WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and partners in non-profit 
organizations, churches, community groups and others will host events in
 12 cities this weekend to help people who don't normally file a federal
 tax return to register for the monthly Advance Child Tax Credit 
(AdvCTC) payments.

The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5532.pdf">special events&nbsp;PDF</a>
 by IRS and partner groups to help people quickly file income tax 
returns and register for the advance payments will take place July 9-10,
 2021. Events will be held in Atlanta, New York, Detroit, Houston, Los 
Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Phoenix, St. Louis 
and Washington, DC/Maryland.

"This is part of a wider effort by the IRS to reach as many people as
 possible who don't file a tax return but may be eligible for the Child 
Tax Credit and Economic Impact Payments," said Ken Corbin, IRS Wage and 
Investment Commissioner and the agency's Chief Taxpayer Experience 
Officer. "We encourage people to share this information widely and 
encourage those who need help to visit these locations."

With the help of a new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool">Non-filer Sign-up Tool</a>
 on the IRS website, volunteers and IRS employees will assist eligible 
individuals and families get these important tax credits and benefits. 
This tool, an update of last year's IRS Non-Filers tool, is also 
designed to help individuals register for the $1,400 third round of 
Economic Impact Payments (also known as stimulus checks) and claim the 
Recovery Rebate Credit for any amount of the first two rounds of 
Economic Impact Payments they may have missed. Individuals do not need 
to have children to attend these events and sign up for Economic Impact 
Payments.

People can check their eligibility for the AdvCTC payments by using the new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-eligibility-assistant">Advance Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant</a>.

For this weekend's events, to make the sign-up process go quickly and
 smoothly, people are encouraged to have the following information when 
they come to one of these events: (1) Social Security numbers for their 
children, (2) Social Security numbers or Tax Identification Numbers for 
themselves and their spouse, (3) a reliable mailing address, (4) an 
e-mail address, and (5) their bank account information if they want to 
receive their payment by direct deposit.

The IRS is also planning to do additional events in the future as 
well as work with partners inside and outside the tax community to share
 information as widely as possible to people who may be eligible for 
Child Tax Credits and the Economic Impact Payments. This is part of a 
wider effort to raise awareness of the expanded Child Tax Credit, the 
IRS also encourages its partners to use available <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">online tools and toolkits</a> to help non-filers, low-income families and other underserved groups sign up to receive the AdvCTC.

Some tax credits, such as the Child Tax Credit (CTC), are 
"refundable," meaning that even if taxpayers don't owe income tax, the 
IRS will issue them a refund if they're eligible; but they must file a 
tax return or register with the new Non-filer Sign-up Tool to receive 
it. Some people who haven't filed a 2020 tax return yet are also 
eligible for the $1,400 per person Economic Impact Payments and the 
Recovery Rebate Credit.

The first monthly payments of the expanded and newly-advanceable CTC 
from the American Rescue Plan will be made starting July 15. Most 
families will begin receiving monthly payments without any additional 
action. Eligible families will receive a payment of up to $300 per month
 for each child under age 6, and up to $250 per month for each child 
ages 6 to 17.

People who need to file a 2020 federal income tax return, but are 
unable to attend one of these events, may be able to prepare and file 
their own federal income tax online using IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> if their income is $72,000 or less.

People who don't need to file a 2020 federal tax return can also use the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool">Non-filer Sign-up Tool</a> to register to receive the advance CTC payments, the Third Round Economic Impact Payment, and the Recovery Rebate Credit.

The IRS encourages people to request payments via direct deposit, 
which is faster and more secure than other payment methods. People who 
don't have a bank account should visit the <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/about/initiatives/getbanked/index.html">Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation</a> website for details on opening an account online. They can also use the FDIC's <a href="https://banks.data.fdic.gov/bankfind-suite/bankfind">BankFind</a> tool to locate an FDIC-insured bank.

Finally, <a href="https://covidbanking.joinbankon.org/">BankOn</a>, <a href="https://www.aba.com/advocacy/community-programs/consumer-resources/manage-your-money/choosing-safe-affordable-account">American Bankers Association</a>, <a href="https://www.icba.org/about/find-a-community-bank/open-a-bank-account-remotely">Independent Community Bankers of America</a> and <a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">National Credit Union Administration</a> have lists of banks and credit unions that can open an account online. Veterans can see the <a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/banking.asp">Veterans Benefits Banking Program</a> for financial services at participating banks.

The expanded and newly-advanceable Child Tax Credit was authorized by
 the American Rescue Plan Act, enacted in March. Normally, the IRS will 
calculate the payment based on a family's 2020 tax return, including 
those who use the Non-filer Sign-up Tool. If that return is not 
available because it has not yet been filed or is still being processed,
 the IRS will instead determine the initial payment amounts using the 
2019 return or the information entered using the Non-filers tool that 
was available in 2020.

The payment will be up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child age 6 through 17.

To make sure families have easy access to their money, the IRS will 
issue these payments by direct deposit, as long as correct banking 
information has previously been provided to the IRS. Otherwise, people 
should watch their mail around July 15 for their mailed payment. The 
dates for the Advance Child Tax Credit payments are July 15, Aug. 13, 
Sept. 15, Oct. 15, Nov. 15, and Dec. 15.

To learn more about advance CTC payments, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a> or see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-frequently-asked-questions">FAQs on the 2021 Child Tax Credit and Advance Child Tax Credit Payments</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRS&nbsp;WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and partners in non-profit 
organizations, churches, community groups and others will host events in
 12 cities this weekend to help people who don't normally file a federal
 tax return to register for the monthly Advance Child Tax Credit 
(AdvCTC) payments.The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5532.pdf">special events&nbsp;PDF</a>
 by IRS and partner groups to help people quickly file income tax 
returns and register for the advance payments will take place July 9-10,
 2021. Events will be held in Atlanta, New York, Detroit, Houston, Los 
Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Phoenix, St. Louis 
and Washington, DC/Maryland."This is part of a wider effort by the IRS to reach as many people as
 possible who don't file a tax return but may be eligible for the Child 
Tax Credit and Economic Impact Payments," said Ken Corbin, IRS Wage and 
Investment Commissioner and the agency's Chief Taxpayer Experience 
Officer. "We encourage people to share this information widely and 
encourage those who need help to visit these locations."With the help of a new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool">Non-filer Sign-up Tool</a>
 on the IRS website, volunteers and IRS employees will assist eligible 
individuals and families get these important tax credits and benefits. 
This tool, an update of last year's IRS Non-Filers tool, is also 
designed to help individuals register for the $1,400 third round of 
Economic Impact Payments (also known as stimulus checks) and claim the 
Recovery Rebate Credit for any amount of the first two rounds of 
Economic Impact Payments they may have missed. Individuals do not need 
to have children to attend these events and sign up for Economic Impact 
Payments.People can check their eligibility for the AdvCTC payments by using the new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-eligibility-assistant">Advance Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant</a>.For this weekend's events, to make the sign-up process go quickly and
 smoothly, people are encouraged to have the following information when 
they come to one of these events: (1) Social Security numbers for their 
children, (2) Social Security numbers or Tax Identification Numbers for 
themselves and their spouse, (3) a reliable mailing address, (4) an 
e-mail address, and (5) their bank account information if they want to 
receive their payment by direct deposit.The IRS is also planning to do additional events in the future as 
well as work with partners inside and outside the tax community to share
 information as widely as possible to people who may be eligible for 
Child Tax Credits and the Economic Impact Payments. This is part of a 
wider effort to raise awareness of the expanded Child Tax Credit, the 
IRS also encourages its partners to use available <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">online tools and toolkits</a> to help non-filers, low-income families and other underserved groups sign up to receive the AdvCTC.Some tax credits, such as the Child Tax Credit (CTC), are 
"refundable," meaning that even if taxpayers don't owe income tax, the 
IRS will issue them a refund if they're eligible; but they must file a 
tax return or register with the new Non-filer Sign-up Tool to receive 
it. Some people who haven't filed a 2020 tax return yet are also 
eligible for the $1,400 per person Economic Impact Payments and the 
Recovery Rebate Credit.The first monthly payments of the expanded and newly-advanceable CTC 
from the American Rescue Plan will be made starting July 15. Most 
families will begin receiving monthly payments without any additional 
action. Eligible families will receive a payment of up to $300 per month
 for each child under age 6, and up to $250 per month for each child 
ages 6 to 17.People who need to file a 2020 federal income tax return, but are 
unable to attend one of these events, may be able to prepare and file 
their own federal income tax online using IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> if their income is $72,000 or less.People who don't need to file a 2020 federal tax return can also use the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool">Non-filer Sign-up Tool</a> to register to receive the advance CTC payments, the Third Round Economic Impact Payment, and the Recovery Rebate Credit.The IRS encourages people to request payments via direct deposit, 
which is faster and more secure than other payment methods. People who 
don't have a bank account should visit the <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/about/initiatives/getbanked/index.html">Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation</a> website for details on opening an account online. They can also use the FDIC's <a href="https://banks.data.fdic.gov/bankfind-suite/bankfind">BankFind</a> tool to locate an FDIC-insured bank.Finally, <a href="https://covidbanking.joinbankon.org/">BankOn</a>, <a href="https://www.aba.com/advocacy/community-programs/consumer-resources/manage-your-money/choosing-safe-affordable-account">American Bankers Association</a>, <a href="https://www.icba.org/about/find-a-community-bank/open-a-bank-account-remotely">Independent Community Bankers of America</a> and <a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">National Credit Union Administration</a> have lists of banks and credit unions that can open an account online. Veterans can see the <a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/banking.asp">Veterans Benefits Banking Program</a> for financial services at participating banks.<h2>About the advance Child Tax Credit</h2>The expanded and newly-advanceable Child Tax Credit was authorized by
 the American Rescue Plan Act, enacted in March. Normally, the IRS will 
calculate the payment based on a family's 2020 tax return, including 
those who use the Non-filer Sign-up Tool. If that return is not 
available because it has not yet been filed or is still being processed,
 the IRS will instead determine the initial payment amounts using the 
2019 return or the information entered using the Non-filers tool that 
was available in 2020.The payment will be up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child age 6 through 17.To make sure families have easy access to their money, the IRS will 
issue these payments by direct deposit, as long as correct banking 
information has previously been provided to the IRS. Otherwise, people 
should watch their mail around July 15 for their mailed payment. The 
dates for the Advance Child Tax Credit payments are July 15, Aug. 13, 
Sept. 15, Oct. 15, Nov. 15, and Dec. 15.To learn more about advance CTC payments, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a> or see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-frequently-asked-questions">FAQs on the 2021 Child Tax Credit and Advance Child Tax Credit Payments</a>.

Don't normally file taxes? Here's how to get your Child Tax Credit, COVID stimulus payments

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman stopped at an intersection to make a turn died in a four vehicle&nbsp; accident just before 5p.m. Tuesday in Sedgwick County.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Dodge Ram driven by<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=161387"> Javan Jermaine Ervin, 37,</a> Wichita, was actively attempting to elude law enforcement following a robbery.

The pickup was northbound on Ridge Road in Wichita at a high rate of speed and failed to stop at the red traffic light at Central Avenue.

The pickup collided with a westbound 2000 Chevy Silverado driven by Jordan Samuel Peltzer, 40, Henderson, Nevada.

 The impact caused the driver side rear wheels and tires to detach from the vehicle which collided with a 2016 Jeep Compass driven by Connie L. Holt, 73, Wichita, that was stopped on the inside left turn lane from South bound Ridge Road to East bound Central Avenue.

The Dodge Ram then collided with 2019 Mazda CX3 driven by Samantha Lee Russell which was stopped behind the Jeep. The Dodge Ram then rolled onto its top and came to a rest in the North bound lanes of Ridge Road.

EMS transported Russell to Wesley Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.

Ervin, Peltzer and Holt were not injured. Police took Ervin into custody on requested charges of aggravated battery, first degree murder in the commission of a felony and criminal possession of a firearm, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=161387">according to online booking records.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625654789637.png" alt="Police arrested Javan Ervin on requested charges of aggravated battery, first degree murder in the commission of a felony and criminal possession of a firearm." />
 <figcaption>Police arrested Javan Ervin on requested charges of aggravated battery, first degree murder in the commission of a felony and criminal possession of a firearm.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman stopped at an intersection to make a turn died in a four vehicle&nbsp; accident just before 5p.m. Tuesday in Sedgwick County.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Dodge Ram driven by<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=161387"> Javan Jermaine Ervin, 37,</a> Wichita, was actively attempting to elude law enforcement following a robbery.The pickup was northbound on Ridge Road in Wichita at a high rate of speed and failed to stop at the red traffic light at Central Avenue.The pickup collided with a westbound 2000 Chevy Silverado driven by Jordan Samuel Peltzer, 40, Henderson, Nevada. The impact caused the driver side rear wheels and tires to detach from the vehicle which collided with a 2016 Jeep Compass driven by Connie L. Holt, 73, Wichita, that was stopped on the inside left turn lane from South bound Ridge Road to East bound Central Avenue.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625655160724.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the fatal crash Tuesday evening photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the fatal crash Tuesday evening photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The Dodge Ram then collided with 2019 Mazda CX3 driven by Samantha Lee Russell which was stopped behind the Jeep. The Dodge Ram then rolled onto its top and came to a rest in the North bound lanes of Ridge Road.EMS transported Russell to Wesley Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.Ervin, Peltzer and Holt were not injured. Police took Ervin into custody on requested charges of aggravated battery, first degree murder in the commission of a felony and criminal possession of a firearm, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=161387">according to online booking records.</a>

Kan. woman dies in 4-vehicle crash after police chase

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged domestic

On July 4, Wichita police arrested 31-year-old Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Detention Deputy Akeem Payne on requested charges of misdemeanor Domestic Violence Criminal Damage to Property and two counts of Domestic Violence Assault, according to sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

The charges stem from an incident involving the deputy’s domestic partner. When probable cause exists to support the elements of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense, an arrest is mandatory under Kansas law.

Payne has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for just over a year.

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

Following the arrest, Deputy Payne was suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625604984455.png" alt="Payne photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Payne photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged domesticOn July 4, Wichita police arrested 31-year-old Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Detention Deputy Akeem Payne on requested charges of misdemeanor Domestic Violence Criminal Damage to Property and two counts of Domestic Violence Assault, according to sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.The charges stem from an incident involving the deputy’s domestic partner. When probable cause exists to support the elements of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense, an arrest is mandatory under Kansas law.Payne has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for just over a year.In addition to the criminal case, the Professional Standards Unit of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an investigation.Following the arrest, Deputy Payne was suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigation.

Kansas sheriff's deputy accused of domestic violence

LENEXA, Kan. (AP) — Police in Lenexa say a 20-year-old man is dead following an apparently accidental shooting at an apartment complex. Police say the shooting happened around 1 p.m. Monday at the Lenexa Crossing Apartments. 

The victim was identified Tuesday as Adam Carroll, of Lenexa. Police said he was shot accidentally after a friend "negligently discharged' a gun he was handling. The suspected shooter called 911 to report it and stayed on the scene until police arrived. The name of the suspected shooter has not been released.

LENEXA, Kan. (AP) — Police in Lenexa say a 20-year-old man is dead following a shooting at a local apartment complex. Police say the shooting happened around 1 p.m. Monday at the Lenexa Crossing Apartments.

 Investigators say the suspected shooter called 911 to report it and stayed on the scene until police arrived. 

Police said the shooter and victim knew each other and that the shooter reported he accidentally fired the weapon, hitting the other man in the back. Neither the victim's name nor the name of the suspected shooter had been released by early Tuesday morning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625580593110.png" alt="Police said the shooter reported he accidentally fired the weapon, hitting the other man in the back-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police said the shooter reported he accidentally fired the weapon, hitting the other man in the back-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>LENEXA, Kan. (AP) — Police in Lenexa say a 20-year-old man is dead following an apparently accidental shooting at an apartment complex. Police say the shooting happened around 1 p.m. Monday at the Lenexa Crossing Apartments. The victim was identified Tuesday as Adam Carroll, of Lenexa. Police said he was shot accidentally after a friend "negligently discharged' a gun he was handling. The suspected shooter called 911 to report it and stayed on the scene until police arrived. The name of the suspected shooter has not been released.-------LENEXA, Kan. (AP) — Police in Lenexa say a 20-year-old man is dead following a shooting at a local apartment complex. Police say the shooting happened around 1 p.m. Monday at the Lenexa Crossing Apartments. Investigators say the suspected shooter called 911 to report it and stayed on the scene until police arrived. Police said the shooter and victim knew each other and that the shooter reported he accidentally fired the weapon, hitting the other man in the back. Neither the victim's name nor the name of the suspected shooter had been released by early Tuesday morning.

Police ID Kansas man who died in accidental shooting

ALTOONA, Iowa (AP) — The father of an 11-year-old boy who died following an accident on a popular boat ride at an Iowa amusement park said that his son and other family members were trapped by the ride’s seat belts when the boat carrying them flipped.

In an interview broadcast Tuesday on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” David Jaramillo recounted what happened when the boat capsized Saturday night on the Raging River at Adventureland Park in Altoona.

“When it flipped over, all of us were trapped in the safety seat belts,” he said. “I see the silhouettes of my sons trying to grab each other, grab us. They want us to help them. We couldn’t do it.”

Michael Jaramillo died Sunday from his injuries, and another minor was hospitalized in critical condition, the Altoona Police Department said Monday. Two other riders suffered minor injuries.

“I feel like Adventureland robbed me of my baby,” said Sabrina Jaramillo, Michael’s mother. “I will never get a chance to see him grow up.”

Six people were aboard, authorities said. The morning news program reported that all were family members and that Michael’s older brother was the one hospitalized in critical condition.

The cause of the accident — the second deadly incident on the ride in five years — is under investigation. The ride uses a conveyor belt to move large circular rafts through rapids. After the boat overturned, emergency responders and witnesses helped to free the riders.

Adventureland said the ride has been closed since the accident and that the family-owned park is cooperating with investigators. Attorney Guy Cook, who represents Adventureland in personal injury cases and is assisting with the park’s response, said the inquiry would be comprehensive.

“Safety is the number one priority at Adventureland,” Cook wrote in a text message. “The Raging River ride has been in operation for nearly four decades. It is a safe ride.”

The ride opened for the first time during the 2021 season after a state inspection Friday found it was in sound working order, Adventureland said.

Altoona is a city of 20,000 people just east of Des Moines. The park, whose roller coasters can be seen from Interstate 80, expects around 600,000 visitors this year.

The Raging River has been a staple of the park since 1983, when then-Gov. Terry Branstad took one of the inaugural rides. Adventureland advertises the ride as a “great way to cool off with the whole family,” warning participants may get soaked.

In June 2016, seasonal employee Steve Booher, 68, and another worker helping riders in and out of boats were jerked off their feet when the ride began moving unexpectedly. Booher fell onto the conveyor belt about 3 feet (1 meter) below and became wedged between a boat and a concrete sidewall, where his head was repeatedly rammed until the ride’s operator shut it down.

Booher died days later. An autopsy found the cause of death was trauma to the skull and brain.

The park’s insurer last December also settled a wrongful death lawsuit brought by Booher’s wife of 47 years and their adult children for an undisclosed sum. The lawsuit alleged that the ride operator was negligent by prematurely starting the ride in violation of park rules and leaving it in operation even as Booher was down with injuries and patrons yelled at him to stop.

Cook said there was no commonality between the two accidents, but that he could not comment on Saturday’s accident until the investigation is complete.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625522251378.png" alt="The ride opened for the first time during the 2021 season after a state inspection Friday found it was in sound working order, Adventureland said.-photo courtesy KCCI TV" />
 <figcaption>The ride opened for the first time during the 2021 season after a state inspection Friday found it was in sound working order, Adventureland said.-photo courtesy KCCI TV</figcaption>
 </figure>ALTOONA, Iowa (AP) — The father of an 11-year-old boy who died following an accident on a popular boat ride at an Iowa amusement park said that his son and other family members were trapped by the ride’s seat belts when the boat carrying them flipped.In an interview broadcast Tuesday on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” David Jaramillo recounted what happened when the boat capsized Saturday night on the Raging River at Adventureland Park in Altoona.“When it flipped over, all of us were trapped in the safety seat belts,” he said. “I see the silhouettes of my sons trying to grab each other, grab us. They want us to help them. We couldn’t do it.”Michael Jaramillo died Sunday from his injuries, and another minor was hospitalized in critical condition, the Altoona Police Department said Monday. Two other riders suffered minor injuries.“I feel like Adventureland robbed me of my baby,” said Sabrina Jaramillo, Michael’s mother. “I will never get a chance to see him grow up.”Six people were aboard, authorities said. The morning news program reported that all were family members and that Michael’s older brother was the one hospitalized in critical condition.The cause of the accident — the second deadly incident on the ride in five years — is under investigation. The ride uses a conveyor belt to move large circular rafts through rapids. After the boat overturned, emergency responders and witnesses helped to free the riders.Adventureland said the ride has been closed since the accident and that the family-owned park is cooperating with investigators. Attorney Guy Cook, who represents Adventureland in personal injury cases and is assisting with the park’s response, said the inquiry would be comprehensive.“Safety is the number one priority at Adventureland,” Cook wrote in a text message. “The Raging River ride has been in operation for nearly four decades. It is a safe ride.”The ride opened for the first time during the 2021 season after a state inspection Friday found it was in sound working order, Adventureland said.Altoona is a city of 20,000 people just east of Des Moines. The park, whose roller coasters can be seen from Interstate 80, expects around 600,000 visitors this year.The Raging River has been a staple of the park since 1983, when then-Gov. Terry Branstad took one of the inaugural rides. Adventureland advertises the ride as a “great way to cool off with the whole family,” warning participants may get soaked.In June 2016, seasonal employee Steve Booher, 68, and another worker helping riders in and out of boats were jerked off their feet when the ride began moving unexpectedly. Booher fell onto the conveyor belt about 3 feet (1 meter) below and became wedged between a boat and a concrete sidewall, where his head was repeatedly rammed until the ride’s operator shut it down.Booher died days later. An autopsy found the cause of death was trauma to the skull and brain.The park’s insurer last December also settled a wrongful death lawsuit brought by Booher’s wife of 47 years and their adult children for an undisclosed sum. The lawsuit alleged that the ride operator was negligent by prematurely starting the ride in violation of park rules and leaving it in operation even as Booher was down with injuries and patrons yelled at him to stop.Cook said there was no commonality between the two accidents, but that he could not comment on Saturday’s accident until the investigation is complete.

Father recounts July 3, amusement ride accident that killed son

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — Leavenworth officials say 25-year-old Kansas man is in custody after his young brother was shot to death over the weekend. 

Leavenworth County Undersheriff Jim Sherley said officers went to a home just outside Leavenworth city limits Saturday night. 

They found a 17-year-old dead from a gunshot wound and arrested the&nbsp; victim's brother identified as Cody Scott Huninghake, according to online jail records.

Huninghake is held in the Leavenworth County Jail. County Attorney Todd Thompson said Tuesday he is waiting for investigators' reports before determining charges. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625590667977.png" alt="Cody Scott Huninghake&nbsp; photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Cody Scott Huninghake&nbsp; photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — Leavenworth officials say 25-year-old Kansas man is in custody after his young brother was shot to death over the weekend. Leavenworth County Undersheriff Jim Sherley said officers went to a home just outside Leavenworth city limits Saturday night. They found a 17-year-old dead from a gunshot wound and arrested the&nbsp; victim's brother identified as Cody Scott Huninghake, according to online jail records.Huninghake is held in the Leavenworth County Jail. County Attorney Todd Thompson said Tuesday he is waiting for investigators' reports before determining charges.

Rural Kansas man arrested in teen brother's death

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities conducting a lengthy investigation have made an arrest.

On Monday, police served a search warrant at a home in the 2500 Block of SW Osborn Road in Topeka, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.&nbsp;

At the scene, law enforcement located marijuana, drug paraphernalia and firearms. They also arrested 63-year-old Gregory Seeley of Topeka

He was transported to the Shawnee County Department on requested charges of&nbsp;Sexual exploitation of a child; possess media of child under 18 years of age, Possession of marijuana and Criminal use of a weapon, according to Monasmith.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625574441225.png" alt="Seeley photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Seeley photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities conducting a lengthy investigation have made an arrest.On Monday, police served a search warrant at a home in the 2500 Block of SW Osborn Road in Topeka, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.&nbsp;At the scene, law enforcement located marijuana, drug paraphernalia and firearms. They also arrested 63-year-old Gregory Seeley of TopekaHe was transported to the Shawnee County Department on requested charges of&nbsp;Sexual exploitation of a child; possess media of child under 18 years of age, Possession of marijuana and Criminal use of a weapon, according to Monasmith.

Search warrant leads to Kan. man's arrest for child sex crimes

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas Sheriff's Deputy for alleged driving under the influence.

On July 1, the Kingman County Sheriff's office arrested&nbsp; Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Corporal Avery Toombs in Kingman County for misdemeanor Driving Under the Influence, according to Sheriff's Department Spokesman Benjamin Blick.

Toombs, 25, has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for six years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625605383049.png" alt="Toombs photo Kingman Co." />
 <figcaption>Toombs photo Kingman Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas Sheriff's Deputy for alleged driving under the influence.On July 1, the Kingman County Sheriff's office arrested&nbsp; Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Corporal Avery Toombs in Kingman County for misdemeanor Driving Under the Influence, according to Sheriff's Department Spokesman Benjamin Blick.Toombs, 25, has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for six years.In addition to the criminal case, the Professional Standards Unit of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an investigation.

Kan. sheriff's deputy accused of driving under the influence

TOPEKA&nbsp;– As part of her ongoing commitment to supporting State of Kansas employees, Governor Laura Kelly today issued Executive Order 21-24, which expands parental leave benefits to primary caregivers, secondary caregivers, and foster parents, according to a media release from her office.

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA3MDYuNDI4NjIyMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjEvMDcvRU8tMjEtMjQtUGFyZW50YWwtTGVhdmUtRXhlY3V0ZWQucGRmIn0.ey191-rBNqYkKtDcOfecX_PzaTOz2qXqLWxCgsXsCUY/s/1303160919/br/108911070668-l" target="_blank">Click here to view the Executive Order.</a>

“Supporting working parents in our workforce is not only the right thing to do – it’s good for our economy,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said. “We’re committed to recruiting and keeping talented Kansans in our state and creating a supportive environment for our families.”

Under the new policy, primary and secondary caregivers, along with foster parents, receive the additional leave. The new policy is as follows:

“Paid family leave is a win-win for both families and employers,” said Wendy Doyle, President &amp; CEO, United WE.&nbsp;“Policies like this that expand these benefits to women and their families bolster economies, improve health and education outcomes and strengthens business through a stronger employee workforce. We applaud Governor Kelly’s action today and urge other states without paid family leave policies to consider the research-backed benefits of strong economic policies that support employees and their families.”

Effective immediately, the Kansas Department of Administration’s Office of Personnel Services will implement the new policy and provide information to State of Kansas agencies and employees.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625601671862.png" alt="Under the new policy, primary and secondary caregivers, along with foster parents, receive the additional leave." />
 <figcaption>Under the new policy, primary and secondary caregivers, along with foster parents, receive the additional leave.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– As part of her ongoing commitment to supporting State of Kansas employees, Governor Laura Kelly today issued Executive Order 21-24, which expands parental leave benefits to primary caregivers, secondary caregivers, and foster parents, according to a media release from her office.<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA3MDYuNDI4NjIyMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjEvMDcvRU8tMjEtMjQtUGFyZW50YWwtTGVhdmUtRXhlY3V0ZWQucGRmIn0.ey191-rBNqYkKtDcOfecX_PzaTOz2qXqLWxCgsXsCUY/s/1303160919/br/108911070668-l" target="_blank">Click here to view the Executive Order.</a>“Supporting working parents in our workforce is not only the right thing to do – it’s good for our economy,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said. “We’re committed to recruiting and keeping talented Kansans in our state and creating a supportive environment for our families.”Under the new policy, primary and secondary caregivers, along with foster parents, receive the additional leave. The new policy is as follows:<ul>
 <li>Primary caregivers receive eight weeks of leave (an increase of two weeks from the original policy);</li><li>Secondary caregivers receive four weeks of leave (an increase of one week from the original policy);</li><li>Foster parents are now eligible for parental leave, with primary caregivers receiving eight weeks of leave and secondary caregivers receiving four weeks of leave;</li><li>Parental leave can now be used thirty days in advance of the birth date, adoption, or fostering of a child or children per calendar year;</li><li>New State employees become eligible after 180 days of employment. Current employees will not be subjected to this requirement.</li>
 </ul>“Paid family leave is a win-win for both families and employers,” said Wendy Doyle, President &amp; CEO, United WE.&nbsp;“Policies like this that expand these benefits to women and their families bolster economies, improve health and education outcomes and strengthens business through a stronger employee workforce. We applaud Governor Kelly’s action today and urge other states without paid family leave policies to consider the research-backed benefits of strong economic policies that support employees and their families.”Effective immediately, the Kansas Department of Administration’s Office of Personnel Services will implement the new policy and provide information to State of Kansas agencies and employees.

Gov. Kelly expands parental leave policy for state employees

SHAWNEE COUNTY —A 17-year-old girl wounded in a weekend shooting in Topeka has died.

Just before 10:30 p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a call for service in the 1100 Block of SW Clay Street, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith. The caller reported a woman later identified as&nbsp;Navaeh Martinez, 17, Topeka,&nbsp; was suffering from a gunshot wound. 

On arrival, officers located the Martinez who was transported to a local hospital.&nbsp;

On Sunday, police identified the suspect as 21-year-old Daisha Butler of Topeka. Police transported her to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. She now faces a requested charge of first-degree murder and along aggravated battery.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a shooting that injured a woman in Topeka have made an arrest.

Just before 10:30 p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a call for service in the 1100 Block of SW Clay Street, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith. The caller reported&nbsp; a woman was suffering from a gunshot wound. 

On arrival, officers located the victim, who was transported to a local hospital.&nbsp;

On Sunday, police identified the suspect as 21-year-old Daisha Butler of Topeka. Police transported her to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of attempted 1st Degree Murder and&nbsp;Aggravated Battery, according to Monasmith.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured a woman in Topeka.

On arrival, officers located the victim, who was transported to a local hospital. As a result, Topeka Police Department Detectives are reviewing all investigative leads. Police have not released the victim's name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625450854895.png" alt="Butler faces new charges, according police- photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Butler faces new charges, according police- photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —A 17-year-old girl wounded in a weekend shooting in Topeka has died.Just before 10:30 p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a call for service in the 1100 Block of SW Clay Street, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith. The caller reported a woman later identified as&nbsp;Navaeh Martinez, 17, Topeka,&nbsp; was suffering from a gunshot wound. On arrival, officers located the Martinez who was transported to a local hospital.&nbsp;On Sunday, police identified the suspect as 21-year-old Daisha Butler of Topeka. Police transported her to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. She now faces a requested charge of first-degree murder and along aggravated battery.----------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a shooting that injured a woman in Topeka have made an arrest.Just before 10:30 p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a call for service in the 1100 Block of SW Clay Street, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith. The caller reported&nbsp; a woman was suffering from a gunshot wound. On arrival, officers located the victim, who was transported to a local hospital.&nbsp;On Sunday, police identified the suspect as 21-year-old Daisha Butler of Topeka. Police transported her to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of attempted 1st Degree Murder and&nbsp;Aggravated Battery, according to Monasmith.----------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured a woman in Topeka.Just before 10:30 p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a call for service in the 1100 Block of SW Clay Street, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith. The caller reported&nbsp; a woman was suffering from a gunshot wound. On arrival, officers located the victim, who was transported to a local hospital. As a result, Topeka Police Department Detectives are reviewing all investigative leads. Police have not released the victim's name.

Police: Kan. girl injured in weekend shooting has died

By STEVE DEVORE <a href="https://www.ksphq.org/">Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ</a> <a href="https://www.ksphq.org/"></a>

Creativity is one key to 
building resilience for many youths, and artistic expression helps us to
 convey feelings and emotions that words fail to capture. Art can 
provide us with so many protective factors like creativity, connection, 
and messages that normalize seeking help from others when we feel 
overwhelmed.

As my team at <a href="https://www.ksphq.org/">Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ</a>
 looks back at the wonderful success of the 2021 Youth Art Contest, we 
are overwhelmed by the love, support, and care that these students 
embedded into their works of art. These incredibly talented artists from
 all of Kansas continue to remind us that, though everyone falls at some
 point, there will always be someone there to lift us back up.

Organized in conjunction 
with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas 
Department for Aging and Disability Services, the 2021 Youth Art Contest
 was created with the intention of providing Kansas students a platform 
to showcase their messages, thoughts, and inspirations that help them 
stay healthy and find support when they need it the most.

We were thrilled to receive 29 submissions from 22 different schools (to view submissions, <a href="http://www.ksphq.org/artcontestgallery/">visit the online gallery</a>).
 These pieces are incredibly impactful because they often display the 
type of encouragement that students would wish to receive when they are 
faced with feelings of despair. This contest opened our organization’s 
eyes to even more ways we can reach out into our Kansas communities and 
offer support that resonates with students and their feelings.

Experience tells us that 
what students and young adults say and how they experience the world is 
so much more impactful than the opinions from those who are older; their
 viewpoint is curious, raw and honest.

This year, we were 
thrilled to receive artistic pieces that spanned across many different 
mediums. In addition to the fantastic drawings, sketches and paintings, 
we had a significant number of video and digital submissions.

The use of video allowed 
students to highlight their struggles in a moving and dynamic format. 
For instance, one of the many videos that left a lasting impact featured
 a young student staring blankly at the camera. A voice from off screen 
continually asks this student the same question: “How are you?” The 
student continues to say “Good” repeatedly, despite his face and body 
displaying the exact opposite feeling. This perspective enables all of 
us to adopt a different point of view and realize that many of our daily
 interactions are only “surface-level.”

Videos like this one 
remind us all to be intentional when we check in on friends and loved 
ones. Often, it can be difficult for those who are younger to tell 
others that they are not feeling OK.

These submissions also 
highlight the power of the cultural connections of youth. One’s culture 
can serve as an excellent protective force from thoughts of suicide or 
hopelessness. This contest was filled with submissions from people of 
diverse backgrounds, experiences and identities. A student’s culture can
 help to empower them when they are feeling low and extend compassion 
and care to those who are struggling around them.

Our hope is that the contest this year made more youth and parents aware of their local resources and the availability of the <a href="https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/">National Suicide Prevention Lifeline</a>
 (800-273-8255). People of all ages can call at any time with any 
concern, not just suicide. Our caring volunteer counselors are always 
available to listen and connect.

As we look ahead towards 
future art contests, we are filled with inspiration and excitement. We 
hope for the next Youth Art Contest to be even bigger than the last, 
with more submissions from all over the state of Kansas. Our goal is for
 each community in Kansas to be represented in this showcase and learn 
all about the various mental health resources available in their state.

Additionally, we will 
continue to promote free and accessible programs for Kansas youth to 
produce more digital art in their own styles. When students are 
encouraged to create messages that are meaningful to them, we can see 
the struggles, triumphs and perspectives of those who will become the 
next generation of Kansans.

Thank you to all the 
families who helped to make this year’s art contest such a success. We 
are so amazed with the turnout this year, and we hope that the wonderful
 art pieces encourage even more students to take part in future events.

Steve Devore is president and CEO of Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ. Republished courtesy the <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/07/05/to-help-prevent-suicide-kansas-youths-created-these-messages-of-love-and-reassurance/">Kansas Reflector.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625585881629.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE DEVORE <a href="https://www.ksphq.org/">Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ</a> <a href="https://www.ksphq.org/"></a>Creativity is one key to 
building resilience for many youths, and artistic expression helps us to
 convey feelings and emotions that words fail to capture. Art can 
provide us with so many protective factors like creativity, connection, 
and messages that normalize seeking help from others when we feel 
overwhelmed.As my team at <a href="https://www.ksphq.org/">Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ</a>
 looks back at the wonderful success of the 2021 Youth Art Contest, we 
are overwhelmed by the love, support, and care that these students 
embedded into their works of art. These incredibly talented artists from
 all of Kansas continue to remind us that, though everyone falls at some
 point, there will always be someone there to lift us back up.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625585987687.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Organized in conjunction 
with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas 
Department for Aging and Disability Services, the 2021 Youth Art Contest
 was created with the intention of providing Kansas students a platform 
to showcase their messages, thoughts, and inspirations that help them 
stay healthy and find support when they need it the most.We were thrilled to receive 29 submissions from 22 different schools (to view submissions, <a href="http://www.ksphq.org/artcontestgallery/">visit the online gallery</a>).
 These pieces are incredibly impactful because they often display the 
type of encouragement that students would wish to receive when they are 
faced with feelings of despair. This contest opened our organization’s 
eyes to even more ways we can reach out into our Kansas communities and 
offer support that resonates with students and their feelings.Experience tells us that 
what students and young adults say and how they experience the world is 
so much more impactful than the opinions from those who are older; their
 viewpoint is curious, raw and honest.This year, we were 
thrilled to receive artistic pieces that spanned across many different 
mediums. In addition to the fantastic drawings, sketches and paintings, 
we had a significant number of video and digital submissions.The use of video allowed 
students to highlight their struggles in a moving and dynamic format. 
For instance, one of the many videos that left a lasting impact featured
 a young student staring blankly at the camera. A voice from off screen 
continually asks this student the same question: “How are you?” The 
student continues to say “Good” repeatedly, despite his face and body 
displaying the exact opposite feeling. This perspective enables all of 
us to adopt a different point of view and realize that many of our daily
 interactions are only “surface-level.”Videos like this one 
remind us all to be intentional when we check in on friends and loved 
ones. Often, it can be difficult for those who are younger to tell 
others that they are not feeling OK.These submissions also 
highlight the power of the cultural connections of youth. One’s culture 
can serve as an excellent protective force from thoughts of suicide or 
hopelessness. This contest was filled with submissions from people of 
diverse backgrounds, experiences and identities. A student’s culture can
 help to empower them when they are feeling low and extend compassion 
and care to those who are struggling around them.Our hope is that the contest this year made more youth and parents aware of their local resources and the availability of the <a href="https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/">National Suicide Prevention Lifeline</a>
 (800-273-8255). People of all ages can call at any time with any 
concern, not just suicide. Our caring volunteer counselors are always 
available to listen and connect.As we look ahead towards 
future art contests, we are filled with inspiration and excitement. We 
hope for the next Youth Art Contest to be even bigger than the last, 
with more submissions from all over the state of Kansas. Our goal is for
 each community in Kansas to be represented in this showcase and learn 
all about the various mental health resources available in their state.Additionally, we will 
continue to promote free and accessible programs for Kansas youth to 
produce more digital art in their own styles. When students are 
encouraged to create messages that are meaningful to them, we can see 
the struggles, triumphs and perspectives of those who will become the 
next generation of Kansans.Thank you to all the 
families who helped to make this year’s art contest such a success. We 
are so amazed with the turnout this year, and we hope that the wonderful
 art pieces encourage even more students to take part in future events.Steve Devore is president and CEO of Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ. Republished courtesy the <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/07/05/to-help-prevent-suicide-kansas-youths-created-these-messages-of-love-and-reassurance/">Kansas Reflector.</a>

Youths create messages of love, reassurance to prevent suicide

WASHINGTON (AP) —The company whose software was exploited in the biggest ransomware attack on record said Tuesday that it so far it appears that fewer than 1,500 businesses were compromised. But cybersecurity experts suspected the estimate was low and noted that victims are still being identified.

Miami-based Kaseya said in a prepared statement that it believed only about 800 to 1,500 of the estimated 800,000 to 1,000,000 mostly small business — customers of companies that use it software to manage IT infrastructure - were affected by the attack.

The statement was widely reported after the White House shared it with media outlets.

However, cybersecurity experts said it was too early for Kaseya to know the true impact of Friday’s attack, especially since it was launched by the Russia-linked REvil gang on the eve of the U.S. Fourth of July holiday and many targets may only be discovering it on returning to work Tuesday.

Most of the more than 60 Kaseya customers that company spokeswoman Dana Liedholm said were affected in an email Sunday are managed service providers (MSPs) who have multiple customers downstream.

“Given the relationship between Kaseya and MSPs, it’s not clear how Kaseya would know the number of victims impacted. There is no way the numbers are as low as Kaseya is claiming though,” said Jake Williams, chief technical officer of the cybersecurity firm BreachQuest.

The hacked Kaseya tool, VSA, remotely maintains customer networks, automating security and other software updates. Essentially, a tool designed to protect networks from malware was cleverly used to distribute it.

“It’s too soon to tell, since this entire incident is still under investigation,” said the cybersecurity firm Sophos, which has been tracking the incident closely. It and other cybersecurity outfits questioned whether Kaseya had visibility into crippled managed service providers.

In an interview with The Associated Press on Sunday, Kaseya CEO Fred Voccola estimated the number of victims in “the low thousands.” The German news agency dpa reported earlier Sunday an unnamed German IT services company told authorities several thousand of its customers were compromised. Also among reported victims were two Dutch IT services companies.

A broad array of businesses and public agencies were hit by the latest attack, apparently on all continents, including in financial services, travel and leisure and the public sector — though few large companies, Sophos said.

Ransomware criminals infiltrate networks and sow malware that cripples them by scrambling all their data. Victims get a decoder key when they pay up. Most ransomware victims don’t publicly report attacks or disclose if they’ve paid ransoms.

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2021/07/03/remarks-by-president-biden-after-visiting-king-orchards/" target="_blank">President Joe Biden said Saturday that he ordered a “deep dive” by U.S. intelligence into the attack</a>&nbsp;and that the U.S. would respond if it determines the Kremlin is involved.

WASHINGTON (AP) —The company whose software was exploited in the biggest ransomware attack on record said Tuesday that it so far it appears that fewer than 1,500 businesses were compromised. But cybersecurity experts suspected the estimate was low and noted that victims are still being identified.Miami-based Kaseya said in a prepared statement that it believed only about 800 to 1,500 of the estimated 800,000 to 1,000,000 mostly small business — customers of companies that use it software to manage IT infrastructure - were affected by the attack.The statement was widely reported after the White House shared it with media outlets.However, cybersecurity experts said it was too early for Kaseya to know the true impact of Friday’s attack, especially since it was launched by the Russia-linked REvil gang on the eve of the U.S. Fourth of July holiday and many targets may only be discovering it on returning to work Tuesday.Most of the more than 60 Kaseya customers that company spokeswoman Dana Liedholm said were affected in an email Sunday are managed service providers (MSPs) who have multiple customers downstream.“Given the relationship between Kaseya and MSPs, it’s not clear how Kaseya would know the number of victims impacted. There is no way the numbers are as low as Kaseya is claiming though,” said Jake Williams, chief technical officer of the cybersecurity firm BreachQuest.The hacked Kaseya tool, VSA, remotely maintains customer networks, automating security and other software updates. Essentially, a tool designed to protect networks from malware was cleverly used to distribute it.“It’s too soon to tell, since this entire incident is still under investigation,” said the cybersecurity firm Sophos, which has been tracking the incident closely. It and other cybersecurity outfits questioned whether Kaseya had visibility into crippled managed service providers.In an interview with The Associated Press on Sunday, Kaseya CEO Fred Voccola estimated the number of victims in “the low thousands.” The German news agency dpa reported earlier Sunday an unnamed German IT services company told authorities several thousand of its customers were compromised. Also among reported victims were two Dutch IT services companies.A broad array of businesses and public agencies were hit by the latest attack, apparently on all continents, including in financial services, travel and leisure and the public sector — though few large companies, Sophos said.Ransomware criminals infiltrate networks and sow malware that cripples them by scrambling all their data. Victims get a decoder key when they pay up. Most ransomware victims don’t publicly report attacks or disclose if they’ve paid ransoms.<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2021/07/03/remarks-by-president-biden-after-visiting-king-orchards/" target="_blank">President Joe Biden said Saturday that he ordered a “deep dive” by U.S. intelligence into the attack</a>&nbsp;and that the U.S. would respond if it determines the Kremlin is involved.

Number of victims in massive ransomware attack still unclear

BY LAURA OLSON <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/07/05/cdc-study-finds-racial-regional-disparities-as-schools-reopened-for-in-person-learning/">Kansas Reflector</a>

WASHINGTON
 —&nbsp;After last year’s abrupt shutdown of schools due to the coronavirus 
pandemic, increasing numbers of students returned to in-person learning.

But
 a new study shows that racial and geographic gaps persisted as K-12 
students went back to their classrooms — with non-Hispanic white kids 
more often the ones attending a brick-and-mortar school full-time in 
most states.

From
 last September through April, students in the South also generally had 
greater access to full-time, in-person learning than those in other 
regions of the United States, according to the study, featured in <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7026e2.htm?s_cid=mm7026e2_w">a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report</a>.

The study’s lead author was Emily Oster, a Brown University economist who <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/22/us/emily-oster-school-reopening.html">became a cultural icon for many U.S. parents</a>
 during the COVID-19 pandemic for her data analysis of the health 
threats to children from the virus and advice on how to calculate risk.&nbsp;

At the same time, the conclusions from Oster that schools could reopen safely and that risks to children are generally low <a href="https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/brown-professor-gets-hounded-off-twitter-for-article-saying-its-okay-to-take-your-kids-on-vacation/">also drew pushback</a> as federal public health officials grappled with crafting guidance for the nation’s schools.

The
 study found that access to in-person learning varied by state: 100% of 
students in Wyoming and Montana had access to in-person instruction, 
while Hawaii, Maryland and Washington had the lowest shares of students 
in their classrooms full-time.

The
 new data also found a racial disparity in most states on whether 
students were learning online or in person. In 43 states, access to 
full-time, in-person learning was higher for non-Hispanic white students
 compared to those of color.

The
 highest racial disparities were in Ohio and Pennsylvania, where on 
average, students of color were 21% and 23% less likely to have access 
to full-time, in-person learning.&nbsp;

The
 smallest disparities were in Montana and Wyoming — where all students 
had in-person access — as well as the District of Columbia, Delaware, 
and Hawaii.&nbsp;

More
 broadly, the report shows that the prevalence of virtual-only education
 did decline across racial groups starting in January, but with a larger
 share of white students returning to their classrooms than students of 
color.

The percentage of white students with access to in-person, full-time classes rose the most by April, from 38% to nearly 75%.&nbsp;

For
 Black students, 63% were able to access in-person instruction in April,
 up from 32%, while Hispanic students’ access to in-person classes went 
up to 60%, compared to 36% at the beginning of the year.

Oster,
 who’s also written popular books on pregnancy and parenting, and her 
co-authors noted several limitations on their analysis, including that 
it only covered 46% of public K-12 enrollment in the U.S.&nbsp;

It
 also looked at access to different types of instruction, not the number
 of students who actually received their instruction in person or 
virtually.

Their
 analysis was based on data collected from school district websites, 
Facebook pages, and other public data from 1,200 school districts across
 all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The
 researchers logged whether the schools offered fully remote, hybrid, or
 fully in-person instruction, and which grades and demographic groups 
had access to each kind of instruction, tracking that data weekly from 
January to April.

They also identified differences in access by grade level.&nbsp;

In
 January 2021, 39% of students in grades K-5 had access to full-time, 
in-person learning, compared with 33% of students in grades 6-8, and 30%
 of students in grades 9-12.

That
 may reflect a challenge faced by local, state and federal officials as 
they tried to sort out how to safely reopen schools. Older students 
faced slightly different levels of risk from COVID-19 infections.&nbsp;

But
 it also was harder to keep those students in the same cohorts all day 
if they were in the school building, a practice that helped with tracing
 potential exposure if a student tested positive for infection.

The
 gap between which students were learning virtually and which were 
learning online last year could exacerbate some of the educational 
disparities that already existed, the report’s authors said, noting that
 reduced access to in-person learning is associated with poorer learning
 outcomes and <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/26/health/cdc-remote-learning-kids-mental-health-wellness/index.html">adverse mental health and behavioral effects in children</a>.

“Therefore,
 disparities in access to full-time in-person learning across 
demographic groups might translate into short-term increases in 
educational disparities,” they wrote.&nbsp;

The
 report said those disparities may be driven by a number of factors, 
such as urban districts with more students of color that may have been 
less likely to open due to higher COVID-19 community infection rates.&nbsp;

As school districts look to next year, many are preparing to reopen fully if they had not yet already.&nbsp;

But
 some are waiting on the CDC to offer updated guidance on whether 
students should continue wearing face coverings, though it’s not yet 
clear when or if federal public health officials will alter those 
recommendations.

Laura covers the nation's capital as a senior reporter for States Newsroom, a network of nonprofit outlets that includes Kansas Reflector.&nbsp;

BY LAURA OLSON <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/07/05/cdc-study-finds-racial-regional-disparities-as-schools-reopened-for-in-person-learning/">Kansas Reflector</a>WASHINGTON
 —&nbsp;After last year’s abrupt shutdown of schools due to the coronavirus 
pandemic, increasing numbers of students returned to in-person learning.But
 a new study shows that racial and geographic gaps persisted as K-12 
students went back to their classrooms — with non-Hispanic white kids 
more often the ones attending a brick-and-mortar school full-time in 
most states.From
 last September through April, students in the South also generally had 
greater access to full-time, in-person learning than those in other 
regions of the United States, according to the study, featured in <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7026e2.htm?s_cid=mm7026e2_w">a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report</a>.The study’s lead author was Emily Oster, a Brown University economist who <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/22/us/emily-oster-school-reopening.html">became a cultural icon for many U.S. parents</a>
 during the COVID-19 pandemic for her data analysis of the health 
threats to children from the virus and advice on how to calculate risk.&nbsp;At the same time, the conclusions from Oster that schools could reopen safely and that risks to children are generally low <a href="https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/brown-professor-gets-hounded-off-twitter-for-article-saying-its-okay-to-take-your-kids-on-vacation/">also drew pushback</a> as federal public health officials grappled with crafting guidance for the nation’s schools.The
 study found that access to in-person learning varied by state: 100% of 
students in Wyoming and Montana had access to in-person instruction, 
while Hawaii, Maryland and Washington had the lowest shares of students 
in their classrooms full-time.The
 new data also found a racial disparity in most states on whether 
students were learning online or in person. In 43 states, access to 
full-time, in-person learning was higher for non-Hispanic white students
 compared to those of color.The
 highest racial disparities were in Ohio and Pennsylvania, where on 
average, students of color were 21% and 23% less likely to have access 
to full-time, in-person learning.&nbsp;The
 smallest disparities were in Montana and Wyoming — where all students 
had in-person access — as well as the District of Columbia, Delaware, 
and Hawaii.&nbsp;More
 broadly, the report shows that the prevalence of virtual-only education
 did decline across racial groups starting in January, but with a larger
 share of white students returning to their classrooms than students of 
color.The percentage of white students with access to in-person, full-time classes rose the most by April, from 38% to nearly 75%.&nbsp;For
 Black students, 63% were able to access in-person instruction in April,
 up from 32%, while Hispanic students’ access to in-person classes went 
up to 60%, compared to 36% at the beginning of the year.Oster,
 who’s also written popular books on pregnancy and parenting, and her 
co-authors noted several limitations on their analysis, including that 
it only covered 46% of public K-12 enrollment in the U.S.&nbsp;It
 also looked at access to different types of instruction, not the number
 of students who actually received their instruction in person or 
virtually.Their
 analysis was based on data collected from school district websites, 
Facebook pages, and other public data from 1,200 school districts across
 all 50 states and the District of Columbia.The
 researchers logged whether the schools offered fully remote, hybrid, or
 fully in-person instruction, and which grades and demographic groups 
had access to each kind of instruction, tracking that data weekly from 
January to April.They also identified differences in access by grade level.&nbsp;In
 January 2021, 39% of students in grades K-5 had access to full-time, 
in-person learning, compared with 33% of students in grades 6-8, and 30%
 of students in grades 9-12.That
 may reflect a challenge faced by local, state and federal officials as 
they tried to sort out how to safely reopen schools. Older students 
faced slightly different levels of risk from COVID-19 infections.&nbsp;But
 it also was harder to keep those students in the same cohorts all day 
if they were in the school building, a practice that helped with tracing
 potential exposure if a student tested positive for infection.The
 gap between which students were learning virtually and which were 
learning online last year could exacerbate some of the educational 
disparities that already existed, the report’s authors said, noting that
 reduced access to in-person learning is associated with poorer learning
 outcomes and <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/26/health/cdc-remote-learning-kids-mental-health-wellness/index.html">adverse mental health and behavioral effects in children</a>.“Therefore,
 disparities in access to full-time in-person learning across 
demographic groups might translate into short-term increases in 
educational disparities,” they wrote.&nbsp;The
 report said those disparities may be driven by a number of factors, 
such as urban districts with more students of color that may have been 
less likely to open due to higher COVID-19 community infection rates.&nbsp;As school districts look to next year, many are preparing to reopen fully if they had not yet already.&nbsp;But
 some are waiting on the CDC to offer updated guidance on whether 
students should continue wearing face coverings, though it’s not yet 
clear when or if federal public health officials will alter those 
recommendations.Laura covers the nation's capital as a senior reporter for States Newsroom, a network of nonprofit outlets that includes Kansas Reflector.&nbsp;

CDC: Racial, regional disparities as schools reopened for in-person learning

JEFFERSON COUNTY —A 4-year-old Missouri girl&nbsp; drowned Sunday while visiting family in the northeast Kansas community of Perry.

The incident was reported around 6:45 p.m. at a home on Main Street, according&nbsp;Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig.

A&nbsp; family member noticed the young girl was missing and then noticed the child's shoes sitting beside an above-ground pool outside of the home. 

The family member then found the girl unconscious in the water and immediately started performing CPR, according to Herrig. EMS transported the child to the hospital in Lawrence where she was pronounced dead.

The girl was from Monet, Missouri, and was in Perry to visit family for the 4th of July holiday, according to Herrig.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was unclear how long she was in the water.&nbsp; Authorities have not released the child's name.

JEFFERSON COUNTY —A 4-year-old Missouri girl&nbsp; drowned Sunday while visiting family in the northeast Kansas community of Perry.The incident was reported around 6:45 p.m. at a home on Main Street, according&nbsp;Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig.A&nbsp; family member noticed the young girl was missing and then noticed the child's shoes sitting beside an above-ground pool outside of the home. The family member then found the girl unconscious in the water and immediately started performing CPR, according to Herrig. EMS transported the child to the hospital in Lawrence where she was pronounced dead.The girl was from Monet, Missouri, and was in Perry to visit family for the 4th of July holiday, according to Herrig.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was unclear how long she was in the water.&nbsp; Authorities have not released the child's name.

Sheriff: 4-year-old girl drowns in pool at Kansas home

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Independence accident have identified the victim as&nbsp; 50-year-old David Butterworth of Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

Just after 11:30 pm on Sunday, officers were in the 37th and Rock Road in Wichita when they came upon an accident involving a motorcycle and an SUV. The driver of the motorcycle later identified as Butterworth, was pronounced deceased on scene.

The investigation revealed that Butterworth was traveling North on Rock Road at a high rate of speed when he collided with an SUV that was turning into a gas station at the location.

This is the 25th traffic fatality in Wichita for 2021, according to Macy and the 3rd involving a motorcycle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625586722027.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal accident-photo by Shawn Loging courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal accident-photo by Shawn Loging courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Independence accident have identified the victim as&nbsp; 50-year-old David Butterworth of Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.Just after 11:30 pm on Sunday, officers were in the 37th and Rock Road in Wichita when they came upon an accident involving a motorcycle and an SUV. The driver of the motorcycle later identified as Butterworth, was pronounced deceased on scene.The investigation revealed that Butterworth was traveling North on Rock Road at a high rate of speed when he collided with an SUV that was turning into a gas station at the location.This is the 25th traffic fatality in Wichita for 2021, according to Macy and the 3rd involving a motorcycle.

Police ID Kansas man who died in motorcycle accident

&nbsp;KANSAS CITY (AP) — More than $7,000 behind on rent, Tyesha Young had hoped a program in Louisiana would bail her out and allow her family to avert eviction in the coming weeks.

But the 29-year-old mother of two from Jefferson Parish is still waiting to hear whether any of the $308 million available from the state for rental assistance and utility payments will give her a lifeline. She applied for money last year but never heard anything. She is waiting to hear on her latest application.

The federal money was divided between a Louisiana statewide program and its largest parishes. Neither has gone well. The state has paid out $10.5 million out of $147 million, while Jefferson Parish has only distributed $1.4 million out of $12.9 million. The parish replaced the company overseeing the program after only $236,000 was handed out by May.

“Where are we going to go?" asked Young, who lost her hospital job during the pandemic and now must stay home to care for her 7-month-old.

“This is all new, not something I thought I ever would have to deal with in my life," she said. "I have two children to think about. It’s a lot.”

Louisiana’s struggles are playing out across the country as states rush to distribute nearly $47 billion allocated by Congress for emergency rental assistance before a federal eviction moratorium&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eviction-ban-extended-biden-coronavirus-9e7c4dc97c49cbb42a1ecb55b06e3b4c">ends July 31, putting millions at risk of losing their homes.</a>

The historic amount — more than the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s annual budget — was allocated in December and March.

Housing advocates blame the slow rollout partly on the Treasury Department under President Donald Trump that they say was slow to explain how the money could be spent. The criteria, while clearer under the Biden administration, was still criticized for a burdensome process that seemed more focused on preventing fraud than helping tenants.

Advocates also said states made things worse — some waited months to set up programs and others created bureaucratic hurdles.

As a result, little money has gone out. According to data released Friday from the Treasury Department, only $1.5 billion was provided to about 350,000 households by May 31. That's less than 4% of the money allotted.

Missouri Rep. Cori Bush, a Democrat who has herself experienced eviction, said her office has received calls from families “who either don’t know how to apply for the funds or who say the application is confusing and stressful.”

“It’s unconscionable that millions of dollars are sitting in the state’s bank account, while families ... across Missouri are struggling to stay in their homes,” she said.

“For many families, this assistance is the difference between coming home to an eviction notice or coming home to a safe place to lay their heads at night.”

Some 3.4 million people could face eviction in the next two months, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey — a number some advocates say could be twice that.

Many tenants will be forced out into a red-hot housing market where prices are rising and vacancy rates plummeting. They also will be stuck with eviction and delinquent back-rent records that make it almost impossible to find new housing, leaving many to turn to homeless shelters or find dwellings in low-income neighborhoods without good schools and access to transportation and jobs.

Among those at risk is Freddie Davis, a 51-year-old Miami truck driver who lost his job during the pandemic and saw his rent increase from $875 to $1,400-a-month. He is $7,000 behind on rent and fears his monthly $1,038 disability check after he lost a leg to diabetes won’t be enough to find another place. He applied for rental assistance, but his landlord refused to take it.

“I’m worried as hell. I don’t have no other place to go,” said Davis, who has worked since he was 15 and never before been evicted. “In Miami, rent is sky high. I am going to sleep in my truck and put all my stuff in storage.”

The National Low Income Housing Coalition found that of the 51 programs it has tracked so far, just 14% of funds allocated in December had been distributed. Most states aren't yet distributing the March money.

The Associated Press found states as varied as North Dakota and California facing difficulty getting assistance out. Georgia distributed only $11 million of $552 million, North Dakota provided $3.4 million of $200 million, North Carolina awarded $73 million out of $546 million and California $73 million of $1.4 billion. New York launched a $2 billion program&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nyc-state-wire-ny-state-wire-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-8e59caa61058394780169de9ce08aafb">last month</a>&nbsp;but expects it will be four to six weeks before it distributes anything.

The hurdles vary, according to a Housing Coalition survey in April, including lack of capacity to administer the program, technical difficulties setting it up and lack of cooperation from tenants and their landlords.

Some landlords refused to participate. Tenants sometimes didn't complete applications — often because they were required to provide proof of lost jobs or other financial hardship during the pandemic.

Some of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-new-york-andrew-cuomo-coronavirus-pandemic-us-news-bfbf0744510d50a1e173247ee5f9ba1b">same problems&nbsp;</a>emerged last year when states set aside&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-government-and-politics-health-9c796ca23b611e0ed7d5e86f0fda3b5f">nearly $2.6 billion from the CARES Act for rental assistance.</a>

A common refrain was that federal requirements were too onerous and the guidelines too stringent.

Erica Boggess, executive director of the West Virginia Housing Fund, which runs the state's rental assistance program, called it “time consuming” in explaining why it had distributed only $8.7 million of $200 million from the first round of funding.

"It's labor intensive," Boggess said of requirements that include verifying a COVID-19 hardship and documenting an applicant's income before going to a landlord for acceptance of the funds.

“It's frustrating for the tenant and probably landlords as well," she said. “We have to go through the process. It's just not something that can happen overnight.”

California has made changes to its lengthy application, which could take three hours to complete. It reduced the number of required documents from as many as nine to as few as one; now it takes 30 minutes to fill out. It also expanded the languages on the program website from two to six.

Russ Heimerich, a spokesman for California's Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, said the state initially followed Treasury rules aimed at preventing duplication of benefits and ensuring applicants were entitled to what they got. “Now we simply rely on a tenant’s attestation that they had a COVID-19 financial hardship," he said.

Since March, the Treasury Department has required money to go directly to tenants, among other streamlining moves, and urged landlords be barred from evicting tenants for up to 90 days after the period covered by assistance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625411208272.png" alt="Some 3.4 million people could face eviction in the next two months, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey — a number some advocates say could be twice that-Google image" />
 <figcaption>Some 3.4 million people could face eviction in the next two months, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey — a number some advocates say could be twice that-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;KANSAS CITY (AP) — More than $7,000 behind on rent, Tyesha Young had hoped a program in Louisiana would bail her out and allow her family to avert eviction in the coming weeks.But the 29-year-old mother of two from Jefferson Parish is still waiting to hear whether any of the $308 million available from the state for rental assistance and utility payments will give her a lifeline. She applied for money last year but never heard anything. She is waiting to hear on her latest application.The federal money was divided between a Louisiana statewide program and its largest parishes. Neither has gone well. The state has paid out $10.5 million out of $147 million, while Jefferson Parish has only distributed $1.4 million out of $12.9 million. The parish replaced the company overseeing the program after only $236,000 was handed out by May.“Where are we going to go?" asked Young, who lost her hospital job during the pandemic and now must stay home to care for her 7-month-old.“This is all new, not something I thought I ever would have to deal with in my life," she said. "I have two children to think about. It’s a lot.”Louisiana’s struggles are playing out across the country as states rush to distribute nearly $47 billion allocated by Congress for emergency rental assistance before a federal eviction moratorium&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eviction-ban-extended-biden-coronavirus-9e7c4dc97c49cbb42a1ecb55b06e3b4c">ends July 31, putting millions at risk of losing their homes.</a>The historic amount — more than the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s annual budget — was allocated in December and March.Housing advocates blame the slow rollout partly on the Treasury Department under President Donald Trump that they say was slow to explain how the money could be spent. The criteria, while clearer under the Biden administration, was still criticized for a burdensome process that seemed more focused on preventing fraud than helping tenants.Advocates also said states made things worse — some waited months to set up programs and others created bureaucratic hurdles.As a result, little money has gone out. According to data released Friday from the Treasury Department, only $1.5 billion was provided to about 350,000 households by May 31. That's less than 4% of the money allotted.Missouri Rep. Cori Bush, a Democrat who has herself experienced eviction, said her office has received calls from families “who either don’t know how to apply for the funds or who say the application is confusing and stressful.”“It’s unconscionable that millions of dollars are sitting in the state’s bank account, while families ... across Missouri are struggling to stay in their homes,” she said.“For many families, this assistance is the difference between coming home to an eviction notice or coming home to a safe place to lay their heads at night.”Some 3.4 million people could face eviction in the next two months, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey — a number some advocates say could be twice that.Many tenants will be forced out into a red-hot housing market where prices are rising and vacancy rates plummeting. They also will be stuck with eviction and delinquent back-rent records that make it almost impossible to find new housing, leaving many to turn to homeless shelters or find dwellings in low-income neighborhoods without good schools and access to transportation and jobs.Among those at risk is Freddie Davis, a 51-year-old Miami truck driver who lost his job during the pandemic and saw his rent increase from $875 to $1,400-a-month. He is $7,000 behind on rent and fears his monthly $1,038 disability check after he lost a leg to diabetes won’t be enough to find another place. He applied for rental assistance, but his landlord refused to take it.“I’m worried as hell. I don’t have no other place to go,” said Davis, who has worked since he was 15 and never before been evicted. “In Miami, rent is sky high. I am going to sleep in my truck and put all my stuff in storage.”The National Low Income Housing Coalition found that of the 51 programs it has tracked so far, just 14% of funds allocated in December had been distributed. Most states aren't yet distributing the March money.The Associated Press found states as varied as North Dakota and California facing difficulty getting assistance out. Georgia distributed only $11 million of $552 million, North Dakota provided $3.4 million of $200 million, North Carolina awarded $73 million out of $546 million and California $73 million of $1.4 billion. New York launched a $2 billion program&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nyc-state-wire-ny-state-wire-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-8e59caa61058394780169de9ce08aafb">last month</a>&nbsp;but expects it will be four to six weeks before it distributes anything.The hurdles vary, according to a Housing Coalition survey in April, including lack of capacity to administer the program, technical difficulties setting it up and lack of cooperation from tenants and their landlords.Some landlords refused to participate. Tenants sometimes didn't complete applications — often because they were required to provide proof of lost jobs or other financial hardship during the pandemic.Some of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-new-york-andrew-cuomo-coronavirus-pandemic-us-news-bfbf0744510d50a1e173247ee5f9ba1b">same problems&nbsp;</a>emerged last year when states set aside&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-government-and-politics-health-9c796ca23b611e0ed7d5e86f0fda3b5f">nearly $2.6 billion from the CARES Act for rental assistance.</a>A common refrain was that federal requirements were too onerous and the guidelines too stringent.Erica Boggess, executive director of the West Virginia Housing Fund, which runs the state's rental assistance program, called it “time consuming” in explaining why it had distributed only $8.7 million of $200 million from the first round of funding."It's labor intensive," Boggess said of requirements that include verifying a COVID-19 hardship and documenting an applicant's income before going to a landlord for acceptance of the funds.“It's frustrating for the tenant and probably landlords as well," she said. “We have to go through the process. It's just not something that can happen overnight.”California has made changes to its lengthy application, which could take three hours to complete. It reduced the number of required documents from as many as nine to as few as one; now it takes 30 minutes to fill out. It also expanded the languages on the program website from two to six.Russ Heimerich, a spokesman for California's Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, said the state initially followed Treasury rules aimed at preventing duplication of benefits and ensuring applicants were entitled to what they got. “Now we simply rely on a tenant’s attestation that they had a COVID-19 financial hardship," he said.Since March, the Treasury Department has required money to go directly to tenants, among other streamlining moves, and urged landlords be barred from evicting tenants for up to 90 days after the period covered by assistance.“We need relief distributed now, before the eviction moratorium expires at the end of July,” Susan Rice, director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, said this week. “Renters at risk of eviction are desperate for that relief, and landlords need to cover their bills."