JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a traffic stop.

Just after 10:30p.m. May 22, deputies stopped aa northbound Dodge Caliber for a traffic infraction near 134th and U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The passenger, Ciara Lynne Henry, 36, of Kansas City, Missouri was subsequently arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm, criminal use of a weapon and transporting an open container.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621889004320.png" alt="Henry photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Henry photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a traffic stop.Just after 10:30p.m. May 22, deputies stopped aa northbound Dodge Caliber for a traffic infraction near 134th and U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The passenger, Ciara Lynne Henry, 36, of Kansas City, Missouri was subsequently arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm, criminal use of a weapon and transporting an open container.

Sheriff: Felon caught with gun, transporting open container

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas man who was a leader of a $56 million criminal enterprise was sentenced in federal court Friday for his role in the conspiracy that distributed more than 2,600 kilograms of cocaine in the Kansas City metropolitan area, according the United State's Attorney.

Jose Luis Armendariz-Rascon, also known as “Uncle” or “Rambo,” 40, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 15 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Armendariz-Rascon to forfeit to the government more than $56 million, which represents the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking.

On Jan. 22, 2020, Armendariz-Rascon pleaded guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and to money laundering. Armendariz-Rascon admitted that he purchased and distributed 10 to 15 kilograms of powder cocaine per week for a period of about four years.

Armendariz-Rascon was in charge of coordinating the transportation of loads of cocaine from the El Paso, Texas, area to the Kansas City metropolitan area for distribution. Armendariz-Rascon would then coordinate the collection of bulk cash that was sent back to El Paso as payment for the cocaine.

Armendariz-Rascon is among 13 defendants convicted in this case, of whom 12 have now been sentenced. Howard Christopher Walters, also known as “Chris,” 43, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, was sentenced on April 21, 2021, to 25 years in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy.

Co-defendant Otilio Zaragoza-Navarrette, 64, of El Paso, delivered cocaine to Jose Armendariz-Rascon as well as to co-defendants Miguel Armendariz-Rascon, 33, a citizen of Mexico residing in Olathe, Kan., and Jesus Salvador Campoy-Estrada, also known as “Chava” and “Chavita,” 26, of Kansas City, Kan. Zaragoza-Navarrette and Miguel Armendariz-Rascon have pleaded guilty and been sentenced. Campoy-Estrada pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

Zaragoza-Navarette also transported illicit drug proceeds from the drug-trafficking organization back to Texas and/or to Mexico. Zaragoza-Navarrette hid the cocaine and/or the cash proceeds inside of five-gallon gas cans and anti-freeze jugs on his commercial semi-tractor trailer.

In one instance, law enforcement officers seized nearly $500,000 from Zaragoza-Navarrette, who was transferring the illicit drug proceeds in an operation orchestrated by Armendariz-Rascon. On May 21, 2017, investigators were conducting surveillance at a residence in the 4700 block of North Mulberry Court in Kansas City as Campoy-Estrada was driving a white Chevrolet van with Miguel Armendariz-Rascon in the passenger’s seat. Investigators followed the van as it proceeded to the area of Candlewood Suites, 4450 Randolph Road, Kansas City, and pulled onto Corrington Road on the west side of Candlewood Suites. The van parked in front of a diesel tractor-trailer. Campoy-Estrada carried a white plastic jug from the van to the passenger side of the tractor-trailer. Campoy-Estrada then returned to the van with a red plastic gas can and placed the gas can into the rear of the van. Campoy-Estrada and Miguel Armendariz-Rascon then left the area.

Law enforcement officers continued to surveil the tractor-trailer, being driven by Zaragoza-Navarrette, as it left the Candlewood Suites and began to drive northbound on I-35. The Missouri State Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop of the tractor-trailer at mile marker 68. Troopers searched the vehicle and found a red five-gallon plastic gas can and two white plastic jugs that contained a total of $491,211.

A confidential source has indicated the drug-trafficking organization purchased cocaine for approximately $27,000 to $27,500 per kilogram. Accordingly, $491,211 in illicit drug proceeds would convert to between 15 and 19 kilograms of powder cocaine.

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas man who was a leader of a $56 million criminal enterprise was sentenced in federal court Friday for his role in the conspiracy that distributed more than 2,600 kilograms of cocaine in the Kansas City metropolitan area, according the United State's Attorney.Jose Luis Armendariz-Rascon, also known as “Uncle” or “Rambo,” 40, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 15 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Armendariz-Rascon to forfeit to the government more than $56 million, which represents the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking.On Jan. 22, 2020, Armendariz-Rascon pleaded guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and to money laundering. Armendariz-Rascon admitted that he purchased and distributed 10 to 15 kilograms of powder cocaine per week for a period of about four years.Armendariz-Rascon was in charge of coordinating the transportation of loads of cocaine from the El Paso, Texas, area to the Kansas City metropolitan area for distribution. Armendariz-Rascon would then coordinate the collection of bulk cash that was sent back to El Paso as payment for the cocaine.Armendariz-Rascon is among 13 defendants convicted in this case, of whom 12 have now been sentenced. Howard Christopher Walters, also known as “Chris,” 43, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, was sentenced on April 21, 2021, to 25 years in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy.Co-defendant Otilio Zaragoza-Navarrette, 64, of El Paso, delivered cocaine to Jose Armendariz-Rascon as well as to co-defendants Miguel Armendariz-Rascon, 33, a citizen of Mexico residing in Olathe, Kan., and Jesus Salvador Campoy-Estrada, also known as “Chava” and “Chavita,” 26, of Kansas City, Kan. Zaragoza-Navarrette and Miguel Armendariz-Rascon have pleaded guilty and been sentenced. Campoy-Estrada pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.Zaragoza-Navarette also transported illicit drug proceeds from the drug-trafficking organization back to Texas and/or to Mexico. Zaragoza-Navarrette hid the cocaine and/or the cash proceeds inside of five-gallon gas cans and anti-freeze jugs on his commercial semi-tractor trailer.In one instance, law enforcement officers seized nearly $500,000 from Zaragoza-Navarrette, who was transferring the illicit drug proceeds in an operation orchestrated by Armendariz-Rascon. On May 21, 2017, investigators were conducting surveillance at a residence in the 4700 block of North Mulberry Court in Kansas City as Campoy-Estrada was driving a white Chevrolet van with Miguel Armendariz-Rascon in the passenger’s seat. Investigators followed the van as it proceeded to the area of Candlewood Suites, 4450 Randolph Road, Kansas City, and pulled onto Corrington Road on the west side of Candlewood Suites. The van parked in front of a diesel tractor-trailer. Campoy-Estrada carried a white plastic jug from the van to the passenger side of the tractor-trailer. Campoy-Estrada then returned to the van with a red plastic gas can and placed the gas can into the rear of the van. Campoy-Estrada and Miguel Armendariz-Rascon then left the area.Law enforcement officers continued to surveil the tractor-trailer, being driven by Zaragoza-Navarrette, as it left the Candlewood Suites and began to drive northbound on I-35. The Missouri State Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop of the tractor-trailer at mile marker 68. Troopers searched the vehicle and found a red five-gallon plastic gas can and two white plastic jugs that contained a total of $491,211.A confidential source has indicated the drug-trafficking organization purchased cocaine for approximately $27,000 to $27,500 per kilogram. Accordingly, $491,211 in illicit drug proceeds would convert to between 15 and 19 kilograms of powder cocaine.

Kan. man involved in cocaine ring ordered to pay feds $56M

ROCKWELL, Iowa - Authorities have arrested a Kansas man for allegedly stealing a BMW in northern Iowa, and then dropping off a pickup from a Saline County residence at the scene.A

A rural Saline County man reported that sometime between 10:30 p.m. Friday and 7:27 a.m. Saturday, someone stole his $20,000 Chevrolet Silverado from his residence in the 1600 block of E. Stimmel Road, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.

On Saturday afternoon, the sheriff's office received a call from the Rockwell (Iowa) Police Department that the Silverado had been located at the scene of the theft of a BMW. Shortly after the BMW was stolen, Rockwell police apprehended Jason Buster, 36, of Salina, and recovered the BMW.

The rural Saline County owner of the pickup knows Buster who also left a motorcycle when the pickup was taken, according to Soldan.

Saline County officials&nbsp; will not be able to extradite Buster until Rockville has completed its court case against Buster.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621886622112.png" alt="Buster photo Carroll County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Buster photo Carroll County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>ROCKWELL, Iowa - Authorities have arrested a Kansas man for allegedly stealing a BMW in northern Iowa, and then dropping off a pickup from a Saline County residence at the scene.AA rural Saline County man reported that sometime between 10:30 p.m. Friday and 7:27 a.m. Saturday, someone stole his $20,000 Chevrolet Silverado from his residence in the 1600 block of E. Stimmel Road, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.On Saturday afternoon, the sheriff's office received a call from the Rockwell (Iowa) Police Department that the Silverado had been located at the scene of the theft of a BMW. Shortly after the BMW was stolen, Rockwell police apprehended Jason Buster, 36, of Salina, and recovered the BMW.The rural Saline County owner of the pickup knows Buster who also left a motorcycle when the pickup was taken, according to Soldan.Saline County officials&nbsp; will not be able to extradite Buster until Rockville has completed its court case against Buster.

Kan. man who allegedly stole pickup, BMW is captured in Iowa

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear an appeal from a Missouri death row inmate who is seeking execution by firing squad.

Over the dissent of the three liberal justices, the court left in place a lower court ruling against inmate Ernest Johnson that could allow him to be executed by lethal injection. He is on death row for killing three convenience store workers in Columbia, Missouri, in 1994.

Johnson has argued that Missouri’s lethal injection drug, pentobarbital, could trigger seizures because of a brain condition. Johnson still has part of a benign tumor in his brain.

The effect of the court’s order Monday is to prevent Johnson from amending his lawsuit to include the possibility of execution by firing squad, which is not authorized under Missouri law.

Based on prior Supreme Court rulings, an inmate who objects to the state’s chosen method of execution has to suggest an alternate means.

Johnson initially suggested he could be put to death using nitrogen gas, which is allowed in Missouri. But the Supreme Court has held that states could decline to use a method of execution that has no track record, as is the case with nitrogen gas.

But when Johnson tried to suggest a firing squad, a method with a long history of use in the U.S., judges on the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal said he acted too late.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote for herself and colleagues Stephen Breyer and Elena Kagan that Johnson should be able to make his case. “We should not countenance the infliction of cruel and unusual punishment simply for the sake of expediency. That is what the Eighth Circuit’s decision has done. Because this Court chooses to stand idly by, I respectfully dissent,” Sotomayor wrote.

The state planned to execute Johnson in 2015, but the Supreme Court intervened on his behalf then.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621882682950.png" alt="Johnson photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Johnson photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear an appeal from a Missouri death row inmate who is seeking execution by firing squad.Over the dissent of the three liberal justices, the court left in place a lower court ruling against inmate Ernest Johnson that could allow him to be executed by lethal injection. He is on death row for killing three convenience store workers in Columbia, Missouri, in 1994.Johnson has argued that Missouri’s lethal injection drug, pentobarbital, could trigger seizures because of a brain condition. Johnson still has part of a benign tumor in his brain.The effect of the court’s order Monday is to prevent Johnson from amending his lawsuit to include the possibility of execution by firing squad, which is not authorized under Missouri law.Based on prior Supreme Court rulings, an inmate who objects to the state’s chosen method of execution has to suggest an alternate means.Johnson initially suggested he could be put to death using nitrogen gas, which is allowed in Missouri. But the Supreme Court has held that states could decline to use a method of execution that has no track record, as is the case with nitrogen gas.But when Johnson tried to suggest a firing squad, a method with a long history of use in the U.S., judges on the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal said he acted too late.Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote for herself and colleagues Stephen Breyer and Elena Kagan that Johnson should be able to make his case. “We should not countenance the infliction of cruel and unusual punishment simply for the sake of expediency. That is what the Eighth Circuit’s decision has done. Because this Court chooses to stand idly by, I respectfully dissent,” Sotomayor wrote.The state planned to execute Johnson in 2015, but the Supreme Court intervened on his behalf then.

Missouri killer seeking firing squad loses Supreme Court appeal

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A jury convicted a 25-year-old Wichita woman of first-degree felony murder after her 2-year-old son died from ingesting methadone. A Sedgwick County jury deliberated about two hours Monday before finding Kimberly Compass guilty in the death of Zayden JayNesahkluah. 

Zayden died of a methadone overdose in a Wichita motel on May 31, 2019. Prosecutors accused Compass of mishandling three bottles of methadone, which had been prescribed to help her kick a heroin habit. It remains unclear exactly how the boy got ahold of the methadone. 

Her defense attorney argued throughout the trial that Compass didn't know the boy ingested the drug. She will be sentenced Aug. 12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621892806239.png" alt="Compass was originally booked into jail in August of 2019- photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Compass was originally booked into jail in August of 2019- photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A jury convicted a 25-year-old Wichita woman of first-degree felony murder after her 2-year-old son died from ingesting methadone. A Sedgwick County jury deliberated about two hours Monday before finding Kimberly Compass guilty in the death of Zayden JayNesahkluah. Zayden died of a methadone overdose in a Wichita motel on May 31, 2019. Prosecutors accused Compass of mishandling three bottles of methadone, which had been prescribed to help her kick a heroin habit. It remains unclear exactly how the boy got ahold of the methadone. Her defense attorney argued throughout the trial that Compass didn't know the boy ingested the drug. She will be sentenced Aug. 12.

Kan. woman convicted in 2-year-old son's methadone death

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Police in Overland Park are investigating the shooting death of a man early Monday morning in the parking lot of a condominium building just across the street from City Hall. 

Police say officers were called to the area around 5:20 a.m. for reports of gunshots. Arriving officers found a man on the ground who had been shot and was already dead. 

Witnesses tell police that they saw two to three people run to vehicles in the parking lot following the shooting and flee the area. Police have not released the name of the man killed and have not announced any arrests.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621886214431.png" alt="Investigators on the scene early Monday-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Investigators on the scene early Monday-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Police in Overland Park are investigating the shooting death of a man early Monday morning in the parking lot of a condominium building just across the street from City Hall. Police say officers were called to the area around 5:20 a.m. for reports of gunshots. Arriving officers found a man on the ground who had been shot and was already dead. Witnesses tell police that they saw two to three people run to vehicles in the parking lot following the shooting and flee the area. Police have not released the name of the man killed and have not announced any arrests.

Police investigate fatal shooting near Overland Park City Hall

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly five months after being deployed to the U.S. Capitol to help quell the Jan. 6 insurrection, National Guard troops were set to leave and turn over security of the area to Capitol Police.

Guard troops, their mission ending Sunday, were leaving Monday, a person familiar with the plan told The Associated Press. The person was not authorized to discuss the plan by name and requested anonymity.

The Pentagon announced earlier in the week that an extension of the Guard presence — 2,149 troops — had not been requested.

The planned departure came as Democrats and Republicans sparred over how to fund fortifications of the Capitol and whether to form an independent bipartisan commission to investigate the attack that sought to overturn former President Donald Trump’s loss to Democrat Joe Biden.

Some Republican lawmakers have begun downplaying the event despite the handful of deaths, injuries to scores of police officers, hundreds of arrests, damages to the building and shouted threats against lawmakers from many of those who stormed the building. Much of the violence was caught on camera.

Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, who oversaw a security review in the wake of the rioting, told CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday that the Capitol itself will be secured by Capitol Police but that the complex will remain closed to the general public because of the strain on the police force.

“God bless the National Guard,” Honore said. “They’ve done significant work.”

The House on Thursday approved — by a single vote largely along party lines — a $1.9 billion measure to fortify the Capitol. The next day the House approved with 35 Republican votes the formation of an investigative commission. Both measures face an uncertain future in the evenly divided Senate.

Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has said he opposes the commission proposal, which would need significant Republican support to advance under Senate rules. Republican opponents say the commission would become a political tool as midterms elections approach, though the proposal requires its work to be concluded by the end of this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611848633213.png" alt="Members of the Kansas National Guard in DC earlier this year" />
 <figcaption>Members of the Kansas National Guard in DC earlier this year</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly five months after being deployed to the U.S. Capitol to help quell the Jan. 6 insurrection, National Guard troops were set to leave and turn over security of the area to Capitol Police.Guard troops, their mission ending Sunday, were leaving Monday, a person familiar with the plan told The Associated Press. The person was not authorized to discuss the plan by name and requested anonymity.The Pentagon announced earlier in the week that an extension of the Guard presence — 2,149 troops — had not been requested.The planned departure came as Democrats and Republicans sparred over how to fund fortifications of the Capitol and whether to form an independent bipartisan commission to investigate the attack that sought to overturn former President Donald Trump’s loss to Democrat Joe Biden.Some Republican lawmakers have begun downplaying the event despite the handful of deaths, injuries to scores of police officers, hundreds of arrests, damages to the building and shouted threats against lawmakers from many of those who stormed the building. Much of the violence was caught on camera.Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, who oversaw a security review in the wake of the rioting, told CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday that the Capitol itself will be secured by Capitol Police but that the complex will remain closed to the general public because of the strain on the police force.“God bless the National Guard,” Honore said. “They’ve done significant work.”The House on Thursday approved — by a single vote largely along party lines — a $1.9 billion measure to fortify the Capitol. The next day the House approved with 35 Republican votes the formation of an investigative commission. Both measures face an uncertain future in the evenly divided Senate.Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has said he opposes the commission proposal, which would need significant Republican support to advance under Senate rules. Republican opponents say the commission would become a political tool as midterms elections approach, though the proposal requires its work to be concluded by the end of this year.

National Guard mission to provide security ending at Capitol

EUREKA, Mo. (AP) — Firefighters in suburban St. Louis said it’s astonishing no one was injured in a weekend crash that saw a car flip end-over-end down an embankment and crash through the roof of a home just feet from where two people were sleeping.

The crash happened just before 2 a.m. Sunday in Eureka, just southwest of St. Louis.

The car was traveling down The Legends Parkway when it swerved off of the road, hit a tree and tumbled down an embankment before plowing into a wrought iron fence and crashing through the roof into the master bathroom of the home, fire officials said.

“If you look at that crash it’s like, how did somebody not die?” fire department spokesman Scott Barthelmass said.

One of the homeowners used a garden hose to put out a small fire caused by the crash, officials said. Two men in the car were able to get out of the wreckage on their own.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621876442971.png" alt="Photos courtesy Eureka Missouri Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy Eureka Missouri Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>EUREKA, Mo. (AP) — Firefighters in suburban St. Louis said it’s astonishing no one was injured in a weekend crash that saw a car flip end-over-end down an embankment and crash through the roof of a home just feet from where two people were sleeping.The crash happened just before 2 a.m. Sunday in Eureka, just southwest of St. Louis.The car was traveling down The Legends Parkway when it swerved off of the road, hit a tree and tumbled down an embankment before plowing into a wrought iron fence and crashing through the roof into the master bathroom of the home, fire officials said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621876421506.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“If you look at that crash it’s like, how did somebody not die?” fire department spokesman Scott Barthelmass said.One of the homeowners used a garden hose to put out a small fire caused by the crash, officials said. Two men in the car were able to get out of the wreckage on their own.

No injuries when car crashes through roof of home

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly on Monday was joined by education advocates and a bipartisan group of lawmakers to sign legislation fully funding education for the third consecutive year, and guaranteeing funding through FY 2023, according to a media release from her office.

"When I took office, the State of Kansas&nbsp;had failed to&nbsp;fully fund our public schools for nearly a decade,"&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;"That's why today I'm proud to say that, for the third year in a row, I have signed bipartisan legislation fully funding our schools.

"I want to thank the coalition of legislative colleagues, advocates, teachers, and faculty for their advocacy. With their support, we followed through on our commitment to ensure students, teachers, and schools have the resources they need."&nbsp;

During the signing ceremony, Governor Kelly said that ensuring kids have access to a quality education is good for Kansas students, and for the state's economy.&nbsp;

"Ensuring kids have access to a quality education not only helps them succeed. It helps our businesses succeed and promotes economic development by providing employers with a highly-educated, skilled workforce,"&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;

In addition to fully funding education in Kansas,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA1MjQuNDA5OTUxMTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2djYzAyLnNhZmVsaW5rcy5wcm90ZWN0aW9uLm91dGxvb2suY29tLz91cmw9aHR0cCUzQSUyRiUyRmtzbGVnaXNsYXR1cmUub3JnJTJGbGklMkZiMjAyMV8yMiUyRm1lYXN1cmVzJTJGZG9jdW1lbnRzJTJGaGIyMTM0X2Vucm9sbGVkLnBkZiZkYXRhPTA0JTdDMDElN0NSYXluYS5LYXJzdCU0MGtzLmdvdiU3Q2NhMzE2OWUwZmExMjQwM2E4MGMxMDhkOTFlY2RiOGRmJTdDZGNhZTgxMDFjOTJkNDgwY2JjNDNjNjc2MWNjY2NjNWElN0MwJTdDMCU3QzYzNzU3NDY5MTE3NTQ1MzEwMSU3Q1Vua25vd24lN0NUV0ZwYkdac2IzZDhleUpXSWpvaU1DNHdMakF3TURBaUxDSlFJam9pVjJsdU16SWlMQ0pCVGlJNklrMWhhV3dpTENKWFZDSTZNbjAlM0QlN0MxMDAwJnNkYXRhPWxBSjMyMkpLRFp2bTBpb3lIUkxvRmx6R1ZIbTlmbndMZTZRaFhLNiUyRmQycyUzRCZyZXNlcnZlZD0wIn0.3I1yKdg4ObAuKSmtUUSg-V-2cPZsJVCf7p6ImQndRYs/s/1303160919/br/106862295758-l" target="_blank">House Bill 2134</a>&nbsp;requires an annual report card for children in foster care, authorizes limited remote learning, provides the criteria for identification of students eligible to receive at-risk programs and services, requires boards of education to allocate sufficient school district moneys to improve student academic performance, authorizes school districts to pay tuition and fees for concurrent and dual enrollment programs, expands student eligibility under the tax credit for low income students scholarship program, extends the high-density at-risk weighting, and provides ACT college entrance exams and workkey assessments to certain nonpublic school students.&nbsp;

Governor Kelly also signed House Bill 2313, extending the dedicated statewide mill-levy which funds a portion of the overall K-12 budget.

HB 2313 also provides for reimbursement of property taxes for certain business shutdowns or restrictions, allows&nbsp;Kansas national guard and reservist members who are in good standing to receive a property tax exemption for up to two motor vehicles, authorizes appointment by the governor of a member pro tempore when a vacancy on the state board of tax appeals exists and directs post audit study of the impact of non-profit and governmental entities competing against for-profit businesses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621873088743.png" alt="During Monday's signing ceremony, Governor Kelly said that ensuring kids have access to a quality education is good for Kansas students, and for the state's economy.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>During Monday's signing ceremony, Governor Kelly said that ensuring kids have access to a quality education is good for Kansas students, and for the state's economy.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly on Monday was joined by education advocates and a bipartisan group of lawmakers to sign legislation fully funding education for the third consecutive year, and guaranteeing funding through FY 2023, according to a media release from her office."When I took office, the State of Kansas&nbsp;had failed to&nbsp;fully fund our public schools for nearly a decade,"&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;"That's why today I'm proud to say that, for the third year in a row, I have signed bipartisan legislation fully funding our schools."I want to thank the coalition of legislative colleagues, advocates, teachers, and faculty for their advocacy. With their support, we followed through on our commitment to ensure students, teachers, and schools have the resources they need."&nbsp;During the signing ceremony, Governor Kelly said that ensuring kids have access to a quality education is good for Kansas students, and for the state's economy.&nbsp;"Ensuring kids have access to a quality education not only helps them succeed. It helps our businesses succeed and promotes economic development by providing employers with a highly-educated, skilled workforce,"&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;In addition to fully funding education in Kansas,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.3I1yKdg4ObAuKSmtUUSg-V-2cPZsJVCf7p6ImQndRYs/s/1303160919/br/106862295758-l" target="_blank">House Bill 2134</a>&nbsp;requires an annual report card for children in foster care, authorizes limited remote learning, provides the criteria for identification of students eligible to receive at-risk programs and services, requires boards of education to allocate sufficient school district moneys to improve student academic performance, authorizes school districts to pay tuition and fees for concurrent and dual enrollment programs, expands student eligibility under the tax credit for low income students scholarship program, extends the high-density at-risk weighting, and provides ACT college entrance exams and workkey assessments to certain nonpublic school students.&nbsp;Governor Kelly also signed House Bill 2313, extending the dedicated statewide mill-levy which funds a portion of the overall K-12 budget.HB 2313 also provides for reimbursement of property taxes for certain business shutdowns or restrictions, allows&nbsp;Kansas national guard and reservist members who are in good standing to receive a property tax exemption for up to two motor vehicles, authorizes appointment by the governor of a member pro tempore when a vacancy on the state board of tax appeals exists and directs post audit study of the impact of non-profit and governmental entities competing against for-profit businesses.

Kansas governor signs bill fully funding education  

By KEN CARPENTER <a href="https://greatbendpost.com/">Great Bend Post</a>

GREAT BEND — A controversy over wearing masks took center stage at the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce legislative update last week at the Great Bend Events Center. State Sen. Alicia Straub used the occasion to air her concerns about COVID-19 policies at 4-H events.

4-H summer camps Straub, an Ellinwood Republican representing the <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/s/pdf/district_maps/district_map_s_033.pdf">33rd Senate District</a>, complained about COVID-19 protocols at 4-H camps being held this summer at the Rock Springs Ranch south of Junction City.

"They are still trying to require masks on our children outdoors this summer — the Heart of Kansas 4-H camp," Straub said. "The registration for that camp is still saying that they're going to require kids to wear masks for most activities where they can't maintain 6-foot social distancing."

The Rock Springs Ranch is owned and operated by the Kansas 4-H Foundation, a non-profit group whose mission is to support 4-H and youth development in Kansas.

Jake Worcester, president and CEO of the 4-H Foundation, told the Eagle Radio News Department in Great Bend on Friday that COVID-19 protocols are being revised this month. He explained how the new rules are being developed.

"We follow American Camp Association guidelines. The American Camp Association is our accrediting organization when it comes to our role as a camp," Worcester noted.

He predicted the new policies will be less restrictive.

"We fully anticipate that we aren't going to be asking youth to mask outdoors. The science doesn't seem to support that that's necessary, and that's been our position all along."

Worcester said the 4-H youth will be asked to wear masks in crowded indoor settings at Rock Springs. He said the youth will be assigned to living groups, and will not be asked to mask when they're with those groups.

Straub asked about 30 people attending the Legislative Update to contact the local and state 4-H Extension offices to complain. But according to Worcester, K-State extension does not set the camp rules. He reiterated that the camp is required to follow the national American Camp Association guidelines, and he said those may be loosened even more throughout the course of the summer.

April meeting controversy Straub also told the audience about a 4-H meeting she attended with her children at a church in Ellinwood on April 5.

"My children and I along with some other parents and their children were kicked out of a 4-H meeting," Straub recalled. "The meeting was called off, and we were all sent home because I, as your state senator, refused to put a mask on and refused to put a mask on my children."

4-H Youth Development is overseen by the K-State Research and Extension Administration. Dr. Gregg Hadley, the director for K-State Extension, acknowledged to Eagle Radio on Friday that mask protocols were still in effect for 4-H meetings on April 5. However, he said those rules have changed since then.

"It was around the beginning of May that Kansas State University adjusted their policy to say that our K-State Research and Extension local units should follow local public health guidelines," Hadley said.

That means that masks have not been required at 4-H gatherings in Barton County since the first week of May. That's because Barton County does not have a mask mandate.

Straub acknowledged that the 4-H policy has changed, but she said local mask guidelines should have been followed sooner.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621879224244.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KEN CARPENTER <a href="https://greatbendpost.com/">Great Bend Post</a>GREAT BEND — A controversy over wearing masks took center stage at the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce legislative update last week at the Great Bend Events Center. State Sen. Alicia Straub used the occasion to air her concerns about COVID-19 policies at 4-H events.4-H summer camps Straub, an Ellinwood Republican representing the <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/s/pdf/district_maps/district_map_s_033.pdf">33rd Senate District</a>, complained about COVID-19 protocols at 4-H camps being held this summer at the Rock Springs Ranch south of Junction City."They are still trying to require masks on our children outdoors this summer — the Heart of Kansas 4-H camp," Straub said. "The registration for that camp is still saying that they're going to require kids to wear masks for most activities where they can't maintain 6-foot social distancing."The Rock Springs Ranch is owned and operated by the Kansas 4-H Foundation, a non-profit group whose mission is to support 4-H and youth development in Kansas.Jake Worcester, president and CEO of the 4-H Foundation, told the Eagle Radio News Department in Great Bend on Friday that COVID-19 protocols are being revised this month. He explained how the new rules are being developed."We follow American Camp Association guidelines. The American Camp Association is our accrediting organization when it comes to our role as a camp," Worcester noted.He predicted the new policies will be less restrictive."We fully anticipate that we aren't going to be asking youth to mask outdoors. The science doesn't seem to support that that's necessary, and that's been our position all along."Worcester said the 4-H youth will be asked to wear masks in crowded indoor settings at Rock Springs. He said the youth will be assigned to living groups, and will not be asked to mask when they're with those groups.Straub asked about 30 people attending the Legislative Update to contact the local and state 4-H Extension offices to complain. But according to Worcester, K-State extension does not set the camp rules. He reiterated that the camp is required to follow the national American Camp Association guidelines, and he said those may be loosened even more throughout the course of the summer.April meeting controversy Straub also told the audience about a 4-H meeting she attended with her children at a church in Ellinwood on April 5."My children and I along with some other parents and their children were kicked out of a 4-H meeting," Straub recalled. "The meeting was called off, and we were all sent home because I, as your state senator, refused to put a mask on and refused to put a mask on my children."4-H Youth Development is overseen by the K-State Research and Extension Administration. Dr. Gregg Hadley, the director for K-State Extension, acknowledged to Eagle Radio on Friday that mask protocols were still in effect for 4-H meetings on April 5. However, he said those rules have changed since then."It was around the beginning of May that Kansas State University adjusted their policy to say that our K-State Research and Extension local units should follow local public health guidelines," Hadley said.That means that masks have not been required at 4-H gatherings in Barton County since the first week of May. That's because Barton County does not have a mask mandate.Straub acknowledged that the 4-H policy has changed, but she said local mask guidelines should have been followed sooner.

Western Kan. state senator rails against 4-H COVID policies

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 277 to a total of 313,274 , the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 1 new COVID-19 death for a total of 5058.

<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 277 to a total of 313,274 , the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 1 new COVID-19 death for a total of 5058.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621875816098.png" alt="Monday May 24, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday May 24, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend attack on an employee at Walmart in Johnson County.

A suspect identified as a white male, in his mid to late 20s, battered the Loss Prevention Officer who attempted to stop him from stealing at the Walmart in the 1700 Block of East Santa Fe Street, according to a social media report from Gardner Police.

&nbsp;The suspect then entered a dark red / maroon mid 2000’s red Ford escape unknown tag traveling westbound on E. Santa Fe Street.

If you have any information, please contact Ofc Marino at 913-856-7312 reference case number 201264.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621864905614.png" alt="Security Camera photos Gardner Police" />
 <figcaption>Security Camera photos Gardner Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend attack on an employee at Walmart in Johnson County.A suspect identified as a white male, in his mid to late 20s, battered the Loss Prevention Officer who attempted to stop him from stealing at the Walmart in the 1700 Block of East Santa Fe Street, according to a social media report from Gardner Police.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621864889658.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;The suspect then entered a dark red / maroon mid 2000’s red Ford escape unknown tag traveling westbound on E. Santa Fe Street.If you have any information, please contact Ofc Marino at 913-856-7312 reference case number 201264.

Police: Man battered security officer at Kansas business

MANHATTAN— Kansas State University President Richard B. Myers announced his retirement Monday morning, via a release on the K-State website.&nbsp;

Following a lifetime of public service, Kansas State University President Richard B. Myers plans to retire at the end of this calendar year. Myers has served as the university’s 14th president since 2016. He also is a Kansas State University Foundation professor of military history and leadership.

“Mary Jo and I truly loved our time at K-State and working with students, faculty and staff,” Myers said. “Being president of my alma mater was one of the most fulfilling jobs I’ve ever had. It was an honor to help move K-State forward on many fronts. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with the many talented and dedicated people who comprise the K-State family.”

During Myers’ time as president, the university has undergone significant changes to prepare for the future. One major initiative was the adoption of a new budget model. The new model is performance-based and supports strategic investments to drive innovation and growth. Now in full implementation, the new model is much more transparent than the historical model the university had used for decades.

Myers also led a comprehensive Strategic Enrollment Management initiative to counter declining enrollment. This included restructuring the entire university recruiting, student success, and scholarship programs, moving to a data-driven strategic approach, and streamlining the tuition structure. Although interrupted by the pandemic, the initiative is showing positive results in establishing a base for future growth.

Last year saw the completion of the university’s Morris Family Multicultural Student Center following expanded efforts to lead diversity and inclusion efforts across the university. Myers also added a chief diversity and inclusion officer to the president’s cabinet and elevated diversity and inclusion issues to a top priority.

He and his wife, Mary Jo, served as co-chairs of the Kansas State University Innovation and Inspiration Campaign that raised $1.6 billion. The campaign surpassed its original goal by $600 million.

Myers graduated from the university in 1965 with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and joined the Air Force through K-State's ROTC program. He received a master's degree in business administration from Auburn University in 1977. He also graduated from Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base in 1977, U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks in 1981, and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, where he completed a program for Senior Executives in National and International Security in 1991.

The native Kansan from Merriam retired as a four-star general in the Air Force. From 2001-2005, he served as the 15th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and was the principal military adviser to the U.S. president, secretary of defense, and the National Security Council.&nbsp;In 2006 Kansas State University named the military science building — home of the Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC programs — Gen. Richard B. Myers Hall, in honor of his service and dedication.

The Kansas Board of Regents will announce details on the search to replace Myers at a later date.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621868293315.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN— Kansas State University President Richard B. Myers announced his retirement Monday morning, via a release on the K-State website.&nbsp;Following a lifetime of public service, Kansas State University President Richard B. Myers plans to retire at the end of this calendar year. Myers has served as the university’s 14th president since 2016. He also is a Kansas State University Foundation professor of military history and leadership.“Mary Jo and I truly loved our time at K-State and working with students, faculty and staff,” Myers said. “Being president of my alma mater was one of the most fulfilling jobs I’ve ever had. It was an honor to help move K-State forward on many fronts. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with the many talented and dedicated people who comprise the K-State family.”During Myers’ time as president, the university has undergone significant changes to prepare for the future. One major initiative was the adoption of a new budget model. The new model is performance-based and supports strategic investments to drive innovation and growth. Now in full implementation, the new model is much more transparent than the historical model the university had used for decades.Myers also led a comprehensive Strategic Enrollment Management initiative to counter declining enrollment. This included restructuring the entire university recruiting, student success, and scholarship programs, moving to a data-driven strategic approach, and streamlining the tuition structure. Although interrupted by the pandemic, the initiative is showing positive results in establishing a base for future growth.Last year saw the completion of the university’s Morris Family Multicultural Student Center following expanded efforts to lead diversity and inclusion efforts across the university. Myers also added a chief diversity and inclusion officer to the president’s cabinet and elevated diversity and inclusion issues to a top priority.He and his wife, Mary Jo, served as co-chairs of the Kansas State University Innovation and Inspiration Campaign that raised $1.6 billion. The campaign surpassed its original goal by $600 million.Myers graduated from the university in 1965 with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and joined the Air Force through K-State's ROTC program. He received a master's degree in business administration from Auburn University in 1977. He also graduated from Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base in 1977, U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks in 1981, and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, where he completed a program for Senior Executives in National and International Security in 1991.The native Kansan from Merriam retired as a four-star general in the Air Force. From 2001-2005, he served as the 15th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and was the principal military adviser to the U.S. president, secretary of defense, and the National Security Council.&nbsp;In 2006 Kansas State University named the military science building — home of the Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC programs — Gen. Richard B. Myers Hall, in honor of his service and dedication.The Kansas Board of Regents will announce details on the search to replace Myers at a later date.

K-State President Myers announces retirement

GEARY COUNTY — Junction City was the stopping point for the Remember Our Fallen Ride 2021 on Sunday. Approximately 70 riders on a cross country ride from California to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. stopped in Heritage Park.

Riders placed a wreath in front of the Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Heritage Park.

Ride organizer Barry Bateman explained a purpose of the ride was "to call for a full accounting of our nation's heroes that answer the call for our great nation during times of war and conflict, and the repatriation of the same. To allow their families a final answer as to where they have their final resting place."

Bateman noted that other purposes of the ride were to honor those families that have lost loved ones during all conflicts, and to recognize the loss of 22 current and former service members a day as a result of their service to the nation.&nbsp;

The ride replaced the annual Run For The Wall which normally comes through Junction City, but was called off this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. That event plans to return in 2022.&nbsp;

Bateman called the support by the community for this year's ride awesome as always. "Got the flags out there, we've got people on overpasses the whole time, we had the police escort into town, the wreath laying here at the memorial, what more can you ask for."

Dan Hammond of Junction City is participating in the ride. "The reception here is always awesome and this was marvelous today. Living here in Junction City I was on the giving end of this a few times, now I've been on the receiving end three different times. Every time brings tears to my eyes."

The riders spent the night in Junction City and plan to move on to Wentzville, Missouri Monday.

GEARY COUNTY — Junction City was the stopping point for the Remember Our Fallen Ride 2021 on Sunday. Approximately 70 riders on a cross country ride from California to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. stopped in Heritage Park.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621812627059.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Riders placed a wreath in front of the Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Heritage Park.Ride organizer Barry Bateman explained a purpose of the ride was "to call for a full accounting of our nation's heroes that answer the call for our great nation during times of war and conflict, and the repatriation of the same. To allow their families a final answer as to where they have their final resting place."Bateman noted that other purposes of the ride were to honor those families that have lost loved ones during all conflicts, and to recognize the loss of 22 current and former service members a day as a result of their service to the nation.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621812285601.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The ride replaced the annual Run For The Wall which normally comes through Junction City, but was called off this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. That event plans to return in 2022.&nbsp;Bateman called the support by the community for this year's ride awesome as always. "Got the flags out there, we've got people on overpasses the whole time, we had the police escort into town, the wreath laying here at the memorial, what more can you ask for."Dan Hammond of Junction City is participating in the ride. "The reception here is always awesome and this was marvelous today. Living here in Junction City I was on the giving end of this a few times, now I've been on the receiving end three different times. Every time brings tears to my eyes."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621815309526.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The riders spent the night in Junction City and plan to move on to Wentzville, Missouri Monday.

Remember Our Fallen Ride makes weekend stop in Kansas

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City police have identified a woman who shot and killed over the weekend in the northeastern end of the city in the North Blue Ridge neighborhood.

Officers were called around 3:45 a.m. Sunday to the intersection of East Winner Road and Wallace Avenue and found 18-year-old Kailey Love with gunshot wounds, police said in a news release. First responders tried to save Love’s life, but she died at the scene, investigators said.

Police said a suspect was arrested at the scene.

The shooting was the 60th homicide of the year in Kansas City. At the same time last year, there had been 70 homicides.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City police have identified a woman who shot and killed over the weekend in the northeastern end of the city in the North Blue Ridge neighborhood.Officers were called around 3:45 a.m. Sunday to the intersection of East Winner Road and Wallace Avenue and found 18-year-old Kailey Love with gunshot wounds, police said in a news release. First responders tried to save Love’s life, but she died at the scene, investigators said.Police said a suspect was arrested at the scene.The shooting was the 60th homicide of the year in Kansas City. At the same time last year, there had been 70 homicides.

Police ID 18-year-old woman shot, killed in Kansas City 

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Someone who posted videos on TikTok showing a golf cart running over a sign on a Wichita golf course and a person chasing geese from a golf cart has been banned from all of the city’s park facilities for a year. 

Before the ban was handed down on Thursday, the city had asked on Twitter for help identifying the culprit. 

Within a couple hours, the city said it had found the man with 150 followers on TikTok who posted the videos after several people identified him. City officials didn’t identify the offender publicly but they said he would receive a notice about the ban.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621822309117.png" alt="The city had asked on Twitter for help identifying the culprit." />
 <figcaption>The city had asked on Twitter for help identifying the culprit.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Someone who posted videos on TikTok showing a golf cart running over a sign on a Wichita golf course and a person chasing geese from a golf cart has been banned from all of the city’s park facilities for a year. Before the ban was handed down on Thursday, the city had asked on Twitter for help identifying the culprit. Within a couple hours, the city said it had found the man with 150 followers on TikTok who posted the videos after several people identified him. City officials didn’t identify the offender publicly but they said he would receive a notice about the ban.

Online videos of golf course misbehavior earn Kan. man park ban

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal health officials’ new, more relaxed recommendations on masks have all but eclipsed another major change in guidance from the government: Fully vaccinated Americans can largely skip getting tested for the coronavirus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last week that most people who have received the full course of shots and have no COVID-19 symptoms don’t need to be screened for the virus, even if exposed to someone infected.

The change represents a new phase in the epidemic after nearly a year in which testing was the primary weapon against the virus. Vaccines are now central to the response and have driven down hospitalizations and deaths dramatically.

Experts say the CDC guidance reflects a new reality in which nearly half of Americans have received at least one shot and close to 40% are fully vaccinated.

“At this point we really should be asking ourselves whether the benefits of testing outweigh the costs — which are lots of disruptions, lots of confusion and very little clinical or public health benefit,” said Dr. A. David Paltiel of Yale’s School of Public Health, who championed&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2768923" target="_blank">widespread testing</a>&nbsp;at colleges last year.

While vaccinated people can still catch the virus, they face little risk of serious illness from it. And positive test results can lead to what many experts now say are unnecessary worry and interruptions at work, home and school, such as quarantines and shutdowns.

Other health specialists say the CDC’s abrupt changes on the need for masks and testing have sent the message that COVID-19 is no longer a major threat, even as the U.S. reports daily case counts of nearly 30,000.

“The average Joe Public is interpreting what the CDC is saying as ‘This is done. It’s over,’” said Dr. Michael Mina of Harvard University, a leading advocate of widespread, rapid testing.

With more than 60% of Americans not fully vaccinated, he thinks screening of those without symptoms still has a role, particularly among front-line workers who have to deal with the public.

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said the updated guidelines are based on studies showing the robust effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing disease in various age groups and settings. Even when vaccinated people do contract COVID-19, their infections tend to be milder, shorter and less likely to spread to others.

As a result, the CDC says vaccinated people can generally be excluded from routine workplace screening for COVID-19.

That change could eliminate testing headaches like the one recently reported by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-yankees-science-mlb-baseball-coronavirus-pandemic-60d860682e6c2253f800a39da550c2ca">New York Yankees</a>, when one player and several staffers tested positive on a highly sensitive COVID-19 test, despite being vaccinated.

Baseball officials are discussing whether to drop or reduce testing of people who have no symptoms.

But widespread attempts to waive testing for vaccinated people could face the same dilemma seen with the CDC’s new guidelines on masks: There’s no easy way to determine who has been vaccinated and who hasn’t.

Employers can legally require vaccinations for most workers, though few have tested that power, since the vaccines don’t yet have full regulatory approval. Even asking employees to disclose their vaccination status is viewed as intrusive by many employment-law specialists.

For now, testing appears to be continuing unchanged in places that adopted the practice, from offices to meatpacking plants to sports teams.

Pork producer Smithfield Foods said it continues to conduct a combination of mandatory and optional testing for employees, depending on conditions at work sites. Amazon said it will still offer regular, voluntary testing.

The NBA has indicated it plans to keep its testing system in place for now. The league has been praised for using rigorous testing to create&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-nba-joel-embiid-coronavirus-pandemic-ben-simmons-2ff5594183d0b4b78bf13e96e8f51f8e">COVID-19-free “bubbles”</a>&nbsp;around players, coaches and staff.

On a national level, the supply of COVID-19 tests now vastly surpasses&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-coronavirus-pandemic-b1c1f6fc83977830231c065625510e4e">demand</a>. U.S. officials receive reports of about 1 million tests per day, down from a peak of over 2 million in mid-January, though many rapid tests done at home and workplaces go uncounted.

Consumers can buy 15-minute, over-the-counter tests at pharmacies and other stores. That’s on top of increased capacity from U.S. laboratories and hospitals, which ramped up testing after last year’s crushing demand.

The U.S. will be capable of conducting 500 million monthly tests in June, according to researchers at Arizona State University.

As recently as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-pandemics-coronavirus-pandemic-b72e56902c9a682201dc7e2e95530551">this winter</a>, many health experts were calling for a huge testing effort to safely reopen schools, offices and other businesses. But that was before it was known how effective the vaccine would be in the real world, how quickly it could be distributed and whether it would protect against variants.

“The vaccines overperformed, which is the best news possible,” said Dr. Jeffrey Engel of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. “So now you can begin to peel back some of these other layers of mitigation like mask use and screening.”

Congress set aside $46 billion in the last pandemic relief package to boost testing, particularly in schools. But with all Americans 12 and older now eligible for shots, many middle and high school students will be fully vaccinated when they return to classrooms in the fall.

And many school systems have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-education-health-082ade974a5c3257b9f7baa35cb9eec2">already rejected</a>&nbsp;routine testing for elementary students, since children rarely become seriously ill and a positive test can trigger disruptive quarantines.

Some states have even returned federal testing funds, preferring simpler measures such as mask wearing and social distancing.

Many school officials, Engel said, “just see screening programs as a huge burden that’s not going to help.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal health officials’ new, more relaxed recommendations on masks have all but eclipsed another major change in guidance from the government: Fully vaccinated Americans can largely skip getting tested for the coronavirus.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last week that most people who have received the full course of shots and have no COVID-19 symptoms don’t need to be screened for the virus, even if exposed to someone infected.The change represents a new phase in the epidemic after nearly a year in which testing was the primary weapon against the virus. Vaccines are now central to the response and have driven down hospitalizations and deaths dramatically.Experts say the CDC guidance reflects a new reality in which nearly half of Americans have received at least one shot and close to 40% are fully vaccinated.“At this point we really should be asking ourselves whether the benefits of testing outweigh the costs — which are lots of disruptions, lots of confusion and very little clinical or public health benefit,” said Dr. A. David Paltiel of Yale’s School of Public Health, who championed&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2768923" target="_blank">widespread testing</a>&nbsp;at colleges last year.While vaccinated people can still catch the virus, they face little risk of serious illness from it. And positive test results can lead to what many experts now say are unnecessary worry and interruptions at work, home and school, such as quarantines and shutdowns.Other health specialists say the CDC’s abrupt changes on the need for masks and testing have sent the message that COVID-19 is no longer a major threat, even as the U.S. reports daily case counts of nearly 30,000.“The average Joe Public is interpreting what the CDC is saying as ‘This is done. It’s over,’” said Dr. Michael Mina of Harvard University, a leading advocate of widespread, rapid testing.With more than 60% of Americans not fully vaccinated, he thinks screening of those without symptoms still has a role, particularly among front-line workers who have to deal with the public.CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said the updated guidelines are based on studies showing the robust effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing disease in various age groups and settings. Even when vaccinated people do contract COVID-19, their infections tend to be milder, shorter and less likely to spread to others.As a result, the CDC says vaccinated people can generally be excluded from routine workplace screening for COVID-19.That change could eliminate testing headaches like the one recently reported by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-yankees-science-mlb-baseball-coronavirus-pandemic-60d860682e6c2253f800a39da550c2ca">New York Yankees</a>, when one player and several staffers tested positive on a highly sensitive COVID-19 test, despite being vaccinated.Baseball officials are discussing whether to drop or reduce testing of people who have no symptoms.But widespread attempts to waive testing for vaccinated people could face the same dilemma seen with the CDC’s new guidelines on masks: There’s no easy way to determine who has been vaccinated and who hasn’t.Employers can legally require vaccinations for most workers, though few have tested that power, since the vaccines don’t yet have full regulatory approval. Even asking employees to disclose their vaccination status is viewed as intrusive by many employment-law specialists.For now, testing appears to be continuing unchanged in places that adopted the practice, from offices to meatpacking plants to sports teams.Pork producer Smithfield Foods said it continues to conduct a combination of mandatory and optional testing for employees, depending on conditions at work sites. Amazon said it will still offer regular, voluntary testing.The NBA has indicated it plans to keep its testing system in place for now. The league has been praised for using rigorous testing to create&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-nba-joel-embiid-coronavirus-pandemic-ben-simmons-2ff5594183d0b4b78bf13e96e8f51f8e">COVID-19-free “bubbles”</a>&nbsp;around players, coaches and staff.On a national level, the supply of COVID-19 tests now vastly surpasses&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-coronavirus-pandemic-b1c1f6fc83977830231c065625510e4e">demand</a>. U.S. officials receive reports of about 1 million tests per day, down from a peak of over 2 million in mid-January, though many rapid tests done at home and workplaces go uncounted.Consumers can buy 15-minute, over-the-counter tests at pharmacies and other stores. That’s on top of increased capacity from U.S. laboratories and hospitals, which ramped up testing after last year’s crushing demand.The U.S. will be capable of conducting 500 million monthly tests in June, according to researchers at Arizona State University.As recently as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-pandemics-coronavirus-pandemic-b72e56902c9a682201dc7e2e95530551">this winter</a>, many health experts were calling for a huge testing effort to safely reopen schools, offices and other businesses. But that was before it was known how effective the vaccine would be in the real world, how quickly it could be distributed and whether it would protect against variants.“The vaccines overperformed, which is the best news possible,” said Dr. Jeffrey Engel of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. “So now you can begin to peel back some of these other layers of mitigation like mask use and screening.”Congress set aside $46 billion in the last pandemic relief package to boost testing, particularly in schools. But with all Americans 12 and older now eligible for shots, many middle and high school students will be fully vaccinated when they return to classrooms in the fall.And many school systems have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-education-health-082ade974a5c3257b9f7baa35cb9eec2">already rejected</a>&nbsp;routine testing for elementary students, since children rarely become seriously ill and a positive test can trigger disruptive quarantines.Some states have even returned federal testing funds, preferring simpler measures such as mask wearing and social distancing.Many school officials, Engel said, “just see screening programs as a huge burden that’s not going to help.”

COVID testing’ value shrinks as vaccines beat back virus

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas sex offender on new child sex allegations after an arrest.

Earlier this month, police in Arkansas City received a report of a possible sexual assault involving 43-year-old Loarn Earl Fitzgerald and two Ark City girls, aged 11 and 13 years old, according to a media release May 21.

Police began investigating and made contact with both of the alleged victims, as well as witnesses. Several sexual assaults, taking place within the last 10 months, were reported to officers. Through the course of the investigation, probable cause was determined to arrest Fitzgerald.

On May 13, police located and Fitzgerald without incident.

He remains in custody on requested charges of aggravated criminal sodomy and for the rape of a child, according to the release. He is in the Cowley County Jail on a $500,000 bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621781944365.png" alt="Fitzgerald II-photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Fitzgerald II-photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas sex offender on new child sex allegations after an arrest.Earlier this month, police in Arkansas City received a report of a possible sexual assault involving 43-year-old Loarn Earl Fitzgerald and two Ark City girls, aged 11 and 13 years old, according to a media release May 21.Police began investigating and made contact with both of the alleged victims, as well as witnesses. Several sexual assaults, taking place within the last 10 months, were reported to officers. Through the course of the investigation, probable cause was determined to arrest Fitzgerald.On May 13, police located and Fitzgerald without incident.He remains in custody on requested charges of aggravated criminal sodomy and for the rape of a child, according to the release. He is in the Cowley County Jail on a $500,000 bond.&nbsp;

Kan. sex offender accused of crimes involving young girls

KANSAS CITY (AP) —A 17-year-old who was fatally shot by police in Kansas City after confronting officers was holding a BB gun, authorities said.

Michael Mansur, a spokesman for the Jackson County prosecutors office, said Friday that the teen had a Glock 19 BB pistol equipped with a slide that “reportedly looked like a firearm."

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-police-shootings-d3b983c676d5fe164c3cb5b84dc21de2">Lantz Stephenson Jr.</a>, of Grandview, was shot May 16 at a park in the Kansas City suburb of Grandview, and died later that day at a hospital, the Missouri State Highway Patrol said.

The highway patrol had said shortly after the shooting said investigators recovered a type of handgun from the scene. On Friday, patrol spokesman Sgt. Andy Bell said that “We stand by our original statement, the Patrol investigators recovered a type of handgun at the scene.”

Stephenson told dispatchers that he was armed with a gun and wanted to confront police officers, Bell said. The BB gun he carried uses air pressure to fire small metal balls.

Three officers responded to the call. The teen then “aggressively approached officers” with a gun, the highway patrol reported. Two of the officers fired shots at him.

KANSAS CITY (AP) —A 17-year-old who was fatally shot by police in Kansas City after confronting officers was holding a BB gun, authorities said.Michael Mansur, a spokesman for the Jackson County prosecutors office, said Friday that the teen had a Glock 19 BB pistol equipped with a slide that “reportedly looked like a firearm."<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-police-shootings-d3b983c676d5fe164c3cb5b84dc21de2">Lantz Stephenson Jr.</a>, of Grandview, was shot May 16 at a park in the Kansas City suburb of Grandview, and died later that day at a hospital, the Missouri State Highway Patrol said.The highway patrol had said shortly after the shooting said investigators recovered a type of handgun from the scene. On Friday, patrol spokesman Sgt. Andy Bell said that “We stand by our original statement, the Patrol investigators recovered a type of handgun at the scene.”Stephenson told dispatchers that he was armed with a gun and wanted to confront police officers, Bell said. The BB gun he carried uses air pressure to fire small metal balls.Three officers responded to the call. The teen then “aggressively approached officers” with a gun, the highway patrol reported. Two of the officers fired shots at him.The investigation is ongoing.

Authorities: KC-area teen fatally shot by police had BB gun

Five companies account for 75 percent of all traffic on rural broadband networks

WASHINGTON — Today, in a Newsweek op-ed, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr outlined a new approach to funding the federal government’s efforts to close the digital divide.  The FCC’s current model for funding Internet builds and ensuring affordable access—the Universal Service Fund —relies on a charge that operates as tax on consumers’ monthly bills for traditional telephone services.  USF is on the verge of collapse with the contribution factor spiraling above 30 percent, and congressional policymakers are considering various reforms, including direct appropriations.

Commissioner Carr is proposing another way:  requiring Big Tech to pay its fair share.  As a member of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service, Carr has begun discussing this proposal with his colleagues on the Joint Board.

“Big Tech has been enjoying a free ride on our internet infrastructure while skipping out on the billions of dollars in costs needed to maintain and build that network.  Indeed, one study shows that the online streaming services provided by just five companies — Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and Microsoft — account for a whopping 75 percent of all traffic on rural broadband networks.  The same study shows that 77-94 percent of total network costs are related to adding capacity or otherwise supporting the delivery of those streaming services.  Ordinary Americans, not Big Tech, have been footing the bill for those costs.

“Ending this corporate welfare is more than fair.  It is consistent with the network compact that has prevailed since the earliest days of the Ma Bell telephone network.  Historically, the businesses that derived the greatest benefit from a communications network paid the lion’s share of the costs.

“Congress and the FCC should ensure that Big Tech starts abiding by that precedent and contributing an equitable amount.  Doing so would put the federal government’s universal service efforts on stable footing.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977952684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Five companies account for 75 percent of all traffic on rural broadband networks</h2>FCCWASHINGTON — Today, in a Newsweek op-ed, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr outlined a new approach to funding the federal government’s efforts to close the digital divide. The FCC’s current model for funding Internet builds and ensuring affordable access—the Universal Service Fund —relies on a charge that operates as tax on consumers’ monthly bills for traditional telephone services. USF is on the verge of collapse with the contribution factor spiraling above 30 percent, and congressional policymakers are considering various reforms, including direct appropriations.Commissioner Carr is proposing another way: requiring Big Tech to pay its fair share. As a member of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service, Carr has begun discussing this proposal with his colleagues on the Joint Board.“Big Tech has been enjoying a free ride on our internet infrastructure while skipping out on the billions of dollars in costs needed to maintain and build that network. Indeed, one study shows that the online streaming services provided by just five companies — Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and Microsoft — account for a whopping 75 percent of all traffic on rural broadband networks. The same study shows that 77-94 percent of total network costs are related to adding capacity or otherwise supporting the delivery of those streaming services. Ordinary Americans, not Big Tech, have been footing the bill for those costs.“Ending this corporate welfare is more than fair. It is consistent with the network compact that has prevailed since the earliest days of the Ma Bell telephone network. Historically, the businesses that derived the greatest benefit from a communications network paid the lion’s share of the costs.“Congress and the FCC should ensure that Big Tech starts abiding by that precedent and contributing an equitable amount. Doing so would put the federal government’s universal service efforts on stable footing.”

FCC chair: Time to end Big Tech's 'free ride' on the internet

Tax pros may earn continuing education credits and more

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that the 
2021 Virtual IRS Nationwide Tax Forum will be held over five weeks 
starting July 20, with a series of live-streamed webinars every Tuesday,
 Wednesday and Thursday.

Held each summer for 30 years, the IRS Nationwide Tax Forums are the 
IRS's marquee outreach event to the tax professional community. This 
year, the IRS decided once again to provide these events in a virtual 
format in an abundance of caution and for the safety of the tax 
professional community.

The virtual format allows experts from the IRS and its association 
partners to educate and update the tax professional community on tax 
law, cybesecurity, ethics and other topics. Registering and attending 
these virtual seminars will allow many to fully satisfy their annual 
continuing education requirements.

Tax professionals are encouraged to <a href="https://www.irstaxforum.com/index">register now</a> to take advantage of this virtual program.

The 2021 Virtual Nationwide Tax Forum will begin on July 20 and 
continue through Aug. 19 with live-streamed webinars broadcast on 
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Registration enables attendees to 
participate in all of the live webinars earning up to 28 continuing 
education credits.

The Nationwide Tax Forum will feature a keynote address from 
Commissioner Chuck Rettig, a plenary session with tax law and 
publications updates, and multiple sessions on high-interest topics such
 as the new Advance Child Tax Credit, virtual currencies, the gig 
economy, tax professional ethics, advanced cybersecurity and more. 
Presentations are made by both IRS experts and partner associations.

This year, the plenary session and an ethics webinar will be offered 
both in English and Spanish. Additional multilngual resources will be 
available for attendees in the Virtual Expo.

Course details, including webinar titles, descriptions and schedule are <a href="https://www.irstaxforum.com/webinar_topics">available</a> now.

Tax professionals who register by June 15 at 5 p.m. ET qualify for an
 Early Bird rate of $240 per person. The standard rate, starting June 
16, will be $289.

Discounts for national association members

Members of the IRS's national partner associations listed below 
qualify for a discount of $10 off the Early Bird rate, but only if they 
register by June 15. Participating association members should contact 
their association directly for more information:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRS<h2>Tax pros may earn continuing education credits and more</h2><h2>IRS YouTube Video:</h2><ul>
 <li>2021 IRS Tax Forum Will Be Virtual –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8efx_PjrOw&amp;feature=youtu.be">English</a></li>
 </ul>IR-2021-118, May 24, 2021WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that the 
2021 Virtual IRS Nationwide Tax Forum will be held over five weeks 
starting July 20, with a series of live-streamed webinars every Tuesday,
 Wednesday and Thursday.Held each summer for 30 years, the IRS Nationwide Tax Forums are the 
IRS's marquee outreach event to the tax professional community. This 
year, the IRS decided once again to provide these events in a virtual 
format in an abundance of caution and for the safety of the tax 
professional community.The virtual format allows experts from the IRS and its association 
partners to educate and update the tax professional community on tax 
law, cybesecurity, ethics and other topics. Registering and attending 
these virtual seminars will allow many to fully satisfy their annual 
continuing education requirements.Tax professionals are encouraged to <a href="https://www.irstaxforum.com/index">register now</a> to take advantage of this virtual program.<h2>Seminar dates and agenda</h2>The 2021 Virtual Nationwide Tax Forum will begin on July 20 and 
continue through Aug. 19 with live-streamed webinars broadcast on 
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Registration enables attendees to 
participate in all of the live webinars earning up to 28 continuing 
education credits.The Nationwide Tax Forum will feature a keynote address from 
Commissioner Chuck Rettig, a plenary session with tax law and 
publications updates, and multiple sessions on high-interest topics such
 as the new Advance Child Tax Credit, virtual currencies, the gig 
economy, tax professional ethics, advanced cybersecurity and more. 
Presentations are made by both IRS experts and partner associations.This year, the plenary session and an ethics webinar will be offered 
both in English and Spanish. Additional multilngual resources will be 
available for attendees in the Virtual Expo.Course details, including webinar titles, descriptions and schedule are <a href="https://www.irstaxforum.com/webinar_topics">available</a> now.<h2>2021 registration and fees</h2>Tax professionals who register by June 15 at 5 p.m. ET qualify for an
 Early Bird rate of $240 per person. The standard rate, starting June 
16, will be $289.<h2>Discounts for national association members</h2>Members of the IRS's national partner associations listed below 
qualify for a discount of $10 off the Early Bird rate, but only if they 
register by June 15. Participating association members should contact 
their association directly for more information:<ul>
 <li>American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Taxation</li><li>American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)</li><li>National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA)</li><li>National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP)</li><li>National Society of Accountants (NSA)</li><li>National Society of Tax Professionals (NSTP)</li><li>Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC)</li><li>Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)</li>
 </ul><h2>Virtual Expo and Focus Groups</h2>Registration at the 2021 Virtual IRS Nationwide Tax Forum includes 
access to the Virtual Expo. The Virtual Expo provides a great 
opportunity to visit with exhibitors representing dozens of commercial 
leaders in the industry, as well as leading national associations and 
several key IRS offices.New this year is the IRS's multilingual engagement and services 
booth, which will feature the expanded resources, IRS publications, 
forms and webpages that are now available in various languages. They 
will also share some related efforts coming soon. Highlights of the 
Virtual Expo include:<ul>
 <li>The latest tax products and software</li><li>The IRS Zone and engagement with representatives from IRS program offices</li><li>Bonus Q&amp;A sessions in the Speaker's Corner</li><li>Live webinars from many of our sponsors</li>
 </ul>In addition, attendees are invited to share their experiences 
and discuss innovative ideas directly with the IRS in small, virtual 
focus groups. Please check the website for the list of topics and 
qualifying criteria.