GRANT COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Ulysses Police Department are investigating after a Ulysses teen was shot in a park.

Just after 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, a resident who lived near the Russ Binney Park called 911 after hearing shots fired in the park, according to a media release from the KBI.

Officers responded to the park at the northeast corner of the intersection of W. Santa Fe Ave. and S. College Street., where they found a 14-year-old boy suffering from a gunshot wound to his face

Preliminary information indicates that six teenagers, four males and two females, were spending time in the park when a 14-year-old male was struck by a round from a handgun that one of the teens possessed.

EMS responded to the scene and transported the teen to the Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital. He was later flown to Ascension Via Christi hospital in Wichita. The teen is currently in critical condition, according to the KBI.

GRANT COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Ulysses Police Department are investigating after a Ulysses teen was shot in a park.Just after 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, a resident who lived near the Russ Binney Park called 911 after hearing shots fired in the park, according to a media release from the KBI.Officers responded to the park at the northeast corner of the intersection of W. Santa Fe Ave. and S. College Street., where they found a 14-year-old boy suffering from a gunshot wound to his facePreliminary information indicates that six teenagers, four males and two females, were spending time in the park when a 14-year-old male was struck by a round from a handgun that one of the teens possessed.EMS responded to the scene and transported the teen to the Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital. He was later flown to Ascension Via Christi hospital in Wichita. The teen is currently in critical condition, according to the KBI.

SW Kan. teen airlifted to hospital after shot in the face

By DAREN DUNN <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A quiet noon hour at the 14th and Main Dillons was disrupted by PETA protesters Thursday.

Three
 protesters arrived in a white rental van just before noon. Marley 
Delgado, Luis Correal and a member who wished to remain anonymous 
unloaded two wheelbarrows filled with coconuts.

Correal and the 
anonymous supporter were dressed in monkey outfits to protest Chaokoh, a
 brand that PETA says uses monkeys to inhumanely pick coconuts in 
Thailand.

PETA supporter Marley Delgado said the trio was there "urging the company to stop profiting off forced monkey labor." Delgado says a PETA Asia investigation found the coconut industry is using monkey labor to pick the coconuts and traced it back to Chaokoh. The group is asking Kroger to remove the brand from all of its stores.

The Dillons location was blindsided. The manager on duty was simply 
covering for a store that currently does not have a manager. The manager
 on duty called the local media contact, Sheila Regehr, and she began 
her journey to the store.

"Dillons supports cruel monkey labor," the trio chanted. "There's no excuse for animal abuse," they added.

Shoppers were surprised to see the disruption. One shopper who wishes
 to remain anonymous called it a waste of time. "I don't want to lose my
 fuel points!" the shopper said when asked for a name. He questioned why
 the demonstration was not at the courthouse or a distribution center.

Supporters chose the Main Street location because it faced a busy street and had a public sidewalk that entered the store.

PETA
 plans to visit more Kroger-owned stores until it joins the likes of 
28,000 other stores that have stopped profiting off cruel, forced monkey
 labor.

"The coconuts that are in Chaokoh are picked by monkeys who are stolen from their families just as babies. They're kept caged and chained their whole lives. They can sometimes have their canine teeth removed so they're unable to defend themselves. And they are forced to pick coconuts all during the harvest season," Delgado said.

None of the protesters are from Hutchinson. In fact, none of them are
 from Kansas. Delgado is from Denver, Colorado, while Correal is from 
Atlanta, Georgia. The unnamed member hails from Portland, Oregon. The 
trio arrived in Hutchinson Wednesday and purchased the ethically-sourced
 coconuts that were picked humanely, then scattered in front of the 
Dillons entrance.

Delgado confirmed the group would pick up the coconuts after the demonstration. She said the coconuts would then be donated.

About
 30 minutes into the planned one-hour demonstration, Sheila Regehr of 
Dillons showed up on the scene. She kindly asked the protesters to move 
the demonstration to a public place.

Regehr declined to comment on the situation until a proper statement could be released to the media.

Around 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Regehr released the following statement:

“Kroger
 has a longstanding commitment to responsible business practices, 
including the humane treatment of animals. We have re-engaged our 
suppliers, as well as other stakeholders, on this issue to re-confirm 
they are also protecting animal welfare.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619718610651.jpeg" alt="PETA supporters showed up at the 14th and Main Dillons location Thursday to protest monkey abuse. Supporters chanted against monkey abuse carried out in Thailand by a coconut milk brand." />
 <figcaption>PETA supporters showed up at the 14th and Main Dillons location Thursday to protest monkey abuse. Supporters chanted against monkey abuse carried out in Thailand by a coconut milk brand.</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAREN DUNN <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A quiet noon hour at the 14th and Main Dillons was disrupted by PETA protesters Thursday.Three
 protesters arrived in a white rental van just before noon. Marley 
Delgado, Luis Correal and a member who wished to remain anonymous 
unloaded two wheelbarrows filled with coconuts.Correal and the 
anonymous supporter were dressed in monkey outfits to protest Chaokoh, a
 brand that PETA says uses monkeys to inhumanely pick coconuts in 
Thailand.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619719018508.jpeg" alt="The coconut milk from Chaokoh is sold at Dillons on 14th and Main. This is the only product PETA organizers were protesting against." />
 <figcaption>The coconut milk from Chaokoh is sold at Dillons on 14th and Main. This is the only product PETA organizers were protesting against.</figcaption>
 </figure>PETA supporter Marley Delgado said the trio was there "urging the company to stop profiting off forced monkey labor." Delgado says a PETA Asia investigation found the coconut industry is using monkey labor to pick the coconuts and traced it back to Chaokoh. The group is asking Kroger to remove the brand from all of its stores.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619719964870.jpeg" alt="PETA members arrive at Dillons Thursday. The members arrived just before the noon hour in a white rental van." />
 <figcaption>PETA members arrive at Dillons Thursday. The members arrived just before the noon hour in a white rental van.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Dillons location was blindsided. The manager on duty was simply 
covering for a store that currently does not have a manager. The manager
 on duty called the local media contact, Sheila Regehr, and she began 
her journey to the store."Dillons supports cruel monkey labor," the trio chanted. "There's no excuse for animal abuse," they added.Shoppers were surprised to see the disruption. One shopper who wishes
 to remain anonymous called it a waste of time. "I don't want to lose my
 fuel points!" the shopper said when asked for a name. He questioned why
 the demonstration was not at the courthouse or a distribution center.Supporters chose the Main Street location because it faced a busy street and had a public sidewalk that entered the store.PETA
 plans to visit more Kroger-owned stores until it joins the likes of 
28,000 other stores that have stopped profiting off cruel, forced monkey
 labor.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619720908511.jpeg" alt="PETA protesters chant different phrases against monkey labor Thursday in front of Dillons on Main Street. Organizers said monkeys used by Chaokoh are caged and chained their whole lives." />
 <figcaption>PETA protesters chant different phrases against monkey labor Thursday in front of Dillons on Main Street. Organizers said monkeys used by Chaokoh are caged and chained their whole lives.</figcaption>
 </figure>"The coconuts that are in Chaokoh are picked by monkeys who are stolen from their families just as babies. They're kept caged and chained their whole lives. They can sometimes have their canine teeth removed so they're unable to defend themselves. And they are forced to pick coconuts all during the harvest season," Delgado said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619719935320.jpeg" alt="Luis Correal holds a sign condemning the use of monkey labor. Protesters chanted, "Dillons supports cruel monkey labor," and "There's no excuse for animal abuse," while in front of the store." />
 <figcaption>Luis Correal holds a sign condemning the use of monkey labor. Protesters chanted, "Dillons supports cruel monkey labor," and "There's no excuse for animal abuse," while in front of the store.</figcaption>
 </figure>None of the protesters are from Hutchinson. In fact, none of them are
 from Kansas. Delgado is from Denver, Colorado, while Correal is from 
Atlanta, Georgia. The unnamed member hails from Portland, Oregon. The 
trio arrived in Hutchinson Wednesday and purchased the ethically-sourced
 coconuts that were picked humanely, then scattered in front of the 
Dillons entrance.Delgado confirmed the group would pick up the coconuts after the demonstration. She said the coconuts would then be donated.About
 30 minutes into the planned one-hour demonstration, Sheila Regehr of 
Dillons showed up on the scene. She kindly asked the protesters to move 
the demonstration to a public place.Regehr declined to comment on the situation until a proper statement could be released to the media.Around 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Regehr released the following statement:“Kroger
 has a longstanding commitment to responsible business practices, 
including the humane treatment of animals. We have re-engaged our 
suppliers, as well as other stakeholders, on this issue to re-confirm 
they are also protecting animal welfare.”

PETA supporters dressed as monkeys protest at Kan. Dillons

By STEPHEN KORANDA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-04-29/kris-kobach-is-back-running-for-office-setting-his-sights-on-kansas-attorney-general">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA, Kansas — Former Kansas Secretary of State Kris
 Kobach kicked off a race for state attorney general Thursday, aiming 
his hardline immigration and voting policy politics at the state’s top 
legal and law enforcement office.

Kobach called the office a last 
line of defense against policies pushed by President Joe Biden and 
Democratic leaders in Congress. Kobach raised concerns about limiting 
gun rights, the federal government setting election laws and immigration
 policy.

“If the Biden administration tries to take away our 
Second Amendment rights here in Kansas, they’ll have to get through me 
first,” Kobach said at an event in Wichita announcing his run. “If the 
Biden administration tries to relocate illegal aliens to Kansas in 
violation of the standards of federal law, they’ll have to get through 
me first.”

Kobach raised the profile of the secretary of state’s 
office by bringing it to the forefront of voter security fights. That 
office typically handles administrative and election duties and flies 
under the radar.

With duties in law enforcement and representing 
the state in court, as attorney general Kobach would hold an even more 
powerful platform for pushing those issues.

Should he win the 
Republican primary and the general election — he’s got deep support 
among conservatives, and just as strong opposition from moderates and 
Democrats — he’d enter the job with a national profile rare for a state 
attorney general even rarer for a Kansas politician.

Kobach said he’d work to defend any abortion restrictions approved by state lawmakers.

“When
 the Legislature passes a law to protect the unborn or to protect our 
way of life in a manner the Left does not like, the ACLU and its allies 
inevitably sue,” Kobach said in a news release. “The attorney general 
must have the expertise and the willingness to defend our laws in 
court.”

The Kansas Supreme Court <a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/04/26/717449336/kansas-supreme-court-rules-state-constitution-protects-right-to-abortionhttps://www.npr.org/2019/04/26/717449336/kansas-supreme-court-rules-state-constitution-protects-right-to-abortion" target="_blank">ruled in 2019</a>
 that the Kansas Constitution protects the right to an abortion. Voters 
will decide in the August 2022 primary, when Kobach seeks his party’s 
nomination for attorney general, whether to reverse that ruling. The<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-01-28/kansas-constitutional-amendment-saying-theres-no-right-to-abortion-is-headed-to-voters" target="_blank"> ballot measure</a> is likely to draw more anti-abortion voters to the polls.

Critics
 of the amendment say it could open the door to lawmakers approving much
 stricter abortion laws or even an outright ban. Supporters say it’s 
needed to protect regulations Kansas has already imposed on abortion.

Kobach had filed documents <a href="http://ethics.ks.gov/CFAScanned/StWide/2022ElecCycle/Treasurers/SW02KK_AT.pdf" target="_blank">late Wednesday night</a> to appoint a treasurer for his campaign. That’s the initial step for raising money for his campaign.

His latest move comes after high-profile losses for the aggressively conservative Republican —<a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2018-11-07/kelly-beats-kobach-promises-shell-ditch-partisan-ways-as-governor" target="_blank"> losing the governor’s race</a> to Democrat Laura Kelly in 2018 and falling short of the Republican nomination for the<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-08-04/kansas-u-s-senate-race-is-set-as-marshall-beats-kobach-for-gop-nod-other-races-unsettled" target="_blank"> U.S. Senate</a> in 2020.

The attorney general’s office is slated to open up because Republican incumbent Derek Schmidt announced he’s<a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2021-03-09/kansas-attorney-general-derek-schmidt-makes-his-2022-run-for-governor-offical" target="_blank"> running for governor</a>. Former Gov. Jeff Colyer is also in that race.

Kobach
 has been a lightning rod, with a dedicated base of supporters who 
helped him narrowly defeat fellow Republican then-Gov. Colyer in the 
2018 primary election. But his positions also energize opposition from 
Democrats and some Republicans.

After losing the governor’s race, some Republican groups<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-20/democrats-want-to-face-kobach-in-senate-race-but-a-gop-group-is-spending-millions-to-stop-him" target="_blank"> turned on him</a>
 during his 2020 run for the U.S. Senate. They argued nominating him 
would risk losing the office to a Democrat. Kobach ultimately lost the 
GOP primary to then-U.S.Rep.Roger Marshall.

Serving as attorney 
general would bring Kobach back into a statewide office — a potentially 
bigger stage than what he had as secretary of state. Even in that job, a
 largely record-keeping job that politicians often use as a stepping 
stone, he built a national reputation as an immigration hardliner and 
for pressing often-refuted claims about the prevalence of voter fraud.

Kobach
 pushed through the passage of a strict Kansas voting law that required 
proof of citizenship. Kobach argued it kept elections secure, but 
critics said it prevented thousands of eligible Kansans from registering
 to vote.

The law was eventually knocked down in court, and he faced<a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2019-10-28/kobach-sanctioned-for-misconduct-in-voting-rights-case-but-not-found-dishonest" target="_blank"> judicial sanctions</a> for how he performed in the case. His arguments before the Kansas Supreme Court brought him chastisements from the judge.

Kobach has also been a close ally of former President Donald Trump, winning<a href="https://www.kcur.org/2018-08-06/trump-endorses-kobach-for-kansas-governor-over-republican-incumbent" target="_blank"> Trump’s 11th-hour endorsement</a> in the GOP primary for governor. Kobach also led<a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2017-05-11/kansas-secretary-of-state-kobach-to-help-lead-presidential-commission-on-voter-fraud" target="_blank"> a voter fraud commission</a> created by Trump that <a href="https://www.npr.org/2018/01/03/575524512/trump-dissolves-controversial-election-commission" target="_blank">Trump dissolved</a>
 after pushback from states and a lack of evidence of widespread 
cheating. Kobach defended Trump’s unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud 
in the 2016 and 2020 elections. He also advised the president on 
immigration issues.

In the years following his 2018 loss to Kelly,
 Kobach served as director and general counsel for We Build The Wall — a
 501(c)4 nonprofit that was crowdsourcing millions of dollars to build a
 private border wall on the country’s southern border. All the group’s 
leaders,<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article245106375.html" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article245106375.html" target="_blank">except Kobach</a>, were later charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

In October 2020, Kobach made headlines again <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/state/2020/10/07/kobachrsquos-latest-venture-sanitizing-systems-to-fight-covid-19/43099187/" target="_blank">for peddling</a>
 a refrigerator-sized device touted as a COVID-killing machine and a 
large room sanitizer to Kansas legislators, promising an investment 
could bring hundreds of jobs to Wichita. The <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/14/kobach-teamed-up-with-wichita-businessman-to-sell-covid-killing-device-an-investigation-found-no-merit-to-their-claims/" target="_blank">efficacy of the products</a> made by Wichita-based MoJack Distributors has not been confirmed by the Environmental Protection Agency or health experts.

It’s
 still very early in the race, so there’s time for candidates to change 
their minds and run for different offices or drop their races 
altogether.

Stephen Koranda is the Statehouse reporter and news editor for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Stephen_Koranda" target="_blank">@Stephen_Koranda</a> or email him at stephenkoranda@kcur.org.&nbsp;Abigail Censky of the Kansas News Service and Nadya Faulx of KMUW contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619722041889.png" alt="Kris Kobach is running for another office, Kansas attorney general. Kansas News Service photo" />
 <figcaption>Kris Kobach is running for another office, Kansas attorney general. Kansas News Service photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEPHEN KORANDA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-04-29/kris-kobach-is-back-running-for-office-setting-his-sights-on-kansas-attorney-general">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA, Kansas — Former Kansas Secretary of State Kris
 Kobach kicked off a race for state attorney general Thursday, aiming 
his hardline immigration and voting policy politics at the state’s top 
legal and law enforcement office.Kobach called the office a last 
line of defense against policies pushed by President Joe Biden and 
Democratic leaders in Congress. Kobach raised concerns about limiting 
gun rights, the federal government setting election laws and immigration
 policy.“If the Biden administration tries to take away our 
Second Amendment rights here in Kansas, they’ll have to get through me 
first,” Kobach said at an event in Wichita announcing his run. “If the 
Biden administration tries to relocate illegal aliens to Kansas in 
violation of the standards of federal law, they’ll have to get through 
me first.”Kobach raised the profile of the secretary of state’s 
office by bringing it to the forefront of voter security fights. That 
office typically handles administrative and election duties and flies 
under the radar.With duties in law enforcement and representing 
the state in court, as attorney general Kobach would hold an even more 
powerful platform for pushing those issues.Should he win the 
Republican primary and the general election — he’s got deep support 
among conservatives, and just as strong opposition from moderates and 
Democrats — he’d enter the job with a national profile rare for a state 
attorney general even rarer for a Kansas politician.Kobach said he’d work to defend any abortion restrictions approved by state lawmakers.“When
 the Legislature passes a law to protect the unborn or to protect our 
way of life in a manner the Left does not like, the ACLU and its allies 
inevitably sue,” Kobach said in a news release. “The attorney general 
must have the expertise and the willingness to defend our laws in 
court.”The Kansas Supreme Court <a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/04/26/717449336/kansas-supreme-court-rules-state-constitution-protects-right-to-abortionhttps://www.npr.org/2019/04/26/717449336/kansas-supreme-court-rules-state-constitution-protects-right-to-abortion" target="_blank">ruled in 2019</a>
 that the Kansas Constitution protects the right to an abortion. Voters 
will decide in the August 2022 primary, when Kobach seeks his party’s 
nomination for attorney general, whether to reverse that ruling. The<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-01-28/kansas-constitutional-amendment-saying-theres-no-right-to-abortion-is-headed-to-voters" target="_blank"> ballot measure</a> is likely to draw more anti-abortion voters to the polls.Critics
 of the amendment say it could open the door to lawmakers approving much
 stricter abortion laws or even an outright ban. Supporters say it’s 
needed to protect regulations Kansas has already imposed on abortion.Kobach had filed documents <a href="http://ethics.ks.gov/CFAScanned/StWide/2022ElecCycle/Treasurers/SW02KK_AT.pdf" target="_blank">late Wednesday night</a> to appoint a treasurer for his campaign. That’s the initial step for raising money for his campaign.His latest move comes after high-profile losses for the aggressively conservative Republican —<a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2018-11-07/kelly-beats-kobach-promises-shell-ditch-partisan-ways-as-governor" target="_blank"> losing the governor’s race</a> to Democrat Laura Kelly in 2018 and falling short of the Republican nomination for the<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-08-04/kansas-u-s-senate-race-is-set-as-marshall-beats-kobach-for-gop-nod-other-races-unsettled" target="_blank"> U.S. Senate</a> in 2020.The attorney general’s office is slated to open up because Republican incumbent Derek Schmidt announced he’s<a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2021-03-09/kansas-attorney-general-derek-schmidt-makes-his-2022-run-for-governor-offical" target="_blank"> running for governor</a>. Former Gov. Jeff Colyer is also in that race.Kobach
 has been a lightning rod, with a dedicated base of supporters who 
helped him narrowly defeat fellow Republican then-Gov. Colyer in the 
2018 primary election. But his positions also energize opposition from 
Democrats and some Republicans.After losing the governor’s race, some Republican groups<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-20/democrats-want-to-face-kobach-in-senate-race-but-a-gop-group-is-spending-millions-to-stop-him" target="_blank"> turned on him</a>
 during his 2020 run for the U.S. Senate. They argued nominating him 
would risk losing the office to a Democrat. Kobach ultimately lost the 
GOP primary to then-U.S.Rep.Roger Marshall.Serving as attorney 
general would bring Kobach back into a statewide office — a potentially 
bigger stage than what he had as secretary of state. Even in that job, a
 largely record-keeping job that politicians often use as a stepping 
stone, he built a national reputation as an immigration hardliner and 
for pressing often-refuted claims about the prevalence of voter fraud.Kobach
 pushed through the passage of a strict Kansas voting law that required 
proof of citizenship. Kobach argued it kept elections secure, but 
critics said it prevented thousands of eligible Kansans from registering
 to vote.The law was eventually knocked down in court, and he faced<a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2019-10-28/kobach-sanctioned-for-misconduct-in-voting-rights-case-but-not-found-dishonest" target="_blank"> judicial sanctions</a> for how he performed in the case. His arguments before the Kansas Supreme Court brought him chastisements from the judge.Kobach has also been a close ally of former President Donald Trump, winning<a href="https://www.kcur.org/2018-08-06/trump-endorses-kobach-for-kansas-governor-over-republican-incumbent" target="_blank"> Trump’s 11th-hour endorsement</a> in the GOP primary for governor. Kobach also led<a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2017-05-11/kansas-secretary-of-state-kobach-to-help-lead-presidential-commission-on-voter-fraud" target="_blank"> a voter fraud commission</a> created by Trump that <a href="https://www.npr.org/2018/01/03/575524512/trump-dissolves-controversial-election-commission" target="_blank">Trump dissolved</a>
 after pushback from states and a lack of evidence of widespread 
cheating. Kobach defended Trump’s unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud 
in the 2016 and 2020 elections. He also advised the president on 
immigration issues.In the years following his 2018 loss to Kelly,
 Kobach served as director and general counsel for We Build The Wall — a
 501(c)4 nonprofit that was crowdsourcing millions of dollars to build a
 private border wall on the country’s southern border. All the group’s 
leaders,<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article245106375.html" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article245106375.html" target="_blank">except Kobach</a>, were later charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.In October 2020, Kobach made headlines again <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/state/2020/10/07/kobachrsquos-latest-venture-sanitizing-systems-to-fight-covid-19/43099187/" target="_blank">for peddling</a>
 a refrigerator-sized device touted as a COVID-killing machine and a 
large room sanitizer to Kansas legislators, promising an investment 
could bring hundreds of jobs to Wichita. The <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/14/kobach-teamed-up-with-wichita-businessman-to-sell-covid-killing-device-an-investigation-found-no-merit-to-their-claims/" target="_blank">efficacy of the products</a> made by Wichita-based MoJack Distributors has not been confirmed by the Environmental Protection Agency or health experts.It’s
 still very early in the race, so there’s time for candidates to change 
their minds and run for different offices or drop their races 
altogether.Stephen Koranda is the Statehouse reporter and news editor for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Stephen_Koranda" target="_blank">@Stephen_Koranda</a> or email him at stephenkoranda@kcur.org.&nbsp;Abigail Censky of the Kansas News Service and Nadya Faulx of KMUW contributed to this report.

UPDATE: Kobach announces run for Kansas attorney general 

TOPEKA — Beginning May 12, Kansans can apply for the Federal Communication Commission’s $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit. The Benefit provides a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on Tribal lands.&nbsp;The discounts will be available until all funding is exhausted or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the pandemic.&nbsp; Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute $10-$50 toward the purchase price. One monthly service discount and one device discount per eligible household is allowed.

To qualify for the benefit, one member of the household must meet&nbsp;one&nbsp;of the following criteria:&nbsp;

• Qualify for the Lifeline Program • Receive free or reduced price school lunch or breakfast benefits • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current year • Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 2020 and a total 2020 income below $99,000 for single filers or $198,000 for joint filers • Meet the criteria for a participating providers exiting low-income or COVID-19 program.

In preparation for the program launch, 747 broadband providers nationwide have signed on to participate.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-providers#Kansas">Sixty of those companies will offer service in Kansas</a>. Eligible households can enroll through an approved provider or by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://getemergencybroadband.org/" target="_blank">https://getemergencybroadband.org</a>.

More information about the Emergency Broadband Benefit is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/consumer-faq-emergency-broadband-benefit">https://www.fcc.gov/consumer-faq-emergency-broadband-benefit</a>

TOPEKA — Beginning May 12, Kansans can apply for the Federal Communication Commission’s $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit. The Benefit provides a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on Tribal lands.&nbsp;The discounts will be available until all funding is exhausted or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the pandemic.&nbsp; Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute $10-$50 toward the purchase price. One monthly service discount and one device discount per eligible household is allowed.To qualify for the benefit, one member of the household must meet&nbsp;one&nbsp;of the following criteria:&nbsp;• Qualify for the Lifeline Program • Receive free or reduced price school lunch or breakfast benefits • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current year • Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 2020 and a total 2020 income below $99,000 for single filers or $198,000 for joint filers • Meet the criteria for a participating providers exiting low-income or COVID-19 program.In preparation for the program launch, 747 broadband providers nationwide have signed on to participate.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-providers#Kansas">Sixty of those companies will offer service in Kansas</a>. Eligible households can enroll through an approved provider or by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://getemergencybroadband.org/" target="_blank">https://getemergencybroadband.org</a>.More information about the Emergency Broadband Benefit is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/consumer-faq-emergency-broadband-benefit">https://www.fcc.gov/consumer-faq-emergency-broadband-benefit</a>

Eligible households can receive broadband funding next month

By MATTHEW PERRONE AP Health Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators are pledging again to try to ban menthol cigarettes. 

This time the Food and Drug Administration is under pressure from African American groups to remove the mint flavor, which is popular among Black smokers. The move announced Thursday comes in response to new legal pressure from African American health groups. 

Research has shown the numbing effect of menthol makes it harder for smokers to quit. Menthol is the only cigarette flavor that wasn't banned more than a decade ago. 

Government efforts to prohibit the flavor since then have faced pushback from the tobacco industry and some members of Congress.

By MATTHEW PERRONE AP Health WriterWASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators are pledging again to try to ban menthol cigarettes. This time the Food and Drug Administration is under pressure from African American groups to remove the mint flavor, which is popular among Black smokers. The move announced Thursday comes in response to new legal pressure from African American health groups. Research has shown the numbing effect of menthol makes it harder for smokers to quit. Menthol is the only cigarette flavor that wasn't banned more than a decade ago. Government efforts to prohibit the flavor since then have faced pushback from the tobacco industry and some members of Congress.

US vows again to ban menthol flavor in cigarettes, cigars

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds workers in the gig 
economy and those who claimed unemployment compensation in 2020 of their
 options and where to find information on meeting their tax obligations.

The gig economy refers to income earned providing on-demand work 
performing services or selling goods, including driving a car for booked
 rides or deliveries, renting out property, selling goods online or 
freelance work. Often, customers and service providers or sellers are 
brought together through a digital platform on an app or website. Visit 
the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/sharing-economy-tax-center">Gig Economy Tax Center on IRS.gov</a> to learn more about withholding and estimated tax requirements for these types of earned income and paid services.

Taxpayers should collect and keep records and receipts during the year. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/recordkeeping">Recordkeeping</a> can help track income, deduct expenses and complete tax returns.

A record number of Americans applied for unemployment compensation in
 2020 due to the pandemic. Anyone who received unemployment benefits 
will need to report it on their tax returns.

However, the American Rescue Plan, enacted on March 11, 2021, 
excludes from income up to $10,200 ($20,400 if married filing jointly) 
of unemployment compensation received in 2020 for taxpayers with 
modified adjusted gross income under qualifying thresholds. Any amount 
over $10,200 is still taxable for each person. To determine if payments 
received for being unemployed are taxable, see the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/are-payments-i-receive-for-being-unemployed-taxable">Interactive Tax Assistant</a> on IRS.gov.

For those who have already filed their 2020 tax return and paid taxes
 on the full amount of unemployment compensation before the law was 
passed, they should not file an amended return. The IRS will 
automatically refund money to people who already filed their tax return 
reporting unemployment compensation.

The IRS will recompute any credits and deductions claimed on the 
original return. However, if the reduction of income now qualifies a 
taxpayer for a new credit not claimed on the original return, like the 
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), those taxpayers will need to file an 
amended tax return, Form 1040x, to claim the new credit. Taxpayers can 
see if they <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/use-the-eitc-assistant">qualify for the EITC</a> at IRS.gov.

Unemployment benefit recipients should have received a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1099-g">Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments, </a>from
 the agency paying the benefits. The form will show the amount of 
unemployment compensation they received in 2020 in Box 1, and any 
federal income tax withheld in Box 4.

Some states do not mail Form 1099-Gs. Taxpayers may need to get the electronic version from their state's website.

Taxpayers who received an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-offers-guidance-to-taxpayers-on-identity-theft-involving-unemployment-benefits">incorrect Form 1099-G</a>
 for unemployment benefits they did not receive should contact the 
issuing state agency to request a revised Form 1099-G showing they did 
not receive these benefits.

Taxpayers who are unable to obtain a timely, corrected form from 
their state should still file an accurate tax return, reporting only the
 income they received. A corrected Form 1099-G showing zero unemployment
 benefits in cases of identity theft will help taxpayers avoid an 
unexpected federal tax bill for unreported income.

Additionally, if taxpayers are concerned that their personal 
information has been stolen and they want to protect their identity when
 filing their federal tax return, they can request an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin">Identity Protection Pin (IP PIN)</a> from the IRS.

Generally, by law, unemployment compensation must be included as 
income. Taxable benefits include any of the special unemployment 
compensation authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic 
Security (CARES) Act, enacted in 2020.

If a taxpayer didn't report income from gig work or unemployment 
compensation on a return, a corrected return can be filed using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040x">Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return</a>. Form 1040-X can be filed electronically.

Taxpayers <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc202">who owe but can't pay in full</a> always have options to seek help through payment plans and other tools from <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds workers in the gig 
economy and those who claimed unemployment compensation in 2020 of their
 options and where to find information on meeting their tax obligations.<h2>Gig economy</h2>The gig economy refers to income earned providing on-demand work 
performing services or selling goods, including driving a car for booked
 rides or deliveries, renting out property, selling goods online or 
freelance work. Often, customers and service providers or sellers are 
brought together through a digital platform on an app or website. Visit 
the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/sharing-economy-tax-center">Gig Economy Tax Center on IRS.gov</a> to learn more about withholding and estimated tax requirements for these types of earned income and paid services.Taxpayers should collect and keep records and receipts during the year. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/recordkeeping">Recordkeeping</a> can help track income, deduct expenses and complete tax returns.<h2>Unemployment benefits</h2>A record number of Americans applied for unemployment compensation in
 2020 due to the pandemic. Anyone who received unemployment benefits 
will need to report it on their tax returns.However, the American Rescue Plan, enacted on March 11, 2021, 
excludes from income up to $10,200 ($20,400 if married filing jointly) 
of unemployment compensation received in 2020 for taxpayers with 
modified adjusted gross income under qualifying thresholds. Any amount 
over $10,200 is still taxable for each person. To determine if payments 
received for being unemployed are taxable, see the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/are-payments-i-receive-for-being-unemployed-taxable">Interactive Tax Assistant</a> on IRS.gov.For those who have already filed their 2020 tax return and paid taxes
 on the full amount of unemployment compensation before the law was 
passed, they should not file an amended return. The IRS will 
automatically refund money to people who already filed their tax return 
reporting unemployment compensation.The IRS will recompute any credits and deductions claimed on the 
original return. However, if the reduction of income now qualifies a 
taxpayer for a new credit not claimed on the original return, like the 
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), those taxpayers will need to file an 
amended tax return, Form 1040x, to claim the new credit. Taxpayers can 
see if they <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/use-the-eitc-assistant">qualify for the EITC</a> at IRS.gov.Unemployment benefit recipients should have received a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1099-g">Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments, </a>from
 the agency paying the benefits. The form will show the amount of 
unemployment compensation they received in 2020 in Box 1, and any 
federal income tax withheld in Box 4.Some states do not mail Form 1099-Gs. Taxpayers may need to get the electronic version from their state's website.Taxpayers who received an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-offers-guidance-to-taxpayers-on-identity-theft-involving-unemployment-benefits">incorrect Form 1099-G</a>
 for unemployment benefits they did not receive should contact the 
issuing state agency to request a revised Form 1099-G showing they did 
not receive these benefits.Taxpayers who are unable to obtain a timely, corrected form from 
their state should still file an accurate tax return, reporting only the
 income they received. A corrected Form 1099-G showing zero unemployment
 benefits in cases of identity theft will help taxpayers avoid an 
unexpected federal tax bill for unreported income.Additionally, if taxpayers are concerned that their personal 
information has been stolen and they want to protect their identity when
 filing their federal tax return, they can request an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin">Identity Protection Pin (IP PIN)</a> from the IRS.Generally, by law, unemployment compensation must be included as 
income. Taxable benefits include any of the special unemployment 
compensation authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic 
Security (CARES) Act, enacted in 2020.If a taxpayer didn't report income from gig work or unemployment 
compensation on a return, a corrected return can be filed using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040x">Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return</a>. Form 1040-X can be filed electronically.Taxpayers <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc202">who owe but can't pay in full</a> always have options to seek help through payment plans and other tools from <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.Tax information is also available in:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/es">Spanish&nbsp;(Español)</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/zh-hant/">Chinese&nbsp;(中文)</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/ko">Korean&nbsp;(한국어)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/ru">Russian&nbsp;(Pусский)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/vi">Vietnamese&nbsp;(TiếngViệt)</a></li>
 </ul><h2>Resources</h2><ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irsvideos.gov/Individual/PayingTaxes/UnderstandingTheGigEconomy">IRS Webinar – Understanding the Gig Economy</a></li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5369.pdf">Gig Economy and Your Taxes: Things to Know&nbsp;PDF</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/paycheck-checkup">Pay As You Go, So You Won't Owe: A Guide to Withholding &amp; Estimated Taxes</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/identity-theft-guidance-regarding-unemployment-compensation-reporting">ID Theft regarding unemployment</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc418">Tax Treatment of unemployment</a></li>
 </ul>

IRS offers options on gig economy workers, unemployment benefits

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s administration wants to make&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-archive-education-a157a7355bfc5c189fdc1040722fb652">a $1.8 trillion down payment on the future</a>&nbsp;of children, families and higher education, saying it would produce lasting benefits for the economy. Paying for it would be $1.5 trillion of tax hikes over the next decade on the wealthiest households.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?511121-1/president-biden-addresses-joint-session-congress">Click here to watch</a> the President's address

A closer look at where the money is going and where it’s coming from:

— $200 billion to provide free preschool to all 3- and 4-year-olds. The administration estimates that 5 million children would benefit and an average family would save $13,000.

— $109 billion to offer two years of free community college to all Americans. Eligible for the program would also be young immigrants living in the U.S. illegally who were brought to the country as children to remain here.

— Increase the maximum Pell Grant award by $1,400 per eligible student. Pell Grants are financial aid for low-income students, and the increase would help to reduce the dependence on education loans.

— $46 billion for historically Black colleges and universities as well as tribal colleges and universities. This would include $39 billion to provides two years of subsidized tuition for students from families earning less than $125,000 a year.

— $9 billion for scholarships and training for teachers.

— $225 billion to subsidize child care for families and support child care workers. Families earning 1.5 times their state median income would pay a maximum of 7% of their income for all children under age 5.

— $225 billion to create a national family and medical leave program. The program would provide workers up to $4,000 a month, with a minimum of two-thirds of average weekly wages replaced, rising to 80% for the lowest-wage workers.

— $45 billion to improve school meals and offer food benefits to children during the summer.

— Peg the length and amount of unemployment benefits to underlying economic conditions, creating an automated response to a downturn.

— $200 billion to make temporary reductions in health insurance premiums for the Affordable Care Act plans permanent.

— Extend through 2025 an enhanced child tax credit that could be paid out monthly. Eligible families would receive $3,600 annually per child for children under age 6. The payment would be $3,000 per child for children ages 6 to 17.

— Permanently increase tax credits for child care. The credits would cover as much as half of a family’s spending on care for children under age 13, up to a total of $4,000 for one child or $8,000 for two or more children.

— Make the expanded Earned Income Tax Credit permanent for childless workers.

— Allow the IRS to regulate paid tax preparers.

Biden’s plan would cover these proposed expenses by:

— Increasing IRS enforcement funding to audit wealthier taxpayers and mandate that financial institutions report earnings from investments and business activity in ways similar to wages. This could raise $700 billion over 10 years.

— Raising the top tax rate on the wealthiest Americans from 37% to 39.6%. The rate had been 39.6% before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2d9e099660064f2b8a8fc2237b4e7e4e">the 2017 tax cuts</a>.

— Taxpayers earning $1 million or more a year, the top 0.3%, would no longer pay a 20% rate on income from capital gains such as the sale of a stock or other asset. They would pay 39.6% instead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619658477245.png" alt="Vice President Kamala Harris, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., stand and as President Joe Biden addresses a joint session of Congress Wednesday night-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Vice President Kamala Harris, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., stand and as President Joe Biden addresses a joint session of Congress Wednesday night-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s administration wants to make&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-archive-education-a157a7355bfc5c189fdc1040722fb652">a $1.8 trillion down payment on the future</a>&nbsp;of children, families and higher education, saying it would produce lasting benefits for the economy. Paying for it would be $1.5 trillion of tax hikes over the next decade on the wealthiest households.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?511121-1/president-biden-addresses-joint-session-congress">Click here to watch</a> the President's addressA closer look at where the money is going and where it’s coming from:INITIATIVES— $200 billion to provide free preschool to all 3- and 4-year-olds. The administration estimates that 5 million children would benefit and an average family would save $13,000.— $109 billion to offer two years of free community college to all Americans. Eligible for the program would also be young immigrants living in the U.S. illegally who were brought to the country as children to remain here.— Increase the maximum Pell Grant award by $1,400 per eligible student. Pell Grants are financial aid for low-income students, and the increase would help to reduce the dependence on education loans.— $46 billion for historically Black colleges and universities as well as tribal colleges and universities. This would include $39 billion to provides two years of subsidized tuition for students from families earning less than $125,000 a year.— $9 billion for scholarships and training for teachers.— $225 billion to subsidize child care for families and support child care workers. Families earning 1.5 times their state median income would pay a maximum of 7% of their income for all children under age 5.— $225 billion to create a national family and medical leave program. The program would provide workers up to $4,000 a month, with a minimum of two-thirds of average weekly wages replaced, rising to 80% for the lowest-wage workers.— $45 billion to improve school meals and offer food benefits to children during the summer.— Peg the length and amount of unemployment benefits to underlying economic conditions, creating an automated response to a downturn.— $200 billion to make temporary reductions in health insurance premiums for the Affordable Care Act plans permanent.— Extend through 2025 an enhanced child tax credit that could be paid out monthly. Eligible families would receive $3,600 annually per child for children under age 6. The payment would be $3,000 per child for children ages 6 to 17.— Permanently increase tax credits for child care. The credits would cover as much as half of a family’s spending on care for children under age 13, up to a total of $4,000 for one child or $8,000 for two or more children.— Make the expanded Earned Income Tax Credit permanent for childless workers.— Allow the IRS to regulate paid tax preparers.FUNDING SOURCESBiden’s plan would cover these proposed expenses by:— Increasing IRS enforcement funding to audit wealthier taxpayers and mandate that financial institutions report earnings from investments and business activity in ways similar to wages. This could raise $700 billion over 10 years.— Raising the top tax rate on the wealthiest Americans from 37% to 39.6%. The rate had been 39.6% before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2d9e099660064f2b8a8fc2237b4e7e4e">the 2017 tax cuts</a>.— Taxpayers earning $1 million or more a year, the top 0.3%, would no longer pay a 20% rate on income from capital gains such as the sale of a stock or other asset. They would pay 39.6% instead.

How Biden pays for his $1.8T families and education plan

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Doctors are reporting that more parents are refusing to have their sick children tested for the coronavirus because they don’t want to deal with the hassle if the result is positive.

Pediatric Partners in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park recently posted an alert on its Facebook page exhorting parents to stay vigilant because so many weren’t following testing advice.

“We’ve had parents tell us, for instance, ‘No we have a big tournament this weekend, I don’t want to have to deal with COVID,’” said Pediatrician Kristen Stuppy. “And they’re forgetting the fact that it’s still going to be COVID even if you don’t know that it’s COVID. So from a public health perspective it scares me.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and teens who have COVID-19 symptoms should be tested immediately — “especially important if they have in-person in school, sports or jobs, so that anyone who may have been exposed can be alerted,” the organization says. If they have COVID-19, they need to isolate for at least 10 days.

Public health officials have said for weeks that overall interest in COVID-19 testing is down, which is problematic because it makes it difficult to know how much of the virus remains in the community and prevent it from spreading by having people isolate.

But many don’t want to deal with having their work and their children’s schooling and activities disrupted by quarantining, said Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine in the health policy department at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville.

“So they’re saying ‘Well, he’s going to get over it anyway. Let’s just not make the diagnosis, and we don’t have to go through all that hullabaloo,’” Schaffner said. “That’s beyond unfortunate. That’s selfish. And it’s not in the public interest, it’s in your own narrow interest. It’s not in your child’s best interest.”

Dr. Angela Myers at Children’s Mercy said the hospital has seen a recent uptick in other viruses, including common colds and a couple of cases of respiratory viruses in the last week. She, too, is hearing that some parents are refusing COVID-19 testing, which concerns her.

“It is important to get tested if you have symptoms compatible with COVID-19 so that the appropriate actions can take place if positive,” said Myers, division director of infectious diseases.

There is no vaccine yet for children younger than 16, though Children’s Mercy is part of a national trial testing for one for younger kids. But many parents feel more secure now that vulnerable grandparents have been vaccinated and aren’t as worried about their children getting sick, Stuppy said.

“For many kids it seems like it’s a mild disease and I think they’re banking on that,” Stuppy said of parents. “But they’re forgetting that some kids get really sick.”

Statewide, just 38.1% of residents were at least partially vaccinated as of Wednesday, up just 1.1 percentage points from a week ago and 3.1 percentage points from two weeks ago as the rate of immunizations slows. State data also shows that the number of cases rose from Monday to Wednesday by 645 to 308,510 and the number of deaths by eight to 4,978.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Doctors are reporting that more parents are refusing to have their sick children tested for the coronavirus because they don’t want to deal with the hassle if the result is positive.Pediatric Partners in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park recently posted an alert on its Facebook page exhorting parents to stay vigilant because so many weren’t following testing advice.“We’ve had parents tell us, for instance, ‘No we have a big tournament this weekend, I don’t want to have to deal with COVID,’” said Pediatrician Kristen Stuppy. “And they’re forgetting the fact that it’s still going to be COVID even if you don’t know that it’s COVID. So from a public health perspective it scares me.”The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and teens who have COVID-19 symptoms should be tested immediately — “especially important if they have in-person in school, sports or jobs, so that anyone who may have been exposed can be alerted,” the organization says. If they have COVID-19, they need to isolate for at least 10 days.Public health officials have said for weeks that overall interest in COVID-19 testing is down, which is problematic because it makes it difficult to know how much of the virus remains in the community and prevent it from spreading by having people isolate.But many don’t want to deal with having their work and their children’s schooling and activities disrupted by quarantining, said Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine in the health policy department at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville.“So they’re saying ‘Well, he’s going to get over it anyway. Let’s just not make the diagnosis, and we don’t have to go through all that hullabaloo,’” Schaffner said. “That’s beyond unfortunate. That’s selfish. And it’s not in the public interest, it’s in your own narrow interest. It’s not in your child’s best interest.”Dr. Angela Myers at Children’s Mercy said the hospital has seen a recent uptick in other viruses, including common colds and a couple of cases of respiratory viruses in the last week. She, too, is hearing that some parents are refusing COVID-19 testing, which concerns her.“It is important to get tested if you have symptoms compatible with COVID-19 so that the appropriate actions can take place if positive,” said Myers, division director of infectious diseases.There is no vaccine yet for children younger than 16, though Children’s Mercy is part of a national trial testing for one for younger kids. But many parents feel more secure now that vulnerable grandparents have been vaccinated and aren’t as worried about their children getting sick, Stuppy said.“For many kids it seems like it’s a mild disease and I think they’re banking on that,” Stuppy said of parents. “But they’re forgetting that some kids get really sick.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619631211737.png" alt="Wednesday April 28, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday April 28, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Statewide, just 38.1% of residents were at least partially vaccinated as of Wednesday, up just 1.1 percentage points from a week ago and 3.1 percentage points from two weeks ago as the rate of immunizations slows. State data also shows that the number of cases rose from Monday to Wednesday by 645 to 308,510 and the number of deaths by eight to 4,978.

Doctors: More parents refuse COVID tests for their sick kids

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police in Kansas City reported they are investigating the city’s 50th homicide of the year.

The fatal shooting happened early Thursday morning at the East Hills Village Apartments near the south end of the city, according to police. Authorities have not released any information on the victim or details of the shooting, other than to say crime scene investigators and homicide detectives are on the scene.

The killing marked the city’s 50th homicide for 2021,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article251026739.html">according&nbsp;</a>to data kept by the Kansas City Star. The city saw a record 182 homicides in all of 2020.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police in Kansas City reported they are investigating the city’s 50th homicide of the year.The fatal shooting happened early Thursday morning at the East Hills Village Apartments near the south end of the city, according to police. Authorities have not released any information on the victim or details of the shooting, other than to say crime scene investigators and homicide detectives are on the scene.The killing marked the city’s 50th homicide for 2021,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article251026739.html">according&nbsp;</a>to data kept by the Kansas City Star. The city saw a record 182 homicides in all of 2020.

Kansas City police probing city's 50th homicide of 2021

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


HUTCHINSON — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann says the optics of 
Wednesday night's speech by President Joe Biden did not send the right 
message to the country.

"Everyone in Congress that wants to be 
vaccinated has been," Mann said. "Everybody sitting six feet apart, that
 image is not what we want to portray to America. It's time to get 
through this pandemic. It's time to take the masks off. It is time to 
move forward, return to regular orders in the Congress."

Mann sees the pandemic as the pretext for expansion of government.

"We've
 seen that accelerated the last four months, the last 100 days of the 
Biden administration," Mann said. "First off was the American Rescue 
Plan, which was $1.9 trillion. Only nine percent went to actual COVID 
health relief. The rest went to other things. Money we don't have, 
spending it on things we don't need. Then, a more than $2 trillion 
infrastructure proposal, then last night, the American Families Plan, 
another $2 trillion. That totals $6 trillion on top of the almost $30 
trillion in debt we already have."

The plan is being touted as only having an effect on those with high incomes, over $400,000 a year.

"This
 is the largest tax increase proposed in a generation," Mann said. "It's
 very concerning, because it will affect everybody. It has to. Most of 
those folks employ other people. This notion that it's going to impact a
 few but not everybody else, is just simply not true. The corporate tax 
rate as proposed would be higher than communist China."

Mann 
believes there is a good chance that Republicans could retake the House 
in 2022, because he says the country doesn't want to see this expansive 
growth of government. That would leave a very small window for Biden's 
agenda to get through Congress at all.

Below is the interview with Congressman Mann in its entirety...

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611836622184.jpeg" alt="Rep. Tracey Mann" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Tracey Mann</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>
HUTCHINSON — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann says the optics of 
Wednesday night's speech by President Joe Biden did not send the right 
message to the country."Everyone in Congress that wants to be 
vaccinated has been," Mann said. "Everybody sitting six feet apart, that
 image is not what we want to portray to America. It's time to get 
through this pandemic. It's time to take the masks off. It is time to 
move forward, return to regular orders in the Congress."Mann sees the pandemic as the pretext for expansion of government."We've
 seen that accelerated the last four months, the last 100 days of the 
Biden administration," Mann said. "First off was the American Rescue 
Plan, which was $1.9 trillion. Only nine percent went to actual COVID 
health relief. The rest went to other things. Money we don't have, 
spending it on things we don't need. Then, a more than $2 trillion 
infrastructure proposal, then last night, the American Families Plan, 
another $2 trillion. That totals $6 trillion on top of the almost $30 
trillion in debt we already have."The plan is being touted as only having an effect on those with high incomes, over $400,000 a year."This
 is the largest tax increase proposed in a generation," Mann said. "It's
 very concerning, because it will affect everybody. It has to. Most of 
those folks employ other people. This notion that it's going to impact a
 few but not everybody else, is just simply not true. The corporate tax 
rate as proposed would be higher than communist China."Mann 
believes there is a good chance that Republicans could retake the House 
in 2022, because he says the country doesn't want to see this expansive 
growth of government. That would leave a very small window for Biden's 
agenda to get through Congress at all.Below is the interview with Congressman Mann in its entirety...<div><iframe title="April 29, 2021 Congressman Tracey Mann" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=bmnae-10215c3-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=7" allowfullscreen="" width="100%" height="150"></iframe></div>

🎙 Mann: Biden's expansion of government 'will affect everybody'

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri Senate on Wednesday voted against paying to expand Medicaid as called for by voters last year.

The late-night Senate vote locked in the House's decision to refuse funding for the program, likely setting up a court battle with supporters of greater access to health care.

On her statewide tour last week, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said it is important right now for the state legislature to take action on Medicaid. She said the federal government is offering to pay Kansas 350 to 450 million dollars in Rescue Plan money over the next two years if Medicaid is expanded.

The vote in Missouri on Wednesday divided Republicans and came after hours of sometimes-heated debate.

Several Republicans, including the Missouri Senate budget leader, argued that expanding Medicaid would obligate the state to pay for an expensive program that could mean a huge financial hit to the state's budget in the future.

“I'm sorry, if you're a healthy adult, you need to get a job,” said Manchester Republican Sen. Andrew Koenig, arguing that those newly eligible for Medicaid should instead get employer-based health insurance.

Democrats countered that many people who would get access to Medicaid are already working multiple jobs but still can't afford health care.

“We have a working class that cannot afford for-profit health insurance, and I’m one of those people, that could be one illness or one injury away from bankruptcy,” St. Louis-area Democratic Sen. Brian Williams said. “And those are people who go to work every single day.”

Some Republicans joined with Democrats in voting to pay to expand the program. They argued that lawmakers are obligated to fulfil the will of voters, who last year expanded Medicaid coverage eligibility to thousands more low-income adults.

Missouri’s Medicaid program currently does not cover most adults without children, and its income eligibility threshold for parents is one of the lowest in the nation at about one-fifth of the poverty level.

Former President Barack Obama’s 2010 federal health care law provides a higher-than-usual federal funding share for states that expand Medicaid coverage to adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, about $17,600 for an individual or $30,000 for a family of three.

Missouri's new eligibility rules will take effect in July. It's unclear how lack of funding by lawmakers will impact that.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri Senate on Wednesday voted against paying to expand Medicaid as called for by voters last year.The late-night Senate vote locked in the House's decision to refuse funding for the program, likely setting up a court battle with supporters of greater access to health care.On her statewide tour last week, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said it is important right now for the state legislature to take action on Medicaid. She said the federal government is offering to pay Kansas 350 to 450 million dollars in Rescue Plan money over the next two years if Medicaid is expanded.The vote in Missouri on Wednesday divided Republicans and came after hours of sometimes-heated debate.Several Republicans, including the Missouri Senate budget leader, argued that expanding Medicaid would obligate the state to pay for an expensive program that could mean a huge financial hit to the state's budget in the future.“I'm sorry, if you're a healthy adult, you need to get a job,” said Manchester Republican Sen. Andrew Koenig, arguing that those newly eligible for Medicaid should instead get employer-based health insurance.Democrats countered that many people who would get access to Medicaid are already working multiple jobs but still can't afford health care.“We have a working class that cannot afford for-profit health insurance, and I’m one of those people, that could be one illness or one injury away from bankruptcy,” St. Louis-area Democratic Sen. Brian Williams said. “And those are people who go to work every single day.”Some Republicans joined with Democrats in voting to pay to expand the program. They argued that lawmakers are obligated to fulfil the will of voters, who last year expanded Medicaid coverage eligibility to thousands more low-income adults.Missouri’s Medicaid program currently does not cover most adults without children, and its income eligibility threshold for parents is one of the lowest in the nation at about one-fifth of the poverty level.Former President Barack Obama’s 2010 federal health care law provides a higher-than-usual federal funding share for states that expand Medicaid coverage to adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, about $17,600 for an individual or $30,000 for a family of three.Missouri's new eligibility rules will take effect in July. It's unclear how lack of funding by lawmakers will impact that.

Missouri rejects funding voter-approved Medicaid expansion

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran released the following statement in response to President Biden’s address to a Joint Session of Congress:

“Unity, bipartisanship, working together – I agree with President Biden that these are all things that should and can represent the federal government, but we are falling far short. Pledges for unity mean nothing without listening to those with opposing points of view, finding common ground with them and agreeing to compromises.&nbsp;The President demonstrated he was unwilling to work with Republicans by forcing his partisan $1.9 trillion relief package through Congress without a single Republican vote. Overreaching, partisan legislation that costs trillions of taxpayer dollars isn’t the right path forward.

“While I am eager to work with the President and my colleagues on improving America’s infrastructure, the President’s $2.3 trillion proposal isn’t affordable, and it isn’t infrastructure. I also agree that we should focus on supporting families and education, but these things are achieved through creating jobs and opportunities, not by adding an additional $1.8 trillion spending package.

“Even amidst this divisive political climate, I’ve seen through my work on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee that we are capable of working together to get things done, especially on behalf of our nations’ veterans. I am committed to working with the President to continue serving our veterans by further implementing the&nbsp;MISSION Act, improving care for veterans suffering from toxic exposure and improving VA accessibility for minority and women veterans.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619661641260.png" alt="President Biden addressed fewer members of the House and Senate Wednesday night due to COVID-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Biden addressed fewer members of the House and Senate Wednesday night due to COVID-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran released the following statement in response to President Biden’s address to a Joint Session of Congress:“Unity, bipartisanship, working together – I agree with President Biden that these are all things that should and can represent the federal government, but we are falling far short. Pledges for unity mean nothing without listening to those with opposing points of view, finding common ground with them and agreeing to compromises.&nbsp;The President demonstrated he was unwilling to work with Republicans by forcing his partisan $1.9 trillion relief package through Congress without a single Republican vote. Overreaching, partisan legislation that costs trillions of taxpayer dollars isn’t the right path forward.“While I am eager to work with the President and my colleagues on improving America’s infrastructure, the President’s $2.3 trillion proposal isn’t affordable, and it isn’t infrastructure. I also agree that we should focus on supporting families and education, but these things are achieved through creating jobs and opportunities, not by adding an additional $1.8 trillion spending package.“Even amidst this divisive political climate, I’ve seen through my work on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee that we are capable of working together to get things done, especially on behalf of our nations’ veterans. I am committed to working with the President to continue serving our veterans by further implementing the&nbsp;MISSION Act, improving care for veterans suffering from toxic exposure and improving VA accessibility for minority and women veterans.”&nbsp;

Sen. Moran: Biden's pledge for unity means nothing without compromise

OVERLAND PARK —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fight between students and parents at a Kansas middle school where one parent was run over and critically injured issued an attempt to locate for 40-year-old&nbsp; Tyla Jack.

The incident happened Tuesday afternoon and started with a fight between two girls at Carl Bruce Middle School,&nbsp;2100 N 18th St, Kansas City, Kansas.

 School officials broke up the fight and called the girls’ parents, who showed up on the scene and made matters worse, police said.

As the mother of one of the girls walked away to leave, a family member of the other girl ran over the woman with her car and dragged her, police said. No students were hurt in the altercation.

The woman who was hit was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. Police said the driver who hit her later identified as Tyla Jack fled the scene.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A fight involving students and parents at a Kansas middle school became a police matter when one parent was run over and critically injured in the school’s parking lot, police in Kansas City, Kansas, said.

The incident happened Tuesday afternoon and started with a fight between two girls at Carl Bruce Middle School, station WDAF&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/fight-ends-when-adult-hits-another-adult-with-car-outside-kansas-city-kansas-middle-school/" target="_blank">reported</a>. School officials broke up the fight and called the girls’ parents, who showed up on the scene and made matters worse, police said.

The woman who was hit was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. Police said the driver who hit her fled the scene and had not been arrested by early Wednesday morning.

Police said they are investigating and reviewing video of the crash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619698781089.png" alt="Tyla Jack photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Tyla Jack photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>OVERLAND PARK —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fight between students and parents at a Kansas middle school where one parent was run over and critically injured issued an attempt to locate for 40-year-old&nbsp; Tyla Jack.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619698830636.png" alt="Police believe Jack was driving this vehicle when it struck and seriously injured the mother of another student. If you have info call 816-474-TIPS." />
 <figcaption>Police believe Jack was driving this vehicle when it struck and seriously injured the mother of another student. If you have info call 816-474-TIPS.</figcaption>
 </figure>The incident happened Tuesday afternoon and started with a fight between two girls at Carl Bruce Middle School,&nbsp;2100 N 18th St, Kansas City, Kansas. School officials broke up the fight and called the girls’ parents, who showed up on the scene and made matters worse, police said.As the mother of one of the girls walked away to leave, a family member of the other girl ran over the woman with her car and dragged her, police said. No students were hurt in the altercation.The woman who was hit was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. Police said the driver who hit her later identified as Tyla Jack fled the scene.-------KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A fight involving students and parents at a Kansas middle school became a police matter when one parent was run over and critically injured in the school’s parking lot, police in Kansas City, Kansas, said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619622867048.png" alt="Police on the scene in the school parking lot on Tuesday -photo courtesy KMBC&nbsp; TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene in the school parking lot on Tuesday -photo courtesy KMBC&nbsp; TV</figcaption>
 </figure>The incident happened Tuesday afternoon and started with a fight between two girls at Carl Bruce Middle School, station WDAF&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/fight-ends-when-adult-hits-another-adult-with-car-outside-kansas-city-kansas-middle-school/" target="_blank">reported</a>. School officials broke up the fight and called the girls’ parents, who showed up on the scene and made matters worse, police said.As the mother of one of the girls walked away to leave, a family member of the other girl ran over the woman with her car and dragged her, police said. No students were hurt in the altercation.The woman who was hit was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. Police said the driver who hit her fled the scene and had not been arrested by early Wednesday morning.Police said they are investigating and reviewing video of the crash.

Update: Police say parent hit by car in Kan. school parking lot during fight

WASHINGTON
 — Anyone can request an automatic tax-filing extension, but some people
 get extra time without asking, according to the Internal Revenue 
Service.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, this year the IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-for-individuals-extended-to-may-17-treasury-irs-extend-filing-and-payment-deadline">postponed</a>
 the usual April 15 deadline for filing individual income tax returns 
until May 17, 2021. Even so, as is the case every year, many Americans 
will still need more time to meet their tax-filing obligation.

The IRS estimates that more than 16 million taxpayers will get an 
automatic extension this filing season, either by filing a form or 
making an electronic tax payment. But some taxpayers, including disaster
 victims, those serving in a combat zone and Americans living abroad get
 more time, even if they don't ask for it. Here are details on each of 
these special tax-relief provisions.

Victims of the February winter storms in Texas, Oklahoma and 
Louisiana have until June 15, 2021, to file their 2020 returns and pay 
any tax due.

The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any 
taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in a federally declared 
disaster area when at least one area qualifies for FEMA's Individual 
Assistance program. Ordinarily, this means that taxpayers need not 
contact the IRS to get disaster tax relief.

This relief also includes more time for making 2020 contributions to 
IRAs and other plans and making 2021 estimated tax payments. In some 
cases, relief is also available to people living outside the disaster 
area if, for example, they have a business located in the disaster area,
 have tax records located in the disaster area or are assisting in 
disaster relief. For details on all available relief, visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation">Around the Nation</a> page on IRS.gov.

Military service members and eligible support personnel serving in a 
combat zone have at least 180 days after they leave the combat zone to 
file their tax returns and pay any tax due. This includes those serving 
in Iraq, Afghanistan and other combat zones. A complete list of 
designated combat zone localities can be found in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-3">Publication 3, Armed Forces' Tax Guide</a>, available on IRS.gov.

Combat zone extensions also give affected taxpayers more time for a 
variety of other tax-related actions, including contributing to an IRA. 
Various circumstances affect the exact length of the extension available
 to taxpayers. Details, including examples illustrating how these 
extensions are calculated, are in the Extensions of Deadlines section in
 Publication 3.

U.S. citizens and resident aliens who live and work outside the U.S. 
and Puerto Rico have until June 15, 2021 to file their 2020 tax returns 
and pay any tax due.

The special June 15 deadline also applies to members of the military 
on duty outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico who do not qualify for the 
longer combat zone extension. Affected taxpayers should attach a 
statement to their return explaining which of these situations apply.

Though taxpayers abroad get more time to pay, interest -- <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/interest-rates-remain-the-same-for-the-second-quarter-of-2021">currently</a>
 at the rate of 3% per year, compounded daily -- applies to any payment 
received after this year's May 17 deadline. For more information about 
the special tax rules for U.S. taxpayers abroad, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-547">Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad</a>, on IRS.gov.

Taxpayers who don't qualify for any of these three special situations
 can still get more time to file by submitting a request for an 
automatic extension. This will extend their filing deadline until 
October&nbsp;15, 2021. But because this is only a tax-filing extension, their
 2020 tax payments are still due by May 17.

An easy way to get the extra time is through <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>
 on IRS.gov. In a matter of minutes, anyone, regardless of income, can 
use this free service to electronically request an extension on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868">Form 4868</a>. To get the extension, taxpayers must estimate their tax liability on this form.

Another option is to pay electronically and get a tax-filing 
extension. The IRS will automatically process an extension when a 
taxpayer selects Form 4868 and makes a full or partial federal tax 
payment by the May 17 due date using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>
 or a debit or credit card. Under this option, there is no need to file a
 separate Form 4868. Please note, you must register for EFTPS before 
using. Electronic payment options are available at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON
 — Anyone can request an automatic tax-filing extension, but some people
 get extra time without asking, according to the Internal Revenue 
Service.Due to the ongoing pandemic, this year the IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-for-individuals-extended-to-may-17-treasury-irs-extend-filing-and-payment-deadline">postponed</a>
 the usual April 15 deadline for filing individual income tax returns 
until May 17, 2021. Even so, as is the case every year, many Americans 
will still need more time to meet their tax-filing obligation.The IRS estimates that more than 16 million taxpayers will get an 
automatic extension this filing season, either by filing a form or 
making an electronic tax payment. But some taxpayers, including disaster
 victims, those serving in a combat zone and Americans living abroad get
 more time, even if they don't ask for it. Here are details on each of 
these special tax-relief provisions.<h2>Disaster victims</h2>Victims of the February winter storms in Texas, Oklahoma and 
Louisiana have until June 15, 2021, to file their 2020 returns and pay 
any tax due.The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any 
taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in a federally declared 
disaster area when at least one area qualifies for FEMA's Individual 
Assistance program. Ordinarily, this means that taxpayers need not 
contact the IRS to get disaster tax relief.This relief also includes more time for making 2020 contributions to 
IRAs and other plans and making 2021 estimated tax payments. In some 
cases, relief is also available to people living outside the disaster 
area if, for example, they have a business located in the disaster area,
 have tax records located in the disaster area or are assisting in 
disaster relief. For details on all available relief, visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation">Around the Nation</a> page on IRS.gov.<h2>Combat zone taxpayers</h2>Military service members and eligible support personnel serving in a 
combat zone have at least 180 days after they leave the combat zone to 
file their tax returns and pay any tax due. This includes those serving 
in Iraq, Afghanistan and other combat zones. A complete list of 
designated combat zone localities can be found in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-3">Publication 3, Armed Forces' Tax Guide</a>, available on IRS.gov.Combat zone extensions also give affected taxpayers more time for a 
variety of other tax-related actions, including contributing to an IRA. 
Various circumstances affect the exact length of the extension available
 to taxpayers. Details, including examples illustrating how these 
extensions are calculated, are in the Extensions of Deadlines section in
 Publication 3.<h2>Taxpayers outside the United States</h2>U.S. citizens and resident aliens who live and work outside the U.S. 
and Puerto Rico have until June 15, 2021 to file their 2020 tax returns 
and pay any tax due.The special June 15 deadline also applies to members of the military 
on duty outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico who do not qualify for the 
longer combat zone extension. Affected taxpayers should attach a 
statement to their return explaining which of these situations apply.Though taxpayers abroad get more time to pay, interest -- <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/interest-rates-remain-the-same-for-the-second-quarter-of-2021">currently</a>
 at the rate of 3% per year, compounded daily -- applies to any payment 
received after this year's May 17 deadline. For more information about 
the special tax rules for U.S. taxpayers abroad, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-547">Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad</a>, on IRS.gov.<h2>Everyone else</h2>Taxpayers who don't qualify for any of these three special situations
 can still get more time to file by submitting a request for an 
automatic extension. This will extend their filing deadline until 
October&nbsp;15, 2021. But because this is only a tax-filing extension, their
 2020 tax payments are still due by May 17.An easy way to get the extra time is through <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>
 on IRS.gov. In a matter of minutes, anyone, regardless of income, can 
use this free service to electronically request an extension on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868">Form 4868</a>. To get the extension, taxpayers must estimate their tax liability on this form.Another option is to pay electronically and get a tax-filing 
extension. The IRS will automatically process an extension when a 
taxpayer selects Form 4868 and makes a full or partial federal tax 
payment by the May 17 due date using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>
 or a debit or credit card. Under this option, there is no need to file a
 separate Form 4868. Please note, you must register for EFTPS before 
using. Electronic payment options are available at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.

IRS: Despite May 17 tax deadline, return extensions still available

SHAWNEE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a woman and have made an arrest.

Just before at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, deputies from the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 800 block of SW 57th Street for a death investigation, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 Deputies arrived on scene and discovered the body of a deceased adult woman.

After a preliminary investigation deputies arrested Jon K. Ewing, 61, of Topeka and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of voluntary manslaughter. He remains jailed on a&nbsp;$1,000,000.00 bond, according to online jail records.

Authorities have not released the name of the victim or details on how she died.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619643435186.png" alt="Ewing -photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Ewing -photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a woman and have made an arrest.Just before at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, deputies from the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 800 block of SW 57th Street for a death investigation, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. Deputies arrived on scene and discovered the body of a deceased adult woman.After a preliminary investigation deputies arrested Jon K. Ewing, 61, of Topeka and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of voluntary manslaughter. He remains jailed on a&nbsp;$1,000,000.00 bond, according to online jail records.Authorities have not released the name of the victim or details on how she died.

Sheriff: Kansas man held on $1 million bond for woman's death

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden declared that “America is rising anew” as he called for an expansion of federal programs to drive the economy past the pandemic and broadly extend the social safety net on a scale not seen in decades.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?511121-1/president-biden-addresses-joint-session-congress">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;a replay of he President's address&nbsp;

Biden’s nationally televised address to Congress, his first, raised the stakes for his ability to sell his plans to voters of both parties, even if Republican lawmakers prove resistant. The president is following Wednesday night’s speech by pushing his plans in person, beginning in Georgia on Thursday and then on to Pennsylvania and Virginia in the days ahead.

In the address, Biden pointed optimistically to the nation’s emergence from the coronavirus scourge as a moment for America to prove that its democracy can still work and maintain primacy in the world.

Speaking in highly personal terms while demanding massive structural changes, the president marked his first 100 days in office by proposing a $1.8 trillion investment in children, families and education to help rebuild an economy devastated by the virus and compete with rising global competitors.

His speech represented both an audacious vision and a considerable gamble. He is governing with the most slender of majorities in Congress, and even some in his own party have blanched at the price tag of his proposals.

At the same time, the speech highlighted Biden’s fundamental belief in the power of government as a force for good, even at a time when it is so often the object of scorn.

“I can report to the nation: America is on the move again,” he said. “Turning peril into possibility. Crisis into opportunity. Setback into strength.”

While the ceremonial setting of the Capitol was the same as usual, the visual images were unlike any previous presidential address. Members of Congress wore masks and were seated apart because of pandemic restrictions. Outside the grounds were still surrounded by fencing after insurrectionists in January protesting Biden’s election stormed to the doors of the House chamber where he gave his address.

“America is ready for takeoff. We are working again. Dreaming again. Discovering again. Leading the world again. We have shown each other and the world: There is no quit in America,” Biden said.

This year’s scene at the front of the House chamber also had a historic look: For the first time, a female vice president, Kamala Harris, was seated behind the chief executive. And she was next to another woman, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.