WASHINGTON
 — The Internal Revenue Service today provided guidance on tax breaks 
under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for continuation health 
coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 
1985 (COBRA).

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-21-31.pdf">Notice 2021-31&nbsp;PDF</a>
 provides guidance for employers, plan administrators, and health 
insurers regarding the new credit available to them for providing 
continuation health coverage to certain individuals under COBRA.

The American Rescue Plan provides a temporary 100% reduction in the 
premium that individuals would have to pay when they elect COBRA 
continuation health coverage following a reduction in hours or an 
involuntary termination of employment. The new law provides a 
corresponding tax credit for the entities that maintain group health 
plans, such as employers, multiemployer plans, and insurers. The 100% 
reduction in the premium and the credit are also available with respect 
to continuation coverage provided for those events under comparable 
State laws, sometimes referred to as "mini-COBRA."

Notice 2021-31 provides information regarding the calculation of the 
credit, the eligibility of individuals, the premium assistance period, 
and other information vital to employers, plan administrators, and 
insurers to understand the credit.

COBRA provides certain former employees, retirees, spouses, former 
spouses, and dependent children the right to temporary continuation of 
health coverage at group rates. COBRA generally covers health plans 
maintained by private-sector employers with 20 or more full and 
part-time employees. It also covers employee organizations or federal, 
state or local governments. State mini-COBRA laws often provide similar 
benefits for insured small employers not subject to Federal COBRA.

The IRS will continue to update <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus-tax-relief-for-health-plans-and-retirement-plans">information related to health plans</a> on IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON
 — The Internal Revenue Service today provided guidance on tax breaks 
under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for continuation health 
coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 
1985 (COBRA).<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-21-31.pdf">Notice 2021-31&nbsp;PDF</a>
 provides guidance for employers, plan administrators, and health 
insurers regarding the new credit available to them for providing 
continuation health coverage to certain individuals under COBRA.The American Rescue Plan provides a temporary 100% reduction in the 
premium that individuals would have to pay when they elect COBRA 
continuation health coverage following a reduction in hours or an 
involuntary termination of employment. The new law provides a 
corresponding tax credit for the entities that maintain group health 
plans, such as employers, multiemployer plans, and insurers. The 100% 
reduction in the premium and the credit are also available with respect 
to continuation coverage provided for those events under comparable 
State laws, sometimes referred to as "mini-COBRA."Notice 2021-31 provides information regarding the calculation of the 
credit, the eligibility of individuals, the premium assistance period, 
and other information vital to employers, plan administrators, and 
insurers to understand the credit.COBRA provides certain former employees, retirees, spouses, former 
spouses, and dependent children the right to temporary continuation of 
health coverage at group rates. COBRA generally covers health plans 
maintained by private-sector employers with 20 or more full and 
part-time employees. It also covers employee organizations or federal, 
state or local governments. State mini-COBRA laws often provide similar 
benefits for insured small employers not subject to Federal COBRA.The IRS will continue to update <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus-tax-relief-for-health-plans-and-retirement-plans">information related to health plans</a> on IRS.gov.

IRS outlines tax relief, credits for COBRA health plans

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Police in Kansas City, Kansas, have identified a man killed last week in a wooded residential area on the northwestern edge of the city.

Officers were called to the area the afternoon of May 11 and found Francisco Herrera-Flores, 38, of Kansas City, Kansas, police said in a news release Monday. Herrera-Flores had been shot, investigators said.

Guadalupe Benitez-Pizarro, 36, of Sante Fe, New Mexico, has been arrested and charged with second-degree felony murder in Herrera-Flores’ death, police said in the release. Benitez-Pizarro is being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

Herrera-Flores’ death marked the 10th homicide for Kansas City, Kansas, this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621357137577.png" alt="Benitez-Pizarro-photo Wyandotte County" />
 <figcaption>Benitez-Pizarro-photo Wyandotte County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Police in Kansas City, Kansas, have identified a man killed last week in a wooded residential area on the northwestern edge of the city.Officers were called to the area the afternoon of May 11 and found Francisco Herrera-Flores, 38, of Kansas City, Kansas, police said in a news release Monday. Herrera-Flores had been shot, investigators said.Guadalupe Benitez-Pizarro, 36, of Sante Fe, New Mexico, has been arrested and charged with second-degree felony murder in Herrera-Flores’ death, police said in the release. Benitez-Pizarro is being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $250,000 bond.Herrera-Flores’ death marked the 10th homicide for Kansas City, Kansas, this year.

Suspect from New Mexico jailed for Kan. man's murder

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon in connection to theft and trespassing incidents.

Just after 4:30 p.m. Monday, police were sent to Walmart, 2900 S. Ninth Street, for the report of a person who allegedly rode a green and black bicycle out of the store without paying for it, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The bike was valued at $580.

The person was described as a white male wearing a brown shirt, blue jeans, and a camouflage jacket.

Shortly before 5:30 p.m., officers were sent to Wildcat Circle for the report of a burglary in progress. The reporting party and his family were inside the residence when they saw a white male wearing blue jeans and a tan shirt walking into their garage. The resident walked out through the garage and saw the man, who then left the garage and ran from the property carrying a green and black bicycle, Forrester reported. 

The man, who a witness identified as Joshua Swisher, 38, of Salina, ran onto the nearby flood dike and continued northbound.

A short time later, an off-duty officer saw a person matching Swisher's description riding a bike in the 100 block of S. Kansas Ave. Officers located Swisher in the backyard of a residence in the 100 block of S. Kansas Avenue, Forrester noted.

Swisher was arrested on requested charges of Theft, Three counts of trespassing and Interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621344859760.jpeg" alt="Swisher has previous convictions for burglary, theft, giving worthless checks, obstruction and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections- photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Swisher has previous convictions for burglary, theft, giving worthless checks, obstruction and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections- photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon in connection to theft and trespassing incidents.Just after 4:30 p.m. Monday, police were sent to Walmart, 2900 S. Ninth Street, for the report of a person who allegedly rode a green and black bicycle out of the store without paying for it, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The bike was valued at $580.The person was described as a white male wearing a brown shirt, blue jeans, and a camouflage jacket.Shortly before 5:30 p.m., officers were sent to Wildcat Circle for the report of a burglary in progress. The reporting party and his family were inside the residence when they saw a white male wearing blue jeans and a tan shirt walking into their garage. The resident walked out through the garage and saw the man, who then left the garage and ran from the property carrying a green and black bicycle, Forrester reported. The man, who a witness identified as Joshua Swisher, 38, of Salina, ran onto the nearby flood dike and continued northbound.A short time later, an off-duty officer saw a person matching Swisher's description riding a bike in the 100 block of S. Kansas Ave. Officers located Swisher in the backyard of a residence in the 100 block of S. Kansas Avenue, Forrester noted.Swisher was arrested on requested charges of Theft, Three counts of trespassing and Interference with law enforcement.

Police: Kan. felon rode bike out of store without paying

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and working to learn what prompted it.

Just after 4 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting call in the 2100 block of North Ash in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson..&nbsp; A calling party advised of a vehicle also leaving the area.

Upon arrival, officers located the vehicle that left at 17th&nbsp;and Minneapolis.&nbsp; When the officers stopped the vehicle, they contacted a 37-year-old man who had been shot.&nbsp; He was transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators are currently working to determine the circumstances of what occurred.&nbsp; A lack of all cooperation in this investigation has prevented police from learning details of this case, according to Davidson.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and working to learn what prompted it.Just after 4 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting call in the 2100 block of North Ash in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson..&nbsp; A calling party advised of a vehicle also leaving the area.Upon arrival, officers located the vehicle that left at 17th&nbsp;and Minneapolis.&nbsp; When the officers stopped the vehicle, they contacted a 37-year-old man who had been shot.&nbsp; He was transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.Investigators are currently working to determine the circumstances of what occurred.&nbsp; A lack of all cooperation in this investigation has prevented police from learning details of this case, according to Davidson.

Police: Victim not cooperating with Kan. shooting investigation

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas schools are stepping up efforts to administer COVID-19 vaccines to newly eligible 12-to 15-year-olds as more districts relax mask rules or face pressure to do so.

Hundreds of students from public and private schools gathered Monday to get immunized at Topeka High School, The Topeka Capital-Journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/coronavirus/2021/05/17/topeka-high-school-kansas-schools-push-students-parents-covid-vaccine/5126233001/" target="_blank">reports.</a>

“We were surprised that so many people were here,” said Richard Bolejack, as he took his daughter, a freshman at nearby Shawnee Heights High School, to the vaccine clinic. “We were like ‘Wow’ because we didn’t think that would be the case.”

The students were joined by Gov. Laura Kelly, who touted the effort as the state aims to increase its vaccination rate. School districts from Manhattan to Olathe are conducting similar clinics, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas National Guard are chipping in support as needed.

But the governor pointed to a statewide drop in demand for the shots, stressing that the next frontier would be making the shots available at doctor’s offices throughout Kansas.

“We thought it very important to take the vaccines to the people, rather than expecting them to come to something like this,” Kelly said. “They made it very clear that wasn’t going to happen anymore.”

The push comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-education-abb64bd20748bd95aea2a5e2017704fd">more districts&nbsp;</a>nationwide relax mask requirements. Manhattan-Ogden Unified School District 383 announced Monday, for instance, that fully vaccinated individuals would not need to wear masks on school grounds.

The Shawnee Mission school district, meanwhile, decided Monday to continue to require students and staff members to wear masks in school until the end of the year despite protests, KSHB-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/coronavirus/shawnee-mission-school-district-retains-mask-requirement-despite-protest?_amp=true" target="_blank">reports</a>.

Kristin Butler, who has two children in the school district, was among about two dozen parents who held signs demonstrating against the mask policy before the decision was made.

“I am fighting for my children’s right to breathe in school,” she said.

Parent Julia Garrard, however, argued that the mask requirement should remain in place, noting that children like her 11-year-old son Oskar aren’t yet eligible to be vaccinated.

“Seems like it’s a no-brainer,” Garrard said.

The school district will likely reevaluate its policies ahead of the upcoming school year after seeking guidance from health officials, said spokesperson David Smith.

“We’re hopeful maybe this summer, younger kids will be eligible,” Smith said. “Clearly the way to move past the pandemic is to get more and more people vaccinated, including younger children, so we just have to work to get through that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621361902245.png" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;visited the Topeka High school vaccination clinic on Monday" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;visited the Topeka High school vaccination clinic on Monday</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas schools are stepping up efforts to administer COVID-19 vaccines to newly eligible 12-to 15-year-olds as more districts relax mask rules or face pressure to do so.Hundreds of students from public and private schools gathered Monday to get immunized at Topeka High School, The Topeka Capital-Journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/coronavirus/2021/05/17/topeka-high-school-kansas-schools-push-students-parents-covid-vaccine/5126233001/" target="_blank">reports.</a>“We were surprised that so many people were here,” said Richard Bolejack, as he took his daughter, a freshman at nearby Shawnee Heights High School, to the vaccine clinic. “We were like ‘Wow’ because we didn’t think that would be the case.”The students were joined by Gov. Laura Kelly, who touted the effort as the state aims to increase its vaccination rate. School districts from Manhattan to Olathe are conducting similar clinics, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas National Guard are chipping in support as needed.But the governor pointed to a statewide drop in demand for the shots, stressing that the next frontier would be making the shots available at doctor’s offices throughout Kansas.“We thought it very important to take the vaccines to the people, rather than expecting them to come to something like this,” Kelly said. “They made it very clear that wasn’t going to happen anymore.”The push comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-education-abb64bd20748bd95aea2a5e2017704fd">more districts&nbsp;</a>nationwide relax mask requirements. Manhattan-Ogden Unified School District 383 announced Monday, for instance, that fully vaccinated individuals would not need to wear masks on school grounds.The Shawnee Mission school district, meanwhile, decided Monday to continue to require students and staff members to wear masks in school until the end of the year despite protests, KSHB-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/coronavirus/shawnee-mission-school-district-retains-mask-requirement-despite-protest?_amp=true" target="_blank">reports</a>.Kristin Butler, who has two children in the school district, was among about two dozen parents who held signs demonstrating against the mask policy before the decision was made.“I am fighting for my children’s right to breathe in school,” she said.Parent Julia Garrard, however, argued that the mask requirement should remain in place, noting that children like her 11-year-old son Oskar aren’t yet eligible to be vaccinated.“Seems like it’s a no-brainer,” Garrard said.The school district will likely reevaluate its policies ahead of the upcoming school year after seeking guidance from health officials, said spokesperson David Smith.“We’re hopeful maybe this summer, younger kids will be eligible,” Smith said. “Clearly the way to move past the pandemic is to get more and more people vaccinated, including younger children, so we just have to work to get through that.”

Students line up for vaccines amid push to relax masking

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A 21-year-old Leavenworth man has been charged with first-degree murder in a shooting death in Leavenworth on May 4. County Attorney Todd Thompson said Monday that Cordell Marqueise Stewart was charged in the death of 31-year-old Floyd Ross Jr. 

Police responded to a report of shots fired in Leavenworth. They found Ross lying in the street suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead. Steward surrendered to detectives at the police station on Friday.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal shooting in Leavenworth have a suspect in custody.

Just after 4p.m. Friday, a 21-year-old man wanted in the shooting death of 31-year-old Floyd Ross, Jr.&nbsp;surrendered to detectives at the police station, according Leavenworth Police Chief Pat Kitchens.

On May 4,&nbsp;police responded to reports of shots fired at a city intersection. They found Ross suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.

The suspect, whose name had not been released, faces a charge of first-degree murder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621299487557.png" alt="Stewart photo Leavenworth County" />
 <figcaption>Stewart photo Leavenworth County</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A 21-year-old Leavenworth man has been charged with first-degree murder in a shooting death in Leavenworth on May 4. County Attorney Todd Thompson said Monday that Cordell Marqueise Stewart was charged in the death of 31-year-old Floyd Ross Jr. Police responded to a report of shots fired in Leavenworth. They found Ross lying in the street suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead. Steward surrendered to detectives at the police station on Friday.----------LEAVENWORTH COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal shooting in Leavenworth have a suspect in custody.Just after 4p.m. Friday, a 21-year-old man wanted in the shooting death of 31-year-old Floyd Ross, Jr.&nbsp;surrendered to detectives at the police station, according Leavenworth Police Chief Pat Kitchens.On May 4,&nbsp;police responded to reports of shots fired at a city intersection. They found Ross suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.The suspect, whose name had not been released, faces a charge of first-degree murder.

Kan. man who turned himself in to police charged with murder

GODDARD, Kan. (AP) — Sedgwick County authorities say a 3-year-old boy died after being accidentally run over by a truck driven by a family member. 

Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter says officers responding to a home in Goddard Monday evening found the identified as&nbsp;The Sedgwick County’s Sheriff’s office identified the three-year-old who died in Goddard Monday evening as Kannon Agnew dead at the scene. 

The sheriff says Kannon was outside with his father and three other children when he stopped to change his shoes, which were on the wrong feet. 

The driver was moving the vehicle to hook it to a trailer and didn't see the child sitting there. Easter says the investigation will continue but the death appears to be “a horrible accident.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621351092644.png" alt="First responders at the home Monday evening photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the home Monday evening photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>GODDARD, Kan. (AP) — Sedgwick County authorities say a 3-year-old boy died after being accidentally run over by a truck driven by a family member. Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter says officers responding to a home in Goddard Monday evening found the identified as&nbsp;The Sedgwick County’s Sheriff’s office identified the three-year-old who died in Goddard Monday evening as Kannon Agnew dead at the scene. The sheriff says Kannon was outside with his father and three other children when he stopped to change his shoes, which were on the wrong feet. The driver was moving the vehicle to hook it to a trailer and didn't see the child sitting there. Easter says the investigation will continue but the death appears to be “a horrible accident.”

Update: 3-year-old dies after run over near his Kan. home

WASHINGTON (AP) — Colorado Rep. Jason Crow, a former Army Ranger who served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, says it took time for him to stop constantly scanning his environment for threats when he returned from war 15 years ago. But after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-capitol-lockdown-2f56a611445df15fb9640893bb9f7a93">the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 6, he says he’s picked the habit up again.

Crow was trapped with several other members of Congress in the upper gallery of the U.S. House that day while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-media-elections-73dacf9bc0d906f4efe358279520eeac">a mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters</a>&nbsp;tried to beat down the doors to the chamber and stop the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory.

Crow says he never would have thought “in a million years” he’d be in that situation in the Capitol, but some of his old training has since kicked in, like looking in his rear-view mirror and assessing if people around him might be carrying a gun. Like almost every other member of Congress, his office has received threats against his life.

“There’s no doubt that members are on edge right now,” Crow says, and the threats from outside “are unfortunately the reality of congressional life.”

Those threats have more than doubled this year, according to the U.S. Capitol Police, and many members of Congress say they fear for their personal safety more than they did before the siege. Several say they have boosted security measures to protect themselves and their families, money for which will be part of a broad $1.9 billion spending bill that the House will vote on this week, along with a separate measure that would create a bipartisan commission to investigate the Jan. 6 attack. Democrats, in particular, say both bills are crucial to try to reconcile the trauma that many still feel.

“This was an armed assault on our democracy, and I’m a witness — I’m a victim and a witness to it,” says New Hampshire Rep. Annie Kuster. She received treatment for post-traumatic stress after she was also trapped in the House gallery that day and heard rioters trying to break through the doors close to where she was hiding.

Kuster says she thought she was going to die before officers cleared the hallways and hustled her and others out. “I think we need a full investigation with a Jan. 6th commission, and I believe that the Capitol Police who saved our lives that day deserve more support,” she says.

Democrats say a bipartisan commission investigating the attack, including what led to it, is more important than ever after some Republicans have recently started to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-michael-pence-donald-trump-election-2020-capitol-siege-549829098c84b9b8de3012673a104a4c">downplay the severity of the insurrection</a>, portraying the rioters who brutally beat officers with flagpoles and other weapons and broke into the Capitol through windows and doors as peaceful patriots.

Many Republicans who initially condemned Trump for telling his supporters to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-us-capitol-remarks-221518bc174f9bc3dd6e108e653ed08d">“fight like hell”</a>&nbsp;that day have increasingly stayed quiet on his repeated false claims that the election was stolen, even though that was rebuked by numerous courts, bipartisan election officials across the country and Trump’s own attorney general. It’s unclear how many in the GOP will vote for either bill.

Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., said at a hearing last week that a video feed of the rioters looked like they were on a “normal tourist visit.” Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., said a woman who was shot and killed by police as she tried to break through a window adjacent to the House chamber was “executed,” and he argued that the Justice Department is harassing those who have been arrested.

Michigan Rep. Dan Kildee, a Democrat who also says he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after the attack, said those comments were “really hard to take” after witnessing the insurrection. He says he’s received an increased number of threats since January, especially when he has spoken on TV about treatment he received in the aftermath. Some of the calls and messages are specific and credible threats, he says, while many others are “abusive, threatening type language.”

The security spending bill would provide congressional offices with more money to combat those threats, including enhanced travel security, upgrades to home-district offices and better intelligence to track people down. The bill would also “harden” the complex by reinforcing doors and windows, adding security vestibules and cameras and providing dollars for removable fencing that could quickly be erected during a threatening situation while leaving the Capitol open to visitors.

Like many members, Republican Rep. Rodney Davis of Illinois says he feels as if the threats are more acute in his home district, where there is less security. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers are currently protected by a tall fence and National Guard troops who have been there since Jan. 6. Members are “as safe as ever” there, he says, but “it’s those times when you’re not in the Capitol, I think that’s where the threats seem to emanate from the most.”

Davis knows that well, as one of several Republican members who was at a baseball practice four years ago in Alexandria, Virginia, when a gunman wounded Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., and four other people. And in 2019, an Illinois man was arrested for “threatening to blow my head off,” as Davis puts it. Randall Tarr pleaded guilty to federal charges and was sentenced to probation.

As the top Republican on the House Administration Committee, which oversees the Capitol Police, Davis has pushed for the force to be more aggressive in arresting those who threaten members and to reform the arcane command structure in Congress that forces the chief to ask for permission before making major decisions. The security spending bill would not do that, but it would boost Capitol Police training and pay for new equipment after the force was badly overrun on Jan. 6.

In the meantime, members are upgrading their personal security. Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., says he’s started using his house alarm more often and has been more cautious in recent months. “I’ve definitely felt less secure since Jan. 6 than I did before,” says Himes, who sits on the House intelligence committee.

Some say it’s easier not to know what’s going on. Illinois Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat, said he’s generally adopted a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy with his staff on security matters since the insurrection, and he doesn’t ask why when a police car sometimes shows up in front of his house to guard it.

“I don’t necessarily want to know the full story,” says Krishnamoorthi, who has young children. “I just trust that law enforcement is doing their job.”

Kuster says she is feeling better these days after taking advantage of employee assistance resources in the Capitol. Still, she says her experience was “really, really difficult,” especially because she received a death threat as soon as she arrived home to New Hampshire after the insurrection. Home was the one place “I can usually feel safe,” she says.

She said she regularly talks to and texts with her colleagues who have also had post-traumatic stress, and she says some of them are still hurting.

“We need a security plan so that everyone can feel safe here,” Kuster says. “I want the ‘people’s house’ to be able to reopen.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615213886851.png" alt="Fence around&nbsp; portion of the U.S. Capitol image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Fence around&nbsp; portion of the U.S. Capitol image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Colorado Rep. Jason Crow, a former Army Ranger who served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, says it took time for him to stop constantly scanning his environment for threats when he returned from war 15 years ago. But after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-capitol-lockdown-2f56a611445df15fb9640893bb9f7a93">the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 6, he says he’s picked the habit up again.Crow was trapped with several other members of Congress in the upper gallery of the U.S. House that day while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-media-elections-73dacf9bc0d906f4efe358279520eeac">a mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters</a>&nbsp;tried to beat down the doors to the chamber and stop the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory.Crow says he never would have thought “in a million years” he’d be in that situation in the Capitol, but some of his old training has since kicked in, like looking in his rear-view mirror and assessing if people around him might be carrying a gun. Like almost every other member of Congress, his office has received threats against his life.“There’s no doubt that members are on edge right now,” Crow says, and the threats from outside “are unfortunately the reality of congressional life.”Those threats have more than doubled this year, according to the U.S. Capitol Police, and many members of Congress say they fear for their personal safety more than they did before the siege. Several say they have boosted security measures to protect themselves and their families, money for which will be part of a broad $1.9 billion spending bill that the House will vote on this week, along with a separate measure that would create a bipartisan commission to investigate the Jan. 6 attack. Democrats, in particular, say both bills are crucial to try to reconcile the trauma that many still feel.“This was an armed assault on our democracy, and I’m a witness — I’m a victim and a witness to it,” says New Hampshire Rep. Annie Kuster. She received treatment for post-traumatic stress after she was also trapped in the House gallery that day and heard rioters trying to break through the doors close to where she was hiding.Kuster says she thought she was going to die before officers cleared the hallways and hustled her and others out. “I think we need a full investigation with a Jan. 6th commission, and I believe that the Capitol Police who saved our lives that day deserve more support,” she says.Democrats say a bipartisan commission investigating the attack, including what led to it, is more important than ever after some Republicans have recently started to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-michael-pence-donald-trump-election-2020-capitol-siege-549829098c84b9b8de3012673a104a4c">downplay the severity of the insurrection</a>, portraying the rioters who brutally beat officers with flagpoles and other weapons and broke into the Capitol through windows and doors as peaceful patriots.Many Republicans who initially condemned Trump for telling his supporters to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-us-capitol-remarks-221518bc174f9bc3dd6e108e653ed08d">“fight like hell”</a>&nbsp;that day have increasingly stayed quiet on his repeated false claims that the election was stolen, even though that was rebuked by numerous courts, bipartisan election officials across the country and Trump’s own attorney general. It’s unclear how many in the GOP will vote for either bill.Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., said at a hearing last week that a video feed of the rioters looked like they were on a “normal tourist visit.” Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., said a woman who was shot and killed by police as she tried to break through a window adjacent to the House chamber was “executed,” and he argued that the Justice Department is harassing those who have been arrested.Michigan Rep. Dan Kildee, a Democrat who also says he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after the attack, said those comments were “really hard to take” after witnessing the insurrection. He says he’s received an increased number of threats since January, especially when he has spoken on TV about treatment he received in the aftermath. Some of the calls and messages are specific and credible threats, he says, while many others are “abusive, threatening type language.”The security spending bill would provide congressional offices with more money to combat those threats, including enhanced travel security, upgrades to home-district offices and better intelligence to track people down. The bill would also “harden” the complex by reinforcing doors and windows, adding security vestibules and cameras and providing dollars for removable fencing that could quickly be erected during a threatening situation while leaving the Capitol open to visitors.Like many members, Republican Rep. Rodney Davis of Illinois says he feels as if the threats are more acute in his home district, where there is less security. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers are currently protected by a tall fence and National Guard troops who have been there since Jan. 6. Members are “as safe as ever” there, he says, but “it’s those times when you’re not in the Capitol, I think that’s where the threats seem to emanate from the most.”Davis knows that well, as one of several Republican members who was at a baseball practice four years ago in Alexandria, Virginia, when a gunman wounded Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., and four other people. And in 2019, an Illinois man was arrested for “threatening to blow my head off,” as Davis puts it. Randall Tarr pleaded guilty to federal charges and was sentenced to probation.As the top Republican on the House Administration Committee, which oversees the Capitol Police, Davis has pushed for the force to be more aggressive in arresting those who threaten members and to reform the arcane command structure in Congress that forces the chief to ask for permission before making major decisions. The security spending bill would not do that, but it would boost Capitol Police training and pay for new equipment after the force was badly overrun on Jan. 6.In the meantime, members are upgrading their personal security. Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., says he’s started using his house alarm more often and has been more cautious in recent months. “I’ve definitely felt less secure since Jan. 6 than I did before,” says Himes, who sits on the House intelligence committee.Some say it’s easier not to know what’s going on. Illinois Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat, said he’s generally adopted a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy with his staff on security matters since the insurrection, and he doesn’t ask why when a police car sometimes shows up in front of his house to guard it.“I don’t necessarily want to know the full story,” says Krishnamoorthi, who has young children. “I just trust that law enforcement is doing their job.”Kuster says she is feeling better these days after taking advantage of employee assistance resources in the Capitol. Still, she says her experience was “really, really difficult,” especially because she received a death threat as soon as she arrived home to New Hampshire after the insurrection. Home was the one place “I can usually feel safe,” she says.She said she regularly talks to and texts with her colleagues who have also had post-traumatic stress, and she says some of them are still hurting.“We need a security plan so that everyone can feel safe here,” Kuster says. “I want the ‘people’s house’ to be able to reopen.”

Amid threats to members, House of Representatives to vote on new security

ATCHISON, Kansas — The chaplain of Benedictine College, the private liberal arts college in Atchison, who admitted an inappropriate relationship with a student is no longer working for the school.

In April, Fr. Simon Baker, OSB, the chaplain of Benedictine College, self-disclosed to St. Benedict’s Abbey leadership that he had engaged in inappropriate conduct with an adult, female student at the College, according to a media statement from the school.

Following his disclosure, the Abbey convened its internal review board to investigate. The review board determined that Fr. Simon displayed inappropriate affection and favoritism toward the woman. The board recommended that certain boundaries be placed on Fr. Simon, and that counseling and support be offered to the female involved.

This week, immediately after the Abbey learned that Fr. Simon was not complying with these boundaries, he was removed from ministry. Since his removal, the College has received additional reports that Fr. Simon crossed physical and emotional boundaries in pastoral relationships with other adult women. 

At this point these reports do not involve a minor or any alleged criminal behavior. Benedictine College and St. Benedict’s Abbey are commencing a third-party investigation of these reports. Fr. Simon is prohibited from being present on campus pending the conclusion of the investigation.

The school said they&nbsp; are reaching out to all those who may be affected by these reports and those with information about Fr. Simon pertinent to this investigation, or those affected by this and would like to seek support, should contact the victim’s advocate at 913-426-5769.

The school also apologized to all those affected by Fr. Simon’s inappropriate behavior.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621353048269.png" alt="Fr. Simon Baker -photo courtesy&nbsp;St. Benedict’s Abbey " />
 <figcaption>Fr. Simon Baker -photo courtesy&nbsp;St. Benedict’s Abbey </figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON, Kansas — The chaplain of Benedictine College, the private liberal arts college in Atchison, who admitted an inappropriate relationship with a student is no longer working for the school.In April, Fr. Simon Baker, OSB, the chaplain of Benedictine College, self-disclosed to St. Benedict’s Abbey leadership that he had engaged in inappropriate conduct with an adult, female student at the College, according to a media statement from the school.Following his disclosure, the Abbey convened its internal review board to investigate. The review board determined that Fr. Simon displayed inappropriate affection and favoritism toward the woman. The board recommended that certain boundaries be placed on Fr. Simon, and that counseling and support be offered to the female involved.This week, immediately after the Abbey learned that Fr. Simon was not complying with these boundaries, he was removed from ministry. Since his removal, the College has received additional reports that Fr. Simon crossed physical and emotional boundaries in pastoral relationships with other adult women. At this point these reports do not involve a minor or any alleged criminal behavior. Benedictine College and St. Benedict’s Abbey are commencing a third-party investigation of these reports. Fr. Simon is prohibited from being present on campus pending the conclusion of the investigation.The school said they&nbsp; are reaching out to all those who may be affected by these reports and those with information about Fr. Simon pertinent to this investigation, or those affected by this and would like to seek support, should contact the victim’s advocate at 913-426-5769.The school also apologized to all those affected by Fr. Simon’s inappropriate behavior.

Kan. college investigates priest for inappropriate conduct

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a fatal accident have made an arrest and&nbsp; identified the victim as 24-year-old Fernando Arambula of Wichita.

Just after 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, officers responded to an injury accident at Kellogg and Eisenhower Parkway in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

Investigators learned a 2006 Honda CRX driven by Arambula was eastbound on Kellogg and clipped the rear-end of a 2002 Acura RSX driven by Abel Olivarez, 24, of Wichita.

Arambula lost control of the Honda and the vehicle struck the base of the Eisenhower bridge crossing Kellogg.&nbsp;

Upon arrival, officers located Arambula, who had been ejected from his vehicle in critical condition.&nbsp; EMS transported him to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police&nbsp; contacted Olivarez at the the scene and later booked him into jail on a requested charge of driving under the influence, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621265542071.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the fatal crash investigation photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the fatal crash investigation photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a fatal accident have made an arrest and&nbsp; identified the victim as 24-year-old Fernando Arambula of Wichita.Just after 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, officers responded to an injury accident at Kellogg and Eisenhower Parkway in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.Investigators learned a 2006 Honda CRX driven by Arambula was eastbound on Kellogg and clipped the rear-end of a 2002 Acura RSX driven by Abel Olivarez, 24, of Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621265158243.png" alt="Olivarez is no longer in custody, according to Sedgwick Co. online booking records" />
 <figcaption>Olivarez is no longer in custody, according to Sedgwick Co. online booking records</figcaption>
 </figure>Arambula lost control of the Honda and the vehicle struck the base of the Eisenhower bridge crossing Kellogg.&nbsp;Upon arrival, officers located Arambula, who had been ejected from his vehicle in critical condition.&nbsp; EMS transported him to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.Police&nbsp; contacted Olivarez at the the scene and later booked him into jail on a requested charge of driving under the influence, according to Davidson.

Police: Kansas man accused of DUI in fatal crash

With support from the Walton Family Foundation, KCUR has asked 
student teachers in the Kansas City area to write about their 
experiences learning how to teach during a pandemic. We'll be running 
their stories as a series of teacher diaries in the coming weeks.&nbsp;Para leer este artículo en Español, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2021-05-17/una-maestra-de-kansas-se-preocupa-por-ponerse-al-dia-a-los-alumnos-que-iniciaron-la-escuela-durante-la-pandemia">haga clic aquí.</a>

By MARIA MARTINEZ <a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2021-05-14/a-kansas-teacher-worries-about-catching-up-kids-who-started-school-during-the-pandemic">For the Kansas News Service</a>

The pandemic has affected early childhood in more ways than families,
 teachers and schools can even know at the present moment. Students in 
the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools were online from mid-March 2020 
until the end of March 2021. Some students are still learning online due
 to the individual decisions of families. That means there are 
kindergarteners who only just started experiencing the classroom — and 
others that will for the first time as first graders in August.

First
 graders will come in knowing what it looks like to follow rules in 
school, the letters in the alphabet, various digraphs and blends (sounds
 like /sh/, /th/, and /ch/ for example), various sight words, writing 
their numbers to 20 and reciting them to 100, as well as grade-level 
science and social studies skills. Kindergarteners practice this and 
more as they go through their first year of public school. The goal is 
to make sure that each student is ready to start first grade by the end 
of the year. As the mantra for the classroom I am in goes, students are 
learning all these things “to become better readers and writers.”

Unfortunately,
 there will be students who will not have all the skills needed to move 
on, and there will be students who struggle to catch up. As we have come
 back to school, some students are still learning to follow rules, how 
to write their names or how to read, write and recognize numbers. 
Because of the pandemic, schools and teachers are preparing for students
 who need additional support in regaining lost ground from this school 
year. This can come in the form of reading resources that provide 
students with a gamified version of learning to motivate each to 
practice their skills at home or in the form of pull-out services where 
students are meeting with a specialist one-on-one and in small groups to
 work on improving their academic or social-emotional skills.

This "gamification of learning" actually plays to this particular set
 of students’ strengths because these apps are virtual games. Though I 
have seen students struggle with other skills in the classroom, they are
 better at navigating their technological devices than many adults. 
These technological skills they learned are skills that can be played to
 when supporting students in the months to come.

These are methods
 already used to help students who need extra support in learning. With 
the unusual academic year that has been 2020-2021, schools and teachers 
are expecting to have more students in this place of need. Teachers can 
adapt activities and expectations to students’ needs throughout the 
year. 

For me, this is especially important for this incoming 
group of students. As I move into my own classroom next year, I’m trying
 to keep in mind that my students are coming in with bits and pieces of 
the previous academic year. They may not be coming in with all the 
skills they need to be successful according to what the standards will 
require of them. Many students will be in vastly different places based 
on how they were able to cope with this academic year. The question of 
equity in an academic year like this one with hybrid and remote learning
 models is that students did not have a choice in how well-suited their 
environment was for learning.

It is my job as a teacher to not 
only give students a fair learning experience but make the learning 
experience equitable. This comes from my own teaching philosophy of 
giving every student what they need to be successful and recognizing 
that this will not be the same for every student because their starting 
points will be in different places. My hope is that the students coming 
in with “bits and pieces” will hopefully regain what they need to have 
the “whole” next school year.

Maria Martinez is a senior at Emporia State University in Kansas. She is currently a student teacher in a kindergarten classroom in the Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools. She is one of two Walton education fellows sharing her experiences in the classroom this semester.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621261714276.png" alt="Student teacher Maria Martinez helps a kindergartener at Mark Twain Elementary in Kansas City, Kansas, with her backpack. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Student teacher Maria Martinez helps a kindergartener at Mark Twain Elementary in Kansas City, Kansas, with her backpack. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>With support from the Walton Family Foundation, KCUR has asked 
student teachers in the Kansas City area to write about their 
experiences learning how to teach during a pandemic. We'll be running 
their stories as a series of teacher diaries in the coming weeks.&nbsp;Para leer este artículo en Español, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2021-05-17/una-maestra-de-kansas-se-preocupa-por-ponerse-al-dia-a-los-alumnos-que-iniciaron-la-escuela-durante-la-pandemia">haga clic aquí.</a>By MARIA MARTINEZ <a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2021-05-14/a-kansas-teacher-worries-about-catching-up-kids-who-started-school-during-the-pandemic">For the Kansas News Service</a>The pandemic has affected early childhood in more ways than families,
 teachers and schools can even know at the present moment. Students in 
the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools were online from mid-March 2020 
until the end of March 2021. Some students are still learning online due
 to the individual decisions of families. That means there are 
kindergarteners who only just started experiencing the classroom — and 
others that will for the first time as first graders in August.First
 graders will come in knowing what it looks like to follow rules in 
school, the letters in the alphabet, various digraphs and blends (sounds
 like /sh/, /th/, and /ch/ for example), various sight words, writing 
their numbers to 20 and reciting them to 100, as well as grade-level 
science and social studies skills. Kindergarteners practice this and 
more as they go through their first year of public school. The goal is 
to make sure that each student is ready to start first grade by the end 
of the year. As the mantra for the classroom I am in goes, students are 
learning all these things “to become better readers and writers.”Unfortunately,
 there will be students who will not have all the skills needed to move 
on, and there will be students who struggle to catch up. As we have come
 back to school, some students are still learning to follow rules, how 
to write their names or how to read, write and recognize numbers. 
Because of the pandemic, schools and teachers are preparing for students
 who need additional support in regaining lost ground from this school 
year. This can come in the form of reading resources that provide 
students with a gamified version of learning to motivate each to 
practice their skills at home or in the form of pull-out services where 
students are meeting with a specialist one-on-one and in small groups to
 work on improving their academic or social-emotional skills.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621261819410.png" alt="Maria Martinez welcomes kindergarteners back to Mark Twain Elementary in the Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools. Carlos Moreno/KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Maria Martinez welcomes kindergarteners back to Mark Twain Elementary in the Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools. Carlos Moreno/KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>This "gamification of learning" actually plays to this particular set
 of students’ strengths because these apps are virtual games. Though I 
have seen students struggle with other skills in the classroom, they are
 better at navigating their technological devices than many adults. 
These technological skills they learned are skills that can be played to
 when supporting students in the months to come.These are methods
 already used to help students who need extra support in learning. With 
the unusual academic year that has been 2020-2021, schools and teachers 
are expecting to have more students in this place of need. Teachers can 
adapt activities and expectations to students’ needs throughout the 
year. For me, this is especially important for this incoming 
group of students. As I move into my own classroom next year, I’m trying
 to keep in mind that my students are coming in with bits and pieces of 
the previous academic year. They may not be coming in with all the 
skills they need to be successful according to what the standards will 
require of them. Many students will be in vastly different places based 
on how they were able to cope with this academic year. The question of 
equity in an academic year like this one with hybrid and remote learning
 models is that students did not have a choice in how well-suited their 
environment was for learning.It is my job as a teacher to not 
only give students a fair learning experience but make the learning 
experience equitable. This comes from my own teaching philosophy of 
giving every student what they need to be successful and recognizing 
that this will not be the same for every student because their starting 
points will be in different places. My hope is that the students coming 
in with “bits and pieces” will hopefully regain what they need to have 
the “whole” next school year.Maria Martinez is a senior at Emporia State University in Kansas. She is currently a student teacher in a kindergarten classroom in the Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools. She is one of two Walton education fellows sharing her experiences in the classroom this semester.&nbsp;

Kan. teacher worries about catching up kids who started school during pandemic

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Chamber of Commerce has cut ties with its national counterpart over the national group’s support last year for reelecting the only Democrat in the state’s congressional delegation.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s endorsement of Rep. Sharice Davids over Republican challenger Amanda Adkins in their Kansas City-area district prompted the state chamber to not renew its membership in the national group.

The national group’s endorsement caught Kansas business leaders by surprise, and Alan Cobb, the state chamber’s president and CEO, said some of the state group’s members were frustrated.

Adkins is a former Kansas Republican Party chair and executive with the healthcare information technology firm Cerner Corp. She served 12 years on the Kansas chamber’s board, and Cerner is a “Cornerstone” member by donating at least $5,000 annually.

The U.S. Chamber’s endorsement of Davids and other Democrats represented a strategic shift intended to gain favor with Democrats in anticipation that they would maintain their House majority. Davids defeated Adkins by 10 percentage points.

The state chamber does not make endorsements in congressional and U.S. Senate races. In state races, it typically supports Republicans who align with it on tax cuts and deregulation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619534744085.png" alt="Kansas Congresswoman Sharice Davids waved the flag that represents the transgender community last month on the steps of the U.S. Capitol&nbsp; "Happy&nbsp;#TransDayOfVisibility!&nbsp; We celebrate the courage and contributions of our trans and non-binary community, while also acknowledging the work that needs to be done to ensure true equality for all," she wrote on social media." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Congresswoman Sharice Davids waved the flag that represents the transgender community last month on the steps of the U.S. Capitol&nbsp; "Happy&nbsp;#TransDayOfVisibility!&nbsp; We celebrate the courage and contributions of our trans and non-binary community, while also acknowledging the work that needs to be done to ensure true equality for all," she wrote on social media.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Chamber of Commerce has cut ties with its national counterpart over the national group’s support last year for reelecting the only Democrat in the state’s congressional delegation.The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s endorsement of Rep. Sharice Davids over Republican challenger Amanda Adkins in their Kansas City-area district prompted the state chamber to not renew its membership in the national group.The national group’s endorsement caught Kansas business leaders by surprise, and Alan Cobb, the state chamber’s president and CEO, said some of the state group’s members were frustrated.Adkins is a former Kansas Republican Party chair and executive with the healthcare information technology firm Cerner Corp. She served 12 years on the Kansas chamber’s board, and Cerner is a “Cornerstone” member by donating at least $5,000 annually.The U.S. Chamber’s endorsement of Davids and other Democrats represented a strategic shift intended to gain favor with Democrats in anticipation that they would maintain their House majority. Davids defeated Adkins by 10 percentage points.The state chamber does not make endorsements in congressional and U.S. Senate races. In state races, it typically supports Republicans who align with it on tax cuts and deregulation.

Kan. chamber cuts ties with US group for endorsing Rep. Davids

TOPEKA&nbsp;– On Monday, Governor Laura Kelly signed 7 pieces of bipartisan legislation into law.

“Today, I signed seven bipartisan bills that will enhance consumer protections and protect Kansas families from mistreatment and extortion,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“This is the kind of success that can be achieved when we work together – not as Republicans or Democrats – but as Kansans. I want to thank my colleagues in the legislature, on both sides of the aisle, for their efforts.”

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA1MTcuNDA1OTQyODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjFfMjIvbWVhc3VyZXMvZG9jdW1lbnRzL2hiMjA3N19lbnJvbGxlZC5wZGYifQ.wYDuHYjWsloH0GMdHCZzYP-mLaKAPCWKiWWjrYEIaBE/s/1303160919/br/106480710757-l" target="_blank">House Bill 2077</a>

Extending the Kansas closed case task force, providing for staff assistance and renaming the task force the Alvin Sykes cold case DNA task force, extending&nbsp;the Kansas criminal justice reform commission, limiting the commission's scope of study and adding a public defender, and authorizing the crime victims compensation board to waive application time restrictions for certain victims to receive compensation for mental health counseling and adding certain children to the definition of victim.

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA1MTcuNDA1OTQyODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjFfMjIvbWVhc3VyZXMvZG9jdW1lbnRzL2hiMjEyMV9lbnJvbGxlZC5wZGYifQ.q5UjdDKcEkT_mzVGio3Uf4lLCdXMKheBVBqZJkN0u08/s/1303160919/br/106480710757-l" target="_blank">House Bill 2121</a>

Increasing the criminal penalty for mistreatment of a dependent adult or elder person when the victim is a resident of an adult care home, adding&nbsp;definitions related to defendants who abscond from supervision in the criminal procedure code and for parole and clarifying that bond agents seeking discharge as a surety are required to return the person released on bond to the court in the county where the complaint subject to the bond was filed, requiring the department of corrections to develop guidance to be used by parole officers when responding to violations of parole and postrelease supervision and that incentivize compliant behavior, and authorizing court services officers and community corrections officers to provide a certification of identification to offenders for use to obtain a new driver's license.

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA1MTcuNDA1OTQyODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjFfMjIvbWVhc3VyZXMvZG9jdW1lbnRzL2hiMjE4N19lbnJvbGxlZC5wZGYifQ.Ht5RNyC1oVixF0QgbKAmViaEO2-aXVQTMvx_Tuy3RGw/s/1303160919/br/106480710757-l" target="_blank">House Bill 2187</a>

Enacting the first-time home buyer savings account act.

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA1MTcuNDA1OTQyODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjFfMjIvbWVhc3VyZXMvZG9jdW1lbnRzL3NiMzlfZW5yb2xsZWQucGRmIn0.EmgU5Knk7NHVqF9S44u5IldX052Hl4pFbxpM8-5-sIk/s/1303160919/br/106480710757-l" target="_blank">Senate Bill 39</a>

Senate Bill 39 changes Kansas department of agriculture division of animal health license, permit and registration renewal deadlines and allows the animal health commissioner to recover the actual&nbsp;cost of official calfhood vaccination tags.

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA1MTcuNDA1OTQyODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjFfMjIvbWVhc3VyZXMvZG9jdW1lbnRzL3NiNDdfZW5yb2xsZWQucGRmIn0.xG4i_FhbKfvyImR4k4dpU-CihcVRDazgiiN-STqwZTs/s/1303160919/br/106480710757-l" target="_blank">Senate Bill 47</a>

Enacting the Kansas taxpayer protection act requiring the signature and tax identification number of paid tax return preparers on income tax returns and authorizing actions&nbsp;to enjoin paid tax return preparers from engaging in certain conduct, exempting compensation attributable as a result of identity fraud, extending the dates when corporate returns are required to be filed, providing conformity with the federal return due date for returns other than corporate returns, providing a temporary withholding option for certain teleworking employees, establishing the Eisenhower foundation contribution credit and the friends of cedar crest association contribution credit, extending the time period and expanding eligibility for the single city port authority credit, extending the time period for eligibility in the loan repayment program and income tax credit related to rural opportunity zones and defining rural opportunity zone on the basis of population.

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA1MTcuNDA1OTQyODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjFfMjIvbWVhc3VyZXMvZG9jdW1lbnRzL3NiNjBfZW5yb2xsZWQucGRmIn0.jzthtRhSGidFS35cZtFuM9RgIktiXRYiFR_HNDBw5dg/s/1303160919/br/106480710757-l" target="_blank">Senate Bill 60</a>

Creating the crime of sexual extortion and requiring an offender to register under the Kansas offender registration act, prohibiting a court from requiring psychiatric or&nbsp;psychological examinations of an alleged victim of any crime, increasing criminal penalties for fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer when operating a stolen vehicle, committing certain driving violations or causing a collision involving another driver, defining proximate result for purposes of determining when a crime is committed partly within this state, removing the spousal exception from the crime of sexual battery and making fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer evidence of intent to commit theft of a vehicle.

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA1MTcuNDA1OTQyODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjFfMjIvbWVhc3VyZXMvZG9jdW1lbnRzL3NiMTcwX2Vucm9sbGVkLnBkZiJ9.KA1VyYZI47jmXyEYEI5JSpzfSKA7Lrvk-5g9SHdKJgQ/s/1303160919/br/106480710757-l" target="_blank">Senate Bill 170</a>

Enacting the psychology interjurisdictional compact to provide for interjurisdictional authorization to practice telepsychology and temporary in-person, face-to-face psychology and enacting the physical therapy licensure compact&nbsp;and authorizing criminal history record checks in the physical therapy practice act.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621333400820.png" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly at Topeka High Monday for their school vaccination clinic." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly at Topeka High Monday for their school vaccination clinic.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– On Monday, Governor Laura Kelly signed 7 pieces of bipartisan legislation into law.“Today, I signed seven bipartisan bills that will enhance consumer protections and protect Kansas families from mistreatment and extortion,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“This is the kind of success that can be achieved when we work together – not as Republicans or Democrats – but as Kansans. I want to thank my colleagues in the legislature, on both sides of the aisle, for their efforts.”<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA1MTcuNDA1OTQyODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjFfMjIvbWVhc3VyZXMvZG9jdW1lbnRzL2hiMjA3N19lbnJvbGxlZC5wZGYifQ.wYDuHYjWsloH0GMdHCZzYP-mLaKAPCWKiWWjrYEIaBE/s/1303160919/br/106480710757-l" target="_blank">House Bill 2077</a>Extending the Kansas closed case task force, providing for staff assistance and renaming the task force the Alvin Sykes cold case DNA task force, extending&nbsp;the Kansas criminal justice reform commission, limiting the commission's scope of study and adding a public defender, and authorizing the crime victims compensation board to waive application time restrictions for certain victims to receive compensation for mental health counseling and adding certain children to the definition of victim.<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA1MTcuNDA1OTQyODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjFfMjIvbWVhc3VyZXMvZG9jdW1lbnRzL2hiMjEyMV9lbnJvbGxlZC5wZGYifQ.q5UjdDKcEkT_mzVGio3Uf4lLCdXMKheBVBqZJkN0u08/s/1303160919/br/106480710757-l" target="_blank">House Bill 2121</a>Increasing the criminal penalty for mistreatment of a dependent adult or elder person when the victim is a resident of an adult care home, adding&nbsp;definitions related to defendants who abscond from supervision in the criminal procedure code and for parole and clarifying that bond agents seeking discharge as a surety are required to return the person released on bond to the court in the county where the complaint subject to the bond was filed, requiring the department of corrections to develop guidance to be used by parole officers when responding to violations of parole and postrelease supervision and that incentivize compliant behavior, and authorizing court services officers and community corrections officers to provide a certification of identification to offenders for use to obtain a new driver's license.<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA1MTcuNDA1OTQyODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjFfMjIvbWVhc3VyZXMvZG9jdW1lbnRzL2hiMjE4N19lbnJvbGxlZC5wZGYifQ.Ht5RNyC1oVixF0QgbKAmViaEO2-aXVQTMvx_Tuy3RGw/s/1303160919/br/106480710757-l" target="_blank">House Bill 2187</a>Enacting the first-time home buyer savings account act.<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA1MTcuNDA1OTQyODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjFfMjIvbWVhc3VyZXMvZG9jdW1lbnRzL3NiMzlfZW5yb2xsZWQucGRmIn0.EmgU5Knk7NHVqF9S44u5IldX052Hl4pFbxpM8-5-sIk/s/1303160919/br/106480710757-l" target="_blank">Senate Bill 39</a>Senate Bill 39 changes Kansas department of agriculture division of animal health license, permit and registration renewal deadlines and allows the animal health commissioner to recover the actual&nbsp;cost of official calfhood vaccination tags.<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA1MTcuNDA1OTQyODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjFfMjIvbWVhc3VyZXMvZG9jdW1lbnRzL3NiNDdfZW5yb2xsZWQucGRmIn0.xG4i_FhbKfvyImR4k4dpU-CihcVRDazgiiN-STqwZTs/s/1303160919/br/106480710757-l" target="_blank">Senate Bill 47</a>Enacting the Kansas taxpayer protection act requiring the signature and tax identification number of paid tax return preparers on income tax returns and authorizing actions&nbsp;to enjoin paid tax return preparers from engaging in certain conduct, exempting compensation attributable as a result of identity fraud, extending the dates when corporate returns are required to be filed, providing conformity with the federal return due date for returns other than corporate returns, providing a temporary withholding option for certain teleworking employees, establishing the Eisenhower foundation contribution credit and the friends of cedar crest association contribution credit, extending the time period and expanding eligibility for the single city port authority credit, extending the time period for eligibility in the loan repayment program and income tax credit related to rural opportunity zones and defining rural opportunity zone on the basis of population.<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA1MTcuNDA1OTQyODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjFfMjIvbWVhc3VyZXMvZG9jdW1lbnRzL3NiNjBfZW5yb2xsZWQucGRmIn0.jzthtRhSGidFS35cZtFuM9RgIktiXRYiFR_HNDBw5dg/s/1303160919/br/106480710757-l" target="_blank">Senate Bill 60</a>Creating the crime of sexual extortion and requiring an offender to register under the Kansas offender registration act, prohibiting a court from requiring psychiatric or&nbsp;psychological examinations of an alleged victim of any crime, increasing criminal penalties for fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer when operating a stolen vehicle, committing certain driving violations or causing a collision involving another driver, defining proximate result for purposes of determining when a crime is committed partly within this state, removing the spousal exception from the crime of sexual battery and making fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer evidence of intent to commit theft of a vehicle.<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA1MTcuNDA1OTQyODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjFfMjIvbWVhc3VyZXMvZG9jdW1lbnRzL3NiMTcwX2Vucm9sbGVkLnBkZiJ9.KA1VyYZI47jmXyEYEI5JSpzfSKA7Lrvk-5g9SHdKJgQ/s/1303160919/br/106480710757-l" target="_blank">Senate Bill 170</a>Enacting the psychology interjurisdictional compact to provide for interjurisdictional authorization to practice telepsychology and temporary in-person, face-to-face psychology and enacting the physical therapy licensure compact&nbsp;and authorizing criminal history record checks in the physical therapy practice act.

Governor Kelly signs 7 pieces of bipartisan legislation into law

CAMDENTON, Mo. (AP) — A Louisiana man has been charged with second-degree murder in the 1984 killing of a woman in Missouri,

Larry G. Hicks, 78, of Franklin, Louisiana, was charged on Friday in the Dec. 15, 1984, beating death of Diana Lukosius, of Camdenton. Prosecutors said Lukosius was driving home from a party when her car was forced off a road. She was found near her vehicle and died two days later from her injuries.

Hicks, who lived near Lukosius, was named a person of interest in the case in 1989 and was interviewed in Louisiana in 1990, according to a probable cause statement, which does not mention any other contacts with him until last week.

Investigators from Camden County drove to Hicks' home in Louisiana last week. Sheriff's deputies from Louisiana searched his home and had a search warrant for Hicks' DNA, the statement said.

Camden County Prosecutor Caleb Cunningham said in a news conference late Friday that Hicks made admissions that implicate him in the killing, which he called “the most infamous” crime in the county.

Detectives said when they interviewed him, Hicks said he “couldn't say I didn't do it,” according to court documents.

Camden County is working with Louisiana authorities to extradite Hicks to Missouri.&nbsp; Camdenton is located approximately 150 miles southeast of Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621299927963.png" alt="Hicks -photo St. Mary, Louisiana Parish Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Hicks -photo St. Mary, Louisiana Parish Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>CAMDENTON, Mo. (AP) — A Louisiana man has been charged with second-degree murder in the 1984 killing of a woman in Missouri,Larry G. Hicks, 78, of Franklin, Louisiana, was charged on Friday in the Dec. 15, 1984, beating death of Diana Lukosius, of Camdenton. Prosecutors said Lukosius was driving home from a party when her car was forced off a road. She was found near her vehicle and died two days later from her injuries.Hicks, who lived near Lukosius, was named a person of interest in the case in 1989 and was interviewed in Louisiana in 1990, according to a probable cause statement, which does not mention any other contacts with him until last week.Investigators from Camden County drove to Hicks' home in Louisiana last week. Sheriff's deputies from Louisiana searched his home and had a search warrant for Hicks' DNA, the statement said.Camden County Prosecutor Caleb Cunningham said in a news conference late Friday that Hicks made admissions that implicate him in the killing, which he called “the most infamous” crime in the county.Detectives said when they interviewed him, Hicks said he “couldn't say I didn't do it,” according to court documents.Camden County is working with Louisiana authorities to extradite Hicks to Missouri.&nbsp; Camdenton is located approximately 150 miles southeast of Kansas City.

78-year-old arrested for 36-year-old cold case murder 

In a unanimous vote, the Salina City Commission today approved repealing the city's facemask ordinance.

While the repealing ordinance technically will not go into effect until it is published once in the official city newspaper, which most likely would be later this week. Commissioners were told, however, that there was some leeway concerning enforcement between the vote and the repealing ordinance being published.

"We discussed that in terms of the timing of that. From an enforcement standpoint, it would be up to the police department, but we can certainly advise the police department to cease enforcement between your action and publication," City Manager Mike Schrage told commissioners.

Deputy City Manager Jacob Wood told commissioners that private businesses would still be able to require people to wear masks in their establishments.

Prior to the vote, Mayor Melissa Hodges made a statement concerning the city's facemask ordinance, saying that with the new CDC guidance, it was time to repeal the ordinance.

"But as we go forward together in these unprecedented times, let's please keep a few things in mind. The repeal of this ordinance does not change the fact that the CDC recommends unvaccinated people continue to wear masks indoors and maintain social distancing. For the sake of the vulnerable members of our community, like those who are immuno-suppressed or too young to receive the vaccination, if you haven't been vaccinated, please continue to wear your facemasks indoors. But individual businesses and organizations have the ability to require masks in their place of business and that citizens should respect the policies that have been established," Hodges said. "I'd like to offer heartfelt thanks to Salinans who understood the importance of doing their part to limit COVID's effects on our community, who willingly complied with our mask ordinance, and who were vaccinated at their earliest opportunity."

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostIn a unanimous vote, the Salina City Commission today approved repealing the city's facemask ordinance.While the repealing ordinance technically will not go into effect until it is published once in the official city newspaper, which most likely would be later this week. Commissioners were told, however, that there was some leeway concerning enforcement between the vote and the repealing ordinance being published."We discussed that in terms of the timing of that. From an enforcement standpoint, it would be up to the police department, but we can certainly advise the police department to cease enforcement between your action and publication," City Manager Mike Schrage told commissioners.Deputy City Manager Jacob Wood told commissioners that private businesses would still be able to require people to wear masks in their establishments.Prior to the vote, Mayor Melissa Hodges made a statement concerning the city's facemask ordinance, saying that with the new CDC guidance, it was time to repeal the ordinance."But as we go forward together in these unprecedented times, let's please keep a few things in mind. The repeal of this ordinance does not change the fact that the CDC recommends unvaccinated people continue to wear masks indoors and maintain social distancing. For the sake of the vulnerable members of our community, like those who are immuno-suppressed or too young to receive the vaccination, if you haven't been vaccinated, please continue to wear your facemasks indoors. But individual businesses and organizations have the ability to require masks in their place of business and that citizens should respect the policies that have been established," Hodges said. "I'd like to offer heartfelt thanks to Salinans who understood the importance of doing their part to limit COVID's effects on our community, who willingly complied with our mask ordinance, and who were vaccinated at their earliest opportunity."

Salina City Commission repeals facemask ordinance

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enrorcement authorities are investigating a woman for a violent attack on a man.

Just after 1p.m. Saturday, police responded to a disturbance at a home in the 500 Block of North 9th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

A-47 year old man was struck on the head with a metal bar. He was examined at the scene by EMS but was not transported at that time. Officers took 31-year-old Gabrielle A. Cline into custody on requested charges of aggravated battery as well as criminal damage to a door.

A private vehicle later took the victim to the hospital for treatment, according to Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621257445122.png" alt="Cline photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Cline photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enrorcement authorities are investigating a woman for a violent attack on a man.Just after 1p.m. Saturday, police responded to a disturbance at a home in the 500 Block of North 9th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.A-47 year old man was struck on the head with a metal bar. He was examined at the scene by EMS but was not transported at that time. Officers took 31-year-old Gabrielle A. Cline into custody on requested charges of aggravated battery as well as criminal damage to a door.A private vehicle later took the victim to the hospital for treatment, according to Wilson.

Police: Kan. woman accused of hitting man with metal bar

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.) and U.S. Representatives Ron Estes (KS-04), Jake LaTurner (KS-02) and Tracey Mann (KS-01) today sent a letter to Kansas Governor Laura Kelly calling on her to help get Kansans back to work by halting the increased federal unemployment benefits.

Earlier this year, Democrats passed legislation without any support from Republicans that provided an additional $300 per week in federal unemployment benefits, creating a situation where many Americans are better compensated for staying unemployed rather than returning to work. The letter follows the release of a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) report showing an uptick in the unemployment rate to 6.1% and employers only adding 266,000 jobs last month, despite widespread projections of over one million jobs to be gained in April.

“Across the state, we’re hearing more and more from businesses searching for the employees they need to reopen yet struggling to make hires due to the generous benefits offered through the unemployment system,”&nbsp;the Kansas GOP delegation wrote.&nbsp;“The extension of the generous $300 per week in additional federal benefits until September, when coupled with the extended state benefits, provides a lucrative government incentive to stay home despite clear signs that the economy is recovering and life is trending toward normal…We must end the federal incentive to stay home so that we can truly reopen the economy, provide Kansans with meaningful and purposeful work, and get our country back to normal.”

Sen. Moran cosponsored the&nbsp;Back to Work Bonus Act&nbsp;last week that would allow states to use Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation funds to provide a one-time, lump sum payment to incentivize workers to return to the workplace after employer verification of their hours and earnings.

The full letter can be found&nbsp;&nbsp;below.

We write today to urge you to end the pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs in Kansas. Across the state, we’re hearing more and more from businesses searching for the employees they need to reopen yet struggling to make hires due to the generous benefits offered through the unemployment system.

In April, the U.S. economy was projected to add close to one million jobs, building on the momentum of increasing vaccinations and over 900,000 jobs added in March. However, the April jobs report from the U.S. Department of Labor shows that only 266,000 jobs were added nationally, despite over 8 million jobs being available across the country. The extension of the generous $300 per week in additional federal benefits until September, when coupled with the extended state benefits, provides a lucrative government incentive to stay home despite clear signs that the economy is recovering and life is trending toward normal.

The continuation of the additional federal unemployment compensation benefits means that, on average, recipients are earning $15-20 per hour to stay home. For many in the hospitality or restaurant industries, these extended temporary benefits provide more than or equal to what an employer can offer. Other sectors of the economy, such as manufacturing, construction, and transportation, are also feeling the impacts of these generous federal incentives. Unemployment insurance was never meant to be a permanent salary replacement, rather the benefit is meant to provide temporary assistance to those who had involuntarily lost their jobs while they searched for new employment opportunities.

After months of pandemic related stay-at-home orders and government-imposed lockdowns, businesses are ready to reopen and welcome back customers, but are unable to incentivize workers to return to the job. Vaccination rates are increasing across the country, and in Kansas the coronavirus case count is only 7% of what it was in January of this year. With the sharp decline in new cases nationally, the Centers for Disease Control recently announced that fully vaccinated Americans do not need to social distance or wear masks indoors. It’s clear that we have the virus under control, and now we must do everything we can to get people back to work and kids back in schools.

We have made great strides to develop safe and effective vaccines, allowing people to return to work or school without fear while putting our country on the right track to achieve herd immunity. We must end the federal incentive to stay home so that we can truly reopen the economy, provide Kansans with meaningful and purposeful work, and get our country back to normal.&nbsp;

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.) and U.S. Representatives Ron Estes (KS-04), Jake LaTurner (KS-02) and Tracey Mann (KS-01) today sent a letter to Kansas Governor Laura Kelly calling on her to help get Kansans back to work by halting the increased federal unemployment benefits.Earlier this year, Democrats passed legislation without any support from Republicans that provided an additional $300 per week in federal unemployment benefits, creating a situation where many Americans are better compensated for staying unemployed rather than returning to work. The letter follows the release of a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) report showing an uptick in the unemployment rate to 6.1% and employers only adding 266,000 jobs last month, despite widespread projections of over one million jobs to be gained in April.“Across the state, we’re hearing more and more from businesses searching for the employees they need to reopen yet struggling to make hires due to the generous benefits offered through the unemployment system,”&nbsp;the Kansas GOP delegation wrote.&nbsp;“The extension of the generous $300 per week in additional federal benefits until September, when coupled with the extended state benefits, provides a lucrative government incentive to stay home despite clear signs that the economy is recovering and life is trending toward normal…We must end the federal incentive to stay home so that we can truly reopen the economy, provide Kansans with meaningful and purposeful work, and get our country back to normal.”Sen. Moran cosponsored the&nbsp;Back to Work Bonus Act&nbsp;last week that would allow states to use Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation funds to provide a one-time, lump sum payment to incentivize workers to return to the workplace after employer verification of their hours and earnings.The full letter can be found&nbsp;&nbsp;below.Dear Governor Kelly,We write today to urge you to end the pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs in Kansas. Across the state, we’re hearing more and more from businesses searching for the employees they need to reopen yet struggling to make hires due to the generous benefits offered through the unemployment system.In April, the U.S. economy was projected to add close to one million jobs, building on the momentum of increasing vaccinations and over 900,000 jobs added in March. However, the April jobs report from the U.S. Department of Labor shows that only 266,000 jobs were added nationally, despite over 8 million jobs being available across the country. The extension of the generous $300 per week in additional federal benefits until September, when coupled with the extended state benefits, provides a lucrative government incentive to stay home despite clear signs that the economy is recovering and life is trending toward normal.The continuation of the additional federal unemployment compensation benefits means that, on average, recipients are earning $15-20 per hour to stay home. For many in the hospitality or restaurant industries, these extended temporary benefits provide more than or equal to what an employer can offer. Other sectors of the economy, such as manufacturing, construction, and transportation, are also feeling the impacts of these generous federal incentives. Unemployment insurance was never meant to be a permanent salary replacement, rather the benefit is meant to provide temporary assistance to those who had involuntarily lost their jobs while they searched for new employment opportunities.After months of pandemic related stay-at-home orders and government-imposed lockdowns, businesses are ready to reopen and welcome back customers, but are unable to incentivize workers to return to the job. Vaccination rates are increasing across the country, and in Kansas the coronavirus case count is only 7% of what it was in January of this year. With the sharp decline in new cases nationally, the Centers for Disease Control recently announced that fully vaccinated Americans do not need to social distance or wear masks indoors. It’s clear that we have the virus under control, and now we must do everything we can to get people back to work and kids back in schools.We have made great strides to develop safe and effective vaccines, allowing people to return to work or school without fear while putting our country on the right track to achieve herd immunity. We must end the federal incentive to stay home so that we can truly reopen the economy, provide Kansans with meaningful and purposeful work, and get our country back to normal.&nbsp;

Kan. GOP delegation: End increase in unemployment benefits 

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City-area man was charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of his girlfriend in December.

Brandon McDaniel, 26, Independence, was also charged with armed criminal action in the death of Oriana Starr, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office said Friday.

Prosecutors said McDaniel's mother notified police that her son said he shot and killed his girlfriend on Dec. 16. He claimed the shooting was in self-defense after Starr wrapped a cord around his neck during a fight, prosecutors said.

McDaniel was arrested in Arkansas in January on a parole violation warrant.

Prosecutors asked for $250,000 bond. Online court records do not name an attorney for McDaniel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621107553580.png" alt="Police arrested McDaniel in Arkansas in January-photo Independence Police" />
 <figcaption>Police arrested McDaniel in Arkansas in January-photo Independence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City-area man was charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of his girlfriend in December.Brandon McDaniel, 26, Independence, was also charged with armed criminal action in the death of Oriana Starr, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office said Friday.Prosecutors said McDaniel's mother notified police that her son said he shot and killed his girlfriend on Dec. 16. He claimed the shooting was in self-defense after Starr wrapped a cord around his neck during a fight, prosecutors said.McDaniel was arrested in Arkansas in January on a parole violation warrant.Prosecutors asked for $250,000 bond. Online court records do not name an attorney for McDaniel.

KC-area man charged with murder of his girlfriend

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas House member was charged Monday with three counts of misdemeanor battery over his behavior toward students while working as a substitute teacher.

The charges against Republican state Rep. Mark Samsel, of Wellsville, arose from a student reporting an April 28 incident involving Samsel. He was arrested the next day and released on $1,000 bond. His first appearance in Franklin County District Court by video conference is scheduled for 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Franklin County Attorney Brandon Jones declined to comment after filing the charges. Samsel did not immediately return telephone and email messages seeking comment.

Kansas law says battery is either causing bodily harm to another person or physical contact with someone else “in a rude, insulting or angry manner,” and is punished by up to six months in jail.

One video provided by a parent of Wellsville students from that day, which the parent said was shot by students, showed grabbing a boy, pushing him against a wall and telling him, “I could put the wrath of God on you right now,” before the boy breaks free and runs away, yelling.

Other videos showed Samsel talking about suicide, sex, masturbation, God and the Bible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619814603053.png" alt="Rep. Samsel's April booking photo from Franklin County" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Samsel's April booking photo from Franklin County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas House member was charged Monday with three counts of misdemeanor battery over his behavior toward students while working as a substitute teacher.The charges against Republican state Rep. Mark Samsel, of Wellsville, arose from a student reporting an April 28 incident involving Samsel. He was arrested the next day and released on $1,000 bond. His first appearance in Franklin County District Court by video conference is scheduled for 8 a.m. Wednesday.Franklin County Attorney Brandon Jones declined to comment after filing the charges. Samsel did not immediately return telephone and email messages seeking comment.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620329182480.png" alt="&nbsp;Rep. Samsel during a May 6, House debate on medical marijuana." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Rep. Samsel during a May 6, House debate on medical marijuana.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas law says battery is either causing bodily harm to another person or physical contact with someone else “in a rude, insulting or angry manner,” and is punished by up to six months in jail.One video provided by a parent of Wellsville students from that day, which the parent said was shot by students, showed grabbing a boy, pushing him against a wall and telling him, “I could put the wrath of God on you right now,” before the boy breaks free and runs away, yelling.Other videos showed Samsel talking about suicide, sex, masturbation, God and the Bible.___

Kan. lawmaker charged over incident while working at school 

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas says graduation for the class of 2021 will be held this coming Sunday. The school had to cancel graduation ceremonies on Sunday because of the threat of severe weather and lightning. Chancellor Douglas Girod announced Monday the ceremonies are now scheduled for this coming Sunday afternoon at Memorial Stadium. They will be held at the same time as graduation for the class of 2020, which was canceled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Further details of the graduation ceremonies will be released later.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Hundreds of University of Kansas graduates had to make do without commencement ceremonies on Sunday, due to the threat of severe weather. 

The university called off all three ceremonies for the class of 2021 amid worries about lightning. It marked the second straight year the university had to call off commencement. 

The 2020 ceremonies were postponed after the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. The class of 2020 is scheduled to celebrate its commencement next Sunday. Class of 2021 KU graduates still made the most of the day. 

Students and their families congregated for photos, and graduates took turns walking through the Campanile.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621269417178.png" alt="Members of the KU men's basketball team took graduation photos Sunday -photo courtesy University of Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Members of the KU men's basketball team took graduation photos Sunday -photo courtesy University of Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas says graduation for the class of 2021 will be held this coming Sunday. The school had to cancel graduation ceremonies on Sunday because of the threat of severe weather and lightning. Chancellor Douglas Girod announced Monday the ceremonies are now scheduled for this coming Sunday afternoon at Memorial Stadium. They will be held at the same time as graduation for the class of 2020, which was canceled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Further details of the graduation ceremonies will be released later.--------LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Hundreds of University of Kansas graduates had to make do without commencement ceremonies on Sunday, due to the threat of severe weather. The university called off all three ceremonies for the class of 2021 amid worries about lightning. It marked the second straight year the university had to call off commencement. The 2020 ceremonies were postponed after the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. The class of 2020 is scheduled to celebrate its commencement next Sunday. Class of 2021 KU graduates still made the most of the day. Students and their families congregated for photos, and graduates took turns walking through the Campanile.

Severe weather forecast prompts KU to call off, reschedule  2021 commencement

JACKSON COUNTY—Authorities investigating the fatal home explosion and fire in rural Jackson County say propane caused the disaster, according to&nbsp;&nbsp;Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.

Just after 6p.m. May 10, callers notified the Jackson County Sheriff's office of a large explosion that could be heard over 10 miles away, according to Morse.

Rescue units responded to the residence located at 27284 Q.4 Road three miles north of Holton or ¾ of a mile northeast of Jackson Heights School.&nbsp;First responders found the home to be completely leveled and on fire. 

Deputies located an injured woman outside the residence. She was was airlifted to a Kansas City hospital with serious injuries, according to Morse.

 Responders later located a man dead outside the residence. He was identified as 61-year-old Billy "Lu" Griffiths of Holton.&nbsp;It is believed that the home owners had been working on remodeling the residence, according to Morse.

On Friday, an area around the residence was excavated to allow officials to investigate. According to Morse, the explosion was not the result of a criminal act. A large&nbsp; amount of propane is believed to be missing from the propane tank, which potentially leaked into the residence. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620741074340.png" alt="Fire responders on the scene of Monday's home explosion and fire -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Fire responders on the scene of Monday's home explosion and fire -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Authorities investigating the fatal home explosion and fire in rural Jackson County say propane caused the disaster, according to&nbsp;&nbsp;Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.Just after 6p.m. May 10, callers notified the Jackson County Sheriff's office of a large explosion that could be heard over 10 miles away, according to Morse.Rescue units responded to the residence located at 27284 Q.4 Road three miles north of Holton or ¾ of a mile northeast of Jackson Heights School.&nbsp;First responders found the home to be completely leveled and on fire. Deputies located an injured woman outside the residence. She was was airlifted to a Kansas City hospital with serious injuries, according to Morse. Responders later located a man dead outside the residence. He was identified as 61-year-old Billy "Lu" Griffiths of Holton.&nbsp;It is believed that the home owners had been working on remodeling the residence, according to Morse.On Friday, an area around the residence was excavated to allow officials to investigate. According to Morse, the explosion was not the result of a criminal act. A large&nbsp; amount of propane is believed to be missing from the propane tank, which potentially leaked into the residence. It is believed that an unidentifiable leak occurred inside the residence. Little to no part of the residence remains intact. This makes the investigation even more challenging.Officials do not k unknown what source ignited the explosion Both victims were inside the residence at the time of the explosion.&nbsp;The body of&nbsp;Billy "Lu" Griffiths of Holton underwent an autopsy, and investigators will be reviewing those results when they become available, according to Morse. Further testing and investigation is expected to be conducted by the home owner’s insurance company.--------JACKSON COUNTY—A Kansas man died in a home explosion Monday in rural Jackson County.Just after 6p.m., callers notified the Jackson County Sheriff's office of a large explosion that could be heard over 10 miles away, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Rescue units responded to the residence located at 27284 Q.4 Road three miles north of Holton or ¾ of a mile northeast of Jackson Heights School. First responders found the home to be completely leveled and on fire. Deputies located an injured woman outside the residence. She was was airlifted to a Kansas City hospital with serious injuries, according to Morse. Responders later located a man dead outside the residence. He was identified as 61-year-old Billy "Lu" Griffiths of Holton.&nbsp;It is believed that the home owners had been working on remodeling the residence, according to Morse.The Kansas Fire Marshal’s Office and Jackson County Sheriff's office are working to determine the exact cause of the explosion.The incident remains under investigation by the Kansas State Fire Marshal and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.