CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A recent graduate from Laramie County Community College is being recognized for not giving up. 

George Jankowski has received this year's Stalcup Student Excellence Award. Instructor Laura Hayes says she nominated Jankowski for the award because, despite difficulties, he stuck with college over four years.

 Jankowski is a former U.S. Air Force medic in his mid-30s. 

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports he was a member of the academic honor society Phi Theta Kappa, the campus veterans group and Safe Zone, a program that encourages LGBTQ inclusion. Jankowski recently earned an associate of arts degree in social sciences.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A recent graduate from Laramie County Community College is being recognized for not giving up. George Jankowski has received this year's Stalcup Student Excellence Award. Instructor Laura Hayes says she nominated Jankowski for the award because, despite difficulties, he stuck with college over four years. Jankowski is a former U.S. Air Force medic in his mid-30s. The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports he was a member of the academic honor society Phi Theta Kappa, the campus veterans group and Safe Zone, a program that encourages LGBTQ inclusion. Jankowski recently earned an associate of arts degree in social sciences.

Recent Wyoming college graduate honored for not giving up

WASHINGTON
 — The Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of the Treasury recently announced that the first monthly payment of the expanded and 
newly-advanceable Child Tax Credit (CTC) from the American Rescue Plan 
will be made on July 15. Roughly 39 million households — covering 88% of
 children in the United States — are slated to begin receiving monthly 
payments without any further action required.

IRS and Treasury also announced the increased CTC payments will be 
made on the 15th of each month unless the 15th falls on a weekend or 
holiday. Families who receive the credit by direct deposit can plan 
their budgets around receipt of the benefit. Eligible families will 
receive a payment of up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and
 up to $250 per month for each child age 6 and above.

The American Rescue Plan increased the maximum Child Tax Credit in 
2021 to $3,600 for children under the age of 6 and to $3,000 per child 
for children between ages 6 and 17. The American Rescue Plan is 
projected to lift more than five million children out of poverty this 
year, cutting child poverty by more than half.

Households covering more than 65 million children will receive the 
monthly CTC payments through direct deposit, paper check, or debit 
cards, and IRS and Treasury are committed to maximizing the use of 
direct deposit to ensure fast and secure delivery. While most taxpayers 
will not be required to take any action to receive their payments, 
Treasury and the IRS will continue outreach efforts with partner 
organizations over the coming months to make more families aware of 
their eligibility.

Today's announcement represents the latest collaboration between the 
IRS and Bureau of the Fiscal Service—and between Treasury and the White 
House American Rescue Plan Implementation Team—to ensure help quickly 
reaches Americans in need as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Since March 12, the IRS has also distributed approximately 165 million 
Economic Impact Payments with a value of approximately $388 billion as a
 part of the American Rescue Plan.

Additional information for taxpayers on how they can access the Child Tax Credit will be available soon at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON
 — The Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of the Treasury recently announced that the first monthly payment of the expanded and 
newly-advanceable Child Tax Credit (CTC) from the American Rescue Plan 
will be made on July 15. Roughly 39 million households — covering 88% of
 children in the United States — are slated to begin receiving monthly 
payments without any further action required.IRS and Treasury also announced the increased CTC payments will be 
made on the 15th of each month unless the 15th falls on a weekend or 
holiday. Families who receive the credit by direct deposit can plan 
their budgets around receipt of the benefit. Eligible families will 
receive a payment of up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and
 up to $250 per month for each child age 6 and above.The American Rescue Plan increased the maximum Child Tax Credit in 
2021 to $3,600 for children under the age of 6 and to $3,000 per child 
for children between ages 6 and 17. The American Rescue Plan is 
projected to lift more than five million children out of poverty this 
year, cutting child poverty by more than half.Households covering more than 65 million children will receive the 
monthly CTC payments through direct deposit, paper check, or debit 
cards, and IRS and Treasury are committed to maximizing the use of 
direct deposit to ensure fast and secure delivery. While most taxpayers 
will not be required to take any action to receive their payments, 
Treasury and the IRS will continue outreach efforts with partner 
organizations over the coming months to make more families aware of 
their eligibility.Today's announcement represents the latest collaboration between the 
IRS and Bureau of the Fiscal Service—and between Treasury and the White 
House American Rescue Plan Implementation Team—to ensure help quickly 
reaches Americans in need as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Since March 12, the IRS has also distributed approximately 165 million 
Economic Impact Payments with a value of approximately $388 billion as a
 part of the American Rescue Plan.Additional information for taxpayers on how they can access the Child Tax Credit will be available soon at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>.

IRS: Child Tax Credit payments will hit bank accounts in July

GRAND ISLAND — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested a California woman following a pursuit on Interstate 80 early Tuesday morning.

At approximately 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, NSP received a report of a Chrysler sedan traveling at excessive speeds on I-80 westbound near York. A York County Sheriff’s Deputy then reported seeing the vehicle as it was traveling more than 100 miles per hour.

A trooper was able to locate the vehicle near mile marker 324. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle accelerated and fled. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

The vehicle reached speeds in excess of 115 miles per hour during the pursuit, before the vehicle voluntarily exited at the Grand Island/Hastings interchange, at mile marker 312. The vehicle came to a stop in the parking lot of a gas station south of the interchange.

Troopers and Hall County Sheriff’s Deputies were then able to take the driver into custody without incident. Three children were located in the backseat of the vehicle and a search of the vehicle revealed a small amount of methamphetamine.

The driver, Ingrid Baires-Duran, 25, of Los Angeles, California was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, child abuse/endangerment, and traffic violations. She was lodged in Hamilton County Jail. The children were placed in protective care.

GRAND ISLAND — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested a California woman following a pursuit on Interstate 80 early Tuesday morning.At approximately 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, NSP received a report of a Chrysler sedan traveling at excessive speeds on I-80 westbound near York. A York County Sheriff’s Deputy then reported seeing the vehicle as it was traveling more than 100 miles per hour.A trooper was able to locate the vehicle near mile marker 324. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle accelerated and fled. The trooper initiated a pursuit.The vehicle reached speeds in excess of 115 miles per hour during the pursuit, before the vehicle voluntarily exited at the Grand Island/Hastings interchange, at mile marker 312. The vehicle came to a stop in the parking lot of a gas station south of the interchange.Troopers and Hall County Sheriff’s Deputies were then able to take the driver into custody without incident. Three children were located in the backseat of the vehicle and a search of the vehicle revealed a small amount of methamphetamine.The driver, Ingrid Baires-Duran, 25, of Los Angeles, California was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, child abuse/endangerment, and traffic violations. She was lodged in Hamilton County Jail. The children were placed in protective care.

Troopers arrest woman following pursuit in central Nebraska

DENVER (AP) — Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced a weekly state lottery for five residents to win $1 million Tuesday to incentive COVID-19 vaccinations, amid other state bids to overcome public vaccine hesitancy.

“Rather than gamble on getting COVID, let’s take a chance on winning a million dollars,” Polis said.

Colorado is setting aside $5 million of federal coronavirus relief funds that would have gone toward vaccine advertising for five residents to win $1 million each. The drawings will take place every week starting June 4 until July 7.

Every resident who has been vaccinated by the end of May will be entered in the first drawing. In order to be eligible for the drawing, residents need to be 18 years old and have received at least one dose of the approved coronavirus vaccines.

Nearly 3 million Colorado residents, about half of the state’s population have received their first vaccine dose, which is slightly higher than the U.S. average of 49.5% of people who have gotten their first injection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There are just over 40% of fully vaccinated residents in Colorado, compared to the U.S. fully inoculated average of around 39.5% of the population.

The state will also announce scholarship awards for 12-to-17-year-olds who are vaccinated, Polis said.

Other states have unveiled similar lottery ideas, including Ohio, New York, Maryland and Oregon.

In Ohio, the first state to announce its creative lottery plan, Gov. Mike DeWine said Monday that nearly 2.8 million residents registered for Ohio’s Vax-a-Million vaccination incentive program.

The Republican governor said vaccinations have surged since the lottery program was launched, adding that vaccinations among 16- and 17-year-olds jumped 94%; the 20-49 age group was up 55%; and 18-19-year-olds were up 46%.

DENVER (AP) — Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced a weekly state lottery for five residents to win $1 million Tuesday to incentive COVID-19 vaccinations, amid other state bids to overcome public vaccine hesitancy.“Rather than gamble on getting COVID, let’s take a chance on winning a million dollars,” Polis said.Colorado is setting aside $5 million of federal coronavirus relief funds that would have gone toward vaccine advertising for five residents to win $1 million each. The drawings will take place every week starting June 4 until July 7.Every resident who has been vaccinated by the end of May will be entered in the first drawing. In order to be eligible for the drawing, residents need to be 18 years old and have received at least one dose of the approved coronavirus vaccines.Nearly 3 million Colorado residents, about half of the state’s population have received their first vaccine dose, which is slightly higher than the U.S. average of 49.5% of people who have gotten their first injection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.There are just over 40% of fully vaccinated residents in Colorado, compared to the U.S. fully inoculated average of around 39.5% of the population.The state will also announce scholarship awards for 12-to-17-year-olds who are vaccinated, Polis said.Other states have unveiled similar lottery ideas, including Ohio, New York, Maryland and Oregon.In Ohio, the first state to announce its creative lottery plan, Gov. Mike DeWine said Monday that nearly 2.8 million residents registered for Ohio’s Vax-a-Million vaccination incentive program.The Republican governor said vaccinations have surged since the lottery program was launched, adding that vaccinations among 16- and 17-year-olds jumped 94%; the 20-49 age group was up 55%; and 18-19-year-olds were up 46%.

Colorado joins states offering $1M prizes for vaccinated residents

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A trade group for pork producers is asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture to appeal a recent federal judge's order that struck down a federal rule allowing pork processing plants to speed up processing. 

The National Pork Producers Council said Tuesday that a Minnesota judge's ruling in March ordering a return to slower processing line speeds will cost farmers $80 million in reduced income. 

Meatpacking worker unions challenged the faster speeds, saying they put workers' health and safety at risk. 

The pork producers group is asking the USDA to appeal the ruling and seek a stay so six plants now operating at faster speeds may continue under the new rules finalized by former President Donald Trump's administration in 2019.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A trade group for pork producers is asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture to appeal a recent federal judge's order that struck down a federal rule allowing pork processing plants to speed up processing. The National Pork Producers Council said Tuesday that a Minnesota judge's ruling in March ordering a return to slower processing line speeds will cost farmers $80 million in reduced income. Meatpacking worker unions challenged the faster speeds, saying they put workers' health and safety at risk. The pork producers group is asking the USDA to appeal the ruling and seek a stay so six plants now operating at faster speeds may continue under the new rules finalized by former President Donald Trump's administration in 2019.

Pork group asks USDA to support faster slaughterhouse speeds

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha man who has served five stints in prison is now charged with attempted murder, child abuse and other counts after police say he repeatedly hanged and choked his girlfriend's 2-year-old daughter until the child lost consciousness. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that police arrested 38-year-old David Coleman in December after his girlfriend found a video on his phone showing him hanging her 2-year-old daughter by her neck with a pink scarf in a storage unit until she was unconscious. 

Police say they later found other video of Coleman strangling the girl while the toddler was in a car seat.

 Coleman, who remains behind bars on more than $1 million bail, has pleaded not guilty to the charges and faces his next court hearing in June.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha man who has served five stints in prison is now charged with attempted murder, child abuse and other counts after police say he repeatedly hanged and choked his girlfriend's 2-year-old daughter until the child lost consciousness. The Omaha World-Herald reports that police arrested 38-year-old David Coleman in December after his girlfriend found a video on his phone showing him hanging her 2-year-old daughter by her neck with a pink scarf in a storage unit until she was unconscious. Police say they later found other video of Coleman strangling the girl while the toddler was in a car seat. Coleman, who remains behind bars on more than $1 million bail, has pleaded not guilty to the charges and faces his next court hearing in June.

Ex-con accused of hanging toddler repeatedly faces charges

DAKOTA CITY, Neb. (AP) — A former South Sioux City High School coach has pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting a 15-year-old student. 

The Sioux City Journal reports that 25-year-old Nathan Rogers filed a written plea on Monday to first-degree sexual assault and child abuse. Rogers was first arrested in March after he was accused of raping the girl at his home in December. 

The girl told investigators she had gone to Rogers' home to pick up a vaping pen. 

Once inside, she said, he pinned her to a couch and forcibly sexually assaulted her.

 Rogers has said he had consensual sex with the girl, who was too young under Iowa law to consent to sex. 

Rogers also faces charges in a second case involving another 15-year-old girl.

DAKOTA CITY, Neb. (AP) — A former South Sioux City High School coach has pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting a 15-year-old student. The Sioux City Journal reports that 25-year-old Nathan Rogers filed a written plea on Monday to first-degree sexual assault and child abuse. Rogers was first arrested in March after he was accused of raping the girl at his home in December. The girl told investigators she had gone to Rogers' home to pick up a vaping pen. Once inside, she said, he pinned her to a couch and forcibly sexually assaulted her. Rogers has said he had consensual sex with the girl, who was too young under Iowa law to consent to sex. Rogers also faces charges in a second case involving another 15-year-old girl.

Ex-South Sioux City coach pleads not guilty to sex assault

Lincoln – Rod Jauken of Funk is the fifth winner of a 2021 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCrew Flex Fuel truck in the 26th edition of the Nebraska Lottery’s $2 Truck$ &amp; Buck$ Scratch game.

Jauken purchased his winning Truck$ &amp; Buck$ ticket at Pump &amp; Pantry #23 at 916 Fourth Street in Holdrege.

Nebraska Lottery officials presented Jauken with his truck on Monday, May 24 at Pump &amp; Pantry. Jauken said his winning ticket was one of the first he purchased this year.

While on his way to Hastings to pick up a load of fertilizer, he heard about the most recent Truck$ &amp; Buck$ truck winner in Columbus and decided to buy a few tickets. He brought them with him to scratch on the way to a wedding on May 15.

He scratched off the ticket, checked it to make sure he’d actually won and had his friends turn around so he could take the ticket home to put it in a safe place.

“I put it in my freezer,” Jauken said. “Because I figured if anything happened, like a fire or anything, it would still be there.”

Dozens of friends, family and well-wishers from Holdrege and the surrounding area showed up at Monday’s event to congratulate Jauken. When they’d ask him what his secret was, Jauken said, “It’s dumb luck, that’s all I can tell you.”

Jauken’s current truck is nearly 20 years old and has over 200,000 miles on it, he said, so this win came at a perfect time.

“I’ve been looking for a pickup and now I have one,” he said. “Honest to gosh, it’s a blessing, I’m telling you.”

The 26th edition of the Nebraska Lottery’s popular $2 Truck$ &amp; Buck$ Scratch game features the 2021 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCrew Flex Fuel truck as its top prize. Players have the opportunity to win one of seven Ford F-150 trucks as well as cash and Ethanol-enriched fuel prizes. The truck prize is valued at $56,600, which includes $1,199 for costs associated with ownership and state and federal withholding paid by the Nebraska Lottery of $2,830 and $13,584, respectively. The odds of winning the top prize in Truck$ &amp; Buck$ are 1 in 300,000, while the overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.74.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $818 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Lincoln – Rod Jauken of Funk is the fifth winner of a 2021 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCrew Flex Fuel truck in the 26th edition of the Nebraska Lottery’s $2 Truck$ &amp; Buck$ Scratch game.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621960484222.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jauken purchased his winning Truck$ &amp; Buck$ ticket at Pump &amp; Pantry #23 at 916 Fourth Street in Holdrege.Nebraska Lottery officials presented Jauken with his truck on Monday, May 24 at Pump &amp; Pantry. Jauken said his winning ticket was one of the first he purchased this year.While on his way to Hastings to pick up a load of fertilizer, he heard about the most recent Truck$ &amp; Buck$ truck winner in Columbus and decided to buy a few tickets. He brought them with him to scratch on the way to a wedding on May 15.He scratched off the ticket, checked it to make sure he’d actually won and had his friends turn around so he could take the ticket home to put it in a safe place.“I put it in my freezer,” Jauken said. “Because I figured if anything happened, like a fire or anything, it would still be there.”Dozens of friends, family and well-wishers from Holdrege and the surrounding area showed up at Monday’s event to congratulate Jauken. When they’d ask him what his secret was, Jauken said, “It’s dumb luck, that’s all I can tell you.”Jauken’s current truck is nearly 20 years old and has over 200,000 miles on it, he said, so this win came at a perfect time.“I’ve been looking for a pickup and now I have one,” he said. “Honest to gosh, it’s a blessing, I’m telling you.”The 26th edition of the Nebraska Lottery’s popular $2 Truck$ &amp; Buck$ Scratch game features the 2021 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCrew Flex Fuel truck as its top prize. Players have the opportunity to win one of seven Ford F-150 trucks as well as cash and Ethanol-enriched fuel prizes. The truck prize is valued at $56,600, which includes $1,199 for costs associated with ownership and state and federal withholding paid by the Nebraska Lottery of $2,830 and $13,584, respectively. The odds of winning the top prize in Truck$ &amp; Buck$ are 1 in 300,000, while the overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.74.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $818 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Funk man claims fifth Truck$ & Buck$ Truck

HOLDREGE, Neb. (AP) — A Holdrege man charged in shootings that killed two men and seriously injured another will undergo a fourth mental evaluation. 

The Kearney Hub reports that a judge on Monday approved a motion by prosecutors seeking the psychiatric evaluation of 48-year-old Manuel Gomez. 

The motion followed Gomez’s April filing indicating he intends to rely on an insanity defense at trial. 

Authorities say Gomez shot and killed 65-year-old Raymond Burton and 54-year-old David Rogers in February 2019 at the Sunrise View Apartments in Holdrege.

 Prosecutors say he also shot and wounded his attorney at the time, Doyle Morse.

 In the past two years, Gomez has been found mentally unfit to stand trial, then deemed restored to competency and ordered to stand trial for first-degree murder and other counts.

HOLDREGE, Neb. (AP) — A Holdrege man charged in shootings that killed two men and seriously injured another will undergo a fourth mental evaluation. The Kearney Hub reports that a judge on Monday approved a motion by prosecutors seeking the psychiatric evaluation of 48-year-old Manuel Gomez. The motion followed Gomez’s April filing indicating he intends to rely on an insanity defense at trial. Authorities say Gomez shot and killed 65-year-old Raymond Burton and 54-year-old David Rogers in February 2019 at the Sunrise View Apartments in Holdrege. Prosecutors say he also shot and wounded his attorney at the time, Doyle Morse. In the past two years, Gomez has been found mentally unfit to stand trial, then deemed restored to competency and ordered to stand trial for first-degree murder and other counts.

Holdrege man charged in killings to undergo mental test

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts has vetoed bills that would require the state to manage Omaha Public Schools’ troubled pension system and expand eligibility for food and heating aid. 

Ricketts has previously signaled his opposition to the pensions bill, calling it a “slippery slope” that could eventually get Nebraska on the hook for the district’s bad investment decisions. 

The bill’s sponsor has said that isn’t the case. 

The Republican governor also vetoed bills that would allow more people to qualify for federally funded food and heating assistance. 

Each bill passed in the Legislature with enough votes to override the governor’s veto, if the support holds.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts has vetoed bills that would require the state to manage Omaha Public Schools’ troubled pension system and expand eligibility for food and heating aid. Ricketts has previously signaled his opposition to the pensions bill, calling it a “slippery slope” that could eventually get Nebraska on the hook for the district’s bad investment decisions. The bill’s sponsor has said that isn’t the case. The Republican governor also vetoed bills that would allow more people to qualify for federally funded food and heating assistance. Each bill passed in the Legislature with enough votes to override the governor’s veto, if the support holds.

Ricketts vetoes Omaha schools pension, expanded aid bills

(AP)-Moderna says its COVID-19 vaccine strongly protects kids as young as 12. The company released the preliminary findings Tuesday based on testing on more than 3,700 12- to 17-year-olds in the United States. 

Earlier this month, the U.S. and Canada authorized another vaccine by Pfizer and BioNTech to be used starting at age 12. 

Moderna intends to submit its teen data to the Food and Drug Administration and other global regulators early next month. 

Moderna says its vaccine triggered the same signs of immune protection in kids as it does in adults, and the same mild, temporary side effects.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614863461419.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>(AP)-Moderna says its COVID-19 vaccine strongly protects kids as young as 12. The company released the preliminary findings Tuesday based on testing on more than 3,700 12- to 17-year-olds in the United States. Earlier this month, the U.S. and Canada authorized another vaccine by Pfizer and BioNTech to be used starting at age 12. Moderna intends to submit its teen data to the Food and Drug Administration and other global regulators early next month. Moderna says its vaccine triggered the same signs of immune protection in kids as it does in adults, and the same mild, temporary side effects.

Moderna says its COVID-19 shot works in kids as young as 12

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the State Department are warning Americans against all travel to Japan because of a surge in coronavirus cases in the country as it prepares to host the Olympics in just two months.

<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/japan-travel-advisory.html">Click here to read</a> the travel advisory from the U.S. State Dept.

The twin alerts issued Monday don't ban U.S. citizens from visiting the country, but they could have an impact on insurance rates for travelers and may factor into decisions by Olympic athletes and spectators on whether to compete in or attend the games, which are due to start in July. The government is trying to accelerate its vaccination rollout and curb coronavirus infections before the Olympics.

&nbsp;Japan mobilized military doctors and nurses to give shots to elderly people in Tokyo and Osaka on Monday as the government desperately tries to accelerate its vaccination rollout and curb coronavirus infections just two months before hosting the Olympics.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is determined to hold the Olympics in Tokyo after a one-year delay and has made an ambitious pledge to finish vaccinating the country’s 36 million elderly people by the end of July, despite skepticism it’s possible. Worries about public safety while many Japanese remain unvaccinated have prompted growing protests and calls for canceling the games, set to start on July 23.

Suga’s government has repeatedly expanded the area and duration of a largely voluntary request-based virus state of emergency since late April and has made its virus-fighting measures stricter. Currently, Tokyo and nine other areas that are home to 40% of the country’s population are under the emergency and a further extension is deemed unavoidable.

With COVID-19 cases still high, Suga now says vaccines are key to getting infections under control. He has not made vaccinations conditional for holding the Olympics and has arranged for Pfizer to donate its vaccine for athletes through the International Olympic Committee, while trying to speed up Japan’s inoculation drive as anti-Olympic sentiment grows.

Suga, speaking to reporters after a brief visit to the Tokyo center, said accelerating the vaccine rollout is an “unprecedented challenge.”

“We will do whatever it takes to accomplish the project so that the people can get vaccinated and return to their ordinary daily lives as soon as possible,” he said.

At the two centers, staffed by about 280 military medical staff and 200 civilian nurses, the aim is to inoculate up to 10,000 people per day in Tokyo and 5,000 per day in Osaka for the next three months.

In hardest-hit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-coronavirus-pandemic-business-olympic-games-2020-tokyo-olympics-72cc0b10127e8bab06406a6ec6bcedd6">Osaka</a>, where hospitals are overflowing, with tens of thousands of people becoming sicker or even dying at home, dozens began lining up before the inoculation center opened early Monday. In Tokyo, some vaccine recipients said they took taxis or shuttle buses to get to the center to avoid packed commuter trains.

People inoculated at the two centers were the first in Japan to receive doses from Moderna Inc., one of two foreign-developed vaccines Japan approved on Friday.

Previously, Japan had used only Pfizer Inc., and only about 2% of the population of 126 million has received the required two doses.

Japan began vaccinating health care workers in mid-February after delays resulting from its decision to require additional vaccine clinical testing inside Japan — a decision many experts said was medically meaningless and only slowed the inoculation process.

Vaccinations for the next group — the elderly, who are more likely to suffer serious COVID-19 effects — started in mid-April but have been slowed by reservation procedures, unclear distribution plans and shortages of medical staff to give shots.

The completion of Japanese-developed vaccines is still uncertain, but government officials hope the approvals Friday of Moderna and AstraZeneca will accelerate inoculations.

“Speeding up the rollout makes us feel safer because it affects our social life and the economy,” said Munemitsu Watanabe, a 71-year-old office worker who got his first shot at the Tokyo center. “If 80-90% of the population gets vaccinated, I think we can hold the Olympics smoothly.”

That goal seems impossible to meet. Those currently eligible are 65 years or older, and some officials say it may take until next March before younger people are fully vaccinated.

Japan also has a dire shortage of medical staff who can give shots since only doctors and nurses can legally do so — and they are already busy treating COVID-19 patients.

Under pressure, Suga’s government has allowed dentists and retired nurses to perform inoculations, and on Monday asked for pharmacists’ help. Suga said he is also considering adding paramedics and clinical laboratory technicians to create a pool of “several tens of thousands” of medical personnel. There are worries, however, that loosening the criteria may increase vaccine hesitancy in the public.

Also Monday, Tokyo’s downtown Sumida district organized a one-time inoculation event at the Kokugikan sumo arena, a venue for Olympic boxing, to attract elderly people with a lottery to win sumo-themed souvenirs.

Several other local governments, including Aichi in central Japan and Gunma near Tokyo and Miyagi in the north, also were to open their own large vaccination centers on Monday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the State Department are warning Americans against all travel to Japan because of a surge in coronavirus cases in the country as it prepares to host the Olympics in just two months.<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/japan-travel-advisory.html">Click here to read</a> the travel advisory from the U.S. State Dept.The twin alerts issued Monday don't ban U.S. citizens from visiting the country, but they could have an impact on insurance rates for travelers and may factor into decisions by Olympic athletes and spectators on whether to compete in or attend the games, which are due to start in July. The government is trying to accelerate its vaccination rollout and curb coronavirus infections before the Olympics.&nbsp;Japan mobilized military doctors and nurses to give shots to elderly people in Tokyo and Osaka on Monday as the government desperately tries to accelerate its vaccination rollout and curb coronavirus infections just two months before hosting the Olympics.Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is determined to hold the Olympics in Tokyo after a one-year delay and has made an ambitious pledge to finish vaccinating the country’s 36 million elderly people by the end of July, despite skepticism it’s possible. Worries about public safety while many Japanese remain unvaccinated have prompted growing protests and calls for canceling the games, set to start on July 23.Suga’s government has repeatedly expanded the area and duration of a largely voluntary request-based virus state of emergency since late April and has made its virus-fighting measures stricter. Currently, Tokyo and nine other areas that are home to 40% of the country’s population are under the emergency and a further extension is deemed unavoidable.With COVID-19 cases still high, Suga now says vaccines are key to getting infections under control. He has not made vaccinations conditional for holding the Olympics and has arranged for Pfizer to donate its vaccine for athletes through the International Olympic Committee, while trying to speed up Japan’s inoculation drive as anti-Olympic sentiment grows.Suga, speaking to reporters after a brief visit to the Tokyo center, said accelerating the vaccine rollout is an “unprecedented challenge.”“We will do whatever it takes to accomplish the project so that the people can get vaccinated and return to their ordinary daily lives as soon as possible,” he said.At the two centers, staffed by about 280 military medical staff and 200 civilian nurses, the aim is to inoculate up to 10,000 people per day in Tokyo and 5,000 per day in Osaka for the next three months.In hardest-hit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-coronavirus-pandemic-business-olympic-games-2020-tokyo-olympics-72cc0b10127e8bab06406a6ec6bcedd6">Osaka</a>, where hospitals are overflowing, with tens of thousands of people becoming sicker or even dying at home, dozens began lining up before the inoculation center opened early Monday. In Tokyo, some vaccine recipients said they took taxis or shuttle buses to get to the center to avoid packed commuter trains.People inoculated at the two centers were the first in Japan to receive doses from Moderna Inc., one of two foreign-developed vaccines Japan approved on Friday.Previously, Japan had used only Pfizer Inc., and only about 2% of the population of 126 million has received the required two doses.Japan began vaccinating health care workers in mid-February after delays resulting from its decision to require additional vaccine clinical testing inside Japan — a decision many experts said was medically meaningless and only slowed the inoculation process.Vaccinations for the next group — the elderly, who are more likely to suffer serious COVID-19 effects — started in mid-April but have been slowed by reservation procedures, unclear distribution plans and shortages of medical staff to give shots.The completion of Japanese-developed vaccines is still uncertain, but government officials hope the approvals Friday of Moderna and AstraZeneca will accelerate inoculations.“Speeding up the rollout makes us feel safer because it affects our social life and the economy,” said Munemitsu Watanabe, a 71-year-old office worker who got his first shot at the Tokyo center. “If 80-90% of the population gets vaccinated, I think we can hold the Olympics smoothly.”That goal seems impossible to meet. Those currently eligible are 65 years or older, and some officials say it may take until next March before younger people are fully vaccinated.Japan also has a dire shortage of medical staff who can give shots since only doctors and nurses can legally do so — and they are already busy treating COVID-19 patients.Under pressure, Suga’s government has allowed dentists and retired nurses to perform inoculations, and on Monday asked for pharmacists’ help. Suga said he is also considering adding paramedics and clinical laboratory technicians to create a pool of “several tens of thousands” of medical personnel. There are worries, however, that loosening the criteria may increase vaccine hesitancy in the public.Also Monday, Tokyo’s downtown Sumida district organized a one-time inoculation event at the Kokugikan sumo arena, a venue for Olympic boxing, to attract elderly people with a lottery to win sumo-themed souvenirs.Several other local governments, including Aichi in central Japan and Gunma near Tokyo and Miyagi in the north, also were to open their own large vaccination centers on Monday.___

U.S. warns against travel to Japan 2 months before Olympics

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly five months after being deployed to the U.S. Capitol to help quell the Jan. 6 insurrection, National Guard troops were set to leave and turn over security of the area to Capitol Police.

Guard troops, their mission ending Sunday, were leaving Monday, a person familiar with the plan told The Associated Press. The person was not authorized to discuss the plan by name and requested anonymity.

The Pentagon announced earlier in the week that an extension of the Guard presence — 2,149 troops — had not been requested.

The planned departure came as Democrats and Republicans sparred over how to fund fortifications of the Capitol and whether to form an independent bipartisan commission to investigate the attack that sought to overturn former President Donald Trump’s loss to Democrat Joe Biden.

Some Republican lawmakers have begun downplaying the event despite the handful of deaths, injuries to scores of police officers, hundreds of arrests, damages to the building and shouted threats against lawmakers from many of those who stormed the building. Much of the violence was caught on camera.

Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, who oversaw a security review in the wake of the rioting, told CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday that the Capitol itself will be secured by Capitol Police but that the complex will remain closed to the general public because of the strain on the police force.

“God bless the National Guard,” Honore said. “They’ve done significant work.”

The House on Thursday approved — by a single vote largely along party lines — a $1.9 billion measure to fortify the Capitol. The next day the House approved with 35 Republican votes the formation of an investigative commission. Both measures face an uncertain future in the evenly divided Senate.

Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has said he opposes the commission proposal, which would need significant Republican support to advance under Senate rules. Republican opponents say the commission would become a political tool as midterms elections approach, though the proposal requires its work to be concluded by the end of this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611848633213.png" alt="Members of the Kansas National Guard in DC earlier this year" />
 <figcaption>Members of the Kansas National Guard in DC earlier this year</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly five months after being deployed to the U.S. Capitol to help quell the Jan. 6 insurrection, National Guard troops were set to leave and turn over security of the area to Capitol Police.Guard troops, their mission ending Sunday, were leaving Monday, a person familiar with the plan told The Associated Press. The person was not authorized to discuss the plan by name and requested anonymity.The Pentagon announced earlier in the week that an extension of the Guard presence — 2,149 troops — had not been requested.The planned departure came as Democrats and Republicans sparred over how to fund fortifications of the Capitol and whether to form an independent bipartisan commission to investigate the attack that sought to overturn former President Donald Trump’s loss to Democrat Joe Biden.Some Republican lawmakers have begun downplaying the event despite the handful of deaths, injuries to scores of police officers, hundreds of arrests, damages to the building and shouted threats against lawmakers from many of those who stormed the building. Much of the violence was caught on camera.Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, who oversaw a security review in the wake of the rioting, told CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday that the Capitol itself will be secured by Capitol Police but that the complex will remain closed to the general public because of the strain on the police force.“God bless the National Guard,” Honore said. “They’ve done significant work.”The House on Thursday approved — by a single vote largely along party lines — a $1.9 billion measure to fortify the Capitol. The next day the House approved with 35 Republican votes the formation of an investigative commission. Both measures face an uncertain future in the evenly divided Senate.Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has said he opposes the commission proposal, which would need significant Republican support to advance under Senate rules. Republican opponents say the commission would become a political tool as midterms elections approach, though the proposal requires its work to be concluded by the end of this year.

National Guard mission to provide security ending at Capitol

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is likely to stay among conservative politicians favored by former President Donald Trump with the help of an unusual strategy for a governor. 

She is headlining the state’s legal battles. 

Noem in recent weeks has picked legal fights with President Joe Biden’s administration that hit on issues sure to please her conservative base: Fourth of July fireworks and climate change regulations. 

It’s a way the governor has melded the state’s fortunes with her own political profile. 

The tactic has given her opportunities to cast herself as one of Biden’s most prominent political combatants.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is likely to stay among conservative politicians favored by former President Donald Trump with the help of an unusual strategy for a governor. She is headlining the state’s legal battles. Noem in recent weeks has picked legal fights with President Joe Biden’s administration that hit on issues sure to please her conservative base: Fourth of July fireworks and climate change regulations. It’s a way the governor has melded the state’s fortunes with her own political profile. The tactic has given her opportunities to cast herself as one of Biden’s most prominent political combatants.

South Dakota's Noem launches legal strategy to take on Biden

LA VISTA, Neb. (AP) — The search for an autistic 11-year-old Nebraska boy who has been missing since last week continues to focus on a lake and surrounding park in the Omaha suburb of La Vista. 

On Sunday, authorities lowered the lake at Walnut Creek Recreation Area by several feet to help searchers get a better view of what lies along the shore of the lake. 

Debris in the lake, including tires and tree limbs, has hindered the water search for Ryan Larsen who has been missing since he walked out of his elementary school on May 17 during changes in morning classed in La Vista.

LA VISTA, Neb. (AP) — The search for an autistic 11-year-old Nebraska boy who has been missing since last week continues to focus on a lake and surrounding park in the Omaha suburb of La Vista. On Sunday, authorities lowered the lake at Walnut Creek Recreation Area by several feet to help searchers get a better view of what lies along the shore of the lake. Debris in the lake, including tires and tree limbs, has hindered the water search for Ryan Larsen who has been missing since he walked out of his elementary school on May 17 during changes in morning classed in La Vista.

Authorities lower lake to help with search for missing boy

WAHOO, Neb. (AP) — A county board in eastern Nebraska has approved plans by Omaha Public Power District to build the state’s first solar power plant. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that the Saunders County Board voted unanimously last week to approve a conditional use permit for the solar farm, despite some local opposition to the project and a vote by the county's local planning commission against it.

 OPPD revealed in April that it had signed a contract to build the huge bank of solar panels on 500 acres south of Yutan. 

The project would be the largest solar farm in Nebraska and is the first step toward the utility's plan to provide 600 megawatts of solar power.

WAHOO, Neb. (AP) — A county board in eastern Nebraska has approved plans by Omaha Public Power District to build the state’s first solar power plant. The Omaha World-Herald reports that the Saunders County Board voted unanimously last week to approve a conditional use permit for the solar farm, despite some local opposition to the project and a vote by the county's local planning commission against it. OPPD revealed in April that it had signed a contract to build the huge bank of solar panels on 500 acres south of Yutan. The project would be the largest solar farm in Nebraska and is the first step toward the utility's plan to provide 600 megawatts of solar power.

Saunders County approves solar farm construction near Yutan

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A judge has rejected the state of South Dakota’s argument that homeowners in a Black Hawk neighborhood lack legal standing to seek damages due to a sinkhole. 

The Rapid City Journal reports Judge Kevin Krull’s May 14 ruling may now proceed with class-action status, which would include any resident affected by the sinkhole that exposed an abandoned gypsum mine in April 2020. 

More than 40 people from 15 homes were forced to evacuate due to the sinkhole and mine.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A judge has rejected the state of South Dakota’s argument that homeowners in a Black Hawk neighborhood lack legal standing to seek damages due to a sinkhole. The Rapid City Journal reports Judge Kevin Krull’s May 14 ruling may now proceed with class-action status, which would include any resident affected by the sinkhole that exposed an abandoned gypsum mine in April 2020. More than 40 people from 15 homes were forced to evacuate due to the sinkhole and mine.

Judge rejects state's argument in Black Hawk sinkhole case

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal health officials’ new, more relaxed recommendations on masks have all but eclipsed another major change in guidance from the government: Fully vaccinated Americans can largely skip getting tested for the coronavirus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last week that most people who have received the full course of shots and have no COVID-19 symptoms don’t need to be screened for the virus, even if exposed to someone infected.

The change represents a new phase in the epidemic after nearly a year in which testing was the primary weapon against the virus. Vaccines are now central to the response and have driven down hospitalizations and deaths dramatically.

Experts say the CDC guidance reflects a new reality in which nearly half of Americans have received at least one shot and close to 40% are fully vaccinated.

“At this point we really should be asking ourselves whether the benefits of testing outweigh the costs — which are lots of disruptions, lots of confusion and very little clinical or public health benefit,” said Dr. A. David Paltiel of Yale’s School of Public Health, who championed&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2768923" target="_blank">widespread testing</a>&nbsp;at colleges last year.

While vaccinated people can still catch the virus, they face little risk of serious illness from it. And positive test results can lead to what many experts now say are unnecessary worry and interruptions at work, home and school, such as quarantines and shutdowns.

Other health specialists say the CDC’s abrupt changes on the need for masks and testing have sent the message that COVID-19 is no longer a major threat, even as the U.S. reports daily case counts of nearly 30,000.

“The average Joe Public is interpreting what the CDC is saying as ‘This is done. It’s over,’” said Dr. Michael Mina of Harvard University, a leading advocate of widespread, rapid testing.

With more than 60% of Americans not fully vaccinated, he thinks screening of those without symptoms still has a role, particularly among front-line workers who have to deal with the public.

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said the updated guidelines are based on studies showing the robust effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing disease in various age groups and settings. Even when vaccinated people do contract COVID-19, their infections tend to be milder, shorter and less likely to spread to others.

As a result, the CDC says vaccinated people can generally be excluded from routine workplace screening for COVID-19.

That change could eliminate testing headaches like the one recently reported by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-yankees-science-mlb-baseball-coronavirus-pandemic-60d860682e6c2253f800a39da550c2ca">New York Yankees</a>, when one player and several staffers tested positive on a highly sensitive COVID-19 test, despite being vaccinated.

Baseball officials are discussing whether to drop or reduce testing of people who have no symptoms.

But widespread attempts to waive testing for vaccinated people could face the same dilemma seen with the CDC’s new guidelines on masks: There’s no easy way to determine who has been vaccinated and who hasn’t.

Employers can legally require vaccinations for most workers, though few have tested that power, since the vaccines don’t yet have full regulatory approval. Even asking employees to disclose their vaccination status is viewed as intrusive by many employment-law specialists.

For now, testing appears to be continuing unchanged in places that adopted the practice, from offices to meatpacking plants to sports teams.

Pork producer Smithfield Foods said it continues to conduct a combination of mandatory and optional testing for employees, depending on conditions at work sites. Amazon said it will still offer regular, voluntary testing.

The NBA has indicated it plans to keep its testing system in place for now. The league has been praised for using rigorous testing to create&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-nba-joel-embiid-coronavirus-pandemic-ben-simmons-2ff5594183d0b4b78bf13e96e8f51f8e">COVID-19-free “bubbles”</a>&nbsp;around players, coaches and staff.

On a national level, the supply of COVID-19 tests now vastly surpasses&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-coronavirus-pandemic-b1c1f6fc83977830231c065625510e4e">demand</a>. U.S. officials receive reports of about 1 million tests per day, down from a peak of over 2 million in mid-January, though many rapid tests done at home and workplaces go uncounted.

Consumers can buy 15-minute, over-the-counter tests at pharmacies and other stores. That’s on top of increased capacity from U.S. laboratories and hospitals, which ramped up testing after last year’s crushing demand.

The U.S. will be capable of conducting 500 million monthly tests in June, according to researchers at Arizona State University.

As recently as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-pandemics-coronavirus-pandemic-b72e56902c9a682201dc7e2e95530551">this winter</a>, many health experts were calling for a huge testing effort to safely reopen schools, offices and other businesses. But that was before it was known how effective the vaccine would be in the real world, how quickly it could be distributed and whether it would protect against variants.

“The vaccines overperformed, which is the best news possible,” said Dr. Jeffrey Engel of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. “So now you can begin to peel back some of these other layers of mitigation like mask use and screening.”

Congress set aside $46 billion in the last pandemic relief package to boost testing, particularly in schools. But with all Americans 12 and older now eligible for shots, many middle and high school students will be fully vaccinated when they return to classrooms in the fall.

And many school systems have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-education-health-082ade974a5c3257b9f7baa35cb9eec2">already rejected</a>&nbsp;routine testing for elementary students, since children rarely become seriously ill and a positive test can trigger disruptive quarantines.

Some states have even returned federal testing funds, preferring simpler measures such as mask wearing and social distancing.

Many school officials, Engel said, “just see screening programs as a huge burden that’s not going to help.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal health officials’ new, more relaxed recommendations on masks have all but eclipsed another major change in guidance from the government: Fully vaccinated Americans can largely skip getting tested for the coronavirus.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last week that most people who have received the full course of shots and have no COVID-19 symptoms don’t need to be screened for the virus, even if exposed to someone infected.The change represents a new phase in the epidemic after nearly a year in which testing was the primary weapon against the virus. Vaccines are now central to the response and have driven down hospitalizations and deaths dramatically.Experts say the CDC guidance reflects a new reality in which nearly half of Americans have received at least one shot and close to 40% are fully vaccinated.“At this point we really should be asking ourselves whether the benefits of testing outweigh the costs — which are lots of disruptions, lots of confusion and very little clinical or public health benefit,” said Dr. A. David Paltiel of Yale’s School of Public Health, who championed&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2768923" target="_blank">widespread testing</a>&nbsp;at colleges last year.While vaccinated people can still catch the virus, they face little risk of serious illness from it. And positive test results can lead to what many experts now say are unnecessary worry and interruptions at work, home and school, such as quarantines and shutdowns.Other health specialists say the CDC’s abrupt changes on the need for masks and testing have sent the message that COVID-19 is no longer a major threat, even as the U.S. reports daily case counts of nearly 30,000.“The average Joe Public is interpreting what the CDC is saying as ‘This is done. It’s over,’” said Dr. Michael Mina of Harvard University, a leading advocate of widespread, rapid testing.With more than 60% of Americans not fully vaccinated, he thinks screening of those without symptoms still has a role, particularly among front-line workers who have to deal with the public.CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said the updated guidelines are based on studies showing the robust effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing disease in various age groups and settings. Even when vaccinated people do contract COVID-19, their infections tend to be milder, shorter and less likely to spread to others.As a result, the CDC says vaccinated people can generally be excluded from routine workplace screening for COVID-19.That change could eliminate testing headaches like the one recently reported by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-yankees-science-mlb-baseball-coronavirus-pandemic-60d860682e6c2253f800a39da550c2ca">New York Yankees</a>, when one player and several staffers tested positive on a highly sensitive COVID-19 test, despite being vaccinated.Baseball officials are discussing whether to drop or reduce testing of people who have no symptoms.But widespread attempts to waive testing for vaccinated people could face the same dilemma seen with the CDC’s new guidelines on masks: There’s no easy way to determine who has been vaccinated and who hasn’t.Employers can legally require vaccinations for most workers, though few have tested that power, since the vaccines don’t yet have full regulatory approval. Even asking employees to disclose their vaccination status is viewed as intrusive by many employment-law specialists.For now, testing appears to be continuing unchanged in places that adopted the practice, from offices to meatpacking plants to sports teams.Pork producer Smithfield Foods said it continues to conduct a combination of mandatory and optional testing for employees, depending on conditions at work sites. Amazon said it will still offer regular, voluntary testing.The NBA has indicated it plans to keep its testing system in place for now. The league has been praised for using rigorous testing to create&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-nba-joel-embiid-coronavirus-pandemic-ben-simmons-2ff5594183d0b4b78bf13e96e8f51f8e">COVID-19-free “bubbles”</a>&nbsp;around players, coaches and staff.On a national level, the supply of COVID-19 tests now vastly surpasses&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-coronavirus-pandemic-b1c1f6fc83977830231c065625510e4e">demand</a>. U.S. officials receive reports of about 1 million tests per day, down from a peak of over 2 million in mid-January, though many rapid tests done at home and workplaces go uncounted.Consumers can buy 15-minute, over-the-counter tests at pharmacies and other stores. That’s on top of increased capacity from U.S. laboratories and hospitals, which ramped up testing after last year’s crushing demand.The U.S. will be capable of conducting 500 million monthly tests in June, according to researchers at Arizona State University.As recently as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-pandemics-coronavirus-pandemic-b72e56902c9a682201dc7e2e95530551">this winter</a>, many health experts were calling for a huge testing effort to safely reopen schools, offices and other businesses. But that was before it was known how effective the vaccine would be in the real world, how quickly it could be distributed and whether it would protect against variants.“The vaccines overperformed, which is the best news possible,” said Dr. Jeffrey Engel of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. “So now you can begin to peel back some of these other layers of mitigation like mask use and screening.”Congress set aside $46 billion in the last pandemic relief package to boost testing, particularly in schools. But with all Americans 12 and older now eligible for shots, many middle and high school students will be fully vaccinated when they return to classrooms in the fall.And many school systems have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-education-health-082ade974a5c3257b9f7baa35cb9eec2">already rejected</a>&nbsp;routine testing for elementary students, since children rarely become seriously ill and a positive test can trigger disruptive quarantines.Some states have even returned federal testing funds, preferring simpler measures such as mask wearing and social distancing.Many school officials, Engel said, “just see screening programs as a huge burden that’s not going to help.”

COVID testing’ value shrinks as vaccines beat back virus

Five companies account for 75 percent of all traffic on rural broadband networks

WASHINGTON — Today, in a Newsweek op-ed, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr outlined a new approach to funding the federal government’s efforts to close the digital divide.  The FCC’s current model for funding Internet builds and ensuring affordable access—the Universal Service Fund —relies on a charge that operates as tax on consumers’ monthly bills for traditional telephone services.  USF is on the verge of collapse with the contribution factor spiraling above 30 percent, and congressional policymakers are considering various reforms, including direct appropriations.

Commissioner Carr is proposing another way:  requiring Big Tech to pay its fair share.  As a member of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service, Carr has begun discussing this proposal with his colleagues on the Joint Board.

“Big Tech has been enjoying a free ride on our internet infrastructure while skipping out on the billions of dollars in costs needed to maintain and build that network.  Indeed, one study shows that the online streaming services provided by just five companies — Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and Microsoft — account for a whopping 75 percent of all traffic on rural broadband networks.  The same study shows that 77-94 percent of total network costs are related to adding capacity or otherwise supporting the delivery of those streaming services.  Ordinary Americans, not Big Tech, have been footing the bill for those costs.

“Ending this corporate welfare is more than fair.  It is consistent with the network compact that has prevailed since the earliest days of the Ma Bell telephone network.  Historically, the businesses that derived the greatest benefit from a communications network paid the lion’s share of the costs.

“Congress and the FCC should ensure that Big Tech starts abiding by that precedent and contributing an equitable amount.  Doing so would put the federal government’s universal service efforts on stable footing.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977952684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Five companies account for 75 percent of all traffic on rural broadband networks</h2>FCCWASHINGTON — Today, in a Newsweek op-ed, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr outlined a new approach to funding the federal government’s efforts to close the digital divide. The FCC’s current model for funding Internet builds and ensuring affordable access—the Universal Service Fund —relies on a charge that operates as tax on consumers’ monthly bills for traditional telephone services. USF is on the verge of collapse with the contribution factor spiraling above 30 percent, and congressional policymakers are considering various reforms, including direct appropriations.Commissioner Carr is proposing another way: requiring Big Tech to pay its fair share. As a member of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service, Carr has begun discussing this proposal with his colleagues on the Joint Board.“Big Tech has been enjoying a free ride on our internet infrastructure while skipping out on the billions of dollars in costs needed to maintain and build that network. Indeed, one study shows that the online streaming services provided by just five companies — Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and Microsoft — account for a whopping 75 percent of all traffic on rural broadband networks. The same study shows that 77-94 percent of total network costs are related to adding capacity or otherwise supporting the delivery of those streaming services. Ordinary Americans, not Big Tech, have been footing the bill for those costs.“Ending this corporate welfare is more than fair. It is consistent with the network compact that has prevailed since the earliest days of the Ma Bell telephone network. Historically, the businesses that derived the greatest benefit from a communications network paid the lion’s share of the costs.“Congress and the FCC should ensure that Big Tech starts abiding by that precedent and contributing an equitable amount. Doing so would put the federal government’s universal service efforts on stable footing.”

FCC chair: Time to end Big Tech's 'free ride' on the internet

Tax pros may earn continuing education credits and more

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that the 
2021 Virtual IRS Nationwide Tax Forum will be held over five weeks 
starting July 20, with a series of live-streamed webinars every Tuesday,
 Wednesday and Thursday.

Held each summer for 30 years, the IRS Nationwide Tax Forums are the 
IRS's marquee outreach event to the tax professional community. This 
year, the IRS decided once again to provide these events in a virtual 
format in an abundance of caution and for the safety of the tax 
professional community.

The virtual format allows experts from the IRS and its association 
partners to educate and update the tax professional community on tax 
law, cybesecurity, ethics and other topics. Registering and attending 
these virtual seminars will allow many to fully satisfy their annual 
continuing education requirements.

Tax professionals are encouraged to <a href="https://www.irstaxforum.com/index">register now</a> to take advantage of this virtual program.

The 2021 Virtual Nationwide Tax Forum will begin on July 20 and 
continue through Aug. 19 with live-streamed webinars broadcast on 
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Registration enables attendees to 
participate in all of the live webinars earning up to 28 continuing 
education credits.

The Nationwide Tax Forum will feature a keynote address from 
Commissioner Chuck Rettig, a plenary session with tax law and 
publications updates, and multiple sessions on high-interest topics such
 as the new Advance Child Tax Credit, virtual currencies, the gig 
economy, tax professional ethics, advanced cybersecurity and more. 
Presentations are made by both IRS experts and partner associations.

This year, the plenary session and an ethics webinar will be offered 
both in English and Spanish. Additional multilngual resources will be 
available for attendees in the Virtual Expo.

Course details, including webinar titles, descriptions and schedule are <a href="https://www.irstaxforum.com/webinar_topics">available</a> now.

Tax professionals who register by June 15 at 5 p.m. ET qualify for an
 Early Bird rate of $240 per person. The standard rate, starting June 
16, will be $289.

Discounts for national association members

Members of the IRS's national partner associations listed below 
qualify for a discount of $10 off the Early Bird rate, but only if they 
register by June 15. Participating association members should contact 
their association directly for more information:

Registration at the 2021 Virtual IRS Nationwide Tax Forum includes 
access to the Virtual Expo. The Virtual Expo provides a great 
opportunity to visit with exhibitors representing dozens of commercial 
leaders in the industry, as well as leading national associations and 
several key IRS offices.

New this year is the IRS's multilingual engagement and services 
booth, which will feature the expanded resources, IRS publications, 
forms and webpages that are now available in various languages. They 
will also share some related efforts coming soon. Highlights of the 
Virtual Expo include:

In addition, attendees are invited to share their experiences 
and discuss innovative ideas directly with the IRS in small, virtual 
focus groups. Please check the website for the list of topics and 
qualifying criteria.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRS<h2>Tax pros may earn continuing education credits and more</h2><h2>IRS YouTube Video:</h2><ul>
 <li>2021 IRS Tax Forum Will Be Virtual –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8efx_PjrOw&amp;feature=youtu.be">English</a></li>
 </ul>IR-2021-118, May 24, 2021WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that the 
2021 Virtual IRS Nationwide Tax Forum will be held over five weeks 
starting July 20, with a series of live-streamed webinars every Tuesday,
 Wednesday and Thursday.Held each summer for 30 years, the IRS Nationwide Tax Forums are the 
IRS's marquee outreach event to the tax professional community. This 
year, the IRS decided once again to provide these events in a virtual 
format in an abundance of caution and for the safety of the tax 
professional community.The virtual format allows experts from the IRS and its association 
partners to educate and update the tax professional community on tax 
law, cybesecurity, ethics and other topics. Registering and attending 
these virtual seminars will allow many to fully satisfy their annual 
continuing education requirements.Tax professionals are encouraged to <a href="https://www.irstaxforum.com/index">register now</a> to take advantage of this virtual program.<h2>Seminar dates and agenda</h2>The 2021 Virtual Nationwide Tax Forum will begin on July 20 and 
continue through Aug. 19 with live-streamed webinars broadcast on 
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Registration enables attendees to 
participate in all of the live webinars earning up to 28 continuing 
education credits.The Nationwide Tax Forum will feature a keynote address from 
Commissioner Chuck Rettig, a plenary session with tax law and 
publications updates, and multiple sessions on high-interest topics such
 as the new Advance Child Tax Credit, virtual currencies, the gig 
economy, tax professional ethics, advanced cybersecurity and more. 
Presentations are made by both IRS experts and partner associations.This year, the plenary session and an ethics webinar will be offered 
both in English and Spanish. Additional multilngual resources will be 
available for attendees in the Virtual Expo.Course details, including webinar titles, descriptions and schedule are <a href="https://www.irstaxforum.com/webinar_topics">available</a> now.<h2>2021 registration and fees</h2>Tax professionals who register by June 15 at 5 p.m. ET qualify for an
 Early Bird rate of $240 per person. The standard rate, starting June 
16, will be $289.<h2>Discounts for national association members</h2>Members of the IRS's national partner associations listed below 
qualify for a discount of $10 off the Early Bird rate, but only if they 
register by June 15. Participating association members should contact 
their association directly for more information:<ul>
 <li>American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Taxation</li><li>American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)</li><li>National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA)</li><li>National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP)</li><li>National Society of Accountants (NSA)</li><li>National Society of Tax Professionals (NSTP)</li><li>Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC)</li><li>Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)</li>
 </ul><h2>Virtual Expo and Focus Groups</h2>Registration at the 2021 Virtual IRS Nationwide Tax Forum includes 
access to the Virtual Expo. The Virtual Expo provides a great 
opportunity to visit with exhibitors representing dozens of commercial 
leaders in the industry, as well as leading national associations and 
several key IRS offices.New this year is the IRS's multilingual engagement and services 
booth, which will feature the expanded resources, IRS publications, 
forms and webpages that are now available in various languages. They 
will also share some related efforts coming soon. Highlights of the 
Virtual Expo include:<ul>
 <li>The latest tax products and software</li><li>The IRS Zone and engagement with representatives from IRS program offices</li><li>Bonus Q&amp;A sessions in the Speaker's Corner</li><li>Live webinars from many of our sponsors</li>
 </ul>In addition, attendees are invited to share their experiences 
and discuss innovative ideas directly with the IRS in small, virtual 
focus groups. Please check the website for the list of topics and 
qualifying criteria.

2021 IRS Virtual Nationwide Tax Forum begins in July

LA VISTA, Neb. (AP) — Authorities have continued to search this weekend for an autistic 11-year-old boy who has been missing since he walked out of his elementary school last Monday in La Vista, which lies just southwest of Omaha. 

LA VISTA, Neb. (AP) — Authorities have continued to search this weekend for an autistic 11-year-old boy who has been missing since he walked out of his elementary school last Monday in La Vista, which lies just southwest of Omaha. La Vista Police focused their search for Ryan Larsen Saturday on Walnut Creek Recreation Area, which is a large park with a lake, wooded areas and miles of trails. Police used K-9 teams and a State Patrol helicopter assisted from the air. In addition to the local search effort, police said details about Larsen’s disappearance have also been posted on the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s website.