The
 FTC is sending checks totaling more than $1.5 million to more than 
3,000 consumers who were deceived into buying worthless Internet-based 
marketing products and services by two companies called Position Gurus, 
LLC, and Top Shelf Ecommerce, LLC.

<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/federal.trade.commission#!/vizhome/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase"></a> According to the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/position_gurus_complaint.pdf">FTC’s May 2020 complaint,</a>
 the companies and their owners targeted consumers looking to start 
retail businesses on the Internet. The complaint alleged that the 
defendants falsely represented that their services would drive more 
customers to consumers’ new online stores and drastically increase sales
 and earnings.

The defendants also falsely claimed to be associated with unrelated 
coaching companies that consumers had prior dealings with; collected 
consumers’ personal financial information under false pretenses; and 
illegally restricted consumers’ ability to review or complain about the 
defendants’ products, services, or conduct, the FTC alleged.

JND Legal Administration, the refund administrator for this case, 
will mail checks today. The checks average over $511 each. People who 
receive checks should deposit or cash them within 90 days, as indicated 
on the check. Recipients who have questions about their checks can call 
the refund administrator at 1-888-906-0551. The FTC never requires 
people to pay money or provide account information to cash a refund 
check.

The FTC’s <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/federal.trade.commission#!/vizhome/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase">interactive dashboards for refund data(link is external)</a>
 provide a state-by-state breakdown of FTC refunds. In 2020, FTC actions
 led to more than $483 million in refunds to consumers across the 
country, but recently the United States Supreme Court ruled the FTC 
lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal 
court going forward. The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a> to restore the FTC’s ability to get money back for consumers.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Like the FTC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/federaltradecommission">Facebook(link is external)</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/FTC">Twitter(link is external)</a>, get <a href="http://ftc.gov/subscribe">consumer alerts</a>, read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>, and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> for the latest FTC news and resources.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe
 FTC is sending checks totaling more than $1.5 million to more than 
3,000 consumers who were deceived into buying worthless Internet-based 
marketing products and services by two companies called Position Gurus, 
LLC, and Top Shelf Ecommerce, LLC.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/federal.trade.commission#!/vizhome/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase"></a> According to the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/position_gurus_complaint.pdf">FTC’s May 2020 complaint,</a>
 the companies and their owners targeted consumers looking to start 
retail businesses on the Internet. The complaint alleged that the 
defendants falsely represented that their services would drive more 
customers to consumers’ new online stores and drastically increase sales
 and earnings.The defendants also falsely claimed to be associated with unrelated 
coaching companies that consumers had prior dealings with; collected 
consumers’ personal financial information under false pretenses; and 
illegally restricted consumers’ ability to review or complain about the 
defendants’ products, services, or conduct, the FTC alleged.JND Legal Administration, the refund administrator for this case, 
will mail checks today. The checks average over $511 each. People who 
receive checks should deposit or cash them within 90 days, as indicated 
on the check. Recipients who have questions about their checks can call 
the refund administrator at 1-888-906-0551. The FTC never requires 
people to pay money or provide account information to cash a refund 
check.The FTC’s <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/federal.trade.commission#!/vizhome/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase">interactive dashboards for refund data(link is external)</a>
 provide a state-by-state breakdown of FTC refunds. In 2020, FTC actions
 led to more than $483 million in refunds to consumers across the 
country, but recently the United States Supreme Court ruled the FTC 
lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal 
court going forward. The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a> to restore the FTC’s ability to get money back for consumers.The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Like the FTC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/federaltradecommission">Facebook(link is external)</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/FTC">Twitter(link is external)</a>, get <a href="http://ftc.gov/subscribe">consumer alerts</a>, read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>, and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> for the latest FTC news and resources.

FTC sending $1.5M to those defrauded by worthless online scams

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on federal charges after a traffic stop.

Just before 4a.m. August 1,&nbsp;&nbsp;a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a&nbsp; 2009 Hyundai Sonata in the 800 block of SE Adams Street. During the investigation, a Topeka Police Department K9 Unit assisted and illegal narcotics were located.

The driver, 36-year-old&nbsp; Clayton M. Becker of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, interference with law enforcement and operating a vehicle without an interlock device.

The 34-year-old female passenger was released from the scene. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627928828033.png" alt="Becker photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Becker photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on federal charges after a traffic stop.Just before 4a.m. August 1,&nbsp;&nbsp;a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a&nbsp; 2009 Hyundai Sonata in the 800 block of SE Adams Street. During the investigation, a Topeka Police Department K9 Unit assisted and illegal narcotics were located.The driver, 36-year-old&nbsp; Clayton M. Becker of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, interference with law enforcement and operating a vehicle without an interlock device.The 34-year-old female passenger was released from the scene.

Kansas man jailed on federal charges after traffic stop

&nbsp;CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. —Authorities have identified a Kansas man who drowned at the Lake of the Ozarks just after 11:30p.m. Saturday.

Cornelious Anderson, 20, Elwood, was at Shady Gators Bar and Grill when he was seen by
private security guards walking into the lake, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol

Officials recovered his body on Monday
morning.

Anderson’s drowning death was the 49th in Missouri in 2021. The state has recorded more drowning deaths in the first six months of this year than in the same time period of any year since 2008, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

&nbsp;CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. —Authorities have identified a Kansas man who drowned at the Lake of the Ozarks just after 11:30p.m. Saturday.Cornelious Anderson, 20, Elwood, was at Shady Gators Bar and Grill when he was seen by
private security guards walking into the lake, according to the Missouri State Highway PatrolOfficials recovered his body on Monday
morning.Anderson’s drowning death was the 49th in Missouri in 2021. The state has recorded more drowning deaths in the first six months of this year than in the same time period of any year since 2008, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Authorities ID Kan. man who drowned at Lake of the Ozarks

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The eviction system, which saw a dramatic drop in cases before a federal moratorium expired over the weekend, rumbled back into action Monday, with activists girding for the first of what could be millions of tenants to be tossed onto the streets as the delta variant of the coronavirus surges.

Landlords tired of waiting for federal rental assistance were in court hoping to evict their tenants, while families from Ohio to Virginia turned up before judges hoping for a last-minute reprieve. In Detroit, at least 600 tenants with court orders against them were at immediate risk.

“It’s very scary with the moratorium being over,” said Ted Phillips, a lawyer who leads the United Community Housing Coalition in Detroit.

The Biden administration allowed the federal moratorium to expire over the weekend and Congress was unable to extend it. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called for an immediate extension, calling it a “moral imperative” to prevent Americans from being put out of their homes during a COVID-19 surge.

The Biden administration had hoped that historic amounts of rental assistance allocated by Congress would help avert a crisis. But the distribution has been painfully slow: Only about $3 billion of the first tranche of $25 billion had been distributed through June by states and localities. A second amount of $21.5 billion will go to the states.

More than 15 million people live in households that owe as much as $20 billion to their landlords, according to the Aspen Institute. As of July 5, roughly 3.6 million people in the U.S. said they faced eviction in the next two months, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey.

In Rhode Island on Monday, Gabe Imondi, a 74-year-old landlord, was in court hoping to get an eviction execution — the final step to push a tenant out of one of four housing units he owns in nearby Pawtucket.

Imondi said he and his tenant both filed forms for the billions in federal aid meant to help keep tenants in their homes but so far, he said, he hasn’t seen a cent of the state’s $200 million share.

A retired general contractor, Imondi estimates he’s out around $20,000 in lost rent since September, when he began seeking to evict his tenant for non-payment. The eviction was approved in January.

“I don’t know what they’re doing with that money,” Imondi said.

Meanwhile, Luis Vertentes was told by a judge he had three weeks to clear out of his one-bedroom apartment in nearby East Providence. The 43-year-old landscaper said he was four months behind on rent after being hospitalized for a time.

“I’m going to be homeless, all because of this pandemic,” Vertentes said. “I feel helpless, like I can’t do anything even though I work and I got a full-time job.”

Outside the courtroom, Katie Barrington, a case manager with Crossroads Rhode Island, a nonprofit housing and homeless agency, signed him up with a housing counsellor to help him secure a new home and enrolled him for federal rental assistance.

In Columbus, Ohio, Chelsea Rivera showed up at Franklin County court Monday after receiving an eviction notice last month. A single mom, she’s behind $2,988 in rent and late fees for the one bed-room apartment she rents for herself and three young sons.

The 27-year-old said she started to struggle after her hours were cut in May at the Walmart warehouse where she worked. She’s applied to numerous agencies for help but they’re either out of money, have a waiting list, or not able to help until clients end up in court with an eviction notice.

Rivera said she’s preparing herself mentally to move into a shelter with her children until her situation improves.

“We just need help,” Rivera said, fighting back tears. “It’s just been really hard with everyday issues on top of worrying about where you’re going to live.”

But there was more optimism in Virginia, where Tiara Burton, 23, learned she would be getting federal help and wouldn't be evicted. She initially feared the worst when the moratorium lifted.

“That was definitely a worry yesterday,” said Burton, 23, who lives in Virginia Beach. “If they’re going to start doing evictions again, then I’m going to be faced with having to figure out where me and my family are going to go. And that’s not something that anyone should have to worry about these days at all.”

She was relieved to be told by an attorney she had been approved for assistance through the Virginia Rent Relief Program. Her court hearing was postponed for 30 days, during which time she and her landlord can presumably work things out.

“I’m grateful for that,” she said. “Just hearing, ‘Okay, we’re going to push it back 30 days, but we’re going to assist you still,’ … that’s another weight lifted off of my shoulders.”

Around the country, courts, legal advocates and law enforcement agencies were gearing up for evictions to return to pre-pandemic levels, a time when 3.7 million people were displaced from their homes every year, or seven every minute, according to the Eviction Lab at Princeton University.

Some of the cities with the most cases, according to the Eviction Lab, are Phoenix with more than 42,000 eviction filings, Houston with more than 37,000, Las Vegas with nearly 27,000 and Tampa more than 15,000. Indiana and Missouri also have more than 80,000 filings.

While the moratorium was enforced in much of the country, there were places like Idaho where judges ignored it, said Ali Rabe, executive director of Jesse Tree, a non-profit that works to prevent evictions in the Boise metropolitan area.

The non-profit represented renters in about 800 evictions in the past year, and only once was the moratorium enforced, Rabe said. Statewide about 1,500 people were evicted in the past year, she said.

“Eviction courts ran as usual,” she said.

That was much the way things played out in parts of North Carolina, where on Monday Sgt. David Ruppe knocked on a weathered mobile home door in Cleveland County, a rural community an hour west of Charlotte.

“We haven’t seen much of a difference at all,” he said. “We would still have evictions issued from the court and we would still serve them as if it happened pre-COVID.”

He waited a few minutes on the porch scattered with folding chairs and toys. Then a woman opened the door.

“How are you?" he asked quietly, then explained her landlord had started the eviction process. The woman told Ruppe she’d paid, and he said she’d need to bring proof to her upcoming Aug. 9 court date.

Ruppe, who has two young sons, said seeing families struggle day-after-day is tough.

“There’s only so much you can do," he said. “So, if you can offer them a glimmer of hope, words of encouragement, especially if there’s kids involved. Being a father, I can relate to that.”

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The eviction system, which saw a dramatic drop in cases before a federal moratorium expired over the weekend, rumbled back into action Monday, with activists girding for the first of what could be millions of tenants to be tossed onto the streets as the delta variant of the coronavirus surges.Landlords tired of waiting for federal rental assistance were in court hoping to evict their tenants, while families from Ohio to Virginia turned up before judges hoping for a last-minute reprieve. In Detroit, at least 600 tenants with court orders against them were at immediate risk.“It’s very scary with the moratorium being over,” said Ted Phillips, a lawyer who leads the United Community Housing Coalition in Detroit.The Biden administration allowed the federal moratorium to expire over the weekend and Congress was unable to extend it. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called for an immediate extension, calling it a “moral imperative” to prevent Americans from being put out of their homes during a COVID-19 surge.The Biden administration had hoped that historic amounts of rental assistance allocated by Congress would help avert a crisis. But the distribution has been painfully slow: Only about $3 billion of the first tranche of $25 billion had been distributed through June by states and localities. A second amount of $21.5 billion will go to the states.More than 15 million people live in households that owe as much as $20 billion to their landlords, according to the Aspen Institute. As of July 5, roughly 3.6 million people in the U.S. said they faced eviction in the next two months, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey.In Rhode Island on Monday, Gabe Imondi, a 74-year-old landlord, was in court hoping to get an eviction execution — the final step to push a tenant out of one of four housing units he owns in nearby Pawtucket.Imondi said he and his tenant both filed forms for the billions in federal aid meant to help keep tenants in their homes but so far, he said, he hasn’t seen a cent of the state’s $200 million share.A retired general contractor, Imondi estimates he’s out around $20,000 in lost rent since September, when he began seeking to evict his tenant for non-payment. The eviction was approved in January.“I don’t know what they’re doing with that money,” Imondi said.Meanwhile, Luis Vertentes was told by a judge he had three weeks to clear out of his one-bedroom apartment in nearby East Providence. The 43-year-old landscaper said he was four months behind on rent after being hospitalized for a time.“I’m going to be homeless, all because of this pandemic,” Vertentes said. “I feel helpless, like I can’t do anything even though I work and I got a full-time job.”Outside the courtroom, Katie Barrington, a case manager with Crossroads Rhode Island, a nonprofit housing and homeless agency, signed him up with a housing counsellor to help him secure a new home and enrolled him for federal rental assistance.In Columbus, Ohio, Chelsea Rivera showed up at Franklin County court Monday after receiving an eviction notice last month. A single mom, she’s behind $2,988 in rent and late fees for the one bed-room apartment she rents for herself and three young sons.The 27-year-old said she started to struggle after her hours were cut in May at the Walmart warehouse where she worked. She’s applied to numerous agencies for help but they’re either out of money, have a waiting list, or not able to help until clients end up in court with an eviction notice.Rivera said she’s preparing herself mentally to move into a shelter with her children until her situation improves.“We just need help,” Rivera said, fighting back tears. “It’s just been really hard with everyday issues on top of worrying about where you’re going to live.”But there was more optimism in Virginia, where Tiara Burton, 23, learned she would be getting federal help and wouldn't be evicted. She initially feared the worst when the moratorium lifted.“That was definitely a worry yesterday,” said Burton, 23, who lives in Virginia Beach. “If they’re going to start doing evictions again, then I’m going to be faced with having to figure out where me and my family are going to go. And that’s not something that anyone should have to worry about these days at all.”She was relieved to be told by an attorney she had been approved for assistance through the Virginia Rent Relief Program. Her court hearing was postponed for 30 days, during which time she and her landlord can presumably work things out.“I’m grateful for that,” she said. “Just hearing, ‘Okay, we’re going to push it back 30 days, but we’re going to assist you still,’ … that’s another weight lifted off of my shoulders.”Around the country, courts, legal advocates and law enforcement agencies were gearing up for evictions to return to pre-pandemic levels, a time when 3.7 million people were displaced from their homes every year, or seven every minute, according to the Eviction Lab at Princeton University.Some of the cities with the most cases, according to the Eviction Lab, are Phoenix with more than 42,000 eviction filings, Houston with more than 37,000, Las Vegas with nearly 27,000 and Tampa more than 15,000. Indiana and Missouri also have more than 80,000 filings.While the moratorium was enforced in much of the country, there were places like Idaho where judges ignored it, said Ali Rabe, executive director of Jesse Tree, a non-profit that works to prevent evictions in the Boise metropolitan area.The non-profit represented renters in about 800 evictions in the past year, and only once was the moratorium enforced, Rabe said. Statewide about 1,500 people were evicted in the past year, she said.“Eviction courts ran as usual,” she said.That was much the way things played out in parts of North Carolina, where on Monday Sgt. David Ruppe knocked on a weathered mobile home door in Cleveland County, a rural community an hour west of Charlotte.“We haven’t seen much of a difference at all,” he said. “We would still have evictions issued from the court and we would still serve them as if it happened pre-COVID.”He waited a few minutes on the porch scattered with folding chairs and toys. Then a woman opened the door.“How are you?" he asked quietly, then explained her landlord had started the eviction process. The woman told Ruppe she’d paid, and he said she’d need to bring proof to her upcoming Aug. 9 court date.Ruppe, who has two young sons, said seeing families struggle day-after-day is tough.“There’s only so much you can do," he said. “So, if you can offer them a glimmer of hope, words of encouragement, especially if there’s kids involved. Being a father, I can relate to that.”__

Tenants scramble for assistance as evictions begin

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A grand jury indicted a man and woman on a first-degree murder charge alleging they strangled a woman and dismembered her body, the Jackson County prosecutor announced Monday.

Kansas City-area residents Michael Hendricks, 40, and Maggie Ybarra, 30, are charged with killing 32-year-old Kensie Renee Aubry. The grand jury also indicted them on harassment, first-degree sexual misconduct and child molestation charges, among others.

Aubry went missing in October. A teenage girl who said Hendricks sexually assaulted her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-michael-brown-8bbb5388d4a5f00b1ea2bc5acf269cda">helped police find Aubry's body</a>.

Police in July found Aubry's body in garbage bags buried in Hendricks' Grain Valley, Missouri, property.

“Our community owes greatly a child victim in this case who came forward and alerted police of the gruesome criminal activity detailed in these charges,” Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said in a statement. “Without her bravery, we might not know today Kensie Aubry’s fate.”

Hendricks' lawyer in an email said he remains “steadfast in our determination to represent Mr. Hendricks with a robust defense.”

Ybarra's public defender didn't immediately return an Associated Press request for comment Monday.

The teenage girl, who was in foster care, told police that Hendricks confessed to choking the woman and putting her body in a freezer. The girl said Hendricks showed her photos of a naked and bound woman and the chainsaw he allegedly used to chop up her body.

Ybarra was arrested in late April and jailed on sexual abuse charges related to the teenage girl, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article252836573.html">reported</a>. Police alleged that Ybarra called Hendricks from jail and asked him to throw away evidence at her house.

Ybarra is also charged with multiple crimes related to tampering with a victim. According to charging documents, Ybarra attempted to get other people to buy gifts for the teenage girl and pressure her to take back what she told police.

Police said Ybarra met Hendricks after he paid her for sex sometime last year. Ybarra has described Hendricks as both her boss and her boyfriend to police. Hendricks' wife filed for divorce within days of his June arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627949313111.png" alt="Hendricks photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hendricks photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A grand jury indicted a man and woman on a first-degree murder charge alleging they strangled a woman and dismembered her body, the Jackson County prosecutor announced Monday.Kansas City-area residents Michael Hendricks, 40, and Maggie Ybarra, 30, are charged with killing 32-year-old Kensie Renee Aubry. The grand jury also indicted them on harassment, first-degree sexual misconduct and child molestation charges, among others.Aubry went missing in October. A teenage girl who said Hendricks sexually assaulted her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-michael-brown-8bbb5388d4a5f00b1ea2bc5acf269cda">helped police find Aubry's body</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626354604788.png" alt="Police found Aubry's body buried on Hendricks' Grain Valley&nbsp; property-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police found Aubry's body buried on Hendricks' Grain Valley&nbsp; property-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Police in July found Aubry's body in garbage bags buried in Hendricks' Grain Valley, Missouri, property.“Our community owes greatly a child victim in this case who came forward and alerted police of the gruesome criminal activity detailed in these charges,” Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said in a statement. “Without her bravery, we might not know today Kensie Aubry’s fate.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627949238765.png" alt="Ybarra photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Ybarra photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hendricks' lawyer in an email said he remains “steadfast in our determination to represent Mr. Hendricks with a robust defense.”Ybarra's public defender didn't immediately return an Associated Press request for comment Monday.The teenage girl, who was in foster care, told police that Hendricks confessed to choking the woman and putting her body in a freezer. The girl said Hendricks showed her photos of a naked and bound woman and the chainsaw he allegedly used to chop up her body.Ybarra was arrested in late April and jailed on sexual abuse charges related to the teenage girl, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article252836573.html">reported</a>. Police alleged that Ybarra called Hendricks from jail and asked him to throw away evidence at her house.Ybarra is also charged with multiple crimes related to tampering with a victim. According to charging documents, Ybarra attempted to get other people to buy gifts for the teenage girl and pressure her to take back what she told police.Police said Ybarra met Hendricks after he paid her for sex sometime last year. Ybarra has described Hendricks as both her boss and her boyfriend to police. Hendricks' wife filed for divorce within days of his June arrest.

KC-area couple charged with killing, dismembering woman

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer sought to speed up consideration of a nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-098eb9f30c9e2f658fbe14b2477db644">$1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package</a>, promising that Democrats would work with Republicans to put together amendments for consideration this week. GOP senators cautioned that they need time to digest the massive bill.

Formally called the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the proposal clocked in at some 2,700 pages after a hurry-up-and-wait rare weekend session. The final product, unveiled late Sunday, was intended to follow the broad outline a bipartisan group of senators had negotiated for weeks with the White House. Schumer has said a final vote could be held “in a matter of days.”

“Let’s start voting on amendments,” Schumer said as the Senate opened work on Monday. “The longer it takes to finish the bill, the longer we will be here.”

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-voting-rights-2f36a335360b9d6151783487a56e162a">key part of President Joe Biden’s agenda</a>, the bipartisan bill is the first phase of the president’s infrastructure plan. It calls for $550 billion in new spending over five years above projected federal levels — one of the most substantial expenditures on the nation’s roads, bridges, waterworks, broadband and the electric grid in years.

The Senate’s Republican leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, has sided with those voting to allow debate to proceed, but he has not signaled how he will ultimately vote. He described the bill Monday as a “good and important jumping off point” for a robust, bipartisan amendment process. He warned Democrats against setting “any artificial timetable.”

“Infrastructure is exactly the kind of subject that Congress should be able to address across the aisle,” McConnell said.

The Senate overwhelmingly approved the first two amendments to the bill late Monday. Each was noncontroversial and received far more than the 60 votes necessary to be added to the legislation. Other amendment votes, particular on the issue of how to pay for the new spending, are expected to be more spirited affairs.

Senators and staff labored behind the scenes for days to write the massive bill. It was supposed to be ready Friday, but by Sunday, more glitches were caught and changes made.

Late Sunday, most of the 10 senators involved in the bipartisan effort rose on the Senate floor to mark the unveiling of the text.

“We know that this has been a long and sometimes difficult process, but we are proud this evening to announce this legislation,” said Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., a lead negotiator. The bill showed “we can put aside our own political differences for the good of the country,” she said.

Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio, a Republican negotiator, framed the legislation as something that would help the U.S. better compete with China and would make the “economy more efficient, more productive” after years of struggle getting a public works bill off the ground.

“People have talked about infrastructure in this city forever,” Portman said.

As the amendment process gets underway, senators are weighing how much to try to change the package and how hard to try, knowing it will be difficult to reach the 60-vote threshold to approve any substantial changes.

Time is not limitless. Schumer has repeatedly warned that he was prepared to keep lawmakers in Washington for as long as it took to complete votes on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-government-and-politics-a426246af6bbac8dd3a188eb443c36c7">both the bipartisan infrastructure plan and a budget blueprint</a>&nbsp;that would allow the Senate to begin work later this year on a massive, $3.5 trillion social, health and environmental bill.

Republicans counter that they just had a chance to begin fully reviewing the bill late Sunday.

“We shouldn’t sacrifice adequate time on this bill merely because the Democratic leader would like to spend next week jamming a 100% partisan piece of legislation through the United States Senate,” said Sen. John Thune of South Dakota.

Among the major new investments, the bipartisan package is expected to provide $110 billion for roads and bridges, $39 billion for public transit and $66 billion for rail. There’s also to be $55 billion for water and wastewater infrastructure as well as billions for airports, ports, broadband internet and electric vehicle charging stations.

Paying for the package has been a challenge after senators rejected ideas to raise revenue from a new gas tax or other streams. Instead, it is being financed from funding sources that might not pass muster with deficit hawks, including repurposing some $205 billion in untapped COVID-19 relief aid, as well as unemployment assistance that was turned back by some states and relying on projected future economic growth.

Some Republicans are wary of another large spending bill after a series of COVID-19 relief measures have boosted the national debt.

“I’ve got real concerns with this bill,” said Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah.

Bipartisan support from Republican and Democratic senators pushed the process along, and Schumer wanted the voting to be wrapped up before senators left for their August recess.

Last week, 17 GOP senators joined all Democrats in voting to start work on the bill. That support largely held, with McConnell voting yes in another procedural vote to nudge the process along in the 50-50 Senate, where 60 votes are needed to overcome a filibuster and advance legislation.

Whether the number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-eacec96a1fb9070c64c302a9c012ed4a">Republican senators willing to pass the bill grows or shrinks</a>&nbsp;in the days ahead will determine if the president’s signature issue can make it across the finish line.

The bipartisan bill still faces a rough road in the House, where progressive lawmakers want a more robust package but may have to settle for this one to keep Biden’s infrastructure plans on track.

The outcome with the bipartisan effort will set the stage for the next debate over Biden’s much more ambitious $3.5 trillion package, a strictly partisan pursuit of far-reaching programs and services including child care, tax breaks and health care that touch almost every corner of American life. Republicans strongly oppose that bill, which would require a simple majority for passage. Final votes on that measure are not expected until fall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626283910947.png" alt="A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-voting-rights-2f36a335360b9d6151783487a56e162a">key part of President Joe Biden’s agenda</a>, the bipartisan bill is the first phase of the president’s infrastructure plan. It calls for $550 billion in new spending over five years above projected federal levels — one of the most substantial expenditures on the nation’s roads, bridges, waterworks, broadband and the electric grid in years.-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-voting-rights-2f36a335360b9d6151783487a56e162a">key part of President Joe Biden’s agenda</a>, the bipartisan bill is the first phase of the president’s infrastructure plan. It calls for $550 billion in new spending over five years above projected federal levels — one of the most substantial expenditures on the nation’s roads, bridges, waterworks, broadband and the electric grid in years.-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer sought to speed up consideration of a nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-098eb9f30c9e2f658fbe14b2477db644">$1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package</a>, promising that Democrats would work with Republicans to put together amendments for consideration this week. GOP senators cautioned that they need time to digest the massive bill.Formally called the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the proposal clocked in at some 2,700 pages after a hurry-up-and-wait rare weekend session. The final product, unveiled late Sunday, was intended to follow the broad outline a bipartisan group of senators had negotiated for weeks with the White House. Schumer has said a final vote could be held “in a matter of days.”“Let’s start voting on amendments,” Schumer said as the Senate opened work on Monday. “The longer it takes to finish the bill, the longer we will be here.”A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-voting-rights-2f36a335360b9d6151783487a56e162a">key part of President Joe Biden’s agenda</a>, the bipartisan bill is the first phase of the president’s infrastructure plan. It calls for $550 billion in new spending over five years above projected federal levels — one of the most substantial expenditures on the nation’s roads, bridges, waterworks, broadband and the electric grid in years.The Senate’s Republican leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, has sided with those voting to allow debate to proceed, but he has not signaled how he will ultimately vote. He described the bill Monday as a “good and important jumping off point” for a robust, bipartisan amendment process. He warned Democrats against setting “any artificial timetable.”“Infrastructure is exactly the kind of subject that Congress should be able to address across the aisle,” McConnell said.The Senate overwhelmingly approved the first two amendments to the bill late Monday. Each was noncontroversial and received far more than the 60 votes necessary to be added to the legislation. Other amendment votes, particular on the issue of how to pay for the new spending, are expected to be more spirited affairs.Senators and staff labored behind the scenes for days to write the massive bill. It was supposed to be ready Friday, but by Sunday, more glitches were caught and changes made.Late Sunday, most of the 10 senators involved in the bipartisan effort rose on the Senate floor to mark the unveiling of the text.“We know that this has been a long and sometimes difficult process, but we are proud this evening to announce this legislation,” said Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., a lead negotiator. The bill showed “we can put aside our own political differences for the good of the country,” she said.Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio, a Republican negotiator, framed the legislation as something that would help the U.S. better compete with China and would make the “economy more efficient, more productive” after years of struggle getting a public works bill off the ground.“People have talked about infrastructure in this city forever,” Portman said.As the amendment process gets underway, senators are weighing how much to try to change the package and how hard to try, knowing it will be difficult to reach the 60-vote threshold to approve any substantial changes.Time is not limitless. Schumer has repeatedly warned that he was prepared to keep lawmakers in Washington for as long as it took to complete votes on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-government-and-politics-a426246af6bbac8dd3a188eb443c36c7">both the bipartisan infrastructure plan and a budget blueprint</a>&nbsp;that would allow the Senate to begin work later this year on a massive, $3.5 trillion social, health and environmental bill.Republicans counter that they just had a chance to begin fully reviewing the bill late Sunday.“We shouldn’t sacrifice adequate time on this bill merely because the Democratic leader would like to spend next week jamming a 100% partisan piece of legislation through the United States Senate,” said Sen. John Thune of South Dakota.Among the major new investments, the bipartisan package is expected to provide $110 billion for roads and bridges, $39 billion for public transit and $66 billion for rail. There’s also to be $55 billion for water and wastewater infrastructure as well as billions for airports, ports, broadband internet and electric vehicle charging stations.Paying for the package has been a challenge after senators rejected ideas to raise revenue from a new gas tax or other streams. Instead, it is being financed from funding sources that might not pass muster with deficit hawks, including repurposing some $205 billion in untapped COVID-19 relief aid, as well as unemployment assistance that was turned back by some states and relying on projected future economic growth.Some Republicans are wary of another large spending bill after a series of COVID-19 relief measures have boosted the national debt.“I’ve got real concerns with this bill,” said Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah.Bipartisan support from Republican and Democratic senators pushed the process along, and Schumer wanted the voting to be wrapped up before senators left for their August recess.Last week, 17 GOP senators joined all Democrats in voting to start work on the bill. That support largely held, with McConnell voting yes in another procedural vote to nudge the process along in the 50-50 Senate, where 60 votes are needed to overcome a filibuster and advance legislation.Whether the number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-eacec96a1fb9070c64c302a9c012ed4a">Republican senators willing to pass the bill grows or shrinks</a>&nbsp;in the days ahead will determine if the president’s signature issue can make it across the finish line.The bipartisan bill still faces a rough road in the House, where progressive lawmakers want a more robust package but may have to settle for this one to keep Biden’s infrastructure plans on track.The outcome with the bipartisan effort will set the stage for the next debate over Biden’s much more ambitious $3.5 trillion package, a strictly partisan pursuit of far-reaching programs and services including child care, tax breaks and health care that touch almost every corner of American life. Republicans strongly oppose that bill, which would require a simple majority for passage. Final votes on that measure are not expected until fall.

Senate OKs amendments to 2700 page, $1T infrastructure bill

FINNEY COUNTY –&nbsp;The Garden City Police Department reported that Virginia Green was located deceased Tuesday evening in a remote area in Finney County, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

The Finney County Sheriff’s Office will conduct an investigation into the circumstances of Green’s death.&nbsp;

FINNEY COUNTY –The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Garden City woman, according to a media release from the agency.&nbsp;

The whereabouts of Virginia Rae Green, 76, are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.

Green is a 76-year-old white female, around 5 ft. tall, and weighing 150 lbs. She has gray hair and hazel eyes. She also wears glasses and has a scar on the side of her eyebrow near her right temple. She has dementia.

Green was last seen at her residence at 1717 Mikes Dr. in Garden City on Sunday, Aug. 1. She is likely driving a 2014 red Ford Escape with Kansas tag 494KVD. Her direction of travel is unknown.

If you see Virginia Green, or have information about her whereabouts, please immediately contact 911, or the Garden City Police Department at&nbsp;(620) 276-1300.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627922869484.png" alt="Green photo Garden City Police" />
 <figcaption>Green photo Garden City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY –&nbsp;The Garden City Police Department reported that Virginia Green was located deceased Tuesday evening in a remote area in Finney County, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.The Finney County Sheriff’s Office will conduct an investigation into the circumstances of Green’s death.&nbsp;------------FINNEY COUNTY –The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Garden City woman, according to a media release from the agency.&nbsp;The whereabouts of Virginia Rae Green, 76, are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.Green is a 76-year-old white female, around 5 ft. tall, and weighing 150 lbs. She has gray hair and hazel eyes. She also wears glasses and has a scar on the side of her eyebrow near her right temple. She has dementia.Green was last seen at her residence at 1717 Mikes Dr. in Garden City on Sunday, Aug. 1. She is likely driving a 2014 red Ford Escape with Kansas tag 494KVD. Her direction of travel is unknown.If you see Virginia Green, or have information about her whereabouts, please immediately contact 911, or the Garden City Police Department at&nbsp;(620) 276-1300.

KBI: Silver Alert continues for missing Kan. woman

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a violent attack.

Just after 1p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 2000 block of Crestway Drive for a disturbance involving a man reportedly breaking windows and chasing people with a baseball bat, according to a media release.

When officers arrived at the scene, they located 36-year-old Deacon Johann of Garden City holding a wooden bat. 

Johann refused to listen to instructions to drop the bat, allegedly walked closer to the officers, and attempted to swing the bat. Police took him into custody.

The investigation revealed Johann was outside hitting a tree with the bat and then began striking an unlocked door to the residence. Johann then used the bat to break a large window and climbed into the residence through the window. After entering the residence, Johann allegedly chased two individuals known to him and threatened them. 

The victims ran outside, and Johann followed them and began striking two vehicles in the area with the bat, causing extensive damage. Johann chased one of the victims a second time with the bat as the victim attempted to calm Johann down before officers arrived.

Johann is being held on requested charges ofAggravated Assault, Aggravated Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer , Criminal Threat and Criminal Damage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627924126529.png" alt="Johann-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Johann-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a violent attack.Just after 1p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 2000 block of Crestway Drive for a disturbance involving a man reportedly breaking windows and chasing people with a baseball bat, according to a media release.When officers arrived at the scene, they located 36-year-old Deacon Johann of Garden City holding a wooden bat. Johann refused to listen to instructions to drop the bat, allegedly walked closer to the officers, and attempted to swing the bat. Police took him into custody.The investigation revealed Johann was outside hitting a tree with the bat and then began striking an unlocked door to the residence. Johann then used the bat to break a large window and climbed into the residence through the window. After entering the residence, Johann allegedly chased two individuals known to him and threatened them. The victims ran outside, and Johann followed them and began striking two vehicles in the area with the bat, causing extensive damage. Johann chased one of the victims a second time with the bat as the victim attempted to calm Johann down before officers arrived.Johann is being held on requested charges ofAggravated Assault, Aggravated Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer , Criminal Threat and Criminal Damage.

Police: Kansas man jailed after baseball bat attack

GRAHAM COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 2p.m. Monday in Graham County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Cobalt driven by Cody J. Johnson, 35, Hays, was southbound on U.S. 283 nine miles north of Hill City.

The vehicle traveled left of center and struck a northbound 2005 International semi driven by Kenneth L.&nbsp;Schemper, 75, Prairie View on the left front corner of the truck. 

The Chevy came to rest in the east ditch and the semi came to rest in the west ditch.

Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Stinemetz Funeral Home in Hill City.&nbsp; Schemper was not injured. Johnson was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

GRAHAM COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 2p.m. Monday in Graham County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Cobalt driven by Cody J. Johnson, 35, Hays, was southbound on U.S. 283 nine miles north of Hill City.The vehicle traveled left of center and struck a northbound 2005 International semi driven by Kenneth L.&nbsp;Schemper, 75, Prairie View on the left front corner of the truck. The Chevy came to rest in the east ditch and the semi came to rest in the west ditch.Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Stinemetz Funeral Home in Hill City.&nbsp; Schemper was not injured. Johnson was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after crash with a semi

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Sunday night shooting and have a suspect in custody.

At 11:55 p.m.&nbsp; Sunday, police responded to a shooting call at a home in the 1800 block of North Piatt in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

At the scene, officers located a 20-year-old man and an 18-year-old man who had both been shot.&nbsp; They were transported to an area hospital for medical treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; Officers also located shell casings on the scene.&nbsp; While investigating at the home, a 20-year-old woman arrived at an area hospital who had been shot.&nbsp; She was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation revealed a disturbance occurred at the home between the two men and&nbsp;20-year-old Andres Garza-Cabral of Wichita.

 During the disturbance, Garza-Cabral pulled out a handgun and fired multiple rounds that struck the two men and the woman. This was not a random incident, as individuals involved are known to each other, according to Davidson.

Officers located Garza-Cabral in a vehicle in the 600 block of West 11th&nbsp;street and arrested him without further incident.&nbsp; Inside the vehicle, officers located an open container of alcohol, a handgun, and illegal drugs.

&nbsp;Garza-Cabral is<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20064989"> being held on requested</a> charges of aggravated battery, aggravated assault, possession of marijuana, and transporting an open container, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627927968325.png" alt="Garza-Cabral photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Garza-Cabral photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Sunday night shooting and have a suspect in custody.At 11:55 p.m.&nbsp; Sunday, police responded to a shooting call at a home in the 1800 block of North Piatt in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.At the scene, officers located a 20-year-old man and an 18-year-old man who had both been shot.&nbsp; They were transported to an area hospital for medical treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; Officers also located shell casings on the scene.&nbsp; While investigating at the home, a 20-year-old woman arrived at an area hospital who had been shot.&nbsp; She was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627917259420.png" alt="Garza-Cabral photo from an earlier arrest in Ellsworth Co." />
 <figcaption>Garza-Cabral photo from an earlier arrest in Ellsworth Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed a disturbance occurred at the home between the two men and&nbsp;20-year-old Andres Garza-Cabral of Wichita. During the disturbance, Garza-Cabral pulled out a handgun and fired multiple rounds that struck the two men and the woman. This was not a random incident, as individuals involved are known to each other, according to Davidson.Officers located Garza-Cabral in a vehicle in the 600 block of West 11th&nbsp;street and arrested him without further incident.&nbsp; Inside the vehicle, officers located an open container of alcohol, a handgun, and illegal drugs.&nbsp;Garza-Cabral is<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20064989"> being held on requested</a> charges of aggravated battery, aggravated assault, possession of marijuana, and transporting an open container, according to Davidson.

Police: Suspect shot 2 men, woman at Kan. home

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House moved Monday to pressure state and local governments to swiftly adopt policies to protect renters after an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-us-supreme-court-3065b165b8110c4238c698af8bcb8a42">eviction moratorium expired over the weekend</a>, potentially pushing millions of Americans out of their homes.

In a statement on Monday, the White House emphasized that the federal government has provided $46.5 billion to keep renters in their homes. But it accused states and cities of being “too slow to act,” preventing that aid from making its way to tenants whose livelihoods have been upended by the pandemic.

The focus on states comes as President Joe Biden faces stinging criticism, including from some in his own party, that he was was slow to address the end of the moratorium. Some Democratic lawmakers have camped out at the U.S. Capitol in protest, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the prospect of widespread evictions “unfathomable.” The Congressional Black Caucus intensified pressure on the White House to issue an immediate extension of the moratorium.

Some people were at risk of losing their homes as soon as Monday. But the White House insists there is only so much it can do on its own and that state and local leaders need to step up and get the aid out.

“The president is clear: If some states and localities can get this out efficiently and effectively there’s no reason every state and locality can’t,” Gene Sperling, who oversees the administration’s coronavirus relief plans, told reporters. “There is simply no excuse, no place to hide for any state or locality that is failing to accelerate their emergency” rental assistance.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-eviction-moratorium-coronavirus-da0e4cc8014b6c8a658dd1572707364f">Late last week, Biden announced</a>&nbsp;he was allowing the ban to expire. The White House said he would have supported an extension of the moratorium but pointed to the Supreme Court, which signaled in a 5-4 vote in late June that it wouldn’t back further extensions. Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote that Congress would have to act to extend the moratorium. The White House noted that state-level efforts to stop evictions would spare a third of the country from evictions over the next month.

While the administration is still investigating legal options to forestall evictions, officials said their options were limited. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that the CDC, which issued the eviction ban, was “unable to find legal authority for a new, targeted eviction moratorium.”

Mass evictions could potentially worsen the recent spread of the COVID-19 delta variant as roughly 1.4 million households told the Census Bureau they could “very likely” be evicted from their rentals in the next two months. Another 2.2 million say they’re “somewhat likely” to be evicted.

Sperling said the administration will keep looking for additional legal avenues to keep people in their homes. Yet he also stressed the complexity of the problem by also noting that the Trump administration developed guidelines for providing aid to renters and landlords that were unworkable. Those guidelines which required extensive documentation were changed once Biden was in office.

“This is not an easy task,” Sperling said. “We as a country have never had a national infrastructure or national policy for preventing avoidable evictions.”

Pelosi, for her part, said that she welcomed the administration’s urging of states and cities to impose their own moratoriums. And she said Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen would hold a virtual briefing Tuesday with lawmakers as they push to more quickly ensure the states distribute the federal aid.

Rep. Maxine Waters, the powerful chair of the Financial Services Committee, has been talking privately for days with Yellen. She said in a statement that she urged Yellen to use her influence to urge states to push the money out the door and the treasury secretary has personally committed to doing so.

The CDC put the eviction ban in place as part of the COVID-19 response when jobs shifted and many workers lost income. The ban was intended to hold back the spread of the virus among people put out on the streets and into shelters.

Democratic lawmakers said they were caught by surprise by Biden’s decision allowing the ban to expire, creating frustration and anger and exposing a rare rift with the administration.

Congress was unable to pass legislation swiftly to extend the ban, which expired at midnight Saturday, and the House Democratic leaders have said it was now up to Biden’s administration to act.

Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., has been leading a protest at the Capitol since the eve of the expiration. The St. Louis-area congresswoman has been joined at times by other top progressive Democrats urging action, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627590438752.png" alt="In a statement on Monday, the White House emphasized that the federal government has provided $46.5 billion to keep renters in their homes. But it accused states and cities of being “too slow to act." photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>In a statement on Monday, the White House emphasized that the federal government has provided $46.5 billion to keep renters in their homes. But it accused states and cities of being “too slow to act." photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House moved Monday to pressure state and local governments to swiftly adopt policies to protect renters after an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-us-supreme-court-3065b165b8110c4238c698af8bcb8a42">eviction moratorium expired over the weekend</a>, potentially pushing millions of Americans out of their homes.In a statement on Monday, the White House emphasized that the federal government has provided $46.5 billion to keep renters in their homes. But it accused states and cities of being “too slow to act,” preventing that aid from making its way to tenants whose livelihoods have been upended by the pandemic.The focus on states comes as President Joe Biden faces stinging criticism, including from some in his own party, that he was was slow to address the end of the moratorium. Some Democratic lawmakers have camped out at the U.S. Capitol in protest, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the prospect of widespread evictions “unfathomable.” The Congressional Black Caucus intensified pressure on the White House to issue an immediate extension of the moratorium.Some people were at risk of losing their homes as soon as Monday. But the White House insists there is only so much it can do on its own and that state and local leaders need to step up and get the aid out.“The president is clear: If some states and localities can get this out efficiently and effectively there’s no reason every state and locality can’t,” Gene Sperling, who oversees the administration’s coronavirus relief plans, told reporters. “There is simply no excuse, no place to hide for any state or locality that is failing to accelerate their emergency” rental assistance.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-eviction-moratorium-coronavirus-da0e4cc8014b6c8a658dd1572707364f">Late last week, Biden announced</a>&nbsp;he was allowing the ban to expire. The White House said he would have supported an extension of the moratorium but pointed to the Supreme Court, which signaled in a 5-4 vote in late June that it wouldn’t back further extensions. Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote that Congress would have to act to extend the moratorium. The White House noted that state-level efforts to stop evictions would spare a third of the country from evictions over the next month.While the administration is still investigating legal options to forestall evictions, officials said their options were limited. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that the CDC, which issued the eviction ban, was “unable to find legal authority for a new, targeted eviction moratorium.”Mass evictions could potentially worsen the recent spread of the COVID-19 delta variant as roughly 1.4 million households told the Census Bureau they could “very likely” be evicted from their rentals in the next two months. Another 2.2 million say they’re “somewhat likely” to be evicted.Sperling said the administration will keep looking for additional legal avenues to keep people in their homes. Yet he also stressed the complexity of the problem by also noting that the Trump administration developed guidelines for providing aid to renters and landlords that were unworkable. Those guidelines which required extensive documentation were changed once Biden was in office.“This is not an easy task,” Sperling said. “We as a country have never had a national infrastructure or national policy for preventing avoidable evictions.”Pelosi, for her part, said that she welcomed the administration’s urging of states and cities to impose their own moratoriums. And she said Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen would hold a virtual briefing Tuesday with lawmakers as they push to more quickly ensure the states distribute the federal aid.Rep. Maxine Waters, the powerful chair of the Financial Services Committee, has been talking privately for days with Yellen. She said in a statement that she urged Yellen to use her influence to urge states to push the money out the door and the treasury secretary has personally committed to doing so.The CDC put the eviction ban in place as part of the COVID-19 response when jobs shifted and many workers lost income. The ban was intended to hold back the spread of the virus among people put out on the streets and into shelters.Democratic lawmakers said they were caught by surprise by Biden’s decision allowing the ban to expire, creating frustration and anger and exposing a rare rift with the administration.Congress was unable to pass legislation swiftly to extend the ban, which expired at midnight Saturday, and the House Democratic leaders have said it was now up to Biden’s administration to act.Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., has been leading a protest at the Capitol since the eve of the expiration. The St. Louis-area congresswoman has been joined at times by other top progressive Democrats urging action, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.___

President calls on states to prevent evictions

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Saline County Sheriff's Office personnel conducted a water rescue early Saturday morning north of Salina.

A 57-year-old woman and 49-year-old man from Salina, decided to go fishing Friday evening and put their 12-foot semi V Jon boat into the Saline River north of Salina at approximately 7 p.m. and headed downstream, according to Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander.

The battery on the trolling motor died and the boat eventually got caught in the up-current side of a log jam in the river, he said. At that point, the boat was near the intersection of Tressin Road and Watkins Road.

With the battery on their cellphone fading, the couple called for help at approximately 4:12 a.m. Saturday, Melander said. Saline County Sheriff's Office personnel responded, including a member of the sheriff's office water rescue team. They were able to toss a rescue disk and line to the couple and pull them to shore, he said.

Salina Fire Department water rescue personnel also responded, but the couple was already ashore, Melander said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627929121366.jpeg" alt="The boat caught in a log jam on Saline River.Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>The boat caught in a log jam on Saline River.Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSaline County Sheriff's Office personnel conducted a water rescue early Saturday morning north of Salina.A 57-year-old woman and 49-year-old man from Salina, decided to go fishing Friday evening and put their 12-foot semi V Jon boat into the Saline River north of Salina at approximately 7 p.m. and headed downstream, according to Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander.The battery on the trolling motor died and the boat eventually got caught in the up-current side of a log jam in the river, he said. At that point, the boat was near the intersection of Tressin Road and Watkins Road.With the battery on their cellphone fading, the couple called for help at approximately 4:12 a.m. Saturday, Melander said. Saline County Sheriff's Office personnel responded, including a member of the sheriff's office water rescue team. They were able to toss a rescue disk and line to the couple and pull them to shore, he said.Salina Fire Department water rescue personnel also responded, but the couple was already ashore, Melander said.

Kan. couple rescued from river after boat caught in log jam

Survey of 21-39 age group emphasizes need for ‘open minds’

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/08/02/future-of-kansas-rural-communities-hinges-on-advancing-child-care-housing-jobs/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A statewide survey of 
ideas for making rural Kansas a more compelling place for young adults 
to put down roots revealed the need for government investment in 
expansion of child care options and strengthening of entrepreneurial business pipelines.

The state’s Office of Rural 
Prosperity worked with the Kansas Sampler Foundation to examine what 
Kansans aged 21 to 39 thought about recruiting and retaining them in 
small towns and remote counties suffering depopulation. The foundation 
drew upon 460 survey responses from all 105 counties and 175 follow-up 
interviews to identify why people chose to live in rural areas and why 
it might have been difficult to make that choice.

The report acknowledged significant lack of affordable housing and 
access to broadband as determinants of the future in rural regions of 
Kansas. The document recommended local government leaders accept the 
necessity of forming a “culture of open minds and positivity.” That 
includes valuing diversity of culture, age, gender and thought, the 
report said.

In addition, the state ought to craft a program reaching students in K-12 classes that speaks to the idea of harnessing skills, interests and passions of young rural Kansans useful in building
 sustainable rural communities. The objective is to convince the 
youngest Kansans they have a bright future no matter the size of their 
city or town.

“This report will help us address young Kansans’ needs to prevent 
outmigration and strengthen our growing economy,” said Gov. Laura Kelly.
 “My administration will continue prioritizing the key issues identified
 — such as childcare, broadband expansion and affordable housing — along
 with keeping our state welcoming and inclusive for all to support our 
rural and young Kansans.”

Authors of the report emphasized not 
one action, business startup or government policy would bring about real
 change, because Kansans participating in the survey pointed to the need
 for a culture or ecosystem capable of supporting and building the 
capacity of rural communities.

“It was exhilarating to hear the thoughts, dreams and hopes of young 
rural Kansans and to compile them in this report, but the test will be 
what we do with the information,” said Inman resident Marci Penner, 
director of the Kansas Sample Foundation. “The enthusiasm for living 
rural with all of its warts and opportunities was evident in these 175 
interviews. Young people can see a path forward so the question is 
whether we can open our minds to take meaningful steps forward as whole 
communities. The work isn’t for a few of us, but every citizen.”

She said change had to go beyond high-speed internet, housing and 
child care to include a new philosophy of examining challenges.

“Does your town like itself? Does it welcome people to town? Are 
there ways for anybody to get involved? Are new ideas considered?” 
Penner said. “I believe that true transformation of our communities will
 begin when we start listening to and believing in our young people. 
When the listening becomes balanced, we’re well on our way to moving 
forward.”

In terms of child care, the foundation’s report for the rural 
prosperity division of the Kansas Department of Commerce concluded the 
insufficient supply of help for working adults kept rural Kansans from 
having children. That reality essentially pushes people away from rural 
areas of the state, the report said.

“This is not just an&nbsp; issue for 
parents, but for an entire community,” the report said. “It undermines 
economic development efforts that focus on job growth and when combined 
with housing shortages, it compromises the viability and appeal of rural
 life.”

The report recommended Kansas improve coordination of state programs,
 regulations, advocacy efforts and providers to close gaps in service. 
Financial and technical assistance may be required to build a reservoir 
of child care options in the state’s smaller communities, the report 
said.

The survey of Kansans affirmed the notion that small businesses were 
the engine that propelled rural towns and counties. Creating new 
businesses operated by young entrepreneurs is “critical to keeping the 
community thriving,” the report said.

Rural towns and counties were urged to redirect tax dollars from 
larger established businesses to support youthful entrepreneurs in 
addition to tax incentives and capital investment in new businesses. 
Local communities might establish local revolving loan funds, 
professional consulting services and help with accessing state, regional
 and federal funding, the report said.

A point of emphasis was development of one-stop shops within state 
agencies to help business owners deal with stumbling blocks, the report 
said.

“Be good to employees,” the report said. “Consider unique rural 
opportunities for work-life balance. Build on our agricultural heritage 
and economic base. Promote the idea that one can live rural and change 
the world from here.”

The assessment initiated in 2020 and concluded in 2021 indicated 
grassroots organizations worked diligently with few resources and could 
benefit from monetary reinforcement by the Kansas Legislature. State 
lawmakers could create a clearinghouse of information on constructive 
ideas, local success stories and training or funding to overcome child 
care, food access and other rural community needs of concern to young 
families.

“Respondents overwhelmingly identified that, while rural needs may be
 specifically local, the issues are systemic across the state,” said 
David Toland, the state’s lieutenant governor and commerce secretary. 
“By focusing on the recurring challenges, like broadband and housing, we
 can see where our state needs to emphasize funding and additional 
resources for everyone.”

The report indicated the state could help by providing grant-writing 
services to communities, broaden flexibility of state funding for local 
projects and collaborate with Lead for America, a nonprofit that brings 
people together to work on a community’s toughest challenges.

Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627936649772.png" alt="The state’s Office of Rural Prosperity worked with the Kansas Sampler Foundation on a statewide survey thta showed young adults in rural Kansas need better job opportunities, housing and child care to keep them from moving to urban areas. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The state’s Office of Rural Prosperity worked with the Kansas Sampler Foundation on a statewide survey thta showed young adults in rural Kansas need better job opportunities, housing and child care to keep them from moving to urban areas. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Survey of 21-39 age group emphasizes need for ‘open minds’</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/08/02/future-of-kansas-rural-communities-hinges-on-advancing-child-care-housing-jobs/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A statewide survey of 
ideas for making rural Kansas a more compelling place for young adults 
to put down roots revealed the need for government investment in 
expansion of child care options and strengthening of entrepreneurial business pipelines.The state’s Office of Rural 
Prosperity worked with the Kansas Sampler Foundation to examine what 
Kansans aged 21 to 39 thought about recruiting and retaining them in 
small towns and remote counties suffering depopulation. The foundation 
drew upon 460 survey responses from all 105 counties and 175 follow-up 
interviews to identify why people chose to live in rural areas and why 
it might have been difficult to make that choice.The report acknowledged significant lack of affordable housing and 
access to broadband as determinants of the future in rural regions of 
Kansas. The document recommended local government leaders accept the 
necessity of forming a “culture of open minds and positivity.” That 
includes valuing diversity of culture, age, gender and thought, the 
report said.In addition, the state ought to craft a program reaching students in K-12 classes that speaks to the idea of harnessing skills, interests and passions of young rural Kansans useful in building
 sustainable rural communities. The objective is to convince the 
youngest Kansans they have a bright future no matter the size of their 
city or town.“This report will help us address young Kansans’ needs to prevent 
outmigration and strengthen our growing economy,” said Gov. Laura Kelly.
 “My administration will continue prioritizing the key issues identified
 — such as childcare, broadband expansion and affordable housing — along
 with keeping our state welcoming and inclusive for all to support our 
rural and young Kansans.”Authors of the report emphasized not 
one action, business startup or government policy would bring about real
 change, because Kansans participating in the survey pointed to the need
 for a culture or ecosystem capable of supporting and building the 
capacity of rural communities.“It was exhilarating to hear the thoughts, dreams and hopes of young 
rural Kansans and to compile them in this report, but the test will be 
what we do with the information,” said Inman resident Marci Penner, 
director of the Kansas Sample Foundation. “The enthusiasm for living 
rural with all of its warts and opportunities was evident in these 175 
interviews. Young people can see a path forward so the question is 
whether we can open our minds to take meaningful steps forward as whole 
communities. The work isn’t for a few of us, but every citizen.”She said change had to go beyond high-speed internet, housing and 
child care to include a new philosophy of examining challenges.“Does your town like itself? Does it welcome people to town? Are 
there ways for anybody to get involved? Are new ideas considered?” 
Penner said. “I believe that true transformation of our communities will
 begin when we start listening to and believing in our young people. 
When the listening becomes balanced, we’re well on our way to moving 
forward.”In terms of child care, the foundation’s report for the rural 
prosperity division of the Kansas Department of Commerce concluded the 
insufficient supply of help for working adults kept rural Kansans from 
having children. That reality essentially pushes people away from rural 
areas of the state, the report said.“This is not just an&nbsp; issue for 
parents, but for an entire community,” the report said. “It undermines 
economic development efforts that focus on job growth and when combined 
with housing shortages, it compromises the viability and appeal of rural
 life.”The report recommended Kansas improve coordination of state programs,
 regulations, advocacy efforts and providers to close gaps in service. 
Financial and technical assistance may be required to build a reservoir 
of child care options in the state’s smaller communities, the report 
said.The survey of Kansans affirmed the notion that small businesses were 
the engine that propelled rural towns and counties. Creating new 
businesses operated by young entrepreneurs is “critical to keeping the 
community thriving,” the report said.Rural towns and counties were urged to redirect tax dollars from 
larger established businesses to support youthful entrepreneurs in 
addition to tax incentives and capital investment in new businesses. 
Local communities might establish local revolving loan funds, 
professional consulting services and help with accessing state, regional
 and federal funding, the report said.A point of emphasis was development of one-stop shops within state 
agencies to help business owners deal with stumbling blocks, the report 
said.“Be good to employees,” the report said. “Consider unique rural 
opportunities for work-life balance. Build on our agricultural heritage 
and economic base. Promote the idea that one can live rural and change 
the world from here.”The assessment initiated in 2020 and concluded in 2021 indicated 
grassroots organizations worked diligently with few resources and could 
benefit from monetary reinforcement by the Kansas Legislature. State 
lawmakers could create a clearinghouse of information on constructive 
ideas, local success stories and training or funding to overcome child 
care, food access and other rural community needs of concern to young 
families.“Respondents overwhelmingly identified that, while rural needs may be
 specifically local, the issues are systemic across the state,” said 
David Toland, the state’s lieutenant governor and commerce secretary. 
“By focusing on the recurring challenges, like broadband and housing, we
 can see where our state needs to emphasize funding and additional 
resources for everyone.”The report indicated the state could help by providing grant-writing 
services to communities, broaden flexibility of state funding for local 
projects and collaborate with Lead for America, a nonprofit that brings 
people together to work on a community’s toughest challenges.Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.

Future of rural Kansas hinges on child care, housing, jobs

RENO COUNTY — The missing person at Cheney Lake has been recovered, according to the Reno County Sherriff's Department 

Just before 8a.m. Monday, a civilian who was fishing located the missing person. 

The the fisherman contacted the Cheney State Park office and advised they believed they had found the missing person from Saturday. Several Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks boats responded to the area and performed the recovery.

Next of kin has been notified and the subject of this search is 48-year-old Ty Freel from Wichita.

Just before 4p.m. Saturday, authorities were alerted to a missing person near M and M point. Authorities from numerous agencies conducted the search Saturday and Sunday before Freel was located Monday. No other information was made available at this time.

RENO COUNTY —Authorities had no new update early Monday&nbsp; on the missing swimmer at Cheney Lake, according to the Reno County Sheriff's Department.

On Sunday, several Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Units were working the area both on water and by land (shoreline). Also some of the area was searched by air.

RENO COUNTY—Authorities were working to locate a missing swimmer in Reno County.

Just after 3:30p.m. Saturday, Wildlife and Parks were called to the area of M &amp; M Point at Cheney State Lake for a swimmer in the water who could not be located, according to the Reno County Sheriff's Department.

Deputies responded to assist with the search.  along with members from Cheney Fire, Sedgwick County Rescue, Haven EMS, Haven Police, District 9, and South Hutchinson Police.

Every effort has been made to locate the subject without any success at this time. If circumstances do not change, rescue crews will reconvene in the morning to continue the search. 

The subject is known. However, authorities are not identifying him until they have further information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627788629504.png" alt="First responders on the scene at Cheney Lake Saturday photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene at Cheney Lake Saturday photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — The missing person at Cheney Lake has been recovered, according to the Reno County Sherriff's Department Just before 8a.m. Monday, a civilian who was fishing located the missing person. The the fisherman contacted the Cheney State Park office and advised they believed they had found the missing person from Saturday. Several Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks boats responded to the area and performed the recovery.Next of kin has been notified and the subject of this search is 48-year-old Ty Freel from Wichita.Just before 4p.m. Saturday, authorities were alerted to a missing person near M and M point. Authorities from numerous agencies conducted the search Saturday and Sunday before Freel was located Monday. No other information was made available at this time.---------RENO COUNTY —Authorities had no new update early Monday&nbsp; on the missing swimmer at Cheney Lake, according to the Reno County Sheriff's Department.On Sunday, several Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Units were working the area both on water and by land (shoreline). Also some of the area was searched by air.------RENO COUNTY—Authorities were working to locate a missing swimmer in Reno County.Just after 3:30p.m. Saturday, Wildlife and Parks were called to the area of M &amp; M Point at Cheney State Lake for a swimmer in the water who could not be located, according to the Reno County Sheriff's Department.Deputies responded to assist with the search. along with members from Cheney Fire, Sedgwick County Rescue, Haven EMS, Haven Police, District 9, and South Hutchinson Police.Every effort has been made to locate the subject without any success at this time. If circumstances do not change, rescue crews will reconvene in the morning to continue the search. The subject is known. However, authorities are not identifying him until they have further information.

Sheriff IDs man who drowned at Kansas lake

TOPEKA&nbsp;–The Kansas’State General Fund saw its total tax receipts for July perform $60.0 million, or 11.0%, better than the estimate with $602.6 million collected, according to a media release from Governor Laura Kelly.

To view the entire report, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA4MDIuNDQwMTQ2NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjEvMDgvMDFfSnVseV9SZXZlbnVlX0ZZMjAyMl8wOC0wMi0yMDIxX0ZpbmFsLnBkZiJ9.88kcDxvmpsYtKk8t9XzwLEUn0W5Wyj-jGV9iRNQI8T0/s/1303160919/br/110251974157-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

Comparing this July’s total tax receipts to the previous July’s would not be a meaningful comparison as last July included receipts from tax returns from the extended filing period, according to the release. “Our July tax collection numbers are encouraging, but we must maintain fiscally-responsible policies to ensure our continued growth,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly. Individual income tax receipts were $20.8 million, or 8.9%, more than the estimate with $255.8 million collected. Corporate income tax collections were $34.2 million. That is $19.2 million, or 8.9%, more than the estimate. Retail sales tax collections were up $11.6 million, or 5.2%, for the month with $233.6 million collected. That is $15.0 million, or 6.9%, more than the previous July. Compensating use tax collections were $4.3 million, or 7.8%, more than the estimate with $59.3 million collected. That is 17.8%, or $9.0 million, more than last July. “Consumer spending on goods and services has not slowed down,”&nbsp;Revenue Secretary Mark Burghart said. “Combined sales and use tax receipts at $292.9 million were 8.9% above July 2020 and 20.3% above pre-pandemic July 2019. Our economists are watching closely to determine if the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant will impact what has been a strong economic recovery in Kansas.”

TOPEKA&nbsp;–The Kansas’State General Fund saw its total tax receipts for July perform $60.0 million, or 11.0%, better than the estimate with $602.6 million collected, according to a media release from Governor Laura Kelly.To view the entire report, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA4MDIuNDQwMTQ2NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjEvMDgvMDFfSnVseV9SZXZlbnVlX0ZZMjAyMl8wOC0wMi0yMDIxX0ZpbmFsLnBkZiJ9.88kcDxvmpsYtKk8t9XzwLEUn0W5Wyj-jGV9iRNQI8T0/s/1303160919/br/110251974157-l" target="_blank">here</a>.Comparing this July’s total tax receipts to the previous July’s would not be a meaningful comparison as last July included receipts from tax returns from the extended filing period, according to the release. “Our July tax collection numbers are encouraging, but we must maintain fiscally-responsible policies to ensure our continued growth,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly. Individual income tax receipts were $20.8 million, or 8.9%, more than the estimate with $255.8 million collected. Corporate income tax collections were $34.2 million. That is $19.2 million, or 8.9%, more than the estimate. Retail sales tax collections were up $11.6 million, or 5.2%, for the month with $233.6 million collected. That is $15.0 million, or 6.9%, more than the previous July. Compensating use tax collections were $4.3 million, or 7.8%, more than the estimate with $59.3 million collected. That is 17.8%, or $9.0 million, more than last July. “Consumer spending on goods and services has not slowed down,”&nbsp;Revenue Secretary Mark Burghart said. “Combined sales and use tax receipts at $292.9 million were 8.9% above July 2020 and 20.3% above pre-pandemic July 2019. Our economists are watching closely to determine if the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant will impact what has been a strong economic recovery in Kansas.”

July tax receipts in Kan. 11 percent better than the estimate

MISSION, Kansas (AP) — A federal freeze on most evictions that was enacted last year expired Saturday, after the Biden administration extended the original date by a month. The moratorium put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in September has been the only tool keeping millions of tenants in their homes. Many of them lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic and have fallen months behind on their rent.

<a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/emergency-rental-assistance">Click here for details on the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance program.</a>

Landlords successfully challenged the order in court, arguing that they also had bills to pay. They pointed out that tenants could access nearly $47 billion in federal money set aside to help pay rents and related expenses.

Advocates for tenants said the distribution of the money had been slow and that more time was needed to distribute it and repay landlords. Without an extension, they feared a spike in evictions and lawsuits seeking to oust tenants who were behind on their rents.

MISSION, Kansas (AP) — A federal freeze on most evictions that was enacted last year expired Saturday, after the Biden administration extended the original date by a month. The moratorium put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in September has been the only tool keeping millions of tenants in their homes. Many of them lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic and have fallen months behind on their rent.<a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/emergency-rental-assistance">Click here for details on the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance program.</a>Landlords successfully challenged the order in court, arguing that they also had bills to pay. They pointed out that tenants could access nearly $47 billion in federal money set aside to help pay rents and related expenses.Advocates for tenants said the distribution of the money had been slow and that more time was needed to distribute it and repay landlords. Without an extension, they feared a spike in evictions and lawsuits seeking to oust tenants who were behind on their rents.Even with the delay, roughly 3.6 million people in the U.S. as of July 5 said they would face eviction within the next two months, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey. The survey measures the social and economic effects of the pandemic every two weeks through online responses from a representative sample of U.S. households.Here’s the situation in Kansas:WHAT’S THE STATUS OF EVICTION MORATORIUMS IN THE STATE?In May, top Republican lawmakers rescinded Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s order that imposed the state’s pandemic ban on evictions and foreclosures. That left only the CDC moratorium, which offered slightly different protections.The state moratorium had been in effect since August. Kelly also issued an eviction moratorium in March 2020 but let it expire two months later. When the state’s latest moratorium was lifted, Kelly spokeswoman Reeves Oyster said GOP leaders had decided to “kick people out of their homes.” Republicans have argued that the moratorium was preventing landlords from getting paid.WHAT’S BEING DONE TO HELP PEOPLE FACING EVICTION?Kansas has received two rounds of federal rental aid — $200 million in one and $20 million in the other. As of Thursday, the Kansas Housing Resources Corp. had distributed nearly $21.7 million from the largest pot to 4,054 of the 9,555 households that applied (Wichita is the only community the state’s housing finance agency doesn’t serve). The money can go toward 15 months of rent, utilities and internet expenses.The state also distributed $17 million in rental aid from the smaller pot, said Emily Sharp, a spokeswoman for the agency.ADVERTISEMENTOne challenge is that both tenants and landlords must apply to access some of the money, but certain landlords are saying, “No, I just want you out,” said Casey Johnson, an attorney for Kansas Legal Services, a nonprofit law firm. Some tenants also have refused to fill out the paperwork, making it impossible for landlords to collect any money, said Steve Vogel, the head of the Shawnee County Landlords Association. Johnson speculated that tenants might be resistant because they remain protected from eviction by the soon-to-expire CDC moratorium.The state is anticipating an additional $150 million later this year.HOW ARE THE COURTS HANDLING EVICTION HEARINGS?In Johnson County, the state’s most populous, eviction proceedings are still conducted remotely. Many counties are now handling such cases totally or partially in-person.It’s impossible to tell whether more Kansans were kicked out of their homes during the pandemic because the state lumps its eviction data into a broader category that also includes landlord disputes, debt collection and employment discrimination, said Lisa Taylor, a spokeswoman for the state’s Office of Judicial Administration.Johnson, of Kansas Legal Services, said landlords are increasingly finding reasons beyond nonpayment to evict tenants, such as not cleaning well enough or having an unauthorized pet. He said some landlords are not renewing leases when they expire.HOW AFFORDABLE IS HOUSING IN THE STATE’S MAJOR RENTAL MARKETS?Kansas has among the nation’s most affordable housing markets, said Kirk Mcclure, a retired professor of urban planning for the University of Kansas and a contract worker for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He said only the Deep South is cheaper.From 2015 to 2019, rent for a two-bedroom apartment increased by 7.9%, which was far below the national average of 15.4%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. The vacancy rate was 7.8% before the pandemic, which was above the 6% national average.As of May, the median monthly rent in the Kansas City metropolitan area was 4.6% higher than a year before, at $1,109, according to a report released June 16 by Realtor.com. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the area was $1,319.ARE EVICTIONS EXPECTED TO CREATE A SURGE IN HOMELESSNESS?Kansas advocates for the homeless are bracing for a spike in people entering shelters or moving in with relatives. One indication is recent census survey data showing that 18,107 people thought they might be evicted within the next two months.A spike in homelessness could happen quickly. Kansas has one of the shortest timeframes in the country for evicting tenants who fall behind on rent. Johnson said landlords must merely send them a notice that gives renters three days to pay in full. After that, landlords can get a court order that gives the county sheriff 14 days to remove them.Vogel, of the Shawnee County Landlords Association, said landlords “are not eager about any of this.” But he added: “It is just like having a job but not getting paid. You just can’t sustain that because they still have all their costs.”The Salvation Army in Wichita has already seen an increase in calls from people asking for shelter, said Jami Scott, the organization’s director of homeless services.“Unfortunately, the money that has been flooded into the community to help people pay their bills, a lot of that money is drying up, and it is going to be really difficult for us to be able to get people into housing,” she said.