PARIS (AP) — French health officials said Friday that people under 55 who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine should get other vaccines for their second shot because of an extremely rare risk of a blood clotting disorder.

Germany is expected to recommend a similar booster dose strategy for people under age 60. The World Health Organization says it’s too early to know whether to recommend such vaccine mixing, however, and the European Medicines Agency hasn’t advised putting any age restrictions on the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

French authorities said the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company’s vaccine remains central to its vaccination plan strategy, and they urged older populations to keep taking it as France’s hospitals battle another surge in COVID-19 patients.

“It’s an effective vaccine,” Dominique Le Guludec, president of France’s High Authority for Health, told reporters. “If we want to win the battle against the virus, we must use all weapons at our disposition.”

Several European countries decided in recent weeks to limit their use of the AstraZeneca vaccine to older people because of strengthening evidence the vaccine may be linked to rare blood clots in younger populations.

Since March 19, France has only offered the vaccine to people over 55. More than half a million French people under that age — including Health Minister Olivier Veran — received a first dose before then.

France’s High Authority for Health said Friday that it is maintaining the age limit for now and recommending that younger people who received the AstraZeneca vaccine for their first dose should get booster shots of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines instead.

“It’s a precautionary measure,” Veran said Friday on RTL radio.

The health authority also called for more research on the effects of vaccine mixing.

Germany on March 30 recommended restricting the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine to people over 60, in most cases. The country’s independent vaccine expert panel last week recommended giving a second shot of the BioNTech or Moderna vaccines to people under 60 who had received a first shot of AstraZeneca’s product.

Health ministers from Germany’s 16 states are expected to sign off on the recommendation next week.

Dr. Margaret Harris, a WHO spokeswoman, said Friday that an advisory group on immunization made recommendations about the AstraZeneca vaccine in February, but didn’t have enough information at the time to determine whether it could be used in conjunction with other vaccines.

“There is not adequate data to be able to say whether this is something that could be done,” Harris told a U.N. press briefing in Geneva.

France, which has reported one of the world’s highest virus death tolls, has closed schools and nonessential businesses for a month and imposed nationwide travel restrictions to stem the spread of new virus variants.

It’s also trying to speed up vaccinations. President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged Friday that the United States “won the bet” on coronavirus vaccines by investing massively and moving fast with experimental treatments.

Macron visited a French factory that started bottling and packaging Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines this week, and urged his compatriots to join a “national war effort” to administer and make vaccines. He promised that France would produce 250 million vaccine doses this year for domestic and global use.

PARIS (AP) — French health officials said Friday that people under 55 who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine should get other vaccines for their second shot because of an extremely rare risk of a blood clotting disorder.Germany is expected to recommend a similar booster dose strategy for people under age 60. The World Health Organization says it’s too early to know whether to recommend such vaccine mixing, however, and the European Medicines Agency hasn’t advised putting any age restrictions on the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine.French authorities said the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company’s vaccine remains central to its vaccination plan strategy, and they urged older populations to keep taking it as France’s hospitals battle another surge in COVID-19 patients.“It’s an effective vaccine,” Dominique Le Guludec, president of France’s High Authority for Health, told reporters. “If we want to win the battle against the virus, we must use all weapons at our disposition.”Several European countries decided in recent weeks to limit their use of the AstraZeneca vaccine to older people because of strengthening evidence the vaccine may be linked to rare blood clots in younger populations.Since March 19, France has only offered the vaccine to people over 55. More than half a million French people under that age — including Health Minister Olivier Veran — received a first dose before then.France’s High Authority for Health said Friday that it is maintaining the age limit for now and recommending that younger people who received the AstraZeneca vaccine for their first dose should get booster shots of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines instead.“It’s a precautionary measure,” Veran said Friday on RTL radio.The health authority also called for more research on the effects of vaccine mixing.Germany on March 30 recommended restricting the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine to people over 60, in most cases. The country’s independent vaccine expert panel last week recommended giving a second shot of the BioNTech or Moderna vaccines to people under 60 who had received a first shot of AstraZeneca’s product.Health ministers from Germany’s 16 states are expected to sign off on the recommendation next week.Dr. Margaret Harris, a WHO spokeswoman, said Friday that an advisory group on immunization made recommendations about the AstraZeneca vaccine in February, but didn’t have enough information at the time to determine whether it could be used in conjunction with other vaccines.“There is not adequate data to be able to say whether this is something that could be done,” Harris told a U.N. press briefing in Geneva.France, which has reported one of the world’s highest virus death tolls, has closed schools and nonessential businesses for a month and imposed nationwide travel restrictions to stem the spread of new virus variants.It’s also trying to speed up vaccinations. President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged Friday that the United States “won the bet” on coronavirus vaccines by investing massively and moving fast with experimental treatments.Macron visited a French factory that started bottling and packaging Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines this week, and urged his compatriots to join a “national war effort” to administer and make vaccines. He promised that France would produce 250 million vaccine doses this year for domestic and global use.

Some countries recommend mixing COVID-19 vaccines  

KOSHKONONG, Mo. (AP) — One person was killed and three others were critically injured Saturday morning in a shooting at a convenience store in southern Missouri, authorities said.

The shooting occurred at a Snappy Mart convenience store in Koshkonong, a town of about 200 people on the Missouri-Arkansas border.

Officers were alerted when a clerk inside the store called 911. The suspect walked into the store and started firing with a handgun. Several witnesses inside the store were not injured, Oregon County Sheriff Eric King said.

A 28-year-old suspect from Thayer, Missouri, was arrested about four hours later in neighboring Howell County, King said. Authorities do not believe any other suspects are involved.

The suspect and at least one of the victims knew each other, the sheriff said. Three of the victims, including the person who died, were from out of state. No other details were immediately released. Koshkonong is about 145 miles southeast of Springfield, Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618080788145.png" alt="Sheriff's deputies have arrested a suspect -photo courtesy KYTV" />
 <figcaption>Sheriff's deputies have arrested a suspect -photo courtesy KYTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KOSHKONONG, Mo. (AP) — One person was killed and three others were critically injured Saturday morning in a shooting at a convenience store in southern Missouri, authorities said.The shooting occurred at a Snappy Mart convenience store in Koshkonong, a town of about 200 people on the Missouri-Arkansas border.Officers were alerted when a clerk inside the store called 911. The suspect walked into the store and started firing with a handgun. Several witnesses inside the store were not injured, Oregon County Sheriff Eric King said.A 28-year-old suspect from Thayer, Missouri, was arrested about four hours later in neighboring Howell County, King said. Authorities do not believe any other suspects are involved.The suspect and at least one of the victims knew each other, the sheriff said. Three of the victims, including the person who died, were from out of state. No other details were immediately released. Koshkonong is about 145 miles southeast of Springfield, Missouri.

1 dead, 3 injured in shooting at Missouri convenience store

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced that $16 billion in grants will be administered to shuttered venues through the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOG) program by the Small Business Administration (SBA), according to a media release.

“Kansas venues are an integral part of our history, our culture, and our communities,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said. “I strongly support the SBA’s efforts to aid these important local businesses. These grants will ensure venues emerge from the pandemic with the resources they need, and I encourage all Kansas venues that are eligible to apply for the program.”

The SVOG program will be administered by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance.

Eligible applicants may qualify for the SVOG grant equal to&nbsp;45% of their gross earned revenue for 2019, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million.

$2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees. The program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, signed into law on December 27, 2020.

“Kansas venues were hit especially hard by this pandemic, and this program was established specifically to support them,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said.&nbsp;“SBA has created a strong lifeline for venues in our state, and I would encourage any business owner who feels this funding could help them to apply. To Kansans with impacted venues - you are not alone. We're here to help.”

Eligible entities must have been in operation by February 29, 2020 and include:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been catastrophic for our industry, with most venues facing 95%+ revenue loss,”&nbsp;Adam Hartke, Co-Owner of the Cotillion in Wichita, said.&nbsp;“Through these hard times we have committed to persevere to become once again economic, tourism, and cultural drivers within Kansas.”

“Prior to COVID, our economic impact within Kansas was over $400 million annually, and we brought&nbsp;tens of thousands of tourists to Kansas from across the country for shows at our venues every year,”&nbsp;Jessie Hartke, Cotillion Co-Owner, said.&nbsp;“We are ready to get back to work, and with the continued overwhelming support of the State of Kansas, grow our industry for years to come, gaining Kansas the recognition it deserves as a vital tour stop for traveling musicians, and shedding light on the vast depth of local talent found within our local communities.”

All eligible Kansas venues are encouraged to take part in the SVOG program. You can learn more about the Program and apply&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MDkuMzg1MjQ2OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2djYzAyLnNhZmVsaW5rcy5wcm90ZWN0aW9uLm91dGxvb2suY29tLz91cmw9aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuc2JhLmdvdiUyRmZ1bmRpbmctcHJvZ3JhbXMlMkZsb2FucyUyRmNvdmlkLTE5LXJlbGllZi1vcHRpb25zJTJGc2h1dHRlcmVkLXZlbnVlLW9wZXJhdG9ycy1ncmFudCZkYXRhPTA0JTdDMDElN0NSYXluYS5LYXJzdCU0MGtzLmdvdiU3QzIxYWRiMDM4MTlkMjQzYzI3NzA1MDhkOGZiNzQ2ZTRjJTdDZGNhZTgxMDFjOTJkNDgwY2JjNDNjNjc2MWNjY2NjNWElN0MwJTdDMCU3QzYzNzUzNTgyNDc2NDczMTQwMCU3Q1Vua25vd24lN0NUV0ZwYkdac2IzZDhleUpXSWpvaU1DNHdMakF3TURBaUxDSlFJam9pVjJsdU16SWlMQ0pCVGlJNklrMWhhV3dpTENKWFZDSTZNbjAlM0QlN0MxMDAwJnNkYXRhPTFJcG5Na20zWUpSb3cwaThXUCUyQjBicFVZOGlqZldiMSUyQnRUdEhYTSUyRnR2Q1klM0QmcmVzZXJ2ZWQ9MCJ9.f62zmuWdIVcrQ67l_qBWUO7fdlLzOKM-CCLbmLtVlGY/s/1303160919/br/101757746494-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584386106306.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced that $16 billion in grants will be administered to shuttered venues through the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOG) program by the Small Business Administration (SBA), according to a media release.“Kansas venues are an integral part of our history, our culture, and our communities,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said. “I strongly support the SBA’s efforts to aid these important local businesses. These grants will ensure venues emerge from the pandemic with the resources they need, and I encourage all Kansas venues that are eligible to apply for the program.”The SVOG program will be administered by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance.Eligible applicants may qualify for the SVOG grant equal to&nbsp;45% of their gross earned revenue for 2019, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million.$2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees. The program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, signed into law on December 27, 2020.“Kansas venues were hit especially hard by this pandemic, and this program was established specifically to support them,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said.&nbsp;“SBA has created a strong lifeline for venues in our state, and I would encourage any business owner who feels this funding could help them to apply. To Kansans with impacted venues - you are not alone. We're here to help.”Eligible entities must have been in operation by February 29, 2020 and include:<ul>
 <li>Live venue operators or promoters</li><li>Theatrical producers</li><li>Live performing arts organization operators</li><li>Relevant museum operators, zoos, and aquariums</li><li>Motion picture theater operators</li><li>Venue must have&nbsp;fixed seating</li><li>Talent representatives</li><li>Owners of eligible business entities</li>
 </ul>“The COVID-19 pandemic has been catastrophic for our industry, with most venues facing 95%+ revenue loss,”&nbsp;Adam Hartke, Co-Owner of the Cotillion in Wichita, said.&nbsp;“Through these hard times we have committed to persevere to become once again economic, tourism, and cultural drivers within Kansas.”“Prior to COVID, our economic impact within Kansas was over $400 million annually, and we brought&nbsp;tens of thousands of tourists to Kansas from across the country for shows at our venues every year,”&nbsp;Jessie Hartke, Cotillion Co-Owner, said.&nbsp;“We are ready to get back to work, and with the continued overwhelming support of the State of Kansas, grow our industry for years to come, gaining Kansas the recognition it deserves as a vital tour stop for traveling musicians, and shedding light on the vast depth of local talent found within our local communities.”All eligible Kansas venues are encouraged to take part in the SVOG program. You can learn more about the Program and apply&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.f62zmuWdIVcrQ67l_qBWUO7fdlLzOKM-CCLbmLtVlGY/s/1303160919/br/101757746494-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

$16B in grants available to Kan. venues affected by COVID

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Two female police officers allege in a lawsuit that the Overland Park, Kansas, police department discriminated against them when it repeatedly passed over them for promotions in favor of younger, less experienced men.

Capt. Kathleen Morgan and Sgt. Tirsa Otero filed the lawsuit alleging discrimination based on race, age and gender. It was recently moved to the U.S. District Court in Kansas City because its discrimination claims are made under federal law, the Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/article250528689.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Police spokesman Officer John Lace declined to comment on the ongoing lawsuit.

Morgan, 57, has served in the department for 25 years, including more than eight years as a captain. Otero, 52, has been with the department for 19 years, with more than eight years as a sergeant.

The lawsuit contends that Morgan has applied multiple times for the rank of police major, but has not been offered the position despite meeting qualifications. She was told the police department “want(s) someone who’s going to be here for a while,” which she contends constitutes age discrimination.

Otero, who is of Puerto Rican descent, alleged she has applied for promotion to captain multiple times, but the positions were filled with younger, less qualified white men.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Two female police officers allege in a lawsuit that the Overland Park, Kansas, police department discriminated against them when it repeatedly passed over them for promotions in favor of younger, less experienced men.Capt. Kathleen Morgan and Sgt. Tirsa Otero filed the lawsuit alleging discrimination based on race, age and gender. It was recently moved to the U.S. District Court in Kansas City because its discrimination claims are made under federal law, the Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/article250528689.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.Police spokesman Officer John Lace declined to comment on the ongoing lawsuit.Morgan, 57, has served in the department for 25 years, including more than eight years as a captain. Otero, 52, has been with the department for 19 years, with more than eight years as a sergeant.The lawsuit contends that Morgan has applied multiple times for the rank of police major, but has not been offered the position despite meeting qualifications. She was told the police department “want(s) someone who’s going to be here for a while,” which she contends constitutes age discrimination.Otero, who is of Puerto Rican descent, alleged she has applied for promotion to captain multiple times, but the positions were filled with younger, less qualified white men.

2 Kansas police officers allege discrimination in lawsuit

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A split among Republicans on Friday blocked a proposal from conservative Kansas lawmakers to allow parents of academically struggling students to pay for private schooling with state dollars normally earmarked for public schools.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/ccrb_sb175_02_2119.pdf" target="_blank">A bill</a>&nbsp;that ties public school funding to the proposal failed on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210409132538_694551/" target="_blank">a 20-20 vote</a>&nbsp;in the GOP-controlled Senate. The chamber had&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210408231159_686939/" target="_blank">voted 19-19</a>&nbsp;against the measure Thursday night, with two Republicans absent.

The bill would set up education savings accounts for students who are at risk of failing in public schools. Parents could use the funds for a wide range of educational expenses to help their children, including private school tuition.

The measure included Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s proposal for $5.2 billion in state aid for public schools for 2021-22. Democrats said the measure potentially siphons off several hundred million dollars for the new savings accounts, and even some Republicans were wary, particularly because senators had not previously had not debated such an aggressive “school choice” initiative.

“It’s taking public funds and sending them to private and parochial schools,” said Sen. Brenda Dietrich, a moderate Topeka Republican and a former public school superintendent. “I think our job is to shore up public education.”

Nine Republicans joined the Senate’s 11 Democrats in voting against the measure. The House approved it Thursday in&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210408153110_690539/" target="_blank">a 64-59 vote</a>&nbsp;that saw 20 of the chamber’s 86 Republicans join all 39 Democrats in voting no.

Conservative Republicans argued their proposed “Student Empowerment Program” would give parents more ways to help their children and that promoting “school choice” pushes public schools to improve.

“We need to make sure that at-risk kids don’t stay where they are, which is not succeeding like they should be succeeding,” said Rep. Kristey Williams, an Augusta Republican and the chair of a House committee on education spending.

GOP conservatives now must draft a new proposal and work to win over at least one dissident Republican in the Senate if they’re to get a bill passed this year.

Williams promised another attempt after the Legislature returns May 3 from its annual spring break. She also told reporters that she wants to keep&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-school-choice-education-kansas-topeka-c83a8d06af93e64f5647b0b9e53bed66">linking funding for public schools to major policy changes</a>&nbsp;in a single package.

“We’ve gotten accustomed to funding K-12 — 52% of our budget — without requiring a return on our investment,” she said.

Senate Education Committee Chair Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican, said the focus may turn to other school policy issues. She said the proposal for the education savings accounts needs a “real vetting process” in the Senate.

“It may be quite frankly that the ask is the House needs to address that again next year,” she said.

Kelly also has hinted that she might veto a bill with such a proposal even if it contains her proposed funding for public schools. She said last week that the savings-account proposal would “cut millions in funding from public schools and harm our students.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618011715999.png" alt="Rep. Kristey Williams promised another attempt after the Legislature returns May 3 from its annual spring break. " />
 <figcaption>Rep. Kristey Williams promised another attempt after the Legislature returns May 3 from its annual spring break. </figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A split among Republicans on Friday blocked a proposal from conservative Kansas lawmakers to allow parents of academically struggling students to pay for private schooling with state dollars normally earmarked for public schools.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/ccrb_sb175_02_2119.pdf" target="_blank">A bill</a>&nbsp;that ties public school funding to the proposal failed on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210409132538_694551/" target="_blank">a 20-20 vote</a>&nbsp;in the GOP-controlled Senate. The chamber had&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210408231159_686939/" target="_blank">voted 19-19</a>&nbsp;against the measure Thursday night, with two Republicans absent.The bill would set up education savings accounts for students who are at risk of failing in public schools. Parents could use the funds for a wide range of educational expenses to help their children, including private school tuition.The measure included Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s proposal for $5.2 billion in state aid for public schools for 2021-22. Democrats said the measure potentially siphons off several hundred million dollars for the new savings accounts, and even some Republicans were wary, particularly because senators had not previously had not debated such an aggressive “school choice” initiative.“It’s taking public funds and sending them to private and parochial schools,” said Sen. Brenda Dietrich, a moderate Topeka Republican and a former public school superintendent. “I think our job is to shore up public education.”Nine Republicans joined the Senate’s 11 Democrats in voting against the measure. The House approved it Thursday in&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210408153110_690539/" target="_blank">a 64-59 vote</a>&nbsp;that saw 20 of the chamber’s 86 Republicans join all 39 Democrats in voting no.Conservative Republicans argued their proposed “Student Empowerment Program” would give parents more ways to help their children and that promoting “school choice” pushes public schools to improve.“We need to make sure that at-risk kids don’t stay where they are, which is not succeeding like they should be succeeding,” said Rep. Kristey Williams, an Augusta Republican and the chair of a House committee on education spending.GOP conservatives now must draft a new proposal and work to win over at least one dissident Republican in the Senate if they’re to get a bill passed this year.Williams promised another attempt after the Legislature returns May 3 from its annual spring break. She also told reporters that she wants to keep&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-school-choice-education-kansas-topeka-c83a8d06af93e64f5647b0b9e53bed66">linking funding for public schools to major policy changes</a>&nbsp;in a single package.“We’ve gotten accustomed to funding K-12 — 52% of our budget — without requiring a return on our investment,” she said.Senate Education Committee Chair Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican, said the focus may turn to other school policy issues. She said the proposal for the education savings accounts needs a “real vetting process” in the Senate.“It may be quite frankly that the ask is the House needs to address that again next year,” she said.Kelly also has hinted that she might veto a bill with such a proposal even if it contains her proposed funding for public schools. She said last week that the savings-account proposal would “cut millions in funding from public schools and harm our students.”

Push for 'school choice' measure in Kansas falters 

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds eligible residents 
of the U.S. territories that if they receive unemployment compensation 
payments that are otherwise&nbsp; subject to U.S. income tax, they may be 
eligible to exclude up to $10,200 per person of &nbsp;unemployment 
compensation from U.S. income tax for 2020, following legislation that 
was passed March 11, 2021.

Taxpayers with modified adjusted income of less than $150,000 may 
exclude the first $10,200 of unemployment compensation from their 2020 
federal income tax return. In the case of taxpayers that are married 
filing jointly, the maximum exclusion would be $10,200 for each spouse 
for a maximum of $20,400. Taxpayers who filed before the law was passed <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-to-recalculate-taxes-on-unemployment-benefits-refunds-to-start-in-may">should not file an amended return</a>.

Last year, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress passed 
legislation providing eligible individuals with two new types of 
pandemic-related unemployment compensation, which are subject to the 
same U.S. tax rules that apply to other unemployment compensation:

The $10,200 exclusion applies to these new types of unemployment compensation for U.S. income tax purposes.

The IRS also notes that for U.S. income tax purposes, unemployment 
compensation is generally considered sourced where the taxpayer 
performed the underlying services. For guidance on the U.S. income 
taxation of residents of the U.S. territories, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-570">Publication 570, Tax Guide for Individuals with Income from U.S. Possessions</a>.

The U.S. territories are American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the
 U.S. Virgin Islands.

U.S. territory residents should contact their territory tax 
department with questions relating to the taxation of COVID-related 
unemployment compensation at the territory level.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds eligible residents 
of the U.S. territories that if they receive unemployment compensation 
payments that are otherwise&nbsp; subject to U.S. income tax, they may be 
eligible to exclude up to $10,200 per person of &nbsp;unemployment 
compensation from U.S. income tax for 2020, following legislation that 
was passed March 11, 2021.Taxpayers with modified adjusted income of less than $150,000 may 
exclude the first $10,200 of unemployment compensation from their 2020 
federal income tax return. In the case of taxpayers that are married 
filing jointly, the maximum exclusion would be $10,200 for each spouse 
for a maximum of $20,400. Taxpayers who filed before the law was passed <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-to-recalculate-taxes-on-unemployment-benefits-refunds-to-start-in-may">should not file an amended return</a>.Last year, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress passed 
legislation providing eligible individuals with two new types of 
pandemic-related unemployment compensation, which are subject to the 
same U.S. tax rules that apply to other unemployment compensation:<ul>
 <li>Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)</li><li>Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)</li>
 </ul>The $10,200 exclusion applies to these new types of unemployment compensation for U.S. income tax purposes.The IRS also notes that for U.S. income tax purposes, unemployment 
compensation is generally considered sourced where the taxpayer 
performed the underlying services. For guidance on the U.S. income 
taxation of residents of the U.S. territories, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-570">Publication 570, Tax Guide for Individuals with Income from U.S. Possessions</a>.The U.S. territories are American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the
 U.S. Virgin Islands.U.S. territory residents should contact their territory tax 
department with questions relating to the taxation of COVID-related 
unemployment compensation at the territory level.

IRS: Portion of unemployment benefits tax-exempt

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republicans on Friday ousted a powerful Kansas lawmaker charged with drunken driving from his leadership job following the release of a document saying he taunted the Highway Patrol trooper who arrested him and called the officer “donut boy.”

Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop’s removal was the first time in at least several decades that a Kansas legislative leader’s colleagues pushed someone out before the end of his or her term. Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican, had been set to be majority leader through 2024.

Republican senators voted 22-4 to remove Suellentrop during a 50-minute meeting that was closed to reporters and the public. Senate President Ty Masterson disclosed the vote afterward, saying Republican senators would have an acting majority leader until late May, when they will elect a new majority leader.

“These are just heavy issues,” Masterson, another Wichita-area Republican, told reporters after the meeting. “We build relationships in this chamber, so it’s kind of a sad day.”

Suellentrop will remain in the seat for his Wichita district. Masterson said whether Suellentrop retains the seat is up to his constituents.

Kansas law limits the grounds for a recall to a felony conviction, misconduct in office or “failure to perform duties prescribed by law.” Constituents seeking to recall Suellentrop would have to file petitions signed by more than 3,900 registered voters in his district.

Suellentrop stepped away from most of his duties as majority leader following his March 16 arrest in Topeka after he was stopped on Interstate 70 for driving the wrong way. He was the Senate’s second-highest leadership job, and the majority leader decides which proposals are debated each day.

Asked about his relationship with Suellentrop, Masterson said, “Yes, we’re still friends.”

“I’ve made mistakes myself, maybe not to that level,” he said. “Think about it: Take your most shameful decision and put it on the news every night.”

Suellentrop was not available to reporters Friday and did not attend the meeting of fellow senators. He did not answer his cellphone, and it didn’t allow for a voicemail message seeking comment.

Suellentrop&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-arrests-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-53d21c4172c5cd87cbeaec02c0dcb882">faces five counts,</a>&nbsp;including a felony fleeing to avoid arrest and a misdemeanor driving under the influence charge.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-581109d7e604aeb739bb5b896823132d">An affidavit&nbsp;</a>from the Highway Patrol officer who arrested him was released Thursday, and it said Suellentrop’s blood-alcohol level after his arrest was .17, more than twice the legal limit of .08.

The call for a vote to remove Suellentrop came first from Republican Sen. Rick Kloos, of Topeka, who said he “had numerous conversations” with colleagues and the release of the affidavit was a deciding factor. He was joined by two other Topeka-area senator, Republicans Kristen O’Shea and Brenda Dietrich.

“We came to the decision today that we put this off long enough, as difficult as it is. We have more information now,” Dietrich said.

GOP senators kept the doors to their normal meeting room closed. Reporters who waited outside could see through glass in the doors legislative staffers distributing and then collecting slips of paper serving as ballots.

Asked earlier in the day about having the discussions in public, Masterson said: “We’ve had plenty of discussion in public.”

Assistant Majority Leader Larry Alley, who represents a district south of Wichita, will serve as acting majority leader, as he has since mid-March. Republicans will pick a new majority leader on the last day of this year’s legislative session, Masterson said.

Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Austin Shepley said in his affidavit that Suellentrop refused to take a breathalyzer test and was taken to a Topeka hospital for a blood test after a judge issued a warrant. At one point, he called Shepley “donut boy,” according to the affidavit, and said the events were “all for going the wrong way.”

“While the phlebotomist was administering the blood kit, Gene Suellentop’s demeanor becoming slightly aggressive in his tone, he made reference to physically going up against me,” Shepley said. “He looked me up and down, stating he played state sports competitively in high school. He stated he could ‘take me.’”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616963919848.png" alt="Republican senators voted 22-4 to remove Suellentrop during a 50-minute meeting that was closed to reporters and the public. He did not attend the meeting of fellow senators. -file photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Republican senators voted 22-4 to remove Suellentrop during a 50-minute meeting that was closed to reporters and the public. He did not attend the meeting of fellow senators. -file photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republicans on Friday ousted a powerful Kansas lawmaker charged with drunken driving from his leadership job following the release of a document saying he taunted the Highway Patrol trooper who arrested him and called the officer “donut boy.”Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop’s removal was the first time in at least several decades that a Kansas legislative leader’s colleagues pushed someone out before the end of his or her term. Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican, had been set to be majority leader through 2024.Republican senators voted 22-4 to remove Suellentrop during a 50-minute meeting that was closed to reporters and the public. Senate President Ty Masterson disclosed the vote afterward, saying Republican senators would have an acting majority leader until late May, when they will elect a new majority leader.“These are just heavy issues,” Masterson, another Wichita-area Republican, told reporters after the meeting. “We build relationships in this chamber, so it’s kind of a sad day.”Suellentrop will remain in the seat for his Wichita district. Masterson said whether Suellentrop retains the seat is up to his constituents.Kansas law limits the grounds for a recall to a felony conviction, misconduct in office or “failure to perform duties prescribed by law.” Constituents seeking to recall Suellentrop would have to file petitions signed by more than 3,900 registered voters in his district.Suellentrop stepped away from most of his duties as majority leader following his March 16 arrest in Topeka after he was stopped on Interstate 70 for driving the wrong way. He was the Senate’s second-highest leadership job, and the majority leader decides which proposals are debated each day.Asked about his relationship with Suellentrop, Masterson said, “Yes, we’re still friends.”“I’ve made mistakes myself, maybe not to that level,” he said. “Think about it: Take your most shameful decision and put it on the news every night.”Suellentrop was not available to reporters Friday and did not attend the meeting of fellow senators. He did not answer his cellphone, and it didn’t allow for a voicemail message seeking comment.Suellentrop&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-arrests-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-53d21c4172c5cd87cbeaec02c0dcb882">faces five counts,</a>&nbsp;including a felony fleeing to avoid arrest and a misdemeanor driving under the influence charge.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-581109d7e604aeb739bb5b896823132d">An affidavit&nbsp;</a>from the Highway Patrol officer who arrested him was released Thursday, and it said Suellentrop’s blood-alcohol level after his arrest was .17, more than twice the legal limit of .08.The call for a vote to remove Suellentrop came first from Republican Sen. Rick Kloos, of Topeka, who said he “had numerous conversations” with colleagues and the release of the affidavit was a deciding factor. He was joined by two other Topeka-area senator, Republicans Kristen O’Shea and Brenda Dietrich.“We came to the decision today that we put this off long enough, as difficult as it is. We have more information now,” Dietrich said.GOP senators kept the doors to their normal meeting room closed. Reporters who waited outside could see through glass in the doors legislative staffers distributing and then collecting slips of paper serving as ballots.Asked earlier in the day about having the discussions in public, Masterson said: “We’ve had plenty of discussion in public.”Assistant Majority Leader Larry Alley, who represents a district south of Wichita, will serve as acting majority leader, as he has since mid-March. Republicans will pick a new majority leader on the last day of this year’s legislative session, Masterson said.Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Austin Shepley said in his affidavit that Suellentrop refused to take a breathalyzer test and was taken to a Topeka hospital for a blood test after a judge issued a warrant. At one point, he called Shepley “donut boy,” according to the affidavit, and said the events were “all for going the wrong way.”“While the phlebotomist was administering the blood kit, Gene Suellentop’s demeanor becoming slightly aggressive in his tone, he made reference to physically going up against me,” Shepley said. “He looked me up and down, stating he played state sports competitively in high school. He stated he could ‘take me.’”

GOP ousts Kan. Senate leader from post after DUI charges

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a sheriff's sergeant on multiple charges after an arrest.

On Thursday, police arrested 45-year-old Sergeant Justin Maxfield on requested charges of Aggravated Assault, Domestic Violence Battery, Domestic Violence Criminal Damage to Property and Stalking, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

The charges stem from incidents involving an intimate partner.

The Sergeant, Justin Maxfield, has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for 12 years. Coinciding with the arrest, Sergeant Maxfield was relieved of duty without pay. He remains in custody,<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20070249"> according to online jail records.</a>

In addition to the criminal case, the Professional Standards Unit of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617981475188.png" alt="Maxfield photo Sedgwick County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Maxfield photo Sedgwick County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a sheriff's sergeant on multiple charges after an arrest.On Thursday, police arrested 45-year-old Sergeant Justin Maxfield on requested charges of Aggravated Assault, Domestic Violence Battery, Domestic Violence Criminal Damage to Property and Stalking, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.The charges stem from incidents involving an intimate partner.The Sergeant, Justin Maxfield, has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for 12 years. Coinciding with the arrest, Sergeant Maxfield was relieved of duty without pay. He remains in custody,<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20070249"> according to online jail records.</a>In addition to the criminal case, the Professional Standards Unit of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an investigation.

Kan. sheriff's sergeant accused of stalking, domestic violence

COFFEY COUNTY —A Kansas man and his passenger avoided injury during an aircraft incident just before 10:30a.m. Friday in Coffey County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000&nbsp;Dehavilland helicopter piloted by Tereso T&nbsp;Orozco, 64, Topeka,&nbsp;was flying near the area of the city of Leroy. 

The private aircraft lost power and made a precautionary landing in the backyard at 1810 C Street in Leroy, Kan., according to&nbsp; Trooper Rick Wingate 

Orozco and a passenger Kenneth David Norman, 48, Sunnyvale, Texas, were not injured. The KHP released no additional details Friday afternoon and there is no word on whether the NTSB or FAA&nbsp; will investigate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617994110218.png" alt="Location of the landing -google map" />
 <figcaption>Location of the landing -google map</figcaption>
 </figure>COFFEY COUNTY —A Kansas man and his passenger avoided injury during an aircraft incident just before 10:30a.m. Friday in Coffey County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000&nbsp;Dehavilland helicopter piloted by Tereso T&nbsp;Orozco, 64, Topeka,&nbsp;was flying near the area of the city of Leroy. The private aircraft lost power and made a precautionary landing in the backyard at 1810 C Street in Leroy, Kan., according to&nbsp; Trooper Rick Wingate Orozco and a passenger Kenneth David Norman, 48, Sunnyvale, Texas, were not injured. The KHP released no additional details Friday afternoon and there is no word on whether the NTSB or FAA&nbsp; will investigate.

KHP: Helicopter lost power, makes landing in Kansas backyard

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas conservatives on Friday pushed&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/ccrb_sb55_02_student_athletes.pdf" target="_blank">a proposed ban</a>&nbsp;on transgender athletes in girl’s and women’s school sports through the Republican-controlled Legislature but don’t have enough support yet to overcome a possible veto by the state’s Democratic governor.

(Click below to listen to a replay of the debate on the bill)

The Senate approved the measure,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210409131949_168281/" target="_blank">26-11,</a>&nbsp;after the House passed it late Thursday,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210408234417_335249/" target="_blank">76-43</a>, sending it to Gov. Laura Kelly. Overturning a veto in Kansas requires a two-thirds majority of all members — whether they are present for the vote — and both chambers were short of the mark.

The Democratic governor typically does not say what she’ll do with legislation before it reaches her desk, but she has dropped strong hints that she plans to veto such a ban. She’s a supporter of LGBTQ rights, and she’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-legislature-discrimination-kansas-gender-identity-64dcb878d8f393098437dcd87e6a352f">called the bill “regressive”</a>&nbsp;and suggested it would hurt the state’s efforts to recruit businesses — an argument critics echoed during the House’s debate.

Kansas is among more than 20 states that have considered such a ban this year, pushing back against an executive order from Democratic President Joe Biden aimed at preventing discrimination against transgender students. Idaho enacted such a ban last year, and Republican governors in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee have signed measures this year.

“It’s about scoring points in the culture wars,” said Democratic state Rep. Boog Highberger, of Lawrence, home to the University of Kansas. “Instead of finding new ways to persecute people for being the way that God made them, why don’t we work on understanding — increasing our understanding and compassion instead?”

Supporters argued that they’re trying to preserving decades of hard-won opportunities for “biological” girls and women to compete in K-12 sports and win college athletic scholarships. They suggested that failing to enact such a ban represented discrimination against girls and women.

Backers of the bill were eight votes short in the House and one short in the Senate of the supermajorities they would need to override a veto.

Sen. Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican and former college basketball point guard who led the push for the bill, said she hopes to get at least one colleague to switch to yes if Kelly vetoes the measure.

“I want girls and women to have a chance at a fair and equitable playing field in sports,” she said Friday. “This bill protects that.”

With Idaho’s ban on hold because of a federal lawsuit, the American Civil Liberties Union has promised to file a lawsuit if Kansas enacts a law.

The threat of a lawsuit — and arguments that Kansas could lose collegiate sports tournaments or business development — irritated some conservative lawmakers. They also bristled at LGBTQ-rights advocates’ predictions that enacting the ban would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-legislature-discrimination-kansas-bullying-576f42af35ef03f81dd930b487797a8b">increase bullying</a>&nbsp;of transgender students.

“Saying, ‘If you don’t do what we like and do what we want or think different than us, we’re going to hurt you by not coming to your state,’ that is corporate bullying, and it’s wrong,” Erickson said.

Supporters of such bans have pointed to the 15 championships won between 2017 and 2019 by two transgender high school runners in Connecticut, which prompted a federal lawsuit. They argue that “biological boys” have innate physical advantages in girls’ and women’s sports that would ruin competition.

“It’s discrimination to not pass this — it’s discrimination for women,” said Sen. Kristen O’Shea, a Topeka Republican.

Sen. Mark Steffen, a Republican from south-central Kansas, told colleagues last month that the bill was based on “indisputable physiological facts” that demonstrate “the male as a genetically and time-engineered superior machine.” He said Friday that the issue also is about “the chaos that’s permeating our country.”

Supporters generally have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawmakers-unable-to-cite-local-trans-girls-sports-914a982545e943ecc1e265e8c41042e7">unable to cite local examples</a>&nbsp;of problems. The association overseeing extracurricular activities in Kansas K-12 schools says it has been notified of only five active transgender athletes, and there is no known case of a transgender athlete having won a Kansas championship.

The debate in the Senate became emotional and heated. Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Kansas City-area Democrat, began to cry as she said the proposed ban “hurts vulnerable children.” Sen. Ethan Corson, another Kansas City-area Democrat, found himself accused of ageism after he suggested the bill’s support resulted from many senators being 60 or older and fearing what’s “different than the way we grew up.”

In the House, freshman Democratic Rep. Stephanie Byers, of Wichita, the state’s first transgender lawmaker, saw the bill as an effort to prevent trans students from being fully part of society.

“Trans girls are girls,” she told colleagues. “Trans women are women.”

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas conservatives on Friday pushed&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/ccrb_sb55_02_student_athletes.pdf" target="_blank">a proposed ban</a>&nbsp;on transgender athletes in girl’s and women’s school sports through the Republican-controlled Legislature but don’t have enough support yet to overcome a possible veto by the state’s Democratic governor.(Click below to listen to a replay of the debate on the bill)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1Dr3lJRdoF4?start=690" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The Senate approved the measure,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210409131949_168281/" target="_blank">26-11,</a>&nbsp;after the House passed it late Thursday,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210408234417_335249/" target="_blank">76-43</a>, sending it to Gov. Laura Kelly. Overturning a veto in Kansas requires a two-thirds majority of all members — whether they are present for the vote — and both chambers were short of the mark.The Democratic governor typically does not say what she’ll do with legislation before it reaches her desk, but she has dropped strong hints that she plans to veto such a ban. She’s a supporter of LGBTQ rights, and she’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-legislature-discrimination-kansas-gender-identity-64dcb878d8f393098437dcd87e6a352f">called the bill “regressive”</a>&nbsp;and suggested it would hurt the state’s efforts to recruit businesses — an argument critics echoed during the House’s debate.Kansas is among more than 20 states that have considered such a ban this year, pushing back against an executive order from Democratic President Joe Biden aimed at preventing discrimination against transgender students. Idaho enacted such a ban last year, and Republican governors in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee have signed measures this year.“It’s about scoring points in the culture wars,” said Democratic state Rep. Boog Highberger, of Lawrence, home to the University of Kansas. “Instead of finding new ways to persecute people for being the way that God made them, why don’t we work on understanding — increasing our understanding and compassion instead?”Supporters argued that they’re trying to preserving decades of hard-won opportunities for “biological” girls and women to compete in K-12 sports and win college athletic scholarships. They suggested that failing to enact such a ban represented discrimination against girls and women.Backers of the bill were eight votes short in the House and one short in the Senate of the supermajorities they would need to override a veto.Sen. Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican and former college basketball point guard who led the push for the bill, said she hopes to get at least one colleague to switch to yes if Kelly vetoes the measure.“I want girls and women to have a chance at a fair and equitable playing field in sports,” she said Friday. “This bill protects that.”With Idaho’s ban on hold because of a federal lawsuit, the American Civil Liberties Union has promised to file a lawsuit if Kansas enacts a law.The threat of a lawsuit — and arguments that Kansas could lose collegiate sports tournaments or business development — irritated some conservative lawmakers. They also bristled at LGBTQ-rights advocates’ predictions that enacting the ban would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-legislature-discrimination-kansas-bullying-576f42af35ef03f81dd930b487797a8b">increase bullying</a>&nbsp;of transgender students.“Saying, ‘If you don’t do what we like and do what we want or think different than us, we’re going to hurt you by not coming to your state,’ that is corporate bullying, and it’s wrong,” Erickson said.Supporters of such bans have pointed to the 15 championships won between 2017 and 2019 by two transgender high school runners in Connecticut, which prompted a federal lawsuit. They argue that “biological boys” have innate physical advantages in girls’ and women’s sports that would ruin competition.“It’s discrimination to not pass this — it’s discrimination for women,” said Sen. Kristen O’Shea, a Topeka Republican.Sen. Mark Steffen, a Republican from south-central Kansas, told colleagues last month that the bill was based on “indisputable physiological facts” that demonstrate “the male as a genetically and time-engineered superior machine.” He said Friday that the issue also is about “the chaos that’s permeating our country.”Supporters generally have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawmakers-unable-to-cite-local-trans-girls-sports-914a982545e943ecc1e265e8c41042e7">unable to cite local examples</a>&nbsp;of problems. The association overseeing extracurricular activities in Kansas K-12 schools says it has been notified of only five active transgender athletes, and there is no known case of a transgender athlete having won a Kansas championship.The debate in the Senate became emotional and heated. Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Kansas City-area Democrat, began to cry as she said the proposed ban “hurts vulnerable children.” Sen. Ethan Corson, another Kansas City-area Democrat, found himself accused of ageism after he suggested the bill’s support resulted from many senators being 60 or older and fearing what’s “different than the way we grew up.”In the House, freshman Democratic Rep. Stephanie Byers, of Wichita, the state’s first transgender lawmaker, saw the bill as an effort to prevent trans students from being fully part of society.“Trans girls are girls,” she told colleagues. “Trans women are women.”___

🎥 Kan. bill that bans transgender athletes headed to governor

MCPHERSON — Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of an inmate at the McPherson County Jail.

Just after 2p.m. Thursday 55-year-old&nbsp; Kevin Brittingham of Newton was arrested for domestic battery and booked into the jail, according to a media release. During the booking process, he was placed in a holding cell.

At approximately 3:35 p.m. Thursday, a McPherson County Correctional Officer discovered Brittingham unresponsive in his booking cell. Life-saving measures were attempted, including CPR and using an Automated External Defibrillator.

McPherson Fire and McPherson EMS responded to the jail and continued attempts to resuscitate Brittingham. Brittingham was pronounced dead at approximately 4:05 p.m.

The McPherson County Sheriff's Office requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigate, as is required by state statute. The KBI investigates all deaths of individuals in the custody of a Kansas jail or prison, unless the inmate is being regularly attended by a physician.&nbsp;

Brittingham's injuries appear to have been self-inflicted. An autopsy will be conducted. The investigation continues.

MCPHERSON — Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of an inmate at the McPherson County Jail.Just after 2p.m. Thursday 55-year-old&nbsp; Kevin Brittingham of Newton was arrested for domestic battery and booked into the jail, according to a media release. During the booking process, he was placed in a holding cell.At approximately 3:35 p.m. Thursday, a McPherson County Correctional Officer discovered Brittingham unresponsive in his booking cell. Life-saving measures were attempted, including CPR and using an Automated External Defibrillator.McPherson Fire and McPherson EMS responded to the jail and continued attempts to resuscitate Brittingham. Brittingham was pronounced dead at approximately 4:05 p.m.The McPherson County Sheriff's Office requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigate, as is required by state statute. The KBI investigates all deaths of individuals in the custody of a Kansas jail or prison, unless the inmate is being regularly attended by a physician.&nbsp;Brittingham's injuries appear to have been self-inflicted. An autopsy will be conducted. The investigation continues.

KBI investigating death of inmate in county jail

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — Local officials agreed Thursday to provide temporary housing in hotel rooms for the homeless population in Kansas City, Missouri, following a months-long encampment on the lawn of City Hall.

The measure to provide hotel rooms for up to 500 people for the next 90 days unanimously cleared the City Council, the Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article250523839.html">reported</a>.

Roughly 40 tents housing dozens of people have been set up in front of City Hall and in other encampments since February as advocates seek additional resources for people without secure housing.

“Kansas City does not have unique problems, but Kansas City can have unique solutions,” Mayor Quinton Lucas said. “And a way that we can have those unique solutions is working together.”

The mayor said he is seeking support from the the City Council to accomplish longer-term solutions. The hotels will provide time to work on two other goals: a land bank for permanent housing and a workforce initiative.

“To me, that is a beautiful first step,” said James Shelby, who goes by the name Qadhafi and became homeless roughly two years ago. “It’s not the end. But that’s the first step of the beginning of resolving this issue.”

The city is not disclosing the hotel locations to protect residents' privacy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617987156384.png" alt="Roughly 40 tents housing dozens of people have been set up in front of City Hall and in other encampments since February photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Roughly 40 tents housing dozens of people have been set up in front of City Hall and in other encampments since February photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — Local officials agreed Thursday to provide temporary housing in hotel rooms for the homeless population in Kansas City, Missouri, following a months-long encampment on the lawn of City Hall.The measure to provide hotel rooms for up to 500 people for the next 90 days unanimously cleared the City Council, the Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article250523839.html">reported</a>.Roughly 40 tents housing dozens of people have been set up in front of City Hall and in other encampments since February as advocates seek additional resources for people without secure housing.“Kansas City does not have unique problems, but Kansas City can have unique solutions,” Mayor Quinton Lucas said. “And a way that we can have those unique solutions is working together.”The mayor said he is seeking support from the the City Council to accomplish longer-term solutions. The hotels will provide time to work on two other goals: a land bank for permanent housing and a workforce initiative.“To me, that is a beautiful first step,” said James Shelby, who goes by the name Qadhafi and became homeless roughly two years ago. “It’s not the end. But that’s the first step of the beginning of resolving this issue.”The city is not disclosing the hotel locations to protect residents' privacy.

Kansas City to temporarily house homeless in hotels

TOPEKA — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident on Interstate 70 and have identified the deceased victim as Ellen Keo, 28, of Horton, according to Topeka police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

The injured person has been identified as Dalton L. Herwig, 25, of Horton. He remains in serious, but stable condition at a local hospital, according to Spiker.

Just before 11p.m. Thursday, police responded to a report of a vehicle vs pedestrian accident in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70, just east of Gage, according to police Lt. John Trimble.

Officers arrived on scene and found the two victims in the roadway. Keo&nbsp; was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported Herwig to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

There appeared to be several vehicles involved.&nbsp;

The eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 were closed from Gage to MacVicar, as part of the investigation.&nbsp; Police have released no additional details.

TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident on Interstate 70

Officers arrived on scene and found two victims in the roadway. One was pronounced deceased at the scene and another transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

There appears to be several vehicles involved. The Topeka Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team was on scene investigating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617969470348.png" alt="Police on the scene of the accident investigation early Friday -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the accident investigation early Friday -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident on Interstate 70 and have identified the deceased victim as Ellen Keo, 28, of Horton, according to Topeka police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.The injured person has been identified as Dalton L. Herwig, 25, of Horton. He remains in serious, but stable condition at a local hospital, according to Spiker.Just before 11p.m. Thursday, police responded to a report of a vehicle vs pedestrian accident in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70, just east of Gage, according to police Lt. John Trimble.Officers arrived on scene and found the two victims in the roadway. Keo&nbsp; was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported Herwig to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.There appeared to be several vehicles involved.&nbsp;The eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 were closed from Gage to MacVicar, as part of the investigation.&nbsp; Police have released no additional details.-------TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident on Interstate 70Just before 11p.m. Thursday, police responded to a report of a vehicle vs pedestrian accident in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70, just east of Gage, according to police Lt. John Trimble.Officers arrived on scene and found two victims in the roadway. One was pronounced deceased at the scene and another transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.There appears to be several vehicles involved. The Topeka Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team was on scene investigating.The eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 were closed from Gage to MacVicar, as part of the investigation.&nbsp; Police have released no additional details.

Update: 1 dead, 1 hospitalized after I-70 pedestrian accident

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 469 to a total of 304,236, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4938, an increase of 6.

<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 469 to a total of 304,236, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4938, an increase of 6.<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/2021/4/1617988366842.png" alt="Friday April 9, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday April 9, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/wsu-search-committee-interviews-candidates-open-presidents-job">Kansas News Service</a>

Wichita State University could have a new president within the next few months.

A
 search committee charged with finding WSU’s next leader interviewed 
candidates via Zoom this week and plans to send a list of finalists to 
the Kansas Board of Regents for consideration, said Dan Peare, chairman 
of the committee.

Peare
 said the committee narrowed a list of more than 50 candidates to 10 
semifinalists. Members held virtual interviews with five candidates 
Tuesday and five Wednesday, he said. They plan to meet as a group Friday
 to discuss the candidates and will likely forward three or four names 
to the Regents, he said.

Peare, an attorney at Hinkle Law Firm 
who also heads the WSU Foundation, did not name the candidates or offer 
any details about them.

The Board of Regents voted in November to
 conduct a closed search, which means candidates’ names will not be 
released to the public and finalists will not meet with anyone outside 
of the search committee.

The 22-member committee includes student, faculty, alumni and community representatives.

Peare said he was impressed by the overall quality of the candidates.

“Of
 the 10 we interviewed, a strong majority of those will be president of 
some university,” he said. “They’ve all been very strong, highly 
qualified candidates.”

He said the group opted to interview 
candidates virtually because of challenges with travel and in-person 
gatherings during the pandemic. Each of the interviews was about 75 
minutes, he said.

“We were able to read body language and 
expressions and all of that -- really get a good overall look” at the 
candidates, Peare said.

The new president will replace Jay 
Golden, who served less than a year before resigning suddenly last 
September. The reason for his resignation is unknown.

In a 
presidential profile document presented to the Regents, the committee 
said it is “seeking a president who will take the urban-based research 
university to the next level, in an ever-changing educational 
landscape.”

Peare said the Regents could discuss the WSU presidency during their May meeting and name a new president shortly after that.

The new president is expected to take office officially by July 1, the start of the new fiscal year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617984441748.png" alt="Wichita State University / KMUW" />
 <figcaption>Wichita State University / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/wsu-search-committee-interviews-candidates-open-presidents-job">Kansas News Service</a>Wichita State University could have a new president within the next few months.A
 search committee charged with finding WSU’s next leader interviewed 
candidates via Zoom this week and plans to send a list of finalists to 
the Kansas Board of Regents for consideration, said Dan Peare, chairman 
of the committee.Peare
 said the committee narrowed a list of more than 50 candidates to 10 
semifinalists. Members held virtual interviews with five candidates 
Tuesday and five Wednesday, he said. They plan to meet as a group Friday
 to discuss the candidates and will likely forward three or four names 
to the Regents, he said.Peare, an attorney at Hinkle Law Firm 
who also heads the WSU Foundation, did not name the candidates or offer 
any details about them.The Board of Regents voted in November to
 conduct a closed search, which means candidates’ names will not be 
released to the public and finalists will not meet with anyone outside 
of the search committee.The 22-member committee includes student, faculty, alumni and community representatives.Peare said he was impressed by the overall quality of the candidates.“Of
 the 10 we interviewed, a strong majority of those will be president of 
some university,” he said. “They’ve all been very strong, highly 
qualified candidates.”He said the group opted to interview 
candidates virtually because of challenges with travel and in-person 
gatherings during the pandemic. Each of the interviews was about 75 
minutes, he said.“We were able to read body language and 
expressions and all of that -- really get a good overall look” at the 
candidates, Peare said.The new president will replace Jay 
Golden, who served less than a year before resigning suddenly last 
September. The reason for his resignation is unknown.In a 
presidential profile document presented to the Regents, the committee 
said it is “seeking a president who will take the urban-based research 
university to the next level, in an ever-changing educational 
landscape.”Peare said the Regents could discuss the WSU presidency during their May meeting and name a new president shortly after that.The new president is expected to take office officially by July 1, the start of the new fiscal year.

WSU search committee interviews candidates for president's job 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republicans on Thursday softened a proposal to make it harder for people and groups to collect and deliver voters’ absentee ballots but did not address Democrats’ objections before the measure cleared the GOP-controlled Legislature.

GOP lawmakers said they’re trying to prevent “ballot harvesting” by candidates and interest groups, while Democrats said it would hinder legitimate get-out-the-vote efforts.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/ccrb_hb2183_02_elections.pdf" target="_blank">The bill</a>&nbsp;would make it a misdemeanor for people to deliver more than 10 absentee ballots for others, and it would prohibit candidates from collecting and delivering the absentee ballots of anyone other than immediate family members. An earlier version of the bill would have limited people to delivering five ballots and a violation a felony.

The Senate approved the measure,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210408212002_844171/" target="_blank">27-11,</a>&nbsp;and the House passed it,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210408221136_673127/" target="_blank">80-42.</a>&nbsp;The bill goes next to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, who hasn’t said whether she plans to sign or veto it.

Republicans argued that allowing people to deliver dozens of absentee ballots increases the risk that some will be lost or deliberately altered or thrown away. They also candidates currently can unduly influence voters in their homes.

But Democrats said a lack of evidence of actual fraud in Kansas shows that the measure is unnecessary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602937208880.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republicans on Thursday softened a proposal to make it harder for people and groups to collect and deliver voters’ absentee ballots but did not address Democrats’ objections before the measure cleared the GOP-controlled Legislature.GOP lawmakers said they’re trying to prevent “ballot harvesting” by candidates and interest groups, while Democrats said it would hinder legitimate get-out-the-vote efforts.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/ccrb_hb2183_02_elections.pdf" target="_blank">The bill</a>&nbsp;would make it a misdemeanor for people to deliver more than 10 absentee ballots for others, and it would prohibit candidates from collecting and delivering the absentee ballots of anyone other than immediate family members. An earlier version of the bill would have limited people to delivering five ballots and a violation a felony.The Senate approved the measure,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210408212002_844171/" target="_blank">27-11,</a>&nbsp;and the House passed it,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210408221136_673127/" target="_blank">80-42.</a>&nbsp;The bill goes next to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, who hasn’t said whether she plans to sign or veto it.Republicans argued that allowing people to deliver dozens of absentee ballots increases the risk that some will be lost or deliberately altered or thrown away. They also candidates currently can unduly influence voters in their homes.But Democrats said a lack of evidence of actual fraud in Kansas shows that the measure is unnecessary.

Lawmakers pass bill targeting ‘ballot harvesting’ in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republicans will vote on removing a powerful Kansas lawmaker charged with drunken driving from his leadership job following the release of document saying he taunted the Highway Patrol trooper who arrested him and called the officer “donut boy.”

The move against Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop would be the first time in at least several decades that a Kansas legislative leader faced an ouster vote before the end of his or her term. Senate President Ty Masterson committed Friday to an as-yet-unscheduled vote after a freshman GOP senator called for it during a morning caucus.

“Obviously, the consequences need to come,” Masterson, a Wichita-area Republican, told reporters after the caucus. “It’s a matter of time.”

Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican, stepped away from most of his duties as majority leader after his March 16 arrest in Topeka after he was stopped on Interstate 70 for driving the wrong way. But as of Friday morning, he had given no signal that he was contemplating resigning, either as majority leader or from the Legislature.

The 69-year-old Suellentrop holds the state Senate’s second-highest leadership job, and the majority leader decides which proposals are debated each day. He was set to hold the job through 2024.

He was not at the Statehouse on Friday or on Thursday, when a judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-kansas-topeka-wichita-57fe7b37ea34af1a311c59dd71041ec3" target="_blank">released an affidavit</a>&nbsp;from the officer who arrested him. He did not answer his cellphone and it did not allow for a message seeking comment.

Suellentrop&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-arrests-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-53d21c4172c5cd87cbeaec02c0dcb882">faces five counts,</a>&nbsp;including a felony fleeing to avoid arrest and a misdemeanor driving under the influence charge. The Highway Patrol officer’s affidavit said Suellentrop’s blood-alcohol level after his arrest was .17, more than twice the legal limit in Kansas of .08.

The call for a vote to remove Suellentrop came from Republican Sen. Rick Kloos, of Topeka, who said he’s “had numerous conversations” with colleagues and wants a vote “so we can all rest.”

“It’s just done,” he said after the caucus. “We’ve all been patient, and with the new revelations yesterday, I just felt it was time.”

Suellentrop’s absence Thursday helped to keep fellow Republicans from passing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-kansas-topeka-wichita-57fe7b37ea34af1a311c59dd71041ec3" target="_blank">a proposal from GOP conservatives</a>&nbsp;to allow parents of academically struggling public school students to use state dollars to pay for private schooling. GOP leaders were forced to set another vote for Friday.

Kloos said he would like to have the vote on Suellentrop’s future Friday, but Masterson said the first step would be a closed meeting to establish the rules. The Senate president said he is not sure he will set the vote for Friday because emotions are running high.

“I do think that when emotions are high, you don’t always make your best decisions, but I think it’s clear that the majority leader need to vacate the leadership office,” Masterson told reporters.

Masterson said the results of a vote on Suellentrop’s future would be counted in public.

But, asked about having the discussions among senators in public, he said: “We’ve had plenty of discussion in public.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616963978358.jpeg" alt="Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop - photo Shawnee County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop - photo Shawnee County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republicans will vote on removing a powerful Kansas lawmaker charged with drunken driving from his leadership job following the release of document saying he taunted the Highway Patrol trooper who arrested him and called the officer “donut boy.”The move against Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop would be the first time in at least several decades that a Kansas legislative leader faced an ouster vote before the end of his or her term. Senate President Ty Masterson committed Friday to an as-yet-unscheduled vote after a freshman GOP senator called for it during a morning caucus.“Obviously, the consequences need to come,” Masterson, a Wichita-area Republican, told reporters after the caucus. “It’s a matter of time.”Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican, stepped away from most of his duties as majority leader after his March 16 arrest in Topeka after he was stopped on Interstate 70 for driving the wrong way. But as of Friday morning, he had given no signal that he was contemplating resigning, either as majority leader or from the Legislature.The 69-year-old Suellentrop holds the state Senate’s second-highest leadership job, and the majority leader decides which proposals are debated each day. He was set to hold the job through 2024.He was not at the Statehouse on Friday or on Thursday, when a judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-kansas-topeka-wichita-57fe7b37ea34af1a311c59dd71041ec3" target="_blank">released an affidavit</a>&nbsp;from the officer who arrested him. He did not answer his cellphone and it did not allow for a message seeking comment.Suellentrop&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-arrests-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-53d21c4172c5cd87cbeaec02c0dcb882">faces five counts,</a>&nbsp;including a felony fleeing to avoid arrest and a misdemeanor driving under the influence charge. The Highway Patrol officer’s affidavit said Suellentrop’s blood-alcohol level after his arrest was .17, more than twice the legal limit in Kansas of .08.The call for a vote to remove Suellentrop came from Republican Sen. Rick Kloos, of Topeka, who said he’s “had numerous conversations” with colleagues and wants a vote “so we can all rest.”“It’s just done,” he said after the caucus. “We’ve all been patient, and with the new revelations yesterday, I just felt it was time.”Suellentrop’s absence Thursday helped to keep fellow Republicans from passing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-kansas-topeka-wichita-57fe7b37ea34af1a311c59dd71041ec3" target="_blank">a proposal from GOP conservatives</a>&nbsp;to allow parents of academically struggling public school students to use state dollars to pay for private schooling. GOP leaders were forced to set another vote for Friday.Kloos said he would like to have the vote on Suellentrop’s future Friday, but Masterson said the first step would be a closed meeting to establish the rules. The Senate president said he is not sure he will set the vote for Friday because emotions are running high.“I do think that when emotions are high, you don’t always make your best decisions, but I think it’s clear that the majority leader need to vacate the leadership office,” Masterson told reporters.Masterson said the results of a vote on Suellentrop’s future would be counted in public.But, asked about having the discussions among senators in public, he said: “We’ve had plenty of discussion in public.”Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Austin Shepley said in his affidavit that Suellentrop refused to take a breathalyzer test and was taken to a Topeka hospital for a blood test after a judge issued a warrant. At one point, he called Shepley “donut boy,” according to the affidavit, and said the events were “all for going the wrong way.”“While the phlebotomist was administering the blood kit, Gene Suellentop’s demeanor becoming slightly aggressive in his tone, he made reference to physically going up against me,” Shepley said. “He looked me up and down, stating he played state sports competitively in high school. He stated he could ‘take me.’”___

Kansas Senate GOP leader charged with DUI faces ouster vote

DETROIT (AP) — The global shortage of semiconductors has forced General Motors and Ford to further cut production at their North American factories as chip supplies seem to be growing tighter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585229143795.png" alt=" Kami Hunt, Ford Motor Company employee, assembles the Ford Transit at Kansas City Assembly Plant. Photo Courtesy Ford Motor Company" />
 <figcaption> Kami Hunt, Ford Motor Company employee, assembles the Ford Transit at Kansas City Assembly Plant. Photo Courtesy Ford Motor Company</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — The global shortage of semiconductors has forced General Motors and Ford to further cut production at their North American factories as chip supplies seem to be growing tighter.The shutdowns likely will crimp dealer inventory of vehicles made at the plants.GM says it has managed to keep humming factories that make hot-selling and very profitable full-size pickup trucks and SUVs.“GM continues to leverage every available semiconductor to build and ship our most popular and in-demand products,” the company said Thursday in a statement.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/computer-chips-shortage-explained-c4eec42c97364908d60a35fcc0e11ea5">chip shortage</a>&nbsp;has already been rippling through various markets since last summer. It has made it difficult for schools to buy enough laptops for students forced to learn from home, delayed the release of popular products such as the iPhone 12 and created mad scrambles to find the latest video game consoles, such as the PlayStation 5.But things have been getting even worse in recent weeks, particularly in the auto industry, where factories are shutting down because there aren’t enough chips to finish building vehicles that are starting to look like computers on wheels. The problem was recently compounded by a grounded container ship that blocked the Suez Canal for nearly a week, choking off chips headed from Asia to Europe.These snags are likely to frustrate consumers who can’t find the vehicle they want and sometimes find themselves settling for a lower-end models without as many fancy electronic features. And it threatens to leave a big dent in the auto industry, which by some estimates stands to lose $60 billion in sales during the first half of his year.GM said that the cuts will take place at its Spring Hill, Tennessee; Ramos Arizpe, Mexico; Ingersoll, Ontario; Fairfax, Kansas; Lansing, Michigan, Delta Township; and Lansing, Michigan, Grand River factories.Spring Hill, which makes the Cadillac XT5, XT6 and GMC Acadia SUVs, will shut down the weeks of April 12 and 19. Production of the Chevrolet Blazer at Ramos Arizpe will stop for a week on April 19, while the Lansing Grand River plant, which makes the Chevrolet Camaro and Cadillac CT4 and CT5 sedans, will stay shut down through the week of April 26.The Lansing Delta Township plant will be down for a week starting April 19, cutting production of the Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave SUVs, while the Ontario and Kansas plants will be shut down through the week of May 10. Both have been idle since the week of Feb. 8. The Ontario plant makes the Chevrolet Equinox SUV, while the Kansas plant manufactures the Chevy Malibu sedan and Cadillac XT4 SUV.Also Thursday, Ford said it would shut down its Chicago, Flat Rock, Michigan, and the Transit van side of the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri, during the week of April 12. But seven U.S. plants will run through the two traditional summer shutdown weeks in late June and early July. The Chicago plant makes the Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs, while Flat Rock makes the Mustang sports car.GM expects the chip shortage to cost it up to $2 billion in pretax profits this year from lost production and sales. Ford is bracing for a similar blow. In addition to GM and Ford, Nissan, Stellantis, Volkswagen and Honda seem to have been hit the hardest.IHS Markit estimates that from January through March, the chip shortage reduced North American auto production by about 100,000 vehicles. In January of last year, before the pandemic, the U.S. auto industry had enough vehicles to supply 77 days of demand. By February of 2021 it was down almost 30% to 55 days. Edmunds.com says discounts are down and prices for new and used vehicles are up.