KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Authorities say a confrontation in a Tennessee high school that involved police officers responding to a report of a possible armed man left one person dead and the officer wounded. 

Police say no other person were killed or wounded in Monday afternoon's shooting and that the scene has been secured at at the Austin-East Magnet High School in Knoxville. 

Knoxville Police posted on Facebook that officers responded to reports of a male subject who was possibly armed at the school. They said shots rang out as officers approached the person. The school was the subject of media reports in February after three students were shot to death over a three-week span.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Authorities say multiple people including a police officer have been shot at a high school in the east Tennessee city of Knoxville, and the scene has since been secured. There was no immediate report on the exact number of people shot or the extent of their injuries. 

The Knoxville Police Department tweeted that authorities were on the scene of the shooting Monday at Austin-East Magnet High School. Authorities did not immediately say how many people were shot or disclose the extent of their injuries. 

The online posting said a Knoxville Police Department officer was reported among the victims. Police urged people to avoid the area. Details remained sketchy and news outlets showed numerous police and emergency vehicles outside the school.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Authorities say multiple people including a police officer have been shot at a high school in the east Tennessee city of Knoxville, and the scene has since been secured. 

The Knoxville Police Department tweeted that authorities were on the scene of the shooting Monday at Austin-East Magnet High School. The online posting said a Knoxville Police Department officer was reported among the victims. 

Police urged people to avoid the area. Details remained sketchy and news outlets showed numerous police and emergency vehicles outside the school.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618260444077.png" alt="&nbsp;Multiple agencies on the scene of a shooting at Austin-East Magnet High School. Multiple gunshot victims reported, including a Knoxville Police officer-photo courtesy Knoxville Police" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Multiple agencies on the scene of a shooting at Austin-East Magnet High School. Multiple gunshot victims reported, including a Knoxville Police officer-photo courtesy Knoxville Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Authorities say a confrontation in a Tennessee high school that involved police officers responding to a report of a possible armed man left one person dead and the officer wounded. Police say no other person were killed or wounded in Monday afternoon's shooting and that the scene has been secured at at the Austin-East Magnet High School in Knoxville. Knoxville Police posted on Facebook that officers responded to reports of a male subject who was possibly armed at the school. They said shots rang out as officers approached the person. The school was the subject of media reports in February after three students were shot to death over a three-week span.KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Authorities say multiple people including a police officer have been shot at a high school in the east Tennessee city of Knoxville, and the scene has since been secured. There was no immediate report on the exact number of people shot or the extent of their injuries. The Knoxville Police Department tweeted that authorities were on the scene of the shooting Monday at Austin-East Magnet High School. Authorities did not immediately say how many people were shot or disclose the extent of their injuries. The online posting said a Knoxville Police Department officer was reported among the victims. Police urged people to avoid the area. Details remained sketchy and news outlets showed numerous police and emergency vehicles outside the school.---------KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Authorities say multiple people including a police officer have been shot at a high school in the east Tennessee city of Knoxville, and the scene has since been secured. The Knoxville Police Department tweeted that authorities were on the scene of the shooting Monday at Austin-East Magnet High School. The online posting said a Knoxville Police Department officer was reported among the victims. Police urged people to avoid the area. Details remained sketchy and news outlets showed numerous police and emergency vehicles outside the school.

Police: Officer wounded, 1 dead in Tennessee school shooting

TOPEKA– Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatality crash Monday morning involving one vehicle have identified the victim as Brad L. Shipps, 50 of Tecumseh.

Just after 6:30 a.m., police were dispatched to the Ramada Hotel and Convention Center, 420 SE 6th Avenue in Topeka on a report of a vehicle that crashed and came to rest on the front lawn of the business, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

Preliminary information indicates the vehicle was traveling westbound on SE 6th Avenue prior to the crash.

Upon arrival, officers located Shipps. He was the single occupant of the vehicle and was&nbsp; unresponsive.&nbsp; Medical personnel responded to the scene and pronounced him deceased a short time later.

SE 6th Ave. between SE Madison Street and SE Jefferson Street were temporarily closed to traffic during the investigation, according Spiker.

TOPEKA– Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatality crash Monday morning involving one vehicle.

Upon arrival, officers located the single occupant of the vehicle, an unresponsive adult man.&nbsp; Medical personnel responded to the scene and pronounced the man deceased a short time later.

SE 6th Ave. between SE Madison Street and SE Jefferson Street were closed to traffic during the investigation, according Spiker.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618237792337.png" alt="First responders on the scene early Monday -photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene early Monday -photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA– Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatality crash Monday morning involving one vehicle have identified the victim as Brad L. Shipps, 50 of Tecumseh.Just after 6:30 a.m., police were dispatched to the Ramada Hotel and Convention Center, 420 SE 6th Avenue in Topeka on a report of a vehicle that crashed and came to rest on the front lawn of the business, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.Preliminary information indicates the vehicle was traveling westbound on SE 6th Avenue prior to the crash.Upon arrival, officers located Shipps. He was the single occupant of the vehicle and was&nbsp; unresponsive.&nbsp; Medical personnel responded to the scene and pronounced him deceased a short time later.SE 6th Ave. between SE Madison Street and SE Jefferson Street were temporarily closed to traffic during the investigation, according Spiker.----------TOPEKA– Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatality crash Monday morning involving one vehicle.Just after 6:30 a.m., police were dispatched to the Ramada Hotel and Convention Center, 420 SE 6th Avenue in Topeka on a report of a vehicle that crashed and came to rest on the front lawn of the business, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.Preliminary information indicates the vehicle was traveling westbound on SE 6th Avenue prior to the crash.Upon arrival, officers located the single occupant of the vehicle, an unresponsive adult man.&nbsp; Medical personnel responded to the scene and pronounced the man deceased a short time later.SE 6th Ave. between SE Madison Street and SE Jefferson Street were closed to traffic during the investigation, according Spiker.

Police ID Kan. man who died after crash onto front lawn of hotel

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid was charged Monday with driving while intoxicated resulting in serious physical injury after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-kansas-city-super-bowl-michael-brown-football-048d9a7585d07dfcd4f218df9d50a074">a crash</a>&nbsp;that left a 5-year-old girl critically injured.

The Jackson County prosecutor’s office said Reid’s blood alcohol content shortly after the Feb. 4 crash was .113, above the legal limit of .08. He also was driving about 84 mph in a 65 mph zone seconds before his truck crashed into two cars stopped on an entrance ramp to Interstate 435 near Arrowhead Stadium.

One of the vehicles had stalled because its battery was dead and the second was owned by a cousin who had arrived to help, according to the charging documents.

A 5-year-old girl in the second car, Ariel Young, suffered a traumatic brain injury. Her family’s attorney told The Kansas City Star Monday that she was released from the hospital April 2 and is being treated at her home. She is unable to talk or walk and is being fed through a feeding tube.

Reid, the son of Chiefs coach Andy Reid, could be sentenced to up to seven years in prison if he’s convicted. He was expected to surrender to police later Wednesday. Prosecutors sought a $100,000 bond.

Charging documents say Reid told police he had just left work and was looking over his shoulder to see if he could merge onto the interstate when he hit a stalled vehicle on the shoulder of the road and then hit a second vehicle. Reid called 911 shortly after the crash, police said.

A Kansas City police officer who responded said he could smell alcohol and Reid’s eyes were bloodshot and red, according to the documents.

The Chiefs said in a statement Monday the organization “remains steadfast in our concern for all who have been impacted by this tragic accident. Our prayers are focused on Ariel’s continued healing and recovery. The Chiefs are regularly in contact with the family’s designated representative during this challenging time.”

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters-Baker said in a statement that Missouri law limited the charges that could be brought against Reid given the evidence available, but said her office “will vigorously pursue these charges and Reid is not receiving any favorable treatment from Kansas City police or the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office.”

The family’s attorney, Tom Porto, told the Star the charges were, “absolutely appropriate under the circumstances. The prosecuting attorney and police department engaged in an extremely thorough investigation that ended with the appropriate charge.”

Britt Reid, the Chiefs’ former linebackers coach, underwent surgery after the crash, which happened the week before the Chiefs played in the Super Bowl. He did not accompany the team to the game in Florida.

He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-kansas-city-football-andy-reid-kansas-city-chiefs-dd7636f51135833dd2b903d22dcac099">placed on administrative leave</a>&nbsp;after the crash and his contract was allowed to expire, ending his employment with the Chiefs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612784011749.png" alt="A 5-year-old girl in the second car, Ariel Young, suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of the crash. -Photo courtesy GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>A 5-year-old girl in the second car, Ariel Young, suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of the crash. -Photo courtesy GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid was charged Monday with driving while intoxicated resulting in serious physical injury after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-kansas-city-super-bowl-michael-brown-football-048d9a7585d07dfcd4f218df9d50a074">a crash</a>&nbsp;that left a 5-year-old girl critically injured.The Jackson County prosecutor’s office said Reid’s blood alcohol content shortly after the Feb. 4 crash was .113, above the legal limit of .08. He also was driving about 84 mph in a 65 mph zone seconds before his truck crashed into two cars stopped on an entrance ramp to Interstate 435 near Arrowhead Stadium.One of the vehicles had stalled because its battery was dead and the second was owned by a cousin who had arrived to help, according to the charging documents.A 5-year-old girl in the second car, Ariel Young, suffered a traumatic brain injury. Her family’s attorney told The Kansas City Star Monday that she was released from the hospital April 2 and is being treated at her home. She is unable to talk or walk and is being fed through a feeding tube.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612570726901.png" alt="Britt Reid photo courtesy KC Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Britt Reid photo courtesy KC Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>Reid, the son of Chiefs coach Andy Reid, could be sentenced to up to seven years in prison if he’s convicted. He was expected to surrender to police later Wednesday. Prosecutors sought a $100,000 bond.Charging documents say Reid told police he had just left work and was looking over his shoulder to see if he could merge onto the interstate when he hit a stalled vehicle on the shoulder of the road and then hit a second vehicle. Reid called 911 shortly after the crash, police said.A Kansas City police officer who responded said he could smell alcohol and Reid’s eyes were bloodshot and red, according to the documents.The Chiefs said in a statement Monday the organization “remains steadfast in our concern for all who have been impacted by this tragic accident. Our prayers are focused on Ariel’s continued healing and recovery. The Chiefs are regularly in contact with the family’s designated representative during this challenging time.”Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters-Baker said in a statement that Missouri law limited the charges that could be brought against Reid given the evidence available, but said her office “will vigorously pursue these charges and Reid is not receiving any favorable treatment from Kansas City police or the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office.”The family’s attorney, Tom Porto, told the Star the charges were, “absolutely appropriate under the circumstances. The prosecuting attorney and police department engaged in an extremely thorough investigation that ended with the appropriate charge.”Britt Reid, the Chiefs’ former linebackers coach, underwent surgery after the crash, which happened the week before the Chiefs played in the Super Bowl. He did not accompany the team to the game in Florida.He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-kansas-city-football-andy-reid-kansas-city-chiefs-dd7636f51135833dd2b903d22dcac099">placed on administrative leave</a>&nbsp;after the crash and his contract was allowed to expire, ending his employment with the Chiefs.___

Ex-KC Chiefs coach charged with DUI in crash that injured girl

PRATT COUNTY –&nbsp;The Pratt Police Department reported that 68-year-old Kenneth Gatlin was located deceased on Monday.

Just after 12:30p.m. Monday, Mr. Gatlin was discovered&nbsp; in rural Pratt County, northwest of Pratt, according to a media release from the KBI.

 He was found when a landowner contacted the Pratt County Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp; There was no indication of foul play, but an autopsy will be conducted.

PRATT COUNTY – On April 8, the Pratt Police Department requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a man missing from Pratt.&nbsp;

The whereabouts of 68-year-old Kenneth E. Gatlin are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.

On Saturday, police in Pratt asked that everyone check the immediate property where they live and any land they may have. Pratt Police Department police officers have been working around the clock looking for Mr. Gatlin by both foot and car. Officers have checked park trails, walked railroad tracks, walked the drainage ditches, walked and driven alleys and everything in between. Police also had the help of the Pratt County Sheriffs Office, Kansas Highway Patrol and the KBI.

Gatlin was last seen at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 8, when it is believed he walked away from his care facility in Pratt. He was wearing a red and white jacket, khaki pants, cowboy boots, and a red hat.

Gatlin is a white male, approximately 5 ft.10 in. tall, weighing 190 lbs. He has blue eyes and red hair. Gatlin suffers from dementia and has difficulty communicating with others.

If you see Kenneth Gatlin, or know his whereabouts, please immediately contact the Pratt Police Department at 620-672-5551.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617924268602.png" alt="Gatlin -photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Gatlin -photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>PRATT COUNTY –&nbsp;The Pratt Police Department reported that 68-year-old Kenneth Gatlin was located deceased on Monday.Just after 12:30p.m. Monday, Mr. Gatlin was discovered&nbsp; in rural Pratt County, northwest of Pratt, according to a media release from the KBI. He was found when a landowner contacted the Pratt County Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp; There was no indication of foul play, but an autopsy will be conducted.--------PRATT COUNTY – On April 8, the Pratt Police Department requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a man missing from Pratt.&nbsp;The whereabouts of 68-year-old Kenneth E. Gatlin are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.On Saturday, police in Pratt asked that everyone check the immediate property where they live and any land they may have. Pratt Police Department police officers have been working around the clock looking for Mr. Gatlin by both foot and car. Officers have checked park trails, walked railroad tracks, walked the drainage ditches, walked and driven alleys and everything in between. Police also had the help of the Pratt County Sheriffs Office, Kansas Highway Patrol and the KBI.Gatlin was last seen at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 8, when it is believed he walked away from his care facility in Pratt. He was wearing a red and white jacket, khaki pants, cowboy boots, and a red hat.Gatlin is a white male, approximately 5 ft.10 in. tall, weighing 190 lbs. He has blue eyes and red hair. Gatlin suffers from dementia and has difficulty communicating with others.If you see Kenneth Gatlin, or know his whereabouts, please immediately contact the Pratt Police Department at 620-672-5551.

KBI: Silver Alert canceled for missing Kan. man 

BOSTON (AP) — U.S. colleges hoping for a return to normalcy next fall are weighing how far they should go in urging students to get the COVID-19 vaccine, including whether they should — or legally can — require it.

Universities including Rutgers, Brown, Cornell and Northeastern recently told students they must get vaccinated before returning to campus next fall. They hope to achieve herd immunity on campus, which they say would allow them to loosen spacing restrictions in classrooms and dorms.

But some colleges are leaving the decision to students, and others believe they can’t legally require vaccinations. At Virginia Tech, officials determined that they can’t because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has only allowed the emergency use of the vaccines and hasn’t given them its full approval.

The question looms large as more colleges plan to shift back from remote to in-person instruction. Many schools have launched vaccination blitzes to get students immunized before they leave for the summer. At some schools, the added requirement is meant to encourage holdouts and to build confidence that students and faculty will be safe on campus.

“It takes away any ambiguity about whether individuals should be vaccinated,” said Kenneth Henderson, the chancellor of Northeastern University in Boston. “It also provides a level of confidence for the entire community that we are taking all appropriate measures.”

Northeastern and other colleges requiring shots believe they’re on solid legal ground. It’s not unusual for colleges to require students to be vaccinated for other types of diseases, and a California court last year upheld a flu shot requirement at the University of California system.

But legal scholars say the COVID-19 vaccines’ emergency use status moves the issue to a legal gray area that’s likely to be challenged in court, and some colleges may take a more cautious approach to avoid litigation.

Harvard Law professor Glenn Cohen, who teaches health law and bioethics, said there’s no legal reason colleges wouldn’t be allowed to require COVID-19 vaccinations. It makes no difference that the shots haven’t been given full approval, he said, noting that many colleges already require students to take coronavirus tests that are approved under the same FDA emergency authorization. But there’s also no federal guidance explicitly permitting vaccination mandates.

The biggest clashes could come in states taking a stance against vaccination requirements, he said.

In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis this month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fort-myers-miami-orlando-fort-lauderdale-florida-d2f3bc41dd70f812bdd5becea2bcfbbd">banned all businesses</a>&nbsp;from requiring customers to show proof of vaccination. The order raises questions about Nova Southeastern University’s plan to require students and staff to get vaccinated. The college’s president said he’s still confident in the plan, but he also promised to “respect the laws of our state and all federal directives.”

The governor of Texas, the country’s second-largest state,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-health-state-governments-coronavirus-pandemic-greg-abbott-texas-23258aae7f8bd7df98a4b93834d62d88">issued a similar order.</a>

There’s a parallel debate about whether to require vaccination for faculty and staff, an issue that employers across the nation are grappling with. At the University of Notre Dame, one of the latest schools to require student vaccinations, shots are still optional for workers. Northeastern is considering whether to extend its mandate to employees.

Even at schools making shots mandatory, there are exemptions. Federal law requires colleges to provide accommodations to students who refuse a vaccine for medical reasons, and most schools are also offering exemptions for religious reasons.

At Brown, students who forgo shots and have no valid exemption must file a petition to study remotely or take a leave of absence next fall, the school’s president, Christina Paxson, told students in a letter last week.

But enforcing vaccine mandates will bring its own challenges. Cornell and Northeastern say students will be asked to show proof of vaccination, but there is no widely accepted vaccine credential. Cornell told students they can provide the card given out at their vaccination site, but card formats vary and generally seem like they would be easy to forge.

At Northeastern, officials are still deciding whether students will have to provide a medical record proving they were vaccinated or whether they will be allowed to attest to having been immunized — essentially taking their word for it.

“We would expect students to be honest and forthright about any attestation they make to the university,” Henderson said.

Northeastern student Tyler Lee said he thinks requiring vaccinations is the right move because it will help stop the virus’ spread and protect the community around the downtown Boston campus. There has been some pushback from parents, but little from students, he said.

“It’s Northeastern’s decision,” said Lee, a senior who is awaiting his second shot. “If I didn’t like it, I would transfer. And that’s what most students feel.”

Ariana Palomo, an incoming freshman at Brown, said the university’s mandate sends the message that it’s serious about keeping students safe. She was “happy and relieved” when she heard about it, she said.

“I know that I’m going to feel so much safer on campus,” said Palomo, 18. “This is the next step in protecting one another and preventing more lives from being lost.”

Schools expect some pushback, and Republican student groups on some campuses have opposed mandates, saying it should be a choice.

Colleges are also grappling with what to expect of international students, who may not have access to vaccines in their home countries or who may get shots that are not used in the United States. Some colleges say they’re planning to develop arrangements to make shots available for international students when they arrive.

Other colleges are using a lighter touch to promote shots, including at Dickinson State University in North Dakota, which is exempting students from a campus mask mandate two weeks after they are fully vaccinated.

Many others are hoping a word of encouragement will be enough. Campus officials at Bowdoin College in Maine said it’s their “hope and expectation” that all students will get shots. Harvard University officials “strongly recommend” that students get vaccinated but have stopped short of a mandate.

Some, including Dartmouth College, are waiting for shots to become more widely available before making a decision. Diana Lawrence, a spokesperson for Dartmouth, said officials “cannot make a determination regarding required vaccination until vaccines are accessible for all students.”

BOSTON (AP) — U.S. colleges hoping for a return to normalcy next fall are weighing how far they should go in urging students to get the COVID-19 vaccine, including whether they should — or legally can — require it.Universities including Rutgers, Brown, Cornell and Northeastern recently told students they must get vaccinated before returning to campus next fall. They hope to achieve herd immunity on campus, which they say would allow them to loosen spacing restrictions in classrooms and dorms.But some colleges are leaving the decision to students, and others believe they can’t legally require vaccinations. At Virginia Tech, officials determined that they can’t because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has only allowed the emergency use of the vaccines and hasn’t given them its full approval.The question looms large as more colleges plan to shift back from remote to in-person instruction. Many schools have launched vaccination blitzes to get students immunized before they leave for the summer. At some schools, the added requirement is meant to encourage holdouts and to build confidence that students and faculty will be safe on campus.“It takes away any ambiguity about whether individuals should be vaccinated,” said Kenneth Henderson, the chancellor of Northeastern University in Boston. “It also provides a level of confidence for the entire community that we are taking all appropriate measures.”Northeastern and other colleges requiring shots believe they’re on solid legal ground. It’s not unusual for colleges to require students to be vaccinated for other types of diseases, and a California court last year upheld a flu shot requirement at the University of California system.But legal scholars say the COVID-19 vaccines’ emergency use status moves the issue to a legal gray area that’s likely to be challenged in court, and some colleges may take a more cautious approach to avoid litigation.Harvard Law professor Glenn Cohen, who teaches health law and bioethics, said there’s no legal reason colleges wouldn’t be allowed to require COVID-19 vaccinations. It makes no difference that the shots haven’t been given full approval, he said, noting that many colleges already require students to take coronavirus tests that are approved under the same FDA emergency authorization. But there’s also no federal guidance explicitly permitting vaccination mandates.The biggest clashes could come in states taking a stance against vaccination requirements, he said.In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis this month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fort-myers-miami-orlando-fort-lauderdale-florida-d2f3bc41dd70f812bdd5becea2bcfbbd">banned all businesses</a>&nbsp;from requiring customers to show proof of vaccination. The order raises questions about Nova Southeastern University’s plan to require students and staff to get vaccinated. The college’s president said he’s still confident in the plan, but he also promised to “respect the laws of our state and all federal directives.”The governor of Texas, the country’s second-largest state,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-health-state-governments-coronavirus-pandemic-greg-abbott-texas-23258aae7f8bd7df98a4b93834d62d88">issued a similar order.</a>There’s a parallel debate about whether to require vaccination for faculty and staff, an issue that employers across the nation are grappling with. At the University of Notre Dame, one of the latest schools to require student vaccinations, shots are still optional for workers. Northeastern is considering whether to extend its mandate to employees.Even at schools making shots mandatory, there are exemptions. Federal law requires colleges to provide accommodations to students who refuse a vaccine for medical reasons, and most schools are also offering exemptions for religious reasons.At Brown, students who forgo shots and have no valid exemption must file a petition to study remotely or take a leave of absence next fall, the school’s president, Christina Paxson, told students in a letter last week.But enforcing vaccine mandates will bring its own challenges. Cornell and Northeastern say students will be asked to show proof of vaccination, but there is no widely accepted vaccine credential. Cornell told students they can provide the card given out at their vaccination site, but card formats vary and generally seem like they would be easy to forge.At Northeastern, officials are still deciding whether students will have to provide a medical record proving they were vaccinated or whether they will be allowed to attest to having been immunized — essentially taking their word for it.“We would expect students to be honest and forthright about any attestation they make to the university,” Henderson said.Northeastern student Tyler Lee said he thinks requiring vaccinations is the right move because it will help stop the virus’ spread and protect the community around the downtown Boston campus. There has been some pushback from parents, but little from students, he said.“It’s Northeastern’s decision,” said Lee, a senior who is awaiting his second shot. “If I didn’t like it, I would transfer. And that’s what most students feel.”Ariana Palomo, an incoming freshman at Brown, said the university’s mandate sends the message that it’s serious about keeping students safe. She was “happy and relieved” when she heard about it, she said.“I know that I’m going to feel so much safer on campus,” said Palomo, 18. “This is the next step in protecting one another and preventing more lives from being lost.”Schools expect some pushback, and Republican student groups on some campuses have opposed mandates, saying it should be a choice.Colleges are also grappling with what to expect of international students, who may not have access to vaccines in their home countries or who may get shots that are not used in the United States. Some colleges say they’re planning to develop arrangements to make shots available for international students when they arrive.Other colleges are using a lighter touch to promote shots, including at Dickinson State University in North Dakota, which is exempting students from a campus mask mandate two weeks after they are fully vaccinated.Many others are hoping a word of encouragement will be enough. Campus officials at Bowdoin College in Maine said it’s their “hope and expectation” that all students will get shots. Harvard University officials “strongly recommend” that students get vaccinated but have stopped short of a mandate.Some, including Dartmouth College, are waiting for shots to become more widely available before making a decision. Diana Lawrence, a spokesperson for Dartmouth, said officials “cannot make a determination regarding required vaccination until vaccines are accessible for all students.”

U.S. colleges divided over requiring student vaccinations

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden White House is amplifying the push for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-coronavirus-pandemic-pittsburgh-jen-psaki-8865ffc8f5ad3142155a5bd3c3a3e6d3">its $2.3 trillion infrastructure package</a>&nbsp;with the release of state-by-state breakdowns that show the dire shape of roads, bridges, the power grid and housing affordability.

The figures in the state summaries, obtained by The Associated Press, paint a decidedly bleak outlook for the world’s largest economy after years of repairs being deferred and delayed. They suggest that too much infrastructure is unsafe for vehicles at any speed, while highlighting the costs of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/weather">extreme weather events</a>&nbsp;that have become more frequent with climate change as well as dead spots for broadband and a dearth of child care options.

President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet Monday afternoon with Republican and Democratic lawmakers and can use the state summaries to show that his plan would help meet the needs of their constituents.

Drawn from an array of private and public data, the reports show there are 7,300 miles of highway in Michigan alone that are in poor condition. Damaged streets in North Carolina impose an average yearly cost of $500 on motorists. Iowa has 4,571 bridges in need of repair. There is a roughly 4-in-10 chance that a public transit vehicle in Indiana might be ready for the scrap yard. Pennsylvania’s schools are short $1.4 billion for maintenance and upgrades.

The administration is banking that the data will confirm the everyday experiences of Americans as they bump over potholes, get trapped in traffic jams and wait for buses that almost never correspond to published schedules. There is already a receptive audience to the sales pitch, and the strategy is that public support can overcome any congressional misgivings.

“We don’t have a lot of work to do to persuade the American people that U.S. infrastructure needs major improvement,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-buttigieg-transportation-secretary-infrastructure-bb883b4af7b9c700d0ef2b7c29d7a5b0">Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg</a>&nbsp;said on Fox News Channel’s “Fox News Sunday” ahead of the reports’ release. “The American people already know it.”

Republican lawmakers have been quick to reject the infrastructure proposal from Biden. They say just a fraction of the spending goes to traditional infrastructure, as $400 billion would expand Medicaid support for caregivers and substantial portions would fund electric vehicle charging stations and address the racial injustice of highways that were built in ways that destroyed Black neighborhoods.

The reports give some data to back up their argument that more money should be spent on roads and bridges. Biden’s plan would modernize 20,000 miles worth of roadways, but California by itself has 14,220 miles of highway in poor condition.

Republican lawmakers also object to funding the package by increasing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/corporate-taxes">the corporate tax rate</a>&nbsp;from 21% to 28% and increasing the global minimum tax, among other tax changes including stepped-up IRS enforcement being proposed by the Biden administration.

“This is a massive social welfare spending program combined with a massive tax increase on small-business job creators,” Sen Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday. “I can’t think of a worse thing to do.”

Yet the state-by-state reports make clear that many of the people Wicker represents could benefit from the package, an aspect of the Biden effort to engender the backing of voters across party lines.

Wicker was among four Republicans on the White House guest list for Biden’s Monday meeting, along with Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska and Reps. Garret Graves of Louisiana and Don Young of Alaska. Democrats on the list were Sens. Maria Cantwell of Washington and Alex Padilla of California and Reps. Donald Payne Jr. of New Jersey and David Price of North Carolina.

Mississippi needs $4.8 billion for drinking water and $289 million for schools. Nearly a quarter of households lack an internet subscription, and a similar percentage lives in areas without broadband. Mississippians who use public transportation have to devote an extra 87.7% of their time to commuting.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden White House is amplifying the push for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-coronavirus-pandemic-pittsburgh-jen-psaki-8865ffc8f5ad3142155a5bd3c3a3e6d3">its $2.3 trillion infrastructure package</a>&nbsp;with the release of state-by-state breakdowns that show the dire shape of roads, bridges, the power grid and housing affordability.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618251319025.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The figures in the state summaries, obtained by The Associated Press, paint a decidedly bleak outlook for the world’s largest economy after years of repairs being deferred and delayed. They suggest that too much infrastructure is unsafe for vehicles at any speed, while highlighting the costs of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/weather">extreme weather events</a>&nbsp;that have become more frequent with climate change as well as dead spots for broadband and a dearth of child care options.President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet Monday afternoon with Republican and Democratic lawmakers and can use the state summaries to show that his plan would help meet the needs of their constituents.Drawn from an array of private and public data, the reports show there are 7,300 miles of highway in Michigan alone that are in poor condition. Damaged streets in North Carolina impose an average yearly cost of $500 on motorists. Iowa has 4,571 bridges in need of repair. There is a roughly 4-in-10 chance that a public transit vehicle in Indiana might be ready for the scrap yard. Pennsylvania’s schools are short $1.4 billion for maintenance and upgrades.The administration is banking that the data will confirm the everyday experiences of Americans as they bump over potholes, get trapped in traffic jams and wait for buses that almost never correspond to published schedules. There is already a receptive audience to the sales pitch, and the strategy is that public support can overcome any congressional misgivings.“We don’t have a lot of work to do to persuade the American people that U.S. infrastructure needs major improvement,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-buttigieg-transportation-secretary-infrastructure-bb883b4af7b9c700d0ef2b7c29d7a5b0">Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg</a>&nbsp;said on Fox News Channel’s “Fox News Sunday” ahead of the reports’ release. “The American people already know it.”Republican lawmakers have been quick to reject the infrastructure proposal from Biden. They say just a fraction of the spending goes to traditional infrastructure, as $400 billion would expand Medicaid support for caregivers and substantial portions would fund electric vehicle charging stations and address the racial injustice of highways that were built in ways that destroyed Black neighborhoods.The reports give some data to back up their argument that more money should be spent on roads and bridges. Biden’s plan would modernize 20,000 miles worth of roadways, but California by itself has 14,220 miles of highway in poor condition.Republican lawmakers also object to funding the package by increasing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/corporate-taxes">the corporate tax rate</a>&nbsp;from 21% to 28% and increasing the global minimum tax, among other tax changes including stepped-up IRS enforcement being proposed by the Biden administration.“This is a massive social welfare spending program combined with a massive tax increase on small-business job creators,” Sen Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday. “I can’t think of a worse thing to do.”Yet the state-by-state reports make clear that many of the people Wicker represents could benefit from the package, an aspect of the Biden effort to engender the backing of voters across party lines.Wicker was among four Republicans on the White House guest list for Biden’s Monday meeting, along with Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska and Reps. Garret Graves of Louisiana and Don Young of Alaska. Democrats on the list were Sens. Maria Cantwell of Washington and Alex Padilla of California and Reps. Donald Payne Jr. of New Jersey and David Price of North Carolina.Mississippi needs $4.8 billion for drinking water and $289 million for schools. Nearly a quarter of households lack an internet subscription, and a similar percentage lives in areas without broadband. Mississippians who use public transportation have to devote an extra 87.7% of their time to commuting.___

White House issues reports on states' infrastructure needs

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 483 to a total of 304,719, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

Total coronavirus deaths were reported at 4930- no increase.

<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.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 483 to a total of 304,719, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Total coronavirus deaths were reported at 4930- no increase.<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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618247348913.png" alt="Monday April 12, 2021 -KDHE Image" />
 <figcaption>Monday April 12, 2021 -KDHE Image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman shot by police in Wichita was released from the hospital and is <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=123228">now in jail.</a>

Deputies booked <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=123228">35-year-old Jennifer Miller</a> into the Sedgwick County Jail just after 7p.m. Friday, according to <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=123228">online jail records.</a>

On March 31, two police officers were proactively checking the Red Roof Inn, 7335 East Kellogg and Sky Palace, 7321 East Kellogg after numerous calls and complaints over several months involving assaults, burglaries, drugs, stolen cars, underage parties and other things that would constitute a nuisance to the neighborhood and the businesses.

While checking the businesses, the officers saw a stolen Subaru Legacy behind the Red Roof Inn. The car had been reported stolen on March 30. As officers approached the car, they saw Miller enter the car's trunk, grab items and walk toward her room at the Sky Palace.

One officer approached Miller. A second officer arrived to assist and asked Miller for identification. Miller reached into her purse, pulled out a black handgun and pointed it at both officers, according to Wichita Police Captain Stephens.

One officer pulled his handgun and fired one shot striking Miller in the neck. The officers began life saving measures and called EMS.&nbsp; She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

Miller is being held on requested charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of stolen property, auto theft and felon in possession of a firearm, according to Stephens.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer shooting and have identified the suspect as 35-year-old Jennifer Miller of Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.

CAUTION: Graphic video of Wednesday's officer-involved shooting in Wichita.&nbsp;

Just before 9a.m. Wednesday, two police officers were proactively checking the Red Roof Inn, 7335 East Kellogg and Sky Palace, 7321 East Kellogg after numerous calls and complaints over several months involving assaults, burglaries, drugs, stolen cars, underage parties and other things that would constitute a nuisance to the neighborhood and the businesses.

While checking the businesses, the officers saw a stolen Subaru Legacy behind the Red Roof Inn. The car had been reported stolen on Tuesday. As they approached the car, they saw Miller enter the car's trunk, grab items and walk toward her room at the Sky Palace.

One officer approached Miller. A second officer arrived to assist and asked Miller for identification. Miller reached into her purse, pulled out a black handgun and pointed it at both officers, according to Stephens.

When she is released from the hospital in a couple of days she will be booked on requested charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of stolen property, auto theft and felon in possession of a firearm, according to Stephens.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618056359501.png" alt="Miller photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Miller photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman shot by police in Wichita was released from the hospital and is <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=123228">now in jail.</a>Deputies booked <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=123228">35-year-old Jennifer Miller</a> into the Sedgwick County Jail just after 7p.m. Friday, according to <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=123228">online jail records.</a>On March 31, two police officers were proactively checking the Red Roof Inn, 7335 East Kellogg and Sky Palace, 7321 East Kellogg after numerous calls and complaints over several months involving assaults, burglaries, drugs, stolen cars, underage parties and other things that would constitute a nuisance to the neighborhood and the businesses.While checking the businesses, the officers saw a stolen Subaru Legacy behind the Red Roof Inn. The car had been reported stolen on March 30. As officers approached the car, they saw Miller enter the car's trunk, grab items and walk toward her room at the Sky Palace.One officer approached Miller. A second officer arrived to assist and asked Miller for identification. Miller reached into her purse, pulled out a black handgun and pointed it at both officers, according to Wichita Police Captain Stephens.One officer pulled his handgun and fired one shot striking Miller in the neck. The officers began life saving measures and called EMS.&nbsp; She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;Miller is being held on requested charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of stolen property, auto theft and felon in possession of a firearm, according to Stephens.-----SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer shooting and have identified the suspect as 35-year-old Jennifer Miller of Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617291763952.png" alt="Photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>CAUTION: Graphic video of Wednesday's officer-involved shooting in Wichita.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWichitaPolice%2Fvideos%2F293964315460951%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Just before 9a.m. Wednesday, two police officers were proactively checking the Red Roof Inn, 7335 East Kellogg and Sky Palace, 7321 East Kellogg after numerous calls and complaints over several months involving assaults, burglaries, drugs, stolen cars, underage parties and other things that would constitute a nuisance to the neighborhood and the businesses.While checking the businesses, the officers saw a stolen Subaru Legacy behind the Red Roof Inn. The car had been reported stolen on Tuesday. As they approached the car, they saw Miller enter the car's trunk, grab items and walk toward her room at the Sky Palace.One officer approached Miller. A second officer arrived to assist and asked Miller for identification. Miller reached into her purse, pulled out a black handgun and pointed it at both officers, according to Stephens.One officer pulled his handgun and fired one shot striking Miller in the neck. The officers began life saving measures and called EMS.&nbsp; She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617293757915.png" alt="Miller has previous convictions that include ID theft, forgery, theft and flee and elude, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Sedgwick County&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Miller has previous convictions that include ID theft, forgery, theft and flee and elude, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Sedgwick County&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>When she is released from the hospital in a couple of days she will be booked on requested charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of stolen property, auto theft and felon in possession of a firearm, according to Stephens.

Kan. woman shot by police moved from hospital to jail

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A woman was was killed inside a Kansas City, Kansas, apartment over the weekend, and a person suspected of killing her later arrested, police said.

Officers were called around 5 p.m. Sunday to the complex located in the city’s Riverview neighborhood, where they found a woman dead inside an apartment, according to a news release from police.

Investigators said a suspect had fled the area on foot and was found and arrested a short time later. Police had not identified the victim or the suspect by Monday morning, and had not given other details about how the woman died.

The woman’s death marked marked the city’s eighth homicide this year.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A woman was was killed inside a Kansas City, Kansas, apartment over the weekend, and a person suspected of killing her later arrested, police said.Officers were called around 5 p.m. Sunday to the complex located in the city’s Riverview neighborhood, where they found a woman dead inside an apartment, according to a news release from police.Investigators said a suspect had fled the area on foot and was found and arrested a short time later. Police had not identified the victim or the suspect by Monday morning, and had not given other details about how the woman died.The woman’s death marked marked the city’s eighth homicide this year.

Police: Kansas woman found dead in her apartment 

WICHITA —The remains of Father Emil Kapaun are set for return to Kansas, according to&nbsp;Ray Kapaun, nephew of Father Emil Kapaun, and the Kapaun family who contacted the Catholic Diocese of Wichita Sunday.

On March 4, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency reported the remains of Father Emil Kapaun were positively identified.&nbsp; 

Kapaun, the Marion County-native, a priest of the Diocese of Wichita, served as an Army Chaplain during WWII and the Korean War, and was taken as a Prisoner of War in 1951. He continued to minister to Americans as a POW before passing away on May 23, 1951.

After engaging in discussions with the diocese, the Kapaun family decided that interring the remains of Fr. Kapaun in a crypt inside the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita would not only provide a safe and secure location for them, but would also allow opportunities for Catholics and many others inspired by Fr. Kapaun’s life to be able to visit and venerate this priest, whose cause for sainthood progresses, according to the Catholic Diocese of Wichita.

"In 1993, Fr. Emil Kapaun was named a “Servant of God”, which signified that his cause for canonization could begin. Fr. Kapaun’s placement in the Cathedral will be a temporary location in the event that the Church recognize him as a saint in the future, in which case a dedicated shrine or chapel might be erected to hold his remains and commemorate his life.

The Catholic Diocese of Wichita is currently working with the family, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting agency (DPAA), and the Congregation for Saints in Rome to decide on a time frame for Fr. Kapaun’s return.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614944899732.png" alt="Father Kapaun photo courtesy office of Senator Moran" />
 <figcaption>Father Kapaun photo courtesy office of Senator Moran</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA —The remains of Father Emil Kapaun are set for return to Kansas, according to&nbsp;Ray Kapaun, nephew of Father Emil Kapaun, and the Kapaun family who contacted the Catholic Diocese of Wichita Sunday.On March 4, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency reported the remains of Father Emil Kapaun were positively identified.&nbsp; Kapaun, the Marion County-native, a priest of the Diocese of Wichita, served as an Army Chaplain during WWII and the Korean War, and was taken as a Prisoner of War in 1951. He continued to minister to Americans as a POW before passing away on May 23, 1951.After engaging in discussions with the diocese, the Kapaun family decided that interring the remains of Fr. Kapaun in a crypt inside the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita would not only provide a safe and secure location for them, but would also allow opportunities for Catholics and many others inspired by Fr. Kapaun’s life to be able to visit and venerate this priest, whose cause for sainthood progresses, according to the Catholic Diocese of Wichita."In 1993, Fr. Emil Kapaun was named a “Servant of God”, which signified that his cause for canonization could begin. Fr. Kapaun’s placement in the Cathedral will be a temporary location in the event that the Church recognize him as a saint in the future, in which case a dedicated shrine or chapel might be erected to hold his remains and commemorate his life.The Catholic Diocese of Wichita is currently working with the family, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting agency (DPAA), and the Congregation for Saints in Rome to decide on a time frame for Fr. Kapaun’s return.&nbsp;

Remains of Kan. priest who died in Korean War coming home

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — A judge dismissed a lawsuit filed against the Blue Valley school district by a Johnson County Commissioner who was denied entry into a district meeting because she refused to wear a mask.

Johnson County District Judge Robert Wonnell ruled Friday that Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara had no standing to file the lawsuit under a state law passed last month that details how people can object to COVID-19 restrictions.

O’Hara said she has a medical condition that exempts her from wearing a mask, and she was told unless she could show proof of the exemption she could not attend a Tuesday hearing on the mask mandate.

In a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, Blue Valley officials argued O’Hara was not harmed by the district’s enforcement of the mask rule. The hearing was postponed after another person refused to wear a mask, and it was held virtually on Wednesday.

The district also argued O’Hara doesn’t have standing to challenge the law because she is not an employee, student, parent or guardian of district student. She does have grandchildren in the district.

District officials announced on Thursday that Blue Valley will keep its mask requirement until the end of the school year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618228074978.png" alt="In January Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara was sworn in and wrote, "I stand here masked, a price extracted for an in-person swearing in to office, even though I fall into a category exempt from masks as I suffer from tinnitus. Those who are hearing impaired are exempt from the mask mandate as are those speaking to them. My choice was to be sworn in virtually or wear the mask, capitulate and pay the entry fee to be sworn in in person. I have chosen the later."" />
 <figcaption>In January Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara was sworn in and wrote, "I stand here masked, a price extracted for an in-person swearing in to office, even though I fall into a category exempt from masks as I suffer from tinnitus. Those who are hearing impaired are exempt from the mask mandate as are those speaking to them. My choice was to be sworn in virtually or wear the mask, capitulate and pay the entry fee to be sworn in in person. I have chosen the later."</figcaption>
 </figure>OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — A judge dismissed a lawsuit filed against the Blue Valley school district by a Johnson County Commissioner who was denied entry into a district meeting because she refused to wear a mask.Johnson County District Judge Robert Wonnell ruled Friday that Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara had no standing to file the lawsuit under a state law passed last month that details how people can object to COVID-19 restrictions.O’Hara said she has a medical condition that exempts her from wearing a mask, and she was told unless she could show proof of the exemption she could not attend a Tuesday hearing on the mask mandate.In a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, Blue Valley officials argued O’Hara was not harmed by the district’s enforcement of the mask rule. The hearing was postponed after another person refused to wear a mask, and it was held virtually on Wednesday.The district also argued O’Hara doesn’t have standing to challenge the law because she is not an employee, student, parent or guardian of district student. She does have grandchildren in the district.District officials announced on Thursday that Blue Valley will keep its mask requirement until the end of the school year.

Lawsuit against Kan. school district over masks dismissed

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden released a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/20611847-biden-administration-budget-request" target="_blank">$1.5 trillion wish list</a>&nbsp;for his first federal budget, asking for substantial gains for Democratic priorities including education, health care, housing and environmental protection.

The request by the White House budget office Friday for an 8.4% increase in agency operating budgets spells out Biden’s top priorities as Congress weighs its spending plans for next year. It’s the first financial outline of the Democrats’ broader ambitions since the expiration of a 2011 law that capped congressional spending.

“I’m hoping it’ll have some bipartisan support across the board,” Biden said before an Oval Office meeting with his economics team, though prominent Senate Republicans immediately complained the plan would shortchange the military and national security in boosting domestic programs.

Bipartisanship in 2011 also restricted Democrats’ ambitions, a problem they’re now trying to address. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the administration was “inheriting a legacy of chronic underinvestment” because of the caps.

“The president is focused on reversing this trend and reinvesting in the foundations of our strength,” she told reporters at a briefing.

At stake is “discretionary spending,” roughly one-third of the huge federal budget that is passed by Congress each year, funding the military, domestic Cabinet department operations, foreign policy and homeland security. The rest of the budget involves so-called mandatory programs with locked-in spending, chiefly Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

The Biden request provides a significantly smaller 1.6% increase for the $700 billion-plus Pentagon budget than for domestic accounts. Homeland security accounts would basically be frozen, reflecting opposition among Democratic progressives to immigration security forces.

Senate Republicans were quick to criticize the modest proposed increase for defense, with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Oklahoma’s Jim Inhofe, Florida’s Marco Rubio, South Carolina’s Lindsey Graham and Alabama’s Richard Shelby releasing a joint statement.

“Talk is cheap, but defending our country is not,” they said. “We can’t afford to fail in our constitutional responsibility to provide for the common defense. To keep America strong, we must balance domestic and defense spending priorities.”

The appropriations process was one of the few consistent success stories of former President Donald Trump’s tumultuous four-year tenure in office, but this year’s budget cycle is not governed by the formal spending caps of a broader outline. The lapse of those caps opens the door to more domestic spending favored by Biden and Democrats but invites a battle with Republicans over military accounts.

The Biden administration believes the caps, imposed by a long-abandoned 2011 budget deal, caused a decade of severe underinvestment in public services that the president is now trying to turn around with large increases that would mostly bypass national security programs.

The administration says the request would bring spending in line with historical averages. It seeks $769 billion in non-defense discretionary funding, about equal to the 30-year average relative to the overall U.S. economy.

Biden wants to increase the Education Department’s budget by a massive 40.8% to $102.8 billion, which includes an additional $20 billion in grants for high-poverty schools.

The Department of Health and Human Services would get a 23.1% boost to $133.7 billion. There would be additional funds to combat opioid addiction and for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, whose mission took on new urgency during the coronavirus pandemic. The administration is also asking for $6.5 billion to establish a biomedical research agency to address cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and other diseases.

Biden is seeking a $14 billion increase across government agencies to address climate change. It’s part of a whole-of-government approach to the climate crisis that includes billions to boost environmental justice for communities near refineries, power plants and other hazardous sites.

Housing and Urban Development would get a 15.1% increase to $68.7 billion, primarily to provide housing vouchers for an additional 200,000 families. The administration also seeks more money for civil rights enforcement and addressing gun violence as a public health epidemic.

Passing the president’s plan as written through Congress is typically a long shot. Recent history and guaranteed conflicts with Republicans are likely to force lawmakers to put discretionary accounts on autopilot for months after the Sept. 30 expiration of the budget year.

The plan also details how the Biden administration will try to deal with the influx of arrivals at the U.S. southern border. It includes $861 million to invest in Central America to address the forces driving people to migrate to the United States. An additional $345 million would go to immigration services to resolve delays in years-long naturalization and asylum cases. The budget for the Executive Office of Immigration Review would jump 21% to $891 million in order to hire 100 new immigration judges and support teams to reduce the existing backlogs.

The president seeks modest increases for national security. Defense -- the largest department in the discretionary plan -- would get a 1.6% increase to $715 billion. Homeland Security would edge up 0.2% to $52 billion.

But the administration views diplomacy as a way to engage with the wider world. It’s pursuing a 12% increase in funding for the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development, taking their spending to $63.5 billion.

Friday’s request does not include plans for tax revenues or mandatory federal spending. Nor does it include the planned spending in Biden’s infrastructure plan. A fuller budget proposal will be released later this spring.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618062522198.png" alt="President Biden during a Friday meeting in the Oval Office said he wants to increase the Education Department’s budget by a massive 40.8% to $102.8 billion, which includes an additional $20 billion in grants for high-poverty schools-image courtesy White House." />
 <figcaption>President Biden during a Friday meeting in the Oval Office said he wants to increase the Education Department’s budget by a massive 40.8% to $102.8 billion, which includes an additional $20 billion in grants for high-poverty schools-image courtesy White House.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden released a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/20611847-biden-administration-budget-request" target="_blank">$1.5 trillion wish list</a>&nbsp;for his first federal budget, asking for substantial gains for Democratic priorities including education, health care, housing and environmental protection.The request by the White House budget office Friday for an 8.4% increase in agency operating budgets spells out Biden’s top priorities as Congress weighs its spending plans for next year. It’s the first financial outline of the Democrats’ broader ambitions since the expiration of a 2011 law that capped congressional spending.“I’m hoping it’ll have some bipartisan support across the board,” Biden said before an Oval Office meeting with his economics team, though prominent Senate Republicans immediately complained the plan would shortchange the military and national security in boosting domestic programs.Bipartisanship in 2011 also restricted Democrats’ ambitions, a problem they’re now trying to address. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the administration was “inheriting a legacy of chronic underinvestment” because of the caps.“The president is focused on reversing this trend and reinvesting in the foundations of our strength,” she told reporters at a briefing.At stake is “discretionary spending,” roughly one-third of the huge federal budget that is passed by Congress each year, funding the military, domestic Cabinet department operations, foreign policy and homeland security. The rest of the budget involves so-called mandatory programs with locked-in spending, chiefly Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.The Biden request provides a significantly smaller 1.6% increase for the $700 billion-plus Pentagon budget than for domestic accounts. Homeland security accounts would basically be frozen, reflecting opposition among Democratic progressives to immigration security forces.Senate Republicans were quick to criticize the modest proposed increase for defense, with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Oklahoma’s Jim Inhofe, Florida’s Marco Rubio, South Carolina’s Lindsey Graham and Alabama’s Richard Shelby releasing a joint statement.“Talk is cheap, but defending our country is not,” they said. “We can’t afford to fail in our constitutional responsibility to provide for the common defense. To keep America strong, we must balance domestic and defense spending priorities.”The appropriations process was one of the few consistent success stories of former President Donald Trump’s tumultuous four-year tenure in office, but this year’s budget cycle is not governed by the formal spending caps of a broader outline. The lapse of those caps opens the door to more domestic spending favored by Biden and Democrats but invites a battle with Republicans over military accounts.The Biden administration believes the caps, imposed by a long-abandoned 2011 budget deal, caused a decade of severe underinvestment in public services that the president is now trying to turn around with large increases that would mostly bypass national security programs.The administration says the request would bring spending in line with historical averages. It seeks $769 billion in non-defense discretionary funding, about equal to the 30-year average relative to the overall U.S. economy.Biden wants to increase the Education Department’s budget by a massive 40.8% to $102.8 billion, which includes an additional $20 billion in grants for high-poverty schools.The Department of Health and Human Services would get a 23.1% boost to $133.7 billion. There would be additional funds to combat opioid addiction and for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, whose mission took on new urgency during the coronavirus pandemic. The administration is also asking for $6.5 billion to establish a biomedical research agency to address cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and other diseases.Biden is seeking a $14 billion increase across government agencies to address climate change. It’s part of a whole-of-government approach to the climate crisis that includes billions to boost environmental justice for communities near refineries, power plants and other hazardous sites.Housing and Urban Development would get a 15.1% increase to $68.7 billion, primarily to provide housing vouchers for an additional 200,000 families. The administration also seeks more money for civil rights enforcement and addressing gun violence as a public health epidemic.Passing the president’s plan as written through Congress is typically a long shot. Recent history and guaranteed conflicts with Republicans are likely to force lawmakers to put discretionary accounts on autopilot for months after the Sept. 30 expiration of the budget year.The plan also details how the Biden administration will try to deal with the influx of arrivals at the U.S. southern border. It includes $861 million to invest in Central America to address the forces driving people to migrate to the United States. An additional $345 million would go to immigration services to resolve delays in years-long naturalization and asylum cases. The budget for the Executive Office of Immigration Review would jump 21% to $891 million in order to hire 100 new immigration judges and support teams to reduce the existing backlogs.The president seeks modest increases for national security. Defense -- the largest department in the discretionary plan -- would get a 1.6% increase to $715 billion. Homeland Security would edge up 0.2% to $52 billion.But the administration views diplomacy as a way to engage with the wider world. It’s pursuing a 12% increase in funding for the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development, taking their spending to $63.5 billion.Friday’s request does not include plans for tax revenues or mandatory federal spending. Nor does it include the planned spending in Biden’s infrastructure plan. A fuller budget proposal will be released later this spring.

Biden budget seeks more for schools, health care and housing

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating aggravated burglary and theft in Great Bend and have made an arrest. 

On April 8, police detained Dominque Hoch, age 23, in the 2400 block
of 11th Street, according to a media release. He was in possession of
methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to police. Officers arrested him on requested charges of aggravated burglary, possession of methamphetamine,
possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp.&nbsp; He is being held in the Barton County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618201677102.png" alt="Dominque Hoch has previous convictions for marijuana possession, criminal threat and for possession of opiates, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Barton County" />
 <figcaption>Dominque Hoch has previous convictions for marijuana possession, criminal threat and for possession of opiates, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Barton County</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating aggravated burglary and theft in Great Bend and have made an arrest. On April 8, police detained Dominque Hoch, age 23, in the 2400 block
of 11th Street, according to a media release. He was in possession of
methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to police. Officers arrested him on requested charges of aggravated burglary, possession of methamphetamine,
possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp.&nbsp; He is being held in the Barton County Jail.

Police: Kansas man arrested for alleged burglary, theft 

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City man has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder after a couple was shot to death inside a car.

Michael L. Gilmore, 23, was charged Friday in the deaths of Mia Sheridan and Joshua Gilmore-Harris, both 22, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office said.

Court documents said the victims were in a relationship and had two children. Police found the bodies inside a vehicle that came to a stop against a rock wall in eastern Kansas City.

Witnesses told officers Gilmore said he shot both victims during an argument inside the vehicle. Gilmore-Harris reportedly accused Gilmore of owing him money.

Gilmore told police he has known Gilmore-Harris for about 10 years but denied having been with the victims the day they were killed. Bond was set at $500,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618092477502.png" alt="Gilmore photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Gilmore photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City man has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder after a couple was shot to death inside a car.Michael L. Gilmore, 23, was charged Friday in the deaths of Mia Sheridan and Joshua Gilmore-Harris, both 22, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office said.Court documents said the victims were in a relationship and had two children. Police found the bodies inside a vehicle that came to a stop against a rock wall in eastern Kansas City.Witnesses told officers Gilmore said he shot both victims during an argument inside the vehicle. Gilmore-Harris reportedly accused Gilmore of owing him money.Gilmore told police he has known Gilmore-Harris for about 10 years but denied having been with the victims the day they were killed. Bond was set at $500,000 bond.

Kansas City man charged  in murder of 22-year-old couple

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in Wichita.

Just after 3a.m. Sunday, police&nbsp;&nbsp;responded to a shooting call in the 5100 block of E 2nd Street in Wichita, according to officer Trevor Macy.

 Upon arrival, they located a 20-year-old man in the backyard of a home in the 200 block of North Battin who was suffering from a gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased on scene.

Three additional&nbsp; male victims ages 29, 26 and 17 all suffering gunshot wounds, arrived at an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; They were treated for their injuries and released, according to Macy.

Investigators learned that the victims were involved in a party at a home on Battin, which was being rented out as an Airbnb. 

The investigation is ongoing into what led to the shooting. Cooperation from the victims has been limited, but this does not appear to be a random incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618171433205.png" alt="Police on the scene of the Sunday investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the Sunday investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in Wichita.Just after 3a.m. Sunday, police&nbsp;&nbsp;responded to a shooting call in the 5100 block of E 2nd Street in Wichita, according to officer Trevor Macy. Upon arrival, they located a 20-year-old man in the backyard of a home in the 200 block of North Battin who was suffering from a gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased on scene.Three additional&nbsp; male victims ages 29, 26 and 17 all suffering gunshot wounds, arrived at an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; They were treated for their injuries and released, according to Macy.Investigators learned that the victims were involved in a party at a home on Battin, which was being rented out as an Airbnb. The investigation is ongoing into what led to the shooting. Cooperation from the victims has been limited, but this does not appear to be a random incident.

1 dead, 3 wounded in shooting at Airbnb in Kansas

GRAY COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 4a.m. Sunday in Gray County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Escape driven by&nbsp; Cleff O. Andre, 22, Holcomb,was westbound on U.S. 50 fifteen miles&nbsp; east of Garden City.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The car crossed left of center struck an eastbound 2021 Peterbilt semi driven by Phillip A. Stout, 60, Lebanon, Mo, near the south shoulder.

Andre was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;Stout was not injured.&nbsp; Andre was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

GRAY COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 4a.m. Sunday in Gray County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Escape driven by&nbsp; Cleff O. Andre, 22, Holcomb,was westbound on U.S. 50 fifteen miles&nbsp; east of Garden City.&nbsp; &nbsp;The car crossed left of center struck an eastbound 2021 Peterbilt semi driven by Phillip A. Stout, 60, Lebanon, Mo, near the south shoulder.Andre was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;Stout was not injured.&nbsp; Andre was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

22-year-old Kan. man dies after crash with a semi

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. government picked up nearly 19,000 children traveling alone across the Mexican border in March, authorities said Thursday, the largest monthly number ever recorded and a major test for President Joe Biden as he reverses many of his predecessor’s hardline immigration tactics.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-mexico-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-6a412f3edf07715509e3181b8bc63ca7">complex mix of factors</a>&nbsp;in the United States and Central America drove the increase. It has coincided with the Biden administration’s decision to exempt unaccompanied children from pandemic-related powers to immediately expel most people from the country without giving them an opportunity to seek asylum. Children are instead released to “sponsors” in the U.S., usually parents or close relatives, while being allowed to pursue their cases in heavily backlogged immigration courts.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/southwest-land-border-encounters" target="_blank">Border Patrol encountered</a>&nbsp;18,663 unaccompanied children in March, well above previous highs of 11,475 in May 2019 and 10,620 in June 2014. The agency started publishing the numbers in 2009. Before then, adults made up the vast majority of those crossing the border.

March’s count was roughly double the number of unaccompanied children encountered by the Border Patrol in February and more than five times the number in March 2020.

The huge increase in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-coronavirus-pandemic-immigration-us-news-texas-e1cd317d83c3a2c2fe829b1d2e03cd4e">children traveling alone</a>&nbsp;— some as young as 3 — and families has severely strained border holding facilities, which aren’t allowed to hold people for more than three days but often do. It’s left the government scrambling to find space and hire staff to care for children longer term until they can be placed with sponsors.

For many, a hurricane that hit Central America in November added urgency to endemic poverty and violence that have led people to flee for decades.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-mexico-health-immigration-immigration-policy-1fb007e86452849d8e373908a3d81e94">Changes in U.S. policy under Biden</a>&nbsp;also have guided their decisions, whether real or rumored.

Hermelindo Ak, a Guatemalan corn grower who barely makes enough to feed his family, was expelled to Mexico from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-crossing-rio-grande-valley-texas-b47bbbb5846c8528a016f1bb9bbc3db0">Texas’ Rio Grande Valley</a>&nbsp;with his 17-year-old son. Ak decided to send his son alone for a second attempt after learning unaccompanied children can stay in the U.S. Ak, 40, said he would return to family in Guatemala after selling his house to pay smugglers. The plan was for his oldest son to live with relatives in the U.S.

“I didn’t want to leave him alone,” Ak said last week in the Mexican border city of Reynosa. “Necessity obligates us.”

Amid the growing numbers, more than 4,000 people at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection holding facility have been jammed into a space designed for 250 at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-immigration-texas-59d0eafb23d135f901dfc50ff326cfcd">tent complex in Donna, Texas</a>. They lay inches apart on mats on the floor with foil blankets.

CBP must transfer unaccompanied children within 72 hours to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, whose facilities are more suited to longer-term care while arrangements are made to release them. More than 2,000 children were held longer than that at the Donna facility one day last week, with 39 there at least 15 days.

HHS opened its first temporary holding facility in Carrizo Springs, Texas, on Feb. 22, and has since struck a slew of agreements to occupy large venues near the border, including convention centers in Dallas and San Diego, a stadium in San Antonio and Fort Bliss army base in El Paso, Texas. The department also has been paying for flights for children and sponsors to limit time in government custody.

In this March 19 photo, migrants are seen in custody at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing area under the Anzalduas International Bridge, in Mission, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Overall, the Border Patrol had 168,195 encounters with migrants on the southern border in March, its busiest month since March 2001, when it counted 170,580 arrests. The numbers aren’t entirely comparable because more than half of last month’s encounters resulted in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-coronavirus-pandemic-immigration-border-guatemala-4d6e258b4b23c4f068b008af83c1151e">expulsions under pandemic-related authority</a>&nbsp;instituted by former President Donald Trump and kept in place by Biden.

People who are expelled are far more likely to try again because they face no legal consequences.

Unlike expulsions, people arrested under immigration laws can face jail time, felony prosecution for repeat offenses and bans on entering the country legally through marriage or other means. Biden administration officials said 28% of expulsions in March were people who had been expelled before, compared with a 7% pre-pandemic recidivism rate for the 12-month period that ended in September 2019.

The Border Patrol had 52,904 encounters with people arriving as families, with only about one in three being expelled and the rest allowed to stay in the U.S. to pursue asylum.

Mexico’s refusal to accept Central American families with children 6 and under because of a new law against detaining migrant families has limited the effectiveness of expulsions, administration officials said.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mexico-immigration-guatemala-central-america-cbb61c31526c988451c305855c8f8486">Mexico</a>&nbsp;is especially reluctant to accept families with young children in Tamaulipas state bordering the Rio Grande Valley, the busiest corridor for illegal crossings.

The means hundreds of migrants go to bus stations in Texas border towns like McAllen and Brownsville on their way to their final destinations in the U.S. To save time, the Border Patrol last month began releasing migrant families — about 9,600 people as of Tuesday, according to U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/migants-freed-without-court-notice-paperwork-9ace3e41e0acadac7cece17c83a8f7ff">without notices to appear in court</a>, instead directing them to report to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in 60 days.

Numbers grew sharply during Trump’s final year in office but further accelerated under Biden, who quickly ended many of his predecessor’s policies, including one that made asylum-seekers wait in Mexico for court hearings in the U.S.

Mexicans represented the largest proportion of people encountered by the U.S. Border Patrol, and nearly all were single adults. Arrivals of people from Honduras and Guatemala were second and third, respectively, and more than half of the people from those countries were families or children traveling alone.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617909066947.png" alt="Migrants near the U.S. Texas border last month -image courtesy Sen. Roger Marshall" />
 <figcaption>Migrants near the U.S. Texas border last month -image courtesy Sen. Roger Marshall</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. government picked up nearly 19,000 children traveling alone across the Mexican border in March, authorities said Thursday, the largest monthly number ever recorded and a major test for President Joe Biden as he reverses many of his predecessor’s hardline immigration tactics.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-mexico-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-6a412f3edf07715509e3181b8bc63ca7">complex mix of factors</a>&nbsp;in the United States and Central America drove the increase. It has coincided with the Biden administration’s decision to exempt unaccompanied children from pandemic-related powers to immediately expel most people from the country without giving them an opportunity to seek asylum. Children are instead released to “sponsors” in the U.S., usually parents or close relatives, while being allowed to pursue their cases in heavily backlogged immigration courts.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/southwest-land-border-encounters" target="_blank">Border Patrol encountered</a>&nbsp;18,663 unaccompanied children in March, well above previous highs of 11,475 in May 2019 and 10,620 in June 2014. The agency started publishing the numbers in 2009. Before then, adults made up the vast majority of those crossing the border.March’s count was roughly double the number of unaccompanied children encountered by the Border Patrol in February and more than five times the number in March 2020.The huge increase in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-coronavirus-pandemic-immigration-us-news-texas-e1cd317d83c3a2c2fe829b1d2e03cd4e">children traveling alone</a>&nbsp;— some as young as 3 — and families has severely strained border holding facilities, which aren’t allowed to hold people for more than three days but often do. It’s left the government scrambling to find space and hire staff to care for children longer term until they can be placed with sponsors.For many, a hurricane that hit Central America in November added urgency to endemic poverty and violence that have led people to flee for decades.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-mexico-health-immigration-immigration-policy-1fb007e86452849d8e373908a3d81e94">Changes in U.S. policy under Biden</a>&nbsp;also have guided their decisions, whether real or rumored.Hermelindo Ak, a Guatemalan corn grower who barely makes enough to feed his family, was expelled to Mexico from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-crossing-rio-grande-valley-texas-b47bbbb5846c8528a016f1bb9bbc3db0">Texas’ Rio Grande Valley</a>&nbsp;with his 17-year-old son. Ak decided to send his son alone for a second attempt after learning unaccompanied children can stay in the U.S. Ak, 40, said he would return to family in Guatemala after selling his house to pay smugglers. The plan was for his oldest son to live with relatives in the U.S.“I didn’t want to leave him alone,” Ak said last week in the Mexican border city of Reynosa. “Necessity obligates us.”Amid the growing numbers, more than 4,000 people at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection holding facility have been jammed into a space designed for 250 at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-immigration-texas-59d0eafb23d135f901dfc50ff326cfcd">tent complex in Donna, Texas</a>. They lay inches apart on mats on the floor with foil blankets.CBP must transfer unaccompanied children within 72 hours to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, whose facilities are more suited to longer-term care while arrangements are made to release them. More than 2,000 children were held longer than that at the Donna facility one day last week, with 39 there at least 15 days.HHS opened its first temporary holding facility in Carrizo Springs, Texas, on Feb. 22, and has since struck a slew of agreements to occupy large venues near the border, including convention centers in Dallas and San Diego, a stadium in San Antonio and Fort Bliss army base in El Paso, Texas. The department also has been paying for flights for children and sponsors to limit time in government custody.In this March 19 photo, migrants are seen in custody at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing area under the Anzalduas International Bridge, in Mission, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)Overall, the Border Patrol had 168,195 encounters with migrants on the southern border in March, its busiest month since March 2001, when it counted 170,580 arrests. The numbers aren’t entirely comparable because more than half of last month’s encounters resulted in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-coronavirus-pandemic-immigration-border-guatemala-4d6e258b4b23c4f068b008af83c1151e">expulsions under pandemic-related authority</a>&nbsp;instituted by former President Donald Trump and kept in place by Biden.People who are expelled are far more likely to try again because they face no legal consequences.Unlike expulsions, people arrested under immigration laws can face jail time, felony prosecution for repeat offenses and bans on entering the country legally through marriage or other means. Biden administration officials said 28% of expulsions in March were people who had been expelled before, compared with a 7% pre-pandemic recidivism rate for the 12-month period that ended in September 2019.The Border Patrol had 52,904 encounters with people arriving as families, with only about one in three being expelled and the rest allowed to stay in the U.S. to pursue asylum.Mexico’s refusal to accept Central American families with children 6 and under because of a new law against detaining migrant families has limited the effectiveness of expulsions, administration officials said.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mexico-immigration-guatemala-central-america-cbb61c31526c988451c305855c8f8486">Mexico</a>&nbsp;is especially reluctant to accept families with young children in Tamaulipas state bordering the Rio Grande Valley, the busiest corridor for illegal crossings.The means hundreds of migrants go to bus stations in Texas border towns like McAllen and Brownsville on their way to their final destinations in the U.S. To save time, the Border Patrol last month began releasing migrant families — about 9,600 people as of Tuesday, according to U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/migants-freed-without-court-notice-paperwork-9ace3e41e0acadac7cece17c83a8f7ff">without notices to appear in court</a>, instead directing them to report to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in 60 days.Numbers grew sharply during Trump’s final year in office but further accelerated under Biden, who quickly ended many of his predecessor’s policies, including one that made asylum-seekers wait in Mexico for court hearings in the U.S.Mexicans represented the largest proportion of people encountered by the U.S. Border Patrol, and nearly all were single adults. Arrivals of people from Honduras and Guatemala were second and third, respectively, and more than half of the people from those countries were families or children traveling alone.