TOPEKA&nbsp; – The Kansas attorney general’s office has resolved a lawsuit filed under the state’s mistaken-conviction statute, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

The attorney general reached an agreed resolution of a lawsuit filed by 52-year-old Merardo J. Garza, Jr. On January 10, 2008, Garza was convicted of alternative counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and rape in Sedgwick County District Court. He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum sentence of 25 years. His conviction was vacated on November 6, 2020, in Sedgwick County District Court. The agreed resolution was approved January 20, 2022, by Sedgwick County District Judge Seth Rundle.

In the agreed order, the court determined that Garza did not commit the crime for which he was convicted, nor was he an accessory or accomplice to that crime, nor did he suborn perjury, fabricate evidence or cause or bring about his conviction through his own conduct. Garza served 13 years, five months and 27 days in prison or jail.

Accordingly, the court ordered the following relief for Garza, as provided by the mistaken-conviction statute:

By statute, payment is subject to review by the State Finance Council.&nbsp;Copies of the orders in the case of&nbsp;Garza v State of Kansas&nbsp;can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/3qZdu2W">https://bit.ly/3qZdu2W</a>.&nbsp;The case is awaiting review by the State Finance Council.

In the second case, Shawnee County District Court Judge Teresa Watson issued a ruling earlier last week in a lawsuit brought by Francis R. Everett, 64, who was convicted in Smith County on charges of manufacturing methamphetamines in November 2007. Everett was released when his conviction was reversed on appeal because the trial court erred in admitting evidence of a prior conviction, not because of actual innocence, Watson wrote. Everett was not retried on the charges, but is currently in prison on other charges.

Following a one-day trial on January 6 to hear Everett’s claim, Watson ruled that Everett failed to satisfy all of the requirements established in K.S.A. 60-5004 that the claimant shall prove, among other criteria, that he did not commit the crimes and was not an accessory to the acts that were the basis for the original conviction. Everett appeared at the trial by videoconference.

A witness at both Everett’s hearing and his 2007 trial testified that she was present with Everett in the making of methamphetamines and subsequent use during a three-month period from March to May 2006. The witness gave a detailed account of how she and Everett drove across state lines to acquire the necessary components to make the illegal drugs and subsequently use them in a secluded area.

Watson said in her ruling that Everett severely undercut his credibility as a witness in his claim against the state, admitting under oath that he “probably did” use methamphetamines during the time in question, despite earlier testimony to the contrary. A copy of Watson’s ruling is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/3FOoDHX">https://bit.ly/3FOoDHX</a>.

From December 2018 through the present, 14 individuals have filed lawsuits against the State of Kansas under authority of K.S.A. 60-5004, the mistaken-conviction statute. Of those, six have now reached judgment and payment has been made or is in process. In a seventh case, the district court ruled against the claimant, and the Kansas Supreme Court affirmed that no payment was owed. The eighth case (Everett) was rejected at the district court level. Five other cases remain in litigation in district courts. The Garza case is awaiting review by the State Finance Council.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643197744778.png" alt="Garza-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Garza-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp; – The Kansas attorney general’s office has resolved a lawsuit filed under the state’s mistaken-conviction statute, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.The attorney general reached an agreed resolution of a lawsuit filed by 52-year-old Merardo J. Garza, Jr. On January 10, 2008, Garza was convicted of alternative counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and rape in Sedgwick County District Court. He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum sentence of 25 years. His conviction was vacated on November 6, 2020, in Sedgwick County District Court. The agreed resolution was approved January 20, 2022, by Sedgwick County District Judge Seth Rundle.In the agreed order, the court determined that Garza did not commit the crime for which he was convicted, nor was he an accessory or accomplice to that crime, nor did he suborn perjury, fabricate evidence or cause or bring about his conviction through his own conduct. Garza served 13 years, five months and 27 days in prison or jail.Accordingly, the court ordered the following relief for Garza, as provided by the mistaken-conviction statute:<ul>
 <li>Garza was granted a Certificate of Innocence.</li><li>Records of his conviction and arrest were ordered expunged.</li><li>Garza was granted total compensation of $887,455.22.</li>
 </ul>By statute, payment is subject to review by the State Finance Council.&nbsp;Copies of the orders in the case of&nbsp;Garza v State of Kansas&nbsp;can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/3qZdu2W">https://bit.ly/3qZdu2W</a>.&nbsp;The case is awaiting review by the State Finance Council.In the second case, Shawnee County District Court Judge Teresa Watson issued a ruling earlier last week in a lawsuit brought by Francis R. Everett, 64, who was convicted in Smith County on charges of manufacturing methamphetamines in November 2007. Everett was released when his conviction was reversed on appeal because the trial court erred in admitting evidence of a prior conviction, not because of actual innocence, Watson wrote. Everett was not retried on the charges, but is currently in prison on other charges.Following a one-day trial on January 6 to hear Everett’s claim, Watson ruled that Everett failed to satisfy all of the requirements established in K.S.A. 60-5004 that the claimant shall prove, among other criteria, that he did not commit the crimes and was not an accessory to the acts that were the basis for the original conviction. Everett appeared at the trial by videoconference.A witness at both Everett’s hearing and his 2007 trial testified that she was present with Everett in the making of methamphetamines and subsequent use during a three-month period from March to May 2006. The witness gave a detailed account of how she and Everett drove across state lines to acquire the necessary components to make the illegal drugs and subsequently use them in a secluded area.Watson said in her ruling that Everett severely undercut his credibility as a witness in his claim against the state, admitting under oath that he “probably did” use methamphetamines during the time in question, despite earlier testimony to the contrary. A copy of Watson’s ruling is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/3FOoDHX">https://bit.ly/3FOoDHX</a>.From December 2018 through the present, 14 individuals have filed lawsuits against the State of Kansas under authority of K.S.A. 60-5004, the mistaken-conviction statute. Of those, six have now reached judgment and payment has been made or is in process. In a seventh case, the district court ruled against the claimant, and the Kansas Supreme Court affirmed that no payment was owed. The eighth case (Everett) was rejected at the district court level. Five other cases remain in litigation in district courts. The Garza case is awaiting review by the State Finance Council.

Kan. man convicted of sex crimes against minor was innocent

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Top Republicans have pushed their congressional redistricting plan through the GOP-dominated Kansas Legislature without much trouble. 

An expected court battle loomed after Wednesday's legislative action over whether the proposed map goes too far in hurting the state’s only Democrat in Congress. 

The House’s 79-37 vote sends Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly a bill that would split the Kansas City area into two congressional districts and move the liberal northeast Kansas city of Lawrence into a district with central and western Kansas.

The Senate approved the measure last week. Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids would lose some of the neighborhoods in her Kansas City-area 3rd District where her support is strongest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643217468153.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Top Republicans have pushed their congressional redistricting plan through the GOP-dominated Kansas Legislature without much trouble. An expected court battle loomed after Wednesday's legislative action over whether the proposed map goes too far in hurting the state’s only Democrat in Congress. The House’s 79-37 vote sends Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly a bill that would split the Kansas City area into two congressional districts and move the liberal northeast Kansas city of Lawrence into a district with central and western Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610038234095.png" alt="Rep. Sharice Davids" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Sharice Davids</figcaption>
 </figure>The Senate approved the measure last week. Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids would lose some of the neighborhoods in her Kansas City-area 3rd District where her support is strongest.

Controversial Kan. redistricting map is headed to Governor 

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Roman Catholic priest who was accused of sexual exploitation of a child will not be charged because the statute of limitations has ended, Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said Wednesday.

The Catholic Diocese of Wichita placed Rev. Michael Schemm on administrative leave last November after it received an allegation against him.

The allegations reportedly occurred between 1993 and 1996, when Schemm was assigned to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Wichita.

The child, who would have been between 12 and 15 at the time, would be 40 this year, Bennett said.

Under state law, the statute of limitations expired in 2009, when the alleged victim turned 28. Bennett said his decision was a legal conclusion and and was making “no commentary or conclusions” on the allegations.

<a href="https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/reportClergyAbuse.shtml">Click here&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;if you&nbsp;&nbsp;you, or someone you know, has been the victim of sexual misconduct committed by members of the clergy or call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME (1-800-572-7463)&nbsp;or emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ClergyAbuse@kbi.ks.gov">ClergyAbuse@kbi.ks.gov</a>

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Authorities are investigating a Catholic priest for alleged sexual abuse of a minor.

&nbsp;On Monday, Bishop Carl A. Kemme of the Catholic Diocese of Wichita placed Rev. Michael Schemm, Church of the Resurrection, 4910 N Woodlawn Street in Bel Aire, on leave, according to a media release from the Diocese.

Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennet said,&nbsp; “The Catholic Diocese of Wichita notified the Office of the District Attorney that allegations had recently been made against a priest working within the Diocese. 

 The allegations date to the time frame over 25 years ago.  Late this morning (Tuesday Nov.1.), the matter was referred by this office to the Exploited and Missing Child Unit.   Additional information may be made public following the presentation of the matter for a final charging determination at the conclusion of any follow up investigation.”

While on leave Father Schemm will be restricted from offering sacraments and preaching in the Catholic Diocese of Wichita until the investigation has been completed, according to the release.

<a href="https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/reportClergyAbuse.shtml">Click here </a>&nbsp;if you&nbsp;&nbsp;you, or someone you know, has been the victim of sexual misconduct committed by members of the clergy or call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME (1-800-572-7463)&nbsp;or emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ClergyAbuse@kbi.ks.gov">ClergyAbuse@kbi.ks.gov</a>

The dioceses asks anyone who suspects abuse, inappropriate behavior or has been harmed by any person who has worked or volunteered for the diocese to contact the Diocesan Victim’s Assistance Coordinator at (316) 440-1757 or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.catholicdioceseofwichita.org/promise-to-protect.">CatholicDioceseofWichita.org/promise-to-protect.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635811845603.png" alt="Father Michael Schemm-photo courtesy Church of the Resurrection" />
 <figcaption>Father Michael Schemm-photo courtesy Church of the Resurrection</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Roman Catholic priest who was accused of sexual exploitation of a child will not be charged because the statute of limitations has ended, Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said Wednesday.The Catholic Diocese of Wichita placed Rev. Michael Schemm on administrative leave last November after it received an allegation against him.The allegations reportedly occurred between 1993 and 1996, when Schemm was assigned to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Wichita.The child, who would have been between 12 and 15 at the time, would be 40 this year, Bennett said.Under state law, the statute of limitations expired in 2009, when the alleged victim turned 28. Bennett said his decision was a legal conclusion and and was making “no commentary or conclusions” on the allegations.<a href="https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/reportClergyAbuse.shtml">Click here&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;if you&nbsp;&nbsp;you, or someone you know, has been the victim of sexual misconduct committed by members of the clergy or call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME (1-800-572-7463)&nbsp;or emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ClergyAbuse@kbi.ks.gov">ClergyAbuse@kbi.ks.gov</a>-------------------&nbsp;SEDGWICK COUNTY—Authorities are investigating a Catholic priest for alleged sexual abuse of a minor.&nbsp;On Monday, Bishop Carl A. Kemme of the Catholic Diocese of Wichita placed Rev. Michael Schemm, Church of the Resurrection, 4910 N Woodlawn Street in Bel Aire, on leave, according to a media release from the Diocese.Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennet said,&nbsp; “The Catholic Diocese of Wichita notified the Office of the District Attorney that allegations had recently been made against a priest working within the Diocese. The allegations date to the time frame over 25 years ago. Late this morning (Tuesday Nov.1.), the matter was referred by this office to the Exploited and Missing Child Unit. Additional information may be made public following the presentation of the matter for a final charging determination at the conclusion of any follow up investigation.”While on leave Father Schemm will be restricted from offering sacraments and preaching in the Catholic Diocese of Wichita until the investigation has been completed, according to the release.<a href="https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/reportClergyAbuse.shtml">Click here </a>&nbsp;if you&nbsp;&nbsp;you, or someone you know, has been the victim of sexual misconduct committed by members of the clergy or call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME (1-800-572-7463)&nbsp;or emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ClergyAbuse@kbi.ks.gov">ClergyAbuse@kbi.ks.gov</a>The dioceses asks anyone who suspects abuse, inappropriate behavior or has been harmed by any person who has worked or volunteered for the diocese to contact the Diocesan Victim’s Assistance Coordinator at (316) 440-1757 or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.catholicdioceseofwichita.org/promise-to-protect.">CatholicDioceseofWichita.org/promise-to-protect.</a>

Kansas priest won't be charged with child sexual abuse

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas doctor-lawmaker who has prescribed a parasitic worm treatment for COVID-19 symptoms says the state medical board has been investigating him since the summer of 2020. 

Conservative Republican state Sen. Mark Steffen disclosed the Kansas Board of Health Arts’ investigation of him Wednesday during a Senate committee hearing. He was testifying in favor of a bill to require pharmacists to fill prescriptions for the anti-worm treatment ivermectin and the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine for off-label uses in treating COVID-19. 

Steffen is an anesthesiologist and pain-management specialist from Hutchinson. He said the medical board has been investigating him for 18 months over public statements about COVID-19. The board declined to comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629911444218.jpeg" alt="Sen. Mark Steffen, R-Hutchinson, promotes the use of ivermectin to combat COVID-19. photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Mark Steffen, R-Hutchinson, promotes the use of ivermectin to combat COVID-19. photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas doctor-lawmaker who has prescribed a parasitic worm treatment for COVID-19 symptoms says the state medical board has been investigating him since the summer of 2020. Conservative Republican state Sen. Mark Steffen disclosed the Kansas Board of Health Arts’ investigation of him Wednesday during a Senate committee hearing. He was testifying in favor of a bill to require pharmacists to fill prescriptions for the anti-worm treatment ivermectin and the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine for off-label uses in treating COVID-19. Steffen is an anesthesiologist and pain-management specialist from Hutchinson. He said the medical board has been investigating him for 18 months over public statements about COVID-19. The board declined to comment.

Pro-ivermectin Kansas doctor-lawmaker under investigation

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal September 2020 crash have made an arrest.

On Tuesday, members of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office extradition unit arrested&nbsp; 26-year-old Gabriel Ortiz at the San Diego, CA County Jail and transported him to the Sedgwick County Jail, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

Ortiz <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20074214">was booked for a </a>warrant issued in the 18th&nbsp;Judicial District for murder in the second degree, involuntary manslaughter (alternative) and three counts of aggravated battery.&nbsp; The charges stem from the collision. He is expected to make a first court appearance Wednesday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On September 5, 2020, an Infinity Q50 SUV crossed the centerline of the roadway at 5600 W MacArthur and struck a Toyota Sienna van head-on.&nbsp; 

The passenger of the Sienna, 55-year-old Sonia Lopez of Wichita, died from injuries sustained during the collision.&nbsp; Two passengers in the Infinity and the driver of the Sienna sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643215327769.png" alt="Ortiz-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Ortiz-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal September 2020 crash have made an arrest.On Tuesday, members of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office extradition unit arrested&nbsp; 26-year-old Gabriel Ortiz at the San Diego, CA County Jail and transported him to the Sedgwick County Jail, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.Ortiz <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20074214">was booked for a </a>warrant issued in the 18th&nbsp;Judicial District for murder in the second degree, involuntary manslaughter (alternative) and three counts of aggravated battery.&nbsp; The charges stem from the collision. He is expected to make a first court appearance Wednesday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On September 5, 2020, an Infinity Q50 SUV crossed the centerline of the roadway at 5600 W MacArthur and struck a Toyota Sienna van head-on.&nbsp; The passenger of the Sienna, 55-year-old Sonia Lopez of Wichita, died from injuries sustained during the collision.&nbsp; Two passengers in the Infinity and the driver of the Sienna sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Man extradited from California after arrest for deadly Kan. crash

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Drug Enforcement Administration division that includes Kansas, Missouri and southern Illinois seized more of the dangerous drug fentanyl last year than in the two previous years combined.

The DEA’s St. Louis Division said Tuesday that agents and task force officers seized 188 kilograms of fentanyl last year, compared to 82 kilograms in 2020 and 104 kilograms in 2019. Investigators also seized a record 1,848 kilograms of methamphetamine — an all-time high — and 73 kilograms of heroin.

In addition, a news release said agents in the St. Louis division seized 347 weapons and stopped $15.8 million from reaching drug organization leaders.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used to treat pain in pharmaceutical settings. The DEA said it is 50 times more potent than heroin.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Drug Enforcement Administration division that includes Kansas, Missouri and southern Illinois seized more of the dangerous drug fentanyl last year than in the two previous years combined.The DEA’s St. Louis Division said Tuesday that agents and task force officers seized 188 kilograms of fentanyl last year, compared to 82 kilograms in 2020 and 104 kilograms in 2019. Investigators also seized a record 1,848 kilograms of methamphetamine — an all-time high — and 73 kilograms of heroin.In addition, a news release said agents in the St. Louis division seized 347 weapons and stopped $15.8 million from reaching drug organization leaders.Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used to treat pain in pharmaceutical settings. The DEA said it is 50 times more potent than heroin.

Fentanyl seizures up sharply in Kansas, Missouri and Illinois

WASHINGTON (AP) — Liberal Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is retiring, giving President Joe Biden an opening he has pledged to fill by naming the first Black woman to the high court, two sources told The Associated Press Wednesday.

Breyer, 83, has been a pragmatic force on a court that has grown increasingly conservative in recent years, trying to forge majorities with more moderate justices right and left of center.

The sources spoke on condition of anonymity so as not to preempt Breyer's eventual announcement. NBC first reported the justice's plans.

Breyer has been a justice since 1994, appointed by President Bill Clinton. Along with the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Breyer opted not to step down the last time the Democrats controlled the White House and the Senate during Barack Obama’s presidency. Ginsburg died in September 2020, and then-President Donald Trump filled the vacancy with a conservative justice, Amy Coney Barrett.

Breyer’s departure, expected over the summer, won’t change the 6-3 conservative advantage on the court because his replacement will be nominated by Biden and almost certainly confirmed by a Senate where Democrats have the slimmest majority. It also makes conservative Justice Clarence Thomas the oldest member of the court at 73.

Among the names being circulated as potential nominees are California Supreme Court Justice Leondra Kruger, U.S. Circuit Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, prominent civil rights lawyer Sherrilyn Ifill and U.S. District Judge Michelle Childs, whom Biden has nominated to be an appeals court. Childs is a favorite of Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., who made a crucial endorsement of Biden just before South Carolina's presidential primary in 2020.

Often overshadowed by his fellow liberal Ginsburg, Breyer authored two major opinions in support of abortion rights on a court closely divided over the issue, and he laid out his growing discomfort with the death penalty in a series of dissenting opinions in recent years.

Breyer’s views on displaying the Ten Commandments on government property illustrate his search for a middle ground. He was the only member of the court in the majority in twin cases in 2005 that barred Ten Commandments displays in two Kentucky courthouses, but allowed one to remain on the grounds of the state capitol in Austin, Texas.

In more than 27 years on the court, Breyer has been an active and cheerful questioner during arguments, a frequent public speaker and quick with a joke, often at his own expense. He made a good natured appearance on a humorous National Public Radio program in 2007, failing to answer obscure questions about pop stars.

He is known for his elaborate, at times far-fetched, hypothetical questions to lawyers during arguments and he sometimes had the air of an absent-minded professor. In fact, he taught antitrust law at Harvard earlier in his professional career.

He also spent time working for the late Sen. Edward Kennedy when the Massachusetts Democrat was chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. That experience, Breyer said, made him a firm believer in compromise.

Still, he could write fierce dissents, as he did in the Bush v. Gore case that effectively decided the 2000 election in favor of Republican George W. Bush. Breyer unsuccessfully urged his colleagues to return the case to the Florida courts so they could create “a constitutionally proper contest” by which to decide the winner.

And at the end of a trying term in June 2007 in which he found himself on the losing end of roughly two dozen 5-4 rulings, Breyer’s frustrations bubbled over as he summarized his dissent from a decision that invalidated public school integration plans.

“It is not often that so few have so quickly changed so much,” Breyer said in a packed courtroom, an ad-libbed line that was not part of his opinion.

His time working in the Senate led to his appointment by President Jimmy Carter as a federal appeals court judge in Boston, and he was confirmed with bipartisan support even after Carter’s defeat for reelection in 1980. Breyer served for 14 years on the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals before moving up to the Supreme Court.

His 87-9 high-court confirmation was the last with fewer than 10 dissenting votes. Breyer’s opinions were notable because they never contained footnotes. Breyer was warned off such a writing device by Arthur Goldberg, the Supreme Court justice for whom Breyer clerked as a young lawyer.

“It is an important point to make if you believe, as I do, that the major function of an opinion is to explain to the audience of readers why it is that the court has reached that decision,” Breyer once said. “It’s not to prove that you’re right. You can’t prove that your right; there is no such proof.”

Born in San Francisco, Breyer became an Eagle Scout as a teenager and began a stellar academic career at Stanford, graduating with highest honors. He attended Oxford, where he received first-class honors in philosophy, politics and economics.

Breyer then attended Harvard’s law school, where he worked on the Law Review and graduated with highest honors.

Breyer’s first job after law school was as a law clerk to Goldberg. He then worked in the Justice Department’s antitrust division before splitting time as a Harvard law professor and a lawyer for the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Breyer and his wife, Joanna, a psychologist and daughter of the late British Conservative leader John Blakenham, have three children — daughters Chloe and Nell and a son, Michael — and six grandchildren.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643217782138.png" alt="Justice Stephen Breyer <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?443300-1/supreme-court-justice-stephen-breyer-discusses-law-tufts">during a 2018 interview </a>-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Justice Stephen Breyer <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?443300-1/supreme-court-justice-stephen-breyer-discusses-law-tufts">during a 2018 interview </a>-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Liberal Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is retiring, giving President Joe Biden an opening he has pledged to fill by naming the first Black woman to the high court, two sources told The Associated Press Wednesday.Breyer, 83, has been a pragmatic force on a court that has grown increasingly conservative in recent years, trying to forge majorities with more moderate justices right and left of center.The sources spoke on condition of anonymity so as not to preempt Breyer's eventual announcement. NBC first reported the justice's plans.Breyer has been a justice since 1994, appointed by President Bill Clinton. Along with the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Breyer opted not to step down the last time the Democrats controlled the White House and the Senate during Barack Obama’s presidency. Ginsburg died in September 2020, and then-President Donald Trump filled the vacancy with a conservative justice, Amy Coney Barrett.Breyer’s departure, expected over the summer, won’t change the 6-3 conservative advantage on the court because his replacement will be nominated by Biden and almost certainly confirmed by a Senate where Democrats have the slimmest majority. It also makes conservative Justice Clarence Thomas the oldest member of the court at 73.Among the names being circulated as potential nominees are California Supreme Court Justice Leondra Kruger, U.S. Circuit Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, prominent civil rights lawyer Sherrilyn Ifill and U.S. District Judge Michelle Childs, whom Biden has nominated to be an appeals court. Childs is a favorite of Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., who made a crucial endorsement of Biden just before South Carolina's presidential primary in 2020.Often overshadowed by his fellow liberal Ginsburg, Breyer authored two major opinions in support of abortion rights on a court closely divided over the issue, and he laid out his growing discomfort with the death penalty in a series of dissenting opinions in recent years.Breyer’s views on displaying the Ten Commandments on government property illustrate his search for a middle ground. He was the only member of the court in the majority in twin cases in 2005 that barred Ten Commandments displays in two Kentucky courthouses, but allowed one to remain on the grounds of the state capitol in Austin, Texas.In more than 27 years on the court, Breyer has been an active and cheerful questioner during arguments, a frequent public speaker and quick with a joke, often at his own expense. He made a good natured appearance on a humorous National Public Radio program in 2007, failing to answer obscure questions about pop stars.He is known for his elaborate, at times far-fetched, hypothetical questions to lawyers during arguments and he sometimes had the air of an absent-minded professor. In fact, he taught antitrust law at Harvard earlier in his professional career.He also spent time working for the late Sen. Edward Kennedy when the Massachusetts Democrat was chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. That experience, Breyer said, made him a firm believer in compromise.Still, he could write fierce dissents, as he did in the Bush v. Gore case that effectively decided the 2000 election in favor of Republican George W. Bush. Breyer unsuccessfully urged his colleagues to return the case to the Florida courts so they could create “a constitutionally proper contest” by which to decide the winner.And at the end of a trying term in June 2007 in which he found himself on the losing end of roughly two dozen 5-4 rulings, Breyer’s frustrations bubbled over as he summarized his dissent from a decision that invalidated public school integration plans.“It is not often that so few have so quickly changed so much,” Breyer said in a packed courtroom, an ad-libbed line that was not part of his opinion.His time working in the Senate led to his appointment by President Jimmy Carter as a federal appeals court judge in Boston, and he was confirmed with bipartisan support even after Carter’s defeat for reelection in 1980. Breyer served for 14 years on the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals before moving up to the Supreme Court.His 87-9 high-court confirmation was the last with fewer than 10 dissenting votes. Breyer’s opinions were notable because they never contained footnotes. Breyer was warned off such a writing device by Arthur Goldberg, the Supreme Court justice for whom Breyer clerked as a young lawyer.“It is an important point to make if you believe, as I do, that the major function of an opinion is to explain to the audience of readers why it is that the court has reached that decision,” Breyer once said. “It’s not to prove that you’re right. You can’t prove that your right; there is no such proof.”Born in San Francisco, Breyer became an Eagle Scout as a teenager and began a stellar academic career at Stanford, graduating with highest honors. He attended Oxford, where he received first-class honors in philosophy, politics and economics.Breyer then attended Harvard’s law school, where he worked on the Law Review and graduated with highest honors.Breyer’s first job after law school was as a law clerk to Goldberg. He then worked in the Justice Department’s antitrust division before splitting time as a Harvard law professor and a lawyer for the Senate Judiciary Committee.Breyer and his wife, Joanna, a psychologist and daughter of the late British Conservative leader John Blakenham, have three children — daughters Chloe and Nell and a son, Michael — and six grandchildren.

Supreme Court Justice Breyer to retire; Biden to fill vacancy

TOPEKA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 14,163 to a total of 709,838, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The state reported 52 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 7,388.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;

Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

TOPEKA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 14,163 to a total of 709,838, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state reported 52 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 7,388.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 14,000 new cases, 52 more COVID deaths

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY —Police arrested a wanted Kansas Tuesday after an incident at a business in Salina.

Just after 2p.m. police were sent to the 24/7 Travel Store, 2239 N. Ninth Street in Salina for the report of a customer throwing credit cards, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

 When officers arrived, they found the man, identified as Maurio Williams, 38, of Salina, on the east side of the business.

Williams had active warrants for failure to appear from Saline County District Court and Salina Municipal Court.

When the officers attempted to take Williams into custody, he allegedly shoved one of the officers in the chest and a physical altercation ensued. Williams and the officers ended up on the ground, according to Forrester.

Williams was placed into a bodyguard restraint system for transport. While the restraint was being secured, Williams allegedly spit in the face of one of the officers. 

Williams is jailed on requested charges that include battery of a law enforcement officer and Interference with law enforcement, according to Forrester.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643208017495.png" alt="Maurio Williams. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Maurio Williams. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY —Police arrested a wanted Kansas Tuesday after an incident at a business in Salina.Just after 2p.m. police were sent to the 24/7 Travel Store, 2239 N. Ninth Street in Salina for the report of a customer throwing credit cards, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. When officers arrived, they found the man, identified as Maurio Williams, 38, of Salina, on the east side of the business.Williams had active warrants for failure to appear from Saline County District Court and Salina Municipal Court.When the officers attempted to take Williams into custody, he allegedly shoved one of the officers in the chest and a physical altercation ensued. Williams and the officers ended up on the ground, according to Forrester.Williams was placed into a bodyguard restraint system for transport. While the restraint was being secured, Williams allegedly spit in the face of one of the officers. Williams is jailed on requested charges that include battery of a law enforcement officer and Interference with law enforcement, according to Forrester.

Wanted Kan. man was throwing credit cards, shoved police officers

RENO COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before 10p.m. Monday in Reno County.

The Reno County Sheriff's office reported a&nbsp;2018 Ford Ecosport driven by 81-year-old Harold Zerger of Moundridge was southbound on Yoder Road at Trails West. He may have suffered a medical problem causing him to travel at a very slow speed or stop in the roadway. 

A pickup driven by a 17-year from Mount Hope rear-ended the Ford.

Fire and EMS extricated Zerger from the vehicle and transported him to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center in critical condition.&nbsp; He was later transported to St Francis Hospital in Wichita where he died. The teen driver was not seriously injured and released to his parents. Zerger was not wearing a seat belt, according to the Reno Co. Sheriff.

RENO COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before 10p.m. Monday in Reno County.The Reno County Sheriff's office reported a&nbsp;2018 Ford Ecosport driven by 81-year-old Harold Zerger of Moundridge was southbound on Yoder Road at Trails West. He may have suffered a medical problem causing him to travel at a very slow speed or stop in the roadway. A pickup driven by a 17-year from Mount Hope rear-ended the Ford.Fire and EMS extricated Zerger from the vehicle and transported him to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center in critical condition.&nbsp; He was later transported to St Francis Hospital in Wichita where he died. The teen driver was not seriously injured and released to his parents. Zerger was not wearing a seat belt, according to the Reno Co. Sheriff.

81-year-old Kan. man dies from injuries in rear-end crash

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The tax filing season started this week, as the agency attempts a return to normal this year.

"This is just about on time," said Michael Devine with the IRS. "The last couple of years, it's been later when we started processing returns and that's been due to a number of problems, COVID, tax law changes, things that stop us from actually getting started. This is normal. It gives people time to file. Remember that your employers don't have to have your W-2s to you until the end of the month, so you've got plenty of time all the way into April. Just relax. Just because we've started processing doesn't mean you should rush."

In fact, because of a holiday in Washington D.C. that falls on April 15, you have until April 18 to file your federal return. Also, if you have children and received advance payments of the child tax credit, there's a letter you'll need for your taxes.

"It's a letter from the IRS, it's a 6419," Devine said. "It has the total amount of the advance child tax credit payments that you received during 2021. You're going to need that number to put on your tax return so you can get the other half of the credit. For example, if you have one child under six, the total credit is worth $3600. You could have gotten $1800 in monthly payments last year. Now you get to reconcile what you received with what you are eligible for."

In addition, a law designed to reduce fraud for those returns that get tax credits for kids is still in effect that will delay the processing of those returns.

"We're talking about the PATH Act," Devine said. "It was passed several years ago. It means that some refunds, anyone who is claiming either the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, your refund will be held until at least February 15. There was a lot of fraud involved with those two credits. The IRS talked to Congress and the law was changed. Now, you have to get your W2s and other information by January 31. That gives the IRS two weeks to actually let the computers crunch the numbers and make sure what's reported on a return for those credits is what we're supposed to be getting."

If you have any questions on tax information, the best place to find answers is online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/">irs.gov</a>.

By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The tax filing season started this week, as the agency attempts a return to normal this year."This is just about on time," said Michael Devine with the IRS. "The last couple of years, it's been later when we started processing returns and that's been due to a number of problems, COVID, tax law changes, things that stop us from actually getting started. This is normal. It gives people time to file. Remember that your employers don't have to have your W-2s to you until the end of the month, so you've got plenty of time all the way into April. Just relax. Just because we've started processing doesn't mean you should rush."In fact, because of a holiday in Washington D.C. that falls on April 15, you have until April 18 to file your federal return. Also, if you have children and received advance payments of the child tax credit, there's a letter you'll need for your taxes."It's a letter from the IRS, it's a 6419," Devine said. "It has the total amount of the advance child tax credit payments that you received during 2021. You're going to need that number to put on your tax return so you can get the other half of the credit. For example, if you have one child under six, the total credit is worth $3600. You could have gotten $1800 in monthly payments last year. Now you get to reconcile what you received with what you are eligible for."In addition, a law designed to reduce fraud for those returns that get tax credits for kids is still in effect that will delay the processing of those returns."We're talking about the PATH Act," Devine said. "It was passed several years ago. It means that some refunds, anyone who is claiming either the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, your refund will be held until at least February 15. There was a lot of fraud involved with those two credits. The IRS talked to Congress and the law was changed. Now, you have to get your W2s and other information by January 31. That gives the IRS two weeks to actually let the computers crunch the numbers and make sure what's reported on a return for those credits is what we're supposed to be getting."If you have any questions on tax information, the best place to find answers is online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/">irs.gov</a>.

IRS: Parents need to watch for letter on child tax credit payments

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man will stand trial for murder after a toddler used a gun to accidentally kill a teenager in June. 

Shawnee County District Judge David Debenham ruled Monday that prosecutors had enough evidence to try 22-year-old DeJuan Yelverton for first-degree murder and armed criminal action. 

The Topeka Capital-Journal reported Yelverton pleaded not guilty to the two charges. He pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a weapon by a felon. Prosecutors allege Yelverton left a gun hanging off the top of a refrigerator. A toddler later got the loaded gun and accidentally shot 13-year-old DaMya Hudnall in the head.  She died a few days later.

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Prosecutors have charged the owner of a gun found in a Topeka home by toddlers, who then accidentally shot a 13-year-old girl.

&nbsp;Dejuan Thomas Yelverton, 22, Topeka, was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child endangerment and criminal possession of a gun by a felon, according to&nbsp;Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay.

Yelverton owned the gun that was found by toddlers Saturday morning. As the children were handling the gun, it fired, hitting 13-year-old DaMya Hudnall in the back of the head. DaMay was rushed to a hospital in critical condition. 

She died after being taken off life support Tuesday. Yelverton is being held in the Shawnee County Jail on $250,000 bond.&nbsp;Kagay requested a $1,000,000 bond. Yelverton is scheduled to appear at 3:30p.m. on June 24, 2021 for a scheduling conference in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623976671929.png" alt="Yelverton-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Yelverton-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man will stand trial for murder after a toddler used a gun to accidentally kill a teenager in June. Shawnee County District Judge David Debenham ruled Monday that prosecutors had enough evidence to try 22-year-old DeJuan Yelverton for first-degree murder and armed criminal action. The Topeka Capital-Journal reported Yelverton pleaded not guilty to the two charges. He pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a weapon by a felon. Prosecutors allege Yelverton left a gun hanging off the top of a refrigerator. A toddler later got the loaded gun and accidentally shot 13-year-old DaMya Hudnall in the head. She died a few days later.------------SHAWNEE COUNTY— Prosecutors have charged the owner of a gun found in a Topeka home by toddlers, who then accidentally shot a 13-year-old girl.&nbsp;Dejuan Thomas Yelverton, 22, Topeka, was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child endangerment and criminal possession of a gun by a felon, according to&nbsp;Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay.Yelverton owned the gun that was found by toddlers Saturday morning. As the children were handling the gun, it fired, hitting 13-year-old DaMya Hudnall in the back of the head. DaMay was rushed to a hospital in critical condition. She died after being taken off life support Tuesday. Yelverton is being held in the Shawnee County Jail on $250,000 bond.&nbsp;Kagay requested a $1,000,000 bond. Yelverton is scheduled to appear at 3:30p.m. on June 24, 2021 for a scheduling conference in the case.

Murder trial: Toddlers found gun that killed Kansas girl

NEW YORK (AP) — The COVID-19 booster drive in the U.S. is losing steam, worrying health experts who have pleaded with Americans to get an extra shot to shore up their protection against the highly contagious omicron variant.

Just 40% of fully vaccinated Americans have received a booster dose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the average number of booster shots dispensed per day in the U.S. has plummeted from a peak of 1 million in early December to about 490,000 as of last week.

Also, a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that Americans are more likely to see the initial vaccinations — rather than a booster — as essential.

“It’s clear that the booster effort is falling short,” said Jason Schwartz, a vaccine policy expert at Yale University.

Overall, the U.S. vaccination campaign has been sluggish. More than 13 months after it began, just 63% of Americans, or 210 million people, are fully vaccinated with the initial rounds of shots. Mandates that could raise those numbers have been hobbled by legal challenges.

Vaccination numbers are stagnant in states such as Wyoming, Idaho, Mississippi and Alabama, which have been hovering below 50%.

In Wyoming, 44% are fully vaccinated, up just slightly from 41% in September. To boost numbers, the state has been running TV ads with health care workers giving grim accounts of unvaccinated people struggling with COVID-19.

“Certainly we would like to see higher rates. But it would be wrong for anyone to think that the rates we have are due to lack of effort,” Wyoming Health Department spokeswoman Kim Deti said Tuesday.

And in neighboring Idaho, which also has one of the country’s lowest vaccination rates, the number of people getting their first vaccine dose has remained under 1,000 almost every day this year and the number getting booster shots is also declining. Still, officials say they won’t give up.

“I don’t like to use the word ‘resigned,’” said Elke Shaw-Tulloch, administrator of the Idaho Division of Public Health. “I think we just need to keep saying it over and over again, how important it is.”

At the other end of the spectrum, Vermont is a national leader in the percentage of people who have been fully vaccinated and received a booster shot. About 60% of the population over 18 has gotten a booster. But it’s not enough, said Vermont Health Commissioner Mark Levine.

“I’d love to see that percentage much closer to 90%,” Levine said.

The U.S. and many other nations have been urging adults to get boosters because the vaccine’s protection can wane. Also, research has shown that while the vaccines have proved less effective against omicron,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-29f2895733312cb4b39393fcf3780cc0">boosters can rev up the body’s defenses against the threat</a>.

As for why an estimated 86 million Americans who have been fully vaccinated and are eligible for a booster have not yet gotten one, Schwartz said public confusion is one important reason.

“I think the evidence is now overwhelming that the booster is not simply an optional supplement, but it is a foundational part of protection,” he said. “But clearly that message has been lost.”

The need for all Americans to get boosters initially was debated by scientists, and at first the government recommended only that certain groups of people, such as senior citizens, get additional doses. The arrival of omicron, and additional evidence about falling immunity, showed more clearly a widespread need for boosters.

But the message “has been lost in the sea of changing recommendations and guidance,” Schwartz said.

The AP-NORC Center poll found that 59% of Americans think it is essential that they receive a vaccine to fully participate in public life without feeling at risk of COVID-19 infection. Only 47% say the same about a booster shot.

Keller Anne Ruble, 32, of Denver, received her two doses of the Moderna vaccine but hasn’t gotten her booster. She said she had a bad reaction to the second dose and was in bed for four days with a fever and flu-like symptoms.

“I believe in the power of vaccines, and I know that’s going to protect me,” said Ruble, the owner of a greeting card sending service. But the vaccine “just knocked me out completely and freaked me out about getting the booster.”

She said she does plan to get the booster in the next few weeks and in the meantime wears an N95 mask and tries to stay home.

“I just don’t want to get COVID in general,” she said. “It does scare me.”

Blake Hassler, 26, of Nashville, Tennessee, said he doesn’t plan to get the booster. He received Pfizer’s two doses last year after having a mild case of COVID-19 in 2020. He said he considers himself to be in a low-risk category.

“At this point, we need to focus on prevention of serious illness at the onset of symptoms rather than creating a new shot every six weeks and more divisive mandates,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637084886815.png" alt="President Biden received a booster shot in September -White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden received a booster shot in September -White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The COVID-19 booster drive in the U.S. is losing steam, worrying health experts who have pleaded with Americans to get an extra shot to shore up their protection against the highly contagious omicron variant.Just 40% of fully vaccinated Americans have received a booster dose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the average number of booster shots dispensed per day in the U.S. has plummeted from a peak of 1 million in early December to about 490,000 as of last week.Also, a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that Americans are more likely to see the initial vaccinations — rather than a booster — as essential.“It’s clear that the booster effort is falling short,” said Jason Schwartz, a vaccine policy expert at Yale University.Overall, the U.S. vaccination campaign has been sluggish. More than 13 months after it began, just 63% of Americans, or 210 million people, are fully vaccinated with the initial rounds of shots. Mandates that could raise those numbers have been hobbled by legal challenges.Vaccination numbers are stagnant in states such as Wyoming, Idaho, Mississippi and Alabama, which have been hovering below 50%.In Wyoming, 44% are fully vaccinated, up just slightly from 41% in September. To boost numbers, the state has been running TV ads with health care workers giving grim accounts of unvaccinated people struggling with COVID-19.“Certainly we would like to see higher rates. But it would be wrong for anyone to think that the rates we have are due to lack of effort,” Wyoming Health Department spokeswoman Kim Deti said Tuesday.And in neighboring Idaho, which also has one of the country’s lowest vaccination rates, the number of people getting their first vaccine dose has remained under 1,000 almost every day this year and the number getting booster shots is also declining. Still, officials say they won’t give up.“I don’t like to use the word ‘resigned,’” said Elke Shaw-Tulloch, administrator of the Idaho Division of Public Health. “I think we just need to keep saying it over and over again, how important it is.”At the other end of the spectrum, Vermont is a national leader in the percentage of people who have been fully vaccinated and received a booster shot. About 60% of the population over 18 has gotten a booster. But it’s not enough, said Vermont Health Commissioner Mark Levine.“I’d love to see that percentage much closer to 90%,” Levine said.The U.S. and many other nations have been urging adults to get boosters because the vaccine’s protection can wane. Also, research has shown that while the vaccines have proved less effective against omicron,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-29f2895733312cb4b39393fcf3780cc0">boosters can rev up the body’s defenses against the threat</a>.ADVERTISEMENTAs for why an estimated 86 million Americans who have been fully vaccinated and are eligible for a booster have not yet gotten one, Schwartz said public confusion is one important reason.“I think the evidence is now overwhelming that the booster is not simply an optional supplement, but it is a foundational part of protection,” he said. “But clearly that message has been lost.”The need for all Americans to get boosters initially was debated by scientists, and at first the government recommended only that certain groups of people, such as senior citizens, get additional doses. The arrival of omicron, and additional evidence about falling immunity, showed more clearly a widespread need for boosters.But the message “has been lost in the sea of changing recommendations and guidance,” Schwartz said.The AP-NORC Center poll found that 59% of Americans think it is essential that they receive a vaccine to fully participate in public life without feeling at risk of COVID-19 infection. Only 47% say the same about a booster shot.Keller Anne Ruble, 32, of Denver, received her two doses of the Moderna vaccine but hasn’t gotten her booster. She said she had a bad reaction to the second dose and was in bed for four days with a fever and flu-like symptoms.“I believe in the power of vaccines, and I know that’s going to protect me,” said Ruble, the owner of a greeting card sending service. But the vaccine “just knocked me out completely and freaked me out about getting the booster.”She said she does plan to get the booster in the next few weeks and in the meantime wears an N95 mask and tries to stay home.“I just don’t want to get COVID in general,” she said. “It does scare me.”Blake Hassler, 26, of Nashville, Tennessee, said he doesn’t plan to get the booster. He received Pfizer’s two doses last year after having a mild case of COVID-19 in 2020. He said he considers himself to be in a low-risk category.“At this point, we need to focus on prevention of serious illness at the onset of symptoms rather than creating a new shot every six weeks and more divisive mandates,” he said.___

COVID-19 vaccine booster drive is faltering in the US

DETROIT (AP) — Nissan is recalling more than 793,000 small SUVs in the U.S. and Canada because water can get into wiring and in rare cases could start a fire. The recall covers Nissan Rogue SUVs from the 2014 through 2016 model years. 

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says in documents that water and salt can enter a wiring connector in the driver’s foot well, causing corrosion. 

The corrosion can increase the risk of a fire. Nissan says it’s working on a fix and expects to have one in the spring. Owners will get an interim notification letter in March and later will be told when to take their Rogues to a dealer for service.

DETROIT (AP) — Nissan is recalling more than 793,000 small SUVs in the U.S. and Canada because water can get into wiring and in rare cases could start a fire. The recall covers Nissan Rogue SUVs from the 2014 through 2016 model years. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says in documents that water and salt can enter a wiring connector in the driver’s foot well, causing corrosion. The corrosion can increase the risk of a fire. Nissan says it’s working on a fix and expects to have one in the spring. Owners will get an interim notification letter in March and later will be told when to take their Rogues to a dealer for service.

Nissan recalls 793K Rogues; wiring trouble raises fire risk

RUSH COUNTY– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and Rush County Sheriff’s Office are searching for a Black 2006 GMC Envoy in connection with the homicide of 61-year-old Leslie Randa of La Crosse on January 21.

 The vehicle has Kansas tag 463HAE&nbsp; and front grill guard is chrome. 

 The SUV was observed in Wichita after Randa was killed, and may still be in the Wichita area. 

If anyone saw this SUV on January 11, or after, please contact the KBI at 1-800-KSCRIME, or the Rush County Sheriff’s Office at 785-222-2578.

Leslie Randa, 61, was discovered in his home, located at 205 E 5th St in LaCrosse, Kan. Randa was found by a family member who then contacted 911 at 1:39 p.m. on Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643198011225.png" alt="Photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>RUSH COUNTY– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and Rush County Sheriff’s Office are searching for a Black 2006 GMC Envoy in connection with the homicide of 61-year-old Leslie Randa of La Crosse on January 21. The vehicle has Kansas tag 463HAE&nbsp; and front grill guard is chrome. The SUV was observed in Wichita after Randa was killed, and may still be in the Wichita area. If anyone saw this SUV on January 11, or after, please contact the KBI at 1-800-KSCRIME, or the Rush County Sheriff’s Office at 785-222-2578.Leslie Randa, 61, was discovered in his home, located at 205 E 5th St in LaCrosse, Kan. Randa was found by a family member who then contacted 911 at 1:39 p.m. on Friday.

Search continues for SUV connected with Kansas homicide

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Republicans who control the Kansas Legislature are close to passing&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegresearch.org/KLRD-web/Publications/Redistricting/2022-Plans/M3_AdAstra_2-packet.pdf" target="_blank">a congressional redistricting plan</a>&nbsp;that marries an eastern Kansas community proud of its “woke” politics to Trump-loving small towns and farms five hours west by car on the expansive and stark plains.

Democratic legislators and some local officials see the worst kind of gerrymandering in the GOP’s intentions for Lawrence, about 40 miles&nbsp; west of Kansas City. The northeast Kansas city of almost 95,000 residents is home to the main University of Kansas campus.

A city that has a penchant for irritating conservatives with liberal politics — it’s trying to move to entirely renewable energy, for example — would be moved into the sprawling 1st Congressional District of western and central Kansas where former President Donald Trump received almost 70% of the vote in 2020.

The Kansas House debated the bill Tuesday for four hours and set a final vote for Wednesday. The Senate approved the plan last week. Democrats don’t have the political strength to prevent its passage and might not be able to sustain a possible veto from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. Both parties expect the lines to be settled in court.

Kansas’ new 1st District would not look like its GOP-drawn 1st District cousin&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/redistricting-2022-maps/north-carolina/" target="_blank">in North Carolina,</a>&nbsp;held together over the north-south length of that state by islands off its Atlantic coast, or the snaky Chicago-area districts that favor Democrats&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/redistricting-2022-maps/illinois/" target="_blank">in Illinois.&nbsp;</a>But it raises eyebrows even among some Republicans who planned to vote for it by having a finger of land extend far into eastern Kansas and end with Lawrence at a small tip.

“It’s a travesty,” said Democratic state Rep. Boog Highberger, of Lawrence, an attorney. “It really disenfranchises my district, my city.”

As for the political divides between Lawrence and western Kansas, Senate President Ty Masterson, a Wichita-area Republican and an architect of the GOP plan, said that divide exists now for Lawrence in the 2nd District of eastern Kansas. The 2nd has swaths of conservative rural territory in southeast Kansas. In fact, even some local residents acknowledge that such a divide exists between Lawrence and the less populated areas immediately around it.

“It’s a change in a number,” Masterson said Tuesday. “They were in District No. 2 and they were the most woke place, and they were with other counties in the 2nd that you could argue were the least-woke places. Now it’s District No. 1 with the most woke and the least woke.”

Though red Kansas has a few blue strongholds, Lawrence, home to almost 95,000 people, has a reputation as an especially liberal town.

In 2018, complaints from the then-Republican governor and others prompted the university to take down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/251bb21efd754af7a3f34a01fa9a1665">an altered American flag</a>&nbsp;that was part of an art display. The following year, conservatives were irked by plans for a course called “Angry White Male Studies.” And many residents wanted local officials to resist federal immigration enforcement efforts during the Trump administration.

Democratic legislators and local officials complained about how the GOP map splits the city of Lawrence from the rest of Douglas County and even splits voting precincts. They also argued that Lawrence is oriented toward the Kansas City area, with people commuting there for jobs and fun.

“The map is clearly political gerrymandering in a way that only hurts voters,” said Shannon Portillo, a Douglas County commissioner who represents both part of the city and rural areas.

The change for Lawrence stems from other changes top Republicans proposed that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-kansas-kansas-city-lawrence-topeka-7e616acdf227d7ce8356a821fda8ea76">make it harder</a>&nbsp;for the lone Kansas Democrat in Congress, U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, to win reelection in her Kansas City-area 3rd District, which has swung back and forth between the two parties for nearly 25 years.

Davids’ current district is overpopulated by nearly 58,000 residents, so Republicans’ map moves part of the Kansas City area — where Davids is the strongest — into the neighboring 2nd District of eastern Kansas. To keep that district close to the ideal population and maintain a safe GOP seat, Democratic voters in Lawrence were moved out of the 2nd.

Republicans contend that the change for Lawrence is just about numbers and complying with mandates established by federal courts that congressional districts be made as equal in population as possible after a decade of population shifts. They argue that the GOP plan achieves that: Each of the four districts hits the target of 734,470 residents, exactly.

“For you over here,” Rep. Steve Huebert, a Wichita-area Republican, told Democrats during the House debate, “who says, ‘Well, that’s not fair,’ that’s the way it works.”

Republican lawmakers argued that the University of Kansas gives Lawrence a common interest with other 1st District communities with universities, most notably Kansas State University in Manhattan, also in northeast Kansas.

When Democrats touted how Lawrence honors diversity, Republicans countered that southwest Kansas has three counties in which non-Hispanic white residents are a minority, largely because of meatpacking plants.

But Highberger and other Lawrence-area lawmakers believe the city’s votes for Democratic candidates and progressive candidates will be swallowed by western Kansas conservatives, causing it to be ignored.

Though initially surprised, western Kansas lawmakers seemed to be taking the change in stride — and supporting the map.

“Rural counties are used to being put places, and you just have to make do with it,” said former Kansas Agriculture Secretary Josh Svaty, a former House member who sought the Democratic nomination for governor in 2018.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643147273216.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Republicans who control the Kansas Legislature are close to passing&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegresearch.org/KLRD-web/Publications/Redistricting/2022-Plans/M3_AdAstra_2-packet.pdf" target="_blank">a congressional redistricting plan</a>&nbsp;that marries an eastern Kansas community proud of its “woke” politics to Trump-loving small towns and farms five hours west by car on the expansive and stark plains.Democratic legislators and some local officials see the worst kind of gerrymandering in the GOP’s intentions for Lawrence, about 40 miles&nbsp; west of Kansas City. The northeast Kansas city of almost 95,000 residents is home to the main University of Kansas campus.A city that has a penchant for irritating conservatives with liberal politics — it’s trying to move to entirely renewable energy, for example — would be moved into the sprawling 1st Congressional District of western and central Kansas where former President Donald Trump received almost 70% of the vote in 2020.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643133718889.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas House debated the bill Tuesday for four hours and set a final vote for Wednesday. The Senate approved the plan last week. Democrats don’t have the political strength to prevent its passage and might not be able to sustain a possible veto from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. Both parties expect the lines to be settled in court.Kansas’ new 1st District would not look like its GOP-drawn 1st District cousin&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/redistricting-2022-maps/north-carolina/" target="_blank">in North Carolina,</a>&nbsp;held together over the north-south length of that state by islands off its Atlantic coast, or the snaky Chicago-area districts that favor Democrats&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/redistricting-2022-maps/illinois/" target="_blank">in Illinois.&nbsp;</a>But it raises eyebrows even among some Republicans who planned to vote for it by having a finger of land extend far into eastern Kansas and end with Lawrence at a small tip.“It’s a travesty,” said Democratic state Rep. Boog Highberger, of Lawrence, an attorney. “It really disenfranchises my district, my city.”As for the political divides between Lawrence and western Kansas, Senate President Ty Masterson, a Wichita-area Republican and an architect of the GOP plan, said that divide exists now for Lawrence in the 2nd District of eastern Kansas. The 2nd has swaths of conservative rural territory in southeast Kansas. In fact, even some local residents acknowledge that such a divide exists between Lawrence and the less populated areas immediately around it.“It’s a change in a number,” Masterson said Tuesday. “They were in District No. 2 and they were the most woke place, and they were with other counties in the 2nd that you could argue were the least-woke places. Now it’s District No. 1 with the most woke and the least woke.”Though red Kansas has a few blue strongholds, Lawrence, home to almost 95,000 people, has a reputation as an especially liberal town.In 2018, complaints from the then-Republican governor and others prompted the university to take down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/251bb21efd754af7a3f34a01fa9a1665">an altered American flag</a>&nbsp;that was part of an art display. The following year, conservatives were irked by plans for a course called “Angry White Male Studies.” And many residents wanted local officials to resist federal immigration enforcement efforts during the Trump administration.Democratic legislators and local officials complained about how the GOP map splits the city of Lawrence from the rest of Douglas County and even splits voting precincts. They also argued that Lawrence is oriented toward the Kansas City area, with people commuting there for jobs and fun.“The map is clearly political gerrymandering in a way that only hurts voters,” said Shannon Portillo, a Douglas County commissioner who represents both part of the city and rural areas.The change for Lawrence stems from other changes top Republicans proposed that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-kansas-kansas-city-lawrence-topeka-7e616acdf227d7ce8356a821fda8ea76">make it harder</a>&nbsp;for the lone Kansas Democrat in Congress, U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, to win reelection in her Kansas City-area 3rd District, which has swung back and forth between the two parties for nearly 25 years.Davids’ current district is overpopulated by nearly 58,000 residents, so Republicans’ map moves part of the Kansas City area — where Davids is the strongest — into the neighboring 2nd District of eastern Kansas. To keep that district close to the ideal population and maintain a safe GOP seat, Democratic voters in Lawrence were moved out of the 2nd.Republicans contend that the change for Lawrence is just about numbers and complying with mandates established by federal courts that congressional districts be made as equal in population as possible after a decade of population shifts. They argue that the GOP plan achieves that: Each of the four districts hits the target of 734,470 residents, exactly.“For you over here,” Rep. Steve Huebert, a Wichita-area Republican, told Democrats during the House debate, “who says, ‘Well, that’s not fair,’ that’s the way it works.”Republican lawmakers argued that the University of Kansas gives Lawrence a common interest with other 1st District communities with universities, most notably Kansas State University in Manhattan, also in northeast Kansas.When Democrats touted how Lawrence honors diversity, Republicans countered that southwest Kansas has three counties in which non-Hispanic white residents are a minority, largely because of meatpacking plants.But Highberger and other Lawrence-area lawmakers believe the city’s votes for Democratic candidates and progressive candidates will be swallowed by western Kansas conservatives, causing it to be ignored.Though initially surprised, western Kansas lawmakers seemed to be taking the change in stride — and supporting the map.“Rural counties are used to being put places, and you just have to make do with it,” said former Kansas Agriculture Secretary Josh Svaty, a former House member who sought the Democratic nomination for governor in 2018.

GOP map ties ‘woke’ Kansas enclave to Trump-loving areas

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — No charges will be filed against police officers who shot and killed an apparently suicidal teenager in Grandview last year, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office said.

The officers shot 17-year-old Lantz Stephenson Jr. several times at a park on May 16 after he pointed a BB gun that looked like a weapon at them, investigators said.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said in a letter Jan. 7 that the officers’ actions “were within the scope of their legal authority" as Missouri law enforcement officers.

Baker's letter, based in part on an investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, said Stephenson called police dispatchers to say he had a gun and wanted to get in a “shoot out” with police.

When officers arrived, Stephenson advanced toward them with what looked like a weapon and refused commands to put it down, prompting officers to fire, according to the letter.

Paramedics who arrived after the shooting asked Stephenson if he was attempting suicide and he nodded that he was, the letter said. He later died during surgery at a hospital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643197196812.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation- photo courtesy KMBC TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation- photo courtesy KMBC TV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — No charges will be filed against police officers who shot and killed an apparently suicidal teenager in Grandview last year, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office said.The officers shot 17-year-old Lantz Stephenson Jr. several times at a park on May 16 after he pointed a BB gun that looked like a weapon at them, investigators said.Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said in a letter Jan. 7 that the officers’ actions “were within the scope of their legal authority" as Missouri law enforcement officers.Baker's letter, based in part on an investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, said Stephenson called police dispatchers to say he had a gun and wanted to get in a “shoot out” with police.When officers arrived, Stephenson advanced toward them with what looked like a weapon and refused commands to put it down, prompting officers to fire, according to the letter.Paramedics who arrived after the shooting asked Stephenson if he was attempting suicide and he nodded that he was, the letter said. He later died during surgery at a hospital.

No charges against KC-area officers who fatally shot suicidal teen

The
 Federal Trade Commission is returning more than $3.7 million to 
consumers who lost money because of unfair and deceptive loan servicing 
practices by online lender Avant, LLC.

The FTC <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/04/online-lending-company-agrees-settle-ftc-charges-it-engaged">sued Avant in April 2019</a>,
 alleging that the company falsely advertised that it would accept 
payments by credit or debit cards, when in fact it did not. This often 
resulted in customers being charged additional interest on their loans 
as they tried to arrange a different form of payment. The FTC also 
alleged that the company withdrew money from customers’ bank accounts or
 charged their credit cards without authorization, failed to properly 
and timely credit payments made by check, provided deceptive payoff 
quotes to customers, and tried to collect more money than the quoted 
payoff amount.

<a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase"></a>The FTC is sending checks to 17,367 consumers who were harmed by Avant’s practices. The average payment amount is $216. People who receive checks should deposit or cash them within 90 days, as indicated on the check.

Recipients who have questions about their refund, as well as 
consumers who believe they are eligible for a refund but did not receive
 a check, should call the refund administrator, Rust Consulting, at 
877-625-9420. The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide 
account information to get a refund.

The FTC’s <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/federal.trade.commission#!/vizhome/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase">interactive dashboards for refund data(link is external)</a> 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 
the United States Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the FTC lacks 
authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal court 
going forward. The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a> to restore the FTC’s ability to get money back for consumers.

The Federal Trade Commission works to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-competition">promote competition</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">stop deceptive and unfair business practices and scams</a>, and <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/">educate consumers</a>. Report fraud, scams, or bad business practices at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Get consumer advice at <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/">consumer.ftc.gov</a>. Also, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/social-media">follow the FTC on social media</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a>, and read the FTC’s <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe
 Federal Trade Commission is returning more than $3.7 million to 
consumers who lost money because of unfair and deceptive loan servicing 
practices by online lender Avant, LLC.The FTC <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/04/online-lending-company-agrees-settle-ftc-charges-it-engaged">sued Avant in April 2019</a>,
 alleging that the company falsely advertised that it would accept 
payments by credit or debit cards, when in fact it did not. This often 
resulted in customers being charged additional interest on their loans 
as they tried to arrange a different form of payment. The FTC also 
alleged that the company withdrew money from customers’ bank accounts or
 charged their credit cards without authorization, failed to properly 
and timely credit payments made by check, provided deceptive payoff 
quotes to customers, and tried to collect more money than the quoted 
payoff amount.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase"></a>The FTC is sending checks to 17,367 consumers who were harmed by Avant’s practices. The average payment amount is $216. People who receive checks should deposit or cash them within 90 days, as indicated on the check.Recipients who have questions about their refund, as well as 
consumers who believe they are eligible for a refund but did not receive
 a check, should call the refund administrator, Rust Consulting, at 
877-625-9420. The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide 
account information to get a refund.The FTC’s <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/federal.trade.commission#!/vizhome/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase">interactive dashboards for refund data(link is external)</a> 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 
the United States Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the FTC lacks 
authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal court 
going forward. The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a> to restore the FTC’s ability to get money back for consumers.The Federal Trade Commission works to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-competition">promote competition</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">stop deceptive and unfair business practices and scams</a>, and <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/">educate consumers</a>. Report fraud, scams, or bad business practices at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Get consumer advice at <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/">consumer.ftc.gov</a>. Also, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/social-media">follow the FTC on social media</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a>, and read the FTC’s <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>.

FTC: $4M sent to victims of unfair practices by online lender

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that all 
third-round Economic Impact Payments have been issued and reminds people
 how to claim any remaining stimulus payment they're entitled to on 
their 2021 income tax return as part of the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.

Parents of a child born in 2021 – or parents and guardians who added a
 new qualifying child to their family in 2021 – did not receive a 
third-round Economic Impact Payment for that child and may be eligible 
to receive up to $1,400 for the child by claiming the Recovery Rebate 
Credit.

While some payments of the Economic Impact Payments from 2021 may 
still be in the mail, including, supplemental payments for people who 
earlier this year received payments based on their 2019 tax returns but 
are eligible for a new or larger payment based on their recently 
processed 2020 tax returns. The IRS is no longer issuing payments as 
required by law. Through December 31, the IRS issued more than 175 
million third-round payments totaling over $400 billion to individuals 
and families across the country while simultaneously managing an 
extended filing season in 2021.

Third-round Economic Impact Payments were advance payments of the 
2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. In late January, the IRS began issuing 
Letter 6475, Your Third Economic Impact Payment, to recipients of the 
third-round Economic Impact Payment. This letter will help Economic 
Impact Payment recipients determine if they are entitled to and should 
claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns when they 
file in 2022.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, signed into law on March 11, 
2021, authorized a third round of Economic Impact Payments and required 
them to be issued by December 31, 2021. The IRS began issuing these 
payments on March 12, 2021 and continued through the end of the year.

Eligible parents of children born in 2021 and families that added 
qualifying dependents in 2021 should claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate 
Credit; most other eligible people already received the full amount and 
won’t need to claim a credit on their tax return

The third-round Economic Impact Payment was an advance payment of the
 tax year 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. The amount of the third-round 
Economic Impact Payment was based on the income and number of dependents
 listed on an individual's 2019 or 2020 income tax return. The amount of
 the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit is based on the income and number of 
dependents listed on an individual's 2021 income tax return.

Families and individuals in the following circumstances, among 
others, may not have received the full amount of their third-round 
Economic Impact Payment because their circumstances in 2021 were 
different than they were in 2020. These families and individuals may be 
eligible to receive more money by claiming the 2021 Recovery Rebate 
Credit on their 2021 income tax return:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that all 
third-round Economic Impact Payments have been issued and reminds people
 how to claim any remaining stimulus payment they're entitled to on 
their 2021 income tax return as part of the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.Parents of a child born in 2021 – or parents and guardians who added a
 new qualifying child to their family in 2021 – did not receive a 
third-round Economic Impact Payment for that child and may be eligible 
to receive up to $1,400 for the child by claiming the Recovery Rebate 
Credit.While some payments of the Economic Impact Payments from 2021 may 
still be in the mail, including, supplemental payments for people who 
earlier this year received payments based on their 2019 tax returns but 
are eligible for a new or larger payment based on their recently 
processed 2020 tax returns. The IRS is no longer issuing payments as 
required by law. Through December 31, the IRS issued more than 175 
million third-round payments totaling over $400 billion to individuals 
and families across the country while simultaneously managing an 
extended filing season in 2021.Third-round Economic Impact Payments were advance payments of the 
2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. In late January, the IRS began issuing 
Letter 6475, Your Third Economic Impact Payment, to recipients of the 
third-round Economic Impact Payment. This letter will help Economic 
Impact Payment recipients determine if they are entitled to and should 
claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns when they 
file in 2022.The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, signed into law on March 11, 
2021, authorized a third round of Economic Impact Payments and required 
them to be issued by December 31, 2021. The IRS began issuing these 
payments on March 12, 2021 and continued through the end of the year.<h2>Eligible parents of children born in 2021 and families that added 
qualifying dependents in 2021 should claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate 
Credit; most other eligible people already received the full amount and 
won’t need to claim a credit on their tax return</h2>The third-round Economic Impact Payment was an advance payment of the
 tax year 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. The amount of the third-round 
Economic Impact Payment was based on the income and number of dependents
 listed on an individual's 2019 or 2020 income tax return. The amount of
 the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit is based on the income and number of 
dependents listed on an individual's 2021 income tax return.Families and individuals in the following circumstances, among 
others, may not have received the full amount of their third-round 
Economic Impact Payment because their circumstances in 2021 were 
different than they were in 2020. These families and individuals may be 
eligible to receive more money by claiming the 2021 Recovery Rebate 
Credit on their 2021 income tax return:<ul>
 <li>Parents of a child born in 2021 who claim the child as a 
dependent on their 2021 income tax return may be eligible to receive a 
2021 Recovery Rebate Credit of up to $1,400 for this child.
	All eligible parents of qualifying children born or welcomed 
through adoption or foster care in 2021 are also encouraged to claim the
 child tax credit — worth up to $3,600 per child born in 2021 — on their
 2021 income tax return.</li><li>All eligible parents of qualifying children born or welcomed 
through adoption or foster care in 2021 are also encouraged to claim the
 child tax credit — worth up to $3,600 per child born in 2021 — on their
 2021 income tax return.</li><li>Families who added a dependent – such as a parent, a nephew or 
niece, or a grandchild – on their 2021 income tax return who was not 
listed as a dependent on their 2020 income tax return may be eligible to
 receive a 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit of up to $1,400 for this 
dependent.</li><li>Single filers who had incomes above $80,000 in 2020 but less than 
this amount in 2021; married couples who filed a joint return and had 
incomes above $160,000 in 2020 but less than this amount in 2021; and 
head of household filers who had incomes above $120,000 in 2020 but less
 than this amount in 2021 may be eligible for a 2021 Recovery Rebate 
Credit of up to $1,400 per person.</li><li>Single filers who had incomes between $75,000 and $80,000 in 2020 
but had lower incomes in 2021; married couples who filed a joint return 
and had incomes between $150,000 and $160,000 in 2020 but had lower 
incomes in 2021; and head of household filers who had incomes between 
$112,500 and $120,000 in 2020 but had lower incomes in 2021 may be 
eligible for a 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.</li>
 </ul>Individuals must claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit on their 
2021 income tax return in order to get this money; the IRS will not 
automatically calculate the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. The IRS began 
accepting 2021 income tax returns on January 24.Most other eligible people already received the full amount of their 
credit in advance and don't need to include any information about this 
payment when they file their 2021 tax return. The IRS issued additional 
payments – called "Plus-Up" Payments – to individuals who initially 
received a third-round Economic Impact Payment based on information on 
their 2019 tax return and were eligible for a larger amount based on 
information on their 2020 tax return.<h2>Avoid processing delays when claiming the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit</h2>The IRS strongly encourages people to have all the information they 
need to file an accurate return to avoid processing delays. If the 
return includes errors or is incomplete, it may require further review 
while the IRS corrects the error, which may slow the tax refund.To claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, individuals will need to 
know the total amount of their third-round Economic Impact Payment, 
including any Plus-Up Payments, they received. People can view the total
 amount of their third-round Economic Impact Payments through their 
individual <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>.
 The IRS will also send Letter 6475 through March to those who were 
issued third-round payments confirming the total amount for tax year 
2021. For married individuals filing a joint return with their spouse, 
each spouse will need to log into their own Online Account or review 
their own letter for their portion of their couple's total payment.The IRS urges recipients of stimulus payments to carefully review 
their tax return before filing. Having this payment information 
available while preparing the tax return will help individuals determine
 if they are eligible to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit for 
missing third-round stimulus payments. If eligible for the credit, they 
must file a 2021 tax return. Using the total amount of the third 
payments from the individual's online account or Letter 6475 when filing
 a tax return can reduce errors and avoid delays in processing while the
 IRS corrects the tax return.The Get My Payment application will no longer be available as of January 29, 2022, and individuals are encouraged to access <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account">Online Account</a> to view their first-, second-, and third-round Economic Impact Payment amounts under Tax Records.<h2>File electronically, and choose direct deposit</h2>The amount of the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit will reduce the amount 
of tax owed for 2021, or, if it's more than the tax owed, it will be 
included as part of the individual's 2021 tax refund. Individuals will 
receive their 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit included in their refund after
 the 2021 tax return is processed. The 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit will 
not be issued separately from the tax refund.To avoid processing delays, the IRS urges people to file a complete 
and accurate tax return. Filing electronically allows tax software to 
figure credits and deductions, including the 2021 Recovery Rebate 
Credit. The 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit Worksheet on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040">Form 1040 and Form 1040-SR instructions</a> can also help.The fastest and most secure way for eligible individuals to get their
 2021 tax refund that will include their allowable 2021 Recovery Rebate 
Credit is by filing electronically and choosing <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>.Anyone with income of $73,000 or less, including those who don't have
 a tax return filing requirement, can file their federal tax return 
electronically for free through the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a> program. The fastest and most secure way to get a tax refund is to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">file electronically</a>
 and have it direct deposited —&nbsp;contactless and free — into the 
individual's financial account. Bank accounts, many prepaid debit cards,
 and several mobile apps can be used for direct deposit when taxpayers 
provide a routing and account number.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing">IRS.gov/filing</a> has details about <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">Free File Fillable Forms</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-free-tax-return-preparation-programs">free VITA or TCE tax preparation sites</a> in communities or finding a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">trusted tax professional</a>.<h2>Claim 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit for missing first- or second-round Economic Impact Payments</h2>All first- and second-round Economic Impact Payments have been 
issued. The first- and second-round Economic Impact Payments were an 
advance payment of tax year 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit. People who 
didn't qualify for a first- and second- Economic Impact Payment or got 
less than the full amounts may be eligible to claim the 2020 Recovery 
Rebate Credit on a 2020 income tax return. Individuals will need to file
 a 2020 tax return if they have not filed yet or amend their 2020 income
 tax return if it's already been processed.If the individual's 2020 income tax return has not yet been fully 
processed, the individual should not file a second return. Some returns 
need special handling to correct errors or credit amounts, which can 
delay processing. The IRS is having to correct significantly more errors
 on 2020 tax returns than in previous years. If the IRS corrects the 
credit claimed on the return, the IRS will send a letter with an 
explanation.<h2>More information</h2><ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account Information</a></li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a></li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2021-recovery-rebate-credit-questions-and-answers">2021 Recovery Rebate Credit Frequently Asked Questions</a></li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit-frequently-asked-questions">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit Frequently Asked Questions</a></li>
 </ul>