BAGHDAD (AP) — U.S.-backed Syrian fighters and American troops foiled an attack with drones Wednesday on a base housing members of the U.S.-led coalition in eastern Syria, the Syrian Democratic Forces said. In neighboring Iraq, rockets hit a base housing U.S. troops, inflicting two minor injuries.

The attacks come as tension has been on the rise between U.S. troops and Iran-backed fighters after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-syria-iran-middle-east-iraq-47774c2b5a6862353c8c6751738e7ba0">American airstrikes in eastern Syria killed four Iraqi fighters&nbsp;</a>late last month in areas along the Syria-Iraq border. The Pentagon said targets attacked on June 27, were facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups to support drone strikes inside Iraq.

The spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition Col. Wayne Marotto said that Al-Assad Air Base in western Iraq was attacked early in the afternoon by 14 rockets that landed on the base and its perimeter, prompting the activation of defensive measures. Marotto later tweeted: “100 % accountability at Ain Al-Assad Air Base after rocket attack. Two personnel sustained minor injuries.” The damage was still to be assessed, he added without elaborating.

A statement from the Security Media Cell, affiliated with Iraq’s security forces, said a mobile rocket launcher hidden in a truck loaded with bags of flour and parked in the nearby village of Baghdadi was used in the attack. It added that 14 rockets were fired toward the base while the rest exploded on the truck, damaging some village homes and a mosque.

Iraq’s government called it a “terrorist attack” and a “flagrant violation” of Iraqi laws.

A previously unknown group calling itself “The brigades to avenge al-Muhandis,” said its members fired 30 rockets toward the base “run by American occupiers.” It added a message to U.S. troops: “We will force you to leave our lands defeated.”

The group is named after Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis who was killed last year in a U.S. drone attack in Baghdad along with Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

In Syria, the U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led forces said in a statement they foiled an attack that was using drones on Wednesday morning on the al-Omar oil field in the eastern province of Deir el-Zour. There were no damages, the statement said.

The same al-Omar base was attacked with two rockets over the weekend, according to the Syrian Kurdish-led forces and a Syrian opposition activist. There were no casualties in that attack.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/islamic-state-group-syria-middle-east-1a83bc506552d804e511758a1e915609">The U.S. military denied there were any attacks on Sunday.</a>

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said the drones took off from areas controlled by Iran-backed fighters in the eastern Syrian town of Mayadeen.

Drone attacks against the U.S.-led coalition in Syria are not common. Hundreds of U.S. troops are stationed in northeastern Syria, working with the Kurdish-led fighters in battling the Islamic State group.

Thousands of Iran-backed militiamen from around the Middle East are deployed in different parts of Syria, many of them in areas along the border with Iraq.

The leader of an Iran-backed Iraqi militia vowed on Monday to retaliate against America for the deaths of four of his men in a U.S. airstrike along the Iraq-Syria border last month. Abu Alaa al-Walae, commander of the Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada group,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-middle-east-iraq-government-and-politics-d6b61b979b2ca123bc04b12ae5576bf6">said the revenge attack will be a military operation everyone will talk about.</a>

The U.S. has blamed Iran-backed militias for attacks — most of them rocket strikes — that have targeted the American presence in Baghdad and at military bases across Iraq. The attacks have recently become more sophisticated, with militants using drones.

Late Tuesday, the counter-terrorism unit in Iraq’s northern Kurdish-run region reported a drone attack on Irbil airport, near where U.S. forces are based. The statement by the counter-terrorism unit said the attack caused no damage, though the missiles fell in open fields and set fires.

BAGHDAD (AP) — U.S.-backed Syrian fighters and American troops foiled an attack with drones Wednesday on a base housing members of the U.S.-led coalition in eastern Syria, the Syrian Democratic Forces said. In neighboring Iraq, rockets hit a base housing U.S. troops, inflicting two minor injuries.The attacks come as tension has been on the rise between U.S. troops and Iran-backed fighters after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-syria-iran-middle-east-iraq-47774c2b5a6862353c8c6751738e7ba0">American airstrikes in eastern Syria killed four Iraqi fighters&nbsp;</a>late last month in areas along the Syria-Iraq border. The Pentagon said targets attacked on June 27, were facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups to support drone strikes inside Iraq.The spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition Col. Wayne Marotto said that Al-Assad Air Base in western Iraq was attacked early in the afternoon by 14 rockets that landed on the base and its perimeter, prompting the activation of defensive measures. Marotto later tweeted: “100 % accountability at Ain Al-Assad Air Base after rocket attack. Two personnel sustained minor injuries.” The damage was still to be assessed, he added without elaborating.A statement from the Security Media Cell, affiliated with Iraq’s security forces, said a mobile rocket launcher hidden in a truck loaded with bags of flour and parked in the nearby village of Baghdadi was used in the attack. It added that 14 rockets were fired toward the base while the rest exploded on the truck, damaging some village homes and a mosque.Iraq’s government called it a “terrorist attack” and a “flagrant violation” of Iraqi laws.A previously unknown group calling itself “The brigades to avenge al-Muhandis,” said its members fired 30 rockets toward the base “run by American occupiers.” It added a message to U.S. troops: “We will force you to leave our lands defeated.”The group is named after Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis who was killed last year in a U.S. drone attack in Baghdad along with Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.In Syria, the U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led forces said in a statement they foiled an attack that was using drones on Wednesday morning on the al-Omar oil field in the eastern province of Deir el-Zour. There were no damages, the statement said.The same al-Omar base was attacked with two rockets over the weekend, according to the Syrian Kurdish-led forces and a Syrian opposition activist. There were no casualties in that attack.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/islamic-state-group-syria-middle-east-1a83bc506552d804e511758a1e915609">The U.S. military denied there were any attacks on Sunday.</a>The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said the drones took off from areas controlled by Iran-backed fighters in the eastern Syrian town of Mayadeen.Drone attacks against the U.S.-led coalition in Syria are not common. Hundreds of U.S. troops are stationed in northeastern Syria, working with the Kurdish-led fighters in battling the Islamic State group.Thousands of Iran-backed militiamen from around the Middle East are deployed in different parts of Syria, many of them in areas along the border with Iraq.The leader of an Iran-backed Iraqi militia vowed on Monday to retaliate against America for the deaths of four of his men in a U.S. airstrike along the Iraq-Syria border last month. Abu Alaa al-Walae, commander of the Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada group,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-middle-east-iraq-government-and-politics-d6b61b979b2ca123bc04b12ae5576bf6">said the revenge attack will be a military operation everyone will talk about.</a>The U.S. has blamed Iran-backed militias for attacks — most of them rocket strikes — that have targeted the American presence in Baghdad and at military bases across Iraq. The attacks have recently become more sophisticated, with militants using drones.Late Tuesday, the counter-terrorism unit in Iraq’s northern Kurdish-run region reported a drone attack on Irbil airport, near where U.S. forces are based. The statement by the counter-terrorism unit said the attack caused no damage, though the missiles fell in open fields and set fires.

2 injured in rocket attack on base housing U.S. troops

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — The U.S. government has agreed to pay nearly $7 million to settle claims from eight veterans that they were sexually abused by a former physician assistant at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Kansas.

The veterans, who served in Iraq or Afghanistan, alleged they were subjected to unnecessary genital exams and other procedures by Mark Wisner while he was a physician assistant at the Dwight Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth between 2008 and 2014.

About 100 veterans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/63b9a721b1ad43b4a8b3bb7fd17f1d76">have sued&nbsp;</a>Wisner. More than 80 veterans settled their lawsuits against the government over Wisner’s abuse for $6.7 million in 2019, KCUR&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-06/government-to-pay-nearly-7-million-to-resolve-sexual-abuse-cases-at-leavenworth-va" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Wisner was convicted of aggravated sexual battery and related charges in 2017 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/06275c7fe2e64a7a84dec1f5bc542b16">sentenced&nbsp;</a>to nearly 16 years in prison. He surrendered his license to the Kansas Board of Healing Arts in February 2015.

“The Department of Justice fought these cases tooth and nail for years. They treated these veterans like dirt,” said attorney Danny Thomas, who represented the veterans in the latest cases. “They accused them of lying, they attacked their character in court and in pleadings. And we just weren’t going to stand for it.”

The eight veterans will receive amounts ranging from $706,250 to $1.4 million, Thomas said.

The latest settlements came after three of the veterans took their cases to trial. As part of the settlement, the government agreed to drop its appeals in those cases, Thomas said.

In those cases, U.S. District Judge Daniel Crabtree&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-medical-malpractice-veterans-leavenworth-6480cd56ae43cfa89eb45958c1faae4c">awarded&nbsp;</a>one veteran $538,000, another veteran $1.5 million and the third veteran more than $1 million.

The government didn’t dispute that Wisner sexually molested the veterans, but it argued it was not liable because his conduct occurred outside the scope of his employment.

Thomas, who has represented veterans in the cases for more than four years, criticized U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, a Republican from Kansas, accusing him of “not lifting a finger” for the veterans.

He said Moran, the ranking member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, never sought an investigation of what happened at the Leavenworth VA or inquired about the veterans’ well-being.

Moran’s office responded that the senator had raised concerns about the allegations against Wisner with then-VA Secretary Robert McDonald in 2016 and later publicly questioned him about them.

He also introduced the Accountability to Safeguard Veterans from Violent Crimes Act of 2016 to reduce pensions earned by certain VA hospital employees convicted of violent crimes, his office said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576024575745.png" alt="The veterans, who served in Iraq or Afghanistan, alleged they were subjected to unnecessary genital exams and other procedures by Mark Wisner while he was a physician assistant at the Dwight Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth between 2008 and 2014. Wisner is currently being held in the Norton Correctional Facility, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>The veterans, who served in Iraq or Afghanistan, alleged they were subjected to unnecessary genital exams and other procedures by Mark Wisner while he was a physician assistant at the Dwight Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth between 2008 and 2014. Wisner is currently being held in the Norton Correctional Facility, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — The U.S. government has agreed to pay nearly $7 million to settle claims from eight veterans that they were sexually abused by a former physician assistant at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Kansas.The veterans, who served in Iraq or Afghanistan, alleged they were subjected to unnecessary genital exams and other procedures by Mark Wisner while he was a physician assistant at the Dwight Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth between 2008 and 2014.About 100 veterans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/63b9a721b1ad43b4a8b3bb7fd17f1d76">have sued&nbsp;</a>Wisner. More than 80 veterans settled their lawsuits against the government over Wisner’s abuse for $6.7 million in 2019, KCUR&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-06/government-to-pay-nearly-7-million-to-resolve-sexual-abuse-cases-at-leavenworth-va" target="_blank">reported</a>.Wisner was convicted of aggravated sexual battery and related charges in 2017 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/06275c7fe2e64a7a84dec1f5bc542b16">sentenced&nbsp;</a>to nearly 16 years in prison. He surrendered his license to the Kansas Board of Healing Arts in February 2015.“The Department of Justice fought these cases tooth and nail for years. They treated these veterans like dirt,” said attorney Danny Thomas, who represented the veterans in the latest cases. “They accused them of lying, they attacked their character in court and in pleadings. And we just weren’t going to stand for it.”The eight veterans will receive amounts ranging from $706,250 to $1.4 million, Thomas said.The latest settlements came after three of the veterans took their cases to trial. As part of the settlement, the government agreed to drop its appeals in those cases, Thomas said.In those cases, U.S. District Judge Daniel Crabtree&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-medical-malpractice-veterans-leavenworth-6480cd56ae43cfa89eb45958c1faae4c">awarded&nbsp;</a>one veteran $538,000, another veteran $1.5 million and the third veteran more than $1 million.The government didn’t dispute that Wisner sexually molested the veterans, but it argued it was not liable because his conduct occurred outside the scope of his employment.Thomas, who has represented veterans in the cases for more than four years, criticized U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, a Republican from Kansas, accusing him of “not lifting a finger” for the veterans.He said Moran, the ranking member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, never sought an investigation of what happened at the Leavenworth VA or inquired about the veterans’ well-being.Moran’s office responded that the senator had raised concerns about the allegations against Wisner with then-VA Secretary Robert McDonald in 2016 and later publicly questioned him about them.He also introduced the Accountability to Safeguard Veterans from Violent Crimes Act of 2016 to reduce pensions earned by certain VA hospital employees convicted of violent crimes, his office said.

US agrees to $7M settlement in Kan. VA hospital abuse case

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1071 to a total of 319,586, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 7 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5166.

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

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1071 to a total of 319,586, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 7 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5166.<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/2021/7/1625677363136.png" alt="Wednesday July 7, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday July 7, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal accident Tuesday in Shawnee County have identified the victim as 74-year-old Nancy E. Elliot of Topeka.

Just after 2p.m., a Toyota RAV4 driven by Elliot was eastbound on SE 53rd&nbsp;attempting to turn north onto SE Stubbs Road when it failed to yield at the intersection., according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

A southbound dump truck struck the Toyota. First responders pronounced the driver of the Toyota&nbsp;deceased at the scene. American Medical Response transported a 54-year-old passenger of the Toyota to a local hospital.

Authorities released no additional details Wednesday.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 2p.m. Tuesday in Shawnee County.

A Toyota RAV4 driven by a 74-year-old woman was eastbound on SE 53rd&nbsp;attempting to turn north onto SE Stubbs Road when it failed to yield at the intersection., according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

A southbound dump truck struck the Toyota. First responders pronounced the driver of the Toyota&nbsp;deceased at the scene. American Medical Response transported a 54-year-old passenger of the Toyota to a local hospital

Police advised drivers to use alternate routes, such as SE 45th Street, SE 61st Street, and SE Stanley Road until the intersection was reopened. 

(SNSO) – Sheriff Brian C. Hill announces one person died as a result of

injuries sustained during an accident at the intersection of SE Stubbs Road and SE 53rd Street this

afternoon. Another person was transported to a local hospital by American Medical Response.

On July 6th, 2021, just after 2:00 p.m., the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center

received a 911 call regarding a motor vehicle accident near the intersection of SE 53rd Street and

SE Stubbs Road. Preliminary investigation shows a Toyota RAV4 was eastbound on SE 53rd and

attempting to turn north onto SE Stubbs Road when it failed to yield at the intersection. The

Toyota was struck by a southbound dump truck. The driver of the Toyota, a 74-year-old female,

was pronounced deceased at the scene. The passenger of the Toyota, a 54-year-old male, was

transported by American Medical Response (AMR) to a local hospital.

The Shawnee Heights Fire Department and AMR assisted at the scene.

Please use alternate routes, such as SE 45th Street, SE 61st Street, and SE Stanley Road until the

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625673479410.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal crash photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal crash photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal accident Tuesday in Shawnee County have identified the victim as 74-year-old Nancy E. Elliot of Topeka.Just after 2p.m., a Toyota RAV4 driven by Elliot was eastbound on SE 53rd&nbsp;attempting to turn north onto SE Stubbs Road when it failed to yield at the intersection., according to Deputy Abigail Christian.A southbound dump truck struck the Toyota. First responders pronounced the driver of the Toyota&nbsp;deceased at the scene. American Medical Response transported a 54-year-old passenger of the Toyota to a local hospital.Authorities released no additional details Wednesday.---------SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 2p.m. Tuesday in Shawnee County.A Toyota RAV4 driven by a 74-year-old woman was eastbound on SE 53rd&nbsp;attempting to turn north onto SE Stubbs Road when it failed to yield at the intersection., according to Deputy Abigail Christian.A southbound dump truck struck the Toyota. First responders pronounced the driver of the Toyota&nbsp;deceased at the scene. American Medical Response transported a 54-year-old passenger of the Toyota to a local hospitalPolice advised drivers to use alternate routes, such as SE 45th Street, SE 61st Street, and SE Stanley Road until the intersection was reopened. (SNSO) – Sheriff Brian C. Hill announces one person died as a result ofinjuries sustained during an accident at the intersection of SE Stubbs Road and SE 53rd Street thisafternoon. Another person was transported to a local hospital by American Medical Response.On July 6th, 2021, just after 2:00 p.m., the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Centerreceived a 911 call regarding a motor vehicle accident near the intersection of SE 53rd Street andSE Stubbs Road. Preliminary investigation shows a Toyota RAV4 was eastbound on SE 53rd andattempting to turn north onto SE Stubbs Road when it failed to yield at the intersection. TheToyota was struck by a southbound dump truck. The driver of the Toyota, a 74-year-old female,was pronounced deceased at the scene. The passenger of the Toyota, a 54-year-old male, wastransported by American Medical Response (AMR) to a local hospital.The Shawnee Heights Fire Department and AMR assisted at the scene.Please use alternate routes, such as SE 45th Street, SE 61st Street, and SE Stanley Road until theintersection is reopened.

Sheriff IDs Kan. woman who died after crash with dump truck

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump announced Wednesday he is filing suits against three of the country’s biggest tech companies: Facebook, Twitter and Google, as well as their CEOs.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?513223-1/president-trump-delivers-remarks-bedminster-jersey">Click here to watch</a> Trump's comments

Trump said he was serving as lead plaintiff in the class-action suits, claiming he has been wrongfully censored by the companies.

“We’re demanding an end to the shadow-banning, a stop to the silencing and a stop to the blacklisting, banishing and canceling that you know so well,” Trump said at a news conference at his Bedminster, New Jersey golf course.

The suits were filed in U.S. District Court for Florida’s southern district.

Trump was suspended from Twitter and Facebook after his followers stormed the Capitol building on Jan. 6. The companies cited concerns that he would incite further violence. Currently, he can no longer post on either platform.

Nonetheless, Trump has continued to spread lies about the 2020 election, baselessly claiming that he won, even though state and local election officials, his own attorney general and numerous judges, including some he appointed, have said there is no evidence of the mass voter fraud he alleges.

Under Section 230 of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d3e09c4037e2fc17558492b9bdce1ecc">1996 Communications Decency Act</a>, internet companies are generally exempt from liability for the material that users post. The law, which provides a legal “safe harbor” for internet companies, also allows social media platforms to moderate their services by removing posts that, for instance, are obscene or violate the services’ own standards, so long as they are acting in “good faith.”

But Trump and other politicians have long argued that Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms have abused that protection and should lose their immunity — or at least have to earn it by satisfying requirements set by the government.

Facebook, Google and Twitter all declined comment Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625675671373.png" alt="Trump said he was serving as lead plaintiff in the class-action suits, claiming he has been wrongfully censored by the companies. photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Trump said he was serving as lead plaintiff in the class-action suits, claiming he has been wrongfully censored by the companies. photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump announced Wednesday he is filing suits against three of the country’s biggest tech companies: Facebook, Twitter and Google, as well as their CEOs.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?513223-1/president-trump-delivers-remarks-bedminster-jersey">Click here to watch</a> Trump's commentsTrump said he was serving as lead plaintiff in the class-action suits, claiming he has been wrongfully censored by the companies.“We’re demanding an end to the shadow-banning, a stop to the silencing and a stop to the blacklisting, banishing and canceling that you know so well,” Trump said at a news conference at his Bedminster, New Jersey golf course.The suits were filed in U.S. District Court for Florida’s southern district.Trump was suspended from Twitter and Facebook after his followers stormed the Capitol building on Jan. 6. The companies cited concerns that he would incite further violence. Currently, he can no longer post on either platform.Nonetheless, Trump has continued to spread lies about the 2020 election, baselessly claiming that he won, even though state and local election officials, his own attorney general and numerous judges, including some he appointed, have said there is no evidence of the mass voter fraud he alleges.Under Section 230 of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d3e09c4037e2fc17558492b9bdce1ecc">1996 Communications Decency Act</a>, internet companies are generally exempt from liability for the material that users post. The law, which provides a legal “safe harbor” for internet companies, also allows social media platforms to moderate their services by removing posts that, for instance, are obscene or violate the services’ own standards, so long as they are acting in “good faith.”But Trump and other politicians have long argued that Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms have abused that protection and should lose their immunity — or at least have to earn it by satisfying requirements set by the government.Facebook, Google and Twitter all declined comment Wednesday.

🎥 Trump files lawsuits against Facebook, Twitter and Google

PITTSBURG, Kan. (AP) — Every time a patient enters her office, Krista Mijares, a Pittsburg, KS, pediatrician, asks them and their parent if they’ve been vaccinated. If not, she makes her pitch.

Do they want to be vaccinated? How about now? If they don’t, why?

In recent weeks the conversations have come with a warning: the Delta COVID-19 variant is in their community and makes it riskier than ever to remain unvaccinated.

And vaccinated or not, Mijares advises families to once again wear masks in public spaces if they’ve stopped.

“Don’t drop your guard, and if you are eligible to get a vaccine get vaccinated,” Mijares tells patients.

Southeast Kansas is in a shaky spot. The New York Times identified Crawford and Cherokee counties as two of the state’s most dangerous places to be unvaccinated as the Delta variant of COVID-19 spreads at alarming rates. Across the border in Southwest Missouri, Delta’s aggressive advance and escalating hospital admissions prompted the state to ask for federal help.

Though the Kansas counties have higher vaccination numbers than their Missouri neighbors to the east, they lack the herd immunity needed to insulate the community from a new round of outbreaks.

The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is “throwing everything at a wall and seeing what sticks” as they try to increase COVID-19 testing and vaccination rates, said Dawn McNay, the director of development. That includes various incentives, constant social media posts and walk-in appointments.

The variant surge comes as testing for the virus in Kansas has fallen off sharply. In June, the state posted its lowest numbers since April 2020, when testing resources were scarce. The dearth of surveillance testing among broad portions of the population, experts say, could damage health officials’ ability to monitor infection and intervene early to prevent serious illness or death.

“The ability to intervene early on with proper therapeutics is key to keeping hospitalizations down,” said Alan Morgan, Executive Director of the National Rural Health Association. “I worry we’re now flying blind again, just like we did at the beginning of the pandemic.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control 62% of Kansans 18 and older have received at least their first dose of vaccine, while 53% have completed the series. It put the state significantly short of President Biden’s July 4 goal of 70% with at least one shot. Twenty states cleared that bar.

The 62% also obscures wide disparities among the state’s 105 counties. Johnson and Douglas counties in eastern Kansas, and Geary and Graham Counties, closer to the north central part of the state, have all surpassed 70% of adults with at least their first dose, according to the CDC. Neosho County, in Southeast Kansas, has vaccinated only 26% of adults, the state’s lowest total.

CDC data shows the majority of Kansas counties sitting between 30 and 50 percent vaccinated among adults.

Meanwhile, the Delta variant has become the dominant strain in the state with 289 confirmed cases, hitting Sedgwick, Johnson, Riley and Crawford counties particularly hard.

“The fatigue is real but now is not the time to check out,” said Marci Nielsen, Gov. Laura Kelly’s chief advisor for COVID-19, who attributed the state’s efforts to get vaccine doses to rural counties early in the year for its relatively high vaccination rate compared with Missouri.

Jen Kates, Senior Vice President at the Kaiser Family Foundation, said testing is essential for low-vaccination areas because they’re at higher risk of outbreaks.

“Testing does two things, first of all it helps show where there are potential outbreaks that need to be addressed and checks for variants,” she said.

Lack of testing, she said, is “problematic” and may mean hospitalization and death are a better indication of viral spread.

In June, Kansas ran 29,735 diagnostic tests for the virus. That’s fewer than half the number performed in April 2020 and a small fraction of testing at its peak in November.

Dr. Linda Bean, the Chief Clinical Officer at the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas and deputy health officer for Crawford County, said she viewed that as a result of the vaccine. With fewer people in the community getting sick, fewer were getting tested.

“That has decreased as the number of sick people have decreased,” Bean said. “Our biggest push is for people who are symptomatic or have been exposed to get tested.”

As the Delta variant began spreading across Southwest Missouri, more people were coming in because they’d been exposed to the virus. The clinic ramped up testing and identified more cases.

Over the past two weeks, 18% of COVID-19 tests run in Crawford County have been positive, a sign of increasing community spread and inadequate surveillance testing.

Just south of Crawford, Cherokee County’s positivity rate is 27%. In Crawford, where Pittsburg is located, 46% of residents 18 and up have had at least one dose while 42% of adults in Cherokee County are vaccinated.

As more cases are identified hospital capacity is shrinking.

According to the New York Times Cherokee and Crawford counties are now averaging five and six new cases each day. As of Friday, there were only two open ICU beds in Pittsburg’s hospital — six were filled by COVID-19 patients.

Once the Pittsburg hospital is full, the first option for ICU patients is in Joplin, Missouri. But as of Friday, Freeman West was serving 42 COVID patients with a full ICU, Mercy Hospital has admitted 37 COVID-19 patients and only had 9 remaining ICU beds.

Once area hospitals are full, patients in Southeast Kansas will need to be transported north to Kansas City.

“Even though we have seen a little bit of an increase in cases recently, it’s nothing to the level that we were,” Bean said. “Primarily unvaccinated people are the new cases and the ones that we’re seeing in the hospital.”

Morgan, with the Rural Healthcare Association, said, it’s harder to keep patients out of the ICUs without robust testing.

“It’s really difficult from a resource perspective and from a public health perspective to get a good sense about what’s happening in rural America when you’re not having (testing).”

Bean said her hope is that recent spikes can be brought under control by the fall, when weather cools and kids return to school.

“The vaccine is the game changer,” Bean said.

Vaccinations, she said, are essential to keeping the stress off hospitals as their regular surge of flu and respiratory patients arrive in the fall and winter.

A partnership with KU Health and federal dollars are helping the community center offer several vaccination and testing clinics. They’re planning events across the Southeast corner of the state and are trying to talk a Pittsburg bar into a “shot for a shot” campaign when college students return to campus in August.

Mijares, the pediatrician, said plenty of people are interested in getting the vaccine but need more information before they’ll take the leap. Others, she said, are dead set against it.

“There are some people that you’re not going to be able to educate because they’ve got some preconceived notions,” Mijares said.

Dennis Kriesel, Executive Director of the Kansas Association of Local Health Departments, said his impression from state health departments is that almost everyone who wanted to get vaccinated had already.

“The long term concern is continued lack of herd immunity. If we see more and more folks getting Covid, are we going to see a variant that the vaccines aren’t going to catch?” Kriesel said.

Statewide, Gov. Laura Kelly and Congresswoman Sharice Davids issued a Public Service Announcement Thursday, urging Kansans to get vaccinated and get tested over the holiday weekend.

Kelly’s administration has helped organize vaccination incentive events at the Kansas Speedway and brought in a Mexican soccer star to encourage vaccinations in Western Kansas.

Nielsen, Kelly’s advisor, said vaccinations are key but the two efforts need to go hand in hand as the state is surrounded on all sides by areas with rising cases of the Delta variant.

“We have those individuals who are not interested in getting vaccinated but if we can convince them of the importance of getting tested, that allows us to control COVID-19 out in the Kansas population,” Nielsen said.

“In addition to making vaccines widely available we need to be doing the same thing with testing.”

But opinions vary on how to encourage vaccinations and even how necessary it is for the government to push vaccines.

Kelly’s administration proposed a vaccine incentive lottery but Legislative leaders, who would need to approve the plan, said last week they were unsure it was the best use of federal funds.

U.S. Rep. Ron Estes echoed that sentiment, saying an unequal distribution of vaccinations was inevitable.

“I think people are going to make decisions about vaccinations just like they do for anything else and some people will get it and some won’t. And the president’s goal’s not going to be hit throughout the country. Some places will be higher than others,” Estes said.

PITTSBURG, Kan. (AP) — Every time a patient enters her office, Krista Mijares, a Pittsburg, KS, pediatrician, asks them and their parent if they’ve been vaccinated. If not, she makes her pitch.Do they want to be vaccinated? How about now? If they don’t, why?In recent weeks the conversations have come with a warning: the Delta COVID-19 variant is in their community and makes it riskier than ever to remain unvaccinated.And vaccinated or not, Mijares advises families to once again wear masks in public spaces if they’ve stopped.“Don’t drop your guard, and if you are eligible to get a vaccine get vaccinated,” Mijares tells patients.Southeast Kansas is in a shaky spot. The New York Times identified Crawford and Cherokee counties as two of the state’s most dangerous places to be unvaccinated as the Delta variant of COVID-19 spreads at alarming rates. Across the border in Southwest Missouri, Delta’s aggressive advance and escalating hospital admissions prompted the state to ask for federal help.Though the Kansas counties have higher vaccination numbers than their Missouri neighbors to the east, they lack the herd immunity needed to insulate the community from a new round of outbreaks.The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is “throwing everything at a wall and seeing what sticks” as they try to increase COVID-19 testing and vaccination rates, said Dawn McNay, the director of development. That includes various incentives, constant social media posts and walk-in appointments.The variant surge comes as testing for the virus in Kansas has fallen off sharply. In June, the state posted its lowest numbers since April 2020, when testing resources were scarce. The dearth of surveillance testing among broad portions of the population, experts say, could damage health officials’ ability to monitor infection and intervene early to prevent serious illness or death.“The ability to intervene early on with proper therapeutics is key to keeping hospitalizations down,” said Alan Morgan, Executive Director of the National Rural Health Association. “I worry we’re now flying blind again, just like we did at the beginning of the pandemic.”According to the Centers for Disease Control 62% of Kansans 18 and older have received at least their first dose of vaccine, while 53% have completed the series. It put the state significantly short of President Biden’s July 4 goal of 70% with at least one shot. Twenty states cleared that bar.The 62% also obscures wide disparities among the state’s 105 counties. Johnson and Douglas counties in eastern Kansas, and Geary and Graham Counties, closer to the north central part of the state, have all surpassed 70% of adults with at least their first dose, according to the CDC. Neosho County, in Southeast Kansas, has vaccinated only 26% of adults, the state’s lowest total.CDC data shows the majority of Kansas counties sitting between 30 and 50 percent vaccinated among adults.Meanwhile, the Delta variant has become the dominant strain in the state with 289 confirmed cases, hitting Sedgwick, Johnson, Riley and Crawford counties particularly hard.“The fatigue is real but now is not the time to check out,” said Marci Nielsen, Gov. Laura Kelly’s chief advisor for COVID-19, who attributed the state’s efforts to get vaccine doses to rural counties early in the year for its relatively high vaccination rate compared with Missouri.Jen Kates, Senior Vice President at the Kaiser Family Foundation, said testing is essential for low-vaccination areas because they’re at higher risk of outbreaks.“Testing does two things, first of all it helps show where there are potential outbreaks that need to be addressed and checks for variants,” she said.Lack of testing, she said, is “problematic” and may mean hospitalization and death are a better indication of viral spread.In June, Kansas ran 29,735 diagnostic tests for the virus. That’s fewer than half the number performed in April 2020 and a small fraction of testing at its peak in November.Dr. Linda Bean, the Chief Clinical Officer at the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas and deputy health officer for Crawford County, said she viewed that as a result of the vaccine. With fewer people in the community getting sick, fewer were getting tested.“That has decreased as the number of sick people have decreased,” Bean said. “Our biggest push is for people who are symptomatic or have been exposed to get tested.”As the Delta variant began spreading across Southwest Missouri, more people were coming in because they’d been exposed to the virus. The clinic ramped up testing and identified more cases.Over the past two weeks, 18% of COVID-19 tests run in Crawford County have been positive, a sign of increasing community spread and inadequate surveillance testing.Just south of Crawford, Cherokee County’s positivity rate is 27%. In Crawford, where Pittsburg is located, 46% of residents 18 and up have had at least one dose while 42% of adults in Cherokee County are vaccinated.As more cases are identified hospital capacity is shrinking.According to the New York Times Cherokee and Crawford counties are now averaging five and six new cases each day. As of Friday, there were only two open ICU beds in Pittsburg’s hospital — six were filled by COVID-19 patients.Once the Pittsburg hospital is full, the first option for ICU patients is in Joplin, Missouri. But as of Friday, Freeman West was serving 42 COVID patients with a full ICU, Mercy Hospital has admitted 37 COVID-19 patients and only had 9 remaining ICU beds.Once area hospitals are full, patients in Southeast Kansas will need to be transported north to Kansas City.“Even though we have seen a little bit of an increase in cases recently, it’s nothing to the level that we were,” Bean said. “Primarily unvaccinated people are the new cases and the ones that we’re seeing in the hospital.”Morgan, with the Rural Healthcare Association, said, it’s harder to keep patients out of the ICUs without robust testing.“It’s really difficult from a resource perspective and from a public health perspective to get a good sense about what’s happening in rural America when you’re not having (testing).”Bean said her hope is that recent spikes can be brought under control by the fall, when weather cools and kids return to school.“The vaccine is the game changer,” Bean said.Vaccinations, she said, are essential to keeping the stress off hospitals as their regular surge of flu and respiratory patients arrive in the fall and winter.A partnership with KU Health and federal dollars are helping the community center offer several vaccination and testing clinics. They’re planning events across the Southeast corner of the state and are trying to talk a Pittsburg bar into a “shot for a shot” campaign when college students return to campus in August.Mijares, the pediatrician, said plenty of people are interested in getting the vaccine but need more information before they’ll take the leap. Others, she said, are dead set against it.“There are some people that you’re not going to be able to educate because they’ve got some preconceived notions,” Mijares said.Dennis Kriesel, Executive Director of the Kansas Association of Local Health Departments, said his impression from state health departments is that almost everyone who wanted to get vaccinated had already.“The long term concern is continued lack of herd immunity. If we see more and more folks getting Covid, are we going to see a variant that the vaccines aren’t going to catch?” Kriesel said.Statewide, Gov. Laura Kelly and Congresswoman Sharice Davids issued a Public Service Announcement Thursday, urging Kansans to get vaccinated and get tested over the holiday weekend.Kelly’s administration has helped organize vaccination incentive events at the Kansas Speedway and brought in a Mexican soccer star to encourage vaccinations in Western Kansas.Nielsen, Kelly’s advisor, said vaccinations are key but the two efforts need to go hand in hand as the state is surrounded on all sides by areas with rising cases of the Delta variant.“We have those individuals who are not interested in getting vaccinated but if we can convince them of the importance of getting tested, that allows us to control COVID-19 out in the Kansas population,” Nielsen said.“In addition to making vaccines widely available we need to be doing the same thing with testing.”But opinions vary on how to encourage vaccinations and even how necessary it is for the government to push vaccines.Kelly’s administration proposed a vaccine incentive lottery but Legislative leaders, who would need to approve the plan, said last week they were unsure it was the best use of federal funds.U.S. Rep. Ron Estes echoed that sentiment, saying an unequal distribution of vaccinations was inevitable.“I think people are going to make decisions about vaccinations just like they do for anything else and some people will get it and some won’t. And the president’s goal’s not going to be hit throughout the country. Some places will be higher than others,” Estes said.

Portions of Kansas seeing upturn in COVID-19 variant

BUTLER COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a weekend shooting have made an arrest.

Just before 1:30 a.m. Sunday,&nbsp; Butler County Deputies were dispatched to the scene of a shooting at a large party in the 6200 block of SW Church Road, Augusta, Kansas, according to Undersheriff Daimon Cundiff.

Upon arrival, Deputies located a 17-year-old boy from Winfield with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. According to witnesses, there was an altercation between the 17-year-old victim and 18-year-old Jacob Anton DeLeon, of Haysville, when he was shot.

Later that morning, Butler County Sheriff’s Investigators arrested DeLeon in connection with the shooting. He has since been charged with Second Degree Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. He is currently being held on a $200,000.00 bond at the Butler County Jail.

This was a large party and investigators are still trying to contact any other witnesses, victims, or people who were in attendance. Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to call Butler County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at (316) 322-4257, the Butler County Tip Line at (316) 322-8817, E-mail: crimetips@bucoks.com, toll free (866) 484-5924, or message the Butler County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625607024507.png" alt="Jacob Anton DeLeon is jailed on a $200,000 bond" />
 <figcaption>Jacob Anton DeLeon is jailed on a $200,000 bond</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a weekend shooting have made an arrest.Just before 1:30 a.m. Sunday,&nbsp; Butler County Deputies were dispatched to the scene of a shooting at a large party in the 6200 block of SW Church Road, Augusta, Kansas, according to Undersheriff Daimon Cundiff.Upon arrival, Deputies located a 17-year-old boy from Winfield with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. According to witnesses, there was an altercation between the 17-year-old victim and 18-year-old Jacob Anton DeLeon, of Haysville, when he was shot.Later that morning, Butler County Sheriff’s Investigators arrested DeLeon in connection with the shooting. He has since been charged with Second Degree Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. He is currently being held on a $200,000.00 bond at the Butler County Jail.This was a large party and investigators are still trying to contact any other witnesses, victims, or people who were in attendance. Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to call Butler County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at (316) 322-4257, the Butler County Tip Line at (316) 322-8817, E-mail: crimetips@bucoks.com, toll free (866) 484-5924, or message the Butler County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook.

Sheriff investigating Kan. teen's shooting death at large party

WASHINGTON (AP) — A dark money group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence’s ex-chief of staff plans to launch an ad campaign this month to pressure Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran into dropping his support for a bipartisan infrastructure plan.

Moran, who stands for re-election in 2022, is one of 21 senators who signed on to the $973 billion package negotiated with President Joe Biden.

The campaign<a href="https://coalitiontoprotectamericanworkers.com/#home"> from The Coalition to Protect American Workers</a> is expected to feature television spots in the Wichita and Topeka markets. The anti-tax group was formed in March by former Pence chief of staff Marc Short.

Short said the group worries that the plan will lead to a large tax increase.

It doesn’t include a tax increase but provides $40 billion for the Internal Revenue Service to boost tax enforcement. The ad warns viewers that agents will be “aggressively coming for every dime they can grab.”

Moran is the first Republican lawmaker to be targeted by the group and one of 11 GOP senators who worked on the plan.

He disputed the idea that passing the infrastructure plan will trigger an increase in taxes and said improving infrastructure is vital to the nation’s economy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612221153515.png" alt="Senator Moran prior to a White House meeting in February-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Senator Moran prior to a White House meeting in February-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A dark money group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence’s ex-chief of staff plans to launch an ad campaign this month to pressure Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran into dropping his support for a bipartisan infrastructure plan.Moran, who stands for re-election in 2022, is one of 21 senators who signed on to the $973 billion package negotiated with President Joe Biden.The campaign<a href="https://coalitiontoprotectamericanworkers.com/#home"> from The Coalition to Protect American Workers</a> is expected to feature television spots in the Wichita and Topeka markets. The anti-tax group was formed in March by former Pence chief of staff Marc Short.Short said the group worries that the plan will lead to a large tax increase.It doesn’t include a tax increase but provides $40 billion for the Internal Revenue Service to boost tax enforcement. The ad warns viewers that agents will be “aggressively coming for every dime they can grab.”Moran is the first Republican lawmaker to be targeted by the group and one of 11 GOP senators who worked on the plan.He disputed the idea that passing the infrastructure plan will trigger an increase in taxes and said improving infrastructure is vital to the nation’s economy.

Dark money group begins pressure on Moran over infrastructure

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and partners in non-profit 
organizations, churches, community groups and others will host events in
 12 cities this weekend to help people who don't normally file a federal
 tax return to register for the monthly Advance Child Tax Credit 
(AdvCTC) payments.

The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5532.pdf">special events&nbsp;PDF</a>
 by IRS and partner groups to help people quickly file income tax 
returns and register for the advance payments will take place July 9-10,
 2021. Events will be held in Atlanta, New York, Detroit, Houston, Los 
Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Phoenix, St. Louis 
and Washington, DC/Maryland.

"This is part of a wider effort by the IRS to reach as many people as
 possible who don't file a tax return but may be eligible for the Child 
Tax Credit and Economic Impact Payments," said Ken Corbin, IRS Wage and 
Investment Commissioner and the agency's Chief Taxpayer Experience 
Officer. "We encourage people to share this information widely and 
encourage those who need help to visit these locations."

With the help of a new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool">Non-filer Sign-up Tool</a>
 on the IRS website, volunteers and IRS employees will assist eligible 
individuals and families get these important tax credits and benefits. 
This tool, an update of last year's IRS Non-Filers tool, is also 
designed to help individuals register for the $1,400 third round of 
Economic Impact Payments (also known as stimulus checks) and claim the 
Recovery Rebate Credit for any amount of the first two rounds of 
Economic Impact Payments they may have missed. Individuals do not need 
to have children to attend these events and sign up for Economic Impact 
Payments.

People can check their eligibility for the AdvCTC payments by using the new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-eligibility-assistant">Advance Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant</a>.

For this weekend's events, to make the sign-up process go quickly and
 smoothly, people are encouraged to have the following information when 
they come to one of these events: (1) Social Security numbers for their 
children, (2) Social Security numbers or Tax Identification Numbers for 
themselves and their spouse, (3) a reliable mailing address, (4) an 
e-mail address, and (5) their bank account information if they want to 
receive their payment by direct deposit.

The IRS is also planning to do additional events in the future as 
well as work with partners inside and outside the tax community to share
 information as widely as possible to people who may be eligible for 
Child Tax Credits and the Economic Impact Payments. This is part of a 
wider effort to raise awareness of the expanded Child Tax Credit, the 
IRS also encourages its partners to use available <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">online tools and toolkits</a> to help non-filers, low-income families and other underserved groups sign up to receive the AdvCTC.

Some tax credits, such as the Child Tax Credit (CTC), are 
"refundable," meaning that even if taxpayers don't owe income tax, the 
IRS will issue them a refund if they're eligible; but they must file a 
tax return or register with the new Non-filer Sign-up Tool to receive 
it. Some people who haven't filed a 2020 tax return yet are also 
eligible for the $1,400 per person Economic Impact Payments and the 
Recovery Rebate Credit.

The first monthly payments of the expanded and newly-advanceable CTC 
from the American Rescue Plan will be made starting July 15. Most 
families will begin receiving monthly payments without any additional 
action. Eligible families will receive a payment of up to $300 per month
 for each child under age 6, and up to $250 per month for each child 
ages 6 to 17.

People who need to file a 2020 federal income tax return, but are 
unable to attend one of these events, may be able to prepare and file 
their own federal income tax online using IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> if their income is $72,000 or less.

People who don't need to file a 2020 federal tax return can also use the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool">Non-filer Sign-up Tool</a> to register to receive the advance CTC payments, the Third Round Economic Impact Payment, and the Recovery Rebate Credit.

The IRS encourages people to request payments via direct deposit, 
which is faster and more secure than other payment methods. People who 
don't have a bank account should visit the <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/about/initiatives/getbanked/index.html">Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation</a> website for details on opening an account online. They can also use the FDIC's <a href="https://banks.data.fdic.gov/bankfind-suite/bankfind">BankFind</a> tool to locate an FDIC-insured bank.

Finally, <a href="https://covidbanking.joinbankon.org/">BankOn</a>, <a href="https://www.aba.com/advocacy/community-programs/consumer-resources/manage-your-money/choosing-safe-affordable-account">American Bankers Association</a>, <a href="https://www.icba.org/about/find-a-community-bank/open-a-bank-account-remotely">Independent Community Bankers of America</a> and <a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">National Credit Union Administration</a> have lists of banks and credit unions that can open an account online. Veterans can see the <a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/banking.asp">Veterans Benefits Banking Program</a> for financial services at participating banks.

The expanded and newly-advanceable Child Tax Credit was authorized by
 the American Rescue Plan Act, enacted in March. Normally, the IRS will 
calculate the payment based on a family's 2020 tax return, including 
those who use the Non-filer Sign-up Tool. If that return is not 
available because it has not yet been filed or is still being processed,
 the IRS will instead determine the initial payment amounts using the 
2019 return or the information entered using the Non-filers tool that 
was available in 2020.

The payment will be up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child age 6 through 17.

To make sure families have easy access to their money, the IRS will 
issue these payments by direct deposit, as long as correct banking 
information has previously been provided to the IRS. Otherwise, people 
should watch their mail around July 15 for their mailed payment. The 
dates for the Advance Child Tax Credit payments are July 15, Aug. 13, 
Sept. 15, Oct. 15, Nov. 15, and Dec. 15.

To learn more about advance CTC payments, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a> or see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-frequently-asked-questions">FAQs on the 2021 Child Tax Credit and Advance Child Tax Credit Payments</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRS&nbsp;WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and partners in non-profit 
organizations, churches, community groups and others will host events in
 12 cities this weekend to help people who don't normally file a federal
 tax return to register for the monthly Advance Child Tax Credit 
(AdvCTC) payments.The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5532.pdf">special events&nbsp;PDF</a>
 by IRS and partner groups to help people quickly file income tax 
returns and register for the advance payments will take place July 9-10,
 2021. Events will be held in Atlanta, New York, Detroit, Houston, Los 
Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Phoenix, St. Louis 
and Washington, DC/Maryland."This is part of a wider effort by the IRS to reach as many people as
 possible who don't file a tax return but may be eligible for the Child 
Tax Credit and Economic Impact Payments," said Ken Corbin, IRS Wage and 
Investment Commissioner and the agency's Chief Taxpayer Experience 
Officer. "We encourage people to share this information widely and 
encourage those who need help to visit these locations."With the help of a new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool">Non-filer Sign-up Tool</a>
 on the IRS website, volunteers and IRS employees will assist eligible 
individuals and families get these important tax credits and benefits. 
This tool, an update of last year's IRS Non-Filers tool, is also 
designed to help individuals register for the $1,400 third round of 
Economic Impact Payments (also known as stimulus checks) and claim the 
Recovery Rebate Credit for any amount of the first two rounds of 
Economic Impact Payments they may have missed. Individuals do not need 
to have children to attend these events and sign up for Economic Impact 
Payments.People can check their eligibility for the AdvCTC payments by using the new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-eligibility-assistant">Advance Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant</a>.For this weekend's events, to make the sign-up process go quickly and
 smoothly, people are encouraged to have the following information when 
they come to one of these events: (1) Social Security numbers for their 
children, (2) Social Security numbers or Tax Identification Numbers for 
themselves and their spouse, (3) a reliable mailing address, (4) an 
e-mail address, and (5) their bank account information if they want to 
receive their payment by direct deposit.The IRS is also planning to do additional events in the future as 
well as work with partners inside and outside the tax community to share
 information as widely as possible to people who may be eligible for 
Child Tax Credits and the Economic Impact Payments. This is part of a 
wider effort to raise awareness of the expanded Child Tax Credit, the 
IRS also encourages its partners to use available <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">online tools and toolkits</a> to help non-filers, low-income families and other underserved groups sign up to receive the AdvCTC.Some tax credits, such as the Child Tax Credit (CTC), are 
"refundable," meaning that even if taxpayers don't owe income tax, the 
IRS will issue them a refund if they're eligible; but they must file a 
tax return or register with the new Non-filer Sign-up Tool to receive 
it. Some people who haven't filed a 2020 tax return yet are also 
eligible for the $1,400 per person Economic Impact Payments and the 
Recovery Rebate Credit.The first monthly payments of the expanded and newly-advanceable CTC 
from the American Rescue Plan will be made starting July 15. Most 
families will begin receiving monthly payments without any additional 
action. Eligible families will receive a payment of up to $300 per month
 for each child under age 6, and up to $250 per month for each child 
ages 6 to 17.People who need to file a 2020 federal income tax return, but are 
unable to attend one of these events, may be able to prepare and file 
their own federal income tax online using IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> if their income is $72,000 or less.People who don't need to file a 2020 federal tax return can also use the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool">Non-filer Sign-up Tool</a> to register to receive the advance CTC payments, the Third Round Economic Impact Payment, and the Recovery Rebate Credit.The IRS encourages people to request payments via direct deposit, 
which is faster and more secure than other payment methods. People who 
don't have a bank account should visit the <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/about/initiatives/getbanked/index.html">Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation</a> website for details on opening an account online. They can also use the FDIC's <a href="https://banks.data.fdic.gov/bankfind-suite/bankfind">BankFind</a> tool to locate an FDIC-insured bank.Finally, <a href="https://covidbanking.joinbankon.org/">BankOn</a>, <a href="https://www.aba.com/advocacy/community-programs/consumer-resources/manage-your-money/choosing-safe-affordable-account">American Bankers Association</a>, <a href="https://www.icba.org/about/find-a-community-bank/open-a-bank-account-remotely">Independent Community Bankers of America</a> and <a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">National Credit Union Administration</a> have lists of banks and credit unions that can open an account online. Veterans can see the <a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/banking.asp">Veterans Benefits Banking Program</a> for financial services at participating banks.<h2>About the advance Child Tax Credit</h2>The expanded and newly-advanceable Child Tax Credit was authorized by
 the American Rescue Plan Act, enacted in March. Normally, the IRS will 
calculate the payment based on a family's 2020 tax return, including 
those who use the Non-filer Sign-up Tool. If that return is not 
available because it has not yet been filed or is still being processed,
 the IRS will instead determine the initial payment amounts using the 
2019 return or the information entered using the Non-filers tool that 
was available in 2020.The payment will be up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child age 6 through 17.To make sure families have easy access to their money, the IRS will 
issue these payments by direct deposit, as long as correct banking 
information has previously been provided to the IRS. Otherwise, people 
should watch their mail around July 15 for their mailed payment. The 
dates for the Advance Child Tax Credit payments are July 15, Aug. 13, 
Sept. 15, Oct. 15, Nov. 15, and Dec. 15.To learn more about advance CTC payments, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a> or see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-frequently-asked-questions">FAQs on the 2021 Child Tax Credit and Advance Child Tax Credit Payments</a>.

Don't normally file taxes? Here's how to get your Child Tax Credit, COVID stimulus payments

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman stopped at an intersection to make a turn died in a four vehicle&nbsp; accident just before 5p.m. Tuesday in Sedgwick County.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Dodge Ram driven by<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=161387"> Javan Jermaine Ervin, 37,</a> Wichita, was actively attempting to elude law enforcement following a robbery.

The pickup was northbound on Ridge Road in Wichita at a high rate of speed and failed to stop at the red traffic light at Central Avenue.

The pickup collided with a westbound 2000 Chevy Silverado driven by Jordan Samuel Peltzer, 40, Henderson, Nevada.

 The impact caused the driver side rear wheels and tires to detach from the vehicle which collided with a 2016 Jeep Compass driven by Connie L. Holt, 73, Wichita, that was stopped on the inside left turn lane from South bound Ridge Road to East bound Central Avenue.

The Dodge Ram then collided with 2019 Mazda CX3 driven by Samantha Lee Russell which was stopped behind the Jeep. The Dodge Ram then rolled onto its top and came to a rest in the North bound lanes of Ridge Road.

EMS transported Russell to Wesley Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.

Ervin, Peltzer and Holt were not injured. Police took Ervin into custody on requested charges of aggravated battery, first degree murder in the commission of a felony and criminal possession of a firearm, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=161387">according to online booking records.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625654789637.png" alt="Police arrested Javan Ervin on requested charges of aggravated battery, first degree murder in the commission of a felony and criminal possession of a firearm." />
 <figcaption>Police arrested Javan Ervin on requested charges of aggravated battery, first degree murder in the commission of a felony and criminal possession of a firearm.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman stopped at an intersection to make a turn died in a four vehicle&nbsp; accident just before 5p.m. Tuesday in Sedgwick County.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Dodge Ram driven by<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=161387"> Javan Jermaine Ervin, 37,</a> Wichita, was actively attempting to elude law enforcement following a robbery.The pickup was northbound on Ridge Road in Wichita at a high rate of speed and failed to stop at the red traffic light at Central Avenue.The pickup collided with a westbound 2000 Chevy Silverado driven by Jordan Samuel Peltzer, 40, Henderson, Nevada. The impact caused the driver side rear wheels and tires to detach from the vehicle which collided with a 2016 Jeep Compass driven by Connie L. Holt, 73, Wichita, that was stopped on the inside left turn lane from South bound Ridge Road to East bound Central Avenue.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625655160724.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the fatal crash Tuesday evening photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the fatal crash Tuesday evening photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The Dodge Ram then collided with 2019 Mazda CX3 driven by Samantha Lee Russell which was stopped behind the Jeep. The Dodge Ram then rolled onto its top and came to a rest in the North bound lanes of Ridge Road.EMS transported Russell to Wesley Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.Ervin, Peltzer and Holt were not injured. Police took Ervin into custody on requested charges of aggravated battery, first degree murder in the commission of a felony and criminal possession of a firearm, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=161387">according to online booking records.</a>

Kan. woman dies in 4-vehicle crash after police chase

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged domestic

On July 4, Wichita police arrested 31-year-old Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Detention Deputy Akeem Payne on requested charges of misdemeanor Domestic Violence Criminal Damage to Property and two counts of Domestic Violence Assault, according to sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

The charges stem from an incident involving the deputy’s domestic partner. When probable cause exists to support the elements of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense, an arrest is mandatory under Kansas law.

Payne has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for just over a year.

In addition to the criminal case, the Professional Standards Unit of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an investigation.

Following the arrest, Deputy Payne was suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625604984455.png" alt="Payne photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Payne photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged domesticOn July 4, Wichita police arrested 31-year-old Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Detention Deputy Akeem Payne on requested charges of misdemeanor Domestic Violence Criminal Damage to Property and two counts of Domestic Violence Assault, according to sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.The charges stem from an incident involving the deputy’s domestic partner. When probable cause exists to support the elements of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense, an arrest is mandatory under Kansas law.Payne has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for just over a year.In addition to the criminal case, the Professional Standards Unit of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an investigation.Following the arrest, Deputy Payne was suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigation.

Kansas sheriff's deputy accused of domestic violence

LENEXA, Kan. (AP) — Police in Lenexa say a 20-year-old man is dead following an apparently accidental shooting at an apartment complex. Police say the shooting happened around 1 p.m. Monday at the Lenexa Crossing Apartments. 

The victim was identified Tuesday as Adam Carroll, of Lenexa. Police said he was shot accidentally after a friend "negligently discharged' a gun he was handling. The suspected shooter called 911 to report it and stayed on the scene until police arrived. The name of the suspected shooter has not been released.

LENEXA, Kan. (AP) — Police in Lenexa say a 20-year-old man is dead following a shooting at a local apartment complex. Police say the shooting happened around 1 p.m. Monday at the Lenexa Crossing Apartments.

 Investigators say the suspected shooter called 911 to report it and stayed on the scene until police arrived. 

Police said the shooter and victim knew each other and that the shooter reported he accidentally fired the weapon, hitting the other man in the back. Neither the victim's name nor the name of the suspected shooter had been released by early Tuesday morning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625580593110.png" alt="Police said the shooter reported he accidentally fired the weapon, hitting the other man in the back-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police said the shooter reported he accidentally fired the weapon, hitting the other man in the back-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>LENEXA, Kan. (AP) — Police in Lenexa say a 20-year-old man is dead following an apparently accidental shooting at an apartment complex. Police say the shooting happened around 1 p.m. Monday at the Lenexa Crossing Apartments. The victim was identified Tuesday as Adam Carroll, of Lenexa. Police said he was shot accidentally after a friend "negligently discharged' a gun he was handling. The suspected shooter called 911 to report it and stayed on the scene until police arrived. The name of the suspected shooter has not been released.-------LENEXA, Kan. (AP) — Police in Lenexa say a 20-year-old man is dead following a shooting at a local apartment complex. Police say the shooting happened around 1 p.m. Monday at the Lenexa Crossing Apartments. Investigators say the suspected shooter called 911 to report it and stayed on the scene until police arrived. Police said the shooter and victim knew each other and that the shooter reported he accidentally fired the weapon, hitting the other man in the back. Neither the victim's name nor the name of the suspected shooter had been released by early Tuesday morning.

Police ID Kansas man who died in accidental shooting

ALTOONA, Iowa (AP) — The father of an 11-year-old boy who died following an accident on a popular boat ride at an Iowa amusement park said that his son and other family members were trapped by the ride’s seat belts when the boat carrying them flipped.

In an interview broadcast Tuesday on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” David Jaramillo recounted what happened when the boat capsized Saturday night on the Raging River at Adventureland Park in Altoona.

“When it flipped over, all of us were trapped in the safety seat belts,” he said. “I see the silhouettes of my sons trying to grab each other, grab us. They want us to help them. We couldn’t do it.”

Michael Jaramillo died Sunday from his injuries, and another minor was hospitalized in critical condition, the Altoona Police Department said Monday. Two other riders suffered minor injuries.

“I feel like Adventureland robbed me of my baby,” said Sabrina Jaramillo, Michael’s mother. “I will never get a chance to see him grow up.”

Six people were aboard, authorities said. The morning news program reported that all were family members and that Michael’s older brother was the one hospitalized in critical condition.

The cause of the accident — the second deadly incident on the ride in five years — is under investigation. The ride uses a conveyor belt to move large circular rafts through rapids. After the boat overturned, emergency responders and witnesses helped to free the riders.

Adventureland said the ride has been closed since the accident and that the family-owned park is cooperating with investigators. Attorney Guy Cook, who represents Adventureland in personal injury cases and is assisting with the park’s response, said the inquiry would be comprehensive.

“Safety is the number one priority at Adventureland,” Cook wrote in a text message. “The Raging River ride has been in operation for nearly four decades. It is a safe ride.”

The ride opened for the first time during the 2021 season after a state inspection Friday found it was in sound working order, Adventureland said.

Altoona is a city of 20,000 people just east of Des Moines. The park, whose roller coasters can be seen from Interstate 80, expects around 600,000 visitors this year.

The Raging River has been a staple of the park since 1983, when then-Gov. Terry Branstad took one of the inaugural rides. Adventureland advertises the ride as a “great way to cool off with the whole family,” warning participants may get soaked.

In June 2016, seasonal employee Steve Booher, 68, and another worker helping riders in and out of boats were jerked off their feet when the ride began moving unexpectedly. Booher fell onto the conveyor belt about 3 feet (1 meter) below and became wedged between a boat and a concrete sidewall, where his head was repeatedly rammed until the ride’s operator shut it down.

Booher died days later. An autopsy found the cause of death was trauma to the skull and brain.

The park’s insurer last December also settled a wrongful death lawsuit brought by Booher’s wife of 47 years and their adult children for an undisclosed sum. The lawsuit alleged that the ride operator was negligent by prematurely starting the ride in violation of park rules and leaving it in operation even as Booher was down with injuries and patrons yelled at him to stop.

Cook said there was no commonality between the two accidents, but that he could not comment on Saturday’s accident until the investigation is complete.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625522251378.png" alt="The ride opened for the first time during the 2021 season after a state inspection Friday found it was in sound working order, Adventureland said.-photo courtesy KCCI TV" />
 <figcaption>The ride opened for the first time during the 2021 season after a state inspection Friday found it was in sound working order, Adventureland said.-photo courtesy KCCI TV</figcaption>
 </figure>ALTOONA, Iowa (AP) — The father of an 11-year-old boy who died following an accident on a popular boat ride at an Iowa amusement park said that his son and other family members were trapped by the ride’s seat belts when the boat carrying them flipped.In an interview broadcast Tuesday on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” David Jaramillo recounted what happened when the boat capsized Saturday night on the Raging River at Adventureland Park in Altoona.“When it flipped over, all of us were trapped in the safety seat belts,” he said. “I see the silhouettes of my sons trying to grab each other, grab us. They want us to help them. We couldn’t do it.”Michael Jaramillo died Sunday from his injuries, and another minor was hospitalized in critical condition, the Altoona Police Department said Monday. Two other riders suffered minor injuries.“I feel like Adventureland robbed me of my baby,” said Sabrina Jaramillo, Michael’s mother. “I will never get a chance to see him grow up.”Six people were aboard, authorities said. The morning news program reported that all were family members and that Michael’s older brother was the one hospitalized in critical condition.The cause of the accident — the second deadly incident on the ride in five years — is under investigation. The ride uses a conveyor belt to move large circular rafts through rapids. After the boat overturned, emergency responders and witnesses helped to free the riders.Adventureland said the ride has been closed since the accident and that the family-owned park is cooperating with investigators. Attorney Guy Cook, who represents Adventureland in personal injury cases and is assisting with the park’s response, said the inquiry would be comprehensive.“Safety is the number one priority at Adventureland,” Cook wrote in a text message. “The Raging River ride has been in operation for nearly four decades. It is a safe ride.”The ride opened for the first time during the 2021 season after a state inspection Friday found it was in sound working order, Adventureland said.Altoona is a city of 20,000 people just east of Des Moines. The park, whose roller coasters can be seen from Interstate 80, expects around 600,000 visitors this year.The Raging River has been a staple of the park since 1983, when then-Gov. Terry Branstad took one of the inaugural rides. Adventureland advertises the ride as a “great way to cool off with the whole family,” warning participants may get soaked.In June 2016, seasonal employee Steve Booher, 68, and another worker helping riders in and out of boats were jerked off their feet when the ride began moving unexpectedly. Booher fell onto the conveyor belt about 3 feet (1 meter) below and became wedged between a boat and a concrete sidewall, where his head was repeatedly rammed until the ride’s operator shut it down.Booher died days later. An autopsy found the cause of death was trauma to the skull and brain.The park’s insurer last December also settled a wrongful death lawsuit brought by Booher’s wife of 47 years and their adult children for an undisclosed sum. The lawsuit alleged that the ride operator was negligent by prematurely starting the ride in violation of park rules and leaving it in operation even as Booher was down with injuries and patrons yelled at him to stop.Cook said there was no commonality between the two accidents, but that he could not comment on Saturday’s accident until the investigation is complete.

Father recounts July 3, amusement ride accident that killed son

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — Leavenworth officials say 25-year-old Kansas man is in custody after his young brother was shot to death over the weekend. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625590667977.png" alt="Cody Scott Huninghake&nbsp; photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Cody Scott Huninghake&nbsp; photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — Leavenworth officials say 25-year-old Kansas man is in custody after his young brother was shot to death over the weekend. Leavenworth County Undersheriff Jim Sherley said officers went to a home just outside Leavenworth city limits Saturday night. They found a 17-year-old dead from a gunshot wound and arrested the&nbsp; victim's brother identified as Cody Scott Huninghake, according to online jail records.Huninghake is held in the Leavenworth County Jail. County Attorney Todd Thompson said Tuesday he is waiting for investigators' reports before determining charges.