KANSAS CITY (AP) –Marie Watson wanted to be among the first in line when she and other essential workers became eligible for the coronavirus vaccine — and with good reason.

The maintenance parts buyer for a Mission Foods tortilla plant in Pueblo, Colorado, had lost her father to COVID-19 in the fall and was told by a doctor last year that she&nbsp; herself almost certainly had the virus.

So when her union, the United Food Workers and Commercial Workers, secured appointments for the plant's 200 workers, she jumped in her car and drove to a nearby drive-thru clinic for the first of two doses.

“There was this sense of relief," Watson said. "This was more confirmation that I’m on my way to being normal.”

A growing number of labor unions and companies are securing shots for their employees as eligibility widens. Some large companies such as Amazon are offering workplace vaccinations through licensed health care providers, while smaller outfits are booking appointments for workers at outside locations.

For employers, the vaccines are a critical step toward restoring normalcy at a time when they expect a spike in demand for their services as more people get inoculated. They are also betting that employees who did not initially trust the vaccine will have a change of heart when they see co-workers receiving it.

For workers, employer assistance with the vaccine eliminates hurdles, including transportation issues or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccine-delays-grocery-workers-1103aa7b46cf6ee22ad7a5120fe2eac0">maneuvering through a patchwork of websites</a>&nbsp;to find appointments. That access could help to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-health-coronavirus-pandemic-hispanics-d0746b028cf56231dbcdeda0fba24314">narrow the racial and socioeconomic gaps</a>&nbsp;that have opened in the country’s vaccination drive.

While many essential workers have spent weeks trying to get time slots, Watson got her shot days after Colorado extended eligibility to food workers.

Iliana de la Vega, owner of the Mexican restaurant El Naranjo in Austin, Texas, said she secured appointments for all 12 of her employees out of gratitude that they stuck with her through shutdown orders and capacity restrictions that ate into their pay.

Some workers hesitated at first but were quickly persuaded with the promise of a day off, De la Vega said.

“A couple of them said, ‘We are not sure.' I said, 'That's not an option. Take it or leave it. Who knows when you will be able to get it again?'" de la Vega said.

Despite the growing number of companies offering on-site vaccinations, there are signs that some may have lost interest. In March, when vaccine eligibility was widening and distribution efforts improving in the U.S., a survey by the consulting firm Gartner found 30% of companies planned to bring vaccines to their employees. That was down from 42% in January, when distribution was still spotty and obtaining appointments was still extremely difficult for most people.

“The speed of the rollout has exceeded their expectations so companies are realizing they can take a back seat,” said Brian Kropp, chief of research at Gartner's human resources practice.

Vaccinating employees is also less urgent for a growing number of companies that are adopting permanent remote-work policies, Kropp said. While nearly two-thirds of companies plan to reopen their workplaces by the end of this year, the majority say they will allow many employees to keep working from home at least some days, according to Gartner, which surveyed 300 companies.

Nonetheless, prominent companies continue to join the list of those offering on-site vaccinations.

Ford Motor Co. and the United Auto Workers opened up on-site vaccinations Monday in Michigan, Kansas and Ohio. In Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine had initially put a stop to workplace clinics out of concern they would tie up supply, but he allowed them to resume last week as demand dropped at the state's mass vaccination sites.

Amazon launched its long-anticipated on-site vaccinations last month in Kansas, Missouri and Nevada. Warehouse and other front-line workers can sign up for shots at kiosks or through Amazon’s employee app.

Yogurt maker Chobani, which employs 2,200 people in the U.S., partnered with a local pharmacy to vaccinate hundreds of its employees at its Twin Falls, Idaho, plant, according to the company’s chief People and Culture Officer Grace Zuncic.

American Airlines, Subaru, chicken producer Mountaire Farms, and agricultural equipment maker Vermeer are among 40 companies that brought vaccines to their employees through partnerships with Premise Health, a direct health care provider. American Airlines is administering vaccines at airports in Chicago, Charlotte, Tulsa and Dallas-Fort Worth, according to the company.

At least 25,000 people have been vaccinated through the partnerships, said Premise President Jami Doucette. He expects that number to climb into the millions.

Tyson Foods, one of the world’s largest food companies, said it has vaccinated nearly 40,000 employees — nearly one-third of its workforce — at vaccination events in 16 states. Tyson also expanded its on-site event last week to include eligible family members of employees.

Bob Reinhard, who is leading Tyson’s vaccination effort, said a minority of employees have refused to get vaccinated while some others are interested but want more information and don’t want to go first.

“That secondary group is now coming around,” Reinhard said.

Employer-organized vaccination events, along with incentives such as bonuses or paid time off, allow companies to keep track of how many employees get vaccinated. Employer are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/can-employers-covid-19-vaccine-mandatory-ba22c99f01f24ea3be7631ff751f0d82">legally allowed</a>&nbsp;to require the vaccine, but the vast majority have shied away from doing so; some say it doesn't make sense to do so until everyone is eligible and there is sufficient supply.

Still, the idea is gaining some traction. While Gartner's March survey showed just 8% of companies planned to require employees to show proof of vaccinations, that number was up from 2% in January.

Chobani, which says it has avoided outbreaks at its plants and has seen few positive cases among employees, has not ruled out requiring the vaccines, Zuncic said. The company plans to assess how many of its workers have been vaccinated by midyear.

“It's a discussion that continues,” Zuncic said. “We want to get a pulse and sense of how far along we are.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618924071042.png" alt="Tyson Foods team members who want it receive vaccinations at work -photo courtesy Tyson Foods" />
 <figcaption>Tyson Foods team members who want it receive vaccinations at work -photo courtesy Tyson Foods</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) –Marie Watson wanted to be among the first in line when she and other essential workers became eligible for the coronavirus vaccine — and with good reason.The maintenance parts buyer for a Mission Foods tortilla plant in Pueblo, Colorado, had lost her father to COVID-19 in the fall and was told by a doctor last year that she&nbsp; herself almost certainly had the virus.So when her union, the United Food Workers and Commercial Workers, secured appointments for the plant's 200 workers, she jumped in her car and drove to a nearby drive-thru clinic for the first of two doses.“There was this sense of relief," Watson said. "This was more confirmation that I’m on my way to being normal.”A growing number of labor unions and companies are securing shots for their employees as eligibility widens. Some large companies such as Amazon are offering workplace vaccinations through licensed health care providers, while smaller outfits are booking appointments for workers at outside locations.For employers, the vaccines are a critical step toward restoring normalcy at a time when they expect a spike in demand for their services as more people get inoculated. They are also betting that employees who did not initially trust the vaccine will have a change of heart when they see co-workers receiving it.For workers, employer assistance with the vaccine eliminates hurdles, including transportation issues or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccine-delays-grocery-workers-1103aa7b46cf6ee22ad7a5120fe2eac0">maneuvering through a patchwork of websites</a>&nbsp;to find appointments. That access could help to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-health-coronavirus-pandemic-hispanics-d0746b028cf56231dbcdeda0fba24314">narrow the racial and socioeconomic gaps</a>&nbsp;that have opened in the country’s vaccination drive.While many essential workers have spent weeks trying to get time slots, Watson got her shot days after Colorado extended eligibility to food workers.Iliana de la Vega, owner of the Mexican restaurant El Naranjo in Austin, Texas, said she secured appointments for all 12 of her employees out of gratitude that they stuck with her through shutdown orders and capacity restrictions that ate into their pay.Some workers hesitated at first but were quickly persuaded with the promise of a day off, De la Vega said.“A couple of them said, ‘We are not sure.' I said, 'That's not an option. Take it or leave it. Who knows when you will be able to get it again?'" de la Vega said.Despite the growing number of companies offering on-site vaccinations, there are signs that some may have lost interest. In March, when vaccine eligibility was widening and distribution efforts improving in the U.S., a survey by the consulting firm Gartner found 30% of companies planned to bring vaccines to their employees. That was down from 42% in January, when distribution was still spotty and obtaining appointments was still extremely difficult for most people.“The speed of the rollout has exceeded their expectations so companies are realizing they can take a back seat,” said Brian Kropp, chief of research at Gartner's human resources practice.Vaccinating employees is also less urgent for a growing number of companies that are adopting permanent remote-work policies, Kropp said. While nearly two-thirds of companies plan to reopen their workplaces by the end of this year, the majority say they will allow many employees to keep working from home at least some days, according to Gartner, which surveyed 300 companies.Nonetheless, prominent companies continue to join the list of those offering on-site vaccinations.Ford Motor Co. and the United Auto Workers opened up on-site vaccinations Monday in Michigan, Kansas and Ohio. In Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine had initially put a stop to workplace clinics out of concern they would tie up supply, but he allowed them to resume last week as demand dropped at the state's mass vaccination sites.Amazon launched its long-anticipated on-site vaccinations last month in Kansas, Missouri and Nevada. Warehouse and other front-line workers can sign up for shots at kiosks or through Amazon’s employee app.Yogurt maker Chobani, which employs 2,200 people in the U.S., partnered with a local pharmacy to vaccinate hundreds of its employees at its Twin Falls, Idaho, plant, according to the company’s chief People and Culture Officer Grace Zuncic.American Airlines, Subaru, chicken producer Mountaire Farms, and agricultural equipment maker Vermeer are among 40 companies that brought vaccines to their employees through partnerships with Premise Health, a direct health care provider. American Airlines is administering vaccines at airports in Chicago, Charlotte, Tulsa and Dallas-Fort Worth, according to the company.At least 25,000 people have been vaccinated through the partnerships, said Premise President Jami Doucette. He expects that number to climb into the millions.Tyson Foods, one of the world’s largest food companies, said it has vaccinated nearly 40,000 employees — nearly one-third of its workforce — at vaccination events in 16 states. Tyson also expanded its on-site event last week to include eligible family members of employees.Bob Reinhard, who is leading Tyson’s vaccination effort, said a minority of employees have refused to get vaccinated while some others are interested but want more information and don’t want to go first.“That secondary group is now coming around,” Reinhard said.Employer-organized vaccination events, along with incentives such as bonuses or paid time off, allow companies to keep track of how many employees get vaccinated. Employer are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/can-employers-covid-19-vaccine-mandatory-ba22c99f01f24ea3be7631ff751f0d82">legally allowed</a>&nbsp;to require the vaccine, but the vast majority have shied away from doing so; some say it doesn't make sense to do so until everyone is eligible and there is sufficient supply.Still, the idea is gaining some traction. While Gartner's March survey showed just 8% of companies planned to require employees to show proof of vaccinations, that number was up from 2% in January.Chobani, which says it has avoided outbreaks at its plants and has seen few positive cases among employees, has not ruled out requiring the vaccines, Zuncic said. The company plans to assess how many of its workers have been vaccinated by midyear.“It's a discussion that continues,” Zuncic said. “We want to get a pulse and sense of how far along we are.”

A jab on the job: Companies, unions offer COVID vaccine

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at a Kansas home.

Just after 4a.m. Tuesday, firefighters responded to the fire at a two-story residence at 924 NW Jackson Street in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.&nbsp;

Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and flames coming from the first floor the structure.&nbsp; Firefighters conducted a primary search of the structure and found that all occupants had escaped unharmed. Multiple pets including dogs were rescued from the structure and firefighters rendered first aid to the pets, but a few pets succumb to their injuries due to the fire, according to Harrison.

A preliminary investigation indicates the cause of fire as Undetermined, pending further investigation The estimated dollar loss – $22,000.00; of which $17,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $5,000.00 associated with contents loss, according to Harrison.

&nbsp;Working smoke detectors were not located within the residence, according to Harrison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618937914024.png" alt="Fire crews work a fire early Tuesday in Topeka -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Fire crews work a fire early Tuesday in Topeka -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at a Kansas home.Just after 4a.m. Tuesday, firefighters responded to the fire at a two-story residence at 924 NW Jackson Street in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.&nbsp;Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and flames coming from the first floor the structure.&nbsp; Firefighters conducted a primary search of the structure and found that all occupants had escaped unharmed. Multiple pets including dogs were rescued from the structure and firefighters rendered first aid to the pets, but a few pets succumb to their injuries due to the fire, according to Harrison.A preliminary investigation indicates the cause of fire as Undetermined, pending further investigation The estimated dollar loss – $22,000.00; of which $17,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $5,000.00 associated with contents loss, according to Harrison.&nbsp;Working smoke detectors were not located within the residence, according to Harrison.

Fire Marshal: Several pets died in Kan. house fire

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says he is “praying the verdict is the right verdict” in the trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin and that he believes the case to be “overwhelming.” 

Biden told reporters at the White House on Tuesday that he was only weighing in on the trial into the death of George Floyd because the jury in the case had been sequestered. 

He confirmed that he called Floyd’s family on Monday and said he “can only imagine the pressure and anxiety they’re feeling.” The jury is now deliberating the case against Chauvin.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is privately weighing how to handle the upcoming verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, including considering whether President Joe Biden should address the nation and dispatching specially trained community facilitators from the Justice Department, aides and officials told The Associated Press.

Closing arguments began Monday in Chauvin’s trial with a prosecutor telling jurors&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-trial-live-updates-e1d714c68ab5b067b101af7c6d486c6c">that the officer “had to know” he was squeezing the life out of George Floyd</a>&nbsp;as he cried over and over that he couldn’t breathe and finally fell silent. Chauvin faces murder and manslaughter charges

The plans for possible presidential remarks are still fluid, with the timing, venue and nature of the remarks still being considered, in part depending on the timing of the verdict, according to two White House aides who were not authorized to speak publicly about private conversations and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

The White House has been warily watching the trial proceed in Minneapolis — and then another shooting of a Black man by a white police officer last week — and are preparing for the possibility of unrest if a guilty verdict is not reached in the trial. Biden may also speak after a guilty verdict, the White House aides said.

The verdict — and the aftermath —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-race-and-ethnicity-death-of-daunte-wright-shootings-police-5b60aafc871e642a3f1a491b5e934b91">will be a test for Biden,</a>&nbsp;who has pledged to help combat racism in policing, helping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-race-and-ethnicity-virus-outbreak-georgia-7a843bbce00713cfde6c3fdbc2e31eb7">African Americans who supported him in large numbers last year</a>&nbsp;in the wake of protests that swept the nation after Floyd’s death and restarted a national conversation about race. But he also has long projected himself as an ally of police, who are struggling with criticism about long-used tactics and training methods and difficulties in recruitment.

Press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday that the White House has had a “range of conversations” about preparations for the upcoming verdict and added, “Our objective is to ensure there is space for peaceful protest.”

“Of course we’ll let the jury deliberate and we’ll wait for the verdict to come out before we say more about our engagements,” Psaki said.

Psaki said administration officials have been in contact with leaders in Minnesota and in other cities and states that saw unrest after Floyd’s death last year.

She declined to answer if Biden would be “disappointed” if a not guilty verdict was reached.

Meanwhile, the FBI and the U.S. attorney’s office in Minnesota have been working with local officials to support law enforcement as they prepare for the possibility of unrest after the verdict, officials said.

And the Justice Department has also dispatched specially trained community facilitators ahead of a verdict, according to a senior Justice Department official. The official could not discuss the plans publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

The officials, part of the Justice Department’s Community Relations Service, tout themselves as “America’s Peacemaker” by mediating disputes in communities and holding listening sessions to help prevent future conflicts.

A federal civil rights investigation, separate from the trial, remains ongoing. Several witnesses were subpoenaed earlier this year to appear before a federal grand jury considering charges against Chauvin.

The Justice Department’s civil rights investigation has been focused on Chauvin and some of the witnesses, including other officers who worked with Chauvin, people familiar with the matter have told the AP.

Chauvin was prepared to plead guilty to third-degree murder in George Floyd’s death before then-Attorney General William Barr&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-george-floyd-third-degree-2deefbc803665f808676fbbb8a131390">personally blocked the plea deal last year</a>. Barr rejected the deal in part because he felt it was too soon, as the investigation into Floyd’s death was still in its relative infancy, law enforcement officials said.

Across the country, police departments are also preparing for the possibility of rioting or other unrest, with some canceling vacation time and increasing the number of officers available for shifts. The federal government hasn’t detailed its plan in the event of widespread or sustained civil unrest.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Monday that there has been a request from officials in Washington, D.C., for D.C. National Guard forces in the event there is civil unrest in the nation’s capital, and it is currently being reviewed by the Army. He said the Army secretary has the authority to approve any request for D.C. National Guard but did not have details on the request.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618935352618.png" alt="President Biden confirmed that he called Floyd’s family on Monday-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden confirmed that he called Floyd’s family on Monday-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says he is “praying the verdict is the right verdict” in the trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin and that he believes the case to be “overwhelming.” Biden told reporters at the White House on Tuesday that he was only weighing in on the trial into the death of George Floyd because the jury in the case had been sequestered. He confirmed that he called Floyd’s family on Monday and said he “can only imagine the pressure and anxiety they’re feeling.” The jury is now deliberating the case against Chauvin.------------WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is privately weighing how to handle the upcoming verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, including considering whether President Joe Biden should address the nation and dispatching specially trained community facilitators from the Justice Department, aides and officials told The Associated Press.Closing arguments began Monday in Chauvin’s trial with a prosecutor telling jurors&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-trial-live-updates-e1d714c68ab5b067b101af7c6d486c6c">that the officer “had to know” he was squeezing the life out of George Floyd</a>&nbsp;as he cried over and over that he couldn’t breathe and finally fell silent. Chauvin faces murder and manslaughter charges<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618882803416.png" alt="President Biden on Monday held the latest in a series of meetings on the American Jobs Plan. He brought together a bipartisan group of Members of Congress–all former governors or mayors–to discuss the need for federal investment in rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden on Monday held the latest in a series of meetings on the American Jobs Plan. He brought together a bipartisan group of Members of Congress–all former governors or mayors–to discuss the need for federal investment in rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>The plans for possible presidential remarks are still fluid, with the timing, venue and nature of the remarks still being considered, in part depending on the timing of the verdict, according to two White House aides who were not authorized to speak publicly about private conversations and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.The White House has been warily watching the trial proceed in Minneapolis — and then another shooting of a Black man by a white police officer last week — and are preparing for the possibility of unrest if a guilty verdict is not reached in the trial. Biden may also speak after a guilty verdict, the White House aides said.The verdict — and the aftermath —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-race-and-ethnicity-death-of-daunte-wright-shootings-police-5b60aafc871e642a3f1a491b5e934b91">will be a test for Biden,</a>&nbsp;who has pledged to help combat racism in policing, helping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-race-and-ethnicity-virus-outbreak-georgia-7a843bbce00713cfde6c3fdbc2e31eb7">African Americans who supported him in large numbers last year</a>&nbsp;in the wake of protests that swept the nation after Floyd’s death and restarted a national conversation about race. But he also has long projected himself as an ally of police, who are struggling with criticism about long-used tactics and training methods and difficulties in recruitment.Press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday that the White House has had a “range of conversations” about preparations for the upcoming verdict and added, “Our objective is to ensure there is space for peaceful protest.”“Of course we’ll let the jury deliberate and we’ll wait for the verdict to come out before we say more about our engagements,” Psaki said.Psaki said administration officials have been in contact with leaders in Minnesota and in other cities and states that saw unrest after Floyd’s death last year.She declined to answer if Biden would be “disappointed” if a not guilty verdict was reached.Meanwhile, the FBI and the U.S. attorney’s office in Minnesota have been working with local officials to support law enforcement as they prepare for the possibility of unrest after the verdict, officials said.And the Justice Department has also dispatched specially trained community facilitators ahead of a verdict, according to a senior Justice Department official. The official could not discuss the plans publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.The officials, part of the Justice Department’s Community Relations Service, tout themselves as “America’s Peacemaker” by mediating disputes in communities and holding listening sessions to help prevent future conflicts.A federal civil rights investigation, separate from the trial, remains ongoing. Several witnesses were subpoenaed earlier this year to appear before a federal grand jury considering charges against Chauvin.The Justice Department’s civil rights investigation has been focused on Chauvin and some of the witnesses, including other officers who worked with Chauvin, people familiar with the matter have told the AP.Chauvin was prepared to plead guilty to third-degree murder in George Floyd’s death before then-Attorney General William Barr&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-george-floyd-third-degree-2deefbc803665f808676fbbb8a131390">personally blocked the plea deal last year</a>. Barr rejected the deal in part because he felt it was too soon, as the investigation into Floyd’s death was still in its relative infancy, law enforcement officials said.Across the country, police departments are also preparing for the possibility of rioting or other unrest, with some canceling vacation time and increasing the number of officers available for shifts. The federal government hasn’t detailed its plan in the event of widespread or sustained civil unrest.Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Monday that there has been a request from officials in Washington, D.C., for D.C. National Guard forces in the event there is civil unrest in the nation’s capital, and it is currently being reviewed by the Army. He said the Army secretary has the authority to approve any request for D.C. National Guard but did not have details on the request.__

Biden praying for 'right verdict' in Chauvin trial

WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department on Monday urged Americans reconsider any international travel they may have planned and said it would issue specific warnings not to visit roughly 80% of the world’s countries due to risks from the coronavirus pandemic.

The United States hasn’t had a global advisory warning against international travel since August, when guidance was revoked by the Trump administration.

The advice issued by the department isn’t a formal global advisory. Instead, it says the State Department will start using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standards as it prepares health and safety guidelines for individual countries. Because of those standards, about 80% of countries will be classified as “Level 4” or “do not travel.”

Travel is also discouraged for the remaining 20%, though not as emphatically. It says people with plans to visit those countries should reconsider before proceeding.

The department did not reveal which countries will fall under which category. That will become known as guidance is issued individually for each country in the coming week.

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose unprecedented risks to travelers. In light of those risks, the Department of State strongly recommends U.S. citizens reconsider all travel abroad,” it said.

The department said the new classifications don’t necessarily reflect changes in the countries’ health situations, but rather an adjustment in the criteria on which it bases the alerts.

The State Department’s assessments for COVID-19 include infection rates as well as the availability of local testing and treatment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618925513372.png" alt="The State Department’s assessments for COVID-19 include infection rates as well as the availability of local testing and treatment-photo Denver International Airport" />
 <figcaption>The State Department’s assessments for COVID-19 include infection rates as well as the availability of local testing and treatment-photo Denver International Airport</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department on Monday urged Americans reconsider any international travel they may have planned and said it would issue specific warnings not to visit roughly 80% of the world’s countries due to risks from the coronavirus pandemic.The United States hasn’t had a global advisory warning against international travel since August, when guidance was revoked by the Trump administration.The advice issued by the department isn’t a formal global advisory. Instead, it says the State Department will start using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standards as it prepares health and safety guidelines for individual countries. Because of those standards, about 80% of countries will be classified as “Level 4” or “do not travel.”Travel is also discouraged for the remaining 20%, though not as emphatically. It says people with plans to visit those countries should reconsider before proceeding.The department did not reveal which countries will fall under which category. That will become known as guidance is issued individually for each country in the coming week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618925544398.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose unprecedented risks to travelers. In light of those risks, the Department of State strongly recommends U.S. citizens reconsider all travel abroad,” it said.The department said the new classifications don’t necessarily reflect changes in the countries’ health situations, but rather an adjustment in the criteria on which it bases the alerts.The State Department’s assessments for COVID-19 include infection rates as well as the availability of local testing and treatment.

US warns against travel to 80% of world due to COVID-19

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas has revealed his marriage earlier this month to his longtime girlfriend, who is a Kansas City, Kansas, government official, and announced the birth of their child over the weekend.

Lucas, 36, he and Katherine Carttar, 38, married on April 11. Carttar is the economic development director for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas. Lucas said in a Facebook post on Monday that Carttar gave birth to their son, Bennett, over the weekend at a Kansas City, Kansas, hospital, where the baby has been in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Lucas wrote in the post that he and Carttar had been together well before he was elected mayor in 2019.

“Like many over the past challenging year, we spent time reprioritizing what’s most important in our lives and realized it is family,” he wrote.

Carttar had previously worked as an economic development analyst and a development specialist for Kansas City, Missouri.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas has revealed his marriage earlier this month to his longtime girlfriend, who is a Kansas City, Kansas, government official, and announced the birth of their child over the weekend.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Katherine and I were together well before I was mayor and I hope she will be willing to stand me long after. Like many over the past challenging year, we spent time reprioritizing what’s most important in our lives and realized it is family. <a href="https://t.co/KpIowGitN1">pic.twitter.com/KpIowGitN1</a>&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1384268898908852228?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Lucas, 36, he and Katherine Carttar, 38, married on April 11. Carttar is the economic development director for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas. Lucas said in a Facebook post on Monday that Carttar gave birth to their son, Bennett, over the weekend at a Kansas City, Kansas, hospital, where the baby has been in the neonatal intensive care unit.Lucas wrote in the post that he and Carttar had been together well before he was elected mayor in 2019.“Like many over the past challenging year, we spent time reprioritizing what’s most important in our lives and realized it is family,” he wrote.Carttar had previously worked as an economic development analyst and a development specialist for Kansas City, Missouri.

Kansas City mayor announces marriage, baby with KCK official

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an aggravated battery and asking the public for help identifying the individuals and vehicle involved.&nbsp;

Just before 2 am on April 12, police were dispatched to a large disturbance at a business in the 100 block of North Mosley in Wichita where a large fight had broken out, according to a social media report from police.

When Officers arrived, they located a 22-year-old man who had sustained significant injuries after being thrown from a staircase by a suspect.

Three individuals were captured on surveillance cameras actively participating in the disturbance that night. Detectives need to identify and locate them. If you have any information, you can contact detective Jerrell at 316-268-4128 or email at sjerrell@wichita.gov

The victim has since been released from the hospital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618919579700.png" alt="Photos Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an aggravated battery and asking the public for help identifying the individuals and vehicle involved.&nbsp;Just before 2 am on April 12, police were dispatched to a large disturbance at a business in the 100 block of North Mosley in Wichita where a large fight had broken out, according to a social media report from police.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618919673259.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>When Officers arrived, they located a 22-year-old man who had sustained significant injuries after being thrown from a staircase by a suspect.Three individuals were captured on surveillance cameras actively participating in the disturbance that night. Detectives need to identify and locate them. If you have any information, you can contact detective Jerrell at 316-268-4128 or email at sjerrell@wichita.govThe victim has since been released from the hospital.

Police: Kan. man thrown from staircase during fight

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Two teenagers have been charged in Saturday’s fatal shooting at a Nebraska shopping mall.

One man was killed and a woman was wounded in the shooting at Westroads Mall in Omaha that prosecutors said was likely gang related. The shooting around midday Saturday sent shoppers fleeing from the mall.

A judge ordered 16-year-old Makhi Woolridge-Jones to be held without bail after he was charged with first-degree murder, assault and two gun charges. His older brother, 18-year-old Brandon Woolridge-Jones, was charged as an accessory to the shooting, and his bail was set at $75,000.

Authorities have not disclosed many details about what led to the shooting near the J.C. Penney store in the mall, but Chief Deputy Douglas County Attorney Brenda Beadle said Monday that it appeared to be gang related.

Police said that after the shooting 21-year-old Trequez Swift died at an Omaha hospital. Twenty-two-year-old Ja’Keya Veland was treated for a gunshot wound to her leg at a different hospital.

A month ago, Omaha Police Officer Jeffrey Wittstruck was shot at the mall by a 21-year-old man who was accused of shoplifting T-shirts from J.C. Penney at Westroads. Wittstruck survived.

The mall was the site of a 2007 shooting where a gunman killed eight people and himself inside the Von Maur department store.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618880216660.png" alt="Makhi-Woolridge-Jones-photo Douglas Co." />
 <figcaption>Makhi-Woolridge-Jones-photo Douglas Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Two teenagers have been charged in Saturday’s fatal shooting at a Nebraska shopping mall.One man was killed and a woman was wounded in the shooting at Westroads Mall in Omaha that prosecutors said was likely gang related. The shooting around midday Saturday sent shoppers fleeing from the mall.A judge ordered 16-year-old Makhi Woolridge-Jones to be held without bail after he was charged with first-degree murder, assault and two gun charges. His older brother, 18-year-old Brandon Woolridge-Jones, was charged as an accessory to the shooting, and his bail was set at $75,000.Authorities have not disclosed many details about what led to the shooting near the J.C. Penney store in the mall, but Chief Deputy Douglas County Attorney Brenda Beadle said Monday that it appeared to be gang related.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618880423800.png" alt="Brandon Woolridge-Jones-photo Douglas Co." />
 <figcaption>Brandon Woolridge-Jones-photo Douglas Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police said that after the shooting 21-year-old Trequez Swift died at an Omaha hospital. Twenty-two-year-old Ja’Keya Veland was treated for a gunshot wound to her leg at a different hospital.A month ago, Omaha Police Officer Jeffrey Wittstruck was shot at the mall by a 21-year-old man who was accused of shoplifting T-shirts from J.C. Penney at Westroads. Wittstruck survived.The mall was the site of a 2007 shooting where a gunman killed eight people and himself inside the Von Maur department store.

Teens charged in fatal shooting at mall in Nebraska

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers to
 check their tax returns for common errors that could delay refunds or 
otherwise affect normal processing. Here are some ways to avoid tax 
return slipups as the May 17 due date gets closer.

Use electronic filing. Filing electronically, whether through IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> or other <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">e-file</a>
 service providers, is a great way to cut the chances for many tax 
return mistakes and maximize deductions to reduce tax owed at the same 
time. The tax software automatically applies the latest tax laws, checks
 for available credits or deductions, does the calculations, and asks 
taxpayers for all required information.

Report all taxable income. Be sure to have income 
documents on hand before starting the tax return. Examples are Forms 
W-2, 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC. Underreporting income may lead to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/understanding-penalties-and-interest">penalties and interest</a>.

Get names and Social Security numbers right. Enter 
each Social Security number (SSN) and individual's name on a tax return 
exactly as printed on the Social Security card. Persons generally must 
list on their individual income tax return the SSN of any person they 
claim as a dependent. If a dependent or spouse does not have and is not 
eligible to get a SSN, list the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/taxpayer-identification-numbers-tin">Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)</a> instead of a SSN.

Learn about filing status. If taxpayers are unsure about their filing status, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a>
 on IRS.gov can help them choose the correct status, especially if more 
than one filing status applies. Tax software, including IRS Free File, 
also helps prevent mistakes with filing status.

Correctly answer the virtual currency question. The 
2020 Form 1040 asks whether at any time during 2020, a person received, 
sold, sent, exchanged or otherwise acquired any financial interest in 
any virtual currency. If a taxpayer's only transactions involving 
virtual currency during 2020 were purchases of virtual currency, they 
are not required to answer "yes"&nbsp;to the question.

Mail paper returns to the right address. Paper filers should check the right address for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment">where to file</a>
 on IRS.gov or on form instructions to avoid processing delays. Note 
that due to staffing issues related to COVID-19, processing paper tax 
returns could take much longer than usual. Taxpayers and tax 
professionals are encouraged to file electronically if possible.

Use the right routing and account numbers. 
Requesting direct deposit of a federal refund into one, two or even 
three accounts is convenient and allows the taxpayer access to his or 
her money faster. Make sure the financial institution routing and 
account numbers entered on the return are accurate. Incorrect numbers 
can cause a refund to be delayed or deposited into the wrong account. 
Taxpayers can also use their refund to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/now-you-can-buy-us-series-i-savings-bonds-for-anyone-with-your-tax-refund">purchase U.S. Savings Bonds</a>.

Sign and date the return. If filing a joint return, 
both spouses must sign and date the return. E-filers can sign using a 
self-selected personal identification number (PIN).

Keep a copy. When ready to file, taxpayers should make a copy of their signed return and all schedules for their records.

Request an extension, if needed. Taxpayers who 
cannot meet the May 17 deadline can easily request an automatic filing 
extension to October&nbsp;15 and prevent late filing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc653">penalties</a>. Use Free File or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868">Form 4868</a>. But keep in mind that while an extension grants additional time to file, tax payments are still due May 17.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers to
 check their tax returns for common errors that could delay refunds or 
otherwise affect normal processing. Here are some ways to avoid tax 
return slipups as the May 17 due date gets closer.Use electronic filing. Filing electronically, whether through IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> or other <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">e-file</a>
 service providers, is a great way to cut the chances for many tax 
return mistakes and maximize deductions to reduce tax owed at the same 
time. The tax software automatically applies the latest tax laws, checks
 for available credits or deductions, does the calculations, and asks 
taxpayers for all required information.Report all taxable income. Be sure to have income 
documents on hand before starting the tax return. Examples are Forms 
W-2, 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC. Underreporting income may lead to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/understanding-penalties-and-interest">penalties and interest</a>.Get names and Social Security numbers right. Enter 
each Social Security number (SSN) and individual's name on a tax return 
exactly as printed on the Social Security card. Persons generally must 
list on their individual income tax return the SSN of any person they 
claim as a dependent. If a dependent or spouse does not have and is not 
eligible to get a SSN, list the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/taxpayer-identification-numbers-tin">Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)</a> instead of a SSN.Learn about filing status. If taxpayers are unsure about their filing status, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a>
 on IRS.gov can help them choose the correct status, especially if more 
than one filing status applies. Tax software, including IRS Free File, 
also helps prevent mistakes with filing status.Correctly answer the virtual currency question. The 
2020 Form 1040 asks whether at any time during 2020, a person received, 
sold, sent, exchanged or otherwise acquired any financial interest in 
any virtual currency. If a taxpayer's only transactions involving 
virtual currency during 2020 were purchases of virtual currency, they 
are not required to answer "yes"&nbsp;to the question.Mail paper returns to the right address. Paper filers should check the right address for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment">where to file</a>
 on IRS.gov or on form instructions to avoid processing delays. Note 
that due to staffing issues related to COVID-19, processing paper tax 
returns could take much longer than usual. Taxpayers and tax 
professionals are encouraged to file electronically if possible.Use the right routing and account numbers. 
Requesting direct deposit of a federal refund into one, two or even 
three accounts is convenient and allows the taxpayer access to his or 
her money faster. Make sure the financial institution routing and 
account numbers entered on the return are accurate. Incorrect numbers 
can cause a refund to be delayed or deposited into the wrong account. 
Taxpayers can also use their refund to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/now-you-can-buy-us-series-i-savings-bonds-for-anyone-with-your-tax-refund">purchase U.S. Savings Bonds</a>.Sign and date the return. If filing a joint return, 
both spouses must sign and date the return. E-filers can sign using a 
self-selected personal identification number (PIN).Keep a copy. When ready to file, taxpayers should make a copy of their signed return and all schedules for their records.Request an extension, if needed. Taxpayers who 
cannot meet the May 17 deadline can easily request an automatic filing 
extension to October&nbsp;15 and prevent late filing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc653">penalties</a>. Use Free File or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868">Form 4868</a>. But keep in mind that while an extension grants additional time to file, tax payments are still due May 17.

IRS: Common tax return errors as May 17 deadline looms

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A state House committee report released Monday called for a new Missouri lawmaker’s ouster over allegations that he physically and sexually abused his children years ago.

The Missouri House Ethics Committee found the claims against Lee's Summit Republican Rep. Rick Roeber credible, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Committees.aspx?cluster=true">the report</a>.

His now-adult children testified to House investigators earlier this year that he sexually abused two of them at the ages of 5 and 9. Several of his children told investigators that he also frequently beat them with a belt and choked them.

The committee found records showing that his children reported the abuse around the time it allegedly occurred in the 1990s but that prosecutors never filed charges. It was not immediately known why prosecutors did not file charges.

“The State of Missouri has failed these children for over 20 years," the report stated. "Although this committee cannot change the past, this committee can provide a clear record of Respondent's abusive conduct.”

The Republican House speaker and Ethics Committee leader last week raised concerns with the Jackson County prosecutor that Roeber currently has weekend visitations with a child, according to records obtained by The Associated Press.

Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker in response said she would contact the Lee’s Summit chief of police to “devise a plan" and asked for any reports or transcripts from the committee's investigation so her office can check for potential criminal wrongdoing.

Roeber did not immediately respond to an Associated Press request for comment Monday. But he denied to investigators that he ever sexually abused his children.

Roeber also said his children have “parental alienation syndrome,” although the committee pointed out in its report he did not provide any evidence to support that claim. He said his adult children are Democrats, implying that they would falsely accuse him of abuse as part of a “political hit.”

The Ethics Committee didn't find Roeber's testimony to be credible.

The House refused to let Roeber&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-columbia-michael-brown-child-abuse-bfc4fa0649dd864bdb715bd213fc5202">resign</a>&nbsp;last week, which would have meant lawmakers no longer had jurisdiction to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-city-columbia-michael-brown-6d1e8a9026c14b191d55d69a9adeefdd">investigate him</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/columbia-michael-brown-34c5cf14890c602396a66ae9d2938c1d">Preventing his resignation</a>&nbsp;means the House can consider the Ethics Committee's recommendation that he be expelled.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608046618254.png" alt="Roeber announced his plans to resign April 13.&nbsp; He represents part of Jackson County, including much of Lee’s Summit in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2020. Prior to his legislative duties, Roeber served as a project manager for Sprint for 20 years, as well as a chaplain for KC Rescue Mission." />
 <figcaption>Roeber announced his plans to resign April 13.&nbsp; He represents part of Jackson County, including much of Lee’s Summit in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2020. Prior to his legislative duties, Roeber served as a project manager for Sprint for 20 years, as well as a chaplain for KC Rescue Mission.</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A state House committee report released Monday called for a new Missouri lawmaker’s ouster over allegations that he physically and sexually abused his children years ago.The Missouri House Ethics Committee found the claims against Lee's Summit Republican Rep. Rick Roeber credible, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Committees.aspx?cluster=true">the report</a>.His now-adult children testified to House investigators earlier this year that he sexually abused two of them at the ages of 5 and 9. Several of his children told investigators that he also frequently beat them with a belt and choked them.The committee found records showing that his children reported the abuse around the time it allegedly occurred in the 1990s but that prosecutors never filed charges. It was not immediately known why prosecutors did not file charges.“The State of Missouri has failed these children for over 20 years," the report stated. "Although this committee cannot change the past, this committee can provide a clear record of Respondent's abusive conduct.”The Republican House speaker and Ethics Committee leader last week raised concerns with the Jackson County prosecutor that Roeber currently has weekend visitations with a child, according to records obtained by The Associated Press.Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker in response said she would contact the Lee’s Summit chief of police to “devise a plan" and asked for any reports or transcripts from the committee's investigation so her office can check for potential criminal wrongdoing.Roeber did not immediately respond to an Associated Press request for comment Monday. But he denied to investigators that he ever sexually abused his children.Roeber also said his children have “parental alienation syndrome,” although the committee pointed out in its report he did not provide any evidence to support that claim. He said his adult children are Democrats, implying that they would falsely accuse him of abuse as part of a “political hit.”The Ethics Committee didn't find Roeber's testimony to be credible.The House refused to let Roeber&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-columbia-michael-brown-child-abuse-bfc4fa0649dd864bdb715bd213fc5202">resign</a>&nbsp;last week, which would have meant lawmakers no longer had jurisdiction to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-city-columbia-michael-brown-6d1e8a9026c14b191d55d69a9adeefdd">investigate him</a>.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/columbia-michael-brown-34c5cf14890c602396a66ae9d2938c1d">Preventing his resignation</a>&nbsp;means the House can consider the Ethics Committee's recommendation that he be expelled.

Report: KC-area lawmaker should be ousted for alleged abuse

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Two Wichita women who helped organize protests in the city last summer calling for changes in police conduct have been found guilty of misdemeanor charges connected to the demonstrations.

Gabrielle Griffie and Marissa Gonzalez both received probation sentences after their convictions for unlawful assembly in Wichita Municipal Court last week. Gonzalez was also convicted of assault related to one confrontation with a driver. Both women were acquitted of disorderly conduct in the protests last July that at times blocked traffic while protesters marched down streets.

Their trials focused on whether the protesters could occupy the roads to deliver their message, and Judge Bryce Abbott ultimately decided that protesters had no right to impede traffic without a permit for their demonstration.

Defense attorney Dylan Wheeler said the women plan to appeal aspects of Abbott’s rulings.

During the trials, prosecutor Maria Schrock described the women as angry and aggressive when they interacted with lawful drivers on Wichita streets. Wheeler argued that his clients were defending themselves against drivers who went through crowds and called protesters names.

After the trials, Wheeler said he appreciated that the judge closely examined the First Amendment issues related to the charges.

“It would have been deeply disturbing — and moreover, wildly unconstitutional — had the City’s attempts to criminalize my clients’ speech merely for the views they expressed been successful,” Wheeler said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596455816022.png" alt="Griffie photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Griffie photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Two Wichita women who helped organize protests in the city last summer calling for changes in police conduct have been found guilty of misdemeanor charges connected to the demonstrations.Gabrielle Griffie and Marissa Gonzalez both received probation sentences after their convictions for unlawful assembly in Wichita Municipal Court last week. Gonzalez was also convicted of assault related to one confrontation with a driver. Both women were acquitted of disorderly conduct in the protests last July that at times blocked traffic while protesters marched down streets.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618774080718.png" alt="Gonzalez photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Gonzalez photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Their trials focused on whether the protesters could occupy the roads to deliver their message, and Judge Bryce Abbott ultimately decided that protesters had no right to impede traffic without a permit for their demonstration.Defense attorney Dylan Wheeler said the women plan to appeal aspects of Abbott’s rulings.During the trials, prosecutor Maria Schrock described the women as angry and aggressive when they interacted with lawful drivers on Wichita streets. Wheeler argued that his clients were defending themselves against drivers who went through crowds and called protesters names.After the trials, Wheeler said he appreciated that the judge closely examined the First Amendment issues related to the charges.“It would have been deeply disturbing — and moreover, wildly unconstitutional — had the City’s attempts to criminalize my clients’ speech merely for the views they expressed been successful,” Wheeler said.

Two women sentenced for actions in Kan. police protests

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City, Kansas police officer is out of the hospital after being electrocuted by wires that were knocked down when a vehicle doing donuts struck a power pole Saturday night.

Just before 10p.m., the officer was working off-duty security at a nearby restaurant and bar near 30th&nbsp;Street and Southwest Boulevard, according to a media release from the KCPD.

A witness reported that an unknown “street racer” had been doing donuts in the roadway and struck the power pole, causing live electric wires to fall onto the Boulevard. The vehicle fled the scene.

The officer was standing outside the restaurant at the time of the crash. He heard the commotion and walked down the street to see what happened. He saw the wires in the roadway and had just stepped off the curb to stop traffic when another vehicle drove by. The vehicle hit the wires, causing them to fly up and strike the officer. He was flung back in a shower of sparks.

Because of the strike and the way he had been thrown back, the officer initially thought he had been hit by a car. He crawled to the side of Southwest Boulevard and radioed that he’d been hit by a car and asked for help. The vehicle that struck the live wire stopped initially. The driver got out, inspected their car and looked around but apparently did not see the officer down at the curb several yards behind them and drove away.

Officers responding to the scene to assist the electrocuted officer were driving with their lights and sirens on in the left lane, northbound on Southwest Boulevard. They got into a crash when a car in the right lane made a left turn in front of them into a liquor store parking lot. Those officers also were treated and released at an area hospital, as were the occupants of the car that had turned in front of them.&nbsp;

Another officer responding to the scene was almost struck by a different vehicle doing donuts in the street at 31st&nbsp;and Southwest Boulevard.

The electrocuted officer was alert and talking when help arrived, and remained so through his stay at the hospital. He is now recovering at home.

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City, Kansas police officer is out of the hospital after being electrocuted by wires that were knocked down when a vehicle doing donuts struck a power pole Saturday night.Just before 10p.m., the officer was working off-duty security at a nearby restaurant and bar near 30th&nbsp;Street and Southwest Boulevard, according to a media release from the KCPD.A witness reported that an unknown “street racer” had been doing donuts in the roadway and struck the power pole, causing live electric wires to fall onto the Boulevard. The vehicle fled the scene.The officer was standing outside the restaurant at the time of the crash. He heard the commotion and walked down the street to see what happened. He saw the wires in the roadway and had just stepped off the curb to stop traffic when another vehicle drove by. The vehicle hit the wires, causing them to fly up and strike the officer. He was flung back in a shower of sparks.Because of the strike and the way he had been thrown back, the officer initially thought he had been hit by a car. He crawled to the side of Southwest Boulevard and radioed that he’d been hit by a car and asked for help. The vehicle that struck the live wire stopped initially. The driver got out, inspected their car and looked around but apparently did not see the officer down at the curb several yards behind them and drove away.Officers responding to the scene to assist the electrocuted officer were driving with their lights and sirens on in the left lane, northbound on Southwest Boulevard. They got into a crash when a car in the right lane made a left turn in front of them into a liquor store parking lot. Those officers also were treated and released at an area hospital, as were the occupants of the car that had turned in front of them.&nbsp;Another officer responding to the scene was almost struck by a different vehicle doing donuts in the street at 31st&nbsp;and Southwest Boulevard.The electrocuted officer was alert and talking when help arrived, and remained so through his stay at the hospital. He is now recovering at home.

Kan. officer recovering after electrocution by downed power lines

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of reported shots fired that have been attributed to a vehicle with a rapidly backfiring exhaust.

On Sunday, police responded to approximately 17 calls of drive-by shooting or shots being fired after responding to a dozen calls April 11 during the same general time period and general area, according to officer Charley Davidson.

In each instance, police did not locate any physical evidence, damage, or injures from shots being fired. The calls caused a lot of fear throughout the community.

Just after 4 a.m. Monday a police officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on the access road in the 5300 block of East Kellogg in Wichita.

While on the stop, a charcoal-colored mustang traveling eastbound on Kellogg drove by the officer and accelerated, causing the exhaust to rapidly backfire, sounding like gunfire. The officer attempted to catch up to the mustang but was unable to do so because of its extreme speed.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of this vehicle or the identity of the driver, please call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of reported shots fired that have been attributed to a vehicle with a rapidly backfiring exhaust.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=258&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWichitaPolice%2Fvideos%2F2845757062353296%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="258" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>On Sunday, police responded to approximately 17 calls of drive-by shooting or shots being fired after responding to a dozen calls April 11 during the same general time period and general area, according to officer Charley Davidson.In each instance, police did not locate any physical evidence, damage, or injures from shots being fired. The calls caused a lot of fear throughout the community.Just after 4 a.m. Monday a police officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on the access road in the 5300 block of East Kellogg in Wichita.While on the stop, a charcoal-colored mustang traveling eastbound on Kellogg drove by the officer and accelerated, causing the exhaust to rapidly backfire, sounding like gunfire. The officer attempted to catch up to the mustang but was unable to do so because of its extreme speed.If you have any information on the whereabouts of this vehicle or the identity of the driver, please call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111

🎥  Police work to ID car with exhaust that sounds like gunfire

By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/climate-change-has-turned-kansas-prairie-junk-food-thats-killing-grasshoppers">Kansas News Service</a>

MANHATTAN — Ellen Welti has a Ph.D. in, essentially, grasshoppers.

And yet she was still mystified about why the number of grasshoppers in a long-protected and <a href="http://lter.konza.ksu.edu/about-konza">much-studied patch of Kansas prairie</a> was dropping. Steadily. For 25 years.

After
 all, the grass that the springy bugs feast on had actually grown more 
robustly as it absorbed mounting levels of carbon dioxide in the 
atmosphere.

So why were the grasshoppers faring increasingly worse?

“We thought that this is a pretty nice habitat for grasshoppers,” she said.

The
 insects dwell on the Konza Long-Term Ecological Research site. Their 
home sat in preserve, shielded from development, from farming, from just
 about everything people do to the planet.

“It doesn’t have a lot
 of the pressures we usually associate with insect decline. Like, 
there’s no pesticide spraying,” Welti said. “The size of the habitat is 
not shrinking. It’s the big natural reserve.”

And yet the <a href="https://www.pnas.org/content/117/13/7271#xref-corresp-1-1">numbers showed an alarming decline</a> — nearly 2% a year for about a quarter century.

“It’s
 like compound interest,” said Michael Kaspari, a research professor at 
the University of Oklahoma who advised Welti on the paper. “You add that
 up over 25 years and we’re talking about a significant decline in one 
of the most important insects on the prairie.”

Even this 
treasured research site — part of a worldwide network aimed at studying a
 biological baseline — shares the atmosphere with the rest of the Earth.

Welti and her research team found that all those human-boosted levels
 of carbon dioxide in the air changed the grass. Bigger leaves, sure, 
but all that volume diluted the nutrients grasshoppers need to thrive.

Basically, climate change had converted the grasshopper’s staple into insect junk food.

“That
 was a surprise for me,” Welti said. “But thinking more about it and 
knowing about grasshoppers and how sensitive they are to these plant 
nutrients, it makes a lot of sense.”

A normal amount of 
grasshoppers on the prairie can eat as much grass as a herd of cattle. 
Grasshoppers are a huge part of the tallgrass ecosystem. But they’re 
also limited. They really just eat the grass, so when it changes, it can
 have a huge impact.

To figure out just what was going on, Welti 
went back to the Konza research station to take a deeper look. 
Researchers there have tens of thousands of grass samples from the last 
40 years.

“Ecology can happen rather slowly,” said Amanda Kuhl, a
 research assistant charged with collecting and cataloguing the samples.
 “Sometimes it can take decades to notice a trend, or tease things 
apart.”

In one of the storage rooms at the Konza research 
building on the campus of Kansas State University, brown paper bags full
 of grass and dirt samples fill the walls from the floor to the ceiling.
 And those bags are just some of the samples from last year.

“Once
 they get these cleaned up they’ll go back into a drying oven to remove 
all the moisture,” Kuhl said. “I’ll weigh them and that’s how we get our
 biomass numbers.”

The facility also has thousands of small envelopes full of ground-up samples. They can be used to run chemical analysis.

The
 biomass numbers paired with the chemical analysis led Welti to what was
 causing the grasshopper declines: bigger, but less nutritious grass.

“At
 first, it looks like there’s overall more food availability for 
grasshoppers,” she said. “But when we got back the plant chemistry, what
 we could see is that this increase in plant biomass really corresponded
 to decreases in the quality of the biomass.”

It’s something known as nutrient dilution.

“Every
 bite of those grasses is giving less and less back to all the other 
living things that depend on the plants,” Kaspari said.

The 
change is driven by an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the 
atmosphere from burning fossil fuels. Every time the plants take in air 
it contains far more carbon than ever before. They can’t get rid of it 
so they stick it in their tissue. That equals bigger plants.

The problem is that the amount of other nutrients in the soil, such as nitrogen, potassium and sodium, aren’t really changing.

It’s
 like switching out a plate of kale for a plate of iceberg lettuce. The 
plates might have the same amount, but one has a whole lot more of the 
good stuff bodies need.

Kaspari said the fact that the problem is rooted in too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is particularly daunting.

“You
 can remediate habitat destruction,” he said. “You just stop doing it 
and you reforest, or reclaim the grassland. But the answer to nutrient 
dilution is actually reducing the CO2 in the atmosphere.”

Welti said the findings were pretty clear. Where they found large, but less nutritious, grass, they found grasshopper declines.

And
 unlike humans, who can use fertilizer to increase nutrients in our food
 or take a multivitamin to supplement any gaps, grasshoppers are stuck 
with what is there naturally.

Welti said the findings are about 
more than the bugs. Fewer grasshoppers will lead to fewer birds. Fewer 
birds could lead to more rodents.

The decline of one species of grasshopper could strengthen another, potentially leading to swarms that damage crops.

And
 the underlying problem, nutrient dilution due to climate change, will 
impact all animals that rely on eating plants. From grasshoppers and 
leaf beetles up to bison and cattle. And eventually humans.

“Even
 (at the Konza Prairie),” she said, “climate change can strongly affect 
the community and even lead to insect declines — which is pretty 
depressing.”

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618852576892.png" alt="A close-up picture of a grasshopper nymph. USGSBMIL Team" />
 <figcaption>A close-up picture of a grasshopper nymph. USGSBMIL Team</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/climate-change-has-turned-kansas-prairie-junk-food-thats-killing-grasshoppers">Kansas News Service</a>MANHATTAN — Ellen Welti has a Ph.D. in, essentially, grasshoppers.And yet she was still mystified about why the number of grasshoppers in a long-protected and <a href="http://lter.konza.ksu.edu/about-konza">much-studied patch of Kansas prairie</a> was dropping. Steadily. For 25 years.After
 all, the grass that the springy bugs feast on had actually grown more 
robustly as it absorbed mounting levels of carbon dioxide in the 
atmosphere.So why were the grasshoppers faring increasingly worse?“We thought that this is a pretty nice habitat for grasshoppers,” she said.The
 insects dwell on the Konza Long-Term Ecological Research site. Their 
home sat in preserve, shielded from development, from farming, from just
 about everything people do to the planet.“It doesn’t have a lot
 of the pressures we usually associate with insect decline. Like, 
there’s no pesticide spraying,” Welti said. “The size of the habitat is 
not shrinking. It’s the big natural reserve.”And yet the <a href="https://www.pnas.org/content/117/13/7271#xref-corresp-1-1">numbers showed an alarming decline</a> — nearly 2% a year for about a quarter century.“It’s
 like compound interest,” said Michael Kaspari, a research professor at 
the University of Oklahoma who advised Welti on the paper. “You add that
 up over 25 years and we’re talking about a significant decline in one 
of the most important insects on the prairie.”Even this 
treasured research site — part of a worldwide network aimed at studying a
 biological baseline — shares the atmosphere with the rest of the Earth.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618852648399.png" alt=" Kansas State University undergrad student Victoria Gaa sorts through grass samples taken at the Konza Prairie. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Kansas State University undergrad student Victoria Gaa sorts through grass samples taken at the Konza Prairie. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Welti and her research team found that all those human-boosted levels
 of carbon dioxide in the air changed the grass. Bigger leaves, sure, 
but all that volume diluted the nutrients grasshoppers need to thrive.Basically, climate change had converted the grasshopper’s staple into insect junk food.“That
 was a surprise for me,” Welti said. “But thinking more about it and 
knowing about grasshoppers and how sensitive they are to these plant 
nutrients, it makes a lot of sense.”A normal amount of 
grasshoppers on the prairie can eat as much grass as a herd of cattle. 
Grasshoppers are a huge part of the tallgrass ecosystem. But they’re 
also limited. They really just eat the grass, so when it changes, it can
 have a huge impact.To figure out just what was going on, Welti 
went back to the Konza research station to take a deeper look. 
Researchers there have tens of thousands of grass samples from the last 
40 years.“Ecology can happen rather slowly,” said Amanda Kuhl, a
 research assistant charged with collecting and cataloguing the samples.
 “Sometimes it can take decades to notice a trend, or tease things 
apart.”In one of the storage rooms at the Konza research 
building on the campus of Kansas State University, brown paper bags full
 of grass and dirt samples fill the walls from the floor to the ceiling.
 And those bags are just some of the samples from last year.“Once
 they get these cleaned up they’ll go back into a drying oven to remove 
all the moisture,” Kuhl said. “I’ll weigh them and that’s how we get our
 biomass numbers.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618852681199.png" alt=" A storage room on the Kansas State University campus full of brown paper bags with grass samples from the Konza Prairie. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> A storage room on the Kansas State University campus full of brown paper bags with grass samples from the Konza Prairie. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>The facility also has thousands of small envelopes full of ground-up samples. They can be used to run chemical analysis.The
 biomass numbers paired with the chemical analysis led Welti to what was
 causing the grasshopper declines: bigger, but less nutritious grass.“At
 first, it looks like there’s overall more food availability for 
grasshoppers,” she said. “But when we got back the plant chemistry, what
 we could see is that this increase in plant biomass really corresponded
 to decreases in the quality of the biomass.”It’s something known as nutrient dilution.“Every
 bite of those grasses is giving less and less back to all the other 
living things that depend on the plants,” Kaspari said.The 
change is driven by an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the 
atmosphere from burning fossil fuels. Every time the plants take in air 
it contains far more carbon than ever before. They can’t get rid of it 
so they stick it in their tissue. That equals bigger plants.The problem is that the amount of other nutrients in the soil, such as nitrogen, potassium and sodium, aren’t really changing.It’s
 like switching out a plate of kale for a plate of iceberg lettuce. The 
plates might have the same amount, but one has a whole lot more of the 
good stuff bodies need.Kaspari said the fact that the problem is rooted in too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is particularly daunting.“You
 can remediate habitat destruction,” he said. “You just stop doing it 
and you reforest, or reclaim the grassland. But the answer to nutrient 
dilution is actually reducing the CO2 in the atmosphere.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618852711866.png" alt=" Bags full of grasshopper samples taken from the Konza Prairie. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Bags full of grasshopper samples taken from the Konza Prairie. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Welti said the findings were pretty clear. Where they found large, but less nutritious, grass, they found grasshopper declines.And
 unlike humans, who can use fertilizer to increase nutrients in our food
 or take a multivitamin to supplement any gaps, grasshoppers are stuck 
with what is there naturally.Welti said the findings are about 
more than the bugs. Fewer grasshoppers will lead to fewer birds. Fewer 
birds could lead to more rodents.The decline of one species of grasshopper could strengthen another, potentially leading to swarms that damage crops.And
 the underlying problem, nutrient dilution due to climate change, will 
impact all animals that rely on eating plants. From grasshoppers and 
leaf beetles up to bison and cattle. And eventually humans.“Even
 (at the Konza Prairie),” she said, “climate change can strongly affect 
the community and even lead to insect declines — which is pretty 
depressing.”Brian Grimmett reports on the environment, 
energy and natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News 
Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en">@briangrimmett</a> or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

Climate change has turned Kan. prairie into junk food that's killing grasshoppers 

WICHITA – Governor Laura Kelly on Monday visited health care facilities and professionals as part of the second week of her Back to Work, Back to School tour. 

Governor Kelly toured the children’s hospital at Wesley Medical Center to discuss the importance of Medicaid expansion and encourage Kansans to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

She also held a meet and greet with the Wichita Black Nurses Association (WBNA) to recognize and thank them for the work they’re doing to spread awareness and educate Kansans about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618859672909.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly; Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau; Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple; Bill Voloch, President and Chief Executive Officer at Wesley Medical Center; Kolbe Sheridan, COO at Wesley Medical Center; Nicole Castleberry, CFO at Wesley Medical Center." />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly; Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau; Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple; Bill Voloch, President and Chief Executive Officer at Wesley Medical Center; Kolbe Sheridan, COO at Wesley Medical Center; Nicole Castleberry, CFO at Wesley Medical Center.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA – Governor Laura Kelly on Monday visited health care facilities and professionals as part of the second week of her Back to Work, Back to School tour. Governor Kelly toured the children’s hospital at Wesley Medical Center to discuss the importance of Medicaid expansion and encourage Kansans to get a COVID-19 vaccine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618859555127.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly; Dr. Ximena Garcia, Special Adviser to the Governor for COVID-19 Vaccination Equity; Kenya Cox, Executive Director of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission; Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau; Representative Gail Finney; Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple; Pastor Robert Johnson, Senior Pastor at Satin Mark UMC in Wichita; Linda Wright, President of the Wichita Black Nurses Association; Kim Henderson, incoming WBNA President; Margaret Thompson, team leader for WBNA location; Midge Dempsey, nurse and member of the WBNA; Trudy Baker, nurse and member of the WBNA." />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly; Dr. Ximena Garcia, Special Adviser to the Governor for COVID-19 Vaccination Equity; Kenya Cox, Executive Director of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission; Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau; Representative Gail Finney; Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple; Pastor Robert Johnson, Senior Pastor at Satin Mark UMC in Wichita; Linda Wright, President of the Wichita Black Nurses Association; Kim Henderson, incoming WBNA President; Margaret Thompson, team leader for WBNA location; Midge Dempsey, nurse and member of the WBNA; Trudy Baker, nurse and member of the WBNA.</figcaption>
 </figure>She also held a meet and greet with the Wichita Black Nurses Association (WBNA) to recognize and thank them for the work they’re doing to spread awareness and educate Kansans about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Governor continues back to work, back to school tour

What is a COVID-19 vaccine passport, and will I need one?

“Vaccine passports,” or vaccine certificates, are documents that show you were vaccinated against COVID-19 or recently tested negative for the virus. They could help you get into places such as stadiums or even countries that are looking to reopen safely.

The certificates are still being developed, and how and whether they’ll be used could vary widely around the world. Experts say they should be free and available on paper, not just on apps, since not everyone has a smartphone.

In the U.S., federal officials say there are no plans to make them broadly mandatory. In some states, Republican governors have issued orders barring businesses or state agencies from asking people to show proof of vaccination.

Objections revolve mostly around privacy and security — how people’s personal information will be stored — and fairness. Critics say the passports will benefit people and countries with more access to vaccines.

Supporters say they could make reopenings faster and easier. Proof of vaccination or a negative test could be a way for businesses and schools to reassure customers, students and parents that steps are being taken to limit transmission of the virus.

International travel bans by countries could also be eased if people are able to show proof they’re vaccinated. Some countries have long had requirements to prove vaccination against yellow fever.

Still, a challenge is creating certification systems that work across vaccine providers and businesses. More than a dozen initiatives are underway to develop a credential that could be stored on a smartphone or printed on paper, using a QR code.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617326081667.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID KOENIG, Associated PressWhat is a COVID-19 vaccine passport, and will I need one?“Vaccine passports,” or vaccine certificates, are documents that show you were vaccinated against COVID-19 or recently tested negative for the virus. They could help you get into places such as stadiums or even countries that are looking to reopen safely.The certificates are still being developed, and how and whether they’ll be used could vary widely around the world. Experts say they should be free and available on paper, not just on apps, since not everyone has a smartphone.In the U.S., federal officials say there are no plans to make them broadly mandatory. In some states, Republican governors have issued orders barring businesses or state agencies from asking people to show proof of vaccination.Objections revolve mostly around privacy and security — how people’s personal information will be stored — and fairness. Critics say the passports will benefit people and countries with more access to vaccines.Supporters say they could make reopenings faster and easier. Proof of vaccination or a negative test could be a way for businesses and schools to reassure customers, students and parents that steps are being taken to limit transmission of the virus.International travel bans by countries could also be eased if people are able to show proof they’re vaccinated. Some countries have long had requirements to prove vaccination against yellow fever.Still, a challenge is creating certification systems that work across vaccine providers and businesses. More than a dozen initiatives are underway to develop a credential that could be stored on a smartphone or printed on paper, using a QR code.___

What is a COVID-19 vaccine passport, and will you need one?

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 429 to a total of 306,290, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

Total coronavirus deaths were reported at 4955, an increase of 2.

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 429 to a total of 306,290, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Total coronavirus deaths were reported at 4955, an increase of 2.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618853437938.png" alt="Monday April 19, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday April 19, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>