SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating theft in Salina and asking the public for help with information.

On Thursday, police received a report of a burglary at 300 E. Ash Street, the former Western Star Mill grain elevator, according to a media release.

The victim reported suspects entered the building and took a substantial amount of copper wiring with an estimated value of more than $30,000.

If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS. You can also make an online tip at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</a>. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, or Det. Constantino, case 2022-16434.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654863203417.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy CrimeStoppers" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CrimeStoppers</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating theft in Salina and asking the public for help with information.On Thursday, police received a report of a burglary at 300 E. Ash Street, the former Western Star Mill grain elevator, according to a media release.The victim reported suspects entered the building and took a substantial amount of copper wiring with an estimated value of more than $30,000.If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS. You can also make an online tip at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</a>. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, or Det. Constantino, case 2022-16434.

$30K in copper wiring stolen from Kansas grain elevator

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a violent incident involving a handgun.

Just after 3p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to the 600 block of Labrador Boulevard in Garden City for a battery-in-progress, according to a media release.

The investigation revealed that an argument ensued between 25-year-old Abdiweli Aden of Garden City,&nbsp; and several family members.

The family members reported Aden was being disorderly and made threats toward them. Before Officers arrived, Aden retrieved a handgun and ran to a family member’s vehicle, and the family member followed Aden. Aden allegedly pointed the handgun at the family member and directed them to drive away or he would shoot them. 

Officers located the vehicle in the 2900 block of Belmont Drive with Aden and the family member inside. Aden was still in possession of the handgun and was uncooperative with Officers. 

After a short time, Aden surrendered to police and was taken into custody without further incident. The family member’s 2-year-old child was also inside the vehicle during the incident.

Aden is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Criminal Threat and Domestic Battery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654803645620.png" alt="Aden-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Aden-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a violent incident involving a handgun.Just after 3p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to the 600 block of Labrador Boulevard in Garden City for a battery-in-progress, according to a media release.The investigation revealed that an argument ensued between 25-year-old Abdiweli Aden of Garden City,&nbsp; and several family members.The family members reported Aden was being disorderly and made threats toward them. Before Officers arrived, Aden retrieved a handgun and ran to a family member’s vehicle, and the family member followed Aden. Aden allegedly pointed the handgun at the family member and directed them to drive away or he would shoot them. Officers located the vehicle in the 2900 block of Belmont Drive with Aden and the family member inside. Aden was still in possession of the handgun and was uncooperative with Officers. After a short time, Aden surrendered to police and was taken into custody without further incident. The family member’s 2-year-old child was also inside the vehicle during the incident.Aden is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Criminal Threat and Domestic Battery.

Police: SW Kan. man threatened family members with a gun

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-delegation-to-u-s-house-united-behind-covid-19-anti-fraud-legislation/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas delegation in
 the U.S. House voted for bipartisan bills extending the statute of 
limitations to 10 years for prosecution of fraud in a pair of COVID-19 
relief programs providing business loans.

Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids and Republican Reps. Ron Estes, Jake 
LaTurner and Tracey Mann voted Wednesday for legislation designed to 
give law enforcement more time to investigate illegal activity in the 
Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan 
program.

“We need to hold fraudsters accountable for taking advantage of the 
pandemic for personal gain,” Davids said. “These bipartisan bills will 
provide federal, state and local law enforcement agencies with ample 
time to identify and prosecute fraud. We can’t let up on our oversight 
of taxpayer dollars and I’ll continue to target waste and abuse in the 
system where possible.”

Davids, a member of the House Small Business Committee, said the 
legislation forwarded to the U.S. Senate was important given the scope 
of estimated fraud. Nearly $1 million in Economic Injury Disaster Loan 
payments were claimed in the name of Johnson County residents in 2021 
through identity theft, Davids said.

The EIDL measure would establish the 10-year statute of limitations 
for criminal charges and civil enforcement of fraud involving the 
disaster loans and advances.

Under the PPP legislation, the statute of limitations for individuals
 engaged in fraud also was set at 10 years. The U.S. Small Business 
Administration’s office of inspector general identified 70,000 PPP loans
 nationwide valued at $4.6 billion that were potentially fraudulent.

Banks and financial technology companies with lending partners were 
allowed by Congress to process PPP loans. The U.S. Department of Justice
 said financial technology companies were involved in 15% of PPP loans, 
but handled an estimated three-fourths of loans connected to fraud.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654793657814.png" alt="U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kan., and three Kansas Republicans in the U.S. House voted to create a 10-year statute of limitations on prosecuting fraud in two COVID-19 business relief programs. (Submitted/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kan., and three Kansas Republicans in the U.S. House voted to create a 10-year statute of limitations on prosecuting fraud in two COVID-19 business relief programs. (Submitted/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-delegation-to-u-s-house-united-behind-covid-19-anti-fraud-legislation/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas delegation in
 the U.S. House voted for bipartisan bills extending the statute of 
limitations to 10 years for prosecution of fraud in a pair of COVID-19 
relief programs providing business loans.Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids and Republican Reps. Ron Estes, Jake 
LaTurner and Tracey Mann voted Wednesday for legislation designed to 
give law enforcement more time to investigate illegal activity in the 
Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan 
program.“We need to hold fraudsters accountable for taking advantage of the 
pandemic for personal gain,” Davids said. “These bipartisan bills will 
provide federal, state and local law enforcement agencies with ample 
time to identify and prosecute fraud. We can’t let up on our oversight 
of taxpayer dollars and I’ll continue to target waste and abuse in the 
system where possible.”Davids, a member of the House Small Business Committee, said the 
legislation forwarded to the U.S. Senate was important given the scope 
of estimated fraud. Nearly $1 million in Economic Injury Disaster Loan 
payments were claimed in the name of Johnson County residents in 2021 
through identity theft, Davids said.The EIDL measure would establish the 10-year statute of limitations 
for criminal charges and civil enforcement of fraud involving the 
disaster loans and advances.Under the PPP legislation, the statute of limitations for individuals
 engaged in fraud also was set at 10 years. The U.S. Small Business 
Administration’s office of inspector general identified 70,000 PPP loans
 nationwide valued at $4.6 billion that were potentially fraudulent.Banks and financial technology companies with lending partners were 
allowed by Congress to process PPP loans. The U.S. Department of Justice
 said financial technology companies were involved in 15% of PPP loans, 
but handled an estimated three-fourths of loans connected to fraud.

Kan. House delegation united behind COVID anti-fraud legislation

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting death in Texas have a suspect in custody in Kansas.

Just after 5:30p.m. Thursday, authorities booked 55-year-old Vernon Dixon into the <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20076047">Sedgwick County jail, according </a>to online jail records. He is listed as a fugitive from justice.

On March 31, a man was at an apartment complex&nbsp; in San Antonio, Texas with his girlfriend, the suspect identified as Dixon and the suspect’s family, a<a href="https://www.sacrimestoppers.com/index.php/component/comprofiler/userprofile/vernon-d?Itemid=220">ccording to Crime Stopper</a>s.

There was an argument between the victim’s girlfriend and two of Dixon's daughters. The argument led to the two suspect’s daughters assaulting the victim’s girlfriend. The victim and the Dixon intervened to separate the women.&nbsp;

Dixon&nbsp; was going to give the victim and his girlfriend a ride home when he shot the the man.

 Dixon fled the location with a family member.&nbsp; The victim ran after being shot and collapsed nearby. EMS transported him to a local hospital, where he died.

Authorities have not released the circumstances of Dixon's arrest.&nbsp;

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654856508771.png" alt="Dixon photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Dixon photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting death in Texas have a suspect in custody in Kansas.Just after 5:30p.m. Thursday, authorities booked 55-year-old Vernon Dixon into the <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20076047">Sedgwick County jail, according </a>to online jail records. He is listed as a fugitive from justice.On March 31, a man was at an apartment complex&nbsp; in San Antonio, Texas with his girlfriend, the suspect identified as Dixon and the suspect’s family, a<a href="https://www.sacrimestoppers.com/index.php/component/comprofiler/userprofile/vernon-d?Itemid=220">ccording to Crime Stopper</a>s.There was an argument between the victim’s girlfriend and two of Dixon's daughters. The argument led to the two suspect’s daughters assaulting the victim’s girlfriend. The victim and the Dixon intervened to separate the women.&nbsp;Dixon&nbsp; was going to give the victim and his girlfriend a ride home when he shot the the man. Dixon fled the location with a family member.&nbsp; The victim ran after being shot and collapsed nearby. EMS transported him to a local hospital, where he died.Authorities have not released the circumstances of Dixon's arrest.&nbsp;Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Suspect in Texas killing jailed in Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal rollover accident have identified the victim as 11-year-old Bella Conway, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.

Just before 7:30p.m. Wednesday, a Jeep Wrangler driven by Caleb Conway, 40, Topeka, was northbound in the&nbsp;3900 block of NW Carlson Road, according to Christian.

The jeep&nbsp; left the roadway, struck a culvert and rolled. First responders performed lifesaving procedures on scene. The back seat passenger, Bella Conway,&nbsp; was pronounced deceased. The&nbsp; driver refused medical treatment.&nbsp;

The sheriff's office released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654769757512.png" alt="First responders at the scene -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal rollover accident have identified the victim as 11-year-old Bella Conway, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.Just before 7:30p.m. Wednesday, a Jeep Wrangler driven by Caleb Conway, 40, Topeka, was northbound in the&nbsp;3900 block of NW Carlson Road, according to Christian.The jeep&nbsp; left the roadway, struck a culvert and rolled. First responders performed lifesaving procedures on scene. The back seat passenger, Bella Conway,&nbsp; was pronounced deceased. The&nbsp; driver refused medical treatment.&nbsp;The sheriff's office released no additional details.

Sheriff: Child who died in Kan. rollover crash was 11-year-old girl

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced an increase
 in the optional standard mileage rate for the final 6 months of 2022. 
Taxpayers may use the optional standard mileage rates to calculate the 
deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and certain 
other purposes.

For the final 6 months of 2022, the standard mileage rate for 
business travel will be 62.5 cents per mile, up 4 cents from the rate 
effective at the start of the year. The new rate for deductible medical 
or moving expenses (available for active-duty members of the military) 
will be 22 cents for the remainder of 2022, up 4 cents from the rate 
effective at the start of 2022. These new rates become effective July 1,
 2022. The IRS provided legal guidance on the new rates in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/a-22-13.pdf">Announcement 2022-13</a>PDF, issued today.

In recognition of recent gasoline price increases, the IRS made this 
special adjustment for the final months of 2022. The IRS normally 
updates the mileage rates once a year in the fall for the next calendar 
year. For travel from Jan. 1 through June 30, 2022, taxpayers should use
 the rates set forth in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-22-03.pdf">Notice 2022-03</a>PDF.

"The IRS is adjusting the standard mileage rates to better reflect the recent increase in fuel prices,"&nbsp; 
said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "We are aware a number of unusual 
factors have come into play involving fuel costs, and we are taking this
 special step to help taxpayers, businesses and others who use this 
rate.”&nbsp;

While fuel costs are a significant factor in the mileage figure, 
other items enter into the calculation of mileage rates, such as 
depreciation and insurance and other fixed and variable costs.&nbsp;

The optional business standard mileage rate is used to compute the 
deductible costs of operating an automobile for business use in lieu of 
tracking actual costs. This rate is also used as a benchmark by the 
federal government and many businesses to reimburse their employees for 
mileage.&nbsp;

Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of 
using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.

The 14 cents per mile rate for charitable organizations remains unchanged as it is set by statute.

Midyear increases in the optional mileage rates are rare, the last time the IRS made such an increase was in 2011.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced an increase
 in the optional standard mileage rate for the final 6 months of 2022. 
Taxpayers may use the optional standard mileage rates to calculate the 
deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and certain 
other purposes.For the final 6 months of 2022, the standard mileage rate for 
business travel will be 62.5 cents per mile, up 4 cents from the rate 
effective at the start of the year. The new rate for deductible medical 
or moving expenses (available for active-duty members of the military) 
will be 22 cents for the remainder of 2022, up 4 cents from the rate 
effective at the start of 2022. These new rates become effective July 1,
 2022. The IRS provided legal guidance on the new rates in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/a-22-13.pdf">Announcement 2022-13</a>PDF, issued today.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654868641757.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In recognition of recent gasoline price increases, the IRS made this 
special adjustment for the final months of 2022. The IRS normally 
updates the mileage rates once a year in the fall for the next calendar 
year. For travel from Jan. 1 through June 30, 2022, taxpayers should use
 the rates set forth in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-22-03.pdf">Notice 2022-03</a>PDF."The IRS is adjusting the standard mileage rates to better reflect the recent increase in fuel prices,"&nbsp; 
said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "We are aware a number of unusual 
factors have come into play involving fuel costs, and we are taking this
 special step to help taxpayers, businesses and others who use this 
rate.”&nbsp;While fuel costs are a significant factor in the mileage figure, 
other items enter into the calculation of mileage rates, such as 
depreciation and insurance and other fixed and variable costs.&nbsp;The optional business standard mileage rate is used to compute the 
deductible costs of operating an automobile for business use in lieu of 
tracking actual costs. This rate is also used as a benchmark by the 
federal government and many businesses to reimburse their employees for 
mileage.&nbsp;Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of 
using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.The 14 cents per mile rate for charitable organizations remains unchanged as it is set by statute.Midyear increases in the optional mileage rates are rare, the last time the IRS made such an increase was in 2011.

IRS raises mileage rates as gas prices increase

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Geico could be required to pay a Missouri woman $5.2 million because she said she contracted a sexually transmitted disease while having sex in the car of a man who is insured by the company.

A three-judge panel of the Missouri Court of Appeals on Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=187183">upheld</a>&nbsp;a Jackson County Court's decision affirming an arbitrator's finding that the woman was entitled to the award.

However, Maryland-based Geico has filed a federal lawsuit arguing the woman's claim is not covered by the man's insurance policy. The company said in an email Thursday that lawsuit will determine whether “there is coverage in this matter.”

According to court documents, the woman, identified as M.O., and a man, who were in a relationship, had sex in the man's car. She contends she contracted HPV, human papillomavirus, because the man did not tell her he had the disease. HPV can cause cervical cancer, certain other cancers and genital warts.

In February 2021, M.O. notified Geico she planned to seek a $1 million insurance settlement against the man. She argued the man’s auto insurance provided coverage for her injuries and losses.

The insurance company refused the settlement offer, saying the woman's claim did not occur because of normal use of the vehicle, according to court documents.

An arbitrator eventually determined she should be awarded $5.2 million for damages and her injuries. She then filed a motion in Jackson County Court seeking to confirm the award.

Geico claimed it did not know the man and woman had entered into arbitration and, when it found out, it sought to intervene in the court case. The company argued the arbitration award was reached through collusion and fraud, violated its rights to due process and was unenforceable.

The lower court rejected Geico's requests and confirmed the award, prompting the insurance company's appeal because it said it did not have a “meaningful opportunity” to defend its interests, according to court documents.

The appeals court found that Geico did not have the right to “re-litigate” the issues after the award had been affirmed.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Geico could be required to pay a Missouri woman $5.2 million because she said she contracted a sexually transmitted disease while having sex in the car of a man who is insured by the company.A three-judge panel of the Missouri Court of Appeals on Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=187183">upheld</a>&nbsp;a Jackson County Court's decision affirming an arbitrator's finding that the woman was entitled to the award.However, Maryland-based Geico has filed a federal lawsuit arguing the woman's claim is not covered by the man's insurance policy. The company said in an email Thursday that lawsuit will determine whether “there is coverage in this matter.”According to court documents, the woman, identified as M.O., and a man, who were in a relationship, had sex in the man's car. She contends she contracted HPV, human papillomavirus, because the man did not tell her he had the disease. HPV can cause cervical cancer, certain other cancers and genital warts.In February 2021, M.O. notified Geico she planned to seek a $1 million insurance settlement against the man. She argued the man’s auto insurance provided coverage for her injuries and losses.The insurance company refused the settlement offer, saying the woman's claim did not occur because of normal use of the vehicle, according to court documents.An arbitrator eventually determined she should be awarded $5.2 million for damages and her injuries. She then filed a motion in Jackson County Court seeking to confirm the award.Geico claimed it did not know the man and woman had entered into arbitration and, when it found out, it sought to intervene in the court case. The company argued the arbitration award was reached through collusion and fraud, violated its rights to due process and was unenforceable.The lower court rejected Geico's requests and confirmed the award, prompting the insurance company's appeal because it said it did not have a “meaningful opportunity” to defend its interests, according to court documents.The appeals court found that Geico did not have the right to “re-litigate” the issues after the award had been affirmed.

Geico to pay woman millions after she got STD during sex in car

By impersonating law enforcement, scammers intimidate victims into giving up money or personal information.
 But once a scam becomes widely reported, con artists need to change up 
their tricks. Watch out for this new twist: scammers using 
official-looking credentials to gain trust.

You receive a telephone call, email, text message, or a message on 
social media by someone alleging to be from a law enforcement agency. 
Scammers claim to represent agencies ranging from the local police to 
the Federal Bureau of Investigation to Canada Border Services.

These impostors tell you there is a problem that you need to resolve 
immediately—usually by sending them a fee. In one recent version of this
 scam, the impostor claims to have seized a package with your name on 
it. Now, they need a copy of your driver’s license and money to fix the 
issue. Scammers often threaten fines, arrest, or other penalties in an 
attempt to scare you into immediate action.

Here's the new twist! If you are hesitant, the scammers will offer to text or email doctored credentials to you, to confirm their identity.
 The badge is either stolen or has been edited to include a different 
name. But no matter how convincing the “badge” or the impostor’s story 
may be, always do your research before acting. If you send these 
scammers money, they will disappear, and you won’t be able to get it 
back.

How to avoid law enforcement impersonator scams

Learn more about this scam from the <a href="https://oig.ssa.gov/news-releases/2022-05-20-federal-law-enforcement-agencies-warn-of-impersonation-scam-involving-credentials-and-badges/" target="_blank">Office of the Inspector General</a>. Read more about a similar <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/26149-bbb-scam-alert-government-impostor-scam-gets-a-scary-new-twist" target="_blank">government impostor scam</a> and visit <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/8767-bbb-tips-10-steps-to-avoid-scams" target="_blank">BBB.org/AvoidScams</a> for more ways to avoid getting scammed.

If you spot a law enforcement scam, report it to <a href="https://www.BBB.org/ScamTracker" target="_blank">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>. You can also report your experience to the FBI at <a href="https://www.ic3.gov" target="_blank">IC3.gov.</a>&nbsp;Your report can help others avoid falling victim to similar schemes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBBy impersonating law enforcement, scammers intimidate victims into giving up money or personal information.
 But once a scam becomes widely reported, con artists need to change up 
their tricks. Watch out for this new twist: scammers using 
official-looking credentials to gain trust.<h2>How the scam works</h2>You receive a telephone call, email, text message, or a message on 
social media by someone alleging to be from a law enforcement agency. 
Scammers claim to represent agencies ranging from the local police to 
the Federal Bureau of Investigation to Canada Border Services.These impostors tell you there is a problem that you need to resolve 
immediately—usually by sending them a fee. In one recent version of this
 scam, the impostor claims to have seized a package with your name on 
it. Now, they need a copy of your driver’s license and money to fix the 
issue. Scammers often threaten fines, arrest, or other penalties in an 
attempt to scare you into immediate action.Here's the new twist! If you are hesitant, the scammers will offer to text or email doctored credentials to you, to confirm their identity.
 The badge is either stolen or has been edited to include a different 
name. But no matter how convincing the “badge” or the impostor’s story 
may be, always do your research before acting. If you send these 
scammers money, they will disappear, and you won’t be able to get it 
back.<h2>How to avoid law enforcement impersonator scams</h2><ul>
 <li>Don’t give into pressure. Even if the threats scare
 you, do not take immediate action. Hang up or ignore the message. If 
you think there is a possibility you have been contacted by a real law 
enforcement agent, call the agency directly using a non-emergency number to confirm. </li><li>Never send money to strangers. Scammers will 
probably ask you to wire funds or buy prepaid gift cards to pay the 
required “fines.” Scammers prefer to receive money this way because it 
is hard to trace. Plus, you won’t be able to get your money back. </li><li>Guard your personal information carefully. Don’t 
share information like your address, social security number, or bank 
account information without first making sure you are speaking to a 
legitimate official – even if they already have some of your 
information. </li><li>Don’t answer messages from strangers. Don’t click on links or attachments in messages from strangers. They are probably part of a <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/16758-bbb-tip-phishing-scams" target="_blank">phishing scam</a>. Block unsolicited calls and text messages immediately.</li>
 </ul><h2>For more information</h2>Learn more about this scam from the <a href="https://oig.ssa.gov/news-releases/2022-05-20-federal-law-enforcement-agencies-warn-of-impersonation-scam-involving-credentials-and-badges/" target="_blank">Office of the Inspector General</a>. Read more about a similar <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/26149-bbb-scam-alert-government-impostor-scam-gets-a-scary-new-twist" target="_blank">government impostor scam</a> and visit <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/8767-bbb-tips-10-steps-to-avoid-scams" target="_blank">BBB.org/AvoidScams</a> for more ways to avoid getting scammed.If you spot a law enforcement scam, report it to <a href="https://www.BBB.org/ScamTracker" target="_blank">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>. You can also report your experience to the FBI at <a href="https://www.ic3.gov" target="_blank">IC3.gov.</a>&nbsp;Your report can help others avoid falling victim to similar schemes.

Scam alert: Scary new twist in law enforcement impostor scams

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House panel investigating the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;laid the blame firmly on Donald Trump Thursday night, saying the assault was hardly spontaneous but an “attempted coup” and a direct result of the defeated president’s effort to overturn the 2020 election.

With a never-before-seen 12-minute video of extremist groups leading the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-merrick-garland-government-and-politics-conspiracy-crime-c2e427dc0fa16077d7fb98c06e61149f">deadly siege</a>&nbsp;and startling testimony from Trump’s most inner circle, the 1/6 committee provided gripping detail in contending that Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voter-fraud-election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-7fcb6f134e528fee8237c7601db3328f">repeated lies about election fraud</a>&nbsp;and his public effort to stop Joe Biden’s victory led to the attack and imperiled American democracy

“Democracy remains in danger,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-congress-donald-trump-subpoenas-government-and-politics-af491858a41ce4f42416fe3a7131592e">Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., chairman of the panel,</a>&nbsp;during the hearing, timed for prime time to reach as many Americans as possible.

“Jan. 6 was the culmination of an attempted coup, a brazen attempt, as one rioter put it shortly after Jan. 6, to overthrow the government,” Thompson said. “The violence was no accident.”

The hearings may not change&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-2022-midterm-elections-biden-kevin-mccarthy-government-and-politics-af45ad5031757f9aada9bef9c3a988bc">Americans’ views</a>&nbsp;on the Capitol attack, but the panel’s investigation is intended to stand as its public record. Ahead of this fall’s midterm elections, and with Trump considering another White House run, the committee’s final report aims to account for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-5a1ad57112fde21084f028913b9fdc94">most violent attack on the Capitol</a>&nbsp;since 1814, and to ensure such an attack never happens again.

Testimony showed Thursday how Trump desperately clung to his own false claims of election fraud, beckoning supporters to the Capitol on Jan. 6 when Congress would certify the results, despite those around him insisting Biden had won the election.

In a previously unseen video clip, the panel played a quip from former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/barr-no-widespread-election-fraud-b1f1488796c9a98c4b1a9061a6c7f49d">Attorney General Bill Barr</a>&nbsp;who testified that he told Trump the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/barr-no-widespread-election-fraud-b1f1488796c9a98c4b1a9061a6c7f49d">claims of a rigged election</a>&nbsp;were “bull——.”

In another, the former president’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, testified to the committee that she respected Barr’s view that there was no election fraud. “I accepted what he said.”

Others showed leaders of the extremist Oath Keepers and Proud Boys preparing to storm the Capitol to stand up for Trump. One rioter after another told the committee they came to the Capitol because Trump asked them to.

“President Trump summoned a violent mob,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-capitol-siege-donald-trump-wyoming-presidential-4fd397e5ba68de1924f52c79507eff2f">Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo.,</a>&nbsp;the panel’s vice chair who took the lead for much of the hearing. “When a president fails to take the steps necessary to preserve our union — or worse, causes a constitutional crisis — we’re in a moment of maximum danger for our republic.”

There was an audible gasp in the hearing room when Cheney read an account that said when Trump was told the Capitol mob was chanting for Vice President Mike Pence to be hanged for refusing to block the election results. Trump responded that maybe they were right, that he “deserves it.”

At another point it was disclosed that Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., a leader of efforts to object to the election results, had sought a pardon from Trump, which would protect him from prosecution.

When asked about the White House lawyers threatening to resign over what was happening in the administration, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner scoffed they were “whining.”

Police officers who had fought off the mob consoled one another as they sat in the committee room reliving the violence they faced on Jan. 6. Officer Harry Dunn teared up as bodycam footage showed rioters bludgeoning his colleagues with flagpoles and baseball bats.

In wrenching testimony U.S. Capitol Police officer Caroline Edwards told the panel that she slipped in other people’s blood as rioters pushed past her into the Capitol. She suffered brain injuries in the melee.

“It was carnage. It was chaos,” she said.

The riot left more than 100 police officers injured, many beaten and bloodied, as the crowd of pro-Trump rioters, some armed with pipes, bats and bear spray, charged into the Capitol. At least nine people who were there died during and after the rioting, including a woman who was shot and killed by police.

Biden, in Los Angeles for the Summit of the Americas, said many viewers were “going to be seeing for the first time a lot of the detail that occurred.”

Trump, unapologetic, dismissed the investigation anew — and even declared on social media that Jan. 6 “represented the greatest movement in the history of our country.”

Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee tweeted: “All. Old. News.”

Emotions are still raw at the Capitol, and security was tight. Law enforcement officials are reporting a spike in violent threats against members of Congress.

Against this backdrop, the committee was speaking to a divided America. Most TV networks carried the hearing live, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-bret-baier-martha-maccallum-tucker-carlson-b6d21eed76ed24352b0e6f38f3683524">Fox News Channel did not.</a>

The committee chairman, civil rights leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bennie-thompson">Thompson,</a>&nbsp;opened the hearing with the sweep of American history. saying he heard in those denying the stark reality of Jan. 6 his own experience growing up in a time and place “where people justified the action of slavery, the Ku Klux Klan and lynching.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-capitol-siege-donald-trump-wyoming-presidential-4fd397e5ba68de1924f52c79507eff2f">Republican Rep. Cheney,&nbsp;</a>the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, outlined what the committee has learned about the events leading up to that brisk January day when Trump sent his supporters to Congress to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-capitol-siege-media-e79eb5164613d6718e9f4502eb471f27">“fight like hell”</a>&nbsp;for his presidency.

Among those testifying was documentary maker Nick Quested, who filmed the Proud Boys storming the Capitol — along with a pivotal meeting between the group’s then-chairman Henry “Enrique” Tarrio and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stewart-rhodes-arrested-oath-keepers-jan-6-insurrection-70019e1007132e8df786aaf77215a110">another extremist group, the Oath Keepers</a>, the night before in nearby parking garage. Quested said the Proud Boys later went to get tacos.

Court documents show that members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers were discussing as early as November a need to fight to keep Trump in office. Leaders both groups and some members&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stewart-rhodes-arrested-oath-keepers-jan-6-insurrection-70019e1007132e8df786aaf77215a110">have since been indicted</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stewart-rhodes-arrested-oath-keepers-jan-6-insurrection-70019e1007132e8df786aaf77215a110">rare sedition charges</a>&nbsp;over the military-style attack.

In the weeks ahead, the panel is expected to detail Trump’s public campaign to “Stop the Steal” and the private pressure he put on the Justice Department to reverse his election loss — despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-courts-election-results-e1297d874f45d2b14bc99c403abd0457">dozens of failed court cases</a>&nbsp;attesting there was no fraud on a scale that could have tipped the results in his favor.

The panel faced obstacles from its start. Republicans blocked the formation of an independent body that could have investigated the Jan. 6 assault the way the 9/11 Commission probed the 2001 terror attack.

Instead, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-riots-capitol-siege-government-and-politics-3443b4d60621679dd5b42b3d3502d59d">ushered the creation of the 1/6 panel through</a>&nbsp;Congress and rejected Republican-appointed lawmakers who had voted on Jan. 6 against certifying the election results, eventually naming seven Democrats and two Republicans.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-covid-health-kevin-mccarthy-donald-trump-d60b2af63d5023584cc06b86b3b54e54">House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy,</a>&nbsp;who has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-elections-donald-trump-kevin-mccarthy-congress-891eabe5ef653e7bb3983f8e3fa96a67">caught up in the probe and has defied the committee’s subpoena</a>&nbsp;for an interview, called the panel a “scam.”

In the audience were several lawmakers who were trapped together in the House gallery during the attack.

“We want to remind people, we were there, we saw what happened,” said Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn. ”We know how close we came to the first non-peaceful transition of power in this country.”

The Justice Department has arrested and charged more than 800 people for the violence that day,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-merrick-garland-donald-trump-f70143880cb9be8a0610edcad1ed18e8">the biggest dragnet in its history</a>.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection is set to unveil as-yet-unreleased video, audio and a “mountain of evidence” in its prime-time hearing.

<a href="https://january6th.house.gov/news/watch-live">Click here to&nbsp;</a>watch the hearing&nbsp; 7p.m. CDT

 Thursday's session will also show the chilling backstory as defeated President Donald Trump tried to overturn Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. 

The panel will warn that the deadly siege put U.S. democracy at risk. Live testimony is expected from a police officer who was pummeled in the riot and from a documentary filmmaker who recorded the melee. 

There will also be recorded accounts of Trump’s aides and family members. The yearlong investigation is intended to stand as a public record for history.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654827329216.jpeg" alt="In Thursday's prime-time hearing, lawmakers said the siege was no accident but an “attempted coup."" />
 <figcaption>In Thursday's prime-time hearing, lawmakers said the siege was no accident but an “attempted coup."</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House panel investigating the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;laid the blame firmly on Donald Trump Thursday night, saying the assault was hardly spontaneous but an “attempted coup” and a direct result of the defeated president’s effort to overturn the 2020 election.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hZ0yNe3cFx4?start=858" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>With a never-before-seen 12-minute video of extremist groups leading the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-merrick-garland-government-and-politics-conspiracy-crime-c2e427dc0fa16077d7fb98c06e61149f">deadly siege</a>&nbsp;and startling testimony from Trump’s most inner circle, the 1/6 committee provided gripping detail in contending that Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voter-fraud-election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-7fcb6f134e528fee8237c7601db3328f">repeated lies about election fraud</a>&nbsp;and his public effort to stop Joe Biden’s victory led to the attack and imperiled American democracy“Democracy remains in danger,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-congress-donald-trump-subpoenas-government-and-politics-af491858a41ce4f42416fe3a7131592e">Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., chairman of the panel,</a>&nbsp;during the hearing, timed for prime time to reach as many Americans as possible.“Jan. 6 was the culmination of an attempted coup, a brazen attempt, as one rioter put it shortly after Jan. 6, to overthrow the government,” Thompson said. “The violence was no accident.”The hearings may not change&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-2022-midterm-elections-biden-kevin-mccarthy-government-and-politics-af45ad5031757f9aada9bef9c3a988bc">Americans’ views</a>&nbsp;on the Capitol attack, but the panel’s investigation is intended to stand as its public record. Ahead of this fall’s midterm elections, and with Trump considering another White House run, the committee’s final report aims to account for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-5a1ad57112fde21084f028913b9fdc94">most violent attack on the Capitol</a>&nbsp;since 1814, and to ensure such an attack never happens again.Testimony showed Thursday how Trump desperately clung to his own false claims of election fraud, beckoning supporters to the Capitol on Jan. 6 when Congress would certify the results, despite those around him insisting Biden had won the election.In a previously unseen video clip, the panel played a quip from former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/barr-no-widespread-election-fraud-b1f1488796c9a98c4b1a9061a6c7f49d">Attorney General Bill Barr</a>&nbsp;who testified that he told Trump the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/barr-no-widespread-election-fraud-b1f1488796c9a98c4b1a9061a6c7f49d">claims of a rigged election</a>&nbsp;were “bull——.”In another, the former president’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, testified to the committee that she respected Barr’s view that there was no election fraud. “I accepted what he said.”Others showed leaders of the extremist Oath Keepers and Proud Boys preparing to storm the Capitol to stand up for Trump. One rioter after another told the committee they came to the Capitol because Trump asked them to.“President Trump summoned a violent mob,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-capitol-siege-donald-trump-wyoming-presidential-4fd397e5ba68de1924f52c79507eff2f">Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo.,</a>&nbsp;the panel’s vice chair who took the lead for much of the hearing. “When a president fails to take the steps necessary to preserve our union — or worse, causes a constitutional crisis — we’re in a moment of maximum danger for our republic.”There was an audible gasp in the hearing room when Cheney read an account that said when Trump was told the Capitol mob was chanting for Vice President Mike Pence to be hanged for refusing to block the election results. Trump responded that maybe they were right, that he “deserves it.”At another point it was disclosed that Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., a leader of efforts to object to the election results, had sought a pardon from Trump, which would protect him from prosecution.When asked about the White House lawyers threatening to resign over what was happening in the administration, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner scoffed they were “whining.”Police officers who had fought off the mob consoled one another as they sat in the committee room reliving the violence they faced on Jan. 6. Officer Harry Dunn teared up as bodycam footage showed rioters bludgeoning his colleagues with flagpoles and baseball bats.In wrenching testimony U.S. Capitol Police officer Caroline Edwards told the panel that she slipped in other people’s blood as rioters pushed past her into the Capitol. She suffered brain injuries in the melee.“It was carnage. It was chaos,” she said.The riot left more than 100 police officers injured, many beaten and bloodied, as the crowd of pro-Trump rioters, some armed with pipes, bats and bear spray, charged into the Capitol. At least nine people who were there died during and after the rioting, including a woman who was shot and killed by police.Biden, in Los Angeles for the Summit of the Americas, said many viewers were “going to be seeing for the first time a lot of the detail that occurred.”Trump, unapologetic, dismissed the investigation anew — and even declared on social media that Jan. 6 “represented the greatest movement in the history of our country.”Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee tweeted: “All. Old. News.”Emotions are still raw at the Capitol, and security was tight. Law enforcement officials are reporting a spike in violent threats against members of Congress.Against this backdrop, the committee was speaking to a divided America. Most TV networks carried the hearing live, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-bret-baier-martha-maccallum-tucker-carlson-b6d21eed76ed24352b0e6f38f3683524">Fox News Channel did not.</a>The committee chairman, civil rights leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bennie-thompson">Thompson,</a>&nbsp;opened the hearing with the sweep of American history. saying he heard in those denying the stark reality of Jan. 6 his own experience growing up in a time and place “where people justified the action of slavery, the Ku Klux Klan and lynching.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-capitol-siege-donald-trump-wyoming-presidential-4fd397e5ba68de1924f52c79507eff2f">Republican Rep. Cheney,&nbsp;</a>the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, outlined what the committee has learned about the events leading up to that brisk January day when Trump sent his supporters to Congress to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-capitol-siege-media-e79eb5164613d6718e9f4502eb471f27">“fight like hell”</a>&nbsp;for his presidency.Among those testifying was documentary maker Nick Quested, who filmed the Proud Boys storming the Capitol — along with a pivotal meeting between the group’s then-chairman Henry “Enrique” Tarrio and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stewart-rhodes-arrested-oath-keepers-jan-6-insurrection-70019e1007132e8df786aaf77215a110">another extremist group, the Oath Keepers</a>, the night before in nearby parking garage. Quested said the Proud Boys later went to get tacos.Court documents show that members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers were discussing as early as November a need to fight to keep Trump in office. Leaders both groups and some members&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stewart-rhodes-arrested-oath-keepers-jan-6-insurrection-70019e1007132e8df786aaf77215a110">have since been indicted</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stewart-rhodes-arrested-oath-keepers-jan-6-insurrection-70019e1007132e8df786aaf77215a110">rare sedition charges</a>&nbsp;over the military-style attack.In the weeks ahead, the panel is expected to detail Trump’s public campaign to “Stop the Steal” and the private pressure he put on the Justice Department to reverse his election loss — despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-courts-election-results-e1297d874f45d2b14bc99c403abd0457">dozens of failed court cases</a>&nbsp;attesting there was no fraud on a scale that could have tipped the results in his favor.The panel faced obstacles from its start. Republicans blocked the formation of an independent body that could have investigated the Jan. 6 assault the way the 9/11 Commission probed the 2001 terror attack.Instead, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-riots-capitol-siege-government-and-politics-3443b4d60621679dd5b42b3d3502d59d">ushered the creation of the 1/6 panel through</a>&nbsp;Congress and rejected Republican-appointed lawmakers who had voted on Jan. 6 against certifying the election results, eventually naming seven Democrats and two Republicans.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-covid-health-kevin-mccarthy-donald-trump-d60b2af63d5023584cc06b86b3b54e54">House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy,</a>&nbsp;who has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-elections-donald-trump-kevin-mccarthy-congress-891eabe5ef653e7bb3983f8e3fa96a67">caught up in the probe and has defied the committee’s subpoena</a>&nbsp;for an interview, called the panel a “scam.”In the audience were several lawmakers who were trapped together in the House gallery during the attack.“We want to remind people, we were there, we saw what happened,” said Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn. ”We know how close we came to the first non-peaceful transition of power in this country.”The Justice Department has arrested and charged more than 800 people for the violence that day,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-merrick-garland-donald-trump-f70143880cb9be8a0610edcad1ed18e8">the biggest dragnet in its history</a>.----------WASHINGTON (AP) — The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection is set to unveil as-yet-unreleased video, audio and a “mountain of evidence” in its prime-time hearing.<a href="https://january6th.house.gov/news/watch-live">Click here to&nbsp;</a>watch the hearing&nbsp; 7p.m. CDT Thursday's session will also show the chilling backstory as defeated President Donald Trump tried to overturn Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. The panel will warn that the deadly siege put U.S. democracy at risk. Live testimony is expected from a police officer who was pummeled in the riot and from a documentary filmmaker who recorded the melee. There will also be recorded accounts of Trump’s aides and family members. The yearlong investigation is intended to stand as a public record for history.

🎥 Capitol riot panel prime time; blames Trump for 'attempted coup'

EAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A second jury has found a former Kansas police officer not guilty in the 2017 shooting death of a man inside his vehicle while responding to a report of a domestic dispute at a home.

Matthew Harrington was acquitted Wednesday of involuntary manslaughter in the death of 47-year-old Antonio Garcia Jr.,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article262325507.html" target="_blank">the Kansas City Star reported</a>. The decision came after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-crime-police-shootings-kansas-bcd076b4edc2f6245a592961ad4e7d76">mistrial was declared</a>&nbsp;in Harrington’s first trial in April when that jury could not reach a unanimous verdict.

Mike Nichols, an attorney for Harrington, said the jury made the right decision during the second trial. In a text message, Nichols said: “there’s no question that everyone involved wishes that day had turned out differently.”

The shooting occurred when Harrington — then a Leavenworth police officer — responded to a domestic dispute July 11, 2017, involving Garcia. Garcia left the home, but later returned and was sitting in his vehicle when Harrington approached.

Prosecutors said Garcia had a knife but didn’t threaten Harrington, who fired several times into the vehicle after the two men struggled, according to video from Harrington’s body camera.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/8401c4e9803c41b680e67e8d37112b51">Harrington was fired</a>&nbsp;from the department in 2018 after an internal investigation found he had violated policies on use of deadly force. Later that year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/8247e94477014f14be687afb76c6fb84">he was indicted</a>&nbsp;by a grand jury.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1572909716608.png" alt=" Matthew Harrington-photo Leavenworth Co." />
 <figcaption> Matthew Harrington-photo Leavenworth Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>EAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A second jury has found a former Kansas police officer not guilty in the 2017 shooting death of a man inside his vehicle while responding to a report of a domestic dispute at a home.Matthew Harrington was acquitted Wednesday of involuntary manslaughter in the death of 47-year-old Antonio Garcia Jr.,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article262325507.html" target="_blank">the Kansas City Star reported</a>. The decision came after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-crime-police-shootings-kansas-bcd076b4edc2f6245a592961ad4e7d76">mistrial was declared</a>&nbsp;in Harrington’s first trial in April when that jury could not reach a unanimous verdict.Mike Nichols, an attorney for Harrington, said the jury made the right decision during the second trial. In a text message, Nichols said: “there’s no question that everyone involved wishes that day had turned out differently.”The shooting occurred when Harrington — then a Leavenworth police officer — responded to a domestic dispute July 11, 2017, involving Garcia. Garcia left the home, but later returned and was sitting in his vehicle when Harrington approached.Prosecutors said Garcia had a knife but didn’t threaten Harrington, who fired several times into the vehicle after the two men struggled, according to video from Harrington’s body camera.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/8401c4e9803c41b680e67e8d37112b51">Harrington was fired</a>&nbsp;from the department in 2018 after an internal investigation found he had violated policies on use of deadly force. Later that year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/8247e94477014f14be687afb76c6fb84">he was indicted</a>&nbsp;by a grand jury.

2nd jury finds ex-Kan. officer not guilty in fatal shooting

DALLAS (AP) — The average price that Americans pay for gasoline is closing in on $5 a gallon, another drain on the wallets of consumers who are paying more for many other essentials too.

AA said the nationwide average for regular on Thursday was $4.97 a gallon, up a quarter in just the last week and $1.90 more than drivers were paying a year ago.

GasBuddy, a service that helps drivers find deals on gas, said the average surpassed $5 for the first time ever.

Pump prices have been rising steadily for months, shooting past the $4 mark in early March. They track the cost of crude oil, which was rising even before Russia's invasion of Ukraine drove oil even higher.

Fears of short supplies are being compounded by demand, which usually picks up around Memorial Day at the end of May — the unofficial start of summer and vacation trips in the U.S.

California has the highest average price, at $6.40 a gallon, according to AAA. Several other Western states and Illinois are higher than $5.50.

The lowest average is in Georgia, at $4.41.

Quentin McZeal of Oakland, California, said it used to cost him $100 to fill up his tank and now it's more like $140-$160. The prices have forced him to change his behavior and make different choices, like turning down people who ask for rides unless they're willing to kick in for gas.

“It’s a lot of other things I can’t do because I have to pay for gas, you know what I’m saying?” McZeal said. “Less food, less playtime because I got to get gas. I got to go to work, right?”

He blames the government, and the war in Ukraine, for the high gas prices.

While the $5 mark on average is new, Americans paid more for gasoline back in July 2008, when inflation is considered. The high of $4.11 a gallon then would be equal to about $5.40 a gallon today.

Americans aren't the only ones paying more to fill up. This week, gasoline prices in the United Kingdom hit a record 182.3 pence ($2.30) per liter, or about $8.80 per gallon.

Analysts expect prices will keep rising until they get so high that demand falls — nobody knows exactly when or where that might be. In the meantime, any unexpected refinery shutdowns — for example, from a hurricane along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast — could send prices spiraling higher.

“I'm afraid we're not at the end of the road yet," said GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan. “We have very little margin for error this summer. We need every barrel of refining capacity we can get.”

The pandemic led to refinery closures that have caused U.S. refining capacity to drop by about 800,000 barrels a day since the start of 2020, according to government figures. That has put pressure on remaining refiners to run hard to meet rising demand.

Refiners have been reluctant to invest in new facilities because the transition to electric vehicles is casting doubt on long-term demand for gasoline. The owner of one of the nation's largest refineries, in Houston, announced in April that it will close the facility by the end of next year.

Pump prices are surging just as consumers try to cope with inflation in the cost of food, housing, cars, airline tickets and other needs and wants. U.S. consumer prices in April were 8.3% higher than a year ago — only slightly better than March inflation, which was the highest since 1981. May figures are due out Friday.

On both sides of the Atlantic, pressure is growing on governments to do something to help motorists.

In Washington last month, House Democrats voted for a bill to crack down on what they called price gouging by oil companies, but Republican opposition made Senate approval unlikely. This week in the U.K., the president of the motoring association AA said prices are "crippling the lives of those on lower incomes, rural areas and businesses,” and the government must intervene.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637673365192.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DALLAS (AP) — The average price that Americans pay for gasoline is closing in on $5 a gallon, another drain on the wallets of consumers who are paying more for many other essentials too.AA said the nationwide average for regular on Thursday was $4.97 a gallon, up a quarter in just the last week and $1.90 more than drivers were paying a year ago.GasBuddy, a service that helps drivers find deals on gas, said the average surpassed $5 for the first time ever.Pump prices have been rising steadily for months, shooting past the $4 mark in early March. They track the cost of crude oil, which was rising even before Russia's invasion of Ukraine drove oil even higher.Fears of short supplies are being compounded by demand, which usually picks up around Memorial Day at the end of May — the unofficial start of summer and vacation trips in the U.S.California has the highest average price, at $6.40 a gallon, according to AAA. Several other Western states and Illinois are higher than $5.50.The lowest average is in Georgia, at $4.41.Quentin McZeal of Oakland, California, said it used to cost him $100 to fill up his tank and now it's more like $140-$160. The prices have forced him to change his behavior and make different choices, like turning down people who ask for rides unless they're willing to kick in for gas.“It’s a lot of other things I can’t do because I have to pay for gas, you know what I’m saying?” McZeal said. “Less food, less playtime because I got to get gas. I got to go to work, right?”He blames the government, and the war in Ukraine, for the high gas prices.While the $5 mark on average is new, Americans paid more for gasoline back in July 2008, when inflation is considered. The high of $4.11 a gallon then would be equal to about $5.40 a gallon today.Americans aren't the only ones paying more to fill up. This week, gasoline prices in the United Kingdom hit a record 182.3 pence ($2.30) per liter, or about $8.80 per gallon.Analysts expect prices will keep rising until they get so high that demand falls — nobody knows exactly when or where that might be. In the meantime, any unexpected refinery shutdowns — for example, from a hurricane along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast — could send prices spiraling higher.“I'm afraid we're not at the end of the road yet," said GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan. “We have very little margin for error this summer. We need every barrel of refining capacity we can get.”The pandemic led to refinery closures that have caused U.S. refining capacity to drop by about 800,000 barrels a day since the start of 2020, according to government figures. That has put pressure on remaining refiners to run hard to meet rising demand.Refiners have been reluctant to invest in new facilities because the transition to electric vehicles is casting doubt on long-term demand for gasoline. The owner of one of the nation's largest refineries, in Houston, announced in April that it will close the facility by the end of next year.Pump prices are surging just as consumers try to cope with inflation in the cost of food, housing, cars, airline tickets and other needs and wants. U.S. consumer prices in April were 8.3% higher than a year ago — only slightly better than March inflation, which was the highest since 1981. May figures are due out Friday.On both sides of the Atlantic, pressure is growing on governments to do something to help motorists.In Washington last month, House Democrats voted for a bill to crack down on what they called price gouging by oil companies, but Republican opposition made Senate approval unlikely. This week in the U.K., the president of the motoring association AA said prices are "crippling the lives of those on lower incomes, rural areas and businesses,” and the government must intervene.

Gas prices close in on $5 a gallon in US

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit-and-run that killed 49-year-old Kurt Kruger of Wichita have arrested <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20022648">31-year-old&nbsp;Latrell Thompson,</a> according to Officer Trevor Macy.

Just after 2a.m. on May 1, police&nbsp; responded to a report of a man down in the roadway in the 7900 block of West Cottontail in Wichita. Officers located Krueger unconscious and not breathing. He was pronounced deceased on scene.

Investigators learned that Krueger was walking in the neighborhood where he lives, approximately 20-30 minutes before his body was found. They believe he was struck by a vehicle, which then fled the scene.

Investigators were able to identify Thompson as a suspect and began working to locate him. On Wednesday, investigators were following up on the case when they observed Thompson enter a residence in the 7700 block of W. Quail in Wichita. Officers attempted to contact Thompson at the home, but the occupants were uncooperative and would not allow officers to enter.

Officers and detectives surrounded the residence and began preparing a search warrant. While preparing the warrant, three occupants exited the home, but Thompson remained inside. After several announcements from officers to exit the house, Thompson eventually did so and was taken into custody. He <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20022648">is being held on a $100,000 bond </a>on requested charges that include failure to stop at an accident resulting in death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651519978529.png" alt="Security camera image of the suspect vehicle -Wichita PD" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image of the suspect vehicle -Wichita PD</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit-and-run that killed 49-year-old Kurt Kruger of Wichita have arrested <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20022648">31-year-old&nbsp;Latrell Thompson,</a> according to Officer Trevor Macy.Just after 2a.m. on May 1, police&nbsp; responded to a report of a man down in the roadway in the 7900 block of West Cottontail in Wichita. Officers located Krueger unconscious and not breathing. He was pronounced deceased on scene.Investigators learned that Krueger was walking in the neighborhood where he lives, approximately 20-30 minutes before his body was found. They believe he was struck by a vehicle, which then fled the scene.Investigators were able to identify Thompson as a suspect and began working to locate him. On Wednesday, investigators were following up on the case when they observed Thompson enter a residence in the 7700 block of W. Quail in Wichita. Officers attempted to contact Thompson at the home, but the occupants were uncooperative and would not allow officers to enter.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654799395462.png" alt="Thompson-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Thompson-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers and detectives surrounded the residence and began preparing a search warrant. While preparing the warrant, three occupants exited the home, but Thompson remained inside. After several announcements from officers to exit the house, Thompson eventually did so and was taken into custody. He <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20022648">is being held on a $100,000 bond </a>on requested charges that include failure to stop at an accident resulting in death.

Police arrest suspect in hit-and-run that killed Kansas man

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/wichita-businessman-veteran-launches-democratic-campaign-challenging-u-s-rep-estes/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Military veteran and 
Wichita businessman Bob Hernandez filed Thursday to be a Democratic 
candidate for U.S. House in the 4th District represented by Republican 
Congressman Ron Estes.

Hernandez, who served in the U.S. Army and deployed to Germany, was 
sent to Iraq from 2007 to 2009 as a logistics specialist with the Kansas
 Army National Guard. He operates KS Amigos, a janitorial company in 
Wichita, and previously published a Spanish language magazine serving 
the Wichita area.

Hernandez said in a campaign announcement he was disturbed Estes 
described the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol as “peaceful.”

Amid the transfer of power from President Donald Trump and President 
Joe Biden, a mob pushed through security into the Capitol where federal 
lawmakers were conducting procedural votes to certify the election. A 
35-year-old Air Force veteran was shot and killed by a Capitol Police 
officer, while 138 police officers were injured. The U.S. Department of 
Justice arrested and charged more than 800 people for rioting on Jan. 6.

“I have twice served our nation abroad,” Hernandez said. “To excuse 
the aggressive and destructive conduct we witnessed on January 6, 2021, 
is a slap in the face of every serviceman and woman and, frankly, every 
American.”

Hernandez said he filed in the 4th District because the people of 
Kansas deserved answers to leadership problems in Washington, D.C.

“Ron Estes can spend the rest of the year trying to explain his lack 
of patriotism,” Hernandez said, “and we’ll see if the people buy it.”

Estes’ staff in Wichita and Washington weren’t available to comment on Hernandez’ assertions about rioting at the Capitol.

Hernandez enlisted in the Army in 1972 and was deployed to Germany 
until 1978. He graduated from Garden City Community College and Wichita 
State University before working as an investment adviser for Merrill 
Lynch. He enlisted in the National Guard after the Andover tornado in 
1991. He was in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

His campaign was announced ahead of Thursday’s televised 
congressional hearing on the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol that 
jeopardized the tradition of peaceful transfer of presidential power.&nbsp; A
 special U.S. House committee has been investigating Trump’s campaign to
 “Stop the Steal,” which was built on unsubstantiated claims of voter 
fraud and an attempt to undermine Biden’s victory over Trump.

Estes, who served as Kansas state treasurer from 2011 to 2017, has 
represented the 4th District since April 2017. He was initially elected 
to replace U.S. Rep. Mike Pompeo, who resigned to work in the Trump 
administration. Previously, Estes was treasurer of Sedgwick County.

In January 2021, all six members of Kansas’ federal delegation 
condemned violence&nbsp; in the Capitol. Estes, who advanced claims of fraud 
in the 2020 election, said the federal government had to “hold 
accountable those individuals that committed these acts of violence.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654793340467.png" alt="Wichita businessman and Iraq war veteran Bob Hernandez, center, filed Thursday as a Democratic Party candidate for the 4th District congressional seat held by Republican U.S. Rep. Ron Estes. (Submitted/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Wichita businessman and Iraq war veteran Bob Hernandez, center, filed Thursday as a Democratic Party candidate for the 4th District congressional seat held by Republican U.S. Rep. Ron Estes. (Submitted/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/wichita-businessman-veteran-launches-democratic-campaign-challenging-u-s-rep-estes/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Military veteran and 
Wichita businessman Bob Hernandez filed Thursday to be a Democratic 
candidate for U.S. House in the 4th District represented by Republican 
Congressman Ron Estes.Hernandez, who served in the U.S. Army and deployed to Germany, was 
sent to Iraq from 2007 to 2009 as a logistics specialist with the Kansas
 Army National Guard. He operates KS Amigos, a janitorial company in 
Wichita, and previously published a Spanish language magazine serving 
the Wichita area.Hernandez said in a campaign announcement he was disturbed Estes 
described the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol as “peaceful.”Amid the transfer of power from President Donald Trump and President 
Joe Biden, a mob pushed through security into the Capitol where federal 
lawmakers were conducting procedural votes to certify the election. A 
35-year-old Air Force veteran was shot and killed by a Capitol Police 
officer, while 138 police officers were injured. The U.S. Department of 
Justice arrested and charged more than 800 people for rioting on Jan. 6.“I have twice served our nation abroad,” Hernandez said. “To excuse 
the aggressive and destructive conduct we witnessed on January 6, 2021, 
is a slap in the face of every serviceman and woman and, frankly, every 
American.”Hernandez said he filed in the 4th District because the people of 
Kansas deserved answers to leadership problems in Washington, D.C.“Ron Estes can spend the rest of the year trying to explain his lack 
of patriotism,” Hernandez said, “and we’ll see if the people buy it.”Estes’ staff in Wichita and Washington weren’t available to comment on Hernandez’ assertions about rioting at the Capitol.Hernandez enlisted in the Army in 1972 and was deployed to Germany 
until 1978. He graduated from Garden City Community College and Wichita 
State University before working as an investment adviser for Merrill 
Lynch. He enlisted in the National Guard after the Andover tornado in 
1991. He was in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.His campaign was announced ahead of Thursday’s televised 
congressional hearing on the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol that 
jeopardized the tradition of peaceful transfer of presidential power.&nbsp; A
 special U.S. House committee has been investigating Trump’s campaign to
 “Stop the Steal,” which was built on unsubstantiated claims of voter 
fraud and an attempt to undermine Biden’s victory over Trump.Estes, who served as Kansas state treasurer from 2011 to 2017, has 
represented the 4th District since April 2017. He was initially elected 
to replace U.S. Rep. Mike Pompeo, who resigned to work in the Trump 
administration. Previously, Estes was treasurer of Sedgwick County.In January 2021, all six members of Kansas’ federal delegation 
condemned violence&nbsp; in the Capitol. Estes, who advanced claims of fraud 
in the 2020 election, said the federal government had to “hold 
accountable those individuals that committed these acts of violence.”

Wichita businessman launches Democratic campaign challenging Estes

By LILY O'SHEA BECKER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/06/09/more-kansas-families-relying-on-food-pantries-study-shows-as-snap-participation-declines/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Fifty-two percent of Kansas food pantries reported serving more clients in 2021 than 2020, according to a new <a target="_blank" href="https://foodsecurity.missouri.edu/foodassistanceandhungerintheheartland/">study from the University of Missouri</a>.

This trend is nationwide, as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.npr.org/2022/06/02/1101473558/demand-food-banks-inflation-supply-chain">food pantries are experiencing an increased need in food assistance</a> because of inflation and lingering effects of the pandemic. In Kansas, the situation could soon get worse.

In April, the Kansas <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/28/kansas-house-overrides-veto-of-bill-tying-food-assistance-to-employment-or-job-training-program/">Legislature overrode Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto</a> of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2448/">House Bill 2448</a>,
 which will require adults without dependents to complete an employment 
and training program in order to receive Supplemental Nutrition 
Assistance Program assistance, formerly known as food stamps, starting 
July 1. The law will only apply to those ages 18 through 49 who work 
fewer than 30 hours a week.

“This new study that just came out 
actually shows that people are working, and that at least one person in 
the home was working, and it’s really difficult,” said Joanna Sebelien, 
chief resource officer of Harvesters. “And many of them had full time 
jobs as well. And, yeah, the amount of money they’re making is basically
 below the poverty level.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.harvesters.org/about-harvesters">Harvesters</a>
 is a food bank that serves 26 counties in northwestern Missouri and 
northeastern Kansas. The organization testified in opposition to 
HB2448.&nbsp;

SNAP benefits are available to 
households whose incomes meet or are below 130% of the federal poverty 
guidelines. According to the study, 79%
 of Kansas households are eligible for SNAP based on their income, but 
only 31% of food bank clientele households have used the food assistance
 program within the previous year.&nbsp;

Harvesters attributes the lack of 
SNAP participation to state policy barriers, such as HB2448 and a series
 of bills passed in 2015 and 2016 called the HOPE Act. Between 2015 and 
2020, SNAP enrollment dropped approximately 25%.

“The pandemic did bring more hunger 
and hardship to Kansans,” said Haley Kottler, the anti-hunger campaign 
director for Kansas Appleseed. “And so we really have seen food 
insecurity heightened over the past couple of years. But what I do want 
to say is programs like SNAP are there to help mitigate this. And so 
when the pandemic began, the food insecurity projections looked a lot 
higher than they actually ended up being because of programs like SNAP 
and Child Nutrition Programs.”

Seventy percent of Kansas food 
pantries reported serving more clients affected by COVID-19 in 2021 
compared with 2020, the University of Missouri study shows.

Food insecurity in Kansas rose from 12.1% to 14.1% in 2020, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansasappleseed.org/uploads/2/1/9/2/21929892/covid-19_and_hunger_in_kansas.pdf">Feeding America</a>.
 As the biggest food assistance program in the country, the Kansas SNAP 
program alone has triggered approximately $164 million in economic 
activity since the beginning of the pandemic. As food insecurity grew, 
SNAP participation declined, according to Harvesters.&nbsp;

But enough Kansas legislators 
supported HB2448, model legislation brought to Kansas via an 
out-of-state lobbying organization, to override Kelly’s veto.

“What is the central solution to 
poverty? It’s work. Work is not a punishment, it’s a blessing,” said 
Rep. Susan Humphries, a Wichita Republican, as she argued in favor of 
the bill. “Helping someone move to a place of self-sufficiency is a gift
 to them. Work, not money, is a fundamental source of dignity, and 
getting that training that will move them there is a process to hope and
 self-respect.”

According to the University of 
Missouri study, of the Kansas households that utilize food banks, 60% 
have at least one working adult, 34% have at least one person who is 
working full-time, and 47% make $15,000 or less per year. Forty-one 
percent of these households choose between paying for food or medicine 
and medical care within the last year, and 49% choose between paying for
 food and utilities.&nbsp;

“I think (the University of Missouri 
study) shows that the people who are food insecure are people that you 
might not think, so many people think it might be an urban problem, or 
it’s an ethnic problem, but it’s not,” Sebelien said. “I mean, it shows 
we serve a very diverse group of people — Caucasians, Hispanics, African
 Americans, and other groups as well. And, you know, children and 
seniors.”

Of the food bank clients who were 
surveyed, 62% identify as white, 13% identify as African American, and 
18% identify as Hispanic, according to the University of Missouri study.
 People of color experience higher rates of food insecurity. Families 
living in Indigenous communities are two times more likely to experience
 food insecurity compared with their counterparts, according to 
Harvesters. Nine percent of clients reside in temporary housing or are 
houseless.&nbsp;

“I cannot support a bill that makes 
it more difficult for Kansans to feed themselves, particularly when 
prices at the grocery store are increasing,” said Rep. Tom Sawyer, a 
Wichita Democrat. “Thirty thousand hardworking Kansans will be affected 
by this, including families and those with children. I will not vote for
 a policy that makes it harder for children to grow and thrive in 
Kansas.”

According to Feeding America, one in 
eight Kansans face hunger, and one in six children in Kansas face 
hunger. The reality is more stark in regions like southeast Kansas, 
where one in four children are food insecure.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the governor sent a letter to Congress requesting they 
extend the federal Child Nutrition Waivers, which were put in place at 
the beginning of the pandemic to guarantee students access to free meals
 during the school year and summer. These waivers have provided meals to
 30 million students across the country. The waivers are due to expire 
on June 30, and if they are not extended, approximately 10 million 
students will be affected.

Food insecurity is not solely experienced by families. The University of Kansas <a target="_blank" href="https://foodforjayhawks.ku.edu/campus-cupboard">Campus Cupboard</a>
 is a food pantry that aims to reduce food insecurity among KU’s campus 
community. According to the study, 82% of food pantry clients in Kansas 
have a high school degree or higher level of education.&nbsp;

While the pantry is available to 
students, faculty, staff and affiliates, the pantry estimates the 
majority of its clients are students.&nbsp;

“This past academic year, we had over
 3,000 visits to the Campus Cupboard,” said Sarah Ross, who oversees the
 daily operations of the Campus Cupboard. “I think a large part of that 
is because of the pandemic and inflation happening.”

SNAP eligibility rules differ for students in higher education compared to the general population. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/students">SNAP eligibility for higher education students expanded</a>
 after The Consolidated Appropriations Act went into effect on Jan. 16, 
2021, and is in effect until the end of the public health emergency is 
declared.&nbsp;

Kottler said Kansas Appleseed worked hard to encourage passage of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2215/">House Bill 2215</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2525/">House Bill 2525</a>.
 HB2215 would have reversed the ban on food assistance for Kansans with 
more than one drug felony. HB2525 would have reversed the ban on food 
assistance for Kansans who don’t cooperate with child support services. 
Neither bill passed this year.&nbsp;

To help Kansans determine their SNAP eligibility and navigate the Kansas SNAP application process, Harvesters established a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.harvesters.org/get-food-assistance/snap-assistance">SNAP Outreach program</a>.

HB2448 goes into effect on July 1. Beginning in January, Kansans can expect some economic relief concerning food with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2106/">House Bill 2106</a>,
 which will phase out&nbsp; the Kansas sales tax on groceries. Kansas’ sales 
tax on groceries is the second highest in the country, at 6.5%.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654793479419.png" alt="A Harvesters volunteer works at Just Food in Lawrence. More people are relying on food banks like Harvesters, which serves 26 counties in Kansas and Missouri. (Harvesters)" />
 <figcaption>A Harvesters volunteer works at Just Food in Lawrence. More people are relying on food banks like Harvesters, which serves 26 counties in Kansas and Missouri. (Harvesters)</figcaption>
 </figure>By LILY O'SHEA BECKER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/06/09/more-kansas-families-relying-on-food-pantries-study-shows-as-snap-participation-declines/">Kansas Reflector</a>Fifty-two percent of Kansas food pantries reported serving more clients in 2021 than 2020, according to a new <a target="_blank" href="https://foodsecurity.missouri.edu/foodassistanceandhungerintheheartland/">study from the University of Missouri</a>.This trend is nationwide, as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.npr.org/2022/06/02/1101473558/demand-food-banks-inflation-supply-chain">food pantries are experiencing an increased need in food assistance</a> because of inflation and lingering effects of the pandemic. In Kansas, the situation could soon get worse.In April, the Kansas <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/28/kansas-house-overrides-veto-of-bill-tying-food-assistance-to-employment-or-job-training-program/">Legislature overrode Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto</a> of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2448/">House Bill 2448</a>,
 which will require adults without dependents to complete an employment 
and training program in order to receive Supplemental Nutrition 
Assistance Program assistance, formerly known as food stamps, starting 
July 1. The law will only apply to those ages 18 through 49 who work 
fewer than 30 hours a week.“This new study that just came out 
actually shows that people are working, and that at least one person in 
the home was working, and it’s really difficult,” said Joanna Sebelien, 
chief resource officer of Harvesters. “And many of them had full time 
jobs as well. And, yeah, the amount of money they’re making is basically
 below the poverty level.”<a target="_blank" href="https://www.harvesters.org/about-harvesters">Harvesters</a>
 is a food bank that serves 26 counties in northwestern Missouri and 
northeastern Kansas. The organization testified in opposition to 
HB2448.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654793547157.png" alt="Food back volunteers work at a mobile distribution site at Kansas City, Kansas, Community College. (Harvesters)" />
 <figcaption>Food back volunteers work at a mobile distribution site at Kansas City, Kansas, Community College. (Harvesters)</figcaption>
 </figure>SNAP benefits are available to 
households whose incomes meet or are below 130% of the federal poverty 
guidelines. According to the study, 79%
 of Kansas households are eligible for SNAP based on their income, but 
only 31% of food bank clientele households have used the food assistance
 program within the previous year.&nbsp;Harvesters attributes the lack of 
SNAP participation to state policy barriers, such as HB2448 and a series
 of bills passed in 2015 and 2016 called the HOPE Act. Between 2015 and 
2020, SNAP enrollment dropped approximately 25%.“The pandemic did bring more hunger 
and hardship to Kansans,” said Haley Kottler, the anti-hunger campaign 
director for Kansas Appleseed. “And so we really have seen food 
insecurity heightened over the past couple of years. But what I do want 
to say is programs like SNAP are there to help mitigate this. And so 
when the pandemic began, the food insecurity projections looked a lot 
higher than they actually ended up being because of programs like SNAP 
and Child Nutrition Programs.”Seventy percent of Kansas food 
pantries reported serving more clients affected by COVID-19 in 2021 
compared with 2020, the University of Missouri study shows.Food insecurity in Kansas rose from 12.1% to 14.1% in 2020, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansasappleseed.org/uploads/2/1/9/2/21929892/covid-19_and_hunger_in_kansas.pdf">Feeding America</a>.
 As the biggest food assistance program in the country, the Kansas SNAP 
program alone has triggered approximately $164 million in economic 
activity since the beginning of the pandemic. As food insecurity grew, 
SNAP participation declined, according to Harvesters.&nbsp;But enough Kansas legislators 
supported HB2448, model legislation brought to Kansas via an 
out-of-state lobbying organization, to override Kelly’s veto.“What is the central solution to 
poverty? It’s work. Work is not a punishment, it’s a blessing,” said 
Rep. Susan Humphries, a Wichita Republican, as she argued in favor of 
the bill. “Helping someone move to a place of self-sufficiency is a gift
 to them. Work, not money, is a fundamental source of dignity, and 
getting that training that will move them there is a process to hope and
 self-respect.”According to the University of 
Missouri study, of the Kansas households that utilize food banks, 60% 
have at least one working adult, 34% have at least one person who is 
working full-time, and 47% make $15,000 or less per year. Forty-one 
percent of these households choose between paying for food or medicine 
and medical care within the last year, and 49% choose between paying for
 food and utilities.&nbsp;“I think (the University of Missouri 
study) shows that the people who are food insecure are people that you 
might not think, so many people think it might be an urban problem, or 
it’s an ethnic problem, but it’s not,” Sebelien said. “I mean, it shows 
we serve a very diverse group of people — Caucasians, Hispanics, African
 Americans, and other groups as well. And, you know, children and 
seniors.”Of the food bank clients who were 
surveyed, 62% identify as white, 13% identify as African American, and 
18% identify as Hispanic, according to the University of Missouri study.
 People of color experience higher rates of food insecurity. Families 
living in Indigenous communities are two times more likely to experience
 food insecurity compared with their counterparts, according to 
Harvesters. Nine percent of clients reside in temporary housing or are 
houseless.&nbsp;“I cannot support a bill that makes 
it more difficult for Kansans to feed themselves, particularly when 
prices at the grocery store are increasing,” said Rep. Tom Sawyer, a 
Wichita Democrat. “Thirty thousand hardworking Kansans will be affected 
by this, including families and those with children. I will not vote for
 a policy that makes it harder for children to grow and thrive in 
Kansas.”According to Feeding America, one in 
eight Kansans face hunger, and one in six children in Kansas face 
hunger. The reality is more stark in regions like southeast Kansas, 
where one in four children are food insecure.&nbsp;On Wednesday, the governor sent a letter to Congress requesting they 
extend the federal Child Nutrition Waivers, which were put in place at 
the beginning of the pandemic to guarantee students access to free meals
 during the school year and summer. These waivers have provided meals to
 30 million students across the country. The waivers are due to expire 
on June 30, and if they are not extended, approximately 10 million 
students will be affected.Food insecurity is not solely experienced by families. The University of Kansas <a target="_blank" href="https://foodforjayhawks.ku.edu/campus-cupboard">Campus Cupboard</a>
 is a food pantry that aims to reduce food insecurity among KU’s campus 
community. According to the study, 82% of food pantry clients in Kansas 
have a high school degree or higher level of education.&nbsp;While the pantry is available to 
students, faculty, staff and affiliates, the pantry estimates the 
majority of its clients are students.&nbsp;“This past academic year, we had over
 3,000 visits to the Campus Cupboard,” said Sarah Ross, who oversees the
 daily operations of the Campus Cupboard. “I think a large part of that 
is because of the pandemic and inflation happening.”SNAP eligibility rules differ for students in higher education compared to the general population. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/students">SNAP eligibility for higher education students expanded</a>
 after The Consolidated Appropriations Act went into effect on Jan. 16, 
2021, and is in effect until the end of the public health emergency is 
declared.&nbsp;Kottler said Kansas Appleseed worked hard to encourage passage of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2215/">House Bill 2215</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2525/">House Bill 2525</a>.
 HB2215 would have reversed the ban on food assistance for Kansans with 
more than one drug felony. HB2525 would have reversed the ban on food 
assistance for Kansans who don’t cooperate with child support services. 
Neither bill passed this year.&nbsp;To help Kansans determine their SNAP eligibility and navigate the Kansas SNAP application process, Harvesters established a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.harvesters.org/get-food-assistance/snap-assistance">SNAP Outreach program</a>.HB2448 goes into effect on July 1. Beginning in January, Kansans can expect some economic relief concerning food with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2106/">House Bill 2106</a>,
 which will phase out&nbsp; the Kansas sales tax on groceries. Kansas’ sales 
tax on groceries is the second highest in the country, at 6.5%.

Study: More Kansas families relying on food pantries

ROOKS COUNTY— A Kansas man has been convicted of second degree intentional murder for the 2020 death of a woman in northwest Kansas, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Thomas S. Wojtczuk, 41, Woodston, was found guilty Wednesday&nbsp;by a jury in Rooks County District Court after a seven-day trial. Rooks County District Judge Thomas J. Drees accepted the verdict. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. Wojtczuk previously pleaded guilty on Oct. 4, 2021, to one count of criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in connection with the murder charge.

Wojtzcuk was convicted for the April 8, 2020, death of Charity Northrop in Woodston. The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Rooks County Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp;

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Jessica Domme of Schmidt’s office and Rooks County Attorney Danielle Muir.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587157905240.png" alt="Wojtczuk" />
 <figcaption>Wojtczuk</figcaption>
 </figure>ROOKS COUNTY— A Kansas man has been convicted of second degree intentional murder for the 2020 death of a woman in northwest Kansas, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.Thomas S. Wojtczuk, 41, Woodston, was found guilty Wednesday&nbsp;by a jury in Rooks County District Court after a seven-day trial. Rooks County District Judge Thomas J. Drees accepted the verdict. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. Wojtczuk previously pleaded guilty on Oct. 4, 2021, to one count of criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in connection with the murder charge.Wojtzcuk was convicted for the April 8, 2020, death of Charity Northrop in Woodston. The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Rooks County Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp;The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Jessica Domme of Schmidt’s office and Rooks County Attorney Danielle Muir.

NW Kansas man convicted in woman's murder

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House passed a wide-ranging gun control bill Wednesday in response to recent mass shootings in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-supermarket-shooting-442c6d97a073f39f99d006dbba40f64b">Buffalo, New York</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/uvalde-school-shooting">Uvalde, Texas</a>, that would raise the age limit for purchasing a semi-automatic rifle and prohibit the sale of ammunition magazines with a capacity of more than 15 rounds.

The legislation passed by a mostly party-line vote of 223-204. All members of the Kansas GOP delegation including Tracey Mann, Ron Estes and Jake LaTurner voted against the measure.&nbsp;

Five Republicans voted for the bill: Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio, Chris Jacobs of New York, Adam Kinzinger of Illinois and Fred Upton of Michigan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654786081395.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House vote would “make history by making progress.” But it’s unclear where the House measure will go after Wednesday’s vote, given that Republicans were adamant in their opposition." />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House vote would “make history by making progress.” But it’s unclear where the House measure will go after Wednesday’s vote, given that Republicans were adamant in their opposition.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House passed a wide-ranging gun control bill Wednesday in response to recent mass shootings in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-supermarket-shooting-442c6d97a073f39f99d006dbba40f64b">Buffalo, New York</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/uvalde-school-shooting">Uvalde, Texas</a>, that would raise the age limit for purchasing a semi-automatic rifle and prohibit the sale of ammunition magazines with a capacity of more than 15 rounds.The legislation passed by a mostly party-line vote of 223-204. All members of the Kansas GOP delegation including Tracey Mann, Ron Estes and Jake LaTurner voted against the measure.&nbsp;Five Republicans voted for the bill: Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio, Chris Jacobs of New York, Adam Kinzinger of Illinois and Fred Upton of Michigan. It has almost no chance of becoming law as the Senate pursues negotiations focused on improving mental health programs, bolstering school security and enhancing background checks.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Last night, House Democrats blocked the STOP II School Safety Act. This bill, which I cosponsored, improves school safety, supports mental health care, and expands law enforcement information sharing—all without infringing on the 2A rights of law-abiding citizens. Learn more 👇 <a href="https://t.co/4V0ANx7Dsk">pic.twitter.com/4V0ANx7Dsk</a>&mdash; Rep. Jake LaTurner (@RepLaTurner) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepLaTurner/status/1534898757275471872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> But the House bill does allow Democratic lawmakers a chance to frame for voters in November where they stand on policies that polls show are widely supported.“We can’t save every life, but my God, shouldn’t we try? America we hear you and today in the House we are taking the action you are demanding,” said Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas. “Take note of who is with you and who is not.”The push comes after a House committee heard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-texas-violence-gun-government-and-politics-4e9fd73d179e2448d80271abbe016fd4">wrenching testimony</a>&nbsp;from recent shooting victims and family members, including from 11-year-old girl Miah Cerrillo, who covered herself with a dead classmate’s blood to avoid being shot at the Uvalde elementary school.(Click below to listen to Miah's testimony)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RejrxgL-vEI?start=2148" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The seemingly never-ending cycle of mass shootings in the United States has rarely stirred Congress to act. But the shooting of 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde has revived efforts in a way that has lawmakers from both parties talking about the need to respond.“It’s sickening, it’s sickening that our children are forced to live in this constant fear,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.Pelosi said the House vote would “make history by making progress.” But it’s unclear where the House measure will go after Wednesday’s vote, given that Republicans were adamant in their opposition.“The answer is not to destroy the Second Amendment, but that is exactly where the Democrats want to go,” said Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio.The work to find common ground is mostly taking place in the Senate, where support from 10 Republicans will be needed to get a bill signed into law. Nearly a dozen Democratic and Republican senators met privately for an hour Wednesday in hopes of reaching a framework for compromise legislation by week’s end. Participants said more conversations were needed about a plan that is expected to propose modest steps.In a measure of the political peril that efforts to curb guns pose for Republicans, five of the six lead Senate GOP negotiators do not face reelection until 2026. They are Sens. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, John Cornyn of Texas, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Thom Tillis of North Carolina. The sixth, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, is retiring in January. It’s also notable that none of the six is seeking the Republican presidential nomination.While Cornyn has said the talks are serious, he has not joined the chorus of Democrats saying the outlines of a deal could be reached by the end of this week. He told reporters Wednesday that he considers having an agreement before Congress begins a recess in late June to be “an aspirational goal.”The House bill stitches together a variety of proposal Democrats had introduced before the recent shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde. The suspects in the shootings at the Uvalde, elementary school and Buffalo supermarket were both just 18, authorities say, when they bought the semi-automatic weapons used in the attacks. The bill would increase the minimum age to buy such weapons to 21.“A person under 21 cannot buy a Budweiser. We should not let a person under 21 buy an AR-15 weapon of war,” said Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif.Republicans have noted that a U.S. appeals court ruling last month found California’s ban on the sale of semiautomatic weapons to adults under 21 was unconstitutional.“This is unconstitutional and it’s immoral. Why is it immoral? Because we’re telling 18, 19 and 20-year-olds to register for the draft. You can go die for your country. We expect you to defend us, but we’re not going to give you the tools to defend yourself and your family,” said Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky.The House bill also includes incentives designed to increase the use of safe gun storage devises and creates penalties for violating safe storage requirements, providing for a fine and imprisonment of up to five years if a gun is not properly stored and is subsequently used by a minor to injure or kill themselves or another individual.It also builds on executive actions banning fast-action “bump stock” devices and “ghost guns” that are assembled without serial numbers.White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre hailed the House bill, tweeting, “We continue to work hard with both parties to save lives and stand up for families.”&nbsp;On the Democratic side, Reps. Jared Golden of Maine and Kurt Schrader of Oregon were the only no votes. Schrader lost his reelection bid in the Democratic primary. Golden faces a competitive election in November.The House is also expected to approve a bill Thursday that would allow families, police and others to ask federal courts to order the removal of firearms from people who are believed to be at extreme risk of harming themselves or others.Nineteen states and the District of Columbia currently have such “red flag laws.” Under the House bill, a judge could issue an order to temporarily remove and store the firearms until a hearing can be held no longer than two weeks later to determine whether the firearms should be returned or kept for a specific period.