By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/04/senate-republicans-dismiss-kansas-budget-directors-warning-about-education-funds/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas lawmakers 
must fully fund K-12 public schools and pump an additional $106 million 
into universities, or federal authorities will withhold education 
funding from the state.

Gov. Laura Kelly’s budget 
director sent a dire warning to legislators Sunday night, on the eve of 
their votes to override the governor’s vetoes of a tax bundle and 
provisions of the budget. The budget director, Adam Proffitt, advised 
lawmakers of strings attached to the most recent federal relief packages
 designed to help the country recover from the pandemic.

The state needs to 
maintain spending levels for both K-12 and higher education, Proffitt 
wrote in the memo, or risk losing federal funding for both. In the 
budget passed last month, lawmakers partially restored steep cuts to 
higher education included in the budget Kelly proposed at the start of 
the session.

Based on Proffitt’s 
calculations, the state should allocate an extra $106 million for 
universities to ensure compliance with federal authorities. If the state
 applies for a waiver, that funding could be split into a pair of $53 
million payments, now and next year.

“This recommendation is 
the best path forward for Kansas because it 1) greatly reduces the 
state’s exposure to risk of recoupment of future federal dollars, and 2)
 demonstrates the state’s commitment to fully funding education at all 
levels,” Proffitt wrote.

If the intent was to scare lawmakers into preserving a comfortable budget surplus, it didn’t work. <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/03/kansas-republicans-restore-tax-cuts-after-both-chambers-spike-governors-veto/">Republicans eagerly defeated</a>
 the Democratic governor’s vetoes of a tax cut bundle designed to funnel
 tens of millions of dollars to large corporations and some of the 
highest-earning individuals.

In a meeting Monday 
morning of Senate Republicans, concerns about losing federal aid were 
brushed aside by Senate President Ty Masterson and Sen. Caryn Tyson, a 
Parker Republican who led the charge for tax reform.

Tyson said she had been in
 contact with Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who plans to run 
for governor next year, and that he didn’t think the threat to withhold 
funding will hold up.

“I think it’s more political than accurate at this point,” Tyson said.

Masterson told the caucus 
there were varying opinions on how the “maintenance of effort” provision
 in federal funding applies to state spending. A possible solution posed
 by Masterson: Set money aside in escrow “just to cover our bases.”

In debate over the tax 
cuts, Democrats in the Senate rattled sabers at the absence of 
legislation funding K-12 public schools, the prospect of cutting taxes 
with a bleak financial outlook, and the threats outlined in Proffitt’s 
memo.

“Passing a bill with $300 
million in tax credits while asking for help to fund our public 
education — I think they’re going to see through us,” said Senate 
Minority Leader Dinah Sykes.

Tyson pointed out the $300 million figure represented the cost of tax cuts over three years.

“For those of you that don’t know, I do have a math degree, and you can make it look however you want,” Tyson said.

Tyson also referenced 
healthy tax collections, a point bolstered Monday afternoon — hours 
after both chambers had restored tax cuts by overriding the governor’s 
veto — when the Kansas Department of Revenue released its report on 
April revenues. Even after revising expectations upward, the state 
collected $91.3 million more than expected. The single month’s surplus 
is nearly enough to cover a year’s worth of the tax cuts.

The revenue report also 
presents a stark contrast to last April, when much of the state was 
under a lockdown imposed by Kelly to blunt the spread of a deadly virus.
 Corporate income tax collections were up by 304.1% from year to year. 
Individual income tax collections were up 72.5%.

Sherman Smith has written award-winning news stories about the instability of the Kansas foster care system, misconduct by government officials, sexual abuse, technology, education, and the Legislature. He spent 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620231143233.png" alt="Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker, said a memo from the governor's budget director urging lawmakers to spend more money on higher education or risk losing federal funds was "more political than accurate." (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker, said a memo from the governor's budget director urging lawmakers to spend more money on higher education or risk losing federal funds was "more political than accurate." (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/04/senate-republicans-dismiss-kansas-budget-directors-warning-about-education-funds/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas lawmakers 
must fully fund K-12 public schools and pump an additional $106 million 
into universities, or federal authorities will withhold education 
funding from the state.Unless they don’t.Gov. Laura Kelly’s budget 
director sent a dire warning to legislators Sunday night, on the eve of 
their votes to override the governor’s vetoes of a tax bundle and 
provisions of the budget. The budget director, Adam Proffitt, advised 
lawmakers of strings attached to the most recent federal relief packages
 designed to help the country recover from the pandemic.The state needs to 
maintain spending levels for both K-12 and higher education, Proffitt 
wrote in the memo, or risk losing federal funding for both. In the 
budget passed last month, lawmakers partially restored steep cuts to 
higher education included in the budget Kelly proposed at the start of 
the session.Based on Proffitt’s 
calculations, the state should allocate an extra $106 million for 
universities to ensure compliance with federal authorities. If the state
 applies for a waiver, that funding could be split into a pair of $53 
million payments, now and next year.“This recommendation is 
the best path forward for Kansas because it 1) greatly reduces the 
state’s exposure to risk of recoupment of future federal dollars, and 2)
 demonstrates the state’s commitment to fully funding education at all 
levels,” Proffitt wrote.If the intent was to scare lawmakers into preserving a comfortable budget surplus, it didn’t work. <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/03/kansas-republicans-restore-tax-cuts-after-both-chambers-spike-governors-veto/">Republicans eagerly defeated</a>
 the Democratic governor’s vetoes of a tax cut bundle designed to funnel
 tens of millions of dollars to large corporations and some of the 
highest-earning individuals.In a meeting Monday 
morning of Senate Republicans, concerns about losing federal aid were 
brushed aside by Senate President Ty Masterson and Sen. Caryn Tyson, a 
Parker Republican who led the charge for tax reform.Tyson said she had been in
 contact with Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who plans to run 
for governor next year, and that he didn’t think the threat to withhold 
funding will hold up.“I think it’s more political than accurate at this point,” Tyson said.Masterson told the caucus 
there were varying opinions on how the “maintenance of effort” provision
 in federal funding applies to state spending. A possible solution posed
 by Masterson: Set money aside in escrow “just to cover our bases.”In debate over the tax 
cuts, Democrats in the Senate rattled sabers at the absence of 
legislation funding K-12 public schools, the prospect of cutting taxes 
with a bleak financial outlook, and the threats outlined in Proffitt’s 
memo.“Passing a bill with $300 
million in tax credits while asking for help to fund our public 
education — I think they’re going to see through us,” said Senate 
Minority Leader Dinah Sykes.Tyson pointed out the $300 million figure represented the cost of tax cuts over three years.“For those of you that don’t know, I do have a math degree, and you can make it look however you want,” Tyson said.Tyson also referenced 
healthy tax collections, a point bolstered Monday afternoon — hours 
after both chambers had restored tax cuts by overriding the governor’s 
veto — when the Kansas Department of Revenue released its report on 
April revenues. Even after revising expectations upward, the state 
collected $91.3 million more than expected. The single month’s surplus 
is nearly enough to cover a year’s worth of the tax cuts.The revenue report also 
presents a stark contrast to last April, when much of the state was 
under a lockdown imposed by Kelly to blunt the spread of a deadly virus.
 Corporate income tax collections were up by 304.1% from year to year. 
Individual income tax collections were up 72.5%.Sherman Smith has written award-winning news stories about the instability of the Kansas foster care system, misconduct by government officials, sexual abuse, technology, education, and the Legislature. He spent 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal.

Senate GOP dismisses warning about Kan. education funds

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2021-09518/independent-contractor-status-under-the-fair-labor-standards-act-withdrawal" target="_blank">announced the withdrawal</a>
 — effective Thursday — of the “Independent Contractor Rule,” to maintain 
workers’ rights to the minimum wage and overtime compensation 
protections of the <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa">Fair Labor Standards Act</a>.

The department is withdrawing the rule for several reasons, including:

“By withdrawing the Independent Contractor Rule, we will 
help preserve essential worker rights and stop the erosion of worker 
protections that would have occurred had the rule gone into effect,” 
said <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/osec">U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh</a>.
 “Legitimate business owners play an important role in our economy but, 
too often, workers lose important wage and related protections when 
employers misclassify them as independent contractors. We remain 
committed to ensuring that employees are recognized clearly and 
correctly when they are, in fact, employees so that they receive the 
protections the Fair Labor Standards Act provides.”

The FLSA includes provisions that require covered 
employers to pay employees at least the federal minimum wage for every 
hour they work and overtime compensation at not less than 
one-and-one-half times their regular rate of pay for every hour they 
work over 40 in a workweek. FLSA protections do not apply to independent
 contractors.

In addition to maintaining the scope of workers covered 
by FLSA wage and hour protections, the department anticipates that the 
independent contractor rule’s withdrawal will avoid a reduction in 
workers’ access to employer-provided fringe benefits such as
 health insurance and retirement plans. The withdrawal will also avoid a
 reduction in other benefits such as unemployment insurance and workers 
compensation coverage. 

For more information about the FLSA or other laws it enforces, visit the <a href="http://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd">Wage and Hour Division</a>, or call toll-free 1-866-4US-WAGE.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615920467817.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. Department of LaborWASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2021-09518/independent-contractor-status-under-the-fair-labor-standards-act-withdrawal" target="_blank">announced the withdrawal</a>
 — effective Thursday — of the “Independent Contractor Rule,” to maintain 
workers’ rights to the minimum wage and overtime compensation 
protections of the <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa">Fair Labor Standards Act</a>.The department is withdrawing the rule for several reasons, including:<ul>
 <li>The independent contractor rule was in tension with the FLSA’s text and purpose, as well as relevant judicial precedent. </li><li>The rule’s prioritization of two 
“core factors” for determining employee status under the FLSA would have
 undermined the longstanding balancing approach of the economic 
realities test and court decisions requiring a review of the totality of
 the circumstances related to the employment relationship. </li><li>The rule would have 
narrowed the facts and considerations comprising the analysis of whether
 a worker is an employee or an independent contractor, resulting in 
workers losing FLSA protections. </li>
 </ul>“By withdrawing the Independent Contractor Rule, we will 
help preserve essential worker rights and stop the erosion of worker 
protections that would have occurred had the rule gone into effect,” 
said <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/osec">U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh</a>.
 “Legitimate business owners play an important role in our economy but, 
too often, workers lose important wage and related protections when 
employers misclassify them as independent contractors. We remain 
committed to ensuring that employees are recognized clearly and 
correctly when they are, in fact, employees so that they receive the 
protections the Fair Labor Standards Act provides.” The FLSA includes provisions that require covered 
employers to pay employees at least the federal minimum wage for every 
hour they work and overtime compensation at not less than 
one-and-one-half times their regular rate of pay for every hour they 
work over 40 in a workweek. FLSA protections do not apply to independent
 contractors.In addition to maintaining the scope of workers covered 
by FLSA wage and hour protections, the department anticipates that the 
independent contractor rule’s withdrawal will avoid a reduction in 
workers’ access to employer-provided fringe benefits such as
 health insurance and retirement plans. The withdrawal will also avoid a
 reduction in other benefits such as unemployment insurance and workers 
compensation coverage. For more information about the FLSA or other laws it enforces, visit the <a href="http://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd">Wage and Hour Division</a>, or call toll-free 1-866-4US-WAGE.

U.S. Labor Department ends 'independent contractor' rule

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 470 to a total of 310,115, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Total coronavirus deaths were reported at 4999, an increase of 14.

<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 470 to a total of 310,115, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Total coronavirus deaths were reported at 4999, an increase of 14.<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/2021/5/1620234199944.png" alt="Wednesday May 5, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday May 5, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued an Emergency Order of Suspension to Little Rainbow Day Care Home, 1105 Haven Dr. in Junction City.

 State law allows the Secretary of KDHE to issue such an order when, in the opinion of the Secretary, the order is necessary to protect children in the home from any potential threat to health or safety. The order is subject to appeal.

<a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/NewsRelease/PDFs/5-5-21%20EOS%20junction%20city%20order.docx.pdf">Click here</a> to read the full order

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued an Emergency Order of Suspension to Little Rainbow Day Care Home, 1105 Haven Dr. in Junction City. State law allows the Secretary of KDHE to issue such an order when, in the opinion of the Secretary, the order is necessary to protect children in the home from any potential threat to health or safety. The order is subject to appeal.<a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/NewsRelease/PDFs/5-5-21%20EOS%20junction%20city%20order.docx.pdf">Click here</a> to read the full order

State issues emergency suspension of group day care home

NEW YORK (AP) — Peloton is recalling its treadmills after one child died and 29 other children suffered from cuts, broken bones and other injuries from being pulled under the rear of the treadmill.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday that Peloton received 72 reports of adults, kids, pets or other items, such as exercise balls, being pulled under the treadmill.

The recall comes after the safety commission&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/product-safety-be5516665f9a2c7c4bb9b9441d4aef01">warned&nbsp;</a>last month that people with children or pets to immediately stop using Peloton treadmills and posted a video on YouTube of a child being pulled under the treadmill.

Peloton is best known for its stationary bikes, but it introduced the treadmill about three years ago and now calls it the Tread+. It costs more than $4,200.

Those who own the treadmill can get a full refund from Peloton by Nov. 6, 2022.

NEW YORK (AP) — Peloton is recalling its treadmills after one child died and 29 other children suffered from cuts, broken bones and other injuries from being pulled under the rear of the treadmill.The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday that Peloton received 72 reports of adults, kids, pets or other items, such as exercise balls, being pulled under the treadmill.The recall comes after the safety commission&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/product-safety-be5516665f9a2c7c4bb9b9441d4aef01">warned&nbsp;</a>last month that people with children or pets to immediately stop using Peloton treadmills and posted a video on YouTube of a child being pulled under the treadmill.Peloton is best known for its stationary bikes, but it introduced the treadmill about three years ago and now calls it the Tread+. It costs more than $4,200.Those who own the treadmill can get a full refund from Peloton by Nov. 6, 2022.

Peloton recalls treadmills after a child dies

GRANDVIEW, Mo. (AP) — A suspect arrested in the shooting death of a man whose body was found inside a crashed car in the Kansas City suburb of Grandview early this week has been charged in the crime, authorities said.

Prosecutors charged Davion Fugate, 21, of Grandview, with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death.

Officers were called to the scene around 1:40 p.m. Sunday and found a vehicle that had crashed into a tree. Officers found the body of a 23-year-old man who had been driving inside the vehicle and said he had been shot several times. Police have not released the victim’s name.

Witnesses reported seeing Fugate shooting at the vehicle in his own driveway — about a block away from where the car crashed — and running down the street. One witness told police it looked like the man who fired at the car chased it down to make sure the driver was shot.

Investigators say a home surveillance video obtained by police showed Fugate running after the car firing more than a dozen times.

Fugate is being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620155344500.png" alt="Fugate photo Jackson County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Fugate photo Jackson County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>GRANDVIEW, Mo. (AP) — A suspect arrested in the shooting death of a man whose body was found inside a crashed car in the Kansas City suburb of Grandview early this week has been charged in the crime, authorities said.Prosecutors charged Davion Fugate, 21, of Grandview, with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death.Officers were called to the scene around 1:40 p.m. Sunday and found a vehicle that had crashed into a tree. Officers found the body of a 23-year-old man who had been driving inside the vehicle and said he had been shot several times. Police have not released the victim’s name.Witnesses reported seeing Fugate shooting at the vehicle in his own driveway — about a block away from where the car crashed — and running down the street. One witness told police it looked like the man who fired at the car chased it down to make sure the driver was shot.Investigators say a home surveillance video obtained by police showed Fugate running after the car firing more than a dozen times.Fugate is being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond.

Charges filed: Man found dead in KC-area crash had been shot

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers advanced a plan Tuesday to provide hundreds of millions of dollars to Kansas businesses hurt by coronavirus pandemic restrictions, and they’re poised to give GOP leaders the final say over how the federal COVID-19 relief funds are spent.

The Republican-controlled state Senate approved, 26-13,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_sb286_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;that would dedicate nearly $350 million in coronavirus relief funds for the state and another $350 million for cities and counties to compensate small businesses that were forced to shut down last spring because of the pandemic or had their operations restricted after the economy reopened.

GOP legislators have been considering different figures for the total relief, and the Senate began its discussion at $2 billion — but reduced it after Vice President Rick Wilborn, a McPherson Republican, called that number “probably a little rich.”

Senators also passed, 33-6,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2313_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">another measure</a>&nbsp;that would provide rebates of up to $7,500 from cities and counties to businesses for the property taxes they paid while they were shut down or their activities were limited. Those taxes are based on property values, not income, so they were owed whether or not a business was open.

The two business-relief bills go next to the Republican-controlled House. Lawmakers hope to wrap up the year’s business by week’s end.

“Businesses were blindsided and their liberties were taken away through no fault of their own,” said Senate Judiciary Chair Kellie Warren, a Leawood Republican. “The businesses were put in harm’s way by government action.”

The Senate also was expected this week to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of a provision in budget legislation leaving the final decisions on spending $4.8 billion in federal funds to top lawmakers. The GOP-controlled House voted 86-38 along party lines Monday to overturn Kelly’s action.

Kelly acted early in the pandemic to close K-12 school buildings and impose a statewide stay-at-home order for five weeks. But Republicans used their legislative supermajorities to limit her power over the state’s response in exchange for keeping the state of emergency in place.

The governor agreed last year to let the State Finance Council make the final decisions over how federal COVID-19 relief funds are spent. The council has eight legislative leaders, and six are currently Republicans, but the governor is the chair, calls the meetings and can veto what the lawmakers do.

Kelly has said any change from that process would create confusion and slow the distribution of relief money.

But Republicans said Kelly still used her power to block discussions of GOP spending proposals. Their solution,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-coronavirus-health-ab10c923b1c35ec9ccc9b8a0536a2ee6">which Kelly vetoed,</a>&nbsp;was to give the final say to another council made up of only eight top lawmakers, six of them also Republicans.

“The Legislature had the appearance of being involved but were omitted from the discussions,” said House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., an Olathe Republican. “It’s best that we have more say and input in the people’s money and how it’s being spent.”

Discussions about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-c905ff55880cff98b6184dd8d1a5eb8e">setting aside federal COVID-19 relief dollars</a>&nbsp;to compensate businesses started after a Wichita fitness studio and its owner sued the state in December. His attorneys and Attorney General Derek Schmidt agreed to put the case on hold to allow state lawmakers to provide compensation and avoid larger potential payouts from similar lawsuits.

The bill before the Senate would make funds available to businesses with 50 or fewer employees starting in March 2020. Their claims would be decided by a three-member board in the attorney general’s office, which would determine how much would be owed by the state and how much by local governments.

Democrats said the state should let cities and counties decide how to spend their coronavirus relief funds and said businesses receiving the relief dollars should be required to spend part of it on employees’ pay.

And Democratic Sen. Tom Holland, of Baldwin City, derided the plan to have the state set up a “pot of gold doling out committee.” Schmidt, a Republican, is running for governor in 2022.

Meanwhile, Republicans tied their proposal to give businesses property tax rebates to renewing a statewide property tax levy that raises $752 million and is a key source of funding for public schools. The state constitution prevents the levy from being imposed for more than two years at a time, and GOP lawmakers argued that thriving businesses fund schools.

But local officials fear paying the rebates will force them to divert funds from local services. Trey Cocking, deputy director and lobbyist for the League of Kansas Municipalities, said cities generally spend 60% of their budgets on public safety.

“When there’s that kind of property tax rebate, it’s got to come from somewhere,” he said, watching the Senate debate from one of its galleries. “It’s most likely to come from public safety.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620210313470.png" alt="The state Senate approved, 26-13,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_sb286_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;that would dedicate nearly $350 million in coronavirus relief funds for the state and another $350 million for cities and counties to compensate small businesses that were forced to shut down last spring because of the pandemic." />
 <figcaption>The state Senate approved, 26-13,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_sb286_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;that would dedicate nearly $350 million in coronavirus relief funds for the state and another $350 million for cities and counties to compensate small businesses that were forced to shut down last spring because of the pandemic.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers advanced a plan Tuesday to provide hundreds of millions of dollars to Kansas businesses hurt by coronavirus pandemic restrictions, and they’re poised to give GOP leaders the final say over how the federal COVID-19 relief funds are spent.The Republican-controlled state Senate approved, 26-13,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_sb286_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;that would dedicate nearly $350 million in coronavirus relief funds for the state and another $350 million for cities and counties to compensate small businesses that were forced to shut down last spring because of the pandemic or had their operations restricted after the economy reopened.GOP legislators have been considering different figures for the total relief, and the Senate began its discussion at $2 billion — but reduced it after Vice President Rick Wilborn, a McPherson Republican, called that number “probably a little rich.”Senators also passed, 33-6,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2313_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">another measure</a>&nbsp;that would provide rebates of up to $7,500 from cities and counties to businesses for the property taxes they paid while they were shut down or their activities were limited. Those taxes are based on property values, not income, so they were owed whether or not a business was open.The two business-relief bills go next to the Republican-controlled House. Lawmakers hope to wrap up the year’s business by week’s end.“Businesses were blindsided and their liberties were taken away through no fault of their own,” said Senate Judiciary Chair Kellie Warren, a Leawood Republican. “The businesses were put in harm’s way by government action.”The Senate also was expected this week to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of a provision in budget legislation leaving the final decisions on spending $4.8 billion in federal funds to top lawmakers. The GOP-controlled House voted 86-38 along party lines Monday to overturn Kelly’s action.Kelly acted early in the pandemic to close K-12 school buildings and impose a statewide stay-at-home order for five weeks. But Republicans used their legislative supermajorities to limit her power over the state’s response in exchange for keeping the state of emergency in place.The governor agreed last year to let the State Finance Council make the final decisions over how federal COVID-19 relief funds are spent. The council has eight legislative leaders, and six are currently Republicans, but the governor is the chair, calls the meetings and can veto what the lawmakers do.Kelly has said any change from that process would create confusion and slow the distribution of relief money.But Republicans said Kelly still used her power to block discussions of GOP spending proposals. Their solution,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-coronavirus-health-ab10c923b1c35ec9ccc9b8a0536a2ee6">which Kelly vetoed,</a>&nbsp;was to give the final say to another council made up of only eight top lawmakers, six of them also Republicans.“The Legislature had the appearance of being involved but were omitted from the discussions,” said House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., an Olathe Republican. “It’s best that we have more say and input in the people’s money and how it’s being spent.”Discussions about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-c905ff55880cff98b6184dd8d1a5eb8e">setting aside federal COVID-19 relief dollars</a>&nbsp;to compensate businesses started after a Wichita fitness studio and its owner sued the state in December. His attorneys and Attorney General Derek Schmidt agreed to put the case on hold to allow state lawmakers to provide compensation and avoid larger potential payouts from similar lawsuits.The bill before the Senate would make funds available to businesses with 50 or fewer employees starting in March 2020. Their claims would be decided by a three-member board in the attorney general’s office, which would determine how much would be owed by the state and how much by local governments.Democrats said the state should let cities and counties decide how to spend their coronavirus relief funds and said businesses receiving the relief dollars should be required to spend part of it on employees’ pay.And Democratic Sen. Tom Holland, of Baldwin City, derided the plan to have the state set up a “pot of gold doling out committee.” Schmidt, a Republican, is running for governor in 2022.Meanwhile, Republicans tied their proposal to give businesses property tax rebates to renewing a statewide property tax levy that raises $752 million and is a key source of funding for public schools. The state constitution prevents the levy from being imposed for more than two years at a time, and GOP lawmakers argued that thriving businesses fund schools.But local officials fear paying the rebates will force them to divert funds from local services. Trey Cocking, deputy director and lobbyist for the League of Kansas Municipalities, said cities generally spend 60% of their budgets on public safety.“When there’s that kind of property tax rebate, it’s got to come from somewhere,” he said, watching the Senate debate from one of its galleries. “It’s most likely to come from public safety.”___

GOP lawmakers in Kansas push COVID-19 relief for businesses 

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) —&nbsp;Former President Donald Trump won’t return to Facebook — at least not yet. Four months after Facebook suspended Trump’s accounts for inciting violence that led to the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol riot, the company’s quasi-independent oversight board upheld the bans. But it told Facebook to specify how long they would last, saying that its “indefinite” ban on the former president was unreasonable. The ruling, which gives Facebook six months to comply, effectively postpones any possible Trump reinstatement and puts the onus for that decision squarely back on the company.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Former President Donald Trump won’t return to Facebook. The social network’s quasi-independent Oversight Board has voted to permanently ban his account after it was suspended four months ago for inciting violence that led to the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol riot. 

But the board said Facebook must reassess the penalty because it imposed it “indefinitely.” 

Trump has also been permanently banned from Twitter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565281780877.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SAN FRANCISCO (AP) —&nbsp;Former President Donald Trump won’t return to Facebook — at least not yet. Four months after Facebook suspended Trump’s accounts for inciting violence that led to the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol riot, the company’s quasi-independent oversight board upheld the bans. But it told Facebook to specify how long they would last, saying that its “indefinite” ban on the former president was unreasonable. The ruling, which gives Facebook six months to comply, effectively postpones any possible Trump reinstatement and puts the onus for that decision squarely back on the company.------SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Former President Donald Trump won’t return to Facebook. The social network’s quasi-independent Oversight Board has voted to permanently ban his account after it was suspended four months ago for inciting violence that led to the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol riot. But the board said Facebook must reassess the penalty because it imposed it “indefinitely.” Trump has also been permanently banned from Twitter.

Facebook board: Trump permanently banned, for now

FINNEY COUNTY —14 month-old Sebastian located in abandoned Tahoe in Finney County, according to the KBI. The Child is unharmed. No suspect located at this time.&nbsp;

FINNEY COUNTY —The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has issued an amber alert for a missing toddler in southwest Kansas.

At 5:00 a.m. Wednesday, the mother of 14 month-old Sebastian Bautista placed him in her 2011 white Chevrolet Tahoe (Kansas License plate 336FWK) at 4101 East US-50, Garden City, to take him to the babysitter. 

She went back into her residence briefly, and then saw the vehicle leaving her driveway with an unknown suspect driving. The vehicle departed the area southbound. 

The KBI believes that the child is in imminent danger and is requesting the assistance of the public. Call 911 immediately if you have seen a missing child, suspect, or suspect's vehicle. If you have other information, call 911 or the Garden City Police Department at 620-276-1300.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620217372421.png" alt="&nbsp;Sebastian Bautista was wearing a grey shirt and grey shorts, and has notably long black hair." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Sebastian Bautista was wearing a grey shirt and grey shorts, and has notably long black hair.</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —14 month-old Sebastian located in abandoned Tahoe in Finney County, according to the KBI. The Child is unharmed. No suspect located at this time.&nbsp;---------FINNEY COUNTY —The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has issued an amber alert for a missing toddler in southwest Kansas.At 5:00 a.m. Wednesday, the mother of 14 month-old Sebastian Bautista placed him in her 2011 white Chevrolet Tahoe (Kansas License plate 336FWK) at 4101 East US-50, Garden City, to take him to the babysitter. She went back into her residence briefly, and then saw the vehicle leaving her driveway with an unknown suspect driving. The vehicle departed the area southbound. The KBI believes that the child is in imminent danger and is requesting the assistance of the public. Call 911 immediately if you have seen a missing child, suspect, or suspect's vehicle. If you have other information, call 911 or the Garden City Police Department at 620-276-1300.

Amber Alert update: Missing toddler found safe 

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The defense attorney for the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of killing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-floyd-profile-66163bbd94239afa16d706bd6479c613">George Floyd</a>&nbsp;has requested a new trial, saying the court abused its discretion, and he wants a hearing to have the verdict impeached because of what he says is jury misconduct, according to a court document filed Tuesday.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/american-protests-us-news-ap-top-news-police-mn-state-wire-8b486c2622de5504f1e65a606b0eac7f">Derek Chauvin</a>, who is white,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-convicted-george-floyd-killing-d93d1f9fc61a5261e179240dc16924dc">was convicted last month</a>&nbsp;of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the May 25 death of Floyd. Evidence at trial showed Chauvin pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck for 9 1/2 minutes as the Black man said he couldn’t breathe and went motionless.

Defense attorney Eric Nelson said he is requesting a new trial in the interests of justice. He said there were abuses of discretion that deprived Chauvin of a fair trial, prosecutorial and jury misconduct and that the verdict was contrary to law.

A request for a new trial is routine following a guilty verdict and often mirrors issues that will be raised on appeal, said Mike Brandt, a Minneapolis defense attorney who has been closely following the case. If this request is denied, it can add another layer of decisions for Nelson to appeal. Brandt and others have said Chauvin’s convictions are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/can-derek-chauvin-get-convinction-tossed-f6c8a442127cf264caa9cecddb1c1d23">unlikely to be overturned.</a>

Nelson cited many reasons in his request for a new trial. He said Judge Peter Cahill abused the discretion of the court and violated Chauvin’s right to due process and a fair trial when he denied Nelson’s request to move the trial to another county due to pretrial publicity.

He also said Cahill abused his discretion when he denied an earlier request for a new trial based on publicity during the proceedings, which Nelson said threatened the fairness of the trial. Nelson said that publicity included “intimidation” of the defense expert witness, which he said could have a “far-reaching chilling effect” on the ability of defendants to get expert witnesses in high-profile cases, including the upcoming cases of the three other former officers charged in Floyd’s death.

“The publicity here was so pervasive and so prejudicial before and during this trial that it amounted to a structural defect in the proceedings,” Nelson wrote.

Nelson also took issue with Cahill’s refusal to sequester the jury for the trial or warn them to avoid all media, and with his refusal to allow a man who was with Floyd at the time of his arrest to testify.

Nelson said Cahill also abused his discretion when he submitted jury instructions that Nelson said failed to accurately reflect the law on the murder charges and use of force, permitted the state to present cumulative evidence on use of force, and ordered the state to lead witnesses on direct examination, among other things.

Nelson also asked the judge for a hearing to impeach the verdict on the grounds that the jury committed misconduct, felt race-based pressure, felt intimidated or threatened, and/or failed to adhere to jury instructions, though the filing did not include details about that assertion. To impeach a verdict is to question its validity.

The brief did not mention recent reports that one of the jurors participated in an Aug. 28 march in Washington, D.C., to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.

That juror, Brandon Mitchell,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chauvin-jurors-george-floyd-c35cff601d97deb328c0fcafe121367b">has defended his actions,&nbsp;</a>saying the event was to commemorate the 1963 March on Washington and was not a protest over Floyd’s death. Floyd’s brother and sister, Philonise and Bridgett Floyd, and relatives of others who had been shot by police addressed the crowd at the march last summer.

Nelson did not immediately return a message seeking details about his allegation of juror misconduct.

Brandt said Nelson will likely file more detailed written arguments on these issues. The purpose of holding a hearing to impeach the verdict would be to develop a factual record and present evidence that could determine whether the verdict was compromised. If a hearing is granted, it’s likely Mitchell would be called in to answer questions, Brandt said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618842022960.png" alt="Defense attorney Eric Nelson and Derek Chauvin during closing arguments in the trial-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Defense attorney Eric Nelson and Derek Chauvin during closing arguments in the trial-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The defense attorney for the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of killing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-floyd-profile-66163bbd94239afa16d706bd6479c613">George Floyd</a>&nbsp;has requested a new trial, saying the court abused its discretion, and he wants a hearing to have the verdict impeached because of what he says is jury misconduct, according to a court document filed Tuesday.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/american-protests-us-news-ap-top-news-police-mn-state-wire-8b486c2622de5504f1e65a606b0eac7f">Derek Chauvin</a>, who is white,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-convicted-george-floyd-killing-d93d1f9fc61a5261e179240dc16924dc">was convicted last month</a>&nbsp;of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the May 25 death of Floyd. Evidence at trial showed Chauvin pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck for 9 1/2 minutes as the Black man said he couldn’t breathe and went motionless.Defense attorney Eric Nelson said he is requesting a new trial in the interests of justice. He said there were abuses of discretion that deprived Chauvin of a fair trial, prosecutorial and jury misconduct and that the verdict was contrary to law.A request for a new trial is routine following a guilty verdict and often mirrors issues that will be raised on appeal, said Mike Brandt, a Minneapolis defense attorney who has been closely following the case. If this request is denied, it can add another layer of decisions for Nelson to appeal. Brandt and others have said Chauvin’s convictions are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/can-derek-chauvin-get-convinction-tossed-f6c8a442127cf264caa9cecddb1c1d23">unlikely to be overturned.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619012623324.png" alt="Chauvin booking photo following the April guilty verdict -photo Minnesota Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Chauvin booking photo following the April guilty verdict -photo Minnesota Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>Nelson cited many reasons in his request for a new trial. He said Judge Peter Cahill abused the discretion of the court and violated Chauvin’s right to due process and a fair trial when he denied Nelson’s request to move the trial to another county due to pretrial publicity.He also said Cahill abused his discretion when he denied an earlier request for a new trial based on publicity during the proceedings, which Nelson said threatened the fairness of the trial. Nelson said that publicity included “intimidation” of the defense expert witness, which he said could have a “far-reaching chilling effect” on the ability of defendants to get expert witnesses in high-profile cases, including the upcoming cases of the three other former officers charged in Floyd’s death.“The publicity here was so pervasive and so prejudicial before and during this trial that it amounted to a structural defect in the proceedings,” Nelson wrote.Nelson also took issue with Cahill’s refusal to sequester the jury for the trial or warn them to avoid all media, and with his refusal to allow a man who was with Floyd at the time of his arrest to testify.Nelson said Cahill also abused his discretion when he submitted jury instructions that Nelson said failed to accurately reflect the law on the murder charges and use of force, permitted the state to present cumulative evidence on use of force, and ordered the state to lead witnesses on direct examination, among other things.Nelson also asked the judge for a hearing to impeach the verdict on the grounds that the jury committed misconduct, felt race-based pressure, felt intimidated or threatened, and/or failed to adhere to jury instructions, though the filing did not include details about that assertion. To impeach a verdict is to question its validity.The brief did not mention recent reports that one of the jurors participated in an Aug. 28 march in Washington, D.C., to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.That juror, Brandon Mitchell,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chauvin-jurors-george-floyd-c35cff601d97deb328c0fcafe121367b">has defended his actions,&nbsp;</a>saying the event was to commemorate the 1963 March on Washington and was not a protest over Floyd’s death. Floyd’s brother and sister, Philonise and Bridgett Floyd, and relatives of others who had been shot by police addressed the crowd at the march last summer.Nelson did not immediately return a message seeking details about his allegation of juror misconduct.Brandt said Nelson will likely file more detailed written arguments on these issues. The purpose of holding a hearing to impeach the verdict would be to develop a factual record and present evidence that could determine whether the verdict was compromised. If a hearing is granted, it’s likely Mitchell would be called in to answer questions, Brandt said.___

George Floyd killing: Lawyer seeks hearing to impeach verdict

By Scott Carlson-North Platte Post

CENTRAL CITY, Neb.-Authorities in Merrick County say no one was injured in a plane crash yesterday because there were no souls aboard the plane.

Merrick County deputies responded to the report of a crash in the area of 13th and M Roads near Central City at around 7:33 p.m.

Authorities said an investigation revealed the aircraft had been undergoing maintenance when it suddenly began to travel down the runway.

The craft gained an estimated elevation of 200 feet and traveled approximately 1.5 miles before crashing into a cornfield.

No one was on board the plane at the time.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board were both contacted and the scene was cleared.

By Scott Carlson-North Platte PostCENTRAL CITY, Neb.-Authorities in Merrick County say no one was injured in a plane crash yesterday because there were no souls aboard the plane.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620211286730.png" alt="Photo: Merrick County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Photo: Merrick County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Merrick County deputies responded to the report of a crash in the area of 13th and M Roads near Central City at around 7:33 p.m.Authorities said an investigation revealed the aircraft had been undergoing maintenance when it suddenly began to travel down the runway.The craft gained an estimated elevation of 200 feet and traveled approximately 1.5 miles before crashing into a cornfield.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620211320475.png" alt="Photo: Merrick County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Photo: Merrick County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>No one was on board the plane at the time.The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board were both contacted and the scene was cleared.

Empty plane crashes during maintenance near Central City

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Monday night shooting have identified the victim as 18-year-old Fernando Recio of Wichita.

Shortly before midnight on Monday, police were dispatched to the 2100 block of South Meridian in Wichita for a shooting that was reported at a car wash in that area, according to Officer Trevor Macey.

 Upon arrival, police located Recio with a single gunshot wound. They began emergency lifesaving measures and EMS tranported Recio to an area hospital in critical condition. He was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Investigators are working to determine the circumstances of the shooting and are asking the public for help with information in the case.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police say a teen has died after being shot at a south Wichita car wash. The shooting happened just before midnight Monday, when police were called to the area for a report of a shooting. Officers who arrived on the scene found the teen with a gunshot wound to his neck.

Police say the teen was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. His name was not immediately released. Homicide detectives are investigating and say they don't believe the shooting was random. No arrests had been reported or suspects named by Tuesday morning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620125603847.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation early Tuesday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation early Tuesday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Monday night shooting have identified the victim as 18-year-old Fernando Recio of Wichita.Shortly before midnight on Monday, police were dispatched to the 2100 block of South Meridian in Wichita for a shooting that was reported at a car wash in that area, according to Officer Trevor Macey. Upon arrival, police located Recio with a single gunshot wound. They began emergency lifesaving measures and EMS tranported Recio to an area hospital in critical condition. He was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.Investigators are working to determine the circumstances of the shooting and are asking the public for help with information in the case.-----------WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police say a teen has died after being shot at a south Wichita car wash. The shooting happened just before midnight Monday, when police were called to the area for a report of a shooting. Officers who arrived on the scene found the teen with a gunshot wound to his neck.Police say the teen was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. His name was not immediately released. Homicide detectives are investigating and say they don't believe the shooting was random. No arrests had been reported or suspects named by Tuesday morning.

Homicide: Police ID Kansas teen killed near car wash

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday set a new vaccination goal to deliver at least one shot to 70% of adult Americans by July Fourth as he tackles the vexing problem of winning over the “doubters” and those unmotivated to get inoculated.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?511468-1/president-biden-remarks-covid-19-response-vaccine-program">Click here to watch </a>the President's announcement

Demand for vaccines has dropped off markedly nationwide, with some states leaving more than half their available doses unordered. Aiming to make it easier to get shots, Biden called for states to make vaccines available on a walk-in basis and he will direct many pharmacies to do likewise.

His administration for the first time also is moving to shift doses from states with weaker demand to areas with stronger interest in the shots.

“You do need to get vaccinated,” Biden said from the White House. “Even if your chance of getting seriously ill is low, why take the risk? It could save your life or the lives of somebody you love.”

Biden’s goal equates to delivering at least the first shot to 181 million adults and fully vaccinating 160 million. It’s a tacit acknowledgment of the declining interest in shots.

Already more than 56% of American adults have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and nearly 105 million are fully vaccinated. The U.S. is currently administering first doses at a rate of about 965,000 per day — half the rate of three weeks ago, but almost twice as fast as needed to meet Biden’s target.

“I’d like to get it 100%, but I think realistically we can get to that place between now and July Fourth,” Biden said of his new goal.

He said the administration would focus on three areas as it tries to ramp up the pace of vaccinations:

—Adults who need more convincing to take the vaccine.

—Those who have struggled or are in no hurry to obtain a shot.

—Adolescents aged 12-15, once federal authorities approve vaccination for that age group.

Acknowledging that “the pace of vaccination is slowing,” Biden predicted the inoculation effort is “going to be harder” when it comes to convincing “doubters” of the need to get their shots.

He said the most effective argument to those people would be to protect those they love. “This is your choice: It’s life and death.”

Biden’s push comes as his administration has shifted away from setting a target for the U.S. to reach “herd immunity,” instead focusing on delivering as many shots into arms as possible. Officials said Biden’s vaccination target would result in a significant reduction in COVID-19 cases heading into the summer.

To that end, the Biden administration is shifting the government’s focus toward expanding smaller and mobile vaccination clinics to deliver doses to harder-to-reach communities. It is also spending hundreds of millions of dollars to try to boost interest in vaccines through education campaigns and greater access to shots through community organizations that can help bring people to clinics.

Biden touted creative efforts to make it “easier and more fun” to get vaccinated, such as grocery stores offering discounts to shoppers who come to get shots and sports leagues that hold promotions to gets shots for their fans.

Ahead of the Food and Drug Administration’s expected authorization of the Pfizer vaccine for kids aged 12-15, the White House is developing plans to speed vaccinations for that age group. Biden urged states to administer at least one dose to adolescents by July Fourth and work to deliver doses to pediatricians’ offices and other trusted locations, with the aim of getting many of them fully vaccinated by the start of the next school year.

While younger people are at dramatically lower risk of serious complications from COVID-19, they have made up a larger share of new virus cases as a majority of U.S. adults have been at least partially vaccinated and as higher-risk activities like indoor dining and contact sports have resumed in most of the country.

Officials hope that extending vaccinations to teens — who could get the first dose in one location and the second elsewhere, if necessary — will further accelerate the nation’s reduced virus caseload and allow schools to reopen with minimal disruptions this fall.

The urgency to expand the pool of those getting the shots is rooted in hopes of stamping out the development of new variants that could emerge from unchecked outbreaks and helping the country further reopen by the symbolic moment of Independence Day, exactly two months away. Though White House officials privately acknowledge the steep challenge, Biden sounded an optimistic note.

“The light at the end of the tunnel is actually growing brighter and brighter,” Biden said.

Biden’s speech comes as the White House announced a shift away from a strict allocation of vaccines by state population. The administration says that when states decline to take all the vaccine they have been allocated, that surplus will shift to states still awaiting doses to meet demand.

Governors were informed of the change by the White House on Tuesday morning.

This week, Iowa&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-health-coronavirus-bed1e61831c0485d967ca3687bc84377">turned down</a>&nbsp;nearly three quarters of the vaccine doses available to the state for next week from the federal government because demand for the shots remains weak. Louisiana, meanwhile, hasn’t drawn down its full vaccine allocation from the federal government for the last few weeks.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows Louisiana’s coronavirus vaccination rate is well behind most states. About 27% of state residents are fully vaccinated while 32% have received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to the state health department.

The White House previously resisted efforts to distribute vaccine by metrics other than population. Biden rebuffed Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last month when she requested more doses as her state was experiencing a surge in virus cases. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said at the time nearly all states were ordering at or near their population allocations, which is no longer the case.

Individual states have made similar shifts internally to account for changing demand. Last week, Washington state changed the way it allocates coronavirus vaccine to its counties. Previously the state doled out supplies to counties proportionate to their populations. But now amounts will be based on requests from health care providers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620167937175.png" alt="“You do need to get vaccinated,” Biden said from the White House. “Even if your chance of getting seriously ill is low, why take the risk? It could save your life or the lives of somebody you love.”-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>“You do need to get vaccinated,” Biden said from the White House. “Even if your chance of getting seriously ill is low, why take the risk? It could save your life or the lives of somebody you love.”-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday set a new vaccination goal to deliver at least one shot to 70% of adult Americans by July Fourth as he tackles the vexing problem of winning over the “doubters” and those unmotivated to get inoculated.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?511468-1/president-biden-remarks-covid-19-response-vaccine-program">Click here to watch </a>the President's announcementDemand for vaccines has dropped off markedly nationwide, with some states leaving more than half their available doses unordered. Aiming to make it easier to get shots, Biden called for states to make vaccines available on a walk-in basis and he will direct many pharmacies to do likewise.His administration for the first time also is moving to shift doses from states with weaker demand to areas with stronger interest in the shots.“You do need to get vaccinated,” Biden said from the White House. “Even if your chance of getting seriously ill is low, why take the risk? It could save your life or the lives of somebody you love.”Biden’s goal equates to delivering at least the first shot to 181 million adults and fully vaccinating 160 million. It’s a tacit acknowledgment of the declining interest in shots.Already more than 56% of American adults have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and nearly 105 million are fully vaccinated. The U.S. is currently administering first doses at a rate of about 965,000 per day — half the rate of three weeks ago, but almost twice as fast as needed to meet Biden’s target.“I’d like to get it 100%, but I think realistically we can get to that place between now and July Fourth,” Biden said of his new goal.He said the administration would focus on three areas as it tries to ramp up the pace of vaccinations:—Adults who need more convincing to take the vaccine.—Those who have struggled or are in no hurry to obtain a shot.—Adolescents aged 12-15, once federal authorities approve vaccination for that age group.Acknowledging that “the pace of vaccination is slowing,” Biden predicted the inoculation effort is “going to be harder” when it comes to convincing “doubters” of the need to get their shots.He said the most effective argument to those people would be to protect those they love. “This is your choice: It’s life and death.”Biden’s push comes as his administration has shifted away from setting a target for the U.S. to reach “herd immunity,” instead focusing on delivering as many shots into arms as possible. Officials said Biden’s vaccination target would result in a significant reduction in COVID-19 cases heading into the summer.To that end, the Biden administration is shifting the government’s focus toward expanding smaller and mobile vaccination clinics to deliver doses to harder-to-reach communities. It is also spending hundreds of millions of dollars to try to boost interest in vaccines through education campaigns and greater access to shots through community organizations that can help bring people to clinics.Biden touted creative efforts to make it “easier and more fun” to get vaccinated, such as grocery stores offering discounts to shoppers who come to get shots and sports leagues that hold promotions to gets shots for their fans.Ahead of the Food and Drug Administration’s expected authorization of the Pfizer vaccine for kids aged 12-15, the White House is developing plans to speed vaccinations for that age group. Biden urged states to administer at least one dose to adolescents by July Fourth and work to deliver doses to pediatricians’ offices and other trusted locations, with the aim of getting many of them fully vaccinated by the start of the next school year.While younger people are at dramatically lower risk of serious complications from COVID-19, they have made up a larger share of new virus cases as a majority of U.S. adults have been at least partially vaccinated and as higher-risk activities like indoor dining and contact sports have resumed in most of the country.Officials hope that extending vaccinations to teens — who could get the first dose in one location and the second elsewhere, if necessary — will further accelerate the nation’s reduced virus caseload and allow schools to reopen with minimal disruptions this fall.The urgency to expand the pool of those getting the shots is rooted in hopes of stamping out the development of new variants that could emerge from unchecked outbreaks and helping the country further reopen by the symbolic moment of Independence Day, exactly two months away. Though White House officials privately acknowledge the steep challenge, Biden sounded an optimistic note.“The light at the end of the tunnel is actually growing brighter and brighter,” Biden said.Biden’s speech comes as the White House announced a shift away from a strict allocation of vaccines by state population. The administration says that when states decline to take all the vaccine they have been allocated, that surplus will shift to states still awaiting doses to meet demand.Governors were informed of the change by the White House on Tuesday morning.This week, Iowa&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-health-coronavirus-bed1e61831c0485d967ca3687bc84377">turned down</a>&nbsp;nearly three quarters of the vaccine doses available to the state for next week from the federal government because demand for the shots remains weak. Louisiana, meanwhile, hasn’t drawn down its full vaccine allocation from the federal government for the last few weeks.Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows Louisiana’s coronavirus vaccination rate is well behind most states. About 27% of state residents are fully vaccinated while 32% have received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to the state health department.The White House previously resisted efforts to distribute vaccine by metrics other than population. Biden rebuffed Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last month when she requested more doses as her state was experiencing a surge in virus cases. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said at the time nearly all states were ordering at or near their population allocations, which is no longer the case.Individual states have made similar shifts internally to account for changing demand. Last week, Washington state changed the way it allocates coronavirus vaccine to its counties. Previously the state doled out supplies to counties proportionate to their populations. But now amounts will be based on requests from health care providers.___

🎥 President Biden sets new vaccination goal for America

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged altercation that sent a teen to the hospital with serious injuries and have made an arrest.

On Monday, police were notified of an incident that had occurred on Sunday evening in the 1100 block North 7th Street in Atchison,according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 A group of young men were playing basketball when two of the men playing had an argument and one struck the other twice in the face with his fists causing injuries including a fractured bone and a broken tooth. 

The 18 year old victim was treated and released from a Kansas City hospital on Sunday night. 

Later Monday, police arrested 18-year-old Elijah Z. Haley of Atchison, on a requested charge of aggravated battery. He remains in the county jail, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620136769994.png" alt="Haley-photo Atchison County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Haley-photo Atchison County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged altercation that sent a teen to the hospital with serious injuries and have made an arrest.On Monday, police were notified of an incident that had occurred on Sunday evening in the 1100 block North 7th Street in Atchison,according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. A group of young men were playing basketball when two of the men playing had an argument and one struck the other twice in the face with his fists causing injuries including a fractured bone and a broken tooth. The 18 year old victim was treated and released from a Kansas City hospital on Sunday night. Later Monday, police arrested 18-year-old Elijah Z. Haley of Atchison, on a requested charge of aggravated battery. He remains in the county jail, according to online jail records.

Kan. teen arrested for alleged basketball court fight

There have been important changes to the Child Tax Credit that will 
help many families receive advance payments starting this summer. The 
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 expands the Child Tax Credit 
(CTC) for tax year 2021 only.

For tax year 2021, families claiming the CTC for tax year 2021 will 
receive up to $3,000 per qualifying child between the ages of 6 and 17 
at the end of 2021. They will receive $3,600 per qualifying child under 
age 6 at the end of 2021. Under the prior law, the amount of the CTC was
 up to $2,000 per qualifying child under the age of 17 at the end of the
 year.

The increased amounts are reduced (phased out), for incomes over 
$150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return and qualifying 
widows or widowers, $112,500 for heads of household, and $75,000 for all
 other taxpayers.

Advance payments of the 2021 Child Tax Credit will be made regularly 
from July through December to eligible taxpayers who have a main home in
 the United States for more than half the year. The total of the advance
 payments will be up to 50 percent of the Child Tax Credit. Advance 
payments will be estimated from information included in eligible 
taxpayers' 2020 tax returns (or their 2019 returns if the 2020 returns 
are not filed and processed yet).

The IRS urges people with children to file their 2020 tax returns as 
soon as possible to make sure they're eligible for the appropriate 
amount of the CTC as well as any other tax credits they're eligible for,
 including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Filing electronically 
with direct deposit also can speed refunds and future advance CTC 
payments.

Eligible taxpayers do not need to take any action now other than to file their 2020 tax return if they have not done so.

Eligible taxpayers who do not want to receive advance payment of the 
2021 Child Tax Credit will have the opportunity to decline receiving 
advance payments. Taxpayers will also have the opportunity to update 
information about changes in their income, filing status or the number 
of qualifying children. More details on how to take these steps will be 
announced 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 CTC. The IRS will 
be providing additional materials and information that can be easily 
shared by social media, email and other methods.

The IRS will provide more information about advance payments soon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSThere have been important changes to the Child Tax Credit that will 
help many families receive advance payments starting this summer. The 
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 expands the Child Tax Credit 
(CTC) for tax year 2021 only.The expanded credit means:<ul>
 <li>The credit amounts will increase for many taxpayers.</li><li>The credit for qualifying children is fully refundable, which means
 that taxpayers can benefit from the credit even if they don't have 
earned income or don't owe any income taxes.</li><li>The credit will include children who turn age 17 in 2021.</li><li>Taxpayers may receive part of their credit in 2021 before filing their 2021 tax return.</li>
 </ul>For tax year 2021, families claiming the CTC for tax year 2021 will 
receive up to $3,000 per qualifying child between the ages of 6 and 17 
at the end of 2021. They will receive $3,600 per qualifying child under 
age 6 at the end of 2021. Under the prior law, the amount of the CTC was
 up to $2,000 per qualifying child under the age of 17 at the end of the
 year.The increased amounts are reduced (phased out), for incomes over 
$150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return and qualifying 
widows or widowers, $112,500 for heads of household, and $75,000 for all
 other taxpayers.Advance payments of the 2021 Child Tax Credit will be made regularly 
from July through December to eligible taxpayers who have a main home in
 the United States for more than half the year. The total of the advance
 payments will be up to 50 percent of the Child Tax Credit. Advance 
payments will be estimated from information included in eligible 
taxpayers' 2020 tax returns (or their 2019 returns if the 2020 returns 
are not filed and processed yet).The IRS urges people with children to file their 2020 tax returns as 
soon as possible to make sure they're eligible for the appropriate 
amount of the CTC as well as any other tax credits they're eligible for,
 including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Filing electronically 
with direct deposit also can speed refunds and future advance CTC 
payments.Eligible taxpayers do not need to take any action now other than to file their 2020 tax return if they have not done so.Eligible taxpayers who do not want to receive advance payment of the 
2021 Child Tax Credit will have the opportunity to decline receiving 
advance payments. Taxpayers will also have the opportunity to update 
information about changes in their income, filing status or the number 
of qualifying children. More details on how to take these steps will be 
announced 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 CTC. The IRS will 
be providing additional materials and information that can be easily 
shared by social media, email and other methods.The IRS will provide more information about advance payments soon.

IRS: Advance Child Tax Credit payments may be available this summer

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after police found them in the midst of a fight.

Just before 7:30 p.m. May 1, police responded to the intersection of Eighth Street and Forrest Glenn Drive in Arkansas City for a report of a possible motor vehicle accident, according to a media release from police.

At the scene, officers learned the incident was actually a verbal disturbance, not a traffic accident. Police made contact with the driver, later identified as 43-year-old Cassandra Dawn Shaw and her passenger 32-year-old Ansuan Shamarr Hollingsworth both of Arkansas City.

Neither individual was able to produce keys to the vehicle, which was creating a traffic hazard. During an inventory of the vehicle, police found numerous items of drugs and paraphernalia.&nbsp;

Officers arrested Shaw on requested charges of disorderly conduct-domestic violence and driving with a suspended driver’s license. Officers arrested Hollingsworth on requested charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He also booked on one misdemeanor count each of criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct-domestic violence, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620136432430.png" alt="Hollingsworth -photo Cowley County" />
 <figcaption>Hollingsworth -photo Cowley County</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after police found them in the midst of a fight.Just before 7:30 p.m. May 1, police responded to the intersection of Eighth Street and Forrest Glenn Drive in Arkansas City for a report of a possible motor vehicle accident, according to a media release from police.At the scene, officers learned the incident was actually a verbal disturbance, not a traffic accident. Police made contact with the driver, later identified as 43-year-old Cassandra Dawn Shaw and her passenger 32-year-old Ansuan Shamarr Hollingsworth both of Arkansas City.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620136381984.png" alt="Shaw photo Cowley County" />
 <figcaption>Shaw photo Cowley County</figcaption>
 </figure>Neither individual was able to produce keys to the vehicle, which was creating a traffic hazard. During an inventory of the vehicle, police found numerous items of drugs and paraphernalia.&nbsp;Officers arrested Shaw on requested charges of disorderly conduct-domestic violence and driving with a suspended driver’s license. Officers arrested Hollingsworth on requested charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He also booked on one misdemeanor count each of criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct-domestic violence, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

Police find cocaine, meth responding to Kan. street fight

TOPEKA – A former Shawnee County employee has pleaded guilty to theft of county funds and been ordered to repay $13,216 in restitution, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Jessica Jean Marie Schwerdt, 38, pleaded guilty April 30 to one count of misdemeanor theft in Shawnee County District Court. Judge Jason Geier accepted the plea and sentenced Schwerdt to 12 months of probation and restitution to the county, which was paid at the time the plea was entered.

The case was investigated by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office. Schwerdt was formerly employed in the county’s human resources department and admitted to taking cash that was intended for retiree insurance payments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620071147900.png" alt="Schwerdt photo Shawnee Co. Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Schwerdt photo Shawnee Co. Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – A former Shawnee County employee has pleaded guilty to theft of county funds and been ordered to repay $13,216 in restitution, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.Jessica Jean Marie Schwerdt, 38, pleaded guilty April 30 to one count of misdemeanor theft in Shawnee County District Court. Judge Jason Geier accepted the plea and sentenced Schwerdt to 12 months of probation and restitution to the county, which was paid at the time the plea was entered.The case was investigated by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office. Schwerdt was formerly employed in the county’s human resources department and admitted to taking cash that was intended for retiree insurance payments.

Former employee sentenced in Kan. for theft of county funds

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man has been found guilty of conspiring to hire someone to kill an assistant Geary County attorney and a confidential informant.

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Tuesday that 31-year-old Samuel Ibarra-Chu of Grandview Plaza was convicted on 21 counts, including conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, after a trial that ended late last month.

The plot was developed between July 11, 2018, and Aug. 21, 2018, but “was discovered before the murders were carried out,” Schmidt said in a news release.

Ibarra-Chu is scheduled for sentencing on June 25.

Court cases are pending for two others charged in the conspiracy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620160461135.png" alt="Ibarra-Chu is in custody in Geary County" />
 <figcaption>Ibarra-Chu is in custody in Geary County</figcaption>
 </figure>JUNCTION CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man has been found guilty of conspiring to hire someone to kill an assistant Geary County attorney and a confidential informant.Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Tuesday that 31-year-old Samuel Ibarra-Chu of Grandview Plaza was convicted on 21 counts, including conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, after a trial that ended late last month.The plot was developed between July 11, 2018, and Aug. 21, 2018, but “was discovered before the murders were carried out,” Schmidt said in a news release.Ibarra-Chu is scheduled for sentencing on June 25.Court cases are pending for two others charged in the conspiracy.

Kan. man convicted in plot to kill assistant county attorney

BY NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/04/kansas-house-panel-passes-more-restrictive-medical-marijuana-plan/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A medical 
marijuana proposal is headed back to the House floor for debate after a 
panel of legislators on Tuesday kicked out an amended and slightly more 
restrictive version of the measure.

The legislation creates 
the framework for legalized cannabis for people with qualifying 
conditions, including chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder. 
To make the bill more palatable to the full chamber, members of the 
House Federal and State Affairs Committee made multiple amendments.

The most significant and 
wide-ranging change came from Rep. Blake Carpenter, R-Derby, after 
discussion with Rep. Randy Garber, R-Sabetha, who previously championed 
an amendment loosening restrictions on the patient-physician 
relationship, qualifying conditions and THC limits.

The Carpenter amendment 
would protect the gun rights of those with a medical marijuana license, 
remove protections against housing and employment discrimination and 
require a six-month relationship between a patient and physician — with 
some exceptions.

“If you are a veteran and 
you get your care from the VA and you’ve never seen a physician 
regarding your condition, you can go to a physician, and your six-month 
wait is waived,” Carpenter said. “So if that individual has PTSD or what
 have you, they could get help immediately.”

The committee adopted Carpenter’s amendment in addition to a few other changes before advancing the bill by a 12 to 8 vote.

This is the second time in
 just over a month the panel has approved a plan to legalize marijuana 
for medicinal use. After the panel passed the act in late March, the 
measure was referred back to the committee for further consideration.

Kansas is one of three 
states yet to have legalized marijuana in some form, and three bordering
 states allow at least medical marijuana. Development of a medical 
marijuana program in Kansas has moved at a slow pace for years, but amid
 a growing black market, there appears to be bipartisan interest in the 
development of such a bill.

Other changes to the bill 
proposed by Carpenter include grandfathering in dispensaries established
 before a county opts out of allowing these businesses in the area, 
clarifications on advertising and adding back a previously removed 
provision regarding negligence when leaving cannabis products around 
minors.

It also considers the 
possibility that marijuana may be rescheduled at the federal level by 
enacting a provision that would change any references to 
“recommendation” to “prescription” should that occur.

An amendment proposed by 
the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Alcoholic Beverage Control office 
would add several definitions rather than have regulators determine them
 at a later date. It also moves the deadline to adopt regulations back 
by a year to July 1, 2023.

The committee chose to 
reject an amendment brought by Rep. Steven Howe, R-Salina, that would 
have required dispensaries to be operated by a licensed pharmacy and 
that the pharmacist be licensed through the board of pharmacy. He also 
proposed requiring the board to establish requirements for the pharmacy 
to register as a dispensary and report transactions to the prescription 
monitoring database.

BY NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/04/kansas-house-panel-passes-more-restrictive-medical-marijuana-plan/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A medical 
marijuana proposal is headed back to the House floor for debate after a 
panel of legislators on Tuesday kicked out an amended and slightly more 
restrictive version of the measure.The legislation creates 
the framework for legalized cannabis for people with qualifying 
conditions, including chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder. 
To make the bill more palatable to the full chamber, members of the 
House Federal and State Affairs Committee made multiple amendments.The most significant and 
wide-ranging change came from Rep. Blake Carpenter, R-Derby, after 
discussion with Rep. Randy Garber, R-Sabetha, who previously championed 
an amendment loosening restrictions on the patient-physician 
relationship, qualifying conditions and THC limits.The Carpenter amendment 
would protect the gun rights of those with a medical marijuana license, 
remove protections against housing and employment discrimination and 
require a six-month relationship between a patient and physician — with 
some exceptions.“If you are a veteran and 
you get your care from the VA and you’ve never seen a physician 
regarding your condition, you can go to a physician, and your six-month 
wait is waived,” Carpenter said. “So if that individual has PTSD or what
 have you, they could get help immediately.”The committee adopted Carpenter’s amendment in addition to a few other changes before advancing the bill by a 12 to 8 vote.This is the second time in
 just over a month the panel has approved a plan to legalize marijuana 
for medicinal use. After the panel passed the act in late March, the 
measure was referred back to the committee for further consideration.Kansas is one of three 
states yet to have legalized marijuana in some form, and three bordering
 states allow at least medical marijuana. Development of a medical 
marijuana program in Kansas has moved at a slow pace for years, but amid
 a growing black market, there appears to be bipartisan interest in the 
development of such a bill.Other changes to the bill 
proposed by Carpenter include grandfathering in dispensaries established
 before a county opts out of allowing these businesses in the area, 
clarifications on advertising and adding back a previously removed 
provision regarding negligence when leaving cannabis products around 
minors.It also considers the 
possibility that marijuana may be rescheduled at the federal level by 
enacting a provision that would change any references to 
“recommendation” to “prescription” should that occur.An amendment proposed by 
the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Alcoholic Beverage Control office 
would add several definitions rather than have regulators determine them
 at a later date. It also moves the deadline to adopt regulations back 
by a year to July 1, 2023.The committee chose to 
reject an amendment brought by Rep. Steven Howe, R-Salina, that would 
have required dispensaries to be operated by a licensed pharmacy and 
that the pharmacist be licensed through the board of pharmacy. He also 
proposed requiring the board to establish requirements for the pharmacy 
to register as a dispensary and report transactions to the prescription 
monitoring database.“Given the fact we are 
legislating a medicine for medical purposes, I do think it would be wise
 to treat it as such,” Howe said. “It would be the easiest transition to
 approve medical marijuana … to ensure the safety and integrity of the 
medical field.”In voting to reject the 
amendment, Rep. John Eplee, a Republican physician from Atchison, said 
this could open the door to litigation issues for pharmacies as it is 
still against federal policy. The board of pharmacy is monitored by the 
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.With a little under a week
 likely remaining in the legislative session, the fate of the bill 
remains uncertain. Rep. John Barker, an Abilene Republican and chairman 
of the House Federal and State Affairs Committee, said if the plan 
passes the House and were to get consideration by the Senate, it likely 
would return in different form.“If we should at some 
point in time run this on the floor, there will be a number of 
amendments. Some will get attached, some will not,” Barker said. “When 
it comes back from the Senate, many of us will not be able to even 
recognize the original bill.”