LASK AIR BASE, Poland (AP) — NATO's chief said Tuesday that, despite Russia's threats about nuclear weapons, the alliance sees no need to change its own nuclear weapons alert level.

<a href="https://www.ready.gov/nuclear-explosion#:~:text=Go%20to%20the%20basement%20or,a%20part%20of%20your%20household.">Click here to read the </a>U.S. Government guidelines in case of nuclear explosion.

The alliance’s secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, spoke to The Associated Press following talks on European security with Polish President Andrzej Duda at an air base in Lask, central Poland, where NATO’s Polish and U.S. fighter jets F-15 and F-16 are based.

“We will always do what is needed to protect and defend our allies, but we don’t think there is any need now to change the alert levels of NATO’s nuclear forces,” Stoltenberg said.

The Kremlin began an invasion of Ukraine last week and on Tuesday shelled the center of the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. Russia has raised the specter of nuclear war, reporting on Monday that its land, air and sea nuclear forces were on high alert following President Vladimir Putin’s weekend order. NATO itself has no nuclear weapons, but three of its members do — the United States, Britain and France.

“We strongly believe it's reckless and irresponsible the way Russia is speaking about nuclear weapons,” Stoltenberg said, standing in one of the base's hangars, which has been turned into a conference room with Polish and NATO flags and jets around it.

Stoltenberg stressed that Russia has signed a number of deals agreeing that nuclear war cannot be won and should not be fought.

He called on Russia to “stop the attacks and withdraw all its forces and engage in good faith in diplomatic efforts” to end the war.

Government delegations from Ukraine and Russia met for talks in southeastern Belarus on Monday, but the outcome was not immediately clear.

“This is a horrendous, horrific invasion of an innocent country and we see that civilians are killed. It’s a brutality that has to stop immediately,” Stoltenberg said.

The United States recently reinforced the eastern flank of NATO's territory with some 5,000 additional troops deployed to Poland and Romania. Both NATO countries border Ukraine, which is not part of NATO. A number of French troops were traveling to Romania on Tuesday to further strengthen the region, Stoltenberg said.

The alliance is to discuss further reinforcement steps at its next summit in June in Madrid.

It is NATO's responsibility to “ensure that we don’t see a development where a conflict in Ukraine spiraled out of control and becomes a full-fledged confrontation between NATO and Russia in Europe,” Stoltenberg said.

He said alliance commanders are insisting that they are “able to maintain deconfliction (contacts) with Russia,” he said.

From Lask, Stoltenberg flew to Tallin, Estonia, for talks on security of the Baltic region which borders Russia and its ally Belarus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646152598154.png" alt="NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with troops Tuesday and stressed that Russia has signed a number of deals agreeing that nuclear war cannot be won and should not be fought." />
 <figcaption>NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with troops Tuesday and stressed that Russia has signed a number of deals agreeing that nuclear war cannot be won and should not be fought.</figcaption>
 </figure>LASK AIR BASE, Poland (AP) — NATO's chief said Tuesday that, despite Russia's threats about nuclear weapons, the alliance sees no need to change its own nuclear weapons alert level.<a href="https://www.ready.gov/nuclear-explosion#:~:text=Go%20to%20the%20basement%20or,a%20part%20of%20your%20household.">Click here to read the </a>U.S. Government guidelines in case of nuclear explosion.The alliance’s secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, spoke to The Associated Press following talks on European security with Polish President Andrzej Duda at an air base in Lask, central Poland, where NATO’s Polish and U.S. fighter jets F-15 and F-16 are based.“We will always do what is needed to protect and defend our allies, but we don’t think there is any need now to change the alert levels of NATO’s nuclear forces,” Stoltenberg said.The Kremlin began an invasion of Ukraine last week and on Tuesday shelled the center of the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. Russia has raised the specter of nuclear war, reporting on Monday that its land, air and sea nuclear forces were on high alert following President Vladimir Putin’s weekend order. NATO itself has no nuclear weapons, but three of its members do — the United States, Britain and France.“We strongly believe it's reckless and irresponsible the way Russia is speaking about nuclear weapons,” Stoltenberg said, standing in one of the base's hangars, which has been turned into a conference room with Polish and NATO flags and jets around it.Stoltenberg stressed that Russia has signed a number of deals agreeing that nuclear war cannot be won and should not be fought.He called on Russia to “stop the attacks and withdraw all its forces and engage in good faith in diplomatic efforts” to end the war.Government delegations from Ukraine and Russia met for talks in southeastern Belarus on Monday, but the outcome was not immediately clear.“This is a horrendous, horrific invasion of an innocent country and we see that civilians are killed. It’s a brutality that has to stop immediately,” Stoltenberg said.The United States recently reinforced the eastern flank of NATO's territory with some 5,000 additional troops deployed to Poland and Romania. Both NATO countries border Ukraine, which is not part of NATO. A number of French troops were traveling to Romania on Tuesday to further strengthen the region, Stoltenberg said.The alliance is to discuss further reinforcement steps at its next summit in June in Madrid.It is NATO's responsibility to “ensure that we don’t see a development where a conflict in Ukraine spiraled out of control and becomes a full-fledged confrontation between NATO and Russia in Europe,” Stoltenberg said.He said alliance commanders are insisting that they are “able to maintain deconfliction (contacts) with Russia,” he said.From Lask, Stoltenberg flew to Tallin, Estonia, for talks on security of the Baltic region which borders Russia and its ally Belarus.

Despite threat NATO sees no need to change nuclear alert level

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman and two teens for alleged drug distribution.

On Feb. 26, police learned that&nbsp;18-year-old Trebreh Jones of Wichita was selling narcotic pills, and an investigation was conducted, which led to a search warrant being obtained on his residence, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

Early Sunday morning, police executed the search warrant at a home in the 1900 block of S. Shiloh. and took three occupants – Jones, 37-year-old Tanisha Evans and a 16-year-old&nbsp; into custody.

Inside the residence, officers located an AR pistol with no serial number, a .22 caliber rifle and several bags with hundreds of narcotic pills.

Jones was booked into the Sedgwick County jail on requested charges that include possession of narcotic pills with intent to sell and two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon. 

Evans is being held on requested charged of possession of narcotic pills with intent to sell, assault of a law enforcement officer and an outstanding warrant. In addition, the 16-year-old was booked to a juvenile facility for possession of narcotic pills with intent to sell.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646134987310.png" alt="Jones-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Jones-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman and two teens for alleged drug distribution.On Feb. 26, police learned that&nbsp;18-year-old Trebreh Jones of Wichita was selling narcotic pills, and an investigation was conducted, which led to a search warrant being obtained on his residence, according to Officer Trevor Macy.Early Sunday morning, police executed the search warrant at a home in the 1900 block of S. Shiloh. and took three occupants – Jones, 37-year-old Tanisha Evans and a 16-year-old&nbsp; into custody.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646134966562.png" alt="Evans-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Evans-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Inside the residence, officers located an AR pistol with no serial number, a .22 caliber rifle and several bags with hundreds of narcotic pills.Jones was booked into the Sedgwick County jail on requested charges that include possession of narcotic pills with intent to sell and two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon. Evans is being held on requested charged of possession of narcotic pills with intent to sell, assault of a law enforcement officer and an outstanding warrant. In addition, the 16-year-old was booked to a juvenile facility for possession of narcotic pills with intent to sell.

Kan. woman, teens busted for allegedly selling narcotic pills

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/01/its-not-what-we-do-hospital-chief-not-interested-in-ivermectin-debate-with-kansas-senator/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Steve Stites, chief medical officer at the University of 
Kansas Health System, has a simple explanation for refusing to debate 
people who profit from glorifying ivermectin at a “symposium” in Lenexa 
sponsored by Sen. Mark Steffen.

“We don’t try to run out into public forums where cameras are 
clicking and things like that and do sound bites,” Stites said. “That’s 
just not who we are. It’s not what we do. It’s what other people do. 
That’s fine. Go for it. But that’s not who we are.”

Steffen, a Republican and anesthesiologist from Hutchinson who is 
under investigation for prescribing ivermectin to COVID-19 patients, 
organized the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kshf.org/symposium">Early Covid Treatment Symposium</a>
 along with the anti-vax group Kansans for Health Freedom. The Wednesday
 event features three out-of-state doctors known for spreading 
misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines, and a doctor from an 
Overland Park wellness clinic that utilizes holistic medicine. Tickets 
cost $35.

On Monday, Steffen wrote in a post on his personal Facebook page that “very few tickets remain.”

“If you know a doctor willing to debate on behalf of the ‘do nothing’
 treatment protocol, let me know,” Steffen wrote. “The propaganda docs 
seem to be all talk and no action.”

For the past two weeks, Steffen and KSHF have taunted KU Health 
officials for refusing to debate the merits of ivermectin in the public 
setting, while accusing the nonprofit academic system of being a “big 
corporate hospital” that deploys a “go home until you can’t breathe” 
approach to fighting a virus that has killed nearly 8,000 Kansans.

This criticism ignores the No. 1 tool utilized by medical 
professionals to prevent severe illness or death from COVID-19 — free, 
safe and effective vaccines. The <a target="_blank" href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report</a> that 70.9% of Kansas adults are fully vaccinated, and 86.5% have received at least one dose.

The KU Health System has held virtual daily briefings on COVID-19 
since the start of the pandemic, providing insight into the effect the 
virus has had on hospitals across the state, dissecting the latest data 
and recommendations from federal and international authorities, and 
answering questions from news media and the public. The briefings helped
 fill an information void when the governor’s administration <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/11/19/lee-norman-steps-down-as-kansas-health-secretary-months-after-internal-dispute/">silenced former health secretary Lee Norman</a> last year, elevating the profile of Stites and making him a bigger target for Steffen and anti-vaxxers.

Stites talked about the planned Lenexa event and COVID-19 treatments 
in response to a question from Kansas Reflector during Friday’s 
briefing.

“For the longest time on this program, we’ve said we’re not going to 
be flapjackers,” Stites said. “We’re not gonna flap our arms and jack 
with the truth and try to speak wildly about it. Instead, what we’re 
going to do is try and stick as best we can to the science. And we’ll 
let you know when we’re talking hard science, we let you know when we 
think we’re giving you more of our professional opinion.”

In brief, here’s what they know: Peer-reviewed, blind clinical trials
 routinely show there is no benefit to using ivermectin or 
hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Paxlovid has demonstrated an 85-90% reduction in hospitalizations. The Food and Drug Administration <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-first-oral-antiviral-treatment-covid-19">authorized use of the Pfizer tablets</a> in December to treat mild to moderate cases of COVID-19.

“That’s really good, right? That’s like really, really, really good,”
 Stites said. “Now if you look at the data that has been suggested about
 ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, the data — it’s just not there. What
 you have is a lot of personal testimony that says, ‘Gosh, I was feeling
 poorly, I took ivermectin and then I started feeling better.’ ”

In a Feb. 23 email promoting the symposium to its followers, KSHF 
claimed there was no guidance about early treatment for COVID-19. 
Frustrated doctors, the organization said, “are ready to take matters 
into their own hands.”

Hospital systems “continue to turn a deaf ear to doctors who are 
successfully treating patients early,” the email said. “This is exactly 
what is happening right here in Kansas. Doctors at KU Med, for instance,
 have been invited to the Early Treatment Symposium; however, they have 
declined. We should all be asking: WHY?”

Stites said the doctors in the KU Health System prefer to hold long 
discussions in the form of journal club. They review articles, critique 
them and go to medical conferences with top researchers in their 
specialized field, such as infectious disease.

“We’re not politicians,” Stites said. “And I don’t mean in a 
disparaging fashion. That’s another type of job, and I’m not in that 
job. This is my job. And I’m going to try, and I think I need, to do my 
job. And God bless the people and Godspeed, the folks who want to be in 
the political world. I think that’s a really hard job. …

“When we meet and talk with our patients, we’re talking about the 
science part of it. So people want to get together and talk about it, 
Godspeed. Go for it. It’s just not who we are.”

Stites said he wanted to “clear up some other misinformation.”

“I don’t get any money from drug companies,” Stites said. “I don’t do
 any of that. When I give you these opinions, these are not out of 
financial interests. And if anybody’s even more concerned, just know 
that when you practice as a physician, you can’t get reimbursed because 
the health system makes more money. That’s illegal. People go to jail 
for that. And so, the end of the day, we’re just trying to recommend to 
you what we think is the best thing.”

Steffen, who <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/26/kansas-senator-under-investigation-after-prescribing-ivermectin-for-covid-19-seeks-legal-cover/">announced in a committee hearing</a> that he is <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/01/dear-kansas-board-of-healing-arts-this-doctor-senator-is-a-threat-to-public-health/">under investigation</a>
 by the Kansas Board of Healing Arts, has promoted legislation that 
would clear himself and any other doctor of any wrongdoing for 
prescribing drugs like ivermectin for off-label use in the treatment of 
COVID-19. His proposal also would require pharmacists to fulfill such 
prescriptions.

Steffen previously called on Stites to debate him in a public forum 
in Hays. In recent weeks, he has promoted the Lenexa event in a series 
of posts on his personal Facebook page.

“Game on!” he wrote on Feb. 18. “The Early Covid Treament [sic] 
Symposium is officially on. It will be the nations [sic] biggest names 
in generic early treatment debating the KU Medical Center ‘go home until
 you can’t breathe’ doctors (if they show up). We will have a great 
symposium with or without them.”

His posts were met with ridicule in the comments section, where critics linked to reports about <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/25/new-poll-shows-95-of-kansans-trust-vaccines-despite-vocal-groups-in-the-statehouse/">a new poll</a> that showed most Kansans support wellness vaccines and ivermectin failing in another clinical trial.

“KU docs will be saving lives during your snake oil show,” Kathy Cook wrote.

“KU has better things to do. They’re out there helping people, you’re running a circus,” Antonio Spaghettarelli wrote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646149085936.png" alt="Sen. Mark Steffen appears during a Feb. 8, 2022, hearing of the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Mark Steffen appears during a Feb. 8, 2022, hearing of the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/01/its-not-what-we-do-hospital-chief-not-interested-in-ivermectin-debate-with-kansas-senator/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Steve Stites, chief medical officer at the University of 
Kansas Health System, has a simple explanation for refusing to debate 
people who profit from glorifying ivermectin at a “symposium” in Lenexa 
sponsored by Sen. Mark Steffen.That’s not what doctors do.“We don’t try to run out into public forums where cameras are 
clicking and things like that and do sound bites,” Stites said. “That’s 
just not who we are. It’s not what we do. It’s what other people do. 
That’s fine. Go for it. But that’s not who we are.”Steffen, a Republican and anesthesiologist from Hutchinson who is 
under investigation for prescribing ivermectin to COVID-19 patients, 
organized the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kshf.org/symposium">Early Covid Treatment Symposium</a>
 along with the anti-vax group Kansans for Health Freedom. The Wednesday
 event features three out-of-state doctors known for spreading 
misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines, and a doctor from an 
Overland Park wellness clinic that utilizes holistic medicine. Tickets 
cost $35.On Monday, Steffen wrote in a post on his personal Facebook page that “very few tickets remain.”“If you know a doctor willing to debate on behalf of the ‘do nothing’
 treatment protocol, let me know,” Steffen wrote. “The propaganda docs 
seem to be all talk and no action.”For the past two weeks, Steffen and KSHF have taunted KU Health 
officials for refusing to debate the merits of ivermectin in the public 
setting, while accusing the nonprofit academic system of being a “big 
corporate hospital” that deploys a “go home until you can’t breathe” 
approach to fighting a virus that has killed nearly 8,000 Kansans.This criticism ignores the No. 1 tool utilized by medical 
professionals to prevent severe illness or death from COVID-19 — free, 
safe and effective vaccines. The <a target="_blank" href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report</a> that 70.9% of Kansas adults are fully vaccinated, and 86.5% have received at least one dose.The KU Health System has held virtual daily briefings on COVID-19 
since the start of the pandemic, providing insight into the effect the 
virus has had on hospitals across the state, dissecting the latest data 
and recommendations from federal and international authorities, and 
answering questions from news media and the public. The briefings helped
 fill an information void when the governor’s administration <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/11/19/lee-norman-steps-down-as-kansas-health-secretary-months-after-internal-dispute/">silenced former health secretary Lee Norman</a> last year, elevating the profile of Stites and making him a bigger target for Steffen and anti-vaxxers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646149140775.png" alt="Steve Stites, chief medical officer for the University of Kansas Health System, talks about the Early Covid Treatment Symposium during a Feb. 25, 2022, virtual news briefing. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Zoom video)" />
 <figcaption>Steve Stites, chief medical officer for the University of Kansas Health System, talks about the Early Covid Treatment Symposium during a Feb. 25, 2022, virtual news briefing. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Zoom video)</figcaption>
 </figure>Stites talked about the planned Lenexa event and COVID-19 treatments 
in response to a question from Kansas Reflector during Friday’s 
briefing.“For the longest time on this program, we’ve said we’re not going to 
be flapjackers,” Stites said. “We’re not gonna flap our arms and jack 
with the truth and try to speak wildly about it. Instead, what we’re 
going to do is try and stick as best we can to the science. And we’ll 
let you know when we’re talking hard science, we let you know when we 
think we’re giving you more of our professional opinion.”In brief, here’s what they know: Peer-reviewed, blind clinical trials
 routinely show there is no benefit to using ivermectin or 
hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19.Meanwhile, Paxlovid has demonstrated an 85-90% reduction in hospitalizations. The Food and Drug Administration <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-first-oral-antiviral-treatment-covid-19">authorized use of the Pfizer tablets</a> in December to treat mild to moderate cases of COVID-19.“That’s really good, right? That’s like really, really, really good,”
 Stites said. “Now if you look at the data that has been suggested about
 ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, the data — it’s just not there. What
 you have is a lot of personal testimony that says, ‘Gosh, I was feeling
 poorly, I took ivermectin and then I started feeling better.’ ”In a Feb. 23 email promoting the symposium to its followers, KSHF 
claimed there was no guidance about early treatment for COVID-19. 
Frustrated doctors, the organization said, “are ready to take matters 
into their own hands.”Hospital systems “continue to turn a deaf ear to doctors who are 
successfully treating patients early,” the email said. “This is exactly 
what is happening right here in Kansas. Doctors at KU Med, for instance,
 have been invited to the Early Treatment Symposium; however, they have 
declined. We should all be asking: WHY?”Stites said the doctors in the KU Health System prefer to hold long 
discussions in the form of journal club. They review articles, critique 
them and go to medical conferences with top researchers in their 
specialized field, such as infectious disease.“We’re not politicians,” Stites said. “And I don’t mean in a 
disparaging fashion. That’s another type of job, and I’m not in that 
job. This is my job. And I’m going to try, and I think I need, to do my 
job. And God bless the people and Godspeed, the folks who want to be in 
the political world. I think that’s a really hard job. …“When we meet and talk with our patients, we’re talking about the 
science part of it. So people want to get together and talk about it, 
Godspeed. Go for it. It’s just not who we are.”Stites said he wanted to “clear up some other misinformation.”“I don’t get any money from drug companies,” Stites said. “I don’t do
 any of that. When I give you these opinions, these are not out of 
financial interests. And if anybody’s even more concerned, just know 
that when you practice as a physician, you can’t get reimbursed because 
the health system makes more money. That’s illegal. People go to jail 
for that. And so, the end of the day, we’re just trying to recommend to 
you what we think is the best thing.”Steffen, who <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/26/kansas-senator-under-investigation-after-prescribing-ivermectin-for-covid-19-seeks-legal-cover/">announced in a committee hearing</a> that he is <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/01/dear-kansas-board-of-healing-arts-this-doctor-senator-is-a-threat-to-public-health/">under investigation</a>
 by the Kansas Board of Healing Arts, has promoted legislation that 
would clear himself and any other doctor of any wrongdoing for 
prescribing drugs like ivermectin for off-label use in the treatment of 
COVID-19. His proposal also would require pharmacists to fulfill such 
prescriptions.Steffen previously called on Stites to debate him in a public forum 
in Hays. In recent weeks, he has promoted the Lenexa event in a series 
of posts on his personal Facebook page.“Game on!” he wrote on Feb. 18. “The Early Covid Treament [sic] 
Symposium is officially on. It will be the nations [sic] biggest names 
in generic early treatment debating the KU Medical Center ‘go home until
 you can’t breathe’ doctors (if they show up). We will have a great 
symposium with or without them.”His posts were met with ridicule in the comments section, where critics linked to reports about <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/25/new-poll-shows-95-of-kansans-trust-vaccines-despite-vocal-groups-in-the-statehouse/">a new poll</a> that showed most Kansans support wellness vaccines and ivermectin failing in another clinical trial.“KU docs will be saving lives during your snake oil show,” Kathy Cook wrote.“KU has better things to do. They’re out there helping people, you’re running a circus,” Antonio Spaghettarelli wrote.

Hospital chief not interested in ivermectin debate with Kan. senator

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s (R-Kan.) legislation Monday to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the Women’s Army Corps who were assigned to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion – the “Six Triple Eight” – during World War II, according to a statement from Moran's office.

 The unit served at home and in Europe where they sorted and routed mail for millions of American servicemembers and civilians. This legislation was sponsored by Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04)) and Congressman Jake LaTurner (KS-02) in the House.

“The women of the Six Triple Eight have earned a special place in history for their service to our nation,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“It has been an honor to meet members of the battalion and help lead this effort to award the Six Triple Eight with the Congressional Gold Medal – the highest expression of national appreciation from Congress. Though the odds were set against them, the women of the Six Triple Eight processed millions of letter and packages during their deployment in Europe, helping connect WWII soldiers with their loved ones back home – like my father and mother. Nearly 80 years after their service, we are finally able to recognize these extraordinary women for their service to our nation with the highest distinction Congress can bestow. I appreciate Rep. Moore and Rep. LaTurner for leading this effort in the House and Col. Edna Cummings for all her work to honor the Six Triple Eight on behalf of a grateful nation.”

“The Six Triple Eight was a trailblazing group of sheroes who were the only all-Black, Women Army Corps Battalion to serve overseas during World War II,”&nbsp;said Rep. Moore.&nbsp;“Facing both racism and sexism in a warzone, these women sorted millions of pieces of mail, closing massive mail backlogs, and ensuring service members received letters from their loved ones. A Congressional Gold Medal is only fitting for these veterans who received little recognition for their service after returning home. I am honored to recognize Six Triple Eight’s selfless service, which is long overdue and to be able to award the highest honor in Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal, to the women of the Six Triple Eight including my constituent Ms. Anna Mae Robertson, whose daughter inspired me to get involved in this effort.&nbsp; With House passage, we are now so much closer to making this legislation law. I am grateful to Retired Lt. Colonel Edna Cummings and Carlton Philpot whose tireless advocacy helped advance this legislation. I also thank Senator Jerry Moran whose leadership helped pass this legislation in the Senate and Rep. Jake LaTurner, who joined me in this bipartisan effort in the House and their capable staff.”

"I am honored to help introduce this legislation in the House to award the Six Triple Eight with the highest honor in Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal, for their heroic service to our nation,”&nbsp;said Rep. LaTurner.&nbsp;“This brave group of women helped sort and deliver millions of vital pieces of mail to soldiers on the battlefield during World War II. I want to thank my fellow Kansan, Senator Moran, for helping get this bill across the finish line in the Senate."

The Six Triple Eight was the only all-black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II, and they were responsible for clearing out an overwhelming backlog of mail, making certain American troops received letters from home to boost their morale.

“It never occurred to me that it would happen,”&nbsp;said Major Fannie McClendon, (Ret.) USAF, 6888th veteran.

“I wish more of the 688th members were here, and I hope that I’m still here when President Biden signs the bill,”&nbsp;said Ms. Lena King, 6888th veteran. “That will be a great day.”

“This is a wonderful recognition of the critical service the 6888th provided to this country under extraordinary difficult conditions,”&nbsp;said Stanley Earley, 6888th family member.

“The 6888th deserves this honor for their dedication to our soldiers and their country for completing the job given to them in record time,”&nbsp;said Janice Martin, 6888th family member.

“I’m grateful to the 6888th veterans, families, and thousands of supporters who worked to make this Congressional Gold Medal vision a reality,”&nbsp;said Col. Edna W. Cummings, 6888th Advocate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646149416744.png" alt="The 422-0 vote late Monday follows a long-running campaign to recognize the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. The Senate passed the legislation last year-photo courtesy Senator Moran" />
 <figcaption>The 422-0 vote late Monday follows a long-running campaign to recognize the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. The Senate passed the legislation last year-photo courtesy Senator Moran</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s (R-Kan.) legislation Monday to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the Women’s Army Corps who were assigned to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion – the “Six Triple Eight” – during World War II, according to a statement from Moran's office.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bWAvxcV7j0s?start=1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> The unit served at home and in Europe where they sorted and routed mail for millions of American servicemembers and civilians. This legislation was sponsored by Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04)) and Congressman Jake LaTurner (KS-02) in the House.“The women of the Six Triple Eight have earned a special place in history for their service to our nation,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“It has been an honor to meet members of the battalion and help lead this effort to award the Six Triple Eight with the Congressional Gold Medal – the highest expression of national appreciation from Congress. Though the odds were set against them, the women of the Six Triple Eight processed millions of letter and packages during their deployment in Europe, helping connect WWII soldiers with their loved ones back home – like my father and mother. Nearly 80 years after their service, we are finally able to recognize these extraordinary women for their service to our nation with the highest distinction Congress can bestow. I appreciate Rep. Moore and Rep. LaTurner for leading this effort in the House and Col. Edna Cummings for all her work to honor the Six Triple Eight on behalf of a grateful nation.”“The Six Triple Eight was a trailblazing group of sheroes who were the only all-Black, Women Army Corps Battalion to serve overseas during World War II,”&nbsp;said Rep. Moore.&nbsp;“Facing both racism and sexism in a warzone, these women sorted millions of pieces of mail, closing massive mail backlogs, and ensuring service members received letters from their loved ones. A Congressional Gold Medal is only fitting for these veterans who received little recognition for their service after returning home. I am honored to recognize Six Triple Eight’s selfless service, which is long overdue and to be able to award the highest honor in Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal, to the women of the Six Triple Eight including my constituent Ms. Anna Mae Robertson, whose daughter inspired me to get involved in this effort.&nbsp; With House passage, we are now so much closer to making this legislation law. I am grateful to Retired Lt. Colonel Edna Cummings and Carlton Philpot whose tireless advocacy helped advance this legislation. I also thank Senator Jerry Moran whose leadership helped pass this legislation in the Senate and Rep. Jake LaTurner, who joined me in this bipartisan effort in the House and their capable staff.”"I am honored to help introduce this legislation in the House to award the Six Triple Eight with the highest honor in Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal, for their heroic service to our nation,”&nbsp;said Rep. LaTurner.&nbsp;“This brave group of women helped sort and deliver millions of vital pieces of mail to soldiers on the battlefield during World War II. I want to thank my fellow Kansan, Senator Moran, for helping get this bill across the finish line in the Senate."The Six Triple Eight was the only all-black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II, and they were responsible for clearing out an overwhelming backlog of mail, making certain American troops received letters from home to boost their morale.“It never occurred to me that it would happen,”&nbsp;said Major Fannie McClendon, (Ret.) USAF, 6888th veteran.“I wish more of the 688th members were here, and I hope that I’m still here when President Biden signs the bill,”&nbsp;said Ms. Lena King, 6888th veteran. “That will be a great day.”“This is a wonderful recognition of the critical service the 6888th provided to this country under extraordinary difficult conditions,”&nbsp;said Stanley Earley, 6888th family member.“The 6888th deserves this honor for their dedication to our soldiers and their country for completing the job given to them in record time,”&nbsp;said Janice Martin, 6888th family member.“I’m grateful to the 6888th veterans, families, and thousands of supporters who worked to make this Congressional Gold Medal vision a reality,”&nbsp;said Col. Edna W. Cummings, 6888th Advocate.

Moran's bill to honor Black female WWII unit unanimously approved

KANSAS CITY– A&nbsp; man was sentenced in federal court Monday for defrauding two Kansas City-area brothers who have also been convicted in the investment fraud scheme, according to the United State's Attorney.

Duc Nguyen, also known as “Doug,” 58, Houston, Texas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to five years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Nguyen to pay $1,641,000 in forfeiture and restitution.

On July 15, 2021, Nguyen pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. Nguyen admitted that he engaged in a fraud scheme from April 2018 to August 2019 in which he proposed an opportunity for high net worth individuals to invest in the purchase, refurbishing, and sale of used oil equipment. He told Phillip Hudnall of Lenexa, Kansas, and his brother, Brian Hudnall, of Kansas City, Missouri, that profit from these transactions would be three to five times the amount of the investment. Brian and Phillip Hudnall raised money from investors based upon these representations from Nguyen.

From April 2018 through June 2019, the Hudnall brothers wire transferred $1,641,000 in 29 separate transactions to two separate accounts controlled by Nguyen. Nguyen admitted that he did not use any of the monies for the purchase, refurbishment, and shipment of used oil equipment. The money from those accounts was traced to hundreds of thousands of dollars in transactions at Las Vegas casinos and for Nguyen’s personal expenses.

Although Phillip and Brian Hudnall were victims of Nguyen’s scheme, they made false representations and defrauded their investors of approximately $4.5 million. They pleaded guilty in June 2020, in separate but related cases, to their roles in the investment fraud scheme. Brian Hudnall was sentenced on Oct. 21, 2021, to three years in federal prison without parole and ordered to pay approximately $4.5 million in restitution. Phillip Hudnall is scheduled to be sentenced on April 26, 2022.

Phillip Hudnall told investors that his company, BirdDog Business Group, LLC, had completed two successful transactions – a $244,000 loan and a $490,000 loan, both of which had been repaid with an interest rate of 30 percent. In fact, no prior completed transactions occurred and no monies were received from the sale of any oil equipment including any principal or interest. To support the false claim, Phillip Hudnall requested that Brian Hudnall create documents as proof of the prior successfully completed transactions. Brian Hudnall wrote two checks on the bank account of his business, DonDon LLC, which was closed. Brian Hudnall also created a fraudulent memorandum to support the false claim.

Phillip Hudnall told investors their funds would be used to purchase specific pieces of oil equipment for refurbishment and resale. Persons invested approximately $3.6 million for the purpose of purchasing specific pieces of oil equipment. Phillip Hudnall and another person also obtained a loan from a bank in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for approximately $1.3 million to finance the oil equipment scheme. Most of the money raised from investors, however, was spent on personal expenses.

KANSAS CITY– A&nbsp; man was sentenced in federal court Monday for defrauding two Kansas City-area brothers who have also been convicted in the investment fraud scheme, according to the United State's Attorney.Duc Nguyen, also known as “Doug,” 58, Houston, Texas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to five years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Nguyen to pay $1,641,000 in forfeiture and restitution.On July 15, 2021, Nguyen pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. Nguyen admitted that he engaged in a fraud scheme from April 2018 to August 2019 in which he proposed an opportunity for high net worth individuals to invest in the purchase, refurbishing, and sale of used oil equipment. He told Phillip Hudnall of Lenexa, Kansas, and his brother, Brian Hudnall, of Kansas City, Missouri, that profit from these transactions would be three to five times the amount of the investment. Brian and Phillip Hudnall raised money from investors based upon these representations from Nguyen.From April 2018 through June 2019, the Hudnall brothers wire transferred $1,641,000 in 29 separate transactions to two separate accounts controlled by Nguyen. Nguyen admitted that he did not use any of the monies for the purchase, refurbishment, and shipment of used oil equipment. The money from those accounts was traced to hundreds of thousands of dollars in transactions at Las Vegas casinos and for Nguyen’s personal expenses.Although Phillip and Brian Hudnall were victims of Nguyen’s scheme, they made false representations and defrauded their investors of approximately $4.5 million. They pleaded guilty in June 2020, in separate but related cases, to their roles in the investment fraud scheme. Brian Hudnall was sentenced on Oct. 21, 2021, to three years in federal prison without parole and ordered to pay approximately $4.5 million in restitution. Phillip Hudnall is scheduled to be sentenced on April 26, 2022.Phillip Hudnall told investors that his company, BirdDog Business Group, LLC, had completed two successful transactions – a $244,000 loan and a $490,000 loan, both of which had been repaid with an interest rate of 30 percent. In fact, no prior completed transactions occurred and no monies were received from the sale of any oil equipment including any principal or interest. To support the false claim, Phillip Hudnall requested that Brian Hudnall create documents as proof of the prior successfully completed transactions. Brian Hudnall wrote two checks on the bank account of his business, DonDon LLC, which was closed. Brian Hudnall also created a fraudulent memorandum to support the false claim.Phillip Hudnall told investors their funds would be used to purchase specific pieces of oil equipment for refurbishment and resale. Persons invested approximately $3.6 million for the purpose of purchasing specific pieces of oil equipment. Phillip Hudnall and another person also obtained a loan from a bank in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for approximately $1.3 million to finance the oil equipment scheme. Most of the money raised from investors, however, was spent on personal expenses.

Man sentenced for oil equipment fraud scheme involving 2 KC-area men

By JENNIFER SHUTT <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/28/heres-what-you-will-hear-biden-talk-about-in-his-debut-state-of-the-union/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden’s 
first State of the Union address is set to focus significantly on the 
economy, with the former member of the U.S. Senate calling on Congress 
to pass much of the agenda stalled in the so-called Build Back Better 
bill.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/02/28/fact-sheet-background-on-president-bidens-remarks-on-the-economy-during-his-first-state-of-the-union-address/">During the Tuesday night speech</a>,
 which begins at 8 p.m. Kansas time, Biden will urge lawmakers to send 
him legislation that would lower prescription drug prices, reduce how 
much families pay for child care and create a national paid family and 
medical leave program, administration officials told reporters in a 
Monday briefing.

He’ll also call on Congress to pass 
tax legislation that would require corporations and the wealthiest 
Americans to “pay their fair share,” but not raise tax rates on people 
making less than $400,000, according to senior administration 
officials.&nbsp;

The policies made up the bulk of 
Democrats’ Build Back Better legislation, but administration officials 
said Biden might not actually use the name of the proposal during his 
speech.&nbsp;

“It’s not about the name of the bill, it’s about the ideas, it’s about lowering costs for families,” one official said.&nbsp;

Biden’s speech is expected to focus on global issues as well, particularly the Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

But the part of the speech focused on
 domestic policy issues will give Biden another opportunity to try to 
rally support for initiatives that have been on ice since West Virginia 
Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin III declared the $1.5 trillion climate and 
social spending package dead late last year.&nbsp;

Senior administration officials said 
Biden’s comments on the economy will focus on his “vision” for the 
country, particularly his proposals to lower costs for families while 
reducing the federal deficit.&nbsp;

To bolster U.S. economic 
competitiveness globally, Biden is expected to appeal to House and 
Senate leaders to reach a conference agreement on legislation that would
 authorize billions in additional funding for science and technology 
research to help the U.S. compete against China.&nbsp;

Biden will also call for a federal 
minimum wage of $15 an hour, a proposal that Democrats tried to enact 
last year when they drafted a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package.&nbsp;

The proposal was ultimately stripped 
from the bill after the Senate parliamentarian ruled it didn’t fit 
within the bounds of the budget process Democrats used to advance the 
package without Republican support.&nbsp;

In addition to calling on Congress to pass initiatives, Biden will focus on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/02/28/fact-sheet-administration-announces-new-actions-to-address-the-needs-of-people-with-disabilities-and-older-adults-in-response-to-and-recovery-from-covid-19-2/">how his administration is working to implement </a>the roughly $550 billion bipartisan infrastructure law Congress approved last year.&nbsp;

Biden is expected to detail how the 
law will lead to improvements in 65,000 miles of roads; 1,500 bridges; 
15,000 new buses, ferries and subway cars; and 600 airport 
infrastructure projects.&nbsp;

He will then tell members of Congress
 how the law will allow the Environmental Protection Agency to fund more
 than 400 water projects and let the Army Corps of Engineers advance 
more than 500 projects.&nbsp;

Biden will also detail numerous <a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/02/28/fact-sheet-protecting-seniors-and-people-with-disabilities-by-improving-safety-and-quality-of-care-in-the-nations-nursing-homes/">ways his administration hopes to improve nursing home care, </a>including asking Congress to boost spending on health and safety inspections to $500 million, a nearly 25% increase.&nbsp;

The initiative through the Centers 
for Medicare and Medicaid Services will require nursing homes to have a 
minimum number of staff, promote individual rooms for residents, explore
 increasing fines on facilities not in line with standards and create a 
database to keep track of owners’ previous violations.&nbsp;

The administration officials didn’t 
mention if Biden would detail his climate change initiatives in the 
speech. Those proposals made up a significant portion of the Build Back 
Better plans.&nbsp;

The atmosphere of this year’s address
 will be significantly different from last year’s, which technically 
wasn’t a State of the Union, but a speech to a joint session of 
Congress.

The number of attendees won’t be 
nearly as limited as they were last year and members of Congress are no 
longer required to wear masks.&nbsp;

Immediately afterward, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds <a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/briefs/gov-kim-reynolds-to-deliver-state-of-the-union-response/">will deliver from Des Moines</a> the Republican response to Biden’s State of the Union address.

On Wednesday, Biden is scheduled to 
travel to Superior, Wisconsin, to “discuss Building a Better America,” 
according to the White House.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1646093398965.png" alt="President Joe Biden delivers remarks on Dec. 8, 2021, at the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority in Kansas City, Missouri. (Allison Kite/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden delivers remarks on Dec. 8, 2021, at the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority in Kansas City, Missouri. (Allison Kite/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JENNIFER SHUTT <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/28/heres-what-you-will-hear-biden-talk-about-in-his-debut-state-of-the-union/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden’s 
first State of the Union address is set to focus significantly on the 
economy, with the former member of the U.S. Senate calling on Congress 
to pass much of the agenda stalled in the so-called Build Back Better 
bill.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/02/28/fact-sheet-background-on-president-bidens-remarks-on-the-economy-during-his-first-state-of-the-union-address/">During the Tuesday night speech</a>,
 which begins at 8 p.m. Kansas time, Biden will urge lawmakers to send 
him legislation that would lower prescription drug prices, reduce how 
much families pay for child care and create a national paid family and 
medical leave program, administration officials told reporters in a 
Monday briefing.He’ll also call on Congress to pass 
tax legislation that would require corporations and the wealthiest 
Americans to “pay their fair share,” but not raise tax rates on people 
making less than $400,000, according to senior administration 
officials.&nbsp;The policies made up the bulk of 
Democrats’ Build Back Better legislation, but administration officials 
said Biden might not actually use the name of the proposal during his 
speech.&nbsp;“It’s not about the name of the bill, it’s about the ideas, it’s about lowering costs for families,” one official said.&nbsp;Biden’s speech is expected to focus on global issues as well, particularly the Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;But the part of the speech focused on
 domestic policy issues will give Biden another opportunity to try to 
rally support for initiatives that have been on ice since West Virginia 
Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin III declared the $1.5 trillion climate and 
social spending package dead late last year.&nbsp;Senior administration officials said 
Biden’s comments on the economy will focus on his “vision” for the 
country, particularly his proposals to lower costs for families while 
reducing the federal deficit.&nbsp;To bolster U.S. economic 
competitiveness globally, Biden is expected to appeal to House and 
Senate leaders to reach a conference agreement on legislation that would
 authorize billions in additional funding for science and technology 
research to help the U.S. compete against China.&nbsp;Biden will also call for a federal 
minimum wage of $15 an hour, a proposal that Democrats tried to enact 
last year when they drafted a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package.&nbsp;The proposal was ultimately stripped 
from the bill after the Senate parliamentarian ruled it didn’t fit 
within the bounds of the budget process Democrats used to advance the 
package without Republican support.&nbsp;In addition to calling on Congress to pass initiatives, Biden will focus on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/02/28/fact-sheet-administration-announces-new-actions-to-address-the-needs-of-people-with-disabilities-and-older-adults-in-response-to-and-recovery-from-covid-19-2/">how his administration is working to implement </a>the roughly $550 billion bipartisan infrastructure law Congress approved last year.&nbsp;Biden is expected to detail how the 
law will lead to improvements in 65,000 miles of roads; 1,500 bridges; 
15,000 new buses, ferries and subway cars; and 600 airport 
infrastructure projects.&nbsp;He will then tell members of Congress
 how the law will allow the Environmental Protection Agency to fund more
 than 400 water projects and let the Army Corps of Engineers advance 
more than 500 projects.&nbsp;Biden will also detail numerous <a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/02/28/fact-sheet-protecting-seniors-and-people-with-disabilities-by-improving-safety-and-quality-of-care-in-the-nations-nursing-homes/">ways his administration hopes to improve nursing home care, </a>including asking Congress to boost spending on health and safety inspections to $500 million, a nearly 25% increase.&nbsp;The initiative through the Centers 
for Medicare and Medicaid Services will require nursing homes to have a 
minimum number of staff, promote individual rooms for residents, explore
 increasing fines on facilities not in line with standards and create a 
database to keep track of owners’ previous violations.&nbsp;The administration officials didn’t 
mention if Biden would detail his climate change initiatives in the 
speech. Those proposals made up a significant portion of the Build Back 
Better plans.&nbsp;The atmosphere of this year’s address
 will be significantly different from last year’s, which technically 
wasn’t a State of the Union, but a speech to a joint session of 
Congress.The number of attendees won’t be 
nearly as limited as they were last year and members of Congress are no 
longer required to wear masks.&nbsp;Immediately afterward, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds <a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/briefs/gov-kim-reynolds-to-deliver-state-of-the-union-response/">will deliver from Des Moines</a> the Republican response to Biden’s State of the Union address.On Wednesday, Biden is scheduled to 
travel to Superior, Wisconsin, to “discuss Building a Better America,” 
according to the White House.&nbsp;

Here’s what you will hear Biden talk about in State of the Union

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with several hit and run accidents in Finney County.

Just before 12:30a.m. Sunday, sheriff' deputies observed a hit and run accident in the 1700 Block of North Taylor in Garden City where an electronic crosswalk sign was destroyed, according to a media release.

A short time later, police were notified of an other hit and run in the 1800 Block of West Campbell in Garden City where a utility pole was damaged.

Sheriff's deputies and police worked together and located a suspect identified as 34-year-old Zachary Roth at his residence. They took him into custody in connection with both accidents. He was jailed on requested charges of DUI and failure to report an accident.&nbsp; Roth was not injured.&nbsp; The damage to the cross walk sign and utility pole is estimated at $25,000, according to Garden City Police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1646065242666.png" alt="Roth-photo Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Roth-photo Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with several hit and run accidents in Finney County.Just before 12:30a.m. Sunday, sheriff' deputies observed a hit and run accident in the 1700 Block of North Taylor in Garden City where an electronic crosswalk sign was destroyed, according to a media release.A short time later, police were notified of an other hit and run in the 1800 Block of West Campbell in Garden City where a utility pole was damaged.Sheriff's deputies and police worked together and located a suspect identified as 34-year-old Zachary Roth at his residence. They took him into custody in connection with both accidents. He was jailed on requested charges of DUI and failure to report an accident.&nbsp; Roth was not injured.&nbsp; The damage to the cross walk sign and utility pole is estimated at $25,000, according to Garden City Police.

Police: Kan. man caused $25K damage after hit-and-run accidents

Seeking to tighten the financial squeeze on Russia over its war against Ukraine, governors and lawmakers in numerous U.S. states were taking actions Monday to pull state investments from Russian companies while encouraging private entities to do the same.

The effect of sanctions by U.S. states often pales in comparison to national ones, but state officials said they wanted to show solidarity with Ukraine and do what they could to build upon the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-europe-japan-9fbeb1c66c523f4018abb8ebc6580839">penalties imposed on Russia&nbsp;</a>by the U.S. government and other Western nations.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly on Monday condemned the unprovoked invasion in Ukraine. "We stand with all those impacted by the violence. Kansas has much in common with Ukraine, including a strong agriculture industry. We’ve collaborated with Ukraine on best practices for water conservation and land stewardship and the most efficient large-scale agricultural production equipment and innovative technology."

“We have been, and continue to be, reviewing continuity of operations plans to ensure we remain vigilant in the event of cyber security attacks on Kansas. In addition, we’ll continue to monitor the developments in Ukraine closely and work to protect Kansans from any potential international economic impacts.”

Georgia House Speaker David Ralston, a Republican, got a bipartisan standing ovation Monday when he told representatives he would seek to have the state’s retirement funds quickly divested from any Russian assets.

“I don’t know about y’all, but I don’t want one penny of Georgians’ money going to subsidize Vladimir Putin,” Ralston said. “While our role in international affairs is limited, we make clear we stand with those who want to live in peace.”

Some actions have been largely symbolic. The capitols in Arizona, Pennsylvania and Tennessee and the governor’s mansion in South Carolina were lit with the blue and yellow colors of Ukraine’s flag. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, issued a joint statement condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as co-chairs of the presidentially appointed Council of Governors. Oklahoma’s Republican-controlled Senate passed a resolution affirming the historical ties between the state and the people of Ukraine and supporting their fight against what it described as “an illegal and violent” Russian invasion.

On Monday, the Indiana House passed legislation that would block Russian-controlled businesses and nonprofits from acquiring property in Indiana for one year. It now goes to the Senate.

“Indiana will not be a safe haven for ill-gotten Russian funds, nor for its oligarchs trying to find financial shelter in the wake of Putin’s unconscionable invasion of Ukraine,” Democratic state Rep. Ryan Dvorak said while proposing the amendment last week.

Pennsylvania lawmakers said Monday they will file legislation requiring state pension funds to pull investments connected to the Russian government and its critical supporters. The state Treasury Department also has begun divesting its minimal holdings in Russian-based companies.

In a memo to fellow senators, Democratic state Sen. Sharif Street said Pennsylvania “must wield our economic power to ensure that Russia faces grave consequences for their flagrant violations of international law and human cooperation.”

Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff, a Republican seeking co-sponsors for the legislation, said state lawmakers “have a moral obligation to ensure that our public fund investments are not inadvertently supporting those who are engaging in an unprovoked invasion of their democratically elected neighbors.”

Arkansas lawmakers have filed proposals authorizing banks in the state to freeze the assets of Russian oligarchs and to require a boycott of Russian-made goods. Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson declared Tuesday through Thursday “special days of prayer for Ukraine.”

A bipartisan group of California lawmakers said Monday they also will introduce legislation to divest public money from Russian state entities.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kathy-hochul-europe-new-york-albany-801e565e66a64d9146e76cf3a1f635d2">signed an executive order Sunday</a>&nbsp;forbidding her state from doing business with Russia. She ordered state agencies to divest money and assets from companies or institutions aiding Russia in its war against Ukraine. The Democratic governor also said New York would welcome Ukrainian refugees, noting that New York already is home to the largest Ukrainian population in the U.S.

On Monday, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, ordered state offices under his control to terminate government contracts that benefit Russian businesses.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, also has banned state agencies from doing business with Russian state-owned firms and their subcontractors. Colorado’s $61 billion state pension fund is pulling $8 million from a Russian state-owned bank identified in federal sanctions.

Governors or other state officials in Connecticut, Indiana, New Jersey, Oregon, Virginia and Washington also have ordered a review of whether any state money is going to Russian companies or investments supporting the Russian government. A North Dakota investment board was due to meet later this week to discuss its investments in Russia.

“If our state can put one brick in the wall around Putin, it will be a good thing, and we intend to do all that we can in this regard,” said Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat.

Two prominent Republican governors, Florida’s Ron DeSantis and South Dakota’s Kristi Noem, who are widely seen as angling for a White House bid, mostly took aim at President Joe Biden rather than issuing executive orders targeting Russia. They criticized his energy policies and said that had made it difficult to slap sanctions on Russia’s exports of oil and gas.

Other governors are seeking to sever good-will relationships between their home states and those in Russia.

Republican Gov. Larry Hogan announced Monday that he’s dissolving Maryland’s decades-old sister-state relationship with Russia’s Leningrad region after the invasion of Ukraine. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, asked the cities of Norfolk and Roanoke to end their sister city partnerships with Russian cities. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican, called for an end to its sister state relationship with Stavrapol Krai, Russia, and a strengthening of its sister state relationship with Cherkasy Oblast, Ukraine.

Several states have expressed a willingness to provide housing to Ukranian refugees. The Washington state House and Senate each have added amendments to their budget proposals setting aside $19 million to provide services and temporary housing to refugees who come from Ukraine.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, posted on Twitter over the weekend that he has asked restaurants and retailers “&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/GregAbbott_TX/status/1497659463892934662?s=20&amp;t=w7eDHOCwmXeFXphGIz_HEQ" target="_blank">to voluntarily remove all Russian products from their shelves.”</a>

Officials in Alabama, Iowa, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia — all states that control the sale of alcohol — have directed Russian-sourced alcohol to be removed from store shelves.

“Utah stands in solidarity with Ukraine and will not support Russian enterprises, no matter how small the exchange,” Republican Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646135225245.png" alt="Wichita City Hall lit up in blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian flag on Monday night to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine. 🇺🇦 -photo by Nolan Roth courtesy City of Wichita" />
 <figcaption>Wichita City Hall lit up in blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian flag on Monday night to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine. 🇺🇦 -photo by Nolan Roth courtesy City of Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID A. LIEBSeeking to tighten the financial squeeze on Russia over its war against Ukraine, governors and lawmakers in numerous U.S. states were taking actions Monday to pull state investments from Russian companies while encouraging private entities to do the same.The effect of sanctions by U.S. states often pales in comparison to national ones, but state officials said they wanted to show solidarity with Ukraine and do what they could to build upon the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-europe-japan-9fbeb1c66c523f4018abb8ebc6580839">penalties imposed on Russia&nbsp;</a>by the U.S. government and other Western nations.Kansas Governor Laura Kelly on Monday condemned the unprovoked invasion in Ukraine. "We stand with all those impacted by the violence. Kansas has much in common with Ukraine, including a strong agriculture industry. We’ve collaborated with Ukraine on best practices for water conservation and land stewardship and the most efficient large-scale agricultural production equipment and innovative technology."“We have been, and continue to be, reviewing continuity of operations plans to ensure we remain vigilant in the event of cyber security attacks on Kansas. In addition, we’ll continue to monitor the developments in Ukraine closely and work to protect Kansans from any potential international economic impacts.”Georgia House Speaker David Ralston, a Republican, got a bipartisan standing ovation Monday when he told representatives he would seek to have the state’s retirement funds quickly divested from any Russian assets.“I don’t know about y’all, but I don’t want one penny of Georgians’ money going to subsidize Vladimir Putin,” Ralston said. “While our role in international affairs is limited, we make clear we stand with those who want to live in peace.”Some actions have been largely symbolic. The capitols in Arizona, Pennsylvania and Tennessee and the governor’s mansion in South Carolina were lit with the blue and yellow colors of Ukraine’s flag. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, issued a joint statement condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as co-chairs of the presidentially appointed Council of Governors. Oklahoma’s Republican-controlled Senate passed a resolution affirming the historical ties between the state and the people of Ukraine and supporting their fight against what it described as “an illegal and violent” Russian invasion.On Monday, the Indiana House passed legislation that would block Russian-controlled businesses and nonprofits from acquiring property in Indiana for one year. It now goes to the Senate.“Indiana will not be a safe haven for ill-gotten Russian funds, nor for its oligarchs trying to find financial shelter in the wake of Putin’s unconscionable invasion of Ukraine,” Democratic state Rep. Ryan Dvorak said while proposing the amendment last week.Pennsylvania lawmakers said Monday they will file legislation requiring state pension funds to pull investments connected to the Russian government and its critical supporters. The state Treasury Department also has begun divesting its minimal holdings in Russian-based companies.In a memo to fellow senators, Democratic state Sen. Sharif Street said Pennsylvania “must wield our economic power to ensure that Russia faces grave consequences for their flagrant violations of international law and human cooperation.”Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff, a Republican seeking co-sponsors for the legislation, said state lawmakers “have a moral obligation to ensure that our public fund investments are not inadvertently supporting those who are engaging in an unprovoked invasion of their democratically elected neighbors.”Arkansas lawmakers have filed proposals authorizing banks in the state to freeze the assets of Russian oligarchs and to require a boycott of Russian-made goods. Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson declared Tuesday through Thursday “special days of prayer for Ukraine.”A bipartisan group of California lawmakers said Monday they also will introduce legislation to divest public money from Russian state entities.New York Gov. Kathy Hochul&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kathy-hochul-europe-new-york-albany-801e565e66a64d9146e76cf3a1f635d2">signed an executive order Sunday</a>&nbsp;forbidding her state from doing business with Russia. She ordered state agencies to divest money and assets from companies or institutions aiding Russia in its war against Ukraine. The Democratic governor also said New York would welcome Ukrainian refugees, noting that New York already is home to the largest Ukrainian population in the U.S.On Monday, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, ordered state offices under his control to terminate government contracts that benefit Russian businesses.Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, also has banned state agencies from doing business with Russian state-owned firms and their subcontractors. Colorado’s $61 billion state pension fund is pulling $8 million from a Russian state-owned bank identified in federal sanctions.Governors or other state officials in Connecticut, Indiana, New Jersey, Oregon, Virginia and Washington also have ordered a review of whether any state money is going to Russian companies or investments supporting the Russian government. A North Dakota investment board was due to meet later this week to discuss its investments in Russia.“If our state can put one brick in the wall around Putin, it will be a good thing, and we intend to do all that we can in this regard,” said Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat.Two prominent Republican governors, Florida’s Ron DeSantis and South Dakota’s Kristi Noem, who are widely seen as angling for a White House bid, mostly took aim at President Joe Biden rather than issuing executive orders targeting Russia. They criticized his energy policies and said that had made it difficult to slap sanctions on Russia’s exports of oil and gas.Other governors are seeking to sever good-will relationships between their home states and those in Russia.Republican Gov. Larry Hogan announced Monday that he’s dissolving Maryland’s decades-old sister-state relationship with Russia’s Leningrad region after the invasion of Ukraine. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, asked the cities of Norfolk and Roanoke to end their sister city partnerships with Russian cities. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican, called for an end to its sister state relationship with Stavrapol Krai, Russia, and a strengthening of its sister state relationship with Cherkasy Oblast, Ukraine.Several states have expressed a willingness to provide housing to Ukranian refugees. The Washington state House and Senate each have added amendments to their budget proposals setting aside $19 million to provide services and temporary housing to refugees who come from Ukraine.Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, posted on Twitter over the weekend that he has asked restaurants and retailers “&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/GregAbbott_TX/status/1497659463892934662?s=20&amp;t=w7eDHOCwmXeFXphGIz_HEQ" target="_blank">to voluntarily remove all Russian products from their shelves.”</a>Officials in Alabama, Iowa, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia — all states that control the sale of alcohol — have directed Russian-sourced alcohol to be removed from store shelves.“Utah stands in solidarity with Ukraine and will not support Russian enterprises, no matter how small the exchange,” Republican Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said.

Kan. Gov. condemns Russian invasion as US states add to financial squeeze 

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers of their 
reporting and potential tax obligations from working in the gig economy,
 making virtual currency transactions, earning foreign-source income or 
holding certain foreign assets. Information available on IRS.gov and 
instructions on Form 1040 can help taxpayers in understanding and 
meeting these reporting and tax requirements.

Generally, income earned from the gig economy is taxable and must be 
reported to the IRS. The gig economy is activity where people earn 
income providing on-demand work, services or goods. Often, it's through a
 digital platform like an app or website. Taxpayers must report income 
earned from the gig economy on a tax return, even if the income is:

For more information on the gig economy, visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/gig-economy-tax-center">gig economy tax center</a>.

Understand virtual currency reporting and tax requirements

The IRS reminds taxpayers that once again there is a question at the 
top of Form 1040 and Form 1040-SR asking about virtual currency 
transactions. All taxpayers filing these forms must check the box 
indicating either "yes" or "no." A transaction involving virtual 
currency includes, but is not limited to:

If an individual disposed of any virtual currency that was held 
as a capital asset through a sale, exchange or transfer, they should 
check "Yes" and use Form 8949 to figure their capital gain or loss and 
report it on Schedule D (Form 1040).

If they received any virtual currency as compensation for services or
 disposed of any virtual currency they held for sale to customers in a 
trade or business, they must report the income as they would report 
other income of the same type (for example, W-2 wages on Form 1040 or 
1040-SR, line 1, or inventory or services from Schedule C on Schedule 
1). More information on virtual currency can be found in Instruction for
 Form 1040 and on IRS.gov.

A U.S. citizen or resident alien's worldwide income is generally 
subject to U.S. income tax, regardless of where they live. They're also 
subject to the same income tax filing requirements that apply to U.S. 
citizens or resident aliens living in the United States.

U.S. citizens and resident aliens must report unearned income, such 
as interest, dividends, and pensions, from sources outside the United 
States unless exempt by law or a tax treaty. They must also report 
earned income, such as wages and tips, from sources outside the United 
States. An income tax filing requirement generally applies even if a 
taxpayer qualifies for tax benefits, such as the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/foreign-earned-income-exclusion">Foreign Earned Income Exclusion</a> or the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/foreign-tax-credit">Foreign Tax Credit</a>,
 which substantially reduce or eliminate U.S. tax liability. These tax 
benefits are only available if an eligible taxpayer files a U.S. income 
tax return.

A taxpayer is allowed an automatic 2-month extension to June 15 if 
both their tax home and abode are outside the United States and Puerto 
Rico. Even if allowed an extension, a taxpayer will have to pay interest
 on any tax not paid by the regular due date of April 18, 2022.

Those serving in the military outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico on the
 regular due date of their tax return also qualify for the extension to 
June 15. IRS recommends attaching a statement if one of these two 
situations apply. More information can be found in the<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi.pdf"> Instructions for Form 1040 and 1040-SR</a>&nbsp;PDF, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-54">Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p519">Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens</a>.

Reporting required for foreign accounts and assets

Federal law requires U.S. citizens and resident aliens to report 
their worldwide income, including income from foreign trusts and foreign
 bank and other financial accounts. In most cases, affected taxpayers 
need to complete and attach <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-b-form-1040">Schedule B</a>
 to their tax return. Part III of Schedule B asks about the existence of
 foreign accounts, such as bank and securities accounts, and usually 
requires U.S. citizens to report the country in which each account is 
located.

In addition, certain taxpayers may also have to complete and attach to their return <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8938">Form 8938, Statement of Foreign Financial Assets</a>.
 Generally, U.S. citizens, resident aliens and certain nonresident 
aliens must report specified foreign financial assets on this form if 
the aggregate value of those assets exceeds certain thresholds. See the 
instructions for this form for details.

Further, separate from reporting specified foreign financial assets 
on their tax return, taxpayers with an interest in, or signature or 
other authority over foreign financial accounts whose aggregate value 
exceeded $10,000 at any time during 2020, must file electronically with 
the Treasury Department a Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) <a href="https://bsaefiling.fincen.treas.gov/NoRegFBARFiler.html">Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR)</a>.
 Because of this threshold, the IRS encourages taxpayers with foreign 
assets, even relatively small ones, to check if this filing requirement 
applies to them. The form is only available through the <a href="https://www.fincen.gov/bsa-e-filing-system">BSA E-filing System website</a>.

The deadline for filing the annual <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/report-of-foreign-bank-and-financial-accounts-fbar">Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR)</a>
 is the same as that of Form 1040. FinCEN grants filers who missed the 
original deadline an automatic extension until October 15, 2022, to file
 the FBAR. There is no need to request this extension.

This news release is part of a series called the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-time-guide">Tax Time Guide</a>, a resource to help taxpayers file an accurate tax return. Additional help is available in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p17">Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers of their 
reporting and potential tax obligations from working in the gig economy,
 making virtual currency transactions, earning foreign-source income or 
holding certain foreign assets. Information available on IRS.gov and 
instructions on Form 1040 can help taxpayers in understanding and 
meeting these reporting and tax requirements.<h2>Gig economy earnings are taxable</h2>Generally, income earned from the gig economy is taxable and must be 
reported to the IRS. The gig economy is activity where people earn 
income providing on-demand work, services or goods. Often, it's through a
 digital platform like an app or website. Taxpayers must report income 
earned from the gig economy on a tax return, even if the income is:<ul>
 <li>From part-time, temporary or side work,</li><li>Not reported on an information return form - like a Form 1099-K, 1099-MISC, W-2 or other income statement or</li><li>Paid in any form, including cash, property, goods or virtual currency.</li>
 </ul>For more information on the gig economy, visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/gig-economy-tax-center">gig economy tax center</a>.<h2>Understand virtual currency reporting and tax requirements</h2>The IRS reminds taxpayers that once again there is a question at the 
top of Form 1040 and Form 1040-SR asking about virtual currency 
transactions. All taxpayers filing these forms must check the box 
indicating either "yes" or "no." A transaction involving virtual 
currency includes, but is not limited to:<ul>
 <li>The receipt of virtual currency as payment for goods or services provided;</li><li>The receipt or transfer of virtual currency for free (without 
providing any consideration) that does not qualify as a bona fide gift;</li><li>The receipt of new virtual currency as a result of mining and staking activities;</li><li>The receipt of virtual currency as a result of a hard fork;</li><li>An exchange of virtual currency for property, goods or services;</li><li>An exchange/trade of virtual currency for another virtual currency;</li><li>A sale of virtual currency; and</li><li>Any other disposition of a financial interest in virtual currency.</li>
 </ul>If an individual disposed of any virtual currency that was held 
as a capital asset through a sale, exchange or transfer, they should 
check "Yes" and use Form 8949 to figure their capital gain or loss and 
report it on Schedule D (Form 1040).If they received any virtual currency as compensation for services or
 disposed of any virtual currency they held for sale to customers in a 
trade or business, they must report the income as they would report 
other income of the same type (for example, W-2 wages on Form 1040 or 
1040-SR, line 1, or inventory or services from Schedule C on Schedule 
1). More information on virtual currency can be found in Instruction for
 Form 1040 and on IRS.gov.<h2>Report Foreign Source Income</h2>A U.S. citizen or resident alien's worldwide income is generally 
subject to U.S. income tax, regardless of where they live. They're also 
subject to the same income tax filing requirements that apply to U.S. 
citizens or resident aliens living in the United States.U.S. citizens and resident aliens must report unearned income, such 
as interest, dividends, and pensions, from sources outside the United 
States unless exempt by law or a tax treaty. They must also report 
earned income, such as wages and tips, from sources outside the United 
States. An income tax filing requirement generally applies even if a 
taxpayer qualifies for tax benefits, such as the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/foreign-earned-income-exclusion">Foreign Earned Income Exclusion</a> or the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/foreign-tax-credit">Foreign Tax Credit</a>,
 which substantially reduce or eliminate U.S. tax liability. These tax 
benefits are only available if an eligible taxpayer files a U.S. income 
tax return.A taxpayer is allowed an automatic 2-month extension to June 15 if 
both their tax home and abode are outside the United States and Puerto 
Rico. Even if allowed an extension, a taxpayer will have to pay interest
 on any tax not paid by the regular due date of April 18, 2022.Those serving in the military outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico on the
 regular due date of their tax return also qualify for the extension to 
June 15. IRS recommends attaching a statement if one of these two 
situations apply. More information can be found in the<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi.pdf"> Instructions for Form 1040 and 1040-SR</a>&nbsp;PDF, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-54">Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p519">Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens</a>.<h2>Reporting required for foreign accounts and assets</h2>Federal law requires U.S. citizens and resident aliens to report 
their worldwide income, including income from foreign trusts and foreign
 bank and other financial accounts. In most cases, affected taxpayers 
need to complete and attach <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-b-form-1040">Schedule B</a>
 to their tax return. Part III of Schedule B asks about the existence of
 foreign accounts, such as bank and securities accounts, and usually 
requires U.S. citizens to report the country in which each account is 
located.In addition, certain taxpayers may also have to complete and attach to their return <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8938">Form 8938, Statement of Foreign Financial Assets</a>.
 Generally, U.S. citizens, resident aliens and certain nonresident 
aliens must report specified foreign financial assets on this form if 
the aggregate value of those assets exceeds certain thresholds. See the 
instructions for this form for details.Further, separate from reporting specified foreign financial assets 
on their tax return, taxpayers with an interest in, or signature or 
other authority over foreign financial accounts whose aggregate value 
exceeded $10,000 at any time during 2020, must file electronically with 
the Treasury Department a Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) <a href="https://bsaefiling.fincen.treas.gov/NoRegFBARFiler.html">Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR)</a>.
 Because of this threshold, the IRS encourages taxpayers with foreign 
assets, even relatively small ones, to check if this filing requirement 
applies to them. The form is only available through the <a href="https://www.fincen.gov/bsa-e-filing-system">BSA E-filing System website</a>.The deadline for filing the annual <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/report-of-foreign-bank-and-financial-accounts-fbar">Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR)</a>
 is the same as that of Form 1040. FinCEN grants filers who missed the 
original deadline an automatic extension until October 15, 2022, to file
 the FBAR. There is no need to request this extension.This news release is part of a series called the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-time-guide">Tax Time Guide</a>, a resource to help taxpayers file an accurate tax return. Additional help is available in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p17">Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax</a>.

IRS: Report gig economy income, virtual currency transactions

Grocery aisles have gaping empty
 sections, and shoppers can never predict what’s going to be 
unavailable. New car dealerships struggle to fill their empty lots. 
People building homes report long waits for critical materials like 
windows and doors. Almost every industry has shortages and delays that 
all boil down to supply chain issues.&nbsp;

Consumers and business owners are 
frustrated and confused. COVID-19 infection rates are declining, and 
restrictions have eased in most parts of America. Shouldn’t things be 
getting better by now?

BBB provides the following information on why supply chain 
disruption is still ongoing and tips on how businesses and consumers can
 combat it.&nbsp;

Everything from sandwich meat to 
household appliances seems to be in short supply, but how did it get 
this way? The disruption is so hard to fix because many of the factors 
that caused it still exist. Plus, once the global machine shuts down, it
 takes a while to get things started again, and all the pieces have to 
work together. These causes set off a chain of events.

Around the globe, production 
continues to be hampered by labor and materials shortages, so 
manufacturing happens in spurts and sputters. When one link in the 
supply chain gets broken, it affects everything that comes after.

Some economists say <a href="https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/supply-chain-disruption-outlook" target="_blank">things should ease up later in 2022</a>, while others <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/01/business/supply-chain-disruption.html" target="_blank">expect problems to continue</a>
 into next year. There still aren’t enough workers to unload goods piled
 up at ports or enough truckers to distribute products across the United
 States. While COVID-19 restrictions have recently eased, it will take a
 while to sort out a complicated situation that was almost two years in 
the making.

Costs are up, employees are hard to find and there’s no end in sight. What can you do to keep your business running and your customers happy?&nbsp;

Consumers know there are problems, 
and while it’s normal to wish we could go back to the old normal, most 
people are understanding. Good communication goes a long way in times of
 crisis.

Supply chain disruption tips for consumers

What can you do when your car breaks 
down and the local mechanic can’t get the part you need for at least six
 weeks? How can you respond when it’s your child’s birthday and the gift
 he or she has been begging for is nowhere to be found? What do you do 
when half the items on your grocery list are out of stock? Here are a few ideas.

If you’re a consumer,
 BBB can help you make informed buying decisions. Search BBB business 
profiles, file a complaint when businesses don’t deliver on their 
promises, search ongoing scams and more using <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/consumer-resources">BBB consumer resources</a> and our <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/consumer-hq" target="_blank">Consumer HQ</a>.

If you run a business,
 we can help you with everything from marketing to sales to building 
solid customer relationships. Apply for BBB Accreditation and start 
building trust through our <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/business-resources">business resources page</a> and our <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/your-business-hq" target="_blank">Business content HQ</a>.

<a href="https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-serving-central-east-texas">BBB Serving Central East Texas</a> contributed this article.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646151977079.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>BBBGrocery aisles have gaping empty
 sections, and shoppers can never predict what’s going to be 
unavailable. New car dealerships struggle to fill their empty lots. 
People building homes report long waits for critical materials like 
windows and doors. Almost every industry has shortages and delays that 
all boil down to supply chain issues.&nbsp;Consumers and business owners are 
frustrated and confused. COVID-19 infection rates are declining, and 
restrictions have eased in most parts of America. Shouldn’t things be 
getting better by now?BBB provides the following information on why supply chain 
disruption is still ongoing and tips on how businesses and consumers can
 combat it.&nbsp;<h2>Disruption causes</h2>Everything from sandwich meat to 
household appliances seems to be in short supply, but how did it get 
this way? The disruption is so hard to fix because many of the factors 
that caused it still exist. Plus, once the global machine shuts down, it
 takes a while to get things started again, and all the pieces have to 
work together. These causes set off a chain of events.<ul>
 <li>Governments worldwide responded to the Covid-19 pandemic with shutdowns.&nbsp;</li><li>Organizations halted production and laid off employees.</li><li>Component shortages began affecting everything from automobile production to the manufacture of medical devices.</li><li>Fewer goods were produced.&nbsp;</li><li>Demand
 surged as people stuck at home sought merchandise. The goods they 
wanted changed as lifestyles shifted. Funds previously allocated for 
things like haircuts, gym memberships and live entertainment now went 
toward products.</li><li>Government stimulus programs encouraged spending.</li><li>Protective gear needs spiked, and shipping and delivery of related goods took priority.</li><li>Shipping
 containers started to pile up in parts of the world where they weren’t 
needed and weren’t available where they were. Shipping costs skyrocketed
 and ports clogged.</li><li>Businesses
 experienced labor shortages. Trucking companies, warehouses and ports 
remained understaffed, further complicating distribution.</li><li>Because
 of staffing problems, imports were slow to get unloaded. Containers 
weren’t emptied and sent back for refilling, and loaded container ships 
sat idle outside ports.</li><li>Consumers and businesses started buying extra whenever they could find it, creating additional supply chain issues.</li>
 </ul>Around the globe, production 
continues to be hampered by labor and materials shortages, so 
manufacturing happens in spurts and sputters. When one link in the 
supply chain gets broken, it affects everything that comes after.<h2>How long will supply chain issues last?</h2>Some economists say <a href="https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/supply-chain-disruption-outlook" target="_blank">things should ease up later in 2022</a>, while others <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/01/business/supply-chain-disruption.html" target="_blank">expect problems to continue</a>
 into next year. There still aren’t enough workers to unload goods piled
 up at ports or enough truckers to distribute products across the United
 States. While COVID-19 restrictions have recently eased, it will take a
 while to sort out a complicated situation that was almost two years in 
the making.<h2>Best practices for businesses</h2>Costs are up, employees are hard to find and there’s no end in sight. What can you do to keep your business running and your customers happy?&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Plan for more disruption
 – Nobody seems to have a working crystal ball right now, but you can 
count on more bottlenecks and shortages in the near future. Have more 
than one plan for addressing the next round of manufacturing and 
supplier delays.</li><li>Streamline what you offer
 – If you’re a restaurant, pare down your menu to include items that are
 easier to find. If you’re a retailer, order more from the manufacturers
 that have been coming through for you all along.</li><li>Create realistic expectations – Don’t overpromise. Communicate with the public what you offer and how much is available.&nbsp;</li><li>Offer incentives
 – If you run out of an item for which there’s high demand, consider 
offering a coupon or incentive that brings people back once you stock up
 again.</li><li>Invest in technology – Automate everything you can to free up overworked staff members for other things.</li><li>Improve your local network – If you can find business resources close to home, you skip import complications.</li>
 </ul>Consumers know there are problems, 
and while it’s normal to wish we could go back to the old normal, most 
people are understanding. Good communication goes a long way in times of
 crisis.<h2>Supply chain disruption tips for consumers</h2>What can you do when your car breaks 
down and the local mechanic can’t get the part you need for at least six
 weeks? How can you respond when it’s your child’s birthday and the gift
 he or she has been begging for is nowhere to be found? What do you do 
when half the items on your grocery list are out of stock? Here are a few ideas.<ul>
 <li>Shop around
 – Sometimes grocery chains and big box stores have empty shelves, but 
local mom and pop stores have found a way to procure merchandise.</li><li>Conserve – Cut back on what you use, so you don’t have to stock up as often.&nbsp;</li><li>Maintain
 – Appliances and automobiles are getting more expensive, and they can 
be hard to find. Invest in maintaining what you have so hopefully you 
won’t need to buy a replacement until today’s supply chain issues are in
 your rearview mirror.</li><li>Try new things
 – If you can’t find what’s on your list, infuse your search with a 
sense of adventure. You’ll discover flavors, brands and methods you 
might have otherwise missed.</li><li>Express gratitude
 – Thank the person stocking grocery shelves for his or her hard work. 
Buy that trucker at the gas station a cup of coffee. Show appreciation 
when you get seated at a restaurant, even if you had to wait longer than
 usual.</li>
 </ul><h2>BBB tools that can help</h2>If you’re a consumer,
 BBB can help you make informed buying decisions. Search BBB business 
profiles, file a complaint when businesses don’t deliver on their 
promises, search ongoing scams and more using <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/consumer-resources">BBB consumer resources</a> and our <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/consumer-hq" target="_blank">Consumer HQ</a>.If you run a business,
 we can help you with everything from marketing to sales to building 
solid customer relationships. Apply for BBB Accreditation and start 
building trust through our <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/business-resources">business resources page</a> and our <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/your-business-hq" target="_blank">Business content HQ</a>.<a href="https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-serving-central-east-texas">BBB Serving Central East Texas</a> contributed this article.

How businesses, consumers can cope with supply chain disruptions

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon, prohibited from having a weapon, made a court appearance last week after police found numerous weapons at his residence.&nbsp;

Alejandro Morales, 19 of Wichita, is charged with three counts of criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On February 16, the Wichita Police Violent Crimes Community Response Team Officers spotted Morales leaving in a vehicle from a home in the 1700 block of S. Elizabeth in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

 A traffic stop was conducted, and Morales was taken into custody. 

Upon serving the warrant on the residence on Elizabeth Street, officers located four handguns, including an AK-47 pistol. Police transported him to the Sedgwick County Jail and booked him.&nbsp;

His next court date is March 7, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645749853368.png" alt="Photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon, prohibited from having a weapon, made a court appearance last week after police found numerous weapons at his residence.&nbsp;Alejandro Morales, 19 of Wichita, is charged with three counts of criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645749751085.png" alt="Morales-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Morales-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>On February 16, the Wichita Police Violent Crimes Community Response Team Officers spotted Morales leaving in a vehicle from a home in the 1700 block of S. Elizabeth in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy. A traffic stop was conducted, and Morales was taken into custody. Upon serving the warrant on the residence on Elizabeth Street, officers located four handguns, including an AK-47 pistol. Police transported him to the Sedgwick County Jail and booked him.&nbsp;His next court date is March 7, according to the district attorney's office.

Kan. felon found with an AK-47 pistol formally charged

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating suspect on multiple charges including felony interference with law enforcement following a pursuit on Saturday.

&nbsp;Shortly before 12:30 a.m. Saturday, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a silver 1997 Ford Crown Victoria near SE 37th Street and SE Colfax Place for speeding, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. 

The driver, later identified as Anthony L. Marshall III, 29, Topeka, pulled over and the deputy approached the vehicle. While the deputy was speaking to the driver, he learned the driver did not have a driver’s license and he observed a bag of illegal narcotic pills.

While the deputy was continuing the investigation, the driver fled the scene in his vehicle, initiating a pursuit. The pursuit continued and was ended in the 2300 block of SE Highland Avenue when the deputy performed a tactical vehicle intervention.

Deputies took Marshall into custody and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, reckless driving, interference with law enforcement, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license, failure to wear a seat belt, no vehicle liability insurance and speeding.

This incident is under investigation. Additional evidence is being sent to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Additional charges are pending. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645970631480.png" alt="Marshall-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Marshall-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating suspect on multiple charges including felony interference with law enforcement following a pursuit on Saturday.&nbsp;Shortly before 12:30 a.m. Saturday, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a silver 1997 Ford Crown Victoria near SE 37th Street and SE Colfax Place for speeding, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The driver, later identified as Anthony L. Marshall III, 29, Topeka, pulled over and the deputy approached the vehicle. While the deputy was speaking to the driver, he learned the driver did not have a driver’s license and he observed a bag of illegal narcotic pills.While the deputy was continuing the investigation, the driver fled the scene in his vehicle, initiating a pursuit. The pursuit continued and was ended in the 2300 block of SE Highland Avenue when the deputy performed a tactical vehicle intervention.Deputies took Marshall into custody and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, reckless driving, interference with law enforcement, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license, failure to wear a seat belt, no vehicle liability insurance and speeding.This incident is under investigation. Additional evidence is being sent to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Additional charges are pending.

Sheriff: Evidence going to KBI after chase, arrest

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — President Vladimir Putin dramatically escalated East-West tensions by ordering Russian nuclear forces put on high alert Sunday, while Ukraine’s embattled leader agreed to talks with Moscow as Putin’s troops and tanks drove deeper into the country, closing in around the capital.

When asked on Monday if Americans should be worried about nuclear war, President Biden didn't hesitate.

Citing “aggressive statements” by NATO and tough financial sanctions, Putin issued a directive to increase the readiness of Russia’s nuclear weapons, raising fears that the invasion of Ukraine could lead to nuclear war, whether by design or mistake.

The Russian leader is “potentially putting in play forces that, if there’s a miscalculation, could make things much, much more dangerous,” said a senior U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss rapidly unfolding military operations.

Putin’s directive came as Russian forces encountered strong resistance from Ukraine defenders. Moscow has so far failed to win full control of Ukraine’s airspace, despite advances across the country. U.S. officials say they believe the invasion has been more difficult, and slower, than the Kremlin envisioned, though that could change as Moscow adapts.

Amid the mounting tensions, Western nations said they would tighten sanctions and buy and deliver weapons for Ukraine, including Stinger missiles for shooting down helicopters and other aircraft.

Representatives of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with a Russian delegation at the Belarusian border on Monday.

It wasn’t immediately clear what the Kremlin was ultimately seeking, either in those potential talks on the border or, more broadly, from its war in Ukraine. Western officials believe Putin wants to overthrow Ukraine’s government and replace it with a regime of his own, reviving Moscow’s Cold War-era influence.

The fast-moving developments came as scattered fighting was reported in Kyiv. Battles also broke out in Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, and strategic ports in the country’s south came under assault from Russian forces.

By late Sunday, Russian forces had taken Berdyansk, a Ukrainian city of 100,000 on the Azov Sea coast, according to Oleksiy Arestovich, an adviser to Zelenskyy’s office. Russian troops also made advances toward Kherson, another city in the south of Ukraine, while Mariupol, a port city on the Sea of Azov that is considered a prime Russian target, is “hanging on,” Arestovich said.

With Russian troops closing in around Kyiv, a city of almost 3 million, the mayor of the capital expressed doubt that civilians could be evacuated. Authorities have been handing out weapons to anyone willing to defend the city. Ukraine is also releasing prisoners with military experience who want to fight, and training people to make firebombs.

In Mariupol, where Ukrainians were trying to fend off attack, a medical team at a city hospital desperately tried to revive a 6-year-old girl in unicorn pajamas who was mortally wounded in Russian shelling.

During the rescue attempt, a doctor in blue medical scrubs, pumping oxygen into the girl, looked directly into the Associated Press video camera capturing the scene.

“Show this to Putin,” he said angrily. “The eyes of this child, and crying doctors.”

Their resuscitation efforts failed, and the girl lay dead on a gurney, her jacket spattered with blood.

Nearly 900 kilometers (560 miles) away, Faina Bystritska was under threat in the city of Chernihiv.

“I wish I had never lived to see this,” said Bystritska, an 87-year-old Jewish survivor of World War II. She said sirens blare almost constantly in the city, about 150 kilometers (90 miles) from Kyiv.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — President Vladimir Putin dramatically escalated East-West tensions by ordering Russian nuclear forces put on high alert Sunday, while Ukraine’s embattled leader agreed to talks with Moscow as Putin’s troops and tanks drove deeper into the country, closing in around the capital.When asked on Monday if Americans should be worried about nuclear war, President Biden didn't hesitate.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Q: &quot;Should Americans be worried about nuclear war?&quot; President Biden: &quot;No.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/ZRg15av1l3">pic.twitter.com/ZRg15av1l3</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1498390465602797571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Citing “aggressive statements” by NATO and tough financial sanctions, Putin issued a directive to increase the readiness of Russia’s nuclear weapons, raising fears that the invasion of Ukraine could lead to nuclear war, whether by design or mistake.The Russian leader is “potentially putting in play forces that, if there’s a miscalculation, could make things much, much more dangerous,” said a senior U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss rapidly unfolding military operations.Putin’s directive came as Russian forces encountered strong resistance from Ukraine defenders. Moscow has so far failed to win full control of Ukraine’s airspace, despite advances across the country. U.S. officials say they believe the invasion has been more difficult, and slower, than the Kremlin envisioned, though that could change as Moscow adapts.Amid the mounting tensions, Western nations said they would tighten sanctions and buy and deliver weapons for Ukraine, including Stinger missiles for shooting down helicopters and other aircraft.Representatives of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with a Russian delegation at the Belarusian border on Monday.It wasn’t immediately clear what the Kremlin was ultimately seeking, either in those potential talks on the border or, more broadly, from its war in Ukraine. Western officials believe Putin wants to overthrow Ukraine’s government and replace it with a regime of his own, reviving Moscow’s Cold War-era influence.The fast-moving developments came as scattered fighting was reported in Kyiv. Battles also broke out in Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, and strategic ports in the country’s south came under assault from Russian forces.By late Sunday, Russian forces had taken Berdyansk, a Ukrainian city of 100,000 on the Azov Sea coast, according to Oleksiy Arestovich, an adviser to Zelenskyy’s office. Russian troops also made advances toward Kherson, another city in the south of Ukraine, while Mariupol, a port city on the Sea of Azov that is considered a prime Russian target, is “hanging on,” Arestovich said.With Russian troops closing in around Kyiv, a city of almost 3 million, the mayor of the capital expressed doubt that civilians could be evacuated. Authorities have been handing out weapons to anyone willing to defend the city. Ukraine is also releasing prisoners with military experience who want to fight, and training people to make firebombs.In Mariupol, where Ukrainians were trying to fend off attack, a medical team at a city hospital desperately tried to revive a 6-year-old girl in unicorn pajamas who was mortally wounded in Russian shelling.During the rescue attempt, a doctor in blue medical scrubs, pumping oxygen into the girl, looked directly into the Associated Press video camera capturing the scene.“Show this to Putin,” he said angrily. “The eyes of this child, and crying doctors.”Their resuscitation efforts failed, and the girl lay dead on a gurney, her jacket spattered with blood.Nearly 900 kilometers (560 miles) away, Faina Bystritska was under threat in the city of Chernihiv.“I wish I had never lived to see this,” said Bystritska, an 87-year-old Jewish survivor of World War II. She said sirens blare almost constantly in the city, about 150 kilometers (90 miles) from Kyiv.Chernihiv residents have been told not to switch on any lights “so we don’t draw their attention,” said Bystritska, who has been living in a hallway, away from any windows, so she could better protect herself.“The window glass constantly shakes, and there is this constant thundering noise,” she said.Meanwhile, the top official in the European Union outlined plans by the 27-nation bloc to close its airspace to Russian airlines and buy weapons for Ukraine. The EU will also ban some pro-Kremlin media outlets, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.The U.S. also stepped up the flow of weapons to Ukraine, announcing it will send Stinger missiles as part of a package approved by the White House on Friday. Germany likewise plans to send 500 Stingers and other military supplies.Also, the 193-member U.N. General Assembly scheduled an emergency session Monday on Russia’s invasion.Putin, in ordering the nuclear alert, cited not only statements by NATO members but the hard-hitting financial sanctions imposed by the West against Russia, including Putin himself.“Western countries aren’t only taking unfriendly actions against our country in the economic sphere, but top officials from leading NATO members made aggressive statements regarding our country,” Putin said in televised comments.U.S. defense officials would not disclose their current nuclear alert level except to say that the military is prepared all times to defend its homeland and allies.White House press secretary Jen Psaki told ABC that Putin is resorting to the pattern he used in the weeks before the invasion, “which is to manufacture threats that don’t exist in order to justify further aggression.”The practical meaning of Putin’s order was not immediately clear. Russia and the United States typically have land- and submarine-based nuclear forces that are on alert and prepared for combat at all times, but nuclear-capable bombers and other aircraft are not.If Putin is arming or otherwise raising the nuclear combat readiness of his bombers, or if he is ordering more ballistic missile submarines to sea, then the U.S. might feel compelled to respond in kind, said Hans Kristensen, a nuclear analyst at the Federation of American Scientists.Earlier Sunday, Kyiv was eerily quiet after explosions lit up the morning sky and authorities reported blasts at one airport. A main boulevard was practically deserted as a strict curfew kept people off the streets. Authorities warned that anyone venturing out without a pass would be considered a Russian saboteur.Terrified residents hunkered down in homes, underground garages and subway stations in anticipation of a full-scale Russian assault. Food and medicine were running low, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.“Right now, the most important question is to defend our country,” Klitschko said.In downtown Kharkiv, 86-year-old Olena Dudnik said she and her husband were nearly thrown from their bed by the pressure blast of a nearby explosion.“We are suffering immensely,” she said by phone. “We don’t have much food in the pantry, and I worry the stores aren’t going to have anything either, if they reopen.” She added: “I just want the shooting to stop, people to stop being killed.”Russia’s failure thus far to win full control of Ukraine’s airspace is a surprising lapse that has given outgunned Ukrainian forces a chance to slow the advance of Russian ground forces. Normally, gaining what the military calls air superiority is one of the first priorities for an invading force.But even though Russian troops are being slowed by Ukrainian resistance, fuel shortages and other logistical problems, a senior U.S. defense official said that will probably change. “We are in day four. The Russians will learn and adapt,” the official said.The number of casualties from Europe’s largest land conflict since World War II remained unclear amid the confusion.Ukraine’s Interior Ministry said Sunday that 352 Ukrainian civilians have been killed, including 14 children. It said an additional 1,684 people, including 116 children, have been wounded.Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov gave no figures on Russia’s dead and wounded but said Sunday his country’s losses were “many times” lower than Ukraine’s.About 368,000 Ukrainians have arrived in neighboring countries since the invasion started Thursday, according to the U.N. refugee agency.Along with military assistance, the U.S., European Union and Britain also agreed to block&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-europe-european-union-704b3b6678c5d23bd05482c89a0384d2">selected Russian banks</a>&nbsp;from the SWIFT system, which moves money around thousands of banks and other financial institutions worldwide. They also moved to slap restrictions on Russia’s central bank.Russia’s economy has taken a pounding since the invasion, with the ruble plunging and the central bank calling for calm to avoid bank runs.Russia, which massed almost 200,000 troops along Ukraine’s borders, claims&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-conflict-updates-today-c489b6f56d84f9483802dc3f142cbc8e">its assault&nbsp;</a>is aimed only at military targets, but bridges, schools and residential neighborhoods have also been hit.___