MISSION, Kansas (AP) — A federal freeze on most evictions that was enacted last year is scheduled to expire July 31, after the Biden administration extended the date by a month. The moratorium, put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in September, has been the only tool keeping millions of tenants in their homes. Many of them lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic and have fallen months behind on their rent.

Landlords successfully challenged the order in court, arguing that they also had bills to pay. They pointed out that tenants could access more than $45 billion in federal money set aside to help pay rents and related expenses.

Advocates for tenants say the distribution of the money has been slow and that more time is needed to distribute it and repay landlords. Without an extension, they feared a spike in evictions and lawsuits seeking to boot out tenants who are behind on their rent.

As of June 7, roughly 3.2 million people in the U.S. said they would face eviction within the next two months, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey. The survey measures the social and economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic every two weeks through online responses from a representative sample of U.S. households.

WHAT’S THE STATUS OF EVICTION MORATORIUMS IN THE STATE?

Last month, top Republican lawmakers rescinded the executive order from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly that imposed the state’s pandemic ban on evictions and foreclosures. That left only the CDC moratorium, which offered slightly different protections.

The state moratorium had been in effect since August. Kelly also issued an eviction moratorium in March 2020 but let it expire two months later. When the latest Kansas moratorium was lifted, Kelly spokeswoman Reeves Oyster said GOP leaders had decided to “kick people out of their homes.” Republicans have argued that the state’s moratorium prevents landlords from getting paid.

WHAT’S BEING DONE TO HELP PEOPLE FACING EVICTION?

Kansas has received two rounds of federal rental aid — $200 million in one and $20 million in the other. As of mid-June, the Kansas Housing Resources Corp. had distributed $5.5 million from the largest pot to about 950 of the 7,780 households that applied (Wichita is the only community not served by the housing corporation). The money can go toward 15 months of rent, utilities and internet expenses.

The state also distributed $17 million in rental aid from the smaller pot, said Emily Sharp, a spokeswoman for the agency.

One challenge is that both tenants and landlords must apply to access some of the money, but certain landlords are saying, “No, I just want you out,” said Casey Johnson, an attorney for Kansas Legal Services, a nonprofit law firm. Some tenants also have refused to fill out the paperwork, making it impossible for landlords to collect any money, said Steve Vogel, the head of the Shawnee County Landlords Association. Johnson speculated that tenants might be resistant because they remain protected from eviction by the soon-to-expire CDC moratorium.

The state is anticipating an additional $150 million later this year.

HOW ARE THE COURTS HANDLING EVICTION HEARINGS?

In Johnson County, the state’s most populous, eviction proceedings are still conducted remotely. Many counties are now handling such cases in person or as a hybrid.

It’s impossible to tell whether more Kansans were kicked out of their homes during the pandemic because the state lumps its eviction data into a broader category that also includes landlord disputes, debt collection and employment discrimination, said Lisa Taylor, a spokeswoman for the state’s Office of Judicial Administration. But Johnson, of Kansas Legal Services, said landlords are increasingly finding reasons beyond nonpayment to evict tenants, such as not cleaning well enough or having an unauthorized pet. He said some landlords are not renewing leases when they expire. A Johnson County judge has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-health-coronavirus-pandemic-b9b1b17c941ce4c6bdeb5e523e3eaac9">found&nbsp;</a>that the CDC moratorium is not enforceable and is proceeding with evictions.

HOW AFFORDABLE IS HOUSING IN THE STATE’S MAJOR RENTAL MARKETS?

Kansas has among the nation’s most affordable housing markets, said Kirk Mcclure, a retired professor of urban planning for the University of Kansas and a contract worker for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He said only the Deep South is cheaper.

From 2015 to 2019, rent for a two-bedroom apartment increased by 7.9%, which was far below the national average of 15.4%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. The vacancy rate was 7.8% before the pandemic, which was above the 6% national average.

As of May, the median monthly rent in the Kansas City metropolitan area was 4.6% higher than a year before, at $1,109, according to a report released June 16 by Realtor.com. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the area was $1,319.

ARE EVICTIONS EXPECTED TO CREATE A SURGE IN HOMELESSNESS?

Kansas advocates for the homeless are bracing for a spike in people entering shelters or moving in with relatives. One indication is recent census survey data showing that 18,107 people believe they could be evicted within the next two months.

The process could move quickly: Kansas has one of the shortest timeframes in the country for evicting tenants who fall behind on rent. Johnson said landlords must merely send them a notice that gives renters three days to pay in full. After that, landlords can get a court order that gives the county sheriff 14 days to remove them.

Vogel, of the Shawnee County Landlords Association, said landlords “are not eager about any of this.” But he added: “It is just like having a job but not getting paid. You just can’t sustain that because they still have all their costs.”

The Salvation Army in Wichita has already seen an increase in calls from people asking for shelter, said Jami Scott, the organization’s director of homeless services.

“Unfortunately, the money that has been flooded into the community to help people pay their bills, a lot of that money is drying up, and it is going to be really difficult for us to be able to get people into housing,” she said.

ADVERTISEMENTTrending on AP News<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mo-state-wire-michael-brown-coronavirus-pandemic-health-49fe073aadeab3eff879fa2cf9b89f15">COVID variant first gained foothold in rural Missouri</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/mo-state-wire-george-floyd-michael-brown-journalists-death-of-george-floyd-2a1ff281ade880e5a95087ea9b280c7c">County to pay $280K to journalists tear-gassed in Ferguson</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-entertainment-music-arts-and-entertainment-fd8c24396fb818558a9c95c7724d12bf">Guitarist quits Mumford &amp; Sons to ‘speak freely’ on politics</a><a href="https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&amp;utm_source=associatedpress-apnews&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=organic-thumbnails-rr:Right%20Rail%20Thumbnails:" target="_blank">by Taboola</a>ADVERTISEMENT

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTHMISSION, Kansas (AP) — A federal freeze on most evictions that was enacted last year is scheduled to expire July 31, after the Biden administration extended the date by a month. The moratorium, put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in September, has been the only tool keeping millions of tenants in their homes. Many of them lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic and have fallen months behind on their rent.Landlords successfully challenged the order in court, arguing that they also had bills to pay. They pointed out that tenants could access more than $45 billion in federal money set aside to help pay rents and related expenses.Advocates for tenants say the distribution of the money has been slow and that more time is needed to distribute it and repay landlords. Without an extension, they feared a spike in evictions and lawsuits seeking to boot out tenants who are behind on their rent.As of June 7, roughly 3.2 million people in the U.S. said they would face eviction within the next two months, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey. The survey measures the social and economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic every two weeks through online responses from a representative sample of U.S. households.Here’s the situation in Kansas:WHAT’S THE STATUS OF EVICTION MORATORIUMS IN THE STATE?Last month, top Republican lawmakers rescinded the executive order from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly that imposed the state’s pandemic ban on evictions and foreclosures. That left only the CDC moratorium, which offered slightly different protections.The state moratorium had been in effect since August. Kelly also issued an eviction moratorium in March 2020 but let it expire two months later. When the latest Kansas moratorium was lifted, Kelly spokeswoman Reeves Oyster said GOP leaders had decided to “kick people out of their homes.” Republicans have argued that the state’s moratorium prevents landlords from getting paid.WHAT’S BEING DONE TO HELP PEOPLE FACING EVICTION?Kansas has received two rounds of federal rental aid — $200 million in one and $20 million in the other. As of mid-June, the Kansas Housing Resources Corp. had distributed $5.5 million from the largest pot to about 950 of the 7,780 households that applied (Wichita is the only community not served by the housing corporation). The money can go toward 15 months of rent, utilities and internet expenses.The state also distributed $17 million in rental aid from the smaller pot, said Emily Sharp, a spokeswoman for the agency.One challenge is that both tenants and landlords must apply to access some of the money, but certain landlords are saying, “No, I just want you out,” said Casey Johnson, an attorney for Kansas Legal Services, a nonprofit law firm. Some tenants also have refused to fill out the paperwork, making it impossible for landlords to collect any money, said Steve Vogel, the head of the Shawnee County Landlords Association. Johnson speculated that tenants might be resistant because they remain protected from eviction by the soon-to-expire CDC moratorium.The state is anticipating an additional $150 million later this year.HOW ARE THE COURTS HANDLING EVICTION HEARINGS?In Johnson County, the state’s most populous, eviction proceedings are still conducted remotely. Many counties are now handling such cases in person or as a hybrid.It’s impossible to tell whether more Kansans were kicked out of their homes during the pandemic because the state lumps its eviction data into a broader category that also includes landlord disputes, debt collection and employment discrimination, said Lisa Taylor, a spokeswoman for the state’s Office of Judicial Administration. But Johnson, of Kansas Legal Services, said landlords are increasingly finding reasons beyond nonpayment to evict tenants, such as not cleaning well enough or having an unauthorized pet. He said some landlords are not renewing leases when they expire. A Johnson County judge has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-health-coronavirus-pandemic-b9b1b17c941ce4c6bdeb5e523e3eaac9">found&nbsp;</a>that the CDC moratorium is not enforceable and is proceeding with evictions.HOW AFFORDABLE IS HOUSING IN THE STATE’S MAJOR RENTAL MARKETS?Kansas has among the nation’s most affordable housing markets, said Kirk Mcclure, a retired professor of urban planning for the University of Kansas and a contract worker for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He said only the Deep South is cheaper.From 2015 to 2019, rent for a two-bedroom apartment increased by 7.9%, which was far below the national average of 15.4%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. The vacancy rate was 7.8% before the pandemic, which was above the 6% national average.As of May, the median monthly rent in the Kansas City metropolitan area was 4.6% higher than a year before, at $1,109, according to a report released June 16 by Realtor.com. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the area was $1,319.ARE EVICTIONS EXPECTED TO CREATE A SURGE IN HOMELESSNESS?Kansas advocates for the homeless are bracing for a spike in people entering shelters or moving in with relatives. One indication is recent census survey data showing that 18,107 people believe they could be evicted within the next two months.The process could move quickly: Kansas has one of the shortest timeframes in the country for evicting tenants who fall behind on rent. Johnson said landlords must merely send them a notice that gives renters three days to pay in full. After that, landlords can get a court order that gives the county sheriff 14 days to remove them.Vogel, of the Shawnee County Landlords Association, said landlords “are not eager about any of this.” But he added: “It is just like having a job but not getting paid. You just can’t sustain that because they still have all their costs.”The Salvation Army in Wichita has already seen an increase in calls from people asking for shelter, said Jami Scott, the organization’s director of homeless services.“Unfortunately, the money that has been flooded into the community to help people pay their bills, a lot of that money is drying up, and it is going to be really difficult for us to be able to get people into housing,” she said.ADVERTISEMENTTrending on AP News<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mo-state-wire-michael-brown-coronavirus-pandemic-health-49fe073aadeab3eff879fa2cf9b89f15">COVID variant first gained foothold in rural Missouri</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/mo-state-wire-george-floyd-michael-brown-journalists-death-of-george-floyd-2a1ff281ade880e5a95087ea9b280c7c">County to pay $280K to journalists tear-gassed in Ferguson</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-entertainment-music-arts-and-entertainment-fd8c24396fb818558a9c95c7724d12bf">Guitarist quits Mumford &amp; Sons to ‘speak freely’ on politics</a><a href="https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&amp;utm_source=associatedpress-apnews&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=organic-thumbnails-rr:Right%20Rail%20Thumbnails:" target="_blank">by Taboola</a>ADVERTISEMENT

Federal aid may not be enough to prevent Kansas evictions

Americans urged to watch out for tax scams during the pandemic

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today began its "Dirty 
Dozen" list for 2021 with a warning for taxpayers, tax professionals and
 financial institutions to be on the lookout for these 12 nefarious 
schemes and scams.

This year's "Dirty Dozen" will be separated into four separate categories:

The agency compiled the list into these categories based on who 
perpetuates the schemes and who they impact. In addition to today's 
scams the IRS will highlight the other schemes over the next three days.

The IRS urges all taxpayers to be on guard, especially during the 
pandemic, not only for themselves, but also for other people in their 
lives.

"We continue to see scam artists use the pandemic to steal money and 
information from honest taxpayers in a time of crisis," said IRS 
Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "We provide this list to alert taxpayers 
about common scams that fraudsters use against their victims. At the 
IRS, we are dedicated to stopping these criminals, but it's up to all of
 us to remain vigilant to protect ourselves and our families."

Taxpayers are encouraged to review the "Dirty Dozen: list in a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen">special section</a> on IRS.gov and should be alert to these scams during tax filing season and throughout the year.

A continuing threat to individuals is from identity thieves who try 
to steal Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), also known as stimulus 
payments. Most eligible people will get their payments automatically 
from the IRS. Taxpayers should watch out for these tell-tale signs of a 
scam:

Taxpayers should remember that the IRS website, IRS.gov, is the 
agency's official website for information on payments, refunds and other
 tax information.

Unemployment fraud leading to inaccurate taxpayer 1099-Gs

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many taxpayers lost their jobs and 
received unemployment compensation from their state. However, scammers 
also took advantage of the pandemic by filing fraudulent claims for 
unemployment compensation using stolen personal information of 
individuals who had not filed claims. Payments made on these fraudulent 
claims went to the identity thieves.

The IRS reminds taxpayers to be on the lookout for receiving a Form 
1099-G reporting unemployment compensation that they didn't receive. For
 people in this situation, the IRS urges them to contact their 
appropriate state agency for a corrected form. If a corrected form 
cannot be obtained so that a taxpayer can file a timely tax return, 
taxpayers should complete their return claiming only the unemployment 
compensation and other income they actually received. See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/identity-theft-and-unemployment-benefits">Identity Theft and Unemployment Benefits</a> for tax details and <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/UIIDtheft">DOL.gov/fraud</a> for state-by-state reporting information.

Additional protection to help protect taxpayers

IRS makes IP PINs available to all taxpayers – adding another layer of security

To help taxpayers avoid identity theft, the IRS this year made its <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/all-taxpayers-now-eligible-for-identity-protection-pins">Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)</a>
 program available to all taxpayers. Previously it was available only to
 victims of ID theft or taxpayers in certain states. The IP PIN is a 
six-digit code known only to the taxpayer and to the IRS. It helps 
prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent tax returns using a 
taxpayer's personally identifiable information.

Using an IP PIN is, in essence, a way to lock a tax account. The IP 
PIN serves as the key to opening that account. Electronic returns that 
do not contain the correct IP PIN will be rejected and paper returns 
will go through additional scrutiny for fraud.

The IRS and its <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit">Security Summit</a>
 partners in the states and the private-sector tax community have made 
changes to help reduce identity theft-related refund fraud that are 
noticeable to the average person filing a return:

It is important for taxpayers filing in 2021 to know that online tax 
software products available to both taxpayers and tax professionals will
 contain options for multi-factor authentication. Multi-factor 
authentication allows users to better protect online accounts. One way 
this is accomplished is by requiring a security code sent to a mobile 
phone in addition to the username and password used to access the 
account.

The IRS and its Security Summit partners have formed an information 
sharing center that allows them to quickly identify emerging scams and 
react to protect taxpayers. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-utl/2020-information-sharing-and-analysis-center-isac-annual-report.pdf">Identity Theft Tax Refund Fraud Information Sharing and Analysis Center&nbsp;PDF</a> is now operational.

Also, check out our recent <a href="https://www.irs.gov/about-irs/when-it-comes-to-tax-scams-knowledge-is-power">A Closer Look column</a> for more on how to be vigilant about tax scams. Visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central">Identity Theft Central</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/compliance/criminal-investigation/tax-fraud-alerts">Tax Fraud Alerts</a> for more information on how to protect against or report identity theft or fraud.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Americans urged to watch out for tax scams during the pandemic</h2>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today began its "Dirty 
Dozen" list for 2021 with a warning for taxpayers, tax professionals and
 financial institutions to be on the lookout for these 12 nefarious 
schemes and scams.This year's "Dirty Dozen" will be separated into four separate categories:<ul>
 <li>pandemic-related scams like Economic Impact Payment theft;</li><li>personal information cons including phishing, ransomware and phone "vishing;"</li><li>ruses focusing on unsuspecting victims like fake charities and senior/immigrant fraud; and</li><li>schemes that persuade taxpayers into unscrupulous actions such as Offer In Compromise mills and syndicated conservation easements.</li>
 </ul>The agency compiled the list into these categories based on who 
perpetuates the schemes and who they impact. In addition to today's 
scams the IRS will highlight the other schemes over the next three days.The IRS urges all taxpayers to be on guard, especially during the 
pandemic, not only for themselves, but also for other people in their 
lives."We continue to see scam artists use the pandemic to steal money and 
information from honest taxpayers in a time of crisis," said IRS 
Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "We provide this list to alert taxpayers 
about common scams that fraudsters use against their victims. At the 
IRS, we are dedicated to stopping these criminals, but it's up to all of
 us to remain vigilant to protect ourselves and our families."Taxpayers are encouraged to review the "Dirty Dozen: list in a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen">special section</a> on IRS.gov and should be alert to these scams during tax filing season and throughout the year.<h2>Economic Impact Payment theft</h2>A continuing threat to individuals is from identity thieves who try 
to steal Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), also known as stimulus 
payments. Most eligible people will get their payments automatically 
from the IRS. Taxpayers should watch out for these tell-tale signs of a 
scam:<ul>
 <li>Any text messages, random incoming phone calls or emails 
inquiring about bank account information or requesting recipients to 
click a link or verify data should be considered suspicious and deleted 
without opening.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Be alert to mailbox theft. Frequently check mail and report suspected mail losses to <a href="https://www.uspis.gov/">Postal Inspectors</a>.</li><li>Don't fall for stimulus check scams. The IRS won't initiate contact
 by phone, email, text or social media asking for Social Security 
numbers or other personal or financial information related to Economic 
Impact Payments.</li>
 </ul>Taxpayers should remember that the IRS website, IRS.gov, is the 
agency's official website for information on payments, refunds and other
 tax information.<h2>Unemployment fraud leading to inaccurate taxpayer 1099-Gs</h2>Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many taxpayers lost their jobs and 
received unemployment compensation from their state. However, scammers 
also took advantage of the pandemic by filing fraudulent claims for 
unemployment compensation using stolen personal information of 
individuals who had not filed claims. Payments made on these fraudulent 
claims went to the identity thieves.The IRS reminds taxpayers to be on the lookout for receiving a Form 
1099-G reporting unemployment compensation that they didn't receive. For
 people in this situation, the IRS urges them to contact their 
appropriate state agency for a corrected form. If a corrected form 
cannot be obtained so that a taxpayer can file a timely tax return, 
taxpayers should complete their return claiming only the unemployment 
compensation and other income they actually received. See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/identity-theft-and-unemployment-benefits">Identity Theft and Unemployment Benefits</a> for tax details and <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/UIIDtheft">DOL.gov/fraud</a> for state-by-state reporting information.<h2>Additional protection to help protect taxpayers</h2><h2>IRS makes IP PINs available to all taxpayers – adding another layer of security</h2>To help taxpayers avoid identity theft, the IRS this year made its <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/all-taxpayers-now-eligible-for-identity-protection-pins">Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)</a>
 program available to all taxpayers. Previously it was available only to
 victims of ID theft or taxpayers in certain states. The IP PIN is a 
six-digit code known only to the taxpayer and to the IRS. It helps 
prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent tax returns using a 
taxpayer's personally identifiable information.Using an IP PIN is, in essence, a way to lock a tax account. The IP 
PIN serves as the key to opening that account. Electronic returns that 
do not contain the correct IP PIN will be rejected and paper returns 
will go through additional scrutiny for fraud.<h2>Reducing fraud</h2>The IRS and its <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit">Security Summit</a>
 partners in the states and the private-sector tax community have made 
changes to help reduce identity theft-related refund fraud that are 
noticeable to the average person filing a return:<ul>
 <li>Tax software providers agreed to strengthen password protocols. 
This is the first line of defense for these companies to make sure their
 products are secure.</li><li>State tax agencies began asking for taxpayers' driver's license numbers as another way for people to prove their identities.</li><li>The IRS limited the number of tax refunds going to financial accounts or addresses.</li><li>The IRS masked personal information from tax transcripts.</li>
 </ul><h2>Multi-factor authentication can help</h2>It is important for taxpayers filing in 2021 to know that online tax 
software products available to both taxpayers and tax professionals will
 contain options for multi-factor authentication. Multi-factor 
authentication allows users to better protect online accounts. One way 
this is accomplished is by requiring a security code sent to a mobile 
phone in addition to the username and password used to access the 
account.The IRS and its Security Summit partners have formed an information 
sharing center that allows them to quickly identify emerging scams and 
react to protect taxpayers. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-utl/2020-information-sharing-and-analysis-center-isac-annual-report.pdf">Identity Theft Tax Refund Fraud Information Sharing and Analysis Center&nbsp;PDF</a> is now operational.Also, check out our recent <a href="https://www.irs.gov/about-irs/when-it-comes-to-tax-scams-knowledge-is-power">A Closer Look column</a> for more on how to be vigilant about tax scams. Visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central">Identity Theft Central</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/compliance/criminal-investigation/tax-fraud-alerts">Tax Fraud Alerts</a> for more information on how to protect against or report identity theft or fraud.

IRS announces 'Dirty Dozen' tax scams for 2021

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 347 to a total of 317,651, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 3 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5150.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 347 to a total of 317,651, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 3 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5150.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624900000681.png" alt="Monday June 28, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday June 28, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A Salina woman was arrested late Sunday afternoon on multiple requested charges, including aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer.

Officers were sent to a residence in the 500 block of S. Ninth for the report of Delilah Ross, 33, of Salina, being on the property in violation of a protection from abuse order, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. 

When officers made contact with Ross, she was at the residence, seated in a 2005 Buick Park Avenue with the driver's door open. Police attempted to arrest Ross, but she was able to get the key in the ignition and start the car, Forrester said. Ross started backing away when the open car door struck a 23-year-old female officer and knocked her down.

The officer, who has been with the Salina Police Department for approximately 1.5 years, suffered minor abrasions and bruising, Forrester said. Additionally, some items on her duty belt were damaged.

Ross left the scene and a pursuit ensued, during which speeds reached 60 mph, along city streets until she turned east into the Salina Regional Health Center parking lot, where she was arrested on the following requested charges&nbsp;criminal trespassing, violation of a protection from abuse order, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer with a motor vehicle, battery of a law enforcement officer, One count of interference with a law enforcement officer,&nbsp; damage to property, flee and elude, violation of a no-contact order and Miscellaneous traffic offenses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624893518755.jpeg" alt="Delilah Ross. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Delilah Ross. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina woman was arrested late Sunday afternoon on multiple requested charges, including aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer.Officers were sent to a residence in the 500 block of S. Ninth for the report of Delilah Ross, 33, of Salina, being on the property in violation of a protection from abuse order, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. When officers made contact with Ross, she was at the residence, seated in a 2005 Buick Park Avenue with the driver's door open. Police attempted to arrest Ross, but she was able to get the key in the ignition and start the car, Forrester said. Ross started backing away when the open car door struck a 23-year-old female officer and knocked her down.The officer, who has been with the Salina Police Department for approximately 1.5 years, suffered minor abrasions and bruising, Forrester said. Additionally, some items on her duty belt were damaged.Ross left the scene and a pursuit ensued, during which speeds reached 60 mph, along city streets until she turned east into the Salina Regional Health Center parking lot, where she was arrested on the following requested charges&nbsp;criminal trespassing, violation of a protection from abuse order, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer with a motor vehicle, battery of a law enforcement officer, One count of interference with a law enforcement officer,&nbsp; damage to property, flee and elude, violation of a no-contact order and Miscellaneous traffic offenses.

Kansas woman arrested after striking officer with her car

HUTCHINSON— Firefighters had to deal with hoarding as they fought a house fire late Sunday night.

Just before 11p.m., firefighters found heavy fire and smoke showing from the rear of a single story house at 929 West 2nd Street in Hutchinson, according to a social media report.

The one person in the house got out safely. Fire crews had a difficult time entering the home due to the hoarder like conditions they encountered. The home is uninhabitable. No firefighters were hurt.

The homeowner tried to solve a wasp infestation by burning and smoking out the wasp nests by burning a mattress and ragweed which then started the home on fire.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624893221222.jpeg" alt="Photo by Nick Hemphill courtesy Hutchinson Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Nick Hemphill courtesy Hutchinson Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON— Firefighters had to deal with hoarding as they fought a house fire late Sunday night.Just before 11p.m., firefighters found heavy fire and smoke showing from the rear of a single story house at 929 West 2nd Street in Hutchinson, according to a social media report.The one person in the house got out safely. Fire crews had a difficult time entering the home due to the hoarder like conditions they encountered. The home is uninhabitable. No firefighters were hurt.The homeowner tried to solve a wasp infestation by burning and smoking out the wasp nests by burning a mattress and ragweed which then started the home on fire.

Kan. homeowner starts house fire trying to get rid of wasps

By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>


HUTCHINSON — People will be expressing their independence by traveling all across the U.S. this year.

"As
 we saw at Memorial Day, people are wanting to travel and are traveling 
in big numbers," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "AAA is projecting 
more than 47.7 million Americans will take to the nation's roadways and 
skies this Independence Day holiday weekend from July 1 to 5. Travel 
volumes are expected to nearly fully recover to pre-pandemic levels."

This is going to be the second-highest Independence Day travel volume on record, trailing only 2019.

"We're
 looking at, overall, just 2.5% fewer Americans are expected to travel 
this year compared to Independence Day in 2019," Steward said. "This 
represents an increase of nearly 40% compared to last year, when total 
travel fell to 34.2 million travelers."

Despite the highest gas prices in seven years, more than 91% of holiday travel will be by car.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624893660350.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>
HUTCHINSON — People will be expressing their independence by traveling all across the U.S. this year."As
 we saw at Memorial Day, people are wanting to travel and are traveling 
in big numbers," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "AAA is projecting 
more than 47.7 million Americans will take to the nation's roadways and 
skies this Independence Day holiday weekend from July 1 to 5. Travel 
volumes are expected to nearly fully recover to pre-pandemic levels."This is going to be the second-highest Independence Day travel volume on record, trailing only 2019."We're
 looking at, overall, just 2.5% fewer Americans are expected to travel 
this year compared to Independence Day in 2019," Steward said. "This 
represents an increase of nearly 40% compared to last year, when total 
travel fell to 34.2 million travelers."Despite the highest gas prices in seven years, more than 91% of holiday travel will be by car.

AAA: Travel almost all the way back for Fourth of July

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man who allegedly shot a woman and then dropped her body at a hospital has been charged with second-degree murder in her death, Jackson County prosecutors said Friday.

Ryan A. Gillispie, 37, of Independence, Mo., was charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of Ales L. Carr, 30, of Kansas City.

Carr was shot at a home in Independence, according to court records. Officers went to Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence about 12:30 a.m. Monday after a woman who had been shot in the head was left on the ground outside the emergency entrance, according to charging documents.

Surveillance video from the hospital showed a van pull up to the hospital. A man got out, carried a woman to the hospital doors and placed her on the ground before driving away, prosecutors said.

Carr was pronounced dead after hospital workers found her. Online court records don't name an attorney for Gillispie.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624799138179.png" alt="Gillispie photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Gillispie photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man who allegedly shot a woman and then dropped her body at a hospital has been charged with second-degree murder in her death, Jackson County prosecutors said Friday.Ryan A. Gillispie, 37, of Independence, Mo., was charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of Ales L. Carr, 30, of Kansas City.Carr was shot at a home in Independence, according to court records. Officers went to Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence about 12:30 a.m. Monday after a woman who had been shot in the head was left on the ground outside the emergency entrance, according to charging documents.Surveillance video from the hospital showed a van pull up to the hospital. A man got out, carried a woman to the hospital doors and placed her on the ground before driving away, prosecutors said.Carr was pronounced dead after hospital workers found her. Online court records don't name an attorney for Gillispie.

Man charged after woman dropped off at KC hospital dies

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military, under the direction of President Joe Biden, carried out airstrikes against what it said were “facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups” near the border between Iraq and Syria, drawing condemnation from Iraq’s military and calls for revenge by the militias.

Pentagon Press <a href="https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2672875/statement-by-the-department-of-defense/utm_source/hootsuite/">Secretary John Kirby said </a>the militias were using the facilities to launch unmanned aerial vehicle attacks against U.S. troops in Iraq. It was the second time the Biden administration has taken military action in the region since he took over earlier this year.

Kirby said the U.S. military targeted three operational and weapons storage facilities on Sunday night — two in Syria and one in Iraq.

He described the airstrikes as “defensive,” saying they were launched in response to the attacks by militias.

“The United States took necessary, appropriate, and deliberate action designed to limit the risk of escalation — but also to send a clear and unambiguous deterrent message,” Kirby said.

The Pentagon said the facilities were used by Iran-backed militia factions, including Kata’ib Hezbollah and Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada.

Two Iraqi militia officials told The Associated Press in Baghdad that four militiamen were killed in the airstrikes near the border with Syria. Both spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to give statements. They said the first strike hit a weapons storage facility inside Syrian territory, where the militiamen were killed. The second strike hit the border strip.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based group that closely monitors the Syrian conflict through activists on the ground, reported that at least seven Iraqi militiamen were killed in the airstrikes.

The Iran-backed Iraqi militia factions vowed revenge for the attack and said in a joint statement they would continue to target U.S. forces. “We ... will avenge the blood of our righteous martyrs against the perpetrators of this heinous crime and with God’s help we will make the enemy taste the bitterness of revenge,” they said.

The Popular Mobilization Forces, an Iraqi state-sanctioned umbrella of mostly Shiite militias — including those targeted by the U.S. strikes — said their men were on missions to prevent infiltration by the Islamic State group and denied the presence of weapons warehouses.

Iraq’s military condemned the strikes as a “blatant and unacceptable violation of Iraqi sovereignty and national security.” It called for avoiding escalation, but also rejected that Iraq be an “arena for settling accounts” — a reference to the U.S. and Iran. It represented rare condemnation by the Iraqi military of U.S. airstrikes.

In Iran, foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh accused the U.S. of creating instability in the region.

“Definitely, what the U.S. is doing is disrupting the security of the region,” he said on Monday.

U.S. military officials have grown increasingly alarmed over drone strikes targeting U.S. military bases in Iraq, which became more common since a U.S.-directed drone killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani near the Baghdad airport last year. Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis was also killed in the attack. The strike drew the ire of mostly Shiite Iraqi lawmakers and prompted parliament to pass a nonbinding resolution to pressure the Iraqi government to oust foreign troops from the country.

Sunday’s strikes mark the second time the Biden administration launched airstrikes along the Iraq-Syria border region. In February, the U.S. launched airstrikes against facilities in Syria, near the Iraqi border, that it said were used by Iranian-backed militia groups.

The Pentagon said those strikes were retaliation for a rocket attack in Iraq earlier that month that killed one civilian contractor and wounded a U.S. service member and other coalition troops.

At that time, Biden said Iran should view his decision to authorize U.S. airstrikes in Syria as a warning that it can expect consequences for its support of militia groups that threaten U.S. interests or personnel.

“You can’t act with impunity. Be careful,” Biden said when a reporter asked what message he had intended to send.

On Sunday, Kirby said Biden “has been clear that he will act to protect U.S. personnel. Given the ongoing series of attacks by Iran-backed groups targeting U.S. interests in Iraq, the President directed further military action to disrupt and deter such attacks.”

The Pentagon spokesman added: “As a matter of international law, the United States acted pursuant to its right of self-defense. The strikes were both necessary to address the threat and appropriately limited in scope.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement Sunday that the U.S. airstrikes “appear to be a targeted and proportional response to a serious and specific threat,” adding, “Protecting the military heroes who defend our freedoms is a sacred priority.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military, under the direction of President Joe Biden, carried out airstrikes against what it said were “facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups” near the border between Iraq and Syria, drawing condemnation from Iraq’s military and calls for revenge by the militias.Pentagon Press <a href="https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2672875/statement-by-the-department-of-defense/utm_source/hootsuite/">Secretary John Kirby said </a>the militias were using the facilities to launch unmanned aerial vehicle attacks against U.S. troops in Iraq. It was the second time the Biden administration has taken military action in the region since he took over earlier this year.Kirby said the U.S. military targeted three operational and weapons storage facilities on Sunday night — two in Syria and one in Iraq.He described the airstrikes as “defensive,” saying they were launched in response to the attacks by militias.“The United States took necessary, appropriate, and deliberate action designed to limit the risk of escalation — but also to send a clear and unambiguous deterrent message,” Kirby said.The Pentagon said the facilities were used by Iran-backed militia factions, including Kata’ib Hezbollah and Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada.Two Iraqi militia officials told The Associated Press in Baghdad that four militiamen were killed in the airstrikes near the border with Syria. Both spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to give statements. They said the first strike hit a weapons storage facility inside Syrian territory, where the militiamen were killed. The second strike hit the border strip.The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based group that closely monitors the Syrian conflict through activists on the ground, reported that at least seven Iraqi militiamen were killed in the airstrikes.The Iran-backed Iraqi militia factions vowed revenge for the attack and said in a joint statement they would continue to target U.S. forces. “We ... will avenge the blood of our righteous martyrs against the perpetrators of this heinous crime and with God’s help we will make the enemy taste the bitterness of revenge,” they said.The Popular Mobilization Forces, an Iraqi state-sanctioned umbrella of mostly Shiite militias — including those targeted by the U.S. strikes — said their men were on missions to prevent infiltration by the Islamic State group and denied the presence of weapons warehouses.Iraq’s military condemned the strikes as a “blatant and unacceptable violation of Iraqi sovereignty and national security.” It called for avoiding escalation, but also rejected that Iraq be an “arena for settling accounts” — a reference to the U.S. and Iran. It represented rare condemnation by the Iraqi military of U.S. airstrikes.In Iran, foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh accused the U.S. of creating instability in the region.“Definitely, what the U.S. is doing is disrupting the security of the region,” he said on Monday.U.S. military officials have grown increasingly alarmed over drone strikes targeting U.S. military bases in Iraq, which became more common since a U.S.-directed drone killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani near the Baghdad airport last year. Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis was also killed in the attack. The strike drew the ire of mostly Shiite Iraqi lawmakers and prompted parliament to pass a nonbinding resolution to pressure the Iraqi government to oust foreign troops from the country.Sunday’s strikes mark the second time the Biden administration launched airstrikes along the Iraq-Syria border region. In February, the U.S. launched airstrikes against facilities in Syria, near the Iraqi border, that it said were used by Iranian-backed militia groups.The Pentagon said those strikes were retaliation for a rocket attack in Iraq earlier that month that killed one civilian contractor and wounded a U.S. service member and other coalition troops.At that time, Biden said Iran should view his decision to authorize U.S. airstrikes in Syria as a warning that it can expect consequences for its support of militia groups that threaten U.S. interests or personnel.“You can’t act with impunity. Be careful,” Biden said when a reporter asked what message he had intended to send.On Sunday, Kirby said Biden “has been clear that he will act to protect U.S. personnel. Given the ongoing series of attacks by Iran-backed groups targeting U.S. interests in Iraq, the President directed further military action to disrupt and deter such attacks.”The Pentagon spokesman added: “As a matter of international law, the United States acted pursuant to its right of self-defense. The strikes were both necessary to address the threat and appropriately limited in scope.”House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement Sunday that the U.S. airstrikes “appear to be a targeted and proportional response to a serious and specific threat,” adding, “Protecting the military heroes who defend our freedoms is a sacred priority.”

US airstrikes target Iran-backed militias in Syria, Iraq

ST. LOUIS (AP) —Kara Eaker and Leanne Wong both from the Kansas City area will be in Tokyo as members of the US Olympic Gymnastics Team. 

The two who train<a href="https://www.facebook.com/thegagecenter/"> at Great American Gymnastics Express</a> in Blue Springs competed in the weekend trials and were named Sunday as replacement or alternate athletes on the team.

Eaker is a senior at Grain Valley High School and Wong a senior at Blue Valley High School.

Simone Biles, the reigning world and Olympic champion will headline the U.S. women’s gymnastics team in Japan next month, clinching one of the automatic berths with another easy victory at the Olympic Trials on Sunday night.

The 24-year-old found herself in tears at one point during an uncharacteristically shaky — by her impeccable standards — performance. Her bars were uneven. She fell off the beam. Stepped out of bounds on floor exercise. While her two-day total of 118.098 was more than two points ahead of Olympic teammate Sunisa Lee, Lee actually posted a higher all-around score than Biles during the finals.

“I kind of got in my head today and started doubting myself,” Biles said. “And you could see that in the gymnastics. But just go home, work harder. This is just the beginning of the journey.”

Or perhaps the beginning of the end. Biles isn’t sure what awaits after the Tokyo Games. She’s been too focused on trying to become the first woman in more than a half-century to repeat as Olympic champion. The lure of history and respect for her own immense talent is why she returned after a short break following her dominant five-medal performance in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. It’s why she stuck around after the COVID-19 pandemic led officials to postpone opening ceremonies in Tokyo by a year.

Biles heads to Japan as the face of her sport, U.S. delegation and maybe even the entire Olympic movement. She’s become more than just a gymnastics star since her coronation in Rio in 2016. Her consistent excellence — her last second-place finish in a meet came more than nine years ago — combined with her charisma and her possibility-pushing routines have thrust her into the company of Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt, athletes whose dominance on the world stage have made them Olympic icons.

Sports stops to watch when she does her thing. The pressure she feels — both internally and externally — is real. And it bubbled up as she gave a somewhat exhausted salute to the judges following her floor routine, grateful for the standing ovation that accompanied it but also simply relieved the big show is finally here.

“Yes, very relieved that Olympic Trials is over,” she said. “We still have a lot of work to put in once we get over there.”

Lee, Jordan Chiles and Grace McCallum will join Biles on the four-woman Olympic team. MyKayla Skinner, an alternate in 2016, was awarded the “plus-1” specialist spot. Jade Carey earned a nominative spot through the World Cup circuit, meaning she will compete as an individual.

In addition to Kara Eaker and Leanne Wong,&nbsp; Kayla DiCello and Emma Malabuyo will also serve as the alternates.

The selection committee opted to take the top four finishers at trials even though national team coordinator Tom Forster admitted a team with Skinner on it instead of McCallum could potentially put up a marginally higher score due to Skinner’s world-class vaulting.

Fractions of a point, however, likely won’t be the difference between gold and silver. If the Americans are anywhere near the top of their game, they should win their third consecutive Olympic crown by a substantial margin. That was enough for the committee to take the ranking order at the top.

“We’re so fortunate that our athletes are so strong that I don’t think it’s going to come down to tenths of a point in Tokyo,” Forster said. “It doesn’t appear to be ... so as a committee, we just didn’t feel it was worth changing the integrity of the process simply for a couple of tenths.”

Lee, who will be the first Hmong American to compete at the Olympics, is surging. Hindered by an ankle injury that slowed her during the spring and left her limping at times during the national championships earlier this month, Lee may be the best gymnast on the planet not named Biles.

The 18-year-old from Minnesota is a wonder on the uneven bars, one of a handful of gymnasts on the planet who can outshine Biles on an event. Her series of intricate connections — all done with a fluidity and grace that makes it look effortless — are among the most difficult in the sport.

“I just told myself to take a deep breath and do what I normally do, because this is a time where I had to just my gymnastics do its thing,” Lee said.

Chiles admits she likely wouldn’t be going to Tokyo if not for the pandemic. She moved to Houston to train with Biles two years ago but was still in the midst of finding herself as an athlete. She’s evolved into one of the most electric — and reliable — gymnasts in a country that boasts the deepest talent pool in the world. Chiles has hit all 24 of her competition routines in 2021, and she put her face in her hands after her floor exercise to drink in the realization of a dream she worried might never come.

“It was a very emotional moment for me because I’ve been through so much with everything that’s been going on,” Chiles said. “I’m just very excited.”

With good reason. The Americans have dominated every major international competition since winning gold in London in 2012. The streak hasn’t stopped even after the retirement of former national team coordinator Martha Karolyi and the fallout of the sexual abuse scandal surrounding former national team doctor Larry Nassar.

The cloud of Nassar still lingers as the lawsuits between survivors and the organization remains in mediation.

When Biles — who herself is a Nassar survivor — is on the floor, however, the narrative shifts. And she knows it. Her presence is one of the guiding lights of the entire movement. She’s ready to put on one last show.

“I think I’ll try to live in the moment just a little bit because 2016 was such a blur,” she said. “Once we got over there, everything happened so quick. ... This time we get to relax a little bit on. And kind of enjoy training and enjoy the process.”

ST. LOUIS (AP) —Kara Eaker and Leanne Wong both from the Kansas City area will be in Tokyo as members of the US Olympic Gymnastics Team. The two who train<a href="https://www.facebook.com/thegagecenter/"> at Great American Gymnastics Express</a> in Blue Springs competed in the weekend trials and were named Sunday as replacement or alternate athletes on the team.Eaker is a senior at Grain Valley High School and Wong a senior at Blue Valley High School.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Congratulations to the replacement gymnasts also headed to Tokyo! 🇺🇸 Kayla DiCello 🇺🇸 Kara Eaker 🇺🇸 Emma Malabuyo 🇺🇸 Leanne Wong&mdash; USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAGym/status/1409343379586969605?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Simone Biles, the reigning world and Olympic champion will headline the U.S. women’s gymnastics team in Japan next month, clinching one of the automatic berths with another easy victory at the Olympic Trials on Sunday night.Well, maybe not that easy.The 24-year-old found herself in tears at one point during an uncharacteristically shaky — by her impeccable standards — performance. Her bars were uneven. She fell off the beam. Stepped out of bounds on floor exercise. While her two-day total of 118.098 was more than two points ahead of Olympic teammate Sunisa Lee, Lee actually posted a higher all-around score than Biles during the finals.“I kind of got in my head today and started doubting myself,” Biles said. “And you could see that in the gymnastics. But just go home, work harder. This is just the beginning of the journey.”Or perhaps the beginning of the end. Biles isn’t sure what awaits after the Tokyo Games. She’s been too focused on trying to become the first woman in more than a half-century to repeat as Olympic champion. The lure of history and respect for her own immense talent is why she returned after a short break following her dominant five-medal performance in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. It’s why she stuck around after the COVID-19 pandemic led officials to postpone opening ceremonies in Tokyo by a year.Biles heads to Japan as the face of her sport, U.S. delegation and maybe even the entire Olympic movement. She’s become more than just a gymnastics star since her coronation in Rio in 2016. Her consistent excellence — her last second-place finish in a meet came more than nine years ago — combined with her charisma and her possibility-pushing routines have thrust her into the company of Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt, athletes whose dominance on the world stage have made them Olympic icons.Sports stops to watch when she does her thing. The pressure she feels — both internally and externally — is real. And it bubbled up as she gave a somewhat exhausted salute to the judges following her floor routine, grateful for the standing ovation that accompanied it but also simply relieved the big show is finally here.“Yes, very relieved that Olympic Trials is over,” she said. “We still have a lot of work to put in once we get over there.”Lee, Jordan Chiles and Grace McCallum will join Biles on the four-woman Olympic team. MyKayla Skinner, an alternate in 2016, was awarded the “plus-1” specialist spot. Jade Carey earned a nominative spot through the World Cup circuit, meaning she will compete as an individual.In addition to Kara Eaker and Leanne Wong,&nbsp; Kayla DiCello and Emma Malabuyo will also serve as the alternates.The selection committee opted to take the top four finishers at trials even though national team coordinator Tom Forster admitted a team with Skinner on it instead of McCallum could potentially put up a marginally higher score due to Skinner’s world-class vaulting.Fractions of a point, however, likely won’t be the difference between gold and silver. If the Americans are anywhere near the top of their game, they should win their third consecutive Olympic crown by a substantial margin. That was enough for the committee to take the ranking order at the top.“We’re so fortunate that our athletes are so strong that I don’t think it’s going to come down to tenths of a point in Tokyo,” Forster said. “It doesn’t appear to be ... so as a committee, we just didn’t feel it was worth changing the integrity of the process simply for a couple of tenths.”Lee, who will be the first Hmong American to compete at the Olympics, is surging. Hindered by an ankle injury that slowed her during the spring and left her limping at times during the national championships earlier this month, Lee may be the best gymnast on the planet not named Biles.The 18-year-old from Minnesota is a wonder on the uneven bars, one of a handful of gymnasts on the planet who can outshine Biles on an event. Her series of intricate connections — all done with a fluidity and grace that makes it look effortless — are among the most difficult in the sport.“I just told myself to take a deep breath and do what I normally do, because this is a time where I had to just my gymnastics do its thing,” Lee said.Chiles admits she likely wouldn’t be going to Tokyo if not for the pandemic. She moved to Houston to train with Biles two years ago but was still in the midst of finding herself as an athlete. She’s evolved into one of the most electric — and reliable — gymnasts in a country that boasts the deepest talent pool in the world. Chiles has hit all 24 of her competition routines in 2021, and she put her face in her hands after her floor exercise to drink in the realization of a dream she worried might never come.“It was a very emotional moment for me because I’ve been through so much with everything that’s been going on,” Chiles said. “I’m just very excited.”With good reason. The Americans have dominated every major international competition since winning gold in London in 2012. The streak hasn’t stopped even after the retirement of former national team coordinator Martha Karolyi and the fallout of the sexual abuse scandal surrounding former national team doctor Larry Nassar.The cloud of Nassar still lingers as the lawsuits between survivors and the organization remains in mediation.When Biles — who herself is a Nassar survivor — is on the floor, however, the narrative shifts. And she knows it. Her presence is one of the guiding lights of the entire movement. She’s ready to put on one last show.“I think I’ll try to live in the moment just a little bit because 2016 was such a blur,” she said. “Once we got over there, everything happened so quick. ... This time we get to relax a little bit on. And kind of enjoy training and enjoy the process.”It’s nearly complete.

2 from Kansas City-area named to U.S. gymnastics team

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating fatal&nbsp; shooting of 51-year-old Bradley Bellinder at a home in Topeka arrested a suspect identified as Marshall Stewart IV, 38 of Topeka, according to Lt. Kelvin Johnson.

Just after 10p.m. June 24, police responded to a home in the&nbsp;1200 Block of NW Polk in Topeka after the Shawnee County Emergency Communication Center received a call for service on the report of an unknown medical issue, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

On arrival, officers were advised of an adult victim later identified as Bellinder suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers located&nbsp; the victim who appeared to have a gunshot wound and he was&nbsp; later pronounced deceased, at the scene.&nbsp;

On Sunday police located Stewart, took him into custody and later booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Second Degree Murder and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at a home in Topeka and have identified the victim as 51-year-old Bradley Bellinder of Topeka.

Just after 10p.m. Thursday police responded to a home in the&nbsp;1200 Block of NW Polk after the Shawnee County Emergency Communication Center received a call for service on the report of an unknown medical issue, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

The police department homicide unit continues reviewing all investigative leads.&nbsp; They have not reported an arrest.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at a home in Topeka.

 On arrival, officers were advised of an adult victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers located a victim who appeared to have a gunshot wound who was&nbsp; later pronounced deceased, at the scene.&nbsp;

The police department homicide unit is reviewing all investigative leads.&nbsp; They have not reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624842500783.png" alt="Stewart photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Stewart photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating fatal&nbsp; shooting of 51-year-old Bradley Bellinder at a home in Topeka arrested a suspect identified as Marshall Stewart IV, 38 of Topeka, according to Lt. Kelvin Johnson.Just after 10p.m. June 24, police responded to a home in the&nbsp;1200 Block of NW Polk in Topeka after the Shawnee County Emergency Communication Center received a call for service on the report of an unknown medical issue, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624623642394.png" alt="Police on the scene of the fatal shooting on Thursday photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the fatal shooting on Thursday photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>On arrival, officers were advised of an adult victim later identified as Bellinder suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers located&nbsp; the victim who appeared to have a gunshot wound and he was&nbsp; later pronounced deceased, at the scene.&nbsp;On Sunday police located Stewart, took him into custody and later booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Second Degree Murder and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.--------SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at a home in Topeka and have identified the victim as 51-year-old Bradley Bellinder of Topeka.Just after 10p.m. Thursday police responded to a home in the&nbsp;1200 Block of NW Polk after the Shawnee County Emergency Communication Center received a call for service on the report of an unknown medical issue, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.On arrival, officers were advised of an adult victim later identified as Bellinder suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers located&nbsp; the victim who appeared to have a gunshot wound and he was&nbsp; later pronounced deceased, at the scene.&nbsp;The police department homicide unit continues reviewing all investigative leads.&nbsp; They have not reported an arrest.--------SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at a home in Topeka.Just after 10p.m. Thursday police responded to a home in the&nbsp;1200 Block of NW Polk after the Shawnee County Emergency Communication Center received a call for service on the report of an unknown medical issue, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith. On arrival, officers were advised of an adult victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers located a victim who appeared to have a gunshot wound who was&nbsp; later pronounced deceased, at the scene.&nbsp;The police department homicide unit is reviewing all investigative leads.&nbsp; They have not reported an arrest.

Suspect arrested for death of 51-year-old Kansas man

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and a bipartisan group of senators have reached an agreement to significantly boost infrastructure spending, though considerable hurdles remain before the blueprint unveiled becomes reality.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?512941-1/president-biden-remarks-infrastructure-legislation">Click here to watch</a> the President's comments on the agreement

The White House says the agreement calls for about $579 billion in new spending over the next five years for roads, bridges, public transit and other public works. Add on what the federal government is currently projected to spend on those items, and the total comes to about $973 billion over five years.

Here’s a look at where those dollars would go and what changes lawmakers would make to pay for the new spending.

The agreement calls for a $109 billion boost for roads and bridges. It’s the biggest line item in the plan, but to put that in perspective, the American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that the country has a $786 billion backlog of road and bridge capital needs.

The next largest line items in the transportation arena are $66 billion for freight and passenger rail, $49 billion for public transit systems and $25 billion for airports. Biden regularly rode Amtrak between Washington and his home in Wilmington, Delaware, during his 36 years as a senator and has proposed a big increase in federal money for the rail service.

Supporters say that increased use of public transit and rail would reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To speed up the use of electric vehicles, the plan also calls for $7.5 billion for electric vehicle charging stations.

Along with transportation, the plan also looks to boost funding by about $73 billion for a broader network of transmission lines to deliver electricity from solar and wind power to homes and businesses across the county. There’s also $65 billion to enhance broadband access and $55 billion for improvements to the nation’s drinking water and wastewater systems.

Biden didn’t want to increase the user fees typically used to fund highways and transit, the federal gas and diesel tax. Republicans didn’t want to raise corporate taxes. The result was a scramble for cash. Lawmakers propose paying for the bill by pulling dollars from existing programs, cracking down on tax dodgers, auctioning spectrum for 5G services and at least one reliable stand-by for Congress, selling off some of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Lawmakers, according to a document from Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, are projecting that spending an additional $40 billion on the IRS would generate about $140 billion in additional federal revenue through audits and improved customer service. The agency was hit with budget cuts that began about a decade ago, shrinking the staff and the number of audits it performed.

Another big revenue raiser would come from clawing back unused COVID relief funds, $80 billion, plus recouping some of the supplemental unemployment insurance provided for in this year’s COVID relief bill, $25 billion. Dozens of states have rejected the $300 weekly benefit the federal government is temporarily providing, claiming that the payment stops people from returning to the workforce.

Lawmakers are also estimating they can raise $65 billion in spectrum auctions for 5G services and $72 billion by improving the integrity of the state unemployment insurance systems. Fraud perpetrators, sometimes in China, Nigeria or Russia, have bought stolen personal identifying information on the dark web and have flooded state unemployment systems with bogus claims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624844494624.png" alt="<a href="https://www.c-span.org/person/?josephbiden">President Biden&nbsp;</a>delivered remarks on a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure deal-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.c-span.org/person/?josephbiden">President Biden&nbsp;</a>delivered remarks on a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure deal-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and a bipartisan group of senators have reached an agreement to significantly boost infrastructure spending, though considerable hurdles remain before the blueprint unveiled becomes reality.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?512941-1/president-biden-remarks-infrastructure-legislation">Click here to watch</a> the President's comments on the agreementThe White House says the agreement calls for about $579 billion in new spending over the next five years for roads, bridges, public transit and other public works. Add on what the federal government is currently projected to spend on those items, and the total comes to about $973 billion over five years.Here’s a look at where those dollars would go and what changes lawmakers would make to pay for the new spending.THE BIGGEST EXPENSES:The agreement calls for a $109 billion boost for roads and bridges. It’s the biggest line item in the plan, but to put that in perspective, the American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that the country has a $786 billion backlog of road and bridge capital needs.The next largest line items in the transportation arena are $66 billion for freight and passenger rail, $49 billion for public transit systems and $25 billion for airports. Biden regularly rode Amtrak between Washington and his home in Wilmington, Delaware, during his 36 years as a senator and has proposed a big increase in federal money for the rail service.Supporters say that increased use of public transit and rail would reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To speed up the use of electric vehicles, the plan also calls for $7.5 billion for electric vehicle charging stations.Along with transportation, the plan also looks to boost funding by about $73 billion for a broader network of transmission lines to deliver electricity from solar and wind power to homes and businesses across the county. There’s also $65 billion to enhance broadband access and $55 billion for improvements to the nation’s drinking water and wastewater systems.THE BIGGEST PAY-FORS:Biden didn’t want to increase the user fees typically used to fund highways and transit, the federal gas and diesel tax. Republicans didn’t want to raise corporate taxes. The result was a scramble for cash. Lawmakers propose paying for the bill by pulling dollars from existing programs, cracking down on tax dodgers, auctioning spectrum for 5G services and at least one reliable stand-by for Congress, selling off some of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.Lawmakers, according to a document from Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, are projecting that spending an additional $40 billion on the IRS would generate about $140 billion in additional federal revenue through audits and improved customer service. The agency was hit with budget cuts that began about a decade ago, shrinking the staff and the number of audits it performed.Another big revenue raiser would come from clawing back unused COVID relief funds, $80 billion, plus recouping some of the supplemental unemployment insurance provided for in this year’s COVID relief bill, $25 billion. Dozens of states have rejected the $300 weekly benefit the federal government is temporarily providing, claiming that the payment stops people from returning to the workforce.Lawmakers are also estimating they can raise $65 billion in spectrum auctions for 5G services and $72 billion by improving the integrity of the state unemployment insurance systems. Fraud perpetrators, sometimes in China, Nigeria or Russia, have bought stolen personal identifying information on the dark web and have flooded state unemployment systems with bogus claims.

🎥 What the $1.2T bipartisan infrastructure agreement includes

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Family pets died in house fire on Sunday in Topeka.

Just before 2 p.m. Sunday, fire crews responded to a house fire at 221 SE Carnahan Place in Topeka, according to Public Information Officer Alan Stahl. 

Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and flames coming from the single story home. The fire was extinguished with out damaging any nearby homes or buildings. Two adults and three children escaped without injury. Five cats perished in the fire, according to Stahl.

Investigators determined the fire cause to be accidental, associated with an electrical malfunction. The estimated dollar loss – $15,000.00; of which $13,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $2,000.00 associated with contents loss. The occupants were displaced due to the fire. Working smoke detectors were located within the home.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Family pets died in house fire on Sunday in Topeka.Just before 2 p.m. Sunday, fire crews responded to a house fire at 221 SE Carnahan Place in Topeka, according to Public Information Officer Alan Stahl. Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and flames coming from the single story home. The fire was extinguished with out damaging any nearby homes or buildings. Two adults and three children escaped without injury. Five cats perished in the fire, according to Stahl.Investigators determined the fire cause to be accidental, associated with an electrical malfunction. The estimated dollar loss – $15,000.00; of which $13,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $2,000.00 associated with contents loss. The occupants were displaced due to the fire. Working smoke detectors were located within the home.

5 pets die in Kansas house fire 

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 155 months for distributing child pornography, according to Acting United States Attorney Duston J. Slinkard.

Devan Navarette, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of Distribution of Child Pornography in February 2021. In his plea, he admitted to operating a Dropbox account to share files of child pornography with other users. Dropbox discovered Navarette’s activities and reported him to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Investigators found thousands of images depicting children, including prepubescent children, made to engage in sex acts.

As part of his sentence, Navarette will also pay $57,000 in restitution to victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624652478314.png" alt="Navarette is being held in Butler County" />
 <figcaption>Navarette is being held in Butler County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 155 months for distributing child pornography, according to Acting United States Attorney Duston J. Slinkard.Devan Navarette, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of Distribution of Child Pornography in February 2021. In his plea, he admitted to operating a Dropbox account to share files of child pornography with other users. Dropbox discovered Navarette’s activities and reported him to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Investigators found thousands of images depicting children, including prepubescent children, made to engage in sex acts.As part of his sentence, Navarette will also pay $57,000 in restitution to victims.

Dropbox reports Kansas man for sharing child porn

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City man who stabbed his father to death was sentenced Thursday to life in prison.

The Jackson County Prosecutor's office said Curtis Lee, 43, was sentenced to life for first-degree murder plus 15 years for armed criminal action.

Lee was arrested at an Independence home on April 18, 2018, after officers found Lee's uncle and father stabbed to death inside the house, prosecutors said.

According to court records, Lee told police his father, Charles Burton, had stabbed his uncle, Clyde Burton, to death after the two men argued.

Lee, who said he had smoked PCP with his uncle, said he shared a cigarette with his father after the stabbing. His father then said “It’s going to be you or me” to his son, according to a police affidavit.

Lee then grabbed a knife and stabbed his father to death, according to court records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618000152850.png" alt="Lee photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Lee photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City man who stabbed his father to death was sentenced Thursday to life in prison.The Jackson County Prosecutor's office said Curtis Lee, 43, was sentenced to life for first-degree murder plus 15 years for armed criminal action.Lee was arrested at an Independence home on April 18, 2018, after officers found Lee's uncle and father stabbed to death inside the house, prosecutors said.According to court records, Lee told police his father, Charles Burton, had stabbed his uncle, Clyde Burton, to death after the two men argued.Lee, who said he had smoked PCP with his uncle, said he shared a cigarette with his father after the stabbing. His father then said “It’s going to be you or me” to his son, according to a police affidavit.Lee then grabbed a knife and stabbed his father to death, according to court records.

Kansas City man sentenced for stabbing father to death

One person died and two escaped after a vehicle entered floodwaters near Gower in Clinton County this weekend.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Clintoncosheriff">The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office reports on its Facebook page</a>&nbsp;that deputies along with the Gower Fire’s Water rescue team responded to a water rescue call at NW County Line Road. According to the sheriff’s office, Gower Fire rescued two people and assisted the sheriff’s office in recovering a body from the vehicle.

“No names will be released out of respect for the families at this time,” the sheriff’s office states in its Facebook post.

Clinton County Coroner Lee Hanks and Sheriff Larry Fish waded through floodwaters to assist Randy’s Tow in recovering the vehicle.

“This is a strong reminder to NOT drive through flood waters,” the sheriff’s office states in the post.

The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office also thanked the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri State Highway Patrol for their assist

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624836695598.png" alt="After flood waters receded, Clinton County Coroner Lee Hanks and Sheriff Larry Fish went wading in waters to help recover the vehicle. photo Clinton County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>After flood waters receded, Clinton County Coroner Lee Hanks and Sheriff Larry Fish went wading in waters to help recover the vehicle. photo Clinton County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostOne person died and two escaped after a vehicle entered floodwaters near Gower in Clinton County this weekend.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Clintoncosheriff">The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office reports on its Facebook page</a>&nbsp;that deputies along with the Gower Fire’s Water rescue team responded to a water rescue call at NW County Line Road. According to the sheriff’s office, Gower Fire rescued two people and assisted the sheriff’s office in recovering a body from the vehicle.“No names will be released out of respect for the families at this time,” the sheriff’s office states in its Facebook post.Clinton County Coroner Lee Hanks and Sheriff Larry Fish waded through floodwaters to assist Randy’s Tow in recovering the vehicle.“This is a strong reminder to NOT drive through flood waters,” the sheriff’s office states in the post.The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office also thanked the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri State Highway Patrol for their assist

1 dead after vehicle gets stuck in floodwaters near Kansas City

WICHITA, KAN. – Richard H. Adams, IV, 29, was sentenced to 12-years in prison after pleading guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, a Class A felony, according to the United State's Attorney.

In 2019, a state trooper pulled Adams over in Nebraska for speeding, according to court documents.

A search of the vehicle yielded the discovery of what was later determined to be at least 2,200 grams of methamphetamine. Troopers also found two loaded firearms belonging to Adams and $11,300 in U.S. currency. Adams admitted he planned to transport the methamphetamine to Wichita, Kansas, for distribution.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624389877712.png" alt="Adams is being held in Butler County" />
 <figcaption>Adams is being held in Butler County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – Richard H. Adams, IV, 29, was sentenced to 12-years in prison after pleading guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, a Class A felony, according to the United State's Attorney.In 2019, a state trooper pulled Adams over in Nebraska for speeding, according to court documents.A search of the vehicle yielded the discovery of what was later determined to be at least 2,200 grams of methamphetamine. Troopers also found two loaded firearms belonging to Adams and $11,300 in U.S. currency. Adams admitted he planned to transport the methamphetamine to Wichita, Kansas, for distribution.

Suspect was transporting meth for distribution in Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a Friday shooting have made an arrest.

Just after 7:30 p.m., Friday police responded to 11th Street and SW College in Topeka on a report of a shooting, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.&nbsp;

Officers located a man who had been shot. The victim was transported to an area hospital by ambulance for treatment of a non-life threatening injury.&nbsp;

Police took a person of interest identified as 33-year-old Richard S. O'brien of Topeka into custody to be questioned.

After all parties involved in this incident were interviewed, police arrested O’brien on a requested charge of battery and interference with a Law Enforcement Officer. He remains in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624800801847.png" alt="O'brien photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>O'brien photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a Friday shooting have made an arrest.Just after 7:30 p.m., Friday police responded to 11th Street and SW College in Topeka on a report of a shooting, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.&nbsp;Officers located a man who had been shot. The victim was transported to an area hospital by ambulance for treatment of a non-life threatening injury.&nbsp;Police took a person of interest identified as 33-year-old Richard S. O'brien of Topeka into custody to be questioned.After all parties involved in this incident were interviewed, police arrested O’brien on a requested charge of battery and interference with a Law Enforcement Officer. He remains in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, according to online jail records.

Kansas man jailed in connection with shooting investigation

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The family of a man who died shortly after being released from prison for a killing he did not commit will receive a settlement of more than $800,000.

The State Finance Council on Thursday approved the settlement for the family of Olin “Pete” Coones, who spent 12 years in prison before he was exonerated in November. Coones died of cancer in February, 108 days after he was released from prison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622665347161.png" alt="Olin 'Pete" Coones died&nbsp; earlier this year, four months after his release from prison-photo Wyandotte Co.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Olin 'Pete" Coones died&nbsp; earlier this year, four months after his release from prison-photo Wyandotte Co.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The family of a man who died shortly after being released from prison for a killing he did not commit will receive a settlement of more than $800,000.The State Finance Council on Thursday approved the settlement for the family of Olin “Pete” Coones, who spent 12 years in prison before he was exonerated in November. Coones died of cancer in February, 108 days after he was released from prison.The approval comes weeks after a Shawnee County District Court judge signed off on the $826,301 payment at the request of Attorney General Derek Schmidt, The Topeka Capital-Journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/state/2021/06/24/kansas-lawmakers-approve-settlement-pete-coones-wrongful-conviction/5329554001/" target="_blank">reported</a>.Coones was charged in the 2008 deaths of Kathleen Schroll and her husband, Carl, in Kansas City, Kansas. He was convicted of killing only Schroll.He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ks-state-wire-kansas-government-and-politics-a4dae1c35ffed911e10e855b34ce57aa">exonerated</a>&nbsp;in November 2020 after prosecutors determined the deaths were a murder-suicide orchestrated by Kathleen Schroll, who tried to frame Coones.The settlement also calls for records of his arrest and conviction to be expunged. His family will be given an official document certifying his innocence.It is the fifth time a case has been settled under the state’s wrongful conviction law, which gives individuals $65,000 for each year they were incarcerated, plus attorney’s fees. Five other cases are being litigated.