LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska man who crashed his car last year, leading police to find his fake passport among the wreckage, has been sentenced to federal prison. 

The Grand Island Independent reported Monday that 31-year-old Jesse Chase Swartz, of North Platte, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for possession of a fraudulent passport. 

Prosecutors say Swartz's fraud was discovered July 29, 2020. when his vehicle crashed and rolled on Interstate 80 in Hamilton County. 

Officers who were investigating the crash discovered a passport card with Swartz's picture on it, but bearing a different name. 

The passport card was later determined to be a fake, and police say Swartz had been using it to avoid being arrested on outstanding warrants.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska man who crashed his car last year, leading police to find his fake passport among the wreckage, has been sentenced to federal prison. The Grand Island Independent reported Monday that 31-year-old Jesse Chase Swartz, of North Platte, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for possession of a fraudulent passport. Prosecutors say Swartz's fraud was discovered July 29, 2020. when his vehicle crashed and rolled on Interstate 80 in Hamilton County. Officers who were investigating the crash discovered a passport card with Swartz's picture on it, but bearing a different name. The passport card was later determined to be a fake, and police say Swartz had been using it to avoid being arrested on outstanding warrants.

Man found with fake passport after crash sentenced to prison

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — There’s plenty of political reasons for South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to visit the National Guard troops she deployed to the U.S. border with Mexico. 

She says she is making the flight to McAllen, Texas, to check in on the roughly 50 National Guard members who volunteered for a 30-day deployment. 

The visit also gives the ambitious governor a chance to make hard-line immigration measures a driving force of the Republican Party. 

Noem eagerly joined the political fight with President Joe Biden over a surge in border crossings and has even used the deployment to criticize potential rivals for the 2024 Republican nomination.

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — There’s plenty of political reasons for South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to visit the National Guard troops she deployed to the U.S. border with Mexico. She says she is making the flight to McAllen, Texas, to check in on the roughly 50 National Guard members who volunteered for a 30-day deployment. The visit also gives the ambitious governor a chance to make hard-line immigration measures a driving force of the Republican Party. Noem eagerly joined the political fight with President Joe Biden over a surge in border crossings and has even used the deployment to criticize potential rivals for the 2024 Republican nomination.

Noem's border visit comes with political opportunities

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police in Omaha say a woman was killed and a man saw his leg severed in a high-speed crash in northeast Omaha.

 Police say the crash happened around 8 p.m. Sunday when a speeding car swerved on a city street, went out of control and hit a utility pole.

 The impact saw the small car fold in half and wrap around the pole.

 Police say the driver, 24-year-old Akyma McWilliams of Omaha, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Two male passengers, ages 20 and 22, sustained serious injuries and were taken to an area hospital. 

Police say one of the legs of the 20-year-old passenger was severed in the crash.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police in Omaha say a woman was killed and a man saw his leg severed in a high-speed crash in northeast Omaha. Police say the crash happened around 8 p.m. Sunday when a speeding car swerved on a city street, went out of control and hit a utility pole. The impact saw the small car fold in half and wrap around the pole. Police say the driver, 24-year-old Akyma McWilliams of Omaha, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two male passengers, ages 20 and 22, sustained serious injuries and were taken to an area hospital. Police say one of the legs of the 20-year-old passenger was severed in the crash.

Woman killed, man loses leg in high-speed Omaha crash

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service has launched a new Spanish-language version of its online tool, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-eligibility-assistant">Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant</a>,
 designed to help families determine whether they qualify for the Child 
Tax Credit and the special monthly advance payments of the credit, which began on July 15.

Available exclusively on IRS.gov, the new Spanish version of the 
tool, like its English-language counterpart, is interactive and easy to 
use. By answering a series of questions about themselves and their 
family members, a parent or other family member can quickly determine 
whether they qualify for the credit.

Though anyone can use this tool, it may be particularly useful to 
families who don't normally file a federal tax return and have not yet 
filed either a 2019 or 2020 return. Often, these are people who receive 
little or no income, including those experiencing homelessness, low 
income households, and other underserved groups. Using this tool can 
help them decide whether they should take the next step and either 
register for the Child Tax Credit payments using another IRS tool, the 
Non-filer Sign-up Tool, or file a regular tax return using the IRS Free 
File system.

To help people understand and receive this benefit, the IRS has 
developed materials in several languages and additional multi-lingual 
resources will roll out in coming weeks and months. All tools and 
materials, in English and other languages, are posted on a special 
Advance Child Tax Credit 2021 page at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>.

Multilingual <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-resources-and-guidance">resources</a> already available include:

Besides the Child Tax Credit, the IRS has a variety of tax-related tools and resources <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/languages">available in various languages</a>.&nbsp;

The IRS urges community groups, especially those who serve 
non-English speakers, to help share this critical information about the 
Advance Child Tax Credit as well as other important benefits. This 
includes nonprofits, associations, education organizations and anyone 
else with connections to people with children. Among other things, The 
IRS is providing these groups with information that can be easily shared
 through social media, email and other methods.

The IRS urges everyone, especially those who speak languages other 
than English, to be on the lookout for scams related to both Advance 
Child Tax Credit payments and Economic Impact Payments. In particular, 
scammers often target non-English speakers and underserved communities. 
The IRS emphasized that the only way to get either of these benefits is 
by either filing a tax return with the IRS or registering online through
 the Non-filer Sign-up Tool, exclusively on IRS.gov. Any other option is
 a scam.

Watch out for scams using email, phone calls or texts related to the 
payments. Remember, the IRS never sends unsolicited electronic 
communications asking anyone to open attachments or visit a 
non-governmental web site.

More about the Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant

The Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant does not request any 
personally-identifiable information (PII) for any family member. For 
that reason, its results are not an official determination by the IRS. 
Though the results are reliable, if the questions are answered 
accurately, they should be considered preliminary. Neither the answers 
supplied by the user, nor the results, are retained by the IRS.

If the Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant indicates that a family
 qualifies for the credit, the next step is to either register with the 
IRS or file a return. For families who don't normally need to file a 
return, The online Non-filer Sign-Up Tool is the easiest way to register
 for the advance payments.

This tool, an update of last year's IRS Economic Impact Payment 
Non-filers tool, is also designed to help eligible individuals who don't
 normally file tax returns register for the $1,400 third round of 
Economic Impact Payments (also known as stimulus checks). In addition, 
it can help them claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for any amount of the 
first two rounds of Economic Impact Payments they may have missed.

Developed in partnership with Intuit and delivered through the Free 
File Alliance, the tool enables them to provide the IRS with basic 
information, such as their name, address, and social security numbers, 
as well as information about their qualifying children age 17 and under 
and their other dependents. It also enables them to provide their bank 
account information, so the IRS can quickly and easily deposit the 
payments directly into their checking or savings account.

The Non-filer Sign-Up tool should not be used by anyone who has 
already filed a 2019 or 2020 federal income tax return, or plans to do 
so.

Though the Non-filer Sign-up Tool is the easiest way to register for 
Advance Child Tax Credit payments, it may not be the best option for all
 families. That's because many families also qualify for the Earned 
Income Tax Credit and other benefits for low-and moderate-income people.
 For them, a better option is filing a regular tax return using the Free
 File system, available only on IRS.gov.

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service has launched a new Spanish-language version of its online tool, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-eligibility-assistant">Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant</a>,
 designed to help families determine whether they qualify for the Child 
Tax Credit and the special monthly advance payments of the credit, which began on July 15.Available exclusively on IRS.gov, the new Spanish version of the 
tool, like its English-language counterpart, is interactive and easy to 
use. By answering a series of questions about themselves and their 
family members, a parent or other family member can quickly determine 
whether they qualify for the credit.Though anyone can use this tool, it may be particularly useful to 
families who don't normally file a federal tax return and have not yet 
filed either a 2019 or 2020 return. Often, these are people who receive 
little or no income, including those experiencing homelessness, low 
income households, and other underserved groups. Using this tool can 
help them decide whether they should take the next step and either 
register for the Child Tax Credit payments using another IRS tool, the 
Non-filer Sign-up Tool, or file a regular tax return using the IRS Free 
File system.To help people understand and receive this benefit, the IRS has 
developed materials in several languages and additional multi-lingual 
resources will roll out in coming weeks and months. All tools and 
materials, in English and other languages, are posted on a special 
Advance Child Tax Credit 2021 page at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>.Multilingual <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-resources-and-guidance">resources</a> already available include:<ul>
 <li>A step-by-step guide to using the Non-filer Sign-up Tool 
(Publication 5538) in Spanish, Chinese Simplified, Korean, Vietnamese, 
Haitian Creole and Russian.&nbsp;</li><li>A basic You Tube video on the Advance Child Tax Credit in Spanish and Chinese, as well as English.</li><li>E-posters in various languages.</li><li>Information about <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> in seven languages.</li>
 </ul>Besides the Child Tax Credit, the IRS has a variety of tax-related tools and resources <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/languages">available in various languages</a>.&nbsp;<h2>Community partners can help</h2>The IRS urges community groups, especially those who serve 
non-English speakers, to help share this critical information about the 
Advance Child Tax Credit as well as other important benefits. This 
includes nonprofits, associations, education organizations and anyone 
else with connections to people with children. Among other things, The 
IRS is providing these groups with information that can be easily shared
 through social media, email and other methods.<h2>Watch out for scams</h2>The IRS urges everyone, especially those who speak languages other 
than English, to be on the lookout for scams related to both Advance 
Child Tax Credit payments and Economic Impact Payments. In particular, 
scammers often target non-English speakers and underserved communities. 
The IRS emphasized that the only way to get either of these benefits is 
by either filing a tax return with the IRS or registering online through
 the Non-filer Sign-up Tool, exclusively on IRS.gov. Any other option is
 a scam.Watch out for scams using email, phone calls or texts related to the 
payments. Remember, the IRS never sends unsolicited electronic 
communications asking anyone to open attachments or visit a 
non-governmental web site.<h2>More about the Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant</h2>The Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant does not request any 
personally-identifiable information (PII) for any family member. For 
that reason, its results are not an official determination by the IRS. 
Though the results are reliable, if the questions are answered 
accurately, they should be considered preliminary. Neither the answers 
supplied by the user, nor the results, are retained by the IRS.<h2>Non-filer Sign-Up Tool</h2>If the Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant indicates that a family
 qualifies for the credit, the next step is to either register with the 
IRS or file a return. For families who don't normally need to file a 
return, The online Non-filer Sign-Up Tool is the easiest way to register
 for the advance payments.This tool, an update of last year's IRS Economic Impact Payment 
Non-filers tool, is also designed to help eligible individuals who don't
 normally file tax returns register for the $1,400 third round of 
Economic Impact Payments (also known as stimulus checks). In addition, 
it can help them claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for any amount of the 
first two rounds of Economic Impact Payments they may have missed.Developed in partnership with Intuit and delivered through the Free 
File Alliance, the tool enables them to provide the IRS with basic 
information, such as their name, address, and social security numbers, 
as well as information about their qualifying children age 17 and under 
and their other dependents. It also enables them to provide their bank 
account information, so the IRS can quickly and easily deposit the 
payments directly into their checking or savings account.The Non-filer Sign-Up tool should not be used by anyone who has 
already filed a 2019 or 2020 federal income tax return, or plans to do 
so.<h2>Free File; a better option for some</h2>Though the Non-filer Sign-up Tool is the easiest way to register for 
Advance Child Tax Credit payments, it may not be the best option for all
 families. That's because many families also qualify for the Earned 
Income Tax Credit and other benefits for low-and moderate-income people.
 For them, a better option is filing a regular tax return using the Free
 File system, available only on IRS.gov.<h2>About the Advance Child Tax Credit</h2>The expanded and newly-advanceable Child Tax Credit was authorized by
 the American Rescue Plan Act, enacted in March. Normally, the IRS will 
calculate the payment based on a family's 2020 tax return, including 
those who use the Non-filer Sign-up Tool. If that return is not 
available because it has not yet been filed or is still being processed,
 the IRS will instead determine the initial payment amounts using the 
2019 return or the information entered using the Non-filers tool that 
was available in 2020.The payment will be up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child age 6 through 17.To make sure families have easy access to their money, the IRS will 
issue these payments by direct deposit, as long as correct banking 
information has previously been provided to the IRS. Otherwise, people 
should watch their mail around July 15 for their mailed payment. The 
dates for the Advance Child Tax Credit payments are July 15, Aug. 13, 
Sept. 15, Oct. 15, Nov. 15, and Dec. 15.For more information, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>, or read <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-frequently-asked-questions">FAQs on the 2021 Child Tax Credit and Advance Child Tax Credit Payments</a>.

IRS Child Tax Credit eligibility tool now available in Spanish

KANSAS CITY (AP) — When the text message popped up on his phone, Samuel Alfaro didn’t want to believe it.

It said his appointment with U.S. immigration services about his application to join the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, the one he had been waiting on for months, was canceled because of a court order halting the Obama-era deportation protections for those brought to the U.S. as children.

“I thought it was a scam,” the 19-year-old from Houston said of the message he received Sunday night, hours before his appointment.

Alfaro went to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website and “kept checking it, refreshing it every few hours.” Later, he got an email, confirming it was true.

Alfaro isn’t the only one. Tens of thousands of young immigrants in the country without legal status are in the same position&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-immigration-f01fc0f485a8983b5f072e7af324c43f">following a July 16 ruling from a federal judge</a>&nbsp;in Texas that declared DACA illegal while leaving the program intact for existing recipients.

The ruling bars the government from approving any new applications, like that of Alfaro, whose parents brought him to the U.S. from Mexico when he was 2, along with his older brother. Immigrants and advocates have said they will appeal.

In a statement, Citizenship and Immigration Services said it “will comply with the court order, continue to implement the components of DACA that remain in place.”

It’s the latest twist for the program, which has been struck down and revived in a constant stream of court challenges since then-President Barack Obama created it by executive order in 2012.

Former President Donald Trump announced early on that he was ending the program, but a U.S. Supreme Court decision last year determined that he had not done it properly, bringing it back to life and allowing for new applications like the one from Alfaro, who filed at the beginning of the year.

The latest ruling calling DACA illegal involved a lawsuit that had been filed by Texas and eight other states. They said Obama didn’t have the authority to create the program and that it was an action under the power of Congress.

U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen in Houston agreed, saying in his ruling that “Congress’s clear articulation of laws for removal, lawful presence and work authorization illustrates a manifest intent to reserve for itself the authority to determine the framework of the nation’s immigration system.”

Immigration attorneys say the court decision has renewed fears about the future of the program and once again puts young immigrants in a precarious position.

Attorney Max Meyers with the Mississippi Center for Justice was gearing up to submit DACA paperwork on behalf of 40 young immigrants last week, most of them first-time applicants. But he had to scrap those plans.

“It really just throws everybody back into uncertainty,” he said. “Rather than people treat people as humans with foundational needs to go to school and be able to get a job, a judge decided that politics is more important in striking this down.”

Advocates were informed that as of last week, Citizenship and Immigration Services had 90,000 new DACA applications pending, according to Astrid Silva, executive director of Dream Big Nevada.

She said the agency received 50,000 applications in the first three months of the year but made decisions on fewer than 1,000.

After the application period opened in December following the Supreme Court decision, Silva said advocates were patient with the delays, understanding the agency might face a backlog from the coronavirus pandemic or other issues. But as time went on, they started to wonder what might be wrong.

“We started seeing these issues from the get-go,” Silva said. “We understood COVID and the mail and UPS, and we had an insurrection and it’s Christmas. We were, quite honestly, very patient. I think many of us felt like this was a blessing and we can wait a little bit.”

“For us, the frustration has really been since January,” she said.

Now, the applications have ground to a halt. Silva said advocates are still encouraging eligible people to apply in the hope their applications will eventually be processed and because having something pending with immigration authorities is better than nothing.

She’s been fielding calls from mothers worried about what this means for their children.

“The applications will literally just be held in a box somewhere,” Silva said.

Esperanza Avila, 21, sent her application about a month ago and presumes it’s among those on hold. While she is counting on the program to help her get a steady job at Home Depot or as a restaurant server while she pursues her nursing degree in Los Angeles, Avila said she isn’t losing hope.

“We’ve been through this already. They brought down DACA, they brought it back up. It’s just like ups and downs,” she said. “I do think eventually we’ll be OK.”

DACA supporters say Congress needs to approve legislation that would offer permanent protection to young immigrants. The House has passed a measure that would create a pathway to citizenship, but it’s gone nowhere in the Senate. There’s also hope something could be included in budget legislation Democrats want to pass, but it’s unclear if that will happen.

Alfaro would love to see it. He’s seen the sense of freedom DACA has given his older brother, who initially applied shortly after Obama proposed it. By the time Alfaro was eligible, the Trump administration was in charge, and DACA out of reach.

When Alfaro, the 19-year-old from Houston, submitted his application and hundreds of dollars in fees this year, he thought it was the beginning of a life where he didn’t have to constantly look over his shoulder because he lacks documentation.

“You can get a driver’s license and not be scared to be pulled over,” he said.

Alfaro looked forward to being able to build a credit score, get a decent-paying job and maybe move out on his own.

He doesn’t know what to do now, other than wait. He’s trying to find optimism to hold on to, like the comments he’s seeing people post online.

“They say that it’ll for sure come back, it’s just a matter of time,” Alfaro said hopefully.

But, he adds quietly, “the wait, again, it’s stressful.”

KANSAS CITY (AP) — When the text message popped up on his phone, Samuel Alfaro didn’t want to believe it.It said his appointment with U.S. immigration services about his application to join the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, the one he had been waiting on for months, was canceled because of a court order halting the Obama-era deportation protections for those brought to the U.S. as children.“I thought it was a scam,” the 19-year-old from Houston said of the message he received Sunday night, hours before his appointment.Alfaro went to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website and “kept checking it, refreshing it every few hours.” Later, he got an email, confirming it was true.Now, he simply feels “a little sad.”Alfaro isn’t the only one. Tens of thousands of young immigrants in the country without legal status are in the same position&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-immigration-f01fc0f485a8983b5f072e7af324c43f">following a July 16 ruling from a federal judge</a>&nbsp;in Texas that declared DACA illegal while leaving the program intact for existing recipients.The ruling bars the government from approving any new applications, like that of Alfaro, whose parents brought him to the U.S. from Mexico when he was 2, along with his older brother. Immigrants and advocates have said they will appeal.In a statement, Citizenship and Immigration Services said it “will comply with the court order, continue to implement the components of DACA that remain in place.”It’s the latest twist for the program, which has been struck down and revived in a constant stream of court challenges since then-President Barack Obama created it by executive order in 2012.Former President Donald Trump announced early on that he was ending the program, but a U.S. Supreme Court decision last year determined that he had not done it properly, bringing it back to life and allowing for new applications like the one from Alfaro, who filed at the beginning of the year.The latest ruling calling DACA illegal involved a lawsuit that had been filed by Texas and eight other states. They said Obama didn’t have the authority to create the program and that it was an action under the power of Congress.U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen in Houston agreed, saying in his ruling that “Congress’s clear articulation of laws for removal, lawful presence and work authorization illustrates a manifest intent to reserve for itself the authority to determine the framework of the nation’s immigration system.”Immigration attorneys say the court decision has renewed fears about the future of the program and once again puts young immigrants in a precarious position.Attorney Max Meyers with the Mississippi Center for Justice was gearing up to submit DACA paperwork on behalf of 40 young immigrants last week, most of them first-time applicants. But he had to scrap those plans.“It really just throws everybody back into uncertainty,” he said. “Rather than people treat people as humans with foundational needs to go to school and be able to get a job, a judge decided that politics is more important in striking this down.”Advocates were informed that as of last week, Citizenship and Immigration Services had 90,000 new DACA applications pending, according to Astrid Silva, executive director of Dream Big Nevada.She said the agency received 50,000 applications in the first three months of the year but made decisions on fewer than 1,000.After the application period opened in December following the Supreme Court decision, Silva said advocates were patient with the delays, understanding the agency might face a backlog from the coronavirus pandemic or other issues. But as time went on, they started to wonder what might be wrong.“We started seeing these issues from the get-go,” Silva said. “We understood COVID and the mail and UPS, and we had an insurrection and it’s Christmas. We were, quite honestly, very patient. I think many of us felt like this was a blessing and we can wait a little bit.”“For us, the frustration has really been since January,” she said.Now, the applications have ground to a halt. Silva said advocates are still encouraging eligible people to apply in the hope their applications will eventually be processed and because having something pending with immigration authorities is better than nothing.She’s been fielding calls from mothers worried about what this means for their children.“The applications will literally just be held in a box somewhere,” Silva said.Esperanza Avila, 21, sent her application about a month ago and presumes it’s among those on hold. While she is counting on the program to help her get a steady job at Home Depot or as a restaurant server while she pursues her nursing degree in Los Angeles, Avila said she isn’t losing hope.“We’ve been through this already. They brought down DACA, they brought it back up. It’s just like ups and downs,” she said. “I do think eventually we’ll be OK.”DACA supporters say Congress needs to approve legislation that would offer permanent protection to young immigrants. The House has passed a measure that would create a pathway to citizenship, but it’s gone nowhere in the Senate. There’s also hope something could be included in budget legislation Democrats want to pass, but it’s unclear if that will happen.Alfaro would love to see it. He’s seen the sense of freedom DACA has given his older brother, who initially applied shortly after Obama proposed it. By the time Alfaro was eligible, the Trump administration was in charge, and DACA out of reach.When Alfaro, the 19-year-old from Houston, submitted his application and hundreds of dollars in fees this year, he thought it was the beginning of a life where he didn’t have to constantly look over his shoulder because he lacks documentation.“You can get a driver’s license and not be scared to be pulled over,” he said.Alfaro looked forward to being able to build a credit score, get a decent-paying job and maybe move out on his own.He doesn’t know what to do now, other than wait. He’s trying to find optimism to hold on to, like the comments he’s seeing people post online.“They say that it’ll for sure come back, it’s just a matter of time,” Alfaro said hopefully.But, he adds quietly, “the wait, again, it’s stressful.”___

Ruling leaves immigrants who newly applied for DACA in limbo

By David Crary Associated Press

(AP)-Although the pandemic disrupted family life across the U.S. since taking hold in spring 2020, some parents are grateful for one consequence: They’re now opting to homeschool their children, even as schools plan to resume in-person classes.

The specific reasons vary widely. Some families who spoke with The Associated Press have children with special educational needs; others seek a faith-based curriculum or say their local schools are flawed. The common denominator: They tried homeschooling on what they thought was a temporary basis and found it beneficial to their children.

“That’s one of the silver linings of the pandemic – I don’t think we would have chosen to homeschool otherwise,” said Danielle King of Randolph, Vermont, whose 7-year-old daughter Zoë thrived with the flexible, one-on-one instruction. Her curriculum has included literature, anatomy, even archaeology, enlivened by outdoor excursions to search for fossils.

The surge has been confirmed by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-census-2020-6ca21124cca741b9e6ec1c8256e1c921">U.S. Census Bureau</a>, which reported in March that the rate of households homeschooling their children rose to 11% by September 2020, more than doubling from 5.4% just six months earlier.

Black households saw the largest jump; their homeschooling rate rose from 3.3% in the spring of 2020 to 16.1% in the fall.

The parents in one of those households, Arlena and Robert Brown of Austin, Texas, had three children in elementary school when the pandemic took hold. After experimenting with virtual learning, the couple opted to try homeschooling with a Catholic-oriented curriculum provided by Seton Home Study School, which serves about 16,000 students nationwide.

The Browns plan to continue homeschooling for the coming year, grateful that they can tailor the curriculum to fit their children’s distinctive needs. Jacoby, 11, has been diagnosed with narcolepsy and sometimes needs naps during the day; Riley, 10, has tested as academically gifted; Felicity, 9, has a learning disability.

“I didn’t want my kids to become a statistic and not meet their full potential,” said Robert Brown, a former teacher who now does consulting. “And we wanted them to have very solid understanding of their faith.”

Arlena Brown, who gave birth to a fourth child 10 months ago, worked as a preschool teacher before the pandemic. Homeschooling, she says, has been a rewarding adventure.

“In the beginning, the biggest challenge was to unschool ourselves and understand that homeschooling has so much freedom,” she said. “We can go as quickly or slowly as we need to.”

Race played a key role in the decision by another African American family to homeschool their 12-year-old son, Dorian.

Angela Valentine said Dorian was often the only Black student in his classes at a suburban Chicago public school, was sometimes treated unfairly by administrators, and was dismayed as other children stopped playing with him.

As the pandemic eased, the family decided to keep Dorian at home and teach him there, using a curriculum provided by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbhe.net/" target="_blank">National Black Home Educators</a>&nbsp;that provides content for each academic subject pertaining to African American history and culture.

“I felt the burden of making the shift, making sure we’re making the right choices,” Valentine said. “But until we’re really comfortable with his learning environment, we’ll stay on this homeschool journey.”

Charmaine Williams, who lives in the St. Louis suburb of Baldwin, also is using the National Black Home Educators curriculum as she homeschools her 10-year-old son, Justin, and 6-year-old daughter, Janel.

Williams said she and her husband tried two previous stints of homeschooling for Justin after school officials complained about his behavior. Now – with the new curriculum and an accompanying support network – they feel more confident about choosing it as a long-term option.

“At school, children have to follow a certain pattern, and there’s bullying, belittling -- compared to being home where they’re free to be themselves,” Williams said.

“There’s no turning back for us now,” she added. “The pandemic has been a blessing --an opportunity to take ownership of our children’s education.”

Joyce Burges, co-founder and program director of National Black Home Educators, said the 21-year-old organization had about 5,000 members before the pandemic and now has more than 35,000.

Many of the new families experienced difficulties, including lack of internet access, that limited their children’s ability to benefit from virtual learning during the pandemic, Burges said.

“It got so they didn’t trust anything but their own homes, and their children being with them,” she said. “Now they’re seeing the future – seeing what their children can do.”

For some families, the switch to homeschooling was influenced by their children’s special needs. That’s the case for Jennifer Osgood of Fairfax, Vermont, whose 7-year-old daughter Lily has Down syndrome.

Having observed Lily’s progress with reading and arithmetic while at home during the pandemic, Osgood is convinced homeschooling is the best option for her going forward.

She has made the same decision for her 12-year-old son Noah, who didn’t like the remote classes offered by his public school in the spring of 2020, and did homeschooling throughout the 2020-21 school year. It went so well that they want to continue for at least a few more years.

“He told me he was learning so much more at home than he ever did in school,” Osgood recalled. “He said, ‘School is just so chaotic -- we don’t get very much done in any particular class. Here, I sit down, you tell me what to do, and minutes later I’m done.’”

Heather Pray of Phoenix, Maryland, says homeschooling has been a major success for her 7-year-old son, Jackson, who has autism. The family made the switch because Jackson was struggling with the virtual learning that his school provided during the pandemic.

“My son did great (with homeschooling), even with just two hours of schoolwork a day,” Pray said. “I got him into piano lessons, taught him to read.”

Pray is also homeschooling her daughter, Hayley, who’s going into 7th grade and had been attending a Christian school.

“I had no idea how this was going to go — I just dove in headfirst,” said Pray. “I felt God was holding my hand.”

The Gonzalez family from Appomattox, Virginia – who are devout Catholics -- opted to homeschool their three sons, ages 9, 13 and 15, after their Catholic school in Lynchburg closed in 2020 due to falling enrollment.

They’re using the Catholic-focused curriculum from Seton Home Study School, which Jennifer Gonzalez, the boys’ mom, described as rigorous but well-organized.

“My kids have just excelled,” she said. “We’re able to be home and be together.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627300234921.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By David Crary Associated Press(AP)-Although the pandemic disrupted family life across the U.S. since taking hold in spring 2020, some parents are grateful for one consequence: They’re now opting to homeschool their children, even as schools plan to resume in-person classes.The specific reasons vary widely. Some families who spoke with The Associated Press have children with special educational needs; others seek a faith-based curriculum or say their local schools are flawed. The common denominator: They tried homeschooling on what they thought was a temporary basis and found it beneficial to their children.“That’s one of the silver linings of the pandemic – I don’t think we would have chosen to homeschool otherwise,” said Danielle King of Randolph, Vermont, whose 7-year-old daughter Zoë thrived with the flexible, one-on-one instruction. Her curriculum has included literature, anatomy, even archaeology, enlivened by outdoor excursions to search for fossils.The surge has been confirmed by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-census-2020-6ca21124cca741b9e6ec1c8256e1c921">U.S. Census Bureau</a>, which reported in March that the rate of households homeschooling their children rose to 11% by September 2020, more than doubling from 5.4% just six months earlier.Black households saw the largest jump; their homeschooling rate rose from 3.3% in the spring of 2020 to 16.1% in the fall.The parents in one of those households, Arlena and Robert Brown of Austin, Texas, had three children in elementary school when the pandemic took hold. After experimenting with virtual learning, the couple opted to try homeschooling with a Catholic-oriented curriculum provided by Seton Home Study School, which serves about 16,000 students nationwide.The Browns plan to continue homeschooling for the coming year, grateful that they can tailor the curriculum to fit their children’s distinctive needs. Jacoby, 11, has been diagnosed with narcolepsy and sometimes needs naps during the day; Riley, 10, has tested as academically gifted; Felicity, 9, has a learning disability.“I didn’t want my kids to become a statistic and not meet their full potential,” said Robert Brown, a former teacher who now does consulting. “And we wanted them to have very solid understanding of their faith.”Arlena Brown, who gave birth to a fourth child 10 months ago, worked as a preschool teacher before the pandemic. Homeschooling, she says, has been a rewarding adventure.“In the beginning, the biggest challenge was to unschool ourselves and understand that homeschooling has so much freedom,” she said. “We can go as quickly or slowly as we need to.”Race played a key role in the decision by another African American family to homeschool their 12-year-old son, Dorian.Angela Valentine said Dorian was often the only Black student in his classes at a suburban Chicago public school, was sometimes treated unfairly by administrators, and was dismayed as other children stopped playing with him.As the pandemic eased, the family decided to keep Dorian at home and teach him there, using a curriculum provided by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbhe.net/" target="_blank">National Black Home Educators</a>&nbsp;that provides content for each academic subject pertaining to African American history and culture.“I felt the burden of making the shift, making sure we’re making the right choices,” Valentine said. “But until we’re really comfortable with his learning environment, we’ll stay on this homeschool journey.”Charmaine Williams, who lives in the St. Louis suburb of Baldwin, also is using the National Black Home Educators curriculum as she homeschools her 10-year-old son, Justin, and 6-year-old daughter, Janel.Williams said she and her husband tried two previous stints of homeschooling for Justin after school officials complained about his behavior. Now – with the new curriculum and an accompanying support network – they feel more confident about choosing it as a long-term option.“At school, children have to follow a certain pattern, and there’s bullying, belittling -- compared to being home where they’re free to be themselves,” Williams said.“There’s no turning back for us now,” she added. “The pandemic has been a blessing --an opportunity to take ownership of our children’s education.”Joyce Burges, co-founder and program director of National Black Home Educators, said the 21-year-old organization had about 5,000 members before the pandemic and now has more than 35,000.Many of the new families experienced difficulties, including lack of internet access, that limited their children’s ability to benefit from virtual learning during the pandemic, Burges said.“It got so they didn’t trust anything but their own homes, and their children being with them,” she said. “Now they’re seeing the future – seeing what their children can do.”For some families, the switch to homeschooling was influenced by their children’s special needs. That’s the case for Jennifer Osgood of Fairfax, Vermont, whose 7-year-old daughter Lily has Down syndrome.Having observed Lily’s progress with reading and arithmetic while at home during the pandemic, Osgood is convinced homeschooling is the best option for her going forward.She has made the same decision for her 12-year-old son Noah, who didn’t like the remote classes offered by his public school in the spring of 2020, and did homeschooling throughout the 2020-21 school year. It went so well that they want to continue for at least a few more years.“He told me he was learning so much more at home than he ever did in school,” Osgood recalled. “He said, ‘School is just so chaotic -- we don’t get very much done in any particular class. Here, I sit down, you tell me what to do, and minutes later I’m done.’”Heather Pray of Phoenix, Maryland, says homeschooling has been a major success for her 7-year-old son, Jackson, who has autism. The family made the switch because Jackson was struggling with the virtual learning that his school provided during the pandemic.“My son did great (with homeschooling), even with just two hours of schoolwork a day,” Pray said. “I got him into piano lessons, taught him to read.”Pray is also homeschooling her daughter, Hayley, who’s going into 7th grade and had been attending a Christian school.“I had no idea how this was going to go — I just dove in headfirst,” said Pray. “I felt God was holding my hand.”The Gonzalez family from Appomattox, Virginia – who are devout Catholics -- opted to homeschool their three sons, ages 9, 13 and 15, after their Catholic school in Lynchburg closed in 2020 due to falling enrollment.They’re using the Catholic-focused curriculum from Seton Home Study School, which Jennifer Gonzalez, the boys’ mom, described as rigorous but well-organized.“My kids have just excelled,” she said. “We’re able to be home and be together.”

Sparked by pandemic fallout, homeschooling surges across US

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — The United States is in an “unnecessary predicament” of soaring COVID-19 cases fueled by unvaccinated Americans and the virulent delta variant, the nation’s top infectious diseases expert said Sunday.

“We’re going in the wrong direction,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, describing himself as “very frustrated.”

He said recommending that the vaccinated wear masks is “under active consideration” by the government’s leading public health officials. Also, booster shots may be suggested for people with suppressed immune systems who have been vaccinated, Fauci said.

Fauci, who also serves as President Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser, told CNN’s “State of the Union” that he has taken part in conversations about altering the mask guidelines.

He noted that some local jurisdictions where infection rates are surging, such as Los Angeles County, are already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-california-coronavirus-pandemic-3b893ce7a9dbbfaeb4eb6161edebf4e6">calling on individuals to wear masks in indoor public spaces&nbsp;</a>regardless of vaccination status. Fauci said those local rules are compatible with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation that the vaccinated do not need to wear masks in public.

Nearly 163 million people, or 49% of the eligible U.S. population, are vaccinated, according to CDC data.

“This is an issue predominantly among the unvaccinated, which is the reason why we’re out there, practically pleading with the unvaccinated people to go out and get vaccinated,” Fauci said.

Fauci said government experts are reviewing early data as they consider whether to recommend that vaccinated individuals to get booster shots. He suggested that some of the most vulnerable, such as organ transplant and cancer patients, are “likely” to be recommended for booster shots.

He also praised Republicans, including Govs. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas and Ron DeSantis of Florida, and the second-ranking House leader, Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, for encouraging their constituents to get vaccinated. Their states have among the lowest vaccination rates in the country.

“What I would really like to see is more and more of the leaders in those areas that are not vaccinating to get out and speak out and encourage people to get vaccinated,” Fauci said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610053263006.png" alt="Fauci said recommending that the vaccinated wear masks is “under active consideration” by the government’s leading public health officials." />
 <figcaption>Fauci said recommending that the vaccinated wear masks is “under active consideration” by the government’s leading public health officials.</figcaption>
 </figure>WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — The United States is in an “unnecessary predicament” of soaring COVID-19 cases fueled by unvaccinated Americans and the virulent delta variant, the nation’s top infectious diseases expert said Sunday.“We’re going in the wrong direction,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, describing himself as “very frustrated.”He said recommending that the vaccinated wear masks is “under active consideration” by the government’s leading public health officials. Also, booster shots may be suggested for people with suppressed immune systems who have been vaccinated, Fauci said.Fauci, who also serves as President Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser, told CNN’s “State of the Union” that he has taken part in conversations about altering the mask guidelines.He noted that some local jurisdictions where infection rates are surging, such as Los Angeles County, are already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-california-coronavirus-pandemic-3b893ce7a9dbbfaeb4eb6161edebf4e6">calling on individuals to wear masks in indoor public spaces&nbsp;</a>regardless of vaccination status. Fauci said those local rules are compatible with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation that the vaccinated do not need to wear masks in public.Nearly 163 million people, or 49% of the eligible U.S. population, are vaccinated, according to CDC data.“This is an issue predominantly among the unvaccinated, which is the reason why we’re out there, practically pleading with the unvaccinated people to go out and get vaccinated,” Fauci said.Fauci said government experts are reviewing early data as they consider whether to recommend that vaccinated individuals to get booster shots. He suggested that some of the most vulnerable, such as organ transplant and cancer patients, are “likely” to be recommended for booster shots.He also praised Republicans, including Govs. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas and Ron DeSantis of Florida, and the second-ranking House leader, Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, for encouraging their constituents to get vaccinated. Their states have among the lowest vaccination rates in the country.“What I would really like to see is more and more of the leaders in those areas that are not vaccinating to get out and speak out and encourage people to get vaccinated,” Fauci said.

Fauci: Vaccinated wearing masks 'under consideration'

HASTINGS, Neb. (AP) — Police are investigating a fatal shooting in the Nebraska town of Hastings. 

Police the shooting was reported shortly before 10 p.m. Friday. 

When officers arrived at the home on South Pine Avenue, they found a 28-year-old man with a gunshot wound dead inside. 

The victim was identified as Santinorey Adalberto Gonzalez of Harvard, Nebraska. 

Details about the circumstances of the shooting weren’t immediately released and no arrests were reported, but officials said there was no threat to the public. 

Police initially detained a person of interest in the case, but later released that person. 

Hastings Police and the Nebraska State Patrol are investigating, and an autopsy will be performed on Monday.

HASTINGS, Neb. (AP) — Police are investigating a fatal shooting in the Nebraska town of Hastings. Police the shooting was reported shortly before 10 p.m. Friday. When officers arrived at the home on South Pine Avenue, they found a 28-year-old man with a gunshot wound dead inside. The victim was identified as Santinorey Adalberto Gonzalez of Harvard, Nebraska. Details about the circumstances of the shooting weren’t immediately released and no arrests were reported, but officials said there was no threat to the public. Police initially detained a person of interest in the case, but later released that person. Hastings Police and the Nebraska State Patrol are investigating, and an autopsy will be performed on Monday.

Police investigate fatal shooting in Hastings

WASHINGTON (AP) — A top U.S. pork producer is pushing federal lawmakers to allow immigrant workers to stay on the job year-round.

A spokeswoman for Iowa Select Farms — the state's largest pork producer — <a href="https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/meetings/immigrant-farmworkers-are-essential-to-feeding-america">told U.S. senators during </a>a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing last week that seasonal employment currently allowed under a federal visa program is insufficient to meet the industry’s needs.

Farmers and meatpacking plants are facing severe labor shortages and need immigrant workers to be able to work year-round, said spokeswoman Jen Sorenson.

“If the labor shortage is not addressed, it could lead to farms and packing plants shutting down, causing serious financial harm to the communities in which they operate,” said Sorenson, who’s also president of the National Pork Producers Council.

Wednesday’s hearing focused on the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which would provide a pathway to legal status for more than 1 million undocumented farmworkers. The U.S. House passed the bill in March.

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, a former Iowa governor, also testified at the hearing.

While Sorenson praised the legislation's call for year-round visas, she urged lawmakers to lift its cap on the number of those visas, saying that would force producers to “compete against one another for the same limited number of year-round visas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626980146257.png" alt="&nbsp;Jen Sorenson during testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee- image courtesy Judiciary Committee" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Jen Sorenson during testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee- image courtesy Judiciary Committee</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A top U.S. pork producer is pushing federal lawmakers to allow immigrant workers to stay on the job year-round.A spokeswoman for Iowa Select Farms — the state's largest pork producer — <a href="https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/meetings/immigrant-farmworkers-are-essential-to-feeding-america">told U.S. senators during </a>a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing last week that seasonal employment currently allowed under a federal visa program is insufficient to meet the industry’s needs.Farmers and meatpacking plants are facing severe labor shortages and need immigrant workers to be able to work year-round, said spokeswoman Jen Sorenson.“If the labor shortage is not addressed, it could lead to farms and packing plants shutting down, causing serious financial harm to the communities in which they operate,” said Sorenson, who’s also president of the National Pork Producers Council.Wednesday’s hearing focused on the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which would provide a pathway to legal status for more than 1 million undocumented farmworkers. The U.S. House passed the bill in March.U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, a former Iowa governor, also testified at the hearing.While Sorenson praised the legislation's call for year-round visas, she urged lawmakers to lift its cap on the number of those visas, saying that would force producers to “compete against one another for the same limited number of year-round visas.

Pork producer: We need year-round immigrant workers

KANSAS CITY (AP) —The number of NFL players in the COVID-19 vaccination process has reached 80%, with nine teams having 90% or more of their players in that category.

Dr. Allen Sills, the league’s medical director, said Friday that nearly all Tier 1 and Tier 2 team employees — those who deal directly with players — have been vaccinated. Five teams are at less than 70% of players who have either received one vaccination shot or both. He is optimistic the number of vaccinated players will continue to rise as training camps open.

“I think we are off to an excellent start,” Sills said. “Those numbers are much higher than what we’re seeing in society as a whole. There has been a lot of movement in that area. As you see players coming to training camp, you will see more players beginning that process (of vaccination).”

Sills cited teams having strong advocates for vaccination among players and coaches, as well as the educational materials available.

“I think that has influenced a lot of players,” he said. “I think we are still seeing a lot of positive momentum. Numbers are changing on a day-by-day basis and I think we’ll be seeing them day by day going up.

“What matters is that individuals have the most accurate information. Let’s not get information from Instagram or Facebook posts. Let’s try to hear from the most reputable professionals. You don’t shout anyone into belief here — there have to be thoughtful conversations. What we can do is provide the facts and make sure the entirety of the medical facts are presented.”

On Thursday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to the 32 teams warning that forfeited regular-season games could occur for a COVID-19 outbreak caused by nonvaccinated players.

Dawn Aponte, the league’s chief football administrative officer, reiterated that games will not be postponed to avoid roster issues because of the flexibility built in: COVID-19 replacement players; expanded practice squads to 16 players; a three-week minimum stay on injured reserve instead of six weeks; no limit on activating players from IR.

That means 272 games on time within 18 weeks “safely and responsibly,” she said.

“Flexible and adaptable will continue to be key,” Aponte added, noting that Goodell’s memo was vetted by people in a variety of NFL roles. “We are committed to playing a full season as scheduled. There is the no-play/no-pay provision (from 2020), which has been agreed to with the players’ association and will carry into this season.”

“Health and science truly is what drives and guides these decisions,” she added. “And I think we illustrated that last season and will continue to do so. I think we know a lot more this year ... the biggest difference is a vaccination is available.”

Minnesota has an assistant, Rick Dennison, who is not vaccinated. After ESPN reported that Dennison has been ousted from his role as offensive line coach and run game coordinator, the Vikings released a statement confirming they were in discussions with him regarding league protocols for training camp and preseason games. As of Friday afternoon, Dennison remained a team employee.

“At this time, coach Dennison does not have an exemption to the vaccination requirements of those protocols. We will adhere to the requirements of the protocols and of applicable law,” the Vikings said in their statement.

Said Peter Schaffer, Dennison’s agent: “Rick is 100% committed to and invested in being the best football coach he can be for the Vikings with the singular focus of winning the Super Bowl this year.”

Kansas City is one team well above the threshold of 85% vaccinated players.

“There’s six teams that are over 90%, so we’re glad to be in that area there,” coach Andy Reid said. “We’re one of the teams where the players have really challenged themselves to get things done and take care of business.”

The Chiefs are a prime example of what Sills discussed: NFL vaccinations outpacing those in the community. For Missouri, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report 40.8% of the population is fully vaccinated. In Buchanan County where the Chiefs train in northwest Missouri, that number drops to 19.34%.

The league has said that determining who makes the roster can’t involve whether a player is vaccinated. Policing such roster moves would be difficult, but Aponte dismissed any conspiracy theories.

“Cutting players is for their performance,” she said. “And I don’t think clubs will — I can’t stand in their shoes — but I think there are protocols that have been put in place ... that are not restricting their ability to perform. I don’t see the two tying together.”

Still, it is clear the league and the players’ union are strongly advocating vaccinations with every move they make.

“No one is trying to be punitive or anything like that,” Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said. “Simply, if your choice is not to get vaccinated, it’s going to be a much more difficult season.”

KANSAS CITY (AP) —The number of NFL players in the COVID-19 vaccination process has reached 80%, with nine teams having 90% or more of their players in that category.Dr. Allen Sills, the league’s medical director, said Friday that nearly all Tier 1 and Tier 2 team employees — those who deal directly with players — have been vaccinated. Five teams are at less than 70% of players who have either received one vaccination shot or both. He is optimistic the number of vaccinated players will continue to rise as training camps open.“I think we are off to an excellent start,” Sills said. “Those numbers are much higher than what we’re seeing in society as a whole. There has been a lot of movement in that area. As you see players coming to training camp, you will see more players beginning that process (of vaccination).”Sills cited teams having strong advocates for vaccination among players and coaches, as well as the educational materials available.“I think that has influenced a lot of players,” he said. “I think we are still seeing a lot of positive momentum. Numbers are changing on a day-by-day basis and I think we’ll be seeing them day by day going up.“What matters is that individuals have the most accurate information. Let’s not get information from Instagram or Facebook posts. Let’s try to hear from the most reputable professionals. You don’t shout anyone into belief here — there have to be thoughtful conversations. What we can do is provide the facts and make sure the entirety of the medical facts are presented.”On Thursday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to the 32 teams warning that forfeited regular-season games could occur for a COVID-19 outbreak caused by nonvaccinated players.Dawn Aponte, the league’s chief football administrative officer, reiterated that games will not be postponed to avoid roster issues because of the flexibility built in: COVID-19 replacement players; expanded practice squads to 16 players; a three-week minimum stay on injured reserve instead of six weeks; no limit on activating players from IR.That means 272 games on time within 18 weeks “safely and responsibly,” she said.“Flexible and adaptable will continue to be key,” Aponte added, noting that Goodell’s memo was vetted by people in a variety of NFL roles. “We are committed to playing a full season as scheduled. There is the no-play/no-pay provision (from 2020), which has been agreed to with the players’ association and will carry into this season.”“Health and science truly is what drives and guides these decisions,” she added. “And I think we illustrated that last season and will continue to do so. I think we know a lot more this year ... the biggest difference is a vaccination is available.”Minnesota has an assistant, Rick Dennison, who is not vaccinated. After ESPN reported that Dennison has been ousted from his role as offensive line coach and run game coordinator, the Vikings released a statement confirming they were in discussions with him regarding league protocols for training camp and preseason games. As of Friday afternoon, Dennison remained a team employee.“At this time, coach Dennison does not have an exemption to the vaccination requirements of those protocols. We will adhere to the requirements of the protocols and of applicable law,” the Vikings said in their statement.Said Peter Schaffer, Dennison’s agent: “Rick is 100% committed to and invested in being the best football coach he can be for the Vikings with the singular focus of winning the Super Bowl this year.”Kansas City is one team well above the threshold of 85% vaccinated players.“There’s six teams that are over 90%, so we’re glad to be in that area there,” coach Andy Reid said. “We’re one of the teams where the players have really challenged themselves to get things done and take care of business.”The Chiefs are a prime example of what Sills discussed: NFL vaccinations outpacing those in the community. For Missouri, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report 40.8% of the population is fully vaccinated. In Buchanan County where the Chiefs train in northwest Missouri, that number drops to 19.34%.The league has said that determining who makes the roster can’t involve whether a player is vaccinated. Policing such roster moves would be difficult, but Aponte dismissed any conspiracy theories.“Cutting players is for their performance,” she said. “And I don’t think clubs will — I can’t stand in their shoes — but I think there are protocols that have been put in place ... that are not restricting their ability to perform. I don’t see the two tying together.”Still, it is clear the league and the players’ union are strongly advocating vaccinations with every move they make.“No one is trying to be punitive or anything like that,” Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said. “Simply, if your choice is not to get vaccinated, it’s going to be a much more difficult season.”___

Number of NFL players in vaccination process up to 80%

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is making her debut in South Carolina next month, an initial step of introduction to the first southern state to cast Republican-primary votes for president. 

U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncan tells The Associated Press on Friday that Noem will speak August 23 at his “Faith &amp; Freedom BBQ” fundraiser in Anderson.

 Duncan says the event is the state’s largest annual gathering of Republicans. 

In the past it’s attracted speakers including then-Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Ted Cruz. 

Like others in the field, Noem has downplayed the prospect, when asked publicly about any White House ambitions. 

But other actions — like registering a federal political action committee and hopscotching the early-voting states — suggest otherwise.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is making her debut in South Carolina next month, an initial step of introduction to the first southern state to cast Republican-primary votes for president. U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncan tells The Associated Press on Friday that Noem will speak August 23 at his “Faith &amp; Freedom BBQ” fundraiser in Anderson. Duncan says the event is the state’s largest annual gathering of Republicans. In the past it’s attracted speakers including then-Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Ted Cruz. Like others in the field, Noem has downplayed the prospect, when asked publicly about any White House ambitions. But other actions — like registering a federal political action committee and hopscotching the early-voting states — suggest otherwise.

Noem to headline GOP event in early-voting South Carolina

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas will not stop paying extended federal unemployment benefits that started during the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Laura Kelly said.

Business groups, companies and Republican leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-health-coronavirus-pandemic-business-government-and-politics-347b82421fea01e0f12ca9527a857d92">have been pressuring Kelly to end the benefits</a>, which include extra $300 weekly unemployment payments. They argue the additional benefits are discouraging people from searching for work, at a time when businesses can’t find enough employees.

Kelly said Thursday the state focused on improving child care&nbsp;and other programs that would help people return to work.

”What we did is we evaluated what happened in other states that had eliminated those benefits and we really found that wasn’t a silver bullet that is going to solve the workforce problem,” Kelly said.

The federal program is scheduled to end Sept. 6.

Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Republican from Stillwell, said people who lost work during the pandemic should be back in the workforce.

“They can walk into just about any store and get a vaccine and get back into the workforce,” Tarwater said Thursday. “COVID should no longer be an excuse to not work. We all woke up this morning and went to work, why didn’t they? Are they special? Why are they different than us?”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627077845617.png" alt="Laura Kelly at the grand opening of Evergy Plaza in downtown Topeka on Friday" />
 <figcaption>Laura Kelly at the grand opening of Evergy Plaza in downtown Topeka on Friday</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas will not stop paying extended federal unemployment benefits that started during the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Laura Kelly said.Business groups, companies and Republican leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-health-coronavirus-pandemic-business-government-and-politics-347b82421fea01e0f12ca9527a857d92">have been pressuring Kelly to end the benefits</a>, which include extra $300 weekly unemployment payments. They argue the additional benefits are discouraging people from searching for work, at a time when businesses can’t find enough employees.Kelly said Thursday the state focused on improving child care&nbsp;and other programs that would help people return to work.”What we did is we evaluated what happened in other states that had eliminated those benefits and we really found that wasn’t a silver bullet that is going to solve the workforce problem,” Kelly said.The federal program is scheduled to end Sept. 6.Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Republican from Stillwell, said people who lost work during the pandemic should be back in the workforce.“They can walk into just about any store and get a vaccine and get back into the workforce,” Tarwater said Thursday. “COVID should no longer be an excuse to not work. We all woke up this morning and went to work, why didn’t they? Are they special? Why are they different than us?”

Kansas will continue extended federal unemployment benefits

WASHINGTON — White House press secretary Jen Psaki says the United States has shipped 22 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine to other countries this week.

The total was a weekly record as vaccines went to 23 countries. Psaki says the recipients included Pakistan, Vietnam, Guatemala, Panama, Senegal, Cameroon and Morocco, among other nations. By this weekend, roughly 80 million doses in total will have shipped from the United States to other countries.

Psaki stressed at Friday’s White House news briefing that the United States is “donating more to the world than any other country.” Still, there is a global vaccine gap between wealthier nations and poorer ones, a reflection of the economic might of American and European countries as well as the pressure to address the needs of domestic populations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627067356444.png" alt="Pixabay vaccine" />
 <figcaption>Pixabay vaccine</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — White House press secretary Jen Psaki says the United States has shipped 22 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine to other countries this week.The total was a weekly record as vaccines went to 23 countries. Psaki says the recipients included Pakistan, Vietnam, Guatemala, Panama, Senegal, Cameroon and Morocco, among other nations. By this weekend, roughly 80 million doses in total will have shipped from the United States to other countries.Psaki stressed at Friday’s White House news briefing that the United States is “donating more to the world than any other country.” Still, there is a global vaccine gap between wealthier nations and poorer ones, a reflection of the economic might of American and European countries as well as the pressure to address the needs of domestic populations.

US ships 22M vaccine doses to other countries

MARYVILLE, Mo. (AP) — A 29-year-old Nebraska man who set a fire in a northwest Missouri county jail has been sentenced to 10 years in state prison.

 Ethen Mark Bentley, of Stella, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 16 for the fire at the Nodaway County Jail, and for the charges for which he was originally jailed.

 The fire on Jan. 14 forced the jail to evacuate about 20 inmates, who were relocated to other jails for about a month. 

Bentley pleaded guilty to first-degree arson, as well as two counts of first-degree assault, one count of second-degree assault and resisting arrest.

MARYVILLE, Mo. (AP) — A 29-year-old Nebraska man who set a fire in a northwest Missouri county jail has been sentenced to 10 years in state prison. Ethen Mark Bentley, of Stella, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 16 for the fire at the Nodaway County Jail, and for the charges for which he was originally jailed. The fire on Jan. 14 forced the jail to evacuate about 20 inmates, who were relocated to other jails for about a month. No one was injured. Bentley pleaded guilty to first-degree arson, as well as two counts of first-degree assault, one count of second-degree assault and resisting arrest.

Nebraska man who set fire in Missouri jail sentenced

Reports of athletes, lawmakers and others getting the coronavirus despite vaccination may sound alarming but top health experts point to overwhelming evidence that the shots are doing exactly what they are supposed to: dramatically reducing severe illness and death.

The best indicator: U.S. hospitalizations and deaths are nearly all among the unvaccinated, and real-world data from Britain and Israel support that protection against the worst cases remains strong. What scientists call “breakthrough” infections in people who are fully vaccinated make up a small fraction of cases.

“When you hear about a breakthrough infection, that doesn’t necessarily mean the vaccine is failing,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious disease specialist, told a worried Senate panel this week. The shots are holding up, he said, even in the face of the highly contagious delta variant that is burning through unvaccinated communities

Health authorities have warned that even though the COVID-19 vaccines are incredibly effective -- the Pfizer and Moderna ones about 95% against symptomatic infection in studies -- they’re not perfect. No vaccine is.

But it wasn’t until delta variant began spreading that the risk of breakthroughs started getting much public attention. The barrage of headlines is disconcerting for vaccinated people wondering how to balance getting back to normal with more exposure to unvaccinated strangers — especially if they have vulnerable family members, such as children too young to qualify for the shots.

Sports fans are seeing daily reports about infected athletes, from the New York&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-yankees-science-mlb-baseball-coronavirus-pandemic-60d860682e6c2253f800a39da550c2ca">Yankees</a>&nbsp;to the Summer Olympics. With the Games soon to start, Kara Eaker, a member of the U.S. women’s gymnastic team who said she was vaccinated, tested&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gymnast-covid-2020-tokyo-olympics-44e21e98694b6c82cb57429bf8af4644">positive</a>&nbsp;in a training camp just outside Tokyo. WNBA player Katie Lou Samuelson pulled out of the Olympics and the 3-on-3 basketball competition after testing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-2020-tokyo-olympics-basketball-health-coronavirus-pandemic-84a6a4e504c6cf9fa754256495351a29">positive</a>&nbsp;despite being vaccinated.

And politicians in the nation’s capital are being rattled by reports of breakthrough cases, including from a congressman, Florida Republican Vern Buchanan; some Texas Democratic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-government-and-politics-texas-health-coronavirus-pandemic-d6f7396d3507ed629ecc58c530b0cda7">lawmakers</a>&nbsp;visiting Washington as a political protest; at least two people in the White House and several congressional staff members.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday that with 2,000 people on the White House campus each day some breakthrough cases are inevitable, but that the administration will release information if doctors determine any staffer had close contact with the president, vice president or their spouses.

By LAURAN NEERGAARD, Associated PressReports of athletes, lawmakers and others getting the coronavirus despite vaccination may sound alarming but top health experts point to overwhelming evidence that the shots are doing exactly what they are supposed to: dramatically reducing severe illness and death.The best indicator: U.S. hospitalizations and deaths are nearly all among the unvaccinated, and real-world data from Britain and Israel support that protection against the worst cases remains strong. What scientists call “breakthrough” infections in people who are fully vaccinated make up a small fraction of cases.“When you hear about a breakthrough infection, that doesn’t necessarily mean the vaccine is failing,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious disease specialist, told a worried Senate panel this week. The shots are holding up, he said, even in the face of the highly contagious delta variant that is burning through unvaccinated communitiesHealth authorities have warned that even though the COVID-19 vaccines are incredibly effective -- the Pfizer and Moderna ones about 95% against symptomatic infection in studies -- they’re not perfect. No vaccine is.But it wasn’t until delta variant began spreading that the risk of breakthroughs started getting much public attention. The barrage of headlines is disconcerting for vaccinated people wondering how to balance getting back to normal with more exposure to unvaccinated strangers — especially if they have vulnerable family members, such as children too young to qualify for the shots.Sports fans are seeing daily reports about infected athletes, from the New York&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-yankees-science-mlb-baseball-coronavirus-pandemic-60d860682e6c2253f800a39da550c2ca">Yankees</a>&nbsp;to the Summer Olympics. With the Games soon to start, Kara Eaker, a member of the U.S. women’s gymnastic team who said she was vaccinated, tested&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gymnast-covid-2020-tokyo-olympics-44e21e98694b6c82cb57429bf8af4644">positive</a>&nbsp;in a training camp just outside Tokyo. WNBA player Katie Lou Samuelson pulled out of the Olympics and the 3-on-3 basketball competition after testing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-2020-tokyo-olympics-basketball-health-coronavirus-pandemic-84a6a4e504c6cf9fa754256495351a29">positive</a>&nbsp;despite being vaccinated.And politicians in the nation’s capital are being rattled by reports of breakthrough cases, including from a congressman, Florida Republican Vern Buchanan; some Texas Democratic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-government-and-politics-texas-health-coronavirus-pandemic-d6f7396d3507ed629ecc58c530b0cda7">lawmakers</a>&nbsp;visiting Washington as a political protest; at least two people in the White House and several congressional staff members.White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday that with 2,000 people on the White House campus each day some breakthrough cases are inevitable, but that the administration will release information if doctors determine any staffer had close contact with the president, vice president or their spouses.One critical question about breakthrough cases is whether the person actually had symptoms, Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, told The Associated Press. “Or is this somebody just being sampled out of an abundance of caution because they had to go into some place like the Congress?” he added.Indeed, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said for months that vaccinated people don’t even need to get tested after a virus exposure unless they develop symptoms. The agency cites limited evidence that they’re less likely to infect others than unvaccinated people who get an asymptomatic infection.But different places have different rules. In Britain, Prime Minister Boris Johnson -- who survived COVID-19 early in the pandemic and now is fully vaccinated -- began&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-business-health-government-and-politics-coronavirus-pandemic-cc5f64eb13bf363534cd905cfcef343f">quarantining</a>&nbsp;over the weekend after contact with someone experiencing mild symptoms from a breakthrough infection.And rigorous testing is required as thousands of athletes, coaches, officials and media -- not all of whom are vaccinated -- descend on Tokyo for the pandemic-delayed Olympics.While there’s not a specific count, it’s clear breakthrough infections are rare. As of July 12, the CDC had tallied 5,492 vaccinated people who were hospitalized or died and also tested positive for coronavirus — out of more than 159 million fully vaccinated Americans. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky has said 99.5% of all deaths from COVID-19 are in the unvaccinated.There isn’t a separate count of mild or asymptomatic breakthroughs, although CDC is tracking those through studies such as one that gives weekly virus tests to more than 5,000 essential workers, she told senators.Breakthroughs tend to be mild because a vaccinated person’s immune system doesn’t have to start from scratch to fight the coronavirus. Even if the virus sneaks past vaccine-spurred antibodies and starts replicating in your nose or throat, secondary defenses jump into action and usually, “the virus is stopped in its tracks within a few days,” said University of Pennsylvania immunologist Scott Hensley.There are caveats. The vaccines don’t work as well in people with severely weak immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients.And the government is watching closely for signs that breakthrough cases, especially serious ones, are rising, because that might signal the need for booster vaccinations.But meanwhile White House officials want to “normalize” the concept of breakthrough infections for the public, because they’re worried that these rare, inevitable events could play into the misinformation wars that have helped to keep millions from rolling up their sleeves.“The vaccines were developed to keep us out of those terrible institutions we call hospitals,” said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University. “We have to keep coming back to that.”___