KANSAS CITY (AP) — The University of Missouri-Kansas City has agreed to pay a former professor $625,000 to settle a lawsuit he filed after he said he was fired for blowing the whistle on a scandal involving UMKC's business school rankings .

The payment will settle a lawsuit against the school brought by former UMKC professor Richard Arend, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/education/article259616504.html#storylink=cpy">Kansas City Star reported&nbsp;</a>Tuesday. The university also issued a statement with Arend giving him credit for bringing to light that the business school knowingly submitted false data to the Princeton Review, which then ranked UMKC higher than it deserved.

The scandal was first reported by the Star in 2014, with the help of Arend serving as a whistleblower. Arend was fired from UMKC in 2016 for misconduct, which Arend said amounted to retaliation for exposing the false rankings.

In 2015, auditors found that officials with the Henry W. Bloch School of Management&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-kansas-city-business-schools-missouri-university-of-missouri-6f7e9571bbde415f8027485c98578f46">used false data when applying for rankings</a>. Days later, the Princeton Review stripped the school’s Top 25 our rankings issued in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

As part of their settlement, UMKC and Arend agreed to make no comments beyond their joint statement. Arend is now a professor at the University of Southern Maine.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The University of Missouri-Kansas City has agreed to pay a former professor $625,000 to settle a lawsuit he filed after he said he was fired for blowing the whistle on a scandal involving UMKC's business school rankings .The payment will settle a lawsuit against the school brought by former UMKC professor Richard Arend, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/education/article259616504.html#storylink=cpy">Kansas City Star reported&nbsp;</a>Tuesday. The university also issued a statement with Arend giving him credit for bringing to light that the business school knowingly submitted false data to the Princeton Review, which then ranked UMKC higher than it deserved.The scandal was first reported by the Star in 2014, with the help of Arend serving as a whistleblower. Arend was fired from UMKC in 2016 for misconduct, which Arend said amounted to retaliation for exposing the false rankings.In 2015, auditors found that officials with the Henry W. Bloch School of Management&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-kansas-city-business-schools-missouri-university-of-missouri-6f7e9571bbde415f8027485c98578f46">used false data when applying for rankings</a>. Days later, the Princeton Review stripped the school’s Top 25 our rankings issued in 2011, 2012 and 2013.As part of their settlement, UMKC and Arend agreed to make no comments beyond their joint statement. Arend is now a professor at the University of Southern Maine.

UMKC to pay ex-professor fired amid business school scandal

WASHINGTON (AP) —Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine works in babies, toddlers and preschoolers the company announced Wednesday -- and if regulators agree it could mean a chance to finally start vaccinating the littlest kids by summer.

Moderna said in the coming weeks it would ask regulators in the U.S. and Europe to authorize two small-dose shots for youngsters under 6. The company also is seeking to have larger-dose shots cleared for older children and teens in the U.S.

The nation’s 18 million children under 5 are the only age group not yet eligible for vaccination. Competitor Pfizer currently offers kid-sized doses for school-age children and full-strength shots for those 12 and older.

But parents have anxiously awaited protection for younger tots, disappointed by setbacks and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-business-health-coronavirus-vaccine-c283d0644db46578f18b0b1aa1bfb9a0">confusion&nbsp;</a>over which shots might work and when. Pfizer is testing even smaller doses for children under 5 but had to add a third shot to its study when two didn’t prove strong enough. Those results are expected by early April.

Vaccinating the littlest “has been somewhat of a moving target over the last couple of months,” Dr. Bill Muller of Northwestern University, an investigator in Moderna’s pediatric studies, said in an interview before the company released its findings. “There’s still, I think, a lingering urgency to try to get that done as soon as possible.”

The younger the child, the smaller the dose being tested. Moderna said a quarter of the dose it uses for adults worked well for youngsters under age 6.

Moderna enrolled about 6,900 tots in a study of the 25-microgram doses. Early data showed after two shots, youngsters developed virus-fighting antibody levels just as strong as young adults getting regular-strength shots, the company said in a press release.

Moderna said the small doses were safe, and the main side effects were mild fevers like those associated with other commonly used pediatric vaccines.

Once Moderna submits the data to the FDA, regulators will debate whether to authorize emergency use of the small doses for tots. If so, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention then will decide whether to recommend them.

While COVID-19 generally isn’t as dangerous to youngsters as to adults, some do become severely ill. The CDC says about 400 children younger than 5 have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic’s start. The omicron variant hit children especially hard, with those under 5 hospitalized at higher rates than at the peak of the previous delta surge, the CDC found.

COVID-19 vaccines in general don’t prevent infection with the omicron mutant as well as they fended off earlier variants -- but they do still offer strong protection against severe illness.

Moderna reported that same trend in the trial of children under 6, conducted during the omicron surge. While there were no severe illnesses, the vaccine proved just under 44% effective at preventing any infection in babies up to age 2, and nearly 38% effective in the preschoolers.

Moderna said also said Wednesday it will ask the Food and Drug Administration to clear larger doses for older children.

While other countries already have allowed Moderna’s shots to be used in children as young as 6, the U.S. has limited its vaccine to adults. A Moderna request to expand its shots to 12- to 17-year-olds has been stalled for months.

The company said Wednesday that, armed with additional evidence, it is updating its FDA application for teen shots and requesting a green light for 6- to 11-year-olds, too.

Moderna says its original adult dose -- two 100-microgram shots -- is safe and effective in 12- to 17-year-olds. For elementary-age kids, it’s using half the adult dose.

But the FDA never ruled on Moderna’s application for teen shots because of concern about a very rare side effect. Heart inflammation sometimes occurs in teens and young adults, mostly males, after receiving either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Moderna is getting extra scrutiny because its shots are a far higher dose than Pfizer’s.

The risk also seems linked to puberty, and regulators in Canada, Europe and elsewhere recently expanded Moderna vaccinations to kids as young as 6.

“That concern has not been seen in the younger children,” said Northwestern’s Muller.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634902668202.jpeg" alt="The nation’s 18 million children under 5 are the only age group not yet eligible for vaccination.-photo courtesy Moderna&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The nation’s 18 million children under 5 are the only age group not yet eligible for vaccination.-photo courtesy Moderna&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine works in babies, toddlers and preschoolers the company announced Wednesday -- and if regulators agree it could mean a chance to finally start vaccinating the littlest kids by summer.Moderna said in the coming weeks it would ask regulators in the U.S. and Europe to authorize two small-dose shots for youngsters under 6. The company also is seeking to have larger-dose shots cleared for older children and teens in the U.S.The nation’s 18 million children under 5 are the only age group not yet eligible for vaccination. Competitor Pfizer currently offers kid-sized doses for school-age children and full-strength shots for those 12 and older.But parents have anxiously awaited protection for younger tots, disappointed by setbacks and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-business-health-coronavirus-vaccine-c283d0644db46578f18b0b1aa1bfb9a0">confusion&nbsp;</a>over which shots might work and when. Pfizer is testing even smaller doses for children under 5 but had to add a third shot to its study when two didn’t prove strong enough. Those results are expected by early April.Vaccinating the littlest “has been somewhat of a moving target over the last couple of months,” Dr. Bill Muller of Northwestern University, an investigator in Moderna’s pediatric studies, said in an interview before the company released its findings. “There’s still, I think, a lingering urgency to try to get that done as soon as possible.”The younger the child, the smaller the dose being tested. Moderna said a quarter of the dose it uses for adults worked well for youngsters under age 6.Moderna enrolled about 6,900 tots in a study of the 25-microgram doses. Early data showed after two shots, youngsters developed virus-fighting antibody levels just as strong as young adults getting regular-strength shots, the company said in a press release.Moderna said the small doses were safe, and the main side effects were mild fevers like those associated with other commonly used pediatric vaccines.Once Moderna submits the data to the FDA, regulators will debate whether to authorize emergency use of the small doses for tots. If so, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention then will decide whether to recommend them.While COVID-19 generally isn’t as dangerous to youngsters as to adults, some do become severely ill. The CDC says about 400 children younger than 5 have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic’s start. The omicron variant hit children especially hard, with those under 5 hospitalized at higher rates than at the peak of the previous delta surge, the CDC found.COVID-19 vaccines in general don’t prevent infection with the omicron mutant as well as they fended off earlier variants -- but they do still offer strong protection against severe illness.Moderna reported that same trend in the trial of children under 6, conducted during the omicron surge. While there were no severe illnesses, the vaccine proved just under 44% effective at preventing any infection in babies up to age 2, and nearly 38% effective in the preschoolers.Moderna said also said Wednesday it will ask the Food and Drug Administration to clear larger doses for older children.While other countries already have allowed Moderna’s shots to be used in children as young as 6, the U.S. has limited its vaccine to adults. A Moderna request to expand its shots to 12- to 17-year-olds has been stalled for months.The company said Wednesday that, armed with additional evidence, it is updating its FDA application for teen shots and requesting a green light for 6- to 11-year-olds, too.Moderna says its original adult dose -- two 100-microgram shots -- is safe and effective in 12- to 17-year-olds. For elementary-age kids, it’s using half the adult dose.But the FDA never ruled on Moderna’s application for teen shots because of concern about a very rare side effect. Heart inflammation sometimes occurs in teens and young adults, mostly males, after receiving either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Moderna is getting extra scrutiny because its shots are a far higher dose than Pfizer’s.The risk also seems linked to puberty, and regulators in Canada, Europe and elsewhere recently expanded Moderna vaccinations to kids as young as 6.“That concern has not been seen in the younger children,” said Northwestern’s Muller.___

Moderna says its low-dose COVID shot works in babies, toddlers

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A detention hearing for a 16-year-old arrested in connection with the fatal shooting at Towne East Square&nbsp; was held Tuesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Judge Patrick Walters ruled&nbsp;the 16-year-old&nbsp; accused in the killing of 14-year-old Trenjvious Hutton of Wichita will remain in custody in the Juvenile Detention Facility until his initial appearance on April 18, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. David Miller was appointed as his attorney. 

Just after 5:30 p.m. on Friday, officers responded to a shooting at Towne East Mall, 7700 E Kellogg Drive in Wichita.

 Upon arrival, officers entered the mall and located 14-year-old Trenjvious Hutton inside who had been shot. He was pronounced deceased on scene.

The investigation revealed, Hutton was involved in a physical altercation with several individuals known to him stemming from an ongoing dispute. During the altercation a 16-year-old suspect pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking Hutton. The suspect then fled on foot.

Witnesses provided officers with a description of the suspect which allowed arriving officers to quickly locate him in the area and make an arrest, according to Ditch.

 A 17-year-old boy with the suspect was detained, questioned, and released. Additionally, officers also recovered two handguns during the investigation.

The 16-year-old shooting suspect is being held on a requested charge of 2nd-degree murder, according to Ditch.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647654687490.png" alt="Police were dispatched to what was originally believed to be an active shooter at the mall -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police were dispatched to what was originally believed to be an active shooter at the mall -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A detention hearing for a 16-year-old arrested in connection with the fatal shooting at Towne East Square&nbsp; was held Tuesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Judge Patrick Walters ruled&nbsp;the 16-year-old&nbsp; accused in the killing of 14-year-old Trenjvious Hutton of Wichita will remain in custody in the Juvenile Detention Facility until his initial appearance on April 18, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. David Miller was appointed as his attorney. Just after 5:30 p.m. on Friday, officers responded to a shooting at Towne East Mall, 7700 E Kellogg Drive in Wichita. Upon arrival, officers entered the mall and located 14-year-old Trenjvious Hutton inside who had been shot. He was pronounced deceased on scene.The investigation revealed, Hutton was involved in a physical altercation with several individuals known to him stemming from an ongoing dispute. During the altercation a 16-year-old suspect pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking Hutton. The suspect then fled on foot.Witnesses provided officers with a description of the suspect which allowed arriving officers to quickly locate him in the area and make an arrest, according to Ditch. A 17-year-old boy with the suspect was detained, questioned, and released. Additionally, officers also recovered two handguns during the investigation.The 16-year-old shooting suspect is being held on a requested charge of 2nd-degree murder, according to Ditch.

Judge makes ruling on 16-year-old in Kansas mall killing 

With coronavirus cases rising in parts of Europe and Asia, scientists worry that an extra-contagious version of the omicron variant may soon push cases up in the United States too.

Experts are also keeping their eyes on another mutant: a rare delta-omicron hybrid that they say doesn’t pose much of a threat right now but shows how wily the coronavirus can be.

The U.S. will likely see an uptick in cases caused by the omicron descendant BA.2 starting in the next few weeks, according to Dr. Eric Topol, head of Scripps Research Translational Institute.

“It’s inevitable we will see a BA.2 wave here,” he said.

One reason? After about two months of falling COVID-19 cases, pandemic restrictions have been lifted across the U.S. Many people are taking off their masks and returning to indoor spaces like restaurants and theaters.

And the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions" target="_blank">the share caused by BA.2 is up significantly.</a>&nbsp;The CDC reported Tuesday that the variant accounted for about 35% of new infections last week. In the Northeast, it was about half.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious disease expert, told ABC’s “This Week” over the weekend that he also thinks the U.S. will likely face an “uptick” similar to what’s happening in Europe, particularly the United Kingdom, where BA.2 is the dominant strain. He said he doesn’t think it will be a “surge.”

The U.K. has “had the same situation as we’ve had now,” Fauci said. “They have BA.2. They have a relaxation of some restrictions such as indoor masking and there’s a waning of immunity” from vaccines and past infections.

Keri Althoff, a researcher at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, cautioned that CDC case counts underestimate the true numbers because some people are no longer getting tested and others are testing at home and not reporting the results. Also, she said, not every specimen is genetically sequenced to determine the variant.

It’s clear, she said, “BA.2 is coming onto the scene.”

One reason the variant has gained ground, scientists say,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-world-health-organization-public-health-7e4cd2f5f6cd2ec87393b3cc9ce41c9c">is that it’s about 30% more contagious than the original omicron</a>. In rare cases, research shows it can sicken people even if they’ve already had an omicron infection — although it doesn’t seem to cause more severe disease.

Vaccines appear just as effective against both types of omicron, but breakthrough infections are possible. And experts point out that vaccination rates are lower in the U.S. than the U.K. About 74% of those 12 and older are fully vaccinated in the U.S, compared with 86% in the U.K.

”We need to emphasize that we’re not protected in this country compared to peer countries,” Topol said.

Still, not all experts are equally concerned about a BA.2-related rise in U.S. cases. Dr. James Musser, head of genomic medicine and infectious diseases at Houston Methodist, said the variant has so far only caused about 1% to 3% of cases in his medical system. Cases there have usually tracked closely with what’s happening in the U.K.

He called BA.2 “something we’re keeping an eye on,” but said, “I’m not losing sleep” over it.

That’s how many scientists view the other variant that some in the public are calling “deltacron,” a hybrid containing genetic information from both delta and omicron.

Earlier this month, Maria Van Kerkhove of the World Health Organization said the hybrid has been detected at “very low levels” in France, the Netherlands and Denmark. And two recent studies, which have not yet been peer-reviewed, point to a tiny number of cases in the U.S.

Much remains unknown about the hybrid. There’s no evidence it causes more severe disease, and it doesn’t look like it’s infecting many people. CDC researchers identified 9 samples, seven from the mid-Atlantic region in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.19.484981v1.full.pdf+html" target="_blank">study released Monday</a>&nbsp;that hasn’t yet been peer-reviewed. Topol, who was not involved in the research, said there’s no evidence it has the potential to spread.

It’s common for coronaviruses to shuffle gene segments, said Dr. Stuart Campbell Ray, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University. With two variants circulating at the same time, people may get double infections, and a “progeny virus” could emerge.

Given the virus’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-pandemics-dc99bc9f769dd6d7cb669e3d185c6261">ability to spawn new mutants</a>&nbsp;— and the rise of BA.2 — experts say people should get vaccinated if they’re not and keep their masks handy.

“Keep your guard up,” Topol said. “This is not over.”

By LAURA UNGAR, Associated PressWith coronavirus cases rising in parts of Europe and Asia, scientists worry that an extra-contagious version of the omicron variant may soon push cases up in the United States too.Experts are also keeping their eyes on another mutant: a rare delta-omicron hybrid that they say doesn’t pose much of a threat right now but shows how wily the coronavirus can be.The U.S. will likely see an uptick in cases caused by the omicron descendant BA.2 starting in the next few weeks, according to Dr. Eric Topol, head of Scripps Research Translational Institute.“It’s inevitable we will see a BA.2 wave here,” he said.One reason? After about two months of falling COVID-19 cases, pandemic restrictions have been lifted across the U.S. Many people are taking off their masks and returning to indoor spaces like restaurants and theaters.And the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions" target="_blank">the share caused by BA.2 is up significantly.</a>&nbsp;The CDC reported Tuesday that the variant accounted for about 35% of new infections last week. In the Northeast, it was about half.Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious disease expert, told ABC’s “This Week” over the weekend that he also thinks the U.S. will likely face an “uptick” similar to what’s happening in Europe, particularly the United Kingdom, where BA.2 is the dominant strain. He said he doesn’t think it will be a “surge.”The U.K. has “had the same situation as we’ve had now,” Fauci said. “They have BA.2. They have a relaxation of some restrictions such as indoor masking and there’s a waning of immunity” from vaccines and past infections.Keri Althoff, a researcher at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, cautioned that CDC case counts underestimate the true numbers because some people are no longer getting tested and others are testing at home and not reporting the results. Also, she said, not every specimen is genetically sequenced to determine the variant.It’s clear, she said, “BA.2 is coming onto the scene.”One reason the variant has gained ground, scientists say,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-world-health-organization-public-health-7e4cd2f5f6cd2ec87393b3cc9ce41c9c">is that it’s about 30% more contagious than the original omicron</a>. In rare cases, research shows it can sicken people even if they’ve already had an omicron infection — although it doesn’t seem to cause more severe disease.Vaccines appear just as effective against both types of omicron, but breakthrough infections are possible. And experts point out that vaccination rates are lower in the U.S. than the U.K. About 74% of those 12 and older are fully vaccinated in the U.S, compared with 86% in the U.K.”We need to emphasize that we’re not protected in this country compared to peer countries,” Topol said.Still, not all experts are equally concerned about a BA.2-related rise in U.S. cases. Dr. James Musser, head of genomic medicine and infectious diseases at Houston Methodist, said the variant has so far only caused about 1% to 3% of cases in his medical system. Cases there have usually tracked closely with what’s happening in the U.K.He called BA.2 “something we’re keeping an eye on,” but said, “I’m not losing sleep” over it.That’s how many scientists view the other variant that some in the public are calling “deltacron,” a hybrid containing genetic information from both delta and omicron.Earlier this month, Maria Van Kerkhove of the World Health Organization said the hybrid has been detected at “very low levels” in France, the Netherlands and Denmark. And two recent studies, which have not yet been peer-reviewed, point to a tiny number of cases in the U.S.Much remains unknown about the hybrid. There’s no evidence it causes more severe disease, and it doesn’t look like it’s infecting many people. CDC researchers identified 9 samples, seven from the mid-Atlantic region in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.19.484981v1.full.pdf+html" target="_blank">study released Monday</a>&nbsp;that hasn’t yet been peer-reviewed. Topol, who was not involved in the research, said there’s no evidence it has the potential to spread.It’s common for coronaviruses to shuffle gene segments, said Dr. Stuart Campbell Ray, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University. With two variants circulating at the same time, people may get double infections, and a “progeny virus” could emerge.Given the virus’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-pandemics-dc99bc9f769dd6d7cb669e3d185c6261">ability to spawn new mutants</a>&nbsp;— and the rise of BA.2 — experts say people should get vaccinated if they’re not and keep their masks handy.“Keep your guard up,” Topol said. “This is not over.”___

Scientists worry virus variant may push up COVID cases in US

WASHINGTON — The FCC Enforcement Bureau today warned three more voice service providers that are apparently transmitting illegal robocalls on their networks that they have 48 hours to stop facilitating this traffic or face all their traffic being blocked by other providers.  The investigation into one of the providers, thinQ, was bolstered by findings from the Office of North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has made clear to such network participants that they must meet their obligations to protect consumers from scams or lose access to other networks.  The FCC has carefully constructed the tools necessary to take swift and impactful action against bad actors – this means not only possible fines when violations occur, but also business consequences for those removed from the Robocall Mitigation Database.  

“There are far too many phone companies that count illegal robocallers among their clients, and that’s bad business,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel.  “It is illegal to allow these junk calls to flood consumers’ phones, and there are consequences for phone companies that do not take immediate action to stop participating in these schemes.”

Today’s letters to thinQ Technologies, Airespring, and Hello Hello Miami mean that more than a dozen voice service providers have now received cease-and-desist letters.  To date, all recipients have quickly responded and committed to take actions to stop the flow of robocalls on their networks.  That said, the FCC and its partners remain vigilant in monitoring these – and all – providers’ efforts to ensure unyielding compliance with consumer protection requirements going forward.

FCC investigations found that thinQ, Airespring, and Hello Hello Miami were apparently facilitating illegal robocall traffic on their networks.  These investigations relied in part on information collected by the Traceback Consortium which, having been made aware of suspicious activity, traced the illegal robocall traffic to these providers.  In addition, in the case of thinQ, the North Carolina Department of Justice identified that company as a source of illegal robocall traffic. 

 Chairwoman Rosenworcel added: “I want to thank Attorney General Stein and his team for their continued focus on protecting North Carolinians from robocall scams.  Ours is a model partnership for combating robocalls.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977952684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FCCWASHINGTON — The FCC Enforcement Bureau today warned three more voice service providers that are apparently transmitting illegal robocalls on their networks that they have 48 hours to stop facilitating this traffic or face all their traffic being blocked by other providers. The investigation into one of the providers, thinQ, was bolstered by findings from the Office of North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein.FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has made clear to such network participants that they must meet their obligations to protect consumers from scams or lose access to other networks. The FCC has carefully constructed the tools necessary to take swift and impactful action against bad actors – this means not only possible fines when violations occur, but also business consequences for those removed from the Robocall Mitigation Database. “There are far too many phone companies that count illegal robocallers among their clients, and that’s bad business,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “It is illegal to allow these junk calls to flood consumers’ phones, and there are consequences for phone companies that do not take immediate action to stop participating in these schemes.”Today’s letters to thinQ Technologies, Airespring, and Hello Hello Miami mean that more than a dozen voice service providers have now received cease-and-desist letters. To date, all recipients have quickly responded and committed to take actions to stop the flow of robocalls on their networks. That said, the FCC and its partners remain vigilant in monitoring these – and all – providers’ efforts to ensure unyielding compliance with consumer protection requirements going forward.FCC investigations found that thinQ, Airespring, and Hello Hello Miami were apparently facilitating illegal robocall traffic on their networks. These investigations relied in part on information collected by the Traceback Consortium which, having been made aware of suspicious activity, traced the illegal robocall traffic to these providers. In addition, in the case of thinQ, the North Carolina Department of Justice identified that company as a source of illegal robocall traffic. Chairwoman Rosenworcel added: “I want to thank Attorney General Stein and his team for their continued focus on protecting North Carolinians from robocall scams. Ours is a model partnership for combating robocalls.”

FTC to robocallers: Remove illegal traffic or be disconnected

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today revised its 
frequently asked questions (FAQs) on 2020 unemployment compensation 
exclusion.

This Fact Sheet (<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/taxpros/fs-2022-21.pdf">FS-2022-21</a>&nbsp;PDF)&nbsp;updates the 2020 unemployment compensation exclusion frequently-asked-questions (FAQs). These updates are:

These FAQs are being issued to provide general information to taxpayers and tax professionals as expeditiously as possible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today revised its 
frequently asked questions (FAQs) on 2020 unemployment compensation 
exclusion.This Fact Sheet (<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/taxpros/fs-2022-21.pdf">FS-2022-21</a>&nbsp;PDF)&nbsp;updates the 2020 unemployment compensation exclusion frequently-asked-questions (FAQs). These updates are:<ul>
 <li>Question 6, Topic A: Eligibility (NEW)</li><li>Questions 1, 2, 4, Topic D: Amended Return (Form 1040-X)</li><li>Question 2, Topic E: Impact to Income, Credits, and Deductions</li><li>Question 1, 8, 9, Topic G: Receiving a Refund, Letter, or Notice</li><li>Question 1, Topic I: Post Unemployment Compensation Exclusion Adjustment</li><li>Question 1, Topic J: Economic Impact Payment</li>
 </ul>These FAQs are being issued to provide general information to taxpayers and tax professionals as expeditiously as possible.

IRS updates FAQs on 2020 unemployment compensation exclusion

KANSAS CITY —A 29-year-old Kansas City man has been charged in the fatal shooting on March 14, outside a gas station in the 8100 block of Bannister Road in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Camoi Hendricks, 29,&nbsp; faces charges of Murder 2nd Degree, and Armed Criminal Action.

According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched on March 14, to the 8100 block of Bannister Road on a reported shooting. Officers found a Lexus parked at the gas pump. What appeared to be a bullet hole was in the driver's side window. 

A man was slumped over in the driver's seat. He was pronounced deceased later at the hospital. The victim was identified as 34-year-old Kirk Whittaker. 

Surveillance video showed the suspect entering the store. It also showed him leaving the store and entering the victim's vehicle on the passenger side. The suspect remains in the vehicle for several minutes, then exits and walks over to his vehicle, walks back to the victim's vehicle and leans on the victim's vehicle. He is then seen leaving the station at a high rate of speed. The victim is found shortly later suffering from gunshot wounds..

Hendricks is being held on a $500,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647896887892.png" alt="Hendricks photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hendricks photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A 29-year-old Kansas City man has been charged in the fatal shooting on March 14, outside a gas station in the 8100 block of Bannister Road in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Camoi Hendricks, 29,&nbsp; faces charges of Murder 2nd Degree, and Armed Criminal Action.According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched on March 14, to the 8100 block of Bannister Road on a reported shooting. Officers found a Lexus parked at the gas pump. What appeared to be a bullet hole was in the driver's side window. A man was slumped over in the driver's seat. He was pronounced deceased later at the hospital. The victim was identified as 34-year-old Kirk Whittaker. Surveillance video showed the suspect entering the store. It also showed him leaving the store and entering the victim's vehicle on the passenger side. The suspect remains in the vehicle for several minutes, then exits and walks over to his vehicle, walks back to the victim's vehicle and leans on the victim's vehicle. He is then seen leaving the station at a high rate of speed. The victim is found shortly later suffering from gunshot wounds..Hendricks is being held on a $500,000 bond.

Man charged in Kansas City gas station killing

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Federal prosecutors told jurors that a Kansas researcher illegally kept his work with a Chinese university secret, while the defense contends contends he was merely “moonlighting.” 

The conflicting portrayals came during opening statements Tuesday in the trial of Feng “Franklin” Tao in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kansas, on charges of wire and program fraud.

He is accused of not disclosing on conflict-of-interest forms the work he was allegedly doing for China while employed at the University of Kansas — something federal prosecutors have portrayed as a scheme to defraud the university, the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1566425403152.png" alt="Feng Tao photo courtesy KU" />
 <figcaption>Feng Tao photo courtesy KU</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Federal prosecutors told jurors that a Kansas researcher illegally kept his work with a Chinese university secret, while the defense contends contends he was merely “moonlighting.” The conflicting portrayals came during opening statements Tuesday in the trial of Feng “Franklin” Tao in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kansas, on charges of wire and program fraud.He is accused of not disclosing on conflict-of-interest forms the work he was allegedly doing for China while employed at the University of Kansas — something federal prosecutors have portrayed as a scheme to defraud the university, the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation

KU researcher accused of secret China work goes to trial

KANSAS CITY— A California man was charged in federal court Friday with smuggling more than four kilograms of counterfeit pills that contain fentanyl aboard a bus traveling through Kansas City, Missouri, from Los Angeles, Calif.

Matthew John Gomez, 27, was charged with one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, members of the Missouri Western Interdiction Task Force (MoWIN) watched Gomez at a local bus terminal on Wednesday, March 16, as he got off a bus traveling through Kansas City from Los Angeles. Gomez was wearing a backpack and carrying a large duffel bag. He walked out the front doors of the bus terminal and paced back and forth on the sidewalk while making a call on his cell phone. A police detective contacted Gomez, who said he was traveling to Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The detective asked Gomez if he would consent to a search of his luggage. Gomez placed his duffel bag on the ground and was in the process of removing his backpack when he quickly stepped away from the detective in an attempt to flee. A struggle ensued, and Gomez was eventually placed under arrest and escorted into the terminal.

A police dog alerted to the presence of drugs in Gomez’s duffel bag and backpack. Officers searched Gomez’s backpack and found three large, heat-sealed packages that contained numerous blue M30 pills. Although blue M30 pills typically contain 30 milligrams of oxycodone hydrochloride, law enforcement officers are aware that such pills are commonly counterfeit pills that are made with fentanyl. The gross weight of the pills was 4,127 grams, which is approximately 9.1 pounds. A forensic specialist with the Kansas City Police Crime Laboratory confirmed that the recovered pills contain fentanyl.

Gomez told investigators he was paid $500 before leaving Los Angeles and was to be paid an additional $2,000 when he returned.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647479097154.png" alt="Photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— A California man was charged in federal court Friday with smuggling more than four kilograms of counterfeit pills that contain fentanyl aboard a bus traveling through Kansas City, Missouri, from Los Angeles, Calif.Matthew John Gomez, 27, was charged with one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo.According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, members of the Missouri Western Interdiction Task Force (MoWIN) watched Gomez at a local bus terminal on Wednesday, March 16, as he got off a bus traveling through Kansas City from Los Angeles. Gomez was wearing a backpack and carrying a large duffel bag. He walked out the front doors of the bus terminal and paced back and forth on the sidewalk while making a call on his cell phone. A police detective contacted Gomez, who said he was traveling to Minneapolis, Minnesota.The detective asked Gomez if he would consent to a search of his luggage. Gomez placed his duffel bag on the ground and was in the process of removing his backpack when he quickly stepped away from the detective in an attempt to flee. A struggle ensued, and Gomez was eventually placed under arrest and escorted into the terminal.A police dog alerted to the presence of drugs in Gomez’s duffel bag and backpack. Officers searched Gomez’s backpack and found three large, heat-sealed packages that contained numerous blue M30 pills. Although blue M30 pills typically contain 30 milligrams of oxycodone hydrochloride, law enforcement officers are aware that such pills are commonly counterfeit pills that are made with fentanyl. The gross weight of the pills was 4,127 grams, which is approximately 9.1 pounds. A forensic specialist with the Kansas City Police Crime Laboratory confirmed that the recovered pills contain fentanyl.Gomez told investigators he was paid $500 before leaving Los Angeles and was to be paid an additional $2,000 when he returned.

Man charged after pills with fentanyl seized at KC bus terminal

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress should provide the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-xavier-becerra-congress-29aef791e891a110677e918fb65cd733">$22.5 billion President Joe Biden wants for continuing the battle against COVID-19</a>&nbsp;without cutting other programs to pay for it, senior administration officials said Tuesday.

And if Republicans continue to insist that additional federal efforts to combat the pandemic must be paid for by culling spending elsewhere, the GOP should specify what it wants to cut, the officials said.

The remarks came nearly two weeks after a new round of COVID-19 funding was pulled out of a $1.5 trillion government-wide measure after rank-and-file Democrats rejected cuts that party leaders had negotiated with Republicans to pay for it. Though Biden signed the overall bill into law, the deletion of the COVID-19 funds was a major setback for Biden and Democrats.

“Our concern right now is that we are going to run out of money to provide the types of vaccines, boosters, treatments to the immunocompromised, and others free of charge that will help to continue to battle” the pandemic, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday.

Top House Democrats have said they believe they will have to find savings to pay for the additional spending to move legislation through Congress. The biggest hurdle would be in the Senate, where Democrats will need at least 10 GOP votes to reach the 60 votes needed to move most significant bills to passage.

The White House has said the government is running out of funds for vaccines, testing and treatments, even as Omicron variant BA.2, which is fueling a virus resurgence in Europe and Asia, is appearing increasingly in the U.S.

The senior administration officials said the government has bought the doses it would need to vaccinate children up to age 5. But they said they only have enough vaccines to administer a fourth shot — which drug makers are recommending for many people — to those with compromised immune systems.

The officials spoke only on condition of anonymity as a requirement for reporters to participate in the telephone briefing.

Republicans say savings to pay for the new expenditures should be found from the trillions that Congress has already provided since the pandemic began two years ago. That includes a $1.9 trillion measure Democrats pushed through Congress over unanimous GOP opposition a year ago.

Asked about the administration officials’ comments, a spokesperson for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., referred a reporter to comments McConnell made on CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday.

McConnell said Republicans would consider the administration’s request but said they should use “some of this massive amount that was spent last year that’s not out the door yet. So let’s take a look at how to pay for it, and then we’ll be happy to decide whether or not to support it.”

GOP leaders say the administration has not provided figures they’ve sought on how much money remains unspent. The administration officials in Monday’s call said they’ve repeatedly provided plentiful data on the subject, and said Republicans have agreed to not require savings to pay for past emergencies.

Only around $300 billion of last year’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief measure remains unspent and not legally committed to a specific program or recipient, the administration officials said.

But around $240 billion of that has been promised to specific recipients like states and cities, who have built the amounts into their budgets, the administration officials said. The administration has held back some of the rest for emergencies, they said.

More than $100 billion of the money that’s so far unspent is for pandemic aid to state and local governments, and nearly that amount is for assistance to some pension plans, according to administration documents obtained by The Associated Press.

Biden’s pandemic spending request had been pared down to $15.6 billion as part of the compromise House bill. It would have been partly paid for by cutting billions in COVID-19 aid that last year’s bill had provided to 30 state governments but had not yet been sent to them.

Many Democrats refused to vote for the overall package until the cuts in state aid were removed, which House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., ultimately agreed to do. Top Republicans had demanded the savings in exchange for supporting the legislation, and Pelosi dropped all the COVID-19 spending after substitute cuts were not found.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647908095685.png" alt="The White House has said the government is running out of funds for vaccines, testing and treatments, even as Omicron variant BA.2, which is fueling a virus resurgence in Europe and Asia, is appearing increasingly in the U.S.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>The White House has said the government is running out of funds for vaccines, testing and treatments, even as Omicron variant BA.2, which is fueling a virus resurgence in Europe and Asia, is appearing increasingly in the U.S.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress should provide the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-xavier-becerra-congress-29aef791e891a110677e918fb65cd733">$22.5 billion President Joe Biden wants for continuing the battle against COVID-19</a>&nbsp;without cutting other programs to pay for it, senior administration officials said Tuesday.And if Republicans continue to insist that additional federal efforts to combat the pandemic must be paid for by culling spending elsewhere, the GOP should specify what it wants to cut, the officials said.The remarks came nearly two weeks after a new round of COVID-19 funding was pulled out of a $1.5 trillion government-wide measure after rank-and-file Democrats rejected cuts that party leaders had negotiated with Republicans to pay for it. Though Biden signed the overall bill into law, the deletion of the COVID-19 funds was a major setback for Biden and Democrats.“Our concern right now is that we are going to run out of money to provide the types of vaccines, boosters, treatments to the immunocompromised, and others free of charge that will help to continue to battle” the pandemic, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday.Top House Democrats have said they believe they will have to find savings to pay for the additional spending to move legislation through Congress. The biggest hurdle would be in the Senate, where Democrats will need at least 10 GOP votes to reach the 60 votes needed to move most significant bills to passage.The White House has said the government is running out of funds for vaccines, testing and treatments, even as Omicron variant BA.2, which is fueling a virus resurgence in Europe and Asia, is appearing increasingly in the U.S.The senior administration officials said the government has bought the doses it would need to vaccinate children up to age 5. But they said they only have enough vaccines to administer a fourth shot — which drug makers are recommending for many people — to those with compromised immune systems.The officials spoke only on condition of anonymity as a requirement for reporters to participate in the telephone briefing.Republicans say savings to pay for the new expenditures should be found from the trillions that Congress has already provided since the pandemic began two years ago. That includes a $1.9 trillion measure Democrats pushed through Congress over unanimous GOP opposition a year ago.Asked about the administration officials’ comments, a spokesperson for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., referred a reporter to comments McConnell made on CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday.McConnell said Republicans would consider the administration’s request but said they should use “some of this massive amount that was spent last year that’s not out the door yet. So let’s take a look at how to pay for it, and then we’ll be happy to decide whether or not to support it.”GOP leaders say the administration has not provided figures they’ve sought on how much money remains unspent. The administration officials in Monday’s call said they’ve repeatedly provided plentiful data on the subject, and said Republicans have agreed to not require savings to pay for past emergencies.Only around $300 billion of last year’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief measure remains unspent and not legally committed to a specific program or recipient, the administration officials said.But around $240 billion of that has been promised to specific recipients like states and cities, who have built the amounts into their budgets, the administration officials said. The administration has held back some of the rest for emergencies, they said.More than $100 billion of the money that’s so far unspent is for pandemic aid to state and local governments, and nearly that amount is for assistance to some pension plans, according to administration documents obtained by The Associated Press.Biden’s pandemic spending request had been pared down to $15.6 billion as part of the compromise House bill. It would have been partly paid for by cutting billions in COVID-19 aid that last year’s bill had provided to 30 state governments but had not yet been sent to them.Many Democrats refused to vote for the overall package until the cuts in state aid were removed, which House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., ultimately agreed to do. Top Republicans had demanded the savings in exchange for supporting the legislation, and Pelosi dropped all the COVID-19 spending after substitute cuts were not found.

 Biden still wants additional $22.5 billion to battle COVID

BARTON COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fatal fire in Barton County.

Just before 8a.m. Tuesday, crews with Barton County Fire District 2 responded to a possible structure fire in the 500 Block of East Third Street in Hoisington, according to Fire Chief Jerry Stricker. Crews learned there was possibly a person still inside the residence.

Upon arrival crews found heavy smoke and some fire. After attacking the fire and venting out the smoke personal located a man who was deceased, according to Stricker.

The state fire marshal was on scene Tuesday afternoon. Authorities have not released the name of the victim.

BARTON COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fatal fire in Barton County.Just before 8a.m. Tuesday, crews with Barton County Fire District 2 responded to a possible structure fire in the 500 Block of East Third Street in Hoisington, according to Fire Chief Jerry Stricker. Crews learned there was possibly a person still inside the residence.Upon arrival crews found heavy smoke and some fire. After attacking the fire and venting out the smoke personal located a man who was deceased, according to Stricker.The state fire marshal was on scene Tuesday afternoon. Authorities have not released the name of the victim.

Fire Chief: Man dead after fire at Kansas home

JACKSON COUNTY, Kansas —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of two people at a rural Kansas residence.

Just before 7p.m. Monday, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a rural residence at 15104 94th&nbsp;Road, Topeka, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The woman caller indicated to dispatch that her husband was dead and hung up the phone without providing any further details. 

As deputies approached the house, they observed the woman with a firearm inside.&nbsp; Shortly, thereafter a gunshot was heard by deputies.&nbsp; 

Additional law enforcement personnel from Jackson County and Shawnee County responded to the scene. Law enforcement continued to try to contact any occupants inside the residence.&nbsp; 

Law enforcement made entry into the residence where two individuals were found to be deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. &nbsp;

They were identified as 68-year-old Linda Marie Vidosh-Zempel and 68-year-old John Alfred John Zempel, according to Morse.

She is believed to have been suffering from mental health issues in recent years, according to Morse.&nbsp; 

Authorities suspect she shot John Zempel sometime during the day and later committed suicide when deputies approached the residence.

The Kansas Highway Patrol, Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team, Mayetta Police, Jackson County EMS, Mayetta Fire, Hoyt Fire Department and the Coroner’s Office all responded to the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647978824957.png" alt="Deputies on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Deputies on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kansas —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of two people at a rural Kansas residence.Just before 7p.m. Monday, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a rural residence at 15104 94th&nbsp;Road, Topeka, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp;&nbsp;The woman caller indicated to dispatch that her husband was dead and hung up the phone without providing any further details. As deputies approached the house, they observed the woman with a firearm inside.&nbsp; Shortly, thereafter a gunshot was heard by deputies.&nbsp; Additional law enforcement personnel from Jackson County and Shawnee County responded to the scene. Law enforcement continued to try to contact any occupants inside the residence.&nbsp; Law enforcement made entry into the residence where two individuals were found to be deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. &nbsp;They were identified as 68-year-old Linda Marie Vidosh-Zempel and 68-year-old John Alfred John Zempel, according to Morse.She is believed to have been suffering from mental health issues in recent years, according to Morse.&nbsp; Authorities suspect she shot John Zempel sometime during the day and later committed suicide when deputies approached the residence.The Kansas Highway Patrol, Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team, Mayetta Police, Jackson County EMS, Mayetta Fire, Hoyt Fire Department and the Coroner’s Office all responded to the incident.

Authorities investigate death of couple at rural Kan. home

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Creighton University economist Ernie Goss believes that growth has to slow given all the economic headwinds on the horizon.

"We're looking at growth coming down," Goss said. "I don't see any way around that. Are we moving toward a recession? Not at this point. We're certainly seeing growth slow as interest rates rise, as supply chain disruptions continue to have an effect and other factors out there as well. There's too much uncertainty. Try buying an automobile right now, a new automobile right now, even a used automobile. Prices up dramatically and there's just no availability for automobiles. That's just one little signal."

Goss also is certain the federal reserve is going to increase rates, maybe fairly fast.

"I would expect that by the end of the year, interest rates on the short end will be about another one and a half percent," Goss said. "That will put the prime interest rate up to 5%. I can't imagine it being any lower than that. It could be even higher. The Fed has gotten behind the curve on this. They should have been raising rates last year. They weren't."

This would make getting a mortgage or car loan more expensive, but right now there are such supply problems in both areas that may not be enough to slow price increases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622642233344.jpeg" alt="Creighton Professor Ernie Goss, PhD&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Creighton Professor Ernie Goss, PhD&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Creighton University economist Ernie Goss believes that growth has to slow given all the economic headwinds on the horizon."We're looking at growth coming down," Goss said. "I don't see any way around that. Are we moving toward a recession? Not at this point. We're certainly seeing growth slow as interest rates rise, as supply chain disruptions continue to have an effect and other factors out there as well. There's too much uncertainty. Try buying an automobile right now, a new automobile right now, even a used automobile. Prices up dramatically and there's just no availability for automobiles. That's just one little signal."Goss also is certain the federal reserve is going to increase rates, maybe fairly fast."I would expect that by the end of the year, interest rates on the short end will be about another one and a half percent," Goss said. "That will put the prime interest rate up to 5%. I can't imagine it being any lower than that. It could be even higher. The Fed has gotten behind the curve on this. They should have been raising rates last year. They weren't."This would make getting a mortgage or car loan more expensive, but right now there are such supply problems in both areas that may not be enough to slow price increases.

Economist: Expect interest rates to go up significantly

Proposal supported by casinos, opposed by greyhound industry

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/22/kansas-house-unveils-sports-gambling-plan-with-support-of-casinos-opposition-by-greyhound-industry/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas House 
unveiled Tuesday a plan for legalizing sports wagering in Kansas through
 online platforms and bets placed at casinos, convenience stores and 
racetracks.

<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2740/">House Bill 2740</a>
 has widespread support from gaming interests that have squabbled for 
years over who gets to control the action and how to slice up the 
revenue.

“I never thought this day would get here,” said Rep. John Barker, an 
Abilene Republican and chairman of the Federal and State Affairs 
Committee.

The committee heard testimony in support of the bill from three state
 casinos, a tribal casino, the Sporting Kanas City soccer team and a 
lobbyist for billionaire Las Vegas casino owner Phil Ruffin, who for 
years has tried to resurrect operations at his now-closed Sedgwick 
County horse track. The only opponents to offer testimony were concerned
 by restrictions placed on greyhound racing.

Animal rights and gambling addiction organizations expressed concerns while asking for their testimony to be considered neutral.

The bill authorizes sports gambling by allowing the Kansas Lottery to
 contract with gaming facility managers. Those managers could offer 
wagering through websites, interactive mobile applications and on site. 
The legislation also allows wagering on machines at Ruffin’s facility, 
but it bans machines at greyhound races.

The state would get 20% of revenue through online gambling and 14% 
from in-person bets. Whitney Damron, a lobbyist for Hollywood Casino at 
the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas, said revenue estimates 
suggest the state could receive $50 million in annual revenue. An 
official fiscal note has not yet been determined for the new House bill.

Jim Gartland, executive director of the National Greyhound 
Association, and Mike O’Neil, representing the Kansas Greyhound 
Association, submitted written testimony that named Ruffin and raised 
concerns about his influence on the bill.

“This is akin to letting a McDonalds franchise owner write the laws 
on what other fast food companies are allowed to be operated in the 
state,” Gartland said.

O’Neil said provisions of the bill dealing with greyhounds are not germane to the subject of sports betting.

O’Neil also asked that lawmakers not make judgments about greyhounds unless they have the opportunity to tour a facility.

“Believe me,” O’Neil said, “if there were such a thing as 
reincarnation, I’d want to come back as a Kansas greyhound. They’re the 
sweetest athletes you’ll ever meet.”

Barker said the committee would consider amendments and take action 
on the bill next week. If the House were to adopt the legislation, 
representatives would have to work out a deal with senators who passed a
 competing bill last year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647967459907.png" alt="Rep. John Barker says the House Federal and State Affairs Committee will take action next week on a bill authorizing sports wagering in Kansas. (Jan. 10, 2022, photo by Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. John Barker says the House Federal and State Affairs Committee will take action next week on a bill authorizing sports wagering in Kansas. (Jan. 10, 2022, photo by Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Proposal supported by casinos, opposed by greyhound industry</h2>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/22/kansas-house-unveils-sports-gambling-plan-with-support-of-casinos-opposition-by-greyhound-industry/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas House 
unveiled Tuesday a plan for legalizing sports wagering in Kansas through
 online platforms and bets placed at casinos, convenience stores and 
racetracks.<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2740/">House Bill 2740</a>
 has widespread support from gaming interests that have squabbled for 
years over who gets to control the action and how to slice up the 
revenue.“I never thought this day would get here,” said Rep. John Barker, an 
Abilene Republican and chairman of the Federal and State Affairs 
Committee.The committee heard testimony in support of the bill from three state
 casinos, a tribal casino, the Sporting Kanas City soccer team and a 
lobbyist for billionaire Las Vegas casino owner Phil Ruffin, who for 
years has tried to resurrect operations at his now-closed Sedgwick 
County horse track. The only opponents to offer testimony were concerned
 by restrictions placed on greyhound racing.Animal rights and gambling addiction organizations expressed concerns while asking for their testimony to be considered neutral.The bill authorizes sports gambling by allowing the Kansas Lottery to
 contract with gaming facility managers. Those managers could offer 
wagering through websites, interactive mobile applications and on site. 
The legislation also allows wagering on machines at Ruffin’s facility, 
but it bans machines at greyhound races.The state would get 20% of revenue through online gambling and 14% 
from in-person bets. Whitney Damron, a lobbyist for Hollywood Casino at 
the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas, said revenue estimates 
suggest the state could receive $50 million in annual revenue. An 
official fiscal note has not yet been determined for the new House bill.Jim Gartland, executive director of the National Greyhound 
Association, and Mike O’Neil, representing the Kansas Greyhound 
Association, submitted written testimony that named Ruffin and raised 
concerns about his influence on the bill.“This is akin to letting a McDonalds franchise owner write the laws 
on what other fast food companies are allowed to be operated in the 
state,” Gartland said.O’Neil said provisions of the bill dealing with greyhounds are not germane to the subject of sports betting.O’Neil also asked that lawmakers not make judgments about greyhounds unless they have the opportunity to tour a facility.“Believe me,” O’Neil said, “if there were such a thing as 
reincarnation, I’d want to come back as a Kansas greyhound. They’re the 
sweetest athletes you’ll ever meet.”Barker said the committee would consider amendments and take action 
on the bill next week. If the House were to adopt the legislation, 
representatives would have to work out a deal with senators who passed a
 competing bill last year.

Kansas House unveils sports gambling plan

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A detention hearing for a 16-year-old arrested in connection with the fatal shooting at Towne East Square&nbsp; will be held Tuesday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

The hearing is set for 1:30p.m. in Judge Patrick Walters’ courtroom in Juvenile District Court in Wichita.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at Towne East Mall on Friday have identified the 14-year-old victim as&nbsp;Trenjvious Hutton of Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647654687490.png" alt="Police were dispatched to what was originally believed to be an active shooter at the mall -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police were dispatched to what was originally believed to be an active shooter at the mall -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A detention hearing for a 16-year-old arrested in connection with the fatal shooting at Towne East Square&nbsp; will be held Tuesday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.The hearing is set for 1:30p.m. in Judge Patrick Walters’ courtroom in Juvenile District Court in Wichita.SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at Towne East Mall on Friday have identified the 14-year-old victim as&nbsp;Trenjvious Hutton of Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.Just after 5:30 p.m. on Friday, officers responded to a shooting at Towne East Mall, 7700 E Kellogg Drive in Wichita. Upon arrival, officers entered the mall and located 14-year-old Trenjvious Hutton inside who had been shot. He was pronounced deceased on scene.The investigation revealed, Hutton was involved in a physical altercation with several individuals known to him stemming from an ongoing dispute. During the altercation a 16-year-old suspect pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking Hutton. The suspect then fled on foot.Witnesses provided officers with a description of the suspect which allowed arriving officers to quickly locate him in the area and make an arrest, according to Ditch. A 17-year-old boy with the suspect was detained, questioned, and released. Additionally, officers also recovered two handguns during the investigation.The 16-year-old shooting suspect is being held on a requested charge of 2nd-degree murder, according to Ditch.

Kan. teen accused in fatal mall shooting set for detention hearing

McPHERSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities and school district officials are investigating a Kansas middle school teacher for alleged child sex crimes.

On Thursday, authorities in Saline County arrested 59-year-old Barry Adam Fritz on requested charges of&nbsp; Aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to online jail records.

According to <a href="https://sites.google.com/a/usd419.org/cg_elem/canton-galva-elementary/faculty-staff">the USD 419 web site,</a> Fritz worked as Canton-Galva elementary school physical education teacher.&nbsp; On Monday, the school board suspended him with pay pending further investigation, according to school principal Jim Struber.

On November 24, a police officer was called to Salina Regional Health Center for the report of a sexual offense with a person under the age of 14, according to Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus. It was reported that the incident, which included inappropriate sexual activity, occurred at a south Salina residence.

Between the time the incident was reported and the arrest, members of the Salina Police Department Detective Division were collecting information and evidence in the case, according to Hanus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647611683959.png" alt="Fritz-photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Fritz-photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>McPHERSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities and school district officials are investigating a Kansas middle school teacher for alleged child sex crimes.On Thursday, authorities in Saline County arrested 59-year-old Barry Adam Fritz on requested charges of&nbsp; Aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to online jail records.According to <a href="https://sites.google.com/a/usd419.org/cg_elem/canton-galva-elementary/faculty-staff">the USD 419 web site,</a> Fritz worked as Canton-Galva elementary school physical education teacher.&nbsp; On Monday, the school board suspended him with pay pending further investigation, according to school principal Jim Struber.On November 24, a police officer was called to Salina Regional Health Center for the report of a sexual offense with a person under the age of 14, according to Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus. It was reported that the incident, which included inappropriate sexual activity, occurred at a south Salina residence.Between the time the incident was reported and the arrest, members of the Salina Police Department Detective Division were collecting information and evidence in the case, according to Hanus.

Kan. middle school teacher suspended, accused of child sex crimes

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide in Saline County.

Just before 6p.m. Monday, deputies responded to a residence at 554 West Parsons Road in rural Saline County for a welfare check, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.

Responding deputies found the body of 50-year-old&nbsp;Laurie Likins and two dead dogs in the residence. They died of apparent gunshot wounds, according to Sheriff Roger Soldan. Deputies took&nbsp; 55-year-old Brent Allen Spainhour into custody at the scene.

Brent Allen Spainhour has been booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Murder in the First Degree and Cruelty to Animals. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Scene Response Team has been called in to assist with this investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647958367530.jpeg" alt="Brent Allen Spainhour. Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Brent Allen Spainhour. Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide in Saline County.Just before 6p.m. Monday, deputies responded to a residence at 554 West Parsons Road in rural Saline County for a welfare check, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.Responding deputies found the body of 50-year-old&nbsp;Laurie Likins and two dead dogs in the residence. They died of apparent gunshot wounds, according to Sheriff Roger Soldan. Deputies took&nbsp; 55-year-old Brent Allen Spainhour into custody at the scene.Brent Allen Spainhour has been booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Murder in the First Degree and Cruelty to Animals. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Scene Response Team has been called in to assist with this investigation.

Sheriff: Man accused in death of woman, dogs at rural Kansas home

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers 
how to avoid common errors on their tax returns. This filing season, the
 IRS is seeing signs of a number of common errors, including some 
taxpayers claiming incorrect amounts of the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">Child Tax Credit</a>.

To avoid errors on these common credits, there are some key steps people should remember. Taxpayers should refer to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-letter-6419">Letter 6419</a> for advance Child Tax Credit payments and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-letter-6475">Letter 6475</a> for third Economic Impact Payment amounts they received– or their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>
 – to prepare a correct tax return. Claiming incorrect tax credit 
amounts can not only delay IRS processing, but can also lead to adjusted
 refund amounts.

Here are other easy ways to avoid common mistakes being seen so far this tax season.

File electronically. Taxpayers can use their computer, smartphone or tablet to file their taxes electronically, whether through IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> or other <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">e-file</a>
 service providers, to help reduce mistakes. Tax software guides people 
through each section of their tax return using a question-and-answer 
format. Enter information carefully. This includes any information 
needed to calculate credits and deductions. Using tax software should 
help prevent math errors, but taxpayers should always review their tax 
return for accuracy.

Use the correct filing status. Tax software, 
including IRS Free File, also helps prevent mistakes when selecting a 
tax return filing status. If taxpayers are unsure about their filing 
status, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a> on IRS.gov can help them choose the correct status, especially if more than one filing status applies.

Answer the virtual currency question. The 2021 Forms
 1040 and 1040-SR ask whether at any time during 2021, a person 
received, sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of any financial 
interest in any virtual currency. Taxpayers should not leave this field 
blank but should check either "Yes" or "No."

Report all taxable income. Underreporting income may lead to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalties">penalties</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/interest-on-underpayments-and-overpayments">interest</a>. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">Organized tax records</a>
 help avoid errors that lead to processing delays and may also help to 
find overlooked deductions or credits. Taxpayers should have all their 
income documents on hand before starting their tax return. Examples are 
Forms W-2, 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC.

Include unemployment compensation. The IRS is seeing
 situations where people are not including unemployment compensation 
they received in 2021 on their tax returns. Although <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/exclusion-of-up-to-10200-of-unemployment-compensation-for-tax-year-2020-only">a special law</a>
 allowed taxpayers to exclude unemployment compensation from taxes in 
2020, it was only for that year. Unemployment compensation received in 
2021 is generally taxable, so taxpayers should include it as income on 
their tax return.

Double-check name, birth date and Social Security number entries. Taxpayers
 must correctly list the name, Social Security number (SSN) and date of 
birth for each person they claim as a dependent on their individual 
income tax return. Enter each SSN and individual's name on a tax return 
exactly as printed on the Social Security card. If a dependent or spouse
 does not have and is not eligible to get a SSN, list the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/taxpayer-identification-numbers-tin">Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)</a> instead of a SSN.

Double check routing and account numbers. Requesting <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>
 of a federal refund into one, two or even three accounts is convenient 
and allows the taxpayer access to their money faster. Make sure the 
financial institution routing and account numbers entered on the return 
are accurate. Incorrect numbers can cause a refund to be delayed or 
deposited into the wrong account. Taxpayers can also use their refund to
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/now-you-can-buy-us-series-i-savings-bonds-for-anyone-with-your-tax-refund">purchase U.S. Savings Bonds</a>.

Mail paper returns to the right address. Paper filers should confirm the correct address for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment">where to file</a>
 on IRS.gov or on form instructions to avoid processing delays. Note 
that processing paper tax returns could take much longer than usual. 
Taxpayers and tax professionals are encouraged to file electronically if
 possible.

Sign and date the return. If filing a joint return, 
both spouses must sign and date the return. E-filers can sign using a 
self-selected personal identification number (PIN). Taxpayers should 
review the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/electronic-filing-pin-request">special instructions</a> to validate their 2021 electronic tax return if their 2020 return has not yet been processed.

Keep a copy. When ready to file, taxpayers should make a copy of their signed return and all schedules for their records.

Request an extension, if needed. Taxpayers who 
cannot meet the April 18 deadline can easily request a six-month filing 
extension to October 17 and prevent late filing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/failure-to-file-penalty">penalties</a>. Use Free File or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868">Form 4868</a>.
 But keep in mind that, while an extension grants additional time to 
file, tax payments are still due April 18 for most taxpayers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers 
how to avoid common errors on their tax returns. This filing season, the
 IRS is seeing signs of a number of common errors, including some 
taxpayers claiming incorrect amounts of the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">Child Tax Credit</a>.To avoid errors on these common credits, there are some key steps people should remember. Taxpayers should refer to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-letter-6419">Letter 6419</a> for advance Child Tax Credit payments and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-letter-6475">Letter 6475</a> for third Economic Impact Payment amounts they received– or their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>
 – to prepare a correct tax return. Claiming incorrect tax credit 
amounts can not only delay IRS processing, but can also lead to adjusted
 refund amounts.<h2>Here are other easy ways to avoid common mistakes being seen so far this tax season.</h2>File electronically. Taxpayers can use their computer, smartphone or tablet to file their taxes electronically, whether through IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> or other <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">e-file</a>
 service providers, to help reduce mistakes. Tax software guides people 
through each section of their tax return using a question-and-answer 
format. Enter information carefully. This includes any information 
needed to calculate credits and deductions. Using tax software should 
help prevent math errors, but taxpayers should always review their tax 
return for accuracy.Use the correct filing status. Tax software, 
including IRS Free File, also helps prevent mistakes when selecting a 
tax return filing status. If taxpayers are unsure about their filing 
status, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a> on IRS.gov can help them choose the correct status, especially if more than one filing status applies.Answer the virtual currency question. The 2021 Forms
 1040 and 1040-SR ask whether at any time during 2021, a person 
received, sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of any financial 
interest in any virtual currency. Taxpayers should not leave this field 
blank but should check either "Yes" or "No."Report all taxable income. Underreporting income may lead to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalties">penalties</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/interest-on-underpayments-and-overpayments">interest</a>. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">Organized tax records</a>
 help avoid errors that lead to processing delays and may also help to 
find overlooked deductions or credits. Taxpayers should have all their 
income documents on hand before starting their tax return. Examples are 
Forms W-2, 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC.Include unemployment compensation. The IRS is seeing
 situations where people are not including unemployment compensation 
they received in 2021 on their tax returns. Although <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/exclusion-of-up-to-10200-of-unemployment-compensation-for-tax-year-2020-only">a special law</a>
 allowed taxpayers to exclude unemployment compensation from taxes in 
2020, it was only for that year. Unemployment compensation received in 
2021 is generally taxable, so taxpayers should include it as income on 
their tax return.Double-check name, birth date and Social Security number entries. Taxpayers
 must correctly list the name, Social Security number (SSN) and date of 
birth for each person they claim as a dependent on their individual 
income tax return. Enter each SSN and individual's name on a tax return 
exactly as printed on the Social Security card. If a dependent or spouse
 does not have and is not eligible to get a SSN, list the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/taxpayer-identification-numbers-tin">Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)</a> instead of a SSN.Double check routing and account numbers. Requesting <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>
 of a federal refund into one, two or even three accounts is convenient 
and allows the taxpayer access to their money faster. Make sure the 
financial institution routing and account numbers entered on the return 
are accurate. Incorrect numbers can cause a refund to be delayed or 
deposited into the wrong account. Taxpayers can also use their refund to
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/now-you-can-buy-us-series-i-savings-bonds-for-anyone-with-your-tax-refund">purchase U.S. Savings Bonds</a>.Mail paper returns to the right address. Paper filers should confirm the correct address for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment">where to file</a>
 on IRS.gov or on form instructions to avoid processing delays. Note 
that processing paper tax returns could take much longer than usual. 
Taxpayers and tax professionals are encouraged to file electronically if
 possible.Sign and date the return. If filing a joint return, 
both spouses must sign and date the return. E-filers can sign using a 
self-selected personal identification number (PIN). Taxpayers should 
review the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/electronic-filing-pin-request">special instructions</a> to validate their 2021 electronic tax return if their 2020 return has not yet been processed.Keep a copy. When ready to file, taxpayers should make a copy of their signed return and all schedules for their records.Request an extension, if needed. Taxpayers who 
cannot meet the April 18 deadline can easily request a six-month filing 
extension to October 17 and prevent late filing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/failure-to-file-penalty">penalties</a>. Use Free File or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868">Form 4868</a>.
 But keep in mind that, while an extension grants additional time to 
file, tax payments are still due April 18 for most taxpayers.

IRS: Avoid these tax errors that will delay or adjust refunds

DETROIT (AP) — General Motors is recalling more than 740,000 small SUVs in the U.S. because the headlight beams that can be too bright and cause glare for oncoming drivers. 

The recall announced Tuesday comes after U.S. safety regulators turned down a request from the Detroit automaker to avoid the recall. 

The company is recalling GMC Terrain SUVs from 2010 through 2017. Documents posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say reflections caused by the headlight housings can illuminate some areas with too much light. 

The agency says this can reduce visibility for other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. GM hasn’t come up with a repair yet. The company expects to notify owners by letter starting April 23.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647956891324.png" alt="Photo courtesy GMC" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy GMC</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — General Motors is recalling more than 740,000 small SUVs in the U.S. because the headlight beams that can be too bright and cause glare for oncoming drivers. The recall announced Tuesday comes after U.S. safety regulators turned down a request from the Detroit automaker to avoid the recall. The company is recalling GMC Terrain SUVs from 2010 through 2017. Documents posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say reflections caused by the headlight housings can illuminate some areas with too much light. The agency says this can reduce visibility for other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. GM hasn’t come up with a repair yet. The company expects to notify owners by letter starting April 23.

General Motors recalls 740K SUVs; headlights are too bright

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican legislators who argue that Kansas parents need more education choices are pushing to allow them to move their children from the public schools they’d normally attend to others outside their local school district’s boundaries.

The GOP-controlled state Senate gave first-round approval Monday to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_sb455_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a measure</a>&nbsp;that would allow parents of K-12 students to transfer them to any other school districts with enough space to take them. Under the bill, the program would start during the 2023-24 school year.

The measure is partly a response to the closing of school buildings in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic and different local school districts’ different schedules for returning to in-person classes. But conservatives have pushed for years to help parents move their children out of their local public schools — something critics see as an attempt to avoid adequately funding education.

The Senate planned to take a final vote on the bill Tuesday, and its passage was expected. The Republican-controlled House is considering a similar measure.

“Every child is different and opportunities are different from district to district,” said Rep. Kristey Williams, chair of a House committee on education spending. “We want to make sure that kids have the best opportunity to succeed.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633458024736.png" alt="Senate Education Committee Chair Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican, said that the “open enrollment” bill would allow parents to transfer their children to a different district if they are getting bullied.-photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Senate Education Committee Chair Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican, said that the “open enrollment” bill would allow parents to transfer their children to a different district if they are getting bullied.-photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>By ANDY TSUBASA FIELD and JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican legislators who argue that Kansas parents need more education choices are pushing to allow them to move their children from the public schools they’d normally attend to others outside their local school district’s boundaries.The GOP-controlled state Senate gave first-round approval Monday to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_sb455_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a measure</a>&nbsp;that would allow parents of K-12 students to transfer them to any other school districts with enough space to take them. Under the bill, the program would start during the 2023-24 school year.The measure is partly a response to the closing of school buildings in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic and different local school districts’ different schedules for returning to in-person classes. But conservatives have pushed for years to help parents move their children out of their local public schools — something critics see as an attempt to avoid adequately funding education.The Senate planned to take a final vote on the bill Tuesday, and its passage was expected. The Republican-controlled House is considering a similar measure.“Every child is different and opportunities are different from district to district,” said Rep. Kristey Williams, chair of a House committee on education spending. “We want to make sure that kids have the best opportunity to succeed.”The measure is part of package of education legislation touching on issues Republicans see as important to many parents ahead of this year’s elections. Lawmakers also are considering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-government-and-politics-9393276adde526a5afbd7e0b9ff05067">banning transgender athletes&nbsp;</a>in girls’ and women’s sports and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-kansas-topeka-d9684fdec9ad74c621d7a51977c58f7d">giving parents more say</a>&nbsp;over what’s taught in the classroom, particularly about racism and its influence on U.S. history.Senate Education Committee Chair Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican, said that the “open enrollment” bill would allow parents to transfer their children to a different district if they are getting bullied. Williams said the bill would allow parents to separate children from troublesome friend groups or if their schools are not up to par academically.School districts would be required to accept applications from nonresident students in November. If the number of applications for a grade level exceeded openings, then the district would be required to select students with a lottery.Opponents included the State Board of Education. It told legislators that requiring school districts to accept students during a school year would burden districts that have struggled with teacher shortages. The Olathe and Blue Valley school districts in the Kansas City area also said they are not sure they have the capacity to accept nonresident students.Some Democrats noted that the bill doesn’t provide for transporting students, so that wealthier parents are more likely to take advantage.“This bill creates two tiers,” said Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park Democrat. “That’s what creates the system of elites and have-nots.”Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, argued that the measure would encourage Missouri parents to send their children to better schools in Kansas to avoid the cost of private schooling.“This bill does not benefit students and communities with schools that are least equipped to address their needs,” Sykes said.___