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

Just after 9:15 p.m. Sunday, police responded to a Disturbance Weapon call in the 3000 block of South Elizabeth in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

 Upon arrival, officers located 25-year-old Vincent White unconscious and not breathing in front of a residence. White would be pronounced deceased on the scene.

The investigation revealed White was in a verbal altercation with a relative. The relative would contact a 39-year-old neighbor for assistance. White charged at the relative and neighbor causing the neighbor to point a gun at White and shoot him.

The investigation is ongoing and will be presented to the District Attorney’s office.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend shooting.Just after 9:15 p.m. Sunday, police responded to a Disturbance Weapon call in the 3000 block of South Elizabeth in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch. Upon arrival, officers located 25-year-old Vincent White unconscious and not breathing in front of a residence. White would be pronounced deceased on the scene.The investigation revealed White was in a verbal altercation with a relative. The relative would contact a 39-year-old neighbor for assistance. White charged at the relative and neighbor causing the neighbor to point a gun at White and shoot him.The investigation is ongoing and will be presented to the District Attorney’s office.

Kan. man asked to help, shot and killed neighbor's relative

TOPEKA&nbsp;– On Monday, Governor Laura Kelly announced that Kansas’ total tax-only receipts for April were $1.5 billion. Those collections are $178.4 million, or 13.4%, more than the recently revised estimate, according to a media release from her office.

&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA1MDIuNTczMDMzNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NvbnRlbnQuZ292ZGVsaXZlcnkuY29tL2F0dGFjaG1lbnRzL0tTT0cvMjAyMi8wNS8wMi9maWxlX2F0dGFjaG1lbnRzLzIxNDc2MzcvMTBfQXByaWxfUmV2ZW51ZV9GWTIwMjJfMDUtMDItMjAyMl9GaW5hbC5wZGYifQ.-g5UFvfPATNxwHnk75aiH-TPx6vwFGNPFJJLhFmnHdc/s/1303160919/br/130696456897-l" target="_blank">Click here to view the April t</a>ax spreadsheet

“Last week, we passed ‘Axe the Food Tax’ legislation to eliminate the state’s sales tax on groceries, which is a good first step, but we can do more,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“These tax collection receipts reiterate the state’s fiscal health, and clearly shows we can afford to move up the ‘axe the food tax’ implementation date to July 1 of this year. I’m calling on the Kansas Legislature to do so as soon as they come back later this month.”

The July 1 date is still viable as Kansas would be joining 23 other states that use the same definitions for what will be exempt from state sales tax. Many retailers and point-of-sale software vendors are already familiar with and utilizing those definitions. In addition, KDOR will provide educational information to assist retailers in this change.

Individual income tax collections for April were $1.0 billion, which is $178.1 million, or 21.2%, more than the estimate for the month. April corporate income tax collections were $141.5 million, only $0.5 million below the estimated amount for the month.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It is reassuring to see the receipts meeting and exceeding the latest revised estimates for Fiscal Year 2022,”&nbsp;Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart said.

Retail sales tax collections continued the growth trend for state revenues, as those collections were $245.0 million. That is $8.4 million, or 3.6%, more than April 2021. Compensating use tax receipts were $65.0 million, which was 10.4% less than the estimate for the month, but 9.8% above April 2021 receipts. The combined sales and use taxes associated with personal and corporate expenditures grew by 4.8% over April 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636397666116.png" alt="The July 1 date is still viable as Kansas would be joining 23 other states that use the same definitions for what will be exempt from state sales tax." />
 <figcaption>The July 1 date is still viable as Kansas would be joining 23 other states that use the same definitions for what will be exempt from state sales tax.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– On Monday, Governor Laura Kelly announced that Kansas’ total tax-only receipts for April were $1.5 billion. Those collections are $178.4 million, or 13.4%, more than the recently revised estimate, according to a media release from her office.&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA1MDIuNTczMDMzNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NvbnRlbnQuZ292ZGVsaXZlcnkuY29tL2F0dGFjaG1lbnRzL0tTT0cvMjAyMi8wNS8wMi9maWxlX2F0dGFjaG1lbnRzLzIxNDc2MzcvMTBfQXByaWxfUmV2ZW51ZV9GWTIwMjJfMDUtMDItMjAyMl9GaW5hbC5wZGYifQ.-g5UFvfPATNxwHnk75aiH-TPx6vwFGNPFJJLhFmnHdc/s/1303160919/br/130696456897-l" target="_blank">Click here to view the April t</a>ax spreadsheet“Last week, we passed ‘Axe the Food Tax’ legislation to eliminate the state’s sales tax on groceries, which is a good first step, but we can do more,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“These tax collection receipts reiterate the state’s fiscal health, and clearly shows we can afford to move up the ‘axe the food tax’ implementation date to July 1 of this year. I’m calling on the Kansas Legislature to do so as soon as they come back later this month.”The July 1 date is still viable as Kansas would be joining 23 other states that use the same definitions for what will be exempt from state sales tax. Many retailers and point-of-sale software vendors are already familiar with and utilizing those definitions. In addition, KDOR will provide educational information to assist retailers in this change.Individual income tax collections for April were $1.0 billion, which is $178.1 million, or 21.2%, more than the estimate for the month. April corporate income tax collections were $141.5 million, only $0.5 million below the estimated amount for the month.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It is reassuring to see the receipts meeting and exceeding the latest revised estimates for Fiscal Year 2022,”&nbsp;Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart said.Retail sales tax collections continued the growth trend for state revenues, as those collections were $245.0 million. That is $8.4 million, or 3.6%, more than April 2021. Compensating use tax receipts were $65.0 million, which was 10.4% less than the estimate for the month, but 9.8% above April 2021 receipts. The combined sales and use taxes associated with personal and corporate expenditures grew by 4.8% over April 2021.

Kelly: April tax collection show Kan. could move up 'axe food tax'

RENO COUNTY — Police arrested a man staying at a Hutchinson motel Sunday after he allegedly robbed a Papa John's delivery driver.

Just after 11:30p.m. Sunday, a 25-year-old female driver from Papa John's reported to the police that she had tried to deliver pizzas to a location in Hutchison that didn't exist, then was called to go to the parking lot at the Hampton Inn just east of 11th and K-61 to deliver the pizzas.

A man, later identified as 22-year-old Damien Daron Devine, flagged the delivery driver down, displayed a handgun and stole the pizzas and cash from her.

A search warrant was executed for Devine's car and motel room and evidence was found for grounds for an arrest. Police also found a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Police booked Devine into jail on requested charges of aggravated robbery and drug offenses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651510799824.png" alt="Devine-photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>Devine-photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — Police arrested a man staying at a Hutchinson motel Sunday after he allegedly robbed a Papa John's delivery driver.Just after 11:30p.m. Sunday, a 25-year-old female driver from Papa John's reported to the police that she had tried to deliver pizzas to a location in Hutchison that didn't exist, then was called to go to the parking lot at the Hampton Inn just east of 11th and K-61 to deliver the pizzas.A man, later identified as 22-year-old Damien Daron Devine, flagged the delivery driver down, displayed a handgun and stole the pizzas and cash from her.A search warrant was executed for Devine's car and motel room and evidence was found for grounds for an arrest. Police also found a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.Police booked Devine into jail on requested charges of aggravated robbery and drug offenses.

Police: Kan. man robbed pizza delivery driver at gunpoint

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused of shooting a relative in the back yard of a home made his first court appearance Friday.

Phoukhong Khamvongsa, 62, Wichita, is charged with attempted 1st degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

Just before 5:30p.m. April 25, deputies were sent to a disturbance call involving a weapon in the 4500 block of south Meadowview in Wichita, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

When deputies arrived, they located a 55-year-old man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the backyard of a residence. 

EMS transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries.&nbsp; The suspect identified as 62-year-old Phoukhong Khamvongsa&nbsp; of Wichita, was arrested at the residence <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=142445">and booked </a>into the Sedgwick County Detention Facility on requested charges of Aggravated Battery.

The victim and suspect are family members, according to Blick.

He is scheduled for another court appearance on May 9. He remains jailed on a $500,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650989518111.png" alt="Khamvongsa-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Khamvongsa-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused of shooting a relative in the back yard of a home made his first court appearance Friday.Phoukhong Khamvongsa, 62, Wichita, is charged with attempted 1st degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.Just before 5:30p.m. April 25, deputies were sent to a disturbance call involving a weapon in the 4500 block of south Meadowview in Wichita, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.When deputies arrived, they located a 55-year-old man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the backyard of a residence. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries.&nbsp; The suspect identified as 62-year-old Phoukhong Khamvongsa&nbsp; of Wichita, was arrested at the residence <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=142445">and booked </a>into the Sedgwick County Detention Facility on requested charges of Aggravated Battery.The victim and suspect are family members, according to Blick.He is scheduled for another court appearance on May 9. He remains jailed on a $500,000 bond.

Attempted murder: Kan. man charged with shooting family member

FORD COUNTY —The National Weather Service office in Dodge City on Sunday honored three meteorology students who died in an accident Friday night traveling back from storm chasing in Kansas.

'Tonight's 0Z radiosonde launch is dedicated to Nicholas Nair, Gavin Short, and Drake Brooks, the 3 OU meteorology students who tragically were killed in a car accident Friday night. RIP," the National Weather Service in Dodge City wrote on social media.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported Nicholas Nair, 20, of Denton, Texas; Gavin Short, 19, of Grayslake, Illinois; and Drake Brooks, 22, of Evansville, Indiana, died in the crash shortly before 11:30 p.m. Friday.

The three were in a vehicle being driven by Nair southbound on Interstate 35 when the vehicle hydroplaned and was struck by a tractor-trailer rig in Tonkawa, about 85 miles north of Oklahoma City.

A statement released by OU said: “The university is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of three students. Each were valued and loved members of our community.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651452887068.png" alt="National Weather Service Dodge City" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service Dodge City</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY —The National Weather Service office in Dodge City on Sunday honored three meteorology students who died in an accident Friday night traveling back from storm chasing in Kansas.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tonight&#39;s 0Z radiosonde launch is dedicated to Nicholas Nair, Gavin Short, and Drake Brooks, the 3 OU meteorology students who tragically were killed in a car accident Friday night. RIP. <a href="https://t.co/1mpPXcm4Pc">pic.twitter.com/1mpPXcm4Pc</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1520899083036098560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On this very sad day in the Norman weather community, our evening weather balloon launch is dedicated to Nic, Drake and Gavin - OU meteorology students who died in a tragic traffic accident last night. <a href="https://t.co/49q2eepp8l">pic.twitter.com/49q2eepp8l</a>&mdash; NWS Norman (@NWSNorman) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSNorman/status/1520547165935964160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>'Tonight's 0Z radiosonde launch is dedicated to Nicholas Nair, Gavin Short, and Drake Brooks, the 3 OU meteorology students who tragically were killed in a car accident Friday night. RIP," the National Weather Service in Dodge City wrote on social media.The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported Nicholas Nair, 20, of Denton, Texas; Gavin Short, 19, of Grayslake, Illinois; and Drake Brooks, 22, of Evansville, Indiana, died in the crash shortly before 11:30 p.m. Friday.The three were in a vehicle being driven by Nair southbound on Interstate 35 when the vehicle hydroplaned and was struck by a tractor-trailer rig in Tonkawa, about 85 miles north of Oklahoma City.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/Ast06ncrw4">pic.twitter.com/Ast06ncrw4</a>&mdash; Joseph Harroz, Jr. - OU President (@OU_President) <a href="https://twitter.com/OU_President/status/1520819226495307776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A statement released by OU said: “The university is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of three students. Each were valued and loved members of our community.”

NWS honors students killed returning from storm chasing in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris tested negative on Monday for COVID-19, six days after she tested positive for the virus, and has been cleared to return to the White House on Tuesday.

Harris press secretary Kirsten Allen said Harris, who was prescribed the antiviral treatment Paxlovid last week, was negative on a rapid antigen test. Allen said Harris would continue to wear a “well-fitting mask while around others” in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines until through her tenth day after her positive test.

CDC guidance allows people to leave isolation on the sixth day after they tested positive, as long as they wear a mask around others. The White House exceeds those guidelines, requiring a negative rapid test before people who have been infected are allowed to return to the complex.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650996759503.png" alt="Vice President Harris, 57, who tested positive for COVID April 26, received her first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine weeks before taking office and a second dose just days after Inauguration Day in 2021. She received a booster shot in late October and an additional booster on April 1. -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Vice President Harris, 57, who tested positive for COVID April 26, received her first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine weeks before taking office and a second dose just days after Inauguration Day in 2021. She received a booster shot in late October and an additional booster on April 1. -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris tested negative on Monday for COVID-19, six days after she tested positive for the virus, and has been cleared to return to the White House on Tuesday.Harris press secretary Kirsten Allen said Harris, who was prescribed the antiviral treatment Paxlovid last week, was negative on a rapid antigen test. Allen said Harris would continue to wear a “well-fitting mask while around others” in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines until through her tenth day after her positive test.CDC guidance allows people to leave isolation on the sixth day after they tested positive, as long as they wear a mask around others. The White House exceeds those guidelines, requiring a negative rapid test before people who have been infected are allowed to return to the complex.

Vice President negative for COVID-19 after taking antiviral pill

BUTLER COUNTY —One westbound lane of U.S. 54/400 at Andover reopened Monday morning after being closed by tornado damage, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.

One westbound lane remains closed: from Yorktown on west to Meadowlark on east. Westbound traffic is directed to slow down. Eastbound lanes reopened earlier.

The tornado damaged more than more than 1,000 buildings in south-central Kansas, generated winds up to 165 mph and carved a path of destruction nearly 13 miles long. 

BUTLER COUNTY —One westbound lane of U.S. 54/400 at Andover reopened Monday morning after being closed by tornado damage, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.One westbound lane remains closed: from Yorktown on west to Meadowlark on east. Westbound traffic is directed to slow down. Eastbound lanes reopened earlier.The tornado damaged more than more than 1,000 buildings in south-central Kansas, generated winds up to 165 mph and carved a path of destruction nearly 13 miles long.

Portion of U.S. 54 reopens after closed due to tornado

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man following hit and run accident.

Just after 6:30p.m. Friday, a vehicle driven by 22-year-old Ethan D. Hale of Atchison, struck a vehicle at U.S.73 and RavenHill Road and left the scene, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A police officer later located Hale in the 400 block South 10th. The&nbsp; Kansas Highway Patrol took him into custody. He remains jailed without bond on requested charges that include aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal damage to property, DUI and reckless driving, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651493742909.png" alt="Hale-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Hale-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man following hit and run accident.Just after 6:30p.m. Friday, a vehicle driven by 22-year-old Ethan D. Hale of Atchison, struck a vehicle at U.S.73 and RavenHill Road and left the scene, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp;&nbsp;A police officer later located Hale in the 400 block South 10th. The&nbsp; Kansas Highway Patrol took him into custody. He remains jailed without bond on requested charges that include aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal damage to property, DUI and reckless driving, according to online jail records.

Kansas man jailed without bond after hit and run crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration on Friday set tentative dates in June to publicly review COVID-19 vaccines for the youngest American children, typically the final step before authorizing the shots.

The meeting announcement follows months of frustration from families impatient for a chance to vaccinate their little children, along with complaints from politicians bemoaning the slow pace of the process.

The FDA said it plans to convene its outside panel of vaccine experts on June 8, 21 and 22 to review applications from Moderna and Pfizer for child vaccines. The dates are not final and the FDA said it will provide more details as each company completes its application.

While questions have swirled about what’s taking so long, FDA Commissioner Robert Califf emphasized Friday that the agency can’t evaluate the vaccines until all the data is submitted.

“There will be no delays,” Califf told reporters at a health journalism conference. “We’ll review the data, hold an advisory committee meeting and make a decision as quickly as possible once we get the applications.”

Currently, only children ages 5 or older can be vaccinated in the U.S. with Pfizer’s vaccine, leaving 18 million younger tots unprotected.

On Thursday, Moderna submitted some of its data to the FDA that it hopes will prove its two low-dose shots can protect children younger than 6. Moderna has filed FDA applications for older kids, but the FDA hasn’t ruled on them. It’s not clear if that data children will be considered at the June meetings.

Pfizer is soon expected to announce if three of its even smaller-dose shots work for the littlest kids, months after the disappointing discovery that two doses weren’t quite strong enough.

On Monday, a top House Democrat requested a briefing from FDA on the status of vaccines for children after media reports that the FDA was considering delaying its work on Moderna’s application to jointly review it with Pfizer’s at a later date.

The FDA also set a June 7 meeting to review Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine for adults. The Maryland-based company’s shots are authorized in Europe and elsewhere but have been delayed by production problems.

The advisory group will also convene June 28 to discuss whether the current U.S. COVID-19 vaccines should be updated to better target coronavirus variants.

WASHINGTON (AP)—Moderna on Thursday asked U.S. regulators to authorize low doses of its COVID-19 vaccine for children younger than 6, a long-awaited move toward potentially opening shots for millions of tots by summer.

Frustrated families are waiting impatiently for a chance to protect the nation’s littlest kids as all around them people shed masks and other public health precautions -- even though highly contagious coronavirus mutants continue to spread.

Moderna submitted data to the Food and Drug Administration that it hopes will prove two low-dose shots can protect babies, toddlers and preschoolers -- albeit not as effectively during the omicron surge as earlier in the pandemic.

“There is an important unmet medical need here with these youngest kids,” Dr. Paul Burton, Moderna’s chief medical officer, told The Associated Press. Two kid-size shots “will safely protect them. I think it is likely that over time they will need additional doses. But we’re working on that.”

Now, only children ages 5 or older can be vaccinated in the U.S., using rival Pfizer’s vaccine, leaving 18 million younger tots unprotected.

Moderna’s vaccine isn’t the only one in the race. Pfizer is soon expected to announce if three of its even smaller-dose shots work for the littlest kids, months after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-business-health-coronavirus-vaccine-c283d0644db46578f18b0b1aa1bfb9a0">disappointing discovery that two doses weren’t quite strong enough.</a>

Whether it’s one company’s shots or both, FDA vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks said the agency will “move quickly without sacrificing our standards” in deciding if tot-sized doses are safe and effective.

While questions are swirling about what’s taking so long, Marks pointedly told lawmakers this week that the FDA can’t evaluate a product until a manufacturer completes its application. FDA will publicly debate the evidence with its scientific advisers before making a decision, and Marks said multiple meetings would be set to cover several expected applications.

“It’s critically important that we have the proper evaluation so that parents will have trust in any vaccines that we authorize,” Marks told a Senate committee.

If FDA clears vaccinations for the littlest, next the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would have to recommend who needs them -- all tots or just those at higher risk from COVID-19.

Many parents are desperate for whichever vaccine gets to the scientific finish line first.

“We’ve been kind of left behind as everybody else moves on,” said Meagan Dunphy-Daly, a Duke University marine biologist whose 6-year-old daughter is vaccinated -- but whose 3-year-old and 18-month-old sons are part of Pfizer’s trial.

The family continues to mask and take other precautions until it’s clear if the boys got real vaccine or dummy shots. If it turns out they weren’t protected in the Pfizer study and Moderna’s shots are cleared first, Dunphy-Daly said she’d seek them for her sons.

“I will feel such a sense of relief when I know my boys are vaccinated and that the risk of them getting a serious infection is so low,” she said.

Some parents even have urged the government to let families choose shots before all the evidence is in.

“This strain of COVID feels almost impossible to dodge,” Dana Walker, a mother of an 8-month-old, tearfully told a CDC meeting last week. “Cut red tape and allow parents to protect their kids.”

The FDA will face some complex questions.

In a study of kids ages 6 months through 5 years, two Moderna shots — each a quarter of the regular dose — triggered high levels of virus-fighting antibodies, the same amount proven to protect young adults, Burton said. There were no serious side effects, and the shots triggered fewer fevers than other routine vaccinations.

But the vaccine proved between about 40% and 50% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 during the trial. Burton blamed the omicron variant’s ability to partially evade vaccine immunity, noting that unboosted adults showed similarly less effectiveness against milder omicron infections. While no children became severely ill during the study, he said high antibody levels are a proxy for protection against more serious illness — and the company will test a child booster dose.

Another issue: So far in the U.S., Moderna’s vaccine is restricted to adults. Other countries have expanded the shot to kids as young as 6. But months ago the FDA cited concern about a rare side effect, heart inflammation, in teen boys, and it hasn’t ruled on Moderna’s earlier pediatric applications.

Burton said the FDA may consider its vaccine for children of all ages — but also might open it first to the youngest kids who have no other option. He said safety data from millions of older children given Moderna vaccinations abroad should help reassure parents.

While COVID-19 generally isn’t as dangerous in youngsters as adults, some do become severely ill or even die. About 475 children younger than 5 have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic’s start, according to the CDC, and child hospitalizations soared at omicron’s peak.

Yet it’s not clear how many parents intend to vaccinate the youngest kids. Less than a third of children ages 5 to 11 have had two vaccinations, and 58% of those ages 12 to 17.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634902668202.jpeg" alt="photo courtesy Moderna" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Moderna</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration on Friday set tentative dates in June to publicly review COVID-19 vaccines for the youngest American children, typically the final step before authorizing the shots.The meeting announcement follows months of frustration from families impatient for a chance to vaccinate their little children, along with complaints from politicians bemoaning the slow pace of the process.The FDA said it plans to convene its outside panel of vaccine experts on June 8, 21 and 22 to review applications from Moderna and Pfizer for child vaccines. The dates are not final and the FDA said it will provide more details as each company completes its application.While questions have swirled about what’s taking so long, FDA Commissioner Robert Califf emphasized Friday that the agency can’t evaluate the vaccines until all the data is submitted.“There will be no delays,” Califf told reporters at a health journalism conference. “We’ll review the data, hold an advisory committee meeting and make a decision as quickly as possible once we get the applications.”Currently, only children ages 5 or older can be vaccinated in the U.S. with Pfizer’s vaccine, leaving 18 million younger tots unprotected.On Thursday, Moderna submitted some of its data to the FDA that it hopes will prove its two low-dose shots can protect children younger than 6. Moderna has filed FDA applications for older kids, but the FDA hasn’t ruled on them. It’s not clear if that data children will be considered at the June meetings.Pfizer is soon expected to announce if three of its even smaller-dose shots work for the littlest kids, months after the disappointing discovery that two doses weren’t quite strong enough.On Monday, a top House Democrat requested a briefing from FDA on the status of vaccines for children after media reports that the FDA was considering delaying its work on Moderna’s application to jointly review it with Pfizer’s at a later date.The FDA also set a June 7 meeting to review Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine for adults. The Maryland-based company’s shots are authorized in Europe and elsewhere but have been delayed by production problems.The advisory group will also convene June 28 to discuss whether the current U.S. COVID-19 vaccines should be updated to better target coronavirus variants.--------WASHINGTON (AP)—Moderna on Thursday asked U.S. regulators to authorize low doses of its COVID-19 vaccine for children younger than 6, a long-awaited move toward potentially opening shots for millions of tots by summer.Frustrated families are waiting impatiently for a chance to protect the nation’s littlest kids as all around them people shed masks and other public health precautions -- even though highly contagious coronavirus mutants continue to spread.Moderna submitted data to the Food and Drug Administration that it hopes will prove two low-dose shots can protect babies, toddlers and preschoolers -- albeit not as effectively during the omicron surge as earlier in the pandemic.“There is an important unmet medical need here with these youngest kids,” Dr. Paul Burton, Moderna’s chief medical officer, told The Associated Press. Two kid-size shots “will safely protect them. I think it is likely that over time they will need additional doses. But we’re working on that.”Now, only children ages 5 or older can be vaccinated in the U.S., using rival Pfizer’s vaccine, leaving 18 million younger tots unprotected.Moderna’s vaccine isn’t the only one in the race. Pfizer is soon expected to announce if three of its even smaller-dose shots work for the littlest kids, months after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-business-health-coronavirus-vaccine-c283d0644db46578f18b0b1aa1bfb9a0">disappointing discovery that two doses weren’t quite strong enough.</a>Whether it’s one company’s shots or both, FDA vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks said the agency will “move quickly without sacrificing our standards” in deciding if tot-sized doses are safe and effective.While questions are swirling about what’s taking so long, Marks pointedly told lawmakers this week that the FDA can’t evaluate a product until a manufacturer completes its application. FDA will publicly debate the evidence with its scientific advisers before making a decision, and Marks said multiple meetings would be set to cover several expected applications.“It’s critically important that we have the proper evaluation so that parents will have trust in any vaccines that we authorize,” Marks told a Senate committee.If FDA clears vaccinations for the littlest, next the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would have to recommend who needs them -- all tots or just those at higher risk from COVID-19.Many parents are desperate for whichever vaccine gets to the scientific finish line first.“We’ve been kind of left behind as everybody else moves on,” said Meagan Dunphy-Daly, a Duke University marine biologist whose 6-year-old daughter is vaccinated -- but whose 3-year-old and 18-month-old sons are part of Pfizer’s trial.The family continues to mask and take other precautions until it’s clear if the boys got real vaccine or dummy shots. If it turns out they weren’t protected in the Pfizer study and Moderna’s shots are cleared first, Dunphy-Daly said she’d seek them for her sons.“I will feel such a sense of relief when I know my boys are vaccinated and that the risk of them getting a serious infection is so low,” she said.Some parents even have urged the government to let families choose shots before all the evidence is in.“This strain of COVID feels almost impossible to dodge,” Dana Walker, a mother of an 8-month-old, tearfully told a CDC meeting last week. “Cut red tape and allow parents to protect their kids.”The FDA will face some complex questions.In a study of kids ages 6 months through 5 years, two Moderna shots — each a quarter of the regular dose — triggered high levels of virus-fighting antibodies, the same amount proven to protect young adults, Burton said. There were no serious side effects, and the shots triggered fewer fevers than other routine vaccinations.But the vaccine proved between about 40% and 50% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 during the trial. Burton blamed the omicron variant’s ability to partially evade vaccine immunity, noting that unboosted adults showed similarly less effectiveness against milder omicron infections. While no children became severely ill during the study, he said high antibody levels are a proxy for protection against more serious illness — and the company will test a child booster dose.Another issue: So far in the U.S., Moderna’s vaccine is restricted to adults. Other countries have expanded the shot to kids as young as 6. But months ago the FDA cited concern about a rare side effect, heart inflammation, in teen boys, and it hasn’t ruled on Moderna’s earlier pediatric applications.Burton said the FDA may consider its vaccine for children of all ages — but also might open it first to the youngest kids who have no other option. He said safety data from millions of older children given Moderna vaccinations abroad should help reassure parents.While COVID-19 generally isn’t as dangerous in youngsters as adults, some do become severely ill or even die. About 475 children younger than 5 have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic’s start, according to the CDC, and child hospitalizations soared at omicron’s peak.Yet it’s not clear how many parents intend to vaccinate the youngest kids. Less than a third of children ages 5 to 11 have had two vaccinations, and 58% of those ages 12 to 17.___

Moderna COVID shots for littlest kids possibly available next month

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The tornado that damaged more than more than 1,000 buildings in south-central Kansas generated winds up to 165 mph&nbsp; and carved a path of destruction nearly 13 miles long.

The National Weather Service said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tornadoes-kansas-wichita-d3d493c5036bafdacfd173dbe40ac451">the tornado that caused extensive damage Friday</a>&nbsp;mostly in the Wichita suburb of Andover and injured several people rated an EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita scale it uses to assess tornadoes.

Andover Fire Chief Chad Russell said that at least 300 to 400 buildings were destroyed by the storm as part of a total of 1,074 buildings that were damaged. The Weather Service said the tornado was on the ground for 21 minutes Friday evening.

Four people, including two firefighters who were responding to a call in Andover, were injured during the storm but their injuries were minor.

Russell said it will take years for Andover to recover from this storm.

“The city of Andover will be affected by this for years,” he said. “We still have scars from 1991 (EF5 tornado). I’m so thankful this tornado was not as bad as that, but we will literally be doing this for years.”

By Sunday, utility crews had restored power to nearly all of the more than 15,000 customers who lost power during the storm. Evergy said less than 1,000 people still lacked power in the Wichita area Sunday morning.

In addition to the storm damage, the Oklahoma State Patrol said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-indiana-oklahoma-evansville-city-d61b5bcec6115509d21cd32d27617426">three University of Oklahoma meteorology students were killed</a>&nbsp;in a car crash about 85 miles&nbsp; north of Oklahoma City in Oklahoma Friday evening as they returned from storm chasing in Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651369443627.png" alt="Photo courtesy office of Governor Kelly" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy office of Governor Kelly</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The tornado that damaged more than more than 1,000 buildings in south-central Kansas generated winds up to 165 mph&nbsp; and carved a path of destruction nearly 13 miles long.The National Weather Service said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tornadoes-kansas-wichita-d3d493c5036bafdacfd173dbe40ac451">the tornado that caused extensive damage Friday</a>&nbsp;mostly in the Wichita suburb of Andover and injured several people rated an EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita scale it uses to assess tornadoes.Andover Fire Chief Chad Russell said that at least 300 to 400 buildings were destroyed by the storm as part of a total of 1,074 buildings that were damaged. The Weather Service said the tornado was on the ground for 21 minutes Friday evening.Four people, including two firefighters who were responding to a call in Andover, were injured during the storm but their injuries were minor.Russell said it will take years for Andover to recover from this storm.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651286221103.png" alt="photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>“The city of Andover will be affected by this for years,” he said. “We still have scars from 1991 (EF5 tornado). I’m so thankful this tornado was not as bad as that, but we will literally be doing this for years.”By Sunday, utility crews had restored power to nearly all of the more than 15,000 customers who lost power during the storm. Evergy said less than 1,000 people still lacked power in the Wichita area Sunday morning.In addition to the storm damage, the Oklahoma State Patrol said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-indiana-oklahoma-evansville-city-d61b5bcec6115509d21cd32d27617426">three University of Oklahoma meteorology students were killed</a>&nbsp;in a car crash about 85 miles&nbsp; north of Oklahoma City in Oklahoma Friday evening as they returned from storm chasing in Kansas.

Kansas tornado generated 165 mph winds as it destroyed homes

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 10p.m. Saturday in Sedgwick County.

A GMC Sierra driven by&nbsp;26-year-old David Fuentes of Wichita was northbound in the 2900 Block of North Broadway in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

The driver lost control of the pickup. It struck railroad tracks, flipped and Fuentes was ejected from the vehicle.

First responders pronounced him dead at the scene, according to Ditch. The accident remains under investigation. Speed is believed to be a factor, according to Ditch.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 10p.m. Saturday in Sedgwick County.A GMC Sierra driven by&nbsp;26-year-old David Fuentes of Wichita was northbound in the 2900 Block of North Broadway in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.The driver lost control of the pickup. It struck railroad tracks, flipped and Fuentes was ejected from the vehicle.First responders pronounced him dead at the scene, according to Ditch. The accident remains under investigation. Speed is believed to be a factor, according to Ditch.

Police: Speed a factor in fatal Kansas crash

WASHINGTON (AP)— Black and Hispanic Americans remain far more cautious in their approach to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">COVID-19&nbsp;</a>than white Americans, recent polls show, reflecting diverging preferences on how to deal with the pandemic as federal, state and local restrictions fall by the wayside.

Despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-business-health-travel-lifestyle-df8d9d7e46db0b9a85e29ac762a41a51">majority favorability</a>&nbsp;among U.S. adults overall for measures like mask mandates, public health experts said divided opinions among racial groups reflect not only the unequal impact of the pandemic on people of color but also apathy among some white Americans.

Black Americans (63%) and Hispanic Americans (68%) continue to be more likely than white Americans (45%) to say they are at least somewhat worried about themselves or a family member being infected with COVID-19, according to an April poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Throughout the pandemic, Black and Hispanic communities have experienced higher rates of illness and death from COVID, said Amelia Burke-Garcia, public health program area director at NORC. Those experiences have resulted in greater levels of stress, anxiety and awareness of the risks of catching COVID-19, she said, which means people of color are more likely to feel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-travel-florida-public-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-918c37c5fc5e250f84f4f6cbf77bbcec">measures like mask mandates</a>&nbsp;are needed.

“We’ve seen these trends endure throughout the entire pandemic,” Burke-Garcia said. “What we’re seeing now as mitigation measures are being rolled back is there’s still great concern amongst Black Americans and Hispanic Americans around the risk of getting sick.”

Seventy-one percent of Black Americans say they favor requiring face masks for people traveling on airplanes, trains and other types of public transportation. That’s more than the 52% of white Americans who support mask mandates for travelers; 29% of white Americans are opposed. Among Hispanic Americans, 59% are in favor and 20% are opposed. The poll was conducted before a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-business-travel-tampa-3408cc825582126fbda5fbedd3a49dd3">ruling by a federal judge&nbsp;</a>scuttled the government’s mask mandate for travelers.

In Indiana, Tuwanna Plant said she sees fewer and fewer people wearing masks in public, even though she said she has been diligent in always wearing one. Plant, who is Black, said she sees people treating the pandemic like it’s over, and she wants the mask mandate to continue.

Plant, a 46-year-old sous chef, said she had some concerns about getting the vaccine and took every other precaution, such as cleaning and masking, to avoid getting sick but recently was hospitalized for COVID-19.

The experience scared her — she has a preexisting lung condition, and knew family members who died from COVID-19. She said she plans to get vaccinated as soon as she can.

“I called my children while I was in the emergency room,” Plant said. “I didn’t know ... if it was going to get better or worse, I didn’t know. So it was the experience for me altogether.”

Dr. Celine Gounder, an infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist and editor-at-large at Kaiser Health News, said people’s lived experiences deeply shape how they perceive the pandemic. Anecdotes and personal experience can have a larger impact on behavior than numbers, she said, and people of color are more likely to have had negative experiences with health care prior to and during the pandemic.

While new medicines and vaccines have made it easier to treat COVID-19, Gounder said many people still face systemic barriers to accessing that medical care. Others risk losing their jobs or are unable to take time off if they do fall ill, she said, or cannot avoid things like public transit to reduce their exposures.

“When people argue that they don’t have to mask on the plane, that means something very different for someone who has access to all of these new innovations than it does for somebody who has no health insurance, who struggles to care for an elderly parent and their children, who’s maybe a single mom working in a job where she has no paid sick and family medical leave,” Gounder said. “It’s just a completely different calculation.”

In January, an AP-NORC poll showed Black and Hispanic Americans were more likely than white Americans to feel certain things would be essential for getting back to life without feeling at risk of infection. For example, 76% of Black Americans and 55% of Hispanic Americans said it was essential for getting back to normal that most people regularly wear face masks in public indoor places, compared with 38% of white Americans.

Last month, an AP-NORC poll showed Black and Hispanic Americans, 69% and 49%, were more likely than white Americans, 35%, to say they always or often wear a face mask around others.

Lower support for mask mandates and other precautions among white Americans may also reflect less sensitivity towards what occurs in communities of color. In a 2021&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8284029/" target="_blank">study</a>&nbsp;of mask wearing during the early part of the pandemic, researchers found that mask wearing among white people increased when white people were dying at greater rates in the surrounding community. When Black and Hispanic people were dying, mask usage was lower.

Berkeley Franz, a co-author of the paper, said that in addition to residential segregation that separates white people from communities of color, past research has shown that white people can display ambivalence toward policies that they believe mostly help people of color.

“Anti-Blackness is really pervasive and has tremendous consequences, both in terms of the policies that get passed, and what doesn’t,” Franz said. “White people can still have really racist actions without seeing themselves that way and understanding the consequences. It’s largely below the surface and unintentional but has tremendous consequences in terms of equity.”

Communities of color also have a different perception of risk from the pandemic than their white counterparts, said Michael Niño, a sociology professor at the University of Arkansas who co-authored a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7814861/" target="_blank">paper&nbsp;</a>on race, gender and masking in the pandemic.

“Masking is something that is relatively cheap, it’s effective, and it’s something that can be easily done,” he said. “It doesn’t require any sort of governmental response. These broader histories of racism and sexism in the United States are most certainly shaping some of the patterns we’re seeing.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612200579953.png" alt="CDC image" />
 <figcaption>CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP)— Black and Hispanic Americans remain far more cautious in their approach to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">COVID-19&nbsp;</a>than white Americans, recent polls show, reflecting diverging preferences on how to deal with the pandemic as federal, state and local restrictions fall by the wayside.Despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-business-health-travel-lifestyle-df8d9d7e46db0b9a85e29ac762a41a51">majority favorability</a>&nbsp;among U.S. adults overall for measures like mask mandates, public health experts said divided opinions among racial groups reflect not only the unequal impact of the pandemic on people of color but also apathy among some white Americans.Black Americans (63%) and Hispanic Americans (68%) continue to be more likely than white Americans (45%) to say they are at least somewhat worried about themselves or a family member being infected with COVID-19, according to an April poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.Throughout the pandemic, Black and Hispanic communities have experienced higher rates of illness and death from COVID, said Amelia Burke-Garcia, public health program area director at NORC. Those experiences have resulted in greater levels of stress, anxiety and awareness of the risks of catching COVID-19, she said, which means people of color are more likely to feel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-travel-florida-public-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-918c37c5fc5e250f84f4f6cbf77bbcec">measures like mask mandates</a>&nbsp;are needed.“We’ve seen these trends endure throughout the entire pandemic,” Burke-Garcia said. “What we’re seeing now as mitigation measures are being rolled back is there’s still great concern amongst Black Americans and Hispanic Americans around the risk of getting sick.”Seventy-one percent of Black Americans say they favor requiring face masks for people traveling on airplanes, trains and other types of public transportation. That’s more than the 52% of white Americans who support mask mandates for travelers; 29% of white Americans are opposed. Among Hispanic Americans, 59% are in favor and 20% are opposed. The poll was conducted before a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-business-travel-tampa-3408cc825582126fbda5fbedd3a49dd3">ruling by a federal judge&nbsp;</a>scuttled the government’s mask mandate for travelers.In Indiana, Tuwanna Plant said she sees fewer and fewer people wearing masks in public, even though she said she has been diligent in always wearing one. Plant, who is Black, said she sees people treating the pandemic like it’s over, and she wants the mask mandate to continue.Plant, a 46-year-old sous chef, said she had some concerns about getting the vaccine and took every other precaution, such as cleaning and masking, to avoid getting sick but recently was hospitalized for COVID-19.The experience scared her — she has a preexisting lung condition, and knew family members who died from COVID-19. She said she plans to get vaccinated as soon as she can.“I called my children while I was in the emergency room,” Plant said. “I didn’t know ... if it was going to get better or worse, I didn’t know. So it was the experience for me altogether.”Dr. Celine Gounder, an infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist and editor-at-large at Kaiser Health News, said people’s lived experiences deeply shape how they perceive the pandemic. Anecdotes and personal experience can have a larger impact on behavior than numbers, she said, and people of color are more likely to have had negative experiences with health care prior to and during the pandemic.While new medicines and vaccines have made it easier to treat COVID-19, Gounder said many people still face systemic barriers to accessing that medical care. Others risk losing their jobs or are unable to take time off if they do fall ill, she said, or cannot avoid things like public transit to reduce their exposures.“When people argue that they don’t have to mask on the plane, that means something very different for someone who has access to all of these new innovations than it does for somebody who has no health insurance, who struggles to care for an elderly parent and their children, who’s maybe a single mom working in a job where she has no paid sick and family medical leave,” Gounder said. “It’s just a completely different calculation.”In January, an AP-NORC poll showed Black and Hispanic Americans were more likely than white Americans to feel certain things would be essential for getting back to life without feeling at risk of infection. For example, 76% of Black Americans and 55% of Hispanic Americans said it was essential for getting back to normal that most people regularly wear face masks in public indoor places, compared with 38% of white Americans.Last month, an AP-NORC poll showed Black and Hispanic Americans, 69% and 49%, were more likely than white Americans, 35%, to say they always or often wear a face mask around others.Lower support for mask mandates and other precautions among white Americans may also reflect less sensitivity towards what occurs in communities of color. In a 2021&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8284029/" target="_blank">study</a>&nbsp;of mask wearing during the early part of the pandemic, researchers found that mask wearing among white people increased when white people were dying at greater rates in the surrounding community. When Black and Hispanic people were dying, mask usage was lower.Berkeley Franz, a co-author of the paper, said that in addition to residential segregation that separates white people from communities of color, past research has shown that white people can display ambivalence toward policies that they believe mostly help people of color.“Anti-Blackness is really pervasive and has tremendous consequences, both in terms of the policies that get passed, and what doesn’t,” Franz said. “White people can still have really racist actions without seeing themselves that way and understanding the consequences. It’s largely below the surface and unintentional but has tremendous consequences in terms of equity.”Communities of color also have a different perception of risk from the pandemic than their white counterparts, said Michael Niño, a sociology professor at the University of Arkansas who co-authored a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7814861/" target="_blank">paper&nbsp;</a>on race, gender and masking in the pandemic.“Masking is something that is relatively cheap, it’s effective, and it’s something that can be easily done,” he said. “It doesn’t require any sort of governmental response. These broader histories of racism and sexism in the United States are most certainly shaping some of the patterns we’re seeing.”___

Racial split on COVID-19 endures as restrictions ease in US

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Gas prices are still relatively high, but at least they aren't that much different than last week.

"Things have seemed to settle down a bit," said Shawn Steward with AAA of Kansas. "We are seeing some tight gasoline supplies now, which are preventing prices from falling at the pumps.".

"There could be some pretty high demand for gas as people take off on summer vacations, despite the higher gas prices than we've seen in recent years," Steward said.

Steward notes that people may modify other choices like how nice a hotel to book in an effort to have the additional money to spend on gas.

"There's nothing new here," Steward said. "It's just the fluctuating crude oil prices, with global uncertainty and volatility going on. That's impacting what we're seeing for gas prices."

The national average continues to be considerably above Kansas at $4.19 a gallon Monday

NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Gas prices are still relatively high, but at least they aren't that much different than last week."Things have seemed to settle down a bit," said Shawn Steward with AAA of Kansas. "We are seeing some tight gasoline supplies now, which are preventing prices from falling at the pumps."."There could be some pretty high demand for gas as people take off on summer vacations, despite the higher gas prices than we've seen in recent years," Steward said.Steward notes that people may modify other choices like how nice a hotel to book in an effort to have the additional money to spend on gas."There's nothing new here," Steward said. "It's just the fluctuating crude oil prices, with global uncertainty and volatility going on. That's impacting what we're seeing for gas prices."The national average continues to be considerably above Kansas at $4.19 a gallon Monday

AAA Kansas: Gas prices still relatively high, but more stable

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered Kansas sex offender on multiple charges after a traffic stop.

Just before 7:30 a.m. Thursday, a sheriff's deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on K-68 Highway near the K-268 Highway junction in Osage County for a traffic violation, according to a media release.

The vehicle failed to yield, and a brief pursuit was initiated. The vehicle came to a stop at K-68 Highway and Arkansas Road in Franklin County.

The driver of the vehicle, Jason M. Fox, 40, of Vassar, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of flee/elude law enforcement, reckless driving, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while a habitual violator, driving while license is suspended, and several traffic infractions.

Fox has previous convictions that include forgery,&nbsp;Attempted Furnishing of Cereal Malt Beverage/Minor and Aggravated Sexual Battery. He has been registered as a sex offender since 2005, according to the KBI registry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651324722925.png" alt="Fox-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Fox-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered Kansas sex offender on multiple charges after a traffic stop.Just before 7:30 a.m. Thursday, a sheriff's deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on K-68 Highway near the K-268 Highway junction in Osage County for a traffic violation, according to a media release.The vehicle failed to yield, and a brief pursuit was initiated. The vehicle came to a stop at K-68 Highway and Arkansas Road in Franklin County.The driver of the vehicle, Jason M. Fox, 40, of Vassar, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of flee/elude law enforcement, reckless driving, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while a habitual violator, driving while license is suspended, and several traffic infractions.Fox has previous convictions that include forgery,&nbsp;Attempted Furnishing of Cereal Malt Beverage/Minor and Aggravated Sexual Battery. He has been registered as a sex offender since 2005, according to the KBI registry.

Kansas sex offender found with drugs during traffic stop

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal jury convicted a Kansas man of one count of bank robbery and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

According to court documents, and evidence presented at trial, Davonte Chaney, 30, of Kansas City was found guilty of robbing Truity Credit Union, 2221 West 31st Street, in Lawrence.

In September 2021, Chaney entered the bank,&nbsp; pointed a semi-automatic gun at the employees, and instructed them all to get down on the ground.

“Chaney’s criminal actions in order to get money subjected people who were making an honest living to a violent, terrifying ordeal,” said Duston Slinkard, U.S. Attorney. “The strong evidence collected by law enforcement investigators along with the convincing arguments prosecutors put before the jury, secured a conviction so that the victims’ suffering will not go unpunished.”

&nbsp;Sentencing is scheduled for August 16.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651261278048.png" alt="Security camera images of the bank robbery suspect, Davonte Chaney-photo FBI" />
 <figcaption>Security camera images of the bank robbery suspect, Davonte Chaney-photo FBI</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal jury convicted a Kansas man of one count of bank robbery and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.According to court documents, and evidence presented at trial, Davonte Chaney, 30, of Kansas City was found guilty of robbing Truity Credit Union, 2221 West 31st Street, in Lawrence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635251246746.png" alt="Chaney-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Chaney-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>In September 2021, Chaney entered the bank,&nbsp; pointed a semi-automatic gun at the employees, and instructed them all to get down on the ground.“Chaney’s criminal actions in order to get money subjected people who were making an honest living to a violent, terrifying ordeal,” said Duston Slinkard, U.S. Attorney. “The strong evidence collected by law enforcement investigators along with the convincing arguments prosecutors put before the jury, secured a conviction so that the victims’ suffering will not go unpunished.”&nbsp;Sentencing is scheduled for August 16.

Jury: Man guilty of armed robbery at Kan. credit union 

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Three people died and three others were injured after two weekend shootings in Kansas City, Kansas. 

A spokesman for the police department in Kansas City, Kansas, Officer Marshee London said one shooting happened late Saturday while the second one was reported shortly after 4 a.m. Sunday. The Kansas City Star reports that in the first shooting, officers found two people who had been fatally wounded in the 1800 block of North 26th Street. 

A third person who had also been shot was taken to the hospital. On Sunday morning, police found one dead person and two wounded individuals in the 200 block of North 6th Street. Police did not immediately name the victims or report any arrests.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Three people died and three others were injured after two weekend shootings in Kansas City, Kansas. A spokesman for the police department in Kansas City, Kansas, Officer Marshee London said one shooting happened late Saturday while the second one was reported shortly after 4 a.m. Sunday. The Kansas City Star reports that in the first shooting, officers found two people who had been fatally wounded in the 1800 block of North 26th Street. A third person who had also been shot was taken to the hospital. On Sunday morning, police found one dead person and two wounded individuals in the 200 block of North 6th Street. Police did not immediately name the victims or report any arrests.

Three killed in two separate shootings in Kansas 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after an arrest.

On April 27, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office received information on where an individual with a federal arrest warrant for felon in possession of a firearm was located, according to Sheriff Brian Hill.

An on scene investigation confirmed that the individual was staying at a hotel in the 3700 block of SW Topeka Boulevard. 

The United States Marshals Service Task Force Officer from the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Warrant Unit assisted with the arrest of 32-year-old Martwan L. Cay of Topeka. 

During the execution of a subsequent search warrant initiated by the Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Warrant Unit, officers found a handgun, ammunition, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and pills believed to contain fentanyl.

Cay was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on the federal arrest warrant. He also faces charges of felony interference, felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of opiates, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651182000028.png" alt="Cay-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Cay-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after an arrest.On April 27, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office received information on where an individual with a federal arrest warrant for felon in possession of a firearm was located, according to Sheriff Brian Hill.An on scene investigation confirmed that the individual was staying at a hotel in the 3700 block of SW Topeka Boulevard. The United States Marshals Service Task Force Officer from the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Warrant Unit assisted with the arrest of 32-year-old Martwan L. Cay of Topeka. During the execution of a subsequent search warrant initiated by the Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Warrant Unit, officers found a handgun, ammunition, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and pills believed to contain fentanyl.Cay was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on the federal arrest warrant. He also faces charges of felony interference, felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of opiates, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

U.S. Marshals find pills with fentanyl during arrest at Kansas motel

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Federal Emergency Management Agency may have been double-billed for the funerals of hundreds of people who died of COVID-19, the Government Accountability Office said in a new report Wednesday.

The GAO identified 374 people who died and were listed on more than one application that received an award from the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance fund. That amounts to about $4.8 million in assistance that could have been improper or potentially fraudulent payments, the report said.

FEMA spokesperson Jaclyn Rothenberg said Wednesday that this was not an example of large-scale fraud and the amount of funeral assistance identified as at-risk was relatively small, with FEMA’s “multi-layered internal quality controls and fraud controls” resulting in improper payments of less than 1%.

“Unfortunately, fraud, particularly identity theft, is common. FEMA has controls in place to detect instances and can and will prosecute anyone who would apply for assistance fraudulently,” Rothenberg said in a statement.

FEMA told the GAO that some duplicative applications were incorrectly awarded funeral assistance due to processing errors, not fraud, and benefits were not actually paid twice in some of the cases, the report said.

The cases have been sent to the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General to consider whether to launch any fraud investigations, said Chris Currie, who leads GAO’s work on emergency management and disaster response and recovery, and Rebecca Shea, who oversees GAO audits to identify fraud, waste and abuse.

Shea said they could not confirm whether FEMA did or did not pay twice in all of the cases. She said she thinks fraudsters likely targeted the fund and some of it is data entry mistakes.

“Given everything we’ve seen in the pandemic programs over the past two years, if fraudsters did not try to gain from this system, that would be surprising to me,” she said Wednesday.

As of late last year, FEMA had awarded about $1.5 billion in assistance in response to about 235,000 applications for nearly 237,000 people who died due to COVID-19, the report said. While the duplicates are less than .2% of those applications, the GAO said the findings are significant due to the possibility of improper payments and potential fraud in this disaster and future disasters.

There were only about 6,000 applications for funeral assistance after other disasters in the decade before the pandemic. Use of the program “exploded” since Congress expanded it for COVID-19 by making the $50 billion in the Disaster Relief Fund available for such assistance, prompting GAO to do a forensic audit, Currie said.

FEMA said Wednesday that it has now awarded more than $2.1 billion to more than 355,000 recipients.

Most of the 374 deceased individuals identified on more than one application were listed by different applicants, the GAO said. The GAO provided three examples to FEMA. FEMA said there were processing errors and started trying to recoup the money in two of the cases in January, the report said.

About 50 deceased individuals were listed on multiple applications from the same applicant, the report said. FEMA initially said there were duplicates in the system due to a change in geographic coding and only one of the applications was paid in each case, but when the GAO provided examples, FEMA confirmed the duplicative applications were paid, the report said.

In addition, the GAO said it identified another 400 applications that received more than the maximum benefit of $9,000 for each person who died — some up to nearly $20,000 — for another roughly $4.7 million in assistance that could’ve been improper or potentially fraudulent payments.

There were thousands of awards given in instances where there was a missing or invalid death date according to the data that FEMA provided, the GAO said. Sometimes a deceased person was listed as the applicant or the date listed for the decedent was before the pandemic started, raising questions about how FEMA determined eligibility in those cases, Shea said.

“That shouldn’t be happening,” she said. “You know, dead can’t apply for benefits.”

The GAO is recommending FEMA put additional controls in place to prevent and detect improper payments and potential fraud, and address deficiencies in the data by updating records as data is verified and adding data fields where necessary.

Rothenberg said FEMA established additional controls prior to implementing COVID-19 Funeral Assistance to mitigate the risk of fraud and identity theft. She said FEMA requires verifiable documentation for funeral expenses, including funeral home contracts and receipts, and conducts multiple verification checks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608503689153.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The Federal Emergency Management Agency may have been double-billed for the funerals of hundreds of people who died of COVID-19, the Government Accountability Office said in a new report Wednesday.The GAO identified 374 people who died and were listed on more than one application that received an award from the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance fund. That amounts to about $4.8 million in assistance that could have been improper or potentially fraudulent payments, the report said.FEMA spokesperson Jaclyn Rothenberg said Wednesday that this was not an example of large-scale fraud and the amount of funeral assistance identified as at-risk was relatively small, with FEMA’s “multi-layered internal quality controls and fraud controls” resulting in improper payments of less than 1%.“Unfortunately, fraud, particularly identity theft, is common. FEMA has controls in place to detect instances and can and will prosecute anyone who would apply for assistance fraudulently,” Rothenberg said in a statement.FEMA told the GAO that some duplicative applications were incorrectly awarded funeral assistance due to processing errors, not fraud, and benefits were not actually paid twice in some of the cases, the report said.The cases have been sent to the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General to consider whether to launch any fraud investigations, said Chris Currie, who leads GAO’s work on emergency management and disaster response and recovery, and Rebecca Shea, who oversees GAO audits to identify fraud, waste and abuse.Shea said they could not confirm whether FEMA did or did not pay twice in all of the cases. She said she thinks fraudsters likely targeted the fund and some of it is data entry mistakes.“Given everything we’ve seen in the pandemic programs over the past two years, if fraudsters did not try to gain from this system, that would be surprising to me,” she said Wednesday.As of late last year, FEMA had awarded about $1.5 billion in assistance in response to about 235,000 applications for nearly 237,000 people who died due to COVID-19, the report said. While the duplicates are less than .2% of those applications, the GAO said the findings are significant due to the possibility of improper payments and potential fraud in this disaster and future disasters.There were only about 6,000 applications for funeral assistance after other disasters in the decade before the pandemic. Use of the program “exploded” since Congress expanded it for COVID-19 by making the $50 billion in the Disaster Relief Fund available for such assistance, prompting GAO to do a forensic audit, Currie said.FEMA said Wednesday that it has now awarded more than $2.1 billion to more than 355,000 recipients.Most of the 374 deceased individuals identified on more than one application were listed by different applicants, the GAO said. The GAO provided three examples to FEMA. FEMA said there were processing errors and started trying to recoup the money in two of the cases in January, the report said.About 50 deceased individuals were listed on multiple applications from the same applicant, the report said. FEMA initially said there were duplicates in the system due to a change in geographic coding and only one of the applications was paid in each case, but when the GAO provided examples, FEMA confirmed the duplicative applications were paid, the report said.In addition, the GAO said it identified another 400 applications that received more than the maximum benefit of $9,000 for each person who died — some up to nearly $20,000 — for another roughly $4.7 million in assistance that could’ve been improper or potentially fraudulent payments.There were thousands of awards given in instances where there was a missing or invalid death date according to the data that FEMA provided, the GAO said. Sometimes a deceased person was listed as the applicant or the date listed for the decedent was before the pandemic started, raising questions about how FEMA determined eligibility in those cases, Shea said.“That shouldn’t be happening,” she said. “You know, dead can’t apply for benefits.”The GAO is recommending FEMA put additional controls in place to prevent and detect improper payments and potential fraud, and address deficiencies in the data by updating records as data is verified and adding data fields where necessary.Rothenberg said FEMA established additional controls prior to implementing COVID-19 Funeral Assistance to mitigate the risk of fraud and identity theft. She said FEMA requires verifiable documentation for funeral expenses, including funeral home contracts and receipts, and conducts multiple verification checks.___

Once dead, twice billed: GAO questions COVID funeral awards

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) —&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;will be tightening its rules for adults receiving food assistance even though critics have warned that its new law is so sloppily written that it will apply to thousands more people than supporters intended.

The Republican-controlled Legislature on Thursday overrode Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's veto of a GOP bill imposing a new job-training requirement for non-disabled adults. The changes will take effect July 1.

Republicans could overturn Kelly's action on their own because they have more than the two-thirds majorities in both chambers needed to do it. The votes were 86-36 in the House and 29-11 in the Senate, and almost no Democrats supported the override attempt.

GOP lawmakers have long argued that tighter rules for people receiving public assistance, coupled with state-provided job training, moves people from being dependent on the state's help into jobs.

“What is the central solution to poverty? It’s work,” said Republican state Rep. Susan Humphries, of Wichita. "Work is not a punishment, it’s a blessing. Helping someone move to a place of self sufficiency is as gift to them.”

In her veto message earlier this month, Kelly said the measure would “unnecessarily burden” some 30,000 adults. Republicans have put the number affected at less than half that, or about 12,000 adults.

Republicans said the new law applies only to non-disabled adults from 18 through 49 who do not have children. But Democrats said because of the bill's language, it could apply to both that group and all adults not working at least 30 hours a week.

“There already were issues with this bill,” Sen. Pat Pettey, a Kansas City Democrat, said Thursday in supporting Kelly's veto. “We don’t know with this additional language whether that is going that far.”

Since July 2021, an average of nearly 199,000 people, including nearly 87,000 children, have received food assistance each month, with an average benefit of $300, according to the state Department for Children and Families.

The state tightened its rules for people receiving cash assistance in 2015 and 2016 under then-Republican Gov. Sam Brownback. Kansas gained national attention in 2015 for adding to state law a list of several dozen items that couldn't be purchased with the state aid, including tattoos, lingerie, concert tickets or sessions with a psychic.

Critics of those changes argued that they mostly kicked needy people off cash assistance and that many of those who obtained jobs still didn't earn enough to escape poverty. Advocates for the poor, social services agencies and food bank operators all said this year's bill simply would result in more struggling families going hungry.

They also argued that the tougher rules would increase bureaucracy, citing estimates that the state would have to spend $3 million to $5 million on additional staffing to enforce the new requirements.

“It’s punitive in nature," said state Rep. Jason Probst, a Hutchinson Democrat. "We are going to harm people with this if we do this override.”

Supporters of the bill countered that the extra state staffing and spending would be an investment in improving poor families' lives.

“We do nothing more than allow more people to be able to go to work, have an even better job and allow our employers to hire people who are better trained,” said Republican Sen. Beverly Gossage, of Eudora.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1571410354379.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA and MARGARET STAFFORDTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) —&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;will be tightening its rules for adults receiving food assistance even though critics have warned that its new law is so sloppily written that it will apply to thousands more people than supporters intended.The Republican-controlled Legislature on Thursday overrode Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's veto of a GOP bill imposing a new job-training requirement for non-disabled adults. The changes will take effect July 1.Republicans could overturn Kelly's action on their own because they have more than the two-thirds majorities in both chambers needed to do it. The votes were 86-36 in the House and 29-11 in the Senate, and almost no Democrats supported the override attempt.GOP lawmakers have long argued that tighter rules for people receiving public assistance, coupled with state-provided job training, moves people from being dependent on the state's help into jobs.“What is the central solution to poverty? It’s work,” said Republican state Rep. Susan Humphries, of Wichita. "Work is not a punishment, it’s a blessing. Helping someone move to a place of self sufficiency is as gift to them.”In her veto message earlier this month, Kelly said the measure would “unnecessarily burden” some 30,000 adults. Republicans have put the number affected at less than half that, or about 12,000 adults.Republicans said the new law applies only to non-disabled adults from 18 through 49 who do not have children. But Democrats said because of the bill's language, it could apply to both that group and all adults not working at least 30 hours a week.“There already were issues with this bill,” Sen. Pat Pettey, a Kansas City Democrat, said Thursday in supporting Kelly's veto. “We don’t know with this additional language whether that is going that far.”Since July 2021, an average of nearly 199,000 people, including nearly 87,000 children, have received food assistance each month, with an average benefit of $300, according to the state Department for Children and Families.The state tightened its rules for people receiving cash assistance in 2015 and 2016 under then-Republican Gov. Sam Brownback. Kansas gained national attention in 2015 for adding to state law a list of several dozen items that couldn't be purchased with the state aid, including tattoos, lingerie, concert tickets or sessions with a psychic.Critics of those changes argued that they mostly kicked needy people off cash assistance and that many of those who obtained jobs still didn't earn enough to escape poverty. Advocates for the poor, social services agencies and food bank operators all said this year's bill simply would result in more struggling families going hungry.They also argued that the tougher rules would increase bureaucracy, citing estimates that the state would have to spend $3 million to $5 million on additional staffing to enforce the new requirements.“It’s punitive in nature," said state Rep. Jason Probst, a Hutchinson Democrat. "We are going to harm people with this if we do this override.”Supporters of the bill countered that the extra state staffing and spending would be an investment in improving poor families' lives.“We do nothing more than allow more people to be able to go to work, have an even better job and allow our employers to hire people who are better trained,” said Republican Sen. Beverly Gossage, of Eudora.

Kansas tightening rules for adults receiving food assistance

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — A U.S. congressional delegation led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi praised the courage of the Ukrainian people in remarks during a visit to Poland on Sunday, a day after a surprise trip to Kyiv to meet with President Volodymr Zelenskyy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651407478901.png" alt="Pelosi and a half-dozen U.S. lawmakers met for three hours late Saturday with Zelenskyy -photo courtesy President Zelenskyy press office" />
 <figcaption>Pelosi and a half-dozen U.S. lawmakers met for three hours late Saturday with Zelenskyy -photo courtesy President Zelenskyy press office</figcaption>
 </figure>WARSAW, Poland (AP) — A U.S. congressional delegation led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi praised the courage of the Ukrainian people in remarks during a visit to Poland on Sunday, a day after a surprise trip to Kyiv to meet with President Volodymr Zelenskyy.The American legislators assessed Ukraine’s needs for the next phase of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war</a>, with Pelosi vowing that Washington would stand with the country until it defeats Russia.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Зустріч зі спікером Палати представників Конгресу США <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerPelosi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerPelosi</a> в Києві. Сполучені Штати є лідером потужної підтримки України в боротьбі з агресією РФ. Дякуємо, що допомагаєте захищати суверенітет і територіальну цілісність нашої держави! <a href="https://t.co/QXSBPFoGQh">pic.twitter.com/QXSBPFoGQh</a>&mdash; Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1520644107751809024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Pelosi, a California Democrat who is second in line to the presidency after the vice president, was the most senior American lawmaker to visit Ukraine since Russia’s war began more than two months ago. Her previously unannounced visit came just days after Moscow bombed the Ukrainian capital while the U.N. secretary-general was there.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Join Members of our delegation and me in Rzeszów, Poland for a press conference on the situation in Ukraine. <a href="https://t.co/QbuHSRk11i">https://t.co/QbuHSRk11i</a>&mdash; Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerPelosi/status/1520693888507383810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Pelosi and a half-dozen U.S. lawmakers met for three hours late Saturday with Zelenskyy and his top aides to get a first-hand assessment of the war effort to date. Speaking to reporters Sunday in Poland, the delegation members were unanimous in praising Ukraine’s defenses so far, in painting the battle of one as good against evil and in assuring continued long-term U.S. military, humanitarian and economic support.“<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651407269254.png" alt="“We were proud to convey to him the message of unity from the Congress of the United States, a message of appreciation from the American people for his leadership and admiration for the people of Ukraine for their courage,” Pelosi said.-photo courtesy House Speaker's Office" />
 <figcaption>“We were proud to convey to him the message of unity from the Congress of the United States, a message of appreciation from the American people for his leadership and admiration for the people of Ukraine for their courage,” Pelosi said.-photo courtesy House Speaker's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>“We were proud to convey to him the message of unity from the Congress of the United States, a message of appreciation from the American people for his leadership and admiration for the people of Ukraine for their courage,” Pelosi said.Their visit came two days after U.S. President Joe Biden asked Congress for $33 billion to bolster Ukraine’s fight against Russia, more than twice the size of the initial $13.6 billion aid measure that Congress enacted early last month and now is almost drained. With the war dragging into its third month, the measure was designed to signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin that U.S. weaponry and other forms of assistance weren’t going away.“This is a time we stand up for democracy or we allow autocracy to rule the day,” said Rep. Gregory Meeks, a Democrat from New York.“This is a struggle of freedom against tyranny,” said Rep. Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California. “And in that struggle, Ukraine is on the front lines.”Rep. Jason Crow, a Democrat from Colorado, a veteran and a member of the House intelligence and armed services committee, said he came to Ukraine with three areas of focus: “Weapons, weapons and weapons.”“We have to make sure the Ukrainians have what they need to win. What we have seen in the last two months is their ferocity, their intense pride, their ability to fight and their ability to win if they have the support to do so.”“The United States of America is in this to win, and we will stand with Ukraine until victory is won,” he added.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651407042206.png" alt="Photo courtesy House Speaker's Office" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy House Speaker's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>The full congressional delegation included Meeks, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Schiff, who chairs the House Intelligence Committee; Jim McGovern of Massachusetts who chairs the House Rules Committee; Crow, Barbara Lee of California; and Bill Keating of Massachusetts.“You all are welcome,” Zelenskyy told the delegation, according to a video of the encounter released by his office.Pelosi told Zelenskyy: “We believe that we are visiting you to say thank you for your fight for freedom.”“We are on a frontier of freedom and your fight is a fight for everyone. Our commitment is to be there for you until the fight is done,” Pelosi added.The delegation continued its trip in southeast Poland, and members were later visiting the capital, Warsaw, to meet with President Andrzej Duda and other senior officials. Poland has received more than 3 million refugees from Ukraine since Russia launched its war on Feb. 24.“We look forward to thanking our Polish allies for their dedication and humanitarian efforts,” Pelosi said.Speaking at a news conference in Poland, Pelosi said she and others in the delegation applauded the courage of the Ukrainian people. She added that the delegation brought Zelenskyy “a message of appreciation from the American people for his leadership.”McGovern said Russia’s war had repercussions far beyond Ukraine, saying it was exacerbating a food crisis that would be disastrous for poor people across the globe.“Putin’s brutal war is no longer only a war against the people of Ukraine,” McGovern said. “It’s also a war against the world’s most vulnerable.”He added that Ukraine is a “breadbasket of the world.”“I don’t think that Putin cares if he starves the world,” McGovern said.___