OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Douglas County officials say a man has died in a crash west of Omaha. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports the crash happened Monday evening on a county road east of Venice, about 20 miles west of downtown Omaha. 

Investigators say 61-year-old Daniel Baber Sr., of Venice, was driving a car northbound when he veered across the road and hit a tree. 

Sheriff's deputies say Baber died at the scene. An autopsy has been performed, and officials are still investigating the cause of the crash.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Douglas County officials say a man has died in a crash west of Omaha. The Omaha World-Herald reports the crash happened Monday evening on a county road east of Venice, about 20 miles west of downtown Omaha. Investigators say 61-year-old Daniel Baber Sr., of Venice, was driving a car northbound when he veered across the road and hit a tree. Sheriff's deputies say Baber died at the scene. An autopsy has been performed, and officials are still investigating the cause of the crash.

Officials say man dies in crash southwest of Omaha

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — In the end, the buildup seemed to eclipse the finale.

People across New Zealand and around the world stayed up Wednesday to watch a cosmic event called a super blood moon, a combination of a total lunar eclipse and a brighter-than-usual supermoon.

During the buildup, a glittering moon rose above the horizon. As the Earth’s shadow began taking bites from the moon, it created a dramatic effect. Half the moon vanished, leaving it looking like a black-and-white cookie.

When the full eclipse took hold, however, the moon darkened, turning a smudgy burnt orange color for many viewers.

In celestial terms, it was a wonder: a projection of the world’s sunsets and sunrises onto the black canvas of the eclipsed moon. But for people peering up from their backyards, it wasn’t quite the brilliant display they’d anticipated. Not quite super or blood-colored.

“It was not that vivid for those on ground,” said Ben Noll, a meteorologist with New Zealand scientific research agency NIWA. “Personally, I thought there would be a bit more red in the sky.”

Still, Noll thought that overall, the evening was sensational. He heard plenty of people cheering and cars honking in downtown Auckland where he watched it all unfold.

John Rowe, an educator at the Stardome Observatory &amp; Planetarium in Auckland, said it was like the moon turned into a big, spooky smile looking down at him. That’s because of a bright rim that remained at the bottom.

Rowe also enjoyed seeing surrounding stars appear to brighten as the light from the moon dimmed.

The full eclipse lasted about 15 minutes, while the whole cosmic show lasted five hours. A partial eclipse began as the moon edged into the Earth’s outer shadow, called the penumbra, before moving more fully into the main shadow and then reversing the process.

Rowe likes to imagine it as if he’s standing on the moon. The Earth would come across and block out the sun. The reddish light around the edges would be the sunsets and sunrises happening at that time on Earth, projected onto the moon’s surface. Pretty cool, he reckons.

The color of the moon during the total eclipse can appear different depending on where people are in the world, and by factors like the amount of dust in the atmosphere and global weather.

In much of New Zealand, the weather remained calm and clear on Wednesday, providing excellent viewing conditions.

The same was true in Australia, although those in South Korea struck out because rain and cloudy weather across much of the country obscured the eclipse. There also was disappointment in Japan because of cloudy weather, with many posting messages like “I can’t see anything” on Twitter.

Some places in the Pacific and East Asia got to see the show before midnight, while night owls in Hawaii and the western part of North America got to watch it in the early morning hours.

Sky gazers along the U.S. East Coast were out of luck because the moon was setting and the sun rising. Europe, Africa and western Asia all missed out as well.

In Anchorage, Alaska, Doug Henie didn’t know what to expect from his first lunar eclipse. He and his wife saw just a sliver of the moon as they drove to a prime viewing spot, on a hill off a winding road between Cook Inlet and the Anchorage airport.

Once they arrived, he set up his camera as the eclipse neared totality just after 3 a.m. local time, when it looked more like dusk than night. That’s because Anchorage had more than 18 hours of sunlight on Wednesday.

“It’s kind of cool,” Henie said. “I was kind of hoping to see a little more action, I guess, but now it’s lightened up. The light is certainly coming back.”

In Hong Kong, Dickson Fu left work early to watch the eclipse from a seaside promenade in the Sai Kung neighborhood.

Fu, who is president of Hong Kong’s Sky Observers’ Association, picked that particular spot because it would give him an unobstructed view.

“In recent years I’m more interested in taking photos, and in the past few days I have already done rehearsals, testing out equipment such as the camera and lenses,” said Fu.

For those living in places where the eclipse wasn’t visible, there were livestreams available. And everyone around the world got to see the bright moon, weather permitting.

It was the first total lunar eclipse in more than two years.

The moon was more than 220,000 miles (357,460 kilometers) away at its fullest. It was this proximity, combined with a full moon, that qualified it as a supermoon, making it appear slightly bigger and more brilliant in the sky.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The first total lunar eclipse in more than two years coincides with a supermoon this week for quite a cosmic show.

This super “blood” moon will be visible Wednesday across the Pacific — offering the best viewing — as well as the western half of North America, bottom of South America and eastern Asia.

Better look quick: The total eclipse will last about 15 minutes as Earth passes directly between the moon and the sun. But the entire show will last five hours, as Earth’s shadow gradually covers the moon, then starts to ebb. The reddish-orange color is the result of all the sunrises and sunsets in Earth’s atmosphere projected onto the surface of the eclipsed moon.

“Hawaii has the best seat in the house and then short of that will be California and the Pacific Northwest,” said NASA’s Noah Petro, project scientist for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. New Zealand and Australia also will have prime viewing.

Circling the moon for 12 years, the orbiter will measure temperatures changes on the lunar surface during the eclipse. Telescopes atop Hawaii’s Mauna Kea also will monitor the moon, Petro said.

The moon will be setting and the sun rising along the U.S. East Coast, leaving skygazers — Petro in Virginia included — pretty much out of luck. Europe, Africa and western Asia will miss everything. There will be&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmrwVtUTPtU" target="_blank">livestreams</a>&nbsp;available.

Everyone everywhere, though, can still soak in the brighter than usual moon, weather permitting.

The moon will be more than 220,000 miles away at its fullest. It’s this proximity, combined with a full moon, that qualifies it as a supermoon, making it appear slightly bigger and more brilliant in the sky.

Last month’s supermoon, by contrast, was 96 miles (155 kilometers) more distant.

Unlike a solar eclipse, there’s no harm in looking at an eclipsed moon.

“For people who might feel like we’re missing out, set your calendars for Nov. 19 of this year,” Petro said. This will be a nearly total eclipse where the moon dims but doesn’t turn red.

The next total lunar eclipse will be May 2022. The last one was January 2019.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621942895979.png" alt="A telescopic visualization of the 2021 total lunar eclipse. Credit: NASA’s Scientifc Visualization Studio" />
 <figcaption>A telescopic visualization of the 2021 total lunar eclipse. Credit: NASA’s Scientifc Visualization Studio</figcaption>
 </figure>WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — In the end, the buildup seemed to eclipse the finale.People across New Zealand and around the world stayed up Wednesday to watch a cosmic event called a super blood moon, a combination of a total lunar eclipse and a brighter-than-usual supermoon.During the buildup, a glittering moon rose above the horizon. As the Earth’s shadow began taking bites from the moon, it created a dramatic effect. Half the moon vanished, leaving it looking like a black-and-white cookie.When the full eclipse took hold, however, the moon darkened, turning a smudgy burnt orange color for many viewers.In celestial terms, it was a wonder: a projection of the world’s sunsets and sunrises onto the black canvas of the eclipsed moon. But for people peering up from their backyards, it wasn’t quite the brilliant display they’d anticipated. Not quite super or blood-colored.“It was not that vivid for those on ground,” said Ben Noll, a meteorologist with New Zealand scientific research agency NIWA. “Personally, I thought there would be a bit more red in the sky.”Still, Noll thought that overall, the evening was sensational. He heard plenty of people cheering and cars honking in downtown Auckland where he watched it all unfold.John Rowe, an educator at the Stardome Observatory &amp; Planetarium in Auckland, said it was like the moon turned into a big, spooky smile looking down at him. That’s because of a bright rim that remained at the bottom.Rowe also enjoyed seeing surrounding stars appear to brighten as the light from the moon dimmed.The full eclipse lasted about 15 minutes, while the whole cosmic show lasted five hours. A partial eclipse began as the moon edged into the Earth’s outer shadow, called the penumbra, before moving more fully into the main shadow and then reversing the process.Rowe likes to imagine it as if he’s standing on the moon. The Earth would come across and block out the sun. The reddish light around the edges would be the sunsets and sunrises happening at that time on Earth, projected onto the moon’s surface. Pretty cool, he reckons.The color of the moon during the total eclipse can appear different depending on where people are in the world, and by factors like the amount of dust in the atmosphere and global weather.In much of New Zealand, the weather remained calm and clear on Wednesday, providing excellent viewing conditions.The same was true in Australia, although those in South Korea struck out because rain and cloudy weather across much of the country obscured the eclipse. There also was disappointment in Japan because of cloudy weather, with many posting messages like “I can’t see anything” on Twitter.Some places in the Pacific and East Asia got to see the show before midnight, while night owls in Hawaii and the western part of North America got to watch it in the early morning hours.Sky gazers along the U.S. East Coast were out of luck because the moon was setting and the sun rising. Europe, Africa and western Asia all missed out as well.In Anchorage, Alaska, Doug Henie didn’t know what to expect from his first lunar eclipse. He and his wife saw just a sliver of the moon as they drove to a prime viewing spot, on a hill off a winding road between Cook Inlet and the Anchorage airport.Once they arrived, he set up his camera as the eclipse neared totality just after 3 a.m. local time, when it looked more like dusk than night. That’s because Anchorage had more than 18 hours of sunlight on Wednesday.“It’s kind of cool,” Henie said. “I was kind of hoping to see a little more action, I guess, but now it’s lightened up. The light is certainly coming back.”In Hong Kong, Dickson Fu left work early to watch the eclipse from a seaside promenade in the Sai Kung neighborhood.Fu, who is president of Hong Kong’s Sky Observers’ Association, picked that particular spot because it would give him an unobstructed view.“In recent years I’m more interested in taking photos, and in the past few days I have already done rehearsals, testing out equipment such as the camera and lenses,” said Fu.For those living in places where the eclipse wasn’t visible, there were livestreams available. And everyone around the world got to see the bright moon, weather permitting.It was the first total lunar eclipse in more than two years.The moon was more than 220,000 miles (357,460 kilometers) away at its fullest. It was this proximity, combined with a full moon, that qualified it as a supermoon, making it appear slightly bigger and more brilliant in the sky.----------CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The first total lunar eclipse in more than two years coincides with a supermoon this week for quite a cosmic show.This super “blood” moon will be visible Wednesday across the Pacific — offering the best viewing — as well as the western half of North America, bottom of South America and eastern Asia.Better look quick: The total eclipse will last about 15 minutes as Earth passes directly between the moon and the sun. But the entire show will last five hours, as Earth’s shadow gradually covers the moon, then starts to ebb. The reddish-orange color is the result of all the sunrises and sunsets in Earth’s atmosphere projected onto the surface of the eclipsed moon.“Hawaii has the best seat in the house and then short of that will be California and the Pacific Northwest,” said NASA’s Noah Petro, project scientist for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. New Zealand and Australia also will have prime viewing.Circling the moon for 12 years, the orbiter will measure temperatures changes on the lunar surface during the eclipse. Telescopes atop Hawaii’s Mauna Kea also will monitor the moon, Petro said.The moon will be setting and the sun rising along the U.S. East Coast, leaving skygazers — Petro in Virginia included — pretty much out of luck. Europe, Africa and western Asia will miss everything. There will be&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmrwVtUTPtU" target="_blank">livestreams</a>&nbsp;available.Everyone everywhere, though, can still soak in the brighter than usual moon, weather permitting.The moon will be more than 220,000 miles away at its fullest. It’s this proximity, combined with a full moon, that qualifies it as a supermoon, making it appear slightly bigger and more brilliant in the sky.Last month’s supermoon, by contrast, was 96 miles (155 kilometers) more distant.Unlike a solar eclipse, there’s no harm in looking at an eclipsed moon.More lunar shows are on the horizon.“For people who might feel like we’re missing out, set your calendars for Nov. 19 of this year,” Petro said. This will be a nearly total eclipse where the moon dims but doesn’t turn red.The next total lunar eclipse will be May 2022. The last one was January 2019.___

Buildup to super blood moon eclipses the finale

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — An employee opened fire at a California rail yard serving Silicon Valley, killing eight people. Authorities say the suspect is also dead. The shooting took place Wednesday in San Jose at a transit control center that stores trains and has a maintenance yard. 

Sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Russell Davis said the suspect was an employee of the Valley Transportation Authority, which provides bus, light rail and other transit services throughout Santa Clara County, the largest county in the Bay Area. He said the attack also resulted in “multiple major injuries.”

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Gunfire erupted Wednesday at a railyard in San Jose, and a sheriff’s spokesman said multiple people were killed and wounded and that the suspect was dead.

Santa Clara County sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Russell Davis said that he could not specify the number of dead and wounded or describe how the suspect died.

The shooting took place around 6:30 a.m. at a light rail facility next door to the sheriff’s department and across a freeway from the airport. The facility is a transit control center that stores trains and has a maintenance yard.

Davis said he did not know the type of weapon used or whether the shooting happened indoors or outdoors. He said the victims include Valley Transportation Authority employees.

The VTA provides bus, light rail and other transit services throughout Santa Clara County, the largest in the Bay Area and home to Silicon Valley.

“A horrible tragedy has happened today, and our thoughts and love go out to the VTA family,” VTA Chairman Glenn Hendricks told a news conference.

VTA trains were already out on morning runs when the shooting occurred. Light rail service was to be suspended at noon and replaced with bus bridges, Hendricks said.

Outside the scene, Michael Hawkins told The Mercury News that he was waiting for his mother, Rochelle Hawkins, who had called him from a co-worker’s phone to assure him that she was safe.

When the shooting started, “she got down with the rest of her coworkers” and dropped her cellphone, Michael Hawkins told the newspaper. Rochelle Hawkins did not see the shooter, and she was not sure how close she had been to the attacker, her son said.

At a news conference, San Jose Mayor Sam Licardo lamented the “horrific day for our city.” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a tweet that his office was “in close contact with local law enforcement and monitoring this situation closely.”

Special agents from the FBI and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were responding to the crime scene, officials said.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — A sheriff's spokesman says there are multiple fatalities and injuries in a shooting at a San Jose, California, railyard and that the suspect is dead. 

Santa Clara County sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Russell Davis said Wednesday that he could not specify the number of fatalities and injuries. 

He says the victims include Valley Transportation Authority employees. The shooting took place at a light rail facility that is next door to the sheriff’s department and across a freeway from the airport. 

A spokesperson for the Valley Transportation Authority did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622045654759.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KGO TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KGO TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — An employee opened fire at a California rail yard serving Silicon Valley, killing eight people. Authorities say the suspect is also dead. The shooting took place Wednesday in San Jose at a transit control center that stores trains and has a maintenance yard. Sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Russell Davis said the suspect was an employee of the Valley Transportation Authority, which provides bus, light rail and other transit services throughout Santa Clara County, the largest county in the Bay Area. He said the attack also resulted in “multiple major injuries.”---------SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Gunfire erupted Wednesday at a railyard in San Jose, and a sheriff’s spokesman said multiple people were killed and wounded and that the suspect was dead.Santa Clara County sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Russell Davis said that he could not specify the number of dead and wounded or describe how the suspect died.The shooting took place around 6:30 a.m. at a light rail facility next door to the sheriff’s department and across a freeway from the airport. The facility is a transit control center that stores trains and has a maintenance yard.Davis said he did not know the type of weapon used or whether the shooting happened indoors or outdoors. He said the victims include Valley Transportation Authority employees.The VTA provides bus, light rail and other transit services throughout Santa Clara County, the largest in the Bay Area and home to Silicon Valley.“A horrible tragedy has happened today, and our thoughts and love go out to the VTA family,” VTA Chairman Glenn Hendricks told a news conference.VTA trains were already out on morning runs when the shooting occurred. Light rail service was to be suspended at noon and replaced with bus bridges, Hendricks said.Outside the scene, Michael Hawkins told The Mercury News that he was waiting for his mother, Rochelle Hawkins, who had called him from a co-worker’s phone to assure him that she was safe.When the shooting started, “she got down with the rest of her coworkers” and dropped her cellphone, Michael Hawkins told the newspaper. Rochelle Hawkins did not see the shooter, and she was not sure how close she had been to the attacker, her son said.At a news conference, San Jose Mayor Sam Licardo lamented the “horrific day for our city.” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a tweet that his office was “in close contact with local law enforcement and monitoring this situation closely.”Special agents from the FBI and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were responding to the crime scene, officials said.--------SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — A sheriff's spokesman says there are multiple fatalities and injuries in a shooting at a San Jose, California, railyard and that the suspect is dead. Santa Clara County sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Russell Davis said Wednesday that he could not specify the number of fatalities and injuries. He says the victims include Valley Transportation Authority employees. The shooting took place at a light rail facility that is next door to the sheriff’s department and across a freeway from the airport. A spokesperson for the Valley Transportation Authority did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Latest: 8 dead in shooting at California rail yard

CHEROKEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are searching for two suspects who escaped from the Cherokee County Jail and are now offering a $5000 reward for information leading to their capture, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff.

Just after 11p.m. Monday 30-year-old double murder suspect Mark Gerald Hopkins II and 34-year-old drug suspect Michael Wayne Martsolf escaped from the Cherokee County Jail in Columbus, Kansas, according to Sheriff David Grove.

The suspects may be driving a 2008 White Honda Accord with a Missouri tag LG2XOF.&nbsp; Both suspects have extensive tattoos throughout their bodies.&nbsp; Both should be considered armed and dangerous. If you see them, call 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622043301789.png" alt="Hopkins photo Cherokee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Hopkins photo Cherokee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>CHEROKEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are searching for two suspects who escaped from the Cherokee County Jail and are now offering a $5000 reward for information leading to their capture, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621960532851.png" alt="Michael Martsolf photo Cherokee Co." />
 <figcaption>Michael Martsolf photo Cherokee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 11p.m. Monday 30-year-old double murder suspect Mark Gerald Hopkins II and 34-year-old drug suspect Michael Wayne Martsolf escaped from the Cherokee County Jail in Columbus, Kansas, according to Sheriff David Grove.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621960469451.png" alt="Hopkins booking photo Cherokee County" />
 <figcaption>Hopkins booking photo Cherokee County</figcaption>
 </figure>The suspects may be driving a 2008 White Honda Accord with a Missouri tag LG2XOF.&nbsp; Both suspects have extensive tattoos throughout their bodies.&nbsp; Both should be considered armed and dangerous. If you see them, call 911.

Reward offered: Double murder suspect escaped from Kan. jail

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. 

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.