RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A Rapid City man has been found guilty in a string of crimes that include aggravated assault, burglary and grand theft. 

A jury in Pennington County convicted 34-year-old Bill Robertson Tuesday afternoon. 

Robertson was accused of stealing two pickup trucks, breaking into three homes and stabbing, assaulting or threatening five people during a nearly hour-long crime spree last July in Rapid City.

 He was arrested after driving toward a police officer who shot at him multiple times, but did not hit him.

 The officer said he thought Robertson was trying to hit him.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A Rapid City man has been found guilty in a string of crimes that include aggravated assault, burglary and grand theft. A jury in Pennington County convicted 34-year-old Bill Robertson Tuesday afternoon. Robertson was accused of stealing two pickup trucks, breaking into three homes and stabbing, assaulting or threatening five people during a nearly hour-long crime spree last July in Rapid City. He was arrested after driving toward a police officer who shot at him multiple times, but did not hit him. The officer said he thought Robertson was trying to hit him.

Rapid City man convicted in crime spree, including assault

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A new report shows Wyoming's unemployment rate has remained better than the national average, signaling a positive trajectory more than a year into the pandemic. 

The Casper Star-Tribune reports that the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services Research &amp; Planning Section released a March report on Monday. 

It shows the unemployment rate stayed at 5.3% from February to March after a steady run of 5.1% to 5.4% in the last six months.

 The national unemployment rate is at 6%.

 Currently, Weston County leads the state with the lowest unemployment rate, at 4.1%. 

It's followed by Teton County at 4.2%, and Niobrara and Goshen counties at 4.3%.

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A new report shows Wyoming's unemployment rate has remained better than the national average, signaling a positive trajectory more than a year into the pandemic. The Casper Star-Tribune reports that the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services Research &amp; Planning Section released a March report on Monday. It shows the unemployment rate stayed at 5.3% from February to March after a steady run of 5.1% to 5.4% in the last six months. The national unemployment rate is at 6%. Currently, Weston County leads the state with the lowest unemployment rate, at 4.1%. It's followed by Teton County at 4.2%, and Niobrara and Goshen counties at 4.3%.

Report: Wyoming unemployment rates remain steady

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said the conviction of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd “can be a giant step forward” for the nation in the fight against systemic racism. But he declared that “it’s not enough.”

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4959612/president-biden-chauvin-verdict">Click here to watch</a> President Biden's comments

Biden spoke Tuesday from the White House&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-trial-live-updates-04-20-2021-955a78df9a7a51835ad63afb8ce9b5c1">hours after the verdict&nbsp;</a>alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, with the pair saying the country’s work is far from finished with the verdict.

“We can’t stop here,” Biden declared.

Biden and Harris called on Congress to act swiftly to address policing reform, including by approving a bill named for Floyd, who died with his neck under Chauvin’s knee last May. Beyond that, the president said, the entire country must confront hatred to “change hearts and minds as well as laws and policies.”

“‘I can’t breathe.’ Those were George Floyd’s last words,” Biden said. “We can’t let those words die with him. We have to keep hearing those words. We must not turn away. We can’t turn away.”

Harris, the first Black woman to serve as vice president, said racism was keeping the country from fulfilling its founding promise of “liberty and justice for all.”

“It is not just a Black America problem or a people of color problem. it is a problem for every American,” she said. “It is holding our nation back from reaching our full potential.”

“A measure of justice isn’t the same as equal justice,” she said.

Biden addressed the nation after telephoning Floyd’s family following the verdict, telling them, “We’re all so relieved.” He added later that he sought to comfort Floyd’s young daughter Gianna, telling her, “Daddy did change the world.”

After about 10 hours of deliberations over two days, the jury convicted Chauvin of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-trial-charges-716fa235ecf6212f0ee4993110d959df">two counts of murder and one of manslaughte</a>&nbsp;r.

The verdict — and the aftermath — will be a continuing test for Biden. He has pledged to help combat racism in policing, helping African Americans who supported him in large numbers in last year’s election in the wake of protests that swept the nation after Floyd’s death and restarted a national conversation about race. But he also has long projected himself as an ally of police, who are struggling with criticism about long-used tactics and training methods and difficulties in recruitment.

Earlier Tuesday, Biden broke his administration’s silence on the trial, which has set the nation on edge for weeks, saying he was praying for “the right verdict.”

Speaking from the Oval Office while the jury was deliberating in Minneapolis, Biden said, “I’m praying the verdict is the right verdict. I think it’s overwhelming, in my view. I wouldn’t say that unless the jury was sequestered now.”

The president had repeatedly denounced Floyd’s death but had previously stopped short of weighing in on Chauvin’s trial, with White House officials saying it would be improper to speak out during active judicial proceedings. On Tuesday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki repeatedly refused to explain Biden’s comments, doing nothing to dispel the impression that he thought Chauvin should be found guilty.

The White House had been privately weighing how to handle the verdict, dispatching specially trained community facilitators from the Justice Department in anticipation of potential protests, officials said. With word that a verdict had been reached Tuesday afternoon, Biden postponed planned remarks at the White House on his infrastructure package.

On Monday, Judge Peter Cahill, who presided over the trial, admonished public officials about speaking out while the trial was ongoing.

“I wish elected officials would stop talking about this case, especially in a manner that’s disrespectful to the rule of law and to the judicial branch and our function,” he said shortly after sending the jury to begin deliberations.

Defense attorneys often cite remarks made by public officials as a reason to appeal a verdict, in part because they could poison the jury against the defendant.

Cahill delivered his rebuke after rejecting a defense request for a mistrial based in part on comments from California Rep. Maxine Waters, who said “we’ve got to get more confrontational” if Chauvin isn’t convicted of murder. He conceded to Chauvin’s attorneys that Waters’ comments could potentially be grounds for an appeal.

On Monday, Cahill ordered that jurors be sequestered in an undisclosed hotel during their deliberations and instructed them to avoid all news about the case.

Despite Cahill’s remarks, Brock Hunter, a criminal defense attorney and past president of the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, said he considered a successful appeal over remarks like Waters’ and Biden’s extremely unlikely.

“It’s inevitable that public officials are going to comment on a case and its impacts on communities,” he said. “Unless there is direct evidence that statements by a public official directly impacted a juror or jurors, I don’t think this even gets off the ground.”

On Capitol Hill, Republicans as well as Democrats said they were relived at the verdict and predicted it could give momentum to policing reform legislation that has been proposed in both the House and Senate.

“I think the verdict just reinforces that our justice system continues to become more just,” said Tim Scott of South Carolina, the only Black Republican senator. “This is a monumental day in many ways, in my opinion.”

The Congressional Black Caucus watched the verdict together in the Capitol, and members hugged and fist pumped after the verdict was read.

“The room was filled with emotion and gratitude,” said Georgia Rep. Hank Johnson. “Black lives mattered to this jury. And I’m very gratified at the verdict, very happy at the swiftness of the verdict. ... It’s a vindication of justice in America.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi joined the Black Caucus shortly afterward at a news conference outside, where she said she had spoken to Floyd’s family just before the verdict. She said she called “to say to them, ‘Thank you, God bless you, for your grace and your dignity, for the model that you are appealing for justice in the most dignified way.’”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619000270759.png" alt="President Biden spoke after telephoning&nbsp; George Floyd’s family, telling them, “We’re all so relieved.” -photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden spoke after telephoning&nbsp; George Floyd’s family, telling them, “We’re all so relieved.” -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said the conviction of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd “can be a giant step forward” for the nation in the fight against systemic racism. But he declared that “it’s not enough.”<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4959612/president-biden-chauvin-verdict">Click here to watch</a> President Biden's commentsBiden spoke Tuesday from the White House&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-trial-live-updates-04-20-2021-955a78df9a7a51835ad63afb8ce9b5c1">hours after the verdict&nbsp;</a>alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, with the pair saying the country’s work is far from finished with the verdict.“We can’t stop here,” Biden declared.Biden and Harris called on Congress to act swiftly to address policing reform, including by approving a bill named for Floyd, who died with his neck under Chauvin’s knee last May. Beyond that, the president said, the entire country must confront hatred to “change hearts and minds as well as laws and policies.”“‘I can’t breathe.’ Those were George Floyd’s last words,” Biden said. “We can’t let those words die with him. We have to keep hearing those words. We must not turn away. We can’t turn away.”Harris, the first Black woman to serve as vice president, said racism was keeping the country from fulfilling its founding promise of “liberty and justice for all.”“It is not just a Black America problem or a people of color problem. it is a problem for every American,” she said. “It is holding our nation back from reaching our full potential.”“A measure of justice isn’t the same as equal justice,” she said.Biden addressed the nation after telephoning Floyd’s family following the verdict, telling them, “We’re all so relieved.” He added later that he sought to comfort Floyd’s young daughter Gianna, telling her, “Daddy did change the world.”After about 10 hours of deliberations over two days, the jury convicted Chauvin of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-trial-charges-716fa235ecf6212f0ee4993110d959df">two counts of murder and one of manslaughte</a>&nbsp;r.The verdict — and the aftermath — will be a continuing test for Biden. He has pledged to help combat racism in policing, helping African Americans who supported him in large numbers in last year’s election in the wake of protests that swept the nation after Floyd’s death and restarted a national conversation about race. But he also has long projected himself as an ally of police, who are struggling with criticism about long-used tactics and training methods and difficulties in recruitment.Earlier Tuesday, Biden broke his administration’s silence on the trial, which has set the nation on edge for weeks, saying he was praying for “the right verdict.”Speaking from the Oval Office while the jury was deliberating in Minneapolis, Biden said, “I’m praying the verdict is the right verdict. I think it’s overwhelming, in my view. I wouldn’t say that unless the jury was sequestered now.”The president had repeatedly denounced Floyd’s death but had previously stopped short of weighing in on Chauvin’s trial, with White House officials saying it would be improper to speak out during active judicial proceedings. On Tuesday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki repeatedly refused to explain Biden’s comments, doing nothing to dispel the impression that he thought Chauvin should be found guilty.The White House had been privately weighing how to handle the verdict, dispatching specially trained community facilitators from the Justice Department in anticipation of potential protests, officials said. With word that a verdict had been reached Tuesday afternoon, Biden postponed planned remarks at the White House on his infrastructure package.On Monday, Judge Peter Cahill, who presided over the trial, admonished public officials about speaking out while the trial was ongoing.“I wish elected officials would stop talking about this case, especially in a manner that’s disrespectful to the rule of law and to the judicial branch and our function,” he said shortly after sending the jury to begin deliberations.Defense attorneys often cite remarks made by public officials as a reason to appeal a verdict, in part because they could poison the jury against the defendant.Cahill delivered his rebuke after rejecting a defense request for a mistrial based in part on comments from California Rep. Maxine Waters, who said “we’ve got to get more confrontational” if Chauvin isn’t convicted of murder. He conceded to Chauvin’s attorneys that Waters’ comments could potentially be grounds for an appeal.On Monday, Cahill ordered that jurors be sequestered in an undisclosed hotel during their deliberations and instructed them to avoid all news about the case.Despite Cahill’s remarks, Brock Hunter, a criminal defense attorney and past president of the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, said he considered a successful appeal over remarks like Waters’ and Biden’s extremely unlikely.“It’s inevitable that public officials are going to comment on a case and its impacts on communities,” he said. “Unless there is direct evidence that statements by a public official directly impacted a juror or jurors, I don’t think this even gets off the ground.”On Capitol Hill, Republicans as well as Democrats said they were relived at the verdict and predicted it could give momentum to policing reform legislation that has been proposed in both the House and Senate.“I think the verdict just reinforces that our justice system continues to become more just,” said Tim Scott of South Carolina, the only Black Republican senator. “This is a monumental day in many ways, in my opinion.”The Congressional Black Caucus watched the verdict together in the Capitol, and members hugged and fist pumped after the verdict was read.“The room was filled with emotion and gratitude,” said Georgia Rep. Hank Johnson. “Black lives mattered to this jury. And I’m very gratified at the verdict, very happy at the swiftness of the verdict. ... It’s a vindication of justice in America.”House Speaker Nancy Pelosi joined the Black Caucus shortly afterward at a news conference outside, where she said she had spoken to Floyd’s family just before the verdict. She said she called “to say to them, ‘Thank you, God bless you, for your grace and your dignity, for the model that you are appealing for justice in the most dignified way.’”___

🎥  Biden calls on Congress to act swiftly on police reforms

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?510906-1/jury-reaches-verdict-derek-chauvin-trial">Click here </a>to watch a replay of the jury verdict&nbsp;

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Former Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted Tuesday of murder and manslaughter for pinning George Floyd to the pavement with his knee on the Black man’s neck in a case that touched off worldwide protests, violence and a furious reexamination of racism and policing in the U.S.

Chauvin, 45, could be sent to prison for decades.

The jury of six white people and six Black or multiracial ones came back with its verdict after about 10 hours of deliberations over two days. Chauvin was found guilty on all charges: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

His face was obscured by a COVID-19 mask, and little reaction could be seen beyond his eyes darting around the courtroom.

His bail was immediately revoked and he was led away with his hands cuffed behind his back.

The verdict was read in a courthouse ringed with concrete barriers and razor wire and patrolled by National Guard troops, in a city on edge against another round of unrest — not just because of the Chauvin case but because of the deadly police shooting of a young Black man, Daunte Wright, in a Minneapolis suburb April 11.

The jurors identities were kept secret and will not be released until the judge decides it is safe to do so.

Three other former Minneapolis officers charged with aiding and abetting murder in Floyd’s death will stand trial in August.

Floyd, 46, died May 25 after being arrested on suspicion of passing a counterfeit $20 bill for a pack of cigarettes at a corner market. He panicked, pleaded that he was claustrophobic and struggled with police when they tried to put him in a squad car. They put him on the ground instead.

The centerpiece of the case was the excruciating bystander video of Floyd gasping repeatedly, “I can’t breathe” and onlookers yelling at Chauvin to stop as the officer pressed his knee on or close to Floyd’s neck for what authorities say was 9 1/2 minutes. Floyd slowly went silent and limp.

Prosecutors played the footage at the earliest opportunity, during opening statements, with Jerry Blackwell telling the jury: “Believe your eyes.” And it was shown over and over, analyzed one frame at a time by witnesses on both sides.

In the wake of Floyd’s death, demonstrations and scattered violence broke out in Minneapolis, around the country and beyond. The furor also led to the removal of Confederate statues and other offensive symbols such as Aunt Jemima.

In the months that followed, numerous states and cities restricted the use of force by police, revamped disciplinary systems or subjected police departments to closer oversight.

The “Blue Wall of Silence” that often protects police accused of wrongdoing crumbled after Floyd’s death: The Minneapolis police chief quickly called it “murder” and fired all four officers, and the city reached a staggering $27 million settlement with Floyd’s family as jury selection was underway.

Police-procedure experts and law enforcement veterans inside and outside the Minneapolis department, including the chief, testified for the prosecution that Chauvin used excessive force and went against his training.

Medical experts for the prosecution said Floyd died of asphyxia, or lack of oxygen, because his breathing was constricted by the way he was held down on his stomach, his hands cuffed behind him, a knee on his neck and his face jammed against the ground.

Chauvin attorney Eric Nelson called a police use-of-force expert and a forensic pathologist to help make the case that Chauvin acted reasonably against a struggling suspect and that Floyd died because of an underlying heart condition and his illegal drug use.

Floyd had high blood pressure, an enlarged heart and narrowed arteries, and fentanyl and methamphetamine were found in his system.

Under the law, police have certain leeway to use force and are judged according to whether their actions were “reasonable” under the circumstances.

The defense also tried to make the case that Chauvin and the other officers were hindered in their duties by what they perceived as a growing, hostile crowd.

Chauvin did not testify, and all that the jury or the public ever heard by way of an explanation from him came from a police body-camera video after an ambulance had taken the 6-foot-4, 223-pound Floyd away. Chauvin told a bystander: “We gotta control this guy ’cause he’s a sizable guy … and it looks like he’s probably on something.”

The prosecution’s case also included tearful testimony from onlookers who said the police kept them back when they protested what was happening. Eighteen-year-old Darnella Frazier, who shot the crucial video, said Chauvin just gave the bystanders a “cold” and “heartless” stare.

She and others said they felt a sense of helplessness and lingering guilt from witnessing Floyd’s slow-motion death.

“It’s been nights I stayed up, apologizing and apologizing to George Floyd for not doing more, and not physically interacting and not saving his life,” Frazier testified, while the 19-year-old cashier at the neighborhood market, Christopher Martin, lamented that “this could have been avoided” if only he had rejected the suspect $20 bill.

To make Floyd more than a crime statistic in the eyes of the jury, the prosecution called to the stand his girlfriend, who told the story of how they met and how they struggled with addiction to opioids, and his younger brother Philonise. He recalled how Floyd helped teach him to catch a football and made “the best banana mayonnaise sandwiches.”

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The jury reached a verdict Tuesday at the murder trial of former Officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd, the Black man who was pinned to the pavement with a knee on his neck in a case that set off a furious reexamination of racism and policing in the U.S.

The verdict, arrived at after about 10 hours of deliberations over two days, was to be read late in the afternoon in a city on edge against the possibility of more unrest like that that erupted last spring.

The courthouse was ringed with concrete barriers and razor wire, and thousands of National Guard troops and law enforcement officers were brought in ahead of the verdict. Some businesses boarded up with plywood.

Floyd died last May after Chauvin, a 45-year-old now-fired white officer, pinned his knee on or close to the 46-year-old Black man’s neck for about 9 1/2 minutes as Floyd gasped that he couldn’t breathe and onlookers yelled at Chauvin to get off.

The jury, made up of six white people and six Black or multiracial people, weighed charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, with convictions on some, none or all of the charges possible. The most serious charge carries up to 40 years in prison.

The city has been on edge in recent days — not just over the Chauvin case but over the deadly police shooting of a 20-year-old Black man, Daunte Wright, in the nearby Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Center on April 11.

Earlier in the day Tuesday, President Joe Biden weighed in by saying he believes the case is “overwhelming.”

He said that he had spoken to Floyd’s family on Monday and “can only imagine the pressure and anxiety they’re feeling.”

“They’re a good family and they’re calling for peace and tranquility no matter what that verdict is,” Biden said. “I’m praying the verdict is the right verdict. I think it’s overwhelming, in my view. I wouldn’t say that unless the jury was sequestered now.”

The president has repeatedly denounced Floyd’s death but previously stopped short of commenting on the trial itself.

Other politicians and ordinary citizens also offered their opinion as the jury was deliberating.

“It shouldn’t be really even questioned whether there will be an acquittal or a verdict that doesn’t meet the scale of the crime that was committed,” Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democrat, said in Brooklyn Center. The congresswoman said the Chauvin case looks open-and-shut.

Guilty verdicts could mark a turning point in the fight for racial equality, she said.

“We are holding on to one another for support. Hopefully this verdict will come soon and the community will start the process of healing,” Omar said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618953264612.png" alt="Ex-officer Derek Chauvin is handcuffed moments after the judge read the guilty verdict-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Ex-officer Derek Chauvin is handcuffed moments after the judge read the guilty verdict-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?510906-1/jury-reaches-verdict-derek-chauvin-trial">Click here </a>to watch a replay of the jury verdict&nbsp;MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Former Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted Tuesday of murder and manslaughter for pinning George Floyd to the pavement with his knee on the Black man’s neck in a case that touched off worldwide protests, violence and a furious reexamination of racism and policing in the U.S.Chauvin, 45, could be sent to prison for decades.The jury of six white people and six Black or multiracial ones came back with its verdict after about 10 hours of deliberations over two days. Chauvin was found guilty on all charges: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.His face was obscured by a COVID-19 mask, and little reaction could be seen beyond his eyes darting around the courtroom.His bail was immediately revoked and he was led away with his hands cuffed behind his back.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618954035360.png" alt="A court officer leads Chauvin from the courtroom- photo courtesy CSPAN " />
 <figcaption>A court officer leads Chauvin from the courtroom- photo courtesy CSPAN </figcaption>
 </figure>The verdict was read in a courthouse ringed with concrete barriers and razor wire and patrolled by National Guard troops, in a city on edge against another round of unrest — not just because of the Chauvin case but because of the deadly police shooting of a young Black man, Daunte Wright, in a Minneapolis suburb April 11.The jurors identities were kept secret and will not be released until the judge decides it is safe to do so.Three other former Minneapolis officers charged with aiding and abetting murder in Floyd’s death will stand trial in August.Floyd, 46, died May 25 after being arrested on suspicion of passing a counterfeit $20 bill for a pack of cigarettes at a corner market. He panicked, pleaded that he was claustrophobic and struggled with police when they tried to put him in a squad car. They put him on the ground instead.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618952880785.png" alt="Derek Chauvin listens to the guilty verdicts in court Tuesday afternoon - photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Derek Chauvin listens to the guilty verdicts in court Tuesday afternoon - photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>The centerpiece of the case was the excruciating bystander video of Floyd gasping repeatedly, “I can’t breathe” and onlookers yelling at Chauvin to stop as the officer pressed his knee on or close to Floyd’s neck for what authorities say was 9 1/2 minutes. Floyd slowly went silent and limp.Prosecutors played the footage at the earliest opportunity, during opening statements, with Jerry Blackwell telling the jury: “Believe your eyes.” And it was shown over and over, analyzed one frame at a time by witnesses on both sides.In the wake of Floyd’s death, demonstrations and scattered violence broke out in Minneapolis, around the country and beyond. The furor also led to the removal of Confederate statues and other offensive symbols such as Aunt Jemima.In the months that followed, numerous states and cities restricted the use of force by police, revamped disciplinary systems or subjected police departments to closer oversight.The “Blue Wall of Silence” that often protects police accused of wrongdoing crumbled after Floyd’s death: The Minneapolis police chief quickly called it “murder” and fired all four officers, and the city reached a staggering $27 million settlement with Floyd’s family as jury selection was underway.Police-procedure experts and law enforcement veterans inside and outside the Minneapolis department, including the chief, testified for the prosecution that Chauvin used excessive force and went against his training.Medical experts for the prosecution said Floyd died of asphyxia, or lack of oxygen, because his breathing was constricted by the way he was held down on his stomach, his hands cuffed behind him, a knee on his neck and his face jammed against the ground.Chauvin attorney Eric Nelson called a police use-of-force expert and a forensic pathologist to help make the case that Chauvin acted reasonably against a struggling suspect and that Floyd died because of an underlying heart condition and his illegal drug use.Floyd had high blood pressure, an enlarged heart and narrowed arteries, and fentanyl and methamphetamine were found in his system.Under the law, police have certain leeway to use force and are judged according to whether their actions were “reasonable” under the circumstances.The defense also tried to make the case that Chauvin and the other officers were hindered in their duties by what they perceived as a growing, hostile crowd.Chauvin did not testify, and all that the jury or the public ever heard by way of an explanation from him came from a police body-camera video after an ambulance had taken the 6-foot-4, 223-pound Floyd away. Chauvin told a bystander: “We gotta control this guy ’cause he’s a sizable guy … and it looks like he’s probably on something.”The prosecution’s case also included tearful testimony from onlookers who said the police kept them back when they protested what was happening. Eighteen-year-old Darnella Frazier, who shot the crucial video, said Chauvin just gave the bystanders a “cold” and “heartless” stare.She and others said they felt a sense of helplessness and lingering guilt from witnessing Floyd’s slow-motion death.“It’s been nights I stayed up, apologizing and apologizing to George Floyd for not doing more, and not physically interacting and not saving his life,” Frazier testified, while the 19-year-old cashier at the neighborhood market, Christopher Martin, lamented that “this could have been avoided” if only he had rejected the suspect $20 bill.To make Floyd more than a crime statistic in the eyes of the jury, the prosecution called to the stand his girlfriend, who told the story of how they met and how they struggled with addiction to opioids, and his younger brother Philonise. He recalled how Floyd helped teach him to catch a football and made “the best banana mayonnaise sandwiches.”---------MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The jury reached a verdict Tuesday at the murder trial of former Officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd, the Black man who was pinned to the pavement with a knee on his neck in a case that set off a furious reexamination of racism and policing in the U.S.The verdict, arrived at after about 10 hours of deliberations over two days, was to be read late in the afternoon in a city on edge against the possibility of more unrest like that that erupted last spring.The courthouse was ringed with concrete barriers and razor wire, and thousands of National Guard troops and law enforcement officers were brought in ahead of the verdict. Some businesses boarded up with plywood.Floyd died last May after Chauvin, a 45-year-old now-fired white officer, pinned his knee on or close to the 46-year-old Black man’s neck for about 9 1/2 minutes as Floyd gasped that he couldn’t breathe and onlookers yelled at Chauvin to get off.The jury, made up of six white people and six Black or multiracial people, weighed charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, with convictions on some, none or all of the charges possible. The most serious charge carries up to 40 years in prison.The city has been on edge in recent days — not just over the Chauvin case but over the deadly police shooting of a 20-year-old Black man, Daunte Wright, in the nearby Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Center on April 11.Earlier in the day Tuesday, President Joe Biden weighed in by saying he believes the case is “overwhelming.”He said that he had spoken to Floyd’s family on Monday and “can only imagine the pressure and anxiety they’re feeling.”“They’re a good family and they’re calling for peace and tranquility no matter what that verdict is,” Biden said. “I’m praying the verdict is the right verdict. I think it’s overwhelming, in my view. I wouldn’t say that unless the jury was sequestered now.”The president has repeatedly denounced Floyd’s death but previously stopped short of commenting on the trial itself.Other politicians and ordinary citizens also offered their opinion as the jury was deliberating.“It shouldn’t be really even questioned whether there will be an acquittal or a verdict that doesn’t meet the scale of the crime that was committed,” Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democrat, said in Brooklyn Center. The congresswoman said the Chauvin case looks open-and-shut.Guilty verdicts could mark a turning point in the fight for racial equality, she said.“We are holding on to one another for support. Hopefully this verdict will come soon and the community will start the process of healing,” Omar said.___

🎥 Jury: Chauvin guilty of murder, manslaughter in George Floyd death

KANSAS CITY (AP) –Marie Watson wanted to be among the first in line when she and other essential workers became eligible for the coronavirus vaccine — and with good reason.

The maintenance parts buyer for a Mission Foods tortilla plant in Pueblo, Colorado, had lost her father to COVID-19 in the fall and was told by a doctor last year that she&nbsp; herself almost certainly had the virus.

So when her union, the United Food Workers and Commercial Workers, secured appointments for the plant's 200 workers, she jumped in her car and drove to a nearby drive-thru clinic for the first of two doses.

“There was this sense of relief," Watson said. "This was more confirmation that I’m on my way to being normal.”

A growing number of labor unions and companies are securing shots for their employees as eligibility widens. Some large companies such as Amazon are offering workplace vaccinations through licensed health care providers, while smaller outfits are booking appointments for workers at outside locations.

For employers, the vaccines are a critical step toward restoring normalcy at a time when they expect a spike in demand for their services as more people get inoculated. They are also betting that employees who did not initially trust the vaccine will have a change of heart when they see co-workers receiving it.

For workers, employer assistance with the vaccine eliminates hurdles, including transportation issues or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccine-delays-grocery-workers-1103aa7b46cf6ee22ad7a5120fe2eac0">maneuvering through a patchwork of websites</a>&nbsp;to find appointments. That access could help to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-health-coronavirus-pandemic-hispanics-d0746b028cf56231dbcdeda0fba24314">narrow the racial and socioeconomic gaps</a>&nbsp;that have opened in the country’s vaccination drive.

While many essential workers have spent weeks trying to get time slots, Watson got her shot days after Colorado extended eligibility to food workers.

Iliana de la Vega, owner of the Mexican restaurant El Naranjo in Austin, Texas, said she secured appointments for all 12 of her employees out of gratitude that they stuck with her through shutdown orders and capacity restrictions that ate into their pay.

Some workers hesitated at first but were quickly persuaded with the promise of a day off, De la Vega said.

“A couple of them said, ‘We are not sure.' I said, 'That's not an option. Take it or leave it. Who knows when you will be able to get it again?'" de la Vega said.

Despite the growing number of companies offering on-site vaccinations, there are signs that some may have lost interest. In March, when vaccine eligibility was widening and distribution efforts improving in the U.S., a survey by the consulting firm Gartner found 30% of companies planned to bring vaccines to their employees. That was down from 42% in January, when distribution was still spotty and obtaining appointments was still extremely difficult for most people.

“The speed of the rollout has exceeded their expectations so companies are realizing they can take a back seat,” said Brian Kropp, chief of research at Gartner's human resources practice.

Vaccinating employees is also less urgent for a growing number of companies that are adopting permanent remote-work policies, Kropp said. While nearly two-thirds of companies plan to reopen their workplaces by the end of this year, the majority say they will allow many employees to keep working from home at least some days, according to Gartner, which surveyed 300 companies.

Nonetheless, prominent companies continue to join the list of those offering on-site vaccinations.

Ford Motor Co. and the United Auto Workers opened up on-site vaccinations Monday in Michigan, Kansas and Ohio. In Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine had initially put a stop to workplace clinics out of concern they would tie up supply, but he allowed them to resume last week as demand dropped at the state's mass vaccination sites.

Amazon launched its long-anticipated on-site vaccinations last month in Kansas, Missouri and Nevada. Warehouse and other front-line workers can sign up for shots at kiosks or through Amazon’s employee app.

Yogurt maker Chobani, which employs 2,200 people in the U.S., partnered with a local pharmacy to vaccinate hundreds of its employees at its Twin Falls, Idaho, plant, according to the company’s chief People and Culture Officer Grace Zuncic.

American Airlines, Subaru, chicken producer Mountaire Farms, and agricultural equipment maker Vermeer are among 40 companies that brought vaccines to their employees through partnerships with Premise Health, a direct health care provider. American Airlines is administering vaccines at airports in Chicago, Charlotte, Tulsa and Dallas-Fort Worth, according to the company.

At least 25,000 people have been vaccinated through the partnerships, said Premise President Jami Doucette. He expects that number to climb into the millions.

Tyson Foods, one of the world’s largest food companies, said it has vaccinated nearly 40,000 employees — nearly one-third of its workforce — at vaccination events in 16 states. Tyson also expanded its on-site event last week to include eligible family members of employees.

Bob Reinhard, who is leading Tyson’s vaccination effort, said a minority of employees have refused to get vaccinated while some others are interested but want more information and don’t want to go first.

“That secondary group is now coming around,” Reinhard said.

Employer-organized vaccination events, along with incentives such as bonuses or paid time off, allow companies to keep track of how many employees get vaccinated. Employer are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/can-employers-covid-19-vaccine-mandatory-ba22c99f01f24ea3be7631ff751f0d82">legally allowed</a>&nbsp;to require the vaccine, but the vast majority have shied away from doing so; some say it doesn't make sense to do so until everyone is eligible and there is sufficient supply.

Still, the idea is gaining some traction. While Gartner's March survey showed just 8% of companies planned to require employees to show proof of vaccinations, that number was up from 2% in January.

Chobani, which says it has avoided outbreaks at its plants and has seen few positive cases among employees, has not ruled out requiring the vaccines, Zuncic said. The company plans to assess how many of its workers have been vaccinated by midyear.

“It's a discussion that continues,” Zuncic said. “We want to get a pulse and sense of how far along we are.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618924071042.png" alt="Tyson Foods team members who want it receive vaccinations at work -photo courtesy Tyson Foods" />
 <figcaption>Tyson Foods team members who want it receive vaccinations at work -photo courtesy Tyson Foods</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) –Marie Watson wanted to be among the first in line when she and other essential workers became eligible for the coronavirus vaccine — and with good reason.The maintenance parts buyer for a Mission Foods tortilla plant in Pueblo, Colorado, had lost her father to COVID-19 in the fall and was told by a doctor last year that she&nbsp; herself almost certainly had the virus.So when her union, the United Food Workers and Commercial Workers, secured appointments for the plant's 200 workers, she jumped in her car and drove to a nearby drive-thru clinic for the first of two doses.“There was this sense of relief," Watson said. "This was more confirmation that I’m on my way to being normal.”A growing number of labor unions and companies are securing shots for their employees as eligibility widens. Some large companies such as Amazon are offering workplace vaccinations through licensed health care providers, while smaller outfits are booking appointments for workers at outside locations.For employers, the vaccines are a critical step toward restoring normalcy at a time when they expect a spike in demand for their services as more people get inoculated. They are also betting that employees who did not initially trust the vaccine will have a change of heart when they see co-workers receiving it.For workers, employer assistance with the vaccine eliminates hurdles, including transportation issues or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccine-delays-grocery-workers-1103aa7b46cf6ee22ad7a5120fe2eac0">maneuvering through a patchwork of websites</a>&nbsp;to find appointments. That access could help to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-health-coronavirus-pandemic-hispanics-d0746b028cf56231dbcdeda0fba24314">narrow the racial and socioeconomic gaps</a>&nbsp;that have opened in the country’s vaccination drive.While many essential workers have spent weeks trying to get time slots, Watson got her shot days after Colorado extended eligibility to food workers.Iliana de la Vega, owner of the Mexican restaurant El Naranjo in Austin, Texas, said she secured appointments for all 12 of her employees out of gratitude that they stuck with her through shutdown orders and capacity restrictions that ate into their pay.Some workers hesitated at first but were quickly persuaded with the promise of a day off, De la Vega said.“A couple of them said, ‘We are not sure.' I said, 'That's not an option. Take it or leave it. Who knows when you will be able to get it again?'" de la Vega said.Despite the growing number of companies offering on-site vaccinations, there are signs that some may have lost interest. In March, when vaccine eligibility was widening and distribution efforts improving in the U.S., a survey by the consulting firm Gartner found 30% of companies planned to bring vaccines to their employees. That was down from 42% in January, when distribution was still spotty and obtaining appointments was still extremely difficult for most people.“The speed of the rollout has exceeded their expectations so companies are realizing they can take a back seat,” said Brian Kropp, chief of research at Gartner's human resources practice.Vaccinating employees is also less urgent for a growing number of companies that are adopting permanent remote-work policies, Kropp said. While nearly two-thirds of companies plan to reopen their workplaces by the end of this year, the majority say they will allow many employees to keep working from home at least some days, according to Gartner, which surveyed 300 companies.Nonetheless, prominent companies continue to join the list of those offering on-site vaccinations.Ford Motor Co. and the United Auto Workers opened up on-site vaccinations Monday in Michigan, Kansas and Ohio. In Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine had initially put a stop to workplace clinics out of concern they would tie up supply, but he allowed them to resume last week as demand dropped at the state's mass vaccination sites.Amazon launched its long-anticipated on-site vaccinations last month in Kansas, Missouri and Nevada. Warehouse and other front-line workers can sign up for shots at kiosks or through Amazon’s employee app.Yogurt maker Chobani, which employs 2,200 people in the U.S., partnered with a local pharmacy to vaccinate hundreds of its employees at its Twin Falls, Idaho, plant, according to the company’s chief People and Culture Officer Grace Zuncic.American Airlines, Subaru, chicken producer Mountaire Farms, and agricultural equipment maker Vermeer are among 40 companies that brought vaccines to their employees through partnerships with Premise Health, a direct health care provider. American Airlines is administering vaccines at airports in Chicago, Charlotte, Tulsa and Dallas-Fort Worth, according to the company.At least 25,000 people have been vaccinated through the partnerships, said Premise President Jami Doucette. He expects that number to climb into the millions.Tyson Foods, one of the world’s largest food companies, said it has vaccinated nearly 40,000 employees — nearly one-third of its workforce — at vaccination events in 16 states. Tyson also expanded its on-site event last week to include eligible family members of employees.Bob Reinhard, who is leading Tyson’s vaccination effort, said a minority of employees have refused to get vaccinated while some others are interested but want more information and don’t want to go first.“That secondary group is now coming around,” Reinhard said.Employer-organized vaccination events, along with incentives such as bonuses or paid time off, allow companies to keep track of how many employees get vaccinated. Employer are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/can-employers-covid-19-vaccine-mandatory-ba22c99f01f24ea3be7631ff751f0d82">legally allowed</a>&nbsp;to require the vaccine, but the vast majority have shied away from doing so; some say it doesn't make sense to do so until everyone is eligible and there is sufficient supply.Still, the idea is gaining some traction. While Gartner's March survey showed just 8% of companies planned to require employees to show proof of vaccinations, that number was up from 2% in January.Chobani, which says it has avoided outbreaks at its plants and has seen few positive cases among employees, has not ruled out requiring the vaccines, Zuncic said. The company plans to assess how many of its workers have been vaccinated by midyear.“It's a discussion that continues,” Zuncic said. “We want to get a pulse and sense of how far along we are.”

A jab on the job: Companies, unions offer COVID vaccine

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Lincoln man who accidentally shot himself in the foot with a rifle last week saw metaphorical salt rubbed into the wound when police ticketed him for the incident. 

The Lincoln Journal Star reported that the shooting happened Friday, when a 27-year-old man went to a Lincoln hospital after shooting himself in the foot with a .22 caliber rifle.

 By Saturday night, police had cited the man for discharging a firearm and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, both misdemeanors.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Lincoln man who accidentally shot himself in the foot with a rifle last week saw metaphorical salt rubbed into the wound when police ticketed him for the incident. The Lincoln Journal Star reported that the shooting happened Friday, when a 27-year-old man went to a Lincoln hospital after shooting himself in the foot with a .22 caliber rifle. By Saturday night, police had cited the man for discharging a firearm and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, both misdemeanors.

Police ticket man who accidentally shot self in the foot

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says he is “praying the verdict is the right verdict” in the trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin and that he believes the case to be “overwhelming.” 

Biden told reporters at the White House on Tuesday that he was only weighing in on the trial into the death of George Floyd because the jury in the case had been sequestered. 

He confirmed that he called Floyd’s family on Monday and said he “can only imagine the pressure and anxiety they’re feeling.” The jury is now deliberating the case against Chauvin.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is privately weighing how to handle the upcoming verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, including considering whether President Joe Biden should address the nation and dispatching specially trained community facilitators from the Justice Department, aides and officials told The Associated Press.

Closing arguments began Monday in Chauvin’s trial with a prosecutor telling jurors&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-trial-live-updates-e1d714c68ab5b067b101af7c6d486c6c">that the officer “had to know” he was squeezing the life out of George Floyd</a>&nbsp;as he cried over and over that he couldn’t breathe and finally fell silent. Chauvin faces murder and manslaughter charges

The plans for possible presidential remarks are still fluid, with the timing, venue and nature of the remarks still being considered, in part depending on the timing of the verdict, according to two White House aides who were not authorized to speak publicly about private conversations and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

The White House has been warily watching the trial proceed in Minneapolis — and then another shooting of a Black man by a white police officer last week — and are preparing for the possibility of unrest if a guilty verdict is not reached in the trial. Biden may also speak after a guilty verdict, the White House aides said.

The verdict — and the aftermath —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-race-and-ethnicity-death-of-daunte-wright-shootings-police-5b60aafc871e642a3f1a491b5e934b91">will be a test for Biden,</a>&nbsp;who has pledged to help combat racism in policing, helping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-race-and-ethnicity-virus-outbreak-georgia-7a843bbce00713cfde6c3fdbc2e31eb7">African Americans who supported him in large numbers last year</a>&nbsp;in the wake of protests that swept the nation after Floyd’s death and restarted a national conversation about race. But he also has long projected himself as an ally of police, who are struggling with criticism about long-used tactics and training methods and difficulties in recruitment.

Press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday that the White House has had a “range of conversations” about preparations for the upcoming verdict and added, “Our objective is to ensure there is space for peaceful protest.”

“Of course we’ll let the jury deliberate and we’ll wait for the verdict to come out before we say more about our engagements,” Psaki said.

Psaki said administration officials have been in contact with leaders in Minnesota and in other cities and states that saw unrest after Floyd’s death last year.

She declined to answer if Biden would be “disappointed” if a not guilty verdict was reached.

Meanwhile, the FBI and the U.S. attorney’s office in Minnesota have been working with local officials to support law enforcement as they prepare for the possibility of unrest after the verdict, officials said.

And the Justice Department has also dispatched specially trained community facilitators ahead of a verdict, according to a senior Justice Department official. The official could not discuss the plans publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

The officials, part of the Justice Department’s Community Relations Service, tout themselves as “America’s Peacemaker” by mediating disputes in communities and holding listening sessions to help prevent future conflicts.

A federal civil rights investigation, separate from the trial, remains ongoing. Several witnesses were subpoenaed earlier this year to appear before a federal grand jury considering charges against Chauvin.

The Justice Department’s civil rights investigation has been focused on Chauvin and some of the witnesses, including other officers who worked with Chauvin, people familiar with the matter have told the AP.

Chauvin was prepared to plead guilty to third-degree murder in George Floyd’s death before then-Attorney General William Barr&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-george-floyd-third-degree-2deefbc803665f808676fbbb8a131390">personally blocked the plea deal last year</a>. Barr rejected the deal in part because he felt it was too soon, as the investigation into Floyd’s death was still in its relative infancy, law enforcement officials said.

Across the country, police departments are also preparing for the possibility of rioting or other unrest, with some canceling vacation time and increasing the number of officers available for shifts. The federal government hasn’t detailed its plan in the event of widespread or sustained civil unrest.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Monday that there has been a request from officials in Washington, D.C., for D.C. National Guard forces in the event there is civil unrest in the nation’s capital, and it is currently being reviewed by the Army. He said the Army secretary has the authority to approve any request for D.C. National Guard but did not have details on the request.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618935352618.png" alt="President Biden confirmed that he called Floyd’s family on Monday-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden confirmed that he called Floyd’s family on Monday-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says he is “praying the verdict is the right verdict” in the trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin and that he believes the case to be “overwhelming.” Biden told reporters at the White House on Tuesday that he was only weighing in on the trial into the death of George Floyd because the jury in the case had been sequestered. He confirmed that he called Floyd’s family on Monday and said he “can only imagine the pressure and anxiety they’re feeling.” The jury is now deliberating the case against Chauvin.------------WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is privately weighing how to handle the upcoming verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, including considering whether President Joe Biden should address the nation and dispatching specially trained community facilitators from the Justice Department, aides and officials told The Associated Press.Closing arguments began Monday in Chauvin’s trial with a prosecutor telling jurors&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-trial-live-updates-e1d714c68ab5b067b101af7c6d486c6c">that the officer “had to know” he was squeezing the life out of George Floyd</a>&nbsp;as he cried over and over that he couldn’t breathe and finally fell silent. Chauvin faces murder and manslaughter charges<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618882803416.png" alt="President Biden on Monday held the latest in a series of meetings on the American Jobs Plan. He brought together a bipartisan group of Members of Congress–all former governors or mayors–to discuss the need for federal investment in rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden on Monday held the latest in a series of meetings on the American Jobs Plan. He brought together a bipartisan group of Members of Congress–all former governors or mayors–to discuss the need for federal investment in rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>The plans for possible presidential remarks are still fluid, with the timing, venue and nature of the remarks still being considered, in part depending on the timing of the verdict, according to two White House aides who were not authorized to speak publicly about private conversations and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.The White House has been warily watching the trial proceed in Minneapolis — and then another shooting of a Black man by a white police officer last week — and are preparing for the possibility of unrest if a guilty verdict is not reached in the trial. Biden may also speak after a guilty verdict, the White House aides said.The verdict — and the aftermath —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-race-and-ethnicity-death-of-daunte-wright-shootings-police-5b60aafc871e642a3f1a491b5e934b91">will be a test for Biden,</a>&nbsp;who has pledged to help combat racism in policing, helping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-race-and-ethnicity-virus-outbreak-georgia-7a843bbce00713cfde6c3fdbc2e31eb7">African Americans who supported him in large numbers last year</a>&nbsp;in the wake of protests that swept the nation after Floyd’s death and restarted a national conversation about race. But he also has long projected himself as an ally of police, who are struggling with criticism about long-used tactics and training methods and difficulties in recruitment.Press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday that the White House has had a “range of conversations” about preparations for the upcoming verdict and added, “Our objective is to ensure there is space for peaceful protest.”“Of course we’ll let the jury deliberate and we’ll wait for the verdict to come out before we say more about our engagements,” Psaki said.Psaki said administration officials have been in contact with leaders in Minnesota and in other cities and states that saw unrest after Floyd’s death last year.She declined to answer if Biden would be “disappointed” if a not guilty verdict was reached.Meanwhile, the FBI and the U.S. attorney’s office in Minnesota have been working with local officials to support law enforcement as they prepare for the possibility of unrest after the verdict, officials said.And the Justice Department has also dispatched specially trained community facilitators ahead of a verdict, according to a senior Justice Department official. The official could not discuss the plans publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.The officials, part of the Justice Department’s Community Relations Service, tout themselves as “America’s Peacemaker” by mediating disputes in communities and holding listening sessions to help prevent future conflicts.A federal civil rights investigation, separate from the trial, remains ongoing. Several witnesses were subpoenaed earlier this year to appear before a federal grand jury considering charges against Chauvin.The Justice Department’s civil rights investigation has been focused on Chauvin and some of the witnesses, including other officers who worked with Chauvin, people familiar with the matter have told the AP.Chauvin was prepared to plead guilty to third-degree murder in George Floyd’s death before then-Attorney General William Barr&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-george-floyd-third-degree-2deefbc803665f808676fbbb8a131390">personally blocked the plea deal last year</a>. Barr rejected the deal in part because he felt it was too soon, as the investigation into Floyd’s death was still in its relative infancy, law enforcement officials said.Across the country, police departments are also preparing for the possibility of rioting or other unrest, with some canceling vacation time and increasing the number of officers available for shifts. The federal government hasn’t detailed its plan in the event of widespread or sustained civil unrest.Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Monday that there has been a request from officials in Washington, D.C., for D.C. National Guard forces in the event there is civil unrest in the nation’s capital, and it is currently being reviewed by the Army. He said the Army secretary has the authority to approve any request for D.C. National Guard but did not have details on the request.__

Biden praying for 'right verdict' in Chauvin trial

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Omaha police say no one was hurt when an officer fired a gun during arrest this week. 

Police say in a news release that the gun was fired Monday in north Omaha during the arrest of a woman wanted on felony warrants. 

Police say members of the Metro Fugitive Task Force Unit, an Omaha officer, and two Washington County deputies were searching for the woman when she was spotted in the passenger side of a white truck driven by a man. 

Police say as officers tried to stop the pair, one of the officers fired a gun.

 Police say the man and woman fled in the truck, then fled on foot after the truck crashed.

 Police say both were arrested following a short foot chase.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Omaha police say no one was hurt when an officer fired a gun during arrest this week. Police say in a news release that the gun was fired Monday in north Omaha during the arrest of a woman wanted on felony warrants. Police say members of the Metro Fugitive Task Force Unit, an Omaha officer, and two Washington County deputies were searching for the woman when she was spotted in the passenger side of a white truck driven by a man. Police say as officers tried to stop the pair, one of the officers fired a gun. Police say the man and woman fled in the truck, then fled on foot after the truck crashed. Police say both were arrested following a short foot chase.

Police: Officer fired gun during Omaha arrest; no one hurt

OMAHA&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol has added additional charges against a suspect in a pursuit that occurred Wednesday evening, April 15, in Omaha.

NSP has received information that the suspect provided a false identity throughout the process of apprehension, treatment for minor injuries at the hospital, and booking at the Douglas County Jail. The suspect’s actual identity is Jeremy Binns, 43, of Iowa.

Binns had provided false information, identifying himself as Devlin Phillips, 42, of Omaha, due to a physical resemblance between he and Phillips. Devlin Phillips is not involved in this case.

At the direction of the Douglas County Attorney’s Office, troopers have added charges of criminal impersonation, obstruction, and providing false information. Binns also faces charges of willful reckless driving, flight to avoid arrest, possession of methamphetamine, driving during revocation, and no valid registration in connection with Wednesday night’s pursuit and arrest. Binns also has a warrant for his arrest out of Iowa.

Binns remains lodged in Douglas County Corrections.

OMAHA&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol has added additional charges against a suspect in a pursuit that occurred Wednesday evening, April 15, in Omaha.NSP has received information that the suspect provided a false identity throughout the process of apprehension, treatment for minor injuries at the hospital, and booking at the Douglas County Jail. The suspect’s actual identity is Jeremy Binns, 43, of Iowa.Binns had provided false information, identifying himself as Devlin Phillips, 42, of Omaha, due to a physical resemblance between he and Phillips. Devlin Phillips is not involved in this case.At the direction of the Douglas County Attorney’s Office, troopers have added charges of criminal impersonation, obstruction, and providing false information. Binns also faces charges of willful reckless driving, flight to avoid arrest, possession of methamphetamine, driving during revocation, and no valid registration in connection with Wednesday night’s pursuit and arrest. Binns also has a warrant for his arrest out of Iowa.Binns remains lodged in Douglas County Corrections.

Criminal impersonation charges added in follow-up to pursuit arrest

News Release Wyoming Highway Patrol

Recently, WHP Trooper Jaime Wingard stopped out with a broken down motorist near Wheatland, Wyoming and soon discovered that a mother and her handicapped daughter were driving to Children's Hospital in Denver when their vehicle broke down. They stated they had help on the way and needed no assistance at the moment. Trooper Wingard gave them some phone numbers with information to try and assist, as well as providing them her state cell phone number.

Trooper Wingard departed and went home. While off duty, the individuals contacted her. They were distraught as their help wasn't panning out and they desperately needed to get to Denver. They asked if Trooper Wingard could give them a ride to the state line in her patrol car, but had no idea what to do after that.

Trooper Wingard was off duty at this time, and even if she was on duty, a ride to the state line wouldn't be feasible. Trooper Wingard felt compelled to assist the mom and daughter and took her personal vehicle out to where they were broke down and gave them a ride to the hospital in Denver. She did this on her own time, in her own vehicle, and at her own expense.

We can think of no better example of empathy and genuine care for others than this. This is just one illustration of many of the strong moral character that Trooper Wingard possesses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618930764271.png" alt="Trooper Jaime Wingard" />
 <figcaption>Trooper Jaime Wingard</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Wyoming Highway PatrolRecently, WHP Trooper Jaime Wingard stopped out with a broken down motorist near Wheatland, Wyoming and soon discovered that a mother and her handicapped daughter were driving to Children's Hospital in Denver when their vehicle broke down. They stated they had help on the way and needed no assistance at the moment. Trooper Wingard gave them some phone numbers with information to try and assist, as well as providing them her state cell phone number.Trooper Wingard departed and went home. While off duty, the individuals contacted her. They were distraught as their help wasn't panning out and they desperately needed to get to Denver. They asked if Trooper Wingard could give them a ride to the state line in her patrol car, but had no idea what to do after that.Trooper Wingard was off duty at this time, and even if she was on duty, a ride to the state line wouldn't be feasible. Trooper Wingard felt compelled to assist the mom and daughter and took her personal vehicle out to where they were broke down and gave them a ride to the hospital in Denver. She did this on her own time, in her own vehicle, and at her own expense.We can think of no better example of empathy and genuine care for others than this. This is just one illustration of many of the strong moral character that Trooper Wingard possesses.

Wyoming trooper gives mother, daughter ride to Denver hospital after car breaks down

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Police in Lincoln say a 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and other counts after he was accused of having a stolen handgun and punching an officer several times in the face as he was being arrested. 

The Lincoln Journal Star says the incident happened Saturday night, when police confronted the teen who had a warrant out for his arrest.

 Police say the teen punched the officer in an attempt to get away. 

Police say they found a stolen 9 mm handgun and four magazines of ammunition in his backpack. 

In addition to the assault charge, the teen faces charges of carrying a concealed weapon and vandalism.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Police in Lincoln say a 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and other counts after he was accused of having a stolen handgun and punching an officer several times in the face as he was being arrested. The Lincoln Journal Star says the incident happened Saturday night, when police confronted the teen who had a warrant out for his arrest. Police say the teen punched the officer in an attempt to get away. Police say they found a stolen 9 mm handgun and four magazines of ammunition in his backpack. In addition to the assault charge, the teen faces charges of carrying a concealed weapon and vandalism.

Lincoln police: Teen found with stolen gun punched officer

WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department on Monday urged Americans reconsider any international travel they may have planned and said it would issue specific warnings not to visit roughly 80% of the world’s countries due to risks from the coronavirus pandemic.

The United States hasn’t had a global advisory warning against international travel since August, when guidance was revoked by the Trump administration.

The advice issued by the department isn’t a formal global advisory. Instead, it says the State Department will start using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standards as it prepares health and safety guidelines for individual countries. Because of those standards, about 80% of countries will be classified as “Level 4” or “do not travel.”

Travel is also discouraged for the remaining 20%, though not as emphatically. It says people with plans to visit those countries should reconsider before proceeding.

The department did not reveal which countries will fall under which category. That will become known as guidance is issued individually for each country in the coming week.

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose unprecedented risks to travelers. In light of those risks, the Department of State strongly recommends U.S. citizens reconsider all travel abroad,” it said.

The department said the new classifications don’t necessarily reflect changes in the countries’ health situations, but rather an adjustment in the criteria on which it bases the alerts.

The State Department’s assessments for COVID-19 include infection rates as well as the availability of local testing and treatment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618925513372.png" alt="The State Department’s assessments for COVID-19 include infection rates as well as the availability of local testing and treatment-photo Denver International Airport" />
 <figcaption>The State Department’s assessments for COVID-19 include infection rates as well as the availability of local testing and treatment-photo Denver International Airport</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department on Monday urged Americans reconsider any international travel they may have planned and said it would issue specific warnings not to visit roughly 80% of the world’s countries due to risks from the coronavirus pandemic.The United States hasn’t had a global advisory warning against international travel since August, when guidance was revoked by the Trump administration.The advice issued by the department isn’t a formal global advisory. Instead, it says the State Department will start using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standards as it prepares health and safety guidelines for individual countries. Because of those standards, about 80% of countries will be classified as “Level 4” or “do not travel.”Travel is also discouraged for the remaining 20%, though not as emphatically. It says people with plans to visit those countries should reconsider before proceeding.The department did not reveal which countries will fall under which category. That will become known as guidance is issued individually for each country in the coming week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618925544398.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose unprecedented risks to travelers. In light of those risks, the Department of State strongly recommends U.S. citizens reconsider all travel abroad,” it said.The department said the new classifications don’t necessarily reflect changes in the countries’ health situations, but rather an adjustment in the criteria on which it bases the alerts.The State Department’s assessments for COVID-19 include infection rates as well as the availability of local testing and treatment.

US warns against travel to 80% of world due to COVID-19

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers to
 check their tax returns for common errors that could delay refunds or 
otherwise affect normal processing. Here are some ways to avoid tax 
return slipups as the May 17 due date gets closer.

Use electronic filing. Filing electronically, whether through IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> or other <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">e-file</a>
 service providers, is a great way to cut the chances for many tax 
return mistakes and maximize deductions to reduce tax owed at the same 
time. The tax software automatically applies the latest tax laws, checks
 for available credits or deductions, does the calculations, and asks 
taxpayers for all required information.

Report all taxable income. Be sure to have income 
documents on hand before starting the tax return. Examples are Forms 
W-2, 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC. Underreporting income may lead to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/understanding-penalties-and-interest">penalties and interest</a>.

Get names and Social Security numbers right. Enter 
each Social Security number (SSN) and individual's name on a tax return 
exactly as printed on the Social Security card. Persons generally must 
list on their individual income tax return the SSN of any person they 
claim as a dependent. If a dependent or spouse does not have and is not 
eligible to get a SSN, list the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/taxpayer-identification-numbers-tin">Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)</a> instead of a SSN.

Learn about filing status. If taxpayers are unsure about their filing status, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a>
 on IRS.gov can help them choose the correct status, especially if more 
than one filing status applies. Tax software, including IRS Free File, 
also helps prevent mistakes with filing status.

Correctly answer the virtual currency question. The 
2020 Form 1040 asks whether at any time during 2020, a person received, 
sold, sent, exchanged or otherwise acquired any financial interest in 
any virtual currency. If a taxpayer's only transactions involving 
virtual currency during 2020 were purchases of virtual currency, they 
are not required to answer "yes"&nbsp;to the question.

Mail paper returns to the right address. Paper filers should check the right address for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment">where to file</a>
 on IRS.gov or on form instructions to avoid processing delays. Note 
that due to staffing issues related to COVID-19, processing paper tax 
returns could take much longer than usual. Taxpayers and tax 
professionals are encouraged to file electronically if possible.

Use the right routing and account numbers. 
Requesting direct deposit of a federal refund into one, two or even 
three accounts is convenient and allows the taxpayer access to his or 
her money faster. Make sure the financial institution routing and 
account numbers entered on the return are accurate. Incorrect numbers 
can cause a refund to be delayed or deposited into the wrong account. 
Taxpayers can also use their refund to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/now-you-can-buy-us-series-i-savings-bonds-for-anyone-with-your-tax-refund">purchase U.S. Savings Bonds</a>.

Sign and date the return. If filing a joint return, 
both spouses must sign and date the return. E-filers can sign using a 
self-selected personal identification number (PIN).

Keep a copy. When ready to file, taxpayers should make a copy of their signed return and all schedules for their records.

Request an extension, if needed. Taxpayers who 
cannot meet the May 17 deadline can easily request an automatic filing 
extension to October&nbsp;15 and prevent late filing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc653">penalties</a>. Use Free File or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868">Form 4868</a>. But keep in mind that while an extension grants additional time to file, tax payments are still due May 17.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers to
 check their tax returns for common errors that could delay refunds or 
otherwise affect normal processing. Here are some ways to avoid tax 
return slipups as the May 17 due date gets closer.Use electronic filing. Filing electronically, whether through IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> or other <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">e-file</a>
 service providers, is a great way to cut the chances for many tax 
return mistakes and maximize deductions to reduce tax owed at the same 
time. The tax software automatically applies the latest tax laws, checks
 for available credits or deductions, does the calculations, and asks 
taxpayers for all required information.Report all taxable income. Be sure to have income 
documents on hand before starting the tax return. Examples are Forms 
W-2, 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC. Underreporting income may lead to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/understanding-penalties-and-interest">penalties and interest</a>.Get names and Social Security numbers right. Enter 
each Social Security number (SSN) and individual's name on a tax return 
exactly as printed on the Social Security card. Persons generally must 
list on their individual income tax return the SSN of any person they 
claim as a dependent. If a dependent or spouse does not have and is not 
eligible to get a SSN, list the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/taxpayer-identification-numbers-tin">Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)</a> instead of a SSN.Learn about filing status. If taxpayers are unsure about their filing status, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a>
 on IRS.gov can help them choose the correct status, especially if more 
than one filing status applies. Tax software, including IRS Free File, 
also helps prevent mistakes with filing status.Correctly answer the virtual currency question. The 
2020 Form 1040 asks whether at any time during 2020, a person received, 
sold, sent, exchanged or otherwise acquired any financial interest in 
any virtual currency. If a taxpayer's only transactions involving 
virtual currency during 2020 were purchases of virtual currency, they 
are not required to answer "yes"&nbsp;to the question.Mail paper returns to the right address. Paper filers should check the right address for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment">where to file</a>
 on IRS.gov or on form instructions to avoid processing delays. Note 
that due to staffing issues related to COVID-19, processing paper tax 
returns could take much longer than usual. Taxpayers and tax 
professionals are encouraged to file electronically if possible.Use the right routing and account numbers. 
Requesting direct deposit of a federal refund into one, two or even 
three accounts is convenient and allows the taxpayer access to his or 
her money faster. Make sure the financial institution routing and 
account numbers entered on the return are accurate. Incorrect numbers 
can cause a refund to be delayed or deposited into the wrong account. 
Taxpayers can also use their refund to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/now-you-can-buy-us-series-i-savings-bonds-for-anyone-with-your-tax-refund">purchase U.S. Savings Bonds</a>.Sign and date the return. If filing a joint return, 
both spouses must sign and date the return. E-filers can sign using a 
self-selected personal identification number (PIN).Keep a copy. When ready to file, taxpayers should make a copy of their signed return and all schedules for their records.Request an extension, if needed. Taxpayers who 
cannot meet the May 17 deadline can easily request an automatic filing 
extension to October&nbsp;15 and prevent late filing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc653">penalties</a>. Use Free File or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868">Form 4868</a>. But keep in mind that while an extension grants additional time to file, tax payments are still due May 17.

IRS: Common tax return errors as May 17 deadline looms

News Release Clay County Emergency Management

Last night near midnight, Aaron Ackerman was driving home from work and observed an active fire on the east end of a home in the 300 block of Clay Ave in Clay Center. 

 Aaron reacted well and quickly.  He called 911 reporting the fire and began pounding on the front door of the home to alert them of the fire. 

After some tense moments the occupants, who were asleep, came to the door and Ackerman alerted them to the fire.  He helped the two 74-year-old homeowners and their 18-year-old grandson who had been asleep until his pounding on the door brought them to the door evacuate with the family's two dogs.  There were no injuries. 

 On duty Clay County Deputies responded to aid on this call.  

Clay Center Fire and EMS responded as did Fairfield, Sutton, Edgar, and Harvard Fire Departments. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618881032609.png" alt="Photo: Clay County Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Photo: Clay County Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Clay County Emergency ManagementLast night near midnight, Aaron Ackerman was driving home from work and observed an active fire on the east end of a home in the 300 block of Clay Ave in Clay Center. Aaron reacted well and quickly. He called 911 reporting the fire and began pounding on the front door of the home to alert them of the fire. After some tense moments the occupants, who were asleep, came to the door and Ackerman alerted them to the fire. He helped the two 74-year-old homeowners and their 18-year-old grandson who had been asleep until his pounding on the door brought them to the door evacuate with the family's two dogs. There were no injuries. On duty Clay County Deputies responded to aid on this call. Clay Center Fire and EMS responded as did Fairfield, Sutton, Edgar, and Harvard Fire Departments. Neighbors and friends helped the family find shelter overnight. The American Red Cross Grand Island office which serves Clay County was put in contact with the homeowners and is providing outreach as well. There was extensive damage to the home, but due to Ackerman's actions, there were no injuries or loss of life.Fires may not happen to you, but this is a good reminder to make sure your fire alarms are working and properly placed. We ask you to check them twice a year. Emergency Managers have partnered with the American Red Cross to provide 10-year fire alarms for homes who want them. They only need to be tested as the batteries are good for 10 years. The life of the detector. Please make sure you have working fire detectors in your home, on each floor of the home and outside of each bedroom. We have provided several to households in Clay County in the last year. Let's all work together to keep our homes prepared and safe for all potential disasters. Don't fall into the trap of "this will never happen to me". It can and it does. Our county is lucky to have had Mr. Ackerman in the area and take such quick and direct action to help a family.