KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — U.S. educators are doing everything they can to track down high school students who stopped showing up to classes and to help them get the credits needed to graduate, amid an anticipated surge in the country’s dropout rate during the coronavirus pandemic.

There isn’t data available yet on how the pandemic has affected the nation’s overall dropout rate — 2019 is the last year for which it is available — and many school officials say it’s too early to know how many students who stopped logging on for distance learning don’t plan to return. But soaring numbers of students who are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/distance-learning-coronavirus-pandemic-oregon-7fde612c3dbfd2e21fab9673ca49ad89">failing classes&nbsp;</a>or are chronically absent have experts fearing the worst, and schools have been busy tracking down wayward seniors through social media, knocking on their doors, assigning staff to help them make up for lost time and, in some cases, even relaxing graduation requirements.

“When students drop out, they typically look for an out, an opportunity to leave. And this has provided that, unfortunately,” Sandy Addis, chairman of the National Dropout Prevention Center, said recently, referring to the pandemic. His group believes the dropout rate has spiked this year and will remain high for years.

At one high school in Kansas City, Kansas, staff members have made thousands of calls to the families of at-risk students, said Troy Pitsch, who supervises high school principals in the city.

“If we lose a student, it is going to be after kicking and screaming and fighting tooth and nail for them,” Pitsch said.

Many districts were forgiving last spring when schools shut down abruptly, freezing grades unless students wanted to improve them. That made this year the first for which schools would feel the full effects of the pandemic on student performance and engagement.

The early signs aren’t encouraging. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization&nbsp;<a href="https://en.unesco.org/news/why-world-must-urgently-strengthen-learning-and-protect-finance-education" target="_blank">warned&nbsp;</a>that the pandemic had put 24 million children worldwide at risk of dropping out of school. And the pandemic’s effects could erase gains the U.S. made in reducing its dropout rate, which fell from 9.3% in 2007 to 5.1% in 2019, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Not finishing high school significantly hurts a person’s earning potential, with dropouts bringing home an average of $150 less per week than graduates, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/In%20the%20third%20quarter%20of%202019,%20full-time%20workers%20age%2025%20and%20older%20had%20median%20weekly%20earnings%20of%20$975.%20Those%20without%20a%20high%20school%20diploma%20had%20median%20weekly%20earnings%20of%20$606,%20compared%20with%20$749%20for%20high%20school%20graduates%20(no%20college),%20and%20$874%20for%20workers%20with%20some%20college%20or%20an%20associate%20degree.%20Workers%20with%20a%20bachelor's%20degree%20(and%20no%20additional%20degree)%20had%20median%20weekly%20earnings%20of%20$1,281.%20Workers%20with%20an%20advanced%20degree%20(master's,%20professional,%20and%20doctoral%20degrees)%20had%20median%20weekly%20earnings%20of%20$1,559%20in%20the%20third%20quarter%20of%202019." target="_blank">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>&nbsp;data.

To keep students on track, some local governments and school systems have waived certain testing requirements for graduation or changed grading policies so that missed assignments aren’t as damaging. But such leniency carries the risk of watering down academic standards, said Russell Rumberger, a professor emeritus of education at the University of California, Santa Barbara, who has written about dropouts.

“If they let you pass with a D and you don’t have to do very much to do it, maybe technically you are getting a diploma, but you are not getting the same type of diploma you may have gotten prior to the pandemic, when the standards were higher,” he said.

A National Dropout Prevention Center report predicted a doubling or tripling of the number of students who were at risk of falling behind academically and not graduating.

Among them for much of this school year was Jose Solano-Hernandez, a 17-year-old senior at Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kansas. In January, when he was at his lowest point following the deaths of one grandparent from COVID-19 and another from cancer in the same week, he estimated that he had missed eight assignments in each of his classes.

“I wouldn’t make my parents proud,” he recalled thinking as he struggled to learn virtually at night while working by day at a mechanic’s shop.

Solano-Hernandez has been slowly chipping away at his backlog of work since his school brought back him and other struggling seniors for extra in-person help more than a month before the rest of the student body returned at the end of March. He said the change brought “relief” and he’s now hopeful he’ll graduate.

Mary Stewart, the school’s principal, said there was “radio silence” from hundreds of students in the fall. But the number who weren’t accounted for shrank to about 40 by the spring after staff hunted down siblings and scrolled through Facebook searching for clues to their whereabouts.

“I went to a house of a young man the day before Thanksgiving and found that he had self-isolated in his room because of a mental health issue,” she said. “That is very common. Whatever happens in the community and in the world, we are a micro-system of that.”

The pandemic also has taken a toll on students at North Grand High School in Chicago.

Principal Emily Feltes said some of her students took on jobs to support their families and others fell ill. Her students returned for part-time in-person instruction in April, but she’s worried that dropout numbers will rise.

“We have done everything that we think that we can to try to re-engage kids — to try to help them. And I know that my colleagues are all working really hard too,” she said. “But the reality is that this has been a worldwide and a national trauma.”

Persuading reluctant students to return isn’t easy. At Orange County Public Schools in the Orlando, Florida, area, substitute teacher Patrice Pullen was assigned in December to oversee a group of 13 seniors who fell behind during virtual learning. She said it became clear on her first day that her most important job would be “rebranding” the students, who had come to see themselves as failures.

“You have kids — and I’m not exaggerating — they had zeros. They had not turned in anything since August, since school started,” she said. Now, eleven are on track to graduate and the other two are close to being on track.

At Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia, the 185,000-student district saw the percentage of middle school and high school students earning F’s in at least two classes jump by 83% in the fall.

The spring numbers returned to more normal levels as the district made several changes, including dropping the minimum number of assignments per quarter from nine to six and allowing teachers to accept late work on major assignments with minimal penalties, said district spokeswoman Lucy Caldwell. Still, she said, it is hard to say how many students disappeared or what will happen with dropouts.

“The pandemic was extraordinarily difficult on families — emotionally, economically, and physically,” Caldwell said.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — U.S. educators are doing everything they can to track down high school students who stopped showing up to classes and to help them get the credits needed to graduate, amid an anticipated surge in the country’s dropout rate during the coronavirus pandemic.There isn’t data available yet on how the pandemic has affected the nation’s overall dropout rate — 2019 is the last year for which it is available — and many school officials say it’s too early to know how many students who stopped logging on for distance learning don’t plan to return. But soaring numbers of students who are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/distance-learning-coronavirus-pandemic-oregon-7fde612c3dbfd2e21fab9673ca49ad89">failing classes&nbsp;</a>or are chronically absent have experts fearing the worst, and schools have been busy tracking down wayward seniors through social media, knocking on their doors, assigning staff to help them make up for lost time and, in some cases, even relaxing graduation requirements.“When students drop out, they typically look for an out, an opportunity to leave. And this has provided that, unfortunately,” Sandy Addis, chairman of the National Dropout Prevention Center, said recently, referring to the pandemic. His group believes the dropout rate has spiked this year and will remain high for years.At one high school in Kansas City, Kansas, staff members have made thousands of calls to the families of at-risk students, said Troy Pitsch, who supervises high school principals in the city.“If we lose a student, it is going to be after kicking and screaming and fighting tooth and nail for them,” Pitsch said.Many districts were forgiving last spring when schools shut down abruptly, freezing grades unless students wanted to improve them. That made this year the first for which schools would feel the full effects of the pandemic on student performance and engagement.The early signs aren’t encouraging. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization&nbsp;<a href="https://en.unesco.org/news/why-world-must-urgently-strengthen-learning-and-protect-finance-education" target="_blank">warned&nbsp;</a>that the pandemic had put 24 million children worldwide at risk of dropping out of school. And the pandemic’s effects could erase gains the U.S. made in reducing its dropout rate, which fell from 9.3% in 2007 to 5.1% in 2019, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Not finishing high school significantly hurts a person’s earning potential, with dropouts bringing home an average of $150 less per week than graduates, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/In%20the%20third%20quarter%20of%202019,%20full-time%20workers%20age%2025%20and%20older%20had%20median%20weekly%20earnings%20of%20$975.%20Those%20without%20a%20high%20school%20diploma%20had%20median%20weekly%20earnings%20of%20$606,%20compared%20with%20$749%20for%20high%20school%20graduates%20(no%20college),%20and%20$874%20for%20workers%20with%20some%20college%20or%20an%20associate%20degree.%20Workers%20with%20a%20bachelor's%20degree%20(and%20no%20additional%20degree)%20had%20median%20weekly%20earnings%20of%20$1,281.%20Workers%20with%20an%20advanced%20degree%20(master's,%20professional,%20and%20doctoral%20degrees)%20had%20median%20weekly%20earnings%20of%20$1,559%20in%20the%20third%20quarter%20of%202019." target="_blank">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>&nbsp;data.To keep students on track, some local governments and school systems have waived certain testing requirements for graduation or changed grading policies so that missed assignments aren’t as damaging. But such leniency carries the risk of watering down academic standards, said Russell Rumberger, a professor emeritus of education at the University of California, Santa Barbara, who has written about dropouts.“If they let you pass with a D and you don’t have to do very much to do it, maybe technically you are getting a diploma, but you are not getting the same type of diploma you may have gotten prior to the pandemic, when the standards were higher,” he said.A National Dropout Prevention Center report predicted a doubling or tripling of the number of students who were at risk of falling behind academically and not graduating.Among them for much of this school year was Jose Solano-Hernandez, a 17-year-old senior at Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kansas. In January, when he was at his lowest point following the deaths of one grandparent from COVID-19 and another from cancer in the same week, he estimated that he had missed eight assignments in each of his classes.“I wouldn’t make my parents proud,” he recalled thinking as he struggled to learn virtually at night while working by day at a mechanic’s shop.Solano-Hernandez has been slowly chipping away at his backlog of work since his school brought back him and other struggling seniors for extra in-person help more than a month before the rest of the student body returned at the end of March. He said the change brought “relief” and he’s now hopeful he’ll graduate.Mary Stewart, the school’s principal, said there was “radio silence” from hundreds of students in the fall. But the number who weren’t accounted for shrank to about 40 by the spring after staff hunted down siblings and scrolled through Facebook searching for clues to their whereabouts.“I went to a house of a young man the day before Thanksgiving and found that he had self-isolated in his room because of a mental health issue,” she said. “That is very common. Whatever happens in the community and in the world, we are a micro-system of that.”The pandemic also has taken a toll on students at North Grand High School in Chicago.Principal Emily Feltes said some of her students took on jobs to support their families and others fell ill. Her students returned for part-time in-person instruction in April, but she’s worried that dropout numbers will rise.“We have done everything that we think that we can to try to re-engage kids — to try to help them. And I know that my colleagues are all working really hard too,” she said. “But the reality is that this has been a worldwide and a national trauma.”Persuading reluctant students to return isn’t easy. At Orange County Public Schools in the Orlando, Florida, area, substitute teacher Patrice Pullen was assigned in December to oversee a group of 13 seniors who fell behind during virtual learning. She said it became clear on her first day that her most important job would be “rebranding” the students, who had come to see themselves as failures.“You have kids — and I’m not exaggerating — they had zeros. They had not turned in anything since August, since school started,” she said. Now, eleven are on track to graduate and the other two are close to being on track.At Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia, the 185,000-student district saw the percentage of middle school and high school students earning F’s in at least two classes jump by 83% in the fall.The spring numbers returned to more normal levels as the district made several changes, including dropping the minimum number of assignments per quarter from nine to six and allowing teachers to accept late work on major assignments with minimal penalties, said district spokeswoman Lucy Caldwell. Still, she said, it is hard to say how many students disappeared or what will happen with dropouts.“The pandemic was extraordinarily difficult on families — emotionally, economically, and physically,” Caldwell said.

Schools fight to keep students amid fear of dropout surge

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A suspect accused in the fatal shooting of a convenience store security guard made his first court appearance Tuesday.&nbsp;

Laroy West, 41 of Wichita, was charged with 2nd degree murder, four counts of aggravated assault, and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 10p.m. May 5, police responded to report of a shooting near the QuikTrip convience store at Broadway and Murdoch in Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.

At the scene, officers located 39-year-old Will Robinson, the Quick Trip security guard, in the alley across from the business with a gunshot wound to his upper body. 

EMS transported him to a local hospital where he died two days later, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

Investigators learned Robinson encountered West who was causing a disruption inside the store. He escorted the man from the store and ultimately to the edge of the property where the disturbance continued and West shot him.&nbsp;

Robinson had worked as a security guard at QuikTrip for about a year. Before that he was a Wichita police officer. He was a married father of two children. QuikTrip, in a statement, said it is “absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the tragic loss of Will.”

West remains jailed on a bond of $250,000. His next court date is May 20, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A man who worked security at a QuikTrip store in Wichita has died, two days after being shot. Will Robinson was shot Wednesday night at the downtown store. Wichita Police say he died Friday. He was 39. A suspect Laroy West in custody in the shooting. Police say he has a long criminal record. 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a shooting that critically injured a convenience store security guard have arrested 41-year-old Laroy West of Wichita.

Just after 10p.m. Wednesday police responded to report of a shooting near a convenience store at Broadway and Murdoch in Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.

At the scene, officers located a 39-year-old man identified as the Quick Trip security guard in the alley across from the business with a gunshot wound to his upper body. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition on Friday, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

The security guard encountered a man who was causing a disruption inside the store.&nbsp; He escorted the man from the store and ultimately to the edge of the property where the disturbance continued and the suspect shot the security guard.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There is no indication, the security guard brandished any weapons, according to Stephens.&nbsp; Due to his condition, the victim is unable to provide a statement

On Thursday evening, a Wichita Police Lieutenant was doing follow-up on the investigation and observed West in the area of 19th and Broadway.  West was contacted and arrested without incident.&nbsp;

He is being <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20070639">held on requested charges</a> of attempted 1st-degree murder and criminal possession of a firearm, according to Davidson.

The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting involving a convenience store security guard.

At the scene, officers located a 39-year-old man in the alley across from the business with a gunshot wound to his upper body. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition, according to Stephens.

Investigators have learned the victim was an armed security guard employed by Quick Trip. The victim encountered a man who was causing a disruption inside the store.&nbsp; He escorted the man from the store and ultimately to the edge of the property where the disturbance continued and the suspect shot the security guard.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620393217853.png" alt="West&nbsp; is being held on a bond of $250,000, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney." />
 <figcaption>West&nbsp; is being held on a bond of $250,000, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A suspect accused in the fatal shooting of a convenience store security guard made his first court appearance Tuesday.&nbsp;Laroy West, 41 of Wichita, was charged with 2nd degree murder, four counts of aggravated assault, and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 10p.m. May 5, police responded to report of a shooting near the QuikTrip convience store at Broadway and Murdoch in Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620334492831.png" alt="Security camera image of shooting suspect Laroy West -Wichita PD" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image of shooting suspect Laroy West -Wichita PD</figcaption>
 </figure>At the scene, officers located 39-year-old Will Robinson, the Quick Trip security guard, in the alley across from the business with a gunshot wound to his upper body. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he died two days later, according to Officer Charley Davidson.Investigators learned Robinson encountered West who was causing a disruption inside the store. He escorted the man from the store and ultimately to the edge of the property where the disturbance continued and West shot him.&nbsp;Robinson had worked as a security guard at QuikTrip for about a year. Before that he was a Wichita police officer. He was a married father of two children. QuikTrip, in a statement, said it is “absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the tragic loss of Will.”West remains jailed on a bond of $250,000. His next court date is May 20, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp;-----------WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A man who worked security at a QuikTrip store in Wichita has died, two days after being shot. Will Robinson was shot Wednesday night at the downtown store. Wichita Police say he died Friday. He was 39. A suspect Laroy West in custody in the shooting. Police say he has a long criminal record. Robinson had worked as a security guard at QuikTrip for about a year. Before that he was a Wichita police officer. He was a married father of two children. QuikTrip, in a statement, said it is “absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the tragic loss of Will.”--------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a shooting that critically injured a convenience store security guard have arrested 41-year-old Laroy West of Wichita.Just after 10p.m. Wednesday police responded to report of a shooting near a convenience store at Broadway and Murdoch in Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620393217853.png" alt="Laroy West has multiple previous felony convictions, according to police -Photo Sedgwick County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Laroy West has multiple previous felony convictions, according to police -Photo Sedgwick County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>At the scene, officers located a 39-year-old man identified as the Quick Trip security guard in the alley across from the business with a gunshot wound to his upper body. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition on Friday, according to Officer Charley Davidson.The security guard encountered a man who was causing a disruption inside the store.&nbsp; He escorted the man from the store and ultimately to the edge of the property where the disturbance continued and the suspect shot the security guard.&nbsp;&nbsp;There is no indication, the security guard brandished any weapons, according to Stephens.&nbsp; Due to his condition, the victim is unable to provide a statementOn Thursday evening, a Wichita Police Lieutenant was doing follow-up on the investigation and observed West in the area of 19th and Broadway. West was contacted and arrested without incident.&nbsp;He is being <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20070639">held on requested charges</a> of attempted 1st-degree murder and criminal possession of a firearm, according to Davidson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620334524153.png" alt="Security camera image of the shooting suspect -photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image of the shooting suspect -photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;---------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting involving a convenience store security guard.Just after 10p.m. Wednesday police responded to report of a shooting near a convenience store at Broadway and Murdoch in Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.At the scene, officers located a 39-year-old man in the alley across from the business with a gunshot wound to his upper body. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition, according to Stephens.Investigators have learned the victim was an armed security guard employed by Quick Trip. The victim encountered a man who was causing a disruption inside the store.&nbsp; He escorted the man from the store and ultimately to the edge of the property where the disturbance continued and the suspect shot the security guard.&nbsp;&nbsp;There is no indication, the security guard brandished any weapons, according to Stephens.&nbsp; Due to his condition, the victim is unable to provide a statement

Suspect charged in deadly shooting of Kan. security guard 

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gov. Mike Parson on Tuesday announced the state is cutting off all federal pandemic unemployment benefits in an attempt to push people back to work.

Parson said those extra federal benefits will end for Missourians June 12.

Roughly 53,500 Missourians received extra weeks of unemployment aid thanks to federal aid in the last week of April, according to the latest available data.

Another 37,000 people who otherwise wouldn't qualify for regular unemployment help also claimed aid, according to a state labor department spokeswoman. That includes independent contractors, farm workers and people who are self-employed.

Missouri’s unemployment rate hit 4.2% in March, down from 4.3% in February.

Parson said business owners in Missouri are struggling to fill jobs as the economy continues to recover from the coronavirus pandemic. He said he hopes cutting the federal aid will push people back to work and address labor shortages.

“Continuing these programs only worsens the workforce issues we're currently facing,” the Republican governor told reporters Tuesday. “It's time that we end these programs that have incentivized people to stay out of the workforce.”

Democratic House Minority Leader Crystal Quade in a Tuesday statement said the free market, “not some federal boogeyman,” is mostly to blame for the labor shortage. She said workers will return if they're offered more money, especially for jobs where the risk of exposure to COVID-19 is higher.

“If companies provide a livable wage, applicants will respond,” she said. "The notion that Missourians are refusing to work so they can temporarily collect $300 a week is an offensive right-wing myth.”

Missouri is t&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-government-and-politics-1f092b895c281c13c87ff3dfa6279f62">he latest of several states</a>&nbsp;— Arkansas, Mississippi, Montana and South Carolina — ending the $300 federal benefit that is on top of state benefits.

Labor experts say the shortage is not just about the $300 payment. Some unemployed people also have been reluctant to look for work because they fear catching the virus. Others have found new occupations rather than return to their old jobs. And many women, especially working mothers, have had to leave the workforce to care for children.

“Our economic recovery is nuanced, and many Missourians haven’t been able to return to work because they still have children home from school or jobs aren’t available in their areas,” Amy Blouin, president and of the Missouri Budget Project, said in a statement.

The nonprofit Missouri Budget Project analyzes state financial issues with an eye toward their impact on low-income residents.

Missouri's Republican-led Legislature has also considered cutting how long people can receive state unemployment help as a means to force people back to work, but those proposals have stalled.

Lawmakers have until Friday to send bills to Parson.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gov. Mike Parson on Tuesday announced the state is cutting off all federal pandemic unemployment benefits in an attempt to push people back to work.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovMikeParson%2Fvideos%2F482963262953836%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Parson said those extra federal benefits will end for Missourians June 12.Roughly 53,500 Missourians received extra weeks of unemployment aid thanks to federal aid in the last week of April, according to the latest available data.Another 37,000 people who otherwise wouldn't qualify for regular unemployment help also claimed aid, according to a state labor department spokeswoman. That includes independent contractors, farm workers and people who are self-employed.Missouri’s unemployment rate hit 4.2% in March, down from 4.3% in February.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Missouri has 221,266 known job postings across the state. 💼<a href="https://twitter.com/JobsMoGov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JobsMoGov</a> 💼<a href="https://t.co/ftScLc2mlH">https://t.co/ftScLc2mlH</a>&mdash; Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovParsonMO/status/1392200569574412288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Parson said business owners in Missouri are struggling to fill jobs as the economy continues to recover from the coronavirus pandemic. He said he hopes cutting the federal aid will push people back to work and address labor shortages.“Continuing these programs only worsens the workforce issues we're currently facing,” the Republican governor told reporters Tuesday. “It's time that we end these programs that have incentivized people to stay out of the workforce.”Democratic House Minority Leader Crystal Quade in a Tuesday statement said the free market, “not some federal boogeyman,” is mostly to blame for the labor shortage. She said workers will return if they're offered more money, especially for jobs where the risk of exposure to COVID-19 is higher.“If companies provide a livable wage, applicants will respond,” she said. "The notion that Missourians are refusing to work so they can temporarily collect $300 a week is an offensive right-wing myth.”Missouri is t&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-government-and-politics-1f092b895c281c13c87ff3dfa6279f62">he latest of several states</a>&nbsp;— Arkansas, Mississippi, Montana and South Carolina — ending the $300 federal benefit that is on top of state benefits.Labor experts say the shortage is not just about the $300 payment. Some unemployed people also have been reluctant to look for work because they fear catching the virus. Others have found new occupations rather than return to their old jobs. And many women, especially working mothers, have had to leave the workforce to care for children.“Our economic recovery is nuanced, and many Missourians haven’t been able to return to work because they still have children home from school or jobs aren’t available in their areas,” Amy Blouin, president and of the Missouri Budget Project, said in a statement.The nonprofit Missouri Budget Project analyzes state financial issues with an eye toward their impact on low-income residents.Missouri's Republican-led Legislature has also considered cutting how long people can receive state unemployment help as a means to force people back to work, but those proposals have stalled.Lawmakers have until Friday to send bills to Parson.

🎥 Get back to work: Missouri cuts off all federal pandemic jobless benefits 

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on multiple charges after a traffic stop.

Just after 10p.m. May 9, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 1999 Pontiac Bonneville in the 4500 block of SE 45th Street in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 During the stop and investigation deputies found illegal narcotics and arrested the driver identified as 63-year-old Ladora S. Benaka of Topeka.

Benaka was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container of liquor and improper driving on a laned roadway.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620736547550.png" alt="Benaka photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Benaka photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on multiple charges after a traffic stop.Just after 10p.m. May 9, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 1999 Pontiac Bonneville in the 4500 block of SE 45th Street in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. During the stop and investigation deputies found illegal narcotics and arrested the driver identified as 63-year-old Ladora S. Benaka of Topeka.Benaka was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container of liquor and improper driving on a laned roadway.

Sheriff: Kan. woman was transporting methamphetamine

GOWER, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City-area man has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of his 5-month-old son.

Dillon Livingston also is charged with child abuse or neglect of a child in the February death. He has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bond in Clinton County. A motion hearing is scheduled for Friday.

According to a probable cause statement, first responders found the boy unresponsive at Livingston’s home on Feb. 12. The child was suffering from several hemorrhages, bruises and fractures.

Livingston was taking care of the child at the time. He initially told investigators the child rolled off a recliner, but he later said he handled the baby too forcefully when he became fussy, according to court documents.

Livingston also is accused abusing the infant’s twin in November 2020 when the mother of the children was not home, according to court documents. He said he accidentally dropped the child.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for May 14.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620484450291.png" alt="Livingston photo Clinton County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Livingston photo Clinton County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>GOWER, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City-area man has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of his 5-month-old son.Dillon Livingston also is charged with child abuse or neglect of a child in the February death. He has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bond in Clinton County. A motion hearing is scheduled for Friday.According to a probable cause statement, first responders found the boy unresponsive at Livingston’s home on Feb. 12. The child was suffering from several hemorrhages, bruises and fractures.Livingston was taking care of the child at the time. He initially told investigators the child rolled off a recliner, but he later said he handled the baby too forcefully when he became fussy, according to court documents.Livingston also is accused abusing the infant’s twin in November 2020 when the mother of the children was not home, according to court documents. He said he accidentally dropped the child.The next hearing in the case is scheduled for May 14.

KC-area man charged with murder of infant son

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas sheriff’s deputy accused of alleged domestic violence is returning to work and no charges will be filed, according to the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department spokesman Lt. Benjamin Blick.

On April 13, the Wichita Police Department arrested 31-year-od Deputy Tyler Brooks for alleged Aggravated Domestic Battery, Domestic Battery, Criminal Threat and Domestic Violence Criminal Damage to Property stemming from an incident involving an intimate partner of the deputy with whom he shares a residence.

The Wichita Police Department fully investigated this incident. The case was presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office as well as the City of Wichita Prosecutor’s Office. Both offices declined charges.&nbsp;

 Brooks returned to restricted duty pending the outcome of the internal investigation, which is being conducted by the Professional Standards Unit, according to Lt. Brooks.

While on Restricted Duty, deputies under investigation for a serious policy violation do not have contact with the public

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Sedgwick County sherif's deputy for alleged domestic violence.

On Tuesday, police arrested 31-year-old Tyler Brooks on requested charges of Aggravated Domestic Battery, Domestic Battery, Criminal Threat and Domestic Violence Criminal Damage to Property, according to a Lt. Benjamin Blick.&nbsp; He was booked into jail just before 2:30a.m. Wednesday, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

The requested charges stem from an incident involving an intimate partner of the deputy with whom he shares a residence.

&nbsp;Deputy Brooks has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for 8 years.

In addition to the criminal case, the Professional Standards Unit of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an investigation.

Following the arrest, Deputy Brooks was suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigation, according to Blick. His initial bond was $25,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618420882448.png" alt="Brooks photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Brooks photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas sheriff’s deputy accused of alleged domestic violence is returning to work and no charges will be filed, according to the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department spokesman Lt. Benjamin Blick.On April 13, the Wichita Police Department arrested 31-year-od Deputy Tyler Brooks for alleged Aggravated Domestic Battery, Domestic Battery, Criminal Threat and Domestic Violence Criminal Damage to Property stemming from an incident involving an intimate partner of the deputy with whom he shares a residence.The Wichita Police Department fully investigated this incident. The case was presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office as well as the City of Wichita Prosecutor’s Office. Both offices declined charges.&nbsp; Brooks returned to restricted duty pending the outcome of the internal investigation, which is being conducted by the Professional Standards Unit, according to Lt. Brooks.While on Restricted Duty, deputies under investigation for a serious policy violation do not have contact with the public---------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Sedgwick County sherif's deputy for alleged domestic violence.On Tuesday, police arrested 31-year-old Tyler Brooks on requested charges of Aggravated Domestic Battery, Domestic Battery, Criminal Threat and Domestic Violence Criminal Damage to Property, according to a Lt. Benjamin Blick.&nbsp; He was booked into jail just before 2:30a.m. Wednesday, according to online jail records.&nbsp;The requested charges stem from an incident involving an intimate partner of the deputy with whom he shares a residence.&nbsp;Deputy Brooks has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for 8 years.In addition to the criminal case, the Professional Standards Unit of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an investigation.Following the arrest, Deputy Brooks was suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigation, according to Blick. His initial bond was $25,000.

No charges against Kan. deputy for domestic abuse

SEWARD COUNTY —A Kansas died in an accident just after 5a.m. Tuesday in Seward County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Peterbilt semi driven by&nbsp; Santos Enriquez, 60, Turpin, Oklahoma, was northbound on U.S. 83 one mile south of the U.S. 160 Junction.

The semi crossed the center line and struck a 2002 Chevy Suburban driven by Sergio Ortega, 45, Garden City, head-on.

&nbsp;Ortega was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Miller's Mortuary. EMS transported Enriquez to the hospital in Liberal. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

SEWARD COUNTY —A Kansas died in an accident just after 5a.m. Tuesday in Seward County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Peterbilt semi driven by&nbsp; Santos Enriquez, 60, Turpin, Oklahoma, was northbound on U.S. 83 one mile south of the U.S. 160 Junction.The semi crossed the center line and struck a 2002 Chevy Suburban driven by Sergio Ortega, 45, Garden City, head-on.&nbsp;Ortega was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Miller's Mortuary. EMS transported Enriquez to the hospital in Liberal. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

SW Kan. man dies after head-on crash with semi

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas priest who is being considered for sainthood will be laid to rest in Wichita in September, his family and the Roman <a href="https://catholicdioceseofwichita.org/fr-kapauns-funeral-mass-september-29th-hartman-arena/">Catholic Diocese of Wichita announced Tuesday.</a>

The remains of the Rev. Emil Kapaun, who died in a prisoner of war camp during the Korean War, will be flown from Hawaii to Wichita on Sept. 25. The body will be taken to his hometown of Pilsen before being returned to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita on Sept. 27, the diocese said.

A vigil will be held Sept. 28 and the funeral Mass is scheduled for Sept 29. Both services will be at Hartman Arena. The remains will be interred in a crypt inside the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Kapuan’s remains&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wichita-pope-john-paul-ii-kansas-sainthood-2c4b0f8a05d91b0c10b27fd262c">were identified&nbsp;</a>in early March.

He was was captured on Nov. 2, 1950, near Unsan, North Korea, while tending to soldiers. He continued to minister to fellow prisoners until he died of pneumonia, the U.S. Defense Department has said.

In 1993, Kapaun was named a “Servant of God,” which is a preliminary step in the Catholic church’s lengthy process of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6f6792213787875467a3cb4222385c57">canonization.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614944899732.png" alt="Father Kapaun -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Father Kapaun -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas priest who is being considered for sainthood will be laid to rest in Wichita in September, his family and the Roman <a href="https://catholicdioceseofwichita.org/fr-kapauns-funeral-mass-september-29th-hartman-arena/">Catholic Diocese of Wichita announced Tuesday.</a>The remains of the Rev. Emil Kapaun, who died in a prisoner of war camp during the Korean War, will be flown from Hawaii to Wichita on Sept. 25. The body will be taken to his hometown of Pilsen before being returned to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita on Sept. 27, the diocese said.A vigil will be held Sept. 28 and the funeral Mass is scheduled for Sept 29. Both services will be at Hartman Arena. The remains will be interred in a crypt inside the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.Kapuan’s remains&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wichita-pope-john-paul-ii-kansas-sainthood-2c4b0f8a05d91b0c10b27fd262c">were identified&nbsp;</a>in early March.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620764579894.png" alt="Image courtesy Catholic Diocese of Wichita" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Catholic Diocese of Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>He was was captured on Nov. 2, 1950, near Unsan, North Korea, while tending to soldiers. He continued to minister to fellow prisoners until he died of pneumonia, the U.S. Defense Department has said.In 1993, Kapaun was named a “Servant of God,” which is a preliminary step in the Catholic church’s lengthy process of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6f6792213787875467a3cb4222385c57">canonization.</a>

Services set for Kan. priest who died in the Korean war

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita police are trying to crack down on street racing after several recent incidents involving injuries and deaths.

The exact number of racing incidents is hard to pinpoint because police don’t track them separately and often people caught racing are charged with other crimes, such as reckless driving, that carry tougher penalties. At least two people have been killed and two people injured in racing incidents over the past year.

Sedgwick County Assistant District Attorney Aaron Breitenbach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/local/crime/article251240069.html" target="_blank">said&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;street racing has been growing slowly over the past couple years.

Breitenbach said street racing can also be difficult to prosecute because often the only witnesses to the crime were participants in the races who aren’t likely to cooperate with investigators.

Wichita Police Department traffic division supervisor Sgt. Keith Fort said racing vehicles can hit speeds of 50 to 90 mph within seconds.

“At that type of speed, it puts everyone at risk, not just that particular driver,” Fort said.

The incidents in the past year include an August 2020 race between two pickup trucks that ended when the trucks smashed into a Lincoln Town Car, killing the 94-year-old driver and severely injuring a 15-year-old boy who was riding in the passenger seat.

In another race in March, Brennan Peshek, 18, died after his yellow Ford Mustang struck a curb and slammed into a tree and pole after the lane he was racing in ended

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598886375186.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal August 2020 crash that killed 94-year-old Ralph Hunt of Wichita. Investigators determined drivers in two pickups were racing and struck his Lincoln Towncar -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal August 2020 crash that killed 94-year-old Ralph Hunt of Wichita. Investigators determined drivers in two pickups were racing and struck his Lincoln Towncar -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita police are trying to crack down on street racing after several recent incidents involving injuries and deaths.The exact number of racing incidents is hard to pinpoint because police don’t track them separately and often people caught racing are charged with other crimes, such as reckless driving, that carry tougher penalties. At least two people have been killed and two people injured in racing incidents over the past year.Sedgwick County Assistant District Attorney Aaron Breitenbach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/local/crime/article251240069.html" target="_blank">said&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;street racing has been growing slowly over the past couple years.Breitenbach said street racing can also be difficult to prosecute because often the only witnesses to the crime were participants in the races who aren’t likely to cooperate with investigators.Wichita Police Department traffic division supervisor Sgt. Keith Fort said racing vehicles can hit speeds of 50 to 90 mph within seconds.“At that type of speed, it puts everyone at risk, not just that particular driver,” Fort said.The incidents in the past year include an August 2020 race between two pickup trucks that ended when the trucks smashed into a Lincoln Town Car, killing the 94-year-old driver and severely injuring a 15-year-old boy who was riding in the passenger seat.In another race in March, Brennan Peshek, 18, died after his yellow Ford Mustang struck a curb and slammed into a tree and pole after the lane he was racing in ended

Police work to crack down on street racing in Wichita

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


HUTCHINSON — 
Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department says she has 
spoken to the local doctors that work with kids and parents who are 
considering vaccinating their 12-15 year olds with the Pfizer vaccine 
once it is cleared later this week should talk to their doctor.

"They
 definitely want anybody that wants the vaccine to get the vaccine 
especially if you have some high-risk factors," Hammersmith said. "You 
can also get it if you don't have high-risk factors, because the vaccine
 is improved. We know that what it prevents is serious complications, 
which we have seen in that younger generation. We just haven't seen as 
much of that."

It is the intent of the health department to get in some Pfizer vaccine, in light of the new developments.

"We
 plan to order the vaccine for next week," Hammersmith said. "Once a 
week, we put in an order to KDHE and then they get that from the federal
 government as to how much vaccine is available. We are going to order 
some Pfizer. It's got a little bit of an issue with the shelf life."

The
 U.S. Food and Drug Administration in late February approved storage and
 transportation of the Pfizer vaccine at standard freezer temperatures 
for up to two weeks instead of ultra-cold conditions. Before that, it 
had required ultra-cold storage.

Young adults are also encouraged to get their shots.

"We
 still want to push that vaccine out to those specifically in the 20 to 
49-year-old group, too, that we have a lot less people vaccinated," 
Hammersmith said. "You can come as a family. We can get the parents, we 
can get the kids 12 and up all vaccinated at the same time."

Until the county's shipment can get in, you can look at vaccinefinder.org to see who currently has the Pfizer shot.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606243325401.jpeg" alt="Hammersmith " />
 <figcaption>Hammersmith </figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>
HUTCHINSON — 
Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department says she has 
spoken to the local doctors that work with kids and parents who are 
considering vaccinating their 12-15 year olds with the Pfizer vaccine 
once it is cleared later this week should talk to their doctor."They
 definitely want anybody that wants the vaccine to get the vaccine 
especially if you have some high-risk factors," Hammersmith said. "You 
can also get it if you don't have high-risk factors, because the vaccine
 is improved. We know that what it prevents is serious complications, 
which we have seen in that younger generation. We just haven't seen as 
much of that."It is the intent of the health department to get in some Pfizer vaccine, in light of the new developments."We
 plan to order the vaccine for next week," Hammersmith said. "Once a 
week, we put in an order to KDHE and then they get that from the federal
 government as to how much vaccine is available. We are going to order 
some Pfizer. It's got a little bit of an issue with the shelf life."The
 U.S. Food and Drug Administration in late February approved storage and
 transportation of the Pfizer vaccine at standard freezer temperatures 
for up to two weeks instead of ultra-cold conditions. Before that, it 
had required ultra-cold storage.Young adults are also encouraged to get their shots."We
 still want to push that vaccine out to those specifically in the 20 to 
49-year-old group, too, that we have a lot less people vaccinated," 
Hammersmith said. "You can come as a family. We can get the parents, we 
can get the kids 12 and up all vaccinated at the same time."Until the county's shipment can get in, you can look at vaccinefinder.org to see who currently has the Pfizer shot.

Health official: Consult with doctor on vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The recent court ruling striking down a national eviction moratorium has heightened concerns that tenants won’t receive tens of billions of dollars in promised federal aid in time to avoid getting kicked out of their homes.

A federal judge on May 5, found the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention exceeded its authority when it imposed the moratorium last year. Housing advocates believe the ban saved lives and not only should continue, but be extended past its initial June 30 deadline.

For now, the moratorium remains: A judge stayed the court’s order following an appeal from the Justice Department.

Without the moratorium, advocates say, the only thing standing between many tenants and eviction is the nearly $50 billion allocated by Congress for rental assistance. Advocates say very few tenants have received any of the money — which is up to individual states to distribute — and they fear it won’t get to the neediest people in time if the moratorium is scrapped.

“Unfortunately, rental assistance funds are not reaching struggling families nearly as quickly as is needed,” said Oren Sellstrom, litigation director for the Lawyers for Civil Rights in Boston. “Here in Massachusetts, tenants report that submitting a rental assistance application is like sending it into a black hole.”

The government didn’t do much better last year, when several states failed to spend the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-new-york-andrew-cuomo-coronavirus-pandemic-us-news-bfbf0744510d50a1e173247ee5f9ba1b">federal coronavirus relief monies</a>&nbsp;they had set aside for rental assistance, the advocates said. Among them were New York, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Mississippi and Kansas.

Diane Yentel, CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, said some of the same problems are being seen now, namely landlords refusing to participate, programs refusing to give money directly to tenants and cumbersome application processes.

“The CDC moratorium is essential to our efforts to prevent people from getting evicted before they can get rental assistance,” said Caitlin Cedfeldt, a staff attorney at Legal Aid of Nebraska.

Landlords, many of whom have challenged the moratorium, say the court’s decision increases pressure on the federal and state governments to speed up rental assistance distribution.

“Instead of propping up legally-questionable policies, government at every level needs to cut the red tape and focus on distributing the $46 billion in rental assistance efficiently,” Bob Pinnegar, president &amp; CEO of the National Apartment Association, said in an email interview. “Getting rental assistance funds into the hands of those renters and rental housing providers who need it most is the only way to prevent irrevocable harm to our nation’s housing supply.”

President Joe Biden’s administration on Friday announced changes aimed at doing just that. Government agencies implementing the rental relief program will be required to offer assistance directly to renters if landlords choose not to participate, said Gene Sperling. Sperling is the White House coordinator of Biden’s American Rescue Plan, a sweeping, $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package Congress passed to help the country defeat the coronavirus and nurse the economy back to health. Also, the waiting time for delivering the assistance to renters is cut in half if landlords aren’t involved, Sperling said.

“We need to make sure that as we implement these emergency funds that we are nimble enough to address growing needs,” he said.

The eviction ban was put in place last year to prevent families from losing their homes and moving into shelters or sharing crowded conditions with relatives or friends, conditions health officials said could exacerbate the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus.

Proponents of the moratorium argue it is necessary since the pandemic is still a threat and so many people are at risk of eviction or foreclosure. Nearly 4 million people in the U.S. said they faced eviction or foreclosure in the next two months, according to the Census Bureau’s biweekly Household Pulse Survey.

“In the short term, Congress and the Biden administration have the power to strengthen the moratorium across the country and halt all evictions for the remainder of the pandemic,” Dawn Phillips, executive director of Right To The City Alliance, a national coalition of 90 housing-justice organizations, said in an email interview.

A handful of states are picking up the slack themselves. The state of Connecticut and the city of Philadelphia both have their own eviction moratoriums in place.

“While we’re ahead of the curve in working to get our rental relief money out compared to our peers, we still have a long way to go,” said Democratic Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, who indicated that his state’s moratorium would probably remain in place for another month. ” ... We’re trying to work with tenants and landlords to put together something that allows people to stay in their homes a lot longer.”

In Philadelphia, lawmakers credit a local moratorium with helping to reduce evictions from about 20,000 a year to only 5,000 last year. On top of that, a program started in September requires landlords to apply for rental assistance prior to going to court to evict tenants. The so-called diversion program has been credited with preventing thousands of evictions.

“We had to create alternatives to eviction,” said Philadelphia City Council member Helen Gym, who helped put the program in place.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The recent court ruling striking down a national eviction moratorium has heightened concerns that tenants won’t receive tens of billions of dollars in promised federal aid in time to avoid getting kicked out of their homes.A federal judge on May 5, found the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention exceeded its authority when it imposed the moratorium last year. Housing advocates believe the ban saved lives and not only should continue, but be extended past its initial June 30 deadline.For now, the moratorium remains: A judge stayed the court’s order following an appeal from the Justice Department.Without the moratorium, advocates say, the only thing standing between many tenants and eviction is the nearly $50 billion allocated by Congress for rental assistance. Advocates say very few tenants have received any of the money — which is up to individual states to distribute — and they fear it won’t get to the neediest people in time if the moratorium is scrapped.“Unfortunately, rental assistance funds are not reaching struggling families nearly as quickly as is needed,” said Oren Sellstrom, litigation director for the Lawyers for Civil Rights in Boston. “Here in Massachusetts, tenants report that submitting a rental assistance application is like sending it into a black hole.”The government didn’t do much better last year, when several states failed to spend the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-new-york-andrew-cuomo-coronavirus-pandemic-us-news-bfbf0744510d50a1e173247ee5f9ba1b">federal coronavirus relief monies</a>&nbsp;they had set aside for rental assistance, the advocates said. Among them were New York, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Mississippi and Kansas.Diane Yentel, CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, said some of the same problems are being seen now, namely landlords refusing to participate, programs refusing to give money directly to tenants and cumbersome application processes.“The CDC moratorium is essential to our efforts to prevent people from getting evicted before they can get rental assistance,” said Caitlin Cedfeldt, a staff attorney at Legal Aid of Nebraska.Landlords, many of whom have challenged the moratorium, say the court’s decision increases pressure on the federal and state governments to speed up rental assistance distribution.“Instead of propping up legally-questionable policies, government at every level needs to cut the red tape and focus on distributing the $46 billion in rental assistance efficiently,” Bob Pinnegar, president &amp; CEO of the National Apartment Association, said in an email interview. “Getting rental assistance funds into the hands of those renters and rental housing providers who need it most is the only way to prevent irrevocable harm to our nation’s housing supply.”President Joe Biden’s administration on Friday announced changes aimed at doing just that. Government agencies implementing the rental relief program will be required to offer assistance directly to renters if landlords choose not to participate, said Gene Sperling. Sperling is the White House coordinator of Biden’s American Rescue Plan, a sweeping, $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package Congress passed to help the country defeat the coronavirus and nurse the economy back to health. Also, the waiting time for delivering the assistance to renters is cut in half if landlords aren’t involved, Sperling said.“We need to make sure that as we implement these emergency funds that we are nimble enough to address growing needs,” he said.The eviction ban was put in place last year to prevent families from losing their homes and moving into shelters or sharing crowded conditions with relatives or friends, conditions health officials said could exacerbate the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus.Proponents of the moratorium argue it is necessary since the pandemic is still a threat and so many people are at risk of eviction or foreclosure. Nearly 4 million people in the U.S. said they faced eviction or foreclosure in the next two months, according to the Census Bureau’s biweekly Household Pulse Survey.“In the short term, Congress and the Biden administration have the power to strengthen the moratorium across the country and halt all evictions for the remainder of the pandemic,” Dawn Phillips, executive director of Right To The City Alliance, a national coalition of 90 housing-justice organizations, said in an email interview.A handful of states are picking up the slack themselves. The state of Connecticut and the city of Philadelphia both have their own eviction moratoriums in place.“While we’re ahead of the curve in working to get our rental relief money out compared to our peers, we still have a long way to go,” said Democratic Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, who indicated that his state’s moratorium would probably remain in place for another month. ” ... We’re trying to work with tenants and landlords to put together something that allows people to stay in their homes a lot longer.”In Philadelphia, lawmakers credit a local moratorium with helping to reduce evictions from about 20,000 a year to only 5,000 last year. On top of that, a program started in September requires landlords to apply for rental assistance prior to going to court to evict tenants. The so-called diversion program has been credited with preventing thousands of evictions.“We had to create alternatives to eviction,” said Philadelphia City Council member Helen Gym, who helped put the program in place.___

After court nixes eviction ban, race is on for federal help

Due to high sales, officials in the states participating in the Mega 
Millions Lotto game have increased the estimated jackpot amount for the
 Tuesday, May 11, drawing to $402 million or $272.1 million with the cash
 option selected.

The Mega Millions jackpot starts at $20 million 
and continues to grow each drawing until it is won. There have been 23 
consecutive Mega Millions drawings since February 19 without a jackpot 
winner.

Mega Millions jackpot winners have two options for collecting their payment: 30 annuity payments or one cash payment at present value. The annuity option provides annual payments that increase each year. The present cash value is less than the advertised jackpot, which is based on the 29-year annuity option. Winning Mega Millions numbers are announced every Tuesday and Friday at 10:00 p.m. Central Time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620755777014.png" alt="mega millions" />
 <figcaption>mega millions</figcaption>
 </figure>Due to high sales, officials in the states participating in the Mega 
Millions Lotto game have increased the estimated jackpot amount for the
 Tuesday, May 11, drawing to $402 million or $272.1 million with the cash
 option selected.The Mega Millions jackpot starts at $20 million 
and continues to grow each drawing until it is won. There have been 23 
consecutive Mega Millions drawings since February 19 without a jackpot 
winner.Mega Millions jackpot winners have two options for collecting their payment: 30 annuity payments or one cash payment at present value. The annuity option provides annual payments that increase each year. The present cash value is less than the advertised jackpot, which is based on the 29-year annuity option. Winning Mega Millions numbers are announced every Tuesday and Friday at 10:00 p.m. Central Time.— Nebraska Lottery

Mega Millions jackpot for tonight's drawing over $400M

COWLEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating recent rash of vehicle burglaries and thefts in southern Kansas and have arrested a suspect.

The theft investigation began when an Arkansas City resident reported their vehicle as stolen May 6, according to a media release from police.&nbsp; With the assistance of OnStar, the vehicle was disabled, located and recovered.

While that vehicle was being recovered, several other citizens began to discover they also had been the victim of burglaries involving their unlocked vehicles. Efforts apparently were made in many of these incidents to steal the vehicles and damage to their steering columns was present.

Additionally, another vehicle was stolen, wrecked and left abandoned a couple blocks away from where it had been taken. 

The suspect later identified as Jonathan Eugene Jester, 34, of Wichita, then entered a vacant residence.

Also on May 6, police located a vehicle stolen from Sumner County&nbsp; behind a&nbsp; hotel in Arkansas City.

The same suspect responsible for that particular vehicle theft also are thought to be responsible for rash of break-ins that occurred May 5, in Sumner County. 

On May 7, police located Jester and had to chase him down. During that pursuit, Jester allegedly threw away a firearm and backpack, which were recovered later.

Jester was brought back to the Arkansas City Police Department and questioned about the recent crimes. He remains jailed on requested charges that include four felony counts of burglary of a motor vehicle, as well as one felony count each of criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, interference with a law enforcement officer, possession of stolen property, and theft of a motor vehicle. He also was arrested on suspicion of four misdemeanor counts of theft and one misdemeanor count of criminal trespass. Police are still seeking addition suspects in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620665147642.png" alt="Jester photo Cowley County" />
 <figcaption>Jester photo Cowley County</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating recent rash of vehicle burglaries and thefts in southern Kansas and have arrested a suspect.The theft investigation began when an Arkansas City resident reported their vehicle as stolen May 6, according to a media release from police.&nbsp; With the assistance of OnStar, the vehicle was disabled, located and recovered.While that vehicle was being recovered, several other citizens began to discover they also had been the victim of burglaries involving their unlocked vehicles. Efforts apparently were made in many of these incidents to steal the vehicles and damage to their steering columns was present.Additionally, another vehicle was stolen, wrecked and left abandoned a couple blocks away from where it had been taken. The suspect later identified as Jonathan Eugene Jester, 34, of Wichita, then entered a vacant residence.Also on May 6, police located a vehicle stolen from Sumner County&nbsp; behind a&nbsp; hotel in Arkansas City.The same suspect responsible for that particular vehicle theft also are thought to be responsible for rash of break-ins that occurred May 5, in Sumner County. On May 7, police located Jester and had to chase him down. During that pursuit, Jester allegedly threw away a firearm and backpack, which were recovered later.Jester was brought back to the Arkansas City Police Department and questioned about the recent crimes. He remains jailed on requested charges that include four felony counts of burglary of a motor vehicle, as well as one felony count each of criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, interference with a law enforcement officer, possession of stolen property, and theft of a motor vehicle. He also was arrested on suspicion of four misdemeanor counts of theft and one misdemeanor count of criminal trespass. Police are still seeking addition suspects in the case.

Police: Kan. burglary suspect dumped handgun during chase

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today provided an overview 
of some of the key tax provisions in the American Rescue Plan Act.

Several provisions affect the 2020 tax return people are filling out 
this filing season, including one exempting up to $10,200 in 
unemployment compensation from tax and another benefiting many people 
who purchased subsidized health coverage through either federal or state
 Health Insurance Marketplaces. In addition, the law also includes a 
third round of Economic Impact Payments, now going out to eligible 
Americans, that are generally equal to $1,400 per person for most 
people, as well as several other key changes for tax-year 2021.

The best way to keep up with tax law developments is by regularly checking IRS.gov.

In the meantime, the IRS urges taxpayers who have already filed their
 2020 returns to avoid filing amended returns, refund claims or 
contacting the IRS about obtaining newly-enacted tax benefits. Taking 
any of these actions now will not speed up a future refund and may even 
slow down an existing refund claim. Instead, as noted below, the IRS 
will automatically provide these benefits to eligible filers.

Some unemployment compensation not taxed for many

For tax year 2020 only, the first $10,200 of unemployment 
compensation is not taxable for most households. This tax benefit is 
only available to those whose modified adjusted gross income is below 
$150,000 during 2020. The same income cap applies to all filing 
statuses.

This means that those eligible who haven't filed a 2020 return yet 
can subtract the first $10,200 from the total compensation received and 
only include the difference in their taxable income. For couples where 
both spouses received unemployment compensation, each spouse can 
subtract $10,200. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/new-exclusion-of-up-to-10200-of-unemployment-compensation">Details</a>, including a worksheet, are available at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040">IRS.gov/form1040</a>.

For any eligible taxpayer who has already filed and reported their 
compensation as fully taxable, the IRS is automatically adjusting their 
return and providing them this tax benefit. Refunds, based on this 
adjustment, are being issued in May and continuing through the summer.

Repayment of excess Advance Premium Tax Credit suspended

Taxpayers who purchased health insurance through a federal or state 
Health Insurance Marketplace won't report an excess repayment or attach 
Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit, when they file. Taxpayers use Form 8962 
to figure the amount of the premium tax credit (PTC) they are entitled 
to receive and reconcile it with any advance premium tax credit (APTC) 
they receive through the Marketplace. If the advance payment was too 
little, they claim a net premium tax credit. The process remains 
unchanged for taxpayers claiming a net PTC for 2020. They must file Form
 8962 when they file their 2020 tax return.

However, if the advance payment was higher than their allowable PTC, 
they need to pay back the difference, known as the excess APTC.

The new law suspends the repayment requirement for 2020. This means 
that affected taxpayers do not need to report excess APTC or file Form 
8962. The IRS will automatically reduce the repayment amount to zero. In
 addition, the agency will automatically reimburse anyone who has 
already repaid their 2020 excess APTC.

Child and dependent care credit increased for 2021 only

The new law increases the amount of the credit and eligible expenses 
for child and dependent care, modifies the phase-out of the credit for 
higher earners and makes it refundable.

For 2021, the top credit percentage of qualifying expenses increased from 35% to 50%.

In addition, eligible taxpayers can claim qualifying child and dependent care expenses of up to:

This means that the maximum credit in 2021 of 50% for one 
dependent's qualifying expenses is $4,000, or $8,000 for two or more 
dependents.

When figuring the credit, employer-provided dependent care benefits, 
such as those provided through a flexible spending account (FSA), must 
be subtracted from total eligible expenses.

As before, the more a taxpayer earns, the lower the credit 
percentage. But under the new law, more people will qualify for the new 
maximum 50% credit rate. That's because the adjusted gross income (AGI) 
level at which the credit percentage is reduced is raised substantially 
from $15,000 to $125,000.

Above $125,000, the 50% credit percentage is reduced as income rises,
 plateauing at a 20% rate for taxpayers with an AGI above $183,000. The 
credit percentage level remains at 20% until reaching $400,000 and is 
then phased out above that level. It is completely unavailable for any 
taxpayer with AGI exceeding $438,000.

In 2021, for the first time, the credit is fully refundable. This 
means that an eligible family can get it, even if they owe no federal 
income tax.

Workers can set aside more in a Dependent Care FSA

For 2021, the maximum amount of tax-free employer-provided dependent 
care benefits increased from $5,000 to $10,500. This means that an 
employee can set aside $10,500 in a dependent care FSA, if their 
employer has one, instead of the normal $5,000.

Workers can only do that if their employer adopts this change. Interested employees should contact their employer for details.

For 2021 only, more childless workers and couples can qualify for the
 Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a fully refundable tax benefit that 
helps many low- and moderate-income workers and working families. That's
 because the maximum credit is nearly tripled for these taxpayers and 
is, for the first time, made available to both younger workers and 
senior citizens.

In 2021, the maximum EITC for those with no dependents is $1,502, up 
from $538 in 2020. Available to filers with an AGI below $27,380 in 
2021, it can be claimed by eligible workers who are at least 19 years of
 age. Full-time students under age 24 don't qualify. In the past, the 
EITC for those with no dependents was only available to people ages 25 
to 64.

Another change is available to both childless workers and families 
with dependents. For 2021, it allows them to choose to figure the EITC 
using their 2019 income, as long as it was higher than their 2021 
income. In some instances, this option will give them a larger credit.

Changes expanding EITC for 2021 and future years

Changes expanding the EITC for 2021 and future years include:

The new law increases the amount of the Child Tax Credit, makes it 
available for 17-year-old dependents, makes it fully refundable and 
makes it possible for families to receive up to half of it, in advance, 
during the last half of 2021. Moreover, families can get the credit, 
even if they have little or no income from a job, business or other 
source.

Currently, the credit is worth up to $2,000 per eligible child. The 
new law increases it to as much as $3,000 per child for dependents ages 6
 through 17, and $3,600 for dependents ages 5 and under.

The maximum credit is available to taxpayers with a modified AGI of:

Above these income thresholds, the extra amount above the 
original $2,000 credit — either $1,000 or $1,600 per child — is reduced 
by $50 for every $1,000 in modified AGI.

Also, the credit is fully refundable for 2021. Before this year, the refundable portion was limited to $1,400 per child.

From July through December 2021, up to half the credit will be 
advanced to eligible families by Treasury and the IRS. The advance 
payments will be estimated from their 2020 return, or if not available, 
their 2019 return.

For that reason, the IRS urges families to file their 2020 return as 
soon as possible. This includes many low-and moderate-income families 
who don't normally file returns. Often, those families will qualify for 
an Economic Impact Payment or tax benefits, such as the EITC. This year,
 taxpayers have until May 17, 2021, to file a return.

To speed delivery of any refund, be sure to file electronically and 
choose direct deposit. Doing so will also ensure quick delivery of the 
Advance Child Tax Credit payments, later this year.

In the next few weeks, eligible families can choose to decline 
receiving the advance payments. Likewise, families will also be able to 
notify Treasury and IRS of changes in their income, filing status or 
number of qualifying children. Details will be available soon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today provided an overview 
of some of the key tax provisions in the American Rescue Plan Act.Several provisions affect the 2020 tax return people are filling out 
this filing season, including one exempting up to $10,200 in 
unemployment compensation from tax and another benefiting many people 
who purchased subsidized health coverage through either federal or state
 Health Insurance Marketplaces. In addition, the law also includes a 
third round of Economic Impact Payments, now going out to eligible 
Americans, that are generally equal to $1,400 per person for most 
people, as well as several other key changes for tax-year 2021.The best way to keep up with tax law developments is by regularly checking IRS.gov.In the meantime, the IRS urges taxpayers who have already filed their
 2020 returns to avoid filing amended returns, refund claims or 
contacting the IRS about obtaining newly-enacted tax benefits. Taking 
any of these actions now will not speed up a future refund and may even 
slow down an existing refund claim. Instead, as noted below, the IRS 
will automatically provide these benefits to eligible filers.<h2>Retroactive changes for 2020</h2><h2>Some unemployment compensation not taxed for many</h2>For tax year 2020 only, the first $10,200 of unemployment 
compensation is not taxable for most households. This tax benefit is 
only available to those whose modified adjusted gross income is below 
$150,000 during 2020. The same income cap applies to all filing 
statuses.This means that those eligible who haven't filed a 2020 return yet 
can subtract the first $10,200 from the total compensation received and 
only include the difference in their taxable income. For couples where 
both spouses received unemployment compensation, each spouse can 
subtract $10,200. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/new-exclusion-of-up-to-10200-of-unemployment-compensation">Details</a>, including a worksheet, are available at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040">IRS.gov/form1040</a>.For any eligible taxpayer who has already filed and reported their 
compensation as fully taxable, the IRS is automatically adjusting their 
return and providing them this tax benefit. Refunds, based on this 
adjustment, are being issued in May and continuing through the summer.<h2>Repayment of excess Advance Premium Tax Credit suspended</h2>Taxpayers who purchased health insurance through a federal or state 
Health Insurance Marketplace won't report an excess repayment or attach 
Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit, when they file. Taxpayers use Form 8962 
to figure the amount of the premium tax credit (PTC) they are entitled 
to receive and reconcile it with any advance premium tax credit (APTC) 
they receive through the Marketplace. If the advance payment was too 
little, they claim a net premium tax credit. The process remains 
unchanged for taxpayers claiming a net PTC for 2020. They must file Form
 8962 when they file their 2020 tax return.However, if the advance payment was higher than their allowable PTC, 
they need to pay back the difference, known as the excess APTC.The new law suspends the repayment requirement for 2020. This means 
that affected taxpayers do not need to report excess APTC or file Form 
8962. The IRS will automatically reduce the repayment amount to zero. In
 addition, the agency will automatically reimburse anyone who has 
already repaid their 2020 excess APTC.<h2>Looking ahead to the 2021 tax season</h2><h2>Child and dependent care credit increased for 2021 only</h2>The new law increases the amount of the credit and eligible expenses 
for child and dependent care, modifies the phase-out of the credit for 
higher earners and makes it refundable.For 2021, the top credit percentage of qualifying expenses increased from 35% to 50%.In addition, eligible taxpayers can claim qualifying child and dependent care expenses of up to:<ul>
 <li>$8,000 for one qualifying child or dependent, up from $3,000 in prior years, or</li><li>$16,000 for two or more qualifying dependents, up from $6,000 before 2021.</li>
 </ul>This means that the maximum credit in 2021 of 50% for one 
dependent's qualifying expenses is $4,000, or $8,000 for two or more 
dependents.When figuring the credit, employer-provided dependent care benefits, 
such as those provided through a flexible spending account (FSA), must 
be subtracted from total eligible expenses.As before, the more a taxpayer earns, the lower the credit 
percentage. But under the new law, more people will qualify for the new 
maximum 50% credit rate. That's because the adjusted gross income (AGI) 
level at which the credit percentage is reduced is raised substantially 
from $15,000 to $125,000.Above $125,000, the 50% credit percentage is reduced as income rises,
 plateauing at a 20% rate for taxpayers with an AGI above $183,000. The 
credit percentage level remains at 20% until reaching $400,000 and is 
then phased out above that level. It is completely unavailable for any 
taxpayer with AGI exceeding $438,000.In 2021, for the first time, the credit is fully refundable. This 
means that an eligible family can get it, even if they owe no federal 
income tax.<h2>Workers can set aside more in a Dependent Care FSA</h2>For 2021, the maximum amount of tax-free employer-provided dependent 
care benefits increased from $5,000 to $10,500. This means that an 
employee can set aside $10,500 in a dependent care FSA, if their 
employer has one, instead of the normal $5,000.Workers can only do that if their employer adopts this change. Interested employees should contact their employer for details.<h2>Childless EITC expanded for 2021</h2>For 2021 only, more childless workers and couples can qualify for the
 Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a fully refundable tax benefit that 
helps many low- and moderate-income workers and working families. That's
 because the maximum credit is nearly tripled for these taxpayers and 
is, for the first time, made available to both younger workers and 
senior citizens.In 2021, the maximum EITC for those with no dependents is $1,502, up 
from $538 in 2020. Available to filers with an AGI below $27,380 in 
2021, it can be claimed by eligible workers who are at least 19 years of
 age. Full-time students under age 24 don't qualify. In the past, the 
EITC for those with no dependents was only available to people ages 25 
to 64.Another change is available to both childless workers and families 
with dependents. For 2021, it allows them to choose to figure the EITC 
using their 2019 income, as long as it was higher than their 2021 
income. In some instances, this option will give them a larger credit.<h2>Changes expanding EITC for 2021 and future years</h2>Changes expanding the EITC for 2021 and future years include:<ul>
 <li>Singles and couples who have Social Security numbers can claim 
the credit, even if their children don't have SSNs. In this instance, 
they would get the smaller credit available to childless workers. In the
 past, these filers didn't qualify for the credit</li><li>More workers and working families who also have investment income 
can get the credit. Starting in 2021, the limit on investment income is 
increased to $10,000. After 2021, the $10,000 limit is indexed for 
inflation. The current limit is $3,650.</li><li>Married but Separated spouses can choose to be treated as not 
married for EITC purposes. To qualify, the spouse claiming the credit 
cannot file jointly with the other spouse, cannot have the same 
principal residence as the other spouse for at least six months out of 
the year and must have a qualifying child living with them for more than
 half the year.</li>
 </ul><h2>Expanded Child Tax Credit for 2021 only</h2>The new law increases the amount of the Child Tax Credit, makes it 
available for 17-year-old dependents, makes it fully refundable and 
makes it possible for families to receive up to half of it, in advance, 
during the last half of 2021. Moreover, families can get the credit, 
even if they have little or no income from a job, business or other 
source.Currently, the credit is worth up to $2,000 per eligible child. The 
new law increases it to as much as $3,000 per child for dependents ages 6
 through 17, and $3,600 for dependents ages 5 and under.The maximum credit is available to taxpayers with a modified AGI of:<ul>
 <li>$75,000 or less for singles,</li><li>$112,500 or less for heads of household and</li><li>$150,000 or less for married couples filing a joint return and qualified widows and widowers.</li>
 </ul>Above these income thresholds, the extra amount above the 
original $2,000 credit — either $1,000 or $1,600 per child — is reduced 
by $50 for every $1,000 in modified AGI.Also, the credit is fully refundable for 2021. Before this year, the refundable portion was limited to $1,400 per child.<h2>Advance Child Tax Credit payments</h2>From July through December 2021, up to half the credit will be 
advanced to eligible families by Treasury and the IRS. The advance 
payments will be estimated from their 2020 return, or if not available, 
their 2019 return.For that reason, the IRS urges families to file their 2020 return as 
soon as possible. This includes many low-and moderate-income families 
who don't normally file returns. Often, those families will qualify for 
an Economic Impact Payment or tax benefits, such as the EITC. This year,
 taxpayers have until May 17, 2021, to file a return.To speed delivery of any refund, be sure to file electronically and 
choose direct deposit. Doing so will also ensure quick delivery of the 
Advance Child Tax Credit payments, later this year.In the next few weeks, eligible families can choose to decline 
receiving the advance payments. Likewise, families will also be able to 
notify Treasury and IRS of changes in their income, filing status or 
number of qualifying children. Details will be available soon.The IRS also urges community groups, non-profits, associations, 
education groups and anyone else with connections to people with 
children to share this critical information about the Child Tax Credit 
as well as other important benefits. The IRS will be providing 
additional materials and information in the near future that can be 
easily shared by social media, email and other methods.For the most up-to-date information on the Child Tax Credit and advance payments, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">Advance Child Tax Credit Payments in 2021</a>.

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