AMES, Iowa (AP) — Two Iowa State students who died when a school crew club boat capsized have been identified. 

The Hamilton County Sheriff's office and Iowa State police said Tuesday the students were 20-year-old Yaakov Ben-David, of Washington D.C., and 19-year-old Derek Nanni, of Normal, Illinois. 

They died during practice Sunday on Little Wall Lake, about 15 miles north of Ames, Iowa. 

Three other members of the crew were rescued by people who lived around the lake. Their names have not been released. 

The students were part of the Iowa State Crew Club, a recognized student organization.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Two Iowa State students who died when a school crew club boat capsized have been identified. The Hamilton County Sheriff's office and Iowa State police said Tuesday the students were 20-year-old Yaakov Ben-David, of Washington D.C., and 19-year-old Derek Nanni, of Normal, Illinois. They died during practice Sunday on Little Wall Lake, about 15 miles north of Ames, Iowa. Three other members of the crew were rescued by people who lived around the lake. Their names have not been released. The students were part of the Iowa State Crew Club, a recognized student organization.

2 Iowa State students who died when boat capsized identified

JEWELL COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Tuesday in Jewell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Volvo semi driven by Rodney Brown, 55, Salina, was westbound on U.S. 36 just east of 300 Road.

&nbsp;A pedestrian identified as Gabriel Rupp, 18, Hays, was near the westbound roadway on the north shoulder of U.S. 36 loading traffic control equipment into a trailer which was in the roadway pulled by a 2015 GMC Sierra.

The semi failed to stop in time and hit Rupp. The semi came to rest in the north ditch. Rupp was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Melby Mortuary.

Brown was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

JEWELL COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Tuesday in Jewell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Volvo semi driven by Rodney Brown, 55, Salina, was westbound on U.S. 36 just east of 300 Road.&nbsp;A pedestrian identified as Gabriel Rupp, 18, Hays, was near the westbound roadway on the north shoulder of U.S. 36 loading traffic control equipment into a trailer which was in the roadway pulled by a 2015 GMC Sierra.The semi failed to stop in time and hit Rupp. The semi came to rest in the north ditch. Rupp was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Melby Mortuary.Brown was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after struck by semi while working on highway

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - A troubled Kansas foster care management provider has reached an agreement with the state to repay $9.4 million in unspent grant funds.

The deal that the Kansas Department for Children and Families announced it had reached Tuesday with St. Francis Ministries comes on the heels of earlier controversies.

In January,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/foster-care-kansas-nebraska-omaha-child-welfare-9917837d9c3cd8ec8398dffe780beac8" target="_blank">Nebraska&nbsp;</a>agreed to pay millions more to St. Francis after it significantly underbid the company that used to provide child welfare services in the Omaha area. And&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/salina-kansas-topeka-1b3b0e420e470e18a7dec207441ad8f7" target="_blank">Kansas officials announced in December&nbsp;</a>that St. Francis employees had falsified documents to show visits with families that never took place.

DCF spokesman Mike Deines said the grant repayment agreement is unrelated to the falsified document claims. A state audit is pending.

The agency said in a news release that the repayment stems from a requirement that case management providers come up with a plan to reinvest unspent funds into their child welfare programming. The release said St. Francis provided a preliminary plan, but it was never finalized and sent to DCF for approval.

St. Francis Interim CEO William Clark said in a statement that the goal is "always to do what is best for children and families, while also being good stewards of the resources entrusted to us."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617145536373.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - A troubled Kansas foster care management provider has reached an agreement with the state to repay $9.4 million in unspent grant funds.The deal that the Kansas Department for Children and Families announced it had reached Tuesday with St. Francis Ministries comes on the heels of earlier controversies.In January,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/foster-care-kansas-nebraska-omaha-child-welfare-9917837d9c3cd8ec8398dffe780beac8" target="_blank">Nebraska&nbsp;</a>agreed to pay millions more to St. Francis after it significantly underbid the company that used to provide child welfare services in the Omaha area. And&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/salina-kansas-topeka-1b3b0e420e470e18a7dec207441ad8f7" target="_blank">Kansas officials announced in December&nbsp;</a>that St. Francis employees had falsified documents to show visits with families that never took place.DCF spokesman Mike Deines said the grant repayment agreement is unrelated to the falsified document claims. A state audit is pending.The agency said in a news release that the repayment stems from a requirement that case management providers come up with a plan to reinvest unspent funds into their child welfare programming. The release said St. Francis provided a preliminary plan, but it was never finalized and sent to DCF for approval.St. Francis Interim CEO William Clark said in a statement that the goal is "always to do what is best for children and families, while also being good stewards of the resources entrusted to us."

Troubled Kansas foster care agency agrees to repay $9.4M

FREMONT, Neb. (AP) — A former eastern Nebraska county prosecutor faces up to two months in jail after a judge found him guilty of violating his probation from a previous drunken driving conviction. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that a judge determined former Dodge County Attorney Oliver Glass had been drinking earlier this year, violating his probation from a DUI conviction in March 2020. 

Prosecutors also plan to file a second-offense DUI against Glass stemming from the January incident that produced the probation violation. 

Glass resigned at the end of February following his arrest the night of Jan. 28 on suspicion of driving while drunk.

FREMONT, Neb. (AP) — A former eastern Nebraska county prosecutor faces up to two months in jail after a judge found him guilty of violating his probation from a previous drunken driving conviction. The Omaha World-Herald reports that a judge determined former Dodge County Attorney Oliver Glass had been drinking earlier this year, violating his probation from a DUI conviction in March 2020. Prosecutors also plan to file a second-offense DUI against Glass stemming from the January incident that produced the probation violation. Glass resigned at the end of February following his arrest the night of Jan. 28 on suspicion of driving while drunk.

Ex-county prosecutor faces jail time for probation violation

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraskans who buy fireworks in-state could have more choices after lawmakers advanced a bill to broaden the kinds that can legally be sold. 

Senators gave the measure first-round approval with a 40-3 vote. 

The proposal by Sen. Julie Slama, of Peru, is designed to give residents more choices without having to travel to neighboring Iowa or South Dakota, where regulations are more lax. 

It would define consumer fireworks based on how they’re classified under federal regulations.

 Slama casts the bill as a matter of personal freedom, but some senators raised concerns about the impact of large, loud fireworks on neighbors and residents who suffer from wartime post-traumatic stress disorder.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraskans who buy fireworks in-state could have more choices after lawmakers advanced a bill to broaden the kinds that can legally be sold. Senators gave the measure first-round approval with a 40-3 vote. The proposal by Sen. Julie Slama, of Peru, is designed to give residents more choices without having to travel to neighboring Iowa or South Dakota, where regulations are more lax. It would define consumer fireworks based on how they’re classified under federal regulations. Slama casts the bill as a matter of personal freedom, but some senators raised concerns about the impact of large, loud fireworks on neighbors and residents who suffer from wartime post-traumatic stress disorder.

Nebraska advances bill to expand legal consumer fireworks

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Now that coronavirus vaccines are becoming more widely available in the state, many Nebraskans are scouring the internet in search of an appointment to get a shot. 

Michael Nollett of Lincoln said he hopes to land an appointment soon because pharmacies participating in a federal program in the state opened up vaccine eligibility to all adults on Monday.

 Local health officials remain focused on vaccinating people aged 50 and older across the state although some public health districts in rural areas are already offering the shots to all adults. 

Officials have said they expect to make the vaccines available to the general public statewide by late April or early May.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Now that coronavirus vaccines are becoming more widely available in the state, many Nebraskans are scouring the internet in search of an appointment to get a shot. Michael Nollett of Lincoln said he hopes to land an appointment soon because pharmacies participating in a federal program in the state opened up vaccine eligibility to all adults on Monday. Local health officials remain focused on vaccinating people aged 50 and older across the state although some public health districts in rural areas are already offering the shots to all adults. Officials have said they expect to make the vaccines available to the general public statewide by late April or early May.

Nebraskans scouring for vaccine slots as availability grows

WASHINGTON
 — The Internal Revenue Service issued frequently asked questions today 
on how students and higher education institutions should report 
pandemic-related emergency financial aid grants.

Emergency financial aid grants made by a federal agency, state, 
Indian tribe, higher education institution or scholarship-granting 
organization (including a tribal organization) to a student because of 
an event related to the COVID-19 pandemic are not included in the 
student's gross income.

Also, students should not reduce an amount of qualified tuition and 
related expenses by the amount of an emergency financial aid grant. If 
students used any portion of the grants to pay for qualified tuition and
 related expenses on or before December 31, 2020, they may be eligible 
to claim a tuition and fees deduction or the American Opportunity Credit
 or Lifetime Learning Credit on their 2020 tax return. See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/higher-education-emergency-grants-frequently-asked-questions">Higher Education Emergency Grants Frequently Asked Questions</a>.

The tuition and fees deduction is not available for tax years 
beginning after December 31, 2020. For additional information on these 
credits and the tuition and fees deduction, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-970">Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education</a>.

Because students don't include emergency financial aid grants in 
their gross income, higher education institutions are not required to 
file or furnish Forms 1099-MISC reporting the grants made available by 
the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) or 
the COVID-related Tax Relief Act (COVID Relief Act) and do not need to 
report the grants in Box 5 of Form 1098-T.

But any amounts that qualify for the tuition and fees deduction or 
the American Opportunity Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit are 
considered "qualified tuition and related expenses" and trigger the 
reporting requirements of Internal Revenue Code section 6050S. Higher 
education institutions must include qualified tuition and related 
expenses paid by emergency financial aid grants awarded to students in 
Box 1 of Form 1098-T.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON
 — The Internal Revenue Service issued frequently asked questions today 
on how students and higher education institutions should report 
pandemic-related emergency financial aid grants.<h2>Students</h2>Emergency financial aid grants made by a federal agency, state, 
Indian tribe, higher education institution or scholarship-granting 
organization (including a tribal organization) to a student because of 
an event related to the COVID-19 pandemic are not included in the 
student's gross income.Also, students should not reduce an amount of qualified tuition and 
related expenses by the amount of an emergency financial aid grant. If 
students used any portion of the grants to pay for qualified tuition and
 related expenses on or before December 31, 2020, they may be eligible 
to claim a tuition and fees deduction or the American Opportunity Credit
 or Lifetime Learning Credit on their 2020 tax return. See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/higher-education-emergency-grants-frequently-asked-questions">Higher Education Emergency Grants Frequently Asked Questions</a>.The tuition and fees deduction is not available for tax years 
beginning after December 31, 2020. For additional information on these 
credits and the tuition and fees deduction, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-970">Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education</a>.<h2>Higher Education Institutions</h2>Because students don't include emergency financial aid grants in 
their gross income, higher education institutions are not required to 
file or furnish Forms 1099-MISC reporting the grants made available by 
the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) or 
the COVID-related Tax Relief Act (COVID Relief Act) and do not need to 
report the grants in Box 5 of Form 1098-T.But any amounts that qualify for the tuition and fees deduction or 
the American Opportunity Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit are 
considered "qualified tuition and related expenses" and trigger the 
reporting requirements of Internal Revenue Code section 6050S. Higher 
education institutions must include qualified tuition and related 
expenses paid by emergency financial aid grants awarded to students in 
Box 1 of Form 1098-T.

IRS: Emergency aid granted to students due to COVID not taxable

SOUTH SIOUX CITY&nbsp; — Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested a South Sioux City man following an investigation in a reported sexual assault of a child.

On Friday, March 26, Nathan Rogers, 25, of South Sioux City, was arrested for 1st&nbsp;degree sexual assault of a child. He was arrested without incident at his residence in South Sioux City. The arrest follows an investigation that began on March 3.

Rogers was lodged in Dakota County Corrections.

SOUTH SIOUX CITY&nbsp; — Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested a South Sioux City man following an investigation in a reported sexual assault of a child.On Friday, March 26, Nathan Rogers, 25, of South Sioux City, was arrested for 1st&nbsp;degree sexual assault of a child. He was arrested without incident at his residence in South Sioux City. The arrest follows an investigation that began on March 3.Rogers was lodged in Dakota County Corrections.

South Sioux City man arrested for sexual assault of a child

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and a top health official warned that too many Americans are declaring virus victory too quickly, appealing for mask requirements and other restrictions to be maintained or restored to stave off a “fourth surge” of COVID-19. The head of the CDC said she had a feeling of “impending doom” if people keep easing off.

(Click the video below to listen to the CDC director's statement during Monday's virus press conference from the White House)

The double dose of warnings on Monday came even as Biden laid out hopeful new steps to expand coronavirus vaccinations, with all adults to become eligible over the next five weeks. Biden announced plans to expand the number of retail pharmacies that are administering vaccines, and investments to help Americans get to vaccination sites. But the optimism was tempered by stark warnings about the potential for another wave of cases.

“This is deadly serious,” Biden said, urging governors to reinstate mask mandates and other restrictions that some states have been easing.

Hours earlier, during a virtual White House health briefing, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, grew emotional as she reflected on her experience treating COVID-19 patients who are alone at the end of their lives.

“We have so much to look forward to, so much promise and potential of where we are and so much reason for hope,” she said. “But right now, I’m scared.

“I’m going to lose the script, and I’m going to reflect on the recurring feeling I have of impending doom.”

Cases of the virus are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-report-animals-source-covid-19-coronavirus-8a839c179c330c56fa46a763b7286a7f">up about 10% over the past week from the previous week</a>, to about 60,000 cases per day, with both hospitalizations and deaths ticking up as well, Walensky said. She warned that without immediate action the U.S. could follow European countries into another spike in cases and suffer needless deaths.

“I have to share the truth, and I have to hope and trust you will listen,” she said.

Later Monday, Biden addressed the nation from the White House, declaring, “If we let our guard down now, we can see the virus getting worse, not better. People are letting up on precautions, which is a very bad thing.”

Biden delivered a direct appeal to governors, state and local leaders to reinstate mask-wearing requirements if they have lifted them, and said he encouraged leaders to pause plans to further ease virus-related restrictions.

“Please, this is not politics, reinstate the mandate if you let it down,” he said.

Biden announced that by April 19 at least 90% of the adult U.S. population would be eligible for vaccination — and would have access to a vaccination site within 5 miles of home. Quick vaccination would still depend on supply.

Biden had previously directed that all states make all adults eligible for vaccination by May 1, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rochelle-walensky-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-ea8be8945ee27ca7f3d15959b0a7b613">many have moved to lift eligibility requirements sooner</a>&nbsp;in anticipation of supply increases.

Meanwhile, the White House is moving to double the number of pharmacies participating in the federal retail pharmacy program — it has emerged as among the most efficient avenues for administering vaccines — and increase the number of doses for them to deliver. Retail pharmacies are located relatively close to most Americans and have experience delivering vaccines like flu shots.

Biden announced that the U.S. is expecting delivery of 33 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine this week — including 11 million of the single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson shot.

More than 1 in 5 adults and nearly 50% of senior American are fully vaccinated, according to data from the CDC. On Thursday, the U.S. set new single-day record for shots in arms: more than 3.2 million.

“Now is not the time to let down,” Biden said. “Now’s not the time to celebrate. It is time to do what we do best as a country: our duty, our jobs, take care of one another.”

“Fight to the finish,” he added. “Don’t let up now.”

Walensky and Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, appealed to elected officials, community leaders and everyday Americans to maintain social distancing measures and mask wearing.

“We are doing things prematurely,” Fauci said, referring to moves to ease up on restrictions. Walensky appealed to Americans, “Just please hold on a little while longer.”

She added: “We are not powerless, we can change this trajectory of the pandemic.”

Walensky pointed to an uptick in travel and loosening virus restrictions for the increase in cases. “People want to be done with this. I, too, want to be done with this,” she said.

“We’ve seen surges after every single holiday,” she reiterated: “Please limit travel to essential travel for the time being.”

The White House, meanwhile is ruling out the creation of a national “vaccine passport” for Americans to verify their immunization status, saying it is leaving it to the private sector to develop a system for people show they’ve been vaccinated. Some other countries are establishing national databases to allow vaccinated people to resume normal activities.

“We do know that there is a segment of the population that is concerned that the government will play too heavy-handed of a role in monitoring their vaccinations,” said White House COVID-19 adviser Andy Slavitt. He said officials are worried that “it would discourage people” from getting vaccinated if the federal government was involved.

The administration, instead, is developing guidelines for such passports, touching on privacy, accuracy and equity, but the White House has not said when those guidelines will be ready.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made an impassioned plea to Americans Monday not to let their guard down in the fight against COVID-19, warning of a potential fourth wave of the virus and saying she has a recurring feeling “of impending doom.”

Speaking during a virtual White House briefing, Dr. Rochelle Walensky grew emotional as she reflected on her experience treating COVID-19 patients who are alone at the end of their lives.

“We have so much to look forward to, so much promise and potential of where we are and so much reason for hope,” she said. “But right now, I’m scared.”

“I’m going to lose the script, and I’m going to reflect on the recurring feeling I have of impending doom,” she said.

“I have to share the truth, and I have to hope and trust you will listen,” she added.

Walensky’s comments came hours before President Joe Biden was to address the nation Monday afternoon with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-new-york-coronavirus-pandemic-57cde25de803c98503c5ff9937598420">an update on the vaccination effort.</a>

“The president has not held back in calling for governors, leaders, the American people to continue to abide by the public health guidelines,” said White House press secretary Jen Psaki. “He will continue to do that through all of his engagements.”

Walensky and Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert. appealed to elected officials, community leaders and everyday Americans to maintain social distancing measures and mask wearing.

Walensky pointed to an uptick in travel and loosening virus restrictions for the increase in cases. “People want to be done with this. I, too, want to be done with this,” Walensky said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617040790970.png" alt="On Monday, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky and Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert appealed to elected officials, community leaders and everyday Americans to maintain social distancing measures and mask wearing-image courtesy White. House" />
 <figcaption>On Monday, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky and Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert appealed to elected officials, community leaders and everyday Americans to maintain social distancing measures and mask wearing-image courtesy White. House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and a top health official warned that too many Americans are declaring virus victory too quickly, appealing for mask requirements and other restrictions to be maintained or restored to stave off a “fourth surge” of COVID-19. The head of the CDC said she had a feeling of “impending doom” if people keep easing off.(Click the video below to listen to the CDC director's statement during Monday's virus press conference from the White House)<div><iframe width=512 height=330 src='https://www.c-span.org/video/standalone/?c4954773/cdc-director-rochelle-walensky-right-now-scared-rising-covid-19-cases-us' allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' frameborder=0></iframe></div>The double dose of warnings on Monday came even as Biden laid out hopeful new steps to expand coronavirus vaccinations, with all adults to become eligible over the next five weeks. Biden announced plans to expand the number of retail pharmacies that are administering vaccines, and investments to help Americans get to vaccination sites. But the optimism was tempered by stark warnings about the potential for another wave of cases.“This is deadly serious,” Biden said, urging governors to reinstate mask mandates and other restrictions that some states have been easing.Hours earlier, during a virtual White House health briefing, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, grew emotional as she reflected on her experience treating COVID-19 patients who are alone at the end of their lives.“We have so much to look forward to, so much promise and potential of where we are and so much reason for hope,” she said. “But right now, I’m scared.“I’m going to lose the script, and I’m going to reflect on the recurring feeling I have of impending doom.”Cases of the virus are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-report-animals-source-covid-19-coronavirus-8a839c179c330c56fa46a763b7286a7f">up about 10% over the past week from the previous week</a>, to about 60,000 cases per day, with both hospitalizations and deaths ticking up as well, Walensky said. She warned that without immediate action the U.S. could follow European countries into another spike in cases and suffer needless deaths.“I have to share the truth, and I have to hope and trust you will listen,” she said.Later Monday, Biden addressed the nation from the White House, declaring, “If we let our guard down now, we can see the virus getting worse, not better. People are letting up on precautions, which is a very bad thing.”Biden delivered a direct appeal to governors, state and local leaders to reinstate mask-wearing requirements if they have lifted them, and said he encouraged leaders to pause plans to further ease virus-related restrictions.“Please, this is not politics, reinstate the mandate if you let it down,” he said.Biden announced that by April 19 at least 90% of the adult U.S. population would be eligible for vaccination — and would have access to a vaccination site within 5 miles of home. Quick vaccination would still depend on supply.Biden had previously directed that all states make all adults eligible for vaccination by May 1, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rochelle-walensky-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-ea8be8945ee27ca7f3d15959b0a7b613">many have moved to lift eligibility requirements sooner</a>&nbsp;in anticipation of supply increases.Meanwhile, the White House is moving to double the number of pharmacies participating in the federal retail pharmacy program — it has emerged as among the most efficient avenues for administering vaccines — and increase the number of doses for them to deliver. Retail pharmacies are located relatively close to most Americans and have experience delivering vaccines like flu shots.Biden announced that the U.S. is expecting delivery of 33 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine this week — including 11 million of the single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson shot.More than 1 in 5 adults and nearly 50% of senior American are fully vaccinated, according to data from the CDC. On Thursday, the U.S. set new single-day record for shots in arms: more than 3.2 million.“Now is not the time to let down,” Biden said. “Now’s not the time to celebrate. It is time to do what we do best as a country: our duty, our jobs, take care of one another.”“Fight to the finish,” he added. “Don’t let up now.”Walensky and Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, appealed to elected officials, community leaders and everyday Americans to maintain social distancing measures and mask wearing.“We are doing things prematurely,” Fauci said, referring to moves to ease up on restrictions. Walensky appealed to Americans, “Just please hold on a little while longer.”She added: “We are not powerless, we can change this trajectory of the pandemic.”Walensky pointed to an uptick in travel and loosening virus restrictions for the increase in cases. “People want to be done with this. I, too, want to be done with this,” she said.“We’ve seen surges after every single holiday,” she reiterated: “Please limit travel to essential travel for the time being.”The White House, meanwhile is ruling out the creation of a national “vaccine passport” for Americans to verify their immunization status, saying it is leaving it to the private sector to develop a system for people show they’ve been vaccinated. Some other countries are establishing national databases to allow vaccinated people to resume normal activities.“We do know that there is a segment of the population that is concerned that the government will play too heavy-handed of a role in monitoring their vaccinations,” said White House COVID-19 adviser Andy Slavitt. He said officials are worried that “it would discourage people” from getting vaccinated if the federal government was involved.The administration, instead, is developing guidelines for such passports, touching on privacy, accuracy and equity, but the White House has not said when those guidelines will be ready.--------WASHINGTON (AP) — The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made an impassioned plea to Americans Monday not to let their guard down in the fight against COVID-19, warning of a potential fourth wave of the virus and saying she has a recurring feeling “of impending doom.”Speaking during a virtual White House briefing, Dr. Rochelle Walensky grew emotional as she reflected on her experience treating COVID-19 patients who are alone at the end of their lives.“We have so much to look forward to, so much promise and potential of where we are and so much reason for hope,” she said. “But right now, I’m scared.”“I’m going to lose the script, and I’m going to reflect on the recurring feeling I have of impending doom,” she said.Cases of the virus are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-report-animals-source-covid-19-coronavirus-8a839c179c330c56fa46a763b7286a7f">up about 10% over the past week from the previous week</a>, to about 60,000 cases per day, with both hospitalizations and deaths ticking up as well, Walensky said. She warned that without immediate action the U.S. could follow European countries into another spike in cases and suffer needless deaths.“I have to share the truth, and I have to hope and trust you will listen,” she added.Walensky’s comments came hours before President Joe Biden was to address the nation Monday afternoon with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-new-york-coronavirus-pandemic-57cde25de803c98503c5ff9937598420">an update on the vaccination effort.</a>“The president has not held back in calling for governors, leaders, the American people to continue to abide by the public health guidelines,” said White House press secretary Jen Psaki. “He will continue to do that through all of his engagements.”Walensky and Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert. appealed to elected officials, community leaders and everyday Americans to maintain social distancing measures and mask wearing.“We are doing things prematurely,” Fauci said, referring to moves to ease up on restrictions. Walensky appealed to Americans, “Just please hold on a little while longer.”She added: “We are not powerless, we can change this trajectory of the pandemic.”Walensky pointed to an uptick in travel and loosening virus restrictions for the increase in cases. “People want to be done with this. I, too, want to be done with this,” Walensky said.“We’ve seen surges after every single holiday,” she reiterated: “Please limit travel to essential travel for the time being.”The White House, meanwhile is ruling out the creation of a national “vaccine passport” for Americans to verify their immunization status, saying it is leaving it to the private sector to develop a system for people show they’ve been vaccinated. Some other countries are establishing national databases to allow vaccinated people to resume normal activities.“We do know that there is a segment of the population that is concerned that the government will play too heavy-handed of a role in monitoring their vaccinations,” said White House COVID-19 adviser Andy Slavitt. He said officials are worried that “it would discourage people” from getting vaccinated if the federal government was involved.The administration, instead, is developing guidelines for such passports, touching on privacy, accuracy and equity, but the White House has not said when those guidelines will be ready.

 🎥 Biden, CDC director warn of virus rebound if nation lets up

WASHINGTON — As work continues on issuing millions of Economic Impact
 Payments to Americans, the Internal Revenue Service and Treasury 
Department announced today that they anticipate payments will begin to 
be issued this weekend to Social Security recipients and other federal 
beneficiaries who do not normally file a tax return, with the projection
 that the majority of these payments would be sent electronically and 
received on April 7.

After receiving data from the Social Security Administration on 
Thursday, March 25, the IRS began the multi-step process to review, 
validate, and test tens of millions of records to ensure eligibility and
 proper calculation of Economic Impact Payments. If no additional issues
 arise, the IRS currently expects to complete that work and to begin 
processing these payment files at the end of this week. Because the 
majority of these payments will be disbursed electronically – through 
direct deposits and payments to existing Direct Express cards – they 
would be received on the official payment date of April 7.

Many federal beneficiaries who filed 2019 or 2020 returns or used the
 Non-Filers tool last year were issued Economic Impact Payments, if 
eligible, during the last three weeks. The update today applies to 
Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Railroad 
Retirement Board (RRB) beneficiaries who did not file a 2019 or 2020 tax
 return or did not use the Non-Filers tool.

"IRS employees are working tirelessly to once again deliver Economic 
Impact Payments to the nation's taxpayers as quickly as possible," said 
IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Our teams immediately began processing 
data we received last week for federal benefit recipients. We know how 
important these payments are, and we are doing everything we can to make
 these payments as fast as possible to these important individuals."

The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>
 tool is updated for eligible individuals once their payment is 
processed. The IRS notes that the Get My Payment&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov will 
not be updated until the weekend of April 3-4 with information for 
federal beneficiaries expecting payments next week.

The IRS continues to review data received for Veterans Affairs (VA) 
benefit recipients and expects to determine a payment date and provide 
more details soon. Currently, the IRS estimates that Economic Impact 
Payments for VA beneficiaries who do not regularly file tax returns 
could be disbursed by mid-April. VA beneficiary payment information will
 be available in the Get My Payment tool at a future date.

Federal benefit payments automatic; no action for most

Most Social Security retirement and disability beneficiaries, 
railroad retirees and recipients of veterans benefits who are eligible 
for an Economic Impact Payment do not need to take any action to receive
 a payment. These payments will be automatic. Like the previous Economic
 Impact Payments, Social Security and other federal beneficiaries will 
generally receive this third payment the same way that they receive 
their regular benefits.

Some federal benefit recipients may need to file a 2020 tax return, 
even if they don't usually file, to provide information the IRS needs to
 send payments for any qualified dependent. Eligible individuals in this
 group should file a 2020 tax return to be considered for an additional 
payment for their qualified dependent as quickly as possible.

Some federal benefit recipients already have received an Economic Impact Payment

The IRS emphasizes that federal benefit recipients in these groups 
who file tax returns already started to receive Economic Impact Payments
 earlier this month, along with other taxpayers.

Because some federal benefit recipients do not file tax returns, the 
IRS did not have in its tax systems the current information needed to 
generate the Economic Impact Payments. Last year, the IRS took the 
unprecedented step to receive and review data from other federal 
agencies and use that data to deliver payments automatically to these 
recipients. This action – which had never occurred in previous stimulus 
efforts – minimized risk and burdens for the American public during the 
pandemic. Due to regular changes in the federal benefits population, the
 IRS needed to receive updated information this month from other 
government agencies. With these critical updates, eligible federal 
benefit recipients who don't normally file an income tax return will get
 a payment automatically in the next few weeks.

Making these automatic payments to federal beneficiaries involves a 
complex, multi-step process to handle recipient data from the other 
agencies. For the first round of Economic Impact Payments last year, 
recipients in these groups received payments within four to six weeks 
after the CARES Act was signed into law. For the American Rescue Plan 
signed March 11, the IRS projects that it is on track to deliver 
Economic Impact Payments to federal beneficiaries at the same or faster 
speed.

More details on this third round of Economic Impact Payments and federal benefit recipients will be available soon on IRS.gov.

Other work continues on Economic Impact Payments; watch mail for checks, EIP Cards

In addition to work for federal benefit recipients, the IRS also 
continues to prepare and deliver additional Economic Impact Payments for
 other eligible individuals – as well as deliver tax refunds.

For those receiving payments in the mail, the IRS urges these 
taxpayers to continue to watch their mail for these payments, which 
could include a paper Treasury check or a special prepaid debit card 
called an EIP Card.

Taxpayers should note that the form of payment for the third Economic
 Impact Payment, including for some Social Security and other federal 
beneficiaries, may be different than earlier stimulus payments. More 
people are receiving direct deposits, while those receiving payments in 
the mail may receive either a paper check or an EIP Card – which may be 
different than how they received their previous Economic Impact 
Payments.

Special reminder for those who don't normally file a tax return

People who don't normally file a tax return and don't receive federal
 benefits may qualify for these Economic Impact Payments. This includes 
those experiencing homelessness, the rural poor, and others. For those 
eligible individuals who didn't get a first or second Economic Impact 
Payment or got less than the full amounts, they may be eligible for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>, but they'll need to file a 2020 tax return. See the special section on IRS.gov: <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit-topic-a-claiming-the-recovery-rebate-credit-if-you-arent-required-to-file-a-tax-return">Claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren't required to file a tax return</a>.

Free <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">tax return preparation</a> is available for qualifying people.

The IRS reminds taxpayers that the income levels in this new round of
 Economic Impact Payments have changed. This means that some people 
won't be eligible for the third payment even if they received a first or
 second Economic Impact Payment or claimed a 2020 Recovery Rebate 
Credit. Payments will begin to be reduced for individuals making $75,000
 or above in Adjusted Gross Income ($150,000 for married filing 
jointly). The payments end at $80,000 for individuals ($160,000 for 
married filing jointly); people with Adjusted Gross Incomes above these 
levels are ineligible for a payment.

Individuals can check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov to see the payment status of these payments. Additional information on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments">Economic Impact Payments</a> is available on IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — As work continues on issuing millions of Economic Impact
 Payments to Americans, the Internal Revenue Service and Treasury 
Department announced today that they anticipate payments will begin to 
be issued this weekend to Social Security recipients and other federal 
beneficiaries who do not normally file a tax return, with the projection
 that the majority of these payments would be sent electronically and 
received on April 7.After receiving data from the Social Security Administration on 
Thursday, March 25, the IRS began the multi-step process to review, 
validate, and test tens of millions of records to ensure eligibility and
 proper calculation of Economic Impact Payments. If no additional issues
 arise, the IRS currently expects to complete that work and to begin 
processing these payment files at the end of this week. Because the 
majority of these payments will be disbursed electronically – through 
direct deposits and payments to existing Direct Express cards – they 
would be received on the official payment date of April 7.Many federal beneficiaries who filed 2019 or 2020 returns or used the
 Non-Filers tool last year were issued Economic Impact Payments, if 
eligible, during the last three weeks. The update today applies to 
Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Railroad 
Retirement Board (RRB) beneficiaries who did not file a 2019 or 2020 tax
 return or did not use the Non-Filers tool."IRS employees are working tirelessly to once again deliver Economic 
Impact Payments to the nation's taxpayers as quickly as possible," said 
IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Our teams immediately began processing 
data we received last week for federal benefit recipients. We know how 
important these payments are, and we are doing everything we can to make
 these payments as fast as possible to these important individuals."The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>
 tool is updated for eligible individuals once their payment is 
processed. The IRS notes that the Get My Payment&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov will 
not be updated until the weekend of April 3-4 with information for 
federal beneficiaries expecting payments next week.The IRS continues to review data received for Veterans Affairs (VA) 
benefit recipients and expects to determine a payment date and provide 
more details soon. Currently, the IRS estimates that Economic Impact 
Payments for VA beneficiaries who do not regularly file tax returns 
could be disbursed by mid-April. VA beneficiary payment information will
 be available in the Get My Payment tool at a future date.<h2>Federal benefit payments automatic; no action for most</h2>Most Social Security retirement and disability beneficiaries, 
railroad retirees and recipients of veterans benefits who are eligible 
for an Economic Impact Payment do not need to take any action to receive
 a payment. These payments will be automatic. Like the previous Economic
 Impact Payments, Social Security and other federal beneficiaries will 
generally receive this third payment the same way that they receive 
their regular benefits.Some federal benefit recipients may need to file a 2020 tax return, 
even if they don't usually file, to provide information the IRS needs to
 send payments for any qualified dependent. Eligible individuals in this
 group should file a 2020 tax return to be considered for an additional 
payment for their qualified dependent as quickly as possible.<h2>Some federal benefit recipients already have received an Economic Impact Payment</h2>The IRS emphasizes that federal benefit recipients in these groups 
who file tax returns already started to receive Economic Impact Payments
 earlier this month, along with other taxpayers.Because some federal benefit recipients do not file tax returns, the 
IRS did not have in its tax systems the current information needed to 
generate the Economic Impact Payments. Last year, the IRS took the 
unprecedented step to receive and review data from other federal 
agencies and use that data to deliver payments automatically to these 
recipients. This action – which had never occurred in previous stimulus 
efforts – minimized risk and burdens for the American public during the 
pandemic. Due to regular changes in the federal benefits population, the
 IRS needed to receive updated information this month from other 
government agencies. With these critical updates, eligible federal 
benefit recipients who don't normally file an income tax return will get
 a payment automatically in the next few weeks.Making these automatic payments to federal beneficiaries involves a 
complex, multi-step process to handle recipient data from the other 
agencies. For the first round of Economic Impact Payments last year, 
recipients in these groups received payments within four to six weeks 
after the CARES Act was signed into law. For the American Rescue Plan 
signed March 11, the IRS projects that it is on track to deliver 
Economic Impact Payments to federal beneficiaries at the same or faster 
speed.More details on this third round of Economic Impact Payments and federal benefit recipients will be available soon on IRS.gov.<h2>Other work continues on Economic Impact Payments; watch mail for checks, EIP Cards</h2>In addition to work for federal benefit recipients, the IRS also 
continues to prepare and deliver additional Economic Impact Payments for
 other eligible individuals – as well as deliver tax refunds.For those receiving payments in the mail, the IRS urges these 
taxpayers to continue to watch their mail for these payments, which 
could include a paper Treasury check or a special prepaid debit card 
called an EIP Card.Taxpayers should note that the form of payment for the third Economic
 Impact Payment, including for some Social Security and other federal 
beneficiaries, may be different than earlier stimulus payments. More 
people are receiving direct deposits, while those receiving payments in 
the mail may receive either a paper check or an EIP Card – which may be 
different than how they received their previous Economic Impact 
Payments.<h2>Special reminder for those who don't normally file a tax return</h2>People who don't normally file a tax return and don't receive federal
 benefits may qualify for these Economic Impact Payments. This includes 
those experiencing homelessness, the rural poor, and others. For those 
eligible individuals who didn't get a first or second Economic Impact 
Payment or got less than the full amounts, they may be eligible for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>, but they'll need to file a 2020 tax return. See the special section on IRS.gov: <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit-topic-a-claiming-the-recovery-rebate-credit-if-you-arent-required-to-file-a-tax-return">Claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren't required to file a tax return</a>.Free <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">tax return preparation</a> is available for qualifying people.The IRS reminds taxpayers that the income levels in this new round of
 Economic Impact Payments have changed. This means that some people 
won't be eligible for the third payment even if they received a first or
 second Economic Impact Payment or claimed a 2020 Recovery Rebate 
Credit. Payments will begin to be reduced for individuals making $75,000
 or above in Adjusted Gross Income ($150,000 for married filing 
jointly). The payments end at $80,000 for individuals ($160,000 for 
married filing jointly); people with Adjusted Gross Incomes above these 
levels are ineligible for a payment.Individuals can check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov to see the payment status of these payments. Additional information on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments">Economic Impact Payments</a> is available on IRS.gov.

IRS: Stimulus payments to non-filer Social Security, other beneficiaries will be disbursed later this week

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service on Tuesday announced that 
individuals have until May 17, 2021 to meet certain deadlines that would
 normally fall on April 15, such as making IRA contributions and filing 
certain claims for refund.

This follows a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-for-individuals-extended-to-may-17-treasury-irs-extend-filing-and-payment-deadline">previous announcement</a>
 from the IRS on March 17, that the federal income tax filing due date 
for individuals for the 2020 tax year was extended from April 15, 2021, 
to May 17, 2021. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-21-21.pdf">Notice 2021-21&nbsp;PDF</a> provides details on the additional tax deadlines which have been postponed until May 17.

Time to make contributions to IRAs and health savings accounts extended to May 17

In extending the deadline to file Form 1040 series returns to May 17,
 the IRS is automatically postponing to the same date the time for 
individuals to make 2020 contributions to their individual retirement 
arrangements (IRAs and Roth IRAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), 
Archer Medical Savings Accounts (Archer MSAs), and Coverdell education 
savings accounts (Coverdell ESAs). This postponement also automatically 
postpones to May 17, 2021, the time for reporting and payment of the 10%
 additional tax on amounts includible in gross income from 2020 
distributions from IRAs or workplace-based retirement plans. Notice 
2021-21 also postpones the due date for Form 5498 series returns related
 to these accounts to June 30, 2021.

2017 unclaimed refunds – deadline extended to May 17

For tax year 2017 Federal income tax returns, the normal April 15 
deadline to claim a refund has also been extended to May 17, 2021. The 
law provides a three-year window of opportunity to claim a refund. If 
taxpayers do not file a return within three years, the money becomes 
property of the U.S. Treasury. The law requires taxpayers to properly 
address, mail and ensure the tax return is postmarked by the May 17, 
2021, date.

Additionally, foreign trusts and estates with federal income tax 
filing or payment obligations, who file Form 1040-NR, now have until May
 17, 2021.

Tax preparers interested in voluntarily participating in the Annual 
Filing Season Program (AFSP) for calendar-year 2021 now have until May 
17, 2021 to file their application with the Internal Revenue Service. 
The normal due date is April 15.

Details on this extension are in Notice 2021-21, posted on IRS.gov. For more information about the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/annual-filing-season-program">Annual Filing Season Program</a>, visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals">Tax Pros</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov.

Notice 2021-21, issued today does not alter the April 15, 2021, 
deadline for estimated tax payments; these payments are still due on 
April 15. Taxes must be paid as taxpayers earn or receive income during 
the year, either through withholding or estimated tax payments. In 
general, estimated tax payments are made quarterly to the IRS by people 
whose income isn't subject to income tax withholding, including 
self-employment income, interest, dividends, alimony or rental income. 
Most taxpayers automatically have their taxes withheld from their 
paychecks and submitted to the IRS by their employer.

Updates regarding <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments">tax relief as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic</a> can be found at IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service on Tuesday announced that 
individuals have until May 17, 2021 to meet certain deadlines that would
 normally fall on April 15, such as making IRA contributions and filing 
certain claims for refund.This follows a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-for-individuals-extended-to-may-17-treasury-irs-extend-filing-and-payment-deadline">previous announcement</a>
 from the IRS on March 17, that the federal income tax filing due date 
for individuals for the 2020 tax year was extended from April 15, 2021, 
to May 17, 2021. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-21-21.pdf">Notice 2021-21&nbsp;PDF</a> provides details on the additional tax deadlines which have been postponed until May 17.<h2>Time to make contributions to IRAs and health savings accounts extended to May 17</h2>In extending the deadline to file Form 1040 series returns to May 17,
 the IRS is automatically postponing to the same date the time for 
individuals to make 2020 contributions to their individual retirement 
arrangements (IRAs and Roth IRAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), 
Archer Medical Savings Accounts (Archer MSAs), and Coverdell education 
savings accounts (Coverdell ESAs). This postponement also automatically 
postpones to May 17, 2021, the time for reporting and payment of the 10%
 additional tax on amounts includible in gross income from 2020 
distributions from IRAs or workplace-based retirement plans. Notice 
2021-21 also postpones the due date for Form 5498 series returns related
 to these accounts to June 30, 2021.<h2>2017 unclaimed refunds – deadline extended to May 17</h2>For tax year 2017 Federal income tax returns, the normal April 15 
deadline to claim a refund has also been extended to May 17, 2021. The 
law provides a three-year window of opportunity to claim a refund. If 
taxpayers do not file a return within three years, the money becomes 
property of the U.S. Treasury. The law requires taxpayers to properly 
address, mail and ensure the tax return is postmarked by the May 17, 
2021, date.Additionally, foreign trusts and estates with federal income tax 
filing or payment obligations, who file Form 1040-NR, now have until May
 17, 2021.<h2>2021 AFSP deadline postponed to May 17</h2>Tax preparers interested in voluntarily participating in the Annual 
Filing Season Program (AFSP) for calendar-year 2021 now have until May 
17, 2021 to file their application with the Internal Revenue Service. 
The normal due date is April 15.Details on this extension are in Notice 2021-21, posted on IRS.gov. For more information about the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/annual-filing-season-program">Annual Filing Season Program</a>, visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals">Tax Pros</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov.<h2>Estimated tax payment due April 15</h2>Notice 2021-21, issued today does not alter the April 15, 2021, 
deadline for estimated tax payments; these payments are still due on 
April 15. Taxes must be paid as taxpayers earn or receive income during 
the year, either through withholding or estimated tax payments. In 
general, estimated tax payments are made quarterly to the IRS by people 
whose income isn't subject to income tax withholding, including 
self-employment income, interest, dividends, alimony or rental income. 
Most taxpayers automatically have their taxes withheld from their 
paychecks and submitted to the IRS by their employer.Updates regarding <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments">tax relief as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic</a> can be found at IRS.gov.

IRS extends additional tax deadlines for individuals to May 17

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A Nebraska man could face several charges after allegedly driving his friend to a hospital in the bucket of a front-end loader.

<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-arrested-after-driving-man-to-lincoln-hospital-in-bucket-of-stolen-front-end-loader/article_21a72e68-6527-595a-9196-2467d76f4189.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1" target="_blank">The Lincoln Journal Star</a>&nbsp;reports that the 32-year-old suspect allegedly stole the huge $75,000 front-end loader and showed up at a Lincoln hospital Friday night with a 40-year-old man riding in the bucket. The man told police he did it because the man was injured. There were no immediate details about the man's injuries.

Police say that in addition to stealing the machine, the driver was intoxicated and blocked an ambulance bay.

Police arrested the man on suspicion of felony theft, fourth-offense driving under the influence and driving with a revoked license. It wasn't immediately clear on Monday if formal charges had been filed.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A Nebraska man could face several charges after allegedly driving his friend to a hospital in the bucket of a front-end loader.<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-arrested-after-driving-man-to-lincoln-hospital-in-bucket-of-stolen-front-end-loader/article_21a72e68-6527-595a-9196-2467d76f4189.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1" target="_blank">The Lincoln Journal Star</a>&nbsp;reports that the 32-year-old suspect allegedly stole the huge $75,000 front-end loader and showed up at a Lincoln hospital Friday night with a 40-year-old man riding in the bucket. The man told police he did it because the man was injured. There were no immediate details about the man's injuries.Police say that in addition to stealing the machine, the driver was intoxicated and blocked an ambulance bay.Police arrested the man on suspicion of felony theft, fourth-offense driving under the influence and driving with a revoked license. It wasn't immediately clear on Monday if formal charges had been filed.

Nebraska man drives friend to hospital in front-loader bucket

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wildlife biologists say a recent blizzard probably killed some big game animals in Wyoming. 

The storm two weeks ago brought over 2 feet (60 centimeters) of snow to large areas of southeastern Wyoming and eastern Colorado. 

Robin Kepple with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department says bigger animals such as moose, elk and deer were probably big enough to get to places where the wind blew snow away from plants they eat. 

Pronghorn antelope probably fared worse due to their smaller size. 

Dry weather last summer means there’s less vegetation but Kepple tells the Wyoming Tribune Eagle this winter wasn't especially harsh overall.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wildlife biologists say a recent blizzard probably killed some big game animals in Wyoming. The storm two weeks ago brought over 2 feet (60 centimeters) of snow to large areas of southeastern Wyoming and eastern Colorado. Robin Kepple with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department says bigger animals such as moose, elk and deer were probably big enough to get to places where the wind blew snow away from plants they eat. Pronghorn antelope probably fared worse due to their smaller size. Dry weather last summer means there’s less vegetation but Kepple tells the Wyoming Tribune Eagle this winter wasn't especially harsh overall.

Blizzard was hard on Wyoming wildlife but moisture will help

NEMO, S.D. (AP) — Authorities say a wildfire is forcing evacuations of residents who live about 20 miles northwest of Rapid City. 

The Pennington County Sheriff’s Department says agencies are responding to a “major fire” in the Nemo area. 

High winds blowing out of the west are pushing the fire east. 

Citizens are being asked to stay out of the area and use alternate routes.

 The sheriff's department calls it “a very active and dangerous scene.” 

No more information was immediately available.

NEMO, S.D. (AP) — Authorities say a wildfire is forcing evacuations of residents who live about 20 miles northwest of Rapid City. The Pennington County Sheriff’s Department says agencies are responding to a “major fire” in the Nemo area. High winds blowing out of the west are pushing the fire east. Citizens are being asked to stay out of the area and use alternate routes. The sheriff's department calls it “a very active and dangerous scene.” No more information was immediately available.

Officials call wildfire in Nemo area 'active and dangerous'

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is extending a federal moratorium on evictions of tenants who have fallen behind on rent during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday moved to continue the pandemic-related protection, which had been scheduled to expire on Wednesday. The moratorium is now extended through the end of June.

The ban, initially&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1eb82db82ec722d329e52eff638c797f">put in place last year</a>, provides protection for renters out of concern that having families lose their homes and move into shelters or share crowded conditions with relatives or friends during the pandemic would further spread the highly contagious virus, which has&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html" target="_blank">killed more than 545,000 people</a>&nbsp;in the United States.

To be eligible for the housing protection, renters must earn $198,000 annually or less for couples filing jointly, or $99,000 for single filers; demonstrate that they’ve sought government help to pay the rent; declare that they can’t pay because of COVID-19 hardships; and affirm they are likely to become homeless if evicted.

In February, President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-extends-ban-housing-foreclosure-6d16be8ce051c394ae1813c57da6727d">extended a ban on housing foreclosures</a>&nbsp;to June 30 to help homeowners struggling during the pandemic.

Housing advocates had generally expected the extension of the tenant eviction moratorium and had been lobbying the Biden administration, saying it was too early in the country’s economic recovery to let the ban lapse.

John Pollock, coordinator of the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel, said last week that the moratorium was “the only thing holding back the flood” of evictions that would spiral through the still-shaky American economy.

Pollack said current surveys show that 18.4% of all tenants owe back rent. That number also revealed significant racial disparity: The percentage of Black tenants behind on their rent was 32.9%.

But some housing advocates were disappointed that Biden merely extended the ban without making any changes. Diane Yentel, president of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, said she and others had pushed to make the ban’s protections automatic and universal. Currently, tenants have to actively take steps to invoke the ban’s protections, which can lead to exploitation of those who don’t know their rights or don’t understand the process.

Also, some jurisdictions have allowed landlords to initiate the eviction process in court, a tactic that scared many families into leaving rather than having the eviction proceedings, even unfinished ones, on their records.

“While the Biden administration is well aware of the shortcomings in the moratorium order that allow some evictions to proceed during the pandemic, the CDC director did not correct them,” Yentel said.

Instead, the CDC “simply extended President Trump’s original order, leaving the loopholes and flaws in place, a disappointing decision that will result in more harmful evictions during the pandemic,” she said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is extending a federal moratorium on evictions of tenants who have fallen behind on rent during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday moved to continue the pandemic-related protection, which had been scheduled to expire on Wednesday. The moratorium is now extended through the end of June.The ban, initially&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1eb82db82ec722d329e52eff638c797f">put in place last year</a>, provides protection for renters out of concern that having families lose their homes and move into shelters or share crowded conditions with relatives or friends during the pandemic would further spread the highly contagious virus, which has&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html" target="_blank">killed more than 545,000 people</a>&nbsp;in the United States.To be eligible for the housing protection, renters must earn $198,000 annually or less for couples filing jointly, or $99,000 for single filers; demonstrate that they’ve sought government help to pay the rent; declare that they can’t pay because of COVID-19 hardships; and affirm they are likely to become homeless if evicted.In February, President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-extends-ban-housing-foreclosure-6d16be8ce051c394ae1813c57da6727d">extended a ban on housing foreclosures</a>&nbsp;to June 30 to help homeowners struggling during the pandemic.Housing advocates had generally expected the extension of the tenant eviction moratorium and had been lobbying the Biden administration, saying it was too early in the country’s economic recovery to let the ban lapse.John Pollock, coordinator of the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel, said last week that the moratorium was “the only thing holding back the flood” of evictions that would spiral through the still-shaky American economy.Pollack said current surveys show that 18.4% of all tenants owe back rent. That number also revealed significant racial disparity: The percentage of Black tenants behind on their rent was 32.9%.But some housing advocates were disappointed that Biden merely extended the ban without making any changes. Diane Yentel, president of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, said she and others had pushed to make the ban’s protections automatic and universal. Currently, tenants have to actively take steps to invoke the ban’s protections, which can lead to exploitation of those who don’t know their rights or don’t understand the process.Also, some jurisdictions have allowed landlords to initiate the eviction process in court, a tactic that scared many families into leaving rather than having the eviction proceedings, even unfinished ones, on their records.“While the Biden administration is well aware of the shortcomings in the moratorium order that allow some evictions to proceed during the pandemic, the CDC director did not correct them,” Yentel said.Instead, the CDC “simply extended President Trump’s original order, leaving the loopholes and flaws in place, a disappointing decision that will result in more harmful evictions during the pandemic,” she said.___

Ban on renter evictions during COVID pandemic extended

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Republican Minnesota state representative is proposing legislation that would let Minnesota counties secede from the state and join border states. 

Rep. Jeremy Munson, of Lake Crystal, introduced the bill Thursday and tweeted out an image promoting a union with South Dakota. 

It shows nearly every county west of the Twin Cities metro as part of a newly imagined South Dakota. 

Republican South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem appeared to support Munson’s idea by retweeting his plan with a note that said her state will “roll out the red carpet for people who love personal responsibility” and freedom.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Republican Minnesota state representative is proposing legislation that would let Minnesota counties secede from the state and join border states. Rep. Jeremy Munson, of Lake Crystal, introduced the bill Thursday and tweeted out an image promoting a union with South Dakota. It shows nearly every county west of the Twin Cities metro as part of a newly imagined South Dakota. Republican South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem appeared to support Munson’s idea by retweeting his plan with a note that said her state will “roll out the red carpet for people who love personal responsibility” and freedom.

Minnesota lawmaker proposes secession to border states

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police have announced an arrest in the shooting deaths of two people over the weekend in northeast Omaha. 

Police say in a news release that officers arrested 24-year-old Mabior Mabior, of Omaha, early Monday morning on suspicion of criminal homicide and weapons counts. 

Mabior was booked into the Douglas County Jail following his arrest.

 Mabior is accused in early-morning Saturday shooting deaths of 27-year-old Loklok Thok and 24-year-old Duop Tang Deng. 

Police have said one victim was declared dead at the scene, and the other was transported to an Omaha hospital, where he died. Police have not released a possible motive or other details of the shooting.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police have announced an arrest in the shooting deaths of two people over the weekend in northeast Omaha. Police say in a news release that officers arrested 24-year-old Mabior Mabior, of Omaha, early Monday morning on suspicion of criminal homicide and weapons counts. Mabior was booked into the Douglas County Jail following his arrest. Mabior is accused in early-morning Saturday shooting deaths of 27-year-old Loklok Thok and 24-year-old Duop Tang Deng. Police have said one victim was declared dead at the scene, and the other was transported to an Omaha hospital, where he died. Police have not released a possible motive or other details of the shooting.

Omaha police announce arrest in fatal double shooting

PAPILLION, Neb. (AP) — A veterans group has raised more than $1 million to build a lasting monument to the 396 Nebraskans who died in the Vietnam War. 

The $4 million project in Papillion would build a memorial on two acres of city-owned land. 

Howard Ball with the Nebraska Vietnam Veteran Memorial Foundation said the coronavirus pandemic has hurt fundraising efforts but the group is determined to complete the project.

 The group’s efforts have been helped by a $1 million donation from one donor and a $250,000 donation from another person. 

Both those donors want to remain anonymous.

PAPILLION, Neb. (AP) — A veterans group has raised more than $1 million to build a lasting monument to the 396 Nebraskans who died in the Vietnam War. The $4 million project in Papillion would build a memorial on two acres of city-owned land. Howard Ball with the Nebraska Vietnam Veteran Memorial Foundation said the coronavirus pandemic has hurt fundraising efforts but the group is determined to complete the project. The group’s efforts have been helped by a $1 million donation from one donor and a $250,000 donation from another person. Both those donors want to remain anonymous.

Nebraska group raises over $1M for Vietnam veterans memorial

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say two people were killed in a shooting in Omaha. 

Police said in a news release that officers rushed to the scene around 3 a.m. Saturday in response to gunfire. 

Police found two men with gunshot wounds, 27-year-old Loklok Thok and 24-year-old Duop Tang Deng. 

One was declared dead at the scene, and the other was transported to the Nebraska Medical Center where he was declared dead.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say two people were killed in a shooting in Omaha. Police said in a news release that officers rushed to the scene around 3 a.m. Saturday in response to gunfire. Police found two men with gunshot wounds, 27-year-old Loklok Thok and 24-year-old Duop Tang Deng. One was declared dead at the scene, and the other was transported to the Nebraska Medical Center where he was declared dead. No suspect information was provided.

2 men killed in Omaha shooting; police ask public for tips

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Court records show an Iowa gun store refused to sell a semi-automatic rifle to a heavily armed and agitated Colorado man who said he was surprised his friends didn’t suspect he was the Boulder mass shooter. 

Federal agents say Adam Vannoy made the remark Tuesday when he was trying to purchase an AR-style rifle from Sportsman’s Warehouse in Ankeny, Iowa. 

The store denied the sale and notified federal authorities. 

Vannoy allegedly said he had 500 rounds of ammunition in his truck. 

He has been arrested on a federal weapons charge stemming from a March 14 traffic stop in Nebraska, when authorities say he had several firearms, an illegal silencer and marijuana.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Court records show an Iowa gun store refused to sell a semi-automatic rifle to a heavily armed and agitated Colorado man who said he was surprised his friends didn’t suspect he was the Boulder mass shooter. Federal agents say Adam Vannoy made the remark Tuesday when he was trying to purchase an AR-style rifle from Sportsman’s Warehouse in Ankeny, Iowa. The store denied the sale and notified federal authorities. Vannoy allegedly said he had 500 rounds of ammunition in his truck. He has been arrested on a federal weapons charge stemming from a March 14 traffic stop in Nebraska, when authorities say he had several firearms, an illegal silencer and marijuana.

Feds arrest armed Colorado man after remark about Boulder

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — A former Grand Island teacher was sentenced to six years and four months in prison for possessing child pornography. 

Thirty-eight-year-old Brian Mohr, a former teacher at Northwest High School in Grand Island and Grand Island Central Catholic, was sentenced Friday. 

He was allowed to report to prison on May 26. Mohr pleaded guilty in November. 

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — A former Grand Island teacher was sentenced to six years and four months in prison for possessing child pornography. Thirty-eight-year-old Brian Mohr, a former teacher at Northwest High School in Grand Island and Grand Island Central Catholic, was sentenced Friday. He was allowed to report to prison on May 26. Mohr pleaded guilty in November. Prosecutors said Mohr received nude and sexually explicit photos of minors from a student. Police say the male student pretended to be a female student to get the photos from other teens, then blackmailed the victims for more photos. Mohr received more than three dozen lewd images from the student.