WASHINGTON
 — The Internal Revenue Service today provided guidance on tax breaks 
under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for continuation health 
coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 
1985 (COBRA).

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-21-31.pdf">Notice 2021-31&nbsp;PDF</a>
 provides guidance for employers, plan administrators, and health 
insurers regarding the new credit available to them for providing 
continuation health coverage to certain individuals under COBRA.

The American Rescue Plan provides a temporary 100% reduction in the 
premium that individuals would have to pay when they elect COBRA 
continuation health coverage following a reduction in hours or an 
involuntary termination of employment. The new law provides a 
corresponding tax credit for the entities that maintain group health 
plans, such as employers, multiemployer plans, and insurers. The 100% 
reduction in the premium and the credit are also available with respect 
to continuation coverage provided for those events under comparable 
State laws, sometimes referred to as "mini-COBRA."

Notice 2021-31 provides information regarding the calculation of the 
credit, the eligibility of individuals, the premium assistance period, 
and other information vital to employers, plan administrators, and 
insurers to understand the credit.

COBRA provides certain former employees, retirees, spouses, former 
spouses, and dependent children the right to temporary continuation of 
health coverage at group rates. COBRA generally covers health plans 
maintained by private-sector employers with 20 or more full and 
part-time employees. It also covers employee organizations or federal, 
state or local governments. State mini-COBRA laws often provide similar 
benefits for insured small employers not subject to Federal COBRA.

The IRS will continue to update <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus-tax-relief-for-health-plans-and-retirement-plans">information related to health plans</a> on IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON
 — The Internal Revenue Service today provided guidance on tax breaks 
under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for continuation health 
coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 
1985 (COBRA).<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-21-31.pdf">Notice 2021-31&nbsp;PDF</a>
 provides guidance for employers, plan administrators, and health 
insurers regarding the new credit available to them for providing 
continuation health coverage to certain individuals under COBRA.The American Rescue Plan provides a temporary 100% reduction in the 
premium that individuals would have to pay when they elect COBRA 
continuation health coverage following a reduction in hours or an 
involuntary termination of employment. The new law provides a 
corresponding tax credit for the entities that maintain group health 
plans, such as employers, multiemployer plans, and insurers. The 100% 
reduction in the premium and the credit are also available with respect 
to continuation coverage provided for those events under comparable 
State laws, sometimes referred to as "mini-COBRA."Notice 2021-31 provides information regarding the calculation of the 
credit, the eligibility of individuals, the premium assistance period, 
and other information vital to employers, plan administrators, and 
insurers to understand the credit.COBRA provides certain former employees, retirees, spouses, former 
spouses, and dependent children the right to temporary continuation of 
health coverage at group rates. COBRA generally covers health plans 
maintained by private-sector employers with 20 or more full and 
part-time employees. It also covers employee organizations or federal, 
state or local governments. State mini-COBRA laws often provide similar 
benefits for insured small employers not subject to Federal COBRA.The IRS will continue to update <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus-tax-relief-for-health-plans-and-retirement-plans">information related to health plans</a> on IRS.gov.

IRS outlines tax relief, credits for COBRA health plans

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH-Associated Press

(AP)-A Missouri farmer accused of attempting to cover up a $215,000 cattle fraud scheme by killing two Wisconsin brothers has been indicted on a federal mail fraud charge. 

Twenty-seven-year-old Garland Joseph Nelson already is awaiting trial on state murder and other charges in the deaths of 24-year-old Justin Diemel and 35-year-old Nicholas Diemel, of Shawano County, Wisconsin. 

Their burned remains were found in Missouri and Nebraska after they disappeared while visiting Nelson's farm in northwest Missouri in July 2019. 

The federal charge filed Tuesday focuses on the financial deal that brought the brothers to Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1568667012637.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH-Associated Press (AP)-A Missouri farmer accused of attempting to cover up a $215,000 cattle fraud scheme by killing two Wisconsin brothers has been indicted on a federal mail fraud charge. Twenty-seven-year-old Garland Joseph Nelson already is awaiting trial on state murder and other charges in the deaths of 24-year-old Justin Diemel and 35-year-old Nicholas Diemel, of Shawano County, Wisconsin. Their burned remains were found in Missouri and Nebraska after they disappeared while visiting Nelson's farm in northwest Missouri in July 2019. The federal charge filed Tuesday focuses on the financial deal that brought the brothers to Missouri.

Missouri man charged in brothers deaths accused of fraud

WASHINGTON (AP) — Colorado Rep. Jason Crow, a former Army Ranger who served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, says it took time for him to stop constantly scanning his environment for threats when he returned from war 15 years ago. But after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-capitol-lockdown-2f56a611445df15fb9640893bb9f7a93">the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 6, he says he’s picked the habit up again.

Crow was trapped with several other members of Congress in the upper gallery of the U.S. House that day while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-media-elections-73dacf9bc0d906f4efe358279520eeac">a mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters</a>&nbsp;tried to beat down the doors to the chamber and stop the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory.

Crow says he never would have thought “in a million years” he’d be in that situation in the Capitol, but some of his old training has since kicked in, like looking in his rear-view mirror and assessing if people around him might be carrying a gun. Like almost every other member of Congress, his office has received threats against his life.

“There’s no doubt that members are on edge right now,” Crow says, and the threats from outside “are unfortunately the reality of congressional life.”

Those threats have more than doubled this year, according to the U.S. Capitol Police, and many members of Congress say they fear for their personal safety more than they did before the siege. Several say they have boosted security measures to protect themselves and their families, money for which will be part of a broad $1.9 billion spending bill that the House will vote on this week, along with a separate measure that would create a bipartisan commission to investigate the Jan. 6 attack. Democrats, in particular, say both bills are crucial to try to reconcile the trauma that many still feel.

“This was an armed assault on our democracy, and I’m a witness — I’m a victim and a witness to it,” says New Hampshire Rep. Annie Kuster. She received treatment for post-traumatic stress after she was also trapped in the House gallery that day and heard rioters trying to break through the doors close to where she was hiding.

Kuster says she thought she was going to die before officers cleared the hallways and hustled her and others out. “I think we need a full investigation with a Jan. 6th commission, and I believe that the Capitol Police who saved our lives that day deserve more support,” she says.

Democrats say a bipartisan commission investigating the attack, including what led to it, is more important than ever after some Republicans have recently started to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-michael-pence-donald-trump-election-2020-capitol-siege-549829098c84b9b8de3012673a104a4c">downplay the severity of the insurrection</a>, portraying the rioters who brutally beat officers with flagpoles and other weapons and broke into the Capitol through windows and doors as peaceful patriots.

Many Republicans who initially condemned Trump for telling his supporters to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-us-capitol-remarks-221518bc174f9bc3dd6e108e653ed08d">“fight like hell”</a>&nbsp;that day have increasingly stayed quiet on his repeated false claims that the election was stolen, even though that was rebuked by numerous courts, bipartisan election officials across the country and Trump’s own attorney general. It’s unclear how many in the GOP will vote for either bill.

Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., said at a hearing last week that a video feed of the rioters looked like they were on a “normal tourist visit.” Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., said a woman who was shot and killed by police as she tried to break through a window adjacent to the House chamber was “executed,” and he argued that the Justice Department is harassing those who have been arrested.

Michigan Rep. Dan Kildee, a Democrat who also says he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after the attack, said those comments were “really hard to take” after witnessing the insurrection. He says he’s received an increased number of threats since January, especially when he has spoken on TV about treatment he received in the aftermath. Some of the calls and messages are specific and credible threats, he says, while many others are “abusive, threatening type language.”

The security spending bill would provide congressional offices with more money to combat those threats, including enhanced travel security, upgrades to home-district offices and better intelligence to track people down. The bill would also “harden” the complex by reinforcing doors and windows, adding security vestibules and cameras and providing dollars for removable fencing that could quickly be erected during a threatening situation while leaving the Capitol open to visitors.

Like many members, Republican Rep. Rodney Davis of Illinois says he feels as if the threats are more acute in his home district, where there is less security. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers are currently protected by a tall fence and National Guard troops who have been there since Jan. 6. Members are “as safe as ever” there, he says, but “it’s those times when you’re not in the Capitol, I think that’s where the threats seem to emanate from the most.”

Davis knows that well, as one of several Republican members who was at a baseball practice four years ago in Alexandria, Virginia, when a gunman wounded Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., and four other people. And in 2019, an Illinois man was arrested for “threatening to blow my head off,” as Davis puts it. Randall Tarr pleaded guilty to federal charges and was sentenced to probation.

As the top Republican on the House Administration Committee, which oversees the Capitol Police, Davis has pushed for the force to be more aggressive in arresting those who threaten members and to reform the arcane command structure in Congress that forces the chief to ask for permission before making major decisions. The security spending bill would not do that, but it would boost Capitol Police training and pay for new equipment after the force was badly overrun on Jan. 6.

In the meantime, members are upgrading their personal security. Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., says he’s started using his house alarm more often and has been more cautious in recent months. “I’ve definitely felt less secure since Jan. 6 than I did before,” says Himes, who sits on the House intelligence committee.

Some say it’s easier not to know what’s going on. Illinois Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat, said he’s generally adopted a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy with his staff on security matters since the insurrection, and he doesn’t ask why when a police car sometimes shows up in front of his house to guard it.

“I don’t necessarily want to know the full story,” says Krishnamoorthi, who has young children. “I just trust that law enforcement is doing their job.”

Kuster says she is feeling better these days after taking advantage of employee assistance resources in the Capitol. Still, she says her experience was “really, really difficult,” especially because she received a death threat as soon as she arrived home to New Hampshire after the insurrection. Home was the one place “I can usually feel safe,” she says.

She said she regularly talks to and texts with her colleagues who have also had post-traumatic stress, and she says some of them are still hurting.

“We need a security plan so that everyone can feel safe here,” Kuster says. “I want the ‘people’s house’ to be able to reopen.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615213886851.png" alt="Fence around&nbsp; portion of the U.S. Capitol image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Fence around&nbsp; portion of the U.S. Capitol image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Colorado Rep. Jason Crow, a former Army Ranger who served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, says it took time for him to stop constantly scanning his environment for threats when he returned from war 15 years ago. But after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-capitol-lockdown-2f56a611445df15fb9640893bb9f7a93">the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 6, he says he’s picked the habit up again.Crow was trapped with several other members of Congress in the upper gallery of the U.S. House that day while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-media-elections-73dacf9bc0d906f4efe358279520eeac">a mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters</a>&nbsp;tried to beat down the doors to the chamber and stop the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory.Crow says he never would have thought “in a million years” he’d be in that situation in the Capitol, but some of his old training has since kicked in, like looking in his rear-view mirror and assessing if people around him might be carrying a gun. Like almost every other member of Congress, his office has received threats against his life.“There’s no doubt that members are on edge right now,” Crow says, and the threats from outside “are unfortunately the reality of congressional life.”Those threats have more than doubled this year, according to the U.S. Capitol Police, and many members of Congress say they fear for their personal safety more than they did before the siege. Several say they have boosted security measures to protect themselves and their families, money for which will be part of a broad $1.9 billion spending bill that the House will vote on this week, along with a separate measure that would create a bipartisan commission to investigate the Jan. 6 attack. Democrats, in particular, say both bills are crucial to try to reconcile the trauma that many still feel.“This was an armed assault on our democracy, and I’m a witness — I’m a victim and a witness to it,” says New Hampshire Rep. Annie Kuster. She received treatment for post-traumatic stress after she was also trapped in the House gallery that day and heard rioters trying to break through the doors close to where she was hiding.Kuster says she thought she was going to die before officers cleared the hallways and hustled her and others out. “I think we need a full investigation with a Jan. 6th commission, and I believe that the Capitol Police who saved our lives that day deserve more support,” she says.Democrats say a bipartisan commission investigating the attack, including what led to it, is more important than ever after some Republicans have recently started to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-michael-pence-donald-trump-election-2020-capitol-siege-549829098c84b9b8de3012673a104a4c">downplay the severity of the insurrection</a>, portraying the rioters who brutally beat officers with flagpoles and other weapons and broke into the Capitol through windows and doors as peaceful patriots.Many Republicans who initially condemned Trump for telling his supporters to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-us-capitol-remarks-221518bc174f9bc3dd6e108e653ed08d">“fight like hell”</a>&nbsp;that day have increasingly stayed quiet on his repeated false claims that the election was stolen, even though that was rebuked by numerous courts, bipartisan election officials across the country and Trump’s own attorney general. It’s unclear how many in the GOP will vote for either bill.Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., said at a hearing last week that a video feed of the rioters looked like they were on a “normal tourist visit.” Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., said a woman who was shot and killed by police as she tried to break through a window adjacent to the House chamber was “executed,” and he argued that the Justice Department is harassing those who have been arrested.Michigan Rep. Dan Kildee, a Democrat who also says he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after the attack, said those comments were “really hard to take” after witnessing the insurrection. He says he’s received an increased number of threats since January, especially when he has spoken on TV about treatment he received in the aftermath. Some of the calls and messages are specific and credible threats, he says, while many others are “abusive, threatening type language.”The security spending bill would provide congressional offices with more money to combat those threats, including enhanced travel security, upgrades to home-district offices and better intelligence to track people down. The bill would also “harden” the complex by reinforcing doors and windows, adding security vestibules and cameras and providing dollars for removable fencing that could quickly be erected during a threatening situation while leaving the Capitol open to visitors.Like many members, Republican Rep. Rodney Davis of Illinois says he feels as if the threats are more acute in his home district, where there is less security. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers are currently protected by a tall fence and National Guard troops who have been there since Jan. 6. Members are “as safe as ever” there, he says, but “it’s those times when you’re not in the Capitol, I think that’s where the threats seem to emanate from the most.”Davis knows that well, as one of several Republican members who was at a baseball practice four years ago in Alexandria, Virginia, when a gunman wounded Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., and four other people. And in 2019, an Illinois man was arrested for “threatening to blow my head off,” as Davis puts it. Randall Tarr pleaded guilty to federal charges and was sentenced to probation.As the top Republican on the House Administration Committee, which oversees the Capitol Police, Davis has pushed for the force to be more aggressive in arresting those who threaten members and to reform the arcane command structure in Congress that forces the chief to ask for permission before making major decisions. The security spending bill would not do that, but it would boost Capitol Police training and pay for new equipment after the force was badly overrun on Jan. 6.In the meantime, members are upgrading their personal security. Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., says he’s started using his house alarm more often and has been more cautious in recent months. “I’ve definitely felt less secure since Jan. 6 than I did before,” says Himes, who sits on the House intelligence committee.Some say it’s easier not to know what’s going on. Illinois Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat, said he’s generally adopted a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy with his staff on security matters since the insurrection, and he doesn’t ask why when a police car sometimes shows up in front of his house to guard it.“I don’t necessarily want to know the full story,” says Krishnamoorthi, who has young children. “I just trust that law enforcement is doing their job.”Kuster says she is feeling better these days after taking advantage of employee assistance resources in the Capitol. Still, she says her experience was “really, really difficult,” especially because she received a death threat as soon as she arrived home to New Hampshire after the insurrection. Home was the one place “I can usually feel safe,” she says.She said she regularly talks to and texts with her colleagues who have also had post-traumatic stress, and she says some of them are still hurting.“We need a security plan so that everyone can feel safe here,” Kuster says. “I want the ‘people’s house’ to be able to reopen.”

Amid threats to members, House of Representatives to vote on new security

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says its most wanted fugitive has been returned to Omaha after being held by officials in Miami. 

The sheriff's office says in a news release that 29-year-old Adam Hawhee was picked up by Douglas County deputies and returned to Omaha on Tuesday to face child enticement and child pornography charges. 

Authorities say Hawhee became a fugitive in December when he failed to appear in court on the charges. 

Following his failure to appear in court in December, local and federal authorities determined Hawhee had fled to Nicaragua, where he was taken into custody on immigration violations and extradited to Miami.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says its most wanted fugitive has been returned to Omaha after being held by officials in Miami. The sheriff's office says in a news release that 29-year-old Adam Hawhee was picked up by Douglas County deputies and returned to Omaha on Tuesday to face child enticement and child pornography charges. Authorities say Hawhee became a fugitive in December when he failed to appear in court on the charges. Following his failure to appear in court in December, local and federal authorities determined Hawhee had fled to Nicaragua, where he was taken into custody on immigration violations and extradited to Miami.

Douglas County officials: Most wanted fugitive back in Omaha

BELLEVUE, Neb. (AP) — The father of two young children found dead in his eastern Nebraska home has been charged with two counts of felony abuse resulting in death.

 Police in Bellevue, south of Omaha, say 5-year-old Emily Price and 3-year-old Theodore Price were found dead Sunday morning at 35-year-old Adam Price's home. 

He was arrested Sunday evening in California.

 An extradition hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. 

Police have not said how the children died.

 The children's mother, who lives in Illinois, said they were at the home for court-ordered visitation with their father. 

She contacted police Saturday night because she could not reach her children. 

Police went to the home twice but did not find reason to enter the home.

 A friend of the children's mother found their bodies Sunday morning.

BELLEVUE, Neb. (AP) — The father of two young children found dead in his eastern Nebraska home has been charged with two counts of felony abuse resulting in death. Police in Bellevue, south of Omaha, say 5-year-old Emily Price and 3-year-old Theodore Price were found dead Sunday morning at 35-year-old Adam Price's home. He was arrested Sunday evening in California. An extradition hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. Police have not said how the children died. The children's mother, who lives in Illinois, said they were at the home for court-ordered visitation with their father. She contacted police Saturday night because she could not reach her children. Police went to the home twice but did not find reason to enter the home. A friend of the children's mother found their bodies Sunday morning.

UPDATE: 2 Nebraska kids found dead, father arrested in California

The Emergency Broadband Benefit is an <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-program">FCC program</a>
 to help families and households struggling to afford internet service 
during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible 
households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, 
and so much more.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 
per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to 
$75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible 
households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to 
purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating 
providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the 
purchase price.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.

Who Is Eligible for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?

A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:

<a href="https://getemergencybroadband.org" target="_blank">Apply Now</a>

There are three ways for eligible households to apply:

Emergency Broadband Support Center 
P.O. Box 7081 
London, KY 40742

After receiving an eligibility determination, households can contact 
their preferred service provider to select an Emergency Broadband 
Benefit eligible service plan.

Check out the <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/consumer-faq-emergency-broadband-benefit">Broadband Benefit Consumer FAQ for more information about the benefit</a>.

Which Broadband Providers Are Participating in the Emergency Broadband Benefit?

Various broadband providers, including those offering landline and 
wireless broadband, are participating in the Emergency Broadband 
Benefit.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-providers">Find broadband service providers</a> offering the Emergency Broadband Benefit in your state or territory.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621351546049.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FCCThe Emergency Broadband Benefit is an <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-program">FCC program</a>
 to help families and households struggling to afford internet service 
during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible 
households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, 
and so much more.<h2>About the Emergency Broadband Benefit</h2>The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 
per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to 
$75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible 
households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to 
purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating 
providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the 
purchase price.The Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.<h2>Who Is Eligible for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?</h2>A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:<ul>
 <li>Has an income that is at or below 135% of the <a href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines" target="_blank">Federal Poverty Guidelines</a> or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers">Lifeline</a>;</li><li>Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price 
school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through 
the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 
school year;</li><li>Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;</li><li>Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or 
furlough since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in
 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint 
filers; or</li><li>Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income or COVID-19 program.</li>
 </ul><h2>How to Apply</h2><a href="https://getemergencybroadband.org" target="_blank">Apply Now</a>There are three ways for eligible households to apply:<ol>
 <li>Contact your preferred participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process.</li><li>Go to <a href="http://GetEmergencyBroadband.org" target="_blank">GetEmergencyBroadband.org</a> to apply online and to find participating providers near you.</li><li>Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application, and return it along with copies of documents showing proof of eligibility to:</li>
 </ol>Emergency Broadband Support Center 
P.O. Box 7081 
London, KY 40742After receiving an eligibility determination, households can contact 
their preferred service provider to select an Emergency Broadband 
Benefit eligible service plan.<h2>Get More Consumer Information</h2>Check out the <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/consumer-faq-emergency-broadband-benefit">Broadband Benefit Consumer FAQ for more information about the benefit</a>.Which Broadband Providers Are Participating in the Emergency Broadband Benefit?Various broadband providers, including those offering landline and 
wireless broadband, are participating in the Emergency Broadband 
Benefit.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-providers">Find broadband service providers</a> offering the Emergency Broadband Benefit in your state or territory.&nbsp;

Millions eligible for government-funded internet service

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Investor Warren Buffett’s company pared back its investments in financial firms further during the first quarter.

 It also halved its new investment in Chevron and made several other changes to its portfolio. 

Berkshire Hathaway provided an update on its U.S. stock holdings Monday.

 During the first three months of the year, Berkshire continued to unload more of its Wells Fargo stock, it pared down its investment in US Bank’s parent company and it sold off a relatively smaller $700 million stake in Synchrony Financial. 

After first disclosing a $4.1 billion Chevron investment three months ago, Berkshire cut that down to roughly $2.5 billion of the oil producer’s stock.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Investor Warren Buffett’s company pared back its investments in financial firms further during the first quarter. It also halved its new investment in Chevron and made several other changes to its portfolio. Berkshire Hathaway provided an update on its U.S. stock holdings Monday. During the first three months of the year, Berkshire continued to unload more of its Wells Fargo stock, it pared down its investment in US Bank’s parent company and it sold off a relatively smaller $700 million stake in Synchrony Financial. After first disclosing a $4.1 billion Chevron investment three months ago, Berkshire cut that down to roughly $2.5 billion of the oil producer’s stock.

Buffett's firm sells off financials, halves Chevron stake

GRAND ISLAND — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested two people after locating more than 180 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop Saturday.

At approximately 7:45 a.m. Saturday, a trooper observed a Dodge Charger fail to signal a turn and drive on the shoulder while exiting Interstate 80 at mile marker 324, in Hamilton County. During the traffic stop, an NSP K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed 186 pounds of marijuana contained in heat sealed packages.

The driver, William Riddick, 30, of Suffolk, Virginia, and passenger, Breana Williams, 25, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, were arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, and possession with intent to deliver. Both were lodged in Hamilton County Jail.

GRAND ISLAND — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested two people after locating more than 180 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop Saturday.At approximately 7:45 a.m. Saturday, a trooper observed a Dodge Charger fail to signal a turn and drive on the shoulder while exiting Interstate 80 at mile marker 324, in Hamilton County. During the traffic stop, an NSP K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed 186 pounds of marijuana contained in heat sealed packages.The driver, William Riddick, 30, of Suffolk, Virginia, and passenger, Breana Williams, 25, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, were arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, and possession with intent to deliver. Both were lodged in Hamilton County Jail.

Troopers arrest 2, locate 186 LBs of marijuana in traffic stop

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Medical marijuana won’t be allowed on Wyoming’s Wind River Reservation just yet after not enough people were present to vote on the proposal. 

The Eastern Shoshone General Council lacked a quorum of 75 people to decide the issue Saturday. 

The Casper Star-Tribune reports the council plans to reconvene June 12 for another vote on medical marijuana. 

The reservation’s other tribe, the Northern Arapaho, voted May 8 to decriminalize medical marijuana. 

The Eastern Shoshone council passed several other resolutions, which are law on the reservation. 

They include allowing a new medical marijuana commission to regulate tribal-owned cultivation and extraction facilities for cannabis products.

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Medical marijuana won’t be allowed on Wyoming’s Wind River Reservation just yet after not enough people were present to vote on the proposal. The Eastern Shoshone General Council lacked a quorum of 75 people to decide the issue Saturday. The Casper Star-Tribune reports the council plans to reconvene June 12 for another vote on medical marijuana. The reservation’s other tribe, the Northern Arapaho, voted May 8 to decriminalize medical marijuana. The Eastern Shoshone council passed several other resolutions, which are law on the reservation. They include allowing a new medical marijuana commission to regulate tribal-owned cultivation and extraction facilities for cannabis products.

Lack of quorum stalls Wyoming tribe medical marijuana vote

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A longtime public benefits office in downtown Lincoln has started its move to a new location. 

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says the office is moving from its current space in the Gold’s Building at 1050 N Street to its new downtown spot at 246 South 14th Street.

The office helps people with questions about economic assistance, Medicaid services and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

 The Lincoln office will continue to operate during the move with no disruption of services, except for the afternoon of June 4 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., when it will be closed.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A longtime public benefits office in downtown Lincoln has started its move to a new location. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says the office is moving from its current space in the Gold’s Building at 1050 N Street to its new downtown spot at 246 South 14th Street. The new office will open on June 7. The office helps people with questions about economic assistance, Medicaid services and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The Lincoln office will continue to operate during the move with no disruption of services, except for the afternoon of June 4 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., when it will be closed.

Nebraska officials to move Lincoln public benefits office

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — A Montana man who was charged in a cattle rustling scheme has been sentenced to 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and selling cattle that were collateral for loans. 

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Montana reports 45-year-old Joshua James Chappa of Bozeman was also ordered to pay nearly $451,000 in restitution. 

Prosecutors say Chappa was a ranch manager in Wilsall from 2008 to 2017 and formed his own cattle business in 2015. 

Prosecutors say he stole cattle from the Hayes Ranch and began selling them as his own. 

He also sold cattle that were collateral for two loans without repaying the loans.

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — A Montana man who was charged in a cattle rustling scheme has been sentenced to 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and selling cattle that were collateral for loans. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Montana reports 45-year-old Joshua James Chappa of Bozeman was also ordered to pay nearly $451,000 in restitution. Prosecutors say Chappa was a ranch manager in Wilsall from 2008 to 2017 and formed his own cattle business in 2015. Prosecutors say he stole cattle from the Hayes Ranch and began selling them as his own. He also sold cattle that were collateral for two loans without repaying the loans.

Bozeman man sentenced to prison for cattle theft, bank fraud

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/720b5a74-d4d5-4931-86dd-91cfd95459ee">RELATED: Facing a surprise tax bill? Be sure to still file by May 17</a>

<a href="https://jcpost.com/posts/e0c16571-b94f-49a6-a03f-dce7d9213149">RELATED:&nbsp;IRS begins correcting tax returns for unemployment payments</a>

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of 
the Treasury announced today 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><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/720b5a74-d4d5-4931-86dd-91cfd95459ee">RELATED: Facing a surprise tax bill? Be sure to still file by May 17</a><a href="https://jcpost.com/posts/e0c16571-b94f-49a6-a03f-dce7d9213149">RELATED:&nbsp;IRS begins correcting tax returns for unemployment payments</a>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of 
the Treasury announced today 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 begins sending monthly Child Tax Credit to bank accounts in July

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police in Omaha say a man who repeatedly fired a gun during a standoff with law enforcement was shot and killed by officers. 

Police say the shooting happened Sunday evening, after officers were called to a home in southeastern Omaha. 

Police say several gunshots were heard being fired inside the house.

 Authorities say a police negotiator talked with the man for about 20 minutes before the man walked out of the front of the house holding the gun and fired several shots from the home's porch. 

Police repeatedly ordered the man to drop the gun, but say the man advanced from the porch and fired the gun again before several officers opened fire, killing him. 

His name had not been released by early Monday morning.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police in Omaha say a man who repeatedly fired a gun during a standoff with law enforcement was shot and killed by officers. Police say the shooting happened Sunday evening, after officers were called to a home in southeastern Omaha. Police say several gunshots were heard being fired inside the house. Authorities say a police negotiator talked with the man for about 20 minutes before the man walked out of the front of the house holding the gun and fired several shots from the home's porch. Police repeatedly ordered the man to drop the gun, but say the man advanced from the porch and fired the gun again before several officers opened fire, killing him. His name had not been released by early Monday morning.

Police: Officers fatally shot man who fired gun from porch

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Children are having their noses swabbed or saliva sampled at school to test for the coronavirus in cities such as Baltimore, New York and Chicago. In other parts of the U.S., school districts are reluctant to check even students showing signs of illness for COVID-19.

Education and health officials around the country have taken different approaches to testing students and staff members — and widely varying positions or whether to test them at all as more children give up virtual classrooms for in-person learning. Some states have rejected their share of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-pandemics-summits-coronavirus-pandemic-miguel-cardona-afb12a9276bf05fa6275b03b7b40250d">billions of dollars the Biden administration made available</a>&nbsp;for conducting virus tests in schools.

Officials in districts that have embraced testing describe it as an important tool for making sure schools reopen safely and infections remain under control. They note that the virus might otherwise elude detection since young people with the virus often are asymptomatic and most teachers have been vaccinated.

But many school administrators and families, weary of pandemic-related disruptions, see little benefit in screening children, who tend not to become as sick from COVID-19 as adults. Meanwhile, each positive test that turns up at a school can trigger quarantine orders that force students back into learning from home.

In Nebraska, Superintendent Bryce Jorgenson said he doubts parents with children in the Southern Valley Public School District would embrace school-based virus tests. His rural, 370-student district eliminated its mandatory&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-education-abb64bd20748bd95aea2a5e2017704fd">mask policy&nbsp;</a>in March.

“I can tell you right now, I would say that not just in our district, but in many districts around, there is not an appetite for that at all,” he said of ongoing screening. “I don’t know as a leader, too, if I want to get into testing kids because we don’t test kids for any other virus, really.”

Elected officials in Iowa and Idaho made their opinions known by turning down millions in federal aid for voluntary COVID-19 testing in schools.

“Here’s your $95 million back,” Iowa&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-health-coronavirus-22ef463b6ff766281d3a0dbf613d518c">Gov. Kim Reynolds,</a>&nbsp;a Republican, declared on Fox News after commenting that in her view, President Joe Biden “thinks that COVID just started.”

In Idaho, the state House of Representatives rejected $40.3 million in offered funding.

“Schools are not medical facilities, and we shouldn’t want to place that responsibility and liability on our schools,” Republican state Rep. Tammy Nichols said in an email. “That is why we have medical facilities and staff who are licensed, certified and insured to handle those things.”

Experts are divided about how worthwhile it is to test for the coronavirus inside schools as more people are vaccinated and confirmed cases decline.

Joshua Salomon, a professor of medicine at Stanford University who supports screening students, said the procedure could help curb outbreaks involving more contagious variants.

“Basically, it gives you an insurance policy against things we may not be able to anticipate,” Salomon said. “The virus has really kind of caught us off guard in a few instances.”

But Dr. Monica Gandhi, a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, said the nation’s vaccination program makes the tests less useful because immunized individuals are so much less likely to get infected. At the same time, she said, false positives in school settings carry significant consequences when they cause a return to online learning.

Screening tests have played a key role in reopening plans for schools in New York City and liberal-leaning states like California and Massachusetts.

Some districts, like Baltimore City Public Schools, use so-called pooled testing methods that combine multiple samples from students in kindergarten to eighth grade; a positive result leads to everyone in the pool being quarantined. The district is using individual saliva-based PCR tests to screen its high school students..

“By doing this screening testing, you can actually catch the cases early, and that is really effective at preventing transmission,” Cleo Hirsch, who oversees the testing in Baltimore’s public schools, said.

In Chicago, surveillance testing for COVID-19 was part of the district’s reopening agreement with the teachers union. For elementary students who are at least 10, the district tests a percentage at random, focusing on zip codes with the most confirmed COVID-19 cases. The district tests a sampling of high school students citywide. The tests require parental consent.

In Massachusetts, which also relies on pooled testing, the collected data indicates a positivity rate within schools of 2 cases for every 1,000 people, said Russell Johnston, a senior associate commissioner at the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

“That just again gives us enormous confidence in the mitigation strategies that we have available in the schools,” he said.

Oregon is beginning to pilot testing of unvaccinated school employees and plans to expand the health surveillance effort to children attending overnight summer camp before deciding how to proceed in the fall. Some school administrators have expressed trepidation about adding surveillance testing, state epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger said.

“COVID has added 12 new challenges every hour for them on top of everything else they were already burdened with,” Sidelinger said. “So many of them just kind of, I think instinctively, said, ’No, you cannot ask us to do another thing.’”

In Minnesota, the 8,500-student Edina Public Schools has quarantined hundreds of close contacts of students with positive results. The district began a “Test The Nest” surveillance program at its high school and middle schools in mid-March in an attempt to identify individuals without symptoms who are carrying the virus, spokeswoman Mary Woitte said.

But Nicole Schnell, of the group Edina Parents 4 Progress, opposes the expanded testing, saying a single positive case can lead to massive disruptions.

Schnell said her daughters, age 15 and 18, spent two weeks quarantined in the fall and another two weeks in the spring despite testing negative because they were considered close contacts of people who were infected. Her 17-year-old son decided to keep attending classes virtually because he didn’t want to risk a potential exposure that might force him to miss the spring baseball season.

“I have seen firsthand effects of keeping kids out of society,” Schnell said, adding that one of her children was diagnosed with depression after being quarantined. “We are not just talking about out of school. We are talking about out of any sport that they play, out of any activity, out of anything outside, out of seeing their friends, because of a potential positive exposure.”

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Children are having their noses swabbed or saliva sampled at school to test for the coronavirus in cities such as Baltimore, New York and Chicago. In other parts of the U.S., school districts are reluctant to check even students showing signs of illness for COVID-19.Education and health officials around the country have taken different approaches to testing students and staff members — and widely varying positions or whether to test them at all as more children give up virtual classrooms for in-person learning. Some states have rejected their share of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-pandemics-summits-coronavirus-pandemic-miguel-cardona-afb12a9276bf05fa6275b03b7b40250d">billions of dollars the Biden administration made available</a>&nbsp;for conducting virus tests in schools.Officials in districts that have embraced testing describe it as an important tool for making sure schools reopen safely and infections remain under control. They note that the virus might otherwise elude detection since young people with the virus often are asymptomatic and most teachers have been vaccinated.But many school administrators and families, weary of pandemic-related disruptions, see little benefit in screening children, who tend not to become as sick from COVID-19 as adults. Meanwhile, each positive test that turns up at a school can trigger quarantine orders that force students back into learning from home.In Nebraska, Superintendent Bryce Jorgenson said he doubts parents with children in the Southern Valley Public School District would embrace school-based virus tests. His rural, 370-student district eliminated its mandatory&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-education-abb64bd20748bd95aea2a5e2017704fd">mask policy&nbsp;</a>in March.“I can tell you right now, I would say that not just in our district, but in many districts around, there is not an appetite for that at all,” he said of ongoing screening. “I don’t know as a leader, too, if I want to get into testing kids because we don’t test kids for any other virus, really.”Elected officials in Iowa and Idaho made their opinions known by turning down millions in federal aid for voluntary COVID-19 testing in schools.“Here’s your $95 million back,” Iowa&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-health-coronavirus-22ef463b6ff766281d3a0dbf613d518c">Gov. Kim Reynolds,</a>&nbsp;a Republican, declared on Fox News after commenting that in her view, President Joe Biden “thinks that COVID just started.”In Idaho, the state House of Representatives rejected $40.3 million in offered funding.“Schools are not medical facilities, and we shouldn’t want to place that responsibility and liability on our schools,” Republican state Rep. Tammy Nichols said in an email. “That is why we have medical facilities and staff who are licensed, certified and insured to handle those things.”Experts are divided about how worthwhile it is to test for the coronavirus inside schools as more people are vaccinated and confirmed cases decline.Joshua Salomon, a professor of medicine at Stanford University who supports screening students, said the procedure could help curb outbreaks involving more contagious variants.“Basically, it gives you an insurance policy against things we may not be able to anticipate,” Salomon said. “The virus has really kind of caught us off guard in a few instances.”But Dr. Monica Gandhi, a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, said the nation’s vaccination program makes the tests less useful because immunized individuals are so much less likely to get infected. At the same time, she said, false positives in school settings carry significant consequences when they cause a return to online learning.Screening tests have played a key role in reopening plans for schools in New York City and liberal-leaning states like California and Massachusetts.Some districts, like Baltimore City Public Schools, use so-called pooled testing methods that combine multiple samples from students in kindergarten to eighth grade; a positive result leads to everyone in the pool being quarantined. The district is using individual saliva-based PCR tests to screen its high school students..“By doing this screening testing, you can actually catch the cases early, and that is really effective at preventing transmission,” Cleo Hirsch, who oversees the testing in Baltimore’s public schools, said.In Chicago, surveillance testing for COVID-19 was part of the district’s reopening agreement with the teachers union. For elementary students who are at least 10, the district tests a percentage at random, focusing on zip codes with the most confirmed COVID-19 cases. The district tests a sampling of high school students citywide. The tests require parental consent.In Massachusetts, which also relies on pooled testing, the collected data indicates a positivity rate within schools of 2 cases for every 1,000 people, said Russell Johnston, a senior associate commissioner at the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.“That just again gives us enormous confidence in the mitigation strategies that we have available in the schools,” he said.Oregon is beginning to pilot testing of unvaccinated school employees and plans to expand the health surveillance effort to children attending overnight summer camp before deciding how to proceed in the fall. Some school administrators have expressed trepidation about adding surveillance testing, state epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger said.“COVID has added 12 new challenges every hour for them on top of everything else they were already burdened with,” Sidelinger said. “So many of them just kind of, I think instinctively, said, ’No, you cannot ask us to do another thing.’”In Minnesota, the 8,500-student Edina Public Schools has quarantined hundreds of close contacts of students with positive results. The district began a “Test The Nest” surveillance program at its high school and middle schools in mid-March in an attempt to identify individuals without symptoms who are carrying the virus, spokeswoman Mary Woitte said.But Nicole Schnell, of the group Edina Parents 4 Progress, opposes the expanded testing, saying a single positive case can lead to massive disruptions.Schnell said her daughters, age 15 and 18, spent two weeks quarantined in the fall and another two weeks in the spring despite testing negative because they were considered close contacts of people who were infected. Her 17-year-old son decided to keep attending classes virtually because he didn’t want to risk a potential exposure that might force him to miss the spring baseball season.“I have seen firsthand effects of keeping kids out of society,” Schnell said, adding that one of her children was diagnosed with depression after being quarantined. “We are not just talking about out of school. We are talking about out of any sport that they play, out of any activity, out of anything outside, out of seeing their friends, because of a potential positive exposure.”——-

Virus testing strategies, opinions vary widely in US schools

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that the deadline for filing most individual income tax returns this year is May 17. The agency also wants taxpayers who have yet to file their tax returns to know that there are a variety of options available to help them.

IRS tax help is available 24 hours a day on IRS.gov. Whether filing a tax return, requesting an extension or making a payment, the IRS website can help last-minute filers on just about everything related to taxes.

The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically. Doing so, whether through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing">e-file</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>, vastly reduces tax return errors as the tax software does the calculations, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers for missing information.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">Free File Fillable Forms</a>&nbsp;means there is a free option for everyone.

Anyone who needs more time to file can get it. The easiest way to do so is through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>&nbsp;link on IRS.gov. In a matter of minutes, anyone, regardless of income, can use this free service to electronically request an extension on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868">Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return</a>.

Taxpayers are reminded, however, that an extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. To get the extension, taxpayers must estimate their tax liability on this form and pay any amount due. Tax payments are generally due by the May 17 filing deadline, and taxpayers should pay as much as they can to avoid possible penalties and interest.

Taxpayers paying all or part of their&nbsp;income taxes, due by the May 17 deadline,&nbsp;with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">IRS Direct Pay</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>&nbsp;or a credit or debit card will get an automatic extension of time to file. By selecting "extension" as the reason for the payment, there is no need to separately file a Form 4868. Taxpayers will also receive a confirmation number after they submit their payment. When paying with Direct Pay and EFTPS, taxpayers can sign up for email notifications.

Any payment made with an extension request will reduce or, if the balance is paid in full, eliminate interest and late-payment penalties that apply to payments made after the May 17 tax filing deadline.

Alternatively, people can complete a paper copy of Form 4868 and mail it to the IRS. The form must be mailed and postmarked by the filing deadline. Download and print it from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions">IRS.gov/forms</a>.

While an estimated 16 million taxpayers will request an extension of time to file, others automatically qualify for more time to meet their tax obligations.

The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in areas covered by Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster declarations. For details on all available relief, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation">Around the Nation</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov. Deadlines for individual and business tax returns and make tax payments are extended for taxpayers in:

Special rules&nbsp;may apply for some military personnel&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/extension-of-deadlines-combat-zone-service">serving in a combat zone or a qualified hazardous duty area</a>. This also applies to individuals serving in the combat zone in support of the U.S. Armed Forces. A complete list of designated combat zone localities can be found in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-3">Publication 3, Armed Forces' Tax Guide</a>, available on IRS.gov.

U.S. citizens and resident aliens&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p54">living outside the United States</a>&nbsp;have until June 15, 2021, to file their 2020 tax returns and pay any tax due.

May 17 is also the deadline to make 2020 contributions to:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/deadline-for-contributions-to-health-savings-accounts-and-archer-medical-savings-accounts-extended-to-may-17-2021">health savings accounts (HSAs) and Archer medical savings accounts (Archer MSAs)</a>;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plans-frequently-asked-questions-faqs">individual retirement arrangements (IRAs and Roth IRAs)</a>;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plans-for-self-employed-people">Solo 401(k)s and Simplified Employee Pension plans (SEPs)</a>&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-5498-esa">Coverdell education savings accounts (Coverdell ESAs)</a>.

Employment taxes are also due May 17 for household employees including housekeepers, maids, babysitters, gardeners and others who work in or around a private residence as an employee. For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-926">Publication 926, Household Employer's Tax Guide</a>.

Also, tax-exempt organizations that operate on a calendar-year basis&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/reminder-to-tax-exempt-organizations-990s-other-forms-due-on-may-17-information-and-tools-available-to-help">need to file certain annual information and tax returns</a>&nbsp;by May 17.

The IRS estimates 1.3 million taxpayers did not file a 2017 tax return to claim tax refunds worth more than $1.3 billion. The three-year window of opportunity to claim a 2017 tax refund closes May 17, 2021, for most taxpayers. If they do not file a tax return by May 17, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury.

The fastest way to receive a refund is to file electronically and use&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>. The best way to check on a refund is the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;tool available on IRS.gov and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go mobile app</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that the deadline for filing most individual income tax returns this year is May 17. The agency also wants taxpayers who have yet to file their tax returns to know that there are a variety of options available to help them.IRS tax help is available 24 hours a day on IRS.gov. Whether filing a tax return, requesting an extension or making a payment, the IRS website can help last-minute filers on just about everything related to taxes.The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically. Doing so, whether through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing">e-file</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>, vastly reduces tax return errors as the tax software does the calculations, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers for missing information.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">Free File Fillable Forms</a>&nbsp;means there is a free option for everyone.<h2>Request more time</h2>Anyone who needs more time to file can get it. The easiest way to do so is through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>&nbsp;link on IRS.gov. In a matter of minutes, anyone, regardless of income, can use this free service to electronically request an extension on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868">Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return</a>.Taxpayers are reminded, however, that an extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. To get the extension, taxpayers must estimate their tax liability on this form and pay any amount due. Tax payments are generally due by the May 17 filing deadline, and taxpayers should pay as much as they can to avoid possible penalties and interest.Taxpayers paying all or part of their&nbsp;income taxes, due by the May 17 deadline,&nbsp;with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">IRS Direct Pay</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>&nbsp;or a credit or debit card will get an automatic extension of time to file. By selecting "extension" as the reason for the payment, there is no need to separately file a Form 4868. Taxpayers will also receive a confirmation number after they submit their payment. When paying with Direct Pay and EFTPS, taxpayers can sign up for email notifications.Any payment made with an extension request will reduce or, if the balance is paid in full, eliminate interest and late-payment penalties that apply to payments made after the May 17 tax filing deadline.Alternatively, people can complete a paper copy of Form 4868 and mail it to the IRS. The form must be mailed and postmarked by the filing deadline. Download and print it from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions">IRS.gov/forms</a>.While an estimated 16 million taxpayers will request an extension of time to file, others automatically qualify for more time to meet their tax obligations.<h2>Who automatically has more time to file?</h2>The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in areas covered by Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster declarations. For details on all available relief, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation">Around the Nation</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov. Deadlines for individual and business tax returns and make tax payments are extended for taxpayers in:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-louisiana">Louisiana</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-oklahoma">Oklahoma</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-texas">Texas</a>&nbsp;– until June 15, 2021.</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-kentucky">Kentucky</a>&nbsp;– until June 30, 2021.</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation-alabama">Alabama</a>&nbsp;– until August&nbsp;2, 2021.</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-tax-relief-for-victims-of-severe-storms-straight-line-winds-tornadoes-and-flooding-in-tennessee">Tennessee</a>&nbsp;– until August&nbsp;2, 2021.</li>
 </ul>Special rules&nbsp;may apply for some military personnel&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/extension-of-deadlines-combat-zone-service">serving in a combat zone or a qualified hazardous duty area</a>. This also applies to individuals serving in the combat zone in support of the U.S. Armed Forces. A complete list of designated combat zone localities can be found in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-3">Publication 3, Armed Forces' Tax Guide</a>, available on IRS.gov.U.S. citizens and resident aliens&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p54">living outside the United States</a>&nbsp;have until June 15, 2021, to file their 2020 tax returns and pay any tax due.<h2>Additional May 17 extended deadlines</h2>May 17 is also the deadline to make 2020 contributions to:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/deadline-for-contributions-to-health-savings-accounts-and-archer-medical-savings-accounts-extended-to-may-17-2021">health savings accounts (HSAs) and Archer medical savings accounts (Archer MSAs)</a>;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plans-frequently-asked-questions-faqs">individual retirement arrangements (IRAs and Roth IRAs)</a>;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plans-for-self-employed-people">Solo 401(k)s and Simplified Employee Pension plans (SEPs)</a>&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-5498-esa">Coverdell education savings accounts (Coverdell ESAs)</a>.Employment taxes are also due May 17 for household employees including housekeepers, maids, babysitters, gardeners and others who work in or around a private residence as an employee. For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-926">Publication 926, Household Employer's Tax Guide</a>.Also, tax-exempt organizations that operate on a calendar-year basis&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/reminder-to-tax-exempt-organizations-990s-other-forms-due-on-may-17-information-and-tools-available-to-help">need to file certain annual information and tax returns</a>&nbsp;by May 17.<h2>Unclaimed 2017 refunds</h2>The IRS estimates 1.3 million taxpayers did not file a 2017 tax return to claim tax refunds worth more than $1.3 billion. The three-year window of opportunity to claim a 2017 tax refund closes May 17, 2021, for most taxpayers. If they do not file a tax return by May 17, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury.<h2>Direct deposit for a faster refund</h2>The fastest way to receive a refund is to file electronically and use&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>. The best way to check on a refund is the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;tool available on IRS.gov and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go mobile app</a>.

IRS: Despite tax filing deadline, extensions and other help available

The Federal Trade Commission is sending more than $147,000 in full refunds to people affected by a student loan debt relief scam.

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUcs9-2BYv-2FBvF5AG8cihP-2F7iTMkEDIG3xYV2QmxalVq9v0KDGcy6ZmKYFW3001-2BvEMjmfgLymEnOUW8TcpcncCEH5L7JmE6UHimbSufytOI8ImPycMwrxWIgZCZ7izFCE66PicL1f0kr-2BRarOKoGYxLLuSx5wFv-2Bzs6nR6ptDWXpIiyv0SXVICOicVUpL8jiWTnQ-3D-3D6M0f_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lGsZ6LVtPCJH4PgnOZrrTlucqQDHtcRpLi0WBwQJnF17kyiNbMbkJLUImClLNWXo7AgzQFYikVO-2Bs-2FUikpl4ZH3K-2FZsV5MDGYdg3LElMV6qcSrcfj-2FvMo0walqi1mlVosVKEkuDeeRtE46hjRvd9eP7XCcAqmuMWzvHJ-2F9Abo5tCXsqiFtNHOu1pBeUiMToo48aOD5GRv21BLqBDA1KZJLp8d6surGkKgAk554AQEh7Llm3gW2SUXPooszhQY4e5mKpDbKRRx8L4F19CWY8odkCHe-2BjxFYUw4GEWka5H5njQlVRWTqpNYaeUgP1Fpgxhec-3D">an amended FTC complaint filed in 2019</a>, corporate defendants Impetus Enterprise, Inc., Fig Tree &amp; Co., LLC, Capital Sun Investments, and individual defendants Tuan Duong, Brenda Avitia-Pena, Brian Colombana, and Jimmy Calderon,&nbsp;tricked student loan borrowers into paying illegal upfront fees by falsely promising to reduce or eliminate their student loan debt. The defendants also did business as&nbsp;Aiding Student Relief, Aidnest, and Studora, among others.

In 2019, four defendants settled FTC’s charges.&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUdbOg1oyC3s1BFESJfv1yTTLTfeDJ-2BarGF0Qh0X8jdkfFVYdRj4hrIl-2FxDc-2FuwyyArdXb9hykyVgG6Jh2tKvQ6b0KknqcoWqzJU7-2BNMLDN9oJcJU-2BBBWocuAr8G5RGztrBNgFe4v-2F4lf0wynQv-2Fv6qNheziJe7dUQlb1OeShWgVvNZi-2FGyBzSZeJN9-2FMHrrOSgAK5nXfEpTjGjegipcYgwSBJ0er-2FrW7L9jvMSlyU7V0vWJX_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lGsZ6LVtPCJH4PgnOZrrTlucqQDHtcRpLi0WBwQJnF17kyiNbMbkJLUImClLNWXo7AgzQFYikVO-2Bs-2FUikpl4ZH3K-2FZsV5MDGYdg3LElMV6qcSrcfj-2FvMo0walqi1mlVosVKEkuDeeRtE46hjRvd9eP7XCcAqmuMWzvHJ-2F9Abo5tCU4kwjAfPE5du-2FNQq9cBcRBgfaz22X2jxd5SwdA9N7leiMcsjzHVygGw-2F-2FscarviSh2aQtjKIGdfYTsyPomhMzYAafcD1FAqPGajShathe96VZ5zOfIwQr-2FpYFMJUwQo9na8HRTYa3tpkArqD6S377c-3D">Duong was banned from telemarketing</a>&nbsp;and defendants Avitia-Pena, Calderon, and Capital Sun Investments were banned&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUdbOg1oyC3s1BFESJfv1yTTLTfeDJ-2BarGF0Qh0X8jdkfbg7hoEfkZnYZYQl8dk7K-2B5zLdU18HAp0bVsIyrf-2BO-2FDO5IRCIfMGGRWmqxAYFmHeCW8bwuY2Xtj6vGrZML0fZ7mnMUcg9D8E8TjBqso3ZJ6nTcDq1dog4UXSAMXUAFHuDqydCAMSI4EW5lzNls44tii5daYftDHuluqsUDlOA6C20v45pJvBBCaACAjzKgug2HtY_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lGsZ6LVtPCJH4PgnOZrrTlucqQDHtcRpLi0WBwQJnF17kyiNbMbkJLUImClLNWXo7AgzQFYikVO-2Bs-2FUikpl4ZH3K-2FZsV5MDGYdg3LElMV6qcSrcfj-2FvMo0walqi1mlVosVKEkuDeeRtE46hjRvd9eP7XCcAqmuMWzvHJ-2F9Abo5tCc9N0qhiJ9FrAcvuBbxHJfWyUc6O8eGX1bIF-2BEEUUmkZvgoEY5YgZ21wg3zHLu3mCVs4ZMI-2FlAaxbaf7M9eglThYYV82j2-2B0UsVOUismEtwXjTfDwYyvJyqtc-2BOLi-2BVxsybFW1DMQYZRJjYd2JDx-2FkU-3D">from selling debt relief services</a>. In 2020, the court issued a default judgment against&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUdbOg1oyC3s1BFESJfv1yTTLTfeDJ-2BarGF0Qh0X8jdkfWyXrp5f-2Bf3v0hN3xtDZ6H5ogouQCEQUoix1Cwp73faehuH1qNrwpsjGR-2FhtVak5SO-2F2KWEYZm1-2FCr1LtmH9VH3ANuUKfFKYiHTKAhJijKLG02A2cloMZtnZnWyA33Kn6htQpO9zIEytgsNKXn5E5hBOtoeqYoPXYYvTaAxd0hRpqxYMzBqb8o5SkDwZ4LKu6yzox_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lGsZ6LVtPCJH4PgnOZrrTlucqQDHtcRpLi0WBwQJnF17kyiNbMbkJLUImClLNWXo7AgzQFYikVO-2Bs-2FUikpl4ZH3K-2FZsV5MDGYdg3LElMV6qcSrcfj-2FvMo0walqi1mlVosVKEkuDeeRtE46hjRvd9eP7XCcAqmuMWzvHJ-2F9Abo5tCTzPMlGqCOCTmiAvD04y7Yw3BF2Y-2BJZk3h5FalAglqOeqzvzEmAAOASILBScH0lHm-2Fy4ZqfRav7G9fekfxgPKygcLT9tkbHvRVj1UvpWKnKDwh07fd14xjFUIYTOeZbb5-2FJQ5dR5kF-2BI96ohyH9HypI-3D">the remaining defendants</a>, including Colombana, banning them from selling debt relief services or telemarketing.

The FTC is mailing full refunds, averaging $607 each, to victims of the scheme who previously filed a complaint with law enforcement. Consumers who receive checks should deposit or cash their checks within 90 days, as indicated on the check. The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide account information to cash a refund check.

Consumers who did not receive a check and think they should have been included in the distribution can call the refund administrator, Rust Consulting, Inc.&nbsp;at 1-877-310-4642.

The FTC’s&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUcUmZLSH0xJ2WtBwbqiniakaGlt4YIn0B6CxtRLKddhzP4GoZfisp1lGzNgGgqlRzUKVAUPo1JMfLbMbn0bum7HR6DOrW1Cj2vrRwssZ2yKjbPIuHkdOvAzJEMaB387V4-2F9soT5hNgwCapGmy-2F6yUDxKs7d7yteO9v6bqS4Ax4ajn6lksOZ97e-2BESJRRdkpbiMOq8-2B5sJUHPJXzCrmR3WzI-3DvXnY_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lGsZ6LVtPCJH4PgnOZrrTlucqQDHtcRpLi0WBwQJnF17kyiNbMbkJLUImClLNWXo7AgzQFYikVO-2Bs-2FUikpl4ZH3K-2FZsV5MDGYdg3LElMV6qcSrcfj-2FvMo0walqi1mlVosVKEkuDeeRtE46hjRvd9eP7XCcAqmuMWzvHJ-2F9Abo5tCW2j1siw-2FbNxusXuctYUYblsqE01GjIfIWlJqE0o7-2FA6-2BWYg95JPxJyq6CCUJlZAJ1ci2tdafN4056TKyaAV46D6oLeUvntnYmYmTpDYO8g2fhP3SClwTBoJC44F6e-2Bbc1ZTwyoDJwqZxAj-2BhmNA1GE-3D">interactive dashboards for refund data</a>&nbsp;provide a state-by-state breakdown of FTC refunds. In 2020, FTC actions led to more than $483 million in refunds to consumers across the country, but recently the United States Supreme Court ruled the FTC lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal court going forward. The&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUdbOg1oyC3s1BFESJfv1yTTLTfeDJ-2BarGF0Qh0X8jdkfou3TKI2NRl8O42Q5MtIKgVYMxg3fK8ZFLjfhDNVbowaj6mVlOTHabiRF8mRXucgpveSXEc9bytK9jXsyddKu5lU2ZssPNwFOjeVdsDy7PPP5KI3IiTxWtJWmS-2FpK7pyB25D12Oj6QQuTmMApvCpvA4OpGKCx9BFE-2FnEtQWtqXvxo9SfzVsoVtPZPADWGxBgp29Js_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lGsZ6LVtPCJH4PgnOZrrTlucqQDHtcRpLi0WBwQJnF17kyiNbMbkJLUImClLNWXo7AgzQFYikVO-2Bs-2FUikpl4ZH3K-2FZsV5MDGYdg3LElMV6qcSrcfj-2FvMo0walqi1mlVosVKEkuDeeRtE46hjRvd9eP7XCcAqmuMWzvHJ-2F9Abo5tCYtucVaB6jQS-2BuNw5WTN9Ym-2FTrIxa6-2BaFVzA-2BQ-2BOLF44vJg3CfNoR6OdZ1vkBRnDM0USMZoXJ2-2B6xW4Gw-2FcOQfcEMfoE3MrXoRaX930OzGfHPdRrwLolJU8QejWjq0uD8AbnQZOuPzxaR4ng6Mp8RT8-3D">Commission has urged Congress</a>&nbsp;to restore the FTC’s ability to get money back for consumers.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUfYotPP72MaC0HTuHPy7LHmaFRvq-2FV0-2Fyav7uDNsu0VJjdtrkGwu-2B8xkOOC6eFBfjLGVS6gwVzDH-2FsPQvdTYLu1JcMGx-2FTinlDN65gM4LwYPAzQDQx7M8ScNExZ9en9kD-2FjzJR4NB-2FnzzTQ2dSo3arfiQ-2BUAr-2FCkYVocs21GSuuicMev_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lGsZ6LVtPCJH4PgnOZrrTlucqQDHtcRpLi0WBwQJnF17kyiNbMbkJLUImClLNWXo7AgzQFYikVO-2Bs-2FUikpl4ZH3K-2FZsV5MDGYdg3LElMV6qcSrcfj-2FvMo0walqi1mlVosVKEkuDeeRtE46hjRvd9eP7XCcAqmuMWzvHJ-2F9Abo5tCR5wJbwv6NcGsnk10ixROGGnGq8RCaEO40Lb0qqQXJdB78xa63t2bDH0SE7DEnvI4-2BWnvCVcxL98Qt9mS5tommbh3NopznIJTimXf4O7kkhUlMHK-2FDwllqRFbuNnM4Y-2Bh8VAc9qQQzOYxuLz5wRwQmU-3D">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUWPsgRUXOCkrjRa6-2Fnr6GSArZRe-2B8Z10HQRZro9mIiGH-2Fu2jetV0UBD0lKa7wULeB0HApKVO5Udt4NilGJwDvqorRMKHTgEsoK9-2Bz-2F-2BXxpwlSNfQ_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lGsZ6LVtPCJH4PgnOZrrTlucqQDHtcRpLi0WBwQJnF17kyiNbMbkJLUImClLNWXo7AgzQFYikVO-2Bs-2FUikpl4ZH3K-2FZsV5MDGYdg3LElMV6qcSrcfj-2FvMo0walqi1mlVosVKEkuDeeRtE46hjRvd9eP7XCcAqmuMWzvHJ-2F9Abo5tCTe-2FtD9DHNEEyzd0YlK829fbpX3Q0CuhXydINAuCM0NlLfAcI5wUVGMKqeg4uFCnkhzKk6tuOr-2FmupaFSimMcbqZ91t8FUXd3tuf3PBf4ZkrR2J662kN6uxl4ZuV9GDzKniNQlG3yMZeyjxhWJSvRNA-3D">learn more about consumer topics</a>&nbsp;and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUZnJP9TuyU-2B6kDVP73c3ho9B-2FHu6XJvEHh0HtdzWm7-2FfiwVR-2F4CpO4uU-2FAbd58MyivYRDQDyJbhwUP-2FWIPm3OlAyXgvp-2BAaBSn82Df6-2FsbeN0PBx_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lGsZ6LVtPCJH4PgnOZrrTlucqQDHtcRpLi0WBwQJnF17kyiNbMbkJLUImClLNWXo7AgzQFYikVO-2Bs-2FUikpl4ZH3K-2FZsV5MDGYdg3LElMV6qcSrcfj-2FvMo0walqi1mlVosVKEkuDeeRtE46hjRvd9eP7XCcAqmuMWzvHJ-2F9Abo5tCcnruPaEKI3A5D966WNu-2BS17iWmYWptsm1NBHloNEVw5F5m7scgvbySg8wo7RUXYwUycWVi908SQkoXrUh9geEwzI9KAzU9US2xM5OEpVyZEUJdadwAtR7kGbqwJ-2FSOkjm-2F9604IPqh3O2GGcNeumtU-3D">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. 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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>FTCThe Federal Trade Commission is sending more than $147,000 in full refunds to people affected by a student loan debt relief scam.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUcs9-2BYv-2FBvF5AG8cihP-2F7iTMkEDIG3xYV2QmxalVq9v0KDGcy6ZmKYFW3001-2BvEMjmfgLymEnOUW8TcpcncCEH5L7JmE6UHimbSufytOI8ImPycMwrxWIgZCZ7izFCE66PicL1f0kr-2BRarOKoGYxLLuSx5wFv-2Bzs6nR6ptDWXpIiyv0SXVICOicVUpL8jiWTnQ-3D-3D6M0f_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lGsZ6LVtPCJH4PgnOZrrTlucqQDHtcRpLi0WBwQJnF17kyiNbMbkJLUImClLNWXo7AgzQFYikVO-2Bs-2FUikpl4ZH3K-2FZsV5MDGYdg3LElMV6qcSrcfj-2FvMo0walqi1mlVosVKEkuDeeRtE46hjRvd9eP7XCcAqmuMWzvHJ-2F9Abo5tCXsqiFtNHOu1pBeUiMToo48aOD5GRv21BLqBDA1KZJLp8d6surGkKgAk554AQEh7Llm3gW2SUXPooszhQY4e5mKpDbKRRx8L4F19CWY8odkCHe-2BjxFYUw4GEWka5H5njQlVRWTqpNYaeUgP1Fpgxhec-3D">an amended FTC complaint filed in 2019</a>, corporate defendants Impetus Enterprise, Inc., Fig Tree &amp; Co., LLC, Capital Sun Investments, and individual defendants Tuan Duong, Brenda Avitia-Pena, Brian Colombana, and Jimmy Calderon,&nbsp;tricked student loan borrowers into paying illegal upfront fees by falsely promising to reduce or eliminate their student loan debt. The defendants also did business as&nbsp;Aiding Student Relief, Aidnest, and Studora, among others.In 2019, four defendants settled FTC’s charges.&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUdbOg1oyC3s1BFESJfv1yTTLTfeDJ-2BarGF0Qh0X8jdkfFVYdRj4hrIl-2FxDc-2FuwyyArdXb9hykyVgG6Jh2tKvQ6b0KknqcoWqzJU7-2BNMLDN9oJcJU-2BBBWocuAr8G5RGztrBNgFe4v-2F4lf0wynQv-2Fv6qNheziJe7dUQlb1OeShWgVvNZi-2FGyBzSZeJN9-2FMHrrOSgAK5nXfEpTjGjegipcYgwSBJ0er-2FrW7L9jvMSlyU7V0vWJX_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lGsZ6LVtPCJH4PgnOZrrTlucqQDHtcRpLi0WBwQJnF17kyiNbMbkJLUImClLNWXo7AgzQFYikVO-2Bs-2FUikpl4ZH3K-2FZsV5MDGYdg3LElMV6qcSrcfj-2FvMo0walqi1mlVosVKEkuDeeRtE46hjRvd9eP7XCcAqmuMWzvHJ-2F9Abo5tCU4kwjAfPE5du-2FNQq9cBcRBgfaz22X2jxd5SwdA9N7leiMcsjzHVygGw-2F-2FscarviSh2aQtjKIGdfYTsyPomhMzYAafcD1FAqPGajShathe96VZ5zOfIwQr-2FpYFMJUwQo9na8HRTYa3tpkArqD6S377c-3D">Duong was banned from telemarketing</a>&nbsp;and defendants Avitia-Pena, Calderon, and Capital Sun Investments were banned&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUdbOg1oyC3s1BFESJfv1yTTLTfeDJ-2BarGF0Qh0X8jdkfbg7hoEfkZnYZYQl8dk7K-2B5zLdU18HAp0bVsIyrf-2BO-2FDO5IRCIfMGGRWmqxAYFmHeCW8bwuY2Xtj6vGrZML0fZ7mnMUcg9D8E8TjBqso3ZJ6nTcDq1dog4UXSAMXUAFHuDqydCAMSI4EW5lzNls44tii5daYftDHuluqsUDlOA6C20v45pJvBBCaACAjzKgug2HtY_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lGsZ6LVtPCJH4PgnOZrrTlucqQDHtcRpLi0WBwQJnF17kyiNbMbkJLUImClLNWXo7AgzQFYikVO-2Bs-2FUikpl4ZH3K-2FZsV5MDGYdg3LElMV6qcSrcfj-2FvMo0walqi1mlVosVKEkuDeeRtE46hjRvd9eP7XCcAqmuMWzvHJ-2F9Abo5tCc9N0qhiJ9FrAcvuBbxHJfWyUc6O8eGX1bIF-2BEEUUmkZvgoEY5YgZ21wg3zHLu3mCVs4ZMI-2FlAaxbaf7M9eglThYYV82j2-2B0UsVOUismEtwXjTfDwYyvJyqtc-2BOLi-2BVxsybFW1DMQYZRJjYd2JDx-2FkU-3D">from selling debt relief services</a>. In 2020, the court issued a default judgment against&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUdbOg1oyC3s1BFESJfv1yTTLTfeDJ-2BarGF0Qh0X8jdkfWyXrp5f-2Bf3v0hN3xtDZ6H5ogouQCEQUoix1Cwp73faehuH1qNrwpsjGR-2FhtVak5SO-2F2KWEYZm1-2FCr1LtmH9VH3ANuUKfFKYiHTKAhJijKLG02A2cloMZtnZnWyA33Kn6htQpO9zIEytgsNKXn5E5hBOtoeqYoPXYYvTaAxd0hRpqxYMzBqb8o5SkDwZ4LKu6yzox_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lGsZ6LVtPCJH4PgnOZrrTlucqQDHtcRpLi0WBwQJnF17kyiNbMbkJLUImClLNWXo7AgzQFYikVO-2Bs-2FUikpl4ZH3K-2FZsV5MDGYdg3LElMV6qcSrcfj-2FvMo0walqi1mlVosVKEkuDeeRtE46hjRvd9eP7XCcAqmuMWzvHJ-2F9Abo5tCTzPMlGqCOCTmiAvD04y7Yw3BF2Y-2BJZk3h5FalAglqOeqzvzEmAAOASILBScH0lHm-2Fy4ZqfRav7G9fekfxgPKygcLT9tkbHvRVj1UvpWKnKDwh07fd14xjFUIYTOeZbb5-2FJQ5dR5kF-2BI96ohyH9HypI-3D">the remaining defendants</a>, including Colombana, banning them from selling debt relief services or telemarketing.The FTC is mailing full refunds, averaging $607 each, to victims of the scheme who previously filed a complaint with law enforcement. Consumers who receive checks should deposit or cash their checks within 90 days, as indicated on the check. The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide account information to cash a refund check.Consumers who did not receive a check and think they should have been included in the distribution can call the refund administrator, Rust Consulting, Inc.&nbsp;at 1-877-310-4642.The FTC’s&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUcUmZLSH0xJ2WtBwbqiniakaGlt4YIn0B6CxtRLKddhzP4GoZfisp1lGzNgGgqlRzUKVAUPo1JMfLbMbn0bum7HR6DOrW1Cj2vrRwssZ2yKjbPIuHkdOvAzJEMaB387V4-2F9soT5hNgwCapGmy-2F6yUDxKs7d7yteO9v6bqS4Ax4ajn6lksOZ97e-2BESJRRdkpbiMOq8-2B5sJUHPJXzCrmR3WzI-3DvXnY_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lGsZ6LVtPCJH4PgnOZrrTlucqQDHtcRpLi0WBwQJnF17kyiNbMbkJLUImClLNWXo7AgzQFYikVO-2Bs-2FUikpl4ZH3K-2FZsV5MDGYdg3LElMV6qcSrcfj-2FvMo0walqi1mlVosVKEkuDeeRtE46hjRvd9eP7XCcAqmuMWzvHJ-2F9Abo5tCW2j1siw-2FbNxusXuctYUYblsqE01GjIfIWlJqE0o7-2FA6-2BWYg95JPxJyq6CCUJlZAJ1ci2tdafN4056TKyaAV46D6oLeUvntnYmYmTpDYO8g2fhP3SClwTBoJC44F6e-2Bbc1ZTwyoDJwqZxAj-2BhmNA1GE-3D">interactive dashboards for refund data</a>&nbsp;provide a state-by-state breakdown of FTC refunds. In 2020, FTC actions led to more than $483 million in refunds to consumers across the country, but recently the United States Supreme Court ruled the FTC lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal court going forward. The&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUdbOg1oyC3s1BFESJfv1yTTLTfeDJ-2BarGF0Qh0X8jdkfou3TKI2NRl8O42Q5MtIKgVYMxg3fK8ZFLjfhDNVbowaj6mVlOTHabiRF8mRXucgpveSXEc9bytK9jXsyddKu5lU2ZssPNwFOjeVdsDy7PPP5KI3IiTxWtJWmS-2FpK7pyB25D12Oj6QQuTmMApvCpvA4OpGKCx9BFE-2FnEtQWtqXvxo9SfzVsoVtPZPADWGxBgp29Js_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lGsZ6LVtPCJH4PgnOZrrTlucqQDHtcRpLi0WBwQJnF17kyiNbMbkJLUImClLNWXo7AgzQFYikVO-2Bs-2FUikpl4ZH3K-2FZsV5MDGYdg3LElMV6qcSrcfj-2FvMo0walqi1mlVosVKEkuDeeRtE46hjRvd9eP7XCcAqmuMWzvHJ-2F9Abo5tCYtucVaB6jQS-2BuNw5WTN9Ym-2FTrIxa6-2BaFVzA-2BQ-2BOLF44vJg3CfNoR6OdZ1vkBRnDM0USMZoXJ2-2B6xW4Gw-2FcOQfcEMfoE3MrXoRaX930OzGfHPdRrwLolJU8QejWjq0uD8AbnQZOuPzxaR4ng6Mp8RT8-3D">Commission has urged Congress</a>&nbsp;to restore the FTC’s ability to get money back for consumers.The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUfYotPP72MaC0HTuHPy7LHmaFRvq-2FV0-2Fyav7uDNsu0VJjdtrkGwu-2B8xkOOC6eFBfjLGVS6gwVzDH-2FsPQvdTYLu1JcMGx-2FTinlDN65gM4LwYPAzQDQx7M8ScNExZ9en9kD-2FjzJR4NB-2FnzzTQ2dSo3arfiQ-2BUAr-2FCkYVocs21GSuuicMev_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lGsZ6LVtPCJH4PgnOZrrTlucqQDHtcRpLi0WBwQJnF17kyiNbMbkJLUImClLNWXo7AgzQFYikVO-2Bs-2FUikpl4ZH3K-2FZsV5MDGYdg3LElMV6qcSrcfj-2FvMo0walqi1mlVosVKEkuDeeRtE46hjRvd9eP7XCcAqmuMWzvHJ-2F9Abo5tCR5wJbwv6NcGsnk10ixROGGnGq8RCaEO40Lb0qqQXJdB78xa63t2bDH0SE7DEnvI4-2BWnvCVcxL98Qt9mS5tommbh3NopznIJTimXf4O7kkhUlMHK-2FDwllqRFbuNnM4Y-2Bh8VAc9qQQzOYxuLz5wRwQmU-3D">protect and educate consumers</a>. 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FTC sending $600 checks to victims of student loan scam

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — Two Kansas City officers were injured when an impaired driver tried to flee police Saturday.

The incident happened shortly before 5 p.m. Saturday when officers were trying to arrest the driver of a Cadillac CT5 near Flora Avenue and East 44th Street. Kansas City Police Department spokeswoman Donna Drake said the driver refused to exit his vehicle.

Two officers were trying to get the driver out of the Cadillac when the man started driving and drug the officers along with the vehicle. Drake said the Cadillac sideswiped a parked Nissan Sentra before colliding with a Ford Escape.

One officer fell to the ground before the Cadillac hit the Nissan. He had minor injuries. The second officer was hanging on to the passenger side of the Cadillac when it hit the Ford. Drake said that officer was hospitalized with injuries that aren't life threatening.

The driver of the Cadillac was also hospitalized with injuries that aren't considered life threatening.

The driver of the Ford Escape fled the scene. Drake said investigators determined that the Ford had been reported stolen before the crash.

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — Two Kansas City officers were injured when an impaired driver tried to flee police Saturday.The incident happened shortly before 5 p.m. Saturday when officers were trying to arrest the driver of a Cadillac CT5 near Flora Avenue and East 44th Street. Kansas City Police Department spokeswoman Donna Drake said the driver refused to exit his vehicle.Two officers were trying to get the driver out of the Cadillac when the man started driving and drug the officers along with the vehicle. Drake said the Cadillac sideswiped a parked Nissan Sentra before colliding with a Ford Escape.One officer fell to the ground before the Cadillac hit the Nissan. He had minor injuries. The second officer was hanging on to the passenger side of the Cadillac when it hit the Ford. Drake said that officer was hospitalized with injuries that aren't life threatening.The driver of the Cadillac was also hospitalized with injuries that aren't considered life threatening.The driver of the Ford Escape fled the scene. Drake said investigators determined that the Ford had been reported stolen before the crash.

2 Kansas City officers hurt when driver tries to flee arrest

(AP)-The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is defending the decision to ease mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, stressing that increasing political pressure had nothing to do with the abrupt shift in guidelines. 

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky told FOX News Sunday that she delivered the science as soon as it was available. To date, more than 156 million Americans, or more than 47% of the population, have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and more than 121 million are fully vaccinated. 

Walensky cautioned that even with the new guidelines, it was still too early to declare victory, but added that she was cautiously optimistic about the pandemic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621193663516.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIMBERLEE KRUESI-Associated Press(AP)-The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is defending the decision to ease mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, stressing that increasing political pressure had nothing to do with the abrupt shift in guidelines. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky told FOX News Sunday that she delivered the science as soon as it was available. To date, more than 156 million Americans, or more than 47% of the population, have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and more than 121 million are fully vaccinated. Walensky cautioned that even with the new guidelines, it was still too early to declare victory, but added that she was cautiously optimistic about the pandemic.

CDC director says mask turnaround based solely on science

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Environmental groups and scientists with two universities want U.S. wildlife managers to consider reintroducing jaguars to the American Southwest. 

In a recently published paper, they say habitat destruction, highways and segments of the U.S.-Mexico border wall mean that natural reestablishment of the large cats in the region would be unlikely over the next century without human intervention. 

Jaguars are currently found in 19 countries, but they've lost about half of their historic range. 

Several individual male jaguars have been spotted in Arizona and New Mexico over the last two decades, but there’s no evidence of breeding pairs establishing territories beyond northern Mexico.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621193560260.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Environmental groups and scientists with two universities want U.S. wildlife managers to consider reintroducing jaguars to the American Southwest. In a recently published paper, they say habitat destruction, highways and segments of the U.S.-Mexico border wall mean that natural reestablishment of the large cats in the region would be unlikely over the next century without human intervention. Jaguars are currently found in 19 countries, but they've lost about half of their historic range. Several individual male jaguars have been spotted in Arizona and New Mexico over the last two decades, but there’s no evidence of breeding pairs establishing territories beyond northern Mexico.

Groups call for reintroduction of jaguars in US Southwest

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Children are having their noses swabbed or saliva sampled at school to test for the coronavirus in cities such as Baltimore, New York and Chicago. 

In other parts of the U.S., school districts are reluctant to check even students showing signs of illness for COVID-19. 

Education and health officials around the country have taken different approaches to testing students and staff members, and widely varying positions or whether to test them at all. 

Officials in districts that have embraced testing describe it as a tool for making sure infections stay under control. But many school administrators see more hassle than benefit. Some states have turned down millions in federal funding for school-based virus testing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621192619727.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Children are having their noses swabbed or saliva sampled at school to test for the coronavirus in cities such as Baltimore, New York and Chicago. In other parts of the U.S., school districts are reluctant to check even students showing signs of illness for COVID-19. Education and health officials around the country have taken different approaches to testing students and staff members, and widely varying positions or whether to test them at all. Officials in districts that have embraced testing describe it as a tool for making sure infections stay under control. But many school administrators see more hassle than benefit. Some states have turned down millions in federal funding for school-based virus testing.

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/kansas-school-districts-find-ditching-offensive-mascots-costs-money">Kansas News Service</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620853552746.png" alt=" The word "Redskins" on North High's basketball court will be painted over after the Wichita district dropped the controversial name. Suzanne Perez / KMUW" />
 <figcaption> The word "Redskins" on North High's basketball court will be painted over after the Wichita district dropped the controversial name. Suzanne Perez / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/kansas-school-districts-find-ditching-offensive-mascots-costs-money">Kansas News Service</a>What does it cost a school district to change an offensive mascot?Some Kansas schools are starting to find out.Wichita school board members <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/wichita-public-schools-drops-redskins-name-north-high" target="_blank">voted in February</a> to get rid of the controversial Redskins mascot at North High School.They
 learned recently that replacing athletic uniforms, painting over a gym 
floor and retrofitting the marching band could cost upward of $400,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620853626718.jpeg" alt=" Renderings of North High's new baseball uniforms. Credit USD 259" />
 <figcaption> Renderings of North High's new baseball uniforms. Credit USD 259</figcaption>
 </figure>The board approved the first phase of expenditures in March, voting 
to spend $350,000 on new uniforms for the football, baseball and 
softball teams and other student activities.Terrell Davis, 
executive director of public affairs and special projects for the 
Wichita district, led a committee that recommended changing North’s 
mascot.He said removing the Redskins name from school uniforms 
and property will take time. The old mascot — in either words or images —
 appears on debate team blazers, bowling team jerseys, swimming pool 
flags, scoreboards and more.“We did an evaluation of all the 
uniforms they had to see where the term ‘Redskin’ was on,” Davis said. 
“And so to remove those things is what we’re working towards.“We also looked at where people were at in terms of their normal rotation of uniforms,” he said.Buying
 lots of uniforms at once resulted in some discounts, Davis said. 
Spending approved in March also included a new wrestling mat.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620853666293.jpeg" alt=" The Wichita school district says removing the Redskins name from North High uniforms and property will take time and could cost around $400,000. Credit Suzanne Perez / KMUW" />
 <figcaption> The Wichita school district says removing the Redskins name from North High uniforms and property will take time and could cost around $400,000. Credit Suzanne Perez / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>A new gymnasium built as part of the Wichita district’s 2008 bond 
issue features North High’s new logo in the center — a red-and-white 
letter “N” with a Native American drum and feather. But stripes on 
either end of the basketball court say “Redskins” in large letters.As
 part of the mascot changes, those words will be painted over and the 
floor named in honor of Lynette Woodard, a North High graduate and 
basketball Hall-of-Famer.The Shawnee Mission school district in Johnson County approved a new policy in January <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-01-26/four-shawnee-mission-schools-will-have-new-mascots-after-years-of-using-native-american-imagery" target="_blank">barring mascots deemed derogatory or offensive</a>.To
 comply with the policy, Shawnee Mission North High and three elementary
 schools dropped mascots that referenced Native Americans. Shawnee 
Mission North announced earlier this month that <a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2021-05-05/home-of-the-bison-shawnee-mission-north-officially-replaces-indians-mascot" target="_blank">it would replace its former “Indians” mascot with “Bison.”</a>District
 spokesman David A. Smith said the district is beginning to develop 
logos and branding for the new mascots but doesn’t yet have projected 
costs for the overhaul.Sheril Logan, a member of the Wichita 
school district, said during a recent meeting that the cost of new 
uniforms, equipment and renovations are necessary.“We want to make sure we remove all of the places where that name is,” Logan said.Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT&nbsp;or email her at perez@kmuw.org.