Julie Harris/Bike Walk Nebraska / Courtesy Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>The Cowboy Trail at Long Pine, Nebraska features a long bridge over a scenic canyon. (Julie Harris/Bike Walk Nebraska / Courtesy Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/03/legislators-urged-to-invest-in-completing-recreation-trails-across-nebraska/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN
 — Nebraska should capitalize on plentiful state and local funds by 
completing two major hike-bike trails that cross the state, a panel of 
state lawmakers were told Tuesday.State
 Sen. Robert Hilkemann of Omaha, an avid biker who’s pedaled across the 
U.S., said that $18 million would be required to finish the Mo-Pac Trail
 between Omaha and Lincoln, and complete the Cowboy Trail that spans 
northern Nebraska.The
 work would help complete the proposed Great American Rail Trail, a 
3,700-mile-long collection of trails linking Washington, D.C. and 
Washington State, Hilkemann said. That trail is about 53% completed.“The trail is an iconic piece of American infrastructure,” the senator told the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee.Trails
 like the Mickelson Trail in South Dakota and the Katy Trail in Missouri
 attract tourists to taverns, cafes and bed-and-breakfast inns, boosting
 spending in small towns along such routes, Hilkemann said.The
 pandemic caused a surge in bicycling, he said, and the advent of 
electric-powered “e-bikes” is going to increase such recreation even 
more.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643903562772.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Robert Hilkemann of Omaha (Courtesy of the Unicameral Information Office)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Robert Hilkemann of Omaha (Courtesy of the Unicameral Information Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>Developing recreational trails was the top request of respondents in a recent survey by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.“This is low-hanging fruit. Nebraskans want trails,” said Julie Harris of Bike Walk Nebraska.At
 least four other states have used millions in federal American Rescue 
Plan Act (ARPA) funds to launch trail projects, advocates said. They 
include Indiana, Arizona, Virginia and Vermont, according to the 
National Conference of State Legislatures.An
 8-mile gap remains in Cass County between trails that originate in 
Omaha and Lincoln. But Harris said that the Cass County Board has given 
its approval to a new route that would link the two trails in the South 
Bend area. A previous route had been opposed by landowners in that area.The
 Cass County gap, because it would require building some bridges, adding
 some culverts and constructing a pathway from scratch, would cost about
 $8 million, an expense that led to questions from one senator, Steve 
Erdman of Bayard.Jason
 Buss, a representative of the Nebraska Trails Foundation, said that 
hike-bike trails built on old railroad beds are relatively easy because 
they are flat and already graded. They cost only about $185,000 per 
mile.The
 Cass County trail will be much more expensive, Buss said, because it 
will be built along country roads, across a couple streams and require 
improvements to a minimum maintenance road.“It’s just not flat,” said Sen. Robert Clements, who lives only a couple of blocks from the Wabash Trail in Elmwood.The
 Cowboy Trail, a 321-mile-long former railroad line, was obtained by the
 state in 1993. But about 93 miles are yet to be built, from Valentine 
to Gordon, and Rushville to the Wyoming State Line.&nbsp;&nbsp;Michelle
 Stryker of the State Game and Parks Commission said that it would cost 
about $6 million to complete the Cowboy Trail. She added that the trail 
also needs about $8 million in repairs due to floods in recent years.&nbsp;Hilkemann
 did not identify a funding source for the trail work in his proposal, 
Legislative Bill 813. But during the hearing, he said funds could come 
from ARPA, or any other federal or state source. Thanks to robust tax 
collections, the state has a record amount in its cash reserve fund.The Appropriations Committee, which is reviewing budget proposals, took no action on LB 813 after a public hearing Tuesday.

Neb. legislators urged to invest in completing recreation trails across state

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Florida truck driver has pleaded no contest to misdemeanor vehicular homicide charges in a crash last year on Interstate 80 that killed an La Vista man and his 7-year-old son. 

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that 51-year-old Yorkwind Crawford, of North Miami Beech, Florida, entered the pleas Wednesday and faces up to two years in jail when he's sentenced in April.

 Investigators say Crawford was driving a semitrailer west on I-80 the morning of Sept. 4 when he plowed into a line of vehicle, including the back of a pickup truck carrying  41-year-old Mark Kaipust and 7-year-old Taylor Kaipust, who died. 

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Florida truck driver has pleaded no contest to misdemeanor vehicular homicide charges in a crash last year on Interstate 80 that killed an La Vista man and his 7-year-old son. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that 51-year-old Yorkwind Crawford, of North Miami Beech, Florida, entered the pleas Wednesday and faces up to two years in jail when he's sentenced in April. Investigators say Crawford was driving a semitrailer west on I-80 the morning of Sept. 4 when he plowed into a line of vehicle, including the back of a pickup truck carrying 41-year-old Mark Kaipust and 7-year-old Taylor Kaipust, who died. Five other people were injured.

Florida trucker pleads no contest in fatal Nebraska crash

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Prosecutors say an Omaha man accused of being drunk and driving 20 mph over the speed limit when he fatally hit a woman in the city's Blackstone entertainment district will not face a vehicular homicide charge.

 Police have said 30-year-old William Wright had a blood alcohol level of more than twice the legal limit to drive when he hit 20-year-old Kaitlyn Van Essen of Omaha around 2 a.m. Dec. 4. 

Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said in a statement Wednesday that because Van Essen was also drunk and crossing against a “do not walk” sign, he would not be able to prove that Wright's being drunk was the primary cause of her death.

 Kleine said he will recommend DUI and other traffic charges against Wright.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Prosecutors say an Omaha man accused of being drunk and driving 20 mph over the speed limit when he fatally hit a woman in the city's Blackstone entertainment district will not face a vehicular homicide charge. Police have said 30-year-old William Wright had a blood alcohol level of more than twice the legal limit to drive when he hit 20-year-old Kaitlyn Van Essen of Omaha around 2 a.m. Dec. 4. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said in a statement Wednesday that because Van Essen was also drunk and crossing against a “do not walk” sign, he would not be able to prove that Wright's being drunk was the primary cause of her death. Kleine said he will recommend DUI and other traffic charges against Wright.

Prosecutor: Man won't face homicide charge in woman's death

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration, seeking to fill a frustrating gap in <a href="https://www.covidtests.gov/">COVID-19 testing coverage</a>, announced on Thursday that people with Medicare will be able to get free over-the-counter tests much more easily in the coming weeks.

The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21196643-medicare-covid-19-otc-test-faq" target="_blank">Medicare will cover up to eight free tests per month</a>, starting in early spring. The tests will be handed out at participating pharmacies and other locations. They’ll be available to people who have Medicare’s “Part B” outpatient benefit, which about 9 in 10 enrollees sign up for.

Last month, the administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-cb49a8458f33a698c3a4f3b721835270">directed private insurers</a>&nbsp;to cover up to eight free tests a month for people on their plans. Officials said at the time they were still trying to figure out what to do about Medicare, which covers more than 60 million people, most of them age 65 or older and more vulnerable to severe illness from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">coronavirus infection</a>. Medicare benefits are governed by arcane laws and regulations, and officials said Thursday this the first time the program has covered an over-the-counter test at no cost to recipients.

People with Medicare Advantage, a private insurance option that covers about 4 in 10 Medicare enrollees, will also have access to free COVID-19 tests through their plans, officials said.

The new policy deals with so-called rapid tests, which provide at-home results in about 15 minutes. Many families use the tests before getting together for special occasions or when grandparents travel from out of state to see grandkids they haven’t been able to play with for months due to COVID-19 isolation. Some testmakers pitch older adults directly in their marketing.

Medicare also will continue to cover the more precise lab-based PCR tests at no cost, but those must be ordered by a clinician or an authorized health care professional.

Before Thursday’s announcement, Medicare enrollees did have options for getting free at-home tests, and those will remain available while the new policy is going into effect. Those options include requesting four free tests for home delivery through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.covidtests.gov/" target="_blank">covidtests.gov</a>&nbsp;or picking free tests up from community locations such as libraries or senior centers that distribute them.

At-home tests were in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-home-testing-kits-supply-demand-57f8ec4b7bc78d0e70216b91717287ee">vexingly short supply</a>&nbsp;at pharmacies as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-california-public-health-83c0a053bfdd615b5ae7170007c2f1f9">the omicron wave</a>&nbsp;gained momentum in December, and some consumers find that’s still the case. However, an all-out drive by the White House to provide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-jen-psaki-08ee41d8e7c0af1ad8b4dfb7b434ea61">500 million free tests</a>&nbsp;and greatly expand production capacity is starting to show results, although they can vary by community and by pharmacy location.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638546938939.png" alt="<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21196643-medicare-covid-19-otc-test-faq" target="_blank">Medicare will cover up to eight free tests per month</a>, starting in early spring" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21196643-medicare-covid-19-otc-test-faq" target="_blank">Medicare will cover up to eight free tests per month</a>, starting in early spring</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration, seeking to fill a frustrating gap in <a href="https://www.covidtests.gov/">COVID-19 testing coverage</a>, announced on Thursday that people with Medicare will be able to get free over-the-counter tests much more easily in the coming weeks.The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21196643-medicare-covid-19-otc-test-faq" target="_blank">Medicare will cover up to eight free tests per month</a>, starting in early spring. The tests will be handed out at participating pharmacies and other locations. They’ll be available to people who have Medicare’s “Part B” outpatient benefit, which about 9 in 10 enrollees sign up for.Last month, the administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-cb49a8458f33a698c3a4f3b721835270">directed private insurers</a>&nbsp;to cover up to eight free tests a month for people on their plans. Officials said at the time they were still trying to figure out what to do about Medicare, which covers more than 60 million people, most of them age 65 or older and more vulnerable to severe illness from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">coronavirus infection</a>. Medicare benefits are governed by arcane laws and regulations, and officials said Thursday this the first time the program has covered an over-the-counter test at no cost to recipients.People with Medicare Advantage, a private insurance option that covers about 4 in 10 Medicare enrollees, will also have access to free COVID-19 tests through their plans, officials said.The new policy deals with so-called rapid tests, which provide at-home results in about 15 minutes. Many families use the tests before getting together for special occasions or when grandparents travel from out of state to see grandkids they haven’t been able to play with for months due to COVID-19 isolation. Some testmakers pitch older adults directly in their marketing.Medicare also will continue to cover the more precise lab-based PCR tests at no cost, but those must be ordered by a clinician or an authorized health care professional.Before Thursday’s announcement, Medicare enrollees did have options for getting free at-home tests, and those will remain available while the new policy is going into effect. Those options include requesting four free tests for home delivery through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.covidtests.gov/" target="_blank">covidtests.gov</a>&nbsp;or picking free tests up from community locations such as libraries or senior centers that distribute them.At-home tests were in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-home-testing-kits-supply-demand-57f8ec4b7bc78d0e70216b91717287ee">vexingly short supply</a>&nbsp;at pharmacies as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-california-public-health-83c0a053bfdd615b5ae7170007c2f1f9">the omicron wave</a>&nbsp;gained momentum in December, and some consumers find that’s still the case. However, an all-out drive by the White House to provide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-jen-psaki-08ee41d8e7c0af1ad8b4dfb7b434ea61">500 million free tests</a>&nbsp;and greatly expand production capacity is starting to show results, although they can vary by community and by pharmacy location.

Medicare opens access to free at-home COVID-19 tests

CHICAGO (AP) — A major winter storm with millions of Americans in its path is spreading rain, freezing rain and heavy snow further across the country. 

More than 100,000 homes and businesses are without power and flights are disrupted at the busy Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. 

A long stretch of states from New Mexico to Maine remained under winter storm warnings and watches Thursday and the storm's path stretched further from the central U.S. into more of the South and Northeast. 

Forecasters say more heavy snow is expected, while heavy ice buildup was likely from Texas to Pennsylvania.

CHICAGO (AP) — A major winter storm with millions of Americans in its path is spreading rain, freezing rain and heavy snow further across the country. More than 100,000 homes and businesses are without power and flights are disrupted at the busy Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. A long stretch of states from New Mexico to Maine remained under winter storm warnings and watches Thursday and the storm's path stretched further from the central U.S. into more of the South and Northeast. Forecasters say more heavy snow is expected, while heavy ice buildup was likely from Texas to Pennsylvania.

As winter storm moves across US, ice becomes bigger concern

ATMEH, Syria (AP) — The leader of the violent Islamic State group was killed during an overnight raid carried out by U.S. special forces in Syria’s northwestern Idlib province, President Joe Biden said Thursday.

The raid targeted Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, who took over as head of the militant group on Oct. 31, 2019, just days after leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi died during a U.S. raid in the same area. Biden said al-Qurayshi died as al-Baghdadi did, by exploding a bomb that killed himself and members of his family, including women and children, as U.S. forces approached.

The operation came as IS has been trying for a resurgence, with a series of attacks in the region, including an assault late last month to seize a prison in northeast Syria holding at least 3,000 IS detainees, it’s boldest operation in years.

“Thanks to the bravery of our troops this horrible terrorist leader is no more,” Biden said. He said al-Qurayshi had been responsible for the prison strike, as well as genocide against the Yazidi people in Iraq in 2014.

U.S. special forces landed in helicopters and assaulted a house in a rebel-held corner of Syria, clashing for two hours with gunmen, witnesses said. Residents described continuous gunfire and explosions that jolted the town of Atmeh near the Turkish border, an area dotted with camps for internally displaced people from Syria’s civil war.

Biden said he ordered U.S. forces to “take every precaution available to minimize civilian casualties,” adding that was why they chose not to conduct an airstrike on the home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643896451643.png" alt="President Biden, Vice President Harris and members of the President’s national security team observe the counterterrorism operation responsible for removing from the battlefield Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi — the leader of ISIS.-White House photo " />
 <figcaption>President Biden, Vice President Harris and members of the President’s national security team observe the counterterrorism operation responsible for removing from the battlefield Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi — the leader of ISIS.-White House photo </figcaption>
 </figure>ATMEH, Syria (AP) — The leader of the violent Islamic State group was killed during an overnight raid carried out by U.S. special forces in Syria’s northwestern Idlib province, President Joe Biden said Thursday.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F3107076899540438%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=160" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The raid targeted Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, who took over as head of the militant group on Oct. 31, 2019, just days after leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi died during a U.S. raid in the same area. Biden said al-Qurayshi died as al-Baghdadi did, by exploding a bomb that killed himself and members of his family, including women and children, as U.S. forces approached.The operation came as IS has been trying for a resurgence, with a series of attacks in the region, including an assault late last month to seize a prison in northeast Syria holding at least 3,000 IS detainees, it’s boldest operation in years.“Thanks to the bravery of our troops this horrible terrorist leader is no more,” Biden said. He said al-Qurayshi had been responsible for the prison strike, as well as genocide against the Yazidi people in Iraq in 2014.U.S. special forces landed in helicopters and assaulted a house in a rebel-held corner of Syria, clashing for two hours with gunmen, witnesses said. Residents described continuous gunfire and explosions that jolted the town of Atmeh near the Turkish border, an area dotted with camps for internally displaced people from Syria’s civil war.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643902134347.png" alt="President Biden addressed the nation early Thursday-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden addressed the nation early Thursday-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Biden said he ordered U.S. forces to “take every precaution available to minimize civilian casualties,” adding that was why they chose not to conduct an airstrike on the home.First responders reported that 13 people had been killed, including six children and four women.Biden, along with Vice President Kamala Harris and senior national security aides monitored a live-feed of the operation from the White House Situation Room according to an official.The operation marked a military success for the United States at an important time after setbacks elsewhere — including the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal — have led allies and opponents to conclude U.S. power globally was weakening.The house, surrounded by olive trees in fields outside Atmeh, was left with its top floor shattered and blood spattered inside. A journalist on assignment for The Associated Press and several residents said they saw body parts scattered near the site. Most residents spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.“The mission was successful,” Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said in a brief statement. “There were no U.S. casualties.”Idlib is largely controlled by Turkish-backed fighters but is also an al-Qaida stronghold and home to several of its top operatives. Other militants, including extremists from the rival IS group, have also found refuge in the region.“The first moments were terrifying; no one knew what was happening,” said Jamil el-Deddo, a resident of a nearby refugee camp. “We were worried it could be Syrian aircraft, which brought back memories of barrel bombs that used to be dropped on us,” he added, referring to crude explosives-filled containers used by President Bashar Assad’s forces against opponents during the Syrian conflict.The top floor of the low house was nearly destroyed; a room there had collapsed, sending white bricks tumbling to the ground below.Blood could be seen on the walls and floor of the remaining structure. A wrecked bedroom had a child’s wooden crib and a stuffed rabbit doll. On one damaged wall, a blue plastic baby swing was still hanging. Religious books, including a biography of Islam’s Prophet Mohammad, were in the house.Al-Qurayshi had kept an extremely low profile since he took over leadership of the Islamic State. He had not appeared in public, and rarely released any audio recordings. His influence and day-to-day involvement in the group’s operations was not known and it is difficult to gauge how his death will affect the group.His killing, however, is a significant blow just as the group had been trying to reassert itself in Syria and Iraq.The opposition-run Syrian Civil Defense, first responders also known as the White Helmets, said 13 people were killed in shelling and clashes that ensued after the U.S. commando raid.The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, also said the strike killed 13 people, including four children and two women. Ahmad Rahhal, a citizen journalist who visited the site, reported seeing 12 bodies.The Pentagon provided no details on casualties in the raid.The Observatory said the troops landed in helicopters. Residents and activists described witnessing a large ground assault, with U.S. forces using megaphones urging women and children to leave the area.Omar Saleh, a resident of a nearby house, said he was asleep when his doors and windows started to rattle to the sound of low-flying aircraft at 1:10 a.m. local time. He ran to open the windows with the lights off, and saw three helicopters. He then heard a man, speaking Arabic with an Iraqi or Saudi accent through a loudspeaker, urging women to surrender or leave the area.“This went on for 45 minutes. There was no response. Then the machine gun fire erupted,” Saleh said. He said the firing continued for two hours, as aircraft circled low over the area.Taher al-Omar, an Idlib-based activist, said he witnessed clashes between fighters and the U.S. force. Others reported hearing at least one major explosion during the operation. A U.S. official said that one of the helicopters in the raid suffered a mechanical problem and had to be blown up on the ground.The military operation got attention on social media, with tweets from the region describing helicopters firing around the building near Atmeh. Flight-tracking data also suggested that multiple drones were circling the city of Sarmada and the village of Salwah, just north of the raid’s location.Through slickly engineered propaganda, including brutal beheading videos, IS emerged as a dominant global extremist threat in the past decade. Its clarion call to followers in the West to either join its self-described caliphate in Syria, or to commit acts of violence at home, inspired killings in the U.S. as well as thousands of travelers determined to become foreign fighters. The allure of IS to would-be militants has proved challenging for the West to fully stamp out even amid leadership changes and U.S. military strikes and raids.At the height of its territorial conquests around 2014, the Islamic State controlled more than 40,000 square miles stretching from Syria to Iraq and ruled over 8 million people.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-syria-middle-east-racial-injustice-iraq-e0c9bdc100f6ad74fb52d63a188ac978">Islamic State group has been reasserting itself</a>&nbsp;in Syria and Iraq with increased attacks.Last month, it carried out its biggest military operation since it was defeated and its members scattered underground in 2019: an attack on a prison in northeast Syria holding at least 3,000 IS detainees. The attack appeared aimed to break free senior IS operatives in the prison.It took 10 days of fighting for U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led forces to retake the prison fully, and the force said more than 120 of its fighters and prison workers were killed along with 374 militants. The U.S.-led coalition carried out airstrikes and deployed American personnel in Bradley Fighting Vehicles to the prison area to help the Kurdish forces.A senior SDF official, Nowruz Ahmad, said Monday that the prison assault was part of a broader plot that IS had been preparing for a long time, including attacks on other neighborhoods in Kurdish-run northeastern Syria and on the al-Hol camp in the south, which houses thousands of families of IS members.The U.S.-led coalition has targeted high-profile militants on several occasions in recent years, aiming to disrupt what U.S. officials say is a secretive cell known as the Khorasan group that is planning external attacks. A U.S. airstrike killed al-Qaida’s second in command, former bin Laden aide Abu al-Kheir al-Masri, in Syria in 2017.-------ATMEH, Syria (AP) — President Joe Biden says a U.S. special forces raid in northwestern Syria early Thursday killed the top leader of the Islamic State group, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi. Biden said all Americans involved in the operation returned safety. Biden said he would address the American people later Thursday on the raid. First responders at the scene reported 13 people had been killed, including six children and four women. The operation, which residents say lasted over two hours, jolted the sleepy village of Atmeh near the Turkish border----------ATMEH, Syria (AP) — U.S. special forces carried out what the Pentagon said was a large-scale counterterrorism raid in northwestern Syria early Thursday. First responders at the scene reported 13 people had been killed, including six children and four women.The operation, which residents say lasted over two hours, jolted the sleepy village of Atmeh near the Turkish border — an area dotted with camps for internally displaced people from Syria’s civil war. The target of the raid was unclear.“The mission was successful,” Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said in a brief statement. “There were no U.S. casualties. More information will be provided as it becomes available.”A journalist on assignment for The Associated Press and several residents said they saw body parts scattered near the site of the raid, a house in Syria’s rebel-held Idlib province. Most residents spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, and said the raid involved helicopters, explosions and machine-gun fire.It was the largest raid in the province since the 2019&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-syria-ap-top-news-international-news-abu-bakr-al-baghdadi-2c2c48e64f934d329c72a7af3dc284b1">Trump-era U.S. assault</a>&nbsp;that killed the Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.An Iraqi intelligence official in contact with the U.S.-led coalition said Thursday’s target was a high-ranking militant leader whose identity will be released by the White House later in the day. Information suggests he may be al-Baghdadi’s successor, the current IS leader known as Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, the official added. He spoke on condition of anonymity to divulge sensitive information.Idlib is broadly controlled by Turkey-backed fighters, but is also an al-Qaida stronghold and home to several of its top operatives. Other militants, including extremists from the rival IS group, have also found refuge in the region.“The first moments were terrifying, no one knew what was happening,” said Jamil el-Deddo, a resident of a nearby refugee camp. “We were worried it could be Syrian aircraft, which brought back memories of barrel bombs that used to be dropped on us,” he added, referring to crude explosives-filled containers used by President Bashar Assad’s forces against opponents during the Syrian conflict.The top floor of the two-story house, surrounded by olive trees, was almost totally destroyed in Thursday’s raid, with the ceiling and walls knocked out.Blood could be seen on the walls and floor of the remaining structure, which contained a wrecked bedroom with a child’s wooden crib on the floor. On one damaged wall, a blue plastic swing for children was still hanging. The kitchen was blackened with fire damage.The opposition-run Syrian Civil Defense, first responders also known as the White Helmets, said 13 people were killed in shelling and clashes that ensued after U.S. the commando raid. They included six children and four women, it said.The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, also said the strike killed 13 people, including four children and two women. Ahmad Rahhal, a citizen journalist who visited the site, reported seeing 12 bodies.The Pentagon provided no details on who was the target of the raid, or if any combatants or civilians on the ground were killed or injured.Residents and activists described witnessing a large ground assault, with U.S. forces using megaphones urging women and children to leave the area.Omar Saleh, a nearby resident, said the doors and windows of his house started to rattle to the sound of low-flying aircraft at 1:10 a.m. local time. He then heard a man, speaking Arabic with an Iraqi or Saudi accent through a loudspeaker, urging women to surrender or leave the area.“This went on for 45 minutes. There was no response. Then the machine gun fire erupted,” Saleh said. He said the firing continued for two hours, as aircraft circled low over the area.Others reported hearing at least one major explosion during the operation. A U.S. official said that one of the helicopters in the raid suffered a mechanical problem and had to be blown up on the ground. The U.S. official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details of the military operation.The Observatory said troops for the U.S.-led coalition using helicopters landed in the area and attacked a house. It said the force clashed with fighters on the ground. Taher al-Omar, an Idlib-based activist, also said he witnessed clashes between fighters and the U.S. force.The military operation got attention on social media, with tweets from the region describing helicopters firing around the building near Atmeh. Flight-tracking data also suggested that multiple drones were circling the city of Sarmada and the village of Salwah, just north of the raid’s location.The U.S. has in the past used drones to kill top al-Qaida operatives in Idlib, which at one point was home to the group’s biggest concentration of leaders since the days of Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan. The fact that special forces landed on the ground suggest the target was believed to be of high value.A similar attack in Pakistan, in 2011, killed bin Laden.Thursday’s clandestine operation came as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-syria-middle-east-racial-injustice-iraq-e0c9bdc100f6ad74fb52d63a188ac978">Islamic State group was reasserting itself</a>&nbsp;in Syria and Iraq, carrying out some of its biggest attacks since it was defeated in 2019. In recent weeks and months, the group has launched a series of operations in the region, including a 10-day assault late last month to seize a prison in northeastern Syria.A U.S.-backed Kurdish-led force said more than 120 of their fighters and prison workers died in the effort to thwart the IS plot, whose goal appeared to free senior IS operatives from the prison. The prison houses at least 3,000 Islamic State group detainees.The attempted prison break was the biggest military operation by the extremist group since IS was defeated and members scattered to havens in 2019. The U.S.-led coalition carried out airstrikes and deployed American personnel in Bradley Fighting Vehicles to the prison area to help the Kurdish forces.At a news conference Monday, an SDF senior official Nowruz Ahmad said the prison assault was part of a broader plot that IS had been preparing for a long time, including attacks on other neighborhoods in northeastern Syria and on the al-Hol camp in the south, which houses thousands of families of IS members.The U.S.-led coalition has targeted high-profile militants on several occasions in recent years, aiming to disrupt what U.S. officials say is a secretive cell known as the Khorasan group that is planning external attacks. A U.S. airstrike killed al-Qaida’s second in command, former bin Laden aide Abu al-Kheir al-Masri, in Syria in 2017.