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

The United States hasn’t had a global advisory warning against international travel since August, when guidance was revoked by the Trump administration.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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United States hasn’t had a global advisory warning against international travel since August, when guidance was revoked by the Trump administration.The advice issued by the department isn’t a formal global advisory.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

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

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

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

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

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

The victim has since been released from the hospital.

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

Police: Kan. man thrown from staircase during fight

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington, D.C., medical examiner’s office says Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick suffered a stroke after confronting rioters on Jan. 6 and died of natural causes. 

Investigators initially believed the officer was hit in the head with a fire extinguisher, based on statements collected early in the investigation. 

They later thought Sicknick may have ingested a chemical substance — possibly bear spray — that may have contributed to his death. But the determination of a natural cause of death means the medical examiner found that a medical condition alone caused his death. 

The determination is likely to significantly inhibit the ability of federal prosecutors to bring homicide charges in Sicknick’s death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614877392587.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington, D.C., medical examiner’s office says Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick suffered a stroke after confronting rioters on Jan. 6 and died of natural causes. Investigators initially believed the officer was hit in the head with a fire extinguisher, based on statements collected early in the investigation. They later thought Sicknick may have ingested a chemical substance — possibly bear spray — that may have contributed to his death. But the determination of a natural cause of death means the medical examiner found that a medical condition alone caused his death. The determination is likely to significantly inhibit the ability of federal prosecutors to bring homicide charges in Sicknick’s death.

Medical ruling: Capitol cop Sicknick died of natural causes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IRS: Common tax return errors as May 17 deadline looms

News Release Clay County Emergency Management

Last night near midnight, Aaron Ackerman was driving home from work and observed an active fire on the east end of a home in the 300 block of Clay Ave in Clay Center. 

 Aaron reacted well and quickly.  He called 911 reporting the fire and began pounding on the front door of the home to alert them of the fire. 

After some tense moments the occupants, who were asleep, came to the door and Ackerman alerted them to the fire.  He helped the two 74-year-old homeowners and their 18-year-old grandson who had been asleep until his pounding on the door brought them to the door evacuate with the family's two dogs.  There were no injuries. 

 On duty Clay County Deputies responded to aid on this call.  

Clay Center Fire and EMS responded as did Fairfield, Sutton, Edgar, and Harvard Fire Departments. 

 Neighbors and friends helped the family find shelter overnight.  The American Red Cross Grand Island office which serves Clay County was put in contact with the homeowners and is providing outreach as well.  

There was extensive damage to the home, but due to Ackerman's actions, there were no injuries or loss of life.

Fires may not happen to you, but this is a good reminder to make sure your fire alarms are working and properly placed.  We ask you to check them twice a year.  Emergency Managers have partnered with the American Red Cross to provide 10-year fire alarms for homes who want them.  They only need to be tested as the batteries are good for 10 years.  The life of the detector.  

Please make sure you have working fire detectors in your home, on each floor of the home and outside of each bedroom.   We have provided several to households in Clay County in the last year.   Let's all work together to keep our homes prepared and safe for all potential disasters.  Don't fall into the trap of "this will never happen to me".  It can and it does. 

Our county is lucky to have had Mr. Ackerman in the area and take such quick and direct action to help a family.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618881032609.png" alt="Photo: Clay County Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Photo: Clay County Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Clay County Emergency ManagementLast night near midnight, Aaron Ackerman was driving home from work and observed an active fire on the east end of a home in the 300 block of Clay Ave in Clay Center. Aaron reacted well and quickly. He called 911 reporting the fire and began pounding on the front door of the home to alert them of the fire. After some tense moments the occupants, who were asleep, came to the door and Ackerman alerted them to the fire. He helped the two 74-year-old homeowners and their 18-year-old grandson who had been asleep until his pounding on the door brought them to the door evacuate with the family's two dogs. There were no injuries. On duty Clay County Deputies responded to aid on this call. Clay Center Fire and EMS responded as did Fairfield, Sutton, Edgar, and Harvard Fire Departments. Neighbors and friends helped the family find shelter overnight. The American Red Cross Grand Island office which serves Clay County was put in contact with the homeowners and is providing outreach as well. There was extensive damage to the home, but due to Ackerman's actions, there were no injuries or loss of life.Fires may not happen to you, but this is a good reminder to make sure your fire alarms are working and properly placed. We ask you to check them twice a year. Emergency Managers have partnered with the American Red Cross to provide 10-year fire alarms for homes who want them. They only need to be tested as the batteries are good for 10 years. The life of the detector. Please make sure you have working fire detectors in your home, on each floor of the home and outside of each bedroom. We have provided several to households in Clay County in the last year. Let's all work together to keep our homes prepared and safe for all potential disasters. Don't fall into the trap of "this will never happen to me". It can and it does. Our county is lucky to have had Mr. Ackerman in the area and take such quick and direct action to help a family.

Passerby saves Clay County residents, 2 dogs from house fire

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

One man was killed and a woman was wounded in the shooting at Westroads Mall in Omaha that prosecutors said was likely gang-related. 

The shooting around midday Saturday sent shoppers fleeing from the mall. 

A judge ordered 16-year-old Makhi Woolridge-Jones to be held without bail after he was charged with first-degree murder, assault and two gun charges.

His older brother, 18-year-old Brandon Woolridge-Jones, was charged as an accessory to the shooting, and his bail was set at $75,000. 

In 2007, a gunman killed eight people and himself inside Von Maur at the mall.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Two teenagers have been charged in Saturday’s fatal shooting at a Nebraska shopping mall.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618880216660.png" alt="Makhi-Woolridge-Jones" />
 <figcaption>Makhi-Woolridge-Jones</figcaption>
 </figure>One man was killed and a woman was wounded in the shooting at Westroads Mall in Omaha that prosecutors said was likely gang-related. The shooting around midday Saturday sent shoppers fleeing from the mall. A judge ordered 16-year-old Makhi Woolridge-Jones to be held without bail after he was charged with first-degree murder, assault and two gun charges.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618880423800.png" alt="Brandon Woolridge-Jones" />
 <figcaption>Brandon Woolridge-Jones</figcaption>
 </figure>His older brother, 18-year-old Brandon Woolridge-Jones, was charged as an accessory to the shooting, and his bail was set at $75,000. In 2007, a gunman killed eight people and himself inside Von Maur at the mall.

Two teenagers charged in fatal Nebraska mall shooting

At approximately 4:02 pm, near the area of 11th and Locust Streets, an Omaha Police officer, and Washington County deputy, members of the Metro Fugitive Task Force Unit, were accompanied by another Washington County Deputy as they attempted to make contact with a wanted female suspect who had felony warrants. 

The female, who was a passenger in a white truck with a male driver, fled the area in the truck. 

During the encounter, a firearm was discharged by law enforcement. 

 The suspects continued to flee in the vehicle past the deputies and officer. The vehicle became disabled near 12th and Cuming Streets and both suspects fled on foot. 

 After a short foot pursuit, the female was arrested and the male was apprehended later not far from the area. 

No one was injured during the incident and the investigation is ongoing.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1562428322923.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Omaha PoliceAt approximately 4:02 pm, near the area of 11th and Locust Streets, an Omaha Police officer, and Washington County deputy, members of the Metro Fugitive Task Force Unit, were accompanied by another Washington County Deputy as they attempted to make contact with a wanted female suspect who had felony warrants. The female, who was a passenger in a white truck with a male driver, fled the area in the truck. During the encounter, a firearm was discharged by law enforcement. The suspects continued to flee in the vehicle past the deputies and officer. The vehicle became disabled near 12th and Cuming Streets and both suspects fled on foot. After a short foot pursuit, the female was arrested and the male was apprehended later not far from the area. No one was injured during the incident and the investigation is ongoing.&nbsp;

Officer fires shot in Omaha during fugitive apprehension

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two women sentenced for actions in Kan. police protests

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kan. officer recovering after electrocution by downed power lines

News Release Nebraska State Patrol

Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested a Lincoln man following an investigation into a reported sexual assault of a minor.

The investigation began when Homeland Security Investigators informed the Nebraska State Patrol of a report of a sexual assault that had occurred in 2020.

On April 16, a trooper performed a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Everette O’Neal, 62, of Lincoln, who was known to have a revoked driver’s license. 

O’Neal was arrested for driving with a revoked license. Investigators were also present to place O’Neal under arrest for first-degree sexual assault of a minor.

O’Neal was lodged in Lancaster County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611161236522.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Nebraska State PatrolInvestigators with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested a Lincoln man following an investigation into a reported sexual assault of a minor.The investigation began when Homeland Security Investigators informed the Nebraska State Patrol of a report of a sexual assault that had occurred in 2020.On April 16, a trooper performed a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Everette O’Neal, 62, of Lincoln, who was known to have a revoked driver’s license. O’Neal was arrested for driving with a revoked license. Investigators were also present to place O’Neal under arrest for first-degree sexual assault of a minor.O’Neal was lodged in Lancaster County Jail.

Lincoln man arrested for sexual assault of a minor

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Police in Lincoln say a 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and other counts after he was accused of having a stolen handgun and punching an officer several times in the face as he was being arrested. 

The Lincoln Journal Star says the incident happened Saturday night when police confronted the teen who had a warrant out for his arrest. 

Police say the teen punched the officer in an attempt to get away. 

Police say they found a stolen 9 mm handgun and four magazines of ammunition in his backpack. 

In addition to the assault charge, the teen faces charges of carrying a concealed weapon and vandalism.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Police in Lincoln say a 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and other counts after he was accused of having a stolen handgun and punching an officer several times in the face as he was being arrested. The Lincoln Journal Star says the incident happened Saturday night when police confronted the teen who had a warrant out for his arrest. Police say the teen punched the officer in an attempt to get away. Police say they found a stolen 9 mm handgun and four magazines of ammunition in his backpack. In addition to the assault charge, the teen faces charges of carrying a concealed weapon and vandalism.

Lincoln police: Teen found with stolen gun punched officer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A boy shot over the weekend at a hotel near a Kansas City theme park has died from his injuries, police said.

The shooting happened around 7 p.m. Saturday inside Hometowne Studios, which sits west of Interstate 435 across from Worlds of Fun, according to a police news release.

The teen was taken to a hospital in critical condition, where he underwent surgery, police said. The teen died of his injuries on Sunday, police said. His name had not been released by Monday morning.

Police said homicide detectives have a person of interest in the case but are still looking for more information on the shooting from the public.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A child was shot and critically hurt Saturday evening in north Kansas City.

Police said officers were called to a hotel near Worlds of Fun shortly before 7 p.m. Saturday. At the Hometowne Studios hotel, they found a boy with a gunshot wound.

The boy was taken to a hospital where he underwent surgery. Police said he remained in critical condition Sunday morning.

Police did not release any details of the shooting, and no arrests were reported immediately Sunday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A boy shot over the weekend at a hotel near a Kansas City theme park has died from his injuries, police said.The shooting happened around 7 p.m. Saturday inside Hometowne Studios, which sits west of Interstate 435 across from Worlds of Fun, according to a police news release.The teen was taken to a hospital in critical condition, where he underwent surgery, police said. The teen died of his injuries on Sunday, police said. His name had not been released by Monday morning.Police said homicide detectives have a person of interest in the case but are still looking for more information on the shooting from the public.---------KANSAS CITY (AP) — A child was shot and critically hurt Saturday evening in north Kansas City.Police said officers were called to a hotel near Worlds of Fun shortly before 7 p.m. Saturday. At the Hometowne Studios hotel, they found a boy with a gunshot wound.The boy was taken to a hospital where he underwent surgery. Police said he remained in critical condition Sunday morning.Police did not release any details of the shooting, and no arrests were reported immediately Sunday.

Police: Boy shot near Worlds of Fun has died

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota is among the best states in the nation for the percentage of people who have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. 

Now health officials are turning their focus toward those who are hesitant to get the shots. 

A map published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows rural states like South Dakota, North Dakota and Wyoming with some of the highest concentrations of vaccine hesitancy in the country.

 The Rapid City Journal reports that in central South Dakota, the most rural part of the state, about 29% of people surveyed had reservations about getting vaccinated. 

Health officials say they're trying to steer people toward trusted sources to get information about the vaccines.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota is among the best states in the nation for the percentage of people who have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Now health officials are turning their focus toward those who are hesitant to get the shots. A map published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows rural states like South Dakota, North Dakota and Wyoming with some of the highest concentrations of vaccine hesitancy in the country. The Rapid City Journal reports that in central South Dakota, the most rural part of the state, about 29% of people surveyed had reservations about getting vaccinated. Health officials say they're trying to steer people toward trusted sources to get information about the vaccines.

South Dakota health officials focus on vaccine hesitancy

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA’s experimental Mars helicopter rose from the dusty red surface into the planet’s thin air on Monday, achieving the first powered flight on another planet.

The triumph was hailed as a Wright Brothers moment. The mini 4-pound copter named Ingenuity, in fact, carried a bit of wing fabric from the 1903 Wright Flyer, which made similar history at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

“Altimeter data confirms that Ingenuity has performed its first flight, the first flight of a powered aircraft on another planet,” said the helicopter’s chief pilot back on Earth, Havard Grip, his voice breaking as his teammates erupted in cheers.

Flight controllers in California confirmed Ingenuity’s brief hop after receiving data via the Perseverance rover, which stood watch more than 200 feet away. Ingenuity hitched a ride to Mars on Perseverance, clinging to the rover’s belly upon their arrival in an ancient river delta in February.

The $85 million helicopter demo was considered high risk, yet high reward.

“Each world gets only one first flight,” project manager MiMi Aung noted earlier this month. Speaking on a NASA webcast early Monday, she called it the “ultimate dream.”

Aung and her team had to wait more than three excruciating hours before learning whether the pre-programmed flight had succeeded 178 million miles away. Adding to their anxiety: A software error prevented the helicopter from lifting off a week earlier and had engineers scrambling to come up with a fix.

Applause, cheers and laughter erupted in the operations center when success was finally declared. More followed when the first black and white photo from Ingenuity appeared on their screens, showing its shadow as it hovered above the surface of Mars. Next came the stunning color images of the helicopter descending back to the surface, taken by Perseverance, “the best host little Ingenuity could ever hope for,” Aung said in thanking everyone.

NASA had been aiming for a 40-second flight, and while details were initially sparse, the craft hit all its targets: spin-up, takeoff, hover, descent and landing.

To accomplish all that, the helicopter’s twin, counter-rotating rotor blades needed to spin at 2,500 revolutions per minute — five times faster than on Earth. With an atmosphere just 1 percent the thickness of Earth’s, engineers had to build a helicopter light enough — with blades spinning fast enough — to generate this otherworldy lift. At the same time, it had to be sturdy enough to withstand the Martian wind and extreme cold.

More than six years in the making, Ingenuity is a barebones 1.6 feet tall, a spindly four-legged chopper. Its fuselage, containing all the batteries, heaters and sensors, is the size of a tissue box. The carbon-fiber, foam-filled rotors are the biggest pieces: Each pair stretches 4 feet&nbsp; tip to tip.

The helicopter is topped with a solar panel for recharging the batteries, crucial for its survival during the minus-130 degree Fahrenheit (minus-90 degree-Celsius) Martian nights.

NASA chose a flat, relatively rock-free patch for Ingenuity’s airfield, measuring 33 feet by 33 feet It turned out to be less than 100 feet from the original landing site in Jezero Crater. The helicopter was released from the rover onto the airfield on April 3. Flight commands were sent Sunday, after controllers sent up a software correction for the rotor blade spin-up.

The little chopper with a giant job attracted attention from around the world, from the moment it launched with Perseverance last July until now. Even Arnold Schwarzenegger joined in the fun, rooting for Ingenuity over the weekend via Twitter. “Get to the chopper!” he shouted, re-enacting a line from his 1987 sci-fi film “Predator.”

Up to five helicopter flights are planned, each one increasingly ambitious. If successful, the demo could lead the way to a fleet of Martian drones in decades to come, providing aerial views, transporting packages and serving as scouts for astronauts. High-altitude helicopters here on Earth could also benefit — imagine choppers easily navigating the Himalayas.

Ingenuity’s team has until the beginning of May to complete the test flights. That’s because the rover needs to get on with its main mission: collecting rock samples that could hold evidence of past Martian life, for return to Earth a decade from now.

Until then, Perseverance will keep watch over Ingenuity. Flight engineers affectionately call them Percy and Ginny. “Big sister’s watching,” said Malin Space Science Systems’ Elsa Jensen, the rover’s lead camera operator.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618833026464.png" alt="NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter took this shot while hovering over the Martian surface on April 19, 2021, during the first instance of powered, controlled flight on another planet. It used its navigation camera, which autonomously tracks the ground during flight-image courtesy NASA" />
 <figcaption>NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter took this shot while hovering over the Martian surface on April 19, 2021, during the first instance of powered, controlled flight on another planet. It used its navigation camera, which autonomously tracks the ground during flight-image courtesy NASA</figcaption>
 </figure>CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA’s experimental Mars helicopter rose from the dusty red surface into the planet’s thin air on Monday, achieving the first powered flight on another planet.The triumph was hailed as a Wright Brothers moment. The mini 4-pound copter named Ingenuity, in fact, carried a bit of wing fabric from the 1903 Wright Flyer, which made similar history at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.“Altimeter data confirms that Ingenuity has performed its first flight, the first flight of a powered aircraft on another planet,” said the helicopter’s chief pilot back on Earth, Havard Grip, his voice breaking as his teammates erupted in cheers.Flight controllers in California confirmed Ingenuity’s brief hop after receiving data via the Perseverance rover, which stood watch more than 200 feet away. Ingenuity hitched a ride to Mars on Perseverance, clinging to the rover’s belly upon their arrival in an ancient river delta in February.The $85 million helicopter demo was considered high risk, yet high reward.“Each world gets only one first flight,” project manager MiMi Aung noted earlier this month. Speaking on a NASA webcast early Monday, she called it the “ultimate dream.”Aung and her team had to wait more than three excruciating hours before learning whether the pre-programmed flight had succeeded 178 million miles away. Adding to their anxiety: A software error prevented the helicopter from lifting off a week earlier and had engineers scrambling to come up with a fix.Applause, cheers and laughter erupted in the operations center when success was finally declared. More followed when the first black and white photo from Ingenuity appeared on their screens, showing its shadow as it hovered above the surface of Mars. Next came the stunning color images of the helicopter descending back to the surface, taken by Perseverance, “the best host little Ingenuity could ever hope for,” Aung said in thanking everyone.NASA had been aiming for a 40-second flight, and while details were initially sparse, the craft hit all its targets: spin-up, takeoff, hover, descent and landing.To accomplish all that, the helicopter’s twin, counter-rotating rotor blades needed to spin at 2,500 revolutions per minute — five times faster than on Earth. With an atmosphere just 1 percent the thickness of Earth’s, engineers had to build a helicopter light enough — with blades spinning fast enough — to generate this otherworldy lift. At the same time, it had to be sturdy enough to withstand the Martian wind and extreme cold.More than six years in the making, Ingenuity is a barebones 1.6 feet tall, a spindly four-legged chopper. Its fuselage, containing all the batteries, heaters and sensors, is the size of a tissue box. The carbon-fiber, foam-filled rotors are the biggest pieces: Each pair stretches 4 feet&nbsp; tip to tip.The helicopter is topped with a solar panel for recharging the batteries, crucial for its survival during the minus-130 degree Fahrenheit (minus-90 degree-Celsius) Martian nights.NASA chose a flat, relatively rock-free patch for Ingenuity’s airfield, measuring 33 feet by 33 feet It turned out to be less than 100 feet from the original landing site in Jezero Crater. The helicopter was released from the rover onto the airfield on April 3. Flight commands were sent Sunday, after controllers sent up a software correction for the rotor blade spin-up.The little chopper with a giant job attracted attention from around the world, from the moment it launched with Perseverance last July until now. Even Arnold Schwarzenegger joined in the fun, rooting for Ingenuity over the weekend via Twitter. “Get to the chopper!” he shouted, re-enacting a line from his 1987 sci-fi film “Predator.”Up to five helicopter flights are planned, each one increasingly ambitious. If successful, the demo could lead the way to a fleet of Martian drones in decades to come, providing aerial views, transporting packages and serving as scouts for astronauts. High-altitude helicopters here on Earth could also benefit — imagine choppers easily navigating the Himalayas.Ingenuity’s team has until the beginning of May to complete the test flights. That’s because the rover needs to get on with its main mission: collecting rock samples that could hold evidence of past Martian life, for return to Earth a decade from now.Until then, Perseverance will keep watch over Ingenuity. Flight engineers affectionately call them Percy and Ginny. “Big sister’s watching,” said Malin Space Science Systems’ Elsa Jensen, the rover’s lead camera operator.

NASA's Mars helicopter takes flight, 1st on another planet

WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing swift blowback from allies and aid groups, the White House said President Joe Biden plans to lift his predecessor’s historically low cap on refugees by next month, after initially moving only to expand the eligibility criteria for resettlements.

In an emergency determination signed by Biden earlier Friday, he stated the admission of up to 15,000 refugees set by former President Donald Trump this year “remains justified by humanitarian concerns and is otherwise in the national interest.” But if the cap is reached before the end of the current budget year and the emergency refugee situation persists, then a presidential determination may be issued to raise the ceiling.

That set off a deluge of criticism from top allies on Capitol Hill such as the second-ranking Senate Democrat, Dick Durbin of Illinois, who called that initial limit “unacceptable.”

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said later that Biden is expected to increase the refugee cap by May 15, though she didn’t say by how much.

Biden has been consulting with his advisers to determine what number of refugees could realistically be admitted to the United States between now and Oct. 1, the end of the fiscal year, Psaki said. “Given the decimated refugee admissions program we inherited,” she said it’s now “unlikely” Biden will be able to boost that number to 62,500, as he had proposed in his plan to Congress two months ago.

But Biden, she said, was urged by advisers to “take immediate action to reverse the Trump policy that banned refugees from many key regions, to enable flights from those regions to begin within days; today’s order did that.”

The new allocations provide more slots for refugees from Africa, the Middle East and Central America and lift Trump’s restrictions on resettlements from Somalia, Syria and Yemen.

Critics from both sides of the political spectrum had accused the president of bowing to political pressure that has been mounting over the record pace of unaccompanied migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. Stephen Miller, a key architect of Trump’s immigration policies, tweeted that keeping Trump’s cap “reflects Team Biden’s awareness that the border flood will cause record midterm losses.”

The White House indicated the border situation was partly why Biden had not acted before now, even though migrants at the border do not go through the same vetting process as refugees.

“It is a factor,” said Psaki, noting that the Office of Refugee Resettlement “has personnel working on both issues and so we have to ensure that there is capacity and ability to manage both.”

Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal said he didn’t buy that.

“This cruel policy is no more acceptable now than it was during the Trump Administration,” Blumenthal said. “To be clear: the asylum process at the southern border and the refugee process are completely separate immigration systems. Conflating the two constitutes caving to the politics of fear.”

Since the fiscal year began last Oct. 1, just over 2,000 refugees have been resettled in the U.S.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken notified Congress on Feb. 12 of a plan to raise the ceiling on admissions to 62,500, but no presidential determination followed. The law does not require congressional approval and past presidents have issued such presidential determinations that set the cap on refugee admissions shortly after the notification to Congress.

New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told Biden in a letter Friday that his inaction “undermines your declared purpose to reverse your predecessor’s refugee policies.”

Menendez said it also makes it unlikely that the program can hit its target next budget year of 125,000, which Biden has pledged to do.

Refugee resettlement agencies said it was important that admissions go higher even if it’s not possible to meet the target to send a message that America will be a leader again in offering safe haven to the world’s oppressed.

Some 35,000 refugees have been cleared to go to the United States, and 100,000 remain in the pipeline and their lives remain in limbo, said David Miliband, president and CEO of the International Rescue Committee.

“This leadership is sorely needed,” he said.

Under Biden’s new allocation, 7,000 slots are reserved for refugees from Africa, 1,000 from East Asia, 1,500 from Europe and Central Asia, 3,000 from Latin America and the Caribbean and 1,500 from the Near East and South Asia. A reserve of about 1,000 slots can be used as needed.

The State Department, which coordinates flights with resettlement agencies, booked 715 refugees to come to the United States with the anticipation that Biden would have acted by March, but those flights were canceled since the refugees were not eligible under Trump’s rules, according to resettlement agencies.

Most of the refugees are from Africa and fleeing armed conflict or political persecution. Trump limited most spots to people fleeing religious persecution, Iraqis who have assisted U.S. forces there, and people from Central America’s Northern Triangle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618396418186.png" alt="Children housed at the U.S. Mexican border this month-photo courtesy&nbsp; Congressman Tracey Mann" />
 <figcaption>Children housed at the U.S. Mexican border this month-photo courtesy&nbsp; Congressman Tracey Mann</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing swift blowback from allies and aid groups, the White House said President Joe Biden plans to lift his predecessor’s historically low cap on refugees by next month, after initially moving only to expand the eligibility criteria for resettlements.In an emergency determination signed by Biden earlier Friday, he stated the admission of up to 15,000 refugees set by former President Donald Trump this year “remains justified by humanitarian concerns and is otherwise in the national interest.” But if the cap is reached before the end of the current budget year and the emergency refugee situation persists, then a presidential determination may be issued to raise the ceiling.That set off a deluge of criticism from top allies on Capitol Hill such as the second-ranking Senate Democrat, Dick Durbin of Illinois, who called that initial limit “unacceptable.”White House press secretary Jen Psaki said later that Biden is expected to increase the refugee cap by May 15, though she didn’t say by how much.Biden has been consulting with his advisers to determine what number of refugees could realistically be admitted to the United States between now and Oct. 1, the end of the fiscal year, Psaki said. “Given the decimated refugee admissions program we inherited,” she said it’s now “unlikely” Biden will be able to boost that number to 62,500, as he had proposed in his plan to Congress two months ago.But Biden, she said, was urged by advisers to “take immediate action to reverse the Trump policy that banned refugees from many key regions, to enable flights from those regions to begin within days; today’s order did that.”The new allocations provide more slots for refugees from Africa, the Middle East and Central America and lift Trump’s restrictions on resettlements from Somalia, Syria and Yemen.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618396445966.png" alt="Immigrant children housed at the U.S. Border-photo Congressman Tracey Mann" />
 <figcaption>Immigrant children housed at the U.S. Border-photo Congressman Tracey Mann</figcaption>
 </figure>Critics from both sides of the political spectrum had accused the president of bowing to political pressure that has been mounting over the record pace of unaccompanied migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. Stephen Miller, a key architect of Trump’s immigration policies, tweeted that keeping Trump’s cap “reflects Team Biden’s awareness that the border flood will cause record midterm losses.”The White House indicated the border situation was partly why Biden had not acted before now, even though migrants at the border do not go through the same vetting process as refugees.“It is a factor,” said Psaki, noting that the Office of Refugee Resettlement “has personnel working on both issues and so we have to ensure that there is capacity and ability to manage both.”Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal said he didn’t buy that.“This cruel policy is no more acceptable now than it was during the Trump Administration,” Blumenthal said. “To be clear: the asylum process at the southern border and the refugee process are completely separate immigration systems. Conflating the two constitutes caving to the politics of fear.”Since the fiscal year began last Oct. 1, just over 2,000 refugees have been resettled in the U.S.Secretary of State Antony Blinken notified Congress on Feb. 12 of a plan to raise the ceiling on admissions to 62,500, but no presidential determination followed. The law does not require congressional approval and past presidents have issued such presidential determinations that set the cap on refugee admissions shortly after the notification to Congress.New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told Biden in a letter Friday that his inaction “undermines your declared purpose to reverse your predecessor’s refugee policies.”Menendez said it also makes it unlikely that the program can hit its target next budget year of 125,000, which Biden has pledged to do.Refugee resettlement agencies said it was important that admissions go higher even if it’s not possible to meet the target to send a message that America will be a leader again in offering safe haven to the world’s oppressed.Some 35,000 refugees have been cleared to go to the United States, and 100,000 remain in the pipeline and their lives remain in limbo, said David Miliband, president and CEO of the International Rescue Committee.“This leadership is sorely needed,” he said.Under Biden’s new allocation, 7,000 slots are reserved for refugees from Africa, 1,000 from East Asia, 1,500 from Europe and Central Asia, 3,000 from Latin America and the Caribbean and 1,500 from the Near East and South Asia. A reserve of about 1,000 slots can be used as needed.The State Department, which coordinates flights with resettlement agencies, booked 715 refugees to come to the United States with the anticipation that Biden would have acted by March, but those flights were canceled since the refugees were not eligible under Trump’s rules, according to resettlement agencies.Most of the refugees are from Africa and fleeing armed conflict or political persecution. Trump limited most spots to people fleeing religious persecution, Iraqis who have assisted U.S. forces there, and people from Central America’s Northern Triangle._____

President Biden will lift cap on number of refugees

On Sunday at 1:20 a.m., Omaha Police responded to the area of 25th and Pinkney Street to investigate shots fired. 

Able-1&nbsp;arrived in the area and observed a suspicious&nbsp;silver 4-door sedan circling the area. OPD Gang Unit officers located the vehicle at 26th and Parker Street. 

As Gang Unit officers began to follow the vehicle, two passengers leaned out of the vehicle and fired shots at the Gang officers. No officers were injured by the gunfire.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Able-1 and OPD Uniform Patrol Bureau Officers began to pursue the vehicle as it fled from the area. 

Three occupants exited the vehicle near 34th and Spaulding. The suspect vehicle left the area at a high rate of speed. Officers were able to take two suspects into custody and located a handgun. The third suspect and the suspect vehicle have not been located.

D'Tavionte White-Perry, 19, booked for two counts of assault on an officer, two counts of use of a gun by a prohibited person, one count of discharging a gun from a vehicle and one count of obstructing an officer.&nbsp;

Wuanya Smith, 19, booked for obstructing an officer and criminal mischief.&nbsp;The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Omaha Crime Stoppers at (402) 444-STOP, at&nbsp;<a href="http://police.cityofomaha.org/index.php?option=com_acymailing&amp;ctrl=url&amp;subid=&amp;urlid=3461&amp;mailid=2579" target="_blank">www.omahacrimestoppers.org</a>&nbsp;or on the P3 Tips mobile app.&nbsp;

News Release Omaha PoliceOn Sunday at 1:20 a.m., Omaha Police responded to the area of 25th and Pinkney Street to investigate shots fired. Able-1&nbsp;arrived in the area and observed a suspicious&nbsp;silver 4-door sedan circling the area. OPD Gang Unit officers located the vehicle at 26th and Parker Street. As Gang Unit officers began to follow the vehicle, two passengers leaned out of the vehicle and fired shots at the Gang officers. No officers were injured by the gunfire.&nbsp;&nbsp;Able-1 and OPD Uniform Patrol Bureau Officers began to pursue the vehicle as it fled from the area. Three occupants exited the vehicle near 34th and Spaulding. The suspect vehicle left the area at a high rate of speed. Officers were able to take two suspects into custody and located a handgun. The third suspect and the suspect vehicle have not been located.The following suspects were arrested:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618827966981.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>D'Tavionte White-Perry, 19, booked for two counts of assault on an officer, two counts of use of a gun by a prohibited person, one count of discharging a gun from a vehicle and one count of obstructing an officer.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618827994421.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wuanya Smith, 19, booked for obstructing an officer and criminal mischief.&nbsp;The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Omaha Crime Stoppers at (402) 444-STOP, at&nbsp;<a href="http://police.cityofomaha.org/index.php?option=com_acymailing&amp;ctrl=url&amp;subid=&amp;urlid=3461&amp;mailid=2579" target="_blank">www.omahacrimestoppers.org</a>&nbsp;or on the P3 Tips mobile app.&nbsp;

Suspects accused of shooting at Omaha gang unit

OSAGE COUNTY, Kan. – Law enforcement authorities conducting an investigation of the online solicitation of a child by an adult have made an arrest.

On April 15, Osage County Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) took a Missouri man into custody who had made plans to meet with someone he believed to be a minor, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

Deputies transported David E. Fresia, 49, of Lees Summit, MO,&nbsp; to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of aggravated human trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation of a child, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of psilocybin with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no drug tax stamp.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618575652035.png" alt="Fresia photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Fresia photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY, Kan. – Law enforcement authorities conducting an investigation of the online solicitation of a child by an adult have made an arrest.On April 15, Osage County Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) took a Missouri man into custody who had made plans to meet with someone he believed to be a minor, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.Deputies transported David E. Fresia, 49, of Lees Summit, MO,&nbsp; to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of aggravated human trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation of a child, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of psilocybin with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no drug tax stamp.

Sheriff: Suspect attempted to meet minor for sex

KANSAS CITY(AP) — A second person has been charged in the killing of an Independence, Missouri woman whose body was found in a duffle bag last year north of Kansas City in rural Buchanan County.

Marcus Brooks, who was arrested in February, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Ariel Starcher. Prosecutors have also charged Taylor Stoughton, 22, with second-degree murder in the case.

A Missouri Transportation Department worker found the bag with Starcher’s body inside it on Feb. 18, 2020 alongside a road in Faucett, about 45 miles north of Kansas City. Stoughton told investigators that she and Brooks strangled Starcher on Feb. 5, 2020, at a Kansas City hotel, according to an arrest affidavit.

Brooks is being held without bond. Online court records don't list an attorney who could comment for him.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613958668136.jpeg" alt="Brooks photo Buchanan County" />
 <figcaption>Brooks photo Buchanan County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY(AP) — A second person has been charged in the killing of an Independence, Missouri woman whose body was found in a duffle bag last year north of Kansas City in rural Buchanan County.Marcus Brooks, who was arrested in February, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Ariel Starcher. Prosecutors have also charged Taylor Stoughton, 22, with second-degree murder in the case.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614374160505.jpeg" alt="Soughton photo Buchanan Co." />
 <figcaption>Soughton photo Buchanan Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>A Missouri Transportation Department worker found the bag with Starcher’s body inside it on Feb. 18, 2020 alongside a road in Faucett, about 45 miles north of Kansas City. Stoughton told investigators that she and Brooks strangled Starcher on Feb. 5, 2020, at a Kansas City hotel, according to an arrest affidavit.Brooks is being held without bond. Online court records don't list an attorney who could comment for him.

2nd person charged in case of body found in duffel bag

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) — Park officials in Yellowstone National Park report that efforts to protect threatened native cutthroat trout have progressed but that but concerns remain after officials discovered another invasive fish species. 

Yellowstone fisheries biologist Todd Koel said officials first discovered a small cisco fish native to the Great Lakes two years ago. 

Officials said it is unclear how the fish arrived in the park because the park has no natural connections to the lakes. 

The discovery came as the park has made significant progress in suppressing invasive lake trout. 

The trout population has declined more than 80% because of the efforts but officials now worry about the ciscos.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) — Park officials in Yellowstone National Park report that efforts to protect threatened native cutthroat trout have progressed but that but concerns remain after officials discovered another invasive fish species. Yellowstone fisheries biologist Todd Koel said officials first discovered a small cisco fish native to the Great Lakes two years ago. Officials said it is unclear how the fish arrived in the park because the park has no natural connections to the lakes. The discovery came as the park has made significant progress in suppressing invasive lake trout. The trout population has declined more than 80% because of the efforts but officials now worry about the ciscos.

Yellowstone officials work to remove invasive fish species

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The federal agency which oversees Haskell Indian Nations University plans to send a team to the Lawrence campus following a faculty no-confidence vote in its president. 

The Bureau of Indian Education said in a message to university employees that an “impartial administrative review team” would arrive Monday to gather information on student and staff concerns. 

The Faculty Senate unanimously declared earlier this month that it had no confidence in Haskell President Ronald Graham, alleging he has shown disdain for the free speech rights of students and faculty and a disregard for academic freedom. Graham did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617226828106.png" alt="Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas. Google Maps" />
 <figcaption>Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas. Google Maps</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The federal agency which oversees Haskell Indian Nations University plans to send a team to the Lawrence campus following a faculty no-confidence vote in its president. The Bureau of Indian Education said in a message to university employees that an “impartial administrative review team” would arrive Monday to gather information on student and staff concerns. The Faculty Senate unanimously declared earlier this month that it had no confidence in Haskell President Ronald Graham, alleging he has shown disdain for the free speech rights of students and faculty and a disregard for academic freedom. Graham did not immediately respond to a request for comment.