SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 1p.m. Wednesday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 driven by&nbsp; Joseph S. Soza, 61, Wichita, was westbound on Kansas 42 just east of 87th Street South.

The pickup crossed the center line and struck an eastbound 2015 Kenworth semi driven by&nbsp;Bowhay, Bradley Dean Bowhay, 50, Fall River, Kansas.

Souza was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center.&nbsp;Bowhay was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628726283607.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal crash photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal crash photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 1p.m. Wednesday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 driven by&nbsp; Joseph S. Soza, 61, Wichita, was westbound on Kansas 42 just east of 87th Street South.The pickup crossed the center line and struck an eastbound 2015 Kenworth semi driven by&nbsp;Bowhay, Bradley Dean Bowhay, 50, Fall River, Kansas.Souza was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center.&nbsp;Bowhay was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after crash with a semi 

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a late-night traffic stop.

Just after 11:45p.m. Monday, a police officer conducted a traffic stop on a 2005 Chevy Silverado pickup for a traffic violation in the 1000 block of Madison in Great Bend, according to a media release.

During the stop, the officer could smell marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted and methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were located. 

Police arrested 33-year-old Joshua Williams and transported to the Barton County Jail. Police have not reported requested charges in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628693429674.png" alt="Joshua Williams has previous convictions for criminal threat, violation of a protection order, criminal use of a weapon and for drug distribution, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Joshua Williams has previous convictions for criminal threat, violation of a protection order, criminal use of a weapon and for drug distribution, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a late-night traffic stop.Just after 11:45p.m. Monday, a police officer conducted a traffic stop on a 2005 Chevy Silverado pickup for a traffic violation in the 1000 block of Madison in Great Bend, according to a media release.During the stop, the officer could smell marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted and methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were located. Police arrested 33-year-old Joshua Williams and transported to the Barton County Jail. Police have not reported requested charges in the case.

Police catch Kan. felon with drugs during traffic stop

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged all pregnant women Wednesday to get the COVID-19 vaccine as hospitals in hot spots around the U.S. see disturbing numbers of unvaccinated mothers-to-be seriously ill with the virus.

Expectant women run a higher risk of severe illness and pregnancy complications from the coronavirus, including perhaps miscarriages and stillbirths. But their vaccination rates are low, with only about 23% having received at least one dose, according to CDC data.

“The vaccines are safe and effective, and it has never been more urgent to increase vaccinations as we face the highly transmissible delta variant and see severe outcomes from COVID-19 among unvaccinated pregnant people,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said in a statement.

The updated guidance comes after a CDC analysis of new safety data on 2,500 women showed no increased risks of miscarriage for those who received at least one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine before 20 weeks of pregnancy. The analysis found a miscarriage rate of around 13%, within the normal range.

The CDC’s advice echoes recent recommendations from top obstetrician groups. The agency had previously encouraged pregnant women to consider vaccination but had stopped short of a full recommendation. The new advice also applies to nursing mothers and women planning to get pregnant.

Although pregnant women were not included in studies that led to authorization of COVID-19 vaccines, experts say real-world experience in tens of thousands of women shows that the shots are safe for them and that when given during pregnancy may offer some protection to newborns.

The new guidance comes amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S., driven by the highly contagious delta variant.

Some health authorities believe the variant may cause more severe disease — in pregnant women and others as well — than earlier versions of the virus, though that is still under investigation.

National figures show the latest surge in cases among pregnant women is lower than it was during the outbreak’s winter peak. But at some hospitals in states with low vaccination rates, the numbers of sick mothers-to-be outpace those during earlier surges, before vaccines were available.

“This is by far the worst we’ve seen in the pandemic,” said Dr. Jane Martin, an obstetrician with Ochsner Baptist Medical Center in New Orleans. She added: “It’s disheartening and it’s exhausting. It feels like it doesn’t have to be like this.”

At the beginning of the pandemic and with each surge, Ochsner had a few pregnant patients very sick with the virus, though the numbers had dwindled in recent months.

“A week or two ago that pace changed drastically,” Martin said. “We have had multiple critically ill pregnant patients admitted’’ every day, most requiring intensive care.

Martin said she has taken care of at least 30 pregnant patients hospitalized with COVID-19 over the last two weeks. Most were unvaccinated.

Experts say the lifting of mask rules and other social distancing precautions and the rise of the delta variant have contributed to the worrisome trend. But also, vaccinations weren’t made available to women of childbearing age and others under 65 until spring.

Early in her pregnancy, Tennessee kindergarten teacher Sara Brown decided she would wait until the baby was born to get the shots. There wasn’t much safety data yet about getting vaccinated during pregnancy, and at 36, she was young, healthy and “figured if I did get it, it would probably just be a bad cold.”

But what seemed like a sinus infection in June turned into severe COVID-19, landing her in a Nashville intensive care unit for five days, on oxygen and struggling to breathe.

Her daughter Suzie was born healthy on Aug. 2. But it was a harrowing experience.

“Not being able to catch your breath is such a panicky feeling, knowing I had life inside me that could be suffering too,” she said.

At Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where Brown was treated, there were no infected pregnant patients early in July. Now the hospital is admitting four to five a week, all unvaccinated, said obstetrician Dr. Jennifer Thompson. About 20% of those patients are being treated in the intensive care unit, compared with 11% during previous surges, she said.

For some pregnant patients critically ill with COVID-19, organs begin to fail and doctors induce labor early or deliver babies by cesarean section as a last resort, said Dr. Jeannie Kelly, an obstetrician at Washington University Medical Center in St. Louis.

About 20% of all patients admitted for labor and delivery last week at the St. Louis hospital are infected, more than double the rate during the COVID-19 surge in Missouri last year, she said. About one-third of these women are critically ill.

Around 105,000 pregnant U.S. women have been infected with COVID-19, and almost 18,000 have been hospitalized, according to the CDC. About one-fourth of those received intensive care and 124 died.

Pregnancy-related changes in body functions may explain why the virus can be dangerous for mothers-to-be. These include reduced lung capacity and adjustments in the disease-fighting immune system that protect and help the fetus grow.

The risks are disproportionately high for Black and Hispanic women, who are more likely to face health care and economic inequalities that increase their chances of getting sick.

Some studies suggest the virus can also increase the risks of preterm birth and stillbirth, and in rare cases, it appears to have passed from mother to fetus.

Martin, the New Orleans obstetrician, noted that local hospitals are also treating increasing numbers of children and babies sick with COVID-19, some of whom may have been infected after birth by unvaccinated mothers.

Martin was pregnant when she got her own shots last winter. She delivered a healthy baby girl a week after the last shot.

“Vaccinating people is the only way out,” she said.

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged all pregnant women Wednesday to get the COVID-19 vaccine as hospitals in hot spots around the U.S. see disturbing numbers of unvaccinated mothers-to-be seriously ill with the virus.Expectant women run a higher risk of severe illness and pregnancy complications from the coronavirus, including perhaps miscarriages and stillbirths. But their vaccination rates are low, with only about 23% having received at least one dose, according to CDC data.“The vaccines are safe and effective, and it has never been more urgent to increase vaccinations as we face the highly transmissible delta variant and see severe outcomes from COVID-19 among unvaccinated pregnant people,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said in a statement.The updated guidance comes after a CDC analysis of new safety data on 2,500 women showed no increased risks of miscarriage for those who received at least one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine before 20 weeks of pregnancy. The analysis found a miscarriage rate of around 13%, within the normal range.The CDC’s advice echoes recent recommendations from top obstetrician groups. The agency had previously encouraged pregnant women to consider vaccination but had stopped short of a full recommendation. The new advice also applies to nursing mothers and women planning to get pregnant.Although pregnant women were not included in studies that led to authorization of COVID-19 vaccines, experts say real-world experience in tens of thousands of women shows that the shots are safe for them and that when given during pregnancy may offer some protection to newborns.The new guidance comes amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S., driven by the highly contagious delta variant.Some health authorities believe the variant may cause more severe disease — in pregnant women and others as well — than earlier versions of the virus, though that is still under investigation.National figures show the latest surge in cases among pregnant women is lower than it was during the outbreak’s winter peak. But at some hospitals in states with low vaccination rates, the numbers of sick mothers-to-be outpace those during earlier surges, before vaccines were available.“This is by far the worst we’ve seen in the pandemic,” said Dr. Jane Martin, an obstetrician with Ochsner Baptist Medical Center in New Orleans. She added: “It’s disheartening and it’s exhausting. It feels like it doesn’t have to be like this.”At the beginning of the pandemic and with each surge, Ochsner had a few pregnant patients very sick with the virus, though the numbers had dwindled in recent months.“A week or two ago that pace changed drastically,” Martin said. “We have had multiple critically ill pregnant patients admitted’’ every day, most requiring intensive care.Martin said she has taken care of at least 30 pregnant patients hospitalized with COVID-19 over the last two weeks. Most were unvaccinated.Experts say the lifting of mask rules and other social distancing precautions and the rise of the delta variant have contributed to the worrisome trend. But also, vaccinations weren’t made available to women of childbearing age and others under 65 until spring.Early in her pregnancy, Tennessee kindergarten teacher Sara Brown decided she would wait until the baby was born to get the shots. There wasn’t much safety data yet about getting vaccinated during pregnancy, and at 36, she was young, healthy and “figured if I did get it, it would probably just be a bad cold.”But what seemed like a sinus infection in June turned into severe COVID-19, landing her in a Nashville intensive care unit for five days, on oxygen and struggling to breathe.Her daughter Suzie was born healthy on Aug. 2. But it was a harrowing experience.“Not being able to catch your breath is such a panicky feeling, knowing I had life inside me that could be suffering too,” she said.At Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where Brown was treated, there were no infected pregnant patients early in July. Now the hospital is admitting four to five a week, all unvaccinated, said obstetrician Dr. Jennifer Thompson. About 20% of those patients are being treated in the intensive care unit, compared with 11% during previous surges, she said.For some pregnant patients critically ill with COVID-19, organs begin to fail and doctors induce labor early or deliver babies by cesarean section as a last resort, said Dr. Jeannie Kelly, an obstetrician at Washington University Medical Center in St. Louis.About 20% of all patients admitted for labor and delivery last week at the St. Louis hospital are infected, more than double the rate during the COVID-19 surge in Missouri last year, she said. About one-third of these women are critically ill.Around 105,000 pregnant U.S. women have been infected with COVID-19, and almost 18,000 have been hospitalized, according to the CDC. About one-fourth of those received intensive care and 124 died.Pregnancy-related changes in body functions may explain why the virus can be dangerous for mothers-to-be. These include reduced lung capacity and adjustments in the disease-fighting immune system that protect and help the fetus grow.The risks are disproportionately high for Black and Hispanic women, who are more likely to face health care and economic inequalities that increase their chances of getting sick.Some studies suggest the virus can also increase the risks of preterm birth and stillbirth, and in rare cases, it appears to have passed from mother to fetus.Martin, the New Orleans obstetrician, noted that local hospitals are also treating increasing numbers of children and babies sick with COVID-19, some of whom may have been infected after birth by unvaccinated mothers.Martin was pregnant when she got her own shots last winter. She delivered a healthy baby girl a week after the last shot.“Vaccinating people is the only way out,” she said.___

CDC urges COVID vaccines for all pregnant women

KBI reports that local information led law enforcement to a residence in Fall River, Kansas. The child has been located safe and the suspect is in custody.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.

NEOSHO COUNTY —The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has issued an Amber Alert for 6-year-old Nina R. Senkbeil.

She is described as 4-foot tall and was last seen at Santa Fe Park in Chanute wearing a white tweetie bird shirt with pink design, Nike shorts blue and white in color, Nike Shoes pink and black in color.

At around 10:30 a.m. Nina Senkbeil was taken by her father from Santa Fe Park, in Chanute, KS. She was with her father at a supervised visitation when they disappeared in an unknown direction.

At 12:15 pm, Jacob Senkbeil and Nina Senkbeil were seen at 17515 Oak Wood Lane in Fall River, Kansas where the father made comments to a witness that makes Law Enforcement now believe the child is in imminent danger.

The suspect left with the child in an unknown direction in a black 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee KS license plate 852FGX.

Just before 5p.m. Wednesday, the KBI reported law enforcement is canvassing the Fall River area, but have not located the suspect or child yet. It is unknown at this point if they remain in that area or have changed locations. Please continue to be on the lookout and report any suspicious activity. Call 911 immediately if you have seen a missing child, or suspect. If you have other information on a missing child call 911 or the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-KS-CRIME.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628715843217.png" alt="Nina R Senkbeil-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Nina R Senkbeil-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>KBI reports that local information led law enforcement to a residence in Fall River, Kansas. The child has been located safe and the suspect is in custody.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.--------NEOSHO COUNTY —The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has issued an Amber Alert for 6-year-old Nina R. Senkbeil.She is described as 4-foot tall and was last seen at Santa Fe Park in Chanute wearing a white tweetie bird shirt with pink design, Nike shorts blue and white in color, Nike Shoes pink and black in color.At around 10:30 a.m. Nina Senkbeil was taken by her father from Santa Fe Park, in Chanute, KS. She was with her father at a supervised visitation when they disappeared in an unknown direction.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628715688795.png" alt="Jacob Senkbeil, is described as 5-foot-9, 135 pounds. He was last seen wearing Green shirt, blue jeans and a blue and orange ball cap" />
 <figcaption>Jacob Senkbeil, is described as 5-foot-9, 135 pounds. He was last seen wearing Green shirt, blue jeans and a blue and orange ball cap</figcaption>
 </figure> At 12:15 pm, Jacob Senkbeil and Nina Senkbeil were seen at 17515 Oak Wood Lane in Fall River, Kansas where the father made comments to a witness that makes Law Enforcement now believe the child is in imminent danger. The suspect left with the child in an unknown direction in a black 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee KS license plate 852FGX.Just before 5p.m. Wednesday, the KBI reported law enforcement is canvassing the Fall River area, but have not located the suspect or child yet. It is unknown at this point if they remain in that area or have changed locations. Please continue to be on the lookout and report any suspicious activity. Call 911 immediately if you have seen a missing child, or suspect. If you have other information on a missing child call 911 or the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-KS-CRIME.

AMBER ALERT update: 6-year-old safe, suspect in custody

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the death of a woman whose body was found near the entrance to Lakewood Park in June have determined the death was accidental.

On June 1, 2021, officers of the Salina Police Department responded to Lakewood Park, 250 N. Lakewood Park Drive, for a report of a woman lying face down near the south entrance, according to a media release.

Upon arrival, officers located a deceased unidentified white female.

The Salina Police Department provided the public with race, height, weight, and clothing description in order to enlist the public’s help in identifying the woman. With the aid of media, community members came forward, and the woman was identified as 43-year-old Kristie Gonner (AKA: Fisher).

Since the discovery of Ms. Gonner's body, the Salina Police Department Detective Division has spent an extensive amount of time investigating the timeline, events, and activities of Ms. Gonner, which led up to her unfortunate death.

Autopsy and toxicology examinations were performed and Ms. Gonner’s death has been deemed accidental, involving the combination of drugs and underlying health conditions. The autopsy findings and information from the case investigation have been reviewed by the Saline County Attorney, Jeff Ebel, and this case is now closed.

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have identified the body of a woman found near the southern entrance to Lakewood Park in Salina as Kristie Fisher, 43, of Salina, according to a statement Wednesday morning from police.&nbsp;

At 6:10 a.m. Tuesday, officers were sent to Lakewood Park, 250 N. Lakewood Park Drive, for the report of body of a woman who was face down near the south entrance, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

Officers found the deceased woman who appeared to be approximately 25-35 years of age, 5-foot-1 to 5-foot-6 inches tall, and 200-250 pounds. Her hair appeared to be dyed a reddish color.

The body was clothed in a pink colored top, blue jean capris, and black tennis shoes, he added.

The police department continues to gather information in regards to the circumstances leading to Fisher’s death. The police department wants to encourage anyone that has any information regarding this investigation to please call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS(8477) or the Salina Police Department Detective Division at 826-7210.

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the death of a woman whose body was found near the entrance to Lakewood Park in June have determined the death was accidental.On June 1, 2021, officers of the Salina Police Department responded to Lakewood Park, 250 N. Lakewood Park Drive, for a report of a woman lying face down near the south entrance, according to a media release.Upon arrival, officers located a deceased unidentified white female.The Salina Police Department provided the public with race, height, weight, and clothing description in order to enlist the public’s help in identifying the woman. With the aid of media, community members came forward, and the woman was identified as 43-year-old Kristie Gonner (AKA: Fisher).Since the discovery of Ms. Gonner's body, the Salina Police Department Detective Division has spent an extensive amount of time investigating the timeline, events, and activities of Ms. Gonner, which led up to her unfortunate death.Autopsy and toxicology examinations were performed and Ms. Gonner’s death has been deemed accidental, involving the combination of drugs and underlying health conditions. The autopsy findings and information from the case investigation have been reviewed by the Saline County Attorney, Jeff Ebel, and this case is now closed.---------SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have identified the body of a woman found near the southern entrance to Lakewood Park in Salina as Kristie Fisher, 43, of Salina, according to a statement Wednesday morning from police.&nbsp;At 6:10 a.m. Tuesday, officers were sent to Lakewood Park, 250 N. Lakewood Park Drive, for the report of body of a woman who was face down near the south entrance, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.Officers found the deceased woman who appeared to be approximately 25-35 years of age, 5-foot-1 to 5-foot-6 inches tall, and 200-250 pounds. Her hair appeared to be dyed a reddish color.The body was clothed in a pink colored top, blue jean capris, and black tennis shoes, he added.The police department continues to gather information in regards to the circumstances leading to Fisher’s death. The police department wants to encourage anyone that has any information regarding this investigation to please call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS(8477) or the Salina Police Department Detective Division at 826-7210.

Police: Death of 43-year-old woman in Salina ruled accidental

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla will have a pacemaker implanted on Monday because of damage to her heart from COVID-19, she said Wednesday.

De La Isla was hospitalized for 12 days earlier this year because of COVID-19 health issues. She also had minor surgery after the virus attacked her gastrointestinal system.

“COVID is no joke,” she said. “On Monday, this is all going to get fixed.”

State health department data showed that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas">Kansas</a>&nbsp;averaged 37 new COVID-19 hospitalizations a day for the seven days ending Wednesday, the highest figure in six months. The state averaged 1,083 new cases a day for that period, the highest figure since the end of January.

Federal data showed that 45.9% of Kansas' population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

n February, De La Isla credited health care workers at Stormont Vail hospital with saving her life, The Topeka Capital-Journal reported.

The mayor said she was exposed to COVID-19 through a family member who was an essential worker, despite having worn her mask, maintaining social distancing and working from home.

De La Isla chose not to seek a second term as mayor. She will join the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation as a managing director focused on strategy and grant making in the Midwest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578323207912.png" alt="De La Isla" />
 <figcaption>De La Isla</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla will have a pacemaker implanted on Monday because of damage to her heart from COVID-19, she said Wednesday.De La Isla was hospitalized for 12 days earlier this year because of COVID-19 health issues. She also had minor surgery after the virus attacked her gastrointestinal system.“COVID is no joke,” she said. “On Monday, this is all going to get fixed.”State health department data showed that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas">Kansas</a>&nbsp;averaged 37 new COVID-19 hospitalizations a day for the seven days ending Wednesday, the highest figure in six months. The state averaged 1,083 new cases a day for that period, the highest figure since the end of January.Federal data showed that 45.9% of Kansas' population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.n February, De La Isla credited health care workers at Stormont Vail hospital with saving her life, The Topeka Capital-Journal reported.The mayor said she was exposed to COVID-19 through a family member who was an essential worker, despite having worn her mask, maintaining social distancing and working from home.De La Isla chose not to seek a second term as mayor. She will join the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation as a managing director focused on strategy and grant making in the Midwest.

Topeka mayor to get pacemaker after COVID-19 damages heart

KANSAS CITY (AP) — As the delta variant of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;sweeps across the United States, a growing number of colleges and universities are requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for students to attend in-person classes. But the new mandate has opened the door for those opposed to getting the vaccine to cheat the system, according to interviews with students, education and law enforcement officials.

Both faculty and students at dozens of schools interviewed by The Associated Press say they are concerned about how easy it is to get fake vaccine cards.

Across the internet, a cottage industry has sprung up to accommodate people who say they won’t get vaccinated for either personal or religious reasons.

An Instagram account with the username “vaccinationcards” sells laminated COVID-19 vaccination cards for $25 each. A user on the encrypted messaging app, Telegram, offers “COVID-19 Vaccine Cards Certificates,” for as much as $200 apiece.

An increasing number of inquiries to these sites and similar ones appear to be from those who are trying to get fake vaccination cards for college.

A Reddit user commented on a thread about falsifying COVID-19 vaccination cards, saying, in part, “I need one, too, for college. I refuse to be a guinea pig.”

On Twitter, one user with more than 70,000 followers tweeted, “My daughter bought 2 fake ID’s online for $50 while in college. Shipped from China. Anyone have the link for vaccine cards?”

According to a tally by The Chronicle of Higher Education, at least 675 colleges and universities now require proof of COVID-19 inoculations. The process to confirm vaccination at many schools can be as simple as uploading a picture of the vaccine card to the student’s portal.

In Nashville, Vanderbilt University places a hold on a student’s course registration until their vaccine record has been verified unless they have an approved medical accommodation or religious exemption.

The University of Michigan says it has a system in place to confirm employee and student vaccinations. A spokesman for the college told the AP the school has not encountered any problems so far with students forging their COVID-19 vaccination record cards.

But Benjamin Mason Meier, a global health policy professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, questions how institutions can verify those records.

“The United States, unlike most countries which have electronic systems in place, is basing its vaccination on a flimsy paper card,” he said.

Meier tweeted last week that he spoke with several students who were worried about the accessibility of fraudulent vaccine cards and that they knew a fellow student who had submitted one to the university.

“There need to be policies in place for accountability to make sure that every student is operating in the collective interest of the entire campus,” he said.

In a statement to the AP, UNC said it conducts periodic verification of documents and that lying about vaccination status or falsifying documents is a violation of the university’s COVID-19 community standards and may result in disciplinary action.

“It’s important to note that UNC-Chapel Hill has not found any instances of a student uploading a fake vaccine card. Those claims are simply hearsay at this point,” the school said.

But other university staff and faculty have expressed their concern over the alleged forgery of vaccine cards. Rebecca Williams, a research associate at UNC’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, said while she is concerned by these claims, she isn’t surprised.

“This is why I think the development of a reliable national digital vaccine passport app is very important for the sake of all the organizations and businesses that want to require proof of vaccination for employees, students, or business patrons,” Williams said.

The AP spoke with several students across the country who did not want to be identified but said they were aware of attempts to obtain fake cards.

Some school officials acknowledge that a foolproof system is impossible.

“As with anything that potentially requires a certification, there is the possibility for an individual to falsify documentation,” said Michael Uhlenkamp, a spokesman for the chancellor’s office at California State University. The school system, which is the largest in the nation, oversees about 486,000 students each year on 23 campuses.

Dr. Sarah Van Orman, the chief health officer at the University of Southern California and COVID-19 task force member for the American College Health Association, said college campuses are especially challenging environments to control the spread of COVID-19 since tens of thousands of students move into campus from all over the world. But even if students falsify their vaccination status, it may have limited impact, she said.

“I think that the numbers of students who would do that would be so very small that it wouldn’t affect our kind of ability to get good community immunity,” Orman said.

In March, the concern over fake COVID-19 vaccination cards prompted the FBI to issue a joint statement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urging people not to buy, create or sell fabricated vaccine cards.

The unauthorized use of the seal of an official government agency such as HHS or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a federal crime that carries a possible fine and a maximum of five years in prison.

In April, a bipartisan coalition of 47 state attorneys general sent a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.naag.org/press-releases/bipartisan-coalition-of-attorneys-general-fight-unlawful-sales-of-fake-covid-19-vaccination-cards/" target="_blank">letter&nbsp;</a>to the CEOs of Twitter, Shopify and eBay to take down ads or links selling the bogus cards.

Many of the sites have blacklisted keywords related to fake cards, but places to buy the documents are still popping up on messaging apps, chat forums and the dark web.

Sellers on websites such as Counterfeit Center, Jimmy Black Market, and Buy Express Documents list COVID-19 vaccine cards, certificates and passports for sale, some costing €400 Euros or about $473.49.

An advertisement on the website Buy Real Fake Passport reads vendors can produce fake vaccination cards by the thousands, if not tens of thousands, based on the demand.

“It is hiding under our noses. If you want it, you can find it out,” said Saoud Khalifah, founder and CEO of scam-detecting software Fakespot. “If we are seeing signs where things like Lollapalooza and other festivals are getting fake cards to gain entrance, the trend is just going to continue into these universities.”

In July, the U.S. Department of Justice announced its first federal criminal fraud&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/woman-arrested-fake-covid-19-immunization-and-vaccination-card-scheme" target="_blank">prosecution</a>&nbsp;involving a fake COVID-19 immunization and vaccination card scheme. Juli A. Mazi, 41, a naturopathic physician in Napa, California, was arrested and charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of false statements related to health care matters.

Court documents allege she sold fake vaccination cards to customers that appeared to show that they had received Moderna vaccines. In some cases, the documents show Mazi herself filled out the cards, writing her own name, and purported Moderna “lot numbers” for a vaccine she had not in fact administered. For other customers, she provided blank CDC COVID-19 vaccination record cards and told each customer to write that she had administered a Moderna vaccine with a specified lot number.

Requiring vaccinations to attend class at colleges and universities has become a contentious political issue in some states. Public colleges in at least 13 states including Ohio, Utah, Tennessee and Florida cannot legally require COVID-19 vaccinations due to state legislation, but private institutions in those same states can.

Among the states introducing and passing bills barring educational institutions from mandating COVID-19 vaccines, infringement on individual rights or liberties is often cited as the main concern.

But according to a statement released by the American College Health Association and other educational organizations, these restrictions impede on universities’ abilities to operate fully and safely.

“The science of good public health has gotten lost in some of the decisions that have been made in some places,” Orman said. “It has not always been held up by our political leaders.”

Some college students have taken to social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok to voice their outrage over other students possessing fraudulent vaccine cards.

Maliha Reza, an electrical engineering student at Pennsylvania State University, said it is mind-boggling that students would pay for fake vaccination cards when they could get the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost.

“I’m angry about that, like there is more anger than I could describe right now,” Reza said. “It’s dumb considering the vaccine is free and it is accessible across the country.”

KANSAS CITY (AP) — As the delta variant of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;sweeps across the United States, a growing number of colleges and universities are requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for students to attend in-person classes. But the new mandate has opened the door for those opposed to getting the vaccine to cheat the system, according to interviews with students, education and law enforcement officials.Both faculty and students at dozens of schools interviewed by The Associated Press say they are concerned about how easy it is to get fake vaccine cards.Across the internet, a cottage industry has sprung up to accommodate people who say they won’t get vaccinated for either personal or religious reasons.An Instagram account with the username “vaccinationcards” sells laminated COVID-19 vaccination cards for $25 each. A user on the encrypted messaging app, Telegram, offers “COVID-19 Vaccine Cards Certificates,” for as much as $200 apiece.An increasing number of inquiries to these sites and similar ones appear to be from those who are trying to get fake vaccination cards for college.A Reddit user commented on a thread about falsifying COVID-19 vaccination cards, saying, in part, “I need one, too, for college. I refuse to be a guinea pig.”On Twitter, one user with more than 70,000 followers tweeted, “My daughter bought 2 fake ID’s online for $50 while in college. Shipped from China. Anyone have the link for vaccine cards?”According to a tally by The Chronicle of Higher Education, at least 675 colleges and universities now require proof of COVID-19 inoculations. The process to confirm vaccination at many schools can be as simple as uploading a picture of the vaccine card to the student’s portal.In Nashville, Vanderbilt University places a hold on a student’s course registration until their vaccine record has been verified unless they have an approved medical accommodation or religious exemption.The University of Michigan says it has a system in place to confirm employee and student vaccinations. A spokesman for the college told the AP the school has not encountered any problems so far with students forging their COVID-19 vaccination record cards.But Benjamin Mason Meier, a global health policy professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, questions how institutions can verify those records.“The United States, unlike most countries which have electronic systems in place, is basing its vaccination on a flimsy paper card,” he said.Meier tweeted last week that he spoke with several students who were worried about the accessibility of fraudulent vaccine cards and that they knew a fellow student who had submitted one to the university.“There need to be policies in place for accountability to make sure that every student is operating in the collective interest of the entire campus,” he said.In a statement to the AP, UNC said it conducts periodic verification of documents and that lying about vaccination status or falsifying documents is a violation of the university’s COVID-19 community standards and may result in disciplinary action.“It’s important to note that UNC-Chapel Hill has not found any instances of a student uploading a fake vaccine card. Those claims are simply hearsay at this point,” the school said.But other university staff and faculty have expressed their concern over the alleged forgery of vaccine cards. Rebecca Williams, a research associate at UNC’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, said while she is concerned by these claims, she isn’t surprised.“This is why I think the development of a reliable national digital vaccine passport app is very important for the sake of all the organizations and businesses that want to require proof of vaccination for employees, students, or business patrons,” Williams said.The AP spoke with several students across the country who did not want to be identified but said they were aware of attempts to obtain fake cards.Some school officials acknowledge that a foolproof system is impossible.“As with anything that potentially requires a certification, there is the possibility for an individual to falsify documentation,” said Michael Uhlenkamp, a spokesman for the chancellor’s office at California State University. The school system, which is the largest in the nation, oversees about 486,000 students each year on 23 campuses.Dr. Sarah Van Orman, the chief health officer at the University of Southern California and COVID-19 task force member for the American College Health Association, said college campuses are especially challenging environments to control the spread of COVID-19 since tens of thousands of students move into campus from all over the world. But even if students falsify their vaccination status, it may have limited impact, she said.“I think that the numbers of students who would do that would be so very small that it wouldn’t affect our kind of ability to get good community immunity,” Orman said.In March, the concern over fake COVID-19 vaccination cards prompted the FBI to issue a joint statement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urging people not to buy, create or sell fabricated vaccine cards.The unauthorized use of the seal of an official government agency such as HHS or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a federal crime that carries a possible fine and a maximum of five years in prison.In April, a bipartisan coalition of 47 state attorneys general sent a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.naag.org/press-releases/bipartisan-coalition-of-attorneys-general-fight-unlawful-sales-of-fake-covid-19-vaccination-cards/" target="_blank">letter&nbsp;</a>to the CEOs of Twitter, Shopify and eBay to take down ads or links selling the bogus cards.Many of the sites have blacklisted keywords related to fake cards, but places to buy the documents are still popping up on messaging apps, chat forums and the dark web.Sellers on websites such as Counterfeit Center, Jimmy Black Market, and Buy Express Documents list COVID-19 vaccine cards, certificates and passports for sale, some costing €400 Euros or about $473.49.An advertisement on the website Buy Real Fake Passport reads vendors can produce fake vaccination cards by the thousands, if not tens of thousands, based on the demand.“It is hiding under our noses. If you want it, you can find it out,” said Saoud Khalifah, founder and CEO of scam-detecting software Fakespot. “If we are seeing signs where things like Lollapalooza and other festivals are getting fake cards to gain entrance, the trend is just going to continue into these universities.”In July, the U.S. Department of Justice announced its first federal criminal fraud&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/woman-arrested-fake-covid-19-immunization-and-vaccination-card-scheme" target="_blank">prosecution</a>&nbsp;involving a fake COVID-19 immunization and vaccination card scheme. Juli A. Mazi, 41, a naturopathic physician in Napa, California, was arrested and charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of false statements related to health care matters.Court documents allege she sold fake vaccination cards to customers that appeared to show that they had received Moderna vaccines. In some cases, the documents show Mazi herself filled out the cards, writing her own name, and purported Moderna “lot numbers” for a vaccine she had not in fact administered. For other customers, she provided blank CDC COVID-19 vaccination record cards and told each customer to write that she had administered a Moderna vaccine with a specified lot number.Requiring vaccinations to attend class at colleges and universities has become a contentious political issue in some states. Public colleges in at least 13 states including Ohio, Utah, Tennessee and Florida cannot legally require COVID-19 vaccinations due to state legislation, but private institutions in those same states can.Among the states introducing and passing bills barring educational institutions from mandating COVID-19 vaccines, infringement on individual rights or liberties is often cited as the main concern.But according to a statement released by the American College Health Association and other educational organizations, these restrictions impede on universities’ abilities to operate fully and safely.“The science of good public health has gotten lost in some of the decisions that have been made in some places,” Orman said. “It has not always been held up by our political leaders.”Some college students have taken to social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok to voice their outrage over other students possessing fraudulent vaccine cards.Maliha Reza, an electrical engineering student at Pennsylvania State University, said it is mind-boggling that students would pay for fake vaccination cards when they could get the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost.“I’m angry about that, like there is more anger than I could describe right now,” Reza said. “It’s dumb considering the vaccine is free and it is accessible across the country.”___

College officials worry about fake COVID vaccination cards 

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 2741 to a total of 344,947 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 35 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5357.

<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.

As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;

Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 2741 to a total of 344,947 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 35 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5357.<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/2021/8/1628700958712.png" alt="Wednesday August 11, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday August 11, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

JUNCTION CITY —The first day of school at Spring Valley Elementary was interrupted Wednesday morning by a bomb threat, which was quickly determined to be only a threat.

"Earlier this morning, prior to the start of school, we received an unsubstantiated message through social media," said USD 475 Superintendent Dr. Reginald Eggleston.

Students and staff were evacuated off of school grounds while Junction City Police and allies searched the entirety of the school for any evidence of a threat.&nbsp;

Junction City Police Chief John Lamb credited a recent training exercise with the Geary County Sherriff's Office and USD 475 for preparing his team, as well as the district for an event like this. "If anything, it's an excellent dry run related to that," he said.&nbsp;

Students and staff were able to get plenty of water and safely hold activities outside off of school grounds while the police department, as well as Fort Riley K-9 team searched the grounds, before ultimately giving the all-clear just before 11a.m.&nbsp;

"The students are accustomed to drills. Whether it's a fire drill or any other alarms that take place, and so they know how to react. Our teachers know how to respond as well and so I think because it's somewhat muscle memory for us, how to conduct yourself during any type of emergency, we could see that today, even though we've been out of school."&nbsp;

At this time, no details have been released about the threat or who sent it to the school, but Chief Lamb stated now that the all-clear has been given, they will be able to investigate thoroughly into the threat.&nbsp;

"Our students and staff are safe," said Eggleston. "I thank everyone again, for responding accordingly."

No statement has currently been released directly from USD 475, but one is expected in the near future.&nbsp;

By Jackson SchneiderJUNCTION CITY —The first day of school at Spring Valley Elementary was interrupted Wednesday morning by a bomb threat, which was quickly determined to be only a threat."Earlier this morning, prior to the start of school, we received an unsubstantiated message through social media," said USD 475 Superintendent Dr. Reginald Eggleston.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Spring valley elementary school has been cleared and students have re-entered the building. Thank you to the Geary County Sheriff&#39;s office, Fort Riley Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol and USD 475 for helping during this matter.&mdash; Junction City Kansas Police Department (@JunctionCityPD) <a href="https://twitter.com/JunctionCityPD/status/1425483593917337605?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Students and staff were evacuated off of school grounds while Junction City Police and allies searched the entirety of the school for any evidence of a threat.&nbsp;Junction City Police Chief John Lamb credited a recent training exercise with the Geary County Sherriff's Office and USD 475 for preparing his team, as well as the district for an event like this. "If anything, it's an excellent dry run related to that," he said.&nbsp;Students and staff were able to get plenty of water and safely hold activities outside off of school grounds while the police department, as well as Fort Riley K-9 team searched the grounds, before ultimately giving the all-clear just before 11a.m.&nbsp;"The students are accustomed to drills. Whether it's a fire drill or any other alarms that take place, and so they know how to react. Our teachers know how to respond as well and so I think because it's somewhat muscle memory for us, how to conduct yourself during any type of emergency, we could see that today, even though we've been out of school."&nbsp;At this time, no details have been released about the threat or who sent it to the school, but Chief Lamb stated now that the all-clear has been given, they will be able to investigate thoroughly into the threat.&nbsp;"Our students and staff are safe," said Eggleston. "I thank everyone again, for responding accordingly."No statement has currently been released directly from USD 475, but one is expected in the near future.&nbsp;

Bomb threat on 1st day of class at Kan. elementary school

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Sheriff's officials along the southeastern border of Kansas say a 2-year-old there has died, likely from excessive heat. 

The Cowley County Sheriff's Office says deputies and medics were called just after 6 p.m. Tuesday to a home in the southern part of the county for reports of an unresponsive child. 

First responders could not revive the child. Sheriff David Falletti says early indications show the toddler died due to heat. Officials have not released details of how the child or where the child was found, but Falletti says no foul play is suspected. 

Most of Kansas has been under a heat advisory this week, and the heat index in Cowley County on Tuesday reached as high as 108 degrees.

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Sheriff's officials along the southeastern border of Kansas say a 2-year-old there has died, likely from excessive heat. The Cowley County Sheriff's Office says deputies and medics were called just after 6 p.m. Tuesday to a home in the southern part of the county for reports of an unresponsive child. First responders could not revive the child. Sheriff David Falletti says early indications show the toddler died due to heat. Officials have not released details of how the child or where the child was found, but Falletti says no foul play is suspected. Most of Kansas has been under a heat advisory this week, and the heat index in Cowley County on Tuesday reached as high as 108 degrees.

Sheriff: Kansas toddler likely died from excessive heat

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A 27-year-old Missouri woman has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of a Kansas teenager who was struck while riding her bicycle. 

Leavenworth County Prosecutor Todd Thompson said Amber Nicole Alexander of Parkville, was charged Monday with second-degree murder or the alternative of DUI involuntary manslaughter.

Prosecutors allege Alexander hit 16-year-old Miranda Lynch in Leavenworth on Saturday and then fled. Lynch was transported to a hospital but died later of her injuries.

LEAVENWORTH —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal weekend hit and run have made an arrest. 

A 27-year-old female suspect is in custody and police located the suspect vehicle in connection with a hit and run accident on Saturday that killed a Kansas teen who was hit while riding a bicycle, according to Leavenworth Chief Pat Kitchens.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — Police say a Kansas teenager hit by a vehicle while riding her bicycle has died. 

The 16-year-old Leavenworth girl on Saturday was taken to the University of Kansas Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. 

She later died. Police have not yet identified the teenager. Investigators believe the girl was riding her bike when she was hit from behind. Police say the driver fled in a silver SUV or station wagon, possibly a Subaru Outback. Police are searching for the driver. The vehicle likely has significant front-end damage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628459973659.png" alt="This is the suspect vehicle that was captured on video surveillance cameras. Leavenworth Police&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>This is the suspect vehicle that was captured on video surveillance cameras. Leavenworth Police&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A 27-year-old Missouri woman has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of a Kansas teenager who was struck while riding her bicycle. Leavenworth County Prosecutor Todd Thompson said Amber Nicole Alexander of Parkville, was charged Monday with second-degree murder or the alternative of DUI involuntary manslaughter.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628642854304.png" alt="Alexander photo Leavenworth County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Alexander photo Leavenworth County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Prosecutors allege Alexander hit 16-year-old Miranda Lynch in Leavenworth on Saturday and then fled. Lynch was transported to a hospital but died later of her injuries.LEAVENWORTH —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal weekend hit and run have made an arrest. A 27-year-old female suspect is in custody and police located the suspect vehicle in connection with a hit and run accident on Saturday that killed a Kansas teen who was hit while riding a bicycle, according to Leavenworth Chief Pat Kitchens.--------LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — Police say a Kansas teenager hit by a vehicle while riding her bicycle has died. The 16-year-old Leavenworth girl on Saturday was taken to the University of Kansas Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. She later died. Police have not yet identified the teenager. Investigators believe the girl was riding her bike when she was hit from behind. Police say the driver fled in a silver SUV or station wagon, possibly a Subaru Outback. Police are searching for the driver. The vehicle likely has significant front-end damage.

Woman charged in hit-and-run death of Kan. teen bicyclist

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats pushed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-democrats-budget-joe-biden-02eb40af7efea63708a8f439c039b5a0">$3.5 trillion framework</a>&nbsp;for bolstering family services, health, and environment programs through the Senate early Wednesday, advancing President Joe Biden’s expansive vision for reshaping federal priorities just hours after handing him a companion triumph on a hefty&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-bills-38b84f0e9fcc8e68646eedf6608c4c70">infrastructure package</a>.

Lawmakers approved Democrats’ budget resolution on a party-line 50-49 vote, a crucial step for a president and party set on training the government’s fiscal might on assisting families, creating jobs and fighting climate change. Higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations would pay for much of it. Passage came despite an avalanche of Republican amendments intended to make their rivals pay a price in next year’s elections for control of Congress.

House leaders announced their chamber will return from summer recess in two weeks to vote on the fiscal blueprint, which contemplates disbursing the $3.5 trillion over the next decade. Final congressional approval, which seems certain, would protect a subsequent bill actually enacting the outline’s detailed spending and tax changes from a Republican filibuster in the 50-50 Senate, delays that would otherwise kill it.

Even so, passing that follow-up legislation will be dicey with party moderates wary of the massive $3.5 trillion price tag vying with progressives demanding aggressive action. The party controls the House with just three votes to spare, while the evenly divided Senate is theirs only due to Vice President Kamala Harris tie-breaking vote. Solid GOP opposition seems guaranteed.

Senate Budget Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., once a progressive voice in Congress’ wilderness and now a national figure wielding legislative clout, said the measure would help children, families, the elderly and working people — and more.

“It will also, I hope, restore the faith of the American people in the belief that we can have a government that works for all of us, and not just the few,” he said.

Republicans argued that Democrats’ proposals would waste money, raise economy-wounding taxes, fuel inflation and codify far-left dictates that would harm Americans. They were happy to use Sanders, a self-avowed democratic socialist, to try tarring all Democrats backing the measure.

If Biden and Senate Democrats want to “outsource domestic policy to Chairman Sanders” with a “historically reckless taxing and spending spree,” Republicans lack the votes to stop them, conceded Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. “But we will debate. We will vote.”

The Senate turned to the budget hours after it approved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-infrastructure-bill-politics-joe-biden-a431f8c9f3f113b661cb3526512fc4e0">the other big chunk of Biden’s objectives,&nbsp;</a>a compromise $1 trillion bundle of transportation, water, broadband and other infrastructure projects. That measure, passed 69-30 with McConnell among the 19 Republicans backing it, also needs House approval.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., assured progressives that Congress will pursue sweeping initiatives going beyond that infrastructure package.

“To my colleagues who are concerned that this does not do enough on climate, for families, and making corporations and the rich pay their fair share: We are moving on to a second track, which will make a generational transformation in these areas,” Schumer said.

Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., missed the budget votes to be with his ailing wife.

In a budget ritual, senators plunged into a “vote-a-rama,” a nonstop parade of messaging amendments that often becomes a painful all-night ordeal. This time, the Senate held more than 40 roll calls by the time it approved the measure at around 4 a.m. EDT, more than 14 hours after the procedural wretchedness began.

With the budget resolution largely advisory, the goal of most amendments was not to win but to force the other party’s vulnerable senators to cast troublesome votes that can be used against them in next year’s elections for congressional control.

Republicans crowed after Democrats opposed GOP amendments calling for the full-time reopening of pandemic-shuttered schools and boosting the Pentagon’s budget and retaining limits on federal income tax deductions for state and local levies. They were also happy when Democrats showed support for Biden’s now suspended ban on oil and gas leasing on federal lands, which Republicans said would prompt gasoline price increases.

One amendment may have boomeranged after the Senate voted 99-0 for a proposal by freshman Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., to curb federal funds for any municipalities that defund the police. That idea has been rejected by all but the most progressive Democrats, but Republicans have persistently accused them anyway of backing it.

In an animated, sardonic rejoinder, Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., called Tuberville’s amendment “a gift” that would let Democrats “put to bed this scurrilous accusation that somebody in this great esteemed body would want to defund the police.” He said he wanted to “walk over there and hug my colleague.”

Republicans claimed two narrow victories with potential implications for future votes, with West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, one of the chamber’s more conservative Democrats, joining them on both nonbinding amendments.

One indicated support for health care providers who refuse to participate in abortions. The other voiced opposition to teaching critical race theory, which considers racism endemic to American institutions. There’s scant evidence that it’s part of public school curriculums.

The budget blueprint envisions creating new programs including tuition-free pre-kindergarten and community college, paid family leave and a Civilian Climate Corps whose workers would tackle environmental projects. Millions of immigrants in the U.S. illegally would have a new chance for citizenship, and there would be financial incentives for states to adopt more labor-friendly laws.

Medicare would add dental, hearing and vision benefits, and tax credits and grants would prod utilities and industries to embrace clean energy. Child tax credits beefed up for the pandemic would be extended, along with federal subsidies for health insurance.

Besides higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations, Democrats envision savings by letting the government negotiate prices for pharmaceuticals it buys, slapping taxes on imported carbon fuels and strengthening IRS tax collections. Democrats have said their policies will be fully paid for, but they’ll make no final decisions until this fall’s follow-up bill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628676753973.png" alt="Lawmakers approved Democrats’ budget resolution early Wednesday on a party-line 50-49 vote -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Lawmakers approved Democrats’ budget resolution early Wednesday on a party-line 50-49 vote -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats pushed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-democrats-budget-joe-biden-02eb40af7efea63708a8f439c039b5a0">$3.5 trillion framework</a>&nbsp;for bolstering family services, health, and environment programs through the Senate early Wednesday, advancing President Joe Biden’s expansive vision for reshaping federal priorities just hours after handing him a companion triumph on a hefty&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-bills-38b84f0e9fcc8e68646eedf6608c4c70">infrastructure package</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Bernie is once again asking for your financial support…to pay for the Democrats&#39; $3.5 trillion reckless tax-and-spending spree. <a href="https://t.co/2V66m9JhpW">pic.twitter.com/2V66m9JhpW</a>&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1425254176272048132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Lawmakers approved Democrats’ budget resolution on a party-line 50-49 vote, a crucial step for a president and party set on training the government’s fiscal might on assisting families, creating jobs and fighting climate change. Higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations would pay for much of it. Passage came despite an avalanche of Republican amendments intended to make their rivals pay a price in next year’s elections for control of Congress.House leaders announced their chamber will return from summer recess in two weeks to vote on the fiscal blueprint, which contemplates disbursing the $3.5 trillion over the next decade. Final congressional approval, which seems certain, would protect a subsequent bill actually enacting the outline’s detailed spending and tax changes from a Republican filibuster in the 50-50 Senate, delays that would otherwise kill it.Even so, passing that follow-up legislation will be dicey with party moderates wary of the massive $3.5 trillion price tag vying with progressives demanding aggressive action. The party controls the House with just three votes to spare, while the evenly divided Senate is theirs only due to Vice President Kamala Harris tie-breaking vote. Solid GOP opposition seems guaranteed.Senate Budget Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., once a progressive voice in Congress’ wilderness and now a national figure wielding legislative clout, said the measure would help children, families, the elderly and working people — and more.“It will also, I hope, restore the faith of the American people in the belief that we can have a government that works for all of us, and not just the few,” he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628677347816.png" alt="Utah Republic Senator Mike Lee spoke ahead of the vote and attempted to show&nbsp; how the $3.5T bill would impact the economy-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Utah Republic Senator Mike Lee spoke ahead of the vote and attempted to show&nbsp; how the $3.5T bill would impact the economy-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Republicans argued that Democrats’ proposals would waste money, raise economy-wounding taxes, fuel inflation and codify far-left dictates that would harm Americans. They were happy to use Sanders, a self-avowed democratic socialist, to try tarring all Democrats backing the measure.If Biden and Senate Democrats want to “outsource domestic policy to Chairman Sanders” with a “historically reckless taxing and spending spree,” Republicans lack the votes to stop them, conceded Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. “But we will debate. We will vote.”The Senate turned to the budget hours after it approved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-infrastructure-bill-politics-joe-biden-a431f8c9f3f113b661cb3526512fc4e0">the other big chunk of Biden’s objectives,&nbsp;</a>a compromise $1 trillion bundle of transportation, water, broadband and other infrastructure projects. That measure, passed 69-30 with McConnell among the 19 Republicans backing it, also needs House approval.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., assured progressives that Congress will pursue sweeping initiatives going beyond that infrastructure package.“To my colleagues who are concerned that this does not do enough on climate, for families, and making corporations and the rich pay their fair share: We are moving on to a second track, which will make a generational transformation in these areas,” Schumer said.Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., missed the budget votes to be with his ailing wife.In a budget ritual, senators plunged into a “vote-a-rama,” a nonstop parade of messaging amendments that often becomes a painful all-night ordeal. This time, the Senate held more than 40 roll calls by the time it approved the measure at around 4 a.m. EDT, more than 14 hours after the procedural wretchedness began.With the budget resolution largely advisory, the goal of most amendments was not to win but to force the other party’s vulnerable senators to cast troublesome votes that can be used against them in next year’s elections for congressional control.Republicans crowed after Democrats opposed GOP amendments calling for the full-time reopening of pandemic-shuttered schools and boosting the Pentagon’s budget and retaining limits on federal income tax deductions for state and local levies. They were also happy when Democrats showed support for Biden’s now suspended ban on oil and gas leasing on federal lands, which Republicans said would prompt gasoline price increases.One amendment may have boomeranged after the Senate voted 99-0 for a proposal by freshman Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., to curb federal funds for any municipalities that defund the police. That idea has been rejected by all but the most progressive Democrats, but Republicans have persistently accused them anyway of backing it.In an animated, sardonic rejoinder, Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., called Tuberville’s amendment “a gift” that would let Democrats “put to bed this scurrilous accusation that somebody in this great esteemed body would want to defund the police.” He said he wanted to “walk over there and hug my colleague.”Republicans claimed two narrow victories with potential implications for future votes, with West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, one of the chamber’s more conservative Democrats, joining them on both nonbinding amendments.One indicated support for health care providers who refuse to participate in abortions. The other voiced opposition to teaching critical race theory, which considers racism endemic to American institutions. There’s scant evidence that it’s part of public school curriculums.The budget blueprint envisions creating new programs including tuition-free pre-kindergarten and community college, paid family leave and a Civilian Climate Corps whose workers would tackle environmental projects. Millions of immigrants in the U.S. illegally would have a new chance for citizenship, and there would be financial incentives for states to adopt more labor-friendly laws.Medicare would add dental, hearing and vision benefits, and tax credits and grants would prod utilities and industries to embrace clean energy. Child tax credits beefed up for the pandemic would be extended, along with federal subsidies for health insurance.Besides higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations, Democrats envision savings by letting the government negotiate prices for pharmaceuticals it buys, slapping taxes on imported carbon fuels and strengthening IRS tax collections. Democrats have said their policies will be fully paid for, but they’ll make no final decisions until this fall’s follow-up bill.

By a 50-49 vote Senate OKs $3.5 Trillion budget plan

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 2:30p.m. Monday, a sheriff's deputy stopped a black 2002 Honda Accord in the 100 Block of Arizona Street in Holton for an alleged traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Deputies seized methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia allegedly in the driver’s possession. 

The driver, Michael Allon Robinson Jr, 27, of Lawrence, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to Morse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628607873676.png" alt="Robinson-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Robinson-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 2:30p.m. Monday, a sheriff's deputy stopped a black 2002 Honda Accord in the 100 Block of Arizona Street in Holton for an alleged traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Deputies seized methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia allegedly in the driver’s possession. The driver, Michael Allon Robinson Jr, 27, of Lawrence, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to Morse.

Deputies find meth in Kansas man's car during traffic stop

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Only 35 of the more than 70,000 people who attended Garth Brooks' concert in Kansas City on Saturday took advantage of a chance to get a COVID-19 vaccine, the Kansas City Health Department said.

The mobile vaccination clinic operated for four hours in the Arrowhead parking lot before the concert, and fans were offered a chance to get upgraded floor seats to the concert if they were vaccinated.

Brooks, who has said he is fully vaccinated, had encouraged his fans to get the shot.

Maggie Green, a spokeswoman for the Kansas City manager's office, said the 35 people vaccinated Saturday were in addition to 333 vaccinations the health department administered at events and clinics last week, KCUR&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-08-10/heres-how-many-people-got-vaccinated-at-garth-brooks-kansas-city-concert">reported</a>.

She said the health department will continue to partner with community events to increase vaccinations, including at the upcoming Planet Comicon Kansas City, scheduled for Aug. 20-22.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Only 35 of the more than 70,000 people who attended Garth Brooks' concert in Kansas City on Saturday took advantage of a chance to get a COVID-19 vaccine, the Kansas City Health Department said.The mobile vaccination clinic operated for four hours in the Arrowhead parking lot before the concert, and fans were offered a chance to get upgraded floor seats to the concert if they were vaccinated.Brooks, who has said he is fully vaccinated, had encouraged his fans to get the shot.Maggie Green, a spokeswoman for the Kansas City manager's office, said the 35 people vaccinated Saturday were in addition to 333 vaccinations the health department administered at events and clinics last week, KCUR&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-08-10/heres-how-many-people-got-vaccinated-at-garth-brooks-kansas-city-concert">reported</a>.She said the health department will continue to partner with community events to increase vaccinations, including at the upcoming Planet Comicon Kansas City, scheduled for Aug. 20-22.

Few Garth Brooks fans get COVID-19 vaccine before concert

Funding aims to prevent fraud, promote equitable access, ensure timely benefits

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a series of actions to modernize and reform a cornerstone of our economic infrastructure, the unemployment insurance system.
 Over the last year alone, the unemployment insurance system has helped 
nearly 53 million workers stay afloat during a pandemic and economic 
crisis and put nearly $800 billion into the economy – staving off an 
even deeper recession. 

At the same time, this crisis only further exposed longstanding challenges in UI.
 While the core of these challenges will need to be addressed through 
comprehensive UI reform, the department will start with the $2 billion 
allocated as a part of the American Rescue Plan Act, aimed specifically 
at addressing the most acute challenges states have faced over the last 
year.

The <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/american-rescue-plan/" target="_blank">American Rescue Plan Act</a> provided $2 billion in funding to the department to prevent and detect fraud, promote equitable access, ensure timely payment of benefits and reduce backlogs.

“The pandemic underscored the need for 
modernization of the 53 different systems that administer unemployment 
insurance benefits in the United States, and it exposed significant 
vulnerabilities in state technology to criminals looking for an 
opportunity,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “The 
Biden-Harris administration and Congress provided the means to reform 
this critical safety net for future crises, and our department is 
committed to executing that mission in a way that leaves no community 
behind.” 

Administered by the department’s <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta">Employment and Training Administration</a>, ARPA
 Fraud Grants totaling $140 million will be awarded to states for fraud 
prevention measures, including identification verification subscription 
costs, establishing and expanding data analytics and implementing 
cybersecurity defense strategies.

Another $260 million in Equity Grants will be awarded to 
improve claimant outreach and customer service processes, implement 
strategies to reduce backlog and improve access for lower-income 
claimants. These first-of-their-kind grants will provide funding for 
states to improve public awareness and service delivery as the 
department seeks to address potential racial and ethnic disparities in 
the administration and delivery of UI benefits in some states. 

The department will also allocate $100 million in previously unobligated <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/748" target="_blank">CARES Act</a> funds to combat fraud and implement cybersecurity measures in the <a href="https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?docn=4628">Pandemic Unemployment Assistance</a> and <a href="https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=8452">Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation</a> programs beyond the expiration of benefits.

This administration is deeply concerned by the widespread
 inherited fraud in the UI system perpetrated by a new wave of criminal 
syndicates. Dealing with this issue has been a top priority for this 
Administration and the department has taken numerous steps to help 
detect and fight multi-state fraud and identity theft.&nbsp;One example of 
this is the improvements to data sharing that were a significant change 
in policy from the prior administration, whereby the department has 
provided the Inspector General direct access to UI data for the entirety
 of the pandemic relief period and made the continuation of such access a
 condition of the fraud grants.&nbsp; 

Funding from the ARPA will enable the department to 
tackle the most acute problems facing the unemployment insurance system 
in the short-term while also working to address long-term challenges by 
improving state processes and building a modern, modular information 
technology system that is accessible, safe and more resilient in the 
face of future surges in claims. 

The department today announced additional strategies in its comprehensive approach to improving the UI system. These include: 

This comprehensive plan will enable the department to 
establish a system that is efficient and scalable and meets its promise 
of providing benefits to protect workers who lose their jobs through no 
fault of their own and help better sustain the economy during future 
economic downturns. The Department of Labor is committed to 
strengthening the Unemployment Insurance system to ensure that it works 
for all workers, and to ensuring that unemployed workers have access to 
quality reemployment services that can help workers transition back into
 the labor market and into quality jobs.

<a href="https://oui.doleta.gov/unemploy/pdf/FactSheet_UImodernization.pdf">Read more on the UI Modernization plan.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615920467817.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Funding aims to prevent fraud, promote equitable access, ensure timely benefits</h2>U.S. Department of LaborWASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a series of actions to modernize and reform a cornerstone of our economic infrastructure, the unemployment insurance system.
 Over the last year alone, the unemployment insurance system has helped 
nearly 53 million workers stay afloat during a pandemic and economic 
crisis and put nearly $800 billion into the economy – staving off an 
even deeper recession. At the same time, this crisis only further exposed longstanding challenges in UI.
 While the core of these challenges will need to be addressed through 
comprehensive UI reform, the department will start with the $2 billion 
allocated as a part of the American Rescue Plan Act, aimed specifically 
at addressing the most acute challenges states have faced over the last 
year.The <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/american-rescue-plan/" target="_blank">American Rescue Plan Act</a> provided $2 billion in funding to the department to prevent and detect fraud, promote equitable access, ensure timely payment of benefits and reduce backlogs. “The pandemic underscored the need for 
modernization of the 53 different systems that administer unemployment 
insurance benefits in the United States, and it exposed significant 
vulnerabilities in state technology to criminals looking for an 
opportunity,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “The 
Biden-Harris administration and Congress provided the means to reform 
this critical safety net for future crises, and our department is 
committed to executing that mission in a way that leaves no community 
behind.” Administered by the department’s <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta">Employment and Training Administration</a>, ARPA
 Fraud Grants totaling $140 million will be awarded to states for fraud 
prevention measures, including identification verification subscription 
costs, establishing and expanding data analytics and implementing 
cybersecurity defense strategies. Another $260 million in Equity Grants will be awarded to 
improve claimant outreach and customer service processes, implement 
strategies to reduce backlog and improve access for lower-income 
claimants. These first-of-their-kind grants will provide funding for 
states to improve public awareness and service delivery as the 
department seeks to address potential racial and ethnic disparities in 
the administration and delivery of UI benefits in some states. The department will also allocate $100 million in previously unobligated <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/748" target="_blank">CARES Act</a> funds to combat fraud and implement cybersecurity measures in the <a href="https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?docn=4628">Pandemic Unemployment Assistance</a> and <a href="https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=8452">Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation</a> programs beyond the expiration of benefits. This administration is deeply concerned by the widespread
 inherited fraud in the UI system perpetrated by a new wave of criminal 
syndicates. Dealing with this issue has been a top priority for this 
Administration and the department has taken numerous steps to help 
detect and fight multi-state fraud and identity theft.&nbsp;One example of 
this is the improvements to data sharing that were a significant change 
in policy from the prior administration, whereby the department has 
provided the Inspector General direct access to UI data for the entirety
 of the pandemic relief period and made the continuation of such access a
 condition of the fraud grants.&nbsp; Funding from the ARPA will enable the department to 
tackle the most acute problems facing the unemployment insurance system 
in the short-term while also working to address long-term challenges by 
improving state processes and building a modern, modular information 
technology system that is accessible, safe and more resilient in the 
face of future surges in claims. The department today announced additional strategies in its comprehensive approach to improving the UI system. These include: <ul>
 <li>Direct technical assistance through tiger teams.
 Multi-disciplinary tiger teams, composed of experts across many 
disciplines including fraud specialists, equity and customer service 
experience specialists, UI program specialists, behavioral insights 
specialists, business intelligence analysts, computer systems 
engineers/architects and project managers, will deploy to states to 
conduct intensive discovery assessments, provide resources for 
identification verification and propose solutions to address fraud and 
equitable access. </li><li>Tools to address immediate fraud concerns. Identity verification
 is a critical tool in paying unemployment benefits to eligible 
individuals. Yet too few states have the resources, expertise, and 
capacity needed to effectively work with vendors to address the 
wide-ranging attacks that the UI system has experienced from organized criminal enterprises. The
 department issued a blanket purchase agreement to work with three 
vendors to employ cross-matching technology to verify applicants’ 
identities at the time of filing for unemployment programs and tools to 
identify suspicious attributes after claims are filed. LexisNexis, 
TransUnion and V3Gate partnering with ID.Me are all compliant with the 
National Institute of Standards’ Identity Assurance Level 2 and 
Authenticator Assurance Level 2, and these vendors will work with states
 to: develop identification verification options that do not require 
computer access, offer customer service in claimants’ native languages 
and provide accessibility standards to serve the disability community. &nbsp;</li><li>Modernizing antiquated state technology. The
 pandemic has only underscored states’ desperate need for technological 
support and improvements. Many state systems are operating on outdated 
technology, which made it difficult for them to rapidly respond to 
changes in law and economic conditions. The department has 
partnered with the U.S. Digital Service to start the transformative 
project of centrally developing open, modular technology solutions that 
states may adopt as part of ongoing modernization and improvement 
efforts. Additional plans included shared IT solutions designed to 
integrate with state systems and provide software to support end-to-end 
administration of UI, including benefit delivery, employer tools and 
appeals and working with states’ IT staff to develop and implement plans
 that build resilience in UI systems across the country. </li>
 </ul>This comprehensive plan will enable the department to 
establish a system that is efficient and scalable and meets its promise 
of providing benefits to protect workers who lose their jobs through no 
fault of their own and help better sustain the economy during future 
economic downturns. The Department of Labor is committed to 
strengthening the Unemployment Insurance system to ensure that it works 
for all workers, and to ensuring that unemployed workers have access to 
quality reemployment services that can help workers transition back into
 the labor market and into quality jobs.<a href="https://oui.doleta.gov/unemploy/pdf/FactSheet_UImodernization.pdf">Read more on the UI Modernization plan.</a>