PLATTSMOUTH, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska man has pleaded no contest after being charged with shooting his teenage son in the abdomen and buttocks during an argument in the family's home last summer. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that 54-year-old Clarence Moxey, of Louisville, pleaded no contest Tuesday in Cass County District Court to first-degree assault and felony child abuse. 

He faces up to 50 years for each count when he's sentenced at a later date. 

Sheriff's investigators say Moxey shot his 16-year-old son with a small-caliber handgun on July 20. 

The teen was flown to an Omaha hospital to be treated for his wounds.

PLATTSMOUTH, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska man has pleaded no contest after being charged with shooting his teenage son in the abdomen and buttocks during an argument in the family's home last summer. The Omaha World-Herald reports that 54-year-old Clarence Moxey, of Louisville, pleaded no contest Tuesday in Cass County District Court to first-degree assault and felony child abuse. He faces up to 50 years for each count when he's sentenced at a later date. Sheriff's investigators say Moxey shot his 16-year-old son with a small-caliber handgun on July 20. The teen was flown to an Omaha hospital to be treated for his wounds.

Nebraska man pleads no contest to shooting teenage son

BENTONVILLE, Ark., – Today, Walmart is announcing a strengthened commitment to American jobs and communities, with a goal of investing $350 billion in the future of U.S. manufacturing over the next 10 years. The retailer estimates that this spend will support more than 750,000 new American jobs.<a></a><a href="https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkADlmNmFmMzc0LTk5NGMtNDdhMC1hNWE0LTU4YWQ0M2VhYWRiNQAQAJtULXgoFOFHlMOw2PbMtTU%3D#x__ftn1">[[1]]</a>

In 2013, Walmart made a commitment to invest $250 billion in products made, grown, or assembled in America. Walmart is on track to deliver on that commitment – and expand on it with today’s announcement.

“U.S. manufacturing really matters,” said John Furner, President &amp; CEO, Walmart U.S., who made the announcement at Techtronic Industries (TTI) in Anderson, S.C. “It matters to our suppliers, to entrepreneurs and to the environment. It matters to our customers – more than 85 percent of which have said it’s important for us to carry products made or assembled in the U.S. And most of all, because of the jobs it brings, it matters to American communities and the people who live in them.”

Walmart has identified six priority categories on which to focus its investment: textiles; plastics; small electrical appliances; food processing; pharmaceutical and medical supplies; and Goods Not For Resale (GNFR).

The impact of this commitment goes beyond products and jobs. It could result in an estimated reduction of as much as 100M metric tons of CO2&nbsp;emissions avoided by sourcing closer to customers,<a></a><a href="https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkADlmNmFmMzc0LTk5NGMtNDdhMC1hNWE0LTU4YWQ0M2VhYWRiNQAQAJtULXgoFOFHlMOw2PbMtTU%3D#x__ftn2">[[2]]</a>&nbsp;as well as an increase in spending with diverse suppliers based in the U.S.

In addition, Walmart will launch a new concept called “American Lighthouses,” with the goal of supporting U.S. manufacturing in a sustainable, long-term way. The retailer plans to unite key stakeholders in specific regions of the country to identify and overcome barriers to U.S. production. These Lighthouses will bring together participants from the supplier community, including manufacturers and NGOs, as well as others from academia, government, and local economic development groups.

Walmart’s announcement drew bipartisan support from federal officials who represent states that are home to Walmart suppliers.

“It is an honor to have Walmart’s CEO John Furner launch the company’s 10-year investment from TTI’s Anderson, South Carolina, facility,” said U.S. Senator Tim Scott, a Republican from South Carolina. “I am passionate about bolstering the American supply chain and creating more high-paying jobs in South Carolina and for folks all across the country.&nbsp;Congratulations&nbsp;and thank you to Walmart for the great impact you will continue to make on our nation’s economy.”

“I want to congratulate Walmart on increasing its commitment to U.S. manufacturing,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, home to Zenith Home Corp./Maytex manufacturing. “Zenith/Maytex manufactures and assembles home fashion products we can see on store shelves in our local Walmart, and the company has been able to strengthen its operations with help from the Delaware Manufacturing Extension partnership. We’re proud that Zenith’s story of investing in the U.S. is one today’s announcement aspires to replicate across the country.”

BENTONVILLE, Ark., – Today, Walmart is announcing a strengthened commitment to American jobs and communities, with a goal of investing $350 billion in the future of U.S. manufacturing over the next 10 years. The retailer estimates that this spend will support more than 750,000 new American jobs.<a></a><a href="https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkADlmNmFmMzc0LTk5NGMtNDdhMC1hNWE0LTU4YWQ0M2VhYWRiNQAQAJtULXgoFOFHlMOw2PbMtTU%3D#x__ftn1">[[1]]</a>In 2013, Walmart made a commitment to invest $250 billion in products made, grown, or assembled in America. Walmart is on track to deliver on that commitment – and expand on it with today’s announcement.“U.S. manufacturing really matters,” said John Furner, President &amp; CEO, Walmart U.S., who made the announcement at Techtronic Industries (TTI) in Anderson, S.C. “It matters to our suppliers, to entrepreneurs and to the environment. It matters to our customers – more than 85 percent of which have said it’s important for us to carry products made or assembled in the U.S. And most of all, because of the jobs it brings, it matters to American communities and the people who live in them.”Walmart has identified six priority categories on which to focus its investment: textiles; plastics; small electrical appliances; food processing; pharmaceutical and medical supplies; and Goods Not For Resale (GNFR).The impact of this commitment goes beyond products and jobs. It could result in an estimated reduction of as much as 100M metric tons of CO2&nbsp;emissions avoided by sourcing closer to customers,<a></a><a href="https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkADlmNmFmMzc0LTk5NGMtNDdhMC1hNWE0LTU4YWQ0M2VhYWRiNQAQAJtULXgoFOFHlMOw2PbMtTU%3D#x__ftn2">[[2]]</a>&nbsp;as well as an increase in spending with diverse suppliers based in the U.S.In addition, Walmart will launch a new concept called “American Lighthouses,” with the goal of supporting U.S. manufacturing in a sustainable, long-term way. The retailer plans to unite key stakeholders in specific regions of the country to identify and overcome barriers to U.S. production. These Lighthouses will bring together participants from the supplier community, including manufacturers and NGOs, as well as others from academia, government, and local economic development groups.Walmart’s announcement drew bipartisan support from federal officials who represent states that are home to Walmart suppliers.“It is an honor to have Walmart’s CEO John Furner launch the company’s 10-year investment from TTI’s Anderson, South Carolina, facility,” said U.S. Senator Tim Scott, a Republican from South Carolina. “I am passionate about bolstering the American supply chain and creating more high-paying jobs in South Carolina and for folks all across the country.&nbsp;Congratulations&nbsp;and thank you to Walmart for the great impact you will continue to make on our nation’s economy.”“I want to congratulate Walmart on increasing its commitment to U.S. manufacturing,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, home to Zenith Home Corp./Maytex manufacturing. “Zenith/Maytex manufactures and assembles home fashion products we can see on store shelves in our local Walmart, and the company has been able to strengthen its operations with help from the Delaware Manufacturing Extension partnership. We’re proud that Zenith’s story of investing in the U.S. is one today’s announcement aspires to replicate across the country.”

Walmart announces $350 Billion commitment to U.S. manufacturing

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says a U.S. contractor died when at least 10 rockets slammed into an air base housing U.S. and other coalition troops in western Iraq. 

Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said Wednesday that the contractor “suffered a cardiac episode while sheltering” and died shortly afterward. 

It was the first such attack since the U.S. struck Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week, killing one militiaman. That strike stoked fears of another cycle of tit-for-tat attacks. No one claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s attack, which comes two days before Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the country.

BAGHDAD (AP) — At least 10 rockets targeted a military base in western Iraq that hosts U.S.-led coalition troops on Wednesday, the coalition and the Iraqi military said. It was not immediately known if there were any casualties.

The rockets struck Ain al-Asad airbase in Anbar province at 7:20 a.m., coalition spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto said. No one claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Iraqi military released a statement saying the attack did not cause significant losses and that security forces had found the launch pad used for the rockets. It was found in the al-Baghdadi area of Anbar, an Iraqi military official said on condition of anonymity to discuss the attack with the media.

It was the first attack since the U.S. struck Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week, killing killed one militiaman and stoking fears of a possible repeat of a series of tit-for-tat attacks that escalated last year, culminating in the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani outside the Baghdad airport.

Wednesday’s attack targeted the same base where Iran struck with a barrage of missiles in January last year in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani. Dozens of U.S. service members were injured, suffering concussions in that strike.

British Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Hickey condemned the attack, saying it undermined the ongoing fight against the Islamic State group. “Coalition forces are in Iraq to fight Daesh at the invitation of the Iraqi government,” he tweeted, using the Arabic acronym for IS. “These terrorist attacks undermine the fight against Daesh and destabilize Iraq.”

Denmark, which like the U.S. and Britain also has troops at the base, said coalition forces at Ain al-Asad were helping to bring stability and security to the country.

“Despicable attacks against Ain al-Asad base in #Iraq are completely unacceptable,” Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod tweeted. The Danish armed forces said two Danes, who were in the camp at the time of the attack, are unharmed.

Wednesday’s attack comes two days before Pope Francis’ is scheduled to visit Iraq in a much anticipated trip that will include Baghdad, southern Iraq and in the northern city of Irbil.

Last week’s U.S. strike along the border had been in response to a spate of rocket attacks that targeted the American presence, including one that killed a coalition contractor from the Philippines outside the Irbil airport.

After that attack, the Pentagon said the strike was a “proportionate military response” taken after consulting coalition partners.

Marotto said the Iraqi security forces were leading an investigation into the attack on Ain al-Asad.

U.S. troops in Iraq significantly decreased their presence in the country last year under the Trump administration. The forces withdrew from several Iraqi based across the country to consolidate chiefly in Ain al-Asad and Baghad.

Frequent rocket attacks targeting the heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses the U.S. Embassy, during President Donald Trump’s time in office frustrated the administration, leading to threats of embassy closure and escalatory strikes.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says a U.S. contractor died when at least 10 rockets slammed into an air base housing U.S. and other coalition troops in western Iraq. Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said Wednesday that the contractor “suffered a cardiac episode while sheltering” and died shortly afterward. It was the first such attack since the U.S. struck Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week, killing one militiaman. That strike stoked fears of another cycle of tit-for-tat attacks. No one claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s attack, which comes two days before Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the country.------BAGHDAD (AP) — At least 10 rockets targeted a military base in western Iraq that hosts U.S.-led coalition troops on Wednesday, the coalition and the Iraqi military said. It was not immediately known if there were any casualties.The rockets struck Ain al-Asad airbase in Anbar province at 7:20 a.m., coalition spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto said. No one claimed responsibility for the attack.The Iraqi military released a statement saying the attack did not cause significant losses and that security forces had found the launch pad used for the rockets. It was found in the al-Baghdadi area of Anbar, an Iraqi military official said on condition of anonymity to discuss the attack with the media.It was the first attack since the U.S. struck Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week, killing killed one militiaman and stoking fears of a possible repeat of a series of tit-for-tat attacks that escalated last year, culminating in the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani outside the Baghdad airport.Wednesday’s attack targeted the same base where Iran struck with a barrage of missiles in January last year in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani. Dozens of U.S. service members were injured, suffering concussions in that strike.British Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Hickey condemned the attack, saying it undermined the ongoing fight against the Islamic State group. “Coalition forces are in Iraq to fight Daesh at the invitation of the Iraqi government,” he tweeted, using the Arabic acronym for IS. “These terrorist attacks undermine the fight against Daesh and destabilize Iraq.”Denmark, which like the U.S. and Britain also has troops at the base, said coalition forces at Ain al-Asad were helping to bring stability and security to the country.“Despicable attacks against Ain al-Asad base in #Iraq are completely unacceptable,” Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod tweeted. The Danish armed forces said two Danes, who were in the camp at the time of the attack, are unharmed.Wednesday’s attack comes two days before Pope Francis’ is scheduled to visit Iraq in a much anticipated trip that will include Baghdad, southern Iraq and in the northern city of Irbil.Last week’s U.S. strike along the border had been in response to a spate of rocket attacks that targeted the American presence, including one that killed a coalition contractor from the Philippines outside the Irbil airport.After that attack, the Pentagon said the strike was a “proportionate military response” taken after consulting coalition partners.Marotto said the Iraqi security forces were leading an investigation into the attack on Ain al-Asad.U.S. troops in Iraq significantly decreased their presence in the country last year under the Trump administration. The forces withdrew from several Iraqi based across the country to consolidate chiefly in Ain al-Asad and Baghad.Frequent rocket attacks targeting the heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses the U.S. Embassy, during President Donald Trump’s time in office frustrated the administration, leading to threats of embassy closure and escalatory strikes.

Update: 1 dead after rockets hit airbase in Iraq hosting US troops

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s effort to limit the powers of conservation officers has suffered a partial setback in the Legislature. 

The Republican governor has pitched two bills as a way to protect property rights by placing limitations on officers from the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. 

As senators mulled over them Tuesday, the bills got mixed reviews. 

The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously dismissed Noem’s bill to keep them from entering private property without permission. 

But the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee unanimously approved her proposal to stop officers from seizing hunting or fishing equipment.

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s effort to limit the powers of conservation officers has suffered a partial setback in the Legislature. The Republican governor has pitched two bills as a way to protect property rights by placing limitations on officers from the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. As senators mulled over them Tuesday, the bills got mixed reviews. The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously dismissed Noem’s bill to keep them from entering private property without permission. But the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee unanimously approved her proposal to stop officers from seizing hunting or fishing equipment.

Noem's bills limiting conservation officers hit resistance

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Police have charged five people with attempted murder in a brazen Des Moines shooting that critically injured a 2-year-old child. 

Police say the shooting happened Monday night when more than a dozen shots were fired into a house. 

Officers called to the home found that one of the shots had hit a toddler inside. 

The child was rushed to a hospital and remained in critical condition Tuesday afternoon. 

Police later arrested five people ranging in age from 18 to 20 believed to have been involved in the shooting.

 All were initially charged with attempted murder and weapons counts.

 Police say the group intentionally targeted the house, but say the toddler and a 17-year-old girl who were in the home at the time were not the intended targets.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Police have charged five people with attempted murder in a brazen Des Moines shooting that critically injured a 2-year-old child. Police say the shooting happened Monday night when more than a dozen shots were fired into a house. Officers called to the home found that one of the shots had hit a toddler inside. The child was rushed to a hospital and remained in critical condition Tuesday afternoon. Police later arrested five people ranging in age from 18 to 20 believed to have been involved in the shooting. All were initially charged with attempted murder and weapons counts. Police say the group intentionally targeted the house, but say the toddler and a 17-year-old girl who were in the home at the time were not the intended targets.

Police charge 5 in shooting of 2-year-old in Des Moines

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — A hunter from Colorado Springs has been permanently banned from hunting in 48 states, including Colorado, after he pleaded guilty to several poaching charges across the state.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife said hearing examiner Steven Cooley decided last week to permanently suspend hunting privileges for Iniki Vike Kapu, 28, after he pleaded guilty, KMGH-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/colorado-springs-man-banned-from-hunting-in-48-states-after-poaching-spree" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Colorado is a member of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, meaning the lifetime hunting ban also extends to the other 47 member states, not including Hawaii and Massachusetts.

Kapu was accused of killing 12 deer, 2 turkeys and a bighorn sheep ram across three Colorado counties.

Kapu first pleaded guilty to illegal possession of wildlife in May 2019 and was fined $900 in Chaffee County. He then pleaded guilty in December 2019 in Teller County and again in February 2020 in Fremont County.

Kapu also pleaded guilty to illegal possession of three or more big game animals. He was fined $4,600 and sentenced to six months in jail and three years of supervised probation in Fremont County as part of a plea agreement, officials said. He also surrendered the weapons he used for poaching.

“Mr. Kapu’s crimes against wildlife are the essence of what defines a poacher by taking wildlife without regard for the laws protecting them,” Cooley said. “Iniki Kapu is viewed as a serious threat to Colorado’s wildlife, and his violations are among the worst. The severity and level of indifference for wildlife in this case are rarely seen and cannot be tolerated.”

Kapu did not participate in the hearing on his hunting privileges but can appeal his suspension, Parks and Wildlife said. He has 35 days to appeal the decision.

It’s not known if Kapu has a lawyer. He was represented in his most recent criminal case by a lawyer from the state public defender’s office, which does not allow attorneys to comment on cases.

Frank McGee, an agency wildlife manager in Colorado Springs, said this should be a warning to anyone considering poaching in the state.

“Colorado Parks and Wildlife aggressively pursues anyone who illegally takes wildlife. When you poach, you are stealing from all residents of Colorado,” he said. “And your acts are an insult to all the hunters who follow the rules, who buy the licenses that pay for wildlife management, who respect the hunting seasons and abide by principles of fair chase.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614777269999.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — A hunter from Colorado Springs has been permanently banned from hunting in 48 states, including Colorado, after he pleaded guilty to several poaching charges across the state.Colorado Parks and Wildlife said hearing examiner Steven Cooley decided last week to permanently suspend hunting privileges for Iniki Vike Kapu, 28, after he pleaded guilty, KMGH-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/colorado-springs-man-banned-from-hunting-in-48-states-after-poaching-spree" target="_blank">reported</a>.Colorado is a member of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, meaning the lifetime hunting ban also extends to the other 47 member states, not including Hawaii and Massachusetts.Kapu was accused of killing 12 deer, 2 turkeys and a bighorn sheep ram across three Colorado counties.Kapu first pleaded guilty to illegal possession of wildlife in May 2019 and was fined $900 in Chaffee County. He then pleaded guilty in December 2019 in Teller County and again in February 2020 in Fremont County.Kapu also pleaded guilty to illegal possession of three or more big game animals. He was fined $4,600 and sentenced to six months in jail and three years of supervised probation in Fremont County as part of a plea agreement, officials said. He also surrendered the weapons he used for poaching.“Mr. Kapu’s crimes against wildlife are the essence of what defines a poacher by taking wildlife without regard for the laws protecting them,” Cooley said. “Iniki Kapu is viewed as a serious threat to Colorado’s wildlife, and his violations are among the worst. The severity and level of indifference for wildlife in this case are rarely seen and cannot be tolerated.”Kapu did not participate in the hearing on his hunting privileges but can appeal his suspension, Parks and Wildlife said. He has 35 days to appeal the decision.It’s not known if Kapu has a lawyer. He was represented in his most recent criminal case by a lawyer from the state public defender’s office, which does not allow attorneys to comment on cases.Frank McGee, an agency wildlife manager in Colorado Springs, said this should be a warning to anyone considering poaching in the state.“Colorado Parks and Wildlife aggressively pursues anyone who illegally takes wildlife. When you poach, you are stealing from all residents of Colorado,” he said. “And your acts are an insult to all the hunters who follow the rules, who buy the licenses that pay for wildlife management, who respect the hunting seasons and abide by principles of fair chase.”

Colorado hunter banned from 48 states after poaching spree

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Tuesday the U.S. expects to take delivery of enough coronavirus vaccine for all adults by the end of May — two months earlier than anticipated — and he pushed states to get at least one shot into the arms of teachers by the end of March to hasten school reopenings.

Biden also announced that drugmaker Merck will help produce rival Johnson &amp; Johnson’s newly approved one-shot vaccine, likening the partnership between the two drug companies to the spirit of national cooperation during World War II.

“We’re now on track to have enough vaccine supply for every adult in America by the end of May,” Biden said.

Despite the stepped-up pace of vaccine production, the work of inoculating Americans could extend well into the summer, officials said, depending both on the government’s capacity to deliver doses and Americans’ willingness to roll up their sleeves.

Biden’s announcements quickly raised expectations for when the nation could safely emerge from the pandemic with the promise of speedier vaccinations, but even as he expressed optimism, Biden quickly tempered the outlook for a return to life as it was before the virus hit.

“I’ve been cautioned not to give an answer to that because we don’t know for sure,” Biden said, before saying his hope for a return to normal was sometime before “this time next year.”

As Biden spoke, states across the country were moving to relax virus-related restrictions. This despite the objections of the White House and the nation’s top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, who have warned against any relaxation of virus protocols until more Americans are vaccinated.

In Texas, GOP Gov. Greg Abbott moved to lift his state’s mask-wearing mandate and a host of other limitations. Michigan’s Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer eased capacity limits on restaurants and both public and residential gatherings.

Fauci has previously said the nation must achieve a vaccination rate of about 80% to reach “herd immunity.” Only about 8% of the population has been fully vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, though the pace of vaccination has been increasing. The U.S. set a new daily record for injections last Thursday and Friday.

In hopes of increasing vaccinations even further. the Biden administration told governors to make preparations to administer even more doses in the coming weeks. More shots are also headed toward the federally backed program to administer doses in retail pharmacies, which federal officials believe can double or triple their pace of vaccination.

More than 800,000 doses of the J&amp;J vaccine will also be distributed this week to pharmacies, on top of the 2.4 million they are now getting from Pfizer and Moderna.

Those pharmacies will be key in getting the vaccines into the arms of teachers — particularly in the roughly 20 states where they have not been prioritized for shots. The aim is to help reopen schools to better educate students who have been at risk of falling behind during the pandemic and reduce the burden on parents who have had to choose between childcare and a job.

“Let’s treat in-person learning as the essential service that it is,” Biden said. Teachers will be able to sign up directly through participating retail pharmacies, the administration said.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki also announced Tuesday that the federal government was increasing supply of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines to states next week to 15.2 million doses per week, up from 14.5 million previously. States will also receive 2.8 million doses of the J&amp;J shot this week.

On a call with governors Tuesday, White House coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients said states should prepare to administer 16 million to 17 million total weekly doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines by the end of March, climbing to 17 million to 18 million weekly by early April. The supply of J&amp;J doses to states, expected to dip after the initial shipment this week, will climb to 4 million to 6 million weekly doses by the end of March and 5 million to 6 million doses weekly through the end of April.

Officials have said J&amp;J faced unexpected production issues with its vaccine and produced only 3.9 million doses before being cleared for emergency use authorization on Saturday. The company has promised to deliver 100 million doses by the end of June.

Before the approval of the J&amp;J shot, Biden had suggested that it would take until the end of July to have enough vaccine for every adult in the U.S.

Facing questions about the company’s slipping delivery schedule, J&amp;J Vice President Richard Nettles told lawmakers on Capitol Hill last week that the company had faced “significant challenges” because of its “highly complex” manufacturing process.

Psaki said that an “across-the-administration effort” was required to get the two historic rivals to work together on the vaccines, even though conversations between J&amp;J and Merck have been going on for months.

“There’s a difference between conversations and it moving forward,” she said.

The White House said Merck would devote two plants to the production process. One would make the vaccine and the other would handle inserting the vaccine into vials and ensuring strict quality controls. Psaki said the Biden administration was using its powers under the Defense Production Act to help Merck retool to work on the production.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614740853199.png" alt="“We’re now on track to have enough vaccine supply for every adult in America by the end of May,”&nbsp; President Biden said.- image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>“We’re now on track to have enough vaccine supply for every adult in America by the end of May,”&nbsp; President Biden said.- image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Tuesday the U.S. expects to take delivery of enough coronavirus vaccine for all adults by the end of May — two months earlier than anticipated — and he pushed states to get at least one shot into the arms of teachers by the end of March to hasten school reopenings.Biden also announced that drugmaker Merck will help produce rival Johnson &amp; Johnson’s newly approved one-shot vaccine, likening the partnership between the two drug companies to the spirit of national cooperation during World War II.“We’re now on track to have enough vaccine supply for every adult in America by the end of May,” Biden said.Despite the stepped-up pace of vaccine production, the work of inoculating Americans could extend well into the summer, officials said, depending both on the government’s capacity to deliver doses and Americans’ willingness to roll up their sleeves.Biden’s announcements quickly raised expectations for when the nation could safely emerge from the pandemic with the promise of speedier vaccinations, but even as he expressed optimism, Biden quickly tempered the outlook for a return to life as it was before the virus hit.“I’ve been cautioned not to give an answer to that because we don’t know for sure,” Biden said, before saying his hope for a return to normal was sometime before “this time next year.”As Biden spoke, states across the country were moving to relax virus-related restrictions. This despite the objections of the White House and the nation’s top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, who have warned against any relaxation of virus protocols until more Americans are vaccinated.In Texas, GOP Gov. Greg Abbott moved to lift his state’s mask-wearing mandate and a host of other limitations. Michigan’s Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer eased capacity limits on restaurants and both public and residential gatherings.Fauci has previously said the nation must achieve a vaccination rate of about 80% to reach “herd immunity.” Only about 8% of the population has been fully vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, though the pace of vaccination has been increasing. The U.S. set a new daily record for injections last Thursday and Friday.In hopes of increasing vaccinations even further. the Biden administration told governors to make preparations to administer even more doses in the coming weeks. More shots are also headed toward the federally backed program to administer doses in retail pharmacies, which federal officials believe can double or triple their pace of vaccination.More than 800,000 doses of the J&amp;J vaccine will also be distributed this week to pharmacies, on top of the 2.4 million they are now getting from Pfizer and Moderna.Those pharmacies will be key in getting the vaccines into the arms of teachers — particularly in the roughly 20 states where they have not been prioritized for shots. The aim is to help reopen schools to better educate students who have been at risk of falling behind during the pandemic and reduce the burden on parents who have had to choose between childcare and a job.“Let’s treat in-person learning as the essential service that it is,” Biden said. Teachers will be able to sign up directly through participating retail pharmacies, the administration said.White House press secretary Jen Psaki also announced Tuesday that the federal government was increasing supply of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines to states next week to 15.2 million doses per week, up from 14.5 million previously. States will also receive 2.8 million doses of the J&amp;J shot this week.On a call with governors Tuesday, White House coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients said states should prepare to administer 16 million to 17 million total weekly doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines by the end of March, climbing to 17 million to 18 million weekly by early April. The supply of J&amp;J doses to states, expected to dip after the initial shipment this week, will climb to 4 million to 6 million weekly doses by the end of March and 5 million to 6 million doses weekly through the end of April.Officials have said J&amp;J faced unexpected production issues with its vaccine and produced only 3.9 million doses before being cleared for emergency use authorization on Saturday. The company has promised to deliver 100 million doses by the end of June.Before the approval of the J&amp;J shot, Biden had suggested that it would take until the end of July to have enough vaccine for every adult in the U.S.Facing questions about the company’s slipping delivery schedule, J&amp;J Vice President Richard Nettles told lawmakers on Capitol Hill last week that the company had faced “significant challenges” because of its “highly complex” manufacturing process.Psaki said that an “across-the-administration effort” was required to get the two historic rivals to work together on the vaccines, even though conversations between J&amp;J and Merck have been going on for months.“There’s a difference between conversations and it moving forward,” she said.The White House said Merck would devote two plants to the production process. One would make the vaccine and the other would handle inserting the vaccine into vials and ensuring strict quality controls. Psaki said the Biden administration was using its powers under the Defense Production Act to help Merck retool to work on the production.

Biden vows enough vaccine for all US adults by end of May

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service reminds first-time filers 
and those who usually don't have a federal filing requirement to 
consider filing a 2020 tax return. They may be eligible to claim the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a>,
 a new refundable credit, authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
 Economic Security (CARES) Act and the COVID-related Tax Relief Act.

Most individuals eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit have already
 received the full amount in two rounds of payments, known as Economic 
Impact Payments. All legally permitted first and second Economic Impact 
Payments have been issued.

Individuals who were eligible but did not receive the first or second
 Economic Impact Payment or received less than the full amounts may be 
eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit and must file a 2020 
federal tax return, even if they do not usually file a tax return. The 
IRS offers free options to prepare and file a return.

Taxpayers who received the full amounts of both Economic Impact 
Payments won't claim the Recovery Rebate Credit or include any 
information about the payments on their 2020 tax return because the IRS 
already issued their Recovery Rebate Credit in advance as Economic 
Impact Payments.

Didn't get an Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amount?

People who didn't get an Economic Impact Payment or got less than the
 full amounts may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit and 
must file a 2020 tax return, even if they don't usually file.

The first Economic Impact Payment was based on an individual's 2019 
tax year information or 2018 if the 2019 tax return information was not 
available. The second Economic Impact Payment was based on an 
individual's 2019 tax year information. The Recovery Rebate Credit is 
similar except that the eligibility and the amount are based on 2020 
information on the tax return. The Recovery Rebate Credit is reduced by 
any Economic Impact Payments issued.

People who were not eligible for either or both of the Economic 
Impact Payments may still be eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit 
since it's based on their 2020 tax return information. Those with lower 
income in 2020 or who were claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax 
return in 2018 or 2019, but who cannot be claimed as a dependent on 
someone else's return in 2020, may now be eligible for the Recovery 
Rebate Credit.

People eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit based on their 
2020 tax information must file a 2020 federal tax return. For more 
information about the Recovery Rebate Credit, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit-frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</a> at IRS.gov.

To avoid refund delays, file a complete and accurate tax return. The 
best way to file a complete and accurate 2020 tax return is to file 
electronically. The tax software will ask questions about income, 
credits and deductions and help taxpayers figure their Recovery Rebate 
Credit. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040">Form 1040 and Form 1040-SR instructions</a> includes a worksheet that can also help.

Individuals will need to know the amount of their Economic Impact 
Payments to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. Those who don't have their
 Economic Impact Payment notices can view the amounts of their first and
 second Economic Impact Payments through their individual <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account">online account</a>. For married filing joint individuals, each spouse will need to log into his or her own account.

The Recovery Rebate Credit will be included in any tax refund. It 
will not be issued separately. For those due a refund (which would 
include the Recovery Rebate Credit), combining electronic filing with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/directdeposit">direct deposit</a> is the safest and fastest way to get their refund.

Taxpayers with incomes of $72,000 or less, an use brand-name software
 to prepare and file their federal tax returns electronically for free 
with IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>.
 IRS Free File is a great option for people who are only filing a tax 
return to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. Free File Fillable Forms is 
the only IRS Free File option available for most taxpayers whose&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/definition-of-adjusted-gross-income">adjusted gross income</a> is greater than $72,000.

Taxpayers who have no taxable income but are filing a return to 
receive the Recovery Rebate Credit should look for several of the Free 
File products that have no minimum income for eligibility. Simply go to 
IRS.gov/Free File, select "Choose an IRS Free File Offer" and then 
select "Browse All Offers" to find a Free File product with no minimum 
income as part of its offer.

Free online tax help for military service members, families and some veterans

<a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/tax-resource-center/miltax-military-tax-services">MilTax</a>,
 Military OneSource's tax service, provides online software for eligible
 individuals to electronically file a federal return and up to three 
state returns for free.

Free tax preparation in local communities

First-time filers and those who usually don't have a filing requirement may also qualify for free assistance from IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)</a> programs in their community. These programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.

The VITA program has operated for over 50 years, offering free tax help to:

In addition to VITA, the TCE program offers free tax help, 
particularly for those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing 
in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to 
seniors.

This year, some VITA/TCE sites are not operating at full capacity and others are not opening. Check the VITA/TCE <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">locator tool</a> to search for nearby available sites.

IRS.gov has online resources to answer tax questions immediately. The
 Interactive Tax Assistant is a tool that provides answers to several 
tax-law questions specific to a taxpayer's individual circumstances.

Visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing">IRS.gov/filing</a>
 for details about IRS Free File, Free File Fillable Forms, free VITA or
 TCE tax preparation sites in the local community or finding a trusted 
tax professional.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service reminds first-time filers 
and those who usually don't have a federal filing requirement to 
consider filing a 2020 tax return. They may be eligible to claim the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a>,
 a new refundable credit, authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
 Economic Security (CARES) Act and the COVID-related Tax Relief Act.Most individuals eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit have already
 received the full amount in two rounds of payments, known as Economic 
Impact Payments. All legally permitted first and second Economic Impact 
Payments have been issued.Individuals who were eligible but did not receive the first or second
 Economic Impact Payment or received less than the full amounts may be 
eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit and must file a 2020 
federal tax return, even if they do not usually file a tax return. The 
IRS offers free options to prepare and file a return.Taxpayers who received the full amounts of both Economic Impact 
Payments won't claim the Recovery Rebate Credit or include any 
information about the payments on their 2020 tax return because the IRS 
already issued their Recovery Rebate Credit in advance as Economic 
Impact Payments.<h2>Didn't get an Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amount?</h2>People who didn't get an Economic Impact Payment or got less than the
 full amounts may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit and 
must file a 2020 tax return, even if they don't usually file.The first Economic Impact Payment was based on an individual's 2019 
tax year information or 2018 if the 2019 tax return information was not 
available. The second Economic Impact Payment was based on an 
individual's 2019 tax year information. The Recovery Rebate Credit is 
similar except that the eligibility and the amount are based on 2020 
information on the tax return. The Recovery Rebate Credit is reduced by 
any Economic Impact Payments issued.People who were not eligible for either or both of the Economic 
Impact Payments may still be eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit 
since it's based on their 2020 tax return information. Those with lower 
income in 2020 or who were claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax 
return in 2018 or 2019, but who cannot be claimed as a dependent on 
someone else's return in 2020, may now be eligible for the Recovery 
Rebate Credit.People eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit based on their 
2020 tax information must file a 2020 federal tax return. For more 
information about the Recovery Rebate Credit, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit-frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</a> at IRS.gov.<h2>Filing a 2020 tax return</h2>To avoid refund delays, file a complete and accurate tax return. The 
best way to file a complete and accurate 2020 tax return is to file 
electronically. The tax software will ask questions about income, 
credits and deductions and help taxpayers figure their Recovery Rebate 
Credit. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040">Form 1040 and Form 1040-SR instructions</a> includes a worksheet that can also help.Individuals will need to know the amount of their Economic Impact 
Payments to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. Those who don't have their
 Economic Impact Payment notices can view the amounts of their first and
 second Economic Impact Payments through their individual <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account">online account</a>. For married filing joint individuals, each spouse will need to log into his or her own account.The Recovery Rebate Credit will be included in any tax refund. It 
will not be issued separately. For those due a refund (which would 
include the Recovery Rebate Credit), combining electronic filing with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/directdeposit">direct deposit</a> is the safest and fastest way to get their refund.<h2>IRS Free File</h2>Taxpayers with incomes of $72,000 or less, an use brand-name software
 to prepare and file their federal tax returns electronically for free 
with IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>.
 IRS Free File is a great option for people who are only filing a tax 
return to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. Free File Fillable Forms is 
the only IRS Free File option available for most taxpayers whose&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/definition-of-adjusted-gross-income">adjusted gross income</a> is greater than $72,000.Taxpayers who have no taxable income but are filing a return to 
receive the Recovery Rebate Credit should look for several of the Free 
File products that have no minimum income for eligibility. Simply go to 
IRS.gov/Free File, select "Choose an IRS Free File Offer" and then 
select "Browse All Offers" to find a Free File product with no minimum 
income as part of its offer.<h2>Free online tax help for military service members, families and some veterans</h2><a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/tax-resource-center/miltax-military-tax-services">MilTax</a>,
 Military OneSource's tax service, provides online software for eligible
 individuals to electronically file a federal return and up to three 
state returns for free.<h2>Free tax preparation in local communities</h2>First-time filers and those who usually don't have a filing requirement may also qualify for free assistance from IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)</a> programs in their community. These programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.<h2>The VITA program has operated for over 50 years, offering free tax help to:</h2><ul>
 <li>People who generally make $57,000 or less</li><li>Persons with disabilities; and</li><li>Limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their tax return.</li>
 </ul>In addition to VITA, the TCE program offers free tax help, 
particularly for those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing 
in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to 
seniors.This year, some VITA/TCE sites are not operating at full capacity and others are not opening. Check the VITA/TCE <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">locator tool</a> to search for nearby available sites.<h2>Help at IRS.gov</h2>IRS.gov has online resources to answer tax questions immediately. The
 Interactive Tax Assistant is a tool that provides answers to several 
tax-law questions specific to a taxpayer's individual circumstances.Visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing">IRS.gov/filing</a>
 for details about IRS Free File, Free File Fillable Forms, free VITA or
 TCE tax preparation sites in the local community or finding a trusted 
tax professional.

IRS: No stimulus check? You may be eligible for Recovery Rebate Credit

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-03-01/some-covid-tests-come-with-criminal-prices-experts-say-so-get-tested-for-free-instead">Kansas News Service</a>

A year into the pandemic, COVID-19 testing has become easier to get — just not necessarily cheaper.

If you go to the right locations, though, you can get a test for free instead of shelling out $100 or more.

For Kansas, sites that offer free testing are listed <a href="https://www.gogettested.com/kansas" target="_blank">online</a>, complete with information about wait times and booking.

You don’t have to show any ID or insurance. That eliminates the risk of a wrestling match later over billing.

Price tags matter, even when insurance pays

Late last year, the Kansas Insurance Department <a href="https://shawneemissionpost.com/2020/12/21/lenexa-lab-flagged-for-potential-price-gouging-of-covid-19-tests-what-consumers-need-to-know-109079/" target="_blank">warned the public</a> that a lab in Johnson County was billing about $1,000 per test.

Even
 if an insurance company picks up the tab, when costs run high, it 
boomerangs back to customers in the form of higher premiums.

The Johnson County lab later dropped the price — but it remains in the hundreds of dollars.

National experts have called out laboratories for charging prices so high — sometimes <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/09/15/covid-test-prices-hospitals-scrutiny-congress-insurers-consumers/3472304001/" target="_blank">even thousands</a> of dollars. They also argue that many labs charging less than that still ask too much.

Michael Mina, an epidemiologist at Harvard University, says labs typically collect more than $100 for a <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/covid-19-diagnostic-test/about/pac-20488900#:~:text=Also%20called%20a%20molecular%20test,reaction%20(PCR)." target="_blank">molecular test</a>, even though many spend a very small fraction of that to run one.

“That’s
 criminal,” he said in a briefing with reporters last month. “People 
should not be profiting at the moment, or at least not excessively 
profiting off of this pandemic.”

Drug stores and labs increasingly market directly to consumers, offering DIY kits.

At-home
 molecular tests can cost more than $100. Read the fine print: Some 
require a prescription. Some don’t. Some sellers bill your insurance. 
Others take your money and tell you to contact your insurance company 
for reimbursement.

Unless you’re certain that your insurer will pony up, that could leave you on the hook for a product you could have gotten <a href="https://www.gogettested.com/kansas" target="_blank">free of cost</a>.

<a href="https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2021/at-home-covid-tests.html" target="_blank">The AARP says</a> more molecular tests will come on the market soon in the $50 range. At-home antigen tests cost even less.

Molecular tests are more sensitive — often called the “gold standard” — but generally take longer.

Mina explains there’s another trade-off: Molecular tests are so sensitive,
 that they can catch leftover snippets of vanquished virus from an old 
infection. So a positive result can happen even when you’re no longer 
sick or contagious.

By contrast, a positive result on an antigen test means you are sick right now.

Harvard answers more questions about coronavirus tests <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/if-youve-been-exposed-to-the-coronavirus" target="_blank">here</a>, including antibody testing, a third method that checks your blood for immune responses to a past coronavirus infection.

Many people can get free antibody testing by donating blood to the <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/covid-19-antibody-testing.html" target="_blank">American Red Cross</a>.

If you think you were billed wrongly for a test

Congress passed legislation to protect people against bills for COVID-19 tests in many situations.

But
 not everyone follows the rules. For example, the Kansas Insurance 
Department says one state employee got charged a fee for a COVID-19 test
 that should have been free.

If you got a bill for a COVID-19 
test, you may have fallen into a loophole that allows a hospital or 
clinic to bill you. Or, the bill may in fact violate federal law. You 
can turn to the <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-22/billed-wrongly-for-a-covid-19-test-the-kansas-insurance-department-wants-to-know" target="_blank">Kansas Insurance Department</a> for help sorting out whether the bill was legit or not.

Celia
 Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas 
News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at 
celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614615957318.png" alt="A photo shows samples ready for COVID-19 testing at a Kansas laboratory. Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>A photo shows samples ready for COVID-19 testing at a Kansas laboratory. Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-03-01/some-covid-tests-come-with-criminal-prices-experts-say-so-get-tested-for-free-instead">Kansas News Service</a>A year into the pandemic, COVID-19 testing has become easier to get — just not necessarily cheaper.If you go to the right locations, though, you can get a test for free instead of shelling out $100 or more.For Kansas, sites that offer free testing are listed <a href="https://www.gogettested.com/kansas" target="_blank">online</a>, complete with information about wait times and booking.You don’t have to show any ID or insurance. That eliminates the risk of a wrestling match later over billing.<h2>Price tags matter, even when insurance pays</h2>Late last year, the Kansas Insurance Department <a href="https://shawneemissionpost.com/2020/12/21/lenexa-lab-flagged-for-potential-price-gouging-of-covid-19-tests-what-consumers-need-to-know-109079/" target="_blank">warned the public</a> that a lab in Johnson County was billing about $1,000 per test.Even
 if an insurance company picks up the tab, when costs run high, it 
boomerangs back to customers in the form of higher premiums.The Johnson County lab later dropped the price — but it remains in the hundreds of dollars.National experts have called out laboratories for charging prices so high — sometimes <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/09/15/covid-test-prices-hospitals-scrutiny-congress-insurers-consumers/3472304001/" target="_blank">even thousands</a> of dollars. They also argue that many labs charging less than that still ask too much.Michael Mina, an epidemiologist at Harvard University, says labs typically collect more than $100 for a <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/covid-19-diagnostic-test/about/pac-20488900#:~:text=Also%20called%20a%20molecular%20test,reaction%20(PCR)." target="_blank">molecular test</a>, even though many spend a very small fraction of that to run one.“That’s
 criminal,” he said in a briefing with reporters last month. “People 
should not be profiting at the moment, or at least not excessively 
profiting off of this pandemic.”<h2>At-home tests often cost that much, too</h2>Drug stores and labs increasingly market directly to consumers, offering DIY kits.At-home
 molecular tests can cost more than $100. Read the fine print: Some 
require a prescription. Some don’t. Some sellers bill your insurance. 
Others take your money and tell you to contact your insurance company 
for reimbursement.Unless you’re certain that your insurer will pony up, that could leave you on the hook for a product you could have gotten <a href="https://www.gogettested.com/kansas" target="_blank">free of cost</a>.<a href="https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2021/at-home-covid-tests.html" target="_blank">The AARP says</a> more molecular tests will come on the market soon in the $50 range. At-home antigen tests cost even less.<h2>A quick refresher on test methods</h2>Molecular tests are more sensitive — often called the “gold standard” — but generally take longer.Mina explains there’s another trade-off: Molecular tests are so sensitive,
 that they can catch leftover snippets of vanquished virus from an old 
infection. So a positive result can happen even when you’re no longer 
sick or contagious.By contrast, a positive result on an antigen test means you are sick right now.Harvard answers more questions about coronavirus tests <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/if-youve-been-exposed-to-the-coronavirus" target="_blank">here</a>, including antibody testing, a third method that checks your blood for immune responses to a past coronavirus infection.Many people can get free antibody testing by donating blood to the <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/covid-19-antibody-testing.html" target="_blank">American Red Cross</a>.<h2>If you think you were billed wrongly for a test</h2>Congress passed legislation to protect people against bills for COVID-19 tests in many situations.But
 not everyone follows the rules. For example, the Kansas Insurance 
Department says one state employee got charged a fee for a COVID-19 test
 that should have been free.If you got a bill for a COVID-19 
test, you may have fallen into a loophole that allows a hospital or 
clinic to bill you. Or, the bill may in fact violate federal law. You 
can turn to the <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-22/billed-wrongly-for-a-covid-19-test-the-kansas-insurance-department-wants-to-know" target="_blank">Kansas Insurance Department</a> for help sorting out whether the bill was legit or not.Celia
 Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas 
News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at 
celia@kcur.org.

Some COVID tests come with 'criminal' prices, experts say

Conservative leaders within the United Methodist Church unveiled plans Monday to form a new denomination, the Global Methodist Church, with a doctrine that does not recognize same-sex marriage.

The move could hasten the long-expected breakup of the UMC over differing approaches to LGBTQ inclusion. For now, the UMC is the largest mainline Protestant church in the U.S. and second only to the Southern Baptist Convention, an evangelical denomination, among all U.S. Protestant churches.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the UMC’s General Conference — at which the schism would be debated — has been postponed for two consecutive years, and is now scheduled to take place in Minneapolis starting in late August of 2022.

The Rev. Keith Boyette, a Methodist elder from Virginia who chairs the Global Methodist initiative, said he and his allies do not want to wait that long to formally leave the UMC. They have asked that the topic of schism be added to the tightly limited agenda of a special one-day General Conference to be conducted online May 8.

“The church is basically stalemated right now,” Boyette said. “We don’t believe an additional year is going to be helpful for anybody.”

However, Louisiana-based Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, who heads the UMC’s Council of Bishops, said debate over a schism would involve “delicate deliberations” and attempting to conduct them online in May “does not seem wise or ethical.”

If the issue is not addressed on May 8, Boyette said he and his allies would be willing to delay until the 2022 General Conference, but only if UMC centrists and progressives remain committed to previous agreements about a breakup. Any lessening of those commitments might prompt the conservatives to bring the new church into existence, Boyette said.

Differences over same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ clergy have simmered for years in the UMC, and came to a head in 2019 at a conference in St. Louis where delegates voted 438-384 to strengthen bans on LGBTQ-inclusive practices. Most U.S.-based delegates opposed that plan and favored LGBTQ-friendly options; they were outvoted by U.S. conservatives teamed with most of the delegates from Methodist strongholds in Africa and the Philippines.

In the aftermath of that meeting, many moderate and liberal clergy made clear they would not abide by the bans, and various groups worked on proposals to let the UMC split along theological lines.

The most prominent plan, the Protocol of Reconciliation &amp; Grace Through Separation, has some high-level support, including from the Council of Bishops and from the Global Methodist group. Under the protocol, conservative congregations and regional bodies would be allowed to separate from the UMC and form a new denomination. They would receive $25 million in UMC funds and be able to keep their properties.

On a new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.globalmethodist.org/" target="_blank">website</a>&nbsp;launched Monday, the Global Methodist organizers said the new denomination would allow women to serve at all levels and seek a membership that is “ethnically and racially diverse.”

Regarding LGBTQ issues, organizers said the denomination would adhere to “the traditional understanding of Christian marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman and as God’s intended setting for human sexual expression.”

Bishop Karen Oliveto of the UMC’s Mountain Sky region — who in 2016 became the UMC’s first openly lesbian bishop — said in an email that “it is heartbreaking when the Body of Christ fragments itself.”

“I pray that those who are called into the Global Methodist Church will find themselves free to be the people whom God calls them to be,” she added.

Formed in a merger in 1968, the United Methodist Church claims about 12.6 million members worldwide, including nearly 7 million in the United States.

The UMC’s demography is illustrated by the apportionment of voting delegates for the 2022 General Conference: About 56% come from the United States, 32% from Africa, 6% from the Philippines and most of the rest from Europe.

By DAVID CRARY, Associated PressConservative leaders within the United Methodist Church unveiled plans Monday to form a new denomination, the Global Methodist Church, with a doctrine that does not recognize same-sex marriage.The move could hasten the long-expected breakup of the UMC over differing approaches to LGBTQ inclusion. For now, the UMC is the largest mainline Protestant church in the U.S. and second only to the Southern Baptist Convention, an evangelical denomination, among all U.S. Protestant churches.Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the UMC’s General Conference — at which the schism would be debated — has been postponed for two consecutive years, and is now scheduled to take place in Minneapolis starting in late August of 2022.The Rev. Keith Boyette, a Methodist elder from Virginia who chairs the Global Methodist initiative, said he and his allies do not want to wait that long to formally leave the UMC. They have asked that the topic of schism be added to the tightly limited agenda of a special one-day General Conference to be conducted online May 8.“The church is basically stalemated right now,” Boyette said. “We don’t believe an additional year is going to be helpful for anybody.”However, Louisiana-based Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, who heads the UMC’s Council of Bishops, said debate over a schism would involve “delicate deliberations” and attempting to conduct them online in May “does not seem wise or ethical.”If the issue is not addressed on May 8, Boyette said he and his allies would be willing to delay until the 2022 General Conference, but only if UMC centrists and progressives remain committed to previous agreements about a breakup. Any lessening of those commitments might prompt the conservatives to bring the new church into existence, Boyette said.Differences over same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ clergy have simmered for years in the UMC, and came to a head in 2019 at a conference in St. Louis where delegates voted 438-384 to strengthen bans on LGBTQ-inclusive practices. Most U.S.-based delegates opposed that plan and favored LGBTQ-friendly options; they were outvoted by U.S. conservatives teamed with most of the delegates from Methodist strongholds in Africa and the Philippines.In the aftermath of that meeting, many moderate and liberal clergy made clear they would not abide by the bans, and various groups worked on proposals to let the UMC split along theological lines.The most prominent plan, the Protocol of Reconciliation &amp; Grace Through Separation, has some high-level support, including from the Council of Bishops and from the Global Methodist group. Under the protocol, conservative congregations and regional bodies would be allowed to separate from the UMC and form a new denomination. They would receive $25 million in UMC funds and be able to keep their properties.On a new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.globalmethodist.org/" target="_blank">website</a>&nbsp;launched Monday, the Global Methodist organizers said the new denomination would allow women to serve at all levels and seek a membership that is “ethnically and racially diverse.”Regarding LGBTQ issues, organizers said the denomination would adhere to “the traditional understanding of Christian marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman and as God’s intended setting for human sexual expression.”Bishop Karen Oliveto of the UMC’s Mountain Sky region — who in 2016 became the UMC’s first openly lesbian bishop — said in an email that “it is heartbreaking when the Body of Christ fragments itself.”“I pray that those who are called into the Global Methodist Church will find themselves free to be the people whom God calls them to be,” she added.Formed in a merger in 1968, the United Methodist Church claims about 12.6 million members worldwide, including nearly 7 million in the United States.The UMC’s demography is illustrated by the apportionment of voting delegates for the 2022 General Conference: About 56% come from the United States, 32% from Africa, 6% from the Philippines and most of the rest from Europe.___

United Methodist conservatives detail plans for a breakaway

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Police in Cheyenne say the cause of death for a 2-year-old boy found in a dumpster at an apartment complex remains uncertain after an autopsy. 

The body of Athian Rivera was found a few hours after he was reported missing Feb. 19. 

His mother’s boyfriend, 27-year-old Wyatt Lamb, was arrested at home that evening on unrelated warrants. 

KGAB Radio reports police have recommended murder and aggravated child abuse charges against Lamb but prosecutors haven’t filed charges in the case. 

Police spokeswoman Alexandra Farxas says the autopsy was inconclusive. 

Lamb remained jailed Tuesday. His attorney didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Police in Cheyenne say the cause of death for a 2-year-old boy found in a dumpster at an apartment complex remains uncertain after an autopsy. The body of Athian Rivera was found a few hours after he was reported missing Feb. 19. His mother’s boyfriend, 27-year-old Wyatt Lamb, was arrested at home that evening on unrelated warrants. KGAB Radio reports police have recommended murder and aggravated child abuse charges against Lamb but prosecutors haven’t filed charges in the case. Police spokeswoman Alexandra Farxas says the autopsy was inconclusive. Lamb remained jailed Tuesday. His attorney didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment.

Cheyenne police: Cause of toddler death still uncertain

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Police are investigating what they've called the suspicious death of a man in his 30s whose body was found inside a Lincoln home. 

Police say officers were called late Monday morning to a house along North 20th Street after someone noticed a door standing open to the house.

 Arriving officers found the body of the man inside. 

Police have not released the man's name or any details about how he may have died. 

Police said there is no known threat to the public, but did not give any information about a suspect in the case or announce any arrests.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Police are investigating what they've called the suspicious death of a man in his 30s whose body was found inside a Lincoln home. Police say officers were called late Monday morning to a house along North 20th Street after someone noticed a door standing open to the house. Arriving officers found the body of the man inside. Police have not released the man's name or any details about how he may have died. Police said there is no known threat to the public, but did not give any information about a suspect in the case or announce any arrests.

Police investigating after man found dead in Lincoln home

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — With the U.S. vaccination drive picking up speed and a third formula on the way, states eager to reopen for business are easing coronavirus restrictions despite warnings from health experts that the outbreak is far from over and that moving too quickly could prolong the misery.

Massachusetts on Monday made it much easier to grab dinner and a show. In Missouri, where individual communities get to make the rules, the two biggest metropolitan areas — St. Louis and Kansas City — are relaxing some measures. Iowa’s governor recently lifted mask requirements and limits on the number of people allowed in bars and restaurants, while the town of Lawrence, home to the University of Kansas, now lets establishments stay open until midnight.

Mike Lee, who owns Trezo Mare Restaurant &amp; Lounge in Kansas City, said he hopes increased vaccine access, combined with warmer weather, will improve business.

“I think that people are excited to put this past them and be able to start to get back to their ways of doing things,” Lee said.

The push to reopen comes as COVID-19 vaccine shipments to the states are ramping up. Nearly 20% of the nation’s adults — or over 50 million people — have received at least one dose of vaccine, and 10% have been fully inoculated 2 1/2 months into the campaign to snuff out the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Johnson &amp; Johnson shipped out nearly 4 million doses of its newly authorized, one-shot COVID-19 vaccine Sunday night to be delivered to states for use starting on Tuesday. The company will deliver about 16 million more doses by the end of March and a total of 100 million by the end of June.

That adds to the supply being distributed by Pfizer and Moderna and should&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/drug-companies-called-share-vaccine-info-22d92afbc3ea9ed519be007f8887bcf6">help the nation</a>&nbsp;amass enough doses by midsummer to vaccinate all adults. The White House is encouraging Americans to take the first dose available to them, regardless of manufacturer.

In New York City, where limited indoor dining has resumed, officials said the J&amp;J vaccine will help the city to inoculate millions more people by summer, including through door-to-door vaccinations of homebound senior citizens.

But the efforts come with strong warnings from health officials against reopening too quickly, as worrisome coronavirus variants spread.

On Monday, the head of the CDC, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, urgently warned state officials and ordinary Americans not to let down their guard, saying she is “really worried about reports that more states are rolling back the exact public health measures that we have recommended.”

“I remain deeply concerned about a potential shift in the trajectory of the pandemic,” she said. “We stand to completely lose the hard-earned ground that we have gained.”

Cases and hospitalizations have plunged since the end of January, and deaths have also dropped sharply, but they are still running at dangerously high levels and have even risen slightly over the past several days.

“We cannot be resigned to 70,000 cases a day and 2,000 daily deaths,” Walensky said.

Overall, the outbreak has killed more than a half-million Americans.

The vaccine already is contributing to a decrease in severe cases and deaths among older people, and is “quickly becoming a bigger contributor” nationally, Justin Lessler, an expert in infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University, said in an email.

“I suspect we will see it overtake natural infection as the biggest driver of immunity late spring earliest, more likely midsummer,” Lessler said.

Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins University, said he believes states and cities have leeway to ease some restrictions because hospitals no longer are at capacity in most communities. But “I do think that masks are likely going to need to be kept in place for some time until we get more of our vulnerable populations vaccinated,” he said.

“It is important for restaurants who are increasing their capacity to remember that we are still in a pandemic and to continue to follow some of those rules,” Adalja said.

The Biden administration wants to see all three vaccines distributed evenly, while also acknowledging that the easy-to-handle J&amp;J vaccine will be used in pop-up mobile sites and locations without freezer storage capacity.

States are hoping that the surging vaccine supply will help tamp down new infections.

In Massachusetts, Gov. Charlie Baker lifted restaurant capacity limits entirely. Theaters can open at 50% capacity, with a maximum of 500 people. And capacity limits across all businesses have been raised to 50%.

Las Vegas on Monday became the latest of the nation’s largest school districts to return children to classrooms. Pre-K children to third graders will go back two days a week, with other grades to be phased in by early April.

And in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-gavin-newsom-california-coronavirus-pandemic-4e4bd535cbc2510077e8c10b32c6c282">reached an agreement</a>&nbsp;aimed at getting most children back in classrooms by the end of March. Under the deal announced Monday, school districts could receive up to $6.6 billion if they reopen by March 31.

The U.S. ranks fourth in the world, behind Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Britain, in the number of doses administered relative to the population, according to data compiled by the University of Oxford.

President Joe Biden fell well short of his goal of setting up 100 new federally operated mass-vaccination sites by the end of February, with just seven up and running.

White House vaccination coordinator Jeff Zients also acknowledged that scheduling of vaccination appointments “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rural-areas-vaccine-distribution-b912b74c4f38bf2ff7abc99d1a9f4d22">remains too difficult in too many places.”</a>&nbsp;But he said the White House is working with states to improve scheduling systems and is exploring federal support for call centers to make it easier for people to get appointments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614626797227.png" alt="Johnson and Johnson began shipping its new COVID-19 vaccine from its McKesson facility in Shepherdsville, Kentucky Monday morning-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Johnson and Johnson began shipping its new COVID-19 vaccine from its McKesson facility in Shepherdsville, Kentucky Monday morning-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — With the U.S. vaccination drive picking up speed and a third formula on the way, states eager to reopen for business are easing coronavirus restrictions despite warnings from health experts that the outbreak is far from over and that moving too quickly could prolong the misery.Massachusetts on Monday made it much easier to grab dinner and a show. In Missouri, where individual communities get to make the rules, the two biggest metropolitan areas — St. Louis and Kansas City — are relaxing some measures. Iowa’s governor recently lifted mask requirements and limits on the number of people allowed in bars and restaurants, while the town of Lawrence, home to the University of Kansas, now lets establishments stay open until midnight.Mike Lee, who owns Trezo Mare Restaurant &amp; Lounge in Kansas City, said he hopes increased vaccine access, combined with warmer weather, will improve business.“I think that people are excited to put this past them and be able to start to get back to their ways of doing things,” Lee said.The push to reopen comes as COVID-19 vaccine shipments to the states are ramping up. Nearly 20% of the nation’s adults — or over 50 million people — have received at least one dose of vaccine, and 10% have been fully inoculated 2 1/2 months into the campaign to snuff out the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Johnson &amp; Johnson shipped out nearly 4 million doses of its newly authorized, one-shot COVID-19 vaccine Sunday night to be delivered to states for use starting on Tuesday. The company will deliver about 16 million more doses by the end of March and a total of 100 million by the end of June.That adds to the supply being distributed by Pfizer and Moderna and should&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/drug-companies-called-share-vaccine-info-22d92afbc3ea9ed519be007f8887bcf6">help the nation</a>&nbsp;amass enough doses by midsummer to vaccinate all adults. The White House is encouraging Americans to take the first dose available to them, regardless of manufacturer.In New York City, where limited indoor dining has resumed, officials said the J&amp;J vaccine will help the city to inoculate millions more people by summer, including through door-to-door vaccinations of homebound senior citizens.But the efforts come with strong warnings from health officials against reopening too quickly, as worrisome coronavirus variants spread.On Monday, the head of the CDC, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, urgently warned state officials and ordinary Americans not to let down their guard, saying she is “really worried about reports that more states are rolling back the exact public health measures that we have recommended.”“I remain deeply concerned about a potential shift in the trajectory of the pandemic,” she said. “We stand to completely lose the hard-earned ground that we have gained.”Cases and hospitalizations have plunged since the end of January, and deaths have also dropped sharply, but they are still running at dangerously high levels and have even risen slightly over the past several days.“We cannot be resigned to 70,000 cases a day and 2,000 daily deaths,” Walensky said.Overall, the outbreak has killed more than a half-million Americans.The vaccine already is contributing to a decrease in severe cases and deaths among older people, and is “quickly becoming a bigger contributor” nationally, Justin Lessler, an expert in infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University, said in an email.“I suspect we will see it overtake natural infection as the biggest driver of immunity late spring earliest, more likely midsummer,” Lessler said.Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins University, said he believes states and cities have leeway to ease some restrictions because hospitals no longer are at capacity in most communities. But “I do think that masks are likely going to need to be kept in place for some time until we get more of our vulnerable populations vaccinated,” he said.“It is important for restaurants who are increasing their capacity to remember that we are still in a pandemic and to continue to follow some of those rules,” Adalja said.The Biden administration wants to see all three vaccines distributed evenly, while also acknowledging that the easy-to-handle J&amp;J vaccine will be used in pop-up mobile sites and locations without freezer storage capacity.States are hoping that the surging vaccine supply will help tamp down new infections.In Massachusetts, Gov. Charlie Baker lifted restaurant capacity limits entirely. Theaters can open at 50% capacity, with a maximum of 500 people. And capacity limits across all businesses have been raised to 50%.Las Vegas on Monday became the latest of the nation’s largest school districts to return children to classrooms. Pre-K children to third graders will go back two days a week, with other grades to be phased in by early April.And in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-gavin-newsom-california-coronavirus-pandemic-4e4bd535cbc2510077e8c10b32c6c282">reached an agreement</a>&nbsp;aimed at getting most children back in classrooms by the end of March. Under the deal announced Monday, school districts could receive up to $6.6 billion if they reopen by March 31.The U.S. ranks fourth in the world, behind Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Britain, in the number of doses administered relative to the population, according to data compiled by the University of Oxford.President Joe Biden fell well short of his goal of setting up 100 new federally operated mass-vaccination sites by the end of February, with just seven up and running.White House vaccination coordinator Jeff Zients also acknowledged that scheduling of vaccination appointments “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rural-areas-vaccine-distribution-b912b74c4f38bf2ff7abc99d1a9f4d22">remains too difficult in too many places.”</a>&nbsp;But he said the White House is working with states to improve scheduling systems and is exploring federal support for call centers to make it easier for people to get appointments.___