WASHINGTON (AP) — A decades-long movement to reshape the American political map took a further step Thursday as the House of Representatives approved a bill to make the nation’s capital the 51st state.

Approval came by a 216-208 vote along strict party lines. Republicans oppose the idea given that the new state would be overwhelmingly Democratic — and the proposal faces a far tougher road in the Senate, where even full Democratic support isn’t guaranteed.

The legislation proposes creating a 51st state with one representative and two senators, while a tiny sliver of land including the White House, the U.S. Capitol and the National Mall would remain as a federal district. Instead of the District of Columbia, the new state would be known as Washington, Douglass Commonwealth — named after famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass, who lived in Washington from 1877 until his death in 1895.

An identical statehood bill passed the House in 2020, but died in the then-Republican-controlled Senate. Now, with the 2020 elections leaving Democrats controlling both chambers of Congress and the White House, Republican senators may resort to a filibuster to stymie the statehood bill.

The Senate is split 50/50 with Vice President Kamala Harris as the tie-breaker. But it takes 60 senators to break a concerted filibuster attempt. Senate Democrats could vote to tweak the filibuster rules and slip the statehood issue through a loophole — but that would require total unity and some moderate Democrats have expressed opposition to that strategy.

Perennial swing vote and Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia had already publicly stated that he will not vote to eliminate or weaken the filibuster. Manchin is also one of a handful of Democratic Senators who has not openly supported the D.C. statehood initiative.

For now, though, Democrats and statehood advocates are celebrating their House victory.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser tied the statehood issue to America’s ongoing reckoning over police brutality and longstanding issues of racial injustice.

“This vote comes at a critical time when Americans nationwide are eager to deliver on the promise of liberty and justice for all,” Bowser said in a statement. “For centuries, an incremental approach to equality in America has delayed this promise for too many. Now is the time for bold action.”

Kentucky Republican Rep. James Comer called the measure “flatly unconstitutional.”

“It won’t withstand judicial scrutiny, but it will cause massive confusion for years as it’s reviewed by the courts,” Comer said in a statement. “Democrats are pushing D.C. statehood to pack the U.S. Senate with two progressive senators so they can end the filibuster, pack the Supreme Court, enact the Green New Deal, and create the socialist utopia the Squad dreams about.”

The bill received strong support from the White House, which has called Washington’s current status “an affront to the democratic values on which our Nation was founded.”

During Thursday floor debate, a succession of Republican representatives decried it as a cynical and unconstitutional power-grab. The country’s founding fathers, “never wanted D.C. to be a state and then specifically framed the constitution to say so,” said Georgia Republican Rep. Jody Hice.

But Virginia Democratic Rep. Gerald Connolly pointed out that Kentucky was once a part of Virginia, and was carved out as a state by Congress.

Connolly argued that the federal district was a theoretical concept when first conceived, not a community with a higher population than two U.S. states.

“When the constitution was written, this place didn’t exist,” he said. “When people say this is not about race and partisanship, you can be sure it’s about race and partisanship.”

During a March&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-race-and-ethnicity-muriel-bowser-district-of-columbia-2269e23ae0912ddb37af9e432b49b91d">hearing by the House oversight committee,</a>&nbsp;GOP representatives claimed D.C. was unfit for statehood and proposed a variety of alternatives that included absolving Washingtonians from federal taxes and “retroceding” most of D.C. back into Maryland.

Opponents also contend that Congress lacks the authority to change D.C.’s status, despite every state other than the original 13 being admitted to the union via congressional vote.

Zack Smith, a legal fellow at the Heritage Institute, a conservative think tank, said the measure becoming law would unleash a wave of lawsuits.

“You’re basically looking at a lot of litigation,” Smith told The Associated Press. “Every legislative act of this new state would be called into question. ... Things would be in a state of flux for years.”

D.C. has long chafed under its relationship with Congress, which has the power to essentially veto or alter any local laws. Its population is larger than that of Wyoming or Vermont and its estimated 712,000 residents pay federal taxes, vote for president and serve in the armed forces, but they have no voting representation in Congress.

The limitations of D.C.’s reality were put in stark relief last summer during a series of protests over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and against general police brutality. After a night of widespread vandalism, President Donald Trump usurped D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s authority and called in a massive multiagency federal force to downtown. The law enforcement forces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/15be4e293cdebe72c10304fe0ec668e4">cleared peaceful protesters</a>&nbsp;from a public street so&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-mn-state-wire-09f54acd0aadf861ea3aadc5b79c0fd8">Trump could pose for a photo outside a church</a>.

Ravi Perry, head of Howard University’s political science department, said the events of last summer were a crucial turning point for the perception of the D.C. statehood push, intertwining the issue with the country’s ascendant racial justice movement. As recently as 2018, nationwide polls had shown the majority of Americans to be lukewarm at best on the topic, but those poll numbers changed dramatically in the past two years, he said.

“People have started to see D.C. statehood as the racial justice issue that it is,” said Perry, who is also on the board of the pro-statehood group D.C. Vote. “There’s been a major sea change, and a lot of that has been motivated by Trumpism.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619110134245.png" alt="Photo courtesy DC Mayor Muriel Bowser" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy DC Mayor Muriel Bowser</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A decades-long movement to reshape the American political map took a further step Thursday as the House of Representatives approved a bill to make the nation’s capital the 51st state.Approval came by a 216-208 vote along strict party lines. Republicans oppose the idea given that the new state would be overwhelmingly Democratic — and the proposal faces a far tougher road in the Senate, where even full Democratic support isn’t guaranteed.The legislation proposes creating a 51st state with one representative and two senators, while a tiny sliver of land including the White House, the U.S. Capitol and the National Mall would remain as a federal district. Instead of the District of Columbia, the new state would be known as Washington, Douglass Commonwealth — named after famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass, who lived in Washington from 1877 until his death in 1895.An identical statehood bill passed the House in 2020, but died in the then-Republican-controlled Senate. Now, with the 2020 elections leaving Democrats controlling both chambers of Congress and the White House, Republican senators may resort to a filibuster to stymie the statehood bill.The Senate is split 50/50 with Vice President Kamala Harris as the tie-breaker. But it takes 60 senators to break a concerted filibuster attempt. Senate Democrats could vote to tweak the filibuster rules and slip the statehood issue through a loophole — but that would require total unity and some moderate Democrats have expressed opposition to that strategy.Perennial swing vote and Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia had already publicly stated that he will not vote to eliminate or weaken the filibuster. Manchin is also one of a handful of Democratic Senators who has not openly supported the D.C. statehood initiative.For now, though, Democrats and statehood advocates are celebrating their House victory.D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser tied the statehood issue to America’s ongoing reckoning over police brutality and longstanding issues of racial injustice.“This vote comes at a critical time when Americans nationwide are eager to deliver on the promise of liberty and justice for all,” Bowser said in a statement. “For centuries, an incremental approach to equality in America has delayed this promise for too many. Now is the time for bold action.”Kentucky Republican Rep. James Comer called the measure “flatly unconstitutional.”“It won’t withstand judicial scrutiny, but it will cause massive confusion for years as it’s reviewed by the courts,” Comer said in a statement. “Democrats are pushing D.C. statehood to pack the U.S. Senate with two progressive senators so they can end the filibuster, pack the Supreme Court, enact the Green New Deal, and create the socialist utopia the Squad dreams about.”The bill received strong support from the White House, which has called Washington’s current status “an affront to the democratic values on which our Nation was founded.”During Thursday floor debate, a succession of Republican representatives decried it as a cynical and unconstitutional power-grab. The country’s founding fathers, “never wanted D.C. to be a state and then specifically framed the constitution to say so,” said Georgia Republican Rep. Jody Hice.But Virginia Democratic Rep. Gerald Connolly pointed out that Kentucky was once a part of Virginia, and was carved out as a state by Congress.Connolly argued that the federal district was a theoretical concept when first conceived, not a community with a higher population than two U.S. states.“When the constitution was written, this place didn’t exist,” he said. “When people say this is not about race and partisanship, you can be sure it’s about race and partisanship.”During a March&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-race-and-ethnicity-muriel-bowser-district-of-columbia-2269e23ae0912ddb37af9e432b49b91d">hearing by the House oversight committee,</a>&nbsp;GOP representatives claimed D.C. was unfit for statehood and proposed a variety of alternatives that included absolving Washingtonians from federal taxes and “retroceding” most of D.C. back into Maryland.Opponents also contend that Congress lacks the authority to change D.C.’s status, despite every state other than the original 13 being admitted to the union via congressional vote.Zack Smith, a legal fellow at the Heritage Institute, a conservative think tank, said the measure becoming law would unleash a wave of lawsuits.“You’re basically looking at a lot of litigation,” Smith told The Associated Press. “Every legislative act of this new state would be called into question. ... Things would be in a state of flux for years.”D.C. has long chafed under its relationship with Congress, which has the power to essentially veto or alter any local laws. Its population is larger than that of Wyoming or Vermont and its estimated 712,000 residents pay federal taxes, vote for president and serve in the armed forces, but they have no voting representation in Congress.The limitations of D.C.’s reality were put in stark relief last summer during a series of protests over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and against general police brutality. After a night of widespread vandalism, President Donald Trump usurped D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s authority and called in a massive multiagency federal force to downtown. The law enforcement forces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/15be4e293cdebe72c10304fe0ec668e4">cleared peaceful protesters</a>&nbsp;from a public street so&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-mn-state-wire-09f54acd0aadf861ea3aadc5b79c0fd8">Trump could pose for a photo outside a church</a>.Ravi Perry, head of Howard University’s political science department, said the events of last summer were a crucial turning point for the perception of the D.C. statehood push, intertwining the issue with the country’s ascendant racial justice movement. As recently as 2018, nationwide polls had shown the majority of Americans to be lukewarm at best on the topic, but those poll numbers changed dramatically in the past two years, he said.“People have started to see D.C. statehood as the racial justice issue that it is,” said Perry, who is also on the board of the pro-statehood group D.C. Vote. “There’s been a major sea change, and a lot of that has been motivated by Trumpism.”

House votes to make nation’s capital the 51st state

NEW YORK (AP) — How long does protection from COVID-19 vaccines last?

Experts don’t know yet because they’re still studying vaccinated people to see when protection might wear off. How well the vaccines work against emerging variants will also determine if, when and how often additional shots might be needed.

“We only have information for as long as the vaccines have been studied,” said Deborah Fuller, a vaccine researcher at the University of Washington. “We have to study the vaccinated population and start to see, at what point do people become vulnerable again to the virus?”

So far, Pfizer’s ongoing trial indicates the company’s two-dose vaccine remains highly effective for at least six months, and likely longer. People who got Moderna’s vaccine also still had notable levels of virus-fighting antibodies six months after the second required shot.

Antibodies also don’t tell the whole story. To fight off intruders like viruses, our immune systems also have another line of defense called B and T cells, some of which can hang around long after antibody levels dwindle. If they encounter the same virus in the future, those battle-tested cells could potentially spring into action more quickly.

Even if they don’t prevent illness entirely, they could help blunt its severity. But exactly what role such “memory” cells might play with the coronavirus -- and for how long -- isn’t yet known.

While the current COVID-19 vaccines will likely last for at least about a year, they probably won’t offer lifelong protection, as with measles shots, said Dr. Kathleen Neuzil, a vaccine expert at the University of Maryland.

“It’s going to be somewhere in the middle of that very wide range,” she said.

Variants are another reason we might need an additional shot.

The current vaccines are designed to work against a particular spike protein on the coronavirus, said Mehul Suthar of the Emory Vaccine Center. If the virus mutates enough over time, vaccines might need to be updated to boost their effectiveness.

So far, the vaccines appear protective against the notable variants that have emerged, though somewhat less so on the one first detected in South Africa.

If it turns out we need another shot, a single dose could extend protection of the current shots or contain vaccination for one or more variants.

The need for follow-up shots will also depend partly on the success of the vaccination push globally, and tamping down transmission of the virus and emerging variants.

By CANDICE CHOI, Associated PressNEW YORK (AP) — How long does protection from COVID-19 vaccines last?Experts don’t know yet because they’re still studying vaccinated people to see when protection might wear off. How well the vaccines work against emerging variants will also determine if, when and how often additional shots might be needed.“We only have information for as long as the vaccines have been studied,” said Deborah Fuller, a vaccine researcher at the University of Washington. “We have to study the vaccinated population and start to see, at what point do people become vulnerable again to the virus?”So far, Pfizer’s ongoing trial indicates the company’s two-dose vaccine remains highly effective for at least six months, and likely longer. People who got Moderna’s vaccine also still had notable levels of virus-fighting antibodies six months after the second required shot.Antibodies also don’t tell the whole story. To fight off intruders like viruses, our immune systems also have another line of defense called B and T cells, some of which can hang around long after antibody levels dwindle. If they encounter the same virus in the future, those battle-tested cells could potentially spring into action more quickly.Even if they don’t prevent illness entirely, they could help blunt its severity. But exactly what role such “memory” cells might play with the coronavirus -- and for how long -- isn’t yet known.While the current COVID-19 vaccines will likely last for at least about a year, they probably won’t offer lifelong protection, as with measles shots, said Dr. Kathleen Neuzil, a vaccine expert at the University of Maryland.“It’s going to be somewhere in the middle of that very wide range,” she said.Variants are another reason we might need an additional shot.The current vaccines are designed to work against a particular spike protein on the coronavirus, said Mehul Suthar of the Emory Vaccine Center. If the virus mutates enough over time, vaccines might need to be updated to boost their effectiveness.So far, the vaccines appear protective against the notable variants that have emerged, though somewhat less so on the one first detected in South Africa.If it turns out we need another shot, a single dose could extend protection of the current shots or contain vaccination for one or more variants.The need for follow-up shots will also depend partly on the success of the vaccination push globally, and tamping down transmission of the virus and emerging variants.

Experts unsure how long protection from COVID vaccine lasts

TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at a home in Topeka.

Just before 2a.m. Thursday, firefighters responded to the fire at a home&nbsp; at 1119 SW Clay Street, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.

Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and heavy flames coming from the two story wood frame residential structure. &nbsp;Radiant heat did cause damage to a neighboring structure, and residents the that home able to escape without injuries.

The home where the fire started was vacant at the time of the fire. A preliminary investigation indicates the fire cause to be intentionally set, according to Harrison.

The estimated dollar loss – $5,500.00; of which $5,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $500.00 associated with contents loss from the structure of fire origin. An additional $5,000.00 in structural loss was estimated to the neighboring property suffering radiant heat damage.

Working smoke detectors were not located within the structure of fire origin.

Any individuals with information about the circumstances of this fire are being asked to please contact Crime Stoppers at (785)234-0007 or Toll Free at 1-800-222 TIPS (8477).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619110505793.png" alt="Photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at a home in Topeka.Just before 2a.m. Thursday, firefighters responded to the fire at a home&nbsp; at 1119 SW Clay Street, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and heavy flames coming from the two story wood frame residential structure. &nbsp;Radiant heat did cause damage to a neighboring structure, and residents the that home able to escape without injuries.The home where the fire started was vacant at the time of the fire. A preliminary investigation indicates the fire cause to be intentionally set, according to Harrison.The estimated dollar loss – $5,500.00; of which $5,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $500.00 associated with contents loss from the structure of fire origin. An additional $5,000.00 in structural loss was estimated to the neighboring property suffering radiant heat damage.Working smoke detectors were not located within the structure of fire origin.Any individuals with information about the circumstances of this fire are being asked to please contact Crime Stoppers at (785)234-0007 or Toll Free at 1-800-222 TIPS (8477).

Intentionally set Kan. house fire spreads to neighbor's home


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
In a floor speech on Wednesday night, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran spoke strongly against the court-packing proposal introduced last week in Congress.

"This is a ploy, a transparent ploy for power that would undermine trust in the fair application of law and delegitimize the highest court of the land," Moran said. "If this was really a serious policy piece of legislation, we certainly wouldn't change the number of Supreme Court justices immediately."

There are many people who have spoken in the past against such proposals, including one Moran cited with a fairly high current profile.

"In fact, Senator Joe Biden, on this Senate floor, called FDR's attempt to pack the court, quote 'a power grab' and as presidential candidate this last year, he refused to endorse expanding the number of justices."

Moran said this is something Republicans could have tried, but chose not to.

"On the Republican side of the aisle, we've seen our share of defeats in recent years," Moran said. "Not once when the Republican Party controlled Congress and had the White House, were there efforts to expand the Supreme Court. Can you imagine how the left or the media would react if President Trump attempted to expand the court to 13 justices and add four Republican nominated justices during his tenure?"

Moran said the Supreme Court should not serve as another legislative body.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619107861273.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
In a floor speech on Wednesday night, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran spoke strongly against the court-packing proposal introduced last week in Congress."This is a ploy, a transparent ploy for power that would undermine trust in the fair application of law and delegitimize the highest court of the land," Moran said. "If this was really a serious policy piece of legislation, we certainly wouldn't change the number of Supreme Court justices immediately."There are many people who have spoken in the past against such proposals, including one Moran cited with a fairly high current profile."In fact, Senator Joe Biden, on this Senate floor, called FDR's attempt to pack the court, quote 'a power grab' and as presidential candidate this last year, he refused to endorse expanding the number of justices."Moran said this is something Republicans could have tried, but chose not to."On the Republican side of the aisle, we've seen our share of defeats in recent years," Moran said. "Not once when the Republican Party controlled Congress and had the White House, were there efforts to expand the Supreme Court. Can you imagine how the left or the media would react if President Trump attempted to expand the court to 13 justices and add four Republican nominated justices during his tenure?"Moran said the Supreme Court should not serve as another legislative body.

Moran speaks against court packing on Senate floor

SALINE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating after two men hunting for mushrooms found a human skull near Salina.

According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan,&nbsp;hunters found only the top part of&nbsp; a skull.&nbsp;

 After an extensive search of the area, authorities found no other evidence&nbsp; that would help identify the person. The piece of skull has been sent to the lab for DNA testing, according to Soldan.

SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating after two men hunting for mushrooms found a human skull near Salina.

Just before 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, deputies were sent to Dry Creek north of West Magnolia Road after two men hunting for mushrooms on the east side of the tree line along the creek bed reported finding a human skull, according to&nbsp;Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.

 The skull appeared to have been there for quite some time.

Deputies secured the scene and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation's crime scene unit was called in to investigate. KBI personnel were to be on site Wednesday.&nbsp;

SALINE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating after two men hunting for mushrooms found a human skull near Salina.According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan,&nbsp;hunters found only the top part of&nbsp; a skull.&nbsp; After an extensive search of the area, authorities found no other evidence&nbsp; that would help identify the person. The piece of skull has been sent to the lab for DNA testing, according to Soldan.--------SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating after two men hunting for mushrooms found a human skull near Salina.Just before 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, deputies were sent to Dry Creek north of West Magnolia Road after two men hunting for mushrooms on the east side of the tree line along the creek bed reported finding a human skull, according to&nbsp;Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan. The skull appeared to have been there for quite some time.Deputies secured the scene and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation's crime scene unit was called in to investigate. KBI personnel were to be on site Wednesday.&nbsp;

Update: Hunters find portion of human skull in rural Saline Co.

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — About three-quarters of Kansas counties have turned down new shipments of the coronavirus vaccine at least once over the past month and several for four straight weeks, state date shows.

“It is kind of stalling. Some people just don’t want it,” said Stacey Hileman, a nurse with the health department in rural northwest Kansas’ Decatur County, where only about 29% of the county’s 2,900 residents have received at least one vaccine dose.

Her county is among six that have rejected allocations for all four weeks. Thirty-three other counties paused shipments from the state for one week, 26 for two weeks and 16 for three weeks. Only 24 counties, mostly the larger ones such as Shawnee, Johnson and Sedgwick, haven’t turned down any shipments.

These numbers, however, do not include doses that have been supplied by federal programs to pharmacies and other providers

In rural south-central Kansas’ Barber County, which has turned down vaccine doses from the state for two of the past four weeks, Danielle Farr said she has no plans to be vaccinated. The 32-year-old said she got COVID-19 last year, along with her 5- and 12-year-old sons and her husband, a sheriff’s deputy. They never were tested for active infections, but blood tests detected antibodies for the virus in all four of them.

“I believe in vaccines that have eradicated terrible diseases for the past 60, 70 years. I totally and fully believe in that,” said Farr, who works at an accounting firm. “Now a vaccine that was rushed in six, seven months, I’m just going to be a little bit more cautious about what I choose to put into my body.”

That kind of resistance is concerning health care officials, who insist the vaccines in use are safe, because just 37% of the state’s residents are at least partially vaccinated. The percentage is far from where the state needs to get to reach a level of herd immunity that would make it difficult for the virus to spread.

“We need to twist some arms and get some arms to be able to give some of that vaccine,” said Dr. Steve Stites, the chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Health System, during a morning briefing Wednesday.

Marci Nielsen, a special advisor to Gov. Laura Kelly, said the state is planning to target “robust communications” at communities with lower rates to reach its goals. She noted that there was no time to spare in a written statement.

“Variants continue to be a concern and the slowing of vaccine uptake will delay the ability to reach herd immunity in Kansas, and across the nation,” she said.

But the effort is far from easy. Cheyenne County, which has about 2,800 residents and is located along the state’s western border with Colorado, also has turned down new doses for four weeks.

“You are not going to force people. We’ve got it out there. If they want it they can get on the list, and we will give it to them,” said Shawna Blanka, the spokeswoman for the 16-bed Cheyenne County Hospital, before reiterating: “It is not something you can force upon people.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617126228958.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — About three-quarters of Kansas counties have turned down new shipments of the coronavirus vaccine at least once over the past month and several for four straight weeks, state date shows.“It is kind of stalling. Some people just don’t want it,” said Stacey Hileman, a nurse with the health department in rural northwest Kansas’ Decatur County, where only about 29% of the county’s 2,900 residents have received at least one vaccine dose.Her county is among six that have rejected allocations for all four weeks. Thirty-three other counties paused shipments from the state for one week, 26 for two weeks and 16 for three weeks. Only 24 counties, mostly the larger ones such as Shawnee, Johnson and Sedgwick, haven’t turned down any shipments.These numbers, however, do not include doses that have been supplied by federal programs to pharmacies and other providersIn rural south-central Kansas’ Barber County, which has turned down vaccine doses from the state for two of the past four weeks, Danielle Farr said she has no plans to be vaccinated. The 32-year-old said she got COVID-19 last year, along with her 5- and 12-year-old sons and her husband, a sheriff’s deputy. They never were tested for active infections, but blood tests detected antibodies for the virus in all four of them.“I believe in vaccines that have eradicated terrible diseases for the past 60, 70 years. I totally and fully believe in that,” said Farr, who works at an accounting firm. “Now a vaccine that was rushed in six, seven months, I’m just going to be a little bit more cautious about what I choose to put into my body.”That kind of resistance is concerning health care officials, who insist the vaccines in use are safe, because just 37% of the state’s residents are at least partially vaccinated. The percentage is far from where the state needs to get to reach a level of herd immunity that would make it difficult for the virus to spread.“We need to twist some arms and get some arms to be able to give some of that vaccine,” said Dr. Steve Stites, the chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Health System, during a morning briefing Wednesday.Marci Nielsen, a special advisor to Gov. Laura Kelly, said the state is planning to target “robust communications” at communities with lower rates to reach its goals. She noted that there was no time to spare in a written statement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619024571924.png" alt="Wednesday April 21, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday April 21, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>“Variants continue to be a concern and the slowing of vaccine uptake will delay the ability to reach herd immunity in Kansas, and across the nation,” she said.But the effort is far from easy. Cheyenne County, which has about 2,800 residents and is located along the state’s western border with Colorado, also has turned down new doses for four weeks.“You are not going to force people. We’ve got it out there. If they want it they can get on the list, and we will give it to them,” said Shawna Blanka, the spokeswoman for the 16-bed Cheyenne County Hospital, before reiterating: “It is not something you can force upon people.”

Most Kansas counties turn down vaccine over past month

NEOSHO COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities made several arrests Wednesday following an eight-month long joint investigation into the distribution of illegal drugs, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

With assistance from the United States Attorney’s Office, arrest warrants were issued for individuals related to the distribution of methamphetamine. Then&nbsp; arrest warrants were executed as a part of “Operation Spring Cleaning" in&nbsp;Chanute, Kan., and in the surrounding Neosho, Allen and Montgomery counties.

Those arrested were booked into the Neosho County and Allen County Jails for drug-related crimes including the suspected distribution of methamphetamine, and the possession of controlled substances.&nbsp;

During the execution of one of the arrest warrants at&nbsp;804 N. Garfield, in&nbsp;Chanute, Kan., suspicious explosive devices were located. The ATF and KHP Hazardous Device Unit responded to assist with the safe removal of these devices and aid in the investigation.

Name,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Age,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; City,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Charge&nbsp;(*Listed charge may be the most serious of several charges)

Shadow McKinney, 28, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school, and Distribution of methamphetamine&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kerry Wilson, 41, Chanute, (6 Counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school

Anna Stockenbrand, 31, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school

Dedra Bright, 36, Cherryville, Distribution of methamphetamine

Gina Perez, 37, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school

Michael Naff, 35, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school

Ellen Fisher, 34, Iola, Distribution of methamphetamine

Quintin Obermiller, 30, Iola, Distribution of methamphetamine

Markus K. Steeves, 47, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of school property, Criminal use of an explosive

Pending arrests connected to this operation:

Kevin Pratt, 45, Iola, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school

Jessica Rogers, 39, Iola, Distribution of methamphetamine

Timothy J. Mishler, 30, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine

The joint operation represented a coordinated law enforcement effort to reduce the accessibility of illegal drugs impacting Southeast Kansas. This investigation is ongoing.

The cases will be prosecuted by Neosho County Attorney Linus A. Thuston, Allen County Attorney Jerry Hathaway, and Assistant Allen County Attorney Jacqie Spradling.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619043819595.png" alt="Michael Naff photo Allen County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Michael Naff photo Allen County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>NEOSHO COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities made several arrests Wednesday following an eight-month long joint investigation into the distribution of illegal drugs, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.With assistance from the United States Attorney’s Office, arrest warrants were issued for individuals related to the distribution of methamphetamine. Then&nbsp; arrest warrants were executed as a part of “Operation Spring Cleaning" in&nbsp;Chanute, Kan., and in the surrounding Neosho, Allen and Montgomery counties.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619044014479.png" alt="Gina Perez photo Allen County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Gina Perez photo Allen County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Those arrested were booked into the Neosho County and Allen County Jails for drug-related crimes including the suspected distribution of methamphetamine, and the possession of controlled substances.&nbsp;During the execution of one of the arrest warrants at&nbsp;804 N. Garfield, in&nbsp;Chanute, Kan., suspicious explosive devices were located. The ATF and KHP Hazardous Device Unit responded to assist with the safe removal of these devices and aid in the investigation.Arrested during this operation were:Name,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Age,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; City,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Charge&nbsp;(*Listed charge may be the most serious of several charges)Shadow McKinney, 28, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school, and Distribution of methamphetamine&nbsp;&nbsp;Kerry Wilson, 41, Chanute, (6 Counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a schoolAnna Stockenbrand, 31, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a schoolDedra Bright, 36, Cherryville, Distribution of methamphetamineGina Perez, 37, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a schoolMichael Naff, 35, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619043891748.png" alt="Fisher photo Allen County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Fisher photo Allen County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Ellen Fisher, 34, Iola, Distribution of methamphetamineQuintin Obermiller, 30, Iola, Distribution of methamphetamineMarkus K. Steeves, 47, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of school property, Criminal use of an explosivePending arrests connected to this operation:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619087859955.png" alt="Kevin Pratt photo from a previous arrest in Wilson Co." />
 <figcaption>Kevin Pratt photo from a previous arrest in Wilson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kevin Pratt, 45, Iola, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a schoolJessica Rogers, 39, Iola, Distribution of methamphetamineTimothy J. Mishler, 30, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamineThe joint operation represented a coordinated law enforcement effort to reduce the accessibility of illegal drugs impacting Southeast Kansas. This investigation is ongoing.The cases will be prosecuted by Neosho County Attorney Linus A. Thuston, Allen County Attorney Jerry Hathaway, and Assistant Allen County Attorney Jacqie Spradling.&nbsp;

KBI: Multiple suspects jailed in 'Operation Spring Cleaning'

GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a standoff on I-70.

Just after 4 a.m. Thursday, the Geary County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office with a vehicle pursuit, according to Undersheriff Brian Hornaday.

 Geary County Sheriff’s Deputies pursued a 2010 Nissan Titan occupied by a white male westbound on Interstate 70 into Dickinson County.&nbsp; 

Stop sticks were successfully deployed during the pursuit, causing the vehicle to come to a stop near Jeep Road.

 After refusing to exit the vehicle, a stand-off ensued, causing east and westbound traffic on Interstate 70 to be shut down between the Abilene exit and the Jeep Road exit. in Dickinson County.&nbsp; 

Just before 6a.m. the suspect surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody by the Geary County Sheriff’s Office without further incident.

GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a standoff on I-70.Just after 4 a.m. Thursday, the Geary County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office with a vehicle pursuit, according to Undersheriff Brian Hornaday. Geary County Sheriff’s Deputies pursued a 2010 Nissan Titan occupied by a white male westbound on Interstate 70 into Dickinson County.&nbsp; Stop sticks were successfully deployed during the pursuit, causing the vehicle to come to a stop near Jeep Road. After refusing to exit the vehicle, a stand-off ensued, causing east and westbound traffic on Interstate 70 to be shut down between the Abilene exit and the Jeep Road exit. in Dickinson County.&nbsp; Just before 6a.m. the suspect surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody by the Geary County Sheriff’s Office without further incident.

Kan. deputies arrest suspect after standoff on I-70 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced new employer tax credits and other steps to encourage people reluctant to be inoculated to get the COVID-19 vaccine as his administration tries to overcome diminishing demand for the shots. The moves came as Biden celebrated reaching his latest goal of administering 200 million coronavirus doses in his first 100 days in office.

With more than 50% of adults at least partially vaccinated and roughly 28 million vaccine doses being delivered each week, demand has eclipsed supply as the constraining factor to vaccinations in much of the country.

In a White House speech on Wednesday, Biden acknowledged entering a “new phase” in the federal vaccination effort that relies on increased outreach to Americans to get their shots, both to protect them and their communities.

“Vaccines can save your own life, but they can also save your grandmother’s life, your co-worker’s life, the grocery store clerk or the delivery person helping you and your neighbors get through the crisis,” Biden said. “That’s why you should get vaccinated.”

Over the past week, the pace of inoculation in the U.S. has slowed slightly. That is partly a reflection of disruptions from the “pause” in administration of the Johnson &amp; Johnson shot for a safety review, but also of softening interest for vaccines in many places even as eligibility has been opened to all those older than 16.

As the vaccination program progresses, the administration believes it will only get more difficult to sustain the current pace of about 3 million shots per day. Roughly 130 million Americans have yet to receive one dose.

Surveys have shown that vaccine hesitancy has declined since the rollout of the shots, but administration officials believe they have to make getting vaccinated easier and more appealing, particularly for younger Americans who are less at risk from the virus and do not feel the same urgency to get a shot. That means providing incentives and encouragement to get vaccinated, as well as reducing the friction surrounding the vaccination process.

Biden announced a tax credit for small businesses to provide paid leave for those getting vaccinated or potentially needing to take time off to recover from side effects. Paid for through the $1.9 trillion virus relief package passed last month, the tax change would provide a credit of up to $511 per day, per employee for businesses with fewer than 500 workers to ensure that those workers or businesses don’t suffer a penalty by getting vaccinated.

The White House is urging larger employers, which have more resources, to provide the same benefits to their workers, and educate them about the shots and encourage them to get vaccinated.

“We’re calling on every employer, large and small, in every state, give employees the time off they need with pay to get vaccinated,” Biden said.

According to the White House, just 43% of working adults have received at least one shot.

As Biden celebrated the vaccine milestone, there is a different reality in the states.

In Iowa, nearly half of the counties are not accepting new doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from the state’s allotment because demand has fallen off. In Florida, Palm Beach County plans to close mass vaccination clinics at the end of May with thousands of available vaccine slots unclaimed. In rural West Virginia, a vaccine clinic at a casino/race track parking garage is opening shots to out-of-state residents to address lagging demand. The hope is that people from Washington, D.C., make the hour’s drive to get vaccinated. In Arizona, a plan collapsed that would have opened a federally run vaccine site in Tucson; demand is slipping and county officials preferred more targeted, mobile locations.

Asked about the dip in vaccinations, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said “fluctuation is not uncommon” and that “what we want to do is continue to encourage Americans to continue to get vaccinated.”

“The pace of vaccination isn’t linear,” Becerra said, adding that “we are on a pretty good pace.”

Through its partnership with more than 40,000 retail pharmacies, the White House says more than 90% of Americans now live within 5 miles of a vaccination site. The administration is encouraging state and local efforts to bring vaccines directly to people, whether through initiatives reaching the homebound or clinics at large employment sites.

Many states have also begun to open up vaccination sites to walk-in appointments, reducing reliance on often-cumbersome reservation systems.

Maximizing the number of Americans vaccinated in the coming months is critical for the White House, which is aiming to restore a semblance of normalcy around the July Fourth holiday and even more so by the beginning of the next school year.

Administration officials have been careful to avoid predicting when the country will have vaccinated enough people to reach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/when-do-we-reach-herd-immunity-explained-8da12b3d4f6e33c0c6562f29f81ca52a">herd immunity</a>&nbsp;— when enough people become immune to a disease to make its spread unlikely. The U.S. is on track to have enough vaccine supply for every adult by the end of May and for every American by July, but administering the shots will be another matter.

With its stockpile secure and demand dropping at home, the president spoke again of sharing excess doses with allies.

Biden said he talked with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for about 30 minutes on Wednesday. “We helped a little bit there, we’re going to try to help some more,” Biden said, referring to his decision last month to share about 1.5 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine with Canada. “But there’s other countries as well that I’m confident we can help, including in Central America. But it’s in process.”

He added. “We don’t have enough to be confident to send it abroad now. But I expect we’re going to be able to do that.”

Biden set his goal of 200 million shots last month after meeting his 100 million-in-100 days goal just over a month ago. That original benchmark was announced Dec. 8, days before the U.S. had even one authorized vaccine, let alone the three that have now received emergency authorization. Still, it was generally seen within reach, if optimistic.

By the time Biden was inaugurated on Jan. 20, the U.S. had already administered 20 million shots at a rate of about 1 million per day, bringing complaints at the time that Biden’s goal was not ambitious enough. Biden quickly revised it upward to 150 million doses in his first 100 days.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619027369469.png" alt="President Biden said Wednesday that roughly 130 million Americans have yet to receive one dose of vaccine -photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden said Wednesday that roughly 130 million Americans have yet to receive one dose of vaccine -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced new employer tax credits and other steps to encourage people reluctant to be inoculated to get the COVID-19 vaccine as his administration tries to overcome diminishing demand for the shots. The moves came as Biden celebrated reaching his latest goal of administering 200 million coronavirus doses in his first 100 days in office.With more than 50% of adults at least partially vaccinated and roughly 28 million vaccine doses being delivered each week, demand has eclipsed supply as the constraining factor to vaccinations in much of the country.In a White House speech on Wednesday, Biden acknowledged entering a “new phase” in the federal vaccination effort that relies on increased outreach to Americans to get their shots, both to protect them and their communities.“Vaccines can save your own life, but they can also save your grandmother’s life, your co-worker’s life, the grocery store clerk or the delivery person helping you and your neighbors get through the crisis,” Biden said. “That’s why you should get vaccinated.”Over the past week, the pace of inoculation in the U.S. has slowed slightly. That is partly a reflection of disruptions from the “pause” in administration of the Johnson &amp; Johnson shot for a safety review, but also of softening interest for vaccines in many places even as eligibility has been opened to all those older than 16.As the vaccination program progresses, the administration believes it will only get more difficult to sustain the current pace of about 3 million shots per day. Roughly 130 million Americans have yet to receive one dose.Surveys have shown that vaccine hesitancy has declined since the rollout of the shots, but administration officials believe they have to make getting vaccinated easier and more appealing, particularly for younger Americans who are less at risk from the virus and do not feel the same urgency to get a shot. That means providing incentives and encouragement to get vaccinated, as well as reducing the friction surrounding the vaccination process.Biden announced a tax credit for small businesses to provide paid leave for those getting vaccinated or potentially needing to take time off to recover from side effects. Paid for through the $1.9 trillion virus relief package passed last month, the tax change would provide a credit of up to $511 per day, per employee for businesses with fewer than 500 workers to ensure that those workers or businesses don’t suffer a penalty by getting vaccinated.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618481198163.png" alt="Vaccinations at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City-photo courtesy Missouri Dept. of Health" />
 <figcaption>Vaccinations at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City-photo courtesy Missouri Dept. of Health</figcaption>
 </figure>The White House is urging larger employers, which have more resources, to provide the same benefits to their workers, and educate them about the shots and encourage them to get vaccinated.“We’re calling on every employer, large and small, in every state, give employees the time off they need with pay to get vaccinated,” Biden said.According to the White House, just 43% of working adults have received at least one shot.As Biden celebrated the vaccine milestone, there is a different reality in the states.In Iowa, nearly half of the counties are not accepting new doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from the state’s allotment because demand has fallen off. In Florida, Palm Beach County plans to close mass vaccination clinics at the end of May with thousands of available vaccine slots unclaimed. In rural West Virginia, a vaccine clinic at a casino/race track parking garage is opening shots to out-of-state residents to address lagging demand. The hope is that people from Washington, D.C., make the hour’s drive to get vaccinated. In Arizona, a plan collapsed that would have opened a federally run vaccine site in Tucson; demand is slipping and county officials preferred more targeted, mobile locations.Asked about the dip in vaccinations, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said “fluctuation is not uncommon” and that “what we want to do is continue to encourage Americans to continue to get vaccinated.”“The pace of vaccination isn’t linear,” Becerra said, adding that “we are on a pretty good pace.”Through its partnership with more than 40,000 retail pharmacies, the White House says more than 90% of Americans now live within 5 miles of a vaccination site. The administration is encouraging state and local efforts to bring vaccines directly to people, whether through initiatives reaching the homebound or clinics at large employment sites.Many states have also begun to open up vaccination sites to walk-in appointments, reducing reliance on often-cumbersome reservation systems.Maximizing the number of Americans vaccinated in the coming months is critical for the White House, which is aiming to restore a semblance of normalcy around the July Fourth holiday and even more so by the beginning of the next school year.Administration officials have been careful to avoid predicting when the country will have vaccinated enough people to reach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/when-do-we-reach-herd-immunity-explained-8da12b3d4f6e33c0c6562f29f81ca52a">herd immunity</a>&nbsp;— when enough people become immune to a disease to make its spread unlikely. The U.S. is on track to have enough vaccine supply for every adult by the end of May and for every American by July, but administering the shots will be another matter.With its stockpile secure and demand dropping at home, the president spoke again of sharing excess doses with allies.Biden said he talked with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for about 30 minutes on Wednesday. “We helped a little bit there, we’re going to try to help some more,” Biden said, referring to his decision last month to share about 1.5 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine with Canada. “But there’s other countries as well that I’m confident we can help, including in Central America. But it’s in process.”He added. “We don’t have enough to be confident to send it abroad now. But I expect we’re going to be able to do that.”Biden set his goal of 200 million shots last month after meeting his 100 million-in-100 days goal just over a month ago. That original benchmark was announced Dec. 8, days before the U.S. had even one authorized vaccine, let alone the three that have now received emergency authorization. Still, it was generally seen within reach, if optimistic.By the time Biden was inaugurated on Jan. 20, the U.S. had already administered 20 million shots at a rate of about 1 million per day, bringing complaints at the time that Biden’s goal was not ambitious enough. Biden quickly revised it upward to 150 million doses in his first 100 days.—-

Biden offers new tax incentive to help spur vaccinations

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft from area businesses and have two suspects in custody.

On April 5, 2021, deputies were dispatched to a business in the 8100 block of SW Topeka Boulevard for a possible theft, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a large hole cut into the fence and a damaged gate at the entrance of the property. 

During the investigation, it was discovered that multiple items were stolen, including industrial sized batteries, and multiple items were damaged with a total value over $28,000.

On Wednesday deputies gathered valuable information and responded to a residence in the 200 block of SE Pinecrest Drive and located the remaining stolen batteries as well as two suspects.

Jarrod M. Ryan (48) and Amy L. Kibbee (28), both of Topeka, were arrested and booked into the

Shawnee County Department of Corrections on charges of aggravated criminal damage to

property, theft, conspiracy and criminal trespass. Ryan was also charged with several drug related

This incident is still under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619088593865.png" alt="Ryan photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Ryan photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft from area businesses and have two suspects in custody.On April 5, 2021, deputies were dispatched to a business in the 8100 block of SW Topeka Boulevard for a possible theft, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a large hole cut into the fence and a damaged gate at the entrance of the property. During the investigation, it was discovered that multiple items were stolen, including industrial sized batteries, and multiple items were damaged with a total value over $28,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619088574976.png" alt="Kibbee photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Kibbee photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday deputies gathered valuable information and responded to a residence in the 200 block of SE Pinecrest Drive and located the remaining stolen batteries as well as two suspects.Jarrod M. Ryan (48) and Amy L. Kibbee (28), both of Topeka, were arrested and booked into theShawnee County Department of Corrections on charges of aggravated criminal damage toproperty, theft, conspiracy and criminal trespass. Ryan was also charged with several drug relatedcharges.This incident is still under investigation.

2 suspects jailed for theft at rural Kansas business

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminds taxpayers 
that the most convenient way to check on a tax refund is by using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;tool at IRS.gov or through the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go Mobile App</a>.

Taxpayers can start checking their refund status within 24 hours 
after an e-filed return is received. In addition, Where's My 
Refund&nbsp;provides a personalized date after the return is processed and a 
refund is approved.

Now more than ever, the safest and best way to file a complete and accurate tax return and get a refund is to file <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">electronically</a> and use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>. Taxpayers can visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing">IRS.gov/filing</a> for more details about <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">Free File Fillable Forms</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">free tax preparation sites</a>. E-filing is also available through a trusted <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">tax professional</a>.

While most tax refunds are issued within 21 days, some may take longer because the return requires additional review.

There are several reasons a tax refund may take long:

The IRS will contact taxpayers by mail if more information is needed to process a return.

Taxpayers claiming the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a>
 on their tax return will not cause a delay in the processing of that 
tax return. However, it is important that taxpayers claim the correct 
amount. If a correction is needed, there may be a slight delay in 
processing the return and the IRS will send a notice explaining any 
change made. Refunds may be delayed while the IRS makes any necessary 
corrections.

Taxpayers can use Where's My Refund?&nbsp;to start checking on the status 
of their return within 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of an
 electronically filed return or four weeks after the taxpayer mails a 
paper return. The tool's tracker displays progress through three phases:

To use it a taxpayer must <a href="https://sa.www4.irs.gov/irfof/lang/en/irfofgetstatus.jsp">enter</a>
 their Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer 
Identification Number) , their filing status and the exact whole dollar 
amount of their refund. The IRS updates "Where's My Refund?&nbsp;once a day, 
usually overnight, so there's no need to check more frequently.

Calling IRS doesn't speed up refund timing

Calling the IRS won't expedite a tax refund. The information 
available on Where's My Refund?&nbsp;is the same information available to IRS
 telephone assistors.

Most taxpayers who want to prepare their own returns can file electronically for free with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>. Alternatively, taxpayers who qualify can get <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">free tax help from trained volunteers</a> at community sites around the country.

Some people mistakenly believe they can expedite their refund by 
ordering a tax transcript, calling the IRS or calling their tax 
preparer. Ordering a tax transcript will not help a taxpayer get their 
refund faster or find out when they'll get their refund.

Taxpayers can use several options to help find a paid tax preparer. One resource is <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">Choosing a Tax Professional</a>, which includes a list of consumer tips for selecting a tax professional.

The <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>
 is a free searchable and sortable database. It includes the name, city,
 state and zip code of credentialed return preparers who are CPAs, 
enrolled agents or attorneys, as well as those who have completed the 
requirements for the IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/annual-filing-season-program">Annual Filing Season Program</a>. A search of the database can help taxpayers verify credentials and qualifications of tax professionals.

Taxpayers can find answers to questions, forms and instructions and 
easy-to-use tools online at IRS.gov anytime. No appointment required and
 no waiting on hold.

This news release is part of a group of IRS tips called the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-time-guide">Tax Time Guide</a>. The guide is designed to help taxpayers as they near the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-for-individuals-extended-to-may-17-treasury-irs-extend-filing-and-payment-deadline">May 17, 2021, tax filing deadline</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminds taxpayers 
that the most convenient way to check on a tax refund is by using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;tool at IRS.gov or through the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go Mobile App</a>.Taxpayers can start checking their refund status within 24 hours 
after an e-filed return is received. In addition, Where's My 
Refund&nbsp;provides a personalized date after the return is processed and a 
refund is approved.<h2>Go paperless</h2>Now more than ever, the safest and best way to file a complete and accurate tax return and get a refund is to file <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">electronically</a> and use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>. Taxpayers can visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing">IRS.gov/filing</a> for more details about <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">Free File Fillable Forms</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">free tax preparation sites</a>. E-filing is also available through a trusted <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">tax professional</a>.<h2>Refund timing</h2>While most tax refunds are issued within 21 days, some may take longer because the return requires additional review.<h2>There are several reasons a tax refund may take long:</h2><ul>
 <li>The return may include errors or be incomplete.</li><li>The return could be affected by identity theft or fraud.</li><li>The return includes a claim for the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit.</li><li>The time between the IRS issuing the refund and the bank posting it
 to an account since many banks do not process payments on weekends or 
holidays.</li>
 </ul>The IRS will contact taxpayers by mail if more information is needed to process a return.Taxpayers claiming the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a>
 on their tax return will not cause a delay in the processing of that 
tax return. However, it is important that taxpayers claim the correct 
amount. If a correction is needed, there may be a slight delay in 
processing the return and the IRS will send a notice explaining any 
change made. Refunds may be delayed while the IRS makes any necessary 
corrections.<h2>Fast and easy refund updates</h2>Taxpayers can use Where's My Refund?&nbsp;to start checking on the status 
of their return within 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of an
 electronically filed return or four weeks after the taxpayer mails a 
paper return. The tool's tracker displays progress through three phases:<ol>
 <li>Return Received;</li><li>Refund Approved; and</li><li>Refund Sent.</li>
 </ol>To use it a taxpayer must <a href="https://sa.www4.irs.gov/irfof/lang/en/irfofgetstatus.jsp">enter</a>
 their Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer 
Identification Number) , their filing status and the exact whole dollar 
amount of their refund. The IRS updates "Where's My Refund?&nbsp;once a day, 
usually overnight, so there's no need to check more frequently.<h2>Calling IRS doesn't speed up refund timing</h2>Calling the IRS won't expedite a tax refund. The information 
available on Where's My Refund?&nbsp;is the same information available to IRS
 telephone assistors.Most taxpayers who want to prepare their own returns can file electronically for free with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>. Alternatively, taxpayers who qualify can get <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">free tax help from trained volunteers</a> at community sites around the country.<h2>Ignore refund myths</h2>Some people mistakenly believe they can expedite their refund by 
ordering a tax transcript, calling the IRS or calling their tax 
preparer. Ordering a tax transcript will not help a taxpayer get their 
refund faster or find out when they'll get their refund.<h2>Filing options</h2>Taxpayers can use several options to help find a paid tax preparer. One resource is <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">Choosing a Tax Professional</a>, which includes a list of consumer tips for selecting a tax professional.The <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>
 is a free searchable and sortable database. It includes the name, city,
 state and zip code of credentialed return preparers who are CPAs, 
enrolled agents or attorneys, as well as those who have completed the 
requirements for the IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/annual-filing-season-program">Annual Filing Season Program</a>. A search of the database can help taxpayers verify credentials and qualifications of tax professionals.Taxpayers can find answers to questions, forms and instructions and 
easy-to-use tools online at IRS.gov anytime. No appointment required and
 no waiting on hold.This news release is part of a group of IRS tips called the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-time-guide">Tax Time Guide</a>. The guide is designed to help taxpayers as they near the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-for-individuals-extended-to-may-17-treasury-irs-extend-filing-and-payment-deadline">May 17, 2021, tax filing deadline</a>.

IRS: Use the Where’s My Refund? tool or app to check tax refund status

WASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department
 announced today further details of tax credits available under the 
American Rescue Plan to help small businesses, including providing paid 
leave for employees receiving COVID-19 vaccinations.

The additional details, provided in a fact sheet released today, 
spell out some basic facts about the employers eligible for the tax 
credits. It also provides information on how these employers may claim 
the credit for leave paid to employees related to COVID-19 vaccinations

Eligible employers, such as businesses and tax-exempt organizations 
with fewer than 500 employees and certain governmental employers, can 
receive a tax credit for providing paid time off for each employee 
receiving the vaccine and for any time needed to recover from the 
vaccine. For example, if an eligible employer offers employees a paid 
day off in order to get vaccinated, the employer can receive a tax 
credit equal to the wages paid to employees for that day (up to certain 
limits).

"This new information is a shot in the arm for struggling small 
employers who are working hard to keep their businesses going while also
 watching out for the health of their employees," said IRS Commissioner 
Chuck Rettig. "Our work on this issue is part of a larger effort by the 
IRS to assist the nation recover from the pandemic."

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) allows small and midsize 
employers, and certain governmental employers, to claim refundable tax 
credits that reimburse them for the cost of providing paid sick and 
family leave to their employees due to COVID-19, including leave taken 
by employees to receive or recover from COVID-19 vaccinations. 
Self-employed individuals are eligible for similar tax credits.

The ARP tax credits are available to eligible employers that pay sick
 and family leave for leave from April 1, 2021, through Sept. 30, 2021.

The paid leave credits under the ARP are tax credits against the 
employer's share of the Medicare tax. The tax credits are refundable, 
which means that the employer is entitled to payment of the full amount 
of the credits if it exceeds the employer's share of the Medicare tax.

In anticipation of claiming the credits on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f941.pdf">Form 941, Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return&nbsp;PDF</a>,
 eligible employers can keep the federal employment taxes that they 
otherwise would have deposited, including federal income tax withheld 
from employees, the employees' share of social security and Medicare 
taxes and the eligible employer's share of social security and Medicare 
taxes with respect to all employees up to the amount of credit for which
 they are eligible. If the eligible employer does not have enough 
federal employment taxes on deposit to cover the amount of the 
anticipated credits, the eligible employer may request an advance by 
filing Form 7200, Advance Payment of Employer Credits Due to COVID-19.

Self-employed individuals may claim comparable credits on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040.pdf">Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return&nbsp;PDF</a>.

More details are available on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/employer-tax-credits-for-employee-paid-leave-due-to-covid-19">this fact sheet</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department
 announced today further details of tax credits available under the 
American Rescue Plan to help small businesses, including providing paid 
leave for employees receiving COVID-19 vaccinations.The additional details, provided in a fact sheet released today, 
spell out some basic facts about the employers eligible for the tax 
credits. It also provides information on how these employers may claim 
the credit for leave paid to employees related to COVID-19 vaccinationsEligible employers, such as businesses and tax-exempt organizations 
with fewer than 500 employees and certain governmental employers, can 
receive a tax credit for providing paid time off for each employee 
receiving the vaccine and for any time needed to recover from the 
vaccine. For example, if an eligible employer offers employees a paid 
day off in order to get vaccinated, the employer can receive a tax 
credit equal to the wages paid to employees for that day (up to certain 
limits)."This new information is a shot in the arm for struggling small 
employers who are working hard to keep their businesses going while also
 watching out for the health of their employees," said IRS Commissioner 
Chuck Rettig. "Our work on this issue is part of a larger effort by the 
IRS to assist the nation recover from the pandemic."The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) allows small and midsize 
employers, and certain governmental employers, to claim refundable tax 
credits that reimburse them for the cost of providing paid sick and 
family leave to their employees due to COVID-19, including leave taken 
by employees to receive or recover from COVID-19 vaccinations. 
Self-employed individuals are eligible for similar tax credits.The ARP tax credits are available to eligible employers that pay sick
 and family leave for leave from April 1, 2021, through Sept. 30, 2021.The paid leave credits under the ARP are tax credits against the 
employer's share of the Medicare tax. The tax credits are refundable, 
which means that the employer is entitled to payment of the full amount 
of the credits if it exceeds the employer's share of the Medicare tax.In anticipation of claiming the credits on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f941.pdf">Form 941, Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return&nbsp;PDF</a>,
 eligible employers can keep the federal employment taxes that they 
otherwise would have deposited, including federal income tax withheld 
from employees, the employees' share of social security and Medicare 
taxes and the eligible employer's share of social security and Medicare 
taxes with respect to all employees up to the amount of credit for which
 they are eligible. If the eligible employer does not have enough 
federal employment taxes on deposit to cover the amount of the 
anticipated credits, the eligible employer may request an advance by 
filing Form 7200, Advance Payment of Employer Credits Due to COVID-19.Self-employed individuals may claim comparable credits on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040.pdf">Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return&nbsp;PDF</a>.More details are available on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/employer-tax-credits-for-employee-paid-leave-due-to-covid-19">this fact sheet</a>.

IRS: Tax credit will allow small employers to offer paid 'vaccine leave'

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri Senate budget committee on Wednesday voted against funding Medicaid expansion.

The Senate Appropriations Committee voted 7-7 on a Republican-sponsored proposal that would have set money aside to pay for the program. The tied vote meant the proposal failed.

Missouri voters last year amended the state Constitution to extend access to government health care to thousands more low-income adults, but now the Republican-led Legislature is arguing over whether to fund it.

Many Republican lawmakers have for years resisted expanding access to Medicaid, citing the expense of expanding it and waste within the current program.

But some GOP senators on Wednesday said the Legislature will be sued if they don't fund the voter-approved measure, and that could mean a judge forces them to pay for it. They argued the Legislature should provide the money now so lawmakers have some control over the spending.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri Senate budget committee on Wednesday voted against funding Medicaid expansion.The Senate Appropriations Committee voted 7-7 on a Republican-sponsored proposal that would have set money aside to pay for the program. The tied vote meant the proposal failed.Missouri voters last year amended the state Constitution to extend access to government health care to thousands more low-income adults, but now the Republican-led Legislature is arguing over whether to fund it.Many Republican lawmakers have for years resisted expanding access to Medicaid, citing the expense of expanding it and waste within the current program.But some GOP senators on Wednesday said the Legislature will be sued if they don't fund the voter-approved measure, and that could mean a judge forces them to pay for it. They argued the Legislature should provide the money now so lawmakers have some control over the spending.

Missouri panel votes down Medicaid expansion funding

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1b53774b-1add-4510-9245-aeb590b3218d">READ MORE: Where's my tax refund? Track it here.</a>

WASHINGTON — Today, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department
 of the Treasury, and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service announced they 
are disbursing nearly two million payments in the sixth batch of 
Economic Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan.

Today's announcement brings the total disbursed so far to 
approximately 161 million payments, with a total value of more than $379
 billion, since these payments began rolling out to Americans in batches
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-begins-delivering-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments-to-americans">as announced</a> on March 12.

The sixth batch of payments began processing on Friday, April 16, 
with an official payment date of April 21, with some people receiving 
direct payments in their accounts earlier as provisional or pending 
deposits. Here is additional information on this batch of payments:

Additional information is available on the first five batches of
 Economic Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan, which began 
processing on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-2-million-more-economic-impact-payments-under-the-american-rescue-plan-va-beneficiaries-bring-total-to-approximately-159-million-as-payments-continue">April 9</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-25-million-more-economic-impact-payments-under-the-american-rescue-plan">April 2</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-more-economic-impact-payments-under-the-american-rescue-plan-total-tops-130-million-with-more-to-come">March 26</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-another-37-million-economic-impact-payments-from-the-american-rescue-plan">March 19</a> and <a href="https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0063">March 12</a>.

The IRS will continue to make Economic Impact Payments on a weekly 
basis. Ongoing payments will be sent to eligible individuals for whom 
the IRS previously did not have information to issue a payment but who 
recently filed a tax return, as well to people who qualify for "plus-up"
 payments.

Special reminder for those who don't normally file a tax return

Although payments are automatic for most people, the IRS continues to
 urge people who don't normally file a tax return and haven't received 
Economic Impact Payments to file a 2020 tax return to get all the 
benefits they're entitled to under the law, including tax credits such 
as the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>,
 the Child Tax Credit, and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Filing a 2020 
tax return will also assist the IRS in determining whether someone is 
eligible for an advance payment of the 2021 Child Tax Credit, which will
 begin to be disbursed this summer.

For example, some federal benefits recipients may need to file a 2020
 tax return – even if they don't usually file – to provide information 
the IRS needs to send payments for a qualifying dependent. Eligible 
individuals in this group should file a 2020 tax return as quickly as 
possible to be considered for an additional payment for their qualifying
 dependents.

People who don't normally file a tax return and don't receive federal
 benefits may qualify for these Economic Impact Payments. This includes 
those experiencing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/those-experiencing-homelessness-can-get-economic-impact-payments-and-other-tax-benefits-permanent-address-not-required">homelessness</a>,
 the rural poor and others. Individuals who didn't get a first or second
 round Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amounts may be 
eligible for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>, but they'll need to file a 2020 tax return. See the special section on IRS.gov: <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit-topic-a-claiming-the-recovery-rebate-credit-if-you-arent-required-to-file-a-tax-return">Claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren't required to file a tax return</a>.

Free <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">tax return preparation</a> is available for qualifying people.

The IRS reminds taxpayers that the income levels in this new round of
 Economic Impact Payments have changed. This means that some people 
won't be eligible for the third payment even if they received a first or
 second Economic Impact Payment or claimed a 2020 Recovery Rebate 
Credit. Payments will begin to be reduced for individuals making $75,000
 or above in Adjusted Gross Income ($150,000 for married filing 
jointly). The payments end at $80,000 for individuals ($160,000 for 
married filing jointly); people with Adjusted Gross Incomes above these 
levels are ineligible for a payment.

Individuals can check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov to see the payment status of these payments. Additional information on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments">Economic Impact Payments</a> is available on IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1b53774b-1add-4510-9245-aeb590b3218d">READ MORE: Where's my tax refund? Track it here.</a>IRSWASHINGTON — Today, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department
 of the Treasury, and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service announced they 
are disbursing nearly two million payments in the sixth batch of 
Economic Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan.Today's announcement brings the total disbursed so far to 
approximately 161 million payments, with a total value of more than $379
 billion, since these payments began rolling out to Americans in batches
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-begins-delivering-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments-to-americans">as announced</a> on March 12.The sixth batch of payments began processing on Friday, April 16, 
with an official payment date of April 21, with some people receiving 
direct payments in their accounts earlier as provisional or pending 
deposits. Here is additional information on this batch of payments:<ul>
 <li>In total, this batch includes nearly 2 million payments with a value of nearly $3.4 billion.</li><li>Nearly 700,000 payments, with a value of more than $1.3 billion, 
went to eligible individuals for whom the IRS previously did not have 
information to issue an Economic Impact Payment but who recently filed a
 tax return.&nbsp;</li><li>This batch also includes additional ongoing supplemental payments 
for people who earlier this year received payments based on their 2019 
tax returns but are eligible for a new or larger payment based on their 
recently processed 2020 tax returns. This batch included nearly 700,000 
of these "plus-up" payments, with a value of nearly $1.2 billion.</li><li>Another 600,000 payments went to Social Security beneficiaries and 
Supplemental Security Income recipients, including those with foreign 
addresses.</li><li>Overall, this sixth batch of payments contains about 900,000 direct
 deposit payments (with a total value of $1.5 billion) and nearly 1.1 
million paper check payments (with a total value of nearly $1.8 
billion).</li>
 </ul>Additional information is available on the first five batches of
 Economic Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan, which began 
processing on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-2-million-more-economic-impact-payments-under-the-american-rescue-plan-va-beneficiaries-bring-total-to-approximately-159-million-as-payments-continue">April 9</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-25-million-more-economic-impact-payments-under-the-american-rescue-plan">April 2</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-more-economic-impact-payments-under-the-american-rescue-plan-total-tops-130-million-with-more-to-come">March 26</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-another-37-million-economic-impact-payments-from-the-american-rescue-plan">March 19</a> and <a href="https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0063">March 12</a>.The IRS will continue to make Economic Impact Payments on a weekly 
basis. Ongoing payments will be sent to eligible individuals for whom 
the IRS previously did not have information to issue a payment but who 
recently filed a tax return, as well to people who qualify for "plus-up"
 payments.<h2>Special reminder for those who don't normally file a tax return</h2>Although payments are automatic for most people, the IRS continues to
 urge people who don't normally file a tax return and haven't received 
Economic Impact Payments to file a 2020 tax return to get all the 
benefits they're entitled to under the law, including tax credits such 
as the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>,
 the Child Tax Credit, and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Filing a 2020 
tax return will also assist the IRS in determining whether someone is 
eligible for an advance payment of the 2021 Child Tax Credit, which will
 begin to be disbursed this summer.For example, some federal benefits recipients may need to file a 2020
 tax return – even if they don't usually file – to provide information 
the IRS needs to send payments for a qualifying dependent. Eligible 
individuals in this group should file a 2020 tax return as quickly as 
possible to be considered for an additional payment for their qualifying
 dependents.People who don't normally file a tax return and don't receive federal
 benefits may qualify for these Economic Impact Payments. This includes 
those experiencing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/those-experiencing-homelessness-can-get-economic-impact-payments-and-other-tax-benefits-permanent-address-not-required">homelessness</a>,
 the rural poor and others. Individuals who didn't get a first or second
 round Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amounts may be 
eligible for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>, but they'll need to file a 2020 tax return. See the special section on IRS.gov: <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit-topic-a-claiming-the-recovery-rebate-credit-if-you-arent-required-to-file-a-tax-return">Claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren't required to file a tax return</a>.Free <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">tax return preparation</a> is available for qualifying people.The IRS reminds taxpayers that the income levels in this new round of
 Economic Impact Payments have changed. This means that some people 
won't be eligible for the third payment even if they received a first or
 second Economic Impact Payment or claimed a 2020 Recovery Rebate 
Credit. Payments will begin to be reduced for individuals making $75,000
 or above in Adjusted Gross Income ($150,000 for married filing 
jointly). The payments end at $80,000 for individuals ($160,000 for 
married filing jointly); people with Adjusted Gross Incomes above these 
levels are ineligible for a payment.Individuals can check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov to see the payment status of these payments. Additional information on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments">Economic Impact Payments</a> is available on IRS.gov.