Convenience Big Store: $3,600 child tax credit could get 4 more years of life, reports say

$3,600 child tax credit could continue on until 2025 – An increase in the child tax credit this year that will give millions of parents $3,000 to $3,600 per child could be extended to 2025 under a plan reportedly set to be unveiled in the coming days by President Joe Biden. Some members of Congress want it made even more permanent. The announcement comes as kids have started going back to in-person learning, a development that has caused more issues for working parents. "My wife works at home, but it does disrupt her schedule," explained Joel Boyd whose daughters are enrolled at Elk Grove Unified School District. Boyd said the short, in-person school days made life more complicated for him, and also two of his employees who had to schedule long lunches or leave early to pick up their children from school. An extra $3,600 or so per child could offset some of the anxieties that come with these asynchronous schedules. (Travis Pittman, TEGNA, Barbara Bingley, ABC10)

New 'playground-for-all' will let kids with and without disabilities play side-by-side in Sacramento – Fall of 2021 marks a special point in time for 12-year-old Mary Jane Medal. It marks a point where wish becomes reality and where the construction of a park might set the standard for what a "playground-for-all" can truly be. Mary Jane is the daughter of Sarah Medal, a lifelong Sacramento resident. Sarah’s daughter has Cerebral Palsy, is nonverbal, and needs a wheelchair to get around. But the most important thing for anyone to know about Mary Jane is that she loves to smile and play with others – just like any other kid her age. That is why the playground will be an amazing addition to the Arden-Arcade area. (Eric Escalante, ABC10)

Irene B. West, Elk Grove's first black teacher, dies at 88 – Irene B. West, the first black teacher in Elk Grove, has died at the age of 88. She is remembered by her children Clifton, Cornel, Cheryl and Cynthia as well as her grandchildren and extended family. West moved to Elk Grove in the 1960s when her husband was stationed at McClellan Air Force Base. At the time, Elk Grove had virtually no black population. West became a teacher in 1962. ABC10 spoke with West in 2020 for Black History Month. You can read more about her life and achievements by clicking here. (Staff, ABC10)

TIP OF THE DAY

Infant toy recall Target and Walmart are recalling a slew of products due to potential choking hazards: The Firefly Frank Infant Teether, Clip Clop Activity Rattle, and Target's 'Cat and Jack Romper.' (WTHR.com staff)

SMILE

Cheetah boys 'Rowdy' and 'Zig Zag' are the newest additions at the Sacramento Zoo, two cheetah brothers that you can visit starting Friday, April 23. You’ll have to remember to book your tickets to the zoo in advance online due to COVID protocols. (Matthew Nuttle, ABC10)