DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen who was stopped after high-speed chase on Interstate 70.

Just after 5 a.m. Thursday, a Dickinson County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop a 2020 Nissan Versa traveling west on Interstate 70 just west of Solomon for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Brian Hornaday.

The driver, later identified as a 14-year-old juvenile girl refused to stop and accelerated to speeds in excess of 110 mph.&nbsp; The Deputy pursued the vehicle into Saline County where the Saline County Sheriff’s Office and Salina Police Department assisted.&nbsp; Near the 9th Street exit in Saline County, Stop Sticks were successfully deployed, allowing a safe ending to the pursuit.

Deputies took the juvenile driver into custody without further incident.&nbsp; Further investigation revealed the juvenile had been reported as missing since April 10, 2021 from Topeka and the vehicle being driven by&nbsp; had recently been stolen from Junction City.&nbsp; This incident remains under investigation, according to Hornaday.

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen who was stopped after high-speed chase on Interstate 70.Just after 5 a.m. Thursday, a Dickinson County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop a 2020 Nissan Versa traveling west on Interstate 70 just west of Solomon for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Brian Hornaday.The driver, later identified as a 14-year-old juvenile girl refused to stop and accelerated to speeds in excess of 110 mph.&nbsp; The Deputy pursued the vehicle into Saline County where the Saline County Sheriff’s Office and Salina Police Department assisted.&nbsp; Near the 9th Street exit in Saline County, Stop Sticks were successfully deployed, allowing a safe ending to the pursuit.Deputies took the juvenile driver into custody without further incident.&nbsp; Further investigation revealed the juvenile had been reported as missing since April 10, 2021 from Topeka and the vehicle being driven by&nbsp; had recently been stolen from Junction City.&nbsp; This incident remains under investigation, according to Hornaday.

Sheriff: 14-year-old Kan. girl captured after 110mph chase

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans are rebelling against the requirement that they wear a mask on the House floor, stoking tensions with majority Democrats who are refusing to change the rules following updated guidance from federal health officials.

Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., led an effort Wednesday to get the Office of the Attending Physician to update its guidance for mask wearing for vaccinated lawmakers and staff while they are in the House chamber and in committee hearing rooms, but Democrats defeated it along a party-line vote of 218-210.

Lawmakers can remove their masks when speaking on the House floor, but otherwise must keep it on when they are in the chamber. There is no requirement for wearing masks in the Senate chamber.

Democratic lawmakers say they are tired of the requirements, too, but they worry that some of their Republican colleagues have declined to be vaccinated and could spread the virus.

Some GOP lawmakers opted to go without a mask during votes Tuesday, with a few taking particular care to stand in the well of the chamber to ensure that spectators, colleagues and C-SPAN’s cameras could not miss them.

Their defiance could come at a financial cost. Lawmakers who refuse to wear masks are subject to a fine of $500 for the first offense. Subsequent offenses can result in a $2,500 fine. In practice, however, the House sergeant-at-arms is providing a warning for the first offense.

Seven lawmakers will be getting such warnings, according to a list obtained by The Associated Press: Reps. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Chip Roy of Texas, Bob Good of Virginia, Louie Gohmert of Texas and Mary Miller of Illinois

Three more had already received a warning and will be fined $500. They are Reps. Brian Mast of Florida, Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa and Beth Van Duyne of Texas. They will be subject to a fine of $2,500 for additional offenses.

McCarthy followed up on their protests with a resolution that stated the mask mandate “hinders the ability of the House to properly and effectively conduct the people’s business.”

The resolution stated that those who have not received the vaccine “pose no real threat to those who have been vaccinated.” And it called on the attending physician of the House to consult with the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and provide updated mask guidelines.

The mask revolt in the House has been brewing for months, with some Republicans chafing at the extra safety precautions imposed during the pandemic and bolstered after the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Democrats imposed mask requirements last year when many Republicans, defying public health guidance, refused to wear face coverings.

The complaints from some Republicans have grown louder now that the CDC has altered its mask guidelines, saying it’s safe for fully vaccinated people to skip face coverings and social distancing in virtually all situations.

The CDC guidelines say all people should still wear masks in crowded indoor locations such as airplanes, buses, hospitals and prisons. Lawmakers and others in the Capitol have stopped wearing masks when moving around the building.

Drew Hammill, a spokesman for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, said the Office of the Attending Physician has been consistently conferring with the CDC, and as recently as Tuesday. He said new guidance issued Wednesday states the mask requirement is “entirely consistent” with the CDC’s recommendations and has ensured that the House can debate and pass legislation safely and effectively.

“If Minority Leader McCarthy wants to be maskless on the Floor of the House of Representatives, he should get to work vaccinating his Members,” Hammill wrote.

At one point Tuesday, Boebert, Taylor-Greene and Massie stood together unmasked for several minutes in the well of the House. Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland went over and spoke with them. The conversation appeared cordial.

Raskin told reporters that he can’t wait to take his mask off during House floor proceedings. “The reason we can’t take our masks off is because so many Republicans are not vaccinated and are refusing to do it,” he said.

After Tuesday’s votes, several of the Republicans who declined to wear a mask gathered outside the Capitol for a group picture.

Massie said Wednesday that he had previously contracted COVID-19 and recovered. He said he is “immune” and that “part of the reason you know they’re not following the science here is they don’t care if you have the antibody.”

The CDC states on its website that people should get vaccinated even if they had already had COVID-19.

“That’s because experts do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. Even if you have already recovered from COVID-19, it is possible — although rare — that you could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 again,” the CDC says.

Massie said he was prepared to test the mask requirement again.

“I can’t afford to be fined into poverty, but if I’m not willing to spend $500 defending freedom, I don’t belong here,” he said.

Roy said that if any lawmakers or staff members have health concerns, they have the ability to get vaccinated and to wear a mask. Meanwhile, he said the availability of vaccines and the data about their effectiveness shows “that we can engage out in the world” and Americans should see their lawmakers doing that.

“Contrary to some people’s public view and the caricature of myself and others, I’m not looking to, you know, nuke the place,” Roy said. “What I’m looking to do is raise issues, consistently sort of push back and represent my constituents who are tired of this.”

Taylor-Greene took to the House floor again on Wednesday without her mask. She remained in the chamber for much of the day and at times positioned herself in a chair behind the Republican lawmakers who spoke on the floor, which ensured she would be seen by television viewers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621513031110.png" alt="Seven members of the House of Representatives already received a warning. Three others received the warning and will be fined $500, according to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Seven members of the House of Representatives already received a warning. Three others received the warning and will be fined $500, according to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans are rebelling against the requirement that they wear a mask on the House floor, stoking tensions with majority Democrats who are refusing to change the rules following updated guidance from federal health officials.Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., led an effort Wednesday to get the Office of the Attending Physician to update its guidance for mask wearing for vaccinated lawmakers and staff while they are in the House chamber and in committee hearing rooms, but Democrats defeated it along a party-line vote of 218-210.Lawmakers can remove their masks when speaking on the House floor, but otherwise must keep it on when they are in the chamber. There is no requirement for wearing masks in the Senate chamber.Democratic lawmakers say they are tired of the requirements, too, but they worry that some of their Republican colleagues have declined to be vaccinated and could spread the virus.Some GOP lawmakers opted to go without a mask during votes Tuesday, with a few taking particular care to stand in the well of the chamber to ensure that spectators, colleagues and C-SPAN’s cameras could not miss them.Their defiance could come at a financial cost. Lawmakers who refuse to wear masks are subject to a fine of $500 for the first offense. Subsequent offenses can result in a $2,500 fine. In practice, however, the House sergeant-at-arms is providing a warning for the first offense.Seven lawmakers will be getting such warnings, according to a list obtained by The Associated Press: Reps. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Chip Roy of Texas, Bob Good of Virginia, Louie Gohmert of Texas and Mary Miller of IllinoisThree more had already received a warning and will be fined $500. They are Reps. Brian Mast of Florida, Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa and Beth Van Duyne of Texas. They will be subject to a fine of $2,500 for additional offenses.McCarthy followed up on their protests with a resolution that stated the mask mandate “hinders the ability of the House to properly and effectively conduct the people’s business.”The resolution stated that those who have not received the vaccine “pose no real threat to those who have been vaccinated.” And it called on the attending physician of the House to consult with the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and provide updated mask guidelines.The mask revolt in the House has been brewing for months, with some Republicans chafing at the extra safety precautions imposed during the pandemic and bolstered after the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Democrats imposed mask requirements last year when many Republicans, defying public health guidance, refused to wear face coverings.The complaints from some Republicans have grown louder now that the CDC has altered its mask guidelines, saying it’s safe for fully vaccinated people to skip face coverings and social distancing in virtually all situations.The CDC guidelines say all people should still wear masks in crowded indoor locations such as airplanes, buses, hospitals and prisons. Lawmakers and others in the Capitol have stopped wearing masks when moving around the building.Drew Hammill, a spokesman for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, said the Office of the Attending Physician has been consistently conferring with the CDC, and as recently as Tuesday. He said new guidance issued Wednesday states the mask requirement is “entirely consistent” with the CDC’s recommendations and has ensured that the House can debate and pass legislation safely and effectively.“If Minority Leader McCarthy wants to be maskless on the Floor of the House of Representatives, he should get to work vaccinating his Members,” Hammill wrote.At one point Tuesday, Boebert, Taylor-Greene and Massie stood together unmasked for several minutes in the well of the House. Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland went over and spoke with them. The conversation appeared cordial.Raskin told reporters that he can’t wait to take his mask off during House floor proceedings. “The reason we can’t take our masks off is because so many Republicans are not vaccinated and are refusing to do it,” he said.After Tuesday’s votes, several of the Republicans who declined to wear a mask gathered outside the Capitol for a group picture.Massie said Wednesday that he had previously contracted COVID-19 and recovered. He said he is “immune” and that “part of the reason you know they’re not following the science here is they don’t care if you have the antibody.”The CDC states on its website that people should get vaccinated even if they had already had COVID-19.“That’s because experts do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. Even if you have already recovered from COVID-19, it is possible — although rare — that you could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 again,” the CDC says.Massie said he was prepared to test the mask requirement again.“I can’t afford to be fined into poverty, but if I’m not willing to spend $500 defending freedom, I don’t belong here,” he said.Roy said that if any lawmakers or staff members have health concerns, they have the ability to get vaccinated and to wear a mask. Meanwhile, he said the availability of vaccines and the data about their effectiveness shows “that we can engage out in the world” and Americans should see their lawmakers doing that.“Contrary to some people’s public view and the caricature of myself and others, I’m not looking to, you know, nuke the place,” Roy said. “What I’m looking to do is raise issues, consistently sort of push back and represent my constituents who are tired of this.”Taylor-Greene took to the House floor again on Wednesday without her mask. She remained in the chamber for much of the day and at times positioned herself in a chair behind the Republican lawmakers who spoke on the floor, which ensured she would be seen by television viewers.

Republicans rebel against mask requirement in House chamber

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities continue the search for a woman reported injured in an accident and vehicle fire Wednesday on Interstate 70 near Abilene.

"We are waiting for additional information from the suspect who remains hospitalized," according to Sheriff Brian Hornaday. "

Just after 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, deputies responded to reports of a vehicle on fire on I-70 at Abilene. Upon arrival, deputies found a 2001 Toyota Camry on fire with no occupants in the car.

Further investigation found that the Camry had hit a guardrail near the location of the fire and began an extensive search of the area by the Kansas Highway Patrol, Saline County Sheriff’s Office and the Geary County Sheriff’s Office.

The Dickinson Co. Sheriff’s office said just before 3:40 a.m., officials found the driver, Brandon M. Howard, 29, of Kansas City, Mo., about a quarter-mile away from the scorched vehicle. After making contact, Howard attempted to run from officers and was quickly apprehended.

According to officials, Howard was treated at the scene and transported to Salina Regional Health Center for injuries he got during the collision with the guardrail.

During the investigation, deputies said they learned that there was a second person in the car at the time of the crash. They said the only identification they have regarding the second person is the name “Sarah” and that she could have sustained injuries from the crash. Sarah is believed to live in the Salina area.

Authorities have checked with hospitals and motels in the area but have not located the reported Sarah.&nbsp; "All we have the the suspect's word," said&nbsp; Hornaday.

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are searching for a woman who may go by the name of Sarah after information was revealed that she may have been injured in a collision that started a vehicle fire along Interstate 70 early Wednesday morning in Dickinson County, according to Sheriff Brian Hornaday.

Just after 12:30 a.m., deputies responded to reports of a vehicle on fire on I-70 at Abilene. Upon arrival, deputies found a 2001 Toyota Camry on fire with no occupants in the car.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621447363227.png" alt="Sarah photo Dickinson Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Sarah photo Dickinson Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities continue the search for a woman reported injured in an accident and vehicle fire Wednesday on Interstate 70 near Abilene."We are waiting for additional information from the suspect who remains hospitalized," according to Sheriff Brian Hornaday. "Just after 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, deputies responded to reports of a vehicle on fire on I-70 at Abilene. Upon arrival, deputies found a 2001 Toyota Camry on fire with no occupants in the car.Further investigation found that the Camry had hit a guardrail near the location of the fire and began an extensive search of the area by the Kansas Highway Patrol, Saline County Sheriff’s Office and the Geary County Sheriff’s Office.The Dickinson Co. Sheriff’s office said just before 3:40 a.m., officials found the driver, Brandon M. Howard, 29, of Kansas City, Mo., about a quarter-mile away from the scorched vehicle. After making contact, Howard attempted to run from officers and was quickly apprehended.According to officials, Howard was treated at the scene and transported to Salina Regional Health Center for injuries he got during the collision with the guardrail.During the investigation, deputies said they learned that there was a second person in the car at the time of the crash. They said the only identification they have regarding the second person is the name “Sarah” and that she could have sustained injuries from the crash. Sarah is believed to live in the Salina area.Authorities have checked with hospitals and motels in the area but have not located the reported Sarah.&nbsp; "All we have the the suspect's word," said&nbsp; Hornaday.--------DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are searching for a woman who may go by the name of Sarah after information was revealed that she may have been injured in a collision that started a vehicle fire along Interstate 70 early Wednesday morning in Dickinson County, according to Sheriff Brian Hornaday.Just after 12:30 a.m., deputies responded to reports of a vehicle on fire on I-70 at Abilene. Upon arrival, deputies found a 2001 Toyota Camry on fire with no occupants in the car.Further investigation found that the Camry had hit a guardrail near the location of the fire and began an extensive search of the area by the Kansas Highway Patrol, Saline County Sheriff’s Office and the Geary County Sheriff’s Office.The Dickinson Co. Sheriff’s office said just before 3:40 a.m., officials found the driver, Brandon M. Howard, 29, of Kansas City, Mo., about a quarter-mile away from the scorched vehicle. After making contact, Howard attempted to run from officers and was quickly apprehended.According to officials, Howard was treated at the scene and transported to Salina Regional Health Center for injuries he got during the collision with the guardrail.During the investigation, deputies said they learned that there was a second person in the car at the time of the crash. They said the only identification they have regarding the second person is the name “Sarah” and that she could have sustained injuries from the crash. Sarah is believed to live in the Salina area.

Sheriff: Search continues for woman reported injured in Kan. crash

HAMILTON COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 1a.m. Thursday in Hamilton County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Ford F150 driven by Donovan&nbsp;Seeber, 27, Syracuse,&nbsp; was northbound on Kansas 27 one mile south of U.S. 50.

The pickup traveled left of center and collided head-on with a 2014 Peterbilt semi driven by Robert McGregor, 66, Wellington, Colorado.

Seeber was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Fellers Mortuary.&nbsp; EMS transported McGregor to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. The KHP did not report Seeber's seat belt usage.&nbsp; McGregor was properly restrained at the time of the accident.

HAMILTON COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 1a.m. Thursday in Hamilton County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Ford F150 driven by Donovan&nbsp;Seeber, 27, Syracuse,&nbsp; was northbound on Kansas 27 one mile south of U.S. 50.The pickup traveled left of center and collided head-on with a 2014 Peterbilt semi driven by Robert McGregor, 66, Wellington, Colorado.Seeber was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Fellers Mortuary.&nbsp; EMS transported McGregor to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. The KHP did not report Seeber's seat belt usage.&nbsp; McGregor was properly restrained at the time of the accident.

Kan. man dead, another injured in head-on semi crash

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Another mountain lion sighting has been captured on a doorbell camera in the Wichita area, and Kansas wildlife officials suspect it’s the same big cat caught on camera last week sauntering through a Wichita alley.

Police in the Wichita suburb of Andover said the most recent video was captured just before 11 p.m. Tuesday, showing the puma padding along a sidewalk in front of a house in Andover. That’s about 12 miles away from the site in Wichita’s Riverside neighborhood where a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wichita-ac9198fd4e82e7435225c8074936e0f8">doorbell camera showed a cougar</a>&nbsp;trotting through an alley around 4 a.m. May 10.

Kansas Department of Wildlife Research Biologist Matt Peek confirmed the cat in the latest video is a mountain lion and likely the same one as spotted last week, as it would be rare to have two pumas sharing the same territory.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620829476424.png" alt="The mountain lion is likely the same one as spotted last week, according to the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks -photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>The mountain lion is likely the same one as spotted last week, according to the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks -photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Another mountain lion sighting has been captured on a doorbell camera in the Wichita area, and Kansas wildlife officials suspect it’s the same big cat caught on camera last week sauntering through a Wichita alley.Police in the Wichita suburb of Andover said the most recent video was captured just before 11 p.m. Tuesday, showing the puma padding along a sidewalk in front of a house in Andover. That’s about 12 miles away from the site in Wichita’s Riverside neighborhood where a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wichita-ac9198fd4e82e7435225c8074936e0f8">doorbell camera showed a cougar</a>&nbsp;trotting through an alley around 4 a.m. May 10.Kansas Department of Wildlife Research Biologist Matt Peek confirmed the cat in the latest video is a mountain lion and likely the same one as spotted last week, as it would be rare to have two pumas sharing the same territory.

Police mark 2nd video sighting of mountain lion near Wichita

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Two drivers were killed and one driver’s teenage daughter was seriously injured in a crash in suburban Kansas City earlier this week, authorities said.

The crash happened Tuesday evening, when a speeding Porsche tried to pass a car on U.S. 40 in Independence, crossed over into incoming traffic and hit another car head-on.

The impact killed the driver of the Porsche, whose name had not been released by early Thursday, as well as Christina Pappas, who was driving the other car, officials said. Pappas’ daughter, 19-year-old MaKaila Pappas, was hospitalized with broken legs, a broken arm and broken ribs.

A passenger in the Porsche was also injured.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621523105236.png" alt="Vehicle involved in the fatal crash -photo courtesy Fox4Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Vehicle involved in the fatal crash -photo courtesy Fox4Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Two drivers were killed and one driver’s teenage daughter was seriously injured in a crash in suburban Kansas City earlier this week, authorities said.The crash happened Tuesday evening, when a speeding Porsche tried to pass a car on U.S. 40 in Independence, crossed over into incoming traffic and hit another car head-on.The impact killed the driver of the Porsche, whose name had not been released by early Thursday, as well as Christina Pappas, who was driving the other car, officials said. Pappas’ daughter, 19-year-old MaKaila Pappas, was hospitalized with broken legs, a broken arm and broken ribs.A passenger in the Porsche was also injured.

Mom killed, teen daughter injured in Kansas City crash

FINNEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man and woman in connection with the murder of a Colorado man on May 14, according to a media release from the <a href="https://cbi.colorado.gov/news-article/two-arrested-in-la-junta-homicide">Colorado Bureau of Investigation.</a>

Matthew Perez, 39,  Garden City is being held on a requested charge of First Degree Murder and Nikki Olivas, 32, Garden City faces a charge of Accessory to First Degree Murder in connection to the murder of 49-year-old Ernesto Apodaca.

He was shot inside of his vehicle parked in front of his apartment building located in the 600 block of Sunrise Avenue in the Morningside Heights&nbsp; neighborhood of La Junta, Colorado on Friday evening.

Officers arrested Perez and Olivas in rural Finney County, Kansas without incident. Authorities also located the suspect vehicle.

Perez and Olivas are currently being held without bond in the Finney County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility pending extradition to Otero County.&nbsp;

It’s believed Apodaca and Perez are known to one another; however, the circumstances surrounding the shooting are part of the active investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621506858741.png" alt="Perez photo Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Perez photo Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man and woman in connection with the murder of a Colorado man on May 14, according to a media release from the <a href="https://cbi.colorado.gov/news-article/two-arrested-in-la-junta-homicide">Colorado Bureau of Investigation.</a>Matthew Perez, 39, Garden City is being held on a requested charge of First Degree Murder and Nikki Olivas, 32, Garden City faces a charge of Accessory to First Degree Murder in connection to the murder of 49-year-old Ernesto Apodaca.He was shot inside of his vehicle parked in front of his apartment building located in the 600 block of Sunrise Avenue in the Morningside Heights&nbsp; neighborhood of La Junta, Colorado on Friday evening.Officers arrested Perez and Olivas in rural Finney County, Kansas without incident. Authorities also located the suspect vehicle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621507016239.png" alt="Olivas photo Finney" />
 <figcaption>Olivas photo Finney</figcaption>
 </figure>Perez and Olivas are currently being held without bond in the Finney County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility pending extradition to Otero County.&nbsp;It’s believed Apodaca and Perez are known to one another; however, the circumstances surrounding the shooting are part of the active investigation.

SW Kansas couple accused of murder in Colorado

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers who 
missed the recent tax-filing deadline who are due a refund that there is
 no penalty for filing late. Those who owe and missed the deadline 
without requesting an extension should file quickly to limit penalties 
and interest.

Extra time to file and pay any taxes due without penalties and interest is available for some taxpayers. Included are:

The only way to get a refund is to file a tax return. There is no 
penalty for filing after the deadline if a refund is due. Use electronic
 filing options including IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> available on IRS.gov through October 15 to prepare and file returns electronically.

COVID-19 continues to cause delays in some IRS services. If a 
taxpayer filed a paper tax return, the IRS will process it in the order 
it was received. Taxpayers should not file a second tax return or call 
the IRS. The IRS issues more than nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21
 days. However, it's possible a tax return may require <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions">additional review</a> and take longer.

Taxpayers can track a refund using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a> tool on IRS.gov, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a> and by phone at <a href="tel:800-829-1954">800-829-1954</a>.
 Taxpayers need the primary Social Security number on the tax return, 
the filing status and the expected refund amount. The tool updates once 
daily, usually overnight, so there's no need to check more frequently. 
The Where's My Refund?&nbsp;tool cannot be used to track Economic Impact 
Payments.

Normally, taxpayers should file their tax return, or request an 
extension, and pay any taxes they owe by the deadline to avoid penalties
 and interest. An extension to file is not an extension to pay. 
Penalties and interest will apply to taxes owed after May 17.

Even if a taxpayer can't afford to immediately pay the taxes they 
owe, they should still file a tax return as soon as possible to reduce 
possible penalties. The IRS has more information for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/what-if-i-cant-pay-my-taxes">taxpayers who owe the IRS, but cannot afford to pay</a>.

Ordinarily, the failure to file penalty is 5% of the tax owed for 
each month or part of a month that a tax return is late, up to five 
months, reduced by the failure to pay penalty amount for any month where
 both penalties apply. If a return is filed more than 60 days after the 
due date, the minimum penalty is either $435 or 100% of the unpaid tax, 
whichever is less. Filing and paying as much as possible is important 
because the late-filing penalty and late-payment penalty add up quickly.
 The failure to pay penalty rate is generally 0.5% of unpaid tax owed 
for each month or part of a month until the tax is fully paid or until 
25% is reached. The rate is subject to change. For more information see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/understanding-penalties-and-interest">IRS.gov/penalties</a>.

Taxpayers who have a history of filing and paying on time often 
qualify for penalty relief. A taxpayer will usually qualify if they have
 filed and paid timely for the past three years and meet other 
requirements. For more information, see the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/penalty-relief-due-to-first-time-penalty-abatement-or-other-administrative-waiver">first-time penalty abatement</a> page on IRS.gov.

Interest is charged on tax and penalties until the balance is <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">paid in full</a>.

Those who owe taxes can pay with IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>, by <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card">debit or credit card</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application">apply online for a payment plan (including an installment agreement)</a>. For more electronic payment options visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.
 They are secure and easy to use. Taxpayers paying electronically 
receive immediate confirmation when they submit their payment. With 
Direct Pay and the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>, taxpayers can opt in to receive email notifications about their payments.

The IRS offers tips to help taxpayers choose a tax return preparer wisely. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">Choosing a Tax Professional</a> page has information about tax return preparer <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/understanding-tax-return-preparer-credentials-and-qualifications">credentials and qualification</a>s and guidance on avoiding unscrupulous tax return preparers

The <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>
 can help taxpayers find tax return preparers who hold a professional 
credential recognized by the IRS or who have completed the requirements 
for the IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/annual-filing-season-program">Annual Filing Season Program</a>.

Taxpayers have fundamental rights under the law that protect taxpayers when they interact with the IRS. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxpayer-bill-of-rights">Taxpayer Bill of Rights</a> presents these rights in 10 categories. IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-1">Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer</a>, highlights these rights and the agency's obligation to protect them.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers who 
missed the recent tax-filing deadline who are due a refund that there is
 no penalty for filing late. Those who owe and missed the deadline 
without requesting an extension should file quickly to limit penalties 
and interest.<h2>Extra time to file and pay any taxes due without penalties and interest is available for some taxpayers. Included are:</h2><ul>
 <li>Members of the military who served or are currently in a combat zone. They may qualify for an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p3#idm139848472538848">additional extension of at least 180 days</a> to file and pay taxes.</li><li>Support personnel in combat zones or a contingency operation in support of the Armed Forces. They may also <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/extension-of-deadlines-combat-zone-service">qualify for a filing and payment extension</a> of at least 180 days.</li><li>Some disaster victims. Those who qualify have <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/disaster-assistance-and-emergency-relief-for-individuals-and-businesses">more time to file and pay</a> what they owe.</li>
 </ul><h2>Here are some tips for late filers:</h2><h2>File to get a tax refund</h2>The only way to get a refund is to file a tax return. There is no 
penalty for filing after the deadline if a refund is due. Use electronic
 filing options including IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> available on IRS.gov through October 15 to prepare and file returns electronically.COVID-19 continues to cause delays in some IRS services. If a 
taxpayer filed a paper tax return, the IRS will process it in the order 
it was received. Taxpayers should not file a second tax return or call 
the IRS. The IRS issues more than nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21
 days. However, it's possible a tax return may require <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions">additional review</a> and take longer.Taxpayers can track a refund using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a> tool on IRS.gov, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a> and by phone at <a href="tel:800-829-1954">800-829-1954</a>.
 Taxpayers need the primary Social Security number on the tax return, 
the filing status and the expected refund amount. The tool updates once 
daily, usually overnight, so there's no need to check more frequently. 
The Where's My Refund?&nbsp;tool cannot be used to track Economic Impact 
Payments.<h2>File to reduce penalties and interest</h2>Normally, taxpayers should file their tax return, or request an 
extension, and pay any taxes they owe by the deadline to avoid penalties
 and interest. An extension to file is not an extension to pay. 
Penalties and interest will apply to taxes owed after May 17.Even if a taxpayer can't afford to immediately pay the taxes they 
owe, they should still file a tax return as soon as possible to reduce 
possible penalties. The IRS has more information for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/what-if-i-cant-pay-my-taxes">taxpayers who owe the IRS, but cannot afford to pay</a>.Ordinarily, the failure to file penalty is 5% of the tax owed for 
each month or part of a month that a tax return is late, up to five 
months, reduced by the failure to pay penalty amount for any month where
 both penalties apply. If a return is filed more than 60 days after the 
due date, the minimum penalty is either $435 or 100% of the unpaid tax, 
whichever is less. Filing and paying as much as possible is important 
because the late-filing penalty and late-payment penalty add up quickly.
 The failure to pay penalty rate is generally 0.5% of unpaid tax owed 
for each month or part of a month until the tax is fully paid or until 
25% is reached. The rate is subject to change. For more information see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/understanding-penalties-and-interest">IRS.gov/penalties</a>.Taxpayers who have a history of filing and paying on time often 
qualify for penalty relief. A taxpayer will usually qualify if they have
 filed and paid timely for the past three years and meet other 
requirements. For more information, see the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/penalty-relief-due-to-first-time-penalty-abatement-or-other-administrative-waiver">first-time penalty abatement</a> page on IRS.gov.Interest is charged on tax and penalties until the balance is <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">paid in full</a>.<h2>Pay taxes due electronically</h2>Those who owe taxes can pay with IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>, by <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card">debit or credit card</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application">apply online for a payment plan (including an installment agreement)</a>. For more electronic payment options visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.
 They are secure and easy to use. Taxpayers paying electronically 
receive immediate confirmation when they submit their payment. With 
Direct Pay and the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>, taxpayers can opt in to receive email notifications about their payments.<h2>Selecting a tax professional</h2>The IRS offers tips to help taxpayers choose a tax return preparer wisely. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">Choosing a Tax Professional</a> page has information about tax return preparer <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/understanding-tax-return-preparer-credentials-and-qualifications">credentials and qualification</a>s and guidance on avoiding unscrupulous tax return preparersThe <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>
 can help taxpayers find tax return preparers who hold a professional 
credential recognized by the IRS or who have completed the requirements 
for the IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/annual-filing-season-program">Annual Filing Season Program</a>.<h2>Taxpayer Bill of Rights</h2>Taxpayers have fundamental rights under the law that protect taxpayers when they interact with the IRS. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxpayer-bill-of-rights">Taxpayer Bill of Rights</a> presents these rights in 10 categories. IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-1">Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer</a>, highlights these rights and the agency's obligation to protect them.

IRS: Despite May 17 deadline, still time to get refund, cut penalties

By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/state-will-help-kansas-school-districts-pay-winter-heat-bills-were-10x-higher-normal">Kansas News Service</a>

In a typical February, the small <a href="https://www.usd329.com/o/usd-329" target="_blank">Wabaunsee school district</a> just west of Topeka pays a natural gas utility bill of about $4,300. This year its bill was more than $53,000.

It’s
 not because classrooms were cranking up the heat. Wabaunsee is just one
 of hundreds of school districts in Kansas hit by an unprecedented spike
 in wholesale natural gas prices during February’s record-setting winter
 storm. Now the state is stepping in with $20 million in loans to help.&nbsp;

“For
 a lot of districts you’re talking about their entire annual budget for 
natural gas being used really to pay for an eight-day period,” said 
Austin Harris, the director of member engagement at the Kansas 
Association of School Boards.

During those eight days, 
temperatures across much of the state and central part of the United 
States reached well below zero. Wichita, for example, set a record for 
consecutive days with a high below 20 degrees.

The extreme cold 
not only increased the demand for natural gas, but also broke some of 
the infrastructure that transports the gas to customers. This created a 
huge imbalance in the supply of natural gas and the demand.

During
 the height of the winter storm, the wholesale natural gas price went 
from about $2.50 per unit to more than $650 per unit.

“No one anywhere could have anticipated that kind of an increase,” Kansas State Treasurer Lynn Rogers said.

The
 spike caused businesses, school districts and cities exposed to 
wholesale prices to see their bills increase 10 to 15 times normal. Many
 smaller cities can’t afford that.

The Legislature <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb88/">quickly passed a plan</a>
 making $100 million dollars available in low interest loans to the 
cities impacted. They’ve issued about $80 million dollars so far.

State officials are now <a href="https://www.kansascash.ks.gov/fin_serv.html" target="_blank">using the remaining $20 million</a> of that fund to open up loans to school districts and businesses.

The
 loans would be issued by local banks, but funded by the state. School 
districts and businesses can get as much as $500,000 to be paid back 
within three years.

“These loans are going to be paid back, the 
state is not going to be at risk,” Rogers said. “But it is an issue that
 we don’t have a lot of resources to keep doing this each and every 
year.”

Even with the loan programs, the spike in natural gas 
prices will have long-lasting impacts. The Wabaunsee school district 
said even with spreading out the extra cost over several years, it has 
to pay $1,000 more a month than usual. That’s real money for a small 
district of about 450 students.

Larger school districts aren’t immune, either. The <a href="https://www.usd497.org/Page/1" target="_blank">Lawrence School District</a>
 saw its bill go from $54,000 to $498,000. A district spokeswoman said 
it is currently in negotiations with its supplier for price reductions. 
Because there is potential for a lawsuit, she wouldn’t comment any 
further.

Harris said figuring all of this out will be a slow process for some districts and could last through the end of the year.

“Everyone is kind of scrambling to figure out how they cover the costs,” Harris said, “and what resources are available.”

The
 Kansas attorney general has opened an investigation into whether 
natural gas companies illegally price gouged during the winter storm and
 took advantage of customers during a time of emergency.

“It’s 
really on the shoulders of the attorney general to make sure that this 
doesn’t happen again,” Rogers said, “and the folks that gouged will be 
paying for this or pay us back.”

Brian Grimmett reports on 
the environment, energy and natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and 
the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en">@briangrimmett</a> or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621453816112.png" alt="Snow falls on a school crossing sign in Kansas City on Oct. 26, 2020. Carlos Moreno" />
 <figcaption>Snow falls on a school crossing sign in Kansas City on Oct. 26, 2020. Carlos Moreno</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/state-will-help-kansas-school-districts-pay-winter-heat-bills-were-10x-higher-normal">Kansas News Service</a>In a typical February, the small <a href="https://www.usd329.com/o/usd-329" target="_blank">Wabaunsee school district</a> just west of Topeka pays a natural gas utility bill of about $4,300. This year its bill was more than $53,000.It’s
 not because classrooms were cranking up the heat. Wabaunsee is just one
 of hundreds of school districts in Kansas hit by an unprecedented spike
 in wholesale natural gas prices during February’s record-setting winter
 storm. Now the state is stepping in with $20 million in loans to help.&nbsp;“For
 a lot of districts you’re talking about their entire annual budget for 
natural gas being used really to pay for an eight-day period,” said 
Austin Harris, the director of member engagement at the Kansas 
Association of School Boards.During those eight days, 
temperatures across much of the state and central part of the United 
States reached well below zero. Wichita, for example, set a record for 
consecutive days with a high below 20 degrees.The extreme cold 
not only increased the demand for natural gas, but also broke some of 
the infrastructure that transports the gas to customers. This created a 
huge imbalance in the supply of natural gas and the demand.During
 the height of the winter storm, the wholesale natural gas price went 
from about $2.50 per unit to more than $650 per unit.“No one anywhere could have anticipated that kind of an increase,” Kansas State Treasurer Lynn Rogers said.The
 spike caused businesses, school districts and cities exposed to 
wholesale prices to see their bills increase 10 to 15 times normal. Many
 smaller cities can’t afford that.The Legislature <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb88/">quickly passed a plan</a>
 making $100 million dollars available in low interest loans to the 
cities impacted. They’ve issued about $80 million dollars so far.State officials are now <a href="https://www.kansascash.ks.gov/fin_serv.html" target="_blank">using the remaining $20 million</a> of that fund to open up loans to school districts and businesses.The
 loans would be issued by local banks, but funded by the state. School 
districts and businesses can get as much as $500,000 to be paid back 
within three years.“These loans are going to be paid back, the 
state is not going to be at risk,” Rogers said. “But it is an issue that
 we don’t have a lot of resources to keep doing this each and every 
year.”Even with the loan programs, the spike in natural gas 
prices will have long-lasting impacts. The Wabaunsee school district 
said even with spreading out the extra cost over several years, it has 
to pay $1,000 more a month than usual. That’s real money for a small 
district of about 450 students.Larger school districts aren’t immune, either. The <a href="https://www.usd497.org/Page/1" target="_blank">Lawrence School District</a>
 saw its bill go from $54,000 to $498,000. A district spokeswoman said 
it is currently in negotiations with its supplier for price reductions. 
Because there is potential for a lawsuit, she wouldn’t comment any 
further.Harris said figuring all of this out will be a slow process for some districts and could last through the end of the year.“Everyone is kind of scrambling to figure out how they cover the costs,” Harris said, “and what resources are available.”The
 Kansas attorney general has opened an investigation into whether 
natural gas companies illegally price gouged during the winter storm and
 took advantage of customers during a time of emergency.“It’s 
really on the shoulders of the attorney general to make sure that this 
doesn’t happen again,” Rogers said, “and the folks that gouged will be 
paying for this or pay us back.”Brian Grimmett reports on 
the environment, energy and natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and 
the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en">@briangrimmett</a> or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

State will help Kan. schools hammered by winter heating bills

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly is facing increasing pressure from companies, business groups and prominent Republicans to have Kansas stop paying an extra $300 a week in benefits to unemployed workers.

The top three Republicans in the Kansas House on Wednesday called on Kelly to end the additional benefits. Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., of Olathe, Speaker Pro Tem Blaine Finch, of Ottawa, and Majority Leader Dan Hawkins, of Wichita, issued a joint statement calling the extra benefits “counterproductive.”

They did so in response to a letter Tuesday to Kelly from the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and 180 organizations arguing that many businesses forced to restrict operations during the coronavirus pandemic now are having problems hiring enough workers “to return to full capacity.” The signers included businesses, trade associations, other groups and even a few public agencies.

The extra benefits are part of the $1.9 trillion in federal coronavirus relief approved by Congress in March and are set to expire in September. More than 20 states with Republican governors have opted to end the benefits early, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-health-coronavirus-pandemic-5b3af7a07493a5b6c79b6ea8d8be0c60">neighboring Missouri.</a>&nbsp;Kelly said last week that she is reviewing the issue.

“Many employers are finding it nearly impossible to fully staff their businesses which impacts the supply chain and timely delivery of goods and services,” the Kansas chamber’s letter said.

Many Republicans argue that the additional benefits discourage people from accepting employment. An analysis by Bank of America economists found that people who had earned $32,000 or less at their previous jobs can receive as much or more income from jobless aid, and some unemployed workers say the extra benefit has allowed them to take more time to look for work and puts pressure on employers to raise wages.

In Kansas, the minimum wage has remained at $7.25 an hour since 2009, or about $15,000 a year full-time.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-health-coronavirus-pandemic-business-9a76a15cf9e7d37076c91e5abeb1137b">Other factors</a>&nbsp;also help explain why unemployed workers might be reluctant to take jobs.

Some worry that working in hospitality or other service businesses will expose them to COVID-19, according to government surveys. Many women have had to leave the workforce to care for children still in online school for at least part of the week, though Kansas is requiring all of its public school districts to offer in-person classes for all students.

The nonpartisan, left-leaning Economic Policy Institute said in a blog post last week that some labor shortages have occurred for hospitality and leisure businesses, where wages are typically low, but that they shouldn’t spill into other industries. Furthermore, it said, cutting off the extra benefits could hurt the economy, adding that goal shouldn’t be to “chase” as many adults into jobs as possible but “to provide good options and economic security for all.”

The Kansas chamber’s letter suggested that federal money could be redirected to employee signing bonuses, help with child care and job retraining.

Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall publicly called on Kelly last week to end the extra benefits. He fellow Republican Sen. Jerry Moran and the three Kansas Republicans in the U.S. House all sent her a letter Monday urging her to do so.

More than 37,000 Kansas residents received the extra unemployment benefits for the week ending Saturday, with payments totaling nearly $9.4 million, according to state Department of Labor figures. The state’s regular unemployment benefits averaged $389 that week.

Kelly’s office did not respond Wednesday to the calls for her to end the extra benefits but pointed to a statement last week saying she would “monitor this situation closely” but is focusing on recruiting businesses and creating jobs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619210947266.png" alt="More than 37,000 Kansas residents received the extra unemployment benefits for the week ending Saturday, with payments totaling nearly $9.4 million, according to state Department of Labor figures.&nbsp; Gov. Kelly’s office did not respond Wednesday to the calls for her to end the extra benefits&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>More than 37,000 Kansas residents received the extra unemployment benefits for the week ending Saturday, with payments totaling nearly $9.4 million, according to state Department of Labor figures.&nbsp; Gov. Kelly’s office did not respond Wednesday to the calls for her to end the extra benefits&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly is facing increasing pressure from companies, business groups and prominent Republicans to have Kansas stop paying an extra $300 a week in benefits to unemployed workers.The top three Republicans in the Kansas House on Wednesday called on Kelly to end the additional benefits. Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., of Olathe, Speaker Pro Tem Blaine Finch, of Ottawa, and Majority Leader Dan Hawkins, of Wichita, issued a joint statement calling the extra benefits “counterproductive.”They did so in response to a letter Tuesday to Kelly from the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and 180 organizations arguing that many businesses forced to restrict operations during the coronavirus pandemic now are having problems hiring enough workers “to return to full capacity.” The signers included businesses, trade associations, other groups and even a few public agencies.The extra benefits are part of the $1.9 trillion in federal coronavirus relief approved by Congress in March and are set to expire in September. More than 20 states with Republican governors have opted to end the benefits early, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-health-coronavirus-pandemic-5b3af7a07493a5b6c79b6ea8d8be0c60">neighboring Missouri.</a>&nbsp;Kelly said last week that she is reviewing the issue.“Many employers are finding it nearly impossible to fully staff their businesses which impacts the supply chain and timely delivery of goods and services,” the Kansas chamber’s letter said.Many Republicans argue that the additional benefits discourage people from accepting employment. An analysis by Bank of America economists found that people who had earned $32,000 or less at their previous jobs can receive as much or more income from jobless aid, and some unemployed workers say the extra benefit has allowed them to take more time to look for work and puts pressure on employers to raise wages.In Kansas, the minimum wage has remained at $7.25 an hour since 2009, or about $15,000 a year full-time.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-health-coronavirus-pandemic-business-9a76a15cf9e7d37076c91e5abeb1137b">Other factors</a>&nbsp;also help explain why unemployed workers might be reluctant to take jobs.Some worry that working in hospitality or other service businesses will expose them to COVID-19, according to government surveys. Many women have had to leave the workforce to care for children still in online school for at least part of the week, though Kansas is requiring all of its public school districts to offer in-person classes for all students.The nonpartisan, left-leaning Economic Policy Institute said in a blog post last week that some labor shortages have occurred for hospitality and leisure businesses, where wages are typically low, but that they shouldn’t spill into other industries. Furthermore, it said, cutting off the extra benefits could hurt the economy, adding that goal shouldn’t be to “chase” as many adults into jobs as possible but “to provide good options and economic security for all.”The Kansas chamber’s letter suggested that federal money could be redirected to employee signing bonuses, help with child care and job retraining.Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall publicly called on Kelly last week to end the extra benefits. He fellow Republican Sen. Jerry Moran and the three Kansas Republicans in the U.S. House all sent her a letter Monday urging her to do so.More than 37,000 Kansas residents received the extra unemployment benefits for the week ending Saturday, with payments totaling nearly $9.4 million, according to state Department of Labor figures. The state’s regular unemployment benefits averaged $389 that week.Kelly’s office did not respond Wednesday to the calls for her to end the extra benefits but pointed to a statement last week saying she would “monitor this situation closely” but is focusing on recruiting businesses and creating jobs.___

More pressure on Kan. governor to end extra $300 in jobless aid

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska man charged in the deaths of his two young children waived extradition from California on Wednesday.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ne-state-wire-nebraska-229fc166be11a0fcdd20e3967ac452e5">Adam Price</a>, 35, appeared at a court hearing in San Mateo County, California. He said little during the hearing, which last just over five minutes.

He was arrested in Pacifica, California, on Sunday, hours after the bodies of his children — 5-year-old Emily and 3-year-old Theodore — were found at his home in Bellevue, an Omaha suburb.

Authorities haven’t said how or when the children died.

Price has been charged with two counts of felony child abuse resulting in death.

Price filled out paperwork to get an attorney while in the California county jail, which would have prompted an extradition hearing at another time. Instead, he changed his mind and decided not to fight extradition.

It was not immediately clear when Price would be returned to Nebraska.

The children were with Price for a court-ordered visitation. Their mother, Mary Nielsen, who lives in Illinois, called police Saturday after she couldn’t reach the children. Police said they did not have sufficient reason to enter the home.

A friend's of Nielsen's went to the home Sunday at her request and found the children's bodies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621375107607.png" alt="Price-photo Bellevue police" />
 <figcaption>Price-photo Bellevue police</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska man charged in the deaths of his two young children waived extradition from California on Wednesday.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ne-state-wire-nebraska-229fc166be11a0fcdd20e3967ac452e5">Adam Price</a>, 35, appeared at a court hearing in San Mateo County, California. He said little during the hearing, which last just over five minutes.He was arrested in Pacifica, California, on Sunday, hours after the bodies of his children — 5-year-old Emily and 3-year-old Theodore — were found at his home in Bellevue, an Omaha suburb.Authorities haven’t said how or when the children died.Price has been charged with two counts of felony child abuse resulting in death.Price filled out paperwork to get an attorney while in the California county jail, which would have prompted an extradition hearing at another time. Instead, he changed his mind and decided not to fight extradition.It was not immediately clear when Price would be returned to Nebraska.The children were with Price for a court-ordered visitation. Their mother, Mary Nielsen, who lives in Illinois, called police Saturday after she couldn’t reach the children. Police said they did not have sufficient reason to enter the home.A friend's of Nielsen's went to the home Sunday at her request and found the children's bodies.

Man charged in his children's deaths will return to Nebraska

SHAWNEE COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after an arest.

On May 18, officers with the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Units erved a search warrant in the 2400 Block SW 26th Drive in Topeka, related to an ongoing investigation, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

While conducting the search warrant, the officers located heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

They also arrested 48-year-old Michael Stinemetz of Topeka and&nbsp; transported him to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include&nbsp;Possession of heroin with the intent of distribution, Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana and Possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent of distribution

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621432499190.png" alt="Stinemetz-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Stinemetz-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after an arest.On May 18, officers with the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Units erved a search warrant in the 2400 Block SW 26th Drive in Topeka, related to an ongoing investigation, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.While conducting the search warrant, the officers located heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.They also arrested 48-year-old Michael Stinemetz of Topeka and&nbsp; transported him to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include&nbsp;Possession of heroin with the intent of distribution, Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana and Possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent of distribution

Kansas man accused of heroin distribution

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation has by far the largest land mass of any Native American tribe in the country. Now, it’s boasting the largest enrolled population, too.

Navajos clamored to enroll or fix their records as the tribe offered hardship assistance payments from last year’s federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. That boosted the tribe’s rolls from about 306,000 to nearly 400,000 citizens.

The figure tops the Cherokee Nation’s enrollment of 392,000. But it, too, has been growing, said tribal spokeswoman Julie Hubbard. The Oklahoma tribe has been receiving about 200 more applications per month from potential enrollees, leaving Navajo’s position at the top unstable.

The numbers matter because tribes often are allocated money based on their number of citizens. Each of the 574 federally recognized tribes determines how to count its population. Navajo, for example, requires a one-quarter blood quantum to enroll. Cherokee primarily uses lineal descent.

Tribal governments received $4.8 billion from the CARES Act based on federal housing population data for tribes, which some said was badly skewed. The Treasury Department recently revised the methodology and said it would correct the most substantial disparities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621449809695.png" alt="&nbsp;The&nbsp;Native American&nbsp;population in Kansas&nbsp;is 19,504 – at 0.7% of the total population of the state, according to the most recent&nbsp;American&nbsp;Community Survey." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;The&nbsp;Native American&nbsp;population in Kansas&nbsp;is 19,504 – at 0.7% of the total population of the state, according to the most recent&nbsp;American&nbsp;Community Survey.</figcaption>
 </figure>FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation has by far the largest land mass of any Native American tribe in the country. Now, it’s boasting the largest enrolled population, too.Navajos clamored to enroll or fix their records as the tribe offered hardship assistance payments from last year’s federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. That boosted the tribe’s rolls from about 306,000 to nearly 400,000 citizens.The figure tops the Cherokee Nation’s enrollment of 392,000. But it, too, has been growing, said tribal spokeswoman Julie Hubbard. The Oklahoma tribe has been receiving about 200 more applications per month from potential enrollees, leaving Navajo’s position at the top unstable.The numbers matter because tribes often are allocated money based on their number of citizens. Each of the 574 federally recognized tribes determines how to count its population. Navajo, for example, requires a one-quarter blood quantum to enroll. Cherokee primarily uses lineal descent.Tribal governments received $4.8 billion from the CARES Act based on federal housing population data for tribes, which some said was badly skewed. The Treasury Department recently revised the methodology and said it would correct the most substantial disparities.

Cherokee nation is no longer the largest US tribe

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — People will be able to get beer and cocktails to go in Kansas after the coronavirus pandemic thanks to a measure signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Laura Kelly.

The new law will allow to-go beer and alcoholic drinks from clubs, bars and restaurants until 11 p.m., as long as the drinks are in sealed containers and clear bags that discourage tampering. Lawmakers approved the measure earlier this month, and it takes effect later this month.

It continues a policy Kelly set by executive order in April 2020 when Kansas was under a statewide stay-at-home order and that remained in effect through March.

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States has said such temporary policies in more than 30 states were “a lifeline” to a hospitality industry hit hard by the pandemic, but consumers ended up liking the convenience.

The council said 11 other states have made cocktails to go permanent, including Arkansas, Iowa, Oklahoma and Texas, along with the District of Columbia. Another six have extended temporary policies at least into next year.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — People will be able to get beer and cocktails to go in Kansas after the coronavirus pandemic thanks to a measure signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Laura Kelly.The new law will allow to-go beer and alcoholic drinks from clubs, bars and restaurants until 11 p.m., as long as the drinks are in sealed containers and clear bags that discourage tampering. Lawmakers approved the measure earlier this month, and it takes effect later this month.It continues a policy Kelly set by executive order in April 2020 when Kansas was under a statewide stay-at-home order and that remained in effect through March.The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States has said such temporary policies in more than 30 states were “a lifeline” to a hospitality industry hit hard by the pandemic, but consumers ended up liking the convenience.The council said 11 other states have made cocktails to go permanent, including Arkansas, Iowa, Oklahoma and Texas, along with the District of Columbia. Another six have extended temporary policies at least into next year.

Kansas governor signs legislation keeping cocktails to go

WICHITA—Law enforcement authorities investigating a drug-deal shooting death one year ago continue to ask for help in locating 19-year-old Jakob Oneil Cuble in connection with the murder.

On May 20, 2020, Marcus Sain was shot and killed during a drug transaction at an apartment complex in the 1100 block of South Webb Road in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

Thanks to information from the public, police detectives have been able to identify three people involved in his murder.

Two of those people Malcolm Ganther and Nathaniel Saunders are currently in custody. 

Police have not located Jakob Cuble.&nbsp; The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office has charged Cuble with First Degree Murder and Aggravated Robbery. Cuble is described as 5-foot-6, 120 pounds with brown eyes and black hair.&nbsp;

Anyone with information regarding Cuble’s location is eligible to receive a reward by submitting a tip through Crime Stoppers by calling 316-267-2111 or online at

www.stopcrime316.com. Tipsters are always anonymous – Crime Stoppers will never ask someone to identify themselves. If your information leads to an arrest in this case, you could be eligible to receive up to $2,500.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621439006704.png" alt="Cuble photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Cuble photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA—Law enforcement authorities investigating a drug-deal shooting death one year ago continue to ask for help in locating 19-year-old Jakob Oneil Cuble in connection with the murder.On May 20, 2020, Marcus Sain was shot and killed during a drug transaction at an apartment complex in the 1100 block of South Webb Road in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.Thanks to information from the public, police detectives have been able to identify three people involved in his murder.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590157799937.png" alt="Ganther photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Ganther photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Two of those people Malcolm Ganther and Nathaniel Saunders are currently in custody. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598393802179.png" alt="Saunders photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Saunders photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Police have not located Jakob Cuble.&nbsp; The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office has charged Cuble with First Degree Murder and Aggravated Robbery. Cuble is described as 5-foot-6, 120 pounds with brown eyes and black hair.&nbsp;Anyone with information regarding Cuble’s location is eligible to receive a reward by submitting a tip through Crime Stoppers by calling 316-267-2111 or online atwww.stopcrime316.com. Tipsters are always anonymous – Crime Stoppers will never ask someone to identify themselves. If your information leads to an arrest in this case, you could be eligible to receive up to $2,500.

Police: Search continues for Kan. man in drug-deal murder

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Officers called to an apartment in a historic Kansas City neighborhood for reports of an argument followed by gunfire found a woman fatally shot, police said.

Police were called around 2 a.m. Wednesday to the apartment in Hyde Park, and arriving officers found a woman inside the apartment who had been shot. Medics pronounced the woman dead at the scene. Police say one person was arrested in the case.

Police had not released the name of the woman killed or details about what led to the shooting by Wednesday morning.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Officers called to an apartment in a historic Kansas City neighborhood for reports of an argument followed by gunfire found a woman fatally shot, police said.Police were called around 2 a.m. Wednesday to the apartment in Hyde Park, and arriving officers found a woman inside the apartment who had been shot. Medics pronounced the woman dead at the scene. Police say one person was arrested in the case.Police had not released the name of the woman killed or details about what led to the shooting by Wednesday morning.

Police make arrest in Kansas City woman's shooting death

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Manhattan man has been charged with defrauding a Wichita bank out of $127,100 in COVID-19 aid meant for small businesses affected by the pandemic.

Clifford Townsend is accused of claiming on an application for Paycheck Protection Program money that his business had 15 employees. The business, Global Network Corp., had no employees, federal prosecutors said.

Townsend was charged April 28 with two counts of bank fraud, two counts of making a false statement to a federally insured bank and two counts of money laundering.

Each bank fraud and false statement charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. The money laundering charges have maximum penalties of up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.

Prosecutors allege Townsend used about $27,000 of the money to buy a BMW and wired $80,000 into a brokerage account in the name of the business.

His initial court appearance is scheduled for Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588075781384.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Manhattan man has been charged with defrauding a Wichita bank out of $127,100 in COVID-19 aid meant for small businesses affected by the pandemic.Clifford Townsend is accused of claiming on an application for Paycheck Protection Program money that his business had 15 employees. The business, Global Network Corp., had no employees, federal prosecutors said.Townsend was charged April 28 with two counts of bank fraud, two counts of making a false statement to a federally insured bank and two counts of money laundering.Each bank fraud and false statement charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. The money laundering charges have maximum penalties of up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.Prosecutors allege Townsend used about $27,000 of the money to buy a BMW and wired $80,000 into a brokerage account in the name of the business.His initial court appearance is scheduled for Monday.

Kan. man charged with $127K  fraud involving COVID-19 aid

Task force is asking Kan. ranchers to take survey to  find where shortage is most severe

By STEPHEN KORANDA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/agriculture/2021-05-18/kansas-ranchers-struggle-to-find-veterinarians-and-its-hurting-the-9-billion-cattle-industry">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas, a state that relies heavily on the 
cattle industry to power its economy, faces a shortage of the 
veterinarians that tend to the livestock.

So it’s launched a task 
force to find how to draw more people who can doctor the livestock 
driving billions of dollars in economic activity.

Cattle ranching and related businesses employ nearly 39,000 people and contribute an estimated <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/docs/default-source/ag-marketing/ag-contribution-2020.pdf?sfvrsn=10dc92c1_4" target="_blank">$8.7 billion</a> to the Kansas economy.

The
 veterinarian shortage poses more than just an inconvenience for people 
who ranch cattle or run cow-calf operations. If a cow needs a C-section 
and a vet isn’t available, that can mean a lost calf — and lost revenue.

“If
 you don't have a veterinarian that you can contact to provide the 
various vet services, it can have devastating impacts to your business,”
 Deputy Kansas Agriculture Secretary Kelsey Olson said.

State 
officials, the livestock industry and universities are looking for ways 
to ease the shortage. The Rural Veterinary Workforce Development Task 
Force is starting with <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_50yAle8jT1ib7VQ" target="_blank">a survey</a> to determine where livestock producers have the greatest need for veterinarians.

Olson
 said one factor is that many students entering veterinary school are 
interested in tending to cats and dogs, rather than heifers and hogs.

“We
 see that taking off,” she said. “Many of the students are coming in 
with that experience and wanting to specifically focus on small 
animals.”

In addition, Olson said it’s a challenging job. A rural 
vet might be on call every weekend. Working in a larger practice in a 
city can seem more appealing. More staff can share the demands with 
rotating weekend shifts.

Still, Kansas is doing better at training large animal vets than many other states.

Brad
 White, a Kansas State University professor and director of the Beef 
Cattle Institute, said about 25% of the school’s graduates work in mixed
 or large animal practices. He said the nationwide average is only 
around 14%.

He’s urging livestock producers to take the survey to 
help the group find out where veterinary shortages are the most severe. 
He thinks about it the same way he would treat an animal disease.

“I
 want to be able to get a diagnosis. I want to know, exactly what are we
 dealing with?,” White said. “Then I can come up with what's the best 
treatment plan.”

Some veterinary programs at K-State already focus
 specifically on food animals. White said fixing the shortage likely 
isn’t as simple as growing those programs.

“Is it education? Is it on the supply side? Is it on the demand side? Where is the discrepancy?” he said.

The people taking part in the effort believe it won’t be an easy task to sort all that out.

“I don't think there's a quick fix,” said Matt Teagarden, CEO of the Kansas Livestock Association.

Teagarden
 said scholarship programs that target rural students might help. But 
first, members of the task force need to know where there’s sufficient 
demand to sustain a veterinary practice.

It isn’t a long-term 
solution to recruit or train a new vet then send them to an area where 
there isn’t enough demand to sustain their business.

“There might be a reason,” Teagarden said, “there isn’t a vet clinic there already.”

Stephen Koranda is the Statehouse reporter and news editor for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Stephen_Koranda" target="_blank">@Stephen_Koranda</a> or email him at stephenkoranda@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621357513370.png" alt="Livestock, including cattle, are a critical industry for the Kansas economy. Chris Neal / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Livestock, including cattle, are a critical industry for the Kansas economy. Chris Neal / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Task force is asking Kan. ranchers to take survey to find where shortage is most severe</h2>By STEPHEN KORANDA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/agriculture/2021-05-18/kansas-ranchers-struggle-to-find-veterinarians-and-its-hurting-the-9-billion-cattle-industry">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA — Kansas, a state that relies heavily on the 
cattle industry to power its economy, faces a shortage of the 
veterinarians that tend to the livestock.So it’s launched a task 
force to find how to draw more people who can doctor the livestock 
driving billions of dollars in economic activity.Cattle ranching and related businesses employ nearly 39,000 people and contribute an estimated <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/docs/default-source/ag-marketing/ag-contribution-2020.pdf?sfvrsn=10dc92c1_4" target="_blank">$8.7 billion</a> to the Kansas economy.The
 veterinarian shortage poses more than just an inconvenience for people 
who ranch cattle or run cow-calf operations. If a cow needs a C-section 
and a vet isn’t available, that can mean a lost calf — and lost revenue.“If
 you don't have a veterinarian that you can contact to provide the 
various vet services, it can have devastating impacts to your business,”
 Deputy Kansas Agriculture Secretary Kelsey Olson said.State 
officials, the livestock industry and universities are looking for ways 
to ease the shortage. The Rural Veterinary Workforce Development Task 
Force is starting with <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_50yAle8jT1ib7VQ" target="_blank">a survey</a> to determine where livestock producers have the greatest need for veterinarians.Olson
 said one factor is that many students entering veterinary school are 
interested in tending to cats and dogs, rather than heifers and hogs.“We
 see that taking off,” she said. “Many of the students are coming in 
with that experience and wanting to specifically focus on small 
animals.”In addition, Olson said it’s a challenging job. A rural 
vet might be on call every weekend. Working in a larger practice in a 
city can seem more appealing. More staff can share the demands with 
rotating weekend shifts.Still, Kansas is doing better at training large animal vets than many other states.Brad
 White, a Kansas State University professor and director of the Beef 
Cattle Institute, said about 25% of the school’s graduates work in mixed
 or large animal practices. He said the nationwide average is only 
around 14%.He’s urging livestock producers to take the survey to 
help the group find out where veterinary shortages are the most severe. 
He thinks about it the same way he would treat an animal disease.“I
 want to be able to get a diagnosis. I want to know, exactly what are we
 dealing with?,” White said. “Then I can come up with what's the best 
treatment plan.”Some veterinary programs at K-State already focus
 specifically on food animals. White said fixing the shortage likely 
isn’t as simple as growing those programs.“Is it education? Is it on the supply side? Is it on the demand side? Where is the discrepancy?” he said.The people taking part in the effort believe it won’t be an easy task to sort all that out.“I don't think there's a quick fix,” said Matt Teagarden, CEO of the Kansas Livestock Association.Teagarden
 said scholarship programs that target rural students might help. But 
first, members of the task force need to know where there’s sufficient 
demand to sustain a veterinary practice.It isn’t a long-term 
solution to recruit or train a new vet then send them to an area where 
there isn’t enough demand to sustain their business.“There might be a reason,” Teagarden said, “there isn’t a vet clinic there already.”Stephen Koranda is the Statehouse reporter and news editor for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Stephen_Koranda" target="_blank">@Stephen_Koranda</a> or email him at stephenkoranda@kcur.org.