MCPHERSON —&nbsp;A Kansas woman pleaded guilty Friday to a sex crime involving a minor.

Jennifer Sams, 37, McPherson, entered pleas to indecent liberties with a child and unlawfully hosting minors consuming alcohol, according to a media release from the McPherson County Attorney.

The crimes are said to have occurred April 20, 2020 at her former home in Galva, where she is said to have touched a male between the ages of 14 and 16. She also provided alcohol to minors.

As a result of the conviction for indecent liberties, Sams will be required to register as a sex offender for 25 years. Sams will be sentenced July 7.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619364526174.png" alt="Sams photo McPherson County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Sams photo McPherson County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON —&nbsp;A Kansas woman pleaded guilty Friday to a sex crime involving a minor.Jennifer Sams, 37, McPherson, entered pleas to indecent liberties with a child and unlawfully hosting minors consuming alcohol, according to a media release from the McPherson County Attorney.The crimes are said to have occurred April 20, 2020 at her former home in Galva, where she is said to have touched a male between the ages of 14 and 16. She also provided alcohol to minors.As a result of the conviction for indecent liberties, Sams will be required to register as a sex offender for 25 years. Sams will be sentenced July 7.

Kansas woman enters plea to child sex crime charge

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a motorcycle theft and have two suspects in custody.

Just before 5:30 a.m. Friday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a call that a red 1996 Honda motorcycle was just stolen from a residence in the 4200 block of SE 2nd Street in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 Deputies arrived in the area and located the suspect's white 2005 Ford Expedition pulling a trailer, at SE 2nd Street and SE Croco Road. 

Deputies located the stolen motorcycle on SE 2nd Street near the Oakland Expressway and returned it to the owner.

They also arrested 33-year-old Joshua A. Krahn and 33-year-old Ryan W. Brooks both of Topeka and transported them to the Law Enforcement Center for further questioning.

Krahn and Brooks were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for the theft of the motorcycle, according to Christian. Brooks was also charged with driving with a suspended license.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619365025638.png" alt="Brooks photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Brooks photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a motorcycle theft and have two suspects in custody.Just before 5:30 a.m. Friday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a call that a red 1996 Honda motorcycle was just stolen from a residence in the 4200 block of SE 2nd Street in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. Deputies arrived in the area and located the suspect's white 2005 Ford Expedition pulling a trailer, at SE 2nd Street and SE Croco Road. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619365005921.png" alt="Krahn photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Krahn photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies located the stolen motorcycle on SE 2nd Street near the Oakland Expressway and returned it to the owner.They also arrested 33-year-old Joshua A. Krahn and 33-year-old Ryan W. Brooks both of Topeka and transported them to the Law Enforcement Center for further questioning.Krahn and Brooks were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for the theft of the motorcycle, according to Christian. Brooks was also charged with driving with a suspended license.

Sheriff: 2 Kansas men arrested for motorcycle theft 

LAWRENCE—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident in Lawrence and have identified the victim as 60-year-old Emily Lepley of Lawrence.

Just after 8:30p.m. Friday, police&nbsp; responded to the 1400 block of W. 19th Street in response to reports that a pedestrian that had been struck while crossing the street, according to police spokesperson Patrick Compton.

Despite life saving measures by police, Lepley was pronounced deceased at the scene.

West 19th from Ousdahl Rd. to Naismith Drive remained closed as as officers investigated the incident.&nbsp; Police released no additional details on Monday afternoon.

LAWRENCE—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident in Lawrence and have identified the victim as 60-year-old Emily Lepley of Lawrence.Just after 8:30p.m. Friday, police&nbsp; responded to the 1400 block of W. 19th Street in response to reports that a pedestrian that had been struck while crossing the street, according to police spokesperson Patrick Compton.Despite life saving measures by police, Lepley was pronounced deceased at the scene.West 19th from Ousdahl Rd. to Naismith Drive remained closed as as officers investigated the incident.&nbsp; Police released no additional details on Monday afternoon.

Police ID Kan. woman struck, killed crossing street

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that left a teen dead.

Just before 7p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting at the&nbsp;Morgan's Landing Apartments complex in the 3800 Block of West 13th Street in Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.

When officers arrived, they learned there were five individuals inside the apartment at the time of the incident. One who was fatally shot has been identified as 17-year-old Eric Stokes of Wichita.

EMS transported a second shooting victim identified as a 17-year-old boy was transported to a local hospital, treated for minor injuries and released, according to Stephens.

Investigators learned that three unknown, armed suspects arrived at the apartment, forced their way in and fired several shots that killed Stokes.&nbsp; The suspects fled on foot from the apartment complex.&nbsp; It was not a random incident and drugs are believed to have played a part, according to Stephens.

Police reported 267 calls to incidents in the area of Sunday's shooting in 2019, 465 in 2020 and 188 so far in 2021, according to officer Charley Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619468099880.png" alt="Wichita police vehicle at the scene of the apartment complex shooting investigation on Sunday-photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>Wichita police vehicle at the scene of the apartment complex shooting investigation on Sunday-photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that left a teen dead.Just before 7p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting at the&nbsp;Morgan's Landing Apartments complex in the 3800 Block of West 13th Street in Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.When officers arrived, they learned there were five individuals inside the apartment at the time of the incident. One who was fatally shot has been identified as 17-year-old Eric Stokes of Wichita.EMS transported a second shooting victim identified as a 17-year-old boy was transported to a local hospital, treated for minor injuries and released, according to Stephens.Investigators learned that three unknown, armed suspects arrived at the apartment, forced their way in and fired several shots that killed Stokes.&nbsp; The suspects fled on foot from the apartment complex.&nbsp; It was not a random incident and drugs are believed to have played a part, according to Stephens.Police reported 267 calls to incidents in the area of Sunday's shooting in 2019, 465 in 2020 and 188 so far in 2021, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Suspects in Kan. teen's death forced their way into apartment

TOPEKA (AP) —Gov. Laura Kelly has signed a bipartisan bill to give the GOP-controlled Kansas Legislature more oversight of the modernization of the state’s troubled unemployment system.

The bill Kelly signed on Monday will require the Kansas Department of Labor to complete computer upgrades by the end of 2022. The new law calls for a 13-member council which will hire an independent firm to audit the impacts of fraudulent claims and improper payments beginning last year. The audit will also look into the department’s response to those issues.

The bill, drafted by Republican lawmakers, passed unanimously in the Kansas House and Senate earlier this month. Legislators in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-legislation-coronavirus-pandemic-topeka-b7a40e6dcb737927e199f6ad0a26db37">both parties</a>&nbsp;say they have been flooded with calls and emails from unemployed people who are struggling to get benefits and can’t get through to the department. The state has acknowledged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-2ff466a95e0e08fec896b9fcac161312">a flood of fraudulent claims&nbsp;</a>and attempts by scammers and internet bots to access the unemployment system.

In a statement, Kelly said the bill will ensure that the state department of labor will “truly be prepared the next time our state faces an unprecedented economic crisis.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619470475529.png" alt="Laura Kelly on the third &amp; final week of her Back to Work, Back to School tour&nbsp; with students at USD 252 in Lyon County." />
 <figcaption>Laura Kelly on the third &amp; final week of her Back to Work, Back to School tour&nbsp; with students at USD 252 in Lyon County.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA (AP) —Gov. Laura Kelly has signed a bipartisan bill to give the GOP-controlled Kansas Legislature more oversight of the modernization of the state’s troubled unemployment system.The bill Kelly signed on Monday will require the Kansas Department of Labor to complete computer upgrades by the end of 2022. The new law calls for a 13-member council which will hire an independent firm to audit the impacts of fraudulent claims and improper payments beginning last year. The audit will also look into the department’s response to those issues.The bill, drafted by Republican lawmakers, passed unanimously in the Kansas House and Senate earlier this month. Legislators in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-legislation-coronavirus-pandemic-topeka-b7a40e6dcb737927e199f6ad0a26db37">both parties</a>&nbsp;say they have been flooded with calls and emails from unemployed people who are struggling to get benefits and can’t get through to the department. The state has acknowledged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-2ff466a95e0e08fec896b9fcac161312">a flood of fraudulent claims&nbsp;</a>and attempts by scammers and internet bots to access the unemployment system.In a statement, Kelly said the bill will ensure that the state department of labor will “truly be prepared the next time our state faces an unprecedented economic crisis.”

Kan. governor signs bill to modernize unemployment system

WASHINGTON (AP)—The Biden administration is expanding a program to feed as many as 34 million schoolchildren during the summer months, using funds from the coronavirus relief package approved in March.

The Agriculture Department is announcing that it will continue through the summer a payments program that replaced school meals because the pandemic left many children with virtual classes. Families of eligible children would receive $6.82 per child for each weekday. That adds up to $375 per child over the summer months.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack called the summer benefits a “first-of-its-kind, game-changing intervention to reduce child hunger in the United States.”

The program reflects the Biden administration's attempts to nearly stamp out child poverty — an unprecedented push with money for parents, child care centers and schools that could revamp the social safety net. Conservative critics have warned that the spending, if made permanent, could undermine the willingness of poorer Americans to work.

Stacy Dean, deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services at Agriculture, said that Congress previously approved limited funding for pilot programs to test the effectiveness of the payments. But the coronavirus relief package allowed it to be rolled out nationwide.

Besides the food aid, parents will receive roughly $250 a month starting in July for each child between the ages of 6 and 17. Qualifying families with a child under 6 would receive $300 monthly. The payments are part of an enhanced child tax credit that would expire at the end of this year, according to the terms of the most recent coronavirus relief package.

President Joe Biden plans to extend the monthly payments through 2025. The extension would be part of a multitrillion-dollar plan that he intends to announce Wednesday in a joint address to Congress.

Democratic lawmakers have called for making the enhanced tax credit permanent, with Sens. Michael Bennet of Colorado, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Cory Booker of New Jersey and Reps. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, Suzan DelBene of Washington state and Ritchie Torres of New York issuing a statement last week.

“Expansion of the child tax credit is the most significant policy to come out of Washington in generations, and Congress has an historic opportunity to provide a lifeline to the middle class and to cut child poverty in half on a permanent basis," the April 20 statement said.

When the school year ends, children have traditionally shifted to other forms of food aid such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP. Yet administration officials said that summer feeding programs tend to reach less than 20% of the number served during the school year.

Children could qualify for the new summer benefit if they are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year or if they are under age 6 and live in a SNAP household. Children already on SNAP would get the benefits as a supplement to what they already receive.

WASHINGTON (AP)—The Biden administration is expanding a program to feed as many as 34 million schoolchildren during the summer months, using funds from the coronavirus relief package approved in March.The Agriculture Department is announcing that it will continue through the summer a payments program that replaced school meals because the pandemic left many children with virtual classes. Families of eligible children would receive $6.82 per child for each weekday. That adds up to $375 per child over the summer months.Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack called the summer benefits a “first-of-its-kind, game-changing intervention to reduce child hunger in the United States.”The program reflects the Biden administration's attempts to nearly stamp out child poverty — an unprecedented push with money for parents, child care centers and schools that could revamp the social safety net. Conservative critics have warned that the spending, if made permanent, could undermine the willingness of poorer Americans to work.Stacy Dean, deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services at Agriculture, said that Congress previously approved limited funding for pilot programs to test the effectiveness of the payments. But the coronavirus relief package allowed it to be rolled out nationwide.Besides the food aid, parents will receive roughly $250 a month starting in July for each child between the ages of 6 and 17. Qualifying families with a child under 6 would receive $300 monthly. The payments are part of an enhanced child tax credit that would expire at the end of this year, according to the terms of the most recent coronavirus relief package.President Joe Biden plans to extend the monthly payments through 2025. The extension would be part of a multitrillion-dollar plan that he intends to announce Wednesday in a joint address to Congress.Democratic lawmakers have called for making the enhanced tax credit permanent, with Sens. Michael Bennet of Colorado, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Cory Booker of New Jersey and Reps. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, Suzan DelBene of Washington state and Ritchie Torres of New York issuing a statement last week.“Expansion of the child tax credit is the most significant policy to come out of Washington in generations, and Congress has an historic opportunity to provide a lifeline to the middle class and to cut child poverty in half on a permanent basis," the April 20 statement said.When the school year ends, children have traditionally shifted to other forms of food aid such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP. Yet administration officials said that summer feeding programs tend to reach less than 20% of the number served during the school year.Children could qualify for the new summer benefit if they are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year or if they are under age 6 and live in a SNAP household. Children already on SNAP would get the benefits as a supplement to what they already receive.

Biden expanding summer food program for 34M schoolchildren

SALINE COUNTY, Mo. —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Sunday in Saline County, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Toyota passenger vehicle driven by Peter L. Stathas, 24, Kansas City, Kansas, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of the U.S. 65 exit.&nbsp;

The driver changed lanes abruptly and the vehicle traveled off the road, struck a guardrail, overturned and the driver was ejected.

Stathas was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported by the Saline County Coroner's office. He was&nbsp; not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

SALINE COUNTY, Mo. —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Sunday in Saline County, Missouri.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Toyota passenger vehicle driven by Peter L. Stathas, 24, Kansas City, Kansas, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of the U.S. 65 exit.&nbsp;The driver changed lanes abruptly and the vehicle traveled off the road, struck a guardrail, overturned and the driver was ejected.Stathas was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported by the Saline County Coroner's office. He was&nbsp; not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Kansas man dies after ejected in rollover crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victims as 42-year-old Nathan Brock and 41-year-old Trisha Benjamin.

Just before 5:30a.m. Saturday, sheriff's deputies were sent to a check shots call at the Englewood mobile home park located at 3201 E MacArthur in Wichita, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

While responding, deputies received information that a man and woman were inside the residence with apparent gunshot wounds.

When deputies arrived, they had to force entry to the home. Inside the home, they located Brock and Benjamin deceased, according to Blick.

Detectives are collecting evidence and conducting interviews to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.

When deputies arrived, they had to force entry to the home. Inside the home, they located a 42-year-old man and 41-year-old woman deceased, according to Blick.

Detectives are collecting evidence and conducting interviews to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities have not released names of the victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619305057074.png" alt="Police tape near the fatal shooting investigation on Saturday photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police tape near the fatal shooting investigation on Saturday photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victims as 42-year-old Nathan Brock and 41-year-old Trisha Benjamin.Just before 5:30a.m. Saturday, sheriff's deputies were sent to a check shots call at the Englewood mobile home park located at 3201 E MacArthur in Wichita, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.While responding, deputies received information that a man and woman were inside the residence with apparent gunshot wounds.When deputies arrived, they had to force entry to the home. Inside the home, they located Brock and Benjamin deceased, according to Blick.Detectives are collecting evidence and conducting interviews to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.---------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.Just before 5:30a.m. Saturday, sheriff's deputies were sent to a check shots call at the Englewood mobile home park located at 3201 E MacArthur in Wichita, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.While responding, deputies received information that a man and woman were inside the residence with apparent gunshot wounds.When deputies arrived, they had to force entry to the home. Inside the home, they located a 42-year-old man and 41-year-old woman deceased, according to Blick.Detectives are collecting evidence and conducting interviews to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities have not released names of the victims.

Sheriff IDs Kan. man, woman who died weekend shooting

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announces that Kansas will resume administration of the Johnson &amp; Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine following an announcement on April 23 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encouraging resumption of the vaccine, according to a media release from the agency.

“Today, Kansas will resume administering the Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “After a brief pause and a thorough review, the CDC and FDA have determined the vaccine is safe and effective. Whether it’s the Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer or Moderna, I strongly encourage every Kansan to get vaccinated as soon as they can.”

Johnson &amp; Johnson administration was paused April 13 by the CDC and FDA following reports of recipients in the United States who developed a rare disorder involving blood clots within about two weeks of vaccination. During the pause, the FDA and CDC examined available data to assess the risk of the condition as well as conducted extensive outreach to providers and clinicians to ensure they were made aware of the potential for these adverse events and could properly manage and recognize these events due to the unique treatment required for these blood clots and low platelets, also known as thrombosis-thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). Following these reviews, the two agencies have recommended that Johnson &amp; Johnson be resumed in the United States.

Kansas health care providers administering the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine and vaccine recipients or caregivers should review the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjYuMzk0NDg0OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mZGEuZ292L21lZGlhLzE0NjMwNC9kb3dubG9hZD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.euVOLngo2oMVLBwIpsMBKQbCqQxY8y7MaiX2mSOwGic/s/1305913448/br/105376422214-l" target="_blank">Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccine (Vaccination Providers)</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjYuMzk0NDg0OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mZGEuZ292L21lZGlhLzE0NjMwNS9kb3dubG9hZD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.ASNI-kVE8QcImjF2tNOJhcCgZ9iLH5m8OqyLa-SAigE/s/1305913448/br/105376422214-l" target="_blank">Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers</a>, which have been revised to include information about the risk of this syndrome, which has occurred in a very small number of people who have received the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine.

The federal government will continue studying links between the vaccine and the rare blood clotting disorder. Those who have received the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine should contact their health care provider if they have any symptoms and report any illness to the VAERS Reporting System,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjYuMzk0NDg0OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3ZhZXJzLmhocy5nb3Y_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.xqQZYLFP_hdXav0iMQIM9w593go20IRW_edOktJeAa8/s/1305913448/br/105376422214-l" target="_blank">https://vaers.hhs.gov</a>.

Kansas’ next supply of Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine is anticipated the week of May 3 with 1,700 doses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600861747887.png" alt="Kansas’ next supply of Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine is anticipated the week of May 3 with 1,700 doses.-photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson" />
 <figcaption>Kansas’ next supply of Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine is anticipated the week of May 3 with 1,700 doses.-photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announces that Kansas will resume administration of the Johnson &amp; Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine following an announcement on April 23 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encouraging resumption of the vaccine, according to a media release from the agency.“Today, Kansas will resume administering the Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “After a brief pause and a thorough review, the CDC and FDA have determined the vaccine is safe and effective. Whether it’s the Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer or Moderna, I strongly encourage every Kansan to get vaccinated as soon as they can.”Johnson &amp; Johnson administration was paused April 13 by the CDC and FDA following reports of recipients in the United States who developed a rare disorder involving blood clots within about two weeks of vaccination. During the pause, the FDA and CDC examined available data to assess the risk of the condition as well as conducted extensive outreach to providers and clinicians to ensure they were made aware of the potential for these adverse events and could properly manage and recognize these events due to the unique treatment required for these blood clots and low platelets, also known as thrombosis-thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). Following these reviews, the two agencies have recommended that Johnson &amp; Johnson be resumed in the United States.Kansas health care providers administering the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine and vaccine recipients or caregivers should review the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjYuMzk0NDg0OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mZGEuZ292L21lZGlhLzE0NjMwNC9kb3dubG9hZD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.euVOLngo2oMVLBwIpsMBKQbCqQxY8y7MaiX2mSOwGic/s/1305913448/br/105376422214-l" target="_blank">Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccine (Vaccination Providers)</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjYuMzk0NDg0OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mZGEuZ292L21lZGlhLzE0NjMwNS9kb3dubG9hZD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.ASNI-kVE8QcImjF2tNOJhcCgZ9iLH5m8OqyLa-SAigE/s/1305913448/br/105376422214-l" target="_blank">Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers</a>, which have been revised to include information about the risk of this syndrome, which has occurred in a very small number of people who have received the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine.The federal government will continue studying links between the vaccine and the rare blood clotting disorder. Those who have received the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine should contact their health care provider if they have any symptoms and report any illness to the VAERS Reporting System,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MjYuMzk0NDg0OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3ZhZXJzLmhocy5nb3Y_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.xqQZYLFP_hdXav0iMQIM9w593go20IRW_edOktJeAa8/s/1305913448/br/105376422214-l" target="_blank">https://vaers.hhs.gov</a>.Kansas’ next supply of Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine is anticipated the week of May 3 with 1,700 doses.

Governor: Kansas will resume using Johnson & Johnson vaccine

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 493&nbsp; to a total of 307,865, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Total coronavirus deaths were reported at 4970, an increase of 2.

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

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 493&nbsp; to a total of 307,865, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Total coronavirus deaths were reported at 4970, an increase of 2.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619457869544.png" alt="Monday April 26, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday April 26, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of alleged fraud in Manhattan.

Just before noon April 24, police filed a report for fraud in the 300 block of Highland Pointe Drive in Manhattan, according to the RCPD activity report.

A 77-year-old woman told police she was&nbsp;contacted by someone twice posing to be from a law firm.&nbsp; The suspect falsely claimed the victim needed to provide money for a family member who was in legal trouble. The victim provided this individual money in both instances.

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $21,000.00. 

Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of alleged fraud in Manhattan.Just before noon April 24, police filed a report for fraud in the 300 block of Highland Pointe Drive in Manhattan, according to the RCPD activity report.A 77-year-old woman told police she was&nbsp;contacted by someone twice posing to be from a law firm.&nbsp; The suspect falsely claimed the victim needed to provide money for a family member who was in legal trouble. The victim provided this individual money in both instances.The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $21,000.00. Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.

Kan. woman lost $21K in alleged legal trouble scam

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspicious weekend death and have identified the victim as Hester Workman, 46, of Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

Just after&nbsp; 7p.m. Saturday, police responded to a home in the 2800 block of SW James in Topeka after a 911 call requesting medical personnel, according to police Lt. Kelvin Johnson.

At the scene first responders located Workman who was deceased.

Officers and Detectives were working to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are a suspicious death.

At the scene first responders located a woman who was deceased.

Officers and Detectives were working to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident.&nbsp; Police did not release the victim's name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619363984890.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation Saturday photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation Saturday photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspicious weekend death and have identified the victim as Hester Workman, 46, of Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.Just after&nbsp; 7p.m. Saturday, police responded to a home in the 2800 block of SW James in Topeka after a 911 call requesting medical personnel, according to police Lt. Kelvin Johnson.At the scene first responders located Workman who was deceased.Officers and Detectives were working to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.------------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are a suspicious death.Just after&nbsp; 7p.m. Saturday, police responded to a home in the 2800 block of SW James in Topeka after a 911 call requesting medical personnel, according to police Lt. Kelvin Johnson.At the scene first responders located a woman who was deceased.Officers and Detectives were working to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident.&nbsp; Police did not release the victim's name.

Police ID Kansas woman found dead in her home

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — More than half of Kansas’ counties have turned down their weekly allotment of coronavirus vaccine doses because demand for the shots has declined.

The state said 62 of Kansas’ 105 counties declined their weekly allocations of vaccines from the state last week.

A spokesperson for Gov. Laura Kelly said it appears that many Kansans are delaying getting the vaccine after there has been a steady drop in the number of new infections, hospitalizations and deaths in the state.

State officials are planning a campaign to encourage people who are indifferent or reluctant to get the vaccine to consider getting the shots. And plans are underway to target vaccine distribution more on younger people who make up a large portion of the new cases in the state.

Barton County in central Kansas is one of the places that declined its shipment of the shots. In that county, about 30% of adults have received at least one dose of a vaccine compared to 36.4% across the state.

Barton County Health Director Karen Winkelman said she plans to move away from mass vaccination clinics to using more private doctors and pharmacies that have closer relationships with their patients. The county is also offering walk-in vaccination without appointments now.

But Winkelman said she won’t twist people’s arms to get them vaccinated.

“I would like to see the number higher,” she said, “but I can also respect people’s decisions.”

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — More than half of Kansas’ counties have turned down their weekly allotment of coronavirus vaccine doses because demand for the shots has declined.The state said 62 of Kansas’ 105 counties declined their weekly allocations of vaccines from the state last week.A spokesperson for Gov. Laura Kelly said it appears that many Kansans are delaying getting the vaccine after there has been a steady drop in the number of new infections, hospitalizations and deaths in the state.State officials are planning a campaign to encourage people who are indifferent or reluctant to get the vaccine to consider getting the shots. And plans are underway to target vaccine distribution more on younger people who make up a large portion of the new cases in the state.Barton County in central Kansas is one of the places that declined its shipment of the shots. In that county, about 30% of adults have received at least one dose of a vaccine compared to 36.4% across the state.Barton County Health Director Karen Winkelman said she plans to move away from mass vaccination clinics to using more private doctors and pharmacies that have closer relationships with their patients. The county is also offering walk-in vaccination without appointments now.But Winkelman said she won’t twist people’s arms to get them vaccinated.“I would like to see the number higher,” she said, “but I can also respect people’s decisions.”

Most Kansas counties turn down latest vaccine doses 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Sometime after a January 2017 drug bust near Interstate 70′s main exit for President Dwight Eisenhower’s boyhood Kansas home, $72,000 in cash seized by the local sheriff’s department disappeared.

The state has been investigating the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department for close to four years, with two officials saying in a court filing this year that a “fear of retribution” among department employees had slowed progress. A three-term sheriff lost last year’s Republican primary decisively to a former longtime officer who told voters the department was falling apart.

The mystery has unfolded amid a national debate over whether law enforcement agencies can too easily seize cash and other assets — often without a criminal conviction. Interstate 70 has long been considered a major drug-running corridor.

Meanwhile, there’s no official explanation for what happened to the cash seized in Dickinson County.

“I would like to think that we could get some closure on that,” said Brad Homman, the county administrator.

Abilene, the county seat with 6,400 people, is about 150 miles west of Kansas City. Eisenhower’s presidential library gives the town a hint of prairie rectitude, though it had a pre-Ike past as the end of the Chisholm Trail for 1860s cattle drovers.

No criminal charges have been filed over the missing $72,000. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation closed an inquiry into the former sheriff in October 2019 and the missing funds were “fully investigated,” spokesperson Melissa Underwood said.

Yet, Underwood also wrote in a recent email to The Associated Press, “We have open cases involving Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office personnel.”

Current Sheriff Jerry Davis cited the KBI’s inquiries in declining to answer most questions. The local prosecutor, Andrea Purvis, didn’t respond to interview requests or emailed questions.

Former Sheriff Gareth Hoffman and his undersheriff didn’t respond to social media or email messages. Possible phone numbers for them weren’t answered.

Some details emerged when a lawsuit forced KBI Director Kirk Thompson and General Counsel Laura Graham to answer questions in writing in late February. They were defending the KBI’s refusal to release records five months after the Abilene Reflector-Chronicle’s parent company sued for disclosure.

Thompson and Graham said officers wouldn’t help the KBI if they knew their statements would become public. “One deputy was advised by commanding officers that he would be fired if he spoke about a theft,” the KBI officials said.

Any picture of what happened is clouded by separate allegations in early 2017 that a lieutenant improperly borrowed $25,760 over 4 1/2 years, most of it from a property room in the basement the county attorney’s office building. The officer later pleaded guilty to felony theft in a case that has prompted questions about how Hoffman ran the department.

The KBI said that the sheriff’s office asked it in late May 2017 to investigate the $72,000 missing from its property room. The sheriff has an evidence room in the county courthouse.

Dickinson County Commission Chairman Lynn Peterson believes people were satisfied then with the sheriff’s leadership and notes that it was the sheriff’s office “that uncovered the fact that money was missing and started gathering information.”

But in May 2018, nearly a year after the sheriff’s office sought KBI help, Purvis asked the state agency to investigate “possible evidence destruction and interference with law enforcement” by Hoffman or his employees.

Local officials’ requests for KBI investigations were confirmed in a September 2020 letter to the Reflector-Chronicle’s attorney from Graham, the KBI’s general counsel. The letter, now public because of the open-records lawsuit the newspaper filed days later, wasn’t more specific about what Purvis wanted investigated.

A KBI agent filed an offense report in October 2018 saying $72,020 was missing in a potential “Theft of property or services.” The report’s front page — the only page typically released in Kansas — does not name suspects.

Graham’s letter said the KBI spent about 18 months investigating the missing money and more than a year investigating allegations involving Hoffman and his employees. The state found “insufficient evidence” for charges.

Also involved was Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s office, which notified Purvis in July 2019 that it wouldn’t file criminal misconduct charges in Dickinson County. The letter from Assistant Attorney General Michael Serra suggested that a case could not be proven to a jury, though an investigation remained open. He questioned local officials’ evidence-handling policies.

The sheriff’s office did have 21 pages of policies — which Davis said he’s revising — for items in its courthouse property room, including one that said cash or coins worth more than $100 were to be counted by the deputy who seized the money and a second officer before being sealed in tamper-proof packaging.

As for the missing cash, Homman, the county administrator, said it would be nice to get it back.

“It’s money that shouldn’t have been wherever it went.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619366778270.png" alt="Former Dickinson Co. Sheriff Gareth Hoffman during a June 2020 interview with Eagle Communications" />
 <figcaption>Former Dickinson Co. Sheriff Gareth Hoffman during a June 2020 interview with Eagle Communications</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Sometime after a January 2017 drug bust near Interstate 70′s main exit for President Dwight Eisenhower’s boyhood Kansas home, $72,000 in cash seized by the local sheriff’s department disappeared.The state has been investigating the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department for close to four years, with two officials saying in a court filing this year that a “fear of retribution” among department employees had slowed progress. A three-term sheriff lost last year’s Republican primary decisively to a former longtime officer who told voters the department was falling apart.The mystery has unfolded amid a national debate over whether law enforcement agencies can too easily seize cash and other assets — often without a criminal conviction. Interstate 70 has long been considered a major drug-running corridor.Meanwhile, there’s no official explanation for what happened to the cash seized in Dickinson County.“I would like to think that we could get some closure on that,” said Brad Homman, the county administrator.Abilene, the county seat with 6,400 people, is about 150 miles west of Kansas City. Eisenhower’s presidential library gives the town a hint of prairie rectitude, though it had a pre-Ike past as the end of the Chisholm Trail for 1860s cattle drovers.No criminal charges have been filed over the missing $72,000. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation closed an inquiry into the former sheriff in October 2019 and the missing funds were “fully investigated,” spokesperson Melissa Underwood said.Yet, Underwood also wrote in a recent email to The Associated Press, “We have open cases involving Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office personnel.”Current Sheriff Jerry Davis cited the KBI’s inquiries in declining to answer most questions. The local prosecutor, Andrea Purvis, didn’t respond to interview requests or emailed questions.Former Sheriff Gareth Hoffman and his undersheriff didn’t respond to social media or email messages. Possible phone numbers for them weren’t answered.Some details emerged when a lawsuit forced KBI Director Kirk Thompson and General Counsel Laura Graham to answer questions in writing in late February. They were defending the KBI’s refusal to release records five months after the Abilene Reflector-Chronicle’s parent company sued for disclosure.Thompson and Graham said officers wouldn’t help the KBI if they knew their statements would become public. “One deputy was advised by commanding officers that he would be fired if he spoke about a theft,” the KBI officials said.Any picture of what happened is clouded by separate allegations in early 2017 that a lieutenant improperly borrowed $25,760 over 4 1/2 years, most of it from a property room in the basement the county attorney’s office building. The officer later pleaded guilty to felony theft in a case that has prompted questions about how Hoffman ran the department.The KBI said that the sheriff’s office asked it in late May 2017 to investigate the $72,000 missing from its property room. The sheriff has an evidence room in the county courthouse.Dickinson County Commission Chairman Lynn Peterson believes people were satisfied then with the sheriff’s leadership and notes that it was the sheriff’s office “that uncovered the fact that money was missing and started gathering information.”But in May 2018, nearly a year after the sheriff’s office sought KBI help, Purvis asked the state agency to investigate “possible evidence destruction and interference with law enforcement” by Hoffman or his employees.Local officials’ requests for KBI investigations were confirmed in a September 2020 letter to the Reflector-Chronicle’s attorney from Graham, the KBI’s general counsel. The letter, now public because of the open-records lawsuit the newspaper filed days later, wasn’t more specific about what Purvis wanted investigated.A KBI agent filed an offense report in October 2018 saying $72,020 was missing in a potential “Theft of property or services.” The report’s front page — the only page typically released in Kansas — does not name suspects.Graham’s letter said the KBI spent about 18 months investigating the missing money and more than a year investigating allegations involving Hoffman and his employees. The state found “insufficient evidence” for charges.Also involved was Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s office, which notified Purvis in July 2019 that it wouldn’t file criminal misconduct charges in Dickinson County. The letter from Assistant Attorney General Michael Serra suggested that a case could not be proven to a jury, though an investigation remained open. He questioned local officials’ evidence-handling policies.The sheriff’s office did have 21 pages of policies — which Davis said he’s revising — for items in its courthouse property room, including one that said cash or coins worth more than $100 were to be counted by the deputy who seized the money and a second officer before being sealed in tamper-proof packaging.As for the missing cash, Homman, the county administrator, said it would be nice to get it back.“It’s money that shouldn’t have been wherever it went.”

Sheriff department's lost $72K: 4 years of probing, few answers

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities say a man was shot and killed early Sunday in Kansas City.

Officers were called to the area near East 29th Street and Jackson Avenue around 5 a.m. Sunday when gunshots were reported. said Officer Donna Drake, a spokeswoman for the police department in Kansas City, Missouri.

About a block away from where the shooting was reported officers found a man with gunshot wounds inside a vehicle. The man died at the scene.

Police did not immediately release the victim's identity and no arrests were reported Sunday morning.

“Another life taken and another family devastated,” Jackson County Sheriff Darryl Forte posted on Twitter from the crime scene. The shooting death is the 47th homicide reported in Kansas City so far this year.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities say a man was shot and killed early Sunday in Kansas City.Officers were called to the area near East 29th Street and Jackson Avenue around 5 a.m. Sunday when gunshots were reported. said Officer Donna Drake, a spokeswoman for the police department in Kansas City, Missouri.About a block away from where the shooting was reported officers found a man with gunshot wounds inside a vehicle. The man died at the scene.Police did not immediately release the victim's identity and no arrests were reported Sunday morning.“Another life taken and another family devastated,” Jackson County Sheriff Darryl Forte posted on Twitter from the crime scene. The shooting death is the 47th homicide reported in Kansas City so far this year.

Police report 47th homicide in Kansas City in 2021

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two Kansas women arrested in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol told the FBI they expected to participate in a peaceful protest supporting former President Donald Trump that day.

Court records show that Jennifer Ruth Parks and Esther Schwemmer were both arrested Friday. An affidavit filed in Parks’ case describes how the two women entered the U.S. Capitol after protesters broke into the building and remained inside for 30 minutes to an hour.

Parks is charged with knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building without lawful authority, but the charges against Schwemmer had not been released as of Sunday.

“Parks believed she was attending a peaceful rally in support of President Donald Trump,” an FBI agent wrote.

The two friends who travelled to Washington together are among at least seven people from Kansas and dozens nationwide who have been charged in connection with the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol while Congress was meeting to certify Democrat Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 presidential race.

The FBI received a tip on Jan. 11 that Parks had participated in the insurrection. After interviewing the women, investigators used a photo one of the women provided to track down additional images of them inside the Capitol from security footage and police body cameras.

“Schwemmer claimed that she and Parks walked to the front of the Capitol Building, encountered no barricades and no police officer told them to stop,” the FBI wrote. “Schwemmer saw the open doors to the U.S. Capitol Building and entered with Parks.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619432644832.png" alt="Schwemmer and Parks were arrested Friday. Photo U.S. Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Schwemmer and Parks were arrested Friday. Photo U.S. Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two Kansas women arrested in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol told the FBI they expected to participate in a peaceful protest supporting former President Donald Trump that day.Court records show that Jennifer Ruth Parks and Esther Schwemmer were both arrested Friday. An affidavit filed in Parks’ case describes how the two women entered the U.S. Capitol after protesters broke into the building and remained inside for 30 minutes to an hour.Parks is charged with knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building without lawful authority, but the charges against Schwemmer had not been released as of Sunday.“Parks believed she was attending a peaceful rally in support of President Donald Trump,” an FBI agent wrote.The two friends who travelled to Washington together are among at least seven people from Kansas and dozens nationwide who have been charged in connection with the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol while Congress was meeting to certify Democrat Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 presidential race.The FBI received a tip on Jan. 11 that Parks had participated in the insurrection. After interviewing the women, investigators used a photo one of the women provided to track down additional images of them inside the Capitol from security footage and police body cameras.“Schwemmer claimed that she and Parks walked to the front of the Capitol Building, encountered no barricades and no police officer told them to stop,” the FBI wrote. “Schwemmer saw the open doors to the U.S. Capitol Building and entered with Parks.”

Two Kan. women arrested in Jan. 6 Capitol riot

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A young public radio journalist has died after being struck by a stray bullet inside her Kansas City apartment.

Aviva Okeson-Haberman, 24, was struck by a bullet Friday afternoon while she was in her first-floor apartment, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-04-25/kcur-reporter-and-beloved-colleague-aviva-okeson-haberman">KCUR</a>, where she worked.

Okeson-Haberman had been covering Missouri government and politics at the station where she had worked since 2019 after graduating from the University of Missouri. The native of Springfield, Missouri, had recently been planning to move to Lawrence, Kansas, for a new job covering criminal justice issues for the Kansas News Service.

After news of Okeson-Haberman's death broke Sunday, many colleagues and public officials, including Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, offered memories and condolences on Twitter.

“Aviva was a creative, thorough, challenging, and insightful reporter. Always prepared, she told the full and complex story of our city in one of the most challenging years in its history,” Lucas wrote. “Her death lays bare our gravest unsolved epidemic and the preventable tragedies too many families endure.”

“Aviva was brilliant,” KCUR news director Lisa Rodriguez said in the station’s story. “Even as an intern, her approach to storytelling and her ability to hold those in power accountable paralleled many a veteran reporter."

Kansas City police said officers went to an apartment in the city’s Santa Fe neighborhood Friday and found an individual with a gunshot wound. At that time, police said the victim was taken to a hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries.

A police spokesman said Sunday that authorities could not confirm the name of that victim because they were still on life support.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619433188666.png" alt="Aviva Okeson-Haberman" />
 <figcaption>Aviva Okeson-Haberman</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A young public radio journalist has died after being struck by a stray bullet inside her Kansas City apartment.Aviva Okeson-Haberman, 24, was struck by a bullet Friday afternoon while she was in her first-floor apartment, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-04-25/kcur-reporter-and-beloved-colleague-aviva-okeson-haberman">KCUR</a>, where she worked.Okeson-Haberman had been covering Missouri government and politics at the station where she had worked since 2019 after graduating from the University of Missouri. The native of Springfield, Missouri, had recently been planning to move to Lawrence, Kansas, for a new job covering criminal justice issues for the Kansas News Service.After news of Okeson-Haberman's death broke Sunday, many colleagues and public officials, including Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, offered memories and condolences on Twitter.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Aviva was a creative, thorough, challenging, and insightful reporter. Always prepared, she told the full and complex story of our city in one of the most challenging years in its history. Her life showed us her compassion for those who too often were voiceless.&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1386399051944431621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Aviva was a creative, thorough, challenging, and insightful reporter. Always prepared, she told the full and complex story of our city in one of the most challenging years in its history,” Lucas wrote. “Her death lays bare our gravest unsolved epidemic and the preventable tragedies too many families endure.”Her coworkers praised Okeson-Haberman.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619433369013.png" alt="photo courtesy KCUR" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy KCUR</figcaption>
 </figure>“Aviva was brilliant,” KCUR news director Lisa Rodriguez said in the station’s story. “Even as an intern, her approach to storytelling and her ability to hold those in power accountable paralleled many a veteran reporter."Kansas City police said officers went to an apartment in the city’s Santa Fe neighborhood Friday and found an individual with a gunshot wound. At that time, police said the victim was taken to a hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries.A police spokesman said Sunday that authorities could not confirm the name of that victim because they were still on life support.

Reporter dies after being struck by stray bullet in her apartment

WASHINGTON (AP) — A group of Senate Republicans&nbsp; unveiled a public works proposal with a much smaller price tag and a narrower definition of infrastructure than what President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-coronavirus-pandemic-pittsburgh-jen-psaki-8865ffc8f5ad3142155a5bd3c3a3e6d3">has proposed</a>, highlighting the stark differences between the two sides that will be difficult to bridge in the coming months.

The price of the Republicans’ two-page outline came in at $568 billion over five years, compared to the $2.3 trillion that Biden has called for spending over eight years. The lawmakers framed their counter proposal as a “very, very generous offer.”

“This is the largest infrastructure investment that Republicans have come forward with,” Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.V., told reporters. “This is a robust package.”

Yet the unveiling of the GOP proposal also made clear the parties are leagues apart on the size and scope of what’s needed. Biden is spending time listening to Republicans and voicing a willingness to consider their ideas, but Democrats are intent on passing a major infrastructure boost this year with or without GOP support. They have made clear they are willing to use the budget reconciliation process to bypass Republicans altogether,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-vote-coronavirus-relief-package-33f4902ca9a2aed4e76274af6bb2ea5c">just as they did on COVID relief</a>&nbsp;earlier this year.

Whether to raise taxes is perhaps the biggest dividing line. To help pay for their plan, the Republicans would instead rely on user fees, including for electric vehicles, and on redirecting unspent federal dollars. The outline does not offer specifics, such as which federal programs would lose unspent dollars to infrastructure. Biden has proposed raising the corporate income tax from 21% to 28% to help pay for his plan, a move the Republican senators rejected.

The GOP’s slimmer infrastructure plan received a positive reception from the White House, with press secretary Jen Psaki characterizing it as a legitimate starting point for negotiations. She said Biden’s aides looked forward to reviewing the details and that Biden would invite members to the White House to discuss it further after he addresses a joint session of Congress on Wednesday.

“We certainly welcome any good faith effort and see this as that,” Psaki said.

Republican lawmakers have been quick to criticize the infrastructure proposal from Biden. They say just a fraction of the spending would go to traditional infrastructure. Biden’s plan devotes $400 billion to expand Medicaid support for caregivers, and substantial portions would fund electric vehicle charging stations and address the racial injustice of highways that were built in ways that harmed Black neighborhoods.

The Republican plan would dedicate $299 billion to roads and bridges, $65 billion to broadband internet and $61 billion to transit. Another big-ticket item: $44 billion for airports. Absent from the plan are Biden priorities like electric vehicle charging stations and caregiver support, as well as billions of dollars to renovate schools and public housing.

The senators delivered their blueprint to the White House about 30 minutes prior to holding a press conference on it.

“We take the part of the president’s plan that most Americans agree is real, hard infrastructure, we give it our touch and we think we have a very good number here,” said Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., found little to like in the proposal.

“It goes nowhere near what has to be done to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure and the funding is totally regressive and anti-working class,” Sanders said.

Republicans have been dismissive of aspects of Biden’s plan that focus on easing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Penn., said the Republican plan “consists of actual, real infrastructure.”

But the investments Biden is proposing to curb global warming matches what many Democrats are looking for and could dampen their support if removed in negotiations.

“Any infrastructure proposal has to be green and cannot be paid for on the backs of working people,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. said.

It’s not the first time Republicans have tried to draw Biden into negotiations. Earlier this year, they offered a counterproposal to Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan. Their price tag came in at about one-third of what the president wanted, and he soon declared it inadequate. Democrats went forward on their own and passed the relief bill without the support of any GOP lawmaker.

Capito said she is optimistic that compromise can be found this time.

“I’ve been reading this very closely,” she said. “I feel like the White House and other counterparts on the House side want to try to reach a consensus.”

As debate continues regarding the size and scope of the infrastructure bill, Biden’s team is finalizing its “American Families Plan” to be outlined next week during the president’s joint address to Congress. That proposal would likely seek to extend the expanded child tax credit through 2025, universal pre-kindergarten and free community college by raising taxes on the wealthiest Americans.

Psaki said that the president is meeting “over the coming days to finalize details of the package” and how to pay for it.

The New York Times reported Thursday that Biden would make good on a campaign plan to nearly double the capital gains tax on people earning more than $1 million, increasing it from 20% to 39.6%. White House officials declined to confirm the precise numbers, but they emphasized that taxes would not increase for anyone making under $400,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617897620264.png" alt="The GOP’s slimmer infrastructure plan received a positive reception from the White House, with press secretary Jen Psaki characterizing it as a legitimate starting point for negotiations. She said Biden’s aides looked forward to reviewing the details and that Biden would invite members to the White House to discuss it further after he addresses a joint session of Congress on Wednesday-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>The GOP’s slimmer infrastructure plan received a positive reception from the White House, with press secretary Jen Psaki characterizing it as a legitimate starting point for negotiations. She said Biden’s aides looked forward to reviewing the details and that Biden would invite members to the White House to discuss it further after he addresses a joint session of Congress on Wednesday-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A group of Senate Republicans&nbsp; unveiled a public works proposal with a much smaller price tag and a narrower definition of infrastructure than what President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-coronavirus-pandemic-pittsburgh-jen-psaki-8865ffc8f5ad3142155a5bd3c3a3e6d3">has proposed</a>, highlighting the stark differences between the two sides that will be difficult to bridge in the coming months.The price of the Republicans’ two-page outline came in at $568 billion over five years, compared to the $2.3 trillion that Biden has called for spending over eight years. The lawmakers framed their counter proposal as a “very, very generous offer.”“This is the largest infrastructure investment that Republicans have come forward with,” Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.V., told reporters. “This is a robust package.”Yet the unveiling of the GOP proposal also made clear the parties are leagues apart on the size and scope of what’s needed. Biden is spending time listening to Republicans and voicing a willingness to consider their ideas, but Democrats are intent on passing a major infrastructure boost this year with or without GOP support. They have made clear they are willing to use the budget reconciliation process to bypass Republicans altogether,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-vote-coronavirus-relief-package-33f4902ca9a2aed4e76274af6bb2ea5c">just as they did on COVID relief</a>&nbsp;earlier this year.Whether to raise taxes is perhaps the biggest dividing line. To help pay for their plan, the Republicans would instead rely on user fees, including for electric vehicles, and on redirecting unspent federal dollars. The outline does not offer specifics, such as which federal programs would lose unspent dollars to infrastructure. Biden has proposed raising the corporate income tax from 21% to 28% to help pay for his plan, a move the Republican senators rejected.The GOP’s slimmer infrastructure plan received a positive reception from the White House, with press secretary Jen Psaki characterizing it as a legitimate starting point for negotiations. She said Biden’s aides looked forward to reviewing the details and that Biden would invite members to the White House to discuss it further after he addresses a joint session of Congress on Wednesday.“We certainly welcome any good faith effort and see this as that,” Psaki said.Republican lawmakers have been quick to criticize the infrastructure proposal from Biden. They say just a fraction of the spending would go to traditional infrastructure. Biden’s plan devotes $400 billion to expand Medicaid support for caregivers, and substantial portions would fund electric vehicle charging stations and address the racial injustice of highways that were built in ways that harmed Black neighborhoods.The Republican plan would dedicate $299 billion to roads and bridges, $65 billion to broadband internet and $61 billion to transit. Another big-ticket item: $44 billion for airports. Absent from the plan are Biden priorities like electric vehicle charging stations and caregiver support, as well as billions of dollars to renovate schools and public housing.The senators delivered their blueprint to the White House about 30 minutes prior to holding a press conference on it.“We take the part of the president’s plan that most Americans agree is real, hard infrastructure, we give it our touch and we think we have a very good number here,” said Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss.Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., found little to like in the proposal.“It goes nowhere near what has to be done to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure and the funding is totally regressive and anti-working class,” Sanders said.Republicans have been dismissive of aspects of Biden’s plan that focus on easing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Penn., said the Republican plan “consists of actual, real infrastructure.”But the investments Biden is proposing to curb global warming matches what many Democrats are looking for and could dampen their support if removed in negotiations.“Any infrastructure proposal has to be green and cannot be paid for on the backs of working people,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. said.It’s not the first time Republicans have tried to draw Biden into negotiations. Earlier this year, they offered a counterproposal to Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan. Their price tag came in at about one-third of what the president wanted, and he soon declared it inadequate. Democrats went forward on their own and passed the relief bill without the support of any GOP lawmaker.Capito said she is optimistic that compromise can be found this time.“I’ve been reading this very closely,” she said. “I feel like the White House and other counterparts on the House side want to try to reach a consensus.”As debate continues regarding the size and scope of the infrastructure bill, Biden’s team is finalizing its “American Families Plan” to be outlined next week during the president’s joint address to Congress. That proposal would likely seek to extend the expanded child tax credit through 2025, universal pre-kindergarten and free community college by raising taxes on the wealthiest Americans.Psaki said that the president is meeting “over the coming days to finalize details of the package” and how to pay for it.The New York Times reported Thursday that Biden would make good on a campaign plan to nearly double the capital gains tax on people earning more than $1 million, increasing it from 20% to 39.6%. White House officials declined to confirm the precise numbers, but they emphasized that taxes would not increase for anyone making under $400,000._____

Infrastructure plans: GOP $568B or Biden $2.3T

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A woman has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for fatally shooting a 15-year-old girl outside a Kansas City high school as the teen left a basketball game.

Twenty-four-year-old Jamya Norfleet was sentenced Friday for second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/8b78aaaaca05411fbbf0ba2563e50033">February 2019</a>&nbsp;death of An’Janique Wright.

The shooting happened outside the Central Academy of Excellence after two groups of people got into an argument at the game and were escorted out separately. Wright was not enrolled at the school but was there for the game. As she left the school with the second group, gunfire erupted.

Surveillance footage showed a minivan speeding away. Charging documents say Norfleet told investigators, “I let the fire go.”

The getaway van's driver, Taylor McMillon, pleaded guilty in February to voluntary manslaughter and is scheduled to be sentenced in June.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619291177559.png" alt="Jamya Norfleet photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Jamya Norfleet photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A woman has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for fatally shooting a 15-year-old girl outside a Kansas City high school as the teen left a basketball game.Twenty-four-year-old Jamya Norfleet was sentenced Friday for second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/8b78aaaaca05411fbbf0ba2563e50033">February 2019</a>&nbsp;death of An’Janique Wright.The shooting happened outside the Central Academy of Excellence after two groups of people got into an argument at the game and were escorted out separately. Wright was not enrolled at the school but was there for the game. As she left the school with the second group, gunfire erupted.Surveillance footage showed a minivan speeding away. Charging documents say Norfleet told investigators, “I let the fire go.”The getaway van's driver, Taylor McMillon, pleaded guilty in February to voluntary manslaughter and is scheduled to be sentenced in June.

Woman sentenced for fatal shooting at KC high school

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

Just before 2a.m. Thursday,&nbsp;a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a black 2019 Volkswagen Jetta in the 1500 block of SW Auburn Road for speeding, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 During the investigation, the deputy located illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia. The Drug Enforcement Unit assisted and seized approximately 14 grams of methamphetamine and multiple oxycodone pills.&nbsp;

Deputies arrested Troy C. Russell, 39, of Topeka on a City of Topeka warrant and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of unlawful possession of controlled substances, unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and speeding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619128596108.png" alt="Russell photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Russell photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a traffic stop.Just before 2a.m. Thursday,&nbsp;a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a black 2019 Volkswagen Jetta in the 1500 block of SW Auburn Road for speeding, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. During the investigation, the deputy located illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia. The Drug Enforcement Unit assisted and seized approximately 14 grams of methamphetamine and multiple oxycodone pills.&nbsp;Deputies arrested Troy C. Russell, 39, of Topeka on a City of Topeka warrant and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of unlawful possession of controlled substances, unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and speeding.

Sheriff: Kan. man stopped for speeding, jailed on drug charges

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed two bills that would have<a href="https://eaglepost.netlify.app/dashboard/littleapple/posts/52596671-8d8c-44c4-968b-6733edc381b3"> changed the school curriculum</a> in Kansas.

"One of them would have created a requirement that students at some point take a civics test that would be drawn from the U.S. naturalization test in order to graduate from high school," said Mark Tallman, Vice President for Advocacy with the Kansas Association of School Boards. "It did not require any particular passing score. It was amended to also require that all students take a course in personal financial literacy to graduate from high school."

It's not necessarily that either of those ideas are wrong, but that the legislature is the wrong venue to have the discussion.

"In both cases, the State Board felt that was stepping on their Constitutional role, which they believe and courts have indicated, although it's not black and white, have responsibility for kind of setting curriculum," Tallman said. "There were also concerns from local school boards who I represent, about these also kind of addressing curriculum issues at the local level."

These and the other bills vetoed by the governor can still be overridden when the legislature returns in May, if they can get the necessary support.

Number one, it will have to be brought up for an override," Tallman said. "In that case, two-thirds of both the House and Senate must approve the bill. I don't think any of them got two-thirds of either house the first time through."

Both houses are adjourned until Monday, May 3 at 10 a.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582221969260.jpeg" alt="Mark Tallman, Assoc. Exec. Director, Kansas Association of School Board" />
 <figcaption>Mark Tallman, Assoc. Exec. Director, Kansas Association of School Board</figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed two bills that would have<a href="https://eaglepost.netlify.app/dashboard/littleapple/posts/52596671-8d8c-44c4-968b-6733edc381b3"> changed the school curriculum</a> in Kansas."One of them would have created a requirement that students at some point take a civics test that would be drawn from the U.S. naturalization test in order to graduate from high school," said Mark Tallman, Vice President for Advocacy with the Kansas Association of School Boards. "It did not require any particular passing score. It was amended to also require that all students take a course in personal financial literacy to graduate from high school."It's not necessarily that either of those ideas are wrong, but that the legislature is the wrong venue to have the discussion."In both cases, the State Board felt that was stepping on their Constitutional role, which they believe and courts have indicated, although it's not black and white, have responsibility for kind of setting curriculum," Tallman said. "There were also concerns from local school boards who I represent, about these also kind of addressing curriculum issues at the local level."These and the other bills vetoed by the governor can still be overridden when the legislature returns in May, if they can get the necessary support.Number one, it will have to be brought up for an override," Tallman said. "In that case, two-thirds of both the House and Senate must approve the bill. I don't think any of them got two-thirds of either house the first time through."Both houses are adjourned until Monday, May 3 at 10 a.m.

Tallman: Kelly curriculum vetoes are about role of State Board

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Black Kansas City firefighter was subjected to racial discrimination then fired in retaliation for his complaints, a federal jury found Thursday in a trial that highlighted systemic racism in the department.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Black Kansas City firefighter was subjected to racial discrimination then fired in retaliation for his complaints, a federal jury found Thursday in a trial that highlighted systemic racism in the department.The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, was ordered to pay Jyan Harris more than $2.43 million for back pay, future pay and compensatory damages for his discrimination and retaliation claims, the Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article250838949.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.“Hopefully now it shows them that you can’t do people like that,” Harris said after the verdict. “You have to do your due diligence before you take somebody’s livelihood away, especially somebody who’s giving you their livelihood.”Several witnesses testified at trial about racial discrimination in the fire department, saying Black firefighters are frequently moved into one fire station, are often passed over for promotions and are not actively recruited to serve in the racially diverse city.Former Mayor Mark Holland testified that a former fire chief once remarked to him about how it was difficult to hire Black firefighters because, he believed, African Americans are afraid of fire. One document showed a Black firefighter was disciplined for making a complaint outside of the chain of command about the presence of a noose in a fire station.“While we support an inclusive fire department, this case has highlighted concerns among some of our personnel that we have more work to do,” Unified Government Administrator Doug Bach said in a written statement. “Our firefighters are on the front lines of our public safety and, in 2021, no one should feel unwelcome or wronged while on the job.”The Unified Government fired Harris after accusing him of double dipping when he submitted time sheets for seasonal work he did at summer youth camps for its parks and recreation department while he was scheduled to work for the fire department.But Harris’ lawyers — Katherine Myers and Sarah Liesen — convinced the jury that the double-dipping investigation was a pretext for firing him after he raised complaints about racial discrimination.Harris contended that, like most firefighters, he had traded shifts, which explained records showing him simultaneously being in two places in 2015.“Discrimination and retaliation are insidious. Usually it’s not a, quote unquote, smoking gun,” Myers said. “Usually it’s a combination of circumstances and things.”Ryan Denk, the attorney representing the Unified Government, urged jurors in his closing remarks to consider whether those stories of racial issues supported Harris’ claims of race discrimination.“The verdict speaks for itself,” juror Mike Telthorst said as he prepared to leave the courthouse.