WASHINGTON (AP) — To enforce President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 mandate, the U.S. Labor Department is going to need a lot of help. Its Occupational Safety and Health Administration doesn’t have nearly enough workplace safety inspectors to do the job.

On Friday, federal appeals court in New Orleans halted the Biden administration’s vaccine or testing requirement for private businesses, delivering another political setback to one of the White House’s signature public health policies.

If the mandate survives the legal fight, the government will rely upon a corps of informers to identify violations of the order: Employees who will presumably be concerned enough to turn in their own employers if their co-workers go unvaccinated or fail to undergo weekly tests to show they’re virus-free.

What’s not known is just how many employees will be willing to accept some risk to themselves — or their job security — for blowing the whistle on their own employers. Without them, though, experts say the government would find it harder to achieve its goal of requiring tens of millions of workers at companies with 100 or more employees to be fully vaccinated by Jan. 4 or be tested weekly and wear a mask on the job.

“There is no army of OSHA inspectors that is going to be knocking on employers door or even calling them,” said Debbie Berkowitz, a former OSHA chief of staff who is a fellow at Georgetown University’s Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor. “They’re going to rely on workers and their union representatives to file complaints where the company is totally flouting the law.”

Jim Frederick, the acting chief of OSHA, told reporters that this agency will focus on job sites “where workers need assistance to have a safe and healthy workplace.”

“That typically comes through in the form of a complaint,” Frederick added.

Critics warn that whistleblowers have often faced retaliation from their employers and that OSHA has offered little protection when they do.

The new mandate, which Biden announced last month, is the administration’s most far-reaching step yet to prod more Americans to get a vaccine that has been widely available since early spring. The mandate will cover an estimated 84 million employees.

The president called the move necessary to combat an outbreak that has killed 750,000 Americans and that continues to spread. Companies that fail to comply will face fines of nearly $14,000 per “serious” violation. Employers found to be “willful’’ or repeat violators would be subject to fines of up to ten times that amount.

The mandate has run into furious opposition, though, from leaders of mainly Republican-led states who have condemned the plan as an unlawful case of federal overreach and who immediately challenged the vaccine-or-test requirements in court. On Saturday, the Biden administration endured a setback when a federal appeals court in New Orleans temporarily halted the mandate, saying it posed “grave statutory and constitutional issues.”

Should the mandate survive its legal challenges, though, the task of enforcing it would fall on OSHA, the small Labor Department agency that was established 50 years ago to police workplace safety and protect workers from such dangers as toxic chemicals, rickety ladders and cave-ins at construction sites.

OSHA has jurisdiction in 29 states. Other states, including California and Michigan, have their own federally approved workplace safety agencies. These states will have an additional month — until early February — to adopt their own version of the COVID mandate, equal to or tougher than OSHA’s.

For a task as enormous as enforcing the new vaccine mandate, OSHA and its state “partners” are stretched thin. Just 1,850 inspectors will oversee 130 million workers at 8 million job sites. So the agencies must rely on whistleblowers.

OSHA urges workers to first bring unsafe or unhealthy working conditions to the attention of their employers “if possible.” Employees could also file a confidential safety complaint with OSHA or have a case filed by a representative, such as a lawyer, a union representative or a member of the clergy. But they have no right to sue their employer in court for federal safety violations.

Typically, 20% to 25% of OSHA inspections originate with a complaint.

“You fill out a form or somebody fills out a form for you,” said Berkowitz, the former OSHA chief of staff. “And that’s all workers have. If OSHA decides not to inspect, that’s it. Or if OSHA inspects but decides not to cite the employer, that’s it. ... So it’s a pretty weak law.”

Only OSHA can bring cases over violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, the law that is meant to provide safe workplaces. Going outside OSHA to sue employers for negligence is all but impossible, say Berkowitz and other worker advocates.

State worker compensation programs — which reimburse injured workers for medical costs and lost wages and provide death benefits to survivors of those killed — include no-fault provisions that block most lawsuits.

“Technically,” Berkowitz said, “the law says that companies can’t retaliate against a worker for raising a health and safety issue or filing an OSHA complaint or even reporting an injury. But retaliation is rampant.”

OSHA can pursue employers who punish workers for speaking out against unsafe working conditions. Last month, for example, the agency sued a luxury car dealer in Austin, Texas, that it said fired an employee who had warned co-workers about potential coronavirus hazards in the workplace.

But in a report co-written by Berkowitz, the National Employment Law Project, which advocates for worker rights, found that OSHA dismissed — without investigating — more than half the COVID-related complaints of retaliation it received from whistleblowers. Just 2% of complaints were resolved in the five-month period last year that the law project studied. Workers have just 30 days to file an OSHA complaint over retaliation.

“OSHA needs to improve its handling of whistleblower complaints,” the Labor Department’s Inspector General, its internal watchdog, concluded last year. “When OSHA fails to respond in a timely manner, it could leave workers to suffer emotionally and financially, and may also lead to the erosion of key evidence and witnesses.’’

Still, most companies are considered likely to comply with the COVID mandate, as they mostly do with other OSHA rules. Some employers were likely relieved: They may have wanted to require inoculations on their own but worried that they’d alienate anti-vax workers and possibly lose them to employers that didn’t require vaccinations.

“Most employers — they’re law abiding,” says David Michaels, a former OSHA chief who is an epidemiologist and professor of public health at George Washington University. “They’re trying to make sure that they meet the requirements of every law and regulation .. Now OSHA will follow up. They’ll respond to complaints. They’ll do spot checks. They’ll issue citations and fines, and they’ll make a big deal of those” to discourage other potential violators.

WASHINGTON (AP) — To enforce President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 mandate, the U.S. Labor Department is going to need a lot of help. Its Occupational Safety and Health Administration doesn’t have nearly enough workplace safety inspectors to do the job.On Friday, federal appeals court in New Orleans halted the Biden administration’s vaccine or testing requirement for private businesses, delivering another political setback to one of the White House’s signature public health policies.If the mandate survives the legal fight, the government will rely upon a corps of informers to identify violations of the order: Employees who will presumably be concerned enough to turn in their own employers if their co-workers go unvaccinated or fail to undergo weekly tests to show they’re virus-free.What’s not known is just how many employees will be willing to accept some risk to themselves — or their job security — for blowing the whistle on their own employers. Without them, though, experts say the government would find it harder to achieve its goal of requiring tens of millions of workers at companies with 100 or more employees to be fully vaccinated by Jan. 4 or be tested weekly and wear a mask on the job.“There is no army of OSHA inspectors that is going to be knocking on employers door or even calling them,” said Debbie Berkowitz, a former OSHA chief of staff who is a fellow at Georgetown University’s Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor. “They’re going to rely on workers and their union representatives to file complaints where the company is totally flouting the law.”Jim Frederick, the acting chief of OSHA, told reporters that this agency will focus on job sites “where workers need assistance to have a safe and healthy workplace.”“That typically comes through in the form of a complaint,” Frederick added.Critics warn that whistleblowers have often faced retaliation from their employers and that OSHA has offered little protection when they do.The new mandate, which Biden announced last month, is the administration’s most far-reaching step yet to prod more Americans to get a vaccine that has been widely available since early spring. The mandate will cover an estimated 84 million employees.The president called the move necessary to combat an outbreak that has killed 750,000 Americans and that continues to spread. Companies that fail to comply will face fines of nearly $14,000 per “serious” violation. Employers found to be “willful’’ or repeat violators would be subject to fines of up to ten times that amount.The mandate has run into furious opposition, though, from leaders of mainly Republican-led states who have condemned the plan as an unlawful case of federal overreach and who immediately challenged the vaccine-or-test requirements in court. On Saturday, the Biden administration endured a setback when a federal appeals court in New Orleans temporarily halted the mandate, saying it posed “grave statutory and constitutional issues.”Should the mandate survive its legal challenges, though, the task of enforcing it would fall on OSHA, the small Labor Department agency that was established 50 years ago to police workplace safety and protect workers from such dangers as toxic chemicals, rickety ladders and cave-ins at construction sites.OSHA has jurisdiction in 29 states. Other states, including California and Michigan, have their own federally approved workplace safety agencies. These states will have an additional month — until early February — to adopt their own version of the COVID mandate, equal to or tougher than OSHA’s.For a task as enormous as enforcing the new vaccine mandate, OSHA and its state “partners” are stretched thin. Just 1,850 inspectors will oversee 130 million workers at 8 million job sites. So the agencies must rely on whistleblowers.OSHA urges workers to first bring unsafe or unhealthy working conditions to the attention of their employers “if possible.” Employees could also file a confidential safety complaint with OSHA or have a case filed by a representative, such as a lawyer, a union representative or a member of the clergy. But they have no right to sue their employer in court for federal safety violations.Typically, 20% to 25% of OSHA inspections originate with a complaint.“You fill out a form or somebody fills out a form for you,” said Berkowitz, the former OSHA chief of staff. “And that’s all workers have. If OSHA decides not to inspect, that’s it. Or if OSHA inspects but decides not to cite the employer, that’s it. ... So it’s a pretty weak law.”Only OSHA can bring cases over violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, the law that is meant to provide safe workplaces. Going outside OSHA to sue employers for negligence is all but impossible, say Berkowitz and other worker advocates.State worker compensation programs — which reimburse injured workers for medical costs and lost wages and provide death benefits to survivors of those killed — include no-fault provisions that block most lawsuits.Even sounding the alarm can be risky.“Technically,” Berkowitz said, “the law says that companies can’t retaliate against a worker for raising a health and safety issue or filing an OSHA complaint or even reporting an injury. But retaliation is rampant.”OSHA can pursue employers who punish workers for speaking out against unsafe working conditions. Last month, for example, the agency sued a luxury car dealer in Austin, Texas, that it said fired an employee who had warned co-workers about potential coronavirus hazards in the workplace.But in a report co-written by Berkowitz, the National Employment Law Project, which advocates for worker rights, found that OSHA dismissed — without investigating — more than half the COVID-related complaints of retaliation it received from whistleblowers. Just 2% of complaints were resolved in the five-month period last year that the law project studied. Workers have just 30 days to file an OSHA complaint over retaliation.“OSHA needs to improve its handling of whistleblower complaints,” the Labor Department’s Inspector General, its internal watchdog, concluded last year. “When OSHA fails to respond in a timely manner, it could leave workers to suffer emotionally and financially, and may also lead to the erosion of key evidence and witnesses.’’Still, most companies are considered likely to comply with the COVID mandate, as they mostly do with other OSHA rules. Some employers were likely relieved: They may have wanted to require inoculations on their own but worried that they’d alienate anti-vax workers and possibly lose them to employers that didn’t require vaccinations.“Most employers — they’re law abiding,” says David Michaels, a former OSHA chief who is an epidemiologist and professor of public health at George Washington University. “They’re trying to make sure that they meet the requirements of every law and regulation .. Now OSHA will follow up. They’ll respond to complaints. They’ll do spot checks. They’ll issue citations and fines, and they’ll make a big deal of those” to discourage other potential violators.

Whistleblowers to play key role in enforcing vaccine mandate

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans quit their jobs at a record pace for the second straight month in September, while businesses and other employers posted a near-record number of available jobs.

The Labor Department said Friday that 4.4 million people quit their jobs that month, or about 3% of the nation's workforce. That's up from 4.3 million in August. There were 10.4 million job openings, down from 10.6 million in August, which was revised higher.

The Little Apple Post has <a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/5ce59562-e9a6-4f21-affa-5d7ee3e5086c">a great visualization of the phenomenon</a> today.

The figures point to a historic level of turmoil in the job market as newly-empowered workers quit jobs to take higher pay that is being dangled by increasingly-desperate employers in need of help. Incomes are rising, Americans are spending more and the economy is growing, and employers have ramped up hiring to keep the pace. Rising inflation, however, is offsetting much of the pay gains for workers.

It is typically perceived as a signal of worker confidence when people begin to leave the jobs they hold. The vast majority of people quit for a new position.

Competition for workers is particularly intense for retailers and delivery companies, particularly as they staff up for what is expected to be a healthy winter holiday shopping season.

Online giant Amazon is hiring 125,000 permanent drivers and warehouse workers and offer pay between $18 and $22 an hour. It's also paying sign-on bonuses of up to $3,000.

Seasonal hiring is also ramping up. Package delivery company UPS is seeking to add 100,000 workers to help with the crush of holiday orders, and plans to make job offers to some applicants within 30 minutes.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans quit their jobs at a record pace for the second straight month in September, while businesses and other employers posted a near-record number of available jobs.The Labor Department said Friday that 4.4 million people quit their jobs that month, or about 3% of the nation's workforce. That's up from 4.3 million in August. There were 10.4 million job openings, down from 10.6 million in August, which was revised higher.The Little Apple Post has <a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/5ce59562-e9a6-4f21-affa-5d7ee3e5086c">a great visualization of the phenomenon</a> today.The figures point to a historic level of turmoil in the job market as newly-empowered workers quit jobs to take higher pay that is being dangled by increasingly-desperate employers in need of help. Incomes are rising, Americans are spending more and the economy is growing, and employers have ramped up hiring to keep the pace. Rising inflation, however, is offsetting much of the pay gains for workers.It is typically perceived as a signal of worker confidence when people begin to leave the jobs they hold. The vast majority of people quit for a new position.Competition for workers is particularly intense for retailers and delivery companies, particularly as they staff up for what is expected to be a healthy winter holiday shopping season.Online giant Amazon is hiring 125,000 permanent drivers and warehouse workers and offer pay between $18 and $22 an hour. It's also paying sign-on bonuses of up to $3,000.Seasonal hiring is also ramping up. Package delivery company UPS is seeking to add 100,000 workers to help with the crush of holiday orders, and plans to make job offers to some applicants within 30 minutes.

Record resignations: 4 million Americans quit jobs in  September 

<a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/8fd1bb4f-0626-46cb-b97a-7f82f98d3524">RELATED:&nbsp;November Child Tax Credit payments on the way, December deadline looms</a>

WASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service today updated its frequently-asked-questions (FAQs) on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2020-unemployment-compensation-exclusion-faqs">2020 Unemployment Compensation Exclusion</a>.

These <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/newsroom/fs-2021-14.pdf">updated FAQs (FS-2021-14)</a>&nbsp;PDF&nbsp;are:

Question 2, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2020-unemployment-compensation-exclusion-faqs-topic-d-amended-return-form-1040-x">Topic D: Amended Return (Form 1040-X)</a>&nbsp; 
Questions 8 &amp; 9, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2020-unemployment-compensation-exclusion-faqs-topic-g-receiving-a-refund-letter-or-notice">Topic G: Receiving a Refund, Letter, or Notice</a>&nbsp; 
Question 3, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2020-unemployment-compensation-exclusion-faqs-topic-i-post-unemployment-compensation-exclusion-adjustment">Topic I: Post Unemployment Compensation Exclusion Adjustment</a>.

These FAQs are being issued to provide general information to taxpayers and tax professionals as expeditiously as possible.

More information about <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/general-overview-of-taxpayer-reliance-on-guidance-published-in-the-internal-revenue-bulletin-and-faqs">reliance is available</a>.

<a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/8fd1bb4f-0626-46cb-b97a-7f82f98d3524">RELATED:&nbsp;November Child Tax Credit payments on the way, December deadline looms</a>IRSWASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service today updated its frequently-asked-questions (FAQs) on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2020-unemployment-compensation-exclusion-faqs">2020 Unemployment Compensation Exclusion</a>.These <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/newsroom/fs-2021-14.pdf">updated FAQs (FS-2021-14)</a>&nbsp;PDF&nbsp;are:Question 2, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2020-unemployment-compensation-exclusion-faqs-topic-d-amended-return-form-1040-x">Topic D: Amended Return (Form 1040-X)</a>&nbsp; 
Questions 8 &amp; 9, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2020-unemployment-compensation-exclusion-faqs-topic-g-receiving-a-refund-letter-or-notice">Topic G: Receiving a Refund, Letter, or Notice</a>&nbsp; 
Question 3, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2020-unemployment-compensation-exclusion-faqs-topic-i-post-unemployment-compensation-exclusion-adjustment">Topic I: Post Unemployment Compensation Exclusion Adjustment</a>.These FAQs are being issued to provide general information to taxpayers and tax professionals as expeditiously as possible.More information about <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/general-overview-of-taxpayer-reliance-on-guidance-published-in-the-internal-revenue-bulletin-and-faqs">reliance is available</a>.

IRS updates FAQs for 2020 Unemployment Compensation Exclusion

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal court declined Friday to lift its stay on the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate for businesses with 100 or more workers.

The New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted an emergency stay last Saturday of the requirement by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration that those workers be vaccinated by Jan. 4 or face mask requirements and weekly tests.

Lawyers for the Justice and Labor departments filed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-19-pandemic-employer-vaccine-mandate-joe-biden-152b777c2d5861f342810a819e7d8407">response</a>&nbsp;Monday in which they said stopping the mandate from taking effect will only prolong the COVID-19 pandemic and would “cost dozens or even hundreds of lives per day.”

But the appeals court rejected that argument Friday. Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt wrote that the stay “is firmly in the public interest.”

“From economic uncertainty to workplace strife, the mere specter of the Mandate has contributed to untold economic upheaval in recent months,” Engelhardt wrote.

At least 27 states have filed legal challenges in at least six federal appeals courts after OSHA released its rules on Nov. 4. The federal government said in its court filings Monday that the cases should be consolidated and that one of the circuit courts where a legal challenge has been filed should be chosen at random on Nov. 16 to hear it.

Administration lawyers said there is no reason to keep the vaccine mandate on hold while the court where the cases ultimately land remains undetermined.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632661305209.png" alt="Biden administration lawyers said there is no reason to keep the vaccine mandate on hold while the court where the cases ultimately land remains undetermined.-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Biden administration lawyers said there is no reason to keep the vaccine mandate on hold while the court where the cases ultimately land remains undetermined.-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal court declined Friday to lift its stay on the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate for businesses with 100 or more workers.The New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted an emergency stay last Saturday of the requirement by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration that those workers be vaccinated by Jan. 4 or face mask requirements and weekly tests.Lawyers for the Justice and Labor departments filed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-19-pandemic-employer-vaccine-mandate-joe-biden-152b777c2d5861f342810a819e7d8407">response</a>&nbsp;Monday in which they said stopping the mandate from taking effect will only prolong the COVID-19 pandemic and would “cost dozens or even hundreds of lives per day.”But the appeals court rejected that argument Friday. Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt wrote that the stay “is firmly in the public interest.”“From economic uncertainty to workplace strife, the mere specter of the Mandate has contributed to untold economic upheaval in recent months,” Engelhardt wrote.At least 27 states have filed legal challenges in at least six federal appeals courts after OSHA released its rules on Nov. 4. The federal government said in its court filings Monday that the cases should be consolidated and that one of the circuit courts where a legal challenge has been filed should be chosen at random on Nov. 16 to hear it.Administration lawyers said there is no reason to keep the vaccine mandate on hold while the court where the cases ultimately land remains undetermined.

Federal court declines to lift stay on Biden vaccine mandate

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A University of Nebraska-Lincoln freshman has been charged with threatening the chancellor on social media earlier this fall at a time when hundreds of students were turning out to protest a reported sexual assault at a fraternity. 

The Lincoln Journal-Star reports that 18-year-old Jude Almquist was arrested Thursday and has been charged with a felony count of terroristic threats. 

  The affidavit said Almquist made veiled threats toward Chancellor Ronnie Green on Yik Yak, a social media site that lets users post anonymous messages. 

Yik Yak moderators alerted university police Sept. 6 of one post in which the student said he “just planted a 2nd B0mb the chancellors office!!! #HesMyChancellor.”

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A University of Nebraska-Lincoln freshman has been charged with threatening the chancellor on social media earlier this fall at a time when hundreds of students were turning out to protest a reported sexual assault at a fraternity. The Lincoln Journal-Star reports that 18-year-old Jude Almquist was arrested Thursday and has been charged with a felony count of terroristic threats. The affidavit said Almquist made veiled threats toward Chancellor Ronnie Green on Yik Yak, a social media site that lets users post anonymous messages. Yik Yak moderators alerted university police Sept. 6 of one post in which the student said he “just planted a 2nd B0mb the chancellors office!!! #HesMyChancellor.”

UNL student arrested after threatening chancellor on Yik Yak

GRAND ISLAND&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested an Arizona man after locating 33 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 in Hamilton County.

At approximately 10:05 a.m. Thursday, a trooper performed a traffic stop on an eastbound Nissan Altima near mile marker 338. During the traffic stop, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity.

A search of the vehicle revealed 33 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in a duffle bag in the trunk of the vehicle. The trooper determined that the methamphetamine was in the possession of the passenger.

The passenger, Jared Cain, 39, of Phoenix, Arizona, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute, and no drug tax stamp. Cain was lodged in Hamilton County Jail. The driver was released.

GRAND ISLAND&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested an Arizona man after locating 33 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 in Hamilton County.At approximately 10:05 a.m. Thursday, a trooper performed a traffic stop on an eastbound Nissan Altima near mile marker 338. During the traffic stop, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity.A search of the vehicle revealed 33 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in a duffle bag in the trunk of the vehicle. The trooper determined that the methamphetamine was in the possession of the passenger.The passenger, Jared Cain, 39, of Phoenix, Arizona, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute, and no drug tax stamp. Cain was lodged in Hamilton County Jail. The driver was released.

Troopers find 33 LBs of methamphetamine in traffic stop

SCOTLAND, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota man has been charged with murder and other counts for allegedly gunning down his ex-girlfriend, her father and another woman, and wounding his ex-girlfriend’s mother and a young child. 

The Yanton Press and Dakotan reports that 42-year-old Francis Lange made an initial appearance Wednesday in Bon Homme County Circuit Court. 

He faces six charges, including three counts of first-degree murder, in the Tuesday evening attack in Scotland, a small community in the southeast of the state. 

Authorities say Lange went to the home of his ex-girlfriend Angela Monclova and fatally shot her, her father Librado Monclova, and Diane Akins, and wounded his ex-girlfriend’s mother, Vicki Monclova, and a 5-year-old girl. 

SCOTLAND, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota man has been charged with murder and other counts for allegedly gunning down his ex-girlfriend, her father and another woman, and wounding his ex-girlfriend’s mother and a young child. The Yanton Press and Dakotan reports that 42-year-old Francis Lange made an initial appearance Wednesday in Bon Homme County Circuit Court. He faces six charges, including three counts of first-degree murder, in the Tuesday evening attack in Scotland, a small community in the southeast of the state. Authorities say Lange went to the home of his ex-girlfriend Angela Monclova and fatally shot her, her father Librado Monclova, and Diane Akins, and wounded his ex-girlfriend’s mother, Vicki Monclova, and a 5-year-old girl. He was arrested later that night.

South Dakota man charged with killing 3, wounding 2 others

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Kellogg Co. has filed a lawsuit against its local union in Omaha. 

It's complaining that striking workers are blocking entrances to its cereal plant and intimidating replacement workers who are entering the plant.

 The company based in Battle Creek, Michigan, asked a judge to order the Omaha chapter of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union to stop interfering with its business while workers picket outside the plant. 

The workers in Omaha and at Kellogg’s three other U.S. cereal plants in Battle Creek; Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Memphis, Tennessee, have been on strike since Oct. 5. 

Two days of contract talks earlier this month failed to produce an agreement.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Kellogg Co. has filed a lawsuit against its local union in Omaha. It's complaining that striking workers are blocking entrances to its cereal plant and intimidating replacement workers who are entering the plant. The company based in Battle Creek, Michigan, asked a judge to order the Omaha chapter of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union to stop interfering with its business while workers picket outside the plant. The workers in Omaha and at Kellogg’s three other U.S. cereal plants in Battle Creek; Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Memphis, Tennessee, have been on strike since Oct. 5. Two days of contract talks earlier this month failed to produce an agreement.

Kellogg's files lawsuit against its striking cereal workers

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that the last quarter of 2021 is a good time to check withholding.

Life brings constant changes to individual financial situations. 
Events like marriage, divorce, a new child or home purchase can all be 
reasons to adjust withholding.

The convenient <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>,
 also available in Spanish, will help taxpayers determine if they have 
too much withheld and how to make an adjustment to put more cash into 
their own pocket now. In other cases, it will help taxpayers see that 
they should withhold more or make an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">estimated tax payment</a> to avoid a tax bill when they file their tax return next year.

Things to consider when adjusting withholding for 2021 are:

Taxes are generally <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-as-you-go-so-you-wont-owe-a-guide-to-withholding-estimated-taxes-and-ways-to-avoid-the-estimated-tax-penalty">paid throughout the year</a> whether from salary withholding, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes">quarterly estimated tax payments</a>
 or a combination of both. About 70% of taxpayers, however, over 
withhold their taxes every year, which typically results in a refund. 
The average refund in 2021 was more than $2,700.

Taxpayers can pay online, by phone or from the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go app</a>.
 They can schedule payments for future dates, which can be useful during
 filing season, for payment plan payments or for estimated tax payments.

Taxpayers can also log into their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account">IRS.gov/account</a>
 to view the amount they owe, their payment plan details and options, 
their payment history (up to 5 years), any scheduled or pending 
payments, and key tax return information from their most recent tax 
return.

The IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>
 makes it easier for everyone to have the right amount of tax withheld. 
This is especially important for anyone who faced an unexpected tax bill
 or a penalty when they filed this year, or whose jobs or tax 
circumstances have changed during the year.

The tool offers workers, as well as retirees, self-employed 
individuals and other taxpayers, a user-friendly, step-by-step tool for 
effectively tailoring the amount of income tax they have withheld from 
wages and pension payments.

For more information about taxes, estimated taxes and tax withholding, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/tax-withholding">Tax Withholding</a> at IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that the last quarter of 2021 is a good time to check withholding.Life brings constant changes to individual financial situations. 
Events like marriage, divorce, a new child or home purchase can all be 
reasons to adjust withholding.The convenient <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>,
 also available in Spanish, will help taxpayers determine if they have 
too much withheld and how to make an adjustment to put more cash into 
their own pocket now. In other cases, it will help taxpayers see that 
they should withhold more or make an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">estimated tax payment</a> to avoid a tax bill when they file their tax return next year.<h2>Items that may affect 2021 taxes</h2>Things to consider when adjusting withholding for 2021 are:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments">Coronavirus tax relief</a>
 – Tax help for taxpayers, businesses, tax-exempt organizations and 
others – including health plans – affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/disaster-assistance-and-emergency-relief-for-individuals-and-businesses">Disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes</a> –
 Special tax law provisions may help taxpayers and businesses recover 
financially from the impact of a disaster, especially when the federal 
government declares their location to be a major disaster area.</li><li>Job loss – <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4128.pdf">IRS Publication 4128, Tax Impact of Job Loss</a>&nbsp;PDF, explains how this unfortunate circumstance can create new tax issues.</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/gig-economy-tax-center">Workers moving into the gig economy due to the pandemic</a>
 – IRS advises people earning income in the gig economy to consider 
estimated tax payments to avoid a balance or penalties when they file.</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/a-tax-checklist-for-newly-married-couples">Life changes such as marriage or childbirth</a> – Getting married or having a child are just a couple of life events that can affect your refund or how much you owe.</li>
 </ul><h2>Pay as you go</h2>Taxes are generally <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-as-you-go-so-you-wont-owe-a-guide-to-withholding-estimated-taxes-and-ways-to-avoid-the-estimated-tax-penalty">paid throughout the year</a> whether from salary withholding, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes">quarterly estimated tax payments</a>
 or a combination of both. About 70% of taxpayers, however, over 
withhold their taxes every year, which typically results in a refund. 
The average refund in 2021 was more than $2,700.Taxpayers can pay online, by phone or from the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go app</a>.
 They can schedule payments for future dates, which can be useful during
 filing season, for payment plan payments or for estimated tax payments.Taxpayers can also log into their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account">IRS.gov/account</a>
 to view the amount they owe, their payment plan details and options, 
their payment history (up to 5 years), any scheduled or pending 
payments, and key tax return information from their most recent tax 
return.<h2>Tax Withholding Estimator</h2>The IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>
 makes it easier for everyone to have the right amount of tax withheld. 
This is especially important for anyone who faced an unexpected tax bill
 or a penalty when they filed this year, or whose jobs or tax 
circumstances have changed during the year.The tool offers workers, as well as retirees, self-employed 
individuals and other taxpayers, a user-friendly, step-by-step tool for 
effectively tailoring the amount of income tax they have withheld from 
wages and pension payments.For more information about taxes, estimated taxes and tax withholding, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/tax-withholding">Tax Withholding</a> at IRS.gov.

Give tax withholding a fresh look as 2021 year-end nears

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A federal court jury has been unable to agree on whether a former Nebraska state trooper violated a motorist’s civil rights by hitting in the head with the butt of a rifle. 

A federal judge declared a mistrial Thursday in Lindsey Bixby’s case after the jury’s forewoman said it had deadlocked following 2 1/2 days of deliberations. 

The Omaha World-Herald reported that she said 10 jurors voted to find Bixby not guilty and two voted to find him guilty. 

Video recorded after a March 2016 high-speed chase in western Nebraska showed Bixby hitting a Colorado man in the head with the trooper's AR 15.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A federal court jury has been unable to agree on whether a former Nebraska state trooper violated a motorist’s civil rights by hitting in the head with the butt of a rifle. A federal judge declared a mistrial Thursday in Lindsey Bixby’s case after the jury’s forewoman said it had deadlocked following 2 1/2 days of deliberations. The Omaha World-Herald reported that she said 10 jurors voted to find Bixby not guilty and two voted to find him guilty. Video recorded after a March 2016 high-speed chase in western Nebraska showed Bixby hitting a Colorado man in the head with the trooper's AR 15.

Mistrial declared for ex-trooper who hit motorist with rifle

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A former Omaha-area high school English teacher is unlikely to be prosecuted further over allegations of sexually abusing five young women and a girl after a judge dismissed one of the criminal charges against him. 

Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine told the Omaha World-Herald on Wednesday that the now-dismissed first-degree sexual assault charge against Andrew McGreevy was his office’s best case. 

He said prosecutors planned to dismiss the other five charges against McGreevy. 

The 41-year-old McGreevy faced criminal charges over allegations dating from 2002 through 2014. 

The judge dismissed a first-degree sexual assault charge after concluding prosecutors didn't have enough evidence for a jury to consider.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A former Omaha-area high school English teacher is unlikely to be prosecuted further over allegations of sexually abusing five young women and a girl after a judge dismissed one of the criminal charges against him. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine told the Omaha World-Herald on Wednesday that the now-dismissed first-degree sexual assault charge against Andrew McGreevy was his office’s best case. He said prosecutors planned to dismiss the other five charges against McGreevy. The 41-year-old McGreevy faced criminal charges over allegations dating from 2002 through 2014. The judge dismissed a first-degree sexual assault charge after concluding prosecutors didn't have enough evidence for a jury to consider.

Trials unlikely for ex-Omaha teacher after charge is dropped

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A federal judge on Wednesday ordered a halt to the enforcement of Texas' ban on mask mandates in the state's schools.

U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel ruled in Austin that the ban ordered by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott violated a federal law protecting disabled students’ access to public education. The nonprofit advocacy group Disabled Rights Texas argued that Abbott’s ban prohibited accommodations for disabled children particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.

Yeakel prohibited Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton from suing school districts that require students to wear masks as a safety measure. Paxton already had sued 15 school districts to overturn those local mask mandates.

“Governor Abbott’s executive order clearly violates federal law, and Attorney General Paxton’s enforcement of the order against school districts is now stopped," Kym Davis Johnson of Disability Rights Texas said in a statement. “As the court found, Texas is not above federal law, and state officials cannot prevent school districts from providing accommodations to students who are especially vulnerable to the risks of COVID-19.”

Messages seeking comment from Abbott's and Paxton's offices were not immediately returned Wednesday.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A federal judge on Wednesday ordered a halt to the enforcement of Texas' ban on mask mandates in the state's schools.U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel ruled in Austin that the ban ordered by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott violated a federal law protecting disabled students’ access to public education. The nonprofit advocacy group Disabled Rights Texas argued that Abbott’s ban prohibited accommodations for disabled children particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.Yeakel prohibited Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton from suing school districts that require students to wear masks as a safety measure. Paxton already had sued 15 school districts to overturn those local mask mandates.“Governor Abbott’s executive order clearly violates federal law, and Attorney General Paxton’s enforcement of the order against school districts is now stopped," Kym Davis Johnson of Disability Rights Texas said in a statement. “As the court found, Texas is not above federal law, and state officials cannot prevent school districts from providing accommodations to students who are especially vulnerable to the risks of COVID-19.”Messages seeking comment from Abbott's and Paxton's offices were not immediately returned Wednesday.

Federal judge: School mask ban violates Americans with Disabilities Act

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-10/goddard-school-district-reverses-decision-to-pull-library-books">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA, Kansas — The Goddard school district reversed its 
decision to remove nearly 30 books from circulation in its libraries 
after receiving national pushback from authors and free speech 
advocates.

An email sent to families Wednesday said all library 
books are once again available for students to check out while the 
district reviews its vetting process for library materials.

The district had <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-09/goddard-school-district-orders-29-books-removed-from-circulation" target="_blank">removed more than two dozen books from circulation</a> earlier this week after a parent complained.

The
 list of books initially barred from checkout included classics such as 
“The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Fences” and “The Bluest Eye,” as well as 
contemporary bestsellers such as “The Hate U Give.”

The decision was widely criticized on social media, including by several authors.

“When you’re banning books, you’re on the wrong side of history,” <a href="https://twitter.com/bradmeltzer/status/1458433866742603786" target="_blank">tweeted author Brad Meltzer</a>.

The
 email to Goddard families on Wednesday said a parent “had questions 
about language and graphics from a specific book” their child had 
checked out in September. The parent then submitted a list of 28 books, 
met with the building principal and filled out a “request for review” 
form with the school, the email said.

“When this list came to our 
attention, we checked with multiple school librarians regarding the 
national push to challenge these books,” the email said.

Officials decided to form a committee to examine the vetting process of library materials and the review process for parents.

“At
 that point, the decision was made to hold these books until the 
committee could begin meeting and collect feedback from all principals 
and librarians,” the email said.

The group was set to assemble next week but met Wednesday afternoon instead.

Principals
 and librarians decided to put the challenged books back into 
circulation, the email said. Some of the books on the list are not part 
of the district’s library collection.

Goddard parents have access 
to a database of books their children check out and can receive 
notifications when their children check out a book. In addition, <a href="http://library.goddardusd.com/" target="_blank">library catalogs for all Goddard schools</a> are available on the district’s website.

“Parents are encouraged to always contact their building principal or librarian with concerns,” the email said.

The
 majority of books on Goddard’s list are written by people of color or 
feature characters from diverse backgrounds. Many deal with issues of 
race, gender or sexuality.

Authors and free speech advocates said 
the case is part of a national trend that has school boards trying to 
balance parental outrage with students’ access to diverse books.

The American Library Association said book challenges are up about 60% over the same time last year.

In recent months, many books have been challenged by parents and community members under the guise that they’re <a href="https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/calls-to-ban-books-by-black-authors-are-increasing-amid-critical-race-theory-debates/2021/09" target="_blank">promoting critical race theory</a>.

Last month, a Texas lawmaker <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/28/1050013664/texas-lawmaker-matt-krause-launches-inquiry-into-850-books" target="_blank">circulated a list of about 850 books</a> and asked schools statewide to tell him whether they have any books on the list and how much money was spent on them.

Jonathan
 Friedman, director of free expression and education for PEN America, 
said the Goddard case was especially troubling because books were pulled
 out of circulation without a review.

“You have a single parent . .
 . produce a list of books, and the district says, ‘Sure, no problem. We
 won’t let anybody read those books because one parent complained,’” 
Friedman said.

“That's very concerning, considering the importance
 of individual liberties and the importance of the freedom to read in a 
democratic society.”

Amanda Hope Perez, author of “Out of 
Darkness” and a former high school English teacher, said public book 
challenges are troubling. But she’s more concerned about what may be 
happening behind the scenes.

“I've heard from librarians (that) 
folks are being quietly asked to pull materials preemptively. And I 
think that’s even more alarming – the chilling effect,” Perez said.

“It's much harder to respond to that kind of softer censorship that’s occurring.”

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636644419064.png" alt="Authors and free speech advocates say book challenges are increasing, and more school boards are trying to balance parental outrage with students’ access to diverse books. Suzanne Perez / KMUW" />
 <figcaption>Authors and free speech advocates say book challenges are increasing, and more school boards are trying to balance parental outrage with students’ access to diverse books. Suzanne Perez / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-10/goddard-school-district-reverses-decision-to-pull-library-books">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA, Kansas — The Goddard school district reversed its 
decision to remove nearly 30 books from circulation in its libraries 
after receiving national pushback from authors and free speech 
advocates.An email sent to families Wednesday said all library 
books are once again available for students to check out while the 
district reviews its vetting process for library materials.The district had <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-09/goddard-school-district-orders-29-books-removed-from-circulation" target="_blank">removed more than two dozen books from circulation</a> earlier this week after a parent complained.The
 list of books initially barred from checkout included classics such as 
“The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Fences” and “The Bluest Eye,” as well as 
contemporary bestsellers such as “The Hate U Give.”The decision was widely criticized on social media, including by several authors.“When you’re banning books, you’re on the wrong side of history,” <a href="https://twitter.com/bradmeltzer/status/1458433866742603786" target="_blank">tweeted author Brad Meltzer</a>.The
 email to Goddard families on Wednesday said a parent “had questions 
about language and graphics from a specific book” their child had 
checked out in September. The parent then submitted a list of 28 books, 
met with the building principal and filled out a “request for review” 
form with the school, the email said.“When this list came to our 
attention, we checked with multiple school librarians regarding the 
national push to challenge these books,” the email said.Officials decided to form a committee to examine the vetting process of library materials and the review process for parents.“At
 that point, the decision was made to hold these books until the 
committee could begin meeting and collect feedback from all principals 
and librarians,” the email said.The group was set to assemble next week but met Wednesday afternoon instead.Principals
 and librarians decided to put the challenged books back into 
circulation, the email said. Some of the books on the list are not part 
of the district’s library collection.Goddard parents have access 
to a database of books their children check out and can receive 
notifications when their children check out a book. In addition, <a href="http://library.goddardusd.com/" target="_blank">library catalogs for all Goddard schools</a> are available on the district’s website.“Parents are encouraged to always contact their building principal or librarian with concerns,” the email said.The
 majority of books on Goddard’s list are written by people of color or 
feature characters from diverse backgrounds. Many deal with issues of 
race, gender or sexuality.Authors and free speech advocates said 
the case is part of a national trend that has school boards trying to 
balance parental outrage with students’ access to diverse books.The American Library Association said book challenges are up about 60% over the same time last year.In recent months, many books have been challenged by parents and community members under the guise that they’re <a href="https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/calls-to-ban-books-by-black-authors-are-increasing-amid-critical-race-theory-debates/2021/09" target="_blank">promoting critical race theory</a>.Last month, a Texas lawmaker <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/28/1050013664/texas-lawmaker-matt-krause-launches-inquiry-into-850-books" target="_blank">circulated a list of about 850 books</a> and asked schools statewide to tell him whether they have any books on the list and how much money was spent on them.Jonathan
 Friedman, director of free expression and education for PEN America, 
said the Goddard case was especially troubling because books were pulled
 out of circulation without a review.“You have a single parent . .
 . produce a list of books, and the district says, ‘Sure, no problem. We
 won’t let anybody read those books because one parent complained,’” 
Friedman said.“That's very concerning, considering the importance
 of individual liberties and the importance of the freedom to read in a 
democratic society.”Amanda Hope Perez, author of “Out of 
Darkness” and a former high school English teacher, said public book 
challenges are troubling. But she’s more concerned about what may be 
happening behind the scenes.“I've heard from librarians (that) 
folks are being quietly asked to pull materials preemptively. And I 
think that’s even more alarming – the chilling effect,” Perez said.“It's much harder to respond to that kind of softer censorship that’s occurring.”Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.

Kansas school district reverses decision to pull library books

BALTIMORE (AP) — President Joe Biden touted his $1 trillion infrastructure plan Wednesday as an eventual fix for the nation’s inflation and supply chain woes -- if Americans just have the patience to wait for the construction to begin.

The president toured the Port of Baltimore at the start of what is likely to be a national tour to showcase his signature legislation that cleared Congress last week and that he intends to sign on Monday. He declared that the spending would improve transportation of products and supplies from overseas and within the U.S. to help lower prices, reduce shortages and add union jobs.

That message is becoming more critical as the government reported Wednesday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-consumer-prices-inflation-economy-prices-10e00ba16f8fb94f45ced724f2ea2e45">consumer prices in October climbed 6.2% from a year ago.</a>&nbsp;Inflation has intensified instead of fading as the economy reopened after the coronavirus pandemic, creating a major challenge for Biden whose administration repeatedly said that the price increases were temporary. During remarks at the port, he acknowledged that consumer prices remained “too high.”

“Everything from a gallon of gas to a loaf of bread costs more,” he said. “We still face challenges and we have to tackle them ... we have to tackle them head on.”

Higher prices have eaten into wages and turned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-business-health-d14c1764e3967c36d29d93ff7ff4bb72">public sentiment</a>&nbsp;on the economy against Biden in polls. One of the obstacles for reducing inflation has been backlogged ports with ships waiting to dock at major transit hubs, causing shortages and leaving some store shelves depleted ahead of the holiday shopping season.

“Many people remain unsettled about the economy and we all know why,” Biden said.

He offered his infrastructure plan as the solution, albeit one that will take time to manifest. Better infrastructure — whether roads, bridges, ports or whatever — would give more capacity and resiliency for the supply chain. There would be more capacity to unload ships and move goods, which in turn would reduce price pressures and shortages.

Biden said the infrastructure spending would create jobs paying $45 an hour, nearly 50% above the current national average. It would create a wealth of jobs to fix aging pipes, bridges and roads, and boost clean energy and cybersecurity. And most wouldn’t require college degrees.

“This is a once in a generation investment,” he said.

The president pointed to Baltimore’s port as a blueprint on how to reduce shipping bottlenecks that have held back the economic recovery. The facility is adding container cranes as well as a 50-foot berth where ships can be unloaded. Baltimore’s port is also benefiting from grants to upgrade the Howard Street Tunnel, a brick-lined underpass for trains that opened in 1895. The tunnel would be expanded so that shipping containers could be double-stacked on railcars, making it easier to move goods out of the port.

The president, who consulted with the CEOs of Walmart, Target, FedEx and UPS on Tuesday, emphasized that these investments are part of a national effort to relieve supply chain bottlenecks in ways that can aid broader growth.

His administration also announced new investments to reduce congestion at the Port of Savannah in Georgia, nearly a month after the administration helped broker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-los-angeles-health-48ff262b882a37308e4a3f15934b2ee4">a deal for the Port of Los Angeles to operate nonstop</a>.

The president has been trying to explain that the port congestion shows just how strong the economic rebound from the pandemic has been. A forecast by the National Retail Federation suggests a record level of imports this year.

The inflation phenomenon is also global in nature, with Germany and China recently reporting high levels.

The president made his case Wednesday in a city of nearly 600,000 people that supports him. Nearly 90% of voters in Baltimore backed Biden in last year’s election. The president also stopped in the city for a CNN town hall on Oct. 21.

Baltimore embodies the complexities of an increasingly diverse America at a time of heated national politics.

Many Americans have seen a TV version of the city’s poverty, crime, political corruption and vacant row houses on shows such as HBO’s “The Wire.” Unrest following the 2015 death of Freddie Gray from injuries in a police van helped to propel a national movement for respecting the rights and lives of Black Americans.

But Baltimore also contains deep pockets of wealth and prosperity in what is a microcosm of the broader inequality confronting the nation. There are the mansions of the Guilford neighborhood, elite private schools, celebrated restaurants and the prestige of Johns Hopkins University.

As president, Donald Trump slammed the majority Black city on Twitter frequently, calling it “the WORST IN NATION.” But while Trump scorned Baltimore, Biden sees a test case for his agenda that goes beyond the ports. His child tax credits are sending thousands of dollars to families in a city with a child poverty rate north of 30%. Work has begun to renovate and modernize the historic Penn Station, possibly improving rail transit across the Northeast.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636579435172.png" alt="“Everything from a gallon of gas to a loaf of bread costs more,” President Biden said during a tour of the&nbsp; Port of Baltimore on Wednesday. “We still face challenges and we have to tackle them ... we have to tackle them head on.”-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>“Everything from a gallon of gas to a loaf of bread costs more,” President Biden said during a tour of the&nbsp; Port of Baltimore on Wednesday. “We still face challenges and we have to tackle them ... we have to tackle them head on.”-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>BALTIMORE (AP) — President Joe Biden touted his $1 trillion infrastructure plan Wednesday as an eventual fix for the nation’s inflation and supply chain woes -- if Americans just have the patience to wait for the construction to begin.The president toured the Port of Baltimore at the start of what is likely to be a national tour to showcase his signature legislation that cleared Congress last week and that he intends to sign on Monday. He declared that the spending would improve transportation of products and supplies from overseas and within the U.S. to help lower prices, reduce shortages and add union jobs.That message is becoming more critical as the government reported Wednesday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-consumer-prices-inflation-economy-prices-10e00ba16f8fb94f45ced724f2ea2e45">consumer prices in October climbed 6.2% from a year ago.</a>&nbsp;Inflation has intensified instead of fading as the economy reopened after the coronavirus pandemic, creating a major challenge for Biden whose administration repeatedly said that the price increases were temporary. During remarks at the port, he acknowledged that consumer prices remained “too high.”“Everything from a gallon of gas to a loaf of bread costs more,” he said. “We still face challenges and we have to tackle them ... we have to tackle them head on.”Higher prices have eaten into wages and turned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-business-health-d14c1764e3967c36d29d93ff7ff4bb72">public sentiment</a>&nbsp;on the economy against Biden in polls. One of the obstacles for reducing inflation has been backlogged ports with ships waiting to dock at major transit hubs, causing shortages and leaving some store shelves depleted ahead of the holiday shopping season.“Many people remain unsettled about the economy and we all know why,” Biden said.He offered his infrastructure plan as the solution, albeit one that will take time to manifest. Better infrastructure — whether roads, bridges, ports or whatever — would give more capacity and resiliency for the supply chain. There would be more capacity to unload ships and move goods, which in turn would reduce price pressures and shortages.Biden said the infrastructure spending would create jobs paying $45 an hour, nearly 50% above the current national average. It would create a wealth of jobs to fix aging pipes, bridges and roads, and boost clean energy and cybersecurity. And most wouldn’t require college degrees.“This is a once in a generation investment,” he said.The president pointed to Baltimore’s port as a blueprint on how to reduce shipping bottlenecks that have held back the economic recovery. The facility is adding container cranes as well as a 50-foot berth where ships can be unloaded. Baltimore’s port is also benefiting from grants to upgrade the Howard Street Tunnel, a brick-lined underpass for trains that opened in 1895. The tunnel would be expanded so that shipping containers could be double-stacked on railcars, making it easier to move goods out of the port.The president, who consulted with the CEOs of Walmart, Target, FedEx and UPS on Tuesday, emphasized that these investments are part of a national effort to relieve supply chain bottlenecks in ways that can aid broader growth.His administration also announced new investments to reduce congestion at the Port of Savannah in Georgia, nearly a month after the administration helped broker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-los-angeles-health-48ff262b882a37308e4a3f15934b2ee4">a deal for the Port of Los Angeles to operate nonstop</a>.The president has been trying to explain that the port congestion shows just how strong the economic rebound from the pandemic has been. A forecast by the National Retail Federation suggests a record level of imports this year.The inflation phenomenon is also global in nature, with Germany and China recently reporting high levels.The president made his case Wednesday in a city of nearly 600,000 people that supports him. Nearly 90% of voters in Baltimore backed Biden in last year’s election. The president also stopped in the city for a CNN town hall on Oct. 21.Baltimore embodies the complexities of an increasingly diverse America at a time of heated national politics.Many Americans have seen a TV version of the city’s poverty, crime, political corruption and vacant row houses on shows such as HBO’s “The Wire.” Unrest following the 2015 death of Freddie Gray from injuries in a police van helped to propel a national movement for respecting the rights and lives of Black Americans.But Baltimore also contains deep pockets of wealth and prosperity in what is a microcosm of the broader inequality confronting the nation. There are the mansions of the Guilford neighborhood, elite private schools, celebrated restaurants and the prestige of Johns Hopkins University.As president, Donald Trump slammed the majority Black city on Twitter frequently, calling it “the WORST IN NATION.” But while Trump scorned Baltimore, Biden sees a test case for his agenda that goes beyond the ports. His child tax credits are sending thousands of dollars to families in a city with a child poverty rate north of 30%. Work has begun to renovate and modernize the historic Penn Station, possibly improving rail transit across the Northeast.

Biden: My $1.7T infrastructure plan will ease economic woes

A recent <a href="https://bbb.org/employmentscams" target="_blank">Better Business Bureau (BBB) report</a>
 shed light on those most impacted by employment scams: military spouses
 and veterans. Military spouses and veterans were both more likely to be
 victimized than non-military consumers, and more notably, the median 
dollar loss was significantly higher – nearly double – than those 
reported by non-military consumers.

Employment scams were the #1 riskiest scam in 2018 and 2019 according
 to the BBB Risk Index, which measures exposure, susceptibility, and 
monetary loss based on reports to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>.
 This was true for both the overall consumer population as well as 
military consumers specifically. When broken out by military 
demographic, employment scams are the most risky scam for military 
spouses and the second most risky scam for veterans. The <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/24536-military-families-and-veterans-more-likely-to-lose-money-to-scams" target="_blank">2020 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report</a>
 indicated veterans reported a median loss of $133, military spouses 
reported a median $132 loss, and active duty service members reported a 
median loss of $269 – all of which were higher than the $115 median loss
 reported across all consumers in 2020.

In the wake of COVID-19, the <a href="https://bbb.org/employmentscams" target="_blank">Employment Scams Report</a>,
 which surveyed 10,670 U.S. and Canadian consumers who reported 
encountering an employment scam in the last three years, found that 
nearly three-quarters of those who lost money had trouble paying their 
monthly bills and more than half were unemployed. The top reason victims
 engaged with the scammer was the ability to work from home – a critical
 need of those balancing family obligations and unpredictable PCOS 
moves. Flexibility was also noted as a top reason for engaging in these 
opportunities.

The 2019 <a href="https://www.bbb.org/militaryreport" target="_blank">Military Consumers and Marketplace Trust</a> report, published with support from the <a href="https://www.ambahq.org/" target="_blank">Association of Military Banks of America</a>,
 highlighted some of the unique challenges and key risk factors faced by
 military and veteran families, especially in regard to employment 
scams. A cumulative look of self-reported data in the Employment Scams 
Report between February 2016 and May 2020 shows that employment scams 
are even riskier than previously reported; 19.2% of military spouse and 
16.6% of veterans encountering the scam reported a financial loss, 
compared with 15.5% for non-military consumers. And for every person 
that reported losing money, at least another worked without pay, and yet
 another lost personal information that could lead to identity theft.&nbsp;

While the largest financial losses were reported by military spouses 
($1,825) and veterans ($1,905), even service members reported much 
higher median losses ($1,680) than non-military consumers ($1,000). This
 likely correlates with the 28% of survey respondents stating that they 
were looking for flexible, “gig” type employment opportunities when they
 encountered the fraudulent job.

The study showed that prevention and intervention methods can reduce 
the likelihood of a financial loss. Those who heard of employment scams 
and tactics prior to the encounter were significantly less likely to 
lose money, which reinforces the need to continue outreach about these 
risky scams. In addition, respondents reported that interventions by 
bank tellers and retail employees were very helpful in convincing them 
to walk away before losing money; 13% of survey respondents said an 
organization, company or agency employee tried to intervene and stop the
 scam – and 69% of the time, they were successful in their efforts.&nbsp;

As soldiers return to civilian life and re-enter the workforce, they 
face unique difficulties. Some veterans find challenges in applying for 
education benefits, navigating disability claims or searching for 
employment. Finding trustworthy sources is the best way to avoid scams. 
BBB recommends beginning with these organizations:

For tips on how to avoid employment scams, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/employmentscams" target="_blank">BBB.org/EmploymentScams</a>.

To read the Military Consumers and Marketplace Trust report, visit <a href="https://www.bbb.org/militaryreport" target="_blank">BBB.org/MilitaryReport</a>.

To report a scam, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>.

For more information about BBB’s Military and Veterans Initiative and consumer resources, visit <a href="https://www.bbb.org/military" target="_blank">BBB.org/Military</a>.

BBB Serving the Heart of Texas contributed to this article.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBA recent <a href="https://bbb.org/employmentscams" target="_blank">Better Business Bureau (BBB) report</a>
 shed light on those most impacted by employment scams: military spouses
 and veterans. Military spouses and veterans were both more likely to be
 victimized than non-military consumers, and more notably, the median 
dollar loss was significantly higher – nearly double – than those 
reported by non-military consumers.Employment scams were the #1 riskiest scam in 2018 and 2019 according
 to the BBB Risk Index, which measures exposure, susceptibility, and 
monetary loss based on reports to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>.
 This was true for both the overall consumer population as well as 
military consumers specifically. When broken out by military 
demographic, employment scams are the most risky scam for military 
spouses and the second most risky scam for veterans. The <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/24536-military-families-and-veterans-more-likely-to-lose-money-to-scams" target="_blank">2020 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report</a>
 indicated veterans reported a median loss of $133, military spouses 
reported a median $132 loss, and active duty service members reported a 
median loss of $269 – all of which were higher than the $115 median loss
 reported across all consumers in 2020.In the wake of COVID-19, the <a href="https://bbb.org/employmentscams" target="_blank">Employment Scams Report</a>,
 which surveyed 10,670 U.S. and Canadian consumers who reported 
encountering an employment scam in the last three years, found that 
nearly three-quarters of those who lost money had trouble paying their 
monthly bills and more than half were unemployed. The top reason victims
 engaged with the scammer was the ability to work from home – a critical
 need of those balancing family obligations and unpredictable PCOS 
moves. Flexibility was also noted as a top reason for engaging in these 
opportunities.The 2019 <a href="https://www.bbb.org/militaryreport" target="_blank">Military Consumers and Marketplace Trust</a> report, published with support from the <a href="https://www.ambahq.org/" target="_blank">Association of Military Banks of America</a>,
 highlighted some of the unique challenges and key risk factors faced by
 military and veteran families, especially in regard to employment 
scams. A cumulative look of self-reported data in the Employment Scams 
Report between February 2016 and May 2020 shows that employment scams 
are even riskier than previously reported; 19.2% of military spouse and 
16.6% of veterans encountering the scam reported a financial loss, 
compared with 15.5% for non-military consumers. And for every person 
that reported losing money, at least another worked without pay, and yet
 another lost personal information that could lead to identity theft.&nbsp;While the largest financial losses were reported by military spouses 
($1,825) and veterans ($1,905), even service members reported much 
higher median losses ($1,680) than non-military consumers ($1,000). This
 likely correlates with the 28% of survey respondents stating that they 
were looking for flexible, “gig” type employment opportunities when they
 encountered the fraudulent job.The study showed that prevention and intervention methods can reduce 
the likelihood of a financial loss. Those who heard of employment scams 
and tactics prior to the encounter were significantly less likely to 
lose money, which reinforces the need to continue outreach about these 
risky scams. In addition, respondents reported that interventions by 
bank tellers and retail employees were very helpful in convincing them 
to walk away before losing money; 13% of survey respondents said an 
organization, company or agency employee tried to intervene and stop the
 scam – and 69% of the time, they were successful in their efforts.&nbsp;As soldiers return to civilian life and re-enter the workforce, they 
face unique difficulties. Some veterans find challenges in applying for 
education benefits, navigating disability claims or searching for 
employment. Finding trustworthy sources is the best way to avoid scams. 
BBB recommends beginning with these organizations:<ul>
 <li>BBB Military and Veteran Consumer Information. <a href="https://www.bbbmarketplacetrust.org/military-and-veterans-initiative" target="_blank">BBB Military and Veteran Consumer Information</a> offers free consumer education and financial literacy resources for military families and veterans.</li><li>U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.). <a href="https://www.va.gov/" target="_blank">VA.gov</a>,
 the official website for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, is a 
hub for materials on every aspect that may impact the transition to 
civilian life. Information on education benefits, pensions and life 
insurance can all be found on the Veterans Affairs official website.</li><li>Veteran Employment Services Office (VESO). <a href="https://www.vaforvets.va.gov/vaforvets/veso/Pages/default.asp" target="_blank">VESO</a>
 offers career opportunity resources within the Department of Veterans 
Affairs, assisting in the transition from active duty to civilian life.</li><li>USA Military Assistance. Like the V.A., USA 
Military Assistance provides guidance in a wide variety of areas. For 
those on active duty, military tax guidance and free credit monitoring 
can also be found at <a href="https://www.usa.gov/military-assistance" target="_blank">usa.gov/Military-Assistance</a>.</li><li>Veterans Health Administration. An extension of the V.A., <a href="https://www.va.gov/health/" target="_blank">the Veterans Health Administration</a>
 is a health care system specifically for veterans. The administration 
also offers resources for veterans during the COVID-19 crisis.</li><li>Canadian Resources: Services and benefits for members of the Canadian Armed forces can be found <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/government/publicservice/benefitsmilitary.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng" target="_blank">Veterans Affairs Canada</a> is a resource for those who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces or Royal Canadian Mounted Police.</li>
 </ul>For tips on how to avoid employment scams, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/employmentscams" target="_blank">BBB.org/EmploymentScams</a>.To read the Military Consumers and Marketplace Trust report, visit <a href="https://www.bbb.org/militaryreport" target="_blank">BBB.org/MilitaryReport</a>.To report a scam, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>.For more information about BBB’s Military and Veterans Initiative and consumer resources, visit <a href="https://www.bbb.org/military" target="_blank">BBB.org/Military</a>.BBB Serving the Heart of Texas contributed to this article.

Military spouses, veterans report highest losses to employment scams

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a pair of armed robberies and have made an arrest.

Lenexa Police reported two&nbsp;armed robberies Tuesday involving Facebook Marketplace sales of electronics. 

The sales took place in the parking lots of a gas station and a grocery store.&nbsp; Police in Olathe arrested one suspect Tuesday night. The suspect is believed to be tied to both cases.&nbsp; According to the Johnson County Police Department booking report, officers arrested 22-year-old Terrell Harris in Olathe Tuesday on a requested charge of aggravated robbery.

"With the holidays approaching, these types of person-to-person sales are likely to increase. Police strongly recommend meeting at a police station to conduct these transactions. For example, the front circle drive, front entrance walkway and even our front lobby of the Lenexa Police are considered good options.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636562894250.png" alt="Police arrested 22-year-old Terrell Harris in Olathe Tuesday on a requested charge of aggravated robbery, according to the Johnson County booking report." />
 <figcaption>Police arrested 22-year-old Terrell Harris in Olathe Tuesday on a requested charge of aggravated robbery, according to the Johnson County booking report.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a pair of armed robberies and have made an arrest.Lenexa Police reported two&nbsp;armed robberies Tuesday involving Facebook Marketplace sales of electronics. The sales took place in the parking lots of a gas station and a grocery store.&nbsp; Police in Olathe arrested one suspect Tuesday night. The suspect is believed to be tied to both cases.&nbsp; According to the Johnson County Police Department booking report, officers arrested 22-year-old Terrell Harris in Olathe Tuesday on a requested charge of aggravated robbery."With the holidays approaching, these types of person-to-person sales are likely to increase. Police strongly recommend meeting at a police station to conduct these transactions. For example, the front circle drive, front entrance walkway and even our front lobby of the Lenexa Police are considered good options.

Police investigate Facebook Marketplace armed robberies in Kansas

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-09/goddard-school-district-orders-29-books-removed-from-circulation">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA — The Goddard school district has removed more
 than two dozen books from circulation in the district’s school 
libraries, citing national attention and challenges to the books 
elsewhere.

The list of books includes several well-known novels, 
including “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood, “The Bluest Eye” by 
Toni Morrison, “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas and “The Perks of Being
 a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky.

It also includes “Fences,” a 
play by August Wilson that won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1987, and
 “They Called Themselves the K.K.K.,” a historical look at how the white
 supremacist group took root in America.

Julie Cannizzo, assistant
 superintendent for academic affairs in Goddard, sent an email to 
principals and librarians last week with the list of 29 books.

“At
 this time, the district is not in a position to know if the books 
contained on this list meet our educational goals or not,” Cannizzo 
wrote in the email. “Additionally, we need to gain a better 
understanding of the processes utilized to select books for our school 
libraries.

“For these reasons, please do not allow any of these 
books to be checked out while we are in the process of gathering more 
information. If a book on this list is currently checked out, please do 
(not) allow it to be checked out again once it's returned.”

Cannizzo
 said in the email that the district is assembling a committee to “rate 
the content of the books on the list” and to review the selection 
process. She did not say how long the process is expected to take.

Cannizzo
 said Tuesday that one parent objected to language he found offensive in
 “The Hate U Give,” a novel about the aftermath of a police officer 
killing a Black teenager. The parent then submitted a list of books he 
questioned, and district officials agreed to halt checkouts and complete
 a review.

"We're not banning these books or anything like that as
 a district," she said. "It was just brought to our attention that that 
list of books may have content that's unsuitable for children."

Cannizzo
 said she plans to meet with school librarians this week. She wouldn't 
say when or if the books would return to circulation.

“We haven’t 
even evaluated these books," she said. "I couldn’t even tell you what 
these books have in them or why someone may find them offensive or not."

<a href="http://library.goddardusd.com/" target="_blank">Library catalogs for all 12 Goddard schools</a> are available on the district’s website.

A <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/scschoolfiles/236/section_i_-_final_copy_-_2020.pdf" target="_blank">Goddard district policy</a>
 adopted in 2016 spells out procedures for challenging textbooks, 
library books or instructional materials. Anyone with a complaint about a
 book is directed to meet first with the school principal and submit a 
“request for review” form.

If a challenge isn’t resolved at the 
school level, it goes to the superintendent and then the school board. 
Board members may forward a complaint to a review committee made up of 
the building principal, media specialist, two subject area specialists 
and two community members.

According to the district’s policy, “Challenged materials shall not be removed from use during the review period.”

The development comes just days after a <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/28/1050013664/texas-lawmaker-matt-krause-launches-inquiry-into-850-books" target="_blank">Texas state lawmaker launched an investigation</a>
 into Texas school districts over the type of books they have, 
particularly if they pertain to race or sexuality or “make students feel
 discomfort.”

Goddard’s list includes several books written by 
people of color or featuring characters from diverse backgrounds. Some 
feature LGBTQ protagonists or young people struggling with issues of 
gender or sexuality.

Jaime Prothro, Wichita’s director of libraries, said there’s an increase in challenges to library purchases nationwide.

“What
 we’re seeing in the publishing world is a lot more marginalized voices —
 LGBTQ, Black experiences,” Prothro said. “These are books that people 
have been yearning to read, and they're being published with more 
frequency.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636562361011.png" alt="A list of books removed from circulation in Goddard school libraries includes novels by Margaret Atwood and Toni Morrison. Suzanne Perez / KMUW" />
 <figcaption>A list of books removed from circulation in Goddard school libraries includes novels by Margaret Atwood and Toni Morrison. Suzanne Perez / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-09/goddard-school-district-orders-29-books-removed-from-circulation">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA — The Goddard school district has removed more
 than two dozen books from circulation in the district’s school 
libraries, citing national attention and challenges to the books 
elsewhere.The list of books includes several well-known novels, 
including “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood, “The Bluest Eye” by 
Toni Morrison, “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas and “The Perks of Being
 a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky.It also includes “Fences,” a 
play by August Wilson that won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1987, and
 “They Called Themselves the K.K.K.,” a historical look at how the white
 supremacist group took root in America.Julie Cannizzo, assistant
 superintendent for academic affairs in Goddard, sent an email to 
principals and librarians last week with the list of 29 books.“At
 this time, the district is not in a position to know if the books 
contained on this list meet our educational goals or not,” Cannizzo 
wrote in the email. “Additionally, we need to gain a better 
understanding of the processes utilized to select books for our school 
libraries.“For these reasons, please do not allow any of these 
books to be checked out while we are in the process of gathering more 
information. If a book on this list is currently checked out, please do 
(not) allow it to be checked out again once it's returned.”Cannizzo
 said in the email that the district is assembling a committee to “rate 
the content of the books on the list” and to review the selection 
process. She did not say how long the process is expected to take.Cannizzo
 said Tuesday that one parent objected to language he found offensive in
 “The Hate U Give,” a novel about the aftermath of a police officer 
killing a Black teenager. The parent then submitted a list of books he 
questioned, and district officials agreed to halt checkouts and complete
 a review."We're not banning these books or anything like that as
 a district," she said. "It was just brought to our attention that that 
list of books may have content that's unsuitable for children."Cannizzo
 said she plans to meet with school librarians this week. She wouldn't 
say when or if the books would return to circulation.“We haven’t 
even evaluated these books," she said. "I couldn’t even tell you what 
these books have in them or why someone may find them offensive or not."<a href="http://library.goddardusd.com/" target="_blank">Library catalogs for all 12 Goddard schools</a> are available on the district’s website.A <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/scschoolfiles/236/section_i_-_final_copy_-_2020.pdf" target="_blank">Goddard district policy</a>
 adopted in 2016 spells out procedures for challenging textbooks, 
library books or instructional materials. Anyone with a complaint about a
 book is directed to meet first with the school principal and submit a 
“request for review” form.If a challenge isn’t resolved at the 
school level, it goes to the superintendent and then the school board. 
Board members may forward a complaint to a review committee made up of 
the building principal, media specialist, two subject area specialists 
and two community members.According to the district’s policy, “Challenged materials shall not be removed from use during the review period.”The development comes just days after a <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/28/1050013664/texas-lawmaker-matt-krause-launches-inquiry-into-850-books" target="_blank">Texas state lawmaker launched an investigation</a>
 into Texas school districts over the type of books they have, 
particularly if they pertain to race or sexuality or “make students feel
 discomfort.”Goddard’s list includes several books written by 
people of color or featuring characters from diverse backgrounds. Some 
feature LGBTQ protagonists or young people struggling with issues of 
gender or sexuality.Jaime Prothro, Wichita’s director of libraries, said there’s an increase in challenges to library purchases nationwide.“What
 we’re seeing in the publishing world is a lot more marginalized voices —
 LGBTQ, Black experiences,” Prothro said. “These are books that people 
have been yearning to read, and they're being published with more 
frequency.“And when more diverse books are published, that is 
actually going to impact the collection makeup of any library. . . . 
That’s definitely something that’s kind of pushing on a nerve for a 
number of people who are more comfortable with more mainstream 
lifestyles.”“The Hate U Give” is a young adult novel about the 
aftermath of a police officer killing a Black teenager. “Black Girl 
Unlimited” explores issues of poverty, sexual violence, depression and 
racism. “Blended” is about an 11-year-old biracial girl dealing with her
 parents’ divorce.Prothro said she can’t speak specifically to 
issues at play in Goddard or other districts. But she worries that 
current debates over books could limit access to diverse stories and 
experiences.“That one family may choose not to read something 
does not determine whether or not it’s appropriate for another family,” 
she said.“We really do celebrate the freedom of choice. And in a library situation, if that book isn’t for you, just return it.”Here is the list of books ordered to be removed from circulation in Goddard school libraries:<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34521785-murdertrending?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=eUhzvUPTLS&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“#MurderTrending”</a> by Gretchen McNeil<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44280883-all-boys-aren-t-blue?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=i2CuDFYHxR&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“All Boys Aren’t Blue”</a> by George M. Johnson<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36142487-anger-is-a-gift?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=J2u1pJn8TZ&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“Anger is a Gift”</a> by Mark Oshiro<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38599259-black-girl-unlimited?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=bnEcc7fJCG&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“Black Girl Unlimited”</a> by Echo Brown<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38351370-blended?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=fYMfC3wYTY&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“Blended”</a> by Sharon M. Draper<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/270730.Crank?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=ODDNTOMarC&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“Crank”</a> by Ellen Hopkins<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/539282.Fences?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=y8a28PHiFF&amp;rank=2" target="_blank">“Fences”</a> by August Wilson<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26135825-fun-home?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=0HqwPpVWCi&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic”</a> by Alison Bechdel<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42837514-gender-queer?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=Z6IDJGaKE8&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“Gender Queer”</a> by Maia Kobabe<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29430746-heavy?from_search=true&amp;from_srp=true&amp;qid=6ikbGT68Nm&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“Heavy”</a> by Kiese Laymon<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35489159-lawn-boy?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=anpBXcmTMP&amp;rank=2" target="_blank">“Lawn Boy”</a> by Jonathan Evison<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23203257-lily-and-dunkin?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=orTTshzqL5&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“Lily and Dunkin”</a> by Donna Gephart<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2954411-living-dead-girl?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=J3Em3CqF0u&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“Living Dead Girl”</a> by Elizabeth Scott<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35068534-monday-s-not-coming?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=AOad2xpeyH&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“Monday’s Not Coming”</a> by Tiffany D. Jackson<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25256386-out-of-darkness?from_search=true&amp;from_srp=true&amp;qid=R7f8mRv70Y&amp;rank=3" target="_blank">“Out of Darkness”</a> by Ashley Hope Perez<a href="https://www.amazon.com/At-Issue-hardcover-Tamara-Roleff/dp/0737708077" target="_blank">“Satanism”</a> by Tamara L. Roleff<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33155325-the-57-bus?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=7jacyegYWp&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime that Changed Their Lives”</a> by Dashka Slater<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/693208.The_Absolutely_True_Diary_of_a_Part_Time_Indian?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=EdHeX2qKsj&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian”</a> by Sherman Alexie<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11337.The_Bluest_Eye?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=MBCTYR23UB&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“The Bluest Eye”</a> by Toni Morrison<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6449290-the-girl-who-fell-from-the-sky?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=p4kt5K6EXg&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“The Girl Who Fell From the Sky”</a> by Heidi W. Durrow<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38447.The_Handmaid_s_Tale?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=vGWGRC5r6k&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“The Handmaid’s Tale”</a> by Margaret Atwood<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40766383-the-handmaid-s-tale?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=p6Ev8vRJra&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“The Handmaid’s Tale: The Graphic Novel”</a> adapted by Renee Nault<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32075671-the-hate-u-give?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=ObWQru6sLx&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“The Hate U Give”</a> by Angie Thomas<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22628.The_Perks_of_Being_a_Wallflower?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=EUlSZisHmJ&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“The Perks of Being a Wallflower”</a> by Stephen Chbosky<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42975172-the-testaments?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=A9MpVqtVTR&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“The Testaments”</a> by Margaret Atwood<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7029188-they-called-themselves-the-k-k-k?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=56KXirJkW5&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“They Called Themselves the K.K.K.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group”</a> by Susan Campbell Bertoletti<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22074335-this-book-is-gay?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=nC5HI6MPpH&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“This Book is Gay”</a> by James Dawson<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18465566-this-one-summer?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=uvkSDLcblz&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“This One Summer”</a> (graphic novel) by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34609406-trans-mission?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=bsd6YWj63m&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“Trans Mission: My Quest to a Beard”</a> by Alex BertieSuzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.