KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City man was sentenced in federal court Tuesday for his role in a series of armed business robberies in Kansas City and Independence, Mo., according to the United State's Attorney.

Henry Simmons, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 15 years in federal prison without parole.

On Sept. 1, 2021, Simmons pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit robbery and one count of attempted robbery. Co-defendants Vonterrious Humbert, 22, Tremaine Johnson, 23, both of Kansas City, Mo., have also pleaded guilty and been sentenced. Humbert was sentenced on Feb. 24, 2021, to eight years in federal prison without parole. Johnson was sentenced on Sept. 23, 2021, to five years in federal prison without parole.

Simmons, Humbert, and Johnson were arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, following the early-morning armed robbery of a Phillips 66 convenience store and the attempted robbery of a Taco Bell on N.W. Barry Road in Kansas City.

The conspiracy included eight additional business robberies: five armed robberies of 7-Eleven convenience stores in Independence, Mo., and Kansas City, Mo., in the early morning hours of Nov. 21, 2018, and three armed robberies of a Domino’s Pizza, a 7-Eleven convenience store and a Sinclair convenience store in Kansas City, Mo., during the early morning hours of Nov. 25, 2018.

Law enforcement officials identified a 2003 Dodge Durango SUV as being used in some of the robberies. On Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, law enforcement observed Humbert, Johnson, Simmons and two juveniles traveling in that Dodge Durango SUV to approximately 15 to 20 convenience stores, fast-food restaurants and other businesses that were open late or operated 24 hours a day. Officers believed they were casing the businesses – making repetitive passes by these businesses in a slow, surveillance-like manner, as if examining the businesses for activity and occupants in advance of initiating a robbery.

At approximately 2:37 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, the vehicle arrived at the shopping area at N.W. Barry Road and Ambassador Drive in Kansas City, Mo. The vehicle parked at a nearby apartment complex. Four individuals got out of the vehicle; Humbert and Johnson walked across the street to the Phillips 66 convenience store while Simmons and a juvenile male walked to the Taco Bell.

Humbert and Johnson robbed the Phillips 66 store at gunpoint, stealing approximately $400, then ran back across the street toward a wooded area near the apartment complex. Johnson and Humbert were pursued into a strip mall area near the apartment complex. Both were apprehended nearby and were found to have discarded the firearms they possessed at the time of the robbery – a Taurus handgun with a laser sight and an SKS-type 7.62x39mm rifle.

As this robbery was occurring, Simmons and the juvenile were attempting to gain entry to the Taco Bell to rob the employees.&nbsp; When officers approached, Simmons and the juvenile ran and discharged two firearms.&nbsp; After they were taken into custody, officers retrieved a loaded Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun with a laser sight and a loaded Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun.

A second juvenile male was identified as the driver and sole occupant of the Dodge Durango SUV at the time of the arrests. Officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun and a jar containing marijuana.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City man was sentenced in federal court Tuesday for his role in a series of armed business robberies in Kansas City and Independence, Mo., according to the United State's Attorney.Henry Simmons, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 15 years in federal prison without parole.On Sept. 1, 2021, Simmons pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit robbery and one count of attempted robbery. Co-defendants Vonterrious Humbert, 22, Tremaine Johnson, 23, both of Kansas City, Mo., have also pleaded guilty and been sentenced. Humbert was sentenced on Feb. 24, 2021, to eight years in federal prison without parole. Johnson was sentenced on Sept. 23, 2021, to five years in federal prison without parole.Simmons, Humbert, and Johnson were arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, following the early-morning armed robbery of a Phillips 66 convenience store and the attempted robbery of a Taco Bell on N.W. Barry Road in Kansas City.The conspiracy included eight additional business robberies: five armed robberies of 7-Eleven convenience stores in Independence, Mo., and Kansas City, Mo., in the early morning hours of Nov. 21, 2018, and three armed robberies of a Domino’s Pizza, a 7-Eleven convenience store and a Sinclair convenience store in Kansas City, Mo., during the early morning hours of Nov. 25, 2018.Law enforcement officials identified a 2003 Dodge Durango SUV as being used in some of the robberies. On Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, law enforcement observed Humbert, Johnson, Simmons and two juveniles traveling in that Dodge Durango SUV to approximately 15 to 20 convenience stores, fast-food restaurants and other businesses that were open late or operated 24 hours a day. Officers believed they were casing the businesses – making repetitive passes by these businesses in a slow, surveillance-like manner, as if examining the businesses for activity and occupants in advance of initiating a robbery.At approximately 2:37 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, the vehicle arrived at the shopping area at N.W. Barry Road and Ambassador Drive in Kansas City, Mo. The vehicle parked at a nearby apartment complex. Four individuals got out of the vehicle; Humbert and Johnson walked across the street to the Phillips 66 convenience store while Simmons and a juvenile male walked to the Taco Bell.Humbert and Johnson robbed the Phillips 66 store at gunpoint, stealing approximately $400, then ran back across the street toward a wooded area near the apartment complex. Johnson and Humbert were pursued into a strip mall area near the apartment complex. Both were apprehended nearby and were found to have discarded the firearms they possessed at the time of the robbery – a Taurus handgun with a laser sight and an SKS-type 7.62x39mm rifle.As this robbery was occurring, Simmons and the juvenile were attempting to gain entry to the Taco Bell to rob the employees.&nbsp; When officers approached, Simmons and the juvenile ran and discharged two firearms.&nbsp; After they were taken into custody, officers retrieved a loaded Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun with a laser sight and a loaded Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun.A second juvenile male was identified as the driver and sole occupant of the Dodge Durango SUV at the time of the arrests. Officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun and a jar containing marijuana.

Man sentenced for series of KC-area armed robberies 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has unanimously approved a measure that would make daylight saving time permanent next year. The bipartisan bill approved Tuesday would ensure Americans would no longer have to change their clocks twice a year.

But the bill still needs to pass the House and win the signature of President Joe Biden to become law. 

Senators from both sides of the aisle made their case for how making daylight saving time permanent would have positive impacts on public health and the economy and even cut energy consumption. Nearly a dozen states across the U.S. have already standardized daylight saving time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647381127738.png" alt="Courtesy Senator Marco Rubio" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Senator Marco Rubio</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has unanimously approved a measure that would make daylight saving time permanent next year. The bipartisan bill approved Tuesday would ensure Americans would no longer have to change their clocks twice a year.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today we passed out of the Senate my bill to make Daylight Savings Time permanent Now it’s up to the House to help us <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LockTheClock?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LockTheClock</a> <a href="https://t.co/NneP6loZ5Q">pic.twitter.com/NneP6loZ5Q</a>&mdash; Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) <a href="https://twitter.com/marcorubio/status/1503831261596499974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>But the bill still needs to pass the House and win the signature of President Joe Biden to become law. Senators from both sides of the aisle made their case for how making daylight saving time permanent would have positive impacts on public health and the economy and even cut energy consumption. Nearly a dozen states across the U.S. have already standardized daylight saving time.

Unanimous: Senate wants to make daylight saving time permanent

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Biden on Tuesday signed a mammoth $1.5 trillion legislative package that funds the government for the rest of the year and delivers badly needed humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

The legislation includes $730 billion for domestic programs, the largest increase in four years, along with $782 billion for defense. It also includes emergency funding for Ukraine and European allies.

At the request of the White House, the bill had initially included $15.6 billion for the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic. But that money was stripped out on Wednesday afternoon when House Democrats balked at cutting previously approved pandemic assistance to their states.

Highlights from the more than 2,700-page legislation, which the House approved Wednesday night and the Senate was expected to pass in the days ahead:

The legislation contains a supplemental spending bill which provides $13.6 billion in emergency funding to support Ukrainian defense, aid and humanitarian efforts. The tally includes $43.6 million for the FBI to investigative cyber threats and cryptocurrency activities and for the establishment of a “Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative,” for violators of sanctions.

Nearly $4 billion is included for rural development programs, which invests over $550 million in the expansion of broadband service. This is an addition to the $1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that became law last November.

The funding bill provides $14.3 billion to the Treasury Department, including $12.6 billion devoted to the IRS, which is the largest increase to the tax agency since 2001. The White House has said the agency has not been equipped to serve taxpayers.

The measure dedicates $35.2 billion overall for the Department of Justice, which includes FBI funding of $10.77 billion and a $506.4 million increase in grants to state and local law enforcement.

The bill provides $14.8 billion for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and $8.26 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and $409.5 million to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to address USCIS backlogs and delays.

The Environmental Protection Agency would receive a total of $9.56 billion and the Department of Energy would get $44.9 billion. Notably, the spending bill includes $100 million to bolster environmental justice activities, an $83 million increase above the 2021 enacted level. Environmental justice addresses equity and pollution issues that impact marginalized communities.

The bill provides $140.4 billion in required mandatory spending for SNAP, including $3 billion for the SNAP reserve fund, which would be used by more than 42 million people. The program provides food aid to needy families.

The bill provides $782 billion for defense spending, an increase of $32.5 billion above fiscal year 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647373573665.png" alt="President Biden during the Tuesday signing ceremony- White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden during the Tuesday signing ceremony- White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Biden on Tuesday signed a mammoth $1.5 trillion legislative package that funds the government for the rest of the year and delivers badly needed humanitarian aid to Ukraine.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1318266868584052%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=258" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The legislation includes $730 billion for domestic programs, the largest increase in four years, along with $782 billion for defense. It also includes emergency funding for Ukraine and European allies.At the request of the White House, the bill had initially included $15.6 billion for the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic. But that money was stripped out on Wednesday afternoon when House Democrats balked at cutting previously approved pandemic assistance to their states.Highlights from the more than 2,700-page legislation, which the House approved Wednesday night and the Senate was expected to pass in the days ahead:AIDING UKRAINEThe legislation contains a supplemental spending bill which provides $13.6 billion in emergency funding to support Ukrainian defense, aid and humanitarian efforts. The tally includes $43.6 million for the FBI to investigative cyber threats and cryptocurrency activities and for the establishment of a “Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative,” for violators of sanctions.___INFRASTRUCTURE SPENDINGNearly $4 billion is included for rural development programs, which invests over $550 million in the expansion of broadband service. This is an addition to the $1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that became law last November.___TREASURY AND IRS FUNDINGThe funding bill provides $14.3 billion to the Treasury Department, including $12.6 billion devoted to the IRS, which is the largest increase to the tax agency since 2001. The White House has said the agency has not been equipped to serve taxpayers.___CRIME SPENDINGThe measure dedicates $35.2 billion overall for the Department of Justice, which includes FBI funding of $10.77 billion and a $506.4 million increase in grants to state and local law enforcement.___IMMIGRATIONThe bill provides $14.8 billion for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and $8.26 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and $409.5 million to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to address USCIS backlogs and delays.___ENVIRONMENTThe Environmental Protection Agency would receive a total of $9.56 billion and the Department of Energy would get $44.9 billion. Notably, the spending bill includes $100 million to bolster environmental justice activities, an $83 million increase above the 2021 enacted level. Environmental justice addresses equity and pollution issues that impact marginalized communities.___FOOD STAMPSThe bill provides $140.4 billion in required mandatory spending for SNAP, including $3 billion for the SNAP reserve fund, which would be used by more than 42 million people. The program provides food aid to needy families.___DEFENSE SPENDINGThe bill provides $782 billion for defense spending, an increase of $32.5 billion above fiscal year 2021.

🎥 What is in the $1.5 trillion spending bill President Biden signed 

By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-03-15/kansas-wants-more-black-foster-parents-to-better-match-families-with-kids-in-crisis">Kansas News Service</a>

MANHATTAN, Kansas — Tara Coleman grew accustomed to being the only person of color at classes for licensed foster parents.

“Maybe there’s one other person of color,” she said, “but generally not.”

Coleman
 isn’t surprised that in predominantly white Kansas Black foster parents
 are rare in the state. That’s not to say it could still use more of 
them.

Black kids can thrive in white homes. Still, foster children
 and parents say the trauma of leaving a family to live with strangers 
can prove even more unsettling when you throw in a racial divide.

Even
 prosaic things like a familiar dish on the dinner table, the programs 
playing on the living room TV, the availability of the right hair 
products — they can all ease the shock of leaving, even temporarily, 
biological parents behind.

“I can do anybody’s hair. But if you 
are a Black child who has kinky, coily hair, I also have products in my 
house and can help you do whatever,” Coleman said. “There is comfort in 
familiarity.”

State agencies that license foster parents need all 
types of people. They want Black, white and Latino families. Straight 
and gay. Catholic, Jewish, Muslim. Chess fanatics and soccer obsessives.

The
 Kansas Department for Children and Families didn’t respond to requests 
for comment and the Kansas News Service didn’t find demographic 
breakdowns of foster parents online.

Yet some of the companies hired by the state to run foster care services give a clue about the lack of diversity.

Both
 KVC Kansas and TFI Kansas, two of the state’s larger foster agencies, 
said about 80% of their foster families are white. KVC said only 3.8% of
 its families are Hispanic, though 25% of parents did not disclose their
 ethnic background.

Nine percent of TFI foster homes and 6.8% of 
KVC foster homes are Black. That roughly reflects the population of 
Kansas. But not the foster population. Black children make up about 20% 
of out-of-home placements. Similar disparities don’t exist for Asian, 
Native American or Hispanic children.

Laney Uphoff, director of 
recruitment for TFI Family Services, said the agency has more Black 
children in care than it has Black homes.

A study published in the
 U.S. National Library of Medicine examined over 100 children in New 
York who entered foster care. It measured how different languages, 
countries of origin and ethnicity impacted children. The study found 
that children with different cultural backgrounds than their caregivers 
were more vulnerable to social isolation, depression and behavior 
problems.

Nathan Ross, a Black child adopted by white parents in 
Missouri, said that difference affected his sense of belonging and even 
made him feel shame. He originally wasn’t interested in connecting to 
anyone, and “ seeing that we looked different made it easier.”

“Not having reference points, people who … look like me, it does make you feel kind of isolated,” he said.

Ross
 lived with a foster family until he was placed with his adoptive 
family. Both sets of parents were white. He did live with his biological
 parents until age 10 and he was placed with his siblings, but he 
struggled to connect with his cultural identity.

Ross has begun to
 reconnect with this culture as an adult, but he wonders how his life 
would have been different if that had come earlier.

“It really 
felt like they were two separate things. I had my family, and then I had
 my racial identity formation and trying to figure that out. But they 
didn’t really go together because no one really bridged that for me,” he
 said. “You don’t quite fit into either world.”

Race also wasn’t 
talked about much during his childhood. That made talking about the 
racism he experienced uncomfortable. Ross loves his adoptive parents and
 has no regrets about how he was raised, but he said foster care 
agencies need to invest in communities more so children aren’t put in 
his position.

TFI is working with “influential black leaders in 
our community” and recently hired a diversity, equality and inclusion 
team to examine how the agency handles diversity. It partnered with 
salons to teach parents how to care for all hair types and has staff 
take cultural competency courses. KVC Kansas launched a campaign to get 
more Black parents to become licensed. Black homes were only 4% of KVC’s
 foster parent population around six months ago when the campaign 
started.

“Do I think we’re doing enough? Yes, and no,” said Uphoff
 of TFI. “We’re doing everything that we know how to do right now. Are 
we still looking for ways to improve? Absolutely.” 

Blaise Mesa 
reports on criminal justice and social services for the Kansas News 
Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter @Blaise_Mesa. Foster 
parents hoping to talk about their experiences in Kansas can email him 
at <a href="mailto:blaise@kcur.org" target="_blank">blaise@kcur.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647354141708.png" alt="Tara Coleman said there could be more diversity among foster parents. Blaise Mesa / Kansas News Service " />
 <figcaption>Tara Coleman said there could be more diversity among foster parents. Blaise Mesa / Kansas News Service </figcaption>
 </figure>By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-03-15/kansas-wants-more-black-foster-parents-to-better-match-families-with-kids-in-crisis">Kansas News Service</a>MANHATTAN, Kansas — Tara Coleman grew accustomed to being the only person of color at classes for licensed foster parents.“Maybe there’s one other person of color,” she said, “but generally not.”Coleman
 isn’t surprised that in predominantly white Kansas Black foster parents
 are rare in the state. That’s not to say it could still use more of 
them.Black kids can thrive in white homes. Still, foster children
 and parents say the trauma of leaving a family to live with strangers 
can prove even more unsettling when you throw in a racial divide.Even
 prosaic things like a familiar dish on the dinner table, the programs 
playing on the living room TV, the availability of the right hair 
products — they can all ease the shock of leaving, even temporarily, 
biological parents behind.“I can do anybody’s hair. But if you 
are a Black child who has kinky, coily hair, I also have products in my 
house and can help you do whatever,” Coleman said. “There is comfort in 
familiarity.”State agencies that license foster parents need all 
types of people. They want Black, white and Latino families. Straight 
and gay. Catholic, Jewish, Muslim. Chess fanatics and soccer obsessives.The
 Kansas Department for Children and Families didn’t respond to requests 
for comment and the Kansas News Service didn’t find demographic 
breakdowns of foster parents online.Yet some of the companies hired by the state to run foster care services give a clue about the lack of diversity.Both
 KVC Kansas and TFI Kansas, two of the state’s larger foster agencies, 
said about 80% of their foster families are white. KVC said only 3.8% of
 its families are Hispanic, though 25% of parents did not disclose their
 ethnic background.Nine percent of TFI foster homes and 6.8% of 
KVC foster homes are Black. That roughly reflects the population of 
Kansas. But not the foster population. Black children make up about 20% 
of out-of-home placements. Similar disparities don’t exist for Asian, 
Native American or Hispanic children.Laney Uphoff, director of 
recruitment for TFI Family Services, said the agency has more Black 
children in care than it has Black homes.A study published in the
 U.S. National Library of Medicine examined over 100 children in New 
York who entered foster care. It measured how different languages, 
countries of origin and ethnicity impacted children. The study found 
that children with different cultural backgrounds than their caregivers 
were more vulnerable to social isolation, depression and behavior 
problems.Nathan Ross, a Black child adopted by white parents in 
Missouri, said that difference affected his sense of belonging and even 
made him feel shame. He originally wasn’t interested in connecting to 
anyone, and “ seeing that we looked different made it easier.”“Not having reference points, people who … look like me, it does make you feel kind of isolated,” he said.Ross
 lived with a foster family until he was placed with his adoptive 
family. Both sets of parents were white. He did live with his biological
 parents until age 10 and he was placed with his siblings, but he 
struggled to connect with his cultural identity.Ross has begun to
 reconnect with this culture as an adult, but he wonders how his life 
would have been different if that had come earlier.“It really 
felt like they were two separate things. I had my family, and then I had
 my racial identity formation and trying to figure that out. But they 
didn’t really go together because no one really bridged that for me,” he
 said. “You don’t quite fit into either world.”Race also wasn’t 
talked about much during his childhood. That made talking about the 
racism he experienced uncomfortable. Ross loves his adoptive parents and
 has no regrets about how he was raised, but he said foster care 
agencies need to invest in communities more so children aren’t put in 
his position.TFI is working with “influential black leaders in 
our community” and recently hired a diversity, equality and inclusion 
team to examine how the agency handles diversity. It partnered with 
salons to teach parents how to care for all hair types and has staff 
take cultural competency courses. KVC Kansas launched a campaign to get 
more Black parents to become licensed. Black homes were only 4% of KVC’s
 foster parent population around six months ago when the campaign 
started.“Do I think we’re doing enough? Yes, and no,” said Uphoff
 of TFI. “We’re doing everything that we know how to do right now. Are 
we still looking for ways to improve? Absolutely.” Blaise Mesa 
reports on criminal justice and social services for the Kansas News 
Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter @Blaise_Mesa. Foster 
parents hoping to talk about their experiences in Kansas can email him 
at <a href="mailto:blaise@kcur.org" target="_blank">blaise@kcur.org</a>.

Kan. wants more Black foster parents to better match families with kids in crisis

WASHINGTON (AP) — Drugmaker Pfizer is expected to request authorization this week for an additional COVID-19 booster dose for seniors, according to a person familiar with the matter.

It would add a fourth dose to the regimen, which currently consists of a primary series of two shots, followed months later by a booster dose, in an effort to provide maximum protection to the over-65 population that has been hit hardest by the pandemic.

The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control must approve the request. The person who spoke about the upcoming Pfizer authorization request spoke on condition of anonymity because the person wasn’t authorized to speak on the record.

“We’re continuing to collect and assess all available data and we’re in continuous, open dialogue with regulators and health authorities to help inform a COVID-19 vaccine strategy as the virus evolves,” said Pfizer spokeswoman Jerica Pitts.

Speaking to CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said, “Right now, the way that we have seen, it is necessary, a fourth booster right now. The protection that you are getting from the third, it is good enough, actually quite good for hospitalizations and deaths. It’s not that good against infections, but doesn’t last very long. But we are just submitting those data to the FDA and then we will see what the experts also will say outside Pfizer.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Drugmaker Pfizer is expected to request authorization this week for an additional COVID-19 booster dose for seniors, according to a person familiar with the matter.It would add a fourth dose to the regimen, which currently consists of a primary series of two shots, followed months later by a booster dose, in an effort to provide maximum protection to the over-65 population that has been hit hardest by the pandemic.The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control must approve the request. The person who spoke about the upcoming Pfizer authorization request spoke on condition of anonymity because the person wasn’t authorized to speak on the record.“We’re continuing to collect and assess all available data and we’re in continuous, open dialogue with regulators and health authorities to help inform a COVID-19 vaccine strategy as the virus evolves,” said Pfizer spokeswoman Jerica Pitts.Speaking to CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said, “Right now, the way that we have seen, it is necessary, a fourth booster right now. The protection that you are getting from the third, it is good enough, actually quite good for hospitalizations and deaths. It’s not that good against infections, but doesn’t last very long. But we are just submitting those data to the FDA and then we will see what the experts also will say outside Pfizer.”

Pfizer seeking OK for 4th COVID dose for seniors

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will travel to Europe next week for face-to-face talks with European leaders about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, White House press secretary Jen Psaki announced Tuesday.

Biden will meet with NATO and European leaders at a summit in Brussels on March 24. He will also attend a scheduled European Council summit, where efforts to impose sanctions and further humanitarian efforts are underway.

“While he’s there, his goal is to meet in person face-to-face with his European counterparts and talk about, assess where we are at this point in the conflict in the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. We’ve been incredibly aligned to date,” Psaki said. “That doesn’t happen by accident. The president is a big believer in face-to-face diplomacy. So it’s an opportunity to do exactly that.”

The trip follows on Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to eastern flank NATO countries of Poland and Romania last week to discuss with leaders the growing refugee crisis in eastern Europe sparked by the Russian invasion and to underscore the Biden administration’s support for NATO allies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647366296588.png" alt="President Biden will meet with NATO and European leaders at a summit in Brussels on March 24-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden will meet with NATO and European leaders at a summit in Brussels on March 24-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will travel to Europe next week for face-to-face talks with European leaders about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, White House press secretary Jen Psaki announced Tuesday.Biden will meet with NATO and European leaders at a summit in Brussels on March 24. He will also attend a scheduled European Council summit, where efforts to impose sanctions and further humanitarian efforts are underway.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We will make sure Ukraine has weapons to defend against the invading Russian force. We will send money and food and aid to save Ukrainian lives. We will welcome Ukrainian refugees with open arms.&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1503492230148931590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“While he’s there, his goal is to meet in person face-to-face with his European counterparts and talk about, assess where we are at this point in the conflict in the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. We’ve been incredibly aligned to date,” Psaki said. “That doesn’t happen by accident. The president is a big believer in face-to-face diplomacy. So it’s an opportunity to do exactly that.”The trip follows on Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to eastern flank NATO countries of Poland and Romania last week to discuss with leaders the growing refugee crisis in eastern Europe sparked by the Russian invasion and to underscore the Biden administration’s support for NATO allies.

White House: Biden will travel to Europe for talks on Ukraine 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon for alleged domestic crimes.

Just after 10:30p.m. Monday, police following tips located 44-year-old Spencer Anthony Allen in a car and took him into custody without incident, according to Topeka police.

Allen is being held without bon on requested charges of Aggravated domestic battery, Aggravated assault, use of a deadly weapon, Domestic battery, aggravated battery, Criminal damage to property $1000-$25,000 and theft.

Allen has previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647362891567.png" alt="Allen has previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Allen has previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon for alleged domestic crimes.Just after 10:30p.m. Monday, police following tips located 44-year-old Spencer Anthony Allen in a car and took him into custody without incident, according to Topeka police.Allen is being held without bon on requested charges of Aggravated domestic battery, Aggravated assault, use of a deadly weapon, Domestic battery, aggravated battery, Criminal damage to property $1000-$25,000 and theft.Allen has previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Tips lead to arrest of Kansas felon for alleged violent attack

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas man died in an accident just after 1a.m. Tuesday in Sedgwick County.

A Toyota Avalon driven by&nbsp;29-year-old Andrew Ornelas, Wichita, was eastbound on 21st at Amidon, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

The driver lost control of the vehicle. It collided with pole, flipped and and Ornelas was ejected. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

No other vehicles were involved, and no other injuries occurred. Speed and alcohol are believed to be a factor, according to Ditch. The accident remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647353859240.png" alt="First responders on the scene of Tuesday's fatal crash -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of Tuesday's fatal crash -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas man died in an accident just after 1a.m. Tuesday in Sedgwick County.A Toyota Avalon driven by&nbsp;29-year-old Andrew Ornelas, Wichita, was eastbound on 21st at Amidon, according to Officer Chad Ditch.The driver lost control of the vehicle. It collided with pole, flipped and and Ornelas was ejected. He was pronounced dead at the scene.No other vehicles were involved, and no other injuries occurred. Speed and alcohol are believed to be a factor, according to Ditch. The accident remains under investigation.

Police: Speed, alcohol factors in crash that killed Kansas man

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/15/unbothered-by-cost-concerns-kansas-senators-give-ballot-watermark-bill-preliminary-approval/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A senator’s efforts to 
ensure all voting systems in Kansas use a paper ballot with a 
distinctive watermark won preliminary approval Monday in the Senate.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb389/">Senate Bill 389</a>,
 introduced by Sen. Richard Hildebrand, R-Galena, also requires a hand 
audit of these ballots after the election. Currently, Kansas requires 
election clerks to physically stamp each ballot, but Hildebrand brought 
the bill to ensure human error does not come into play.

In a <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/02/ballot-watermark-bill-raises-questions-of-county-costs-implications-for-kansans-with-disabilities/">hearing earlier this month</a>,
 voting rights advocates raised concerns about the impact of the bill on
 Kansans with disabilities and the cost for counties to print new 
ballots. The concerns were echoed by Senate Democrats who said this 
would not address any real issue.

“I am happy to support things that will make our election process 
more secure. I don’t see any way that this would do that,” said Sen. 
Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence. “I also know that we are putting all the 
cost of this on our counties, and it is not something that any of my 
county residents have asked for.”

Hildebrand countered that the cost was with the perceived security.

“How much is peace of mind worth? Two cents? I’ll put my two cents in,” Hildebrand said.

The state would not incur any costs, although counties would incur 
costs related to ballot printing and additional wages for election board
 workers. The Senate can take a final vote on the measure as soon as 
Tuesday.

A provision in the measure authorizes a risk-limiting audit. This 
provides a confidence assessment for each race to allow election offices
 to focus their attention where it is needed most.

Sen. Ethan Corson, a Fairview Democrat, opposed imposing an unfunded 
mandate that didn’t address a clear problem. He also expressed concerns 
about unintended or unforeseen ramifications of the bill.

“I don’t want us to head into another costly taxpayer-funded lawsuit 
like we’ve done several times with election-related bills,” Corson said.
 “I want to make sure at least from an (Americans with Disabilities Act)
 perspective that we’ve kicked the tires on this one.”

Opponents also noted some sloppiness around the legislation, 
including a lack of clear guidelines for the sample audit and mislabeled
 section numbers in the bill.

Republican Secretary of State Scott Schwab has stated Kansas 
elections are safe and secure, and there were no signs of any form of 
voter fraud.

Still, Sen. Rob Olson noted a lack of faith in the election process 
among people across the state. Ensuring Kansans feel their vote is 
secure and the process is well protected is crucial, the Olathe 
Republican said.

“Our voters, more and more, are upset,” Olson said. “They’re not 
believing in the process we have. This is just one more tool that will 
say every ballot is legit.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647354272928.png" alt="Sen. Marci Francisco cast in doubt whether the effort led by Sen. Richard Hilderbrand to have a distinctive watermark on every Kansas ballot actually addressed any issue in election security. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Marci Francisco cast in doubt whether the effort led by Sen. Richard Hilderbrand to have a distinctive watermark on every Kansas ballot actually addressed any issue in election security. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/15/unbothered-by-cost-concerns-kansas-senators-give-ballot-watermark-bill-preliminary-approval/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A senator’s efforts to 
ensure all voting systems in Kansas use a paper ballot with a 
distinctive watermark won preliminary approval Monday in the Senate.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb389/">Senate Bill 389</a>,
 introduced by Sen. Richard Hildebrand, R-Galena, also requires a hand 
audit of these ballots after the election. Currently, Kansas requires 
election clerks to physically stamp each ballot, but Hildebrand brought 
the bill to ensure human error does not come into play.In a <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/02/ballot-watermark-bill-raises-questions-of-county-costs-implications-for-kansans-with-disabilities/">hearing earlier this month</a>,
 voting rights advocates raised concerns about the impact of the bill on
 Kansans with disabilities and the cost for counties to print new 
ballots. The concerns were echoed by Senate Democrats who said this 
would not address any real issue.“I am happy to support things that will make our election process 
more secure. I don’t see any way that this would do that,” said Sen. 
Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence. “I also know that we are putting all the 
cost of this on our counties, and it is not something that any of my 
county residents have asked for.”Hildebrand countered that the cost was with the perceived security.“How much is peace of mind worth? Two cents? I’ll put my two cents in,” Hildebrand said.The state would not incur any costs, although counties would incur 
costs related to ballot printing and additional wages for election board
 workers. The Senate can take a final vote on the measure as soon as 
Tuesday.A provision in the measure authorizes a risk-limiting audit. This 
provides a confidence assessment for each race to allow election offices
 to focus their attention where it is needed most.Sen. Ethan Corson, a Fairview Democrat, opposed imposing an unfunded 
mandate that didn’t address a clear problem. He also expressed concerns 
about unintended or unforeseen ramifications of the bill.“I don’t want us to head into another costly taxpayer-funded lawsuit 
like we’ve done several times with election-related bills,” Corson said.
 “I want to make sure at least from an (Americans with Disabilities Act)
 perspective that we’ve kicked the tires on this one.”Opponents also noted some sloppiness around the legislation, 
including a lack of clear guidelines for the sample audit and mislabeled
 section numbers in the bill.Republican Secretary of State Scott Schwab has stated Kansas 
elections are safe and secure, and there were no signs of any form of 
voter fraud.Still, Sen. Rob Olson noted a lack of faith in the election process 
among people across the state. Ensuring Kansans feel their vote is 
secure and the process is well protected is crucial, the Olathe 
Republican said.“Our voters, more and more, are upset,” Olson said. “They’re not 
believing in the process we have. This is just one more tool that will 
say every ballot is legit.”

Kansas senators give ballot watermark bill preliminary approval

JOPLIN, Mo—A funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon in memory for one of two Missouri police officers who died in the line of duty last week in Joplin, according to a media release from the city.

Cpl. Benjamin Cooper and Officer Jake Reed were two of three officers shot during an investigation on March 8. Another officer, Rick Hirshey, was shot and hurt, but is expected to recover from his injuries.

Following Monday's visitation for Cpl. Cooper, the public funeral service is scheduled to begin at 1p.m. Tuesday at the Leggett and Platt Center located on the Missouri Southern State University Campus.

Public visitation for Officer Reed will be held, Thursday, March 17, from 4-8 p.m. at Leggett and Platt Center with a funeral at 1p.m. Friday at the same location.

&nbsp;Members of the public who would like to show support to the Cooper Family or to law enforcement, line up along Main Street in Joplin, Missouri from 3rd Street to 19th Street. A procession will travel that route between 3-4 p.m. on Tuesday and again Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646959719466.png" alt="Cpl. Benjamin Cooper-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Cpl. Benjamin Cooper-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>JOPLIN, Mo—A funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon in memory for one of two Missouri police officers who died in the line of duty last week in Joplin, according to a media release from the city.Cpl. Benjamin Cooper and Officer Jake Reed were two of three officers shot during an investigation on March 8. Another officer, Rick Hirshey, was shot and hurt, but is expected to recover from his injuries.Following Monday's visitation for Cpl. Cooper, the public funeral service is scheduled to begin at 1p.m. Tuesday at the Leggett and Platt Center located on the Missouri Southern State University Campus.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646959627467.png" alt="Officer Jake Reed-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Officer Jake Reed-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Public visitation for Officer Reed will be held, Thursday, March 17, from 4-8 p.m. at Leggett and Platt Center with a funeral at 1p.m. Friday at the same location.&nbsp;Members of the public who would like to show support to the Cooper Family or to law enforcement, line up along Main Street in Joplin, Missouri from 3rd Street to 19th Street. A procession will travel that route between 3-4 p.m. on Tuesday and again Friday.

Memorial service for 1 of 2 Missouri officers who died in line of duty

By JARED STRONG <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/03/14/expanded-rural-broadband-likely-a-focus-of-federal-farm-bill/">Missouri Independent</a>

The coronavirus pandemic 
highlighted the need for federal assistance to develop high-speed 
internet connectivity in all parts of the country, members of a U.S. 
House subcommittee agreed this week as they reviewed provisions that are
 likely to be included in the next farm bill.

“I represent a largely rural district in north-central, northeast 
Florida, and we have children who do their homework in a Hardee’s 
parking lot,” said U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack, a Florida Republican.

Students around the country scrambled to find internet access to 
participate in virtual learning when the pandemic limited in-person 
classes. It was a reminder that federal funds should be focused on 
providing broadband access to as many Americans as possible, Cammack 
said, rather than increasing the speeds of existing service.

Several members of the House’s Commodity Exchanges, Energy and Credit
 subcommittee echoed those concerns about so-called “overbuilding” of 
existing infrastructure during a Tuesday hearing that sought to review 
the rural development component of the next farm bill, which could be 
approved next year.

The current farm bill was last renewed in 2018 and partially expires 
next year. It’s a wide-ranging law that was expected to cost about $428 
billion over the course of five years. About three-fourths of that money
 is devoted to food assistance for low-income residents, and most of the
 rest goes to crop insurance, commodity support and land conservation.

Previous farm bills provided loans to develop internet 
infrastructure, but for the first time in 2018, lawmakers also 
established grants for the projects and raised the minimum speed 
thresholds that define whether an area has sufficiently fast access, 
according to the Congressional Research Service. The previous download 
speed considered sufficient was 4 megabits per second, which was 
increased to 25.

Xochitl Torres Small, undersecretary for rural development for the 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, said establishing broadband access for 
as many rural residents as possible is a paramount priority that must be
 balanced with other projects that will allow for speed upgrades.

“We certainly saw in the midst of COVID, with your kids who are 
sitting in the Hardee’s parking lot, that 25 (megabits per second) isn’t
 enough for them to be able to listen to their teacher and learn from 
home,” Torres Small said.

Lawmakers also created the ReConnect Program in 2018 that is separate
 from the farm bill’s Rural Broadband Program but has similar goals, and
 states have implemented their own programs.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has made <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/01/19/governor-proposes-record-47-3b-missouri-budget-as-he-taps-surplus-federal-aid/">expanded rural broadband a priority of his administration</a>,
 proposing in his State of the State address this year $400 million for 
broadband access, with $250 million to reach approximately 75,000 
households without access to even moderately fast internet connections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647280685056.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JARED STRONG <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/03/14/expanded-rural-broadband-likely-a-focus-of-federal-farm-bill/">Missouri Independent</a>The coronavirus pandemic 
highlighted the need for federal assistance to develop high-speed 
internet connectivity in all parts of the country, members of a U.S. 
House subcommittee agreed this week as they reviewed provisions that are
 likely to be included in the next farm bill.“I represent a largely rural district in north-central, northeast 
Florida, and we have children who do their homework in a Hardee’s 
parking lot,” said U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack, a Florida Republican.Students around the country scrambled to find internet access to 
participate in virtual learning when the pandemic limited in-person 
classes. It was a reminder that federal funds should be focused on 
providing broadband access to as many Americans as possible, Cammack 
said, rather than increasing the speeds of existing service.Several members of the House’s Commodity Exchanges, Energy and Credit
 subcommittee echoed those concerns about so-called “overbuilding” of 
existing infrastructure during a Tuesday hearing that sought to review 
the rural development component of the next farm bill, which could be 
approved next year.The current farm bill was last renewed in 2018 and partially expires 
next year. It’s a wide-ranging law that was expected to cost about $428 
billion over the course of five years. About three-fourths of that money
 is devoted to food assistance for low-income residents, and most of the
 rest goes to crop insurance, commodity support and land conservation.Previous farm bills provided loans to develop internet 
infrastructure, but for the first time in 2018, lawmakers also 
established grants for the projects and raised the minimum speed 
thresholds that define whether an area has sufficiently fast access, 
according to the Congressional Research Service. The previous download 
speed considered sufficient was 4 megabits per second, which was 
increased to 25.Xochitl Torres Small, undersecretary for rural development for the 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, said establishing broadband access for 
as many rural residents as possible is a paramount priority that must be
 balanced with other projects that will allow for speed upgrades.“We certainly saw in the midst of COVID, with your kids who are 
sitting in the Hardee’s parking lot, that 25 (megabits per second) isn’t
 enough for them to be able to listen to their teacher and learn from 
home,” Torres Small said.Lawmakers also created the ReConnect Program in 2018 that is separate
 from the farm bill’s Rural Broadband Program but has similar goals, and
 states have implemented their own programs.Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has made <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/01/19/governor-proposes-record-47-3b-missouri-budget-as-he-taps-surplus-federal-aid/">expanded rural broadband a priority of his administration</a>,
 proposing in his State of the State address this year $400 million for 
broadband access, with $250 million to reach approximately 75,000 
households without access to even moderately fast internet connections.

Expanded rural broadband likely a focus of federal farm bill

WASHINGTON (AP) — Face to face, President Joe Biden’s national security adviser warned a top Chinese official on Monday about China’s support for Russia in the Ukrainian invasion, even as the Kremlin denied reports it had requested Chinese&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-5229ea0b8bb56c10462ee0e00df61116">military equipment to use in the war</a>.

U.S. adviser Jake Sullivan and senior Chinese foreign policy adviser Yang Jiechi met in Rome, with the Biden administration increasingly concerned that China is using&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-europe-85127d5367f6c3eb938d1ca327301619">the Ukraine war</a>&nbsp;to advance Beijing’s long-term interest in its competition with the United States.

Sullivan was seeking clarity on Beijing’s posture and was warning the Chinese anew that assistance for Russia — including helping it avert sanctions imposed by the U.S. and Western allies — would be costly for them.

“The national security adviser and our delegation raised directly and very clearly our concerns about the PRC’s support to Russia in the wake of the invasion, and the implications that any such support would have for the PRC’s relationship not only with us, but for its relationships around the world,” said State Department spokesman Ned Price, using the initials for the People’s Republic of China.

Meanwhile, two administration officials said the U.S. had determined that China had signaled to Russia that it would be willing to provide both military support for the campaign in Ukraine and financial backing to help stave off the impact of severe sanctions imposed by the West. The officials said that assessment had been relayed to Western and Asian allies and partners earlier Monday.

“Moscow has received a positive response from Beijing,” said one official, describing a diplomatic cable sent to U.S. embassies asking for them to inform their host governments of the information. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive information.

Sullivan made clear during an “intense” seven-hour meeting that the Biden administration has deep concerns about China’s alignment with Russia at this time, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said.

Psaki declined to comment on whether the U.S. believes China has already provided the Russians with military, economic or other assistance.

China on Tuesday said its stance on the Ukraine conflict is “completely objective, impartial and constructive,” and repeated accusations the U.S. is spreading misinformation over reports Beijing has responded positively to a Russian request for military supplies.

Beijing has refused to criticize Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, or even to refer to the conflict as a “war”.

&nbsp;Russia, however, on Monday denied it needed China’s help.

“No, Russia has its own potential to continue the operation, which, as we have said, is unfolding in accordance with the plan and will be completed on time and in full,” said Dmitry Peskov, President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman.

Meanwhile, White House officials are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-live-updates-560b945c4edc21311d96ee6035d7e849">discussing the possibility of Biden traveling to Europe&nbsp;</a>to meet with allies for in-person talks about the crisis in Ukraine, according to three U.S. officials. The officials, who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the trip hasn’t been finalized. One possibility is a visit to NATO headquarters in Brussels on March 24 with other potential stops in Europe, according to one of the officials.

The prospect of China offering Russia financial help is one of several concerns for Biden. A U.S. official said that in recent days, Russia has requested support from China, including military equipment, to press forward in its ongoing war with Ukraine. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, did not provide details on the scope of the request.

The Russians have seen significant losses of tanks, helicopters and other materiel since the start of the war more than two weeks ago. Ukraine, while overmatched by Russian forces, is well-equipped with anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles. Russia’s and China’s weapons systems have limited interoperability, and it’s not clear what weapons China has that Russia would be in short supply of.

The Biden administration is also accusing China of spreading Russian disinformation that could be a pretext for Putin’s forces to attack Ukraine with chemical or biological weapons.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has put China in a delicate spot with two of its biggest trading partners: the U.S. and European Union. China needs access to those markets, yet it also has shown support for Moscow, joining with Russia in declaring a friendship with “no limits.”

Asked at a daily briefing about the reported Russian request for assistance, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said: “The U.S. has been spreading disinformation targeting China recently over the Ukraine issue. It is malicious.”

“What is pressing now is that all parties should exercise restraint and strive to cool down the situation, rather than fueling the tension,” Zhao told reporters. “We should promote diplomatic settlements instead of further escalating the situation.”

Biden administration officials say Beijing is spreading false Russian claims that Ukraine was running chemical and biological weapons labs with U.S. support. They say China&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-jen-psaki-chemical-weapons-weapons-of-mass-destruction-f01cedf434ec697034b2912696a3448b">is effectively providing cover</a>&nbsp;if Russia moves ahead with a biological or chemical weapons attack on Ukrainians.

When Russia starts accusing other countries of preparing to launch biological or chemical attacks, Sullivan said Sunday, “it’s a good tell that they may be on the cusp of doing it themselves.”

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, on ABC’s “This Week,” said “we haven’t seen anything that indicates some sort of imminent chemical or biological attack right now, but we’re watching this very, very closely.”

The striking U.S. accusations about Russian disinformation and Chinese complicity came after Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova alleged with no evidence that the U.S. was financing Ukrainian chemical and biological weapons labs.

The Russian claim was echoed by Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao, who claimed there were 26 bio-labs and related facilities in “which the U.S. Department of Defense has absolute control.” The United Nations has said it has received no information backing up such accusations.

There is growing concern inside the White House that China is aligning itself with Russia on the Ukraine war in hopes it will advance Beijing’s “vision of the world order” in the long term, according to a person familiar with the administration view who spoke on condition of anonymity because the official wasn’t authorized to comment publicly.

China has been one of few countries to avoid criticizing the Russians for its invasion of Ukraine. China’s leader Xi Jinping hosted Putin for the opening of the Winter Olympics in Beijing, just three weeks before Russia invaded on Feb. 24. During Putin’s visit, the two leaders issued a 5,000-word statement declaring limitless “friendship.”

The Chinese abstained on U.N. votes censuring Russia and has criticized economic sanctions against Moscow. But questions remain over how far Beijing will go to alienate the West and put its own economy at risk.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said Monday that he had asked his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to use Beijing’s influence over Moscow to end the war.

“We are at a historical moment that requires responsibility and vision of all world leaders,” Albares told Wang during a telephone conversation on Monday, according to a statement from the Spanish ministry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647296360947.png" alt="President Biden addressed the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference on Monday-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden addressed the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference on Monday-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Face to face, President Joe Biden’s national security adviser warned a top Chinese official on Monday about China’s support for Russia in the Ukrainian invasion, even as the Kremlin denied reports it had requested Chinese&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-5229ea0b8bb56c10462ee0e00df61116">military equipment to use in the war</a>.U.S. adviser Jake Sullivan and senior Chinese foreign policy adviser Yang Jiechi met in Rome, with the Biden administration increasingly concerned that China is using&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-europe-85127d5367f6c3eb938d1ca327301619">the Ukraine war</a>&nbsp;to advance Beijing’s long-term interest in its competition with the United States.Sullivan was seeking clarity on Beijing’s posture and was warning the Chinese anew that assistance for Russia — including helping it avert sanctions imposed by the U.S. and Western allies — would be costly for them.“The national security adviser and our delegation raised directly and very clearly our concerns about the PRC’s support to Russia in the wake of the invasion, and the implications that any such support would have for the PRC’s relationship not only with us, but for its relationships around the world,” said State Department spokesman Ned Price, using the initials for the People’s Republic of China.Meanwhile, two administration officials said the U.S. had determined that China had signaled to Russia that it would be willing to provide both military support for the campaign in Ukraine and financial backing to help stave off the impact of severe sanctions imposed by the West. The officials said that assessment had been relayed to Western and Asian allies and partners earlier Monday.“Moscow has received a positive response from Beijing,” said one official, describing a diplomatic cable sent to U.S. embassies asking for them to inform their host governments of the information. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive information.Sullivan made clear during an “intense” seven-hour meeting that the Biden administration has deep concerns about China’s alignment with Russia at this time, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said.Psaki declined to comment on whether the U.S. believes China has already provided the Russians with military, economic or other assistance.China on Tuesday said its stance on the Ukraine conflict is “completely objective, impartial and constructive,” and repeated accusations the U.S. is spreading misinformation over reports Beijing has responded positively to a Russian request for military supplies.Beijing has refused to criticize Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, or even to refer to the conflict as a “war”.&nbsp;Russia, however, on Monday denied it needed China’s help.“No, Russia has its own potential to continue the operation, which, as we have said, is unfolding in accordance with the plan and will be completed on time and in full,” said Dmitry Peskov, President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman.Meanwhile, White House officials are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-live-updates-560b945c4edc21311d96ee6035d7e849">discussing the possibility of Biden traveling to Europe&nbsp;</a>to meet with allies for in-person talks about the crisis in Ukraine, according to three U.S. officials. The officials, who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the trip hasn’t been finalized. One possibility is a visit to NATO headquarters in Brussels on March 24 with other potential stops in Europe, according to one of the officials.The prospect of China offering Russia financial help is one of several concerns for Biden. A U.S. official said that in recent days, Russia has requested support from China, including military equipment, to press forward in its ongoing war with Ukraine. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, did not provide details on the scope of the request.The Russians have seen significant losses of tanks, helicopters and other materiel since the start of the war more than two weeks ago. Ukraine, while overmatched by Russian forces, is well-equipped with anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles. Russia’s and China’s weapons systems have limited interoperability, and it’s not clear what weapons China has that Russia would be in short supply of.The Biden administration is also accusing China of spreading Russian disinformation that could be a pretext for Putin’s forces to attack Ukraine with chemical or biological weapons.Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has put China in a delicate spot with two of its biggest trading partners: the U.S. and European Union. China needs access to those markets, yet it also has shown support for Moscow, joining with Russia in declaring a friendship with “no limits.”Asked at a daily briefing about the reported Russian request for assistance, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said: “The U.S. has been spreading disinformation targeting China recently over the Ukraine issue. It is malicious.”“What is pressing now is that all parties should exercise restraint and strive to cool down the situation, rather than fueling the tension,” Zhao told reporters. “We should promote diplomatic settlements instead of further escalating the situation.”Biden administration officials say Beijing is spreading false Russian claims that Ukraine was running chemical and biological weapons labs with U.S. support. They say China&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-jen-psaki-chemical-weapons-weapons-of-mass-destruction-f01cedf434ec697034b2912696a3448b">is effectively providing cover</a>&nbsp;if Russia moves ahead with a biological or chemical weapons attack on Ukrainians.When Russia starts accusing other countries of preparing to launch biological or chemical attacks, Sullivan said Sunday, “it’s a good tell that they may be on the cusp of doing it themselves.”Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, on ABC’s “This Week,” said “we haven’t seen anything that indicates some sort of imminent chemical or biological attack right now, but we’re watching this very, very closely.”The striking U.S. accusations about Russian disinformation and Chinese complicity came after Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova alleged with no evidence that the U.S. was financing Ukrainian chemical and biological weapons labs.The Russian claim was echoed by Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao, who claimed there were 26 bio-labs and related facilities in “which the U.S. Department of Defense has absolute control.” The United Nations has said it has received no information backing up such accusations.There is growing concern inside the White House that China is aligning itself with Russia on the Ukraine war in hopes it will advance Beijing’s “vision of the world order” in the long term, according to a person familiar with the administration view who spoke on condition of anonymity because the official wasn’t authorized to comment publicly.China has been one of few countries to avoid criticizing the Russians for its invasion of Ukraine. China’s leader Xi Jinping hosted Putin for the opening of the Winter Olympics in Beijing, just three weeks before Russia invaded on Feb. 24. During Putin’s visit, the two leaders issued a 5,000-word statement declaring limitless “friendship.”The Chinese abstained on U.N. votes censuring Russia and has criticized economic sanctions against Moscow. But questions remain over how far Beijing will go to alienate the West and put its own economy at risk.Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said Monday that he had asked his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to use Beijing’s influence over Moscow to end the war.“We are at a historical moment that requires responsibility and vision of all world leaders,” Albares told Wang during a telephone conversation on Monday, according to a statement from the Spanish ministry.——

China denies helping Russia in Ukraine

SUMNER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating vandalism at a church in Kansas.

Over the weekend, vandals wrote "Hail Satan," on the doors&nbsp;at the St. Anthony/St. Rose Church,&nbsp;210 North B Street in Wellington, according to a social media report from the&nbsp;Wellington Police Department.

Anyone with information on the crime is asked to call police or use Wellington/Sumner County Crimestoppers @ <a href="http://www.p3tips.com/?fbclid=IwAR25_vZ4qsdoY3coFc2K-vNPlUip9z_Q4W9QLTg5HSumeNhn43rw1lDtNW8" target="_blank">www.p3tips.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647302249556.png" alt="photo courtesy Wellington Police" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Wellington Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SUMNER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating vandalism at a church in Kansas.Over the weekend, vandals wrote "Hail Satan," on the doors&nbsp;at the St. Anthony/St. Rose Church,&nbsp;210 North B Street in Wellington, according to a social media report from the&nbsp;Wellington Police Department.Anyone with information on the crime is asked to call police or use Wellington/Sumner County Crimestoppers @ <a href="http://www.p3tips.com/?fbclid=IwAR25_vZ4qsdoY3coFc2K-vNPlUip9z_Q4W9QLTg5HSumeNhn43rw1lDtNW8" target="_blank">www.p3tips.com</a>

Police investigate vandalism at church in Kansas

Looking for a last-minute deal on sports tickets? Need a ticket to a sold-out concert? There are a lot of reasons why fans buy festival, concert, sports, and other event tickets from online resellers, such as <a href="https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-francisco/profile/event-ticket-sales/stubhubcom-1116-46132" target="_blank">Stubhub</a>, <a href="https://www.bbb.org/us/il/chicago/profile/event-ticket-sales/vivid-seats-llc-0654-36000326" target="_blank">Vivid Seats</a>(a BBB Accredited Business), or <a href="https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/new-york/profile/event-ticket-sales/seatgeek-0121-117089" target="_blank">SeatGeek</a>.
 But unfortunately, it’s easy to fall for fake ticket scams or simply 
overpay.&nbsp; Keep these tips in mind when buying from ticket resellers.

Follow these tips for navigating your ticket resale options and avoiding scams:

Here are tips for getting the best deal on resold tickets:

Read about <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/13986-bbb-tip-buying-tickets" target="_blank">buying tickets</a> and <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/26067-bbb-tip-should-you-purchase-ticket-insurance-for-your-next-event" target="_blank">purchasing insurance for your tickets</a>. To stay safe while purchasing event tickets, be sure to read this <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20661-big-festivals-and-seasonal-events-fabulous-fizzled-or-fake" target="_blank">BBB Scam Alert about fake events and phony tickets</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBLooking for a last-minute deal on sports tickets? Need a ticket to a sold-out concert? There are a lot of reasons why fans buy festival, concert, sports, and other event tickets from online resellers, such as <a href="https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-francisco/profile/event-ticket-sales/stubhubcom-1116-46132" target="_blank">Stubhub</a>, <a href="https://www.bbb.org/us/il/chicago/profile/event-ticket-sales/vivid-seats-llc-0654-36000326" target="_blank">Vivid Seats</a>(a BBB Accredited Business), or <a href="https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/new-york/profile/event-ticket-sales/seatgeek-0121-117089" target="_blank">SeatGeek</a>.
 But unfortunately, it’s easy to fall for fake ticket scams or simply 
overpay.&nbsp; Keep these tips in mind when buying from ticket resellers.<h2>What to look for in a ticket reseller</h2>Follow these tips for navigating your ticket resale options and avoiding scams:<ul>
 <li>Look for ticket resellers that protect buyers. Ticket resellers should have a consumer protection policy and/or be registered with the <a href="https://www.natb.org/find-a-member/#!directory" target="_blank">National Association of Ticket Brokers</a>.
 Most major ticket resellers will typically provide a full refund if the
 ticket turns out to be a forgery. It’s a service that’s covered by 
charging a commission on the sale. </li><li>Buying from a reseller that also sells primary tickets adds a layer of protection. For example, <a href="https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/beverly-hills/profile/event-ticket-sales/live-nation-1216-100051446" target="_blank">Live Nation</a> or <a href="https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/beverly-hills/profile/event-ticket-sales/ticketmaster-corporation-1216-31068" target="_blank">TicketMaster</a> will <a href="https://www.inquirer.com/news/resale-tickets-philadelphia-consumer-tips-20211213.html" target="_blank">invalidate the original ticket</a> and create an entirely new bar code for you to use. This ensures you are the only one in possession of the resale ticket.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Review the policies before making a purchase.&nbsp;You should <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/going-out-guide/wp/2018/07/27/i-got-scammed-buying-tickets-off-craigslist-heres-how-to-stop-it-from-happening-to-you/" target="_blank">only buy tickets from a ticket reseller that provides clear details</a>
 about the terms of the transaction and how you will be refunded if the 
tickets are fake. Also, if the tickets are not available immediately, 
the reseller should disclose when the tickets will ship or be available 
for pick up. </li><li>Buy tickets with a credit card. Using a credit card
 helps protect you if the tickets are not as promised. Watch out for 
resellers who ask for unusual payment methods, such as sending gift 
cards or wiring money. This is a red flag. <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/25956-bbb-tip-know-your-rights-and-responsibilities-when-it-comes-to-payment-types" target="_blank">Learn more about payment types and how to protect yourself.</a> </li>
 </ul><h2>Tips for finding a good price on tickets</h2>Here are tips for getting the best deal on resold tickets:<ul>
 <li>Compare prices. Like with many other purchases, it pays to shop around for tickets. Compare major resellers and look for the best deal. This <a href="https://www.consumeraffairs.com/entertainment/ticket-websites/" target="_blank">list of online ticket resellers</a> from Consumer Affairs is a good place to start. Check the business's profile on <a href="https://www.bbb.org/search" target="_blank">BBB.org</a> to be sure they are a reputable business. </li><li>Account for extra fees. Don’t let hidden fees foil your comparison shopping. Be sure that you <a href="https://ticketcrusader.com/tips-for-after-tickets-go-on-sale/stubhub-tips/" target="_blank">include fees into your calculations</a> by navigating all the way to the checkout page. Some resellers don’t disclose their fees until you are almost ready to pay. </li><li>It (probably) pays to wait. Buying tickets within a week of the event, rather than securing a ticket more than a month in advance, will <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/guides/sports/buying-sports-tickets-events" target="_blank">likely get you a lower price</a>. However, this tactic could backfire if the event proves popular enough. </li>
 </ul><h2>For more information</h2>Read about <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/13986-bbb-tip-buying-tickets" target="_blank">buying tickets</a> and <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/26067-bbb-tip-should-you-purchase-ticket-insurance-for-your-next-event" target="_blank">purchasing insurance for your tickets</a>. To stay safe while purchasing event tickets, be sure to read this <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20661-big-festivals-and-seasonal-events-fabulous-fizzled-or-fake" target="_blank">BBB Scam Alert about fake events and phony tickets</a>.&nbsp;Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Buying event tickets online? Here's what to know

WASHINGTON — In an effort to provide American taxpayers with the 
service they deserve, the Internal Revenue Service announced today the 
latest expansion of its multilingual products, Braille, text, audio and 
large print products are now available in Spanish.

The agency's Alternative Media Center (AMC) is converting IRS Form 
1040, its main schedules and six publications in Spanish Braille and 
large print. This announcement highlights the agency's commitment to 
make alternative format documents and multilingual resources available 
to those who need them.

The IRS also has a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/languages">Languages</a>
 webpage available in 20 languages to help taxpayers find basic tax 
information, such as how to check a refund status, pay taxes or file a 
federal tax return.

"It's critical that the IRS provides information to people in 
multiple languages and formats to help them meet their tax 
responsibilities and receive important tax credits," said IRS 
Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "This is another milestone in our ongoing 
efforts to expand our assistance to more people. I'm extremely proud of 
our employees' significant efforts and strong desire to make a huge, 
positive difference in this area during the last several years, which 
has been assisted by our partners in the nation's tax community. We are 
proud to continue focusing on this area."

Alternative media resources for blind, sight-impaired individuals

Taxpayers can download forms and instructions from the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/accessible-irs-tax-products">Accessible Forms and Publications</a> page of IRS.gov or request copies by calling 800-TAX-FORM (<a href="tel:800-829-3676">800-829-3676</a>).

Tax forms and publications are available in a variety of formats including:

Latest enhancement to IRS accessibility services

Taxpayers can complete <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f9000.pdf">Form 9000, Alternative Media Preference</a>&nbsp;PDF,
 to choose to receive their IRS notice or letter in Braille, large 
print, audio and electronic formats. Taxpayers can include the completed
 form with their tax return, mail it as a standalone form to the IRS or 
call 800-829-1040 to elect their preferred format. Form 9000 is also 
available in Spanish Braille and large print.

Taxpayers who have already received a notice or letter in print 
format and prefer Braille, large print, audio or text, and do not have 
an alternative media designation on file at the IRS can choose one of 
the options below to request their preference.

Visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/information-about-the-alternative-media-center">Information About the Alternative Media Center</a> page of IRS.gov for details.

How to get answers about IRS accessibility services

If a taxpayer has questions about IRS accessibility services, they can contact the Accessibility Helpline at <a href="tel:833-690-0598">833-690-0598</a>.
 Help for multilingual taxpayers is also available on the helpline 
through the over-the-phone interpreter service. This helpline does not
 have access to taxpayers' IRS accounts. Those needing help with tax 
law, refunds or other account-related issues, should visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/telephone-assistance">Let Us Help You</a> page on IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — In an effort to provide American taxpayers with the 
service they deserve, the Internal Revenue Service announced today the 
latest expansion of its multilingual products, Braille, text, audio and 
large print products are now available in Spanish.The agency's Alternative Media Center (AMC) is converting IRS Form 
1040, its main schedules and six publications in Spanish Braille and 
large print. This announcement highlights the agency's commitment to 
make alternative format documents and multilingual resources available 
to those who need them.The IRS also has a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/languages">Languages</a>
 webpage available in 20 languages to help taxpayers find basic tax 
information, such as how to check a refund status, pay taxes or file a 
federal tax return."It's critical that the IRS provides information to people in 
multiple languages and formats to help them meet their tax 
responsibilities and receive important tax credits," said IRS 
Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "This is another milestone in our ongoing 
efforts to expand our assistance to more people. I'm extremely proud of 
our employees' significant efforts and strong desire to make a huge, 
positive difference in this area during the last several years, which 
has been assisted by our partners in the nation's tax community. We are 
proud to continue focusing on this area."<h2>Additional IRS multilingual resources</h2><ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a> offers eight free electronic tax preparation and filing options in English and two in Spanish. 
	&nbsp;</li><li>The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/telephone-assistance">Let Us Help You</a> page is available in seven languages. 
	&nbsp;</li><li>A <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040sp.pdf">Spanish language version of Form 1040</a>&nbsp;PDF and the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040sp.pdf">related instructions</a>&nbsp;PDF are also available. 
	&nbsp;</li><li>Form 1040 Schedule LEP, in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040lep.pdf">English</a>&nbsp;PDF and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040les.pdf">Spanish</a>&nbsp;PDF, with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040lep.pdf">instructions</a>&nbsp;PDF
 available in English and 20 other languages, can be filed with a tax 
return by those taxpayers who prefer to communicate with the IRS in 
another language. 
	&nbsp;</li><li>The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxpayer-bill-of-rights">Taxpayer Bill of Rights</a>, outlined in Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer, is available in twenty languages. 
	&nbsp;</li><li>Taxpayers can view and download several tax forms and publications, such as <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-17">Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax</a>, in Spanish, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Korean, Russian and Vietnamese.</li>
 </ul><h2>Alternative media resources for blind, sight-impaired individuals</h2>Taxpayers can download forms and instructions from the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/accessible-irs-tax-products">Accessible Forms and Publications</a> page of IRS.gov or request copies by calling 800-TAX-FORM (<a href="tel:800-829-3676">800-829-3676</a>).Tax forms and publications are available in a variety of formats including:<ul>
 <li>Text-only,</li><li>Braille ready files,</li><li>Browser-friendly HTML,</li><li>Accessible PDF and</li><li>Large print.</li>
 </ul><h2>Latest enhancement to IRS accessibility services</h2>Taxpayers can complete <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f9000.pdf">Form 9000, Alternative Media Preference</a>&nbsp;PDF,
 to choose to receive their IRS notice or letter in Braille, large 
print, audio and electronic formats. Taxpayers can include the completed
 form with their tax return, mail it as a standalone form to the IRS or 
call 800-829-1040 to elect their preferred format. Form 9000 is also 
available in Spanish Braille and large print.Taxpayers who have already received a notice or letter in print 
format and prefer Braille, large print, audio or text, and do not have 
an alternative media designation on file at the IRS can choose one of 
the options below to request their preference.<ul>
 <li>Fax their notice with a cover sheet to the AMC 
at 855-473-2006. The cover sheet should include their name, address, 
phone number and the desired format of the document.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Mail their notice or letter with a note stating their preferred format to:

	IRS Alternative Media Center
		400 N. 8th St., Room G39 
		Richmond, VA 23219
		</li><li>IRS Alternative Media Center
		400 N. 8th St., Room G39 
		Richmond, VA 23219
		</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Call the IRS Accessibility Helpline at <a href="tel:833-690-0598">833-690-0598</a> to get help with transcribing the information.</li>
 </ul>Visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/information-about-the-alternative-media-center">Information About the Alternative Media Center</a> page of IRS.gov for details.<h2>How to get answers about IRS accessibility services</h2>If a taxpayer has questions about IRS accessibility services, they can contact the Accessibility Helpline at <a href="tel:833-690-0598">833-690-0598</a>.
 Help for multilingual taxpayers is also available on the helpline 
through the over-the-phone interpreter service. This helpline does not
 have access to taxpayers' IRS accounts. Those needing help with tax 
law, refunds or other account-related issues, should visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/telephone-assistance">Let Us Help You</a> page on IRS.gov.

IRS offers tax aid in multiple languages, Spanish Braille

The Federal Trade Commission today
 took action against online customized merchandise platform CafePress 
over allegations that it failed to secure consumers’ sensitive personal 
data and covered up a major breach. The FTC alleges that CafePress 
failed to implement reasonable security measures to protect sensitive 
information stored on its network, including plain text Social Security 
numbers, inadequately encrypted passwords, and answers to password reset
 questions. The Commission’s proposed order requires the company to 
bolster its data security and requires its former owner to pay a half 
million dollars to compensate small businesses.

“CafePress employed careless security practices and concealed 
multiple breaches from consumers,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the 
FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “These orders dial up 
accountability for lax security practices, requiring redress for small 
businesses that were harmed, and specific controls, like multi-factor 
authentication, to better safeguard personal information.”

In a <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/temporary?file=CafePress-Complaint.pdf">complaint</a>&nbsp;filed
 against Residual Pumpkin Entity, LLC, the former owner of CafePress, 
and PlanetArt, LLC, which bought CafePress in 2020, the FTC alleged that
 CafePress failed to implement reasonable security measures to protect 
the sensitive information of buyers and sellers stored on its network. 
In addition to storing Social Security numbers and password reset 
answers in clear, readable text, CafePress retained the data longer than
 was necessary. The company also failed to apply readily available 
protections against well-known threats and adequately respond to 
security incidents, the complaint alleged. As a result of its shoddy 
security practices, CafePress’ network was breached multiple times.

According to the complaint, a hacker exploited the company’s security
 failures in February 2019 to access millions of email addresses and 
passwords with weak encryption; millions of unencrypted names, physical 
addresses, and security questions and answers; more than 180,000 
unencrypted Social Security numbers; and tens of thousands of partial 
payment card numbers and expiration dates. Some of the information was 
later found for sale on the Dark Web.

After being notified a month later that it had a security 
vulnerability and that hackers had obtained consumer data, CafePress 
patched the vulnerability but failed to properly investigate the breach 
for several months despite additional warnings, the complaint alleged. 
This included a warning in April 2019 from a foreign government, which 
notified the company that a hacker had illegally obtained CafePress 
customer account information and urged the company to notify affected 
customers. The company, however, withheld this essential information, 
and instead only told customers to reset their passwords as part of an 
update to its password policy.

The complaint alleges CafePress did not inform affected customers 
until September 2019—one month after the breach was reported widely. The
 company’s lax security practices, however, still left many consumers at
 risk. For example, the company continued to allow people to reset their
 passwords on the website by answering security questions associated 
with customer email addresses—the same information that had been 
previously stolen by hackers.

According to the complaint, CafePress was aware of problems with its 
data security prior to the 2019 data breach. Through at least January 
2018, when CafePress determined that certain accounts of shopkeepers had
 been hacked, CafePress closed the accounts and charged the victims a 
$25 account closure fee. The company also experienced several malware 
infections to its network prior to the 2019 hack but failed to 
investigate the source of such attacks.

In addition to its security failures, the FTC alleged the company 
misled users by using consumer email addresses for marketing despite its
 promises that such information would only be used to fulfill orders 
consumers had placed.

As part of the proposed settlement, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/Residual%20Pumpkin%20Agreement%20Containing%20Consent%20Order.pdf">Residual Pumpkin </a>and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/temporary?file=PlanetArt%20Agreement%20to%20Containing%20Consent%20Order.pdf">PlanetArt</a>
 will be required to implement comprehensive information security 
programs that will address the problems that led to the data breaches at
 CafePress. This includes replacing inadequate authentication measures 
such as security questions with multi-factor authentication methods; 
minimizing the amount of data they collect and retain; and encrypting 
Social Security numbers.

In addition, the proposed settlement requires Residual Pumpkin to pay
 $500,000 in redress to victims of the data breaches. PlanetArt will be 
required to notify consumers whose personal information was accessed as a
 result of CafePress’s data breaches and provide specific information 
about how consumers can protect themselves. Both companies will be 
required to have a third party assess their information security 
programs and provide the Commission with a redacted copy of that 
assessment suitable for public disclosure.

The Commission voted 4-0 to issue the proposed administrative complaint and to accept the consent agreement with the companies.

The FTC will publish a description of the consent agreement package 
in the Federal Register soon. The agreement will be subject to public 
comment for 30&nbsp;days after publication in the Federal Register after 
which the Commission will decide whether to make the proposed consent 
order final. Instructions for filing comments will appear in the 
published notice. Once processed, comments will be posted on 
Regulations.gov.

NOTE: The Commission issues an administrative 
complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the law has been or is 
being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in
 the public interest. When the Commission issues a consent order on a 
final basis, it carries the force of law with respect to future actions.
 Each violation of such an order may result in a civil penalty of up to 
$46,517.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe Federal Trade Commission today
 took action against online customized merchandise platform CafePress 
over allegations that it failed to secure consumers’ sensitive personal 
data and covered up a major breach. The FTC alleges that CafePress 
failed to implement reasonable security measures to protect sensitive 
information stored on its network, including plain text Social Security 
numbers, inadequately encrypted passwords, and answers to password reset
 questions. The Commission’s proposed order requires the company to 
bolster its data security and requires its former owner to pay a half 
million dollars to compensate small businesses.“CafePress employed careless security practices and concealed 
multiple breaches from consumers,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the 
FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “These orders dial up 
accountability for lax security practices, requiring redress for small 
businesses that were harmed, and specific controls, like multi-factor 
authentication, to better safeguard personal information.”In a <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/temporary?file=CafePress-Complaint.pdf">complaint</a>&nbsp;filed
 against Residual Pumpkin Entity, LLC, the former owner of CafePress, 
and PlanetArt, LLC, which bought CafePress in 2020, the FTC alleged that
 CafePress failed to implement reasonable security measures to protect 
the sensitive information of buyers and sellers stored on its network. 
In addition to storing Social Security numbers and password reset 
answers in clear, readable text, CafePress retained the data longer than
 was necessary. The company also failed to apply readily available 
protections against well-known threats and adequately respond to 
security incidents, the complaint alleged. As a result of its shoddy 
security practices, CafePress’ network was breached multiple times.According to the complaint, a hacker exploited the company’s security
 failures in February 2019 to access millions of email addresses and 
passwords with weak encryption; millions of unencrypted names, physical 
addresses, and security questions and answers; more than 180,000 
unencrypted Social Security numbers; and tens of thousands of partial 
payment card numbers and expiration dates. Some of the information was 
later found for sale on the Dark Web.After being notified a month later that it had a security 
vulnerability and that hackers had obtained consumer data, CafePress 
patched the vulnerability but failed to properly investigate the breach 
for several months despite additional warnings, the complaint alleged. 
This included a warning in April 2019 from a foreign government, which 
notified the company that a hacker had illegally obtained CafePress 
customer account information and urged the company to notify affected 
customers. The company, however, withheld this essential information, 
and instead only told customers to reset their passwords as part of an 
update to its password policy.The complaint alleges CafePress did not inform affected customers 
until September 2019—one month after the breach was reported widely. The
 company’s lax security practices, however, still left many consumers at
 risk. For example, the company continued to allow people to reset their
 passwords on the website by answering security questions associated 
with customer email addresses—the same information that had been 
previously stolen by hackers.According to the complaint, CafePress was aware of problems with its 
data security prior to the 2019 data breach. Through at least January 
2018, when CafePress determined that certain accounts of shopkeepers had
 been hacked, CafePress closed the accounts and charged the victims a 
$25 account closure fee. The company also experienced several malware 
infections to its network prior to the 2019 hack but failed to 
investigate the source of such attacks.In addition to its security failures, the FTC alleged the company 
misled users by using consumer email addresses for marketing despite its
 promises that such information would only be used to fulfill orders 
consumers had placed.As part of the proposed settlement, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/Residual%20Pumpkin%20Agreement%20Containing%20Consent%20Order.pdf">Residual Pumpkin </a>and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/temporary?file=PlanetArt%20Agreement%20to%20Containing%20Consent%20Order.pdf">PlanetArt</a>
 will be required to implement comprehensive information security 
programs that will address the problems that led to the data breaches at
 CafePress. This includes replacing inadequate authentication measures 
such as security questions with multi-factor authentication methods; 
minimizing the amount of data they collect and retain; and encrypting 
Social Security numbers.In addition, the proposed settlement requires Residual Pumpkin to pay
 $500,000 in redress to victims of the data breaches. PlanetArt will be 
required to notify consumers whose personal information was accessed as a
 result of CafePress’s data breaches and provide specific information 
about how consumers can protect themselves. Both companies will be 
required to have a third party assess their information security 
programs and provide the Commission with a redacted copy of that 
assessment suitable for public disclosure.The Commission voted 4-0 to issue the proposed administrative complaint and to accept the consent agreement with the companies.The FTC will publish a description of the consent agreement package 
in the Federal Register soon. The agreement will be subject to public 
comment for 30&nbsp;days after publication in the Federal Register after 
which the Commission will decide whether to make the proposed consent 
order final. Instructions for filing comments will appear in the 
published notice. Once processed, comments will be posted on 
Regulations.gov.NOTE: The Commission issues an administrative 
complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the law has been or is 
being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in
 the public interest. When the Commission issues a consent order on a 
final basis, it carries the force of law with respect to future actions.
 Each violation of such an order may result in a civil penalty of up to 
$46,517.

FTC takes action against CafePress for alleged data breach coverup

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have made two arrests.

Just before 7a.m. Sunday, police&nbsp;responded the 1600 block of SW 37th Terrace on the report of a possible robbery that occurred at a different location earlier in the day, according to Lt. John Trimble.

Officers arrived on scene and were able to determine the robbery took place in the 3800 block of SW Topeka Blvd. Officers responded to that location where they were able to locate a crime scene and suspects involved.

Police brought those suspects to the Law Enforcement Center for interviews and arrested&nbsp;29-year-old Taurean Ross on requested charges of&nbsp; Aggravated Robbery, Possession of Methamphetamine,&nbsp;Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. They also arrested 37-year-old Christina Wallace on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery and Promoting the Sale of Sexual Relations, according to Lt. Trimble.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647271920834.png" alt="Ross-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Ross-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have made two arrests.Just before 7a.m. Sunday, police&nbsp;responded the 1600 block of SW 37th Terrace on the report of a possible robbery that occurred at a different location earlier in the day, according to Lt. John Trimble.Officers arrived on scene and were able to determine the robbery took place in the 3800 block of SW Topeka Blvd. Officers responded to that location where they were able to locate a crime scene and suspects involved.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647272244514.png" alt="Wallace-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Wallace-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police brought those suspects to the Law Enforcement Center for interviews and arrested&nbsp;29-year-old Taurean Ross on requested charges of&nbsp; Aggravated Robbery, Possession of Methamphetamine,&nbsp;Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. They also arrested 37-year-old Christina Wallace on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery and Promoting the Sale of Sexual Relations, according to Lt. Trimble.

Suspects jailed for robbery, promoting prostitution in Kansas

RUSSELL COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a bomb threat in Russell.

Just after 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Russell County Dispatch received a phone call from a male subject claiming to be in the bathroom at the Russell McDonald’s, 1435 S. Fossil, with a bomb and a gun, according to a media release from Russell Police.

He stated he was going to “blow the place up.”

Russell Police Department officers and Russell County Sheriff’s deputies responded and a quick visual inspection of the immediate area around and inside the McDonald’s, while simultaneously evacuating staff and patrons.

The immediate area around McDonald’s was cordoned off and secured.

RUSSELL COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a bomb threat in Russell.Just after 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Russell County Dispatch received a phone call from a male subject claiming to be in the bathroom at the Russell McDonald’s, 1435 S. Fossil, with a bomb and a gun, according to a media release from Russell Police.He stated he was going to “blow the place up.”Russell Police Department officers and Russell County Sheriff’s deputies responded and a quick visual inspection of the immediate area around and inside the McDonald’s, while simultaneously evacuating staff and patrons.The immediate area around McDonald’s was cordoned off and secured.Assistance was requested from the Kansas Highway Patrol and Russell County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Group.Russell County EMS and the City of Russell Fire Department were also placed on standby. Around 6:24 p.m., a team from the SOG deployed in the McDonald’s parking lot and began to visually inspect the exterior of the building.The team then deployed a robot inside McDonald’s to clear the interior of the building, revealing nothing suspicious.After the robot was brought back outside, an entry team deployed into the restaurant for a more thorough search. The search revealed no persons or suspicious devices. K9 units from the Kansas Highway Patrol did a final search of the building, revealing nothing suspicious.At this time the investigation is continuing, however police believe this may be a “swatting” call.A “swatting” call is a prank phone call placed to a dispatch center to elicit a SWAT team or heavy police response.If you have further information regarding this call, contact the Russell Police Department and ask to speak with Officer Scott McAdoo.